Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

Showing 601-650 of 1,696 articles

Magetan Civil Registry Office provides e-ID card recording services in schools

The Magetan Regency Civil Registry Office in East Java has launched a mobile service initiative to facilitate e-ID card recording for students in secondary schools. The programme targets students aged 16.5 to 17 years to ensure they possess essential identification for public services.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport handles 324 flights following operational closure

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has resumed operations, handling 324 flights following a temporary closure caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Flight services are gradually returning to normal as all routes, including those to Medan and Aceh, have been declared safe.

Ministry of Social Affairs: 4.33 million new beneficiaries identified following DTSEN data update

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs has reported that 4.33 million new families have been added to the social assistance programme following the second-quarter update of the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN). This expansion is the result of a continuous data consolidation process led by BPS to ensure more precise distribution of social aid.

Government Opens Registration for Perlinsos Agents, Needs 250,000 People

Chair of the National Economic Council Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has called on citizens to register as Social Protection (Perlinsos) Agents, with the government needing around 250,000 agents across Java to accelerate digitally based social assistance distribution. The recruitment is part of a national digital transformation drive aimed at ensuring aid reaches those genuinely entitled to it. Luhut stressed that agents will only help residents access the system, with eligibility decisions made automatically via integrated national data.

PAG Optimistic About Pushing LNG Hub Business, Here's Why!

PT Perta Arun Gas (PAG) says its business prospects remain vast, citing its strategic location on the Malacca Strait international shipping route in North Sumatra. The company, operating within the Arun Special Economic Zone with tax holiday benefits, holds the world's largest LNG re-export loading volume at 0.85 million tonnes, or 17.3% of global market share, and plans expansion into an integrated energy hub by 2034.

Elected as PBNU Chairman, Gus Kikin Seen to Bring Collaboration Between Islamic Boarding Schools and the Maritime Sector

Maritime analyst Marcellus Hakeng Jayawibawa has welcomed the election of KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz (Gus Kikin) as Tanfidziyah Chairman of PBNU for 2026–2031, saying his background as a seafarer and shipping businessman brings fresh impetus to Indonesia's blue economy. He noted that Gus Kikin's blend of pesantren scholarship and modern managerial experience makes him uniquely placed to strengthen the economic self-reliance of the NU community.

Fate of Salaries for 80,000 Red and White Village Co-op Managers: Purbaya Gives Assurance

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the budget for paying some 80,000 managers of the Red and White Village/Neighbourhood Cooperatives (KDMP) has been prepared and approved. The salary scheme will run for two years and will be funded from previously unspent KDMP allocations, avoiding any additional burden on the state budget or widening the deficit. The government has declined to disclose the salary figures, saying the final amounts will follow the programme's actual implementation.

MPR: SIMEP PA must serve as the basis for accelerating child protection reforms

The Deputy Speaker of the MPR, Lestari Moerdijat, has called for the SIMEP PA 3.0 system to act as a catalyst for reforming Indonesia's child protection framework. She emphasised the need for a proactive, data-driven approach to address the high rates of child violence recorded in recent years.

China's Clean Technology Grows Stronger, Exports to ASEAN Reach Rp350 Trillion

Southeast Asia has become China's largest Asian market for clean technology, spending over US$20 billion on batteries, grid equipment, electric vehicles, solar panels and heating systems in 2026, up some 50% year on year. Indonesia is a key driver, with solar PV imports from China surging nearly 149% amid the government's target to build up to 100 GWp of solar capacity within three years.

KP2MI accelerates transformation of migrant worker governance

The Indonesian Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (KP2MI) is implementing new measures to strengthen the protection of migrant workers from recruitment to repatriation. This includes the establishment of a special task force with the National Police to combat human trafficking and a strategic shift towards promoting high-skilled labour.

The Dangers of Volcanic Ash for Motorcyclists and Tips for Riding Safely

Volcanic ash blanketing several regions poses a serious hazard to road users, particularly motorcyclists, by reducing visibility and drastically lowering tyre grip. Road safety practitioner Jusri Pulubuhu of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting advises riders to postpone journeys when ash layers thicken, or to follow defensive riding principles and protective measures if travel is unavoidable.

After the Earthquake, Lazismu Distributes 235 School Kit Packages for Students of SDK Dampek

Muhammadiyah's charity arm Lazismu has distributed 235 school kit packages to pupils at a Catholic primary school in Dampek, East Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, following the earthquake that struck the coastal area on 15 August. Ten of the school's 13 classrooms were severely damaged, and most pupils' learning materials were destroyed by the quake and seawater flooding.

