Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 September 2026

Showing 201-250 of 1,567 articles

Bank Indonesia and Jakarta Provincial Government Hold Jakarta Youth Leadership Camp 2026

Bank Indonesia's Jakarta Representative Office and the Jakarta Provincial Government have launched the Jakarta Youth Leadership Camp (JYLC) 2026. The initiative aims to empower 500 young leaders with essential skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and digital economy to support Jakarta's development as a global city.

Repeated Smoke Exposure Can Increase Lung Cancer Risk

Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to high concentrations of smoke from forest fires, waste burning, and vehicle emissions significantly raises the risk of lung cancer and respiratory diseases. Dr Linda Masniari emphasises that fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, potentially leading to chronic conditions such as bronchitis and COPD.

KDM Orders Temporary Closure of Mountain Climbing Activities in West Java

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has ordered the temporary closure of mountain climbing activities to prevent further forest fires. The decision follows a significant increase in burnt land area, which rose from 196.40 to 228.07 hectares over the past week.

ATR/BPN instructs officials to unify vision in support of service transformation

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) has called for departmental unity to ensure the success of ongoing service transformations. These initiatives, including scheduled measurements and integrated rights transfers, aim to improve public certainty and accelerate land services.

Indonesian National Police Strengthen Forest and Land Fire Prevention and Control in Several Regions

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has issued a directive to all regional police chiefs to intensify efforts in preventing and managing forest and land fires. The strategy focuses on cross-sector synergy, community involvement, and strict law enforcement against those responsible for illegal burning.

DPR Commission XIII Approves Rp99.35 Billion Budget Increase for National Commission on Human Rights

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) Commission XIII has approved an additional budget of Rp99.35 billion for the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) for the 2027 fiscal year. The extra funds are intended to address critical funding gaps in human rights enforcement, proactive monitoring, and administrative operations.

Iranian President Issues New Ultimatum to US in Presence of Xi Jinping and Putin

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that Tehran is prepared to respond if the United States fails to honour its commitments under a June memorandum of understanding. The statement was made during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, amidst renewed direct military exchanges between Iran and the US.

South Sumatra Red Cross Distributes Masks to Residents Affected by Forest Fire Smoke

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in South Sumatra has launched a mask distribution initiative to protect residents from hazardous smoke caused by forest and land fires. The programme includes the distribution of 15,000 masks across 17 regencies and cities to mitigate health risks from poor air quality.

Ministry of Communication and Digital Requests Rp3.23 Trillion Budget Increase to Develop Digital Infrastructure

The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has proposed an additional budget of Rp3.23 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year. The extra funds are intended to bolster digital infrastructure, strengthen the digital ecosystem, and support various national priority programmes.

Are Children More at Risk from Mobile Phone Radiation? Here is the Explanation

Health experts are raising concerns regarding the increased vulnerability of children to radiofrequency radiation from mobile devices due to their unique biological characteristics. While scientific consensus on a direct link to cancer is still developing, experts recommend the precautionary principle to mitigate long-term risks.

Indonesia's Trade Deficit with China Widens to US$17.67 Billion Over 7 Months

Indonesia's non-oil and gas trade deficit with China has significantly expanded, reaching US$17.67 billion between January and July 2026. This deficit represents the largest gap compared to any of Indonesia's other trading partners, driven largely by high imports of machinery and electrical equipment.

Rector of IAKN Kupang Still Hospitalised, Kupang City Police Postpone Examination

Police in Kupang have postponed the interrogation of I Made Suardana, the Rector of the State Christian Institute (IAKN) Kupang, following an alleged assault report. The Rector remains hospitalised due to physical pain and psychological distress following the incident.

Head of Bappenas: Energy Transition Must Focus on Implementation

The Minister of National Development Planning has emphasised that Indonesia's energy transition must move beyond policy dialogue towards concrete project implementation and investment. Speaking at the Indonesia Sustainable Energy Week 2026, he called for a shift in Indonesia-Germany cooperation from technical studies to tangible field projects.

