Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 September 2026

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Analyst says Vice President's backing for new Finance Minister strengthens market sentiment

Senior political analyst Boni Hargens said Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's endorsement of newly appointed Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara has actively reinforced positive market sentiment following the cabinet reshuffle. He noted that the bond market and rupiah exchange rate remained relatively stable after the announcement, reflecting confidence in prudent fiscal management. Suahasil becomes the third Finance Minister under President Prabowo Subianto, succeeding Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

Kadin hopes Finance Minister Suahasil will maintain stability and boost Indonesia's economy

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has expressed hope that new Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara will maintain economic stability while driving national growth. Kadin Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie stressed the importance of market confidence and the credibility of the state budget as key fiscal instruments. The handover from Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to Suahasil took place on 15 September, a day after his inauguration at the State Palace.

Jakarta to Host Kanye West Concert, Pramono: First in Southeast Asia and Oceania

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced that the city has secured the sole Southeast Asian and Oceanian stop on Ye's (Kanye West) concert tour, set for October 2026 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. He noted strong international demand, with Australia leading overseas ticket purchases. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the event could deliver economic value well beyond the concert itself by stimulating the tourism ecosystem.

Ukraine says it is ready to halt strikes if Russia does the same

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is prepared to stop certain attacks if Russia reciprocates, particularly regarding energy facilities, critical infrastructure and food supply routes. He stressed that any partial ceasefire must be reliable and long-term, and US President Donald Trump said both sides had agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure.

KM Virgo Transport 8 sank in less than five minutes, survivor says

A crew member of the sunken vessel KM Virgo Transport 8 said the ship listed and sank within five minutes in the Masalembo waters of the Java Sea, with no warning signs beforehand. As of Tuesday, 108 survivors and six dead had been recovered, with 129 people still missing from the 243 aboard. The ship lost contact whilst sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin in the early hours of Sunday.

7,198 Children Out of School in Bengkayang, West Kalimantan

As many as 7,198 children in Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan, are recorded as out-of-school (ATS) or dropped-out (APS) children, according to Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education data. Only about 51 per cent of the records have been verified, prompting the local government to push for cross-sectoral verification and the involvement of a dedicated task force to return children to education.

Watching Films Together: A Way to Boost the Spirits of Cancer Patients

Nineteen cancer patients at MRCCC Siloam Semanggi in Jakarta were treated to a film screening as part of efforts to provide emotional support during treatment. Comedian Oki Rengga, star of the film Agak Laen, joined the event, encouraging patients to stay strong throughout their care. Hospital leaders stressed that psychological and emotional support is an essential part of the cancer care journey.

Sting Operation at Bogor Land Agency: DPR Demands KPK Expose Building Rights Trafficking Network

A member of Commission III of the House of Representatives, I Nyoman Parta, has urged the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to dismantle the entire network trafficking land authority at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), following a sting operation in Bogor Regency that netted 17 suspects. The haul, including an echelon I official and property company executives, points to systemic corruption rather than rogue individuals. Parta also called for anti-money-laundering charges, corporate criminal liability, and sweeping reform of large-scale building rights issuance.

Chinese diver stopped at Makassar over alleged sea turtle hunting

Makassar immigration officers arrested a Chinese diving instructor, identified by the initials WS, at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport as he prepared to fly to Kuala Lumpur. The arrest followed a request from the Raja Ampat District Government after WS was suspected of killing a protected leatherback sea turtle with a speargun in Piaynemo waters, with images of the turtle being cooked circulating on social media. He is being held at the Makassar Immigration Office pending handover to the Sorong Immigration Office for legal proceedings.

Police secure site after fuel transport aircraft skids off runway in Mulia

An aircraft operated by Aman Air carrying 3,700 litres of diesel skidded off the runway at Mulia Airport in Puncak Jaya Regency, Central Papua, upon landing at around 11.22 local time. The pilot survived and there were no casualties, though the aircraft sustained damage and struck the airport perimeter fence. The airport has been temporarily closed pending an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT).

Firework Assembly Explodes, Two Buildings in Denpasar Destroyed by Fire

A fire triggered by an exploding firework destroyed two buildings on Jalan Siulan, East Denpasar, on Tuesday afternoon. The owner said the property was rented accommodation used to store decoration equipment, with fireworks being assembled for shows in Karangasem and Nusa Penida. Two people suffered burns, and police are investigating the exact cause.

Samsung Finds a Successor to Nvidia, US Dominance Shaken

Samsung is leading a US$231 million (approximately Rp 3.4 trillion) funding round for Dutch start-up Euclyd, which is developing an AI inference chip with an architecture claimed to be far more energy-efficient and cheaper than Nvidia's. If successful, the technology could challenge Nvidia's dominance of the AI chip industry, though it is not expected to launch until 2028 and remains unproven at scale.

Customs Has Seized 330 Kg of Smuggled Gold — What Will Happen to It?

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has seized approximately 330 kilograms of gold linked to illegal export smuggling between January and 14 September 2026. The confiscated gold remains under investigation by the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department, and once cases gain final legal force, the gold will be auctioned to generate state revenue.

Roy Suryo Awarded Rp5 Million in Compensation, Pledges to Donate It: Not a Rupiah Will Come to Us

Roy Suryo has confirmed that the Rp5 million compensation awarded by a court in a pre-trial ruling will not go into his personal pocket. The sole judge at the South Jakarta District Court ordered the Minister of Finance to pay the sum to Roy, who said he would donate it to those in need. He expressed gratitude for the ruling and insisted the case was never about the amount of money.

IATMI Urges Oil and Gas Policies that Protect Investment and Accelerate Technology

The Indonesian Petroleum Experts Association (IATMI) is calling for closer collaboration between government, industry, academia and professionals to strengthen national energy resilience. Its chairman, Andre Wijanarko, said policies must provide certainty and sustainability for investors while proportionally balancing state and industry interests under Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution. On the proposed special oil and gas enterprise (BUK Migas), IATMI says it will support whatever institutional or regulatory form the government ultimately adopts.

DPD RI assesses productive rehabilitation of inmates in Kendari as running well

La Ode Umar Bonte, Deputy Chair of Committee II of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), has praised the productive rehabilitation programmes at Kendari Class IIA Correctional Facility in Southeast Sulawesi. Programmes include brick-making, hydroponics, bakery operations, broiler chicken farming and crocheted bag crafts. He pledged support for business development and said findings would be conveyed to the Minister of Immigration and Correctional Services for national policy follow-up.

US Refuses to Directly Help Saudi Arabia Fight the Houthis

The United States has declined to provide air support to Saudi Arabia in its conflict with the Houthi movement, citing Washington's focus on Iran. Saudi Arabia had requested air protection and direct military intervention, but President Trump rejected Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's request, although more than 100 US military advisers have reportedly arrived in the kingdom.

Manpower Ministry Urges Universities to Strengthen Graduate Competencies for the Labour Market

The Ministry of Manpower is pressing universities to adopt competency-based education so graduates better match labour market needs, amid high unemployment among the highly educated. The push includes the launch of a vocational training institute at Politeknik Bhakti Kencana in Cianjur, integrating higher education with work training, apprenticeships and certification. The initiative also aligns with the new Domestic Workers Protection Law, which promotes vocational training for care-sector workers.

Truck Carrying 15-Tonne Container Plunges onto Road Divider in Cakung, Driver Suspected of Dozing Off

A container truck carrying more than 15 tonnes plunged onto a road divider and nearly overturned on Jalan Bekasi Raya in Cakung, East Jakarta, reportedly after the driver fell asleep and panicked while trying to avoid a vehicle ahead. Two tow trucks initially failed to move the heavily laden vehicle, but the truck was eventually evacuated and traffic returned to normal, with no casualties reported.

Officers clear illegal parking and install prohibition banners in Glodok

Joint officers have cleared illegal parking and installed prohibition banners along the pavements of Pancoran Street in Glodok, West Jakarta. The Taman Sari sub-district transport enforcement chief said the move aims to restore pavements for pedestrians and reduce congestion in the commercial area.

Alita partners with Fujitsu to bring AI-based motion analysis technology to Indonesia

Indonesian technology firm PT Alita Praya Mitra has partnered with Japan's Fujitsu Limited to introduce AI-based Human Motion Analytics to Indonesia, supporting sports and healthcare applications. The technology uses AI skeleton recognition to analyse three-dimensional human movement from ordinary video footage, without the need for body sensors or dedicated motion capture studios. The partnership, unveiled at the Indonesia Sports Summit 2026, will explore implementation across sports, health and education sectors.

Japan's centenarian population tops 100,000 for the first time

Japan's population of citizens aged 100 or above has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, reaching 107,677 as of 1 September and marking the 56th consecutive year of increase. Women account for 87.6 per cent of centenarians, reflecting the country's rapidly ageing society and high life expectancy.

Leaked details on Huawei Mate 90 display and camera emerge

Leaked information from Digital Chat Station suggests the Huawei Mate 90 Pro and Pro Max will feature dual-layer OLED panels with a peak brightness of 10,000 nits, potentially making them the brightest flagship smartphone screens. The top models are also reported to carry a 200 MP telephoto camera and Kirin chips, with Huawei yet to confirm any specifications ahead of an expected September 2026 release.

To Prevent Human Trafficking at the Border, Pekanbaru Immigration Tightens Departure Checks on Indonesian Citizens

The Class I Immigration Office at Pekanbaru's Immigration Checkpoint (TPI) is tightening departure screenings of Indonesian citizens travelling abroad, particularly to Malaysia, to prevent human trafficking (TPPO). Officials are deepening interviews and scrutinising supporting documents such as return tickets and accommodation proof. The office is also promoting digital passport services and reported rising uptake of electronic passports, with 42,776 e-passports issued in 2026.

Eight Named Suspects in Summarecon HGB Land Rights Case, Including Fahd Arafiq and Director-General Lampri

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named eight suspects following a sting operation at the Bogor Regency National Land Agency, including Golkar politician Fahd El Fouz and ATR/BPN Director-General Lampri. The case allegedly involves the processing of building use rights (HGB) in Bogor Regency, with investigators seizing hundreds of billions of rupiah in cash as evidence.

Residents call for traffic lights at Pesing junction in West Jakarta

Residents of West Jakarta are urging authorities to install traffic lights at the Pesing junction rather than close it with concrete barriers, saying the barriers hinder pedestrians heading to the local market and displace congestion onto Jalan Tubagus Angke. Police defended the closure as a measure to deter informal traffic handlers known as Pak Ogah and to smooth traffic flow from Green Garden towards Grogol.

Demonstrating Environmental Care and Biodiversity, WBN Steps Up Rehabilitation in Its Operational Area

PT Weda Bay Nickel (WBN) is strengthening biodiversity monitoring around its operations in Halmahera, North Maluku, combining direct observation and camera traps. The company says the data underpins its Biodiversity Action Plan, guiding land reclamation, habitat restoration and long-term environmental management. A four-year collaboration with Khairun University has expanded monitoring points from six to 40 in the Wallacea region, an area of high endemism.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education backs Rimbaud Residency to strengthen language diplomacy

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, through its Language Development and Cultivation Agency, is supporting the Rimbaud Residency programme initiated by the French Embassy and Institut français d'Indonésie with the Semarang city government. French-based Haitian novelist and poet Louis-Philippe Dalembert will spend three months in Semarang from September to November 2026, drawing on the city's historical link to poet Arthur Rimbaud, who arrived there in 1876.

BPN Corruption Suspects List: From Fahd A Rafiq to Summarecon President Director

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named eight suspects in an alleged corruption case involving building use rights (HGB) permits for PT Summarecon in Bogor Regency. Among those detained are the Bogor Regency Land Office head, Golkar politician Fahd El Fouz, former Kebumen Regent Arif Sugiyanto, and the president director of PT Summarecon Agung. The case was uncovered through a sting operation across Jabodetabek, with billions of rupiah in cash seized as evidence.

ARI Cases Surge in Palembang as Children Begin to be Affected by Haze

Cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Palembang, South Sumatra, have risen sharply amid haze from forest and land fires, with weekly cases climbing from 3,807 in late August to 4,326 by the second week of September 2026. According to the Palembang Health Office, working-age residents and children are the worst affected. Local community health centres have set up forest and land fire health posts to treat patients.

12 Proboscis Monkeys and King Cobra Found Burnt to Death in South Kalimantan Forest Fires

Twelve protected proboscis monkeys were found dead, along with pythons and a king cobra, after forest and land fires swept through Balimau village in Hulu Sungai Selatan, South Kalimantan. The Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BKSDA) said fast-spreading flames and limited habitat trapped the animals. South Kalimantan has recorded 3,220 fire incidents this year, burning an estimated 21,414 hectares.

KPK Names Eight Suspects in Alleged Bogor HGB Bribery Case, Including Summarecon Chief

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named eight suspects in an alleged bribery case surrounding Building Rights Title (HGB) processing in Bogor Regency, West Java. The suspects include PT Summarecon Agung Tbk President Director Adrianto Pitoyo Adhi, Golkar politician Fadh El Fouz, and former Kebumen Regent Arif Sugianto. The case follows a sting operation on Monday that netted 17 people with billions of rupiah in evidence.

Health Minister Budi Gathers Donors, Reveals Indonesia's Health Investment Needs

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin convened development partners and donors at the fourth Indonesia Health Partners Meeting to support the country's five-year health transformation. He estimated funding needs of around US$233 against available financing of US$177, leaving a gap of roughly US$36-37 billion to be filled over five years. Donor assistance has grown from US$200-300 million to about US$1 billion since he took office, with a new donors' office set up to coordinate the funding.

Ministry of Migrant Workers Promotes SMK Go Global Programme in Deli Serdang

The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KemenP2MI) held a socialisation event on overseas employment opportunities at the Deli Husada Health Institute in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. The programme, themed SMK Go Global, aims to deploy 500,000 workers abroad, targeting both vocational school graduates and the general public.

Early Tsunami Warning Prevents Many Fatalities

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has stressed that public awareness in responding quickly to tsunami early warnings is crucial to minimising casualties. Following the M7.7 earthquake off Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, BMKG issued a tsunami warning within 2 minutes 16 seconds, and prompt community evacuation meant no lives were lost despite waves reaching up to 2.68 metres inland.

KPK detains Fahd Arafiq and Summarecon President Director

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially detained Golkar Party deputy chairman Fahd El Fouz, alias Fahd Arafiq, and PT Summarecon Agung Tbk President Director Adrianto Pitojo Adhi following a sting operation on Monday (14/9). The operation, linked to alleged corruption in the processing of Summarecon's building use rights (HGB) in Bogor Regency, West Java, netted 17 arrests and the seizure of an estimated hundreds of billions of rupiah in cash.

Today's Top 3 News: Singapore Air Quality Worsens, Anak Krakatau's Incubation Phase

Haze from Indonesian forest fires pushed Singapore's air quality into the unhealthy range across all five regions, with 24-hour PSI readings peaking at 154 in the central region. Separately, a BRIN researcher said Mount Anak Krakatau remains in an 'incubation phase', with no caldera-forming eruption imminent. The roundup also covers the 2026 Emmy Awards winners.

Eko Suwanto Asks Finance Minister Suahasil to Cancel Regional Transfer Fund Cuts

Eko Suwanto, chairman of Commission A of the Yogyakarta Regional Legislative Assembly (DPRD DIY), has called on new Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara to evaluate and cancel cuts to regional transfer funds. The reductions have significantly lowered DIY's Special Autonomy Fund and village funds across four regencies, threatening priority public programmes and grassroots services.

Suzuki GN160 Launches in the Philippines, a Four-Stroke Motorcycle with a 162cc Engine

Suzuki has officially introduced the GN160, a classic-styled commuter motorcycle, for the Philippine market, featuring a larger 162.4cc four-stroke engine compared to its GN125 and GN150 predecessors. The model is expected to be priced competitively against Chinese and Japanese rivals in the entry-level segment. There is no official word yet from PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales on bringing the model to Indonesia.

Chinese Nationals' Gold Smuggling Method from Indonesia Exposed: Modified Underwear Used

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise, working with the National Police, has foiled attempts to smuggle gold out of Indonesia at four airports, involving Chinese nationals bound for Hong Kong, Singapore and Guangzhou. Seizures included more than 20 kilograms of gold worth over Rp50 billion, with potential state revenue losses of some Rp6.4 billion. Smugglers concealed the gold using methods ranging from body strapping to specially modified underwear.

KPK Detains ATR/BPN Director-General and Head of Bogor Regency Land Office

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained Lampri, Director-General of Land and Spatial Control at the Ministry of Agraria and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency, following a sting operation over alleged bribes linked to building rights (HGB) processing. Seven others were also detained, including the president director of Summarecon Agung, the head of the Bogor Regency Land Office, and Golkar figure Fahd A Rafiq. Investigators seized dozens of boxes and suitcases of cash in rupiah and foreign currencies.

Health Ministry prepares shift of JKN financing from INA-CBGs to IDRG

Indonesia's Health Ministry is preparing to shift National Health Insurance (JKN) financing from the INA-CBGs system to Indonesian Diagnosis Related Groups (IDRG) as part of healthcare reform. Officials say the change aims to make payments more precise and measurable, though any adjustment to premium rates remains under discussion with BPJS Kesehatan and other bodies.

Attorney General's Office Seizes 38 Parcels of Land in Febrie Adriansyah Money Laundering Case

Investigators from Team 9 of the Attorney General's Office have seized 38 land and building assets valued at around Rp846 billion in a money laundering case implicating former Special Crimes Head Febrie Adriansyah. The case originates from alleged corruption and money laundering linked to PT ASABRI and/or PT Asuransi Jiwasraya. Two suspects have been named, and the case file will soon be transferred to the South Jakarta District Prosecutor's Office.

Suspended Cilacap Regent claims ignorance of 2025 Eid allowance collections

Suspended Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman told the Semarang Corruption Court he was unaware of collections from regional agency heads to fund the Forkopimda Eid allowance in 2025. He claimed he had denied ordering the levy and told the Regional Secretary he was 'not involved and did not approve', yet the KPK later arrested 27 people in a sting operation. Prosecutors allege Rp568 million was collected through extortion of agency heads.

Bad weather hampers Indonesia ferry rescue, dozens still missing

Indonesian rescuers evacuated 22 survivors of the capsized ferry Virgo Transport 8 to Banjarmasin on Tuesday, after high waves delayed operations. The vessel, carrying 213 passengers and 30 crew from Surabaya, sank on Sunday, leaving six dead and 129 still missing. Nearly 1,100 rescuers with over a dozen vessels and five aircraft continue the search, amid persistent concerns over lax safety standards in Indonesia's maritime transport.

Bus Stop and Pedestrian Bridge Revitalisation Strengthens Jakarta's Public Transport Integration

The Universitas Pancasila bus stop in South Jakarta has been officially revitalised, with users rising from around 900 to 2,600 following upgrades. The university has also proposed a pedestrian footbridge connecting the stop with Lenteng Agung Station, which the Jakarta administration says requires careful study involving KAI as landowner. The project is seen as a model for inclusive urban transport integration.

Kadin: Fuel Scarcity Driving Up Operational Costs

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has warned that fuel shortages in several regions are inflating operational costs across transport, logistics, fisheries, agriculture and manufacturing. Erwin Aksa stressed that physical availability at petrol stations matters more than aggregate national stock data, urging the government to monitor stock resilience down to district and pump level.

Zulhas Races to Build 5,000 Red and White Fishing Villages, Targets Fishermen's Exchange Rate

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan is accelerating the construction of 5,000 Red and White Fishing Villages (KNMP) by 2029, with a fishermen's exchange rate target of 120 by 2027. Speaking at a coordination meeting in Jakarta, he said the programme under President Prabowo Subianto's administration places the sea at the forefront of national development. The initiative is backed by Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2026 to align central and regional government efforts.

iPhone Duo vs iPhone 18 Pro: Which Is Best?

Apple's flagship smartphone rivalry is entering a new chapter as rumours circulate about its first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, pitted against the conventional iPhone 18 Pro. The comparison hinges on whether users value a foldable tablet-sized display in a pocketable form or the top-tier camera performance and reliability of the Pro line. No official pricing or release dates for Indonesia have been confirmed.

Interior Minister Urges Compensation for Regions That Preserve Farmland

Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has called for a compensation mechanism for regions that retain agricultural land instead of converting it for commercial use, arguing they should not be disadvantaged. Speaking during a working meeting with Commission II of the House of Representatives, he said the government must balance food security, particularly rice self-sufficiency, with land demands for investment and industrialisation. He suggested compensation could even be arranged between provinces, and that marine resources might count towards protected food-producing areas.

Governor Destry Inaugurates Mal Isnaini as Head of BI's Macroprudential Policy Department

Bank Indonesia Governor Destry Damayanti has inaugurated Mal Isnaini S. Meyyanti as Head of the Macroprudential Policy Department. Destry said the appointment forms part of organisational strengthening to ensure continuity in safeguarding stability whilst supporting sustainable economic growth. She urged BI leaders to apply inclusive, open leadership grounded in real impact, inclusivity and integration.

Indonesia, India Step Up Telecom Cooperation, Explore 6G

Indonesia and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand telecommunications cooperation, covering research into 4G, 5G and future 6G technologies, quantum technology and advanced wireless communications. The agreement, formalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit and witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto, also addresses disaster-response communications, workforce training and industry partnerships. An annual Indonesia-India Telecom Dialogue will oversee the partnership, which remains in effect for five years with the possibility of extension.

Fahd A Rafiq Notches a Hattrick as KPK Suspect: Here Is the List of His Cases

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Golkar politician Fahd El Fouz, alias Fahd A Rafiq, a suspect for the third time, over alleged bribery related to building rights titles (HGB) in Bogor Regency. He was previously named a suspect in the 2012 DPID bribery case and the 2017 Al-Quran procurement corruption case at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs Speaks Out After Subordinates Arrested by KPK

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ossy Dermawan has said the ministry will cooperate with the KPK after a sting operation detained 17 people, including ministry officials and Golkar politician Fahd El Fouz. The KPK has since named eight suspects in the alleged land corruption case, including the head of the Bogor Regency Land Office and the president director of PT Summarecon Agung Tbk. Ossy urged the public not to speculate pending an official statement from the anti-graft agency.

Hundreds of Monkeys Terrorise Residents of Nyalian Village in Klungkung

Hundreds of wild long-tailed macaques have been raiding farmland across three banjar in Nyalian Village, Banjarangkan District, Klungkung, Bali, for more than three months. Farmers report damage to crops including tubers, coconuts, durian, maize and rice, and village authorities have coordinated with the district government for assistance.

Gibran's Support for Suahasil Seen as Bringing Positive Sentiment to Domestic and International Markets

Senior political analyst Boni Hargens has praised Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's endorsement of Suahasil Nazara as the new Finance Minister, saying it strengthens positive market sentiment surrounding the cabinet change. He noted that bond markets and the rupiah have remained relatively stable since the announcement, reflecting confidence in prudent fiscal policy under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

Pupuk Kaltim Distributes 76,400 Masks to Communities Affected by Forest and Land Fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra

PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur has distributed 76,400 masks to communities affected by forest and land fires in Sumatra, South Kalimantan and West Kalimantan, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment. The state fertiliser firm says the aid forms part of its broader commitment to supporting the government's integrated response to the fires and their health impacts. Company leaders stressed that cross-sector collaboration is key to tackling environmental disasters.

Attorney General's Office Team 9 Seizes Rp 846 Billion in Assets Belonging to Former Special Crimes Chief

Investigators from the Attorney General's Team 9 have completed their investigation into a corruption and money laundering case involving former Special Crimes Deputy Attorney General Febrie Adriansyah and two private individuals. Assets worth a total of Rp 846 billion were seized. The case files will be transferred to the prosecution team, with the trial expected to take place at the Central Jakarta District Court.

Kadin and Apindo Push for Economic Stability Amid Global Challenges

Indonesia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and the Employers' Association (Apindo) have urged newly appointed Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara to maintain economic stability and policy continuity amid global uncertainty. Kadin Chairman Anindya Bakrie stressed public trust and cohesion within the Financial System Stability Committee, while Apindo Chairman Shinta Kamdani called for fiscal discipline that remains pro-growth and pro-employment.

Police: Suspicious Smir at Kota Tua Concert Originated from Food

Police investigating the evacuation of a concert in Jakarta's Kota Tua area say the pungent smell that caused disruption likely came from food rather than gas. A man initially suspected of being a pickpocket and detained at the event was found to have no connection to the incident, and no stolen goods were recovered as evidence. The event, which featured Armand Maulana and Kotak, was temporarily halted on Sunday night after a powder caused eye irritation and breathing difficulties among the audience.

Named Suspect, Summarecon Agung President Director Detained by KPK

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Adrianto Pitojo Adhi, President Director of property developer Summarecon Agung, a suspect and placed him in detention following a sting operation at the Bogor Regency land agency office over alleged bribes linked to building-use rights (HGB) processing. Seven others have also been detained, including a director general at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, a former regent of Kebumen and a Golkar party official.

High School Student Struck by Train Near Parung Panjang Station

A 16-year-old male high school student was struck by a Commuter Line train near Parung Panjang Station in Bogor Regency, West Java, on Tuesday afternoon. The victim survived with injuries and was taken to a local health centre before being referred to Mitra Keluarga Hospital in Tangerang, while the train was undamaged and continued its journey.

MSIG Life Speaks Out on Rp768 Billion Decline in Asset Value

PT MSIG Life Insurance Indonesia Tbk has attributed a 4.84% (Rp768.06 billion) fall in its assets as of 30 June 2026 to fair value declines in its equity and debt investment portfolios, alongside a Rp201.6 billion dividend payout. Despite the asset decline, the company's revenue rose 8.79% and net profit surged 68.61%, driven largely by growth in its health insurance line.

