Archive: 7 September 2026
Showing 851-900 of 1,631 articles
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:06 WIB
US Official Says Destroying Iran's Nuclear Capability Remains an Option
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has warned that a nuclear deal with Iran may not be achievable in the near term, suggesting that destroying Tehran's nuclear capability could be the only viable means of preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons. His remarks come amid continued US-Israeli strikes on Iranian strategic infrastructure and a stalemate over a June memorandum of understanding brokered by Pakistan and Qatar. The situation has placed global energy markets on alert, given the Strait of Hormuz's central role in world oil distribution.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:05 WIB
Purbaya Reveals BGN Budget Could Be Cut to Below Rp200 Trillion
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has indicated that the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) budget could be reduced to below Rp200 trillion this year through efficiency measures. He credited the agency's new head with creative approaches to further cuts, though the final figures remain unclear. Next year's budget could fall below Rp240 trillion, partly through the use of technology.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:05 WIB
Is Mount Anak Krakatau Still Erupting? Here Is Its Latest Activity
Mount Anak Krakatau's 25-hour continuous eruption ended on 6 September 2026, after which the volcano reverted to Strombolian eruptions, according to the Geological Agency. The alert level remains at Level III (Siaga), with the public barred from within a 3-kilometre radius of the crater. The agency warned of incandescent rock ejections and heavy ash rain, whilst stressing that there is no basis for tsunami fears along the Banten and Lampung coasts.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:05 WIB
Rupiah Closes Flat as US Dollar Holds at Rp17,630
The rupiah closed unchanged at Rp17,630 against the US dollar on Monday (7/9/2026), after briefly strengthening in the morning before touching an intraday low of Rp17,665. The flat close came amid news that Indonesia's foreign exchange reserves rose to US$146.5 billion at the end of August, while the US dollar weakened globally despite renewed expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:05 WIB
Prabowo Confirms Garibaldi Will Be Converted Into a Helicopter and Drone Carrier
President Prabowo Subianto has confirmed that the Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi (551), currently en route to Indonesia, will be converted into a helicopter and drone carrier. The vessel will be capable of accommodating ten medium-class helicopters, such as Black Hawks or Mi-17s, intended to support forest and land fire suppression operations.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:05 WIB
No Excise Duty on Packaged Sweetened Drinks Yet, Purbaya Asks: If the Economy Is Struggling, What's the Point?
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed the government will not implement the excise duty on packaged sweetened beverages (MBDK) this year or next, despite the 2026 budget targeting Rp 7.6 trillion in receipts. He said the levy would only be rolled out once economic growth exceeds roughly 6%, arguing that taxing during a slowdown would be counterproductive. The 2027 target has been set far lower at Rp 1.6 trillion.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:04 WIB
Facility Management Helps Companies Run Businesses That Respect Human Rights
Facility management services are emerging as a solution for Indonesian companies seeking to meet global Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) standards. Yohanes Jeffry Jihary, President & Managing Director of OCS Indonesia, says compliance is now essential for attracting global investors.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:04 WIB
BMKG: Volcanic Ash Paper Tests at Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Airports Now Negative
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that paper tests show four airports temporarily closed due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau are now negative for volcanic ash. Soekarno-Hatta has recorded four consecutive negative results, opening the way for a phased reopening decided by the transport ministry and airport authorities.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:03 WIB
Stub it out: China's Jilin puts smokers to a 90-day test
China's northeastern Jilin province has launched a 90-day quit-smoking contest offering medical support, doctor consultations and carbon monoxide verification, with registration slots filling rapidly. The initiative forms part of a broader national effort to cut smoking rates to 20 per cent among people aged 15 and above by 2030, amid continued debate over the adequacy of China's tobacco controls.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:03 WIB
113,000 Forest Fire Hotspots Detected, Deputy Chief of Police Overhauls Handling Strategy
Indonesia's National Police (Polri) is shifting from reactive firefighting to a predictive and preventive strategy for forest and land fires, after 113,616 hotspots and 202,010 hectares of burned land were recorded across 38 provinces. Deputy Chief Commissioner Dedi Prasetyo briefed 322 personnel deploying to South Sumatra and three Kalimantan provinces, urging a multi-approach policing model combining data, technology and community engagement. Alarming peatland water table deficits, including minus 231 cm in South Sumatra, underscore why extinguishing fires alone is no longer sufficient.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:03 WIB
Samarinda Airport: Pioneer flights disrupted by forest and land fires
