Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 September 2026

Showing 901-950 of 1,567 articles

Malioboro Barriers Cause Difficulties for Wheelchair Users

The Yogyakarta Provincial Government is evaluating the design of 'Regol Ayom' barriers on Malioboro Street after a video went viral showing an elderly person in a wheelchair struggling to pass through. Officials plan to adjust the portal designs to ensure accessibility for mobility aids without allowing motor vehicles to enter the pedestrian zone.

Qodari Proposes ID Card or Phone Number as Requirement for Social Media Accounts to Prevent Anonymity

The Head of the Indonesian Government Communication Agency, M. Qodari, has proposed requiring National ID cards (KTP) or phone numbers to register social media accounts. The initiative aims to reduce the spread of hoaxes and scams by eliminating anonymous accounts that facilitate disinformation.

AiMOGA introduces Mobo family companion robot at WRC 2026

Robotics firm AiMOGA has unveiled Mobo, an embodied intelligence-based family companion robot, at the World Robot Conference 2026 in Beijing. The robot features advanced visual and audio processing capabilities designed to assist with daily household tasks, elderly care, and child education.

Ministry begins public trials of 3-kg compressed natural gas cylinders

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has commenced public trials of 3-kg compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders to serve as an alternative to LPG. The initiative aims to reduce national dependence on energy imports by utilising Indonesia's abundant domestic natural gas resources. The trial will transition from internal testing to direct user evaluation over the coming month.

China-ASEAN Trade Surpasses US$1 Trillion in 2025

Bilateral trade between China and ASEAN has exceeded the US$1 trillion mark for the first time, reaching US$1.05 trillion. This represents a 7.4 per cent year-on-year increase, reinforcing China's position as ASEAN's largest trading partner.

Eight Indonesian Citizens Recruited as Russian Mercenaries, List Revealed

The Indonesian government is currently verifying reports from Ukrainian intelligence alleging that eight Indonesian nationals have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is investigating potential exploitation and fraud, noting that such involvement in foreign militaries carries significant legal consequences for citizenship status.

Bank Jakarta builds financial access for market traders through mass credit programme

Bank Jakarta is launching a mass credit initiative aimed at expanding financial access for micro-entrepreneurs, specifically targeting traders at the Kramat Jati Wholesale Market. The programme offers both KUR and non-KUR financing options to help small businesses scale their operations and increase turnover.

BCA Intensifies Financial Literacy, Reaching 169,000 People Across 35 Provinces

PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) has expanded its financial education initiatives to cover 35 provinces, aiming to bridge the gap between financial access and literacy. The programme involves hundreds of employees and branches to promote better financial understanding and saving habits across Indonesia.

Indonesian Maize Production Reaches 14.25 Million Tonnes, Slight Increase in 2026

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) forecasts that maize production for January-October 2026 will reach 14.25 million tonnes, representing a 1.25% increase compared to the same period in 2025. While July saw a decline in production due to reduced harvest areas, a projected rise in harvesting from August to October is expected to bolster the annual total.

Rosan Reports to Parliament: Investment in Indonesia No Longer Focuses on Raw Material Exploitation

The Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Rosan Roeslani, reported that investment realisation in the first half of 2026 reached Rp 1,010.6 trillion, representing a 7.2% year-on-year growth. He highlighted a strategic shift from raw material exploitation towards value-added downstreaming, which has significantly boosted employment and regional development outside Java.

Trump Vows to Hit Iran 'Hard' After First Exchange of Fire in Weeks

United States President Donald Trump has threatened significant military action against Iran following a recent exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation involves strikes on Iranian launchers and retaliatory missile launches, raising global concerns regarding the security of vital energy shipping routes.

Waskita Karya Introduces Integrated Host-to-Host Payment System

State-owned construction firm PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk has launched an integrated Host-to-Host (H2H) payment system using BNI's standardised API. This digital transformation aims to automate financial processes, enhance transparency, and strengthen corporate governance through real-time connectivity with banking systems.