Vivo V80 to arrive with 7,200 mAh battery and AI photography features

Vivo is preparing to launch the V80, which brings upgrades over its predecessor, notably AI-based camera features and a large 7,200 mAh battery. The device is reported to include an AI Creative Camera with more than 30 effects, a 50-megapixel ZEISS telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and 4K cinematic video recording.

BKKBN West Sumatra strengthens contraceptive supply governance to smooth family planning services

The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) in West Sumatra is strengthening governance of contraceptive devices and medicines at the district and city level. The move aims to ensure smooth contraceptive services for the public and prevent stockpiling.

National Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure Arrive, Shifting Law Enforcement Paradigm from Punishment to Restorative Justice

The implementation of the new National Criminal Code (KUHP) and Code of Criminal Procedure (KUHAP) marks a fundamental shift in Indonesia's law enforcement paradigm from retributive punishment towards restorative justice. Peradi Bandung chairman Mohamad Ali Nurdin highlighted the new laws' strengthened human rights protections, alternative sentencing options, and enhanced rights for advocates, while calling for widespread and sustained public education.

Kiai Anwar Iskandar: Syuriah Authority, Progressive Thinker, and the Educational Tower of NU's Second Century

KH Anwar Iskandar, Deputy Rais Aam of PBNU and Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), is profiled as a rare prototype of a modern kiai who built higher education institutions, most notably the University of Kadiri (UNISKA) in Kediri. A Lirboyo alumnus, he broke the psychological barrier that traditional pesantren graduates could only operate in domestic religious spheres, even recruiting Prof. Moh. Mahfud MD as UNISKA's rector. The author also highlights a shared ideological commitment to the supremacy of the Syuriah (ulama council) within NU's organisational structure.

Strengthening Globally Standardised Vault Security, Pegadaian Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification

PT Pegadaian (Persero) has secured ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification for its Custody Services, issued by global certification body QSCert with accreditation from the IAF and SNAS. The certification, covering the end-to-end custody process from gold verification to secure storage, reinforces Pegadaian's position as Indonesia's pioneering Bullion Bank.

Haze Blankets Riau, BMKG Reveals Smoke May Have Been Carried from the South

Smoke haze covering parts of Riau is not solely from local forest and land fires, according to the BMKG Pekanbaru, which says satellite imagery shows smoke moving into the province from areas to the south. South Sumatra recorded the highest number of hotspots on Sumatra, while Riau's disaster agency insists firefighting efforts continue and urges against blame-shifting as smoke crosses regional boundaries.

Non-BRT Universitas Pancasila bus stop is now more orderly and tidy

PT Transportasi Jakarta has completed the revitalisation of the Non-BRT Universitas Pancasila bus stop, a crucial transit point connecting Transjakarta bus services directly with the Commuter Line at Universitas Pancasila Station. The upgraded facility, officially reactivated by Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno, is expected to ease overcrowding and improve daily mobility for thousands of students, workers and residents.

IHSG Closes Weaker at 6,461 as Global Geopolitical Tensions Weigh

Indonesia's composite index (IHSG) fell 1.13 per cent to 6,461.15 on Tuesday, in line with a broad regional sell-off driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Markets are also watching the appointment of Suahasil Nazara as Finance Minister, with attention on fiscal policy consistency and the credibility of state budget management.

Jasa Raharja pays compensation to heirs of Virgo ship disaster victims

State insurer PT Jasa Raharja has paid Rp50 million in compensation to the legal heirs of each identified victim who died when the Virgo Transport 8 sank in the Java Sea near Pulau Masalembo, off South Kalimantan. The company has also issued treatment cost guarantees of up to Rp20 million per hospitalised victim, with Jasaraharja Putera covering up to Rp10 million.

Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026 showcases local culinary heritage

Indonesia's Tourism Ministry will hold Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026 from late September through December 2026, featuring events in Solo, Yogyakarta and dozens of shopping centres nationwide to promote the country's culinary heritage. The programme includes a culinary festival across 32 malls in 14 cities, the launch of an Indonesia Gourmet Guide, and a collaboration with France's gastronomy week, including a Six-Hands Dinner with two-Michelin-starred chef Stephane Carrade. Officials say the initiative aims to build a national gastronomy ecosystem and strengthen the industry's contribution to tourism.

NATO Fighter Jets Shoot Down Foreign Drone in Lithuania

NATO fighter jets deployed in Lithuania shot down a foreign drone, reportedly from Belarus, that entered Lithuanian airspace near Kaunas. President Gitanas Nauseda called such readiness vital amid Russia's escalating aggression against Ukraine. The incident followed a false alarm two days earlier, when a suspected drone turned out to be a flock of birds.

BMKG Warns East Nusa Tenggara to Stay Vigilant as Coastal Residents Urged to Learn Self-Evacuation

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded 15,722 aftershocks in the 30 days following the M7.7 earthquake and tsunami that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on 15 August 2026, which killed 142 people and damaged more than 103,000 homes. Although seismic activity has entered a decaying phase, the agency reminded residents that the region has inherently high earthquake potential and urged coastal communities to practise independent tsunami evacuation, as tsunami arrival times in the Flores Back-Arc Thrust zone can be extremely rapid.

Chicken Noodle Vendor Strangles Woman to Death Over Online Booking Dispute

Police in Bekasi have arrested a 23-year-old chicken noodle vendor, identified as AK, who allegedly strangled an 18-year-old woman to death at his stall after a dispute over payment for sexual services. The victim was seven months pregnant, and her unborn daughter also died as a result of the attack. The suspect faces charges under the Criminal Code carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment.

Customs Foils Smuggling of 330 kg of Gold up to September 2026

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise at the Finance Ministry has prevented the smuggling of approximately 330 kg of gold between January and 14 September 2026. The most recent operations, from 5 to 14 September, thwarted attempts to move around 29 kg of gold worth Rp73.3 billion via four international airports, averting an estimated Rp8.5 billion in potential state revenue losses. Seized gold will be auctioned or otherwise utilised for state revenue once investigations and legal rulings are final.

10 Districts in Tasikmalaya Face Clean Water Crisis, BPBD Supplies 1.19 Million Litres

The regional disaster management agency (BPBD) of Tasikmalaya City has begun mass distribution of clean water after drought driven by El Nino spread to 39 sub-districts across 10 districts, affecting some 53,934 residents. The neighbouring Ciamis Regency has also been hit, with 33,878 people impacted and 1.36 million litres of water delivered so far.

Video: Vinfast Boss Breaks Down the Appeal of Electric Vehicles for Indonesians

Vinfast Southeast Asia CEO Antonio Zara says EV adoption in Indonesia hinges on a supportive ecosystem, including home chargers, accessible public charging stations, and battery warranties. Automotive observer Bebin Djuana adds that Indonesian consumers scrutinise battery pricing, technology and lifespan, and sees tax incentives as key to boosting adoption.

Attorney General's Office Team 9 Seizes 38 Land Assets in Febrie Adriansyah Money Laundering Case

Investigators from Team 9 of the Attorney General's Office have seized 38 land and building assets valued at approximately Rp846 billion in the money laundering case implicating former Special Crimes Prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah. The case, rooted in alleged corruption and money laundering connected to PT ASABRI and/or PT Asuransi Jiwasraya, is now in its finalisation stage and will soon be transferred to prosecutors at the South Jakarta District Attorney's Office.

BNPB scales up forest and land fire response beyond six priority provinces

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is intensifying forest and land fire (karhutla) operations beyond the six priority provinces, deploying personnel and a water-bombing helicopter to areas such as Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Acting Head of BNPB's Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre Berton SP Panjaitan urged the public to wear masks amid predicted air pollution and to report fire hotspots via the 117 call centre. The central government is also pushing regional authorities to implement Presidential Instruction No. 11 of 2026 banning land clearing by burning.

Houthi and Saudi Forces Continue Exchange of Attacks

The Houthi movement has accused Saudi Arabia of launching dozens of air strikes across several Yemeni provinces, following Houthi missile and drone attacks that wounded 13 civilians in three Saudi cities. The Saudi-led coalition vowed a 'firm' response to protect the kingdom's sovereignty, while Houthi-affiliated media reported civilian deaths, including two children, in Taiz province.

Interior Minister Warns DKI Jakarta to Be Cautious Over Municipal Bond Issuance

Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has cautioned the DKI Jakarta provincial government to be prudent in its plan to issue municipal bonds worth Rp5.6 trillion in 2027-2028, warning that debt must be managed carefully to avoid burdening future administrations. He stressed that regional borrowing is only justified if allocated to productive ventures that generate revenue, such as regional public service agency hospitals.

Purbaya Lega Utang Whoosh Kini jadi Tanggung Jawab Suahasil

Outgoing Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa joked that responsibility for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail (Whoosh) debt now rests with his successor, Suahasil Nazara, following the handover of the finance ministry portfolio. The debt, transferred from Danantara to the Finance Ministry, has been restructured over roughly 80 years with annual instalments of around Rp 1 trillion. Options for managing the obligations, including a special mission vehicle under the ministry or INA, now rest with the new minister.

Religious Affairs Minister demands staff respond swiftly to public complaints

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has instructed all Ministry of Religious Affairs staff to promptly clarify and resolve public complaints rather than letting them languish. He also urged officials to communicate proactively with partner institutions such as the PANRB Ministry, Bappenas and the Finance Ministry instead of relying solely on formal correspondence.

Central Kalimantan Governor personally delivers aid to elderly resident's home amid land and forest fires

Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran personally delivered aid, including food, masks, vitamins and mini oxygen, to an elderly resident in Petuk Katimpun, Palangka Raya, during ongoing forest and land fires. He oversaw the distribution of cash assistance under the Kartu Huma Betang Sejahtera programme and fire-response relief in Petuk Katimpun and Sei Gohong, stressing that the provincial government is continuing both firefighting and mitigation of the fires' impacts.

Clean Water Crisis in Purwakarta Spreads to 55 Villages Across 15 Districts

A prolonged dry season has left 55 villages and kelurahan across 15 districts in Purwakarta Regency, West Java, without clean water, forcing residents to queue for tanker deliveries from the regional disaster agency (BPBD). BPBD estimates around 30 to 35 per cent of the regency is affected, though distribution is hampered by the long distances to remote villages.

Grab Integrates with SAP, Making Office Expense Reporting Easier

Grab, through Grab For Business, has officially integrated with SAP Concur's Concur Expense to automate corporate travel and employee expense management across South-East Asia. The move comes as business travel spending in Asia Pacific is projected to reach US$700.9 billion in 2026, with Indonesia among the fastest-growing markets at 12.6%.

Latest Update: List of Passengers from the Virgo Transport 8 Vessel Successfully Evacuated

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has released the names of 29 passengers from the Virgo Transport 8 vessel who arrived at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, as of 15 September 2026. The joint SAR operation, involving naval vessel KRI Nala-363 and helicopters from Basarnas and the National Police, brings the cumulative total of evacuated victims to 114, with 108 survivors and six fatalities.

Febrie Adriansyah Case Heads to Court as Attorney General's Team 9 Declares Investigation Complete

The Attorney General's Team 9 has declared the investigation into alleged corruption and money laundering involving former Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah complete. The case, linked to alleged extortion in the handling of the Asabri and Jiwasraya affairs, is being prepared for transfer to court, pending P-21 file completion by the South Jakarta District Prosecutor's Office.

Home Affairs Minister Opens Door to Regulations on Horeg Sound Systems, May Limit Decibels

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has floated the idea of new rules governing the use of 'sound horeg' loudspeaker systems, including possible decibel limits. He said any regulation would require cross-agency coordination with the Health Ministry, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, and the National Police. Tito noted that no existing regulation specifically addresses sound levels that could harm health, particularly following reported casualties.

ITS Hydrodynamics Expert Highlights Seakeeping Issues in KM Virgo Incident

Professor Ketut Aria Pria Utama, a hydrodynamics expert at ITS Surabaya, has questioned whether the 30-year-old Japanese-built KM Virgo Transport 8 was suitable for Indonesian waters, where open seas and large waves demand different hull design standards. He noted that side openings common on Indonesian roro ferries pose stability risks, and that water ingress combined with improperly secured vehicles could have caused the capsizing near the Masalembu Islands. He also stressed the need for passenger safety education and evacuation procedures before departure.

KPK Names Eight Suspects in Summarecon Land Title Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named eight suspects in a bribery case at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), uncovered through a sting operation. The suspects include land office officials, a Golkar politician, a former regent, and the president director of PT Summarecon Agung Tbk. The case centres on the processing of building use rights (HGB) in Bogor Regency.

Ebola cases in DR Congo surpass 7,258

Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reached 7,258, according to the country's National Public Health Institute. Neither a vaccine nor a treatment has yet received official authorisation for the new Bundibugyo strain, though laboratory data suggest the Ervebo vaccine supplied by the WHO may offer protection.

IKN on High Alert! Fires Burning Across 319 Hectares of Land Not Yet Extinguished

Forest and land fires in East Kalimantan have scorched 5,761 hectares, with around 320 hectares still burning, including within the Nusantara Capital (IKN) area. BNPB has deployed over 4,000 ground personnel and two water-bombing helicopters, while fires have also broken out in several other provinces including East Java, Central Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi.

Samsung may release Galaxy Z TriFold 2 early following iPhone Duo's success

Samsung is reportedly considering launching its second-generation tri-fold phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold 2, earlier than planned after Apple's iPhone Duo received a warm reception. The launch is still expected in 2027, with the price likely to remain around US$2,899 despite a weakening smartphone market caused by chip shortages driven by AI development.

BRIN releases oceanographic analysis of conditions when KM Virgo lost contact

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has released an oceanographic analysis of wave, tide and current conditions when KM Virgo Transport 8 lost contact in the Java Sea at around 01:00 WIB on Sunday. Researchers found wave heights were moderate at about 1.56 metres, hitting the vessel from the side, though the analysis suggests wave-induced heeling stayed well below critical thresholds. The study is an independent scientific analysis intended to support search operations and the official investigation by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT).

A Prosperous Old Age: Opening a BRI DPLK Is Now Easier via BRImo

BRI is promoting its financial institution pension fund (DPLK) as a way for people to set aside retirement savings separately from daily expenses, with accounts now openable digitally through the BRImo superapp. Customers who activate a monthly Autopayment of at least Rp 100,000 can earn a balance bonus of Rp 81,000 under a programme running until 30 September 2026. The bonus is paid per CIF after all terms are met and reconciliation is complete.

MRT Suddenly Emits Smoke at Bukit Gombak Station, Passengers Evacuated

Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from a train at Singapore's Bukit Gombak MRT station after smoke was seen emerging from beneath the carriage. Initial inspections suggest a faulty brake was the likely cause, though no injuries were reported and services have since resumed normal operations.

15,722 Aftershocks Recorded in 30 Days After Flores Earthquake

Indonesia's geophysics agency BMKG recorded 15,722 aftershocks, 190 of them felt by residents, in the 30 days following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara on 15 August 2026. The weekly frequency of aftershocks has steadily declined, indicating the sequence has entered a decay phase, though officials warn smaller tremours below magnitude 3.0 could continue for several months. BMKG urged residents to remain alert given the region's naturally high seismic activity.

Fahd A Rafiq Becomes a KPK Suspect for the Third Time

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained Golkar deputy chairman Fahd El Fouz, also known as Fahd A Rafiq, following a sting operation at the Bogor Regency National Land Agency office over alleged bribery in building use rights (HGB) processing. Seven others were also detained, including a director-general at the ATR/BPN Ministry and the president director of Summarecon Agung. This marks the third time Fahd has been named a suspect by the KPK.

Minister Dody Cracks Down on Online Gambling at Ministry of Public Works, with Transactions Reaching Rp 12 Billion

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works has recorded more than 81,000 online gambling transactions totalling over Rp 12 billion between 2024 and 2025. Minister Dody Hanggodo has ordered sanctions against implicated employees and a comprehensive review of internal oversight and guidance systems, framing the crackdown as essential to maintaining public trust in the civil service.

Europe, Islam, and the Politics of Fear

Muslims make up only around 6 per cent of Europe's population, yet fear of 'Islamisation' is reshaping the continent's politics, fuelling the rise of right-wing populists such as AfD and Marine Le Pen. Drawing on The Economist, former Indonesian ambassador to the EU Yuri Thamrin argues that evidence does not support claims of an Islamic takeover, and that both Islamists and far-right populists thrive on the same polarisation. He warns that policies driven by fear risk undermining integration and the very liberal values they claim to defend.

Trade Minister says bill will strengthen management of strategic commodities

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has said the draft Strategic Commodities Bill can serve as an umbrella regulation clarifying coordination among ministries and agencies handling strategic commodities. He linked the bill to Government Regulation No. 24 of 2026, which currently covers crude palm oil, coal and ferro alloy, and stressed the need for stronger export governance to prevent practices such as underpricing that harm state revenue.

Media: Counting of Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election Votes Still Underway

The final results of the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are still pending as vote counting continues. The Bangsamoro Federal Party and the United Bangsamoro Justice Party are leading in preliminary tallies. The election marks a milestone in the peace process following the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

South Sumatra Regional Police Conduct Door-to-Door Forest and Land Fire Prevention Campaign

The South Sumatra Regional Police, through the Empat Lawang Police, have launched a door-to-door campaign to prevent forest and land fires under the 'Makmano Karhutlah' programme. Officers visited residents in Batu Junggul village to hand out pamphlets outlining prohibitions and legal penalties, alongside security patrols aimed at early fire detection.

Hipmi: New Finance Minister's Challenge — Ensure Credible Fiscal Policy and Boost the Economy

The Chairman of Hipmi, Ade Jona Prasetyo, said the new Finance Minister must ensure fiscal strength translates into real economic activity whilst keeping the state budget healthy. He noted Indonesia's 5.29 per cent annual growth and strong investment figures give the government room to improve spending quality, and called for better policy coordination so the budget becomes a catalyst for private investment rather than the sole engine of growth.

Nazara's big test: Deliver 6 pct growth while keeping fiscal health

Newly inaugurated Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara faces the dual task of delivering 6 percent economic growth in 2027 while reducing the budget deficit to 2.40 percent of GDP, down from 2.68 percent in 2026. As a seasoned fiscal insider who previously led the Fiscal Policy Agency and served as deputy finance minister, Nazara insists budget efficiency means maximising output from every rupiah spent rather than simply cutting expenditure. He has pledged to keep the deficit below 3 percent while ensuring the state budget drives investment, social protection, and the government's priority programmes.

Police helicopter carries two Virgo Transport 8 victims

A police helicopter evacuated two victims of the Virgo Transport 8 vessel from the Java Sea to Bhayangkara Hospital in Banjarbaru for identification. South Kalimantan Police Spokesman Senior Commissioner Nur Khamid urged families to provide distinctive victim characteristics to help the DVI team speed up the identification process.

Rudy Mas'ud Reveals Schools in East Kalimantan Still Closed

East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas'ud has said air quality in the province remains safe and under control, but warned it could become unhealthy if forest and land fires persist. Schools remain closed and children are being given masks for outdoor activities, though the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme continues to run and remains a priority.

China releases development plan for electronic information manufacturing sector

China has published a development plan for its electronic information manufacturing industry covering the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The plan targets combined revenue of over 30 trillion yuan by 2030 for firms in the sector with annual main-business revenue of at least 20 million yuan.

Alert! Saudi Arabia Issues Warning of Potential Attacks in Mecca

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued an emergency warning on Tuesday (15/9) about potential attacks targeting Mecca, Jeddah and Taif, urging residents to seek shelter and follow official safety instructions. The warning comes amid escalating clashes with Yemen's Houthi rebels, whose coordinated missile and drone strikes on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif wounded at least 13 people. The Saudi-led coalition vowed to respond firmly to protect the Kingdom's sovereignty.

CKGSB-IE University Report Reveals New Models of Chinese Companies Going Global

A joint report by CKGSB and IE University argues that Chinese corporate globalisation is entering a third phase of 'capability export', in which firms take technical standards, supply chains and business models abroad rather than merely shipping products. The study identifies two expansion models — 'chain-style' and 'swarm-style' globalisation — and highlights Southeast Asia as a key testing ground. It warns that success requires deep localisation, including navigating regulatory complexity, local-content rules and cultural differences, creating both competitive pressure and partnership opportunities for regional businesses.

Residents affected by water crisis praise South Jakarta municipal government for water aid

Residents of Pondok Labu, Cilandak, have praised the South Jakarta municipal government for its swift distribution of clean water amid a worsening water shortage during the dry season. One resident said groundwater flow had deteriorated badly over the past two weeks, prompting complaints via Threads. The South Jakarta disaster agency deployed 5,000-litre tanker trucks and urged residents to switch to piped water from PAM Jaya.

Bekasi Metro Police arrest online motorcycle taxi driver suspected of child molestation

Bekasi Metro Police have arrested an online motorcycle taxi driver, initials DB, suspected of molesting an eight-year-old girl in Jatimulya, South Tambun District, Bekasi Regency. The suspect was apprehended at a relative's house in Karanganyar, Central Java, after fleeing the scene, with police relying on CCTV footage and witness statements to track him down. Police are providing medical, psychological and social support to the victim and urging the public not to spread her identity on social media.

OJK grants licence to pawn company to operate in Manado

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) for North Sulawesi and Gorontalo has granted a business licence to PT Pusat Gadai Intention to operate pawn services in Manado. The company met all OJK requirements, including fit and proper tests of its key personnel, and is now obliged to prioritise consumer protection and transparency. The OJK hopes the move will expand legal financing alternatives for local residents.

Nearly Got Away! Customs Foils Smuggling of 29 kg of Gold at Four Airports

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has foiled the attempted smuggling of more than 29 kg of gold at four international airports, seizing goods valued at Rp73.3 billion and preventing an estimated Rp8.5 billion in lost state revenue. The enforcement, which took place at Kualanamu, Soekarno-Hatta, I Gusti Ngurah Rai and Sam Ratulangi airports, follows tighter export rules on gold introduced in November 2025.

Five Virgo Transport 8 crew survive using empty LPG cylinder

Five crew members of the KM Virgo Transport 8 survived nearly nine hours adrift in the Java Sea by clinging to an empty 3-kilogram LPG cylinder after finding no lifeboat or inflatable raft. The vessel, carrying 243 people from Surabaya to Banjarmasin, lost contact in Masalembo waters on 13 September. As of Tuesday, Basarnas reported 108 survivors and six dead found, with 129 people still missing.

Pertamina maintains availability and smooth distribution of biodiesel in Lampung

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has stepped up daily biodiesel distribution in Lampung, raising it by nearly 27 percent since early 2026 to 2,768 kilolitres per day in September. The increase responds to growing consumption driven by the price gap between subsidised and non-subsidised fuels, alongside strong provincial economic growth, with Pertamina enforcing oversight through QR code verification and sanctions on violating petrol stations.

Police name six suspects in armed convoy case

Mataram municipal police have named six suspects, four of them minors, over an armed convoy by a group of teenagers through the city's streets. The convoy was reportedly triggered by a social media challenge from an unidentified individual, and police seized seven sharp weapons, two motorcycles and a mobile phone during the investigation.

South Jakarta municipal government distributes free water to residents affected by dry season

The South Jakarta municipal government has begun distributing free clean water to residents of Pondok Labu, Cilandak, who are facing water shortages during the prolonged dry season. The Urban Ward Head of Pondok Labu, Nachnoer Vernier Atom, said authorities responded after a resident's complaint went viral, and that mapping of water crisis points is under way with neighbourhood units. Residents in need can contact the ward office or the regional disaster management agency (BPBD) for free water deliveries.

Deputy Minister of ATR hopes BRAN can resolve agrarian conflicts

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ossy Dermawan hopes the proposed National Agrarian Reform Agency (BRAN) will help resolve Indonesia's longstanding land conflicts and inequalities in land ownership. The government and the House of Representatives are still formulating the agency's structure and the accompanying Agrarian Reform Bill, which would place governors as heads of BRAN at provincial level.

NTB Regional Police Finalise Security Preparations for MotoGP Mandalika 2026

The West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police (Polda NTB) are preparing thousands of combined personnel from the police, military, government and community groups ahead of the MotoGP Mandalika 2026. Security will be coordinated under Operation Mandalika Rinjani 2026, supported by dozens of security posts and repeated traffic surveys around the circuit and BIZAM airport.

Student in Parungpanjang, Bogor Injured After Being Struck by Commuter Train on Way Home

A 16-year-old high school student, identified as A, was injured after being struck by a KRL commuter train between Parungpanjang and Cilejit stations in Bogor, West Java. The victim, who was reportedly walking home from school while crossing the tracks, was taken to Parungpanjang Community Health Centre and later transferred to Mitra Keluarga Hospital in Tangerang.

Victims of Kiai's Son-in-Law Who Raped Ex-Student in Sleman Suspected to Number More Than One

Police in Sleman are hunting NH, the son-in-law of the head of the Ash-Sholihah Islamic boarding school, who has been formally named a suspect for the rape of a former female student. The victim's lawyer says there are indications of additional victims, and is urging a swift arrest amid concerns the suspect has fled and may face interference in the case.

The Mafia Behind 13,000 Complaints: Ministry of Hajj Cites Fraud and Abandonment of Pilgrims

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has revealed the practices behind the term 'Hajj mafia', including fraud, embezzlement of pilgrim funds and the abandonment of worshippers in Saudi Arabia. Director General Harun Al Rasyid said many operators run hajj and umrah businesses with no adequate capability, luring prospective pilgrims with empty promises. The disclosures come amid some 13,000 complaints received by the ministry.

