Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 September 2026

Showing 851-900 of 1,410 articles

Video: A New Chapter in Digital Transformation, BATIC 2026 Introduces New Elements

The 11th edition of the Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC) was successfully held in August 2026, focusing on uniting ecosystems for connected progress. The event saw a significant 50% increase in participation, attracting over 2,700 attendees from more than 75 countries.

EV sales in Australia hit new record in August

Electric vehicle sales in Australia reached a new peak in August 2026, driven by the rising popularity of Chinese automotive brands. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 24.9 per cent of all new vehicle sales, marking a significant structural shift in the Australian automotive market.

Illegal gold mine in Pohuwato leads to suspect's detention

The Gorontalo Regional Police have detained an individual, identified by the initials RP, for operating an unlicensed gold mine in Pohuwato Regency. The investigation was triggered by a recent landslide at the mining site that resulted in fatalities.

MUI Calls on Indonesian Muslims to Hold Rain Prayers Amid Wildfires

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged Muslims nationwide to perform Shalat Istisqa to seek relief from prolonged drought and increasing forest fires. This spiritual appeal coincides with rising wildfire hotspots in West and Central Kalimantan, which the Forestry Ministry has identified as national priorities.

BNPB Recap of Nagekeo Earthquake: 20 Dead, 21,952 Displaced

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, has resulted in 20 fatalities and forced nearly 22,000 people to flee their homes. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reports significant damage to over 13,000 residential properties across several districts.

Bapanas ensures no rice price volatility in Bandung City

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has confirmed that rice prices in Bandung remain stable and aligned with government-mandated price ceilings. Following inspections at local markets, officials reported that stocks are sufficient to meet public demand for the coming months.

Purbaya: Full-Time PPPK Salaries to be Paid by Central Government from January 2027

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced that the central government will take over the salary burden for full-time Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK) starting in January 2027. This move aims to alleviate the fiscal pressure on regional budgets (APBD) and includes a budget allocation of Rp 31 trillion.

Argentina to Sanction Companies Operating Oil in Falklands

Argentine President Javier Milei has announced plans to sign a decree imposing sanctions on individuals and companies involved in oil production projects in the disputed Falkland Islands. The move aims to prevent the exploitation of resources that Argentina claims as its sovereign territory.

115 Firefighters Deployed to Tackle Apartment Fire in Tanah Abang

Over 100 firefighters were deployed to combat a blaze at an apartment complex in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. Emergency services have successfully localised the fire on the fifth floor and evacuated 14 residents from the building.

Baznas RI and UFGD Explore Cooperation on Palestinian Humanitarian Programmes

The National Zakat Board (Baznas) of Indonesia and the United Foundation for Global Development (UFGD) are exploring a strategic partnership to bolster humanitarian aid for Palestine and social infrastructure in Indonesia. The collaboration, mediated by the Palestinian Embassy, aims to expand food security, healthcare, and water access initiatives.

JCI Set to Test 6,700 Level; Three Stocks Identified for Potential Gains

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) is predicted to see limited gains as it approaches the 6,700 resistance level, supported by positive US economic data and Fed sentiment. Analysts suggest that the government's plan to increase fiscal efficiency in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme could further bolster fiscal credibility.

Ministry of Industry strengthens local coffee development technology

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry is collaborating with the Sidenreng Rappang Regency government to enhance the quality and competitiveness of local coffee through technological advancements. The initiative focuses on implementing post-harvest technologies to increase the added value of Sidrap coffee products for local producers.

CJIBF 2026 records Rp20.073 trillion in investment; Bank Jateng strengthens business synergy

The Central Java Investment Business Forum (CJIBF) 2026 has successfully secured investment plans totalling Rp20.073 trillion, including 74 Letters of Intent from 36 business entities. Bank Jateng has pledged to act as a strategic partner by providing essential financial services and supporting the regional investment ecosystem.

Government Guarantees No Electricity Tariff Increase; Full List Provided

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has confirmed that electricity tariffs will remain unchanged for the third quarter of 2026. This decision aims to protect public purchasing power, support industrial competitiveness, and maintain national economic stability.

