Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 September 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,214 articles

Bekasi Police Chief Appreciates Residents for Peaceful Village Head Elections

The Bekasi Metro Police Chief has expressed gratitude to the residents of Bekasi Regency for their cooperation in ensuring the 2026 simultaneous village head elections remained peaceful. The election, covering 154 villages, concluded without significant security disturbances thanks to the collaborative efforts of local communities and security forces.

Zulhas Optimistic That Indonesia's Waste Management Can Be Fully Resolved

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has expressed confidence in resolving Indonesia's waste crisis through integrated strategies. The plan includes converting waste into electricity and utilising pyrolysis technology to process long-standing waste stockpiles.

Tenggarong Inmates Prepared for Egg-Laying Poultry Farming

Inmates at the Class IIA Tenggarong Prison in East Kalimantan are being trained in egg-laying poultry farming to provide them with entrepreneurial skills for reintegration into society. The programme, which includes the development of large-scale poultry facilities, aims to foster self-sufficiency and contribute to non-tax state revenue.

NTB High Prosecutor's Office Collects Data and Documents Regarding West Lombok Regency's Masaro Project

The West Nusa Tenggara High Prosecutor's Office is investigating alleged corruption in the 'Zero Waste Management' (Masaro) project in West Lombok. The investigation focuses on the procurement of waste processing machinery, which was funded by an unplanned expenditure budget of approximately Rp 21 billion.

Body of Indonesian Migrant Worker Killed in Guyana Accident Arrives; Family in Mourning

The remains of I Komang Tedy Arsa Biantara Putra, an Indonesian migrant worker killed in a road accident in Guyana, have returned to Bali. Authorities have confirmed that the deceased was a legal worker, ensuring his insurance and rights will be processed.

Remember Mas Bechi? The Convict in the Student Molestation Case Has Been Free Since August 2025

Moch Subchi Azal Tsani, known as Bechi, has been released on parole following his conviction for the sexual abuse of a student. The Directorate General of Corrections confirmed that his release follows standard legal procedures for parole eligibility.

Despite AirAsia chief’s rebuttal, analysts less sanguine over budget carrier’s financial plight

Analysts are expressing significant concern regarding AirAsia's financial stability, despite assurances from co-founder Tony Fernandes that the airline does not require a government bailout. The carrier faces substantial debt and liabilities, prompting discussions among Malaysian authorities regarding the potential absorption of its domestic market share by rivals.

Lesca Gadai Premier: Luxury Pawn Trend Grows Alongside Industry Expansion

The luxury pawn sector is experiencing significant growth as the national pawnbroking industry reached Rp160.78 trillion in financing by July 2026. This trend is driven by entrepreneurs and collectors seeking liquidity through high-value assets like designer watches and jewellery without relinquishing ownership.

Bulog North Sumatra receives 4,434 tonnes of rice from East Java to strengthen food reserves

Perum Bulog's North Sumatra regional office has received an additional 4,434 tonnes of rice from East Java to bolster government food reserves. This supply increase aims to support food assistance programmes and the Stabilisation of Food Supply and Prices (SPHP) initiative across the province.

Unhas and Busan Indonesia Centre South Korea Strengthen Research Collaboration

Hasanuddin University (Unhas) has expanded its academic and research network with South Korea through a partnership with the Busan Indonesia Centre (BIC). The collaboration aims to enhance human resource capacity by facilitating advanced education and research opportunities for Unhas faculty within global academic environments.

KSP Urges Public to Utilise 'Sekolah Rakyat' Programme

The Chief of Staff to the President, Dudung Abdurachman, has encouraged the public, particularly underprivileged communities, to take advantage of the 'Sekolah Rakyat' (People's School) programme. This priority initiative aims to enhance Indonesia's human resources by providing accessible, high-quality education and facilities.