Thick haze from forest and land fires has reduced visibility below operational minimums, forcing the suspension of pioneer flights connecting remote areas of East Kalimantan. Several routes have been cancelled, though the Samarinda–Long Ampung route is recovering, and the airport will support water bombing operations scheduled for 7–11 September 2026.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:03 WIB
NU Chairman Calls for More Integrity in Free Nutritious Meal Programme Management
The Chairman of PBNU, KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, has backed an evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme, calling for greater integrity following a mass food poisoning case at a boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java. Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Romo Muhammad Syafii has ordered an investigation into the incident, noting the kitchen had supplied meals for nearly a year without problems. Eight pupils were hospitalised, with three still receiving treatment.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:03 WIB
DKI Jakarta Provincial Government Narrows PM10 Spread After Volcanic Ash Spraying
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has intensified water spraying and deployed water mist units to tackle volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, narrowing the spread of high PM10 concentrations as of 6-7 September. High PM10 areas have shrunk to parts of Cilincing and Cipayung, though Kembangan and Kebon Jeruk still require attention, and sulphur dioxide levels have yet to improve evenly across the region.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:02 WIB
Pawnbroking Business Gains Speed, Financing Soars 50.73% YoY
Indonesia's pawnbroking industry recorded outstanding financing of Rp160.78 trillion as of July 2026, an annual growth of 50.73%, making it one of the fastest-growing segments supervised by OJK. The sector outpaced both financing companies, which grew just 2.01%, and online lending platforms at 24.76%. OJK has also approved national operational scope for PT Pusat Gadai Indonesia and PT Raja Gadai Indonesia, bringing the number of national pawnbroking firms to five.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:02 WIB
Yogyakarta's 270th Anniversary Celebrations to Include Train and Hotel Ticket Discounts
Yogyakarta will mark its 270th anniversary on 7 October 2026 with a month-long series of events under the theme 'Authentic, Concrete'. Discounts will be offered across retail, hotels, MSMEs and long-distance rail tickets through initiatives such as YK Festisale. PT KAI is also planning group travel fare discounts, pending approval from its head office.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:02 WIB
Governor assures food supplies for earthquake victims are being met
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena has confirmed that food and drink needs for Flores earthquake victims have been met at all evacuation sites during the emergency response period. He reported that health services are also functioning, with field hospitals and community health centres set up to replace damaged facilities. The assurance came during a limited meeting chaired by President Prabowo Subianto to monitor disaster response efforts.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:02 WIB
Attorney General's Office Finds No Indications of Corruption in Forest Fire Cases So Far
The Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) has stated that no indications of corruption have yet been found in the handling of forest and land fire (karhutla) cases involving several corporations, though legal scrutiny continues. The National Police have received at least 200 police reports related to the fires, naming 138 suspects, whilst investigations into eight corporate entities are under way.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:02 WIB
Gorontalo Pushes to Bring New Garuda School to the Province — Here's Why
The Gorontalo provincial government is accelerating land preparation for the construction of a new Garuda School, viewing the elite institution as a long-term investment in local human resources. Officials argue Indonesia must prepare a skilled workforce now to meet the demands of industrialisation over the coming two decades. MAN Insan Cendekia Gorontalo is already part of the Garuda Transformation scheme, with IPB University as its mentoring institution.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:00 WIB
Lawyer for Budiman Bayu Responds to Blueray Boss's Testimony in Customs Corruption Trial
The legal team of customs official Budiman Bayu Prasojo has responded to testimony by Blueray Cargo owner John Field regarding Rp 525 million in payments, arguing the money was handed over at the request of co-defendant Orlando Hamonangan, not Budiman. The case, handled by the KPK, involves eight suspects and defendants connected to import-related bribery at the Customs and Excise Directorate General.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:00 WIB
Hisense Showcases AI's Role in Simplifying Daily Activities at IFA 2026
Hisense has unveiled its AI Companion Suite, powered by the ConnectLife ecosystem, at IFA 2026 in Berlin, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can simplify household tasks from cooking and laundry to energy management. The company also announced a collaboration with Amazon's Alexa+ and secured several product awards at the exhibition.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:00 WIB
Prabowo to Convert Aircraft Carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi for Disaster Response in Indonesia
