Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 September 2026

Showing 251-300 of 1,545 articles

Kubu Raya Receives Award for Implementation of 3 Million Houses Programme

Kubu Raya Regency in West Kalimantan has secured first place in the Regional Kalimantan Outstanding Local Government Awards for its implementation of the 3 Million Houses Programme. The award recognises the local government's efforts in supporting the provision of decent housing through sustainable settlement management and collaborative solutions.

Discovery of Human Bones in Lingsar, Lombok, Alongside Project Worker's Clothing

Human remains, including a skull and leg bones, have been discovered in the Bukit Argapura protected forest in West Lombok. Police also recovered a red construction worker's uniform and a wallet, though the identity of the deceased remains unknown.

CNN Indonesia President Director: Many High-Achieving Regional Heads Remain Unnoticed

The President Director of CNN Indonesia, Titin Rosmasari, highlighted that numerous regional leaders across Indonesia possess extraordinary achievements but lack sufficient public recognition. Speaking at an awards ceremony in Balikpapan, she emphasised the importance of spotlighting these successes to inspire other local governments.

China: Japan and South Korea must fulfil international obligations under NPT

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has urged Japan and South Korea to adhere to their international obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This statement follows concerns raised by Russia regarding increasing military cooperation between the US, Japan, and South Korea.

DPD Ethics Committee to Question Arya Regarding Attendance at Transgender Contest, Reminds of Ethical Duties

The Regional Representative Council (DPD) Ethics Committee is set to summon Senator I Gusti Ngurah Arya Wedakarna following his attendance at the Miss Equality World 2026 pageant in Bangkok. The committee aims to investigate whether his presence, despite being claimed as a private capacity, impacts the dignity and image of the institution.

Sidoarjo Free Nutritious Meal Incident: Zulhas to Take Decisive Action Against SPPG Officials

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has demanded strict action against those responsible for a food safety incident in Sidoarjo that affected over 500 students. The government is currently evaluating the operational standards of nutrition service units across Indonesia to ensure the safety of the Free Nutritious Meal programme.

Pesona Mozaik Travel Staff Admits Giving US$75,000 to Former Minister's Aide

A staff member from Pesona Mozaik travel agency testified in court that he delivered US$75,000 to Ishfah Abidal Azis, a special aide to former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. The testimony is part of the ongoing corruption trial regarding the 2023-2024 additional Hajj quota, which has caused state losses of approximately Rp622 billion.

Traditional Market Becomes Emergency Classroom for Dozens of Students in Nagan Raya

Students from SMPN Beutong Ateuh Banggalang in Nagan Raya, Aceh, are currently using a traditional market building as an emergency classroom. This temporary measure follows damage to their school building caused by a disaster, as they await permanent reconstruction from the government.

Banjarmasin Wins Award for Access to Education Services

Banjarmasin City has secured first place in the Regional Outstanding Local Government Awards for the Kalimantan region, specifically in the category of public access to education services. The award recognises the city's efforts in improving teacher distribution, learning facilities, and literacy rates to enhance human resource quality.

Disaster to Strike World More Frequently, Strongest Ever Recorded

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that the El Niño phenomenon could intensify by 2027, potentially becoming the strongest ever recorded. This escalation threatens to increase the frequency of extreme weather events and impact critical sectors such as agriculture, health, and energy.

Pancasila must serve as a guide to navigate AI influence in digital spaces

A member of the Indonesian Parliament has emphasised that Pancasila values should guide the development and use of Artificial Intelligence to prevent social fragmentation. He proposed the development of 'AI Merah Putih' to strengthen technological sovereignty and ensure digital justice.

Tabalong Receives Award for Access to Educational Services

Tabalong Regency in South Kalimantan has secured first place in the Regional Outstanding Local Government Awards for its achievements in providing access to educational services. The award recognises the local government's efforts in distributing teachers, improving learning facilities, and enhancing literacy and numeracy rates.

