Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 September 2026

Showing 551-600 of 1,631 articles

Pramono Calls on High-Rise Buildings to Reactivate Water Mist Systems

The Jakarta provincial government has instructed all high-rise building managers with water mist facilities to reactivate them in order to speed up the clean-up of volcanic ash and safeguard air quality in the capital. Governor Pramono Anung said the response to ash from Mount Anak Krakatau is being coordinated across the fire service, BPBD and Satpol PP, with air quality monitoring guiding further measures. Residents are urged to wear masks outdoors and to dampen settled ash before cleaning it.

Danantara Reveals the Sectors Set to Become New Investment Engines

BPI Danantara, Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund manager, has identified energy—including renewables—and the digital economy, particularly data centres and artificial intelligence, as its key investment focuses. Managing Director Pahala Nugraha Mansury said global geopolitical shifts have made energy security increasingly strategic, whilst Indonesia's abundant energy and water resources position it well for data centre growth, supported by the government's plan to develop up to 100 GW of renewable electricity.

Pramono Extends Remote Learning in Jakarta in Anticipation of Volcanic Ash from Anak Krakatau

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has extended distance learning (PJJ) for schools in the capital by one day due to lingering volcanic ash in some areas, despite improving conditions. The provincial government will continue water mist operations, distribute masks, and require civil servants to work from offices as usual whilst wearing masks.

Iran War Pushes US Diesel Prices to Record Highs, Domino Effect Felt in Food Supply

The war with Iran has driven US diesel prices to an all-time high of $5.8819 per gallon, sharply raising transport costs across the American food supply chain. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have curbed shipping traffic, with Goldman Sachs warning crude could reach $120 per barrel if attacks on vessels intensify.

Iranian Parliament warns US of "heavier" response to "aggression"

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has warned the United States that any aggression against Iran's interests and security will now draw a swifter, harder and more painful response. Speaking in an open parliamentary session in Tehran, he declared that the era of proportionate responses has ended. His remarks follow a recent escalation of mutual strikes between the two countries, including a maritime confrontation on Saturday.

12 flights from Kupang cancelled due to Anak Krakatau volcanic ash

Twelve flights to and from El Tari International Airport in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, were cancelled on Monday after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced the temporary closure of four airports in Java and Lampung. Around 1,634 passengers were affected, with airlines offering full refunds or rescheduling. Airport operator Angkasa Pura Indonesia has been coordinating with stakeholders to assist stranded passengers.

Qodari: Prabowo Ensures Domestic Issues Are Handled Before Going Abroad

The head of the government's Communication Agency, Muhammad Qodari, has stated that President Prabowo Subianto made sure domestic problems — including forest and land fires and the NTT earthquake — were being properly handled before undertaking his visit to Russia. He defended the overseas trip as a means of advancing national interests, opening economic opportunities and attracting investment, notably through the Eastern Economic Forum.

Viral: Yenny Wahid Denies Ever Being Asked to Lead Congregational Prayer Because She Is a Kiai's Daughter

Yenny Wahid, daughter of the late President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), has denied a viral Threads post claiming she was once asked to lead a mixed congregational prayer. A user on the platform alleged that a figure referred to as 'RI 1' had refused to lead prayers, resulting in Yenny being asked to do so. She stated that the incident never happened.

Video: Not Just Selling Coal, PTBA Pursues Gasification Project to Produce DME

PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) chief executive Bambang Ismawan is optimistic the company will meet its 2026 production target of 48 million tonnes whilst fulfilling its 50% Domestic Market Obligation. The company is also pursuing business expansion beyond coal, including a coal gasification project to produce dimethyl ether (DME) and the electrification of mining vehicles to reduce fuel dependency.

Pertamina Partners with West Sumatra Provincial Government to Monitor Subsidised Fuel Distribution

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has joined forces with the West Sumatra Regional Police and the provincial government to tighten oversight of subsidised fuel distribution, including surprise inspections of petrol stations in Padang. During 2026, the company issued 31 sanctions against distributor violations, requested the blocking of around 5,000 vehicle registration numbers showing irregular purchasing patterns, and transferred the management of six petrol stations. The firm says it has zero tolerance for misuse of subsidised fuel, which reduces the entitlements of rightful beneficiaries.

