Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 September 2026

Showing 1,351-1,400 of 1,545 articles

512 Students Poisoned by Free Nutritious Meal in Sidoarjo; DPR: This Program is Excellent, but Please Improve It

The Deputy Chairman of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has expressed deep concern following the mass food poisoning of 512 students in Sidoarjo. While praising the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, he urged the National Nutrition Agency to urgently overhaul its standard operating procedures to prevent further incidents.

JCI Opens 0.56% Higher This Morning, 315 Stocks Advance

The Indonesia Composite Index (JCI) opened with gains on Thursday morning, rising 0.56% to the 6,632 level. Investors are closely monitoring global geopolitical tensions and US Treasury yields, alongside domestic developments regarding energy prices and banking regulations.

BNPB Urges Residents to Monitor Air Quality Index Amid Forest Fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has advised residents in Kalimantan and Sumatra to regularly check the Air Pollution Index (ISPU) due to thickening smoke from forest and land fires. Current pollution concentrations are heavily concentrated in West, Central, and South Kalimantan, as well as Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra.

Destry Damayanti Makes History as First Female Governor of Bank Indonesia

Destry Damayanti has officially been inaugurated as the Governor of Bank Indonesia for the 2026-2031 term, marking the first time a woman has held the position definitively. She succeeds Perry Warjiyo, following approval from the House of Representatives (DPR RI).

Cimahi Police Destroy Illegal Alcohol, Narcotics, and Modified Exhaust Pipes

The Cimahi Police Force has conducted a large-scale destruction of various illegal goods, including thousands of bottles of alcohol, narcotics, and non-standard exhaust pipes. This operation, carried out in collaboration with local government and law enforcement agencies, aims to demonstrate commitment to eradicating illegal trade and maintaining public order.

Bank Indonesia's New Chief Balances Aggressive Growth Targets with Currency Defense

Newly sworn-in Bank Indonesia Governor Destry Damayanti has announced a dual-track monetary strategy aimed at defending the rupiah against capital flight while simultaneously stimulating real-sector growth. The policy focuses on using interest rates for stability and decoupled lending regulations to support domestic businesses and job creation.

Casualties Continue to Rise, Manba’ul Hikam Islamic Boarding School Denies Students Died Due to Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Manba’ul Hikam Islamic Boarding School in Sidoarjo is currently tallying the number of students experiencing health issues after consuming the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The school management has officially denied rumours of fatalities and urged the public to disregard unverified reports regarding the cause of the illness.

Attorney General's Office Re-Examines Former Special Crimes Prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah Regarding Money Laundering Case

The Attorney General's Office is scheduled to re-examine former Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes, Febrie Adriansyah, regarding an ongoing money laundering investigation. The investigation involves several high-profile cases, including corruption related to PT Asabri and the discovery of significant amounts of gold and foreign currency.

Business Restructuring: PET Officially Merges into Pertamina Patra Niaga

PT Pertamina (Persero) has officially signed the merger deed to integrate PT Pertamina Energy Terminal (PET) into PT Pertamina Patra Niaga (PPN). This strategic move is part of the second phase of the company's downstream business restructuring, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and energy resilience in Indonesia.

Klungkung Regency Government Assists TNI Retirees in Accelerating Identity Updates

The Klungkung Population and Civil Registration Office (Disdukcapil) has partnered with the 1610/Klungkung Military District Command to streamline the update of identity documents for retiring soldiers. This initiative ensures that personnel transitioning to retirement receive updated ID cards and family cards reflecting their new status, thereby safeguarding their civil and political rights.

Stock Recommendations Today: JARR, GULA, to SIMP

The Indonesia Composite Index (IHSG) closed relatively flat on Wednesday, amidst net foreign selling of Rp326.64 billion across all markets. Key corporate developments include VKTR's pursuit of Rp2 trillion in funding and APEX's debt-to-equity swap plan.

