Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 September 2026

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35 TNI Barracks in Makassar Destroyed by Fire, Suspected Short Circuit After Power Restored

A massive fire destroyed 35 military barracks in the Mamajang district of Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Tuesday. The blaze is suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit following a power fluctuation during scheduled blackouts.

Air quality improves in Pekanbaru despite four hotspots, BNPB says

The National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) reports that air quality in Pekanbaru has improved, allowing for the resumption of normal activities and in-person schooling. Despite the presence of four hotspots, joint firefighting teams have successfully extinguished fires across approximately 135 hectares in the Riau province.

Beyond Houses and Cars, KPK Suspects Bengkulu DPRD Member Vinna Received Cash from Businessman

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating allegations that Bengkulu City DPRD member Vinna Ledy Anggraheni received cash payments from private sector actors. The investigation, which is an expansion of a bribery case involving the Regent of Rejang Lebong, focuses on potential links to public works projects in Bengkulu.

Shallow 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Cianjur, Centred on Land

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck the Cianjur region in West Java on Tuesday afternoon. The tremor, which originated at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres, was felt across several areas including Sukabumi and Cibadak.

Tax Revenue Up 27% at End of August, Will DGT Reach 2026 Target?

The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) reported a 27% year-on-year increase in tax revenue up to the end of August 2026. Despite this significant growth, officials remain cautious as projections suggest a potential shortfall against the government's annual target.

Implementation of AI to Accelerate Data-Based Agricultural Development

An expert from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture has highlighted how artificial intelligence can accelerate the development of data-driven agricultural mechanisation. By integrating diverse datasets, AI can help tailor technological solutions to the specific geographical and environmental needs of different regions across Indonesia.

IDX Postpones Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders Pending Demutualisation Regulation

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has decided to delay its Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGMS) as it awaits the issuance of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) regulation regarding demutualisation. The delay is part of a broader process involving the potential involvement of BPI Danantara in the exchange's ownership structure.

US Takes Over Venezuelan Oil Reserves via Private Company

The Trump administration has announced a strategic deal to secure significant portions of Venezuela's oil reserves through the private firm North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP). The agreement involves a 100-year concession for drilling in 17 oil fields, aiming to bolster US energy dominance.

Bengkulu Regional Police Chief Asserts Legal Action Against Forest and Land Fire Perpetrators

Bengkulu Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Yudhi Sulistianto Wahid, has vowed to strictly enforce the law against those responsible for forest and land fires in the province. He emphasised that both intentional burning and negligence will be prosecuted, while urging companies to enhance their fire prevention readiness.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Discusses E-Voting Implementation for 2029 Elections: Successfully Tested in Village Elections, Cost-Effective and Problem-Free

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto has highlighted the potential of e-voting for the 2029 General Elections, noting its successful and low-cost implementation in village-level elections. However, he cautioned that digital transformation must be approached with extreme care to mitigate new risks such as cyber attacks and foreign interference.

Government to Expand Vocational Training Centres to Reach Millions of Workers

The Indonesian government plans to add between 15 and 19 new vocational training centres by 2027 to strengthen the national workforce competency ecosystem. The Ministry of Manpower is also implementing a 'demand-driven' training model to bridge the significant skill gap currently faced by Indonesian industries.

Qodari Proposes Mandatory Use of Real Identity for Social Media Registration

The Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom), Muhammad Qodari, has proposed that all social media accounts be registered using verified real identities, such as mobile numbers or national ID cards. The initiative aims to curb the spread of hoaxes, disinformation, and digital crimes like investment scams by reducing the prevalence of anonymous accounts.

BTN Funds Construction of Decent Housing for Forgotten Heroes with Rp 8 Billion Budget

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (Persero) Tbk (BTN) is supporting the construction of 30 habitable houses for veterans, their families, and former athletes through the 'Rumah Cahaya' programme. The initiative, held in collaboration with the PHSI Foundation, aims to provide permanent ownership through land titles for those unable to access traditional mortgage financing due to age.

Basarnas Reveals Official Travel Budget Cuts Alter Operational Patterns

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has reported that reductions in official travel budgets are forcing changes to its operational workflows. Despite the cuts, the agency is struggling with a significant budget deficit of approximately Rp2.29 trillion for its 2027 requirements.

This Month in Indonesian Society (August 2026)

August 2026 will be remembered as a month in which Indonesia's resilience was tested on almost every front at once: the earth shook in the east, forests burned in the west, and institutions old and new wrestled publicly with questions of legitimacy and fairness.

Aismoli: Electric Motorcycle Infrastructure Must Align with Mobility Patterns

The Indonesian Electric Motorcycle Industry Association (Aismoli) suggests that expanding electric vehicle infrastructure should focus on user mobility patterns rather than just increasing the number of battery swapping stations. The association emphasises that location, user profiles, and vehicle technology are critical indicators for successful adoption.

Civil Registry Office Provides Mobile Services for Vulnerable Residents in Tarakan

The Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration, in collaboration with the Tarakan City Civil Registry Office, has launched a mobile service initiative for vulnerable populations. This programme is part of the 'Rebranding Dukcapil' initiative aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity in administrative services.