UMY Targets 100 Per Cent of Students Able to Read and Write the Quran to Strengthen Islamic Values

Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta has pledged that all its students will be able to read and write the Quran by graduation, following an entrance assessment showing around 80 per cent of new students require support. The commitment was announced during a gathering with parents of new students, where the university also warned families against unofficial admission brokers. Religious competencies are being tailored to students' fields of study, including training male medical students to lead prayers and deliver sermons.

Aceh Rushes to Fully Absorb Additional Regional Transfer Funds Before December

Aceh is accelerating the realisation of additional Regional Transfers (TKD) allocated for post-hydrometeorological disaster recovery, covering infrastructure, health, education and agriculture, with a target of full absorption before December 2026. As of 4 September 2026, only Rp115.6 billion, or 6.37 per cent of the Rp1.82 trillion allocation, had been realised, with seven regencies yet to spend anything. The central government is preparing sanctions for slow regions, including budget clawbacks and reduced transfers next year, alongside incentives for high performers.

Pesantren, Pegon, and Artificial Intelligence: Welcoming National Literacy Day

This opinion piece argues that National Literacy Day should be a moment to consider the future of literacy, not merely to commemorate scripts of the past. The author traces how pesantren traditions centred on the Pegon script can enter the digital ecosystem through virtual keyboards, digital classical book (kitab kuning) analysis, and ultimately artificial intelligence. He stresses that AI should serve, not replace, the authority of kiai, teachers and the sanad tradition in Islamic education.

Police distribute masks to online motorcycle taxi drivers amid volcanic ash spread

The Traffic Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya distributed 20,000 masks to online motorcycle taxi drivers at three Jakarta locations to protect them from volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto, said the volcano's activity had declined but ash dispersal continued to disrupt daily life and aviation.

With Rp16.17 Billion in Assets, How Did This DPR Member End Up in Decile 4 of the Social Assistance Data?

Eva Stevany Rataba, a NasDem member of the House of Representatives, has come under scrutiny after her name appeared in the data of recipients of the Family Hope Programme (PKH) in North Toraja, South Sulawesi. She was reportedly listed in decile 4 of the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN), despite declared assets of Rp16.17 billion. Eva denies ever registering for or receiving the assistance and has demanded an open audit of the data's source and history.

Impact of Anak Krakatau Eruption: Halim Airport Remains Closed Until 18.00 WIB

Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta remained temporarily closed until 18.00 WIB on Monday (7/9/2026) due to the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. The closure, extended based on an updated NOTAM, disrupted flights and left passengers awaiting news of their journeys. AirNav Indonesia is continually updating aeronautical information in line with airspace conditions and aviation safety considerations.

Academic: Simultaneous volcanic activities are not interrelated

Professor Nana Sulaksana of Universitas Padjadjaran has stated that volcanoes located near each other in Indonesia are not directly linked, as each has its own distinct magmatic system. His remarks came in response to eruptions at several volcanoes, including Anak Krakatau, Mount Ibu, Semeru and Sinabung, occurring within a similar period. He urged the public to rely on official information rather than assuming a connection between volcanoes without scientific data.

Türkiye Plans to Increase Defence Spending by 229 Per Cent

Türkiye intends to raise its defence spending by 229 per cent over the next three years, according to Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz. The announcement came as Ankara unveiled its Medium-Term Economic Programme for 2027-2029, which also lowered the 2026 growth forecast to 3.3 per cent while raising the inflation projection to 28.4 per cent.

Pramono: Utility Cable Tidying to Begin on Gatot Subroto Road

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has announced that the tidying of Integrated Utility Network (SJUT) cables will start along Jalan Gatot Subroto through to Cawang. The work follows the signing and enactment of a regional regulation on cable management, though Pramono acknowledged the problem of tangled and abandoned cables across the capital is highly complex and cannot be resolved all at once. Several private companies are also set to partner with the Jakarta provincial government on the effort.

New Zealand Commits Rp51.8 Billion to Attract International Tourists

The New Zealand government is investing NZ$5 million (around Rp51.8 billion) in six initiatives to draw more international visitors to regional destinations, with Chinese travellers a key target. Tourism Minister Louise Upston said the campaigns aim to encourage longer stays and greater dispersal beyond main gateways ahead of the spring 2026 and early summer 2027 seasons.

