Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 September 2026

Showing 501-550 of 1,631 articles

Koster Reveals Burned Shanty Land on Jalan Nakula Is Regional Government Asset

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has confirmed that the nearly five-hectare site destroyed by fire on Jalan Nakula in Denpasar is a regional government asset earmarked for infrastructure development by the Badung regency administration. Scores of displaced residents, described by officials as occupying the land illegally, have begun leaving emergency shelters, though some remain in tents due to lack of money for new accommodation.

Govt pushes global exposure for Indonesian traditional percussion

Culture Minister Fadli Zon opened the tenth Indonesia Drum & Percussion Festival (IDPFEST) 2026 at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, urging continual promotion of Indonesia's traditional percussion instruments on the world stage. The festival, founded by musician Ekki Soekarno with the theme 'From Nature to Indonesian Music', featured around 110 musicians and blended performance, education and cross-cultural collaboration to nurture young musical talent.

Bengkulu makes first shipment of 19.2 tonnes of coffee to Italy

Kepahiang Regency in Bengkulu Province has carried out its first direct export of 19.2 tonnes of coffee to Italy. Deputy Governor Mian said the milestone ends the long-standing pattern of Bengkulu coffee being sold internationally under neighbouring provinces' names. He urged stakeholders, including Bank Indonesia, to ensure sustained production so exports become routine rather than a one-off event.

Attorney General's Office Names Toba Pulp Lestari a Suspect in Transfer Pricing Corruption Case

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has named PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) a corporate suspect in a transfer pricing corruption case spanning 2008 to 2025. Prosecutors allege the company under-invoiced exports by misclassifying dissolving pulp as cheaper paper grade pulp, causing state losses of up to Rp2 trillion. Two officials from the Finance Ministry's Directorate General of Taxes have also been named suspects for allegedly colluding to avoid proper price comparisons.

Anak Krakatau Eruption Disrupts Flights, Indonesian Economy Could Shrink by 0.003%

Indonesian economists estimate that the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which has forced the closure of eight airports and the postponement of 1,558 flights, will have a minimal impact on third-quarter 2026 economic growth. Using CGE modelling, Indef's Rizal Taufikurahman projects growth could be dampened by only around 0.003 percentage points if disruption lasts a week. CORE Indonesia's Mohammad Faisal concurs, noting the affected transport and tourism sectors contribute modestly to GDP, though prolonged disruption to logistics could pose greater risks.

The Track Record of Eva Stevany Rataba, the DPR Member Listed in Decile 4 of Social Assistance Data in North Toraja

Eva Stevany Rataba, a NasDem member of the House of Representatives, has drawn public attention after her name appeared among recipients of the Family Hope Programme (PKH) in North Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi, within decile 4 of the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN). She denies ever registering for or receiving the assistance and has visited the North Toraja Social Services Office to demand an explanation. She is calling on the government to trace the data source and improve the accuracy of social assistance targeting.

Acer Veriton RI110 AI Mini Workstation: Specifications and Standout Features

Acer has officially launched the Veriton RI110 AI Mini Workstation, a compact but powerful device built for organisations accelerating artificial intelligence adoption. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor with Intel Arc B390 graphics, it supports AI models of up to 120 billion parameters. The device was unveiled at the next@Acer event in Berlin, with Indonesian pricing and availability to be confirmed via Acer Indonesia's official website.

Pungent Durian Aroma Prompts Spot Checks on Green Line Commuter Train Passengers

A video of security officers inspecting passengers' belongings on the Rangkasbitung-Tanah Abang (Green Line) commuter line went viral after the smell of durian prompted a bag-by-bag check. The pungent fruit is among items prohibited on KAI Commuter trains, alongside animals, weapons, narcotics and flammable materials. KAI Commuter Indonesia confirmed that officers enforce the ban and advise passengers carrying strong-smelling items.

TAUD: Appeal Verdict in Andrie Yunus Case Fails to Side with the Victim

The Democracy Advocacy Team (TAUD) has criticised a military court appeal verdict that reduced the sentences of two TNI soldiers convicted of throwing acid at KontraS deputy coordinator Andrie Yunus, whilst also quashing their dismissal from the armed forces. TAUD argues the ruling favours the perpetrators, ignores the severity of the victim's injuries — including near-total loss of vision in his right eye — and reflects a tendency towards victim blaming.