BYD to cease car imports to Indonesia, shifting fully to local production

PT BYD Motor Indonesia has announced the cessation of completely built-up (CBU) vehicle imports following the commencement of operations at its manufacturing facility in Subang, West Java. The transition follows the company's commitment to utilise government incentives by establishing domestic production capabilities.

Putin Hails Asia-Pacific as Global Economic Hub

During the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin identified the Asia-Pacific region as the primary driver of global economic growth. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended the event, actively inviting Russian enterprises to invest in Indonesia and engage in joint industrial production.

Fire Spreads at Putri Cempo Landfill

A fire at the Putri Cempo landfill in Solo, Central Java, has expanded to cover 6 out of 17 hectares of waste. Strong winds have hindered firefighting efforts, causing the fire to spread to new blocks and sending smoke into nearby residential areas and schools.

Danantara to Address Diesel Scarcity Reports in West Sumatra

The Chief Operating Officer of Danantara, Dony Oskaria, has pledged to investigate reports of diesel shortages in West Sumatra following a meeting with Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah. The discussions also covered strategic regional developments, including renewable energy projects and the regulation of small-scale mining.

Ahead of Merger, Summit Oto Finance Profits Explode by 207% to Rp300 Billion

Multifinance company PT Summit Oto Finance (SOF) has reported a significant 206.81% year-on-year surge in net profit to Rp300.46 billion for the first half of 2026. This robust performance comes as the company prepares for its official merger with PT Oto Multiartha (OTO).

Coordinating Minister Yusril on August 27 Protest Unrest: Law Must Be Enforced Without Favouritism!

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has emphasised that legal action regarding the August 27 protests must be conducted objectively and without discrimination. The Minister highlighted the importance of investigating all parties involved, including the investigation into the death of a citizen in Pejompongan.

East Kalimantan Receives Award for Health Access Services

East Kalimantan province has been honoured with the Outstanding Local Government Award for its excellence in health access and quality services. The award recognises the provincial government's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, sanitation, and JKN insurance participation.

Social Affairs Minister Urges Heads of Sekolah Rakyat to Maintain Full Supervision of Students

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf has instructed heads of Sekolah Rakyat boarding schools to implement 24-hour supervision to prevent bullying, sexual violence, and intolerance. He also emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration and proactive coordination with local governments, particularly regarding environmental risks like forest fires.

Danantara's IDR 120 Trillion Profit Contribution to State Budget Not Yet Final, Here is Why

The projected IDR 120 trillion profit contribution from Danantara to the 2026 State Budget remains unconfirmed due to complex regulatory mechanisms. According to internal sources, the final amount depends on statutory provisions regarding loss reserves and capital accumulation.

Government states placement of KDKMP managers is still being prepared

The Indonesian government is currently drafting the operational procedures and a Presidential Regulation for the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP). The placement of cooperative managers is expected to commence in the first week of August 2026 following specialised training.

Bontang City Receives Award for Healthcare Service Access

Bontang City in East Kalimantan has been recognised at the 2026 Regional Kalimantan Outstanding Local Government Awards for its excellence in healthcare service quality. The award highlights the city's commitment to improving public access to affordable and standardised medical services.

PBNU pushes for zakat reform to become direct tax credit

The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) is advocating for regulatory reforms to allow zakat payments to function as a direct tax credit rather than just a tax deduction. The organisation aims to prevent Muslim citizens from facing a double financial burden, as both zakat and taxes are managed by official state-recognised institutions.

Banten Regional Police Uncover Alleged Rp8.7 Billion Bank BJB Credit Corruption

The Banten Regional Police have identified two suspects involved in a corruption scheme regarding credit facilities at Bank BJB's Banten Special Branch. The investigation revealed the use of falsified documents to secure a loan, resulting in state losses of Rp8.7 billion.

