Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 September 2026

Showing 651-700 of 1,410 articles

ITE Hong Kong 2027: Two-Thirds of Trade Buyers and FIT Tourists Originate from GBA

The upcoming 41st ITE (Leisure) and 22nd ITE-MICE exhibitions in Hong Kong highlight the significant economic influence of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). With two out of three trade buyers coming from the GBA, the event serves as a vital gateway to China's premium travel market.

Indonesia pitches 32 infrastructure projects worth US$11.77B to Japan

The Indonesian government is promoting 32 strategic infrastructure projects, valued at approximately US$11.77 billion, to Japanese investors during a business forum in Tokyo. These projects, managed by state and regional-owned enterprises, cover sectors such as toll roads, railways, and ports to accelerate national development and attract foreign direct investment.

Ministry of Culture: Pencak Silat serves as a medium for cultural preservation in Cirebon

The Indonesian Ministry of Culture has highlighted the role of Pencak Silat in preserving national heritage and nurturing young talent following a major championship in Cirebon. The event, which saw 2,100 participants, underscores the importance of maintaining UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage through sports and community development.

Ministry of Manpower distributes business assistance to one thousand advanced independent workers

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower has distributed business capital of Rp15 million each to 1,000 advanced independent workers in West Java. The initiative includes five days of training and three months of business mentoring to foster entrepreneurship and create new employment opportunities.

Indonesian Forest and Land Fires So Severe They Have Caught NASA's Attention

NASA has highlighted the intensifying forest and land fires in Indonesia, using satellite imagery to illustrate the thick smoke covering the region. The fires, driven by severe drought and El Niño, are particularly dangerous due to the burning of peatlands which release massive amounts of greenhouse gases.

Economist: Prabowo's Visit to Russia Opens New Investment Opportunities

Economist Mohammad Faisal suggests that President Prabowo Subianto's attendance at the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia presents a strategic opportunity for Indonesia to diversify its export markets and investment sources. The visit aims to leverage Indonesia's position to mitigate risks from global fragmentation and strengthen economic ties with Eurasian partners.

Zulhas States Food Imports Lead to Massive Poverty

The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has warned that heavy reliance on food imports threatens to increase poverty levels and create national dependency. He highlighted how the pressure to control inflation often undermines the profitability of local farming, leading to the decline of the agricultural sector.

Human Rights Ministry Urges Forest Fire Management to Avoid Criminalising Low-Income Communities

The East Kalimantan Regional Office of the Ministry of Human Rights is calling for a proportional approach to managing forest and land fires to prevent the disproportionate criminalisation of marginalised groups. The Ministry emphasises that addressing the root causes, such as agrarian inequality and economic necessity, is essential for sustainable fire prevention.

Transactions and Ecosystem Continue to Grow, BMRI Performance Remains Solid

Bank Mandiri has reported a significant increase in net profit to Rp37.5 trillion as of August 2026, representing a 22.3% year-on-year growth. The bank's robust performance is driven by healthy credit expansion and the expanding use of its digital platforms, Livin' and Kopra.

DPR Member Urges Assurance of Free Nutritious Meal Kitchen Readiness in 3T Regions

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has called on the National Nutrition Agency to ensure that kitchens for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions are fully operational. The lawmaker emphasised that infrastructure development must be accompanied by adequate human resources, logistics, and basic utilities to ensure the programme delivers real benefits to remote communities.

Prabowo's Approval Rating Drops, Andi Widjajanto Explains the Causes

Andi Widjajanto, Head of PDIP's Research Agency, has identified 'autocratic legalism' as a key driver in the weakening of Indonesian democracy. He noted a significant drop in President Prabowo's approval rating from over 80% to 28% due to public resistance to flagship government programmes.

WMO Predicts El Niño Will Continue to Strengthen, Peaking at Year-End

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the ongoing El Niño phenomenon is expected to intensify into a 'very strong' category by the end of the year. This escalation poses significant risks of extreme weather, including heatwaves, floods, and droughts, potentially disrupting global food security, health, and energy supplies.