Viral: Free Service Cards Sold for Rp 500,000, Transjakarta Threatens Firm Sanctions

Transjakarta has warned of firm sanctions after free service cards (KLG) were offered for sale at Rp 500,000 on social media. The company stressed that the cards, guaranteed by the DKI Jakarta provincial government, are issued entirely free of charge and must not be traded. Violators face permanent blacklisting and possible legal action.

Whereabouts of Dump Truck in Suspected Fuel Misuse Case at Pontodon Petrol Station Questioned

A yellow dump truck, DB 8254 KB, seized during an operation investigating suspected fuel misuse at the Pontodon petrol station in North Kotamobagu, has become central to questions about the case's transparency. Activists including Chandra E. Damopolii of KANNI are demanding law enforcement clarify whether the vehicle remains in official custody. The truck is a 2013 Mitsubishi Colt Diesel FE 74 HDV with outstanding administrative obligations of Rp7,931,600.

Singapore to Host Shared Services Leaders at 29th Asian Shared Services & Outsourcing Week 2026 This October

The 29th Asian Shared Services & Outsourcing Week, organised by SSON, will convene Global Business Services leaders at One Farrer Hotel, Singapore, from 20–23 October 2026 to discuss AI adoption, workforce transformation and the evolution of GBS operating models. Speakers from Deloitte, IBM, Standard Chartered and Bluecopa will address topics including AI-driven operating models, agentic AI implementation and reskilling large GBS workforces.

Court Partially Grants Roy Suryo's Lawsuit, Finance Minister Ordered to Pay Damages

The South Jakarta District Court has partially granted Roy Suryo's pre-trial lawsuit over his unlawful arrest and detention in the case alleging President Jokowi's diploma was fake. The judge ordered the Minister of Finance to pay Roy Suryo Rp5 million in compensation. An earlier lawsuit was rejected on formal grounds because the Finance Minister had not been named as a party.

Twenty two Virgo Transport 8 survivors evacuated to Banjarmasin

Twenty-two survivors of the KM Virgo Transport 8 maritime accident were evacuated to Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin aboard KRI Nala, with transfers via smaller vessels required as the naval ship could not dock directly. Upon arrival, all survivors underwent triage so medical teams could determine appropriate treatment, while joint search and rescue operations continued at the accident site.

Who Owns the Hundreds of Billions of Rupiah Seized in KPK Sting at Bogor Land Office?

The KPK arrested 17 people in a sting operation at the Bogor Regency Land Office, seizing around Rp100 billion in cash packed in some 20 suitcases and bags at the home of an individual known as Gus A. Sources within the KPK say the money has been claimed as belonging to Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid, with Golkar politician Fahd A Rafiq allegedly among those collecting it.

BMKG stresses importance of rapid response in facing tsunamis

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has reminded coastal communities of the importance of responding quickly to early tsunami warnings to minimise casualties. Following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, BMKG issued a warning within just over two minutes, and although the subsequent tsunami damaged 23 homes, no lives were lost thanks to prompt community evacuation.

US refuses to give air support to Saudi Arabia against the Houthis

The United States has declined Saudi Arabia's request for air protection in its conflict with the Houthi movement, as Washington's focus remains on its confrontation with Iran, according to Financial Times. The development comes as the Houthis make significant territorial gains in south-western and western Yemen, including along the Red Sea coast. Meanwhile, more than 100 US military advisers have reportedly arrived in Saudi Arabia to assist Riyadh's campaign.

Transjakarta affirms free service cards are not for sale

Transjakarta has stressed that the Free Service Card (KLG) is issued entirely free of charge and must not be bought or sold. Under Jakarta Governor Regulation No. 33 of 2025, the card is a right guaranteed by the DKI Jakarta provincial government for eligible beneficiaries. The company warned that any violation or abuse will result in permanent blacklisting and possible legal action.

House Commission XI Says Finance Minister Suahasil Has a Character Similar to Sri Mulyani

Fauzi Amro, Deputy Chair of House Commission XI, has said that new Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara shares a similar policy approach to his predecessor Sri Mulyani, noting both are University of Indonesia economists. He described Suahasil as quieter than former minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, but capable and thorough in policy execution.

Singapore Haze: What You Need to Know as Air Quality Turns Unhealthy

All five regions of Singapore recorded unhealthy air quality for the first time since 2019, with the 24-hour PSI peaking at 154 in central Singapore, as smoke plumes from fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra drifted toward the island. Singapore's National Environment Agency advised residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to reduce outdoor activities, while the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre warned of continued risk of severe transboundary haze amid prolonged dry conditions.

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Specifications: Selfie Camera with 85-Degree Lens

Samsung's Galaxy S26 FE is expected to arrive as a strong contender in the upper mid-range segment, headlined by a front camera with an 85-degree field of view for wider selfies and group shots. The device is also anticipated to feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, alongside Galaxy AI integration and the My FanCam feature. Detailed specifications, including chipset, RAM and official pricing, remain unconfirmed pending Samsung's official announcement.

Residents in Deciles 1-4 Queue to Receive 30 Kg Rice Aid, Here Is the Location

State logistics firm Bulog has begun distributing 30 kg of rice aid to 33.4 million recipients, including 2,328 residents of Kartini subdistrict in Central Jakarta. The distribution, part of the government's 2026 programme to help the poor weather the effects of El Niño, targets households in welfare deciles 1 to 4. As of the second week of September 2026, some 552,000 tonnes of rice had been delivered nationwide.

Jambi to send heavy equipment to fight Berbak National Park fires

Jambi Governor Al Haris said heavy equipment has been deployed to fire hotspots in Berbak National Park's core zone after permission was granted by the Forestry Ministry, as water bombing alone proved insufficient. Poor land access — including a dry river and unusable terrain — has hampered firefighting, with winds from South Sumatra worsening the spread. Central and local governments have provided presidential aid for logistics, medical needs and operations, and personnel remain in good condition.

Ex-China Food and Drug Regulator Jailed 14 Years for Bribery

A court in Shandong Province has sentenced Bi Jingquan, former head of China's food and drug regulator (CFDA), to 14 years in prison for accepting bribes worth more than 57 million yuan. The bribes were received between 1995 and 2025 while he held several senior positions, including CFDA chief and State Councillor. Bi confessed and expressed remorse during his trial.

Central Jakarta city government intensifies 'Gemarikan' campaign from early childhood

The Central Jakarta municipal government is stepping up its 'Gemarikan' (Fish Eating Popularisation Movement) campaign to boost fish consumption as a protein source and improve child nutrition from an early age. In the 2026 budget year, the programme targets 600 primary school pupils and 2,000 toddlers across Central Jakarta, and forms part of efforts to promote balanced nutrition and prevent stunting.

MSME Minister urges Unismuh students to become entrepreneurs

Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Maman Abdurrahman encouraged students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit while still at university, so they do not join the ranks of unemployed graduates. He said the MSME Ministry stands ready to support entrepreneurship empowerment programmes across the Muhammadiyah community, particularly in South Sulawesi.

Recognising the Signs of Dyslexia as Children Learn to Read

A paediatric development specialist has urged parents and teachers to recognise the signs of dyslexia as children begin learning to read, noting that symptoms typically become more apparent in the early years of primary school. Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI), Dr Farid Agung Rahmadi outlined warning signs and advised early consultation with professionals if difficulties persist.

Indonesia's Manufacturing Stagnation Raises Deindustrialization Risk: Economist

Economist Lili Yan Ing has warned that Indonesia risks deindustrialisation, as manufacturing has stagnated at around 19-20% of GDP for two decades, down from a peak of 31.9% in 2002, while over 60% of exports remain commodity-based. Speaking at a conference in Depok, she cautioned that with roughly 60% of the population of working age, the country urgently needs productive industries and quality jobs. She also urged the government to avoid crowding out the private sector and to ensure investment translates into productivity gains.

Pramono Aims to Make Jakarta a Global City with New Moves to Attract Investors

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has outlined a strategy to transform the capital into a global city by strengthening public trust and investment certainty, targeting a top-50 position in the Global Cities Index by 2030. Investment realisation has surged from around Rp103 trillion in 2021 to Rp270 trillion in 2025, with Rp173 trillion already recorded in the first half of 2026, driven by bureaucratic reforms such as faster building permits. Apindo Chairwoman Shinta Kamdani praised the Jakarta Investment Awards 2026 and urged continued reforms on licensing, legal certainty, taxation and energy costs.

House Speaker Calls for Investigation into Cause of KMP Virgo Accident

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, has urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the sinking of KMP Virgo Transport 8, covering natural, technical and human factors. She stressed that maritime accidents occur too frequently in Indonesia and demanded a comprehensive overhaul of the national shipping safety system, with the DPR overseeing the investigation process.

Huawei highlights Intelligent Connectivity and AI Transformation at M360 ASEAN 2026

Huawei used the M360 ASEAN 2026 keynote to outline its vision for intelligent mobile networks, with Calvin Zhao promoting AI-driven Agentic MBB and OpenAN architectures as engines for telco revenue growth across ASEAN's digital economy. The company also received a GSMA APAC Digital Nation Award for its 5G SD-WAN solution developed with XLSMART Indonesia, which serves SMEs in retail, banking and education. Huawei further backed GSMA Intelligence research on the AI token economy, projecting that 5G growth could unlock USD 1.4 trillion in economic value by 2030.

Genap 10 Tahun, SMBC Indonesia Ungkap Perjalanan Jenius Hadirkan 80 Inovasi

Jenius by SMBC Indonesia marks its tenth anniversary in August 2026 under the theme 'Endless Explorat10n', having developed more than 80 innovations since its 2016 launch through co-creation with its users. The digital banking service now offers 24/7 foreign exchange transactions, debit and credit cards accepted in 188 countries, and has added new foreign currencies including the Turkish lira, Swiss franc, and Saudi riyal. SMBC Indonesia affirms its commitment to continued innovation for Indonesia's digitally savvy population, backed by the SMBC group's four centuries of global financial experience.

House of Representatives Highlights MIND ID's Contribution to the State, Cites Private Sector Profits

Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives has scrutinised the contribution of the Indonesian mining industry holding MIND ID to the state, pressing for clearer benefits through state revenue, job creation and stronger national industry. PDI-P lawmaker Yulian Gunhar lamented that private firms still reap greater profits from natural resources, calling for deeper evaluation and stronger oversight.

KPK Sting Operation Catches Director-General at ATR/BPN Ministry, Deputy Minister Ossy Speaks Out

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ossy Dermawan has responded to a sting operation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the Bogor Regency National Land Agency office. He said the ministry respects the legal process and will cooperate fully, whilst declining to comment on the substance of the case pending an official statement from investigators.

Depok Public Order Officers Seize 1,972 Bottles of Illegal Alcohol Across Four Districts

Depok's Satpol PP confiscated 1,972 bottles of illegal alcoholic drinks during a large-scale raid across four districts, including Cimanggis, Cilodong, Pancoran Mas and Cipayung. The operation, grounded in municipal regulations, targeted grocery stores, illegal herbal medicine shops, warehouses and nightlife venues, and aimed to curb public disorder and underage drinking.

Golkar and PKS Discuss Election Bill, Agree on 5 Per Cent Parliamentary Threshold

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) central leadership visited Golkar's headquarters to affirm support for the Prabowo-Gibran governing coalition and discuss the Election Bill. The two parties agreed to raise the parliamentary threshold from 4 to 5 per cent, with Golkar chairman Bahlil Lahadalia calling for an electoral system that genuinely reflects the people's voice.

Truck Runs Out of Control While Being Serviced in Jatinegara, Smashes Into Five Kiosks

A trailer truck that was being repaired after a mechanical fault lurched forward and crashed into five roadside kiosks on Jalan Raya Cipinang in Jatinegara, East Jakarta. Two people inside a Sundanese food stall were injured and taken to hospital. The incident, which went viral on social media, began when the driver engaged first gear and pulled the throttle cable lever as the repair was being completed.

Second Victim of Virgo Transport 8 Sinking Identified: Nurul Rian Hidayat, Resident of Pamekasan

The Disaster Victim Identification team of South Kalimantan Regional Police has identified the second victim of the Virgo Transport 8 sinking in the Java Sea as Nurul Rian Hidayat, a 33-year-old from Pamekasan, East Java. Two of the six bodies recovered have now been identified, with the remains handed over to family and flown to Surabaya for burial.

Agriculture Ministry Tightens Surveillance of Illegal Pesticides on E-Commerce

The Agriculture Ministry is tightening oversight of pesticide circulation, including products sold through e-commerce platforms, to curb illegal and counterfeit goods that could harm farmers and food safety. A revision of the ministerial regulation on fertiliser and pesticide supervision is under way, alongside stricter post-border checks at major ports and administrative sanctions for non-compliant licence holders. The government has also distributed some 5.9 million litres of pesticide buffer stock to farmer groups to support national production programmes.

Purbaya Admits Difficulty Sleeping After Reshuffle

Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed he struggled to sleep after being replaced as Finance Minister by Suahasil Nazara in a sudden cabinet reshuffle. He admitted feeling aggrieved but said he is now calmer and intends to return to trading. His son, Yudo Achilles Sadewa, drew attention on social media by joking that his father could finally sleep soundly again.

Bright Child with Low Academic Grades? Beware of Specific Learning Disorder

A paediatric specialist has warned that children who appear intelligent yet achieve low academic grades may be suffering from Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), a neurodevelopmental condition affecting reading, writing or mathematics. Speaking at an Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) webinar, Dr Farid Agung Rahmadi stressed that SLD is not caused by low intelligence, laziness or poor parenting, and urged parents and teachers to avoid labelling children. Early detection and cross-sector collaboration between parents, teachers, health workers and psychologists are key to proper intervention.

Chicken Noodle Vendor in Bekasi Arrested for Beating Online Booking Woman to Death

Police in Babelan, Bekasi Regency, West Java, have arrested a 23-year-old chicken noodle vendor, initialled AK, on suspicion of murdering an 18-year-old woman, initialled K, at his stall. The victim, who was seven months pregnant, died after the suspect allegedly strangled her following a dispute over payment for services arranged through the MiChat application.

Kimpul's popularity on social media seen as boosting Indonesia's gastronomic value

The Ministry of Tourism believes the viral use of kimpul, or Belitung taro, as a food ingredient has elevated Indonesia's gastronomic heritage. The ministry is promoting local ingredients through the Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026 initiative, which highlights local wisdom, tradition and culinary philosophy. The Indonesia Gastronomy Network says the trend enriches global awareness of Indonesia's food diversity and calls for sustainable benefits across the production chain.

Suahasil Nazara's Challenge as Finance Minister: Economic Transformation vs Fiscal Conservatism

Suahasil Nazara, the newly appointed Finance Minister, faces the challenge of driving national economic transformation while maintaining fiscal health. Mohammad Faisal of Core Indonesia warned that a conservative, business-as-usual approach would fail to deliver President Prabowo's economic growth targets. He cautioned that prioritising market expectations of stability over transformative policy risks hampering Indonesia's economic acceleration.

Tax Office assures refunds are carried out selectively and in a measured manner

The Director General of Taxation, Bimo Wijayanto, has assured that tax refunds are being processed selectively and in accordance with standard operating procedures, responding to allegations that the Directorate General of Taxation is withholding refunds from several companies. He added that future refund policy will follow the direction of incoming Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara and must align with state funding needs and fiscal management. Employers' association Apindo has urged the government to resolve refund issues promptly, warning that delays affect companies' cash flow.

13,000 Hajj-Umrah Case Reports Received by Ministry Hotline, Says Sapuhi Chair

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has received nearly 13,000 public complaints through its new hotline for tackling alleged mafia practices in hajj and umrah pilgrimage services. Syam Resfiadi, chairman of the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Operators Association (Sapuhi), welcomed the move, saying it should speed up the handling of recurring problems in the sector.

OJK Says Icomex and POJK on Mineral Exchange Ready for Launch on 17 September

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has confirmed that the Indonesian Commodity Exchange (Icomex) and two draft OJK regulations on the Mineral and Strategic Commodities Exchange will be promulgated on 17 September 2026. Operational licensing is targeted for January 2027, with the first transactions expected on 4 January 2027. The exchange, mandated under Law No. 4 of 2026, forms part of the government's ambition to establish an Indonesian reference price for export commodities.

West Nusa Tenggara Governor pushes for greater involvement of local talent in MotoGP

West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal is pushing for greater local involvement in the 2026 MotoGP at Mandalika Circuit, from marshals and volunteers to SMEs. More than 4,000 people have already registered as volunteers for the event, which requires around 400 marshals and 2,500 volunteers. Organisers say preparations are about 80 per cent complete.

Sign language Quran recitation exhibition at MTQ 2026 draws 28 participants

The 31st National MTQ in Semarang has, for the first time, hosted a sign language Tartil Al Quran exhibition for deaf participants, featuring 28 contestants from nine provinces. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Baznas, builds on the 2022 ministerial decree establishing the Indonesian Sign Language Quran Mushaf as an official standard variant.

Armed Criminal Group Shoots Dead Three Civil Servants, Interior Minister: The Excuse Is Always 'Intelligence Agent'

Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has responded to the shooting of three civil servants in Jayawijaya, Papua Pegunungan, by an armed criminal group (KKB), which accused the victims of being intelligence agents. Tito dismissed the justification as a pretext intended to spread fear among the local population. The National Human Rights Commission condemned the killings, stressing that any allegations of intelligence involvement must be based on verifiable facts.

Padang Panjang Police Narcotics Unit Arrests Man in Possession of Crystal Meth and Cannabis

The narcotics unit of the Padang Panjang Police in West Sumatra arrested a 46-year-old local man, identified as IS, at a house in Silaing Atas on Monday evening. Officers seized a package of suspected crystal methamphetamine along with additional evidence found during a search of his home, and the suspect now faces multiple charges under Indonesia's narcotics law.

MIND ID Improves PT Timah Governance on Belitung Island

The government has issued Presidential Regulation No. 79 of 2026 as the legal basis for MIND ID and PT Timah to improve tin mining governance on Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung. The regulation follows social unrest that peaked with the burning of a Timah office in East Belitung on 7 August 2026, triggered by unpaid mining service fees. The rules allow PT Timah to produce and purchase tin beyond its RKAB quota for one year while governance repairs are carried out.

US Vice-President JD Vance Reveals Direct Contact with the Houthis

US Vice-President JD Vance has disclosed that the United States is holding direct talks with the Houthi movement in Yemen, claiming Washington has the situation under control. The revelation comes amid escalating fighting between the Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urging President Donald Trump to launch direct strikes on the group.

Cambodia 'playing the victim', Thailand tells global mediators

Thailand and Cambodia have taken their dispute over a resource-rich 27,000 sq km maritime territory to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore, after Bangkok unilaterally withdrew from the 2001 bilateral MoU framework. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow accused Cambodia of 'playing the victim' through false narratives, while Phnom Penh framed the UN-backed conciliation as a means to rebuild trust following last year's deadly border clashes. The commission's recommendations, expected in about a year, are non-binding.

Purbaya Showcases One-Year Record as Finance Minister: Economic Growth Above 5 Percent Is Decent

Outgoing Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assessed his roughly one-year tenure positively, highlighting that national economic growth rose from below 5 percent to above it, peaking at 5.61 percent year-on-year in Q1 2026. The handover of the finance ministry to Suahasil Nazara, the third finance minister under President Prabowo Subianto, took place in Jakarta.

Pay to Ghost Your Boss: Japan's Resignation Business

Young Japanese workers are increasingly paying resignation proxy agencies, such as Tokyo-based Albatross which handles around 450 clients monthly at roughly €120 each, to quit their jobs without confronting employers. The phenomenon reflects Japan's deeply rooted non-confrontational culture and lifetime employment legacy, where resigning is seen as a betrayal of harmony, with many clients citing workplace harassment as their reason for leaving.

Spotlight on the Dismissal of Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa was abruptly dismissed on 14 September 2026 whilst still attending official state business with the DPD, with Deputy Minister Suahasil Nazara named as his replacement. The author argues that whilst the president constitutionally holds the prerogative to appoint and dismiss ministers, such sweeping discretion must still be exercised with propriety and accountable governance. The piece calls for clearer legal standards distinguishing routine dismissals from urgent ones.

Attorney General's Office Reveals Predicate Offence in Febrie Adriansyah Money Laundering Case

The Attorney General's Office has stated that the predicate offence in the money laundering (TPPU) case against former Chief of the Attorney General's Special Crimes Section, Febrie Adriansyah, is alleged extortion linked to the Jiwasraya and ASABRI insurance scandals. Following a coordination meeting with police and KPK investigators, the case will be handed over to prosecutors for trial. Febrie faces charges of extortion as a form of corruption, while co-suspects Don Ritto and Nurman Herin face money laundering charges.

Revealed: The Cost Borne by the US in Fighting Iran, According to the Pentagon

A new Pentagon inspector general report has exposed the direct military costs incurred by the United States in its war against Iran alongside Israel. The conflict, which began on 28 February, has drained munitions stockpiles, damaged military equipment and strained America's defence supply chain. The Trump administration is meanwhile working to replenish weaponry expended during the war.

DVI team identifies second victim of the Virgo vessel, a man from Pamekasan

The Disaster Victim Identification team of South Kalimantan Regional Police has identified the second victim of the sunken Virgo Transport 8 in the Java Sea as Nurul Rian Hidayat, a 33-year-old from Pamekasan, East Java. Two of the six bodies recovered have now been identified, with the first named as Reyner Fausta Yosilianto of Malang on Monday.

Australian Man Who Killed His Two Children Then Hanged Himself in Bali Suffered from Anxiety Disorder

Police have revealed that the 56-year-old Australian man, initials SDJ, who allegedly killed his two children before hanging himself in Bali, had a long-standing anxiety disorder that was never medically treated. According to his wife, the condition recurred periodically and had previously driven him to threaten and attempt suicide.

KPID DIY Opens Recruitment for New Members, Check the Requirements Here

The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission for the Special Region of Yogyakarta (KPID DIY) has opened recruitment for new members for the 2026–2029 term, with registrations accepted from 14 September to 14 October 2026. The selection process includes administrative screening, competency tests, psychological tests, interviews, and a fitness and propriety assessment by the regional parliament. Candidates must be non-partisan Indonesian citizens with a bachelor's degree or equivalent and demonstrable experience or interest in broadcasting.

Disaster Relief Distribution for East Nusa Tenggara Continues

The Jakmania, the supporters' group of Persija Jakarta, has channelled Rp50 million in humanitarian aid for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara through Baznas RI. The donation reflects the group's wider commitment to social causes, following an earlier Rp100 million contribution for Sumatra. The act underscores the ongoing relief effort for communities affected by the disaster.

Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly Opens e-Aspiration Channel, Invites Public Input on Constitutional Review

The MPR RI has opened an online e-Aspiration channel to gather public input for its ongoing constitutional review. Deputy Speaker Lestari Moerdijat said the initiative aims to make the constitution a living document rather than a purely normative text, with a full report targeted for early 2027. She also acknowledged the MPR's low standing in public trust surveys, framing the exercise as a corrective effort to strengthen constitutional democracy.

China Imposes New Travel Restrictions Over Tech Security

China has enacted sweeping exit-and-entry restrictions targeting citizens deemed to have endangered its industrial or technological security, particularly in artificial intelligence and technology import-export. The rules, which can impose exit bans of six months to three years and deny foreign nationals entry for up to five years, come amid a technological rivalry with the United States and have raised concerns from Taiwan over its tech workers. Analysts warn that the vaguely defined security provisions give Beijing a wide remit that will only become clear as the regulations are enforced.

How Israel Deprives Palestinian Students of Basic Education

Palestinian Education Minister Amjad Barham has reported that more than 720,000 Palestinian students have lost access to basic education, with over 90 percent of school buildings and 82 percent of universities in the Gaza Strip destroyed amid ongoing Israeli bombardment. ALECSO has announced plans for a joint Arab action plan with an emergency protection mechanism, while Save the Children said over 1.5 million school-aged children across Palestine have been denied safe, quality education for a fourth consecutive year.

29kg of Illegal Gold Seized at Four Indonesian Airports, Worth Rp73 Billion

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise foiled illegal gold smuggling attempts by foreign nationals at four international airports between 5 and 14 September, seizing around 29kg of gold worth an estimated Rp73.3 billion. Seizures took place at Soekarno-Hatta, Ngurah Rai, Sam Ratulangi and Kualanamu airports, with total illegal gold smuggling attempts this year reaching some 330kg. Customs is coordinating with aviation stakeholders and investigating possible wider networks.

Attorney General's Office Holds Coordination Meeting with Police Anti-Corruption Corps and KPK; Febrie to Face Trial Soon

The Attorney General's Office's Team 9 convened a coordination meeting with the National Police's Kortas Tipidkor and the KPK regarding the corruption, extortion and money laundering case involving former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah. All parties agreed that Febrie would be charged with extortion and corruption as underlying offences, layered with money laundering, and that the case should proceed to prosecution. Febrie's two pre-trial motions at the South Jakarta District Court were both rejected.

Attorney General's Team 9: Febrie Adriansyah Money Laundering Case in Finalisation Stage

The Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) Team 9 says the money laundering case implicating former Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Febrie Adriansyah has reached the finalisation stage before handover to prosecutors. The case, rooted in alleged corruption involving the PT ASABRI and/or PT Jiwasraya scandals, names three suspects including Febrie Adriansyah, lawyer Don Ritto, and private individual Nurman Herin.

Purbaya Denies Friction, Suahasil Praises His Performance as Finance Minister

Former Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has dismissed suggestions of friction surrounding his replacement, saying the change was entirely the President's prerogative. Speaking after a handover ceremony at the Finance Ministry, he said he had already considered the possibility of stepping down and now intends to enjoy private life rather than seek another government post.

BMKG: 15,722 Aftershocks Within 30 Days Following NTT Earthquake

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 15,722 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 0.9 to 6.2, in the 30 days following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara. Of these, 190 were felt by residents, though the frequency of aftershocks has steadily declined and entered a decaying phase.

