Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

Showing 701-750 of 1,696 articles

Bandarlampung Health Office monitors public health situation

The Bandarlampung City Health Office has deployed 31 community health centres to monitor public health following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which spread volcanic ash across the area. Authorities are focusing on early detection of respiratory, eye and skin conditions linked to ash exposure, and have urged residents to wear masks outdoors.

Israeli Soldiers Throw Stun Grenades at Worshippers in West Bank Mosque

Israeli forces threw stun grenades at worshippers inside a mosque near Bethlehem, the third attack on a place of worship in the occupied West Bank since early September. Attacks on mosques in the territory have escalated in recent months, including attempted arson and racist graffiti, amid a worsening climate of tension.

One Year as Finance Minister, Purbaya: Economy Ready to Grow 6 Per Cent

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa says the national economy is ready to move towards 6 per cent growth as he marks one year in office. Growth reached 5.39 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year, 5.61 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 and 5.29 per cent in the second, and he believes Indonesia has escaped the stagnant 5 per cent trend. Purbaya says his public optimism is a deliberate design to shape positive expectations among the public and investors, warning that recession can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Attorney General's Office Will Not Provide Legal Assistance to Febrio in Sutrimo Case

The Attorney General's Office (Kejaksaan Agung) has confirmed it will not provide legal assistance to its employee Febrio Adianto, who is set to be questioned by Polda Metro Jaya over the death of Sutrimo. Officials said the matter is personal, as Febrio will be questioned as a witness rather than in his capacity as a prosecutor's office employee.

Purbaya's Measure of Economic Improvement: Fewer Street Protests

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa claims that declining public participation in demonstrations is a sign of improving economic conditions and public satisfaction. He acknowledged economic pressure in the second quarter of 2026, when growth slowed to 5.29%, but expressed confidence that better fiscal and monetary policy transmission would lift growth towards 6% year-on-year in the second half.

PPPA Ministry Coordinates Cross-Sectoral Effort to Address Child Trafficking to Singapore

The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) is strengthening coordination across ministries, agencies and regional governments following the discovery of infants from West Java allegedly sold to Singapore through illegal adoption. Eighteen child victims are currently abroad, seven departures were foiled, and nineteen perpetrators have been convicted.

Community-Based Waste Management Earns ANTAM Green Economy Award 2026

PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) has received the Green Economy Award 2026 for its community-based waste management and biodiversity conservation initiatives. The award recognises the company's commitment to ESG principles and its efforts to transform environmental restoration into economic opportunities.

Batam economy grows 7.28%, outpacing national growth as investment drives expansion

Batam's economy expanded by 7.28 per cent year-on-year in Q2 2026, significantly outperforming Indonesia's national growth rate of 5.29 per cent. Driven by manufacturing and investment, BP Batam officials are now focusing on converting investment commitments into tangible projects and employment opportunities.

US Envoys Depart, Russia Immediately Pounds Kyiv with Ballistic Missiles

Russia resumed a deadly air assault on Kyiv with ballistic missiles shortly after American peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff left Ukraine following talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky. At least six people were wounded, residential buildings were damaged and fires broke out across the capital, prompting Poland to launch military air operations to protect its airspace.

Environment Ministry prepares waste roadmap, updates producer rules

Indonesia's Environment Ministry is preparing a staged waste management roadmap for 2025-2029 aimed at achieving 100 percent waste management under the National Medium-Term Development Plan. Deputy Vinda Damayanti Ansjar told Parliament the country generates 144,562 tons of waste daily, with only about 25 percent properly managed, and said the ministry is revising producer responsibility rules to require businesses and importers to fund packaging waste recovery through a new Producer Responsibility Organization.

Public Satisfaction Falls Ahead of Two Years of Prabowo's Government, Expert Urges Evaluation of Ministers

With President Prabowo Subianto's government approaching its two-year mark, a political communication expert has called for a cabinet evaluation and reshuffle amid declining public satisfaction, particularly in the economy, politics and law enforcement. M. Jamiluddin Ritonga also urged the abolition of all deputy minister positions to deliver genuine government efficiency. He warned that public satisfaction could fall further if no cabinet evaluation takes place.