Inflation at 3.19%, Tito Asks Regional Governments to Attend to Rising Food Commodity Prices

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian reported that Indonesia's year-on-year inflation for August 2026 stood at 3.19 per cent, driven largely by food and beverage prices, notably chicken, bird's eye chilli, fresh fish and rice. He called on regional governments to intervene through SPHP rice distribution and cheap market operations in areas showing price pressure, while North Maluku recorded the highest provincial inflation at 5.28 per cent.

To curb air pollution, South Jakarta city government operates water mist

The South Jakarta administrative city government has resumed operating water mist facilities at the mayor's office building to reduce air pollution and heat during the dry season. Mobile spraying vehicles are also being deployed to target public roads, whilst owners of buildings of eight storeys or more have been urged to activate similar equipment.

Apple Prepares Surprise for 9 September 2026 — Check Out the Full Leaks

Apple's annual event on 9 September 2026 is expected to mark a turning point for the Cupertino giant, with rumours of its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro line, new Apple Watches, and AirPods 5. The foldable "iPhone Ultra" is reportedly priced at around US$2,000 and features a book-style design with the first 2nm A20 Pro chipset. Pre-orders are projected to open on 12 September, with global availability from 18 September, although the foldable model may slip to later in the year.

President Floats Merging Geological Agency with BMKG

President Prabowo Subianto has proposed integrating the Geological Agency with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) following a string of natural disasters across Indonesia. The plan was raised during a limited virtual meeting with the Home Affairs Ministry, Health Ministry, BNPB, police and regional governments. The proposal comes amid flash floods in Sumatra, droughts, a deadly magnitude-7 earthquake in Flores, and ongoing forest fires and volcanic eruptions.

DJP prepares implementation of global tax arrears collection in 2027

Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) is preparing to implement global tax arrears collection in 2027 as a key strategic focus. Director General Bimo Wijayanto told the House of Representatives' Commission XI that the effort will be pursued through bilateral and multilateral tax cooperation, alongside measures such as AI infrastructure development and cross-border information exchange on financial and crypto-asset transactions.

OJK: Funds under management for seven gold ETF products reach Rp90.39 billion as of August

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) reports that seven gold exchange traded fund (ETF) products issued by seven investment managers accumulated Rp90.39 billion in funds under management between their launch on 10 August and the end of August 2026. Gold ETFs allow investors exposure to gold prices without holding physical metal, backed by OJK Regulation No. 2 of 2026 and certified as sharia-compliant. Overall, mutual fund net asset value stood at Rp652.88 trillion, with total capital market investors reaching 31.14 million.

Banten Provincial Government puts health services on alert in anticipation of Krakatau ash

The Banten Provincial Health Office has placed all health facilities and personnel on 24-hour standby in anticipation of health problems caused by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Hospitals, community health centres and laboratories have been instructed to ensure adequate supplies of essential medicines, oxygen, masks and protective equipment, with daily surveillance prioritising vulnerable groups. Cases remain within normal limits, but the office is taking precautionary measures following instructions from the Banten Governor.

7 Startups Pass OJK Regulatory Sandbox, from Gold Tokenisation to Stablecoins

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has approved seven startups through its regulatory sandbox for Financial Sector Technology Innovation as of August 2026, covering business models such as gold tokenisation, property ownership tokenisation and rupiah stablecoin issuance. OJK reports strong industry momentum, with financial service aggregation providers processing Rp2.41 trillion in approved transactions in July 2026, alongside continued enforcement actions including the deregistration of one aggregator.

Home Affairs Ministry: Fire brigades deployed to clear volcanic ash from public spaces

The Ministry of Home Affairs says fire and rescue personnel and vehicles have been deployed to clean volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau off public spaces in affected regions. Director General Safrizal Zakaria Ali said fire brigades are collaborating with the police to spray roads, hospitals and other public facilities. Ash from the eruption has spread across five provinces: Banten, West Java, Jakarta, Lampung and Bengkulu.

Forest Fire Haze Affects Health, Legislator Urges Stronger Public Protection

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission IX has called for strengthened public health protection as forest and land fires degrade air quality across several regions. Obet Rumbruren warned that vulnerable groups face heightened risks from fine particulates and other pollutants, urging the public to monitor official air quality data and wear masks outdoors.

OJK Fines 113 Parties Rp104.63 Billion in Capital Markets Sector Through August

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) imposed administrative sanctions totalling Rp104.63 billion in fines on 113 parties in the capital markets, derivatives finance and carbon exchange sector between January and 31 August 2026. The regulator also issued licence revocations, suspensions, written warnings and orders. OJK reported that the domestic stock and bond markets continued to strengthen, with mutual fund net assets reaching Rp652.88 trillion.