Marking the Prophet's Birthday, DKM Baiturrahman Brings Together Residents Across Generations

The DKM Baiturrahman Jatiasih Greenwood Residence in Bekasi held a commemoration of the Maulid of Prophet Muhammad for 1448 Hijriah, drawing residents of all ages. The event featured children's activities, religious recitals and a sermon by Ustadz Ahmad Rizki Baihaqi. It illustrated how neighbourhood religious gatherings can serve as a meeting space across generations.

Furore as Neighbouring Singapore's Ministerial Salaries Reach Rp 15–30 Billion, the Highest in the World

Singapore's ministers are the highest-paid political leaders globally, with junior ministers earning around S$1.1 million a year and the Prime Minister S$2.2 million. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will address parliament on the issue amid public discontent over the gap with the average citizen's income and rising inflation.

Iran Warns South Korea Not to Interfere in the Strait of Hormuz or Face Serious Consequences

Iran's foreign ministry has warned South Korea that any military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz would be seen as direct support for the aggressor and would carry serious consequences. The warning follows reports that Seoul is considering military contributions, including maritime patrol aircraft and mine-clearing units, to freedom-of-navigation operations in the Persian Gulf under pressure from the United States.

Transport Minister: Passengers Affected by Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption Entitled to 100% Refund

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that passengers whose flights were cancelled due to volcanic ash from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption are entitled to a full 100% ticket refund. The announcement came during a virtual limited cabinet meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto on disaster response. Seven airports have been closed, with four alternative airports prepared, and foreign nationals will receive visa relaxation if their permits expire due to cancellations.

Indonesia opens premium markets to local creative entrepreneurs

Indonesia's Ministry of Creative Economy is expanding market access for local creative entrepreneurs and MSMEs by enabling them to sell in premium venues such as SCBD Park in Jakarta. Deputy Minister Irene Umar said the initiative reflects President Prabowo's call for cross-sector collaboration, with fashion, crafts, and culinary products driving creative economy exports of nearly US$10 billion between January and April 2026. The monthly free-entry The Local Market ID event, featuring over 200 curated tenants, has already delivered tangible results for participating brands, including significant sales growth.

Volcanic Ash Still Detected in DKI, Pramono Extends Remote Learning by One Day

The Jakarta provincial government has extended its remote learning policy (PJJ) by one day due to residual volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Governor Pramono Anung said ash levels had fallen significantly but remained detectable in some areas, and ordered the education office to issue a circular. He also instructed continued water mist spraying on roads and asked building owners with such facilities to do the same.

Sweety Launches Max Protection to Support Children's Growth

Sweety, a nappy brand under Kimberly-Clark Softex, has launched its upgraded Sweety Max Protection line during the 'Sweety Tandang Tanding' event at IKEA alongside actor Maxime Bouttier and child development expert Rosa Akhirunnisa. The new product features six layers of super absorbent gel and a green absorbent zone capable of absorbing up to six wettings whilst keeping skin dry. The brand, which has been present in Indonesia for more than 20 years, positions the launch as part of its commitment to supporting children's development through comfortable, unrestricted play.

DKI DPRD Factions Give Input on Child-Friendly City Draft Regulation

Several factions of the Jakarta Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD DKI) have provided input during the general deliberation of a draft regional regulation on Child-Friendly Regency/City Implementation. The head of the council's legislative drafting body, Abdul Aziz, assured that the factions' views would be clarified and accommodated. The Child Empowerment, Protection and Population Control Agency (PPAPP) plans three implementing governor regulations to follow the bylaw.

Bengkulu City Council Speaker and Deputy Skip Summons, Vinna Ledy Car Transaction Investigated

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Bengkulu City Regional House of Representatives failed to appear for questioning by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Monday (7/9) as witnesses in a bribery investigation. Meanwhile, investigators examined witnesses over an alleged car given to councillor Vinna Ledy Anggraheni, and the KPK has already seized a luxury house in South Jakarta and a car belonging to her. The case is an extension of a bribery probe into procurement projects in Rejang Lebong Regency, where Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari is a suspect.

Looking to Global Prices, OJK Chief Says Price Discovery Mechanism for Mineral Exchange Still Being Finalised

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is still formulating the price discovery mechanism for the planned Strategic Minerals and Commodities Exchange (BMKS), drawing on global and domestic commodity price practices. OJK Chairperson Friderica Widyasari Dewi said two draft regulations are undergoing public consultation, with parliamentary consultation to follow under the P2SK Law. The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to optimise natural resources for national prosperity.