KPK Summons Five Witnesses in Bank BJB Advertising Procurement Corruption Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned five witnesses to provide testimony regarding alleged corruption in the advertising procurement process of Bank BJB for the 2021โ€“2023 fiscal years. The investigation involves several individuals from various advertising agencies and bank officials, with estimated state losses reaching approximately Rp223.6 billion.

DPR Member Urges SPPG Incentives Not to be Calculated Solely on Free Nutritious Meal Portions

A member of the Indonesian Parliament's Commission IX has called for the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to ensure that incentives for nutrition service units (SPPG) are based on service quality and operational costs rather than just production volume. This follows the BGN's plan to revise the current flat daily incentive of Rp 6 million to a more variable scheme.

DPD Appreciates Prabowo's Diplomacy in Driving Market Access to 290 Million Consumers

The Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) has praised President Prabowo Subianto's diplomatic efforts at the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia. The discussions focused on leveraging Free Trade Agreements with the Eurasian Economic Union to expand market access and enhance technological cooperation in downstreaming natural resources.

Trump Acts Again, Proposes Renaming Strait of Hormuz to 'Trump Strait'

US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by suggesting the strategic Strait of Hormuz be renamed the 'Trump Strait' following claims of US control over the region. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Senator Bernie Sanders, who argued that the focus should be on ending conflict with Iran rather than renaming waterways.

Corn Production Rises by 14.47%, Riau Regional Police Strengthen Support for Food Self-Sufficiency

Corn production in Riau Province has seen a significant increase, with harvested areas expanding by 14.47% between January and October 2026. The Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) have pledged to support national food security initiatives by fostering collaboration between farmers, the government, and the private sector.

Waste Fire in South Tangerang Resembles Peatland Fire, Flames Burning 3 Metres Deep

Firefighters in South Tangerang are struggling to extinguish a massive waste pile fire in Ciputat Timur, which is burning deep beneath the surface. The blaze is behaving like a peatland fire, with flames persisting at a depth of approximately three metres despite surface-level efforts.

KPK Summons CEO of Millenium Solusi Abadi in Muara Enim Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned the President Director of PT Millenium Solusi Abadi as a witness in a bribery investigation. The case involves alleged corruption related to the procurement of goods and services within the Muara Enim Regency Government.

Digitalisation and Integration of Sharia Finance: A Path for SMEs in Southeast Sulawesi to Scale Up

The article proposes the 'SAFE' policy model to integrate Sharia social finance with digital commercial finance to boost SME growth in Southeast Sulawesi. By linking zakat, infaq, and waqf with digital Sharia fintech, the initiative aims to transition unbankable entrepreneurs into bankable business owners.

Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education accelerates data collection for earthquake-damaged schools in NTT

The Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is fast-tracking the assessment of educational facilities damaged by recent earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The Ministry is deploying emergency classroom tents and Starlink connectivity to ensure learning continuity and provide psychosocial support to affected students and teachers.

Russia's Aluminum Giant Rusal to Invest 'Big' in Indonesia

President Prabowo Subianto has announced that Russian aluminium producer Rusal intends to make a significant investment in Indonesia to develop a refinery alongside local groups. The discussions aim to leverage Indonesia's vast bauxite reserves and could potentially involve the newly formed Danantara sovereign wealth fund.

OpenAI's Super Advanced Astra AI Model Officially Released, Capabilities Spark Concern

OpenAI has launched GPT-6 Astra, a powerful new AI model capable of autonomous web navigation and file processing. However, the model has triggered cybersecurity alarms after surpassing critical thresholds for autonomous vulnerability exploitation, prompting strict usage restrictions.

Grape Farmers in Buleleng Encouraged to Scale Up Through Harvest Processing

A research team from Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) is providing training to grape farmers in Banjar Village, Buleleng, to combat plummeting prices during peak harvest seasons. The initiative focuses on post-harvest processing, transforming surplus grapes into high-value products like juice and traditional sweets to ensure stable farmer incomes.