Does reading in the dark really damage your eyes? Here are the facts

Reading in dim light may cause temporary eye strain but does not permanently damage vision, according to the National Eye Institute. Experts say prolonged screen use can lead to digital eye strain, though there is no scientific evidence that screen light harms the eyes. Persistent vision problems should be checked by an eye specialist rather than blamed on reading habits.

Closed lightweight brick factory in Banyumas caught operating again

The Banyumas regency government in Central Java has again halted production at lightweight brick factory PT Inovasi Kota Nusantara after a surprise inspection found the company operating despite being closed since 21 August 2026. Inspectors discovered live machines, trucks moving raw materials and finished goods, and Chinese foreign workers on site. The company claimed it was only running the machines for maintenance, but the regency said production activity breached the closure commitment, which followed a land-use violation involving some 40,000 square metres against an approved 24,485 square metres.

Jakarta flights at Aceh's Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport resume operations

Flights between Banda Aceh and Jakarta at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport resumed on Tuesday after being disrupted by the closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Airport general manager Rahmat Adil Indrawan said ten Jakarta-bound flights had been cancelled and that the airport had activated service recovery measures for affected passengers.

Husein Airport Reopens After Mount Anak Krakatau Closure, Passengers Welcome the Move

Flight operations at Husein Sastranegara International Airport in Bandung have resumed after volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau forced a temporary closure. Passengers welcomed the reopening, expressing relief and hope that routes and flight frequencies will continue to expand to improve air connectivity from Bandung.

Commission B Urges Ancol Marina Repairs to Support Access to the Thousand Islands

Nova Harivan Paloh, chairman of Commission B of the Jakarta Regional People's Representative Council, has urged Ancol's operator to upgrade its marina as part of the 65-hectare reclamation development plan. He argued that a functioning marina would support public access to the Thousand Islands and generate revenue from tickets and shop rentals. PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol confirmed that the marina is included in the rezone development plans.

Bamsoet Set to Release His 38th Book, Raising Parliamentary Realities and His Life Journey

Golkar MP Bambang Soesatyo is set to launch his 38th book, 'Politik Hukum Konstitusi: Menjembatani Teori Akademis dan Realitas Parlemen', alongside a biography by senior Kompas journalist J. Osdar. Drawing on his long parliamentary experience, he argues that academic theory and legislative practice must inform one another.

Bakom Urges Residents to Stay Alert to Hoaxes Following Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption

The government's Communication Agency (Bakom) has urged communities near Mount Anak Krakatau to remain vigilant and avoid unverified information following the end of a 25-hour continuous eruption phase. Bakom's principal expert, Muhamad Hidayat, reported that activity on Sebesi Island remains normal, with ferry crossings operating as usual. Residents were advised to rely only on official channels such as the Geological Agency, BNPB and BMKG to prevent panic caused by disinformation.

The Selvi Ayunda Phenomenon: A Jember Musician Breaking Into the Music Industry via TikTok

Selvi Ayunda, a dangdut singer from Jember, East Java, has leveraged TikTok to reach a national audience without relying on major record labels or the Jakarta entertainment industry. Her rise illustrates the growth of the creator economy among young Indonesians, as she supplements stage performances with personal branding and plans to launch a skincare business. She is now preparing a new single in the hope of gaining listeners beyond East Java.

Steps for inspecting commercial vehicles affected by volcanic ash

Isuzu Astra Motor Indonesia has issued guidance on maintaining commercial vehicles operating in areas affected by volcanic ash. The company recommends inspecting air filters, intake systems and ducting, as well as cleaning windscreens properly to avoid abrasive damage. The advice follows volcanic ashfall that could impair vehicle performance and driver visibility.

Dozens of Buleleng Residents Struck Off Social Aid Lists Over Online Gambling Detection

As many as 32 beneficiary families in Buleleng, Bali, have had their social assistance (bansos) payments suspended after being flagged for suspected online gambling activity during a data update. The local social services office is facilitating an appeal process, though reinstatement remains subject to central government verification. Those proven involved in online gambling must close the associated bank accounts before reapplying.

