Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 September 2026

Showing 601-650 of 1,631 articles

Foreign nationals affected by Mount Anak Krakatau eruption granted emergency stay permits

The Directorate General of Immigration has issued Emergency Stay Permits (ITKT) free of charge to foreign nationals stranded by flight cancellations caused by the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption. Overstay fees have been waived, and 26 applications had been processed at Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Office by 7 September 2026, with additional counters opened to speed up service.

BPS: Bird's Eye Chilli and Broiler Chicken Drive IPH Rise in Early September

BPS head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti said bird's eye chilli and broiler chicken meat saw rising price development indices (IPH) across hundreds of regencies and cities in the first week of September, with national average prices already above reference sale prices. She stressed that government must monitor price levels, not just index changes, as consumers ultimately pay the price. Regional drivers varied, including a nearly 15 per cent IPH rise in Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi.

Transport Minister Gives Latest Update on Tests at Airports Affected by Volcanic Ash

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi reported that eight airports were temporarily closed after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau spread across the region, though Atung Bungsu Pagar Alam Airport has since reopened after testing negative for ash contamination. Speaking at a limited meeting on disaster response with President Prabowo Subianto, he said the Ministry of Transport was conducting repeated paper tests at Soekarno-Hatta and other airports before allowing them to resume operations. Alternative airports including Kertajati, Juanda and Yogyakarta International have been prepared, with Kertajati already serving Garuda and Lion Air flights to and from Jeddah.

Purbaya says Indonesia's economy to remain solid despite disasters

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured the public that Indonesia's national budget remains safe and the economy will stay on track despite recent disasters, with growth expected to accelerate in the third and fourth quarters. He confirmed BNPB has sufficient disaster mitigation funding, with the Finance Ministry ready to provide additional funds if necessary. Separately, President Prabowo Subianto urged residents near the erupting Mount Anak Krakatau to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions.

Amran Admits Indonesia's Agricultural Subsidies Lag Far Behind Vietnam and Thailand

Agriculture Minister and head of the National Food Agency Amran Sulaiman has acknowledged that Indonesia's agricultural subsidies are far smaller than those of competing rice producers such as Vietnam and Thailand. Indonesian rice production costs around Rp12,000 per kg compared with roughly Rp3,000 in those countries, partly due to subsidies of 70-80% abroad. The government is nonetheless boosting support through additional maize SPHP supplies of 150,000 tonnes and a large-scale market operation to curb rice prices.

Sorting waste, changing habits

Makassar generates around 1,000 tonnes of waste daily, most of it household organic waste, which has accumulated to some 7 million tonnes at the Tamangapa landfill. After receiving an administrative sanction from the Environment Ministry, the city government must shift from open dumping to a sanitary landfill and push residents to sort waste at home. The strategy targets housewives and Gen Z, combining behavioural change with strengthened facilities such as waste banks and TPS3R.

Prabowo: Forest Fires Must Not Reach IKN Core Zone

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered that forest and land fires must not spread into the core zone of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan, directing BNPB to coordinate with the TNI on deploying Chinook heavy transport helicopters. BNPB Head Lieutenant General Suharyanto reported that 458 hectares within the Bukit Soeharto Grand Forest Park were ablaze, whilst cumulative burned land across six provinces had reached 72,008 hectares as of 7 September 2026.

The Urgency of Strengthening the Governance Foundations of the 100 GW Solar Power Project

President Prabowo Subianto has launched an ambitious 100 GW solar power programme aimed at energy self-sufficiency, yet the government has yet to issue the underlying regulations, including a Presidential Regulation and the revised PLN electricity plan. The author warns that without clear legal and institutional frameworks from the outset, the project risks repeating the governance failures seen in the Free Nutritious Meals programme and the Red and White Village Cooperatives, where corruption scandals and land conflicts emerged. Lessons from South Africa's REIPPPP and Vietnam's solar disputes are cited as cautionary guidance for Indonesia.

OJK: Pension Fund Assets Reach Rp1,699 Trillion as of July 2026

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that pension fund industry assets reached Rp1,699.99 trillion as of July 2026, growing 6.70 per cent year-on-year. Mandatory pension schemes, including BPJS Ketenagakerjaan programmes and savings for civil servants and the military, accounted for the bulk of the assets. OJK is also promoting Pension Fund Month 2026 in September, with more than 100 literacy and inclusion activities planned nationwide.