KPK Spokesman Denies Investigators Arrested Minister Nusron Wahid

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has denied rumours that Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Nusron Wahid was among those caught in a sting operation concerning building use rights (HGB) in Bogor Regency. The operation reportedly netted 17 people, including senior land agency officials.

Social Affairs Minister and Deputy Inspect Operations of SRT 3 South Sulawesi Permanent Building

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) and Deputy Minister Agus Jabo Priyono inspected the permanent facilities of the Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, which began hosting 417 students in mid-July. The school forms part of President Prabowo's flagship programme providing free, quality education for children from poor and extremely poor families. South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman said the province provided first-class land worth Rp95 billion, with the nine schools in the province representing an investment of roughly Rp2 trillion.

Former Student Who Was Raped by Islamic Boarding School Official in Sleman Due to Give Birth Next Month

FN (21), a former female student of the Ash-Sholihah Jonggrangan Islamic boarding school in Sleman, is due to give birth in October after allegedly being raped twice by a former school official. Her lawyer is urging relevant institutions to provide concrete support, including for the delivery, and criticises the police for not yet naming a suspect. The case was reported to Sleman police on 7 September 2026, supported by an ultrasound examination and the victim's testimony.

Customs and Excise Assures Enforcement Priorities Continue Under Finance Minister Suahasil

Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama has confirmed that enforcement priorities remain unchanged under new Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara. Suahasil earlier pledged to strengthen crackdowns on illegal goods, not only illicit cigarettes, to safeguard state revenues and the health of the state budget.

Indonesia Finance Minister Firing Exposes Policy Disarray

President Prabowo Subianto dismissed Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa after just one year in office, replacing him with Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara amid tensions over state revenues and the government's relationship with sovereign wealth fund Danantara. The dismissal followed a public dispute over a Rp120 trillion ($7.1 billion) payment from Danantara's SOE revenues to the state budget, alongside mounting investor scepticism, rupiah weakness and sharply declining public approval for the government. Suahasil, a former close aide to Sri Mulyani, has pledged continuity, but the core fiscal dilemma of financing costly flagship programmes without undermining investment capacity remains unresolved.

Purbaya and Customs Director-General Speak Out on Alleged Friction Behind Finance Minister Replacement

Former Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has dismissed suggestions of internal friction surrounding his replacement, describing the change as a presidential prerogative. Director-General of Customs Djaka Budi Utama likewise denied any internal conflict at the Finance Ministry, expressing hope that the new minister would continue to manage the state budget effectively. Purbaya handed over the post to Suahasil Nazara, the third finance minister of President Prabowo Subianto's administration.

Tito: Regional bond issuance must be approached with caution

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has urged caution over regional bond issuance, responding to Jakarta's plan to raise Rp5.6 trillion in municipal bonds in 2027-2028. He warned that debts must fund productive projects and not burden future regional heads, particularly in regions with weak fiscal capacity.

Viral: KRL Passenger's Missing iPhone Found After Three Days at Tanah Abang

A commuter line passenger who lost an iPhone during a journey from Jatake Station has been reunited with the device after three days, after it was found on platform 1 of Tanah Abang Station in Central Jakarta. KAI Commuter Indonesia staff tracked the phone using coordinates from a friend's tracking application, and the incident drew widespread praise on social media for the officers' responsiveness.

Economist says market responds positively to Suahasil's appointment as new finance minister

Economist Wijayanto Samirin of Paramadina University said markets have reacted positively to Suahasil Nazara's appointment as finance minister, citing his long fiscal track record at the ministry. He outlined four key tasks ahead, including repairing inter-ministerial relations, supporting regions with large fiscal deficits, revising the 2027 draft budget assumptions, and presenting factual policy scenarios to President Prabowo Subianto.

Officially Leading PB ESI for 2026-2030, Herindra Aims to Make Indonesia an Asian Esports Powerhouse

Retired General Muhammad Herindra has been officially installed as head of the Indonesian Esports Association (PB ESI) for the 2026-2030 term, with ambitions to build on the country's achievements and establish Indonesia as a leading esports power in Asia. He stressed that the role is a strategic national task in the digital era, noting that Indonesia has over 200 million active gamers whose potential should strengthen the local ecosystem of game developers, event organisers, content creators and streaming platforms.

Deputy Law Minister: Mislabeled rice harms the economy and consumers

Deputy Law Minister Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej has warned that allegedly mislabelled fortified rice causes economic harm to consumers, who pay inflated prices for products that fail to match their labels. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman revealed 25 fortified rice brands suspected of violating standards, with estimated consumer losses of Rp89 trillion, prompting product withdrawals, licence revocations and legal proceedings.

MIND ID Chief Reveals Five Major Challenges Facing the Mining Sector

MIND ID, Indonesia's mining industry holding company, has identified five key challenges facing the future management of mineral and coal resources, including reserve sustainability, price volatility and inconsistent DMO obligations. Chief Executive Maroef Sjamsoeddin told a parliamentary hearing that integrated, innovative and sustainable strategies are needed to maximise the value of Indonesia's natural resources. He stressed that downstream development must move beyond midstream products towards higher-value materials for national and global industry.

Navigating Indonesia's Economic Resilience in 2026: Between Domestic Optimism and Global Pressures

Indonesia's economy grew 5.45% in the first half of 2026, one of the strongest semester performances in a decade, supported by household consumption and downstream metal investment. However, capital outflows pressuring the rupiah and fiscal uncertainty following a cabinet reshuffle that installed Suahasil Nazara as Finance Minister pose risks. Businesses are advised to maintain liquidity, embrace digital payment systems, and localise supply chains.

Indonesian Air Force and BNN Strengthen Drug Interdiction at Airports

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) have agreed to strengthen cooperation to prevent drug smuggling through airports. The collaboration, discussed at a meeting between Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono and BNN head Commissioner Suyudi Ario Seto, covers integrated intelligence data, smuggling pattern mapping and early warning systems.

China Calls on the US to Stop Preparing for War in Space

China has urged the United States to halt its preparations for warfare in space after the US Space Force confirmed, for the first time, that it has deployed weapons into orbit. Beijing's Foreign Ministry condemned the move as a step towards turning space into a battlefield, whilst Washington cited China and Russia as growing strategic threats in its announcement.

Nepal Prepares Rules Banning Inexperienced Climbers from Mount Everest

The Nepalese government is drafting strict regulations requiring climbers to have prior high-altitude experience before being allowed to attempt Mount Everest. The move, aimed at improving safety on commercially guided expeditions, may not take effect until after the spring 2027 climbing season. Nepal has also raised foreign climbing permit fees, with the spring rate increasing from US$11,000 to US$15,000.

Interior Minister Discusses E-Voting Proposal for Elections: Fast, but Hacking Fears Linger

Interior Minister Tito Karnavian said the government, the DPR, and electoral bodies will discuss a proposal to introduce electronic voting in Indonesian elections. He noted that the KPU has highlighted e-voting's advantages in speed and cost, but warned of hacking risks and potential fraud. The idea remains at the discussion stage, with a comparative study in India among the possibilities being considered.

DPD RI: 3T Regions Need Special Weighting in Determining Sekolah Rakyat Locations

Filep Wamafma, Chair of Committee III of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), has argued that the placement of Sekolah Rakyat (People's Schools) should not rely solely on absolute poverty figures but must incorporate affirmative weighting for disadvantaged, frontier and outermost (3T) regions. He warned that a purely numerical approach risks neglecting remote areas facing geographical hardship and costly access to education. He proposed five measures, including an integrated national data evaluation, transparent allocation formulas, teacher welfare guarantees, curriculum reviews, and an integrated child protection system.

Greenpeace Urges Government to Disclose Decree Revoking Four Raja Ampat Nickel Mining Permits — What's Going On?

Greenpeace Indonesia is pressing the government to publicly release the decree revoking the mining business permits (IUP) of four nickel companies in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua. The call follows a Jakarta administrative court ruling on 14 September that upheld the Central Information Commission's decision classifying the revocation documents as public information. Greenpeace is also demanding clarity on the legal basis for each revocation and companies' obligations regarding environmental restoration.

IHSG closes lower following Asian markets on global geopolitical tensions

Indonesia's composite index (IHSG) fell 1.13 per cent to 6,461.15 as Asian markets weakened amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the US, and Ukraine and Russia. Rising oil prices stoked inflation fears and expectations of a Fed rate hike, while domestic investors weighed the appointment of Suahasil Nazara as finance minister.

One Person's Remarks Suddenly Shake a Nation

The resignation of Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon, who claimed developers privately believe AI could wipe out humanity before the decade ends, has triggered swift regulatory action in the US Congress. Senators are drafting legislation that would empower the Commerce Secretary to demand safety evidence and deploy independent auditors, while Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and other tech bosses, including Elon Musk, Sam Altman and Satya Nadella, have publicly backed slowing AI development.

Protecting Habitat, Caring for Siamang and Hornbills in South Solok

PT Kencana Sawit Indonesia (KSI) manages a 1,760-hectare High Conservation Value area within its palm oil estate in South Solok, West Sumatra, serving as habitat for siamangs, hornbills and other wildlife. Since 2014, the company has released 25 siamangs in collaboration with partners and monitors wildlife through patrols and camera traps. The conservation area now also functions as a tourism destination, with the company hoping to maintain it alongside local communities for years to come.

Indonesia and India agree cooperation to strengthen technology and communications

Indonesia and India have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in telecommunications technology, following the Indian Prime Minister's state visit received by President Prabowo Subianto. The agreement, signed by Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid and her Indian counterpart Jyotiraditya M Scindia, covers joint research from 4G and 5G through to 6G, quantum and next-generation wireless technologies, disaster-resilient communications, and business-to-business partnerships, with an annual Indonesia-India Telco Dialogue to oversee implementation.

Japan prepares US$2 million for identification of Nepal disaster victims

Japan has decided to provide around US$2 million to Nepal to help identify bodies recovered after severe flooding and landslides near the China border in late August. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the funds will supply DNA testing equipment and dispatch expert teams, alongside additional emergency aid being prepared through JICA.

Directorate General of Pesantren Officially Established, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar Emphasises Governance Strengthening

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has formally established the Directorate General of Pesantren, a new Eselon I unit tasked with strengthening governance, guidance and oversight of Islamic boarding schools across Indonesia. Basnang Said was inaugurated as its first Director General at the ministry's central office in Jakarta. Minister Nasaruddin Umar stressed the long preparatory process and instructed the new unit to coordinate closely with other directorates to avoid overlapping authority.

Solar Power Plant Catches Fire in Ngada, Hundreds of Homes and Public Facilities Affected

A solar power plant in Lopijo, Heawea village, Ngada, East Nusa Tenggara, was destroyed by fire, cutting electricity to 115 homes and public facilities. Village head Fransisikus Day said the blaze was caused by an electrical short circuit, though no lives were lost and no other buildings were damaged.

BNPB monitors hotspots as West Kalimantan forest and land fires exceed 48,000 hectares

Forest and land fires in West Kalimantan have burned more than 48,500 hectares, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), which combined satellite monitoring data with direct field measurements. The government has deployed nearly 15,000 ground personnel, 14 helicopters for patrol, weather modification and water bombing operations, with Japanese helicopter assistance on standby due to poor visibility. Hazardous air quality has been recorded across several areas, including Pontianak, Mempawah and Ketapang.

Kapuk Muara Residents Protest Over Illegal Waste Transfer Sites, Jakarta Council Refers Issue to Special Committee

Residents of RW 003 in Kapuk Muara, North Jakarta, have complained about land allegedly converted into illegal waste dumps, which they say has polluted the air, destroyed water absorption areas and raised fire and flood risks. The Jakarta Regional Legislative Council has referred the matter to its Special Committee on Waste, with Commission D chief Yuke Yurike urging the provincial government to examine the legality of the sites. Residents suspect certain officials are backing the illegal operations, as repeated reports have gone unanswered.

President Prabowo stresses need for high-quality food supplies

The government under President Prabowo is prioritising not only food availability but also food quality to protect consumers, with quality controls seen as essential to safeguarding purchasing power. Inspections involving the Agriculture Ministry, Bapanas, police and YLKI found 25 fortified rice brands allegedly failing to meet national standards (SNI 9314:2024 and SNI 9372:2025), causing estimated consumer losses of Rp89 trillion (US$5.03 billion). The brands have been ordered withdrawn, their licences revoked, and legal action is being pursued against those involved.

Former Intelligence Official's Home Raided, 303 Gold Bars Discovered

A former senior CIA official, David Rush, has admitted guilt in principle over a scheme involving hundreds of gold bars, foreign cash and classified operational information. Federal agents seized 303 gold bars worth over US$40 million from his Virginia home, alongside US$2 million in foreign currency and 35 luxury watches. The case has triggered internal repercussions at the CIA, with several senior officials placed on administrative leave.

KPK Names Suspects in ATR/BPM Sting Operation, But Who Are They?

The KPK has officially named suspects following a sting operation implicating officials from the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) over alleged corruption in the processing of building-use rights (HGB) for Summarecon in Bogor Regency. Seventeen people were detained, including senior ministry officials, a Golkar party figure, a former regent and the president director of PT Summarecon Agung Tbk, with seized cash estimated to run into hundreds of billions of rupiah.

UBSI Enters Top 10 Indonesian Universities with Highest Overall SINTA Score

Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika's Communication Studies programme has ranked sixth among Indonesian universities by Overall SINTA Score, achieving 12,276 points. The score reflects accumulated performance across publications, citations, research, intellectual property, community service and lecturer productivity on the national Science and Technology Index.

Indonesia's External Debt Rises to US$454.8 Billion in July 2026 Due to This Factor

Bank Indonesia reported that Indonesia's external debt reached US$454.8 billion in July 2026, up 4.9 per cent year on year, equivalent to 30.7 per cent of GDP. The increase was driven by public sector debt, which grew 3.2 per cent amid inflows into international government securities, while private sector debt contracted by 1.2 per cent.

South Sumatra Police carry out 374 forest and land fire prevention activities

The South Sumatra Regional Police have conducted 374 activities to prevent forest and land fires across vulnerable areas of the province. The measures, comprising patrols, public appeals and outreach, form part of the '24/7 Nyago Bumi Sriwijaya' commitment to early detection and sustained prevention.

PLN Develops LNG Cluster to Back Gas Power Plants in Nusa Tenggara

PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia is developing an LNG logistics network cluster across Nusa Tenggara to supply gas-fired power plants totalling 477 MW at five locations in Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores and Maumere, with operations expected to begin in early 2029. The network, comprising nine onshore gasification units and two LNG vessels, will replace costly fuel oil with gas, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions while enhancing grid reliability in the region.

House of Representatives Highlights Private Sector Dominance in Natural Resource Management, Cites Article 33 of the Constitution: 'A Sad Sight!'

Yulian Gunhar, a member of Commission XII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), has criticised the dominance of private companies in extracting economic benefits from Indonesia's natural resources, arguing that the state's role remains weak. Speaking during a hearing on 15 September 2026, he said the founding vision of the state mining holding company MIND ID — to process minerals domestically, create added value, jobs and state revenue — has not been fully realised. He urged deeper evaluation of each mining entity and stronger oversight to fulfil the constitutional mandate of Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution.

Iran's IRGC Shoots Down Two MQ-1 Drones in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the interception and destruction of two MQ-1 drones in the Strait of Hormuz, bringing its claimed tally to four drones downed in recent days. The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States over shipping rights in the strategic energy corridor, with Washington yet to issue an official response.

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources develops renewable energy on Buru Island

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is accelerating the development of new and renewable energy on Buru Island, Maluku, to strengthen clean electricity supply and support the local economy. Flagship projects include the 20 MW Wapsalit geothermal working area targeted for commercial operation in 2028, alongside hydro, solar and biomass schemes. Nationally, the renewable energy mix has reached around 18.3 per cent, though many small islands still rely on fossil fuels.

To Prevent Human Trafficking, Pekanbaru Immigration Tightens Oversight of Foreign Nationals

Pekanbaru's Class I Immigration Office is stepping up surveillance of foreign nationals to guard against immigration violations, human trafficking (TPPO) and people smuggling, including routes to Cambodia. The office relies on rapid response teams and inter-agency coordination through TIMPORA meetings, and recently deported a Malaysian national who overstayed by more than 60 days.

Debut at the 2026 National MTQ: Sign Language Tartil Al-Qur'an Exhibition Joined by 28 Deaf Participants

The 31st National MTQ in Semarang has made history by hosting the country's first exhibition of sign language Tartil Al-Qur'an for deaf participants, drawing 28 contestants from nine provinces. The initiative builds on the government's standardisation of the Sign Language Al-Qur'an, formalised through Ministerial Decree No. 889 of 2022, and is seen as a concrete implementation of the 2016 Disability Law.

Sigi disaster agency completes phase three data on earthquake-affected homes in Palolo

The Sigi Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Central Sulawesi has completed resolving administrative data issues and coordinate points for hundreds of homes affected by earthquakes in Palolo and Nokilalaki districts. Field verification recorded 2,379 homes in the third phase, whilst construction of temporary housing continues.

Mount Lawu Hiking Trails Shut as Forest Fire Expands

Forest fires on Mount Lawu have prompted the indefinite closure of hiking trails via Cemoro Kandang and Cetho in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, effective from 14 September 2026. BPBD head Sugiharjo said the blaze has spread through the North Lawu Forest Unit covering Magetan and Ngawi in East Java, with additional trails at Cemoro Sewu, Tambak, Segorogunung and Babar also shut. Joint officers and volunteers are focusing on firefighting, monitoring conditions and clearing routes during the closure.

Old Town UPK: Suspect Allegedly Scattered Powder at Concert to Create Pickpocketing Opportunity

A concert in Jakarta's Old Town area was evacuated after an irritant powder was scattered, causing breathing difficulties among attendees on 14 September. Authorities suspect the act was deliberate, intended to create commotion as cover for pickpocketing, and one suspect was detained and handed over to the Pinangsia Sector Police. The incident occurred during a performance by the band Kotak, whose vocalist Tantri withdrew from the stage as security moved in.

These Are the Obstacles in the Search for Five Journalists Missing at Sea

Basarnas has identified the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau as a key hazard complicating the eighth day of the joint SAR operation for five missing journalists and speedboat crew in the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang, Banten. Shallow volcanic tremors could trigger a larger eruption, while unfavourable weather with waves of up to 2.5 metres is further hampering the search across five sectors covering nearly 4,000 square nautical miles.

Rupiah Weakens to Rp17,694 per US Dollar Amid Finance Minister Transition

The rupiah closed 25 points weaker at Rp17,694 per US dollar as markets weighed the leadership transition at the Ministry of Finance. The appointment of Suahasil Nazara as incoming finance minister is seen as a strategic move to safeguard fiscal credibility, with attention focused on the ambitious 2027 draft budget targets of 6% growth. The currency is expected to remain volatile, trading in a range of Rp17,690 to Rp17,750 against the dollar.

Number of earthquake displaced in East Nusa Tenggara falls significantly to 46,461

The number of people displaced by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has dropped sharply from more than 150,000 to 46,461, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The agency said the decline signals that emergency response and post-disaster recovery efforts are bearing fruit, whilst 103,427 damaged houses are being revalidated. The disaster has directly claimed 48 lives, with a further 94 deaths occurring in evacuation sites.

Deputy Minister of ATR assures public services continue as normal

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) Ossy Dermawan confirmed that land office services in Bogor Regency and Tangerang City continue normally despite their officials being caught in a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operation. The KPK arrested 17 people, including director-general Lampri and two land office heads. Ossy said all land offices nationwide will undergo evaluation to identify the root cause of the problem.

China Introduces Travel Restriction Rules, Including Exit Bans

China's State Council has enacted sweeping travel restrictions on its citizens, including exit bans for those deemed a threat to the state or who violate import-export and technology regulations. Analysts warn the rules give Beijing broad and vaguely defined powers, citing cases involving US nationals, while the bans can last from six months to three years.

Bright children with low academic grades may have specific learning disorders

A paediatric growth and development specialist has warned that children considered intelligent but performing poorly at school may have a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), a neurodevelopmental condition affecting reading, writing or mathematics. Speaking at an Indonesian Paediatric Society seminar on dyslexia, Dr Farid Agung Rahmadi stressed that SLD is not caused by laziness or poor parenting, and that early detection is essential so children receive appropriate educational support.

Said Abdullah Reveals House Budget Committee Allocates Rp 23 Trillion for Contract Worker Salaries

The House of Representatives' Budget Committee (Banggar) and the government have agreed to allocate Rp 23 trillion in the 2027 draft state budget to cover the salaries of contract-based government employees (P3K), most of whom are teachers and education staff in the regions. The decision shifts the funding burden from regional budgets to the central government, ending uncertainty over the workers' pay and contracts while easing pressure on regional finances.

East Kalimantan's BKSDA deploys team to monitor roadside orangutan

East Kalimantan's Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has deployed a team to monitor a large Bornean orangutan repeatedly sighted foraging along the Sangatta-Rantau Pulung road near Kutai National Park. The agency has urged motorists not to approach, chase or feed the protected animal amid concerns about potential accidents, while officers continue tracking its movements and searching for nests in the area.

Pontianak prepares one million litres of fresh water to tackle raw water crisis

The Pontianak city government in West Kalimantan has prepared one million litres of fresh water sourced from Radap village in Kubu Raya to cope with a raw water crisis caused by high salinity during the dry season. Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono said barges will deliver the water, at a cost of nearly Rp100 million per 1,000 cubic metres, while repairs to leaking pipes and a reservoir continue.

Chandra Asri Group and Bank Mandiri Strengthen Strategic Partnership to Support National Petrochemical Industry Ecosystem

Chandra Asri Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bank Mandiri to expand banking services for its customers across the petrochemical value chain. The partnership aims to provide easier access to financial solutions, helping business partners grow and supporting smoother transactions within Indonesia's national petrochemical industry ecosystem.

Iran claims to have shot down two US drones near the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it intercepted and destroyed two MQ-1 drones near the Strait of Hormuz, the fourth such drone reportedly downed in recent days. The incidents come amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States over navigation through the strategic waterway.

Indonesia Must Not Remain Merely an AI Market: It Is Time to Master Strategic Points in the Global Technology Chain

Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Nezar Patria has urged Indonesia to move beyond being a consumer market for AI and seize strategic positions in the global AI supply chain. Speaking at the Deloitte Indonesia Townhall in South Jakarta, he highlighted the country's potential in semiconductors, citing 7.8 billion tonnes of silica sand that remain unprocessed into silicone wafers. He argued that mastering key 'choke points' such as critical materials could strengthen Indonesia's bargaining power in the future technology industry.

BPKH Warns of Risks in Subsidising 60 Per Cent of 2027 Hajj Costs, Proposes Solutions

A member of the Hajj Financial Management Board (BPKH), Indra Gunawan, has cautioned against a proposed 2027 hajj cost structure in which 60 per cent would be covered by investment returns, arguing this erodes the individual rights of millions of waiting pilgrims. The government has proposed an average BPIH of Rp 107.34 million per pilgrim, with pilgrims paying only 40 per cent upfront. Indra urged a scheme grounded on fairness, security and sustainability, citing the 2014 Hajj Financial Management Law and a 2024 ulama decree.

West Java Provincial Government Provides Waiting Allowance for Virgo Ship Survivors

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi announced that the provincial government will provide a waiting allowance of Rp7 million to each survivor of the Virgo Transport 8 ferry accident. Twelve survivors from West Java, most from Garut and one from Cianjur, are currently in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, whilst 11 residents of Garut remain missing. The government has also prepared Rp25 million in compensation for the heirs of any victims confirmed dead.

L'Oreal Speaks Out After Its Products Are Accused of Potentially Causing Cancer

L'Oreal Indonesia has responded to a lawsuit filed by the US state of Arizona alleging its SoftSheen-Carson hair relaxers carry cancer risks without adequate warnings. The company says the products in question are not sold in Indonesia and insists its goods undergo rigorous safety evaluation. The lawsuit follows a 2022 NIH study linking frequent use of the products to more than double the risk of uterine cancer.

Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier to Join TNI Naval Parade in Jakarta Bay

The Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi will participate in an Indonesian naval parade in Jakarta Bay on 4 October 2026, serving as a viewing platform for President Prabowo Subianto ahead of the TNI's 81st anniversary. Some 102 Indonesian Navy warships are expected to join the parade, alongside a simulated maritime combat operation involving special forces. The main celebration will be held at the National Monument in Central Jakarta on 5 October.

MP praises swift police response to clash in Batam

Rizki Faisal, a member of Commission III of the House of Representatives, praised the police for quickly securing the situation following a deadly clash in Setokok, Batam, which killed two people. He urged the Riau Islands regional police to strengthen preventive measures and enforce the law professionally, while stressing that disputes, including land conflicts, must be resolved through legal channels rather than violence.

University of Bengkulu turns coconut husk waste into economically valuable products for residents

The University of Bengkulu (Unib), through its Research and Community Service Institute, is training residents of Pondok Kelapa district in Central Bengkulu to process coconut husk waste into value-added products such as geo-textiles and briquettes. Central Bengkulu has roughly 1,222 hectares of coconut plantations, yet the husks have largely gone to waste. The initiative also aims to reduce coastal waste problems in the region.

West Java Legislator Applauds Garut Police Initiative to Aid KM Virgo Victims

Aten Munajat, a member of the West Java Provincial Parliament, has praised the Garut Police for providing assistance and offering employment to residents affected by the KM Virgo Transport 8 sinking. He expressed hope that such support would ease the burden on victims' families and help them earn a living in their home region.

