Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 September 2026

Showing 1,151-1,200 of 1,631 articles

IHSG Closes Weak, Down 0.12% in First Session

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) slipped 0.12%, or 8.29 points, to 6,628.19 in Monday's first trading session, dragged down chiefly by major banking stocks such as Bank Central Asia, Bank Rakyat Indonesia and Bank Mandiri. Gains in the energy and healthcare sectors, led by Bumi Resources, were insufficient to offset weakness in the financial and property sectors. The market faces a data-heavy week, with domestic figures on foreign reserves and consumer confidence alongside global cues including ECB rate decisions and US inflation.

UMJ Hosts HIMAPOLINDO 2026 National Working Meeting, Championing People's Sovereignty Through the Economy

Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta hosted the HIMAPOLINDO 2026 National Working Meeting and National Dialogue, centred on upholding people's sovereignty under Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution through a people-based economy. Deputy Manpower Minister Afriansyah Noor delivered the keynote address, highlighting the government's National Internship Programme and the impact of AI, automation and digital transformation on employment. The event concluded with an MoU between HIMAPOLINDO and PT Palma Pertiwi Makmur to support food and energy sovereignty.

Timeline: Mount Anak Krakatau on Alert Status Since July 2026 as Volcanic Ash Spreads

Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, Lampung, has been on Level III (Alert) status since 2 July 2026, culminating in a continuous Strombolian eruption on 5 September that spread volcanic ash across five provinces. The ash fallout forced the closure of several airports, including Soekarno-Hatta, with the continuous eruption ending after 25 hours. Four airports remained closed until 18:00 WIB on 7 September.

Malang Customs and Regency Government Seize 5,604 Illegal Cigarettes

A joint operation between Malang Customs and the Malang Regency Government seized 5,604 illegal cigarettes from shops across several districts. The operation forms part of the Tobacco Excise Revenue Sharing Fund (DBH CHT) scheme, which allocates 40 percent to health, 50 percent to community welfare, and 10 percent to law enforcement.

AI against fire: the future of forest and land fire mitigation in Indonesia

Forest and land fires remain one of Indonesia's greatest environmental governance challenges, with some 218,000 hectares burned between January and August 2025, much of it within plantation, mining and energy concessions. Artificial intelligence offers a shift from reactive firefighting to early prediction, combining weather, soil moisture, vegetation and human activity data to detect fire risk before smoke appears. Canada's SenseNet system, developed after its worst wildfire season in 2023, demonstrates how smart cameras, gas sensors, satellite data and predictive analytics can detect potential fires within minutes.

Krakatau Ash Reaches Jakarta, Mask Sales Surge at Pramuka Market

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has triggered a surge in face mask demand at Pramuka Market in East Jakarta, as residents scramble to protect themselves from volcanic ash. Traders report dwindling stocks, with even distributors running out of supplies. The BMKG said ash from the eruption has spread as far as Jakarta and parts of Banten, West Java, Lampung and Bengkulu.

20 Countries with the Most Volcanoes in the World: US Number 1, Where Does Indonesia Rank?

The ongoing eruption of Anak Krakatau has refocused attention on Indonesia's position as one of the world's most volcanically active nations, ranking fourth globally with 101 Holocene volcanoes. Indonesia's location on the Pacific Ring of Fire exposes it to frequent eruptions and deadly tsunamis, including the 1883 Krakatau disaster that killed around 36,000 people. Five volcanoes, including Merapi and Semeru, are currently on Level III alert.

Ministry of Transport Prepares Alternative Airports as Volcanic Ash Forces Closure of Several Airports

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau in Banten Province has forced the temporary closure of several airports across Sumatra and Java, including Soekarno-Hatta, affecting around 2,300 flights and more than 270,000 passengers. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said operations will remain suspended until at least 18.00 local time, subject to updates from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Six alternative airports, including Juanda, Kertajati and Yogyakarta International Airport, have been prepared to maintain air connectivity.

Indonesian National Police and Royal Malaysia Police Strengthen Narcotics Smuggling Prevention

The Narcotics Crime Directorate of the Indonesian National Police held a three-day bilateral meeting with the Royal Malaysia Police's Narcotics Crime Investigation Department in Pahang to enhance cooperation against narcotics smuggling. Agreements included police-to-police intelligence exchange, targeting drug syndicate masterminds rather than couriers, and a Malaysian proposal to speed up the return of Indonesian fugitives by revoking passports rather than relying on lengthy extradition. Both sides also addressed smuggling along border areas such as the Malacca Strait and Kalimantan-Sabah/Sarawak, as well as legal gaps concerning New Psychoactive Substances in Malaysian law.