Judge Rejects Supernatural Whispers Alibi, Murderer of West Sumatra Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

The Lubuk Sikaping District Court has sentenced Reski Hamdi to 20 years in prison for the premeditated murder of 61-year-old Ruslan. The court rejected the defendant's claim of being driven by supernatural whispers, instead finding that his hallucinations were the result of long-term methamphetamine use.

Alarming: Japanese Government Bond Yields Hit 30-Year High

Japanese 10-year government bond yields have surged to their highest level since September 1996, driven by inflation fears and rising energy costs. The spike comes as the Bank of Japan faces pressure to raise interest rates amidst a weakening yen and significant national debt.

Indonesia posts US$3.70 billion trade surplus in January-July 2026

Indonesia recorded a cumulative trade surplus of US$3.70 billion between January and July 2026, driven by a 4.43 per cent year-on-year increase in exports. The manufacturing sector remained the primary contributor to export value, while imports saw a significant rise of 19.94 per cent during the same period.

Labour Minister ensures vocational graduates absorbed through industry-based curriculum

The Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has announced a shift towards a demand-driven vocational training model to ensure graduates are optimally absorbed into the labour market. By involving industries as active partners in curriculum design, the Ministry aims to align training with real-world industrial needs and competency standards.

Ministry of Environment: 19 Companies Held Accountable for Forest and Land Fires

The Ministry of Environment has identified 19 companies in Sumatra and Kalimantan suspected of causing widespread forest and land fires. The government is pursuing legal action through administrative sanctions, civil lawsuits, and criminal prosecution to address environmental damages estimated at Rp5.30 trillion.

Forestry Minister ensures readiness for forest fires during El Niño peak in September

The Indonesian Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, has announced intensified measures to combat potential forest and land fires as El Niño reaches its peak in September. Strategies include weather modification operations, water bombing, and the deployment of international assistance to manage drought-induced fire risks.

House plenary approves Destry, Aida, Solikin for BI leadership

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has officially approved the appointment of Destry, Aida, and Solikin to key leadership positions within Bank Indonesia for the 2026-2031 term. The new appointments follow fit and proper tests conducted by Commission XI and aim to ensure the central bank maintains focus on driving economic growth and public welfare.

President assists Kodam with fire engines and excavators to tackle forest fires

President Prabowo Subianto has provided 100 fire engines and 15 excavators to the XXII/Tambun Bungai Military Command to bolster forest and land fire prevention. The equipment will be distributed across military units in Central and South Kalimantan to enhance rapid response capabilities.

IDX Composite Suddenly Rises 1%, Here Are the Causes

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) Composite rose by 1% during Tuesday's trading, driven primarily by a surge in large-cap banking stocks. Significant contributions from major banks such as BBRI, BBCA, and BMRI, alongside strong foreign net buying, bolstered the market's upward momentum.

South Sumatra Regional Police Conduct Door-to-Door Education to Prevent Forest and Land Fires

The South Sumatra Regional Police have launched a door-to-door initiative in Muara Enim to raise public awareness regarding the prevention of forest and land fires. Alongside educational efforts, the police distributed social assistance to elderly residents to foster community engagement and disaster prevention.

To Prevent Forest and Land Fires, South Sumatra Regional Police Strengthen Education Down to Village Level

The South Sumatra Regional Police have launched a door-to-door socialisation campaign in Muara Enim to raise awareness about the dangers of forest and land fires. The initiative combines environmental education with social assistance to elderly residents to foster community cooperation in preventing potential fire outbreaks.

Three Dead in East Java Following 'Sound Horeg' Carnival Events in August

Three individuals have lost their lives in East Java following a series of incidents related to 'sound horeg' carnivals throughout August. The fatalities include a man who struck his head on a gateway while sleeping on a truck, a man who suffered a heart attack, and a resident crushed by a collapsing wall.

Woman's Body Wrapped in Cardboard Shocks Bandung, Police Suspect Murder

The discovery of a woman's body wrapped in cardboard has caused significant alarm among residents in Bandung, West Java. Local police are investigating the incident as a suspected murder and have sent the body for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Purbaya Suddenly Summoned by Prabowo to Hambalang: What is Happening?