Airlines told to inspect aircraft after Anak Krakatau's eruption

Indonesian aviation authorities have ordered airlines to thoroughly inspect aircraft, including engines and surfaces, for volcanic ash before resuming flights following the eruption of Anak Krakatau. Several airports, including Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma and Husein Sastranegara, reopened on Tuesday after a national aviation safety assessment cleared operations to resume. Authorities also stressed that pilots must be aware of restricted airspace polygons closed due to hazardous ash.

Grindr Suspected of Leaking Users' HIV Status, Fined Rp620 Billion

Grindr, the world's largest LGBTQ+ dating app, has agreed to pay £26 million (around Rp620 billion) to settle a class action over allegations it shared sensitive personal data, including users' HIV status, with third parties. The lawsuit, brought by more than 11,000 claimants in the English High Court, stemmed from 2018 findings that the app had passed sensitive data to analytics firms for advertising purposes. Grindr denies liability, noting the practices predate 2020 when it was under Chinese ownership by Kunlun.

PSI's Bestari Dismisses 'Solo Axis' Talk Ahead of 2029 Presidential Election: Wild Speculation

Bestari Barus, head of PSI's political affairs, has dismissed talk of a 'Solo axis' ahead of the 2029 presidential election as mere speculation, saying the party is focused on factual verification with the KPU. The term was floated by Golkar deputy chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia, who pointed to 'Solo' and 'Cikeas' axes—associated with Jokowi's circle and the Democrat Party respectively—as political forces positioning for the next election. PSI is now led by Jokowi's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep.

Expert Tells Constitutional Court That Polri as Principal Investigator Under the Criminal Procedure Code Cannot Control Other Investigators

Expert witnesses told the Constitutional Court that designating the National Police (Polri) as "Principal Investigator" in the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) does not grant it a superior constitutional position or the power to control investigators from other institutions. They argued that provisions on coordination, supervision and orders must be narrowly interpreted to avoid turning horizontal coordination into subordination, which would undermine the independence of civil servant investigators (PPNS) and sectoral investigators. The applicants challenge the new KUHAP for redesigning the national investigation system and expanding police discretion over coercive measures.

BNPB urges residents in three areas affected by Mount Anak Krakatau to wear masks

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has identified three regencies — South Lampung, Tanggamus and Pandeglang — as areas affected by the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. It has urged residents carrying out activities outdoors to use protective equipment such as masks and goggles. Health officials have been dispatched to affected areas to check residents and distribute medication.

Bitcoin Rebounds After Falling to US$57,000 — Momentum or a Trap?

Bitcoin has recovered around 25% since touching a cycle low of roughly US$57,735 in July 2026, though it remains about 37.5% below its all-time high of US$126,198 set in October 2025. Analysts at Pintu note that the current cycle's drawdown remains shallower than previous ones, but shifting institutional flows and macroeconomic sentiment warrant a measured, risk-appropriate investment strategy such as dollar cost averaging.

State losses in Kotim regional election grant case estimated at Rp10 billion

The Central Kalimantan High Prosecutor's Office estimates state losses of around Rp10 billion from alleged corruption in the use of grant funds for the 2024 regional election at the Kotawaringin Timur General Election Commission (KPU). Seven suspects have been named, including five election commissioners, with the funds totalling Rp40 billion sourced from the district budget. Investigators examined 24 witnesses to expedite the probe.

PGN and Sidoarjo Regency push for wider natural gas use among MSMEs

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) is partnering with the Sidoarjo Regency Government to expand natural gas use among residents and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative includes the City Gas Tour 2026 programme, CNG-based GasLink demonstrations, and safety education campaigns. The collaboration forms part of broader efforts to promote cleaner energy and support sustainable economic growth in the regency.