OJK Urges Guarantee Companies to Strengthen Feasibility Analysis to Maintain Claim Ratios

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has advised guarantee companies to enhance their risk mitigation and feasibility analyses to maintain healthy claim-to-premium ratios. This directive comes as the industry's claim ratio improved to 96.01 per cent as of June 2026, despite fluctuations in the SME sector.

British National Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Storing 1.4kg of Cocaine in Bali

A British national, Baath Jarnail Singh, has been sentenced to nine years in prison by the Denpasar District Court for possession of 1.4kg of cocaine. The court also imposed a fine of Rp1 billion, noting that the defendant's actions undermined Indonesia's national efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking.

Iqbal Highlights Plight of NTB Posyandu Volunteers, Receiving Only Rp 100,000 and Paying for Batteries Personally

The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, has raised concerns regarding the inadequate incentives and lack of facilities for Posyandu health volunteers. He noted that many volunteers must use their own money for operational costs, such as batteries for digital scales, amidst declining village fiscal capacities.

Bali, KAI plan battery-powered tram from airport to Canggu

The Bali provincial government and PT Kereta Api Indonesia have signed an agreement to develop a 12-kilometre battery-powered tram line connecting the airport to Canggu. The project aims to alleviate heavy traffic congestion and enhance tourist comfort using eco-friendly technology that avoids overhead cables. Construction is slated to begin in March 2027, with full operations expected by 2029.

Winning Award, Jababeka Bizpark Strengthens Industrial and Investment Appeal

PT Graha Buana Cikarang, a subsidiary of PT Jababeka Tbk, has received the 2026 Indonesia Property Award for its Jababeka Bizpark development. The award recognises the project's flexible multi-purpose design, which aims to support the expanding industrial and logistics needs within the Jababeka City ecosystem.

Years of Waiting for Repairs: Primary School Students in Bangkalan Forced to Share Classrooms

Students at UPTD SD Negeri Pakaan Laok 1 in Bangkalan, East Java, are currently sharing classrooms due to long-standing structural damage to school buildings. The necessary repairs have been delayed for years because of unresolved land status issues.

Judge Boldly Challenges Government Order, Business Leaders Rejoice

A US Federal Court judge has blocked a Pentagon decision to label AI firm Anthropic as a national security supply chain risk. The ruling marks a significant victory for the creators of the Claude AI model following their refusal to permit military use in autonomous weaponry and domestic surveillance.

Seeking Medical Treatment Domestic or Abroad: What Should Be Considered?

The debate over Indonesians seeking medical treatment in Penang, Malaysia, has resurfaced following viral social media content comparing domestic and foreign medical services. Experts suggest that while factors like cost and communication are key drivers, patients must prioritise medical necessity and professional diagnoses over social media trends.

Ministry of Health: 50,891 Acute Respiratory Infection Cases Linked to Forest Fire Smoke, July-August 2026

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has reported over 50,000 cases of acute respiratory infections (ISPA) resulting from smoke produced by forest and land fires between July and August 2026. The surge in cases has affected seven provinces, prompting the government to intensify health monitoring and medical supplies distribution.

Merah Putih Village Cooperatives Judged to Create Real Economic Growth in Villages

The Merah Putih Village Cooperative initiative requires a robust ecosystem of demand and market access to effectively drive local economies. Proposals include involving civil servants through mandatory contribution schemes and engaging the private sector as strategic partners to ensure sustainable village-level growth.

More than 4,000 Entrepreneurs Register for Pertamina UMK Academy 2026

Registration for the Pertamina UMK Academy 2026 has closed with over 4,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) applying, nearly doubling the previous year's figures. The programme, an initiative by PT Pertamina (Persero), aims to enhance the competitiveness and scalability of local Indonesian businesses through structured training and mentorship.

Indonesian National Police Explain Protest Management Stages: Law Enforcement as a Last Resort

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) have clarified their procedural approach to managing public demonstrations, emphasising a commitment to human rights and constitutional freedoms. The police strategy focuses on pre-emptive and preventive measures, stating that law enforcement and repressive actions will only be utilised as an 'ultimum remedium' or last resort.

