Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 September 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,567 articles

Riau Islands Quarantine Returns Food Supplies to Natuna Entrepreneurs

The Riau Islands Quarantine Office (BKHIT) has released several food commodities previously detained in Natuna after they were deemed low-risk. While some items like dried fish and fruits were returned, high-risk imports such as onions and dried chillies remain held pending further government assessment.

Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Requests Additional Rp30.22 Trillion Budget for 2027

The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has proposed an additional budget of Rp30.22 trillion for the 2027 fiscal year to accelerate national priority programmes. The funds are intended to support initiatives such as the development of Red and White Fishing Villages and the revitalisation of aquaculture ponds.

Yaqut's Legal Team: Criminal Liability in Hajj Quota Case Cannot Be Based Solely on Ministerial Position

The legal defence for former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas argues that criminal liability for alleged corruption in Hajj quota distribution cannot be automatically attributed to him due to his former office. The team intends to challenge the prosecution's evidence regarding alleged bribes and the 'complicity' charge, asserting that structural hierarchy does not equate to criminal participation.

Chicken Meat and Bird's Eye Chilli Drive Inflation in NTB for August 2026

Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) recorded an inflation rate of 0.57 per cent in August 2026, primarily driven by rising prices of chicken meat and bird's eye chilli. The price surge in poultry was attributed to increased demand from school programmes and religious observances, while chilli prices rose due to extreme weather conditions.

Infrastructure Complete and Functional, People's School Programme in 3 Cities Enters Simultaneous Orientation Phase

The 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's School) programme has officially entered the school orientation phase (MPLS) in Nganjuk, Bekasi, and Minahasa. Developed by state-owned enterprise PT Brantas Abipraya, the project aims to provide accessible, high-quality education and character building through functional educational infrastructure.

BATIC 2026 Solidifies Indonesia's Position as Asia Pacific Digital Collaboration Hub

The Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC) 2026 brought together over 2,700 delegates to discuss the future of the Asia Pacific digital ecosystem. The event highlighted strategic advancements in AI, cloud computing, and connectivity infrastructure, reinforcing Indonesia's role in regional digital growth.

Village Heads Visit Jokowi's Solo Residence to Convey Aspirations

A delegation of village heads visited the former President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, at his residence in Solo to discuss village development and policy. The group sought to share insights on fostering growth in rural areas and requested more supportive regulatory frameworks for village administration.

Kowani Congratulates Gus Kikin on Election as PBNU Chairperson

The Indonesian Women's Congress (Kowani) has extended its congratulations to KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, following his election as the General Chairperson of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the 2026–2031 term. Kowani expressed hope for strengthened synergy between the two organisations to promote women's empowerment and social welfare.

Kiai Zulfa: Gus Kikin's Priority Should be to Stabilise NU

Following the election of KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, as the General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 period, Kiai Zulfa Musthofa has called for unity within the organisation. He emphasised the importance of embracing all potential members and avoiding divisive politics following the Muktamar.

Bali leads Indonesia’s hotel occupancy rates in July: BPS

Bali recorded the highest hotel occupancy rate in Indonesia at 67.29 per cent in July, driven by increased domestic tourism during the school holidays. The national occupancy rate for star-rated hotels rose to 54.55 per cent, reflecting a slight year-on-year improvement supported by various local and international events.

Ministry of Religious Affairs extends registration period for AICIS+ 2026 international forum

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has extended the registration deadline for the 2026 Annual International Conference on Islam, Science, and Society (AICIS+) to 9 September 2026. The extension aims to accommodate high interest from the academic community and allow researchers and students more time to prepare their submissions.

8 Indonesian Citizens Allegedly Recruited as Russian Soldiers, Dasco Reveals Modus Operandi

Eight Indonesian citizens are suspected of being recruited into the Russian military under the guise of civilian job offers with high salaries. Deputy Speaker of the House, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, stated that intelligence reports suggest third-party nations were involved in facilitating these deceptive recruitment processes.