President Prabowo Subianto plans to convert the Italian-donated aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi into a helicopter and drone carrier to strengthen Indonesia's disaster response capabilities. The vessel, expected to arrive in September and be renamed KRI Gajah Mada, will carry up to 10 medium helicopters for firefighting and relief operations. The government will also invest in water-dropping drones and weather modification technology.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:00 WIB
Prabowo says government disaster response is getting faster
President Prabowo Subianto has assessed that the government's response to natural disasters is now faster and more massive than in previous years. Speaking at a limited meeting at the Merdeka Palace, he called for obstacles to be recorded for evaluation, greater disaster preparedness given Indonesia's position on the Ring of Fire, and a significant increase in the disaster mitigation budget.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:00 WIB
KPK Summons Five Witnesses in Case Against Former Special Jakarta Regional Tax Office Head
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned five witnesses in a gratification case implicating Muhammad Haniv, former head of the Special Jakarta Regional Office of the Directorate General of Taxes. Haniv is alleged to have received up to Rp20.7 billion from several taxpayer companies. He was named a suspect in February 2025 and detained in August 2026.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:00 WIB
Indonesia's National Roads in Stable Condition at 93.5%
The condition of Indonesia's national roads currently stands at 93.5%, down from a previous high of around 97%, according to the Directorate General of Highways. The government has allocated funding for 2027 covering post-disaster rehabilitation, road upgrades financed through retail sovereign bonds (SBSN), and routine maintenance, targeting 94.67% road stability by end-2027. House of Representatives Commission V Chairman Lasarus warned that without a full twelve months of preservation, road conditions will continue to deteriorate due to heavy vehicle overloading and mining and plantation traffic.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 15:00 WIB
Public Works Minister Expands Mandate of Infrastructure Emergency Response Task Force
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has expanded the remit of the task force originally formed for disaster-hit areas in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra to cover all of Indonesia. The task force will serve as the coordination hub within the ministry for consolidating field needs, technical units, personnel and equipment, with the minister demanding the shortest possible chain of command to speed up disaster response.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:59 WIB
Major Fire at Paniai Market Kills 11, Including Six Children
A fire swept through the market area of Bapouda village in East Paniai District, Central Papua Province, killing eleven people, six of them children, and destroying around forty buildings. Police deployed a tactical water-spraying vehicle and brought the blaze under control by 03:30 local time, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:59 WIB
Sahroni Wants Asset Forfeiture Bill to Maximally Eradicate Corruption: It Must Not Become a Tool for Abuse of Power
Deputy Chair of Commission III of the House of Representatives, Ahmad Sahroni, hopes the Asset Forfeiture Bill will maximise efforts to eradicate corruption whilst cautioning that it must not become an instrument of abuse of power by law enforcement. He expressed confidence the bill would be passed on 15 December 2026, a deadline to which Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has pledged to resign if missed. Deputy Speaker Saan Mustopa also invited civil society groups to jointly monitor the deliberation process.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:59 WIB
AfD Wins Election in Saxony-Anhalt as Right-Wing Party Makes History
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won 43.8% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, becoming the largest party but falling short of an outright majority. The result is a severe blow to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU, which failed to win a single direct mandate. Economists have warned that an AfD government could deter investment, skilled migration and harm German industry.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:59 WIB
Presidential Staff Office: SPPG Operators May Face Criminal Charges Over MBG Recipient Food Poisoning
The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) has warned that operators of Nutrition Service Delivery Units (SPPG) could face criminal prosecution if negligence causes food poisoning among beneficiaries of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. Aby Ismawan, a senior expert at the KSP, said all SPPG operators must follow standard operating procedures set by the central government and the National Nutrition Agency. The government has also instructed SPPG heads to be present in kitchens during food preparation.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:59 WIB
BPKN calls for protection of passengers affected by Mount Anak Krakatau eruption
The National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) has urged the government, airlines and airport operators to take concrete steps to protect passengers affected by flight disruptions caused by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. BPKN Chairman Mufti Mubarok set out five demands, including full refunds for cancelled flights, penalty-free rescheduling, real assistance for stranded passengers, integrated complaint centres, and service recovery for non-material losses.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:58 WIB
Indonesia's centuries-old whaling tradition faces an uncertain future