Despite Shrinking, Water Levels at Jatiluhur Reservoir Remain Safe

The water level at the Jatiluhur Reservoir in West Java has decreased to 96.33 metres, slightly below normal operating limits. However, Perum Jasa Tirta II assures that water reserves remain sufficient to meet irrigation, industrial, and domestic needs until the end of 2026.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk Urges Local Governments to Strengthen Preparedness Against Forest and Land Fires

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk has called on local governments to bolster their readiness for forest and land fires (karhutla) through better regulation, budgeting, and community involvement. She emphasised the importance of allocating unexpected expenditure (BTT) in regional budgets to ensure effective mitigation and emergency response.

Indonesia strengthens vocational training to narrow skills gap

Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto has emphasised the necessity of enhanced vocational training to align workforce skills with market demand and investment growth. The initiative, supported by the 2026 economic stimulus package, aims to address high youth unemployment and prepare workers for the digital and green economy sectors.

Building Material Prices Rise, Wholesale Goods Inflation Hits 0.5% in August 2026

Indonesia's Wholesale Price Index (IHPB) recorded a monthly inflation rate of 0.5% in August 2026, reversing a deflationary trend from July. The increase was primarily driven by rising costs in the construction sector, with significant price hikes seen in commodities such as asphalt, reinforced steel, and cement.

Japan's SBI Holdings Injects Rp4.8 Trillion into Ajaib, Reigniting Foreign Confidence in Indonesia

Japanese financial services group SBI Holdings has completed a US$270 million Series C funding round for the Indonesian digital investment platform Ajaib. This significant capital injection brings Ajaib's total funding to over US$500 million and serves as a strong indicator of sustained foreign investor confidence in Indonesia's digital economy.

Pelindo Sinergi Lokaseva Supports ASEAN Port Resilience

PT Pelindo Sinergi Lokaseva (PT PSL) is advocating for digital transformation and regional integration to strengthen maritime connectivity within ASEAN. The company aims to enhance port performance and logistics efficiency through the development of integrated maritime ecosystem platforms.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Urges Local Governments to Strengthen Forest and Land Fire Prevention

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk has called on local governments to enhance preparedness and mitigation efforts against forest and land fires (karhutla). She emphasised the importance of allocating unexpected expenditure (BTT) in regional budgets and establishing robust legal frameworks to ensure effective emergency response.

West Manggarai optimises medical facilities to serve 9,000 displaced persons

The West Manggarai Regency government in East Nusa Tenggara is scaling up medical services to support over 9,000 earthquake victims currently residing in displacement camps. Local hospitals have been instructed to maintain full operations to ensure continuous care amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Bobby Nasution Distributes Grants to 567 Recipients, Ranging from Places of Worship to Students

The Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, has distributed grants totalling over Rp 200 billion to 567 beneficiaries, including religious institutions and students. The initiative aims to accelerate regional development, enhance human resource quality, and improve public welfare across the province.

Reasons Why Trump's Venezuela Oil Deal Will Not Yield Immediate Impact

President Donald Trump has announced a major oil acquisition deal involving Venezuelan reserves to lower US fuel prices and replenish strategic reserves. However, industry experts and economists warn that significant production increases and price reductions may take between 5 to 15 years to materialise.

Premium, Medium Rice Prices Up Across Indonesia in August

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has reported a simultaneous increase in both premium and medium rice prices across milling, wholesale, and retail levels during August 2026. The price surge is particularly notable in the premium grade, which saw a year-on-year increase of 10.07 per cent.

Flaunting Lamborghinis, Fraudulent Financial Experts Abscond with Investor Funds

Two individuals posing as financial experts have disappeared after allegedly defrauding over 50 investors of approximately S$5 million (Rp 70 billion). The suspects used luxury cars and high-end lifestyles to lure victims into fraudulent vending machine and commercial property investment schemes.