Acute Respiratory Infection Cases in West Aceh Rise, Reaching 125 Cases in August

Acute Respiratory Infection (ISPA) cases in West Aceh have seen a significant upward trend, reaching 125 cases in August 2026. The surge is attributed to prolonged exposure to haze caused by ongoing forest and land fires in the region.

Sidoarjo Regency Explores MSME Development Cooperation with Banjarmasin City Government

The Sidoarjo Regency Government is seeking to establish a partnership with the Banjarmasin City Government to foster the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative aims to facilitate product exchange and knowledge sharing to expand market access for local entrepreneurs in both regions.

ITDC provides 'bundling packages' for 2026 MotoGP Mandalika

InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has launched integrated travel packages for the 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia to boost tourism spending. The initiative integrates event tickets, accommodation, and multi-modal transport to maximise the economic impact of the MotoGP event on the Mandalika and Lombok regions.

Puan Maharani Congratulates Gus Kikin: May NU Continue to Flourish

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, has extended her congratulations to KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, following his election as the General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 term. Puan expressed her hopes that the organisation will continue to contribute significantly to the nation under his new leadership.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi Plans Visit to Indonesia on 10 September 2026

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is considering a visit to Indonesia to meet with Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin to strengthen bilateral security cooperation. The discussions are expected to focus on the accelerated export of Asagiri-class destroyer ships amidst regional stability concerns in the Indo-Pacific.

Sesaot Forest Proposed for Protected Status, Covering 3,000 Hectares Across Three Villages

The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, is spearheading a proposal to reclassify parts of the Sesaot Forest from conservation to protected status. This initiative aims to legalise the sustainable use of forest resources by local farming groups across three villages while establishing strict 'red zones' to prevent deforestation.

PGN reports 90 per cent of Deltasari Sidoarjo residents use gas network

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) has announced that approximately 90 per cent of households in the Deltasari area of Sidoarjo are now utilising the natural gas network. The company is actively conducting community education programmes to ensure safe usage and efficient service management within the region.

Babel Establishes 393 Legal Aid Posts to Assist Impoverished Citizens Facing Legal Issues

The Bangka Belitung Provincial Government has established 393 legal aid posts (Posbankum) to support vulnerable and low-income individuals facing legal challenges. Supported by over 2,000 paralegals, the initiative aims to resolve minor legal disputes through non-litigation methods at the village level.

ID FOOD Opens Market Access for East Java Layer Chicken to Makassar and Papua

State-owned enterprise ID FOOD, through PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia, has initiated the shipment of 40 tonnes of frozen non-productive layer chicken from East Java to Makassar and Papua. This strategic move aims to establish a B2B trading scheme that connects poultry farmers with high-demand markets in Eastern Indonesia.

Electricity Supply in Central Java-DIY Surplus, Walhi Claims Mount Ungaran Geothermal Project Lacks Urgency

The environmental organisation Walhi Central Java has questioned the necessity of a new geothermal project on Mount Ungaran, citing a significant electricity surplus in the region. The group argues that the current installed capacity far exceeds peak demand and warns that the project may prioritise investment interests over environmental preservation and local community needs.

BI, government strengthen joint strategy to tame food inflation

Bank Indonesia and the government are intensifying coordination through the Regional Inflation Control Team to address rising volatile food inflation. While core inflation remains stable, recent data shows that commodities such as broiler chicken and rice are driving upward pressure on the Consumer Price Index.

Bantul Innovation Award 2026 aims to strengthen regional innovation ecosystem

The Bantul Regency Government has launched the Bantul Innovation Award (BINA) 2026 to foster local creativity and improve the Regional Innovation Index. The initiative recognises achievements across government, education, and community sectors, highlighting significant progress in the district's engineering and technological indices.

National Library to Allocate Rp118.7 Billion Non-Physical Special Allocation Fund to 269 Regions for 2027

The National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas) has announced plans to distribute Rp118.7 billion in non-physical Special Allocation Funds (DAK) across 269 regions in 2027. The allocation aims to enhance literacy through various programmes, including electronic journals and school library accreditation.