Utilising OnTimeX Digital Innovation, Pelita Air Reveals Secrets Behind Airline's On-Time Service

Pelita Air has highlighted its use of the OnTimeX digital innovation to maintain high on-time performance and operational efficiency. The technology integrates safety, sustainability, and efficiency, helping the airline reduce paper usage by over 1.2 tonnes annually.

Meta Complies with PP Tunas, KPAI: A Signal for Global Platforms to Protect Children

The Indonesian Commission for the Protection of Children (KPAI) has welcomed Meta's compliance with the Government Regulation on the Governance of Electronic System Providers in Child Protection (PP Tunas). This move is seen as a positive indicator that global digital platforms are prioritising child safety within the digital ecosystem.

Cotton Prices Plummet by Rp 7,000/kg, Prompting Karangasem Farmers to Switch to Maize

Farmers in Karangasem, Bali, are abandoning cotton cultivation due to a significant drop in market prices and a lack of government seed subsidies. As prices have fallen from Rp 25,000 to just Rp 7,000 per kilogram, many are transitioning to more profitable crops such as maize and peanuts.

Viral Rp 400,000 School Fee: SMAN 2 Sidoarjo Clarifies Actual Amount is Rp 399,000

SMAN 2 Sidoarjo has addressed viral claims regarding a mandatory Rp 400,000 school fee, clarifying that the figure is actually approximately Rp 399,000. The school emphasised that these contributions are voluntary and based on the financial capacity of parents, with exemptions available for underprivileged students.

Police Confirm No Illegal Detention of Domestic Workers in North Jakarta

Police in Penjaringan have debunked reports of domestic workers being held captive in North Jakarta. The investigation revealed that the incident was merely a misunderstanding caused by the house being locked from the outside while the employer was away.

Economist states Indonesia-Russia cooperation positive for export expansion

The Executive Director of INDEF, Esther Sri Astuti, highlights that strengthening ties with Russia offers significant opportunities for Indonesia to expand its export markets. This cooperation is bolstered by existing free trade agreements with the Eurasian Economic Union and a shared commitment to increasing bilateral trade value.

Jakarta Regional Council Agrees to Increase Ragunan Zoo Entrance Fees, Proposed at Rp10,000

The Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Commission C has agreed to a plan to adjust entrance fees for Ragunan Zoo, proposing an increase to approximately Rp10,000. The revenue hike aims to fund essential improvements in animal welfare, facility maintenance, and enhanced security measures.

PMI distributes 20,000 litres of clean water to assist earthquake survivors in NTT

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has distributed 20,000 litres of clean water to several villages in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to support earthquake survivors. This latest delivery brings the total amount of water distributed since 5 August to 120,000 litres as the organisation addresses critical basic needs during the emergency response period.

Digital solutions for local government services can be developed by local talent

The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, highlighted that local digital talent is capable of building sophisticated government service platforms. The SIPGAM system in Banda Aceh serves as a prime example of how regional digital expertise can provide integrated administrative and emergency services to communities.

Why Cheap Imported Goods Flooding Indonesia are Dangerous, Causing Structural Damage

The Chairman of the Indonesian Anti-Dumping Committee (KADI) warns that cheap imports pose a significant threat to the structural stability of domestic industries. Beyond mere import values, the focus remains on how unfair pricing affects competitiveness, production capacity, and long-term industrial sustainability.

Ministry upgrading five Lebak fishing villages under KNMP program

The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has commenced upgrading five fishing villages in Lebak Regency as part of the National Integrated Fishing Village (KNMP) programme. The initiative involves constructing essential facilities such as ice factories, cold storage, and docking areas to reduce operational costs for fishers and improve catch quality. This development aims to integrate with President Prabowo Subianto's flagship programmes, including the Free Nutritious Meals initiative, to alleviate poverty in coastal communities.