BPJS Kesehatan promotes NADI JKN savings scheme in Batam to keep memberships active

BPJS Kesehatan's Batam branch in the Riau Islands is promoting the NADI JKN programme, which allows participants to save gradually towards their national health insurance premiums. The scheme primarily targets informal sector workers with irregular incomes, including online motorcycle taxi drivers, traders, farmers and fishermen. Active membership is stressed as essential for participants to access healthcare benefits when needed.

Father Shocked to Learn Mozza Was Found Dead After Missing for a Year

Singgih Gunarsa, father of 17-year-old Mozza Axillia Gunarsa, said he was stunned to learn his daughter had been found dead a year after her disappearance. The case came to light after a suspect, Mahendra Very Dwi Anggara, was arrested in Blora and a skeleton was discovered near a toll road in Semarang.

Fire service cleans volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau off school buildings in Lampung

Firefighters and school staff in South Lampung Regency have been cleaning volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau off school buildings, including SDN 1 Merak Belantung and SMP Negeri 1 Kalianda. The effort aims to prevent ash accumulation and prepare schools for the possible resumption of in-person learning.

House member urges government to ensure availability of masks and medicines during volcanic eruptions

Ranny Fahd Arafiq, a member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives, has called on the government to guarantee the availability of masks, medicines, health workers and healthcare facilities for communities affected by volcanic eruptions. She stressed that volcanic ash poses serious respiratory risks and that the health system must be prepared before the impact spreads. The Ministry of Health has separately issued guidance on the safe handling of volcanic ash, which contains sharp, acidic silica particles.

Ahead of the 71st Traffic Day Anniversary, North Kalimantan Traffic Directorate Pays Respects at Telabang Bangsa Heroes Cemetery

The Traffic Directorate of North Kalimantan Regional Police visited Telabang Bangsa Heroes Cemetery in Bulungan Regency to mark the 71st anniversary of Traffic Bhayangkara. Led by Director Kombes Jamal Alam, the visit served as a moment of reflection and a reaffirmation of the KARIB programme's commitment to public service. Jamal emphasised that road safety and order are vital to regional life and development.

Don't Panic When a Volcano Erupts: Follow These 7 Life-Saving Steps

Volcanic eruptions can produce lava flows, pyroclastic clouds, lahars, toxic gases and ash fall, all of which pose serious risks to nearby communities. Citing guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the article outlines seven safety measures, including prompt evacuation when ordered, sheltering indoors, and protecting oneself from volcanic ash. The advice underscores that following the instructions of local authorities is the most important step in reducing injury and loss of life.

Mataram Residents Find Baby's Body in River, Suspected Newborn Discarded After Birth

Residents of Jempong Timur in Mataram City discovered the body of a newborn baby girl in a river on Sunday evening. The umbilical cord was still attached and appeared to have been cut with a blade, suggesting the infant was discarded shortly after birth. Police from Ampenan sector are investigating the case.

Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption: Could It Trigger a Megathrust Alert? An Expert Explains

The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has declared the end of a continuous eruption episode at Mount Anak Krakatau, which lasted about 25 hours from 4 September 2026. According to disaster expert Daryono, volcanic earthquakes lack the energy to trigger a tectonic megathrust earthquake in the Sunda Strait, although the reverse is possible. The volcano's activity level remains at Level III (Alert), with the public barred from within a 3-kilometre radius of the crater.

Flying in Indonesia: Two Foreign Aircraft Nearly Crashed After Encountering Volcanic Ash

The government's decision to close airports and halt flights affected by the eruption of Mount Krakatau echoes the lessons of 1982, when eruptions of Mount Galunggung in West Java nearly brought down two foreign aircraft. A British Airways Boeing 747 lost all four engines, whilst a Singapore Airlines flight suffered a similar emergency weeks later. Both incidents prompted the government to reroute flights away from the volcano until its activity subsided in early 1983.

Central Java Regional Parliament Backs Collaborative Governance in Regional Development

The Central Java DPRD has expressed support for Governor Ahmad Luthfi's collaborative approach to regional development, institutionalised through the Berlian Forum involving all political factions. The governor's performance was praised for delivering above-national economic growth alongside reductions in poverty and unemployment. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia also attended, stressing cross-party unity and a target of universal electricity access by 2030.

BYD Denza N8L EV to launch in China with 960 km range

BYD is set to launch the all-electric Denza N8L SUV in China on 14 September, equipped with a 130.15 kWh LFP Blade Battery and a claimed range of up to 960 km under the CLTC standard. The six-seater vehicle features a single 370 kW rear motor, air suspension and rear-wheel steering. Final pricing will be announced at the official launch.