Three defendants in BPJS Ketenagakerjaan case face sentencing hearing

Three individuals involved in a fictitious work accident insurance claim scandal at BPJS Ketenagakerjaan are facing sentencing at the Jakarta Corruption Court. The defendants are accused of orchestrating fraudulent claims between 2014 and 2024, resulting in state losses of approximately Rp24.55 billion.

ATR/BPN Supports Provision of Decent Housing Through Land Legality

The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) is facilitating the provision of decent housing by issuing land certificates to low-income communities. This initiative aims to ensure legal certainty and land rights as part of President Prabowo Subianto's Three Million Houses programme.

Rice Scarcity in Modern Retail, Trade Minister Busan Requests Bulog to Fill the Gap

The Indonesian Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, has urged the state-owned enterprise Bulog to increase rice supplies to modern retail chains to address shortages of 5kg packaged rice. The initiative aims to utilise Bulog's premium and medium-grade rice stocks to ensure wider availability across minimarkets and large retailers.

Cutting 29 Business Entities, Brantas Abipraya Initiates SOE Construction Transformation

PT Brantas Abipraya is set to complete the streamlining of 29 business entities to refocus on its core contracting operations. This restructuring aims to strengthen the company's fundamentals and improve efficiency as part of a broader transformation of Indonesian state-owned construction enterprises.

Palestinian Church calls for global action to save Jerusalem schools

The High Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine has urged global churches to intervene as Israeli authorities block West Bank staff from accessing Christian schools in Jerusalem. The committee warns that these permit restrictions and new legislative measures threaten the continuity of education for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Number of Applicants Declines! These 2026 Government-Affiliated Schools See Lowest Interest

The number of applicants for Indonesia's 2026 government-affiliated schools (Sekolah Kedinasan) has dropped to 120,295, despite an increase in available quotas. This decline is particularly notable as the government expanded available positions to 4,770 compared to 3,252 in the previous year.

Generali Raises Rp1.7 Billion for Education of 1,000 Children Through GLHR 2026

The Generali Lion Heart Run (GLHR) 2026 charity event successfully raised Rp1.7 billion to support early childhood education for 1,000 children from vulnerable families across Indonesia. The funds will be distributed via The Human Safety Net (THSN) in collaboration with the Ibu Profesional Community to address educational disparities.

Wedding Celebration in Iran Turns into Tragedy Following US Attack

A US military strike in the coastal region of Hormozgan, Iran, has resulted in the deaths of at least four people, including a child, and left 68 others injured. The attack, which targeted sites linked to the IRGC, has caused significant civilian casualties and damage to local telecommunications infrastructure.

Mary Kay Launches New Global Brand Platform, Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™, Redefining Beauty as a Shared Experience

Mary Kay Inc. has announced its largest-ever consumer-facing global campaign, 'Beauty Is More Beautiful Shared™', spanning 40 markets. The strategic initiative aims to drive long-term growth by connecting with new generations through themes of community and human connection.

Customs Encourages Use of Bonded Logistics Centres to Cut Logistic Costs and Dwelling Time

The Jakarta Regional Office of Customs is promoting the optimisation of Bonded Logistics Centres (PLB) to streamline goods flow from ports. This initiative aims to reduce dwelling time and lower overall logistics costs for businesses operating in Indonesia.

Iranian Hackers Target US Water and Energy, Washington on Alert

Iranian-linked hackers have attempted to penetrate critical US infrastructure, including water, energy, and telecommunications networks. These cyber threats emerge amidst escalating tensions following US military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.

Asian Markets Open Mixed as Investors Monitor US Bonds

Asia-Pacific stock markets showed mixed performance on Thursday amid global bond sell-offs and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Investors are closely watching US Treasury yields and upcoming US employment data for signals on the global economic trajectory.

KAI Expo 2026 Offers Up to 30 Per Cent Train Ticket Discounts; Mark Your Calendars

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has announced a significant discount programme for train tickets during the KAI Expo 2026, running from 4 to 6 September. The discounts, which reach up to 30 per cent, are structured based on the lead time between the purchase date and the scheduled departure.