The Indonesian Economy in Review (August 2026)

August 2026 was a month in which Indonesia's macroeconomic ambitions collided with the messy realities of implementation, subsidy arithmetic, and global shockwaves.

Public Transport Passenger Numbers in Jakarta Increased in July 2026

The Jakarta Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported a year-on-year increase in passengers across Transjakarta, MRT Jakarta, and LRT Jakarta in July 2026. While Transjakarta and MRT Jakarta saw significant growth, LRT Jakarta experienced a slight monthly decline in ridership.

Indonesian Politics in Review (August 2026)

Indonesia's political calendar in August 2026 was dominated by three forces pulling in different directions: a state apparatus asserting confidence in its own institutional resilience, a public mood souring on the economy and cabinet performance, and a wave of street violence and organisational upheaval that tested the limits of both.

Ministry of Cooperatives Requests Rp4.53 Trillion Budget Increase for 2027 to Support Digitalisation and Human Resource Development

The Indonesian Ministry of Cooperatives has proposed an additional budget of Rp4.53 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year to bolster institutional strength and digital transformation. The funds are intended for various initiatives, including human resource training, business downstreaming, and the supervision of village-level cooperatives.

Constitutional Court questions reasons for withdrawal of National Police Chief term limit lawsuit

The Constitutional Court has questioned the petitioners behind a judicial review of the National Police Law, which sought to limit the term of the National Police Chief. The petitioners have officially withdrawn their application, citing that the matter falls under 'open legal policy' and acknowledging limitations in their original petition.

Indonesian Business and Investment in Review (August 2026)

Indonesia's business and investment landscape in August 2026 was defined by a rare convergence of institutional transition, record corporate earnings, and mounting external turbulence, offering a revealing snapshot of an economy attempting to consolidate its gains even as global headwinds intensified.

This Week in the Indonesian Economy (25-31 Aug 2026)

Indonesia closed out August with a week that captured the central tension of its economic story: ambitious, headline-grabbing policy launches sitting alongside the grinding fiscal arithmetic of subsidies, budgets and institutional overhauls needed to make them work.

BNN Outlines Anti-Drug Performance, Proposes Rp 5.05 Trillion Budget Increase

The National Narcotics Board (BNN) has requested an additional budget of Rp 5.05 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year to bolster drug prevention and eradication programmes. The agency aims to enhance its capacity for rehabilitation, laboratory services, and large-scale enforcement operations following several major drug busts.

Jakarta Shaken: Earthquake Detected

Residents in Jakarta felt tremors following a magnitude 4.3 earthquake located near Cianjur, West Java. The shallow earthquake, occurring at a depth of 5km, was felt across several regions including Sukabumi and Cibubur.

This Week in Indonesian Politics (25-31 Aug 2026)

Indonesia closed out August with a week that tested the resilience of its democratic institutions even as it celebrated one of its most significant Islamic organisations completing a peaceful leadership transition.

35 barracks destroyed in TNI Mattoangin dormitory fire

A major fire has destroyed 35 residential units within the TNI Mattoangin barracks in Makassar, South Sulawesi. While no fatalities were reported, two individuals were hospitalised due to smoke inhalation and injuries sustained during the incident.

83 Grams of Crystal Meth Hidden in Toy Cars; Perpetrator Identified as Online Taxi Driver

Police in Cimahi have uncovered a drug trafficking method involving the concealment of 83.28 grams of crystal methamphetamine inside children's toy cars. The suspect, an online motorcycle taxi driver, used the toys as dead drops for buyers across the Bandung Raya region.

This Week in Indonesian Business and Investment (25-31 Aug 2026)

Indonesia's economic and financial landscape this week was defined by a rare convergence of monetary transition, capital market reform, and a wave of corporate results that together sketch a picture of an economy navigating global turbulence with cautious confidence.

Prabowo, Putin to hold bilateral summit in Vladivostok this week

President Prabowo is scheduled to hold a bilateral summit with President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok during an official visit to Russia. The meeting aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and transform existing bilateral agreements into actionable projects across various strategic sectors.

Chinese Imported Mustard Greens Suspected of Containing Formalin, Singapore Tightens Surveillance

The Singapore Food Agency has increased inspections of Chinese mustard greens following reports of illegal formalin use to preserve freshness. This move follows similar heightened vigilance in South Korea and Taiwan regarding food safety standards for imports from China.

Jakarta PMI Urges PPSU Officers to Acquire First Aid Skills

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) for Jakarta Province is advocating for first aid training for PPSU officers and other field workers to manage workplace accidents. The initiative aims to enhance the emergency response capabilities of community service personnel across the capital.

Computers Unsold: Traders Face Grim Prospects as Laptop Sales Decline

The global personal computer industry is facing a significant downturn, with PC shipments dropping 4.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026. This decline is driven by a memory chip shortage caused by the AI boom, alongside geopolitical tensions and rising component costs.