Expert: Potential of Gunung Ungaran Geothermal Plant Still Needs to Be Proven Through Exploration

Ali Ashat, a geothermal expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), says the planned Gunung Ungaran geothermal power plant warrants further exploration, though its roughly 55 MW capacity listed in the 2025–2034 electricity supply plan must be verified through exploratory drilling. He argues geothermal can provide stable baseload power without imported fuel, but stresses that community concerns over water sources, the environment, safety and the Gedong Songo temple complex must be addressed transparently by the government and developers.

To Prevent Exposure to Anak Krakatau Volcanic Ash, Students in West Bandung Required to Wear Masks

Schools in West Bandung Regency have made mask-wearing compulsory for pupils and teachers following the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The local education office has issued advisories recommending N95 masks and protective eyewear, whilst a decision on switching to remote learning remains pending coordination with health authorities.

Indonesian National Police Shift Strategy to Tackle Forest and Land Fires

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is abandoning its reactive approach to forest and land fires in favour of a multi-approach policing model combining prediction, prevention, technology, community engagement and law enforcement. Deputy Chief of Police Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo briefed 322 personnel being deployed to four provinces for a ten-day education and prevention mission. Data shows 113,616 hotspots and over 202,000 hectares of burned land across 38 provinces as of early September.

Metro Jaya Traffic Police Distribute 20,000 Masks to Ride-Hailing Drivers to Guard Against Volcanic Ash

The Traffic Directorate of the Metro Jaya Regional Police distributed 20,000 masks to online motorcycle taxi drivers at three locations in Jakarta to protect them from volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The initiative, carried out on the orders of the Regional Police Chief, also included safety advice for drivers on the roads.

Golkar Deputy Chair Sees Strong Signal AHY Will Run in 2029 Presidential Election

Golkar Deputy Chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia believes Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has signalled his readiness to contest the 2029 presidential election, based on the tone and gestures of his 25th party anniversary speech. Doli noted that early jockeying among political forces has begun, whilst stressing that Golkar remains focused on supporting President Prabowo Subianto's government programmes. He also highlighted the emergence of political axes in Solo and Cikeas despite both parties sitting in the governing coalition.

South Sulawesi Provincial Government Tackles Dusty Ujung Lamuru Road After Four Years

The South Sulawesi Provincial Government is addressing the 15-kilometre Ujung Lamuru–Palattae road section in Bone Regency, which has been plagued by dust for four years. The works form part of Package 5 of a Multi Years Project with a total budget of Rp383.5 billion, aimed at improving connectivity and supporting local economic growth.

New Xenotransplantation Record: Pig Kidney Functions for 271 Days in Human Body

An American man has set a world record by surviving 271 days with a transplanted pig kidney, marking a major milestone in xenotransplantation. The kidney functioned safely without dialysis before being replaced with a human organ, offering hope to patients awaiting donors amid a global organ shortage.

Pertamina and West Sumatra Police Conduct Surprise Inspection of Subsidised Fuel Distribution

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, together with the West Sumatra Regional Police and the provincial government, carried out surprise inspections of petrol stations in Padang to ensure subsidised fuel reaches eligible recipients. The checks revealed vehicles with mismatched registration numbers attempting to buy subsidised fuel, which station operators refused to serve. During 2026, the company issued 31 sanctions against distributors and requested the blocking of some 5,000 vehicle registration numbers showing irregular purchasing patterns.

To Prevent Fires Spreading, South Sumatra Regional Police Intensify Land and Forest Fire Handling in Teluk Limau

South Sumatra Regional Police have intensified efforts to combat land and forest fires through Operation Aman Nusa II in Teluk Limau, Muara Enim Regency, deploying 19 personnel for patrols, public appeals and extinguishing work. Around 6 hectares of peatland have burned, with officers warning that fires can persist underground and reignite if not fully extinguished. The police have urged residents and corporations not to clear land by burning and to report any smoke or fire signs immediately.

Expert: The National Police Serve as Protectors of the Public During Disasters

Legal expert Romli Atmasasmita has stated that the National Police Chief's order for a swift response to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau is a direct implementation of Indonesia's constitutional mandate. He outlined four layers of regulation, from the 1945 Constitution to the 2009 National Police Chief Regulation on Disaster Management, obliging the police to protect citizens during natural disasters. The police's role, he argued, extends across all three phases of disaster management: preparedness, emergency response, and recovery.

