Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 September 2026

Showing 1,251-1,300 of 1,631 articles

Impact of Volcanic Ash from Mount Anak Krakatau: KAI Operates Additional Trains

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has adjusted capacity in anticipation of passenger transport demands arising from volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau. The measures include operating three additional train services and increasing capacity on two regular services, whilst prioritising safety and operational smoothness. Train operations in the Daop 3 Cirebon area remain normal, with continued monitoring and coordination with relevant authorities.

Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption Nears Its End, MUI Urges Residents to Remain Vigilant and Heed Early Warnings

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged residents around Mount Anak Krakatau to stay alert and follow official safety guidance following the volcano's eruptive episode in the Sunda Strait. The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources confirmed the continuous eruption, which began on 4 September, officially ended on 6 September after lasting 25 hours. MUI framed disaster preparedness as both a scientific and religious duty, encouraging empathy and social support for affected communities.

Deputy Chair of DPR Commission IX Asks That Mask Prices Not Multiply Amid Volcanic Ash

Yahya Zaini, Deputy Chair of DPR Commission IX, has expressed concern over volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau reaching Jakarta and urged pharmacies and mask sellers not to exploit the situation by raising prices. He also called on the Health Ministry and regional governments to prepare hospital facilities, medical personnel and medicines in case of respiratory illnesses such as acute respiratory infections. The Golkar legislator advised the public to wear masks and goggles outdoors and to remain calm.

Viral Video of Black Smoke Erupting from Ground in Central Jakarta, Police Say It Was an Electrical Short Circuit

A video showing thick black smoke emerging from the ground in the Pasar Baru shopping area of Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta, went viral on social media. Police confirmed the incident was caused by a short circuit in an electricity substation, which has since been handled by PLN officers.

Krakatau Ash Up to 15,000 Feet Hits Banten, Check BMKG Warnings

Volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has spread across Banten, West Java, Lampung and Bengkulu, with a second plume reaching 50,000 feet drifting westwards over the Indian Ocean. The ash cloud has forced authorities to extend temporary closures at seven major airports until 18:00 WIB on 7 September 2026. BMKG has issued regular SIGMET warnings since the initial eruption on Friday night and urged coastal residents around the Sunda Strait to remain calm but vigilant.

Gapasdap urges ASDP Ketapang to optimise LCM Jetty to ease queuing

Gapasdap, the national river, lake and ferry transport business association, is urging PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry's Ketapang branch in Banyuwangi to expand its Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) jetty to reduce logistics truck queues on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk crossing. Chairman Nurjatim said the roughly Rp400 million expansion could lift operational vessels from 23 to 28-32 daily, and the association is prepared to cover the cost itself.

BKPM and IWIP Push Inclusive Partnership to Strengthen North Maluku SMEs

The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM joined forces with PT Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park (IWIP) to connect 160 local SMEs in Ternate with partnership, financing and industrial supply chain opportunities. The event featured business matching sessions, a talkshow on inclusive financing, and awards for five IWIP partner SMEs, as North Maluku recorded Rp40.2 trillion in investment realisation in Q2 2026, making it Indonesia's third-largest investment destination.

Part-Time PPPK Workers in Dompu Demonstrate, Demanding Full-Time Appointments

Hundreds of part-time contract government employees (PPPK), including healthcare workers and technical staff, staged protests at the Dompu Regency legislative council and regent's office in West Nusa Tenggara, demanding they be made full-time PPPK employees by 2027 like teachers. Protesters said they feel treated as second-class staff despite working 24-hour shifts serving patients. The demonstration is still ongoing.

Academic reminds that post-disaster recovery is not merely physical reconstruction

Wahyu Ario Pratomo, an academic from the University of North Sumatra, has cautioned that post-disaster recovery should not be measured solely by physical rebuilding, but by whether affected communities can resume normal lives. His remarks follow Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's inspection of recovery sites in Central Tapanuli, Sibolga and South Tapanuli, where he urged closer central-regional coordination and faster delivery of housing, basic services and livelihoods.

Head of Presidential Staff Highlights Muhammadiyah's Role in National Progress

General (Ret.) Prof Dr Dudung Abdurachman, Head of the Presidential Staff Office, praised Muhammadiyah's role as a strategic national partner during the 13th Muhammadiyah Day at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta. He emphasised the balance between knowledge and spirituality, and the importance of collaboration between the state and civil society in national development. He also urged that positions of office be treated as temporary trusts, with one's true value measured by the benefit one provides.

Video: Pahala Mansury on PT DSI - Danantara's Overseas Investments

Pahala N Mansury, Managing Director of Global Relations and Communications at BPI Danantara, has outlined eight priority investment sectors, ranging from energy security to digital infrastructure such as data centres and AI. Danantara has also joined the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds as an Associate Member, a move expected to open overseas investment opportunities and strengthen governance standards. The fund also confirmed the readiness of PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia as a single-window export vehicle for strategic natural resources including coal, CPO and ferro alloy.

Mysterious Cow Death in Gunungkidul, Police Find Cut Wound on Neck

A cow belonging to a resident of Girimulyo, Panggang, Gunungkidul, was found dead with its two hind legs and thighs missing, and police have discovered a cut wound on the animal's neck resembling a slaughter mark. Investigators are still determining whether the animal was slaughtered by an unknown person or attacked by a wild animal, noting the absence of blood traces leading to the main road.

Verdict for Bekasi Regent and His Father Postponed Due to Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption

The verdict hearing for suspended Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara and his father H.M. Kunang, on trial for bribery, was postponed after one of the judges was stranded by flight disruptions caused by Mount Anak Krakatau's eruption. Prosecutors from the KPK have demanded seven years' imprisonment and a Rp300 million fine for Ade, and four years for his father. The two are accused of receiving more than Rp12 billion in bribes related to the arrangement of regency work packages for the 2025 fiscal year.

Hotspots in South Sumatra Said to Have Fallen, These Are the Indonesian Regions with the Most Hotspots

The Ministry of Forestry has reported that high-confidence hotspots in South Sumatra fell by nearly half in a single day, whilst the national total rose to 674 on 6 September 2026. Central Kalimantan and West Kalimantan now record the highest numbers, drawing intensified fire-control operations backed by 53 aerial assets. Air quality in several parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra remains unhealthy to hazardous, with visibility in Pontianak down to around 2 kilometres.

BRI Finance Records 46.85% Growth in Investment Financing in H1 2026

PT BRI Multifinance Indonesia recorded 46.85% year-on-year growth in investment financing up to June 2026, a sharp contrast with the wider multifinance industry, which contracted 5.33% over the same period according to OJK data. The company attributes its performance to a selective growth approach based on sector prospects and customer risk profiles.

Sahroni: Asset Forfeiture Bill Aims to Eradicate Corruption, Not to Enable Abuse of Power

Deputy Chair of the DPR's Commission III, Ahmad Sahroni, has confirmed that the Asset Forfeiture Bill will be passed on 15 December 2026. He stressed that the bill's primary purpose is to eradicate corruptors and warned it must not become a tool of abuse of power by law enforcement.

Schools in Pontianak still holding online lessons as haze remains thick

Schools in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, continue online learning despite rainfall across the city, as haze remains thick and air quality is still considered dangerous. Mayor Edi Rusdi Kamtono said the city government is monitoring weather and air conditions before resuming normal classes, noting that the BMKG reports the region remains in a significant dry season.

DPR Commission III Guarantees Asset Forfeiture Bill Will Be Passed on 15 December, Despite Dissenters

Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission III Ahmad Sahroni has confirmed that the Asset Forfeiture Bill will be passed on 15 December 2026 as promised by the House leadership. He acknowledged opposition from critics of the government but stressed that the bill's core purpose is eradicating corruption, whilst warning it must not become a tool for abuse of power.

Without a Mask: Effective Ways to Protect Yourself from Volcanic Ash

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which spewed volcanic ash, has triggered panic buying of masks in several regions including Jakarta, leaving many residents struggling to obtain protection. The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) advises staying indoors, limiting driving, and using dampened cloth as a substitute filter where standard masks are unavailable. Special precautions are urged for children, along with guidance on cleaning ash deposits and safeguarding water supplies.

Eight Airports Closed Due to Volcanic Ash, KDM: Kertajati Ready to Serve as Alternative

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has said that West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati is ready to serve as an alternative airport following the closure of eight airports due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. He has instructed provincial government staff to be deployed to Kertajati to assist passengers, including providing basic necessities for infants and the elderly. The airport was designated as an alternative by the Ministry of Transport after a paper test confirmed it was unaffected by the ash.

Share Price Moves Erratically, IDX Closely Monitors UANG Trading

The Indonesia Stock Exchange has placed PT Pakuan Tbk. (UANG) under Unusual Market Activity (UMA) surveillance following an abnormal surge in its share price. The stock rose 63.31% over the past month, prompting the exchange to scrutinise transaction patterns and urge investors to exercise caution.

IAKMI: Collaborative Prevention Efforts Must Be Strengthened to Tackle Forest and Land Fires

The head of the Indonesian Public Health Experts Association (IAKMI), Dr Hermawan Saputra, has called for stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration to prevent annual forest and land fires, stressing that prevention must start early rather than focusing solely on firefighting. He outlined health risks from smoke exposure, including acute respiratory infections, and noted that seven provinces have declared emergency alert status for karhutla disasters.

Indonesian Ulema Council urges public to heed safety guidance amid disaster threats

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called on the public to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions in the face of natural disaster threats, including the eruption activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. MUI fatwa chief Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh stressed a preventive approach grounded in science and early warning systems, whilst also urging communities outside affected areas to show empathy and social solidarity.

Six Alternative Airports Prepared Amid Mount Anak Krakatau Ash Fallout, Here Is the List

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau in Banten province has forced the temporary closure of several airports across Sumatra and Java, affecting some 2,300 flights and over 270,000 passengers. The Ministry of Transport has prepared six alternative airports, including Juanda, Adi Soemarmo and Kertajati, to maintain connectivity while prioritising safety.

PKH and BPNT Social Assistance Amounts Need Not Be Raised Yet

The Ministry of Social Affairs has decided against increasing the value of the Family Hope Programme (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) despite fluctuations in staple food prices. Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said beneficiaries receive assistance from multiple sources beyond his ministry, including Bappenas, Bulog and regional governments. The government is consolidating all assistance schemes into unified cash transfers, supported by BPS socio-economic data updates and a digitalisation drive led by Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

Commission III: Asset Forfeiture Bill Will Certainly Be Passed Despite Opposition

Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the House of Representatives, Ahmad Sahroni, has confirmed that the Asset Forfeiture Bill will be passed on 15 December 2026 as targeted, despite opposition. He stressed that the bill's core purpose is to eradicate corruption, whilst warning it must not become a tool for abuse of power. Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman noted controversy over the 13 criminal offences to be covered by the bill, which he said resemble corruption in harming the state and public.

Masinton Speaks Out After Facing Removal Threat in Central Tapanuli

Central Tapanuli Regent Masinton Pasaribu has dismissed threats of his removal as a political scenario orchestrated by groups defeated in the 2024 regional elections. Five party factions in the regional parliament are pushing for his impeachment over alleged unprofessional budget management and slow disaster response following severe flooding. Masinton accused the factions of politicising the disaster and neglecting draft regional regulations meant to accelerate post-disaster development.

BGN Temporarily Suspends Free Nutritious Meal Operations at Several West Java Schools Following Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily halted its Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme at several schools in West Java after schools shifted to remote learning due to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Affected areas include Bogor City and Regency, Cianjur, Sukabumi City, Depok and Purwakarta. Operations will resume once in-person learning restarts.

KPK to Question Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Bengkulu City Council Today

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is scheduled to question Herimanto, Speaker of the Bengkulu City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), and Deputy Speaker Rahmad Widodo on Monday as witnesses in a bribery investigation. The case concerns alleged kickbacks from procurement projects in Rejang Lebong Regency and other parts of Bengkulu Province, and follows earlier questioning of other councillors and the seizure of Rp4 billion in cash.

Asset Forfeiture Bill: Experts Say Assets Not Derived from Crime Must Not Be Seized

Commission III of the House of Representatives held a hearing with experts on the Asset Forfeiture Bill, chaired by Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni. Yuhelson of Peradi Profesional warned that the bill must not allow the state to seize legitimate wealth, urging a strict distinction between criminal proceeds and lawfully acquired assets.

KPK Summons Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Bengkulu City Council

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned the Speaker and First Deputy Speaker of the Bengkulu City Regional Council as witnesses in an expanding graft probe linked to suspended Rejang Lebong Regent M Fikri Thobari. The case centres on alleged bribes totalling Rp 1.7 billion tied to procurement projects. The KPK has already seized assets belonging to a council member suspected of receiving payments from businesspeople.

After Krakatoa Erupted, Residents Received Weekly Money and Rice Aid

Survivors of the catastrophic Krakatoa eruption of 27 August 1883 received relief from the Dutch colonial government and philanthropists, including weekly rations of rice and money. One survivor, Ong Leng Yauw of Karangantu, Banten, recorded receiving a gantang of rice and 1.50 guilders per week, and later a donation of 1,500 guilders to rebuild his home and business. His account offers a rare first-hand record of disaster relief in the Dutch East Indies.

A Moral Obligation to Protect the People from Rice Price and Quality Manipulation

Rice quality can still be manipulated, with over 90 per cent of fortified rice samples found to fall short of standards and sold at inflated prices, with potential consumer losses estimated at Rp 89.19 trillion. The author argues that the state regulator has a moral duty to protect nearly 290 million Indonesians for whom rice is the staple food, and that the food mafia must be eliminated to safeguard Rp 164.4 trillion in food subsidies. The article is written by Bambang Soesatyo, a member of the House of Representatives.

Trump: I Ended Eight Wars, Why No Nobel? Ukraine Mission Yet to Bear Fruit

US President Donald Trump complained that he has ended eight wars without receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, even as his administration struggles to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks with Putin in Moscow and Zelenskyy in Kyiv, but no breakthrough was announced. Reuters reports that previous peace efforts have stalled in recent months.

Transjakarta resumes operation of lifts and escalators at shelters

PT Transportasi Jakarta resumed operation of lifts and escalators at its bus shelters on Sunday night after they were temporarily switched off due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Following overnight inspections, facilities at 22 shelters were confirmed safe and returned to service. Bus services continued operating throughout the suspension.

Selected Photos of the First Week of September 2026

A photo gallery covering the major events of early September 2026, dominated by forest and land fires and drought across Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan, along with their health and economic impacts. It also captures the DPR's approval of Destry Damayanti as Bank Indonesia Governor for 2026–2031, succeeding Perry Warjiyo.

Accompanied by Tears, Family Collects Body of Polish National for Cremation

The body of Polish national Marcin Dawid Ryzycki, 44, who drowned after being swept away by currents whilst swimming at Tembles Beach in Jembrana, Bali, has been handed over to family representatives. Police confirmed no signs of criminality were found, and the body was taken for cremation at the Bahagia Crematorium. The victim had gone for a night swim on 30 August after visiting a beachside yoga spot with a Japanese friend.

Video: Regulating Coal and CPO Exports — PT DSI Vows No Disruption to Business

Danantara has outlined eight priority investment sectors, ranging from energy security to digital infrastructure such as data centres and AI. Its subsidiary PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia (DSI) will act as a single-window export channel for strategic natural resources including coal, CPO and ferro alloy, whilst assuring existing export contracts will be honoured. Danantara has also joined the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds as an Associate Member to strengthen governance and open overseas investment opportunities.

Check! Here Are the Listed Companies Affected by the Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has disrupted economic activity, notably cancelling flights and forcing the temporary closure of eight airports across Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Lampung and Bengkulu. At least ten listed companies face direct or indirect exposure, with airlines Garuda (GIAA) and Citilink parent CMPP bearing the first-layer impact, followed by risks to industrial, port and plantation businesses.

Rupiah Weakens to Rp 17,646 per US Dollar, Whilst Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise

The rupiah slipped 4 points to Rp 17,646 per US dollar at Monday's opening, pressured by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and climbing oil prices. Stronger-than-expected US labour data has also lifted expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike, further supporting the dollar. Analysts expect the rupiah to trade between Rp 17,600 and Rp 17,725 through the day.

Two Named Suspects in Forest Fires in Jambi

The Ministry of Forestry has named two residents of Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, Jambi, as suspects for alleged forest burning and unlawful occupation of forest areas. The offences allegedly occurred within the concession area of PT Rimba Hutani Mas, prompting a joint task force investigation that secured evidence at the scene.

25-Hour Eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau Ends, but Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant

The continuous eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait has ended after roughly 25 hours, though the risk of follow-up eruptions remains high. Maman Imanul Haq, a member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, urged residents to follow official information from the government and disaster agencies and called on the authorities to strengthen early warning systems and preparedness before emergencies occur.

Cause of Plane Crashing into Cars, Killing Five in Miami, Under Investigation

US authorities are investigating why an Amazon Boeing 767 cargo aircraft veered off the runway at Miami International Airport, striking several vehicles and catching fire. At least five people were killed and five others injured, with the FAA and NTSB leading the inquiry.

BPBD Says Volcanic Ash Fall from Anak Krakatau in Pandeglang Is Beginning to Subside

The Pandeglang disaster management agency (BPBD) reports a positive trend as volcanic ash fall from Mount Anak Krakatau's eruption begins to decrease, in line with reduced eruptive activity. Ash is still scattered across nearly all districts of Pandeglang at varying thicknesses, and tremors from the eruption caused minor damage to one house.

Cimahi City Government Ensures Face-to-Face Learning Continues Amid Volcanic Ash

The Cimahi City Government in West Java has confirmed that face-to-face teaching will continue in schools despite exposure to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Mayor Ngatiyana said the impact remains minor, but schools have been instructed to require masks, reduce outdoor activities, and keep windows and doors closed, with remote learning to be considered if conditions worsen.

From Regulation to Data: A New Chapter in Digital Asset Supervision

This opinion piece examines OJK Circular PADK No. 3/2026, effective 1 September 2026, which operationalises reporting requirements for digital financial assets including crypto. The author argues it marks a shift from compliance-based oversight towards data-driven supervision, noting Indonesia's crypto market now spans nearly 23 million consumer accounts and over Rp20 trillion in monthly transactions. The article draws on EU and Singaporean regulatory approaches to argue for predictive supervision built on SupTech, network analytics and AI.

Six Volcanoes Currently on Alert Status, Including Anak Krakatau

Mount Anak Krakatau erupted at Level III (Alert) status, with volcanic ash spreading across five provinces including Banten, West Java, Jakarta, Lampung and Bengkulu. Five other Indonesian volcanoes — Sinabung, Semeru, Lewotobi Laki-laki, Ili Lewotolok and Ibu — are also on Level III alert, according to the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

KPK summons Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Bengkulu City Council as witnesses

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned the Speaker and First Deputy Speaker of the Bengkulu City Regional Council, Herimanto and Rahmad Widodo, as witnesses in an alleged bribery case involving projects in Rejang Lebong Regency and elsewhere in Bengkulu Province. The case stems from a sting operation that led to five suspects, including Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, with the investigation later expanded to Bengkulu City government officials.

KCIC assures Whoosh remains operational amid volcanic ash mitigation measures

PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC) has confirmed that the Whoosh high-speed rail service between Jakarta and Bandung continues to run safely and normally despite the volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait. The company is conducting layered monitoring of track, power and signalling systems, alongside a volcanic ash risk assessment based on official data from the BMKG. Passengers have been advised to wear masks and goggles in open station areas.

Banten Implements Three Days of Remote Learning Amid Volcanic Ash from Mount Anak Krakatau

Schools across Banten Province have suspended in-person lessons for three days following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, which spread volcanic ash across the region. Students will undertake distance learning from home from 7 to 9 September, with the possibility of an extension depending on air quality assessments.