Cilacap Disaster Management Agency Monitors Impact of Magnitude 5.4 Earthquake

The Cilacap Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is currently monitoring the aftermath of a magnitude 5.4 earthquake that struck southeast of Cilacap. While tremors were felt in several regions including Solo and Banyumas, no damage has been reported thus far.

From Coffee Stalls to Cafes: Why Hanging Out is Part of the National Culture

An exploration of the sociological significance of 'nongkrong' (hanging out) in Indonesia, tracing its evolution from traditional coffee stalls to modern multifunctional cafes. The article highlights how these spaces serve as vital social hubs for networking, working, and community building across different social strata.

Food Coordinator Urges Development of New Varieties to Support Rice Surplus

The Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan, has called for the development of new rice varieties, increased mechanisation, and more efficient production management to ensure long-term national rice surpluses. While Indonesia achieved a significant production increase in 2025, the Minister emphasised that technological advancements are essential to maintain food self-sufficiency and reduce production costs.

Nicko Expresses Disappointment as Appellate Court Upholds 3-Year Prison Sentence

The Jakarta High Court has upheld the three-year prison sentence for Nicko Widjaja regarding alleged corruption in TaniHub Group investments. The defendant and his legal team warn that the ruling could severely damage Indonesia's venture capital ecosystem and deter foreign investors.

Indonesia-Ireland Letter of Intent serves as vital foundation for both nations

The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Ireland to bolster economic and business cooperation. The agreement aims to translate shared priorities into concrete partnerships across sectors such as digital technology, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

From Cassava to Porang: Key Rice Substitutes in Jakarta

The Jakarta Provincial Government has launched a simultaneous planting movement for food crops to bolster local food security. The initiative involves over 1,000 participants across 559 locations, focusing on crops such as cassava, corn, and porang to complement rice consumption.

KPK to Analyse Testimony Regarding DPR Members Requesting 3,000 Riyal

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is reviewing testimony from Ishfah Abidal Azis, a former special staffer to the Minister of Religious Affairs, regarding alleged bribery involving members of the Indonesian Parliament. The testimony details requests for illegal payments and unauthorised VIP facilities related to the 2023-2024 additional Hajj quota scandal.

Apartment Fire in Tanah Abang, 14 Residents Evacuated

A fire broke out on the fifth floor of an apartment building in the Tanah Abang area of Central Jakarta. Emergency services deployed 115 personnel and 23 fire engines to the scene to contain the blaze and evacuate trapped residents.

Tax Authorities Pursue Multinational Corporations Over Transfer Pricing

The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is intensifying its crackdown on multinational corporations attempting to shift profits to low-tax jurisdictions through transfer pricing. High-profile disputes involving giants such as Coca-Cola, Meta, and UnitedHealth could potentially recover up to US$100 billion for the US government.

DPD Ethics Committee to Summon Complainant Arya Wedakarna Regarding Transgender Contest Next Week

The Regional Representative Council (DPD) Ethics Committee is set to summon Senator Arya Wedakarna following controversy over his attendance at a transgender beauty pageant in Bangkok. The committee also plans to invite various organisations and individuals, including Muhammadiyah Bali, who have filed formal complaints regarding the matter.

Dozens of Hectares of Rice Fields in Bogor Hit by Drought, Threatening Crop Failure

A prolonged dry season has caused significant drought across agricultural lands in the Jonggol District of Bogor, West Java. Approximately 38.1 hectares of rice fields are facing severe drought or total crop failure, while hundreds of hectares of rain-fed fields remain unplanted due to water scarcity.

Selection for National Commission on Disability Commissioners to Commence with Public Testing

The Selection Committee for the National Commission on Disability (KND) for the 2026-2031 period has announced the upcoming recruitment process. This year's selection will feature a new public testing stage to ensure transparency and community involvement in evaluating candidates.

Karawang District Attorney Detains Three Suspects in Alleged Mortgage Corruption Scandal

The Karawang District Attorney's Office has detained three executives from property developer PT BAS following allegations of mortgage fraud. The corruption case, involving fictitious home ownership loans (KPR), has caused an estimated state loss of approximately Rp237 billion.