National Police Chief Reveals Legal Arsenal Against Forest Fires: Perpetrators to Face Three Laws

The National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, has warned that individuals and corporations responsible for forest and land fires will face overlapping criminal charges under three separate laws. Police have so far named 138 suspects and are investigating the alleged involvement of eight corporations. The crackdown comes as Indonesia braces for a prolonged El Niño season.

Danantara Reveals Criteria for Sectors Worthy of Investment — What Are They?

BPI Danantara, Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund manager, has outlined criteria for investable sectors, prioritising those with strong growth prospects, commercial profitability, and strategic value to the national economy. The fund highlighted its partnership with JBS Group, with each side committing US$2.5 billion towards developing Indonesia's animal protein industry.

Fire Extinguished on Third Day, Nakula Denpasar Blaze Still Smoking

A major fire at a shanty settlement on Jalan Nakula, Denpasar, was extinguished on the third day, but firefighting officials are still carrying out cooling operations into the seventh day. Smouldering rubbish and debris, including car tyres and large timber, continue to store embers across the three-hectare site. Police have cordoned off the former semi-permanent dwellings as part of their investigation.

Telkom (TLKM) Skips Interim Dividend, Here's Why

PT Telkom Indonesia Tbk has confirmed it will not pay an interim dividend for the first half of 2026, opting instead to distribute cash dividends after the fiscal year ends following a shareholders' decision at the AGM. Finance Director Arthur Angelo Syailendra said the policy balances company performance, expansion and investment needs, market conditions and shareholder aspirations. For fiscal year 2025, Telkom paid Rp 21.99 trillion in cash dividends, or Rp 223.17 per share, equivalent to a 123.5% payout ratio.

Dozens of Primary to Vocational School Pupils in Turi, Sleman, Suffer Nausea and Vomiting in Suspected Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning

At least 47 pupils across three schools in Turi, Sleman, DIY, suffered nausea and vomiting after eating food from the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The affected pupils came from SMPN 3 Turi, SD Muhammadiyah Balerante and SMK Muhammadiyah, with 45 treated at a community health centre and two at hospital. Local officials say the figures may rise and investigations are under way.

Stranded in Hong Kong by Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption, Indonesian Passenger Gets Free Hotel and Meal Allowance

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau disrupted a number of flights, including a Cathay Pacific service from Hong Kong to Jakarta. An Indonesian passenger shared on Instagram that, rather than being left to fend for herself, the airline provided a free hotel, free transport and a meal allowance of 150 Hong Kong dollars for the extra day. The story drew attention online as an unexpected upside to travel disruption caused by the eruption.

Alleged 5 Per Cent Fee at Ministry of Transportation Exposed, Rp20.7 Billion Project Under Scrutiny

Prosecutors at the Corruption Eradication Court allege that Harno Trimadi, a senior official at the Ministry of Transportation, demanded a 5 per cent commitment fee from PT KA Properti Manajemen to secure a Rp20.7 billion level-crossing repair project in 2022. The indictment claims some Rp1.125 billion was paid to officials, with the state-owned railway subsidiary allegedly earning Rp2.4 billion in corporate profit. The company faces charges under Indonesia's anti-corruption law and the new Criminal Code.

Pramono urges mask sellers not to hoard or manipulate prices

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has called on mask sellers not to manipulate prices or hoard supplies amid the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. The provincial government continues to distribute free masks and has advised residents to follow five protective measures, whilst coordinating with central agencies to monitor the volcano's activity.

Police Distribute Masks to Residents Affected by Volcanic Ash from Anak Krakatau in Serang

Police in Serang have distributed masks to residents affected by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, urging people to limit outdoor activities. The operation was ordered by Serang Police Chief AKBP Andri Kurniawan as a protective measure. Ash from the eruption has spread across Banten, Lampung, Bengkulu, Jakarta and West Java, forcing flight suspensions at several airports including Soekarno-Hatta.

House Member: Findings Against 21 Corporations Linked to Forest Fires Must Be Pursued Legally

Abdullah, a member of Commission III of the House of Representatives, has urged law enforcers to pursue legal action against 21 corporations sealed by the Ministry of Environment over alleged involvement in forest and land fires. He insisted investigations must reach those who ordered, financed, and profited from the burning, using corporate criminal liability. The National Police have so far named 138 suspects, including 119 for deliberate burning, and are handling eight corporate cases.