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa was unexpectedly summoned by President Prabowo Subianto to Hambalang during a parliamentary working meeting. The Minister declined to disclose the specific agenda of the sudden meeting, though recent discussions have focused on the state budget conditions.

Trump Angry When Asked if He Has Set Aside Nuclear Option for Iran

US President Donald Trump has dismissed the possibility of using nuclear weapons against Iran, labelling questions regarding the nuclear option as 'stupid'. The remarks come amid heightened tensions following recent military exchanges between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Farmer Terms of Trade Hits Highest Level of 129.19, Driven by Paddy and Palm Oil

Indonesia's national Farmer Terms of Trade (NTP) reached a peak of 129.19 in August 2026, marking a 1.05 per cent increase from July. The rise was primarily driven by higher prices for commodities such as paddy, palm oil, rubber, and broiler chickens.

KNKT Head Warns of Critical Issues Leading to Fatal Toll Road Accidents

The Head of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has highlighted significant gaps in toll road safety standards, including slow emergency response times and inadequate handling of hazardous materials. The remarks follow scrutiny from Commission V of the House of Representatives regarding the compliance of toll road operators with minimum service standards.

US Military Leaders Warn Pete Hegseth: Iran Operations are Unsustainable

High-ranking US military commanders have issued a stern warning to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating that prolonged large-scale operations against Iran are unsustainable. The commanders argue that diverting assets to the Middle East is depleting US capabilities in Europe, the Pacific, and Latin America.

Forest Fires in Londerang Under Control, Joint Team Focuses on Cooling Land

Wildfires in the Londerang Peat Forest Protection area in Jambi are beginning to subside, though authorities remain on high alert. A joint task force is currently focusing on cooling the peat soil to prevent underground embers from reigniting the flames.

List of Indonesian Regions Predicted to Reach Peak Dry Season in September 2026

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has released an updated forecast indicating that several Indonesian regions will reach the peak of the dry season in September 2026. The report warns that much of the country may experience drier and longer-lasting dry seasons than normal.

Andalas University Professor States Corruption is the Root Cause of Declining National Productivity

Professor Syafruddin Karimi of Andalas University warns that widespread corruption, collusion, and nepotism are severely undermining Indonesia's national productivity and economic stability. During the 'Republic Conference', experts also highlighted the disconnect between government data and reality, alongside the risks of an extractive economy.

MAI Foundation Inaugurates 120 Recipients of the 6th Bintang Mandiri Scholarship Cohort

The MAI Foundation and MAI Institute have officially inaugurated 1s20 students as recipients of the 6th Bintang Mandiri Scholarship. The programme focuses on holistic student development, including leadership training, academic mentorship, and social contribution projects.

Rosan Reveals 2027 Investment Target to Reach Rp2,322 Trillion

The Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Rosan Roeslani, has announced an ambitious investment realisation target of Rp2,322 trillion for 2027. This target aims to support Indonesia's projected economic growth of 5.8% to 6.5% and includes a significant budget increase for strategic downstreaming and digital infrastructure.

BPS Records Increase in Passenger Numbers Across Various Transport Modes in July 2026

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has reported a rise in passenger numbers across several transport sectors in July 2026, led by a significant increase in domestic sea transport. While sea, ferry, and rail transport saw growth, domestic and international air travel experienced declines during the same period.

KPK Seizes Luxury House of Bengkulu Regional Councillor Vinna Ledy; PKB Respects Legal Process

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized a luxury property in South Jakarta belonging to Bengkulu City Councillor Vinna Ledy Anggraheni. The seizure is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged bribery related to goods and services procurement in Rejang Lebong Regency and other areas of Bengkulu Province.

Metro Jaya Regional Police Chief Visits Personnel and Motorcycle Taxi Driver Hospitalised Following DPR Unrest

The Metro Jaya Regional Police Chief, Commissioner Asep Edi Suheri, visited injured police officers and a motorcycle taxi driver currently receiving treatment at RS Polri Kramat Jati. The injuries were sustained during clashes following a demonstration in front of the DPR RI building last week.