100 Tabanan Civil Servants Attend Phone-Free Retreat, Put Through Their Paces for Six Days at Rindam IX/Udayana

Some 100 civil servants from the Tabanan Regency Government have begun a six-day state defence training programme at Rindam IX/Udayana, during which they must live in barracks without mobile phones. Regent I Komang Gede Sanjaya said the programme aims to instil discipline, camaraderie and collaboration within the bureaucracy to improve public services. It is the first of several waves intended to eventually cover all civil servants in the regency.

Curator Profession Bill: Between Professionalism and Legal Construction

The House of Representatives' Commission XIII is deliberating a bill on the curator profession, reflecting recognition that regulation of curators under the 2004 Bankruptcy Law is overdue. However, critics argue that the label 'profession' may create conceptual confusion, as curators are legally defined as bankruptcy organs appointed by the court. The debate mirrors Indonesia's legal distinction between the 'profession' regime of advocates and the 'office' regime of notaries.

Video: Why Danantara Is Investing Rp 44 Trillion in a Brazilian Meat Company

BPI Danantara has appointed Pahala N Mansury as Managing Director of Global Relations and Communications, tasked with strengthening public trust in the sovereign wealth fund's stewardship of state-owned enterprises. Danantara is investing USD 2.5 billion, roughly Rp 44 trillion, in Brazilian meat processing giant JBS NV to develop Indonesia's protein sector, including beef, fish and poultry. The investment forms part of Danantara's broader strategy of channelling SOE dividends into strategic sectors such as food, renewable energy and healthcare.

Bio Farma Chief Opens Up on Transformation and Business Development

Bio Farma's Chief Executive, Shadiq Akasya, has outlined the state-owned pharmaceutical holding's transformation journey, which began in 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He detailed financial restructuring efforts, including creditor negotiations, capital injections and shareholder loans, alongside business reorientation aimed at greater efficiency. The company continues to distribute vaccines through UNICEF, PAHO, Gavi and bilateral export partnerships.

Police investigate Paniai fire that killed 11 people

Police in Paniai, Central Papua, are investigating a fire in Bapouda village that killed 11 people, including children and a pregnant woman, and injured 20 others. Around 40 homes were destroyed, with estimated losses of some Rp2 billion, and witnesses reported seeing two individuals near the property before the blaze broke out.

Commission III: Prabowo's Era More Democratic Than Previous Government

Habiburokhman, chair of the House of Representatives' Commission III, claims President Prabowo Subianto's government is more democratic than its predecessor, citing reduced use of legal cases as tools of power. Speaking at a hearing on the Asset Forfeiture Bill, he assured lawmakers that a new, less extreme draft is being prepared and stressed the need for integrity among law enforcers.

Purbaya Surprised His House Keeps Getting Dirty — It Turns Out to Be Ash from Mount Anak Krakatau

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has scattered volcanic ash across Banten, Lampung and even Jakarta, including the private residence of Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. Purbaya initially did not realise the persistent dust in his home was volcanic ash until it reappeared after cleaning. Researchers estimate the eruption column reached 13 to 14 kilometres, allowing ash to spread widely across the region.

Police Reveal Suspected Slaughter of Cow Found Mysteriously Dead in Gunungkidul

Police in Panggang, Gunungkidul are investigating the mysterious death of a cow belonging to a local resident, which was found with slit wounds and missing hindquarters. The owner has twice declined to file a formal report, treating the incident as a misfortune, but officers are continuing their inquiry into whether the animal was slaughtered by an unknown person or attacked by a wild animal.

Amid volcanic ash, Depok City Government implements distance learning on 7-8 September

The Depok City Government in West Java has ordered all education units from kindergarten to junior secondary level to switch to remote learning on 7-8 September 2026 due to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau affecting the city. Mayor Supian Suri said civil servants must continue working as usual, whilst urging residents to wear masks and remain calm.

List of 31 Flights at Halim Airport Cancelled Due to Anak Krakatau Eruption

Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau forced the temporary closure of Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, with operations suspended until 18:00 WIB. A total of 31 flights — 16 departures and 15 arrivals — were cancelled, affecting 2,504 passengers across airlines including Batik Air, Rimbun Air, Fly Jaya and Travira Air. The closure was part of a wider shutdown of four airports, including Soekarno-Hatta, Radin Inten II and Husein Sastranegara.