Bamsoet Says Legal Certainty Must Be the Main Foundation of National Strategic Projects

Golkar MP Bambang Soesatyo has urged that legal certainty underpin the implementation of National Strategic Projects (PSN), particularly those using the government-business cooperation (KPBU) scheme. Speaking at a doctoral dissertation examination at Borobudur University, he warned that ambiguity over the legal authority of project officers could slow projects and expose officials to legal risk, with some Rp 3,105.8 trillion worth of projects still unfinished.

Accommodating Public Aspirations, Pertamina Patra Niaga Strengthens Petrol Station Services

Pertamina Patra Niaga has apologised for disruptions to fuel services at petrol stations in Makassar and says recovery measures are improving conditions. The company has extended operating hours, increased fuel supply and staff, and is coordinating with a joint task force including regional government, the military and police.

Beware: Liquid Narcotics Emerge as New Crime Modus Operandi

The head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, has warned that liquid-form narcotics represent a worrying new development in drug crime, citing the seizure of nearly eight tonnes of drugs in the past two months. BNN is also pushing for a total ban on e-cigarettes after laboratory tests found narcotics in 1,716 out of 1,745 vape samples, and has urged companies, including Garuda Indonesia, to prohibit vaping in the workplace.

Indonesia's Bali police investigate death of Dutch man in Uluwatu

Denpasar police are investigating the death of a Dutch national at a hotel in Uluwatu, with CCTV footage suggesting the man climbed over a fifth-floor barrier and jumped at around 10:14 p.m. The victim had reportedly stayed at the hotel since mid-August and had repeatedly been asked to settle unpaid bills before the incident. Police continue examining surveillance footage and witness accounts to establish the sequence of events.

2,000 Public Works Civil Servants Caught Gambling Online with Transactions Over Rp 12 Billion Face These Sanctions

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works has recorded over 81,000 online gambling transactions worth more than Rp 12 billion involving its staff between 2024 and 2025. Of the 2,000 implicated employees, some have already been sanctioned while others are undergoing disciplinary proceedings, with penalties ranging from verbal warnings to dismissal depending on the severity of the offence.

Jangkar Karat: C188 ratification vital to strengthen protection for vessel crews

Ari Purboyo, Chair of the Jangkar Karat Indonesia trade union, has urged the ratification of ILO Convention No. 188 on Work in Fishing, saying it is essential to protect Indonesian migrant fishing vessel crews. His union has handled more than 200 workplace accident cases among crews in South Korea alone over nearly a decade, highlighting gaps in insurance, oversight and safety awareness.

Undana partners with BP3MI NTT to prepare graduates for the global labour market

Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana) in Kupang is collaborating with BP3MI NTT to equip graduates with practical skills, certification and foreign language abilities for international employment. Planned initiatives include a vocational 'migrant class' offering English and Mandarin training, alongside the use of Undana's hospital and psychology unit for migrant worker health checks and psychological assessments.

PKS and Golkar Commit to Advancing MSMEs and Defending Palestine

PKS President Almuzzammil Yusuf paid a courtesy visit to Golkar's central board in Jakarta, where both parties agreed to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as a foundation of the national economy. The two parties also affirmed a joint commitment to defend Palestine, to be followed up through joint movements involving young cadres.

Summarecon President Director Adrianto Pitojo Adhi Detained in KPK Sting Operation at Bogor Land Agency

The President Director of PT Summarecon Agung Tbk, Adrianto Pitojo Adhi, has been detained in a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operation at the Bogor Regency National Land Agency. He was among 17 people secured, including senior land ministry officials and Golkar politician Fahd El Foz, in a case allegedly linked to building-use title (HGB) licensing in Bogor. Investigators reportedly seized hundreds of billions of rupiah in cash.

Customs Foils Smuggling of 29 kg of Gold Worth Rp73 Billion

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has foiled a series of attempts to smuggle gold out of the country via four international airports, seizing more than 29 kilograms of gold valued at around Rp73.3 billion. The operations in September 2026 potentially saved the state some Rp8.5 billion in lost revenue, with suspects including Indian and Chinese nationals using methods such as body strapping and concealment in electronic devices.

Indonesian Composite Index Stalls in the Red, Weighed Down by These Shares

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed down 1.13% at 6,461.15 on Tuesday amid volatile trading, dragged by the energy, financial and consumer sectors. Investor attention was focused on the appointment of Suahasil Nazara as Finance Minister, Middle East conflict escalation, and the upcoming Federal Reserve rate decision.

List of 6 Long Weekends in 2027 — Note the Dates

The government has officially set the 2027 national holiday and collective leave calendar through a Joint Ministerial Decree, comprising 18 national holidays and 8 collective leave days. Six long weekends will occur throughout the year, including a 10-day break in March spanning Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr.

Basarnas: Anak Krakatau's activity a consideration in search for journalists

Indonesia's search and rescue agency says volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau is a key safety consideration for the joint SAR team on day eight of the search for a group of journalists and speedboat crew in the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang, Banten. Although no eruption has occurred, PVMBG data suggest accumulated energy from shallow volcanic activity could trigger a larger eruption. The operation is sweeping five sectors covering some 3,962 square nautical miles.

Reading Fiscal Sustainability from Sri Mulyani to Purbaya to Suahasil

President Prabowo Subianto has twice refreshed the post of Finance Minister, replacing Sri Mulyani Indrawati with Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa in September 2025, and then Suahasil Nazara in September 2026. Each minister brought a distinct approach: Sri Mulyani safeguarded the fiscal foundation, Purbaya aggressively pushed growth, and Suahasil is expected to balance credibility with development spending. The article, written by Gerindra Party spokesperson Kamrussamad, examines the complementary roles of the three in supporting Indonesia's fiscal sustainability and the 8 per cent growth target for 2029.

Limited Fibre Optic Access Makes Satellite Connectivity a Business Alternative

FibreStar is offering Starlink-based satellite internet using Low Earth Orbit technology for areas beyond the reach of fibre optic networks, alongside managed firewall, Wi-Fi 6 and cloud storage services. The portfolio was showcased at the GO! NEXT 2026 forum in Medan under the theme 'The Future of Business Technology'. The move reflects growing business reliance on digital systems that require stable, secure and flexible connectivity.

Tito Prepares Regulations on Sound Horeg

Interior Minister Tito Karnavian is studying regulations on the use of sound horeg — powerful loudspeaker systems — in coordination with the police, the Health Ministry and the Religious Affairs Ministry. The move follows calls from DPR Commission II member Eka Widodo for a national ban after three residents of East Java died from high-powered sound activities.

India's 'Cash Paradox': 176 Billion Banknotes in Circulation

India is experiencing a 'cash paradox' in which the amount of physical currency in circulation keeps rising even as digital payments boom. The Reserve Bank of India records around 176 billion banknotes in circulation, with Deputy Governor Shirish Chandra Murmu noting double-digit cash growth despite a declining share of cash in individual transactions. Economists attribute the phenomenon to cash's role as a store of value and emergency reserve, alongside unrecorded economic activity.

BMKG warns Kalimantan's haze may spread to Riau Islands

Indonesia's meteorological agency BMKG has warned that ongoing forest and land fires in Kalimantan could continue to send hazardous haze over the Riau Islands, as light, localised rainfall is insufficient to clear the polluted air. Tanjungpinang authorities have shifted schools online from September 15-18 and urged residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor activities and wear masks amid unhealthy air quality.

To Support Governance Efficiency, Markets in Kupang Adopt Bank Mantap's Digital Services

PT Bank Mandiri Taspen (Bank Mantap) has signed a cooperation agreement with Perumda Pasar Kota Kupang to digitalise market retribution payments and trader transactions in the East Nusa Tenggara capital. The partnership will deploy cash management services, virtual accounts and QRIS to make payments easier, faster and more transparent for traders and market management alike.

OMRON Healthcare Marks 40 Years of Ohasama Study for World Heart Day

OMRON Healthcare is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Ohasama Study, a landmark Japanese community-based cardiovascular research project that helped establish home blood pressure monitoring as a global standard for hypertension management. Launched in 1986 by Tohoku University with OMRON's support, the study has followed over 11,000 residents and influenced hypertension guidelines worldwide, including the recognised 135/85 mmHg home measurement threshold. The company continues to pursue its 'Going for Zero' vision of eliminating adverse cardiovascular events through preventive care and early detection technologies.

KAI Chief: Disused Railway Lines Do Not Fall Under Agrarian Reform Category

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's President Director Bobby Rasyidin has stated that non-operational railway lines are not idle assets and cannot automatically be designated as objects of agrarian reform. He said KAI plans to reactivate dormant lines, including routes in Aceh, West Sumatra and Java, in line with the President's mandate to strengthen rail networks nationwide. The state rail operator also noted overlaps with state property and land disputes affecting portions of its 327 million square metres of land assets.

Overlapping tin mining permits with community land in Bangka Belitung to be resolved

The Bangka Belitung provincial government and Commission II of the House of Representatives are strengthening coordination to accelerate the resolution of land conflicts between communities and tin mining business permits (IUP) held by PT Timah. Governor Hidayat Arsani said the overlapping claims, which also affect HGU concessions and infrastructure, have become an obstacle to development. He urged concrete, decisive and measurable action, alongside integration of central and regional agrarian policies.

TransNusa Launches Daily Melbourne-Bali Route with New 'Premium Plus' Service

Indonesian airline TransNusa has opened ticket sales for daily direct flights between Melbourne and Bali, commencing 19 October, following its success in capturing 20 per cent of the Perth-Bali market. The launch coincides with the debut of the carrier's first-ever Premium Plus cabin, offering elevated comfort from an introductory fare of AUD699 alongside standard fares from AUD299. Positioned as a Premium Service Carrier, TransNusa aims to use Bali as a hub connecting Australian travellers to domestic destinations such as Lombok, Manado and Wakatobi, as well as regional hubs including Singapore and Guangzhou.

MIND ID Chief Reveals Cause of PT Timah Office Arson in Belitung

MIND ID CEO Maroef Sjamsoeddin told the House of Representatives Commission XII that the arson attack on PT Timah's office in Belitung on 7 August 2026 was partly triggered by social unrest over the company's failure to pay mining service fees to local communities. The dispute arose after PT Timah's Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) quota for the Belitung area had been exhausted while mining services continued. The government responded by issuing Presidential Regulation No. 79 of 2026 as the legal basis for reforming tin mining governance in Belitung.

Academic: Indonesian labour law must be grounded in workers' realities

Petra Mahy of Melbourne Law School has argued that Indonesia's labour law reform must draw on empirical research and local wisdom, noting that current draft legislation lacks solid evidence about real working conditions. Speaking at an international conference hosted by Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, she highlighted how informal norms and non-litigation actors shape workplace realities, especially as the constitutional deadline of 31 October 2026 for a standalone employment law approaches.

Unclaimed Motorcycle Found in Bogor, Suspected to Belong to Theft Suspect

Police in Parung, Bogor, West Java, found an abandoned Honda BeAT motorcycle suspected to be linked to a motorbike theft nearby. The theft, reported on Monday morning, involved another motorcycle bearing registration B-4356-SSJ that was taken by the suspect. Parung Police have urged residents to report any suspicious activity whilst the investigation continues.

Malaysian National Reports Bareskrim Officer for Alleged Rp58.5 Billion Gold Mining Fraud

A Malaysian national has filed a police report against Commissioner Fahrurozi, Chief of Sub-Directorate I of Bareskrim's Drug Crime Directorate, alleging fraud in a gold mining investment scheme in North Sulawesi worth approximately Rp58.5 billion. The victim claims Fahrurozi promised lucrative returns but failed to deliver on legality, production reports, or gold handovers, prompting an ongoing investigation that has examined 15 witnesses and two mining sites. Fahrurozi denies the allegations and says he will counter-report for defamation.

Nusron Wahid Absent from DPR Meeting After Subordinates Caught in KPK Sting

Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Nusron Wahid was absent from a House Commission II meeting a day after the KPK arrested 17 people in a bribery sting at the Bogor Regency Land Office. Among those detained were his subordinates, including Land and Spatial Control Director-General Lapri, allegedly linked to a building rights permit for PT Summarecon Agung. Deputy Minister Ossy Dermawan declined to explain the absence and urged all parties to await the KPK's official statement.

Woman Arrested in Cilegon for Distributing Three Types of Narcotics

Police in Cilegon have arrested a 26-year-old woman, identified as MR, on suspicion of distributing three types of narcotics. Officers seized 398.48 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 360 ecstasy pills and 98.90 grams of synthetic tobacco from her home, and are now pursuing the alleged supplier.

YLKI backs government crackdown on fortified rice violations

The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has backed efforts by the National Food Agency, the Agriculture Ministry and the Food Taskforce to crack down on alleged fortified rice violations. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said 25 brands failed to meet national standards, with estimated consumer losses of Rp89 trillion. YLKI stressed consumer rights to accurate information, warning of criminal penalties of up to five years and Rp2 billion in fines under the Consumer Protection Law.

MP Highlights Decile Classification Chaos as Thousands of Students Unable to Re-enrol

MP Atalia Praratya of Commission VIII has criticised flaws in the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN) decile classification system, which has left tens of thousands of would-be students without KIP Kuliah tuition support. She noted that 46,456 SNBT applicants were deemed ineligible, and around 60,000 prospective students failed to re-enrol at state universities due to cost. She argues the problem now touches on citizens' basic rights to education and social protection.

Europe Launches Two Climate Observation Satellites

The European Space Agency has successfully launched two climate observation satellites, Sentinel-3C and Flex, aboard a Vega-C rocket from French Guiana. Sentinel-3C will monitor marine conditions and land use to help prevent food crises, while the €350 million Flex mission will track plant fluorescence to assess vegetation health and the effects of climate change. ESA's Earth observation director described the missions as essential tools for addressing ongoing climate change.

BNN warns liquid narcotics are emerging crime trend

The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) says liquid narcotics are a growing criminal modus operandi, with nearly eight tonnes seized in the past two months across four major cases. BNN is urging companies, including Garuda Indonesia, to ban e-cigarettes in the workplace, citing evidence that vapes are increasingly used to consume liquid drugs among young people.

Home Affairs Minister to study 'sound horeg' regulations with cross-agency bodies

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian is drafting regulations on loud speaker systems known as 'sound horeg' together with the police, health and religious affairs ministries, following three deaths in East Java linked to the activity. The study will focus on permissible decibel levels, with restrictions possible through law or ministerial regulations. A DPR Commission II member had earlier urged a national ban so that regional governments share a uniform guideline.

Families of Virgo 8 Ferry Victims Await News in Banjarmasin

Families gathered at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin awaiting news of relatives after the vessel Virgo Transport 8 capsized en route from Surabaya. The ship lost contact on Sunday, with 108 survivors evacuated and six fatalities confirmed so far. Of the 243 people on board, 129 remain missing as search operations continue.

Tito's Hope for Police, Military and Intelligence After Three Civil Servants Shot Dead in Jayawijaya

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has called on Indonesia's security forces to neutralise armed groups in Papua following the fatal shooting of three civil servants in Jayawijaya Regency. The victims were part of an agricultural office convoy returning to Wamena after delivering livestock aid, and were ambushed in Muliama District.

Freeport Forecasts Grasberg Mine Production Will Rise to This Level

PT Freeport Indonesia expects mining activity and copper-gold production to recover significantly following the wet material landslide that disrupted Grasberg Block Cave operations in September 2025. President Director Tony Wenas told a hearing with Commission XII of the House of Representatives that mining volumes are projected to reach 124,000 tonnes of ore per day in 2026, rising to over 220,000 tonnes per day by 2029-2030. The company also projects 800 million pounds of copper and 700,000 ounces (21 tonnes) of gold output in 2026.

One Year as Finance Minister, Purbaya: Economic Growth Trend Is Positive

Outgoing Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa handed over the post to Suahasil Nazara at the Finance Ministry office in Jakarta, reflecting on a year in which economic growth consistently held above 5 per cent. Purbaya said he left no special message for his successor, expressing confidence in Suahasil's capability. Suahasil, previously Deputy Finance Minister, becomes the third finance minister under President Prabowo.

Home Affairs Minister Pushes for Idle Land to Be Taken Back by the State and Distributed to the People

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian said idle or unused land held under HGU and HGB permits could be reclaimed by the state and redistributed to the public. Speaking at a working meeting with DPR Commission II, he backed a revision of the Agrarian Law to prevent dominant land control by a few parties, echoing a directive from President Prabowo Subianto. He argued the move could resolve land conflicts and social resentment while boosting productivity.

Rail Services in the Netherlands Halted Amid Suspected Sabotage

Rail services across much of the central and eastern Netherlands came to a standstill on Tuesday after objects were deliberately placed on tracks, which operator ProRail described as a coordinated act of sabotage. The tampering triggered red signals across affected lines, and although one train struck one of the objects, no injuries were reported. Dutch police are investigating, and it remains unclear when services will resume.

AI could boost workplace productivity by up to 40 pct: Minister

Manpower Minister Yassierli said human-centred AI adoption, with redesigned workflows and upskilled workers, could raise Indonesian workforce productivity by 30-40 percent. He stressed AI should strengthen rather than replace workers, citing a BCG study showing most AI pioneers have yet to see significant benefits due to flawed implementation. The Manpower Ministry is piloting an AI-based productivity project, drafting an official implementation guide, and building a platform for companies to share best practices.

ATR/BPN Ministry affirms support for KPK legal process following sting operation

The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) has pledged full cooperation with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) after a sting operation netted a director general and two land office heads. Deputy Minister Ossy Dermawan said the ministry would not comment on the substance of the case while the legal process is ongoing and no official statement has been issued by the KPK.

Anas Urbaningrum Revives Issue of Separating the 2029 Presidential and Legislative Elections

Politician Anas Urbaningrum has called for the presidential and legislative elections in 2029 to be held at different times, arguing that presidential candidacies should be based on fresh mandates from the most recent legislative polls. He also urged the government and the House of Representatives to finalise the electoral law package transparently, with genuine public participation.

Director General of Customs says no change in directives from new Finance Minister

Director General of Customs and Excise Djaka Budhi Utama stated that there is no change in priorities or directives under newly appointed Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara. The agency will continue its core duties of cracking down on illegal activities, including smuggling and illicit cigarettes, to safeguard state revenue and the health of the state budget.

Bank Mandiri Partners with Chandra Asri Group to Deliver Integrated Financial Solutions

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk has signed a partnership with PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk to provide integrated banking services across the national petrochemical industry value chain. The collaboration will cover payment collection, banking transactions and financial support tailored to Chandra Asri Group's business partners, aimed at boosting efficiency and competitiveness in the sector.

HIPMI pushes for easier KUR access through MSME aspiration channel

The central board of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (BPP HIPMI) is pushing for easier, more transparent, and better-targeted access to the People's Business Credit (KUR) scheme for young entrepreneurs and MSMEs. HIPMI plans to launch an aspiration and mentoring channel across its regional networks to gather feedback and help strengthen collaboration between government, banks, and businesses.

Clean Energy for All: BLUETTI and UN-Habitat Expand Clean Energy Programme to Nigeria

BLUETTI and UN-Habitat have extended their 'Lighting An African Family' programme to Benue State, Nigeria, following an initial collaboration in Kenya. The initiative provided solar workshops, donated 230 solar kits, and reached over 1,000 residents, including female- and elderly-headed households, as part of broader efforts to expand clean energy access across Africa.

Before Being Dismissed by Prabowo, Purbaya Was Already Considering Leaving the Finance Minister's Post

Former Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said there was no friction behind his replacement by Suahasil Nazara, describing the change as a presidential prerogative. Purbaya revealed he had already contemplated stepping down before the reshuffle was announced, and said he has no interest in returning to government. The handover ceremony took place at the Finance Ministry office in Jakarta, one day after Suahasil was sworn in at the State Palace.

Selling Thousands per Month: How Practical is the Veloz Hybrid EV on the Road?

Toyota's Veloz Hybrid EV, a full hybrid MPV requiring no external charging, has maintained sales above 2,000 units per month since early 2026, with orders exceeding 20,000 units by September. The model is one of the top three contributors to Toyota and Lexus electrified vehicle sales, which rose 86% year-on-year to 38,769 units in January-August 2026.

Solo Resident Shocked to Find His Name on KM Virgo Manifest — It Was Used by His Twin

Guruh Aji Pangestu, a resident of Solo, was surprised to discover his name on the passenger manifest of the KM Virgo Transport, which sank in the Java Sea. His identity was allegedly used by his twin brother, Guntur Aji Pangestu, who worked for an expedition company and may have needed Guruh's Class B driving licence for administrative purposes. Guntur's last communication was with their mother on Saturday night, shortly before the vessel reached Banjarmasin.

Majalengka Firefighters Find Resident's Body While Extinguishing Land Blaze

Firefighters tackling a blaze on a hectare of vacant land in Karayunan village, Cigasong district, Majalengka, discovered the burned body of a resident. The victim's identity is still being established, and police are investigating whether the person was trapped by the spreading fire or whether other factors were involved.

From Business Mentoring to Transaction Security Education, BRI Mantri Stay Close to Communities in Lubuklinggau

Teti Ernawati, a micro-marketing officer (Mantri BRI) at BRI's Garuda Unit in Lubuklinggau, South Sumatra, has mentored hundreds of borrowers across four urban villages since 2017, focusing on rubber plantations and trade. Beyond financing and BRILink agent recruitment, she also educates customers on safeguarding personal data in digital financial services. BRI Corporate Secretary Dhanny said such closeness to communities underpins the bank's efforts to support small businesses and broaden financial access.

Search Operation for Missing Journalists in Anak Krakatau Waters Expanded

The search and rescue operation for a speedboat carrying eight people, including five photojournalists, entered its eighth day in the Sunda Strait off Pandeglang, Banten. The combined SAR team has divided the search area into five sectors covering roughly 3,962 square nautical miles, while also monitoring the Bengkulu coast and Enggano Island in case debris or victims drifted there.

Saudi Arabia Reveals Discovery of 110 Million Tonnes of Uranium and Rare Earth Ore in Madinah

Saudi Arabia has announced the discovery of around 110 million tonnes of ore containing rare earth minerals and uranium at Jabal Sayid in the Madinah region. The find, unveiled by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman at the IAEA General Conference, strengthens the Kingdom's nuclear energy ambitions and follows a civil nuclear cooperation agreement signed with the United States in July.

Indonesia needs US$27B more for health system transformation: Minister

Indonesia requires an additional US$26–27 billion over five years to complete its US$223 billion health system transformation, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin told the 4th Indonesia Health Partners Meeting in Jakarta. The initiative aims to raise average life expectancy to 76 years and healthy life expectancy to 65, with the ministry seeking support from global partners and philanthropists to close the funding gap. Progress so far includes distributing some 300,000 anthropometric devices to posyandu, 10,000 ultrasound machines to puskesmas, and expanded X-ray and diagnostic testing capacity.

Tito Surprised That Extinguishing Forest Fires in Kalimantan Requires Landowner Permission

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has expressed surprise that firefighting teams tackling forest and land fires in Kalimantan must seek permission from landowners before entering the affected areas. He argued that under the Disaster Management Law and Criminal Code, emergency discretion allows responders to enter private land or even demolish property without authorisation, and that anyone obstructing firefighting efforts could face arrest.

Two Weeks of Learning Under Trees After the Earthquake, Junior High Students in West Manggarai Await Emergency Tents

Students at SMPN 7 Ndoso in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, have spent two weeks studying outdoors after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake damaged their school buildings. Parents have urged the local government to send tarpaulins or tents so emergency classrooms can be built, while the regional disaster agency says aid for schools is being distributed through the Education Office.

Suspect Named Following Sting Operation at ATR/BPN Ministry, KPK to Announce Soon

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named suspects following a sting operation at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), linked to alleged corruption in building-use rights (HGB) processing for Summarecon in Bogor Regency. Seventeen people were arrested, including senior ministry officials and business figures, with cash evidence estimated in the hundreds of billions of rupiah. A case review has been completed and the investigation will proceed.

Purbaya evaluates one-year performance, highlights economic growth achievement

Outgoing Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assessed his roughly one year leading the Finance Ministry as fairly good, pointing to national economic growth rising from below 5 per cent to above it. A handover ceremony to new Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara was held at the Finance Ministry office in Jakarta on Tuesday, a day after his inauguration at the State Palace.

'Doomsday' for Online Drivers Spreads as This Region Becomes the Next Target

Waymo has launched its driverless robotaxi service in Las Vegas, initially deploying dozens of autonomous vehicles built on Zeekr's platform, with users to be invited gradually. The Alphabet subsidiary, valued at US$126 billion after raising US$16 billion in funding, already operates in California, Texas, Florida and Arizona, with Denver, San Diego and Tampa next in line. The expansion poses a growing threat to the future of online driver professions.

Teikyo University expert examines the legal status of generative AI works

Professor Miyuki Tsuyuki of Teikyo University, Japan, addressed the 4th International Conference on Law, Governance, and Social Justice in Purwokerto, Central Java, on the copyright status of generative AI works. She explained that under Japanese law, AI output is protected only when humans creatively select the data, whilst machine-selected output raises unresolved legal questions. She also highlighted risks involving intellectual property, personal rights and trade secrets, including the use of copyrighted works to train AI without permission.

Video: Insurance's PR Challenge: Medical Inflation — Health Insurance Coverage Still Low

Indonesia's insurance industry posted positive results, with total assets of Rp1,172.9 trillion as of July 2026, according to the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Prudential Indonesia's Chief Customer & Marketing Officer, Karin Zulkarnaen, said life insurance new business premiums rose 11.5% to over Rp21 trillion, though the sector still faces challenges from high out-of-pocket health spending and medical inflation of up to 17% in 2026.

