Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 September 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,545 articles

Riau Islands Regional Police Destroy Thousands of Narcotics from 28 Suspects

The Riau Islands Regional Police have destroyed a significant quantity of illegal drugs, including etomidate cartridges, cannabis, and methamphetamine. The seizure follows the arrest of 28 suspects involved in drug trafficking operations.

Nafas Borneo Dance and Ghea Indrawari Open the Outstanding Regional Government Appreciation Event

The Ministry of Home Affairs, organised by the Institute of Home Affairs Governance (IPDN), held the 2026 Batch II Regional Kalimantan Outstanding Local Government Awards in Balikpapan. The event recognises 32 regions for excellence in areas such as waste management, healthcare access, and education quality.

Orangutan 'Sempurna' Dies After Fainting Due to Forest Fire Smoke in West Kalimantan

The Ministry of Forestry has confirmed the death of an orangutan named Sempurna, who succumbed to respiratory issues caused by forest fire smoke in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. Post-mortem examinations revealed significant pathological changes in the lungs, heart, and kidneys, likely resulting from acute hypoxia.

Dreame X60 Ultra Extreme and H16 Pro TriForce Officially Released: Robot Vacuums with Advanced Technology

Dreame Indonesia has officially launched its latest flagship robot vacuum models, the X60 Ultra Extreme and H16 Pro TriForce, at an exclusive event in Jakarta. The new devices feature advanced sensor and camera technologies designed to enhance navigation and cleaning efficiency for modern smart homes.

PLN Promotes AI Utilisation to Strengthen Yogyakarta's Economic Growth

PT PLN (Persero) UID Yogyakarta has expressed its commitment to supporting the economic development of the Special Region of Yogyakarta through its participation in the 2026 Jogja Marketing Festival. The company aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation to enhance customer experience and drive regional business growth.

Trade Minister: Indonesia-Malaysia to Boost Bilateral Investment via MIIC-WG

Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso and his Malaysian counterpart have agreed to strengthen bilateral investment through the Malaysia-Indonesia Investment Committee Working Group (MIIC-WG). The discussions also focused on enhancing trade cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, e-commerce, and halal products.

BJB Bekasi Branch Records Positive Performance, West Java Regional Council Commission III Applauds

The West Java Regional Council's Commission III has expressed appreciation for the positive performance of Bank BJB's Bekasi branch up to the third quarter of 2026. The commission emphasised the importance of maintaining this momentum to strengthen the bank's contribution to regional development and local revenue.

Alleged Sexual Violence in Gorontalo: Reporting Witness Under Police Investigation

Police in Gorontalo have begun examining the reporting witness in an alleged sexual violence case. The legal team for the witness has provided testimony regarding the chronology of events and intends to submit video evidence to assist the investigation.

Bareskrim Names Six Suspects Involved in Online Gambling Promotion Spam

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has arrested six individuals for orchestrating online gambling promotion campaigns via social media comment spam. The investigation revealed an organised network that operates both nationally and internationally, with command centres located abroad.

DPR RI Commission IX Urges National Nutrition Agency to Maintain Consistent Targets for Free Nutritious Meal Programme

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IX has called on the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to ensure consistency in its beneficiary targets for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The commission expressed concerns regarding discrepancies between rising budget allocations and declining target numbers, alongside a lack of transparency regarding per-portion costs.

China Begins Encirclement of Middle East, J-16 Challenges Rafale in Egyptian Skies

China is expanding its military presence in the Middle East, demonstrated by recent J-1/6 fighter jet drills in Egypt involving simulated combat against French-made Rafale jets. This strategic move highlights Beijing's ambition to promote its weaponry and strengthen defence ties in a region traditionally dominated by US influence.

Bank Mandiri Revises Up 2026 Economic Projection, Indonesia Could Grow by 5.34%

Bank Mandiri has increased its economic growth forecast for Indonesia in 2026 to 5.34%, up from an earlier estimate of 5.2%. The revision is driven by robust first-semester performance, supported by significant government spending and rising investment levels.