Jakarta Governor to decide on new Ragunan Zoo ticket prices soon

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo says he will shortly decide on new ticket prices for Ragunan Zoo, with a proposed increase to Rp10,000 for adult visitors. The management says the adjustment aims to improve animal welfare and services as part of efforts to reach international standards, whilst pledging to keep affordability in mind.

To Tackle the Putri Cempo Landfill Fire, Central Java Provincial Government to Conduct Weather Modification

The fire at the Putri Cempo landfill in Surakarta has entered its fifth day, with firefighting efforts by land and air under way, including water bombing by the Central Java Regional Police. The provincial government plans to launch a weather modification operation with BNPB around 9-10 September 2026 to accelerate extinguishing the blaze, which is larger than the 2023 fire that took 24 days to handle. Governor Ahmad Luthfi has ordered a comprehensive response and measures to protect residents from smoke, including health services, masks and logistical aid.

OJK: Agricultural financing grows 10.12 per cent amid El Nino

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) recorded 10.12 per cent year-on-year growth in multifinance lending to the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors in July 2026, reaching Rp42.51 trillion. Venture capital investment in the same sectors also rose 10.49 per cent to Rp757.06 billion, although overall finance company receivables grew more modestly at 2.01 per cent. OJK continues to monitor the potential impact of El Nino and is urging the industry to strengthen risk management and apply prudential principles.

Masks Sell Out Amid Mount Anak Krakatau Ash, Pramono Urges Traders Not to Hike Prices

Masks have become a sought-after commodity in Jakarta as volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau spreads across the capital. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has urged traders not to inflate prices, whilst confirming the provincial government will distribute free masks and continue water mist operations to mitigate the ash.

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Hosts 2nd Annual Charity Gala Dinner for Bali Life Foundation

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort will hold its 2nd Annual Charity Gala Dinner, 'An Evening of Purpose & Possibility', on 11 December 2026 at the Kecak Ballroom. Last year's event raised Rp500 million, which funded a school in Southwest Sumba built in partnership with Bali Life Foundation. Proceeds from tickets, donations and a charity auction will again go entirely to the foundation's education and women's empowerment programmes.

Ministry of Trade steps up Minyakita distribution to Eastern Indonesia

The Ministry of Trade is optimising the distribution of Minyakita subsidised cooking oil to Eastern Indonesia, where regions such as Papua and Maluku continue to push retail prices above the highest retail price (HET) of Rp15,700 per litre. The government is working with state food firms Bulog and ID FOOD, and will directly monitor distribution channels to narrow regional price gaps. Nationally, the average Minyakita price stood at Rp16,334 per litre in early September, with all cooking oil types averaging Rp20,232 per litre.

Pramono: No Work-from-Home Plan for Jakarta Civil Servants, Office Attendance with Masks Continues

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has confirmed that civil servants (ASN) under the provincial government will continue working from offices, with no work-from-home policy, despite the extension of remote learning due to volcanic ash. He extended distance learning (PJJ) by one day after discussions with the city's education office, noting that ash levels have fallen significantly but persist in some areas. The provincial government is also deploying water mist systems and distributing masks to the public to mitigate the ash's effects.

Indonesia Besieged by Volcanic Eruptions — Which Year Was the Worst?

Volcanic eruptions have struck Indonesia almost every year, with five volcanoes currently at Level III (Standby) alert status in September 2026. Data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) covering 2011–2026 shows that eruption frequency does not always correlate with impact: 2018 recorded the most eruptions at 63, whilst 2017 saw the largest number of displaced people at 72,114, largely due to Mount Agung's activity. The severity of a disaster depends on factors such as the volcano's location, eruption characteristics and population density, underscoring the importance of monitoring and early warning systems.

DKI Jakarta Provincial Government Extends Remote Learning Until Tomorrow

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has extended distance learning (PJJ) for all schools in the capital until Tuesday (8/9/2026) due to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Governor Pramono Anung said ash distribution had greatly decreased but remained present in some areas, and he has instructed the Education Office to follow up with an official circular. Civil servants, including teachers, will continue working as usual wearing masks, with no work-from-home policy in place.

Rapid AI Development and Technological Disruption Pose Challenges to Morality and Global Peace

The Bali Harmony Encounter Week 2026 concluded with the Tri Hita Karana Universal Reflection Ceremony at KEK Kura Kura Bali, gathering delegates from over 70 countries to reflect on peace amid rapid technological disruption. Indonesian officials, including a representative of the Religious Affairs Minister, stressed moral leadership in the age of AI, while the earlier Bali Harmony Dialogue addressed the widening global AI gap.