Bima Emphasises Rapid Response and Unified Narrative to Combat Disinformation

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto has called for government public relations departments to adopt rapid response strategies and unified narratives to counter disinformation, slander, and hate speech. He highlighted the need for proactive communication to prevent information vacuums that are often filled by viral, unverified content in the digital era.

Perhutani: Fire in Mount Butak area successfully extinguished

A forest fire affecting approximately 15 hectares of protected forest in the Mount Butak area, East Java, has been successfully extinguished. Perhutani officials have implemented temporary hiking restrictions and are monitoring the area to ensure no new hotspots emerge.

Russia Seriously Developing Halal Tourism to Attract Muslim Travellers

The Moscow City Government is actively expanding its halal-friendly tourism infrastructure to attract more Muslim travellers, specifically targeting the Indonesian market. Efforts include curating Muslim-friendly hotels, restaurants, and specialised tour guides to boost visitor numbers back to pre-pandemic levels.

Prices of Indonesian Export Goods Surge in International Markets

Indonesia's Export Price Index (EPI) saw a significant increase of 10.92% in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter. This surge was driven primarily by the mineral fuels and mineral oils sector, reflecting strong price momentum in global commodity markets.

LRT Ready to Assist Police in Investigating Body Found in Pancoran Station Electrical Substation

LRT Jabodetabek has pledged full cooperation with the police following the discovery of a body inside an electrical substation at Pancoran Station. The operator has offered to provide all necessary assistance, including CCTV footage, to aid the ongoing investigation.

Prabowo Chairs Limited Meeting on Affordable, Decent Housing

President Prabowo Subianto led a high-level meeting with several ministers to discuss concrete steps for improving housing quality and accessibility across Indonesia. The discussions focused on easing access to housing finance and enhancing the ASRI Indonesia Movement, which aims to provide clean water, waste management, and healthy living environments.

Body Found in Cardboard Box in Bandung Suspected to be Murder Victim

The body of a woman, estimated to be around 30 years old, was discovered wrapped in cardboard in Bandung Regency. Local police have launched an investigation into the suspected murder following an initial crime scene analysis.

Update on Mount Sinabung Eruption Impact: 55 Flights Cancelled at Kualanamu Airport and 6 Schedule Adjustments

The eruption of Mount Sinabung has caused significant disruptions at Kualanamu International Airport, resulting in 55 flight cancellations and numerous delays. PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi is coordinating with stakeholders to manage the impact of volcanic ash on flight safety and operations.

Beyond Tourism: Exploring Bali's New Tech-Savvy Economic Vision at Coinfest Asia 2026

The Deputy Minister of Investment, Todotua Pasaribu, has proposed diversifying Bali's economy by integrating blockchain technology, digital services, and professional services alongside its established tourism foundation. The initiative explores using tokenisation to channel digital assets into real-sector investments such as hotels, villas, and industrialisation.

BPS Records Decline in Hotel Occupancy Rates in East Java to 52.72 Per Cent

The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported a decrease in the occupancy rate of star-rated hotels in East Java to 52.72% in July 2026. This decline was primarily driven by lower occupancy levels in 3-star and 4-star hotel categories.

Landfill Fires Recur, Burning for Hours

A massive fire has broken out at the Bojong Canar landfill in Pandeglang, with flames persisting for over 21 hours. This incident follows a similar prolonged fire at the Waringinkurung illegal landfill in Serang, highlighting ongoing waste management challenges in Banten.

Year-End Deadline: Buleleng Evaluates RDF and Pyrolysis to Address Bengkala Landfill Waste

The Buleleng Regency Government is evaluating Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and pyrolysis technologies to resolve waste management issues at the Bengkala landfill. This move follows administrative sanctions from the Ministry of Environment due to the continued use of open dumping systems.

PTPN IV PalmCo Launches 1,000-Hectare Soybean Pilot Project

PTPN IV PalmCo has commenced a 1,000-hectare soybean pilot project on oil palm replanting areas to bolster national food security. The initiative aims to increase domestic production and reduce reliance on soybean imports, following government directives.