Pavilion Apartment Fire: Local Residents Report Hearing Pleas for Help

A significant fire broke out at an apartment complex in the Tanah Abang area of Central Jakarta, prompting a massive emergency response. Over 115 firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze, which caused panic among residents and led to the evacuation of several individuals.

Bali expects more Taiwanese tourists as Taipei direct flight returns

The resumption of direct flights between Taipei and Bali via Starlux Airlines is expected to significantly boost international tourism arrivals. Officials from Bali and the Taipei Economic and Trade Office have expressed commitment to strengthening tourism ties and improving travel efficiency for Taiwanese visitors.

Kemayoran Sports Centre Reopens Following Repairs

The Kemayoran Youth Centre in Central Jakarta has officially resumed operations after undergoing repairs following damage caused by extreme weather. The Deputy Mayor of Central Jakarta highlighted the facility's importance in promoting healthy lifestyles and nurturing young athletic talent.

21 Train Services in Purwokerto Region Suspended Following M 5.4 Cilacap Earthquake

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake in Cilacap led to the temporary suspension of 21 train services within the KAI Daop 5 Purwokerto region. Following safety inspections of tracks, bridges, and tunnels, authorities confirmed no infrastructure damage and resumed operations.

Gibran Conducts Working Visit to North Sumatra, Welcomed by Bobby, to Inspect Permanent Housing in Tapanuli

Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited North Sumatra to inspect various infrastructure projects and permanent housing facilities. Accompanied by North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution, the visit included inspections of educational institutions and dam infrastructure across several regencies.

With 3,700 GW Renewable Potential, Indonesia Still Faces Investment Bottlenecks

Indonesia possesses a massive 3,700 GW of renewable energy potential, yet the government struggles to convert this theoretical capacity into real-world projects. While global clean energy investment is surging, officials highlight that regulatory hurdles and licensing delays must be resolved to attract much-needed foreign capital.

Ship Strands After Traversing 'Skeleton Route', At Least 83 Dead

A tragic maritime incident has resulted in at least 83 deaths after a migrant vessel from Gambia drifted for nearly a month near the Canary Islands. The disaster has prompted calls from regional leaders for the Spanish government to reform its migration policies to prevent further loss of life.

UBSI Lecturer Participates in Lemhannas RI ToT to Strengthen National Values

Verry Riyanto, a lecturer from Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI), has completed a Training of Trainers programme hosted by the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) RI. The programme focused on reinforcing national identity and addressing modern challenges such as corruption and the impact of globalisation on national character.

BPJS Ketenagakerjaan CEO Directly Serves Participants to Mark National Customer Day 2026

The President Director of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Saiful Hidayat, personally attended the Surakarta branch to assist participants with Old Age Security (JHT) claims. The initiative highlights the agency's commitment to improving service quality and empowering beneficiaries through economic empowerment programmes.

Understanding Deciles: How Data Works

An exploration of the concept of deciles and their significance in measuring relative welfare within a population. The article highlights how these statistical measures impact access to social protection programmes and influence public perception of economic status.

Putin Offers Fishing Vessel to Prabowo During Russia Meeting

During a bilateral meeting at the Eastern Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered a high-tech fishing vessel to President Prabowo Subianto to enhance Indonesia's fishery processing capabilities. The discussions also focused on ratifying a free trade agreement between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union to further boost bilateral trade and investment.

Government aims to establish Indonesia as a global 'content powerhouse'

The Indonesian government has announced its ambition to transform the nation into a global content powerhouse by leveraging local culture and creativity. Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya emphasised that creative sectors such as film, animation, and gaming should be treated as the 'new mining' for economic growth.

Social Affairs Minister Reveals Cause of Inaccurate Decile Data

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf has identified the integration of 12 million new data points from the BKKBN as the primary cause for discrepancies in social decile classifications. The government is currently undergoing a verification and validation process to stabilise the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) to ensure more accurate aid distribution.