The Sad State of Dual Office-Holding in the Country Under Scrutiny

The Ombudsman of Indonesia has highlighted the issue of dual office-holding within the cabinet following a meeting with a civil society coalition comprising Transparency International Indonesia, Celios and Themis Indonesia. A 2025 Constitutional Court ruling banning deputy ministers from holding concurrent positions, particularly in state-owned enterprises, provides fresh momentum to push the government towards cleaner governance.

Three Agriculture Ministry Civil Servants Killed Were Accused of Being Intelligence Officers, Here Is the Interior Minister's Response

Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has rejected claims by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) that three Agriculture Ministry civil servants killed in Papua Pegunungan were intelligence operatives. Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak confirmed the victims were agricultural workers from Jayawijaya's Agriculture Service, including one aged just 24.

Ousted Indonesia Finance Minister Says He Was 'Upset', but Half Expected Removal

Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said he was upset but half expected his dismissal as Indonesia's finance minister, after President Prabowo Subianto abruptly replaced him with deputy Suahasil Nazara. The reshuffle follows investor confidence concerns over fiscal policy, a widening budget deficit and a rupiah at record lows. Suahasil, a veteran technocrat, has pledged to protect fiscal credibility and respect the 3%-of-GDP deficit limit.

Evidence-Based Medicine and Personalised Treatment for Patient Comfort

Skaer Clinic, an aesthetic clinic, says it applies evidence-based medicine and personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient's condition and needs. Its new branch in Tebet, South Jakarta, prioritises patient comfort, supported by a team of aesthetic doctors as well as general surgeons and anaesthetists for more specialised procedures.

International academics discuss adaptation of Islamic law to AI

Academics from several countries gathered at the International Conference on Islamic Law in Indonesia (ICILI) 2026 at UMI Makassar to examine how Islamic jurisprudence should respond to artificial intelligence and digital developments. Speakers raised questions about legal liability when autonomous systems fail and whether contracts remain valid when offer and acceptance are performed by machines. The conference covered topics including fintech, family law, zakat, waqf and fatwas.

RATU Targets At Least One Acquisition in 2027, Prioritising Producing Assets

PT Raharja Energi Cepu Tbk (RATU) is processing several acquisition pipelines undergoing due diligence and targets at least one deal in 2027, prioritising producing assets to reduce exploration risk. The company also plans a private placement of up to 10% of shares, mainly to support working capital and fund acquisitions. Management has committed to paying dividends but has not determined the payout ratio for the 2026 fiscal year.

MSMEs at the 31st National MTQ 2026 in Semarang Become a Showcase for Nusantara Products

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across Indonesia showcased their regional products at the Serambi Nusantara exhibition during the 31st National MTQ in Semarang, Central Java, from 12–19 September 2026. The exhibition, featuring 150 stands, served as a strategic platform to promote regional identity and economic potential, with participants ranging from Central Papua's Amungme and Kamoro crafts to Lombok woven fabrics.

Australian Man Who Killed Two Children Then Hanged Himself Suffered from Anxiety Disorder

Police in Bali have revealed that SDJ, a 56-year-old Australian man who allegedly killed his two young children before hanging himself in Legian, Kuta, had long suffered from an untreated anxiety disorder. His Indonesian wife told police the condition caused recurring domestic strife and at least one previous suicide attempt roughly a month before the tragedy. The family has declined a police autopsy and the three bodies have been released to relatives.

Purbaya insists there was no friction over the change of finance minister

Outgoing Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has denied any clash of interests surrounding his replacement, stressing that ministerial changes are the president's prerogative. The handover to Suahasil Nazala, Indonesia's third finance minister under President Prabowo Subianto, took place at the Finance Ministry office in Jakarta.

Death Toll from Landslides and Flash Floods in Nepal Reaches 1,396

The death toll from landslides and flash floods in northern Nepal has risen to 1,396, according to China Central Television citing Nepalese authorities. The disaster, triggered by glacial retreat causing landslides after floodwaters surged into the Bhotekoshi River, has left thousands missing.

How China is preparing for the risk of AI escaping human control

Chinese policymakers treat advanced artificial intelligence as a powerful but governable technology, preparing for 'loss of control' risks through state-backed standards, security assessments and the world's first mandatory national standard for AI agent safety. Beijing has dismissed US industry calls to slow frontier AI development as a 'coordinated play' to preserve American dominance and exclude China from global AI governance. The contrasting regulatory philosophies come as both superpowers' AI policies are set to feature in bilateral talks later in September.

KPK Names Suspects Following Sting Operation at ATR/BPN Ministry

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially named suspects following a sting operation at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN). The operation, linked to alleged corruption in the processing of building use rights (HGB) for Summarecon in Bogor Regency, West Java, resulted in 17 arrests and the seizure of cash estimated at hundreds of billions of rupiah.

Home Affairs Minister hopes security forces will neutralise armed group in Jayawijaya

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has called on police, military and intelligence to neutralise armed groups in Papua after three civil servants were shot dead in Jayawijaya Regency, Highland Papua. He dismissed claims by the armed group that the victims were intelligence operatives, calling it a common pretext used to spread fear. Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak said security arrangements for civilians in Papua would be evaluated.

Acute respiratory infection cases rise in Palembang due to exposure to forest and land fire haze

Weekly cases of acute respiratory infection (ISPA) in Palembang, South Sumatra, have climbed from 3,807 in late August to 4,326 by the second week of September 2026, according to the city health office. The rise is driven by haze from forest and land fires across several regencies and cities in the province, with productive-age residents and children most affected. Treatment is being provided at health posts such as the one at the Sukarami community health centre.

Deputy Sports Minister backs Herindra to lead PB ESI and strengthen development and industry

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Taufik Hidayat has endorsed the installation of retired General Muhammad Herindra as Chairman of the Indonesian Esports Federation (PB ESI) for the 2026–2030 term. Officials hope the new leadership will strengthen athlete development, governance, the local gaming industry and Indonesia's position in international esports competition.

Traces of 651 Species in the South Solok Conservation Forest

PT Kencana Sawit Indonesia (KSI) in South Solok, West Sumatra, maintains a High Conservation Value area of roughly 1,760 hectares alongside its oil palm plantations. Regular biodiversity monitoring up to 2025 has recorded 651 flora and fauna species, including the Sumatran tiger, siamang and eight hornbill species, with local residents recruited as conservation wardens.

Ombudsman RI highlights concerns over dual positions

The Ombudsman RI has received a civil society coalition report on the practice of dual positions at cabinet level, particularly deputy ministers also serving as commissioners of state-owned enterprises (BUMN). The review comes after the Constitutional Court's 2025 ruling banning dual positions for deputy ministers, with a two-year transition period given to the government.

Honor Magic9 officially launched: 55 MP selfie camera and 11,000 mAh battery

Honor has confirmed that its Magic9 series will be the first Android phone to feature a square 55-megapixel selfie camera, developed under a photography partnership with cinema camera maker ARRI. The top-spec Magic9 Super Edition is reported to carry an 11,000 mAh battery with 80W wired charging, alongside an internal cooling fan. The range is due to be officially unveiled on 28 September, though several specifications remain unconfirmed.

Understanding Super Movers: Why Walking Speed Reflects Brain Health

Recent research published in the journal Neurology shows that people in their eighties who walk as fast as those in their fifties age more slowly and enjoy better overall health. So-called 'super movers' have a 48% lower risk of cognitive decline. Sports scientist Joanna Hall describes walking pace as a dashboard reflecting how well the body's systems work together.

Long Queues at Petrol Stations in Makassar, Pertamina Patra Niaga Apologises

Pertamina Patra Niaga has apologised for fuel distribution disruptions that caused long queues at petrol stations in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The company has extended operating hours, boosted supplies by up to 16,000 kilolitres, and added nozzles and operators, working with a joint task force alongside regional government, military and police. Services are gradually returning to normal, according to the company.

US Routed by Iran, Nation Out of Pocket by Rp587 Trillion

A Pentagon report to Congress reveals the US war against Iran cost an estimated US$33.4 billion (Rp587.84 trillion) as of 29 June, including US$184 million in damage to diplomatic facilities across Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The conflict destroyed numerous American aircraft, including the first combat damage to an F-35A, and severely depleted US strategic munitions stockpiles.

What is 'sleep debt' and can a lack of sleep be repaid?

Sleep debt is the accumulated shortfall of sleep relative to the body's needs, and its effects extend beyond drowsiness to concentration, mood and long-term health. Research suggests weekend catch-up sleep offers short-term recovery but cannot fully compensate for chronic sleep deprivation. Experts recommend maintaining a consistent, adequate sleep schedule rather than repaying sleep debt in a single weekend.

Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026 to spotlight the origins of local dishes

The Ministry of Tourism and the Indonesia Gastronomy Network will host Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026 in Solo and Yogyakarta from 26 September to 4 October, under the theme 'From Local Roots to Global Recognition'. The programme expands beyond last year's gourmet dining focus to showcase the origins, traditions and philosophy behind Indonesian dishes, alongside the launch of the Indonesia Gourmet Guide and Indonesia Local Eateries. The event also features international collaboration, including a Six-Hands Dinner with French Michelin-starred chef Stéphane Carrade and a culinary festival across 32 shopping centres nationwide.

Adapting to Industry Change, UNM's Management Programme Promotes Digital-Based Learning

The Management Programme at Universitas Nusa Mandiri is aligning its curriculum with digital transformation and AI to keep graduates relevant to modern industry. Programme head Instianti Elyana stressed that students need practical skills, critical thinking and cross-disciplinary understanding alongside theory.

Customs Foils Smuggling of 29 kg of Gold Worth Rp 73 Billion at Four International Airports

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has tightened surveillance on gold exports following the introduction of an export levy under Finance Ministerial Regulation No. 80 of 2025, effective 17 November 2025. Operations at four international airports secured more than 29 kilograms of gold valued at some Rp 73.3 billion, averting potential state revenue losses of Rp 8.5 billion. Smugglers employed varied methods, including hiding gold inside electronic devices and body strapping.

Iranian Armed Forces Issue National Directive Preparing for Three Scenarios, Including Total War

The Iranian Armed Forces' General Staff has issued a ten-point national passive defence directive outlining preparations for three scenarios: end of war, ceasefire, and large-scale war. The directive comes amid ongoing hostilities with the United States, while President Masoud Pezeshkian has said he does not support continuing the war but stresses strengthening national resilience.

Indonesia's External Debt Rises 4.9 Per Cent to Rp8,051.79 Trillion

Bank Indonesia reported that Indonesia's external debt reached US$454.8 billion (Rp8,051.79 trillion) in July 2026, up 4.9 per cent year on year, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 30.7 per cent. The rise was driven by public external debt, which grew 3.2 per cent on inflows into international government securities, while private external debt contracted by 1.2 per cent. BI and the Government continue to coordinate monitoring to keep the debt structure healthy, dominated by long-term maturities.

Why are cassettes and CDs winning over young people again? Here are the reasons

Despite the dominance of streaming, physical formats such as CDs and cassettes are seeing a revival among young consumers, with US CD sales rising to 17.5 million units in the first half of 2026. Analysts attribute the trend to a desire for tangible experiences, nostalgia for an era many never lived through, and the appeal of physical albums as collectibles and identity markers. The resurgence is best viewed as a complement to streaming rather than a replacement, as streaming remains the music industry's largest source of revenue.

INACA affirms flight safety remains top priority

The Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA) has stated that flight safety takes precedence over potential operational losses caused by airport closures following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. INACA praised the Ministry of Transport's swift issuance of NOTAMs to protect passengers from volcanic ash, whilst noting that financial loss calculations are left to individual airlines.

Sorotan Layanan Helpdesk OSS BKPM: Cepat Tutup Sesi, Solusi Coba Berkala

Pelaku usaha mengeluhkan layanan helpdesk OSS milik Kementerian Investasi dan Hilirisasi/BKPM yang gagal menyelesaikan kendala teknis pengunduhan dokumen perizinan, seperti Sertifikat Standar dan PB-UMKU yang telah terbit di sistem. Petugas hanya memberikan jawaban templat, meminta pengguna mencoba kembali secara berkala, lalu menutup sesi percakapan secara sepihak ketika pengguna menyatakan penjelasan belum jelas. Praktik tersebut berpotensi menjadi maladministrasi yang bertentangan dengan UU Pelayanan Publik dan menghambat kepastian hukum pelaku usaha, mengancam kelangsungan operasional dan kepatuhan bisnis.

East Java Police Chief Champions Jogo Jatim to Protect Women and Children

East Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Nanang Avianto has underscored the Jogo Jatim spirit in protecting women and children from sexual violence, exploitation and human trafficking. Speaking at the 'Rise and Speak' campaign in Surabaya, he urged the public not to remain silent bystanders when witnessing injustice, noting that a single brave voice can save a life.

Bareskrim to transfer two capital market crime suspects to public prosecutors

The National Police's Special Economic Crimes Directorate is transferring two suspects in the PT Multi Makmur Lemindo (MML) IPO fraud case to prosecutors after their case files were declared complete. The suspects allegedly helped falsify financial statements and leak stock exchange review questions to facilitate the company's listing, which investigators found was not qualified for the IDX. Two others, including MML's director, have already been convicted.

Bali Police end probe into Australian family murder-suicide

Denpasar Police have closed their investigation into a murder-suicide involving an Australian family at a holiday bungalow in Kuta, as the main suspect died in the crime. Evidence from CCTV footage and witness testimony indicated the 57-year-old father murdered his two young children before taking his own life. The case will be formally concluded through an SP3 order, with the children's funeral handed to the mother after coordination with the Australian Consulate.

Customs foils smuggling of 29 kg of gold worth Rp73.3 billion

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has thwarted attempts to smuggle 29 kilograms of gold valued at Rp73.3 billion through four international airports, saving the state an estimated Rp8.5 billion in potential revenue losses. Foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, used methods including hiding gold in electronic devices, cabin luggage and body strapping. Several suspects have been named and investigations are under way with police and prosecutors.

Marriage Rates in Indonesia Decline, Here Are the Contributing Factors

Marriage rates in Indonesia have been declining as younger generations delay marriage in favour of education, careers and financial stability. Wihaji, Minister of Population and Family Development and head of BKKBN, cited four key factors: education and career, economic conditions, mental readiness and cultural change. He stressed that the decision to marry or postpone it is an individual right, but the government must ensure young people are adequately prepared before starting a family.

Purbaya Does Not Want to Be a Minister Again

Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has ruled out returning to any ministerial role after being dismissed as finance minister by President Prabowo Subianto. He also rejected any future public office, including leading the planned Indonesia International Financial Centre (PFII), saying he intends to retire and enjoy fishing.

Ombudsman urges objective resolution of employment issues

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia received some 692 labour-related complaints between 2024 and 2026, 279 of which concerned workers' rights. Member Robert Na Endi Jaweng said the figures point to persistent problems in fulfilling workers' rights that require attention from state institutions. A coordination meeting was held with ministries and regional labour offices to discuss severance pay and the protection of workers' constitutional rights.

Why are so many new cars now equipped with ADAS technology?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are increasingly common in new cars, driven by tightening safety test standards such as Euro NCAP's updated 2026 protocols and advances in sensor technology. Features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control provide an additional layer of protection, but they remain driver assistance tools rather than replacements for human control.

Indonesian Consulate in Johor Bahru steps up measures against undocumented migrant workers in Malaysia

The Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru continues to remind citizens to follow official procedures before working abroad, after 150 Indonesians were repatriated via Batam for immigration offences. Most had been arrested and imprisoned in Malaysia for lacking valid documents, with the consulate issuing emergency travel documents for their return. Officials stressed that such documents are not a substitute for a passport and urged future workers to use official government channels.

Aceh Rings Alarm as Floods, Landslides Hit Central Region

Floods and landslides have struck Aceh's central highlands, affecting Gayo Lues, Central Aceh and Southeast Aceh, with one fatality, 13 injuries and widespread damage to homes, bridges and road access. Governor Muzakir Manaf has ordered early mitigation and preparedness measures, with BMKG forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall from September, and is coordinating police, military and universities in the response.

Academic: Leadership and spirit of service are essential qualities for students

Hendri Jayadi, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs at the Indonesia Christian University (UKI), said today's students must possess a leadership spirit and a drive to serve and share, as they will become the nation's future leaders. Speaking at the closing of UKI's 2026 new student orientation, he emphasised that character building must begin from the start of university life to prepare a 'golden generation' capable of contributing to the nation.

INACRAFT raises technology as a driver of handicraft industry transformation

INACRAFT 2026, Southeast Asia's largest handicraft fair, will adopt the theme Technocraft, positioning technology as a driver of transformation across the Indonesian craft industry. The event, to be held at the Jakarta International Convention Center from 7–11 October 2026, is organised by ASEPHI and Mediatama Event with Bank Mandiri as main sponsor, and will involve around 900 participants including businesses, regional governments and SOEs.

Deputy Minister of ATR/BPN Respects KPK Sting Operation on Director-General Over Building Rights Title

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ossy Dermawan said the ministry respects and will cooperate with the Corruption Eradication Commission's sting operation at the Bogor Regency National Land Agency office. The KPK detained Golkar politician Fahd A Rafiq and former Kebumen Regent Arief Sugiyanto in connection with the case. Ossy stressed that public services at land offices in Bogor and Tangerang continue to run normally.

Deputy Minister of ATR/BPN on KPK Sting Operation: No Need for Speculation

Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ossy Dermawan has urged the public to await official statements from law enforcement following a KPK sting operation at the Bogor Regency Land Agency office. The ministry says it is cooperating with the process and has confirmed that public services remain unaffected. Among those detained were Golkar politician Fahd A Rafiq and former Kebumen Regent Arief Sugiyanto.

KPK Sting Operation Nets Director-General and Two Land Office Heads, Deputy Minister of AGR/BPN Speaks Out

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested the Director-General of Land and Spatial Control at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, along with the heads of the Bogor and Tangerang land offices, as part of a sting operation netting 17 people. Deputy Minister Ossy Dermawan said the ministry respects the legal process and will cooperate fully, while assuring the public that services continue uninterrupted.

ICITRI 2026: UNM Professor Highlights Human-Centred AI Innovation

Prof. Dr. Agus Subekti, Head of the Master's Informatics Programme at Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), delivered a keynote address at the International Conference on Information Technology Research and Innovation (ICITRI) 2026, held hybrid at UNM's Margonda campus in Depok. He stressed that artificial intelligence must be developed with humanity and sustainability at its core, solving real societal problems. Other experts included Prof. Yasuyuki Nogami of Okayama University and Prof. Celia Shahnaz.

Floral Tributes Flood Finance Ministry as Suahasil Is Welcomed In

Congratulatory flower arrangements from state officials, legislators and SOE executives filled the Finance Ministry building in Jakarta ahead of Suahasil Nazara's swearing-in as Finance Minister. The handover ceremony was due to take place on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, at the Juanda Hall.

Residents Support Proposal for Twice-Weekly Car Free Day in Jakarta

Residents have responded positively to the Jakarta provincial government's plan to hold car free day twice a week, saying it would give people more space for healthy outdoor activity. However, they urged the authorities to prepare properly, manage traffic engineering and public transport access, and regularly evaluate the policy's impact on air quality and congestion.

Indonesia's MPR Opens e-Constitution Aspirations Channel, Targets Full Report by Early 2027

The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has officially launched an online e-Aspirasi Konstitusi channel to gather public input for its ongoing constitutional review. Deputy Speaker Lestari Moerdijat said the initiative aims to keep the constitution relevant and responsive to citizens' needs, with a comprehensive report targeted for publication in early 2027.

Reported Over Suspected Rp58.5 Billion Gold Investment Fraud, Commissioner Fahrurozi Prepares Counter-Report

Senior police officer Commissioner Fahrurozi is facing a complaint from a Malaysian national, identified as S bin AS, alleging fraud and embezzlement of Rp58.5 billion in a gold mining investment in North Sulawesi. Fahrurozi denies the allegations and says he will file a counter-complaint for defamation and making a false report.

Hima Kosgoro 1957 Prepares Programmes for Students and the Wider Community

Hima Kosgoro 1957, the student wing of Kosgoro 1957, is preparing programmes targeting students and the public, covering cadre capacity building, intellectual development, youth development and community service. Newly elected chairman Jihan Abdullah said the organisation must focus on delivering tangible benefits, while PPK Kosgoro 1957 chairman and DPR Deputy Speaker Sari Yuliati aims to establish the organisation in all 38 provinces by 2027.

Why do ships lose stability when facing large waves?

Following the capsizing of KM Virgo Transport 8 in the Java Sea and the ongoing search for missing journalists near Mount Anak Krakatau, this explainer examines why large vessels can list, capsize and sink. Ship stability depends on the relationship between the centre of gravity, centre of buoyancy, hull design, cargo distribution and wave direction. Investigators say a full probe is needed to establish the exact causes of each accident.

Unhas expert urges law to adapt in the era of AI governance

Professor Maskun of Hasanuddin University has called for the legal system to adapt as algorithms and artificial intelligence increasingly shape government governance. Speaking at an international law conference in Purwokerto, he warned that AI now affects administrative decisions, predictive policing and credit scoring, requiring stronger regulation to uphold justice and protect citizens' rights.

Summarecon Agung President Director Arrested in Bogor Sting Operation

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed that Adrianto Pitojo, President Director of PT Summarecon Agung, was among 17 people arrested in a sting operation in Bogor linked to building rights title (HGB) processing. The operation also netted senior land agency officials, a Golkar politician and a former regent, with the KPK seizing hundreds of billions of rupiah in cash stored in 20 suitcases.

KPK Arrests Bogor Land Agency Officials, ATR/BPN Ministry Conducts Internal Evaluation

The KPK arrested 17 people in a sting operation at the Bogor Regency Land Office, allegedly linked to bribes over building rights permits (HGB), including senior ministry officials and a Golkar party figure. Deputy Minister Ossy Dermawan said the ministry respects and supports the legal process, is cooperating fully, and will use the case as material for an internal integrity evaluation. Investigators seized cash in rupiah and foreign currency packed in around 20 suitcases and boxes.

Government Holds Pertalite Price Steady to Protect Purchasing Power Amid Global Oil Turmoil

The Indonesian government is maintaining the Pertalite price at Rp10,000 per litre despite global oil prices exceeding US$100 per barrel, aiming to protect purchasing power and curb inflation. Economists warn the policy will swell subsidy spending, but argue the fiscal burden is preferable to the social and economic fallout of a fuel price rise. They suggest subsidies should be gradually scaled back once global energy conditions stabilise.

Forest Fires Engulf Five Mountains in East Java, 1,488 Hectares Scorched

Forest and land fires have spread across five mountains in East Java — Kawinajang, Argopuro, Bromo, Semeru and Lawu — scorching a combined 1,488 hectares. BPBD East Java has deployed water bombing, drone water spray and joint ground teams, though aerial operations have been hampered by strong winds and thick smoke. There have been no casualties, with assessments still ongoing.

No Longer About Fear of Losing Your Job, But Fear of Becoming Irrelevant

This opinion piece argues that AI and automation are shifting the Indonesian labour challenge from job scarcity to skill relevance. Drawing on BPS data showing 147.67 million Indonesians in work and an open unemployment rate of 4.68 per cent, it calls for upskilling, reskilling, and greater investment in human capital by companies, government and educational institutions. The author contends that the future of work will be determined not by humans versus machines, but by how well people can work alongside technology.

Said Abdullah: House Budget Committee Allocates Rp23 Trillion for P3K Salaries in 2027

The House of Representatives' Budget Committee (Banggar DPR) has agreed with the government to allocate Rp23 trillion from the 2027 state budget to cover the salaries of contract-based government employees (P3K). Committee chairman Said Abdullah said the move ends uncertainty over P3K pay, most of whom are teachers previously funded by regional budgets, and will ease the financial burden on regional governments.

Sjamsudin Noor Air Base becomes air evacuation point for Virgo ship victims

Sjamsudin Noor Air Base in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, is serving as the air evacuation point for victims of the sunken vessel Virgo Transport 8. Four bodies were flown in aboard a Basarnas Dauphin helicopter and taken to Banjarmasin for identification by the police DVI team.

A wise way to self-reward without emptying your wallet

Self-rewarding has become part of modern lifestyles, but the line between appreciation and impulsive spending is often blurred. Small, recurring purchases made in the name of self-care can accumulate and drain savings. The article outlines strategies such as budgeting, a 24-hour waiting rule, and non-material alternatives to protect long-term financial stability.

Chandra Asri Group and Bank Mandiri Strengthen Petrochemical Ecosystem Through Integrated Banking Services

PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bank Mandiri to expand banking access for customers across Indonesia's petrochemical value chain. The partnership will see Bank Mandiri provide tailored banking facilities for Chandra Asri's business partners, with both parties aiming to generate a multiplier effect for national economic growth, partnership opportunities and job creation.

Banten Labour Office Head Stresses APKI Must Optimally Oversee 4.8 Million Workers

Banten's Head of the Manpower and Transmigration Office, Septo Kalnadi, has called on the newly inaugurated APKI Banten board to work optimally in overseeing labour conditions for the province's 4.8 million workers. He highlighted Banten's role as the national downstreaming epicentre, which brings rising risks such as workplace accidents, mass lay-offs and industrial disputes. He urged supervisors to prioritise professionalism, data-based working and guidance before enforcement.

Bima Arya: Regional Governments Are the Key to Accelerating the Energy Transition

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has emphasised that regional governments hold the key to accelerating Indonesia's energy transition, given their control over territories, budgets and programme design. Speaking at a high-level policy dialogue in Jakarta, he outlined seven strategic roles for regional administrations, from establishing accurate emissions baselines to securing climate financing and attracting green investment.

Tense! Russian Warship Fires Flares at Danish Helicopter

A Russian warship fired two emergency flares at a Danish military helicopter over the Baltic Sea, prompting Copenhagen to summon the Russian ambassador. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen condemned the incident as unacceptable, warning that Moscow is gradually shifting the boundaries of acceptable behaviour.