Koster Responds to Bali Flight Disruptions Caused by Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said he has coordinated with PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (Injourney Airports) after the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau disrupted domestic flights to and from the island. He assured that international flights remain unaffected, with only domestic routes to Jakarta and Bandung impacted. A total of 42 flights had been cancelled or rescheduled at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport as of Sunday afternoon.

Malaysia lifts emergency declaration in Sarawak district as fire haze eases, though air quality still poor

Malaysia has lifted the state of emergency in Sarawak's Serian district after the Air Pollution Index fell from a hazardous 519 on Friday to 222, following royal consent on the advice of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The haze originated from fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan, forcing school closures in parts of Sarawak. Authorities cautioned that air quality in Serian and Samarahan remains at very unhealthy levels and residents should limit outdoor activities.

Continuous Eruption Episode of Mount Anak Krakatau Begins to Subside

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has reported that the 25-hour continuous eruption episode of Mount Anak Krakatau in Lampung Province has ended, with the volcano returning to its characteristic mild, periodic eruptions. The alert level remains at Level III (Standby), as seismic activity is still high and further eruptions remain likely.

UMJ's 13th Muhammadiyah Day Strengthens Scholarly Ethos and Spirituality to Build Civilisation

Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta held its 13th Hari Bermuhammadiyah under the theme of balancing scholarly ethos and spirituality in building global civilisation. The event featured addresses from the Head of the Presidential Staff Office, retired General Prof Dr Dudung Abdurachman, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, and Muhammadiyah Chairman Prof Haedar Nashir. It also included leadership inaugurations and the signing of a cooperation agreement between UMJ's postgraduate school and Maskanul Huffadz.

Old-age protection for informal workers remains priority: Minister

Manpower Minister Yassierli has reaffirmed the government's commitment to extending social protection, particularly old-age security, to informal workers, who make up around 60 percent of Indonesia's roughly 155 million workforce. He highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration, including OJK's Pension Fund Month 2026, as Indonesia faces an eventual ageing population despite currently enjoying a demographic bonus. OJK data shows pension fund literacy stands at just 22 percent, underscoring the need to improve public understanding of retirement financial security.

Fadli Zon Reveals Progress on Museum Revitalisation, Including a Museum Passport for Gen Z

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has detailed progress on Indonesia's museum revitalisation drive, which involves cooperation between central and local government, the private sector and philanthropists. He cited a new 'Museum Passport' booklet, priced at Rp 89,000, whose 20,000 copies quickly sold out, largely to Gen Z buyers. A Board of Trustees of culture-loving business figures has also been formed to help fund preservation work beyond the state budget.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister: Customary Land Must Not Be Unilaterally Repurposed for National Strategic Projects

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has stated that customary (ulayat) land belonging to indigenous communities must not be unilaterally repurposed for investment or National Strategic Projects (PSN). Speaking at a working meeting with the DPR's legislative body on the Agrarian Reform Bill, he stressed that regional governments are not permitted to seize or repurpose recognised customary land. He also highlighted spatial planning integration and the SIPADES digital asset management system, now used by 21,074 villages.

100 GWp Solar Power Programme Launched, PLN Ready to Support Acceleration of Renewable Energy Development Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency

President Prabowo Subianto officially launched the 100 GWp solar power programme in Gilimanuk, Bali, beginning with 14 projects totalling 5,300 MWp. The programme, involving an estimated USD 71.3 billion (Rp1,140 trillion) in investment, is projected to create 5.5 million jobs and cut CO2 emissions by 140 million tonnes annually. PLN has pledged full support, including the development of five solar clusters in Bali with 1,000 MWp capacity.

Indonesia's Foreign Reserves Rise to $146.5B in August

Indonesia's foreign exchange reserves rose to $146.5 billion at the end of August 2026, up from $145.3 billion a month earlier, buoyed by tax and services revenue and government external borrowing. Bank Indonesia said the level, equivalent to 5.4 months of imports, remains well above the international adequacy standard and sufficient to support external-sector resilience. The central bank added that it will continue working with the government to maintain economic stability amid global financial uncertainty.

Prabowo Urges Calm, Prays for Public Safety as Anak Krakatau Erupts

President Prabowo Subianto has urged residents of Jakarta, Banten, Lampung and the Sunda Strait area to remain calm and vigilant as Mount Anak Krakatau continues to erupt, instructing them to follow official guidance and stay clear of danger zones. He ordered the BNPB, BMKG, TNI, police and relevant ministries to monitor the volcano and ensure emergency preparedness and public assistance. The volcano's alert status remains at Level III, with a 3-kilometre exclusion radius around the crater.