KY Explains Why Supreme Court Judge Selection Cannot Be Moratoriumed

The Judicial Commission (KY) has affirmed that the selection process for Supreme Court and ad hoc judge candidates for 2026 will proceed despite calls for a moratorium. The Commission maintains that the selection is a constitutional mandate and remains committed to transparency and public oversight.

Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection Removes 7,907 Illegal Job Advertisements

The Indonesian Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Digital, has taken down nearly 8,000 illegal job advertisements identified during cyber patrols. This initiative aims to prevent illegal recruitment and protect prospective migrant workers from fraudulent overseas employment offers.

ASDP Ketapang Deploys Large-Capacity Vessels to Ease Traffic Congestion

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry is maximising the use of large-capacity vessels on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route to alleviate vehicle queues that have reached 12 kilometres. The deployment aims to maintain smooth ferry services amidst ongoing infrastructure upgrades at both Ketapang and Gilimanuk ports.

4 Key Facts Known Regarding the CCTV Vandalism Case Following the 27 August Protests

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have arrested several individuals suspected of vandalising public CCTV cameras during the riots on 27 August. Authorities revealed that the perpetrators targeted the cameras to obstruct investigations and destroy video evidence of their unlawful activities.

Trump: Renaming of Lake Ontario 'finalised' on Apple and Google

Donald Trump has announced that Apple Maps and Google Maps have updated their records to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America'. The change follows an executive order from the US President, further straining US-Canada relations amidst ongoing trade disputes.

Coal Prices Soar: Which Mining Stocks Benefit the Most?

A surge in global coal prices has driven significant gains across most Indonesian coal mining stocks over the past month. Leading the surge is Karya Pacific Energy (IATA), followed by major producers such as Bumi Resources (BUMI) and Bukit Asam (PTBA).

8 Indonesian Citizens Allegedly Joined Russian Military, BIN Responds

The Indonesian National Intelligence Agency (BIN) is investigating reports that eight Indonesian citizens have been recruited as mercenaries for the Russian military. The recruitment process allegedly involved deceptive job advertisements for security and administrative roles offered by a third-party nation.

Russia and South Africa Agree on Opposing Politicisation of Human Rights Issues

Russia and South Africa have pledged to coordinate their efforts within the United Nations to oppose the use of human rights as a tool for geopolitical pressure. The two nations emphasised the importance of maintaining international impartiality and eliminating double standards in global human rights assessments.

The Inner Workings of the Accelerated Oil and Gas Bill Explained

The Indonesian House of Representatives is fast-tracking a new Oil and Gas Bill to replace the 2001 legislation, proposing the creation of a Special Business Entity (BUK) to replace SKK Migas. This new entity would operate directly under the President, wielding significant authority over upstream mining rights and domestic supply management.

Sidoarjo Regent: 34 Students Suspected of MBG Food Poisoning Still Hospitalised

The Regent of Sidoarjo, Subandi, reported that 34 students from Pondok Pesantren Manba'ul Hikam remain under medical care following a suspected food poisoning incident. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has issued a temporary suspension of the catering service involved as laboratory tests await results.

BMKG Urges Fishermen to Beware of Waves Reaching 4 Metres from 2-4 September

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has issued a warning regarding potential high waves of up to four metres in several Indonesian waters. The alert specifically targets small to medium-sized vessels, including fishing boats and barges, due to increased wind speeds.

National Nutrition Agency Reveals Cause of Mass Food Poisoning Among Students in Sidoarjo

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has identified procedural negligence in the distribution of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme as the cause of food poisoning affecting 512 students in Sidoarjo. The agency has suspended the responsible nutrition service unit for 30 days following the incident.

ESDM Reveals Latest Update on 20 Per Cent Bioethanol Mandate, Estimating Need for Dozens of Processing Plants

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) states that the implementation of the 20 per cent bioethanol blend (E20) depends heavily on feedstock availability. To support this mandate, the government estimates a requirement for approximately 20 processing plants with a minimum capacity of 40,000 kilolitres per year.