Bank Paylater Grows 31% YoY, More Than Double Overall Credit Growth

Bank-mediated buy now pay later (BNPL) credit in Indonesia reached Rp31.56 trillion as of July 2026, according to the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Although growth slowed slightly from the previous month, BNPL expanded 31.22% year on year, more than double the 13.58% growth of total banking credit, with the number of accounts rising to 33.5 million.

Wanpy Introduces New Functional Creamy Treat Product Range at IIPE 2026

Wanpy Indonesia has launched its Functional Creamy Treat range, comprising four variants targeting urinary care, skin and coat, digestive health and hairball control. The launch, held in conjunction with the Indonesia International Pet Expo 2026 at ICE BSD City, reflects the company's strategy to expand its pet treats portfolio as Indonesian pet owners grow more discerning about ingredients and functional benefits.

Tangerang City Government Sprays Roads to Curb Impact of Volcanic Ash

The Tangerang municipal government in Banten Province has begun regular water mist spraying along major roads to suppress the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. The initiative, coordinated by the regional disaster management agency, aims to bind ash particles, reduce air pollution, and cool road surfaces. Health facilities have also been prepared to handle residents suffering respiratory complaints from ash exposure.

Israel strikes Lebanon, 11 Palestinians including two infants killed

Eleven Palestinians, including two infants and two medical workers, were killed in Israeli air strikes on a building and a vehicle in Kfar Rumman, southern Lebanon. The attacks also targeted the towns of Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Arab Salim, destroying a civilian home.

BKN urges civil servants in Sleman to actively share regional content on social media

The Head of the National Civil Service Agency (BKN), Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, has called on more than 12,000 civil servants in Sleman, Yogyakarta, to spread positive regional content on social media to strengthen the district's institutional branding. He also urged Indonesia's 6.7 million civil servants nationwide to fill the digital ecosystem with optimistic development narratives, and praised Sleman for reducing its poverty rate to six per cent, below the national average.

Indonesia to convert Italian aircraft carrier into helicopter disaster-response ship

President Prabowo Subianto announced that an aircraft carrier purchased from Italy will be commissioned by the Indonesian Navy and refurbished to carry up to 10 medium-class helicopters and drones, to be renamed KRI Gajah Mada. The vessel is intended as a mobile base for helicopters such as Black Hawks and MI-17 to fight forest and land fires across Indonesia. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen national preparedness amid wildfires, volcanic eruptions and earthquake recovery.

Government Temporarily Halts Land Clearing by Traditional Burning Methods

The Indonesian government has temporarily suspended local regulations permitting traditional land burning for local communities, typically up to two hectares, as a precaution against forest and land fires. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo announced the measure, citing the ongoing El Niño conditions and the need for stricter law enforcement before the phenomenon reaches its peak.

OJK: Foreign Inflows into Stocks Continue, Net Buy Reaches Rp1.19 Trillion

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that foreign investors recorded a net buy of Rp1.19 trillion in the domestic stock market in August 2026, as the IDX composite index rose 4.64 per cent month-on-month to 6,525.48. Foreign interest in government bonds remained strong with a net buy of Rp15.35 trillion, whilst total capital market investors reached 31.14 million, up 52.9 per cent year-to-date.

Traders Claim They Have Not Raised Prices of Japanese-Style Masks — Here Are the Conditions

KN95 masks have sold out at Pasar Pramuka in East Jakarta following increased demand after the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Some traders insist they have not exploited the surge in demand, though prices of certain surgical mask types have risen by Rp5,000 to Rp10,000 per box. The scarcity is attributed to low pre-existing stock levels rather than panic buying.

Health Minister requests Rp1.39 trillion to restore health facilities in East Nusa Tenggara

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has proposed a Rp1.39 trillion budget to repair earthquake-damaged health facilities in East Nusa Tenggara, covering 165 community health centres and 12 regional hospitals. Speaking at a limited meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto, he noted that all affected facilities are now back in operation thanks to tents, generators and Starlink connectivity provided with support from BNPB, the Red Cross and other ministries. The President said the disasters underscored the need to significantly increase Indonesia's disaster mitigation budget, given the country's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Christian Student Feared Studying at UMY, But It Turned Out...

Misca Olivia Siantiara, a Christian nursing student from Central Kalimantan, initially worried about attending the Islamic-based Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta but found the community welcoming. She chose UMY for its academic accreditation after failing to secure a place at a state university. Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah chairman Haedar Nashir told 4,580 new students not to feel inferior about studying at a private university.