Bali Provincial Government Records Increase in Foreign Tourist Levy Based on September Data

The Bali Provincial Government has reported a significant rise in the collection of the Foreign Tourist Levy (PWA), with payment compliance reaching 43% in mid-September. This improvement follows strategic collaborations with international airlines, consulates, and major Online Travel Agents (OTAs) to ensure regulatory compliance.

Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries expands monitoring of illegal fishing to include crew working conditions

The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is broadening its surveillance of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to include crew safety and labour conditions. This initiative aims to combat the link between illegal fishing and human rights violations, such as labour exploitation and unsafe working environments.

HIV Cases Surge, This Nation Declares National Crisis Status

The Fijian government has officially declared a national emergency following a significant spike in HIV infections across the Pacific island nation. The crisis, driven by sexual transmission and intravenous drug use, has seen new cases rise by 27 per cent compared to the previous year.

US 'leaves door open' for Iran to return to negotiations

US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, has stated that the United States remains open to diplomatic negotiations with Iran to resolve Middle East conflicts. He highlighted that the current Iranian regime is at its weakest point due to economic pressures and currency collapse.

Malili Customs and North Luwu Police Bust Shipment of 1,500 Tramadol Tablets Hidden in Spare Parts Package

A joint operation between Malili Customs and the North Luwu Police successfully intercepted a shipment of 1,500 Tramadol tablets disguised as spare parts. The illegal drugs were being sent from Tangerang to North Luwu via an express delivery service.

IRGC Promises New Weapons That Will Amaze the World

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to deploy advanced new weaponry and expand its strike targets in response to potential US aggression. This escalation follows claims of the IRGC intercepting a US MQ-1 drone and comes amidst heightened tensions regarding potential US military actions against Iran.

Nusron Wahid: We Respect the KPK's Legal Process

The Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, Nusron Wahid, has stated his respect for the ongoing corruption investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The probe involves allegations of bribery regarding building rights (HGB) in Bogor Regency, which has already resulted in eight suspects.

BMKG Reveals 29 Active Fault Segments in West Java, Identifies 4 Major Fault Lines

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has identified 2 tributory of 29 active fault segments across West Java. The agency is urging the public to prioritise earthquake mitigation strategies given the region's high seismic activity.

Former South Korean Military Commanders Imprisoned for Up to 18 Years Over Martial Law

Five former high-ranking South Korean military officers have received prison sentences ranging from 9 to 18 years for their roles in the brief but turbulent martial law declaration of late 2024. The rulings follow the failed attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol to use military force to obstruct parliament.

Student Poisoned by Free Nutritious Meal Programme in Karo Returns to School Today

A student in Karo, North Sumatra, has returned to school following a suspected food poisoning incident involving the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. While her condition has improved, her family has requested she only attend classes for half the day as a precaution.

Criminal Investigation Department Seizes Assets of Former Bima Kota Police Chief in NTB

The Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) is currently auditing all valuable assets belonging to the former Bima Kota Police Chief, Didik Putra Kuncoro, in West Nusa Tenggara. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering linked to a major narcotics distribution network.

Xiaomi 18 Fold spare part prices revealed, with motherboard being the most expensive

Xiaomi has disclosed the official replacement part prices for its newly launched Xiaomi 18 Fold foldable smartphone. The motherboard for the highest-spec variant is notably expensive, costing significantly more than the retail price of some non-foldable flagship devices.

Panamanian Cargo Ship Collides with Chinese Fishing Vessel in Singapore Strait

A video has gone viral showing a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship colliding with a Chinese fishing vessel in the Singapore Strait. The impact caused the fishing boat to tilt significantly and allowed seawater to wash over its deck, though no injuries have been reported.

Reviewing Serdang Bedagai SRT, KSP Ensures Prabowo's Programme is Underway

The Chief of Staff to the Presidency, Dudung Abdurachman, visited the Integrated People's School (SRT) in North Sumatra to monitor the progress of President Prabowo Subianto's priority education programmes. The government aims to construct 590 such schools across Indonesia by 2029 to ensure children from underprivileged backgrounds have access to quality education.