Police arrest Indian national's phone snatcher in Central Jakarta

Central Jakarta Metro Police, together with Menteng Police, arrested a repeat offender identified as NJ less than 24 hours after a bag-snatching incident targeting an Indian national on Jalan Gondangdia, Menteng. The case was solved using CCTV footage and facial recognition data, with the victim's mobile phone and other evidence recovered. The suspect faces charges under Article 477 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years.

Finance Minister: Rise in Spending Target Does Not Include Additional Budgets for Ministries and Agencies

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the Rp9.1 trillion increase in the 2027 state spending target, from Rp4,097.2 trillion to Rp4,106.3 trillion, does not cover additional budget requests from ministries and agencies. He explained that trade-offs and efficiencies elsewhere were required due to budget scarcity. The government targets 6 percent economic growth in 2027, up from 5.4 percent in the 2026 budget.

Found as Skeletons: Siblings in Banyuasin Raped Before Being Murdered

Police in Banyuasin, South Sumatra, have arrested two men over the murders of siblings Reni and Ayuhan, whose skeletal remains were found in an empty house. Initial investigations indicate the victims were sexually assaulted before being killed. The suspects, Rendi Saputra (28) and Andika, were detained roughly three hours after the remains were discovered, with one resisting arrest.

Luhut says Danantara will drive investment with real impact for the people

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, chair of the National Economic Council, said Danantara will push investments that deliver tangible benefits for the Indonesian people, following a meeting with Danantara Investment Management leadership to refine the national strategic investment plan for 2027. Danantara's recorded capital reached Rp310 trillion in 2025, projected to grow two to threefold by 2026–2027, with focus areas including energy transition, international oil and gas, AI ecosystems, and large-scale food platforms.

OJK Dissolves 58 Pension Funds Since 2020

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has dissolved 58 pension funds since 2020, mostly employer-sponsored funds with defined benefit schemes. Executive Head of Insurance, Guarantee and Pension Fund Supervision Ogi Prastomiyono said the dissolutions were driven by efficiency considerations, declining participant numbers and economies of scale, reflecting a global shift from defined benefit to defined contribution schemes. He stressed that industry sustainability is not in question and that the priority now is expanding membership, including to informal workers and SMEs through digitalisation.

Government Targets Just 13.5 km of New Toll Road Construction in 2027

The government has set a target of building only 13.5 kilometres of new toll roads in 2027, supported by a budget of Rp3.12 trillion. The allocation covers three sections: Serang-Panimbang, Semarang-Demak Section 1, and the Patimban access toll road in West Java. Overall, the government aims to have 1,380 kilometres of toll road in operation by 2027 under the Bina Marga 2025-2029 strategic plan.

Police deploy 322 personnel to strengthen wildfire prevention

Indonesian police have deployed 322 personnel in a second wave to six regional commands in Kalimantan, Riau, and South Sumatra as part of a wildfire prevention task force following President Prabowo Subianto's instruction. The officers, drawn from senior police leadership schools, will educate the public and assess regional fire problems for ten days, producing recommendations for police and government. This follows an earlier deployment of 403 personnel.

Purbawa awaits BNPB's calculations on additional disaster mitigation budget

Finance Minister Purbawa Yudhi Sadewa said the government is awaiting the National Disaster Mitigation Agency's (BNPB) calculations before determining additional allocations for disaster mitigation. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a significant increase in the disaster mitigation budget and a comprehensive master plan, citing Indonesia's position on the Ring of Fire.

Jakarta Traffic Police Distribute 10,000 Masks to Taxpayers Amid Volcanic Ash

The Traffic Directorate of Metro Jaya Regional Police is distributing 10,000 masks to residents and taxpayers at Samsat offices across Greater Jakarta following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The initiative aims to protect people from volcanic ash whilst ensuring vehicle administration services continue safely.

House calls for integrated response to Anak Krakatau eruption

Speaker Puan Maharani urged the government to coordinate central and regional authorities to meet the needs of communities affected by the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption in the Sunda Strait. She called for equal protection across provinces, adequate health facilities and masks, and support for daily labourers, small traders, fishermen and MSMEs whose incomes have been disrupted. The Geological Agency confirmed the 25-hour eruption episode has ended, though seismic activity continues to be monitored.