Satellite Monitoring Shows Mount Anak Krakatau Ash Cloud Moving Away from Indonesian Territory

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reports that volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau is drifting south-south-west towards the Indian Ocean, away from Indonesia. Airports have resumed operations, with paper tests showing no ash contamination, whilst BMKG continues real-time monitoring and weather modification operations with BNPB and the Ministry of Transport to clear the atmosphere. Tsunami monitoring via 20 gauges has detected no anomalous wave activity, keeping the tsunami risk low.

Six NTB coal plants to be converted into solar power plants

PLN has presented a plan to convert six small-scale coal-fired power plants in West Nusa Tenggara into solar facilities as part of the province's clean energy transition. The utility has also identified 1.73 gigawatts of renewable energy potential, mainly solar and wind, across Lombok and Sumbawa, though land availability remains the key challenge and no implementation timetable has been set.

Salaries of Ministers and MPs to Rise by Up to 9% in October, Reaching Rp 43.2 Billion

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that political officeholders' salaries will rise by up to 9%, effective 15 October, the first adjustment since 2011. The Prime Minister's salary is proposed to increase from S$2.2 million to S$3.6 million (Rp 43.2 billion) per year, with similar rises for deputy ministers, ministers across four grades, parliamentary officials and MPs.

Pertamina Requests Uniform FAME Procurement Tariffs

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has urged the Indonesian government to standardise procurement tariffs for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) to support the B50 biodiesel programme. The company argues that a uniform pricing structure is necessary to account for varying logistics costs across the archipelago and ensure fair competition.

Nepali Citizens Commemorate One Year Since Protests Overthrew Government

Protesters in Nepal gathered at the burnt parliament building to mark the anniversary of the anti-corruption demonstrations that led to the collapse of the previous administration. The movement, which resulted in significant loss of life, eventually paved the way for the appointment of Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

Jember-Jakarta flights at Notohadinegoro Airport operating normally

Flight operations between Jember and Jakarta have returned to normal at Notohadinegoro Airport following recent volcanic activity. Safety tests have confirmed that volcanic ash levels are within safe limits for aviation.

Ways to Reduce Exposure to Volcanic Ash

Health experts have issued guidance on protecting residents from the health risks posed by volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The advice focuses on respiratory protection and proper cleaning techniques to prevent ash from becoming airborne in residential areas.

Minister Yusril Dislikes the Book Title 'Islam ala Prabowo'

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has denied being a writer of the book 'Islam ala Prabowo', saying his involvement was limited to being interviewed as a source. Whilst he found no fundamental problems with the book's substance, he criticised its title, suggesting 'Prabowo and Islam' would be less open to misinterpretation. The book, over 330 pages long, has drawn criticism for appearing to present a new brand of Islamic teaching according to President Prabowo.

House of Representatives Pushes for Integrated Handling of Forest Fires and Disasters in Indonesia

The DPR leadership has called for forest and land fires and national disaster management to be handled in an integrated manner across ministries and agencies, citing Indonesia's exposure to the Ring of Fire. Speaker Puan Maharani urged the government to restore a leading coordinating sector akin to BNPB, while the House also flagged probes into post-fire land conversion in West Kalimantan and a proposed merger of the geological and meteorological agencies.

Volcanic Activity Declines, Residents Near Mount Anak Krakatau Advised to Remain Vigilant

Although the continuous 25-hour eruption phase of Mount Anak Krakatau has ended, communities living around the volcano, including those on Sebesi Island some 20 kilometres away, are being urged to remain alert and disregard unverified information on social media. A senior expert at the government's Communication Agency (Bakom) said local activity, including crossings to Canti Harbour, has continued normally following the 4 September eruption.

Flights at Soekarno-Hatta Airport Still Facing Delays and Cancellations, Here Are the Causes

Operational activities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have resumed, yet many flights continue to face delays and cancellations. The airport management attributes these disruptions to the ongoing process of reorganising aircraft rotations and crew readiness.

Canada Takes Revenge on Trump: All US Products Hit with 15-50% Tariffs

Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs of 15% to 50% on hundreds of US products worth US$27.6 billion, after trade negotiations between the two countries collapsed in August. The move doubles tariffs on US steel, aluminium and iron to 50%, whilst Ottawa has also announced a US$7.5 billion support package for affected businesses and workers.

After DPR Approval, Ex-KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara-364 to Be Auctioned

The Defence Ministry has outlined the auction process for the decommissioned warship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara-364 following parliamentary approval. The vessel, no longer seaworthy and stripped of its weaponry in 2018, will be sold via the state asset auction office, with proceeds going to the state treasury.