Malaysia's King ends haze emergency status in Serian, Sarawak

Malaysia's King, Sultan Ibrahim, has revoked the emergency status imposed over Serian in Sarawak after air pollution levels fell below hazardous thresholds, following consultations with PM Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari. The declaration had been made on 5 October after dangerous haze, with Malaysia carrying out cloud-seeding operations and seeking permission to use Indonesian airspace as both countries coordinate through ASEAN mechanisms.

Sembalun running event to strengthen tourism in East Lombok

The East Lombok Regency Government hopes the Sembalun Mountain Marathon Festival will boost tourist visits and community economic growth. Regional Secretary HM Juaini Taofik urged all relevant agencies to support the event and coordinate with the NTB Provincial Government. The festival, scheduled for 19–20 September 2026, is also intended to promote local tourism, culture and MSME products.

NTB Regional Police Begin Investigation into Doctor's Illegal Abortion Practice in Mataram

The West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police have launched an inquiry into an alleged illegal abortion practice at a private hospital in Mataram, reportedly involving a doctor with the initials IKS. The investigation follows media reports and a complaint by the victim's family to the Mataram Child Protection Agency, which has also reported the case to the Indonesian Medical Association and health authorities.

Though Light, Volcanic Ash from Mount Anak Krakatau Still Felt in Tasikmalaya City Today

A light fall of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau covered vehicles and homes in Tasikmalaya City, West Java, from early morning. Local police distributed free masks to road users, while residents were advised to wear masks, glasses and jackets outdoors to avoid respiratory infections and reduced visibility while driving.

Kim Jong Un Shows Off New 5,000-Tonne Destroyer "Kang Kon"

North Korea has commissioned a new 5,000-tonne destroyer named "Kang Kon", which Kim Jong Un said forms part of the country's nuclear response system. The vessel will operate in waters east of the Korean Peninsula, a move analysts say is aimed at deterring naval operations by South Korea, the United States and Japan. Kim's daughter Ju Ae appeared at the ceremony, reinforcing speculation that she is being positioned as his successor.

Prabowo Wants to Know Who Owns Corporations Involved in Forest Fires: This Has Gone Too Far!

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the National Police to pursue corporations responsible for forest and land fires, demanding their owners be identified and their permits revoked. Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo reported 138 suspects, eight corporations under legal process, and 42 companies facing administrative sanctions as of early September 2026. Prabowo expressed anger that burnt forests were rapidly converted into plantations, suggesting deliberate arson.

Iran to Declare Forbidden Zone Near Strait of Hormuz

Iran has announced it will declare a forbidden zone in Gulf waters near the Strait of Hormuz and publish a map of new shipping corridors that it will control jointly with Oman. The move comes as fighting between Iran and the United States resumed following the collapse of a June ceasefire, pushing oil prices higher, with Brent crude rising above US$97 per barrel. Shipping traffic through the strait has fallen to its lowest level since May, averaging just 10 vessels per day.

Ngawa Disaster Agency Delivers Clean Water to 1,884 Residents Affected by Drought Across 15 Villages

The Ngawi Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in East Java has been distributing clean water to 1,884 residents across 15 villages in seven districts affected by the dry season. Since 2 August, some 110 deliveries have been made, each carrying 5,000 to 6,000 litres, in cooperation with the Indonesian Red Cross and the Bengawan Solo River Basin Authority. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency expects the peak of the 2026 dry season to occur in August and September, with the transition to the rainy season forecast for November.

OJK targets full integration of health insurance ecosystem by end of 2026

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is targeting all health insurance companies to implement the Coordination Among Insurance Providers (KAPJ) scheme by the end of 2026. A task force chaired by OJK, supported by the Health Ministry, BPJS Kesehatan, hospital and insurer associations, has been formed to drive stakeholder coordination. Total industry premiums reached Rp31.49 trillion as of July 2026, growing 9.99 per cent year-on-year.

Ash from Anak Krakatau Reaches Purwakarta, Regional Agencies Told to Be on 24-Hour Standby

The Purwakarta regency government has ordered all regional agencies to remain on 24-hour alert as volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau begins to affect the area. Regional Secretary Sri Jaya Midan has instructed the fire service to monitor public facilities and spray away any ash build-up, whilst community health centres have been told to stay ready for a potential surge in patients.