Zulhas Simplifies Waste Management Procedures: Presidential Order

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has announced that the Indonesian government is simplifying waste management procedures following directives from President Prabowo Subianto. The move aims to accelerate the construction of waste-to-energy facilities across the country to address urgent waste crises in various regions.

Ministry of Industry boosts agro productivity through machinery restructuring

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry is launching a machinery and equipment restructuring programme for the 2026 fiscal year to enhance productivity in the agro-industry, particularly within the forestry and plantation sectors. The initiative aims to modernise production technology, increase value-added products, and strengthen the national industrial ecosystem through subsidies and reimbursement schemes.

Gunung Mas Regency Allocates Rp1 Billion for Simultaneous Village Head Elections Preparation

The Gunung Mas Regency government in Central Kalimantan has allocated Rp1 billion via the amended regional budget to prepare for the 2027 simultaneous village head elections. The funds will cover logistics, committee operations, and monitoring for 59 villages across three designated zones.

KKP records fishery exports from Entikong to Malaysia reaching Rp20 billion

The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) reported that fishery exports from the Entikong border region to Malaysia reached 580 tonnes, valued at Rp20 billion, between January and August 2026. The government is actively promoting export growth through the issuance of quality and safety certificates to facilitate smoother cross-border trade.

DJP: No Tax Collection Programme for Rental Properties in 2027

The Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) has clarified that there are no specific work programmes planned for 2027 targeting owners of rental houses or properties. The agency emphasised that income from property rentals is already subject to existing income tax regulations and that any oversight will be based on risk analysis rather than targeting specific property types.

DPR and Government Agree on Solutions for Agrarian Conflicts in Meeting Led by Dasco

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) and the government have reached an agreement on the Agrarian Reform Regulation Bill, aiming to resolve long-standing land conflicts. The bill, which includes provisions for land redistribution and the limitation of corporate land ownership, is set to proceed to the next stage of legislative discussion.

Task Force: Berbak National Park Forest Fires Can Only Be Extinguished via Air and Weather Modification

The Jambi Province Forest and Land Fire Task Force has stated that firefighting efforts in the Berbak National Park are restricted to aerial water bombing and weather modification operations. Due to the inaccessible nature of the peatlands, ground teams are unable to reach the active fire sites directly.

ASEAN and US Agree to Strengthen Economic Cooperation through TIFA 2026–2027

ASEAN and the United States have agreed on a new work plan under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) for the 2026–2027 period. The agreement focuses on enhancing cooperation in digital economy, agriculture, trade facilitation, and MSMEs to strengthen regional supply chains.

Zulhas to 'Transform' Thousands of Tonnes of Waste in Bogor into Electrical Energy

The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has announced plans for a Waste-to-Energy plant in the Bogor region to address the growing waste crisis. The facility aims to process 1,500 tonnes of waste daily, converting it into 20-30 MW of electricity for the national grid.

Unpatti maximises English scholarships to drive progress towards world-class university status

Universitas Pattimura (Unpatti) is leveraging the English Access Scholarship Program in Ambon to enhance English proficiency among underprivileged students. The initiative, a collaboration with the Indonesian International Education Foundation, aims to develop competitive human resources and prepare Maluku's youth for global educational and professional competition.

Amran to Implement Moratorium on Substandard Fortified Rice, Ready to Revoke Permits

The Indonesian government is tightening controls on fortified rice products that fail to meet quality standards or misrepresent nutritional content on their labels. Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman has outlined a three-step enforcement strategy involving permit revocations, production moratoriums, and potential legal action.

Chaos During Sentencing Hearing as Supporters of Suspended Pati Regent Abuse and Threaten KPK Prosecutors

A corruption trial involving the suspended Regent of Pati, Sudewo, descended into chaos at the Semarang Corruption Court after prosecutors demanded an 8.5-year prison sentence. Supporters of the defendant heckled and threatened the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors, forcing security personnel to evacuate the legal team.