OBGYN Doctor Who Went Viral for Harassing Women via Instagram DMs Suspended

An obstetrician and gynaecologist, Muhammad Iqbal, has been suspended from his practice at Kirana Clinic following allegations of sexual harassment via Instagram direct messages. The clinic management has deactivated his duties indefinitely while awaiting a formal clarification from the doctor.

Kadin's Push to Overhaul Business Laws Aims to Shield Southeast Asia's Top Economy

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is lobbying Parliament to modernise its 39-year-old regulatory framework to ensure formal private sector involvement in economic policymaking. Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie argues that updating Law No. 1/1987 is essential to protect domestic industries from global trade fragmentation and to support Indonesia's ambitious 8% growth target.

Gradiant Wins Large-Scale Water Contract for Massive AI Data Centre Complex in West Texas

Gradiant has secured a significant contract to provide comprehensive water and wastewater systems for a massive AI data centre development in West Texas. The project utilises Gradiant's HyperSolved platform to manage water scarcity challenges, enabling large-scale AI infrastructure expansion in water-stressed regions.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Condemned After Mocking Canadian Military Cadets

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has faced widespread condemnation in Canada following social media posts perceived as mocking Canadian youth military cadets. The incident has further strained bilateral relations amidst ongoing trade tensions and aggressive tariff disputes between the two nations.

Before G20 Nations, Indonesia Urges Global Focus on Three Key Areas

During the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in the United States, Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta emphasised the need for economic stability and policy certainty. The Indonesian delegation highlighted three priorities: managing inflation expectations, adapting monetary policy to digitalisation, and strengthening policy communication.

G20 Promotes Strengthening Economic Stability to Drive Investment - BCA Securities

During the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in the United States, Bank Indonesia emphasised the necessity of economic stability and policy certainty to foster investment. The discussions focused on navigating global uncertainties, managing inflation, and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance productivity.

UI: Development of Korean Language & Culture Study Programme is a Long-term Investment

The University of Indonesia (UI) views its Korean Language and Culture study programme as a strategic academic investment to address the growing global influence of South Korea. The programme aims to build critical academic capacity and bridge the gap between language, culture, and professional sectors such as diplomacy and international trade.

Xi Jinping to Meet Trump in Washington: Are China and the US Moving Towards Accord?

US President Donald Trump is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House for a high-stakes summit. While geopolitical tensions regarding Iran and secondary sanctions loom, analysts expect the meeting to focus more on managing existing deadlocks rather than achieving major diplomatic breakthroughs.

UGM to Pursue Legal Action After Five Students Injured During Protest

Gadjah Mada University (UGM) is preparing legal action following reports of violence against five of its students during a demonstration in Yogyakarta. The university administration emphasised that such violence must not go unpunished to protect democratic expression and prevent future incidents.

Task Force Chair: Return Unfit Free Nutritious Meals to the Kitchen

The Chairperson of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Task Force in Kudus has urged schools to return any meals deemed unfit for consumption to the kitchens. This measure aims to facilitate quality evaluations and ensure the nutritional standards of the programme are maintained across all service units.

Check 14 Mobile Samsat Locations in Greater Jakarta Today, Thursday 3 September

The Metro Jaya Regional Police have deployed mobile Samsat units across 14 locations in the Greater Jakarta area today. This initiative aims to provide easier access for citizens to settle their annual motor vehicle tax payments.

Controversy Surrounds Arya Wedakarna's Attendance at Transgender Pageant in Thailand

Indonesian Senator Arya Wedakarna has faced significant public backlash following his appearance at the Miss Equality World pageant in Thailand. Critics have questioned the appropriateness of his presence and the use of a uniformed military aide during the event.

Facial Sketches of Suspected Assailants in Pejompongan Mob Attack Released

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have released facial sketches of two suspects believed to be involved in the fatal mob attack of a resident in Pejompongan. Authorities are also investigating the destruction of public CCTV cameras and searching for the intellectual architects behind the recent civil unrest.