North Maluku Investment Reaches Rp 40.2 Trillion, Deputy Governor: Nickel's Shine Not Yet Felt by the People

The North Maluku provincial government is urging large-scale investors to strengthen partnerships with local MSMEs to ensure mining-driven economic growth benefits the local population. Despite significant investment realised in the second quarter of 2026, the Deputy Governor noted that poverty persists and called for greater diversification into agriculture and fisheries.

Japanese Defence Minister considering visit to Indonesia on 10 September

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is planning a visit to Indonesia to discuss strengthening bilateral security cooperation with his Indonesian counterpart. The discussions are expected to focus on the accelerated export of Asagiri-class destroyer ships amidst rising regional tensions.

Head of Bappenas: Achieving SDGs serves as a milestone for development transformation

The Minister of National Development Planning has emphasised that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for Indonesia's national development transformation and for escaping the middle-income trap. To support this, the SDG Certified Leadership Program 2026 aims to cultivate leaders capable of translating global goals into tangible local actions.

Protest at Jenderal Sudirman Intersection in Yogyakarta Turns Chaotic!

A student protest organised by the Civil Society Alliance in Yogyakarta descended into chaos after counter-demonstrators attempted to disperse the crowd. The confrontation led to physical altercations and significant traffic disruption at the Jenderal Sudirman intersection.

Jababeka Bizpark wins Properti Indonesia Award 2026

PT Graha Buana Cikarang, a subsidiary of PT Jababeka Tbk, has secured the Properti Indonesia Award 2026 for Industrial Estate Development. The award recognises the project's success in providing flexible business spaces that meet the growing demand for adaptable industrial infrastructure.

El Niño Potential to Persist until 2027, BPS Warns of Food Price Volatility

The Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has issued a warning regarding the impact of the prolonged El Niño phenomenon on food commodity prices. With predictions suggesting the weather pattern could last until early 2027, officials are monitoring potential inflationary pressures on essential crops.

KPU Commissioner: 2029 Election Stages Expected to Begin in June 202 Or 2027

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has announced that the 2029 election cycle is projected to commence in June 2027. Commissioner August Mellaz emphasised the need to prioritise feedback from various stakeholders to avoid the logistical and administrative failures experienced in previous election cycles.

Ministry of Religious Affairs Urges Public Not to be Tempted by Unofficial Marriage Services

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a warning against the rising popularity of unofficial 'nikah siri' (unregistered marriage) services promoted on social media. Officials emphasised that such arrangements lack legal standing and can lead to severe legal complications for women and children.

DPR Commission X Urges Evaluation of New Student Admission Governance Following Unsoed Case

The Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Lalu Hadrian, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of university admission processes following corruption allegations at Unsoed. The move comes as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects similar fraudulent practices may be occurring across various higher education institutions.

Government targets 220,000 vocational trainees per year to reduce 'skill gap'

The Indonesian government has set an ambitious annual target of 220,000 vocational training participants to address industrial skill gaps and boost labour absorption. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasised that this initiative is crucial for preparing the workforce for Industry 4.0 and the rise of artificial intelligence.

Surabaya Regional Council Urges Asset Digitalisation to Boost Local Revenue

The Deputy Speaker of the Surabaya Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has called for the digitalisation of city assets to increase Local Original Revenue (PAD). This initiative aims to modernise governance and optimise asset utilisation amidst shrinking fiscal space and reduced regional transfer funds.

Hajj Quota Corruption Trial: Witness Admits Being Entrusted with USD 406,000 by Asrul Aziz Taba

A former staff member of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) testified in the Jakarta Corruption Court that he was entrusted with USD 406,000 by the Chairman of Kesthuri to be delivered to a former Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs. The trial involves allegations of massive corruption regarding the allocation of additional Hajj quotas for the 2023-2024 period.