Israel Kills Children and Women in Gaza 'Safe Zone'

Reports from Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital indicate that Palestinian civilians, including children and women, have been killed by Israeli forces in designated 'safe zones' across the Gaza Strip. The casualties occurred in areas such as al-Mawasi and Deir al-Balah, amidst ongoing intense shelling and gunfire targeting displaced persons.

Street running races foster growth of running sports industry in Indonesia

The rapid growth of street running races in Indonesia is driving the development of a sports industry ecosystem with significant economic impacts. This expansion encompasses various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and local SMEs, as running evolves from a recreational activity into a professionalised lifestyle and economic driver.

Retno Pinasti: Five Missing Journalists are News Warriors in the AI Era

The Chairperson of the Editors-in-Chief Forum, Retno Pinasti, has honoured five journalists who went missing while reporting on the Anak Krakatau disaster. She emphasised their dedication to providing factual visual evidence in an era where AI-generated imagery can manipulate reality.

Government Partners with PGN to Support Gas Network Optimisation in Gresik and Sidoarjo

The Indonesian government is collaborating with PGN to expand the domestic gas pipeline network (jargas) in Gresik and Sidoarjo to enhance energy security. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on LPG imports and support the national target of establishing 1 million household connections by 2028.

Indonesian Embassy in Paris Showcases Nusantara Heritage for European Heritage Days 2026

The Indonesian Embassy in Paris has transformed its premises into a cultural exhibition to celebrate European Heritage Days 2026. The event aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and France through cultural diplomacy, featuring interactive displays of Indonesian traditions and historical photography.

Directorate General of Corrections Clarifies Conditional Release of Mas Bechi from Jombang

The Directorate General of Corrections has clarified that Muhammad Subchi Azal Tsani, known as Mas Bechi, has been granted parole rather than an unconditional release. The official stated that the release follows established legal regulations and that no special treatment was provided to the convict.

The Cowboy Minister Loses His Seat

A sudden and large-scale reshuffle within the Indonesian Finance Ministry has caused widespread panic among officials. The announcement included the reassignment of hundreds of employees, with some staff being transferred to offices outside Java with minimal notice.

MBG program could help balance commodity supply, demand: ministry

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has stated that the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme could stabilise the market ecosystem by balancing the supply and demand of agricultural and livestock products. The initiative is expected to absorb domestic surpluses, such as eggs and chicken, thereby supporting price stability and the broader national economy.

Commission X: Transition of part-time PPPK teachers to full-time status to be conducted without tests

The Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the House of Representatives has confirmed that part-time Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK) will be transitioned to full-time status without examinations. This large-scale recruitment programme, involving approximately 240,000 teachers, is scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2029 with an allocated budget of Rp23 trillion.

IDX Demutualisation Rules: Shareholders Prohibited from Holding More Than 50%

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued new regulations regarding the demutualisation of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The rules strictly prohibit any single party from holding a majority stake of more than 50% to ensure market independence and prevent ownership concentration.

Strengthening Forest and Land Fire Mitigation, South Sumatra Regional Police Intensify Patrols and Socialisation

The South Sumatra Regional Police have launched large-scale patrols and community education programmes to prevent forest and land fires (Karhutla). The initiative involves coordinated efforts between police, military, and local authorities to monitor hotspots and prevent environmental damage across several regencies.

OJK urges state banks to maintain risk management in gov't programs

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has advised Himbara banks to prioritise sound risk management and clear repayment structures when supporting government priority programmes. While acknowledging the vital role of state-owned banks in driving economic growth through initiatives like the Free Nutritious Meals programme, the regulator emphasised that credit disbursement must be balanced with profitability and good governance.

OJK monitors banks with relatively limited liquidity buffers

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is intensifying risk-based supervision of banks with limited liquidity buffers and ratios approaching regulatory thresholds. While the industry-wide liquidity remains ample, the regulator is working alongside Bank Indonesia and other authorities to ensure adequate mitigation measures are in place.