State-Owned Enterprises Ministry Highlights Serious Problems at INKA: Negative Equity and Heavy Debt

Dony Oskaria, Head of the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises and COO of Danantara, has highlighted serious financial problems at train manufacturer PT INKA, including negative equity, unsustainable loans of Rp4.7 trillion, and losses of Rp670 billion. He called for a comprehensive turnaround through an integrated transformation plan covering the business model, governance, operations and finances. Strengthening INKA is considered strategically important for developing Indonesia's national railway industry and supporting industrialisation and job creation.

Crew Member Survives Nine Hours at Sea Using Gas Cylinder After KM Virgo Sinks

Akmal Naopal, a crew member of KM Virgo Transport 8, survived nine hours adrift in the Java Sea by clinging to an empty gas cylinder after the vessel sank in the early hours of 13 September. He said no alarm sounded as the ship listed, and he and five colleagues were eventually rescued by a tugboat. The sinking prompted a major Basarnas evacuation operation for passengers and crew.

Human Rights Organisation Warns of Israeli 'Elimination Project' in the West Bank

The Israeli human rights organisation B'Tselem has warned of a systematic and accelerating campaign by the Israeli government to dismantle Palestinian collective life and entrench permanent Jewish-Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. Its report, based on some 2,000 Palestinian testimonies, urges the international community to stop treating violations as isolated incidents and to take concrete action.

Dismissed as Finance Minister, Purbaya dismisses internal friction rumours

Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has rejected suggestions that internal friction at the Finance Ministry led to his dismissal, insisting the change was President Prabowo Subianto's prerogative. He expressed satisfaction with his year-long tenure, during which economic growth surpassed five per cent. The post passes to Suahasil Nazara.

No Longer Wants to Be a Minister, Purbaya: I've Just Been Sacked

Former Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has ruled out returning to public office after being dismissed from the post. Speaking after the handover ceremony at the Finance Ministry in Jakarta, he said he intends to spend his time fishing at home. Purbaya served as finance minister for one year, having replaced Sri Mulyani in September 2025.

Turning Wood Waste into Opportunity, UNM Student Team Qualifies for KMI Expo XVII 2026

The Artholic Studio team from Universitas Nusa Mandiri has qualified for KMI Expo XVII 2026 with a creative decoration business using MDF and wood waste. The team developed customisable products such as graduation frames, wall art and door signs through the P2MW 2026 programme. The university hailed the achievement as proof of its commitment to supporting student entrepreneurship.

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Pushes for Equal Healthcare Quality in the JKN Ecosystem

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) has called for improved quality and equal distribution of healthcare services under the National Health Insurance (JKN) programme, which now covers 284 million people or 98.02 per cent of Indonesia's population. Speaking at the Seva Paramahita Award ceremony in Jakarta, he stressed that primary care strengthening, accountability between BPJS Kesehatan and healthcare facilities, and a culture of integrity are essential to sustain the scheme.

PTPP begins construction of Rp145.3 billion Majapahit Museum

State-owned construction firm PT PP (Persero) Tbk has started building the Majapahit Museum in Trowulan, Mojokerto, East Java, under a design-and-build contract worth Rp145.3 billion excluding VAT. The project, expected to be completed within 114 working days, features archaeology-friendly foundations, rainwater harvesting and solar panels to support sustainability. The government hopes the museum will strengthen Trowulan's position as a cultural tourism destination linked to the local economy.

Supreme Court upholds acquittal of Junaedi Saibih after rejecting prosecutors' cassation

The Supreme Court has rejected the public prosecutors' cassation appeal, finalising the acquittal of Junaedi Saibih in the suspected cooking oil (CPO) bribery and obstruction of justice case. The panel found no 'meeting of minds' proving his involvement in attempts to bribe judges handling the palm oil corruption case.

Hot, dry spell in Sarawak to persist into next month as haze lingers, water levels fall

Sarawak is bracing for a prolonged hot and dry spell as smoke from around 13,000 hotspots in neighbouring Indonesia continues to shroud the state in haze. Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas said some 300 local hotspots have been extinguished, but authorities remain on high alert given Sarawak's 1.7 million hectares of peatland, while dwindling reservoir levels have prompted contingency measures including cloud-seeding over dams and catchment areas.

FAO: Russian food supply unaffected by Strait of Hormuz blockade

Russia faces no food crisis threat from the Strait of Hormuz blockade because its domestic food supply is more than sufficient, according to the head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's liaison office in Russia. Shipping through the strait, a key global oil and LNG trade route, has nearly halted amid the US-Iran conflict, pushing up fuel prices worldwide.

Faster Gates, Tighter Oversight

Three ministries have signed a joint decree integrating the OSS, SIAPkerja and All Indonesia systems into a single service chain for hiring foreign workers, targeting completion within five working days. The reform aims to cut bureaucracy and give investors certainty, whilst narrowing opportunities for brokers and irregular levies. From the immigration perspective, faster entry must be matched with stronger supervision of foreign workers throughout their stay.

Victim Identification of KM Virgo Transport 8: 13 Family DNA Samples Under Examination

The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team of East Java Police has collected 13 DNA samples from immediate family members of victims of the sunken vessel KMP Virgo Transport 8 at the Ante Mortem Post in Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya. The team received 43 ante mortem data reports but only took buccal swabs from biological relatives, with data integrated daily across police regional commands.

Crew Member's Testimony on KM Virgo Transport 8: Woke to a Listing Vessel That Sank in Under Five Minutes

A crew member of KM Virgo Transport 8, Akmal, recounted how the vessel sank in under five minutes in the Masalembo waters of the Java Sea, with no warning signs before the ship suddenly listed. He was among 22 survivors evacuated on the third day of the search and rescue operation, arriving at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin. Akmal said he had not been informed of predicted waves of two to three metres and was simply following orders to sail as scheduled.

IOJI: Indonesia must strengthen bilateral cooperation to protect migrant fishing vessel crews

The Indonesia Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI) has urged the government to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation to protect Indonesian migrant fishing vessel crews in flag, placing and port states. Researcher Tasya Nur Ramadhani stressed that visa discrimination and trafficking cases require cross-border mechanisms, building on Indonesia's ratification of ILO Convention No. 188. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has followed up with new crewing regulations and safety training.

Indian police to query Google over 500,000 fake Gmail IDs linked to bomb hoax

Police in Gujarat, India, have dismantled a criminal network that created more than 513,000 fake Gmail accounts since 2022 to send hoax bomb threats to government offices, including one ahead of the recent BRICS summit in New Delhi. Authorities plan to formally designate Google as a subject of the investigation, questioning why safeguards such as two-factor authentication were bypassed at such scale. The case adds to scrutiny of Google in one of its largest user markets, amid cybercrime losses exceeding US$2 billion a year in India.

10 career prospects for geological engineering graduates, not only in mining

Geological engineering graduates have far broader career options than the mining stereotype, spanning oil and gas, geothermal energy, hydrogeology, infrastructure, environmental consultancy and disaster mitigation. Both Universitas Gadjah Mada and Institut Teknologi Bandung highlight growing demand for geological expertise as Indonesia develops its energy, infrastructure and natural resource sectors. Additional skills in data analysis, geological modelling and information technology can further widen graduates' opportunities.

Anak Krakatau remains active as ash clears and respiratory concerns continue

Anak Krakatau remains at Alert Level III, or Siaga, with a three-kilometre exclusion zone still in force, even though the main eruptive phase ended on September 6 and airborne ash has cleared. Eight airports that had suspended operations, disrupting nearly 3,000 flights and around 341,000 passengers, have reopened, though deposited ash and possible further eruptions mean disruption has not entirely ended. The Health Ministry reported 68,919 acute respiratory infection cases across 23 affected cities and regencies, but officials caution that wildfire haze complicates attributing these cases directly to the volcano.

13,000 Complaints Flood Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Pilgrims' Grievances Dominated by These Issues

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has received nearly 13,000 complaints, mostly concerning umrah travel arrangements. The main grievances include pilgrims not being dispatched despite full payment, substandard services, delayed returns from Saudi Arabia, and travel agencies becoming unreachable. The ministry is re-verifying around 3,000 umrah travel operators and has already suspended three problematic agencies.

Jakarta's Two-Day Car Free Day Judged Effective in Cutting Emissions and Promoting Public Transport

Urban planning observer Yayat Supriyatna has backed a proposal to extend Jakarta's Car Free Day to two days each weekend, arguing it would cut vehicle emissions and encourage residents to use public transport and walk. He suggested offering fares as low as Rp1 on the MRT and TransJakarta along the Thamrin-Sudirman corridor at weekends to boost uptake, even if operators lose revenue.

iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Imminent in Indonesia, Having Secured TKDN Certification

Three new Apple handsets — the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Duo — have obtained TKDN (local content) certificates from the Ministry of Industry, clearing a key hurdle for official sale in Indonesia. Each device registered 40% local content under PT Apple Indonesia. The devices must still secure Postel certification from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs before sales can begin.

Purbaya's Broad Smile as He Hands Finance Minister Post to Suahasil Nazara Draws Attention, Netizens Say: 'Better Go Fishing'

Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa's broad smile during the handover of the Finance Minister post to Suahasil Nazara became a viral moment on social media. The handover ceremony took place at the Finance Ministry office in Jakarta on 15 September 2026, marking the end of Purbaya's roughly one-year tenure. Suahasil, previously Deputy Finance Minister, was appointed by President Prabowo Subianto on 14 September 2026.

Enforcement Continues: 1,025 Old Angkot in Bogor City Have Licences Revoked

Bogor City's transport agency has suspended and revoked route licences for 1,025 public minivans (angkot) aged over 20 years, reaching 57.6 per cent of its target of 1,780 units. The crackdown continues despite protests by drivers at City Hall, with the city citing Regional Regulation No. 8 of 2023 as its legal basis.

KPK Upgrades BPN Sting Operation to Investigation, Suspects Named

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has elevated its sting operation at the National Land Agency (BPN) in Bogor Regency to a full investigation into alleged corruption over the processing of building rights titles (HGB) for PT Summarecon Agung Tbk. Seventeen people were arrested, including a director general at the ATR/BPN Ministry and the president director of Summarecon, with cash estimated in the hundreds of billions of rupiah seized.

15 career prospects for French literature graduates, beyond becoming teachers

French literature graduates are often assumed to be limited to translation or teaching, but their language skills combined with cultural knowledge open doors across diplomacy, tourism, media, multinational companies and the creative industries. Universities such as Gadjah Mada and Padjadjaran highlight careers ranging from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to embassies and international organisations. Alumni experience shows graduates can even build language-service businesses or work abroad, such as at the Indonesian Consulate in Nouméa.

Looking for Work in Jakarta? 38 Companies Open 3,000 Vacancies

Some 3,000 job vacancies are being offered at Jakarta Pusat Job Connect 2026, a job fair organised by the Central Jakarta Manpower, Transmigration and Energy Sub-agency, with 38 companies taking part. Forty positions are reserved for persons with disabilities, reflecting the government's push for equal employment access. Central Jakarta Administrative Mayor Arifin said the open unemployment rate in the capital has been declining year on year.

Interior Minister Urges Regional Governments to Act Swiftly on Forest Fires and Prevent New Hotspots

Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has called on regional governments to respond quickly to forest and land fires, emphasising both suppression and prevention of new hotspots. The central government has approved an additional Rp760 billion in unforeseen expenditure for seven affected provinces, alongside circulars and directives to accelerate disbursement and align local regulations with the 2026 presidential instruction on land burning.

Revenue-Sharing Funds Not Yet Disbursed, Dedi Mulyadi Revises West Java 2026 Budget Deficit

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has revised down the projected 2026 regional budget deficit from Rp5.7 trillion to Rp3.4 trillion following reconciliation. The deficit stems partly from unpaid central government revenue-sharing funds since 2023, unmet cigarette excise targets, and untaxed electric vehicles. The province is considering a loan from PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI), to be repaid using central government revenue-sharing funds.

US Admits to Possessing Weapons in Space — to Counter Russia and China?

The United States has for the first time publicly acknowledged that it has space-control weapons deployed in orbit. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the capability is intended to defend joint forces from hostile actions and serve as a deterrent amid rising tensions with Russia and China.

UBSI and BBSPJIKB Collaborate to Develop the Craft and Batik Industry

Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) and the Centre for Standardisation and Service of the Craft and Batik Industry (BBSPJIKB) have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop education, student research, community service and human resources in Indonesia's craft and batik sector. As an initial implementation, both parties agreed to hold a national seminar on craft and batik industry development, with BBSPJIKB providing speakers and UBSI hosting the event.

Bareskrim to Hand Over Two 'Share Rigging' Suspects in PIPA Case to Prosecutors

Indonesia's National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) is transferring two suspects in the alleged capital market fraud case involving PT Multi Makmur Lemindo (PIPAS) to prosecutors after case files were declared complete. The suspects include a former Indonesia Stock Exchange evaluation officer and a financial advisor who allegedly manipulated financial statements to inflate company assets ahead of the IPO, which raised Rp 97 billion from the public despite the firm not meeting listing criteria.

Video: Ministry of Social Affairs Opens Social Protection Agent Recruitment, But Without Pay

The Ministry of Social Affairs is recruiting Social Protection Agents (Agen Perlinsos) to help citizens access social protection services ahead of the national digitalisation of social assistance from 2027. However, the agents will serve as unpaid volunteers. The announcement was featured on CNBC Indonesia's Power Lunch programme.

Suahasil and Purbaya Exchange Warm Thanks During Ministry Handover as Business Leaders Look to Fiscal Continuity

Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa formally handed over the finance ministerial post to Suahasil Nazara in a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Finance, following President Prabowo Subianto's cabinet reshuffle. Suahasil pledged policy and institutional continuity, while Kadin Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie welcomed the appointment and urged faster tax refund disbursements to support corporate cash flow. The seamless transition is seen as reassuring sovereign bond markets and investors that fiscal targets and debt disciplines remain anchored.

Daily Transactions at Central Java's National MTQ Exhibition Reach Rp500 Million

The Serambi Nusantara exhibition at the 31st National MTQ event in Semarang is generating an estimated Rp500 million in daily transactions across 150 MSME stalls. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi said the figures demonstrate that the religious event is also boosting the local economy, with traders from across Indonesia reporting strong visitor enthusiasm.

Chips Getting Pricier: Elon Musk and Tim Cook Unite in Warning

Tim Cook, recently succeeded as Apple CEO by John Ternus, and Elon Musk have independently warned of an unprecedented surge in memory and storage chip costs driven by AI data centre demand. Apple has raised prices on its MacBook and iPad lines, with other manufacturers following suit, whilst BlackRock estimates Middle East conflict pressures could add 0.8 percentage points to global inflation.

Three Years of LRT Jabodebek: Passenger Numbers Grow 23% in 2026

LRT Jabodebek marks its third anniversary since commencing operations on 28 August 2023, with passenger numbers rising consistently each year. In the first six months of 2026 alone, the light rail served 16,018,911 users, a 23 per cent increase over the same period last year. Management says it will continue improving services and facilities to meet growing mobility demand.

Purbaya Says Finance Ministry Reshuffle Partly Led to His Dismissal

Former finance minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa admitted his decision to reshuffle around 400 senior officials at the Ministry of Finance may have contributed to his abrupt dismissal by President Prabowo Subianto. Purbaya was replaced by deputy minister Suahasil Nazara, just days shy of completing one year in office, having earlier succeeded Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

Creator and Business Collaboration Drives Growth of the Culinary Industry

TikTok is holding its third annual TikTok Food Fest in 2026 under the theme "Every Ingredient Tells a Story", connecting creators, businesses and communities to celebrate Indonesian cuisine. The festival comes amid strong growth in the food and beverage sector, with F&B orders on Tokopedia and TikTok Shop rising nearly 95% year-on-year, and the offline event scheduled for 26–27 September at Hutan Kota GBK, Jakarta.

BRI Field Officer Supports Businesses and Transaction Security Education in Lubuklinggau

Teti Ernawati, a micro-marketing officer (Mantri BRI) at BRI's Garuda Unit in Lubuklinggau, South Sumatra, has mentored hundreds of borrowers across four urban villages since 2017, with rubber plantations and trade dominating her portfolio. Beyond financing, she promotes BRILink agent recruitment and educates customers on protecting personal data in digital financial services. BRI says such close community engagement underpins its efforts to expand financial access across the regions.

Amran Discusses Rice Driving Inflation - Claims Indonesia Is Safe Despite Severe El Nino

Agriculture Minister and National Food Agency head Amran Sulaiman acknowledged that rice has re-entered the category of inflation contributors, which the government is investigating amid suspicions of abnormal prices in premium and fortified rice. He announced measures including free food aid for 33.4 million households and an additional 1 million tonnes of SPHP rice market operations. Despite an extreme 'Godzilla' El Nino, he insisted national rice stocks stand at 25-26 million tonnes, enough for 10 months, with Indonesia even beginning exports to Malaysia and Palestine.

Home Affairs Minister Affirms Firefighters Need No Permission to Extinguish Forest and Land Fires

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian said he was surprised that firefighters in Central and South Kalimantan must seek permission before entering forest and land fire areas. Speaking at a working meeting with House Commission II, he stressed that wildfires are an emergency under the Disaster Management Law, granting officials discretion to act. He added that those obstructing firefighting duties could face arrest.

Southwest Papua Provincial Government and West Papua Attorney General's Office Sign Mutual Agreement

The Southwest Papua Provincial Government and the West Papua High Attorney General's Office have signed a mutual agreement at the Vega Hotel in Sorong to strengthen development planning and implementation. Under the pact, prosecutors will provide intensive legal guidance and consultation to ensure regional government programmes comply with prevailing laws. Governor Elisa Kambu framed the partnership as a concrete instrument to accelerate development and improve public welfare in Indonesia's youngest province.

Agriculture Minister Exposes 25 Fake Fortified Rice Brands Costing Consumers Rp89 Trillion

Agriculture Minister and head of the National Food Agency Andi Amran Sulaiman revealed 25 fortified rice brands whose contents allegedly fail to match their labels, inflicting losses of up to Rp89 trillion on consumers. The government has ordered product recalls, licence revocations and legal proceedings. Laboratory tests at IPB Bogor and other accredited facilities confirmed the products do not meet national fortification standards.

Rehabilitation of Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Sibolga Accelerated, Targeted for Completion in December

The government is accelerating the rehabilitation of Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Aek Parombunan, Sibolga, North Sumatra, with the asphalting of the provincial road nearly finished. A severed section, cut off by a disaster, is targeted for completion by December 2026, including construction of a 29-metre retaining wall. The road is a vital link for residents and several schools in the area.

On the LRT City Project, BP BUMN Gives Important Notes to Adhi Karya

The Ministry of SOEs and Danantara have directed Adhi Karya to resolve the LRT City dispute comprehensively, stressing that consumers must not bear losses, particularly first-time homebuyers. Around 2,400 of the 5,400 units sold have yet to be handed over, and Danantara will hold talks with consumer representatives and the Minister of Housing to decide between completing construction or refunding buyers.

To Prevent Landfill Fires, Deputy Environment Minister Calls for Treated Wastewater to Be Used

Deputy Environment Minister Diaz Hendropriyono has called for treated wastewater from IPAL facilities to be used to periodically dampen waste piles at landfills, helping to prevent fires during hot weather. During a visit to the Sambutan landfill in Samarinda, he also urged safety protections for waste pickers and highlighted plans for a waste-to-energy facility on a 10-hectare site.

Boosting Indonesia's Culinary Industry, Businesses and Creators to Gather at TikTok Food Fest 2026

TikTok is holding its third annual TikTok Food Fest 2026 under the theme 'Every Ingredient Tells a Story', bringing together creators, businesses and communities to celebrate Indonesian cuisine. The initiative comes amid strong sector growth, with the food and beverage industry expanding 6.38 per cent in 2025 and food-related content on TikTok rising 52 per cent year on year.

How Many Times Has Prabowo Reshuffled His Cabinet?

President Prabowo Subianto carried out his sixth cabinet reshuffle on 14 September 2026, replacing Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa with Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara, who becomes the third finance minister since Prabowo took office in October 2024. The reshuffles have included the removal of Sri Mulyani, Budi Gunawan and several deputy ministers, as well as structural reforms such as the transformation of the SOEs ministry into a regulatory body. The frequent changes signal significant political instability and institutional restructuring within the Red and White Cabinet.

Judge grants part of Roy Suryo's fifth pretrial motion

The South Jakarta District Court has partially granted Roy Suryo's fifth pretrial motion, ordering the Ministry of Finance to pay Rp5 million in immaterial damages for his unlawful detention. Suryo had originally sought Rp206 million in compensation, citing psychological distress and social stigma. This is the latest in a series of pretrial challenges, three of which he previously lost.

Fighting Digital Fraud, Job Platform Tightens Identity Verification

Job-search and market research platform OpiniJob has introduced stricter identity verification using e-KTP, facial matching and liveness detection to combat fake accounts and identity abuse. The move follows a surge in fraudulent job advertisements online, with the government taking down thousands of fictitious overseas vacancy adverts. West Java police also uncovered a syndicate running fake job scams that caused losses exceeding Rp800 million.

Bandung Customs Foils Circulation of 796,000 Illegal Cigarettes Hidden Behind Coconut Cargo

Bandung Customs and the West Java Regional Customs Office intercepted 796,000 illegal machine-made kretek cigarettes worth an estimated Rp1.182 billion concealed under a load of coconuts in Sumedang. The haul potentially represents Rp593.8 million in unpaid excise duties, and the case is being processed under Indonesia's excise law.

Roy Suryo Speaks After Being Awarded Rp5 Million in Compensation

Roy Suryo has welcomed the South Jakarta District Court's ruling that partially granted his pre-trial lawsuit, awarding him Rp5 million in immaterial damages. He stated the compensation will be donated to charity, insisting not a single rupiah will go to himself.

BI: Indonesia's external debt reaches US$454.8 billion in July 2026

Indonesia's external debt stood at US$454.8 billion in July 2026, up 4.9 per cent year on year, with the debt-to-GDP ratio steady at 30.7 per cent. Growth was driven by government borrowing, which rose 3.2 per cent to US$218.4 billion amid inflows into international government securities, while private-sector debt contracted 1.2 per cent to US$194.5 billion.

Five Crew Members of KM Virgo Transport 8 Survive After Nine Hours Adrift at Sea, Clinging to a Single Empty 3 kg LPG Cylinder

Five crew members of the cargo ship KM Virgo Transport 8 survived nearly nine hours adrift in the Java Sea after their vessel sank early on Sunday, clinging to a single empty 3 kg LPG cylinder. One survivor, Akmal, recounted the ordeal after being evacuated to Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. No lifeboats or rubber rafts were available, and the tugboat that rescued them also carried both living and deceased victims.

Not Withheld: Tax Director-General Says Refunds Now More Selective

Tax Director-General Bimo Wiajaynto has denied claims that tax refunds are being withheld by the Directorate General of Taxes, insisting payments are made selectively and in accordance with regulations. The issue surfaced after Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang reported complaints from KADIN that delayed refunds were disrupting corporate cash flow, with an MP warning of potential lay-offs in East Java.

Suahasil Nazara Faces a Test of Fiscal Credibility

Suahasil Nazara has been appointed Indonesia's third finance minister in the Prabowo administration, tasked with maintaining fiscal credibility amid pressure on the state budget and markets. Analysts say his long record at the finance ministry signals policy continuity, but he faces challenges including a mounting debt burden, market concerns, and the need to strengthen coordination with Bank Indonesia and Danantara.

KPK Hasamp; Named Suspects in HGB Bribery Sting Operation Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has completed its case review of a sting operation at the Bogor Regency National Land Agency (BPN) office and has escalated the matter to formal investigation. Seventeen people were detained, including a director-general at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, two land office heads, a Golkar politician and the president director of PT Summarecon Agung. The KPK seized roughly twenty suitcases and boxes of cash in rupiah and foreign currency, with the total estimated to run into hundreds of billions of rupiah.

KPK Case Review of Bogor Regency BPN Sting Operation, Case Escalates to Investigation

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has completed a case review of a sting operation at the Bogor Regency National Land Agency (BPN) office, escalating the matter to a full investigation. Seventeen people were detained, including a director-general at the ATR/BPN Ministry, two land office heads, Golkar politician Fahd El Fouz, and the president director of PT Summarecon Agung Tbk, with seized cash estimated to reach hundreds of billions of rupiah.

Patriot Expedition Team Strengthens Healthcare Services in Yapsi District Through Digitalisation

The 2026 Patriot Expedition Team's Health Cluster held focus group discussions at Yapsi Community Health Centre in Jayapura Regency, Papua, to strengthen healthcare through digitalisation, health literacy, and capacity building for health workers. Field assessments found uneven capacity across auxiliary clinics, shortages of medicines and equipment, and malaria as the most prominent health problem. The team introduced the Lerehfarma.id platform to provide health information, drug access data, education, and a public complaint mechanism, with follow-up training planned.

KPK Explains the Arrest of Golkar Politician Fahd Arafiq

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has explained why it arrested Golkar deputy chairman Fahd Arafiq during a sting operation linked to alleged corruption at the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN). The operation, related to the processing of Summarecon's building-use rights (HGB) in Bogor Regency, West Java, netted 17 suspects and seized cash estimated at hundreds of billions of rupiah.

Inculab plus's KidsTopia Earns Global "kidSAFE SAFE CERTIFIED" Status for Online Child Protection Standards

Inculab plus, the LG U+ spin-off operating the children's AI edutainment platform KidsTopia, has been awarded the kidSAFE SAFE CERTIFIED Seal following a global child-protection evaluation. The upgrade from kidSAFE LISTED status reflects strengthened chat filters, user reporting systems and AI interaction safeguards as the service expands to 11 countries.