High Breast Cancer Rates: Education and Early Detection Must Be Improved

Health organisations in Indonesia are intensifying efforts to combat high breast cancer rates by promoting early detection through initiatives like the Pink Pulse Run 2026. The campaign aims to increase public awareness regarding self-examinations and routine screenings to reduce delays in medical treatment.

Philippine court issues arrest warrant for VP Duterte

A Philippine court has issued an arrest warrant for Vice President Sara Duterte following allegations of making death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos. The legal development occurs amidst her ongoing Senate impeachment trial, which could potentially lead to her removal from office and a permanent ban from politics.

Merger of Adhi Karya and PTPP targeted for completion by end of 2026

State-owned construction giants PT Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk and PT PP (Persero) Tbk aim to finalise their business merger by December 2026. The process is currently in the study and evaluation phase, focusing on restructuring and financial strengthening before determining the final merger scheme.

Indonesia and Ireland Partner to Develop AI and Aviation Industry

The Indonesian and Irish governments have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The agreement focuses on high-potential sectors including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and aircraft leasing services.

Indonesian Stocks Rise as Fed Bets and MBG Savings Lift Sentiment

The Jakarta Composite Index rose in early trading, bolstered by positive global sentiment and potential budget efficiencies in the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Investors are also reacting to potential adjustments in MSME tax thresholds and shifting expectations regarding US Federal Reserve monetary policy.

Ijen Crater Nature Tourism Area Temporarily Closed Due to Forest Fires

The East Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) has announced the temporary closure of the Ijen Crater Nature Tourism Area following recent forest and land fires. The closure aims to minimise visitor risks as the fires approach popular hiking routes.

Telkom's New Revenue Streams Selling Like Hotcakes

Telkom Indonesia is preparing to diversify its revenue streams beyond its current reliance on B2C mobile and broadband services. The telecommunications giant is focusing on new growth drivers, including fibre infrastructure via InfraNexia and undersea cable services through Telin.

Hundreds of Shell Accumulator Tanks Depart for Germany from Bintan Free Trade Zone

PT Shelltec Hydraulic Indonesia has achieved its first export milestone, sending 410 accumulator shell tanks to Germany. This significant shipment from the Bintan Industrial Estate demonstrates the global competitiveness of local products manufactured within Indonesia's Free Trade Zone.

A New Chapter in Fiscal Compliance for the Industrial Sector

The Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes is adopting an 'ultimum remedium' approach to address tax non-compliance within the industrial sector. This strategy focuses on recovering state revenue and restoring taxpayer compliance rather than relying solely on criminal prosecution, aiming to maintain economic stability and investment climate.

New 'Mobile Shop' Modus for Illegal Prescription Drugs Spotted in Bekasi

The Bekasi City Metro Police have uncovered a new method of distributing illegal prescription drugs using a 'mobile shop' system via vehicles. Authorities arrested a suspect operating a cash-on-delivery service across various locations in Bekasi to evade law enforcement.

Rp 86 Trillion Still Circulating in Online Gambling, Sahroni: PPATK and Police Must Eradicate It

Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ahmad Sahroni, has called for the total eradication of online gambling following reports of massive money circulation. While noting a decrease in gambling-related transactions, Sahroni emphasised the devastating social and economic impact on Indonesian families.

MPR: Legislation in the AI Era Must Be Based on Data and Evidence

The Deputy Speaker of the MPR, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, has emphasised that legislative processes in the age of Artificial Intelligence must rely on accurate, evidence-based data rather than mere assumptions. He highlighted the importance of integrated and secure data governance to ensure AI-driven analysis effectively supports sound policymaking.

UNM Promotes Digitalisation of Cipinang Melayu PKK Through 2026 Community Service Grant

Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM) is implementing a website-based information system to digitise administrative processes for the PKK cadres in Cipinang Melayu, East Jakarta. The initiative, funded by a 2026 government grant, aims to strengthen the empowerment of local micro-enterprises (UP2K) through improved data management.