New Phenomenon: Car Paint Pierced by Raindrops Leading to Rust

Recent scientific research reveals that raindrops carry electrical charges capable of puncturing protective coatings on vehicles and infrastructure. This discovery suggests that current protective layers are insufficient as they fail to account for the electrical voltage generated by sliding water droplets.

Hanung Bramantyo admires Madiun's heritage buildings, plans film shoot

Renowned director Hanung Bramantyo plans to use Madiun's historical heritage buildings as filming locations for his upcoming film projects. The Madiun administration has welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a significant boost for the city's growing creative economy sector.

Ekoniklim Talkshow Part 1

The final episode of the EKONIKLIM Podcast Season 2 features key policymakers discussing the strengthening of Indonesia's climate policies and carbon market governance. The discussion focuses on leveraging Carbon Economic Value to support green and inclusive economic growth.

Central Java Provincial Government Develops 'Jateng Corner' SME Hub at Airport

The Central Java Provincial Government is expanding the 'Jateng Corner' SME hub at Ahmad Yani International Airport to boost local economic growth. The initiative aims to increase the participation of small businesses and leverage upcoming national events to promote regional products to a wider audience.

Indonesia Urged to Declare Forest Fire Emergency

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called on the Indonesian government to declare the ongoing forest and land fires an Extraordinary Event. The move aims to facilitate cross-ministerial coordination to manage the environmental, health, and educational impacts of the increasing hotspots in Kalimantan and South Sumatra.

Indonesia to expand vocational training with 19 new centres in 2027

The Indonesian Manpower Ministry plans to establish up to 19 new vocational training centres to bridge the skills gap in the national workforce. The initiative aims to transition to a demand-driven training model by involving industries directly in curriculum development and recruitment processes.

Median Survey: MBG Becomes Most Popular Government Programme, Public Satisfied with Prabowo-Gibran Administration

A recent national survey by Median reveals that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is the most favoured government initiative, with 38.4 per cent of respondents supporting it. Additionally, the survey indicates a majority satisfaction rate of 56.2 per cent regarding the performance of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's administration.

Approximately 650 residents of Kuta Tengah Village, North Sumatra, evacuated due to Mount Sinabung eruption

The North Sumatra Provincial Government has evacuated 650 residents from Kuta Tengah Village following an eruption of Mount Sinabung. Displaced villagers are currently being housed in an evacuation centre in Sukatepu Village, Karo Regency.

Number of Medical Faculties in West Java Increases

Telkom University has officially established its Faculty of Medicine in Bandung, following approval from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. The new faculty aims to pioneer digital health through predictive and precision medicine.

SKK Migas to be Replaced by Special Business Entity, Says Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is reviewing plans within the new Oil and Gas Bill (RUU Migas) to replace SKK Migas with a Special Business Entity (BUK). This proposed restructuring aims to comply with Constitutional Court mandates by unifying the management and operational functions of the upstream oil and gas sector under direct presidential oversight.

Speaker of the MPR Opens Constitutional Archives Exhibition, Highlighting Challenges Faced by Nation's Founders

The Speaker of the MPR, Ahmad Muzani, officially opened the Constitutional Archives Exhibition, showcasing the historical struggle to establish Indonesia's state apparatus. The exhibition highlights the evolution of Indonesian governance, from the formation of the KNIP to the current efforts to design the National Development Policy (PPHN).

Update on KM Nurul Salsa Accident in Selayar: Captain Named Suspect

The captain of the KM Nurul Salsa has been officially named a suspect following a fatal maritime accident in the waters of Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi. The incident resulted in four deaths and left 14 people missing, with investigators citing negligence as the primary cause.

Investment Targeted to Grow 7 Per Cent to Chase 6 Per Cent Economic Growth

The Indonesian government aims to accelerate investment growth to 7 per cent to achieve a 6 per cent economic growth target by 2027. To meet the massive national investment requirement of Rp 8,705 trillion, the state will rely heavily on private sector financing, which is expected to cover approximately 91 per cent of the total need.