Government Boosts Investment and Implementation of Renewable Energy in 2026

The Indonesian government is accelerating the transition to cleaner energy by stepping up new, renewable energy and energy conservation (EBTKE) development in 2026, encompassing solar power, electric vehicles, geothermal and bioenergy. Director General Eniya Listiani Dewi noted that investment and implementation figures have risen overall, despite quarterly fluctuations. Awards were presented at the EBTKE 2026 Appreciation event to companies, universities and individuals, including three women recognised for their contributions to clean energy.

Selection Committee Invites Public Participation in KND Member Selection

The Selection Committee for the National Disability Commission (KND) for the 2026–2031 period is calling for public input regarding shortlisted candidates. The committee aims to enhance transparency by publishing candidate names on social media and official websites for public scrutiny.

Bappenas: Economic Growth Must Be Accompanied by Productivity Increases

The Deputy Minister of National Development Planning (Bappenas) has emphasised that Indonesia's economic growth must focus on strengthening productive capacity rather than just numerical targets. This strategy is essential to navigate global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, technological shifts, and climate change while achieving the Vision 2045 goals.

Case File of Suspect in Student Burning in Central Lombok Declared Complete

The case file of a juvenile suspect, MR, in the burning of three Islamic boarding school students at Pondok Pesantren Rosudatussaulatiyah Al Ibrahimy in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, has been declared complete (P21) and will proceed to trial. The file of the second suspect, boarding school head Ahmad Muzakki Rahmatullah, remains incomplete pending further investigation. The incident in December 2025 killed one student and injured two others.

Mercedes-Benz Patents Floating Vehicle Technology

Mercedes-Benz has filed a patent for a new technology that allows off-road vehicles to float and navigate water surfaces using their wheels as propulsion. The system utilises sensors and inflatable devices to manage river crossings without the need for traditional propellers.

AHY Tells Democrat Cadres: Prepare Ourselves, the Election Comes in Early 2029

Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has urged party cadres to begin preparing immediately for the 2029 general election, warning that time will pass quickly. Speaking at a national technical guidance event for the party's regional legislators in Jakarta, he also highlighted that the majority of voters in 2029 will be millennials and Generation Z. He called on cadres to learn to communicate with young voters and understand their aspirations from now on.

Observer: Ancol Reclamation Must Comply with Spatial Planning and Urgently Include Integrated Public LRT Access

Urban planning observer Yayat Supriatna of Trisakti University supports the planned 65-hectare expansion of the Ancol reclamation area, provided its spatial planning legality is settled and it aligns with Jakarta's 2024 Spatial Plan. He also urged the DKI provincial government to accelerate the Kelapa Gading–Ancol LRT route, extended to PIK, to prevent severe congestion and enable car-free access to the area.

South Korea highlights North Korean border reinforcement, hopes for negotiations

South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back has expressed concern over North Korea's unprecedented measures to fortify the border and sever ties. Seoul is calling for renewed dialogue and hopes that its recent peace-oriented initiatives will encourage Pyongyang to return to the negotiating table.

Chinese National Deported from Bali for Working Illegally as Project Supervisor

A 29-year-old Chinese national, identified as JZ, has been deported from Bali for working illegally as a project supervisor in breach of his Visa on Arrival. The Denpasar Class I Immigration Office carried out the deportation via I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, citing Article 75(1) of Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration.

Accident Risk in Rain Rises by 31 Percent: The Importance of Visibility and Vehicle Condition

An automotive observer from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) has warned that heavy rain can increase traffic accident risk by more than 31 percent, primarily due to reduced visibility. Officials from the Ministry of Transport and industry players stress that road safety depends on roadworthy vehicles, driver competence and supportive infrastructure working together.

Ministry of Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Services Pioneers Public Information Transparency

The newly established Ministry of Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Services has launched a dedicated website and PPID application to enhance public information accessibility. This digital initiative aims to bridge the gap between the government and the public by providing faster, more accurate, and more transparent information regarding state programmes.

Five Indonesian airports resume operations as volcanic ash clears

AirNav Indonesia has issued NOTAMs allowing five airports — Radin Inten II, Muhammad Taufiq Kiemas, Budiarto, Pondok Cabe and Salakanagara — to resume flights after conditions improved following Mount Anak Krakatau's eruption. The airports remain under continuous monitoring as volcanic ash clouds are still detected in the flight area, with clearance valid until 11:59 p.m. WIB on Tuesday.

Universitas Ekuitas Indonesia Transforms to Produce Graduates with Knowledge and Skills

Universitas Ekuitas Indonesia, a private university owned by Bank BJB, is transforming from a degree-awarding institution into one producing graduates with both academic knowledge and practical work skills. Rector Prof R Arief Helmi said the university offers talent-scouting career opportunities for its best graduates at Bank BJB, and student enrolment continues to rise year on year.