Promoting Digital Sovereignty, Telkom Strengthens Pentahelix Collaboration

PT Telkom Indonesia is actively participating in the Indonesia Higher Education CIO Forum 2/2026 to enhance IT governance and cyber resilience within the national education network. The company aims to bridge the digital divide through large-scale infrastructure investments and the implementation of quantum-safe security architectures.

Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on US Military Bases in Kuwait and UAE

The Iranian Armed Forces have confirmed air strikes against United States military installations in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The attacks, involving missiles and drones, are claimed to be a direct response to recent US military operations against Iranian facilities.

Regarding New PBNU Management Structure, Gus Ipul Defers to Rais Aam and Gus Kikin

The Chairman of the 35th NU Muktamar Organizing Committee, Saifulah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), has stated that the formation of the PBNU management structure for the 2026-2031 period is entirely in the hands of the elected Rais Aam and General Chairman. The formation process is expected to be completed within one month following the Muktamar.

Awaiting the Prosperity of Bekasi City's Sport City

The Bekasi City Government is preparing to host the 2026 West Java Provincial Sports Week (Porprov) by developing an integrated 'Sport City' concept. This strategic infrastructure project aims to combine sports and tourism to stimulate the local economy and improve long-term quality of life.

Rising Allegations of Food Poisoning in Free Nutritious Meal Programme; Sultan HB X Supported to Take Upstream to Downstream Mitigation Measures

Recent incidents of suspected food poisoning within the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, including cases in East Java and Sleman, have sparked calls for stricter oversight. The Sultan of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan HB X, is being urged to implement rigorous mitigation strategies and hold negligent vendors accountable to ensure food safety and transparency.

Malaysia Begins Cloud Seeding in Sarawak to Combat Haze

Malaysia has initiated a three-day cloud seeding operation in Sarawak to replenish hydroelectric dam reservoirs and mitigate regional haze. The initiative follows severe forest fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan and Sumatra provinces, prompting Malaysian authorities to request use of Indonesian airspace for the operation.

Prabowo Calls for Accelerated Ratification of Indonesia-Eurasia FTA

President Prabowo Subianto has urged Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states to expedite the ratification of the Indonesia-EAEU Free Trade Agreement. The President emphasised that the agreement will provide Indonesian producers access to five new markets and connect Eurasia to over 290 million Indonesian consumers.

DPD Ethics Committee to Summon Arya Following Attendance at Transgender Pageant in Thailand

The Ethics Committee of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) plans to summon I Gusti Ngurah Arya Wedakarna regarding his presence at a transgender beauty pageant in Thailand. While Arya claims he attended solely as a Balinese cultural figure, the committee will investigate whether his actions breached the ethical standards of his parliamentary office.

BYD Prepares Battery Investment in Indonesia, Targeting 60 Per Cent Local Content by 2027

Chinese automotive giant BYD has announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in Indonesia by investing in battery-related assembly processes. The company aims to increase its Domestic Component Level (TKDN) to 60 per cent by January 2027 while simultaneously scaling its local workforce.

Sentenced to 3 Years, Nicko Widjaja Fears TaniHub Verdict Will Hit Venture Capital

The Jakarta High Court has upheld a three-year prison sentence for former BRI Ventura Investama Director, Nicko Widjaya, regarding the TaniHub Group investment case. The verdict has sparked concerns that the ruling could stifle the Indonesian venture capital ecosystem by making investors overly cautious.

Prabowo Dorong Pembukaan Rute Pelayaran dan Penerbangan Langsung Indonesia-Rusia

President Prabowo Subianto has proposed the establishment of direct shipping and flight routes between Indonesia and Russia to bolster economic connectivity. During the Eastern Economic Forum, he emphasised the need for institutionalised cooperation, including reliable payment systems and predictable logistics, to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.

PLN Aceh constructs 140 km SUTT network to strengthen electricity supply

PT PLN (Persero) is undertaking the construction of a 140 km High Voltage Overhead Line (SUTT) across the West-South Coast of Aceh, stretching from Tapaktuan to Subulussalam. This strategic project aims to enhance grid reliability and provide a redundant power supply route to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

Citayam Water Treatment Plant Repairs Completed, Depok PDAM Distribution Returns to Normal

The distribution of clean water to 50,000 customers under the PDAM Tirta Asasta Depok has stabilised following the successful repair of the Citayam Water Treatment Plant. The technical issue, caused by a burnt power cable, has been resolved through the installation of new cabling to prevent future electrical risks.