Eruption of Mount Ile Lewotolok Continues, Erupts Again This Afternoon

Mount Ile Lewotolok in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, erupted again this afternoon, sending a grey ash column 700 metres above its peak. Authorities have warned residents and visitors to stay clear of a 2–3 km radius and to guard against lava flows and pyroclastic clouds. Volcanic ash has fallen on nearby villages, whilst lava has advanced to within 500 metres of the traditional houses at old Lewohala village.

BPS records bird's eye chilli prices rising to Rp73,000 in early September

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded the national price of bird's eye chilli at around Rp73,000 per kilogram in the first week of September 2026, a 22.3 per cent rise from August and above the government's reference selling price (HAP). Price increases were recorded in 251 regencies and cities, or nearly 70 per cent of the country, with the highest price in Nduga Regency at Rp200,000 per kilogram. Broiler chicken prices also rose above the HAP, averaging Rp41,897 per kilogram nationwide.

Building a Work Environment and Workforce Aligned with Needs and Aspirations: Novo Nordisk Indonesia's Strategy

Novo Nordisk Indonesia has been named Best Place to Work for five consecutive years (2021–2025) by the global Best Place to Work organisation. Adhika Widya Sena, People & Organisation Associate Director, attributes the achievement to a workplace culture that supports professional growth alongside personal life balance. The company, which focuses on obesity and diabetes care, also won Best Place to Work for Women in 2025.

Defying the Rules in the Capital Market: OJK Fines 113 Parties Rp104 Billion

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has imposed administrative fines totalling Rp104.63 billion on 113 parties in the capital market, derivatives finance and carbon exchange sector as of 31 August 2026. Beyond fines, the regulator also revoked two licences, cancelled one registration letter, froze six licences and issued written warnings and orders. The enforcement comes as the domestic market performs strongly, with the IHSG up 4.64% month-on-month and investors reaching 31.14 million.

Corruption Cases at State Universities Cost the State Rp115 Billion, DPR Says Higher Education Ministry Caught Off Guard

Bonnie Triyana, a member of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), has urged Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto to tighten oversight of university admissions. Citing Indonesia Corruption Watch data, he noted that seven corruption cases at state universities (PTN) caused losses of around Rp115 billion to the state. He described the repeated sale of university places as ironic, given that universities should be bastions of moral and academic integrity.

Purbaya Submits 2027 Finance Ministry Budget of Rp49.80 Trillion — What Is It For?

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has proposed a 2027 budget of Rp49.80 trillion for the Ministry of Finance to the House of Representatives' Commission XI. The largest allocation, Rp45.5 trillion, is earmarked for general services, with the remainder funding state revenue management, education and economic functions.

Ministry of Religious Affairs grants flexible learning arrangements for schools affected by volcanic ash

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued Circular Number 6 of 2026 allowing Islamic educational institutions in volcanic ash-affected areas to adjust their schedules, venues and teaching methods, including shifting to distance learning if conditions are unsafe. The move follows eruptions at several volcanoes including Mount Anak Krakatau, Mount Ibu, Semeru and Mount Ili Lewotolok. Institutions must also ensure facilities are cleaned of ash, provide masks such as N95 or KN95, and refer anyone suffering health problems to community health centres or hospitals.

Israel Holds Large-Scale Military Exercise Near Jordanian Border

The Israeli military has launched a large-scale exercise simulating surprise attacks in Eilat and the Arava Valley along the border with Jordan. The drill, led by the 80th Division of the IDF Southern Command, follows heightened warnings of possible infiltrations along Israel's eastern border in recent months. Jordan has not commented on the announcement.

Pramono Extends Jakarta's Remote Learning Due to Volcanic Ash Until Tomorrow

The DKI Jakarta provincial government will extend distance learning (PJJ) for all schools for one more day despite volcanic ash dispersion declining significantly. Governor Pramono Anung said field evaluations still found residual ash in parts of Jakarta, and instructed the Education Office to issue a circular governing the arrangement.

Indian National Arrested for Snatch Theft in Menteng Becomes Suspect, Faces Seven Years in Prison

Jakarta Central Police have arrested an Indian national, identified as NJ (37), for a snatch theft in Menteng, Central Jakarta, and have named him a suspect. He faces up to seven years in prison under Article 477 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, with police citing economic motives and continuing to hunt for an accomplice.