Trump Ousts China and Russia as US Gains Control of Strategic Oil Fields

The United States has expanded its influence over Venezuela's oil industry by taking over several oil fields previously managed by Chinese and Russian firms. This strategic move, part of an agreement announced by President Donald Trump, aims to redirect Venezuelan oil flows towards US markets.

US Members of Parliament Unanimously Declare War Against Iran a Total Failure!

A significant number of US lawmakers from both Democratic and Republican parties are calling for an immediate end to the military operations against Iran. Critics argue that the six-month conflict has failed to achieve its objectives, instead resulting in increased oil prices, depleted American logistics, and heightened regional instability.

Al Azhar Mosque holds Istisqa prayer to pray for rain amidst ongoing disasters

The management of Al Azhar Grand Mosque in Jakarta held an Istisqa prayer to seek relief from drought and recent natural disasters affecting various parts of Indonesia. The event, attended by prominent figures including Jusuf Kalla, serves as a spiritual response to environmental challenges and encourages community introspection and resource conservation.

Quality of Sukamiskin Prison Speedboats Impresses Ship Captain: Thought They Were Foreign Products

A ship captain has expressed surprise at the high quality of 'Sukaboat', a brand of speedboat manufactured by inmates at the Sukamiskin Prison in Bandung. The vessels, which feature professional-grade finishing and design, are being used for water sports activities and demonstrate the potential of prison-based vocational programmes.

Satgas PASTI reveals five financial fraud modes to watch out for

The Illegal Financial Activities Eradication Task Force (Satgas PASTI) has identified five prevalent fraudulent methods used to target the public. These schemes include identity theft, impersonation of official institutions, and illegal investment offers, prompting calls for increased public vigilance.

Indonesia launches ARISE to strengthen regional fiscal resilience

The Indonesian Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with UNDRR and ITB, has launched the ARISE initiative to enhance regional fiscal preparedness against disasters. The programme aims to shift the focus from post-disaster response to proactive risk management by providing data on potential economic losses and fiscal impacts. Initially implemented in Bali, the system is planned for expansion across several other provinces to safeguard national development sustainability.

Trump Fuming at NBC Journalist, Demands FCC Sanctions; NBC Responds

Former US President Donald Trump has threatened to report NBC News journalist Kristen Welker to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) following her comments on primary election results. While Trump claims his endorsements have a near-perfect record, analysts suggest the results are more nuanced than his rhetoric suggests.

Aiming to Master Digital Space, Djamari: We Cannot Hand This Nation Over to Pessimists

The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, has emphasised the strategic importance of controlling the digital landscape to manage information flow. He warned that failing to master digital spaces could allow disinformation and negative narratives to reshape the nation's character.

Mount Rinjani climbing opened with restrictions to prevent forest fires

The Mount Rinjani National Park Authority in West Nusa Tenggara has announced limited access to the Mount Rinjani climbing area starting 1 September 2026. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of forest fires during the dry season through stricter monitoring and controlled access.

12 Companies Suspected of Causing Forest and Land Fires in Kalimantan

The Ministry of Environment (KLH) has identified 19 companies across Sumatra and Kalimantan that may be held accountable for recent forest and land fires. Authorities are investigating these firms under the principle of strict liability, as fires have been detected within their respective concession areas.

Follow-up trial on alleged Hajj corruption brings forward several witnesses

The ongoing trial regarding alleged corruption in the distribution of Hajj quotas and administration within the Ministry of Religious Affairs for 2023-2024 continued in Jakarta. Prosecutors presented five key witnesses, including the former Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, to provide testimony regarding the case.

Citizens Unite to Reject Data Centres, President Warns of Impending Poverty

US President Donald Trump has criticised American communities resisting data centre developments, warning that such opposition will lead to economic decline and poverty. The backlash, driven by concerns over energy and water usage, is becoming a significant political issue ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.