Anak Krakatau Surfaces From the Sea Nearly 100 Years Ago — Here Is Its Journey

Mount Anak Krakatau in Lampung has undergone continuous eruptions with lava fountains since 4 September 2026, with volcanic ash spreading towards Banten, parts of West Java, DKI Jakarta, Lampung and Bengkulu. Volcanologist Surono explains the eruptions are part of the young volcano's natural rebuilding process following the 2018 collapse, and warns of recurring disruption to nearby airports such as Soekarno-Hatta. The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources traces the volcano's history from its emergence above sea level on 20 January 1929 to the present Alert Level III status.

Indonesia taps Chinese expertise to develop waste-to-energy system

Indonesia is leveraging Chinese expertise to build its national waste-to-energy (WtE) ecosystem, according to PT Daya Energi Bersih Nusantara (Denera), Danantara Indonesia's clean energy subsidiary. Chinese firms Zhejiang Weiming and Wangneng Environment won the first tender phase for three WtE projects in Bogor, Denpasar and Bekasi, though the second phase for eight sites includes consortia from France, South Korea, Japan, India and Singapore alongside domestic partners. Indonesia aims to manage 100 percent of its waste by the end of 2029, with facilities developed to European Union standards.

BMKG No Longer Lists Jakarta as Affected by Volcanic Ash from Anak Krakatau

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait is now spreading away from Jakarta. Satellite imagery from Himawari-9 shows the ash moving towards the south-west, affecting parts of Banten, Lampung and Bengkulu at lower altitudes, while higher-altitude ash is drifting over the Indian Ocean and poses a risk to aviation.

Indonesia's Investment Realisation Surpasses Rp1,010 Trillion, WTCA Urges Supply Chain Diversification

Indonesia recorded Rp1,010.6 trillion in investment realisation in the first half of 2026, up 7.2% year-on-year, with foreign direct investment contributing Rp507.6 trillion or 50.2% of the total. The World Trade Centers Association says diversifying supply chains and market access is crucial amid global trade uncertainty, ahead of the WTCA Asia Pacific Conference 2026 to be held in Jakarta for the first time in November.

How Climate Change and Food Crises Could Spark Future Conflicts

New research using the Climate-Driven Agricultural Decline Index (CADI) maps how climate change is reducing agricultural productivity across the tropics and beyond, with nearly half the world's population potentially living in areas with declining food output within 25 years. Researchers warn that both losses and gains in land value can trigger conflict, particularly in non-democratic states lacking institutions for negotiation. South Asia and the Sahel are flagged as high-risk regions, where climate vulnerability, population growth and import dependence could displace millions.

117 killed in fighting between Yemeni government and Houthi forces

At least 117 people have been killed in four days of fierce clashes between Yemeni government forces and the Houthi movement in the western provinces of Taiz and Hodeidah. The escalation, among the most intense ground fighting in western Yemen in recent years, has raised fears of a return to full-scale war after years of relative calm along many front lines.

Indonesian National Police Prepare Services and Assistance for Communities Affected by Disasters

Deputy Chief of the Indonesian National Police Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo revealed that 1,730 natural disasters have struck Indonesia in 2026, causing 397 deaths and displacing more than four million people. Speaking at a troop parade in Cikeas, Bogor, he urged officers to be ready to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and relief services. He also warned of heightened volcanic activity at several mountains across the archipelago.

Snatch Thief Who Robbed Indian National in Menteng Turns Out to Be Repeat Offender Acting as Getaway Rider

Police have arrested Nico Januarkardo (NJ), one of two perpetrators behind a bag-snatching incident targeting an Indian national in Gondangdia, Menteng, Central Jakarta. NJ, a repeat offender who acted as the motorcycle rider whilst an accomplice, RK, seized the victim's mobile phone, was apprehended on Sunday at 01:30 WIB with police still hunting the second suspect.

Villages Minister proposes village governments be involved in resolving agrarian conflicts

Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions Yandri Susanto has proposed that village governments be given a formal role in resolving agrarian conflicts, from receiving complaints to mediating local disputes, in the drafting of the Agrarian Reform Bill. He also called for the involvement of customary institutions, particularly on matters of ulayat rights and customary law, and highlighted that 34,323 villages with some 72 million residents lie within forest areas.

NTB Energy and Mineral Resources Office Investigates Lantung Block Mining Permit After Three Deaths

The West Nusa Tenggara Energy and Mineral Resources Office, together with mining inspectors from the Ministry, has deployed a joint team to investigate the status of a gold mining permit in the Lantung block, Sumbawa, following a landslide that killed three residents. The authorities have sterilised the site and warned that sanctions up to permit revocation could be imposed if violations are found.