Krakatau Ash Plume Reaching 7,000 Feet Drifts Towards Banten, Says BMKG

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has reported that volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, reaching heights of up to 7,000 feet (2.1 km), is drifting south and north-west, affecting parts of south-west Banten, southern Lampung and the Indian Ocean. BMKG warned of health impacts such as eye and skin irritation and respiratory problems, as well as reduced visibility and slippery roads, and urged residents to remain vigilant but not panic and to follow official guidance.

House Commission VII and TikTok Meet to Resolve Frozen MSME Funds Issue

Indonesia's House Commission VII is holding discussions with representatives from TikTok and Tokopedia to address the freezing of funds belonging to MSME users on TikTok Shop. The parliamentary committee is demanding transparency and accountability from the platform regarding the withheld billions of rupiah in business balances.

Semen Indonesia: Performance growth continues following transformation

PT Semen Indonesia Tbk (SIG) has reported sustained performance growth through the first half of 2026, driven by a business transformation initiated in July 2025. The state-owned enterprise saw a significant surge in net profit and a steady increase in sales volume, supported by robust domestic market demand.

Sidoarjo Investment Reaches Rp 7.7 Trillion as of Second Quarter 2026

Investment realisation in Sidoarjo Regency has reached Rp 7.7 trillion, representing 49.51 per cent of the annual target. Key contributors include the housing, industrial estate, and office sectors, alongside significant growth in local labour absorption.

Helicopter Carrying Five People Crashes in Sarawak, Suspected of Transporting Medical Team

A BO-105 helicopter believed to be carrying five people, including medical personnel, crashed near the Long Lellang STOLport in the remote Marudi area of Sarawak, Malaysia. The aircraft was thought to be part of the Flying Doctor Service, which provides healthcare to remote communities in Sarawak's interior. No official confirmation has yet been given regarding the condition or identities of those on board, and an investigation into the cause is pending.

North Jakarta mitigates volcanic ash impact with water mist and mask distribution

The North Jakarta City Government has deployed joint task forces to spray water mist on major roads to mitigate the impact of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. In addition to road spraying, authorities are distributing masks to the public to prevent respiratory issues caused by ash exposure.

Forest Fires Approach Orangutan Habitat in West Kotawaringin, Water Bombing Required

Forest and land fires in West Kotawaringin, Central Kalimantan, are threatening the Danau Masoraian conservation area, a known orangutan habitat. The Regent of West Kotawaringin has requested urgent aerial water bombing assistance as the fire reaches inaccessible peatland areas.

Prosecutors Question Former Subordinate of Yaqut Regarding 'Plotting' of Additional Hajj Quota

During the corruption trial regarding the 2023-2024 Hajj quota, a witness testified that specific quota allocations were provided by a Ministry of Religious Affairs official. The prosecution is investigating the origins of these figures, which allegedly involve high-profile figures and members of parliament.

ADBI states education and technology are key to becoming a developed nation

The CEO of the Asian Development Bank Institute, Bambang Brodjonegoro, emphasises that consistent commitment to education, technology, and good governance is essential for Asian nations to achieve developed status. He highlights that long-term institutional development and human capital investment are more critical than single-policy reforms.

Three Deaths in August Linked to Sound Horeg, East Java Deputy Governor Speaks Out

East Java Deputy Governor Emil Dardak has responded to three deaths in August 2026 allegedly linked to the 'sound horeg' phenomenon, saying regulations limiting loudspeaker use already exist but enforcement remains weak. He has proposed that the municipal police (Satpol PP) assist in enforcing a joint circular signed by the Governor, the regional military commander and the chief of police, and stressed that any legal violations resulting in loss of life must be prosecuted.

120 Fuel Terminals Already Distributing Indonesia's New B50 Fuel

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has distributed B50 biosolar fuel at 120 of its 121 fuel terminals, following the government's mandate for a 50% biodiesel blend. Only the Sintang terminal remains outstanding due to drought conditions shrinking river levels, whilst public response on both quality and quantity has been positive.

Wonokerto SPPG in Sleman Suspended After Dozens of Primary to Vocational Students Suffer MBG Food Poisoning

The Wonokerto Nutrition Service Delivery Unit (SPPG) in Turi, Sleman, has been temporarily suspended after dozens of students from primary, junior and vocational schools showed poisoning symptoms after eating meals from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The National Nutrition Agency is investigating the incident, with food samples including fried beef balls, edamame and watermelon sent for laboratory testing. Most of those affected have recovered, though one patient remains hospitalised.