Kramat Jati Wholesale Market Traders Participate in Mass Credit Agreement with Bank Jakarta

Bank Jakarta has disbursed approximately Rp48 billion in credit to 167 traders at the Kramat Jati Wholesale Market. The initiative aims to expand financial access for micro-entrepreneurs and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Jakarta.

Ministry of Forestry Urges Bengkulu Provincial Government to Enhance Preparedness for Forest and Land Fires

The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has advised the Bengkulu Provincial Government to bolster its readiness against forest and land fires ahead of potential El Niño conditions. The Ministry emphasises an 'early warning, early action' approach to prevent large-scale disasters through proactive patrolling and resource management.

Walhi urges Indonesian govt to review permits linked to wildfires

The environmental organisation Walhi East Kalimantan has called on the Indonesian government to conduct comprehensive audits and revoke permits for companies whose concessions are prone to wildfires. The group argues that administrative sanctions and firefighting efforts are insufficient to address the ecological damage and systemic failures in oversight.

Moscow promotes halal tourism to attract Indonesian visitors

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is actively developing Muslim-friendly infrastructure, including halal-certified restaurants and hotels, to boost Indonesian tourist arrivals. Following a 12 per cent increase in visitors during the first half of 2026, the city aims to return to pre-pandemic levels through targeted promotional roadshows.

Prabowo to Meet Putin in Russia This Week

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The meeting aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and translate existing agreements into concrete actions across various sectors.

Indonesian National Police Requests 2027 Budget Increase to Rp184 Trillion; Parliament Agrees to Fight for It

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III has expressed support for the Indonesian National Police's proposal to increase its 2027 budget to Rp184 trillion. The commission also approved a budget reallocation of Rp3.6 trillion from capital expenditure to goods and services expenditure to support operational needs.

Pentagon Now Has Its Own Versions of ChatGPT and Grok

The US Department of Defense has launched specialised versions of OpenAI's ChatGPT and xAI's Grok for its 3 million military and civilian personnel. These tools, integrated into the secure GenAI.mil portal, aim to provide advanced generative AI capabilities while protecting sensitive government data.

Video: Local Electric Motorcycles Support Prabowo's MOLINAS, Ready to Meet 60% TKDN Requirement

Local electric vehicle manufacturers are preparing to support the National Electric Motorcycle (MOLINAS) programme to enhance Indonesia's industrial independence. Maka Motors has expressed readiness to meet the 60% Domestic Component Level (TKDN) requirement, though challenges regarding domestic battery supply remain.

Indonesian Household Transport Expenditure Declines, Here is the Reason

Transport expenditure in Indonesia experienced a deflation of 0.5% in August 2026, driven by falling prices for non-subsidised fuel and aviation turbine fuel. This decline in transport costs occurred amidst rising prices in other sectors, contributing to a month-on-month inflation rate of 0.21%.

DPR Commission III Agrees to Fight for IDR 44.9 Trillion Increase in National Police Budget

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III has expressed support for a significant budget increase for the National Police (Polri) for the 2027 fiscal year. The commission intends to advocate for an additional IDR 44.9 trillion to augment the existing budget ceiling.

Business Continues to Grow, Warta Ekonomi Appreciates Marketing Strategies of Several Companies

The Indonesia Best CMO Awards 2026 highlighted the evolving role of Chief Marketing Officers in driving sustainable business growth through digital innovation and AI. While many Indonesian companies are successfully integrating technology, challenges remain in ensuring marketing investments deliver measurable financial returns and incremental growth.

Finance Minister targets poverty reduction to 6.5 per cent by 2027

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has set a target to reduce the national poverty rate to between 6 and 6.5 per cent by 2027. This goal is part of a broader development strategy aimed at achieving 6 per cent economic growth through effective fiscal policies.

Bakom Reveals Government's Priority to Increase Public Satisfaction

The Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom), Muhammad Qodari, has identified public communication as a key priority to boost public satisfaction with the Prabowo-Gibran administration. The agency aims to strengthen coordination between ministries and regional governments to ensure government programmes are more transparent and accessible.

Is Russia Still Safe for Tourists Amid Global Tensions?

The Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, has assured Indonesian citizens that Moscow remains a safe destination for tourism despite ongoing regional conflicts. Efforts are also underway to enhance Muslim-friendly infrastructure in Moscow to support the growing number of Indonesian visitors.

Producer Gita Fara: Film 'The Sea Speaks His Name' Aims for Oscar Qualification

Producer Gita Fara has announced that the feature film 'The Sea Speaks His Name' (Laut Bercerita) will premiere at the 31st Busan International Film Festival in South Korea this October. The production team is aiming for a major award at the festival to secure eligibility for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards.

Peruri promotes efficiency in property sector through digital security services

Peruri, Indonesia's state-owned printing company, is leveraging digital security solutions such as e-meterai and digital signatures to streamline administrative processes in the property industry. The initiative aims to reduce bureaucracy and prevent document forgery, enhancing operational agility for businesses.