Enlit Asia 2026 to Discuss Data Centres, Nuclear Power, and Electricity Digitalisation

The Enlit Asia and MKI Electricity Connect 2026 summit will be held in Jakarta to address energy resilience and the rising electricity demand in the ASEAN region. The forum will bring together government officials, investors, and industry leaders to discuss critical topics including decarbonisation, nuclear energy, and the power requirements for large-scale data centres.

Governor Urges Regional Heads to Take Action Against Forest Fires in Concession Areas

South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru has instructed regents and mayors to follow up on mapping results identifying forest and land fires within corporate concession areas. The Governor emphasised that companies found responsible for fires could face severe sanctions, including the revocation of plantation business licences.

Telkom Strengthens Pentahelix Collaboration to Prepare for Digital Sovereignty in Universities

PT Telkom Indonesia is actively participating in the Indonesia Higher Education CIO Forum 2026 to bolster digital governance and cyber resilience within the academic sector. The company aims to bridge the digital divide through large-scale infrastructure, quantum-safe network architectures, and strategic partnerships to support Indonesia's national digital sovereignty goals.

Minister Bahlil ensures implementation of President Prabowo's directives in Russia

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has committed to overseeing energy cooperation agreements with Russia following President Prabowo Subianto's visit to the Eastern Economic Forum. The focus remains on strengthening national energy security through concrete investments, technology transfer, and downstreaming of natural resources.

Tana Tidung Receives Award for Healthcare Service Access

Tana Tidung Regency in North Kalimantan has been recognised for its excellence in healthcare service quality. The award was presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of a regional programme celebrating local governments that successfully implement essential public services.

WHO Director-General Tedros Denies Financial Crisis Following US Withdrawal

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has refuted reports of a financial crisis within the organisation, asserting that its financial position remains stable. Despite the significant loss of funding following the United States' decision to withdraw, Tedros maintains that budget balancing has been achieved through structural reforms.

Jakarta High Court Upholds 3-Year Prison Sentence for Nicko Widjaja

The Jakarta High Court has upheld the three-year prison sentence and a fine for former investment firm official Nicko Widjaja regarding the TaniHub corruption scandal. The court ruled that the original verdict was appropriate given Widjaja's role in facilitating investment funds that resulted in significant state financial losses.

Prayers Echo at High-Achieving Local Government Awards, Seeking Protection from Disasters

During the opening of the 2026 Batch II Regional Kalimantan High-Achieving Local Government Awards in Balikpapan, prayers were offered for the protection of Indonesia from natural disasters. The event, attended by the Minister of Home Affairs, recognises local governments that have excelled in public service and programme implementation.

NU Congress Permits Commercialisation of DNA Data, Subject to Specific Conditions

The 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress has ruled that the commercial use of genetic or DNA data is permissible provided there is explicit consent from the owner. The decision introduces a compensation-based model for data usage while strictly prohibiting any form of misuse of sensitive biological information.

Russia supports full restoration of relations with the United States

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for a comprehensive restoration of diplomatic ties with the United States. However, he emphasised that such progress is heavily dependent on the goodwill of the White House.

Head of BPS and Governors Attend High-Achieving Local Government Awards in Balikpapan

The Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and several regional governors attended the 2026 Batch II Regional Kalimantan High-Achieving Local Government Awards in Balikpapan. Organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the event recognises local governments that have successfully implemented programmes and provided excellent public services.

Bogor Police Bust Illegal Mercury Distribution for Illegal Mining, Four Arrested

The Bogor Police have dismantled an illegal mercury distribution network following a warehouse raid in Babakanmadang, West Java. Four suspects were apprehended for supplying toxic mercury to illegal gold mining operations across Bogor, Depok, and Sukabumi.

Parents of Dr Icha Break Down in Tears at DPD RI Office

The parents of the late Dr Eliza Princila Utami Pakaenoni met with a DPD RI senator to demand justice following the doctor's suicide, which they link to the intimidation by three local council members. They are calling for the immediate detention of the suspects and the revocation of their political positions to ensure accountability and protect healthcare workers.