Depok City Government Strengthens Ecosystem of Harmony Among Residents

The Depok City Government is implementing various initiatives to foster religious tolerance and social harmony within its diverse population. These measures include inclusive internal appointments, community-level funding for diversity-themed events, and managing public spaces to ensure all religious groups can access their places of worship.

Police Investigate Alleged Fake Job Vacancies in Pasar Minggu, Victims Lose Millions of Rupiah

The Pasar Minggu Sector Police are investigating a fraudulent job recruitment scheme in South Jakarta that has caused significant financial losses to applicants. Authorities are currently gathering evidence to determine the legality of the company involved following public protests.

Indonesia Aims to Implement Sugarcane Bioethanol Mandate, but Major Challenges Remain

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is facing significant hurdles in implementing a 10% bioethanol (E10) blend mandate, primarily due to a massive shortage in feedstock supply. To achieve the 2027 target, the government aims to accelerate investment to establish at least 20 bioethanol plants and build a self-sufficient domestic ecosystem.

Gov't confirms Bora Pulu plant generates Rp3.7 billion in annual PNBP

The Bora Pulu geothermal project in Central Sulawesi is expected to generate Rp3.7 billion in annual non-tax state revenue (PNBP) and provide a 40MW electricity supply to 40,000 households. With a total investment of US$228 million, the project aims for commercial operation by 2033 and will create 175 local jobs.

Bareskrim Uncovers 55 Online Gambling Cases Throughout 2026, 123 Suspects Arrested

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has dismantled 55 online gambling cases involving 123 suspects so far in 2026. Authorities have also successfully seized approximately Rp 131.1 billion from hundreds of bank accounts as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal gambling syndicates.

Iran Successfully Neutralises US Forces in Kuwait

The Iranian armed forces have launched missile and drone attacks against US military bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The strikes targeted satellite communication systems, warehouses, and fighter jet hangars in retaliation for recent US operations against the IRGC.

Indonesian Military and US Forces Collaborate on Road Repairs in South Sumatra

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the United States military have partnered to repair a three-kilometre stretch of road at the Army Combat Training Centre in Baturaja, South Sumatra. This initiative is part of the Engineer Civic Action Program (ENCAP) under the Super Garuda Shield 2026 joint military exercise.

Indonesian National Police: Online Gambling Fund Turnover Drops Significantly in First Half of Year

The Indonesian National Police's Cyber Crime Directorate has reported a substantial decrease in the turnover of online gambling funds during the first half of 2026. This decline is attributed to intensified law enforcement efforts, including website blocking and the freezing of financial accounts.

Prabowo asserts Indonesia has ratified FTA, urges EAEU to expedite process

President Prabowo Subianto has confirmed that Indonesia has ratified the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (I-EAEU FTA). He is now calling on EAEU member states to complete their internal ratification procedures to activate the agreement and unlock access to vast new consumer markets.

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian Attends Second Batch of High-Achieving Local Government Awards

The Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, attended the 2026 Batch II Regional Kalimantan awards ceremony in Balikpapan. The event recognises local governments that have demonstrated excellence in public service and programme implementation.

Lola Nelria Oktavia Distributes Waste Cart Assistance to NasDem DPC Tasikmalaya City

Member of Parliament Lola Nelria Oktavia has distributed waste carts to the NasDem Party's local branches in Tasikmalaya to improve local waste management. The initiative aims to support community cleanliness and environmental health through better waste collection infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Emphasises Importance of Holistic Leadership at KPPD IV Opening

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Akhmad Wiyagus has called for regional heads to adopt a holistic leadership approach to navigate complex global geopolitical shifts. Speaking at the opening of the Regional Leadership Strengthening Course (KPPD), he stressed the need for local policies to align with national strategic goals, including food and energy security.