Lamalera village on Lembata Island, East Nusa Tgara, continues its centuries-old subsistence whale hunt using traditional wooden peledang boats and hand-forged harpoons, a practice recognised by the Indonesian government as cultural heritage. However, declining sperm whale catches, dwindling interest among younger generations and conservation concerns threaten the tradition's survival, with officials hoping for UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status and exploring alternative livelihoods such as better fishing vessels. The hunt remains a dangerous but vital source of food, shared under strict customary distribution rules and bartered at one of Indonesia's remaining traditional barter markets.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:58 WIB
Results of OJK Board of Commissioners Meeting: Indonesian Economic Growth Remains Strong
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that Indonesia's economy grew a solid 5.29 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, supported by investment, government spending and strong household consumption. The OJK Board of Commissioners' August meeting noted that financial sector stability is being maintained with robust intermediation growth, even as the global economy moderates amid geopolitical risks in the Middle East and persistent inflation pressures.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:57 WIB
Row over Drone Incident: Russia Accuses Germany of 'Wanting War Again'
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused Germany of 'wanting war again' amid escalating tensions over a drone incursion at Leipzig airport, which Berlin attributes to Moscow. The spat has seen both countries close each other's cultural centres, while Lavrov drew parallels with the pre-Second World War era. Germany is one of Ukraine's key allies in the war against Russia.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:57 WIB
BNPB Chief: As of Today, the Eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau Has Decreased
The head of Indonesia's disaster management agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto, reported that the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has begun to subside, during a video conference on disaster handling chaired by President Prabowo Subianto. Volcanic ash has spread to at least four provinces, forcing the closure of eight airports, although no casualties or damage have been reported. BNPB is preparing weather modification operations from three locations to accelerate the settling of volcanic ash and restore flight activity.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:56 WIB
Telkom Entity Affirms GOTO Investment Is Long-Term in Nature - BCA Sekuritas
Telkomsel, a business unit of PT Telkom Indonesia, has reaffirmed that its investment in PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia is part of a long-term strategic partnership focused on synergy optimisation and value creation. As of 31 August 2026, Telkomsel held 23.72 billion GOTO shares, equivalent to 1.99 per cent of the company's outstanding stock, with GOTO trading at Rp50 per share. Telkomsel says share price movements do not reflect the strategic benefits of the partnership.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:56 WIB
Appeal Verdict in Andrie Yunus Case Deemed Unjust, Prosecutors Urged to File Cassation
A law professor at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman has criticised the appeal verdict in the acid attack case against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, saying it fails to deliver justice for the victim. He urged military prosecutors to lodge a cassation appeal with the Supreme Court, noting the reduced sentences and the annulment of dismissal sanctions against two of the four TNI soldiers are disproportionate to the harm suffered.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:55 WIB
Deputy Coordinating Minister Otto: Criminal Law Reform Emphasises Democratisation Mission
Deputy Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Otto Hasibuan said the reform of Indonesia's Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code carries four core missions: democratisation, decolonisation, national legal consolidation, and adaptation with international law. He said the reform shifts the justice paradigm from crime control towards due process, restorative justice and reintegration, with imprisonment as a last resort. The government must now issue more than 25 implementing regulations to bring the new framework into effect.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:55 WIB
List of 12 Commuter Line Journeys Cancelled Until 30 September 2026
KAI Commuter is adjusting Commuter Line operations from 7 to 30 September 2026, cancelling 12 train journeys across routes passing through Bogor, Cilebut, Depok, Manggarai and Jakarta Kota. Passengers, particularly morning commuters, are advised to check updated schedules before travelling.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:54 WIB
Attorney General's Office Finds No Indications of Corruption in Forest Fire Case Handling
Attorney General ST Burhanuddin has said no indications of corruption have yet been found in the government's handling of forest and land fire (karhutla) cases. He has nonetheless ordered his staff to follow up immediately should any corrupt elements emerge, whilst the National Police have named 138 suspects and are examining eight corporations.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:53 WIB
55 Chinese Nationals Caught in Immigration Surveillance Operation in BSD
Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration detained 55 Chinese nationals suspected of misusing their stay permits at the Sinarmas Plus data centre construction site and Smartfren Gallery in BSD, South Tangerang. Seventeen holders of Visa on Arrival stay permits were placed in immigration detention, whilst dozens of others had their passports seized pending further investigation.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:53 WIB