Clean Air Day: Jakarta Regional Council Highlights Need for Regulation to Tackle Pollution

Jakarta Regional Legislative Council member William A. Sarana has called for five per cent of the Jakarta regional budget to be allocated to air pollution control, urging acceleration of the 2027 regional regulation formation programme. He noted that the current regulation underpinning air pollution control, enacted in 2005, is more than two decades old and requires updating. The remarks came during a talk event marking International Day of Clean Air 2026.

Transgender Robbery Gang That Targeted Foreigners in Seminyak Faces 18-Month Prison Sentence

Prosecutors at Denpasar District Court have demanded 18 months' imprisonment for four defendants who robbed two foreign nationals at a villa in Seminyak, Badung, in March 2026. The gang, led by two transgender women who had met one victim via Tinder, made off with goods and cash totalling around Rp 324 million after assaulting one victim with a machete. Two further suspects remain at large.

RI Govt monitoring protection of babies trafficked to Singapore

Deputy for Child Special Protection Titi Eko Rahayu said the government was concerned about the case and stressed that children must never be treated as commodities. The children’s best interests must remain the priority throughout prevention and case handling, including ensuring their rights and providing services tailored to their needs, she said here Tuesday.

Europe-US Inflation Heating Up, Storm of Interest Rate Hikes Looming

Inflation is rising again across advanced economies, prompting central banks worldwide to resume tightening monetary policy despite recession risks. Energy prices driven by the Middle East war and persistently high core inflation have revived cost-of-living concerns. Bank Indonesia has already raised its benchmark rate by 100 basis points to 5.75% in 2026 to guard price stability and the rupiah.

In Response to AHY's Statement, Gerindra Affirms Focus on Safeguarding President Prabowo's Priority Programmes

Partai Gerindra has responded to Democratic Party chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono's remarks that power is not held forever, stating the party remains focused on delivering President Prabowo Subianto's priority programmes rather than early electoral manoeuvring. Gerindra spokesman Bahtra Banong said every party is free to prepare for future contests, but his party will concentrate on fulfilling campaign promises to the public.

Harita Nickel Launches 'Obi Coral Reef Fish' Book, Documenting North Maluku's Marine Biodiversity

Harita Nickel has published a 110-page book documenting more than 300 coral reef fish species found in the waters off western Obi Island, South Halmahera, North Maluku. The book, produced in collaboration with Kompas Book Publishers, is based on routine biodiversity monitoring by the company's HSE team and forms part of its data-driven environmental management commitment. Executives said the publication aims to foster marine conservation alongside the company's mining operations.

The Lyrics and Meaning of the Haornas March, Sung at the Commemoration Ceremony

Indonesia marks its 43rd National Sports Day (Haornas) on 9 September, with the Haornas March forming part of the official flag ceremony as stipulated in a circular from the Minister of Youth and Sports. Written by Ireng Maulana and Nanda Dewi Abidhin, the march promotes sporting spirit, sportsmanship and national unity from Sabang to Merauke.

Sky Over Changzhou, China Turns Red, Residents Warned of Heavy Rain

An unusual natural phenomenon saw the sky over Changzhou in Jiangsu Province, China, turn pink to bright red on the morning of 31 August 2026, with residents capturing viral footage of the eerie glow. The Suzhou Meteorological Observatory subsequently issued yellow alerts for heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, warning of possible flooding.

Take Note! These Are the Various 9.9 Super Food Day Promotions from ShopeeFood, Prices from Rp99

ShopeeFood is launching its 9.9 Super Food Day campaign throughout September, coinciding with National Customer Day on 4 September, offering flash sales from Rp99, 99% hourly discounts, free delivery up to Rp30,000, and cheap checkout deals. The campaign also aims to boost merchant growth, and customers can win a Geely EX2 electric car through the ShopeeFood Mission programme.

Netanyahu Accused of Ignoring UAE Warning About Hamas Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces fierce criticism following a Haaretz report that the UAE president warned him around ten days before the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack that a large-scale operation was being planned. Opposition figures including Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett say Netanyahu bears direct responsibility for the security failure and is unfit to remain in office, just weeks before the 27 October election.