Does Not Feel Special as First Female BI Governor, Destry Emulates Kartini Figure

Bank Indonesia Governor Destry Damayanti has addressed her position as the first woman to lead the central bank, stating she does not view her appointment as extraordinary. She emphasised that leadership should be based on competence and integrity rather than gender, citing historical female figures as evidence of equality.

Addressing Transboundary Haze from Kalimantan, Malaysia Begins Cloud Seeding in Sarawak

The Malaysian government has initiated a three-day cloud seeding operation in Sarawak to replenish dam water levels and mitigate the impact of transboundary haze. The move comes as prolonged dry weather and forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, threaten regional air quality and water security.

KAI opens job vacancies starting 4 September 2026

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) and KAI Group have announced the commencement of their 2026 external recruitment drive. The initiative aims to strengthen human resources across various sectors to support operational reliability and business development.

Accelerating the Electric Vehicle Ecosystem: Ministry of Transportation Supports EV Charging Stations within Transport Environment

The Directorate General of Sea Transportation, through the Maritime Occupational Health Office (BKKP), has partnered with PT Voltara Energi Nusantara to install electric vehicle charging stations. The initiative aims to support a greener transportation ecosystem by providing 24-hour charging services at the Sentra Maritim Medika clinic in Jakarta.

Online Gambling Crimes to be Included in Asset Forfeiture Bill Discussions

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) is considering the inclusion of online gambling crimes in the scope of the Asset Forfeiture Bill. Lawmakers emphasised that the current list of 13 criminal offences remains flexible and subject to change during discussions with the government to ensure effective recovery of state losses.

PBNU Bahtsul Masail: Bitcoin is Valid as Currency but Forbidden in Indonesia

The Bahtsul Masail forum of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has ruled that Bitcoin meets the Islamic jurisprudential requirements to be recognised as property and a medium of exchange. However, the forum clarified that using Bitcoin as a currency remains prohibited in Indonesia due to national regulations mandating the Rupiah as the sole legal tender.

Bandung Never Truly Rests, From Pavements to Digital Screens

An exploration of the ongoing urban transformations in Bandung, ranging from pedestrian infrastructure adjustments in Gasibu to the development of new public transport facilities. The article also highlights how digital technology is reshaping community engagement through hybrid events and live streaming.

Ministry of Environment Invites Students to Explore Clean Energy at Saguling Hydroelectric Power Plant

The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) organised an educational visit to the Saguling Hydroelectric Power Plant for high school students. The programme aims to foster environmental awareness by demonstrating the mechanics of renewable energy and the importance of sustainable ecosystem management.

Saudi Arabia Targets Two Million Indonesian Tourists by 2026

Saudi Arabia aims to attract two million Indonesian visitors by the end of 2026, following a significant rise in tourism numbers. To achieve this, the Saudi Tourism Authority is strengthening partnerships with Indonesian industry players and expanding flight connectivity and visa accessibility.

Jakarta High Court Upholds Verdict for Nicko Widjaja in TaniHub Corruption Case

The Jakarta High Court has upheld the three-year prison sentence for Nicko Widjaja regarding corruption involving PT Tani Group Indonesia (TaniHub). The court found that the defendant played a crucial role in approving investment funds that resulted in state losses of approximately US$5 million.

Regional Commander: 1,279 Personnel on Standby to Assist Residents Affected by Sinabung Eruption

Over 1,200 personnel from the military, police, and disaster management agencies are on high alert to assist residents displaced by the Mount Sinabung eruption in North Sumatra. The deployment aims to manage potential large-scale eruptions and support the evacuation of hundreds of displaced individuals.

Putin identifies Asia-Pacific as a powerful hub for global economic growth

During the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the Asia-Pacific region as a primary driver of global economic development. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also attended, inviting Russian companies to invest and establish joint production industries in Indonesia.

Various Food Products in Cheap Food Movement Highly Sought After by the Public

The Cheap Food Movement (GPM) in Cirebon has seen high demand for essential commodities such as beef and poultry due to significant price subsidies. Cirebon Mayor Effendi Edo noted that while some prices have risen slightly, the initiative effectively maintains affordability for residents.