Prayers to Recite When a Volcano Erupts, Applicable Amid Mount Anak Krakatau's Eruption

Mount Anak Krakatau's renewed activity has raised concern among communities around the Sunda Strait, prompting calls for both disaster preparedness and spiritual resilience. Several prayers recommended in Islamic tradition, recorded in Imam An-Nawawi's Al-Adzkar, seek protection from natural dangers such as volcanic eruptions. Authorities, including the Geological Agency and BMKG, continue to monitor the volcano and urge residents to follow official guidance.

Telkom Posts Rp10.6 Trillion Net Profit as Directors Address Dividend Prospects

PT Telkom Indonesia reported a net profit of Rp10.6 trillion for the first half of 2026, up 1.4 per cent year on year, with consolidated revenue of Rp75.9 trillion and EBITDA of Rp37.5 trillion. Management reaffirmed its commitment to attractive shareholder returns, whilst noting that dividend policy remains subject to the company's financial position and approval by the general meeting of shareholders.

Social Affairs Minister Stresses Integrity and Inter-Unit Cooperation to Staff

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) has ordered all staff at the ministry to uphold integrity and warned of strict disciplinary sanctions for rule-breakers, ranging from verbal reprimands to dismissal. He also instructed the new Inspector General to conduct rigorous oversight and investigations to eliminate opportunities for corruption, and called for stronger cross-unit cooperation. Gus Ipul and Deputy Minister Agus Jabo Priyono pledged not to engage in corruption and invited staff to remind them of any irregularities.

Expert: Mineral Industry Agency Crucial to Prepare Rare Earth Downstreaming Technology

Yayan Satyakti, a researcher at Universitas Padjadjaran, says the newly established Mineral Industry Agency (BIM) is crucial for building Indonesia's capacity to process rare earth elements, particularly separation technology the country currently lacks. Most Indonesian rare earths are by-products of tin mining in Bangka Belitung, with four magnetic metals accounting for 91 per cent of value. President Prabowo Subianto has pushed for accelerated downstreaming in meetings with ministers and Danantara officials.

How Long Will Krakatau Keep Spewing Volcanic Ash? Here's What the Experts Say

The explosive eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau on Friday night sent an ash column an estimated 13–14 kilometres high, nearly breaching the tropopause. Experts say the ash dispersal could persist for around five days, whilst the BMKG has detected two ash clusters, one reaching 50,000 feet and drifting south-west over the Indian Ocean. Residents of Banten, West Java, Lampung and Bengkulen are advised to wear masks to protect respiratory health.

AiMOGA Mornine: World's First Humanoid Robot to Earn EU Hardware and Software Certification

AiMOGA's humanoid robot Mornine has become the first in the world to secure three European Union certifications covering both hardware and software, including CE-MD, EN 18031 and CE-RED, alongside FCC certification in the United States. The company has deployed Mornine in dealer networks in Indonesia, Malaysia and South Africa, and views Indonesia as a promising market for robotics solutions across retail, healthcare and public services.

Riau Regional Police Lead in Forest and Land Fire Enforcement, Suspects Rise to 49

The Indonesian National Police have named 112 suspects in forest and land fire cases nationwide between January and September 2026, with Riau Regional Police accounting for the largest share at 49. Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan pledged firm enforcement against both individuals and corporations, alongside a 'Green Policing' approach emphasising prevention, education and environmental restoration.

Mount Saukang in Maros Catches Fire, Climbers Evacuated

A forest and land fire broke out on Mount Bulu Saukang in Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, on Sunday evening, prompting the evacuation of dozens of climbers. Firefighters and search and rescue teams worked through the night, with three climbers requiring medical treatment. The extent of the burnt area is still being assessed.

Haier Forges Global Partnership with UEFA Champions League

Haier, the world's largest home appliance brand, has announced a four-year global partnership with UEFA Club Competitions, becoming an official partner of the UEFA Champions League from the 2027/28 season through 2030/31. The deal grants Haier exclusive global rights in the home appliance, television and commercial display categories. Announced at IFA 2026 in Berlin, the partnership marks a shift in Haier's sports marketing strategy from brand visibility towards building closer consumer relationships worldwide.

Kupang Police Internal Affairs Investigates Traffic Officer Suspected of Extorting Motorcyclist

A traffic police officer from Kupang Police Resort in East Nusa Tenggara is under investigation by the Internal Affairs Unit after a viral video showed him allegedly extorting a motorcyclist during a traffic operation. The officer, identified as Aipda NN, has been detained and is being questioned intensively. Kupang Police Chief AKBP Adhitya Octorio Putra vowed zero tolerance and apologised to the public for the incident.