PPP Ministry Joins Forces with Ministries and Agencies to Handle Cross-Border Human Trafficking Child Victims

The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection is coordinating with central and regional governments, law enforcement and relevant agencies to protect child victims of an alleged cross-border human trafficking case involving babies from West Java sold to Singapore through illegal adoption. Eighteen children are currently abroad, whilst the departure of seven others was successfully prevented. Nineteen perpetrators have been prosecuted and sentenced.

AHY Hints at 2029 Presidential Run, Gerindra Spokesman Says: Every Party Has Its Freedom, We Cannot Forbid It

Gerindra spokesman Bahtra Banong has stated that every political party is free to decide its own political direction ahead of the 2029 presidential election, responding to signals from Democrat Party chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) that he may run. Bahtra said Gerindra is currently focused on supporting President Prabowo Subianto's priority programmes, noting the election is still far off. AHY had earlier reminded his party that power is not owned by anyone permanently but is a mandate from the people with a time limit.

Football Pitch in Gatsu Pancoran Catches Fire Due to a Cigarette Butt

A fire, suspected to have been caused by a discarded cigarette butt, burnt a 900-square-metre football pitch in the Gatot Subroto area of Pancoran, South Jakarta. Firefighters deployed three pump units and 12 personnel, extinguishing the blaze within about an hour. No casualties were reported, and damage assessments are ongoing.

Economist: Needs mapping should support reduction of salt imports

Eliza Mardian of CORE Indonesia has urged the government to strengthen the mapping of salt demand by user type to support the gradual reduction of industrial salt imports ahead of a full import ban in 2029. She cautioned that a million tonnes of salt from community ponds cannot automatically replace a million tonnes of imports, as different industries require different raw material specifications.

Jakarta CSR Forum pushes ready-to-eat food aid for disaster response in East Nusa Tenggara

The DKI Jakarta CSR Forum has encouraged the provision of ready-to-eat food aid for disaster victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), praising Toko Daging Nusantara's delivery of one tonne of ready-to-eat rendang beef. Forum chairman Aldi Imam Wibowo said retort food technology offers a practical nutritional solution in crisis zones and called for its adoption in national disaster preparedness policy, including by BNPB and the Ministry of Social Affairs.

BNPB Proposes Additional Rp 5.67 Trillion Ready-Use Fund for 2026 Disaster Management

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has proposed an additional Rp 5.67 trillion in ready-use funds to the Ministry of Finance for the 2026 fiscal year. BNPB's total 2026 budget stands at around Rp 1.08 trillion, on top of Rp 4.62 trillion in ready-use funds already received for emergency response. The agency argues the unpredictable nature of disasters makes such contingency funding crucial beyond regular budget planning.

Suspected Robbers, Drunk Brothers Beaten by Residents While Embracing in Bekasi

Two brothers, Fauzi and Erman, were beaten by residents at Cibenda Market in Serang Baru, Bekasi Regency, after being mistaken for motorcycle robbers. The incident began when Fauzi, who was intoxicated on Balinese arak, blocked a woman's motorbike, causing her to fall. Police from Serang Baru station have taken both men into custody for further investigation.

Ministry of Creative Economy promotes human-centric AI to safeguard human creativity

The Ministry of Creative Economy (Ekraf)/Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) is advocating a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence to ensure humans remain central to the creative process. Director of Technology Creativity Dandy Yudha Feryawan stressed that AI-assisted works do not automatically lose their originality, as long as human creative contribution and control over the final output are preserved.

PTP Non-Container Records Positive Performance, July 2026 Throughput Rises 17.85% Year-on-Year

PTP Non-Container, part of the Pelindo Group, recorded a throughput of 31.39 million tonnes/m³ between January and July 2026, reaching 108.54% of its target and growing 17.85% compared with the same period last year. Chief Executive Indra Hidayat Sani attributed the growth to ongoing operational transformation and stronger collaboration with service users. Several branches, including Pontianak, Kijing, Panjang and Tanjung Priok, exceeded their throughput targets.

Savings Grow 12%, Purbