Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

Showing 451-500 of 1,696 articles

Australian National Deported from Indonesia After 62-Day Overstay

An Australian citizen has been deported from Indonesia after exceeding his permitted stay by 62 days. The Cirebon Immigration Office carried out the deportation following reports from local residents regarding the individual's presence in Kuningan Regency.

Angga Dwimas Sasongko shares tips for building long-term Intellectual Property

Film director and producer Angga Dwimas Sasongko emphasises the importance of universal values and collective memory in developing sustainable intellectual property. He suggests that successful storytelling relies on creating artistic worlds and dynamic characters that resonate across generations.

Ace Hasan Responds to Witness Testimony in Hajj Quota Corruption Trial

Former Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, Ace Hasan Syadzily, has denied allegations of involvement in the Hajj quota corruption case. He clarified that while many pilgrims sought his help during his tenure, all departures strictly followed official Ministry of Religious Affairs regulations.

Ace Hasan Denies Allegations from Witness in Hajj Quota Corruption Case

Former Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the DPR RI, Ace Hasan Syadzily, has denied claims that his name was included in a list of 'floating' special Hajj quotas for 2023-2024. The allegations surfaced during the trial of a corruption case involving the misappropriation of additional Hajj quotas, which is estimated to have caused state losses of approximately Rp622 billion.

7 Journalists Lose Contact While Attempting to Cover Anak Krakatau Eruption; SAR Operations Underway

Search and rescue teams are currently searching for seven journalists who lost contact while travelling to cover volcanic activity at Anak Krakatau. The group departed from Carita on Monday afternoon, with the last known communication received shortly before they disappeared from contact.

Management of Three Gilis in Lombok to be Taken Over by Task Force

The West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government is set to overhaul the management of the Tiga Gili tourist area, comprising Gili Meno, Air, and Trawangan. A newly formed task force will oversee fundamental improvements to essential services, including waste management and clean water access.

Tax Crimes Under Review for Inclusion in Asset Forfeiture Bill, Purbaya Responds

Commission XI of the Indonesian House of Representatives is considering including tax and banking crimes within the proposed Asset Forfeiture Bill. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa emphasised the need for clear regulations and principles of justice to ensure that unintentional errors do not lead to disproportionate penalties.

Indonesian Government to Establish Own Electric Motorcycle Factory for Molinas Programme

The Indonesian government plans to build its own electric motorcycle factory as part of the National Electric Motorcycle (MOLINAS) programme. While the initiative is welcomed by the national industry, entrepreneurs are still awaiting clearer regulations and implementation mechanisms.

Student in Karo Suffers Memory Loss Allegedly Linked to Free Nutritious Meal Programme; Bobby Nasution Responds

A high school student in North Sumatra is undergoing medical treatment for severe symptoms, including memory loss and seizures, following suspected food poisoning from a Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution has called for thorough medical and psychological investigations to determine the cause of the student's deteriorating condition.

Purbaya: BNPB holds Rp950 billion in Ready-to-Use Funds for disasters

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) currently possesses Rp950 billion in ready-to-use funds for disaster response. While the BNPB has proposed a significant increase in funding for 2026, the Ministry of Finance is awaiting a formal request before allocating additional budget.

Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Clears 25 Illegal Fish Aggregating Devices in North Maluku Waters

The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has removed 25 unauthorised fish aggregating devices (rumpon) in the waters of North Maluku. The operation, which also involved the seizure of a Philippine fishing vessel, aims to protect tuna migration routes and prevent illegal fishing activities.

NTB Regional Police Strengthen Security Schemes for MotoGP Mandalika 2026

The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Police have conducted surveys across Mandalika to enhance security protocols for the 2026 MotoGP. The assessment focused on evacuation routes, terrorism prevention, and the readiness of safe houses to ensure the safety of VVIP guests and the event's international reputation.

Yusril: Verification of Indonesian Citizens Joining Russian Military Still Ongoing

The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, stated that the government is currently verifying reports regarding eight Indonesian citizens allegedly joining the Russian armed forces. The Minister emphasised the need for thorough investigation to avoid relying solely on one-sided information provided by Ukraine.

Purbaya Confident Third Quarter 2026 Economic Growth Will Reach 5.4%

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa predicts that Indonesia's economic growth in the third quarter of 2026 will accelerate to 5.4% year-on-year. This projection is supported by a recovery in money supply growth within the financial system, providing more room for business expansion.

August 2026 Car Sales Hit Record High, Surpassing 83,000 Units

Indonesia's automotive market achieved a significant milestone in August 2026, with retail car sales reaching 83,422 units. This surge, driven in part by the GIIAS 2026 exhibition, marks the highest monthly retail performance recorded so far this year.

South Sumatra Regional Police Maximise Firefighting and Cooling Efforts for Forest and Land Fires in Banyuasin

The South Sumatra Regional Police are intensifying efforts to combat forest and land fires in the Banyuasin Regency, where 26.5 hectares have been affected. Authorities are currently focusing on cooling operations to ensure remaining embers do not reignite the blaze.

Purbaya Reveals Rp1 Trillion Annual Whoosh Debt Repayment with 80-Year Tenor

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced a debt restructuring plan for the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (Whoosh), featuring annual instalments of approximately Rp1 trillion over an 80-year period. The Minister noted that the restructured burden is manageable and plans to utilise special purpose vehicles under the Ministry of Finance to oversee the debt.

Medan City Government Launches E-Loket Application to Strengthen Tax Transparency

The Medan City Government has introduced the E-Loket application, an integrated digital platform designed to optimise regional tax management. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and synchronise data across various government agencies to improve public service efficiency.

Social Affairs Minister Prepares 'Sekolah Rakyat' Graduates to Become Skilled Workers or University Students

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf has outlined a strategic plan for 'Sekolah Rakyat' graduates to prevent unemployment by directing them towards higher education or vocational training. The initiative aims to break the cycle of poverty through downstreaming human resources and cross-sector collaboration.

Indonesian Navy confirms aircraft carrier to be deployed for forest fire response

The Indonesian Navy has confirmed that the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi will be deployed to assist in combating forest and land fires. Following directives from President Prabowo Subianto, the vessel will be modified to support helicopters and drones capable of transporting large quantities of water to fire hotspots.

Iranian President asserts resistance against aggressors until they regret their actions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed that Tehran will continue to resist attacks until aggressors regret their actions, amidst rising regional tensions. The statement comes as Iran accuses the United States of violating a recent memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing hostilities.

Purbaya Explains Why Regional Revenue Sharing Funds Are Not Fully Disbursed

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has addressed concerns from regional governments regarding the reduction in Revenue Sharing Fund (DBH) disbursements. He explained that while the total transfer to regions has decreased, the government has increased direct spending on programmes that benefit local areas, such as infrastructure development.

Rupiah Strengthens as Rising Reserves Bolster Indonesia's External Resilience

The Indonesian rupiah appreciated against the US dollar following an increase in foreign exchange reserves to USD 146.5 billion at the end of August 2026. This growth, driven by tax receipts and government loan withdrawals, reinforces Indonesia's macroeconomic stability and provides a buffer against global financial uncertainty.

Airlangga Reveals Indonesia's Islamic Finance Assets Rival Malaysia and UAE, Reaching Rp3,131 Trillion

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced that Indonesia's Islamic financial assets have reached Rp3,131 trillion, placing the nation among the top four globally alongside Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. The growth is supported by a surge in halal certification and the expanding global Muslim consumer market.

Hajj Corruption Trial Reveals Records of Special Quota Allocations for up to 1,260 Seats

A corruption trial regarding the 2023-2024 Hajj quota distribution has uncovered records linking various high-profile figures and agencies to specific seat allocations. The case involves allegations of state losses amounting to Rp622 billion involving the former Minister of Religious Affairs.

Observer Supports National Police Chief in Thorough Investigation into Forest Fire Triggers

Political and legal analyst Boni Hargens has expressed support for the Indonesian National Police's decisive action in investigating corporations linked to forest and land fires. The investigation aims to enforce environmental supremacy and holds entities accountable for illegal land clearing for plantations.

Video: Molinas Launched, Government Explains Operational Framework

The Indonesian government has officially inaugurated the National Electric Motorcycle (MOLINAS) programme, aimed at boosting the local electric vehicle industry and reducing carbon emissions. Authorities are currently refining regulations and local content requirements to provide certainty for manufacturers and investors.

Government Prepares BRI-BSI Accounts for 200 Million Citizens, Including Social Assistance

The Indonesian government is planning to provide bank accounts through BRI and BSI for citizens currently without banking access, specifically to facilitate the distribution of social assistance. The initiative, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to utilise national identity data to identify eligible individuals and integrate them into the formal banking system.

Celebrating language, strengthening roots

The article explores the cultural significance of Language Month in Indonesia and Vietnam, highlighting how both nations use linguistic preservation to foster national identity. It specifically details Indonesia's BIPA programme, which promotes the Indonesian language globally to enhance regional integration and soft power within ASEAN.

JCI Rises as Indonesia's Foreign Exchange Reserves Hit $146.5 Billion

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) trended upwards following the announcement that Indonesia's foreign exchange reserves rose to $146.5 billion at the end of August 2026. This $1.2 billion increase, driven by tax receipts and government loan withdrawals, provides Bank Indonesia with a robust buffer to maintain rupiah stability amidst global market volatility.

Israel Urged to Implement Gaza-Palestine Peace Roadmap

Nickolay Mladenov, High Representative of the Board of Peace for Gaza, has called on Israel to fulfil its commitments to a peace roadmap to ensure political stability. He emphasised that a transition involving disarmament and international reconstruction is essential to prevent the permanent collapse of a two-state solution.

The Reasons Why Krakatau Volcanic Ash is Dangerous, Leading to a Series of New Problems

The ongoing eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau poses a significant threat to national aviation networks due to potential volcanic ash dispersal. Disruptions at major hubs like Soekarno-Hatta could trigger a domino effect, impacting flight schedules, international connectivity, and regional logistics.

realme 16 Pro Harry Potter Edition to Officially Launch in Indonesia on 21 September 2026

Smartphone brand realme has announced a new collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to launch the realme 16 Pro Harry Potter Edition. The device aims to blend the iconic Wizarding World aesthetic with modern technological innovation for young consumers.

EU warns of parties ignoring Russian threats following AfD victory

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has expressed concern over the rise of political parties that remain indifferent to Russian threats. This warning follows the significant electoral gains made by the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in recent regional elections.

Anak Krakatau ash briefly disrupted construction of aircraft carrier pier

The Indonesian Navy has reported that volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused a one-day delay in the construction of a pier in Lampung. The infrastructure is being prepared to welcome the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, which is set to be renamed KRI Gajah Mada.

Police assist repatriation of three stranded passengers at Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Officers from the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police provided essential assistance to a mother and child stranded at Terminal 2. The passengers, who had been stuck for two days following an airport closure, were provided with new flight tickets to Silangit after running out of funds.

Whoosh Debt Repayment: Rp1 Trillion a Year Over an 80-Year Term

The Indonesian government has restructured the debt for the Whoosh high-speed rail project, establishing annual repayments of approximately Rp1 trillion over an 80-year period. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa noted that the debt management responsibility will transfer to the Finance Ministry, with plans to potentially extend the rail network to East Java.