National Police Criminal Investigation Chief Announces Moratorium on Handling Structural Agrarian Conflict Criminal Cases

The Head of the National Police Criminal Investigation Corps (Bareskrim), Commissioner General Syahardiantono, has announced a temporary moratorium on all criminal cases linked to structural agrarian conflicts, following a meeting with the House of Representatives' Commission III. Speaking during a DPR debate on the Agrarian Reform Bill, he also revealed that there are 78 agrarian conflict hotspots across Indonesia based on police reports.

After Five Years Missing, Two Sisters Found as Skeletons in Banyuasin, South Sumatra

The five-year mystery of two sisters who disappeared in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, has been solved after human skeletal remains were found in an abandoned house in the Amanah housing estate. Police believe the victims, RN (18) and AY (14), were sexually assaulted before being killed by two perpetrators, one of whom was the elder sister's boyfriend.

Prabowo Says Disaster Mitigation Budget Must Be Increased

President Prabowo Subianto has called for a significant increase in Indonesia's disaster mitigation budget as the country confronts multiple disasters, including a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Flores, Mount Anak Krakatau's volcanic activity, and forest fires. He instructed ministers to prepare a comprehensive mitigation master plan with resources above minimum requirements, including more helicopters, water pumps and village-level excavators. The government also plans to deploy an Italian aircraft carrier for disaster response and expand weather modification operations.

Prabowo Flags Burnt Land Swiftly Converted to Palm Oil Plantations: Investigate!

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered an investigation into instances where forest and land fire areas were swiftly converted into palm oil plantations, calling it deliberate and excessive. The National Police Chief reported 138 suspects arrested, including cases involving eight corporations, whilst Prabowo demanded the names of the companies involved and threatened to revoke their permits and land cultivation rights.

HIMKI strengthens technology adoption to boost furniture industry competitiveness

The Indonesian Furniture and Crafts Industry Association (HIMKI) is pushing greater technology adoption to raise productivity and global competitiveness in the national furniture sector. A 30-company HIMKI delegation visited international trade fairs in Shanghai and explored technology transfer and partnerships with China's forestry machinery association, ahead of the IndoWood Expo in Surabaya in 2027. The Ministry of Industry targets Indonesia becoming a global furniture manufacturing hub, with the sector linked to a global market worth over US$736.21 billion.

Chinese Cars Face Permanent Ban as US Congress Urged to Swiftly Pass Legislation

A major alliance of automakers, including GM, Ford, Toyota and Volkswagen, is pressing the US Congress to permanently ban Chinese vehicles, software and hardware before the end of the current session. The move reflects alarm over China's globally subsidised connected-vehicle expansion, with the Senate Commerce Committee already approving draft legislation to codify Biden-era rules. Regulatory pressure has already forced Polestar, the Geely-controlled Swedish EV maker, to halt US sales from the 2027 model year.

Tito Asks Purbaya to Disburse Rp793 Billion for Sumatra Flood Recovery

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has requested the Finance Ministry disburse around Rp793 billion to accelerate disaster relief following severe flooding in Sumatra. Tito said some seven ministries and agencies still need funding for 991 programmes, with only three and a half months remaining to execute them. President Prabowo Subianto meanwhile praised the government's response as faster and more massive than in previous years.

Bunda PAUD: Reduce children's outdoor activities to guard against volcanic ash

Tangerang's Bunda PAUD, Masturoh Sachrudin, has urged parents to supervise and limit children's outdoor activities amid continued volcanic ash distribution, following the city's implementation of distance learning. The Tangerang Education Office said the policy follows instructions from Banten Province, with in-person classes set to resume once conditions normalise within three days.

Prabowo orders forest fires must not reach IKN core zone

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed that forest and land fires around the Nusantara Capital (IKN) in East Kalimantan be tackled seriously so they do not spread into the IKN core zone. The order came after the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported 458 hectares of fires at Bukit Soeharto within the IKN area. Prabowo also called for heavy Chinook helicopters to be strategically positioned in areas of greatest need.

Anak Krakatau Activity Remains High, Eruption Could Occur at Any Time

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources reports that volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau remains high, with an eruption possible at any time. The volcano remains at Alert Level III following continuous monitoring that recorded numerous low-frequency, hybrid and harmonic tremor earthquakes. A 25-hour continuous eruption episode ended on 6 September, with the volcano now returning to Strombolian eruption characteristics.