Wife Refuses Autopsy, Bodies of Australian National and Two Children in Bali Handed Over to Family

The bodies of an Australian man and his two children, found dead at a bungalow in Legian, Kuta, have been released to the family after the victim's wife refused an autopsy. Police reportedly suspect the man killed his children before taking his own life, and the investigation may be closed given the suspect's death.

How to use an iPhone as a webcam for a MacBook without any apps

Apple's Continuity Camera feature lets iPhone users turn their device into a high-quality webcam and microphone for their MacBook, without installing additional software. The feature works wirelessly or via USB and requires iOS 16 on an iPhone XR or newer, plus macOS Ventura 13 or later. Additional functions such as Portrait Mode, Center Stage, Studio Light and Desk View further enhance video calls.

Tito Urges Regional Governments to Act Swiftly on Forest Fires and Prevent New Blazes

Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has urged regional governments to move quickly in tackling forest and land fires, backed by an additional Rp760 billion in unexpected expenditure budget for seven affected provinces. He also called on regions to align their local regulations with the 2026 presidential instruction tightening the ban on land clearing by burning.

Fact check: BMKG declares Lampung on alert level 3 due to rising sea levels — a hoax

A viral Facebook post claiming that BMKG and the Governor of Lampung had declared an alert level 3 disaster status due to a 20-centimetre rise in sea levels has been debunked as a hoax. The Lampung Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed the information was false and urged the public to rely only on official channels. The actual Level III alert status in effect relates to the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau, not sea level rise.

Free Bank Accounts for Indonesians Aged 17 and Over: A Boost for State Banks?

The government plans to allocate around Rp 11 trillion from the state budget to provide free bank accounts with a Rp 50,000 initial balance to Indonesians aged 17 and above, aiming to expand national financial inclusion to around 200 million people. BRI and BSI have been prepared as the implementing banks, with the potential to boost their third-party funds, while the involvement of Mandiri, BNI and BTN remains open. The government is still finalising the programme's mechanism and distribution details.

Pine Forest Fire in Sadang, Kebumen, Scorches 2.5 Hectares of Land

A fire swept through a pine forest in Petak 17, Larangan Hamlet, Pucangan Village, Sadang District, Kebumen Regency, Central Java, on Monday evening, destroying an estimated 2.5 hectares. Joint personnel from the police, military, Perhutani and local residents took around four hours to extinguish the blaze on steep terrain. The cause remains under investigation, and no casualties were reported.

House Commission XI Hopes Finance Minister Change Will Strengthen Market Stability

Amin Ak, a member of Commission XI of the House of Representatives, has described the replacement of Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa with Suahasil Nazara as a strategic moment to reinforce fiscal credibility, financial market stability and investor confidence. He stressed that policy continuity, measured communication and fiscal discipline must underpin the transition, while urging Suahasil to improve budget quality and transparency in the relationship between the state budget and Danantara.

Apple Intelligence on iPhone: 8 AI features worth trying

Apple Intelligence integrates artificial intelligence across various iPhone functions, from writing assistance and summarising notifications to creating Genmoji and searching photos with everyday language. The feature is only available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and all iPhone 16 models or newer, and Apple emphasises that much of the processing happens on-device for privacy. The company cautions, however, that AI-generated results may be inaccurate and should be verified.

Yokogawa Launches Industrial Cyber Resilience Center, Strengthening OT Cyber Readiness in Southeast Asia

Yokogawa Engineering Asia has launched an Industrial Cyber Resilience Center (ICRC) at its Singapore office, serving clients across Southeast Asia, Oceania and Taiwan. The centre offers assessment, training and cyber drills to help firms strengthen operational technology (OT) cyber resilience as AI-driven threats escalate.

Hoax! President did not declare 30 September a national holiday commemorating G30S/PKI

A viral Facebook post claiming President Prabowo Subianto declared 30 September a national holiday to commemorate G30S/PKI has been debunked as a hoax. The official 2026 public holiday schedule, set by a joint ministerial decree, contains no date in September. The government has designated 17 national holidays and 8 collective leave days for 2026.

Hoax! Vice President Gibran said 'I wasn't the one who cooked' when asked about MBG food poisoning cases

A viral Facebook post claimed Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka responded flippantly to questions about suspected food poisoning cases linked to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. An ANTARA fact-check found no evidence Gibran ever made the remark. The photo used in the post was actually taken in November 2024 after a meeting with Singapore's Prime Minister, and Gibran in fact personally visited affected pupils in North Sumatra.

Govt announces national holidays, collective leave days for 2027

The Indonesian government has set 18 national holidays for 2027, predominantly religious observances such as Eid al-Fitr, Nyepi, Vesak and Christmas, alongside eight collective leave days. The joint decision by the Religious Affairs, Manpower and State Apparatus Reform ministries makes collective leave mandatory for civil servants but optional for the private sector. The designations take into account fixed holidays and the need to facilitate citizens' mobility during religious celebrations.

Strengthening a Lifestyle Destination with a New Commercial Area

Paradise Serpong City, an integrated township developed by Progress Group in South Serpong, has officially opened The Walk, a new commercial area focused on culinary and lifestyle offerings. The grand opening introduced two new tenants, Saung Kita restaurant and Dmoze Salon, adding to the area's growing commercial ecosystem alongside the existing Paradise Walk mall.

Cunning Alcohol Distributors in Majalengka Outsmart Officials with COD System and Limited Stock

Police in Majalengka have destroyed nearly 20,000 bottles of alcoholic drinks in three seizures over the past one and a half months. Distributors have shifted tactics, using cash-on-delivery transactions and holding limited stock to evade detection. Regent Eman Suherman urged sellers to switch to legitimate businesses, warning that alcohol harms the quality of the younger generation.

Crew Members of KM Virgo Transport 8 Survive Thanks to an Empty 3 Kg LPG Cylinder

Five crew members of the sunken vessel KM Virgo Transport 8 survived nine hours adrift in the Masalembo waters of the Java Sea by clinging to a single empty 3 kg LPG cylinder after finding no lifeboat or raft. They were rescued by a tugboat and later evacuated to Banjarmasin, where search operations continued for dozens of missing passengers. The Ministry of Transport has launched audits into the operators involved over safety compliance and passenger manifests.

The AI Regulation Dilemma: Existential Threat and America's Political Stakes

Warnings from AI industry leaders about existential risks are being met with scepticism by Republicans in Washington, who prioritise the race against China over regulation. With midterm elections approaching, public anxiety about AI is rising, with 70% of respondents in an NBC News poll feeling more worried than excited. The divide reflects deep political polarisation over who ultimately controls AI—humanity or the machine.

Purbaya and Customs Director General United in Dismissing Conflict Rumours

Outgoing Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and Customs Director General Djaka Budhi Utama have both dismissed rumours of internal conflict within the Finance Ministry as the reason for the ministerial change. Purbaya insisted the replacement was purely the President's prerogative, following Suahasil Nazara's appointment as the new Finance Minister.

Nepal landslide death toll reaches 1,396

The death toll from landslides in northern Nepal has risen to 1,396, according to China Central Television citing Nepali authorities. A woman was rescued alive after being trapped for ten days under debris, amid floods triggered by glacial melt on the Bhotekoshi River.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry strengthens entrepreneurship ecosystem in South Sulawesi

The Ministry of MSMEs held the Outstanding Entrepreneurship Exchange (BWU) at Hasanuddin University in Makassar to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in South Sulawesi. Minister Maman Abdurrahman said the government targets an entrepreneurship ratio of 3.6 per cent by 2029 and 8 per cent by 2045, supported by a new presidential regulation and collaboration among stakeholders. The event included a mass disbursement of people's business credit (KUR) to 400 MSMEs through five distributing banks.

Rumah Zakat Delivers Hot Meals to 433 Children in Lebanon

Indonesian charity Rumah Zakat has provided humanitarian assistance through its Hot Meals programme, benefiting 433 children in the city of Baalbek, Lebanon. The initiative combines nutritious meals with recreational activities designed to foster social interaction and solidarity among children.

Get Ready! Registration for DKI Provincial Government Master's and Doctoral Scholarships Opens September 2027

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, under Governor Pramono Anung, has signed Governor's Regulation No. 20 of 2026 establishing the 'Jakarta Unggul' scholarship, dubbed 'Jakarta LPDP', worth around Rp100 billion for residents to pursue master's and doctoral degrees at the world's best universities. Registration opens in September 2027, with selection conducted in cooperation with the central LPDP. The regulation also tightens the targeting of KJP Plus and KJMU assistance, prioritising families listed in national socio-economic data deciles 1 to 5.

KPK Summons Head of BPKAD and Deputy Speaker of Bengkulu City Council

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned the Head of Bengkulu City's Financial and Asset Management Agency (BPKAD), Yudi Susanda, and Deputy Speaker I of the Bengkulu City Council, Rahmad Widodo, as witnesses. The case stems from an alleged bribery scheme surrounding projects in Rejang Lebong Regency and elsewhere in Bengkulu Province, which has already led to five suspects including Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari.

In Handling Forest and Land Fires, Home Affairs Minister Urges Regions to Act Fast and Prevent New Burning

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has urged regional governments to act swiftly in tackling forest and land fires, addressing existing blazes while preventing new ones. The central government has approved an additional Rp760 billion in Unexpected Expenditure (BTT) budget for seven affected provinces. Tito also called on regions to align local regulations with Presidential Instruction No. 11 of 2026 on strengthening the ban on land clearing by burning.

SR025 Sukuk Offer Closes Tomorrow (16/9), Rp 3 Trillion Quota Remains — Here's How to Invest!

The government's retail Islamic bond (Sukuk Ritel) series SR025 closes its offering period on Wednesday 16 September, with roughly Rp 3 trillion of the Rp 29 trillion quota still available. Sales have reached about Rp 25.54 trillion, or 88.1% of the enlarged quota, with the three-year tenor proving most popular. Investors can participate from as little as Rp 1 million through 33 appointed distribution partners.

Drought threatens around 311 hectares of rice paddies in Tangerang with crop failure

Prolonged drought in 2026 has put some 311.75 hectares of paddy fields across 17 districts in Tangerang Regency, Banten, at risk of harvest failure, known locally as puso. The local government is working with the Banten provincial administration to supply replacement seeds to affected farmers.

Bali Regional Parliament Proposes Differentiating Minimum Wage for Foreign and Local Companies

Commission II of the Bali DPRD has proposed that the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) for foreign investment companies (PMA) be set differently from domestic investment companies (PMDN), noting that foreign capital accounts for 70 per cent of investment in Bali. Lawmakers also pushed for a measured rise in the 2027 UMP, warning that increases misaligned with economic conditions could trigger mass redundancies or price hikes.

No Longer Finance Minister, Purbaya: I Want to Fish While Wondering Why I Was Sacked

Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has handed over the Finance Ministry portfolio to Suahasil Nazara after roughly a year in office, having been appointed on 8 September 2025. Speaking with his characteristic bluntness, he joked that he now plans to fish at the pond behind his house while musing over why he was dismissed. The handover ceremony, marked by the transfer of an iPad containing his work reports, took place on 14 September 2026.

Parties Backing Prabowo Are Losing Support

Democrat Party General Chair Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono delivered a viral speech at the party's 25th anniversary celebration, drafted with input from his father and party High Council Chair Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The speech addressed the limits of political power and urged central and regional governments to heed the people's voices. Sources say Yudhoyono personally edited the draft, removing excessive public testimonials.

Leuwikeris Dam Water Level Drops 7.5 Metres, Raw Water Supply Confirmed Safe

Prolonged drought has caused the water level at Leuwikeris Dam, straddling Tasikmalaya and Ciamis regencies in West Java, to fall by 7.5 metres. Authorities say the reservoir, one of Indonesia's national strategic projects with a capacity of 81 million cubic metres, can still safely supply raw water to PDAM customers in Ciamis, Banjar and Cilacap, as well as irrigate more than 6,000 hectares of farmland.

Will the Rupiah Strengthen After Purbaya's Replacement?

The rupiah is expected to strengthen against the US dollar following President Prabowo Subianto's replacement of Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa with Suahasil Nazara, according to analyst Lukman Leong. He noted that investors were responding positively less to the new appointment than to Purbaya's departure. However, gains may be limited by high global oil prices and caution ahead of the Fed's expected 25 basis point rate hike, with the rupiah forecast to trade between Rp17,550 and Rp17,700 per dollar.

Judge Grants Part of Roy Suryo's Fifth Pre-Trial Claim for Compensation

The South Jakarta District Court has partly granted Roy Suryo's fifth pre-trial petition, ordering the Ministry of Finance to pay him Rp 5 million in immaterial compensation for his unlawful detention. Roy Suryo, a suspect in the alleged defamation case concerning former President Jokowi's diploma, had sought Rp 100 million in damages. He has now filed five pre-trial challenges, winning one previously and losing three.

Group of Iranian Parliamentarians Urges Tehran to Withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

A group of Iranian MPs has issued a statement calling for Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), arguing it has failed to protect Iran's nuclear facilities or deliver promised membership benefits. Citing attacks on nuclear infrastructure, the assassination of scientists, and continued US and Israeli threats, they urged Parliament to activate Article 10 of the treaty, which permits withdrawal with three months' notice.

Saudi Arabia Vows Firm Action After Houthi Attacks

The Saudi-led coalition has warned Yemen's Houthi rebels it will respond firmly after coordinated missile and drone attacks injured 13 civilians in the kingdom and damaged homes and vehicles. The escalation follows renewed fighting since early July, a maritime blockade announced by the Iran-backed group, and Saudi air strikes across five Yemeni provinces.

Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara Urged to Cancel Regional Budget Cuts

Following the appointment of Suahasil Nazara as Finance Minister, the Yogyakarta regional legislature has called on the central government to cancel sweeping budget cuts affecting the 2026 fiscal year. DIY suffered an average 74% reduction in Village Funds, while its Special Autonomy Fund shrank from Rp1.581 trillion to Rp1 trillion. Lawmakers insist the fiscal burden must not be passed on to residents through higher local taxes and levies.

Bank Accounts Emptied by Scammers, Victims Left Resigned

A GSMA report reveals that 45% of fraud cases in South-East Asia remain unresolved, with 82% of victims unable to recover their lost money. In Indonesia, 5% of internet users reported falling victim to scams over the past 12 months, and unresolved cases have significantly eroded trust in financial institutions and digital platforms.

House of Representatives Rebukes ATR/BPN Minister Over Slow Land Approvals for Presidential Programmes

Commission II Chairman Muhammad Rifqinizamy Karsayuda criticised the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) for delays in land approvals needed for President Prabowo Subianto's priority programmes. He revealed that funding for new regional military command (Kodam) construction is ready but stalled awaiting the minister's signature. He urged the deputy minister to amend internal regulations so approvals need not all reach ministerial level.

Director General of Customs Denies Conflict with Purbaya: Pure Fabrication

The Director General of Customs and Excise, Djaka Budhi Utama, has dismissed rumours of friction with former Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as baseless fabrications. Purbaya had also denied any rift, stressing that leadership changes are the President's prerogative. Djaka expressed hope the ministry under Suahasil Nazara would continue safeguarding the state budget.

Suahasil Nazara Appointed Finance Minister, Market Watches Fiscal Discipline and Rupiah

Indonesian capital market participants are closely monitoring the appointment of Suahasil Nazara as Finance Minister, replacing Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, with investors focused on fiscal discipline and the credibility of the state budget. Analysts at Mirae Asset Sekuritas highlight that policy implementation, Rupiah stability and foreign capital flows will be key determinants of market confidence going forward.

Mirae: Cigarette shares under pressure from excise policy expectations of new Finance Minister

Mirae Asset Sekuritas Indonesia's Head of Research, Rully Arya Wisnubroto, said tobacco company shares have been sold off following the appointment of Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara, amid expectations of stricter excise policy. He noted Suahasil's approach may resemble that of former Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, taking a harder line on sectors harmful to public health. Gudang Garam, Wismilak and HM Sampoerna shares all fell significantly on Tuesday trading.

Garibaldi to take part in warship parade in Jakarta Bay

The Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi will join a naval parade in Jakarta Bay on 4 October 2026 as part of celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI). President Prabowo Subianto and other dignitaries will observe the fleet from aboard the carrier, with 102 Indonesian warships also taking part. The commemorations will conclude with a military equipment parade at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta.

HIPMI Welcomes New Finance Minister, Urges Pro-Business, Pro-Growth Fiscal Policy

The central board of Indonesia's young entrepreneurs' association HIPMI has welcomed the appointment of Suahasil Nazara as Finance Minister, urging him to ensure fiscal policy translates into real economic activity. Chairman Ade Jona Prasetyo said the state budget should act as a catalyst for private investment rather than being the sole engine of growth, noting that Indonesia's economy expanded 5.29 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026.

Rupiah Weakens for Four Consecutive Days, US Dollar Rises to Rp17,680

The rupiah extended its losing streak against the US dollar for a fourth day, closing 0.26% lower at Rp17,685/US$ as the greenback strengthened on safe-haven demand and expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike. Markets weighed the appointment of Suahasil Nazara as Finance Minister, with analysts seeing his technocratic background as supportive of fiscal credibility.

BP BUMN and Danantara demand consumer rights be prioritised in LRT City dispute

BP BUMN and Danantara have ordered Adhi Karya to complete the handover of some 2,400 LRT City housing units still owed to buyers, stressing that consumers must not suffer losses. Dony Oskaria said the matter must be resolved promptly, whether by completing construction or refunding buyers, following talks with consumer representatives and Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait.

Keeping Alive the Dreams of Children from Underprivileged Families Through the Wujudkan Anak Ceria Programme

Sinergi Amil Zakat's Wujudkan Anak Ceria programme has delivered educational assistance to dozens of children from underprivileged families, including new school uniforms for seven-year-old Najwa Nada, whose father works as an orange-leaf picker in Bandung. Over the past three months, 72 children have received educational support, while a total of 396 children have benefited from a broader package of aid including nutritious food, educational excursions and psychosocial services.

New Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara Urged to Strengthen Credibility and Policy Synchronisation

Indonesia's new Finance Minister, Suahasil Nazara, faces the challenge of strengthening fiscal credibility and ensuring better coordination of economic policy amid high global capital costs. Economist Fakhrul Fulvian of Trimegah Sekuritas stressed that Indonesia has ample policy instruments, but success depends on synchronisation, correct sequencing and clear targets. He also urged the government to distinguish instruments from final objectives and to ensure fiscal consolidation is real rather than merely an accounting exercise.

US Confirms It Has Weapons in Space

The US Space Force has, for the first time, confirmed that it has weapons deployed in orbit, capable of offensive and defensive operations against adversary space capabilities. The disclosure, justified by citing threats from Russia and China, drew a sharp response from Beijing, which urged Washington to stop preparing for war in outer space. The confirmation highlights an intensifying space arms race beyond the scope of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

KPK Summons Wife of Former Cirebon Regent Sunjaya Over Bribery Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned Wahyu (Ayu) Tjiptaningsih, former Deputy Regent of Cirebon and wife of ex-Regent Sunjaya Purwadisastra, as a witness in a bribery case involving permits for the Cirebon 2 coal-fired power plant. The case centres on allegations that Herry Jung paid some Rp 6.04 billion in bribes to Sunjaya, who was previously sentenced to nine years in prison for related offences.

Hisense Introduces RoamView, a Screen That Follows Its Users' Activities

Hisense has unveiled RoamView, the latest addition to its Lifestyle Series, offering a portable movable screen with a long-lasting battery for use anywhere in the home. The device features 4K streaming, an 8 GB RAM high-performance platform, 128 GB of storage, and creative tools such as Whiteboard and digital sketchpad. It complements the CanvasTV and DécoTV lines in a portfolio aimed at screens that blend into and move with users' daily lives.

Governor: Beware, disasters begin to strike Aceh again

Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf has urged vigilance as floods and landslides return to the province's highland regencies during the rainy season, with soil still unstable after last year's hydrometeorological disasters. Landslides in Central Aceh have left one person dead and 13 injured, while floods and landslides have cut off the Blangkejeren–Kutacane road in Gayo Lues.

Purbaya Speaks Out on Internal Conflict Claims at the Finance Ministry

Former Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has denied reports of internal conflict at the Finance Ministry following his removal, which was rumoured to stem from disagreements over a reshuffle of around 300 officials at the Tax and Customs Directorates General. Both Purbaya and Customs Director General Djaka Budhi Utama dismissed the rumours, with Purbaya noting that the ministerial change was President Prabowo Subianto's prerogative.

Mirae: Fiscal credibility and the rupiah to be the focus of the stock market

Mirae Asset Sekuritas Indonesia says market players will scrutinise the fiscal policy direction of newly appointed Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara, particularly consistency in maintaining state budget credibility and fiscal discipline. Rully Arya Wisnubroto also flagged rupiah movements amid expected US Fed rate hikes, noting the IHSG has already re-rated some 18 per cent and further gains require broader earnings delivery and foreign inflows.

Gibran, Poulev hold talks to strengthen ties

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka met Bulgarian counterpart to mark the 70th anniversary of Indonesia-Bulgaria diplomatic relations, with Bulgaria affirming readiness to participate in Indonesia's economic development. Talks explored boosting trade and investment, with Bulgaria positioned as a gateway for Indonesian products into the EU market, alongside hopes for Bulgarian support in finalising the Indonesia-EU CEPA. Cooperation in agro-industry, logistics, food security and the creative economy was also discussed.

Religious Affairs Minister Inaugurates First Director-General of Pesantren and Four PTKN Rectors

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has inaugurated Basnang Said as the first Director-General of Pesantren, heading a newly established echelon I unit within the ministry. He also swore in four rectors of state Islamic religious higher education institutions, and called for institutional reforms and concrete breakthroughs within the new directorate's first 100 days.

Obama and Kamala Harris Urge Strict Regulation of AI Development

Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris have publicly called for stronger government intervention to regulate artificial intelligence in the United States. Their stance clashes with President Donald Trump, who dismissed AI safety concerns as a hoax and rejected calls to slow development, amid growing industry warnings about the technology's risks.

Mount Anak Krakatau Experiences Rapid Growth; Collapse Poses No Tsunami Threat

Mount Anak Krakatau is undergoing rapid constructive growth driven by regional tectonics, its established magma system architecture, runnier magma and very high eruption frequency. According to the head of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Rita Susilawati, the volcano's body is only around 150 metres high with gentle slopes, so any collapse is unlikely to trigger a tsunami. The volcano has returned to its normal Strombolian eruption pattern, with no eruptions recorded in the past two days.

Business Leaders Welcome New Finance Minister, Pass on Homework on Tax Restitution

The Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) has welcomed new Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara, noting its long-standing cooperation with him from his time at the Fiscal Policy Agency. Apindo Chairwoman Shinta Kamdani urged faster resolution of tax restitution, which is critical for companies' cash flow, and pressed for continued improvements in customs. Her predecessor Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa had admitted delays may stem from officials misapplying his instruction to tighten scrutiny of restitution in the coal sector.

AI Boosts Efficiency of Indonesian Healthcare Workers

A Royal Philips Future Health Index 2026 survey shows 69 per cent of Indonesian healthcare workers say AI tools help them treat more patients, well above the global average of 50 per cent. However, challenges remain, including inadequate training, unclear monitoring processes and workers resorting to personal AI tools, even as 94 per cent insist human judgement must remain central to care.

KPK Summons Bengkulu City Deputy Council Speaker Again Over Rejang Lebong Regent Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has re-summoned Rahmad Widodo, Deputy Speaker of the Bengkulu City Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), as a witness in its expanding investigation into bribery allegations centred on suspended Rejang Lebong Regent M Fikri Thobari. Rahmad failed to appear at his first summons on 11 September, and investigators have also seized assets belonging to fellow councillor Vinna Ledy Anggraheni. The case stems from allegations that Regent Fikri received some Rp 1.7 billion in bribes linked to procurement projects.

Tourism Sector Urged to Improve Service Quality and Preserve Culture

The 11th Bali Tourism Awards 2026 ceremony was held at the Bali Beach Convention Center in the Sanur Special Economic Zone, presenting 38 awards across individual, hospitality and institutional categories. Bali Governor I Wayan Koster stressed that the island's tourism development must prioritise quality and cultural preservation over sheer visitor numbers, while Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration.

Australian National Suspected of Killing His Two Children Before Hanging Himself in Legian, Bali

An Australian national identified as SDJ (57) was found dead alongside his two children, ADS (7) and LKS (4), in a bungalow in Legian, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali. Police suspect SDJ suffocated and strangled both children before taking his own life by hanging, though confirmation awaits medical examination results. His wife told police her husband had suffered from severe anxiety and had previously attempted suicide, and the case will be closed under an SP3 as the suspected perpetrator has died.

Roy Suryo on Rp5 Million Compensation: It Is Not About the Amount, But Fighting for Justice

Roy Suryo's legal team welcomed a South Jakarta District Court ruling granting part of his pre-trial motion, declaring a previous forced effort (upaya paksa) unlawful and awarding Rp5 million in immaterial damages. His lawyer Refly Harun stressed the significance lies in the court accepting their legal argument on citizens' right to compensation for unlawful searches, arrests and detention. The team now shifts focus to the main trial at East Jakarta District Court starting 17 September 2026.

BP BUMN and Danantara Demand LRT City Resolution Must Not Harm Consumers

BP BUMN and Danantara are pushing for a comprehensive resolution to the LRT City dispute that prioritises consumer interests, with Adhi Karya ordered to complete the handover of some 2,400 undelivered units. Dony Oskaria stressed that consumers, particularly first-time homebuyers, must not suffer losses caused by internal company failings. Options including completing construction or refunding buyers will be discussed with consumer representatives and the Minister of Housing.