Zulhas & Dirgayuza Setiawan Launch 'Indonesian Food' Book

The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, has launched a new book titled 'Pangan Indonesia' (Indonesian Food) which emphasises the importance of national food security. The publication highlights how food sovereignty is intrinsically linked to national sovereignty, the welfare of farmers, and the future of the nation.

Beijing Urges US to Drop Iran-Related Sanctions on Chinese Firms

China has called upon the United States to lift unilateral sanctions imposed on Chinese companies and nationals regarding alleged involvement with Iran. Beijing expressed deep dissatisfaction, arguing that these measures disrupt global trade flows and undermine international energy security.

Vice President engages in dialogue with residents en route to Sabodam Tukka

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka met with local residents in Central Tapanuli to discuss post-disaster recovery needs. The discussion focused on livelihood security, the construction of permanent housing, and the urgent completion of the Sabo Dam infrastructure.

Rupiah strengthens driven by rising expectations of US dollar weakness

The Indonesian rupiah appreciated by 0.21 per cent against the US dollar at the close of Friday's trading. This movement was primarily driven by expectations of a weaker US dollar amid the appreciation of the Japanese yen and dovish signals from Federal Reserve officials.

Agrinas Palma: Agro-industry plays vital role in guaranteeing national bioenergy supply

PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara (Persero) has highlighted the critical role of the agro-industry in securing Indonesia's national bioenergy supply. The company emphasises that increasing CPO productivity and expanding plantation areas are essential to meet the projected demand for biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel by 2045.

Jardine Foundation launches scholarships for UGM postgraduate students

The Jardine Foundation has introduced a new scholarship programme providing full funding for 20 postgraduate students at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) annually. The initiative aims to support future leaders in Indonesia by covering both tuition fees and living expenses.

To Avoid Gilimanuk Traffic, Dozens of Buses Breach Residential Alleys, Hitting Pedestrians

Dozens of large buses, including tourist coaches, are using narrow residential alleys in Gilimanuk to bypass traffic congestion heading to Gilimanuk Port. This shortcut has led to several accidents involving pedestrians, damage to public infrastructure, and reports of illegal levies by certain individuals.

Central Java Regional Police Assist with Water Bombing to Extinguish Putri Cempo Landfill Fire in Solo

The Central Java Regional Police have deployed water bombing techniques to combat the ongoing fire at the Putri Cempo landfill in Solo. The operation aims to reach inaccessible areas of the massive waste site while ground crews pause operations for safety.

US Trade Deficit Surges to 16-Month High: Indonesia's Neighbours the Main Drivers

The United States trade deficit widened significantly to US$88.6 billion in July 2026, marking its worst position in 16 months. The surge is driven by a sharp increase in imports of capital goods, such as computers and semiconductors, while Vietnam has overtaken China as the largest contributor to the US goods trade deficit.

Houses in Pondok Indah Not Necessarily in Decile 10, Here is Why

An expert explains why residing in an elite area like Pondok Indah does not guarantee a high wealth decile classification in Indonesia's national socio-economic data. The classification relies on a complex statistical method involving education, family composition, and asset ownership rather than just property value.

Video: Rivers Drying Up, Fish Dying, and Coal Barges Halted

A prolonged drought over the last four months has caused a drastic drop in water levels in the Kapuas River, West Kalimantan, disrupting coal barge transport. Similarly, severe drought in Pati, Central Java, has left the Juwana River dam bone-dry, resulting in mass fish deaths.

OPZ Strategy in Disaster Management: Balancing Humanitarian Calls and Regulatory Compliance

The article explores how Zakat Management Organisations (OPZ) in Indonesia navigate the complexities of disaster relief by balancing urgent humanitarian needs with Sharia compliance. It highlights the strategic use of Zakat, Infak, and Alms to provide both targeted aid for specific groups and flexible support for broader disaster mitigation and reconstruction.