Traffic Engineering in Ubud Causes Severe 4-Hour Gridlock

The third phase of traffic diversion implemented by the Gianyar Transportation Agency in Ubud has backfired, causing severe congestion lasting up to four hours. The new one-way system, intended to ease density, has instead led to significant delays for commuters and increased costs for local transport providers.

Tourism Minister Optimistic of Indonesia's Tourism Growth Despite Volcanic Eruptions

Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana remains confident in the growth of Indonesia's tourism sector despite recent volcanic activity affecting air travel. Despite disruptions caused by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, international tourist arrivals have shown a 5.23 per cent increase between January and July 2026.

Forest Fires Persist, Air Quality in Parts of Kalimantan and Sumatra Unhealthy

Ongoing forest and land fires across six Indonesian provinces have led to hazardous air quality levels, particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has deployed thousands of personnel and aerial water bombing operations to combat the spreading blazes.

Indomaret-Alfamart Employees Could Face Extinction as China Unveils Robotic Replacements

The rise of advanced AI and robotics in the retail sector, exemplified by fully automated stores in China and Hong Kong, poses a significant threat to traditional retail jobs. As humanoid robots begin to handle everything from restocking to payments, the potential for similar automation to enter the Indonesian market looms.

Eiger Nature Integrates Ecotourism and Conservation

The Eiger Nature development in Bogor, West Java, aims to harmonise ecotourism activities with environmental conservation and ecological functions. The project, which spans areas within PTPN I Regional 2 and the Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, emphasises sustainable land use and biodiversity protection.

Car Sales Surge Again, August Sets 2026 Record Following GIIAS Success

Indonesia's automotive market experienced a significant boost in August 2026, with retail car sales hitting a monthly record of 83,422 units. This surge, driven by increased consumer interest following the GIIAS auto show, marks a substantial year-on-year growth for the industry.

Febrie Adriansyah Interrogated with 22 Questions Regarding Alleged Corruption and Money Laundering

Former Attorney General's Office official Febrie Adriansyah has undergone a seven-hour interrogation concerning his alleged involvement in the PT ASABRI and PT Jiwasraya corruption scandals. During the session, investigators focused on deepening previous testimonies and examining his links to businessman Tan Kian.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Reminds Civil Servants of Exemplary Leadership during Prophet's Birthday Commemoration

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto has urged civil servants within the Ministry of Home Affairs to emulate the exemplary leadership of Prophet Muhammad SAW. He emphasised that official positions are temporary and that public service should be driven by sincerity and integrity rather than material gain.

Maulid Nabi Muhammad: Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Reminds Civil Servants of Official Mandate

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto has urged civil servants within the Ministry of Home Affairs to embrace the exemplary leadership of Prophet Muhammad. He emphasised that official positions are temporary and that public servants should focus on sincerity and integrity in their service to the nation.

Pulau Kelapa distributes masks to anticipate volcanic ash impact

The local government of Pulau Kelapa is distributing hundreds of masks daily to residents and tourists to protect against volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. This initiative aims to safeguard public health and ensure community preparedness during potential volcanic activity.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport resumes flights as volcanic ash clears

Flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have returned to normal following the clearance of volcanic ash from air corridors. The airport recorded a significant spike in activity, with nearly 900 flights projected to carry approximately 113,000 passengers throughout the day.

Cilacap Trial Reveals Rp100 Million Eid Bonus Allocated for Police and Prosecutor Officials

A corruption trial involving the inactive Regent of Cilacap, Syamsul Auliya Rachman, has revealed that large sums of money were prepared as Eid bonuses for various regional officials. Testimony indicates that Rp100 million each was specifically allocated for a criminal investigation chief and a section head within the local prosecutor's office.

Bantul Supports Educational Tourism at Madukismo Sugar Factory

The Bantul Regency Government in Yogyakarta has pledged to support educational and agro-tourism initiatives at the Madukismo Sugar Factory through enhanced media promotion. The factory, which features historic machinery dating back to 1955, offers visitors a unique insight into the sugar production process and its significant local heritage.