KONI DKI builds collaboration to achieve overall champion target for 2028 National Sports Week

The Jakarta National Sports Committee (KONI DKI) is strengthening partnerships with various government bodies and stakeholders to secure the overall championship title at the 2028 National Sports Week (PON). The initiative includes hosting the Beach PON in Ancol in 2026, which is expected to boost local economies and MSMEs.

Prabowo calls for stronger finance cooperation amid fragmented world

During the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Russia, President Prabowo Subianto advocated for the development of alternative financial architectures to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions. He emphasised the necessity of reliable payment and settlement systems to ensure global trade continuity and invited Russian companies to invest in Indonesian industries.

Commitment to Strengthening Corporate Governance: Pegadaian Wins Corporate Secretary Champion 2026 Award

PT Pegadaian has been recognised as the winner of the Indonesia Best Corporate Secretary for Governance Excellence 2026 at the Corporate Secretary Champion awards. The accolade highlights the company's success in enhancing good corporate governance and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders.

Applying the Eisenhower Matrix for Inflation Control in Southeast Sulawesi

An analysis suggests using the Eisenhower Matrix to help the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Inflation Control Team (TPID) prioritise interventions for volatile food commodities. By categorising goods based on inflation contribution and price volatility, the local government can more effectively manage price fluctuations in essential items like fresh fish and rice.

Mystery Forest Suddenly Appears in Middle of Lake, Only to Vanish Again

A large, forested mass appeared and disappeared within Canada's largest artificial lake, initially sparking rumours of AI-generated footage. Investigations by BC Hydro revealed the phenomenon was caused by rising water levels detaching a large mass of soil and vegetation, which then drifted across the lake.

Marinus Gea pushes for legal certainty for the curator profession

Member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Marinus Gea, has called for enhanced legal protection and a unified national code of ethics for curators. He highlighted the rising instances of criminalisation against curators who are merely executing court orders within bankruptcy proceedings.

Houthis Attack Populated Districts on Yemen's West Coast

Houthi rebels have launched a massive assault involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting the Taiz and Hodeidah provinces in Yemen. The escalation follows a period of relative calm and includes maritime tensions in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which has resulted in casualties among international crew members, including Indonesian nationals.

Gus Yaqut Trial: Witness Claims Law No. 8/2019 Fails to Clearly Regulate Additional Hajj Quota

A former official of the Ministry of Religious Affairs testified in court that existing legislation lacks clear provisions regarding the distribution of additional Hajj quotas. The testimony comes during the corruption trial of former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, involving allegations of mismanagement of the 20,000 additional Hajj slots.

Reaching Remote Areas: 132 Preachers Continue Mission in the Hinterlands Supported by ZIS

The Dewan Dakwah Islamiyah Indonesia (DDII) has deployed 132 preachers to remote regions across Indonesia to provide both religious guidance and social assistance. Supported by Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah (ZIS), these graduates aim to address critical gaps in education and healthcare access in underserved communities.

Yusril Emphasises Objective Law Enforcement in Bambang Setiawan's Death Case

The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has called for an objective and non-discriminatory investigation into the unrest following the 27 August 2026 demonstrations. The investigation specifically includes the death of a resident, Bambang Setiawan, amidst the recent riots.

South Jakarta Police Respond to Alleged Child Abuse, Suspect Detained

The Pesanggrahan Police have taken action following reports of alleged sexual abuse involving a child and a separate incident of cable theft in North Petukangan. Authorities have secured the crime scene and detained a suspect for further investigation to prevent vigilantism.

Russian Aluminium Giant Set to Make Massive Investment in Indonesia

President Prabowo Subianto has announced plans for the Russian aluminium giant, Rusal, to undertake large-scale investments in Indonesia's processing sector. The initiative involves developing processing facilities in collaboration with domestic Indonesian business groups.