BNPB Head Reports to Prabowo: 72,864 People Still Displaced by East Nusa Tenggara Earthquake
BNPB Chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto reported to President Prabowo Subianto that 72,864 people remain displaced following the Flores earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, a sharp fall from 179,037 when the President visited the disaster zone. Seismic activity is declining, with 13,156 tremors recorded since 15 August 2026, and the death toll stands at 48 direct and 87 indirect fatalities. A total of 2,142 tonnes of relief logistics have been delivered to the affected region.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:53 WIB
United States Holds Freedom Edge, Kim Jong Un Commissions the Kang Kon Warship
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has declared his ambition to transform the country's navy into a nuclear-armed force during the commissioning of the new Kang Kon warship at Wonsan port. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions as the United States, Japan and South Korea conduct the Freedom Edge joint military exercises near Jeju Island.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:50 WIB
Simultaneous Volcanic Eruptions, Agriculture Minister: No Reports of Farmland Damage Yet
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said there have been no reports of farmland damage from volcanic eruptions, noting that volcanic ash can actually fertilise soil. He assured that food commodity supplies remain safe despite the ongoing Level III (Alert) status of Mount Anak Krakatau in Lampung. The Geological Agency continues to monitor the volcano, warning of potential incandescent rock ejections, heavy ashfall and lava flows.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:50 WIB
E-commerce Delivery Fee War Leaves Small Merchants Struggling, Their Plight Dire
China's food and instant retail delivery fee war has eased after strict government intervention, but it has left lasting damage on small merchants and restaurants. Tech giants such as Meituan, Alibaba and JD.com suffered heavy losses during the subsidy race, while small businesses, including Luckin Coffee, continue to bear the brunt of shifting consumer habits towards instant retail.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:49 WIB
BNPB successfully extinguishes 71,274 hectares of peatland fires across six provinces
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reports that peatland fires have scorched 72,008 hectares across six provinces, with 71,274.29 hectares successfully extinguished. BNPB continues to monitor roughly 734.81 hectares still burning, using satellite data, aerial patrols and ground patrols to detect re-ignition beneath the peat surface.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:48 WIB
National Police Chief Says 8 Companies Under Investigation Over Forest Fire Cases
The National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, told President Prabowo Subianto that 200 police reports on forest and land fires are being processed, with 138 suspects named so far. Eight corporations are under investigation for alleged involvement in the fires, whilst a further 60 companies already subjected to administrative sanctions are being examined for possible criminal liability.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:47 WIB
OJK: Indonesian Insurance Assets Reach Rp1,172 Trillion as of July 2026
Indonesia's insurance and pension fund industry recorded solid asset growth as of July 2026, with capital adequacy levels far above regulatory minimums, according to the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Total insurance industry assets reached Rp1,172.97 trillion, up 1.59% year-on-year, driven by life insurance premiums, although general insurance and reinsurance premiums contracted.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:47 WIB
KPK summons former East Java Social Affairs head and 26 witnesses in rice aid scandal
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned the former head of East Java's Social Affairs Office, Alwi, along with 26 other witnesses in an investigation into corruption in rice social aid for beneficiary families of the Family Hope Programme (PKH). The case, an expansion of the probe into aid distribution at the Ministry of Social Affairs in 2020-2021, has already seen three individuals and two corporations named as suspects, with alleged state losses of up to Rp200 billion.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:46 WIB
Ombudsman Chairman Misses DPR Meeting, Said to Be Affected by Anak Krakatau Eruption
The Chairman of Ombudsman RI, Nuzran Joher, and member Syafrida Rachmawati were absent from a working meeting with Commission II of the DPR, reportedly due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Deputy Chairman Rahmadi Indra Tektona informed the meeting that Soekarno-Hatta Airport remained closed because of volcanic ash, preventing travel from Sumatra. The Ombudsman also reported receiving 6,456 public complaints up to 31 August 2026, with 82.5 per cent already pushed towards resolution.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 14:46 WIB
Banks Push Hard to Raise Third-Party Funds Through Deposits
Indonesia's banking third-party funds (DPK) reached Rp10,336 trillion in July 2026, growing 11.21% year-on-year and accelerating from June's 10.21%, according to the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Deposits were the strongest growth driver at 13.13% yoy, though the surge has yet to lift bank profitability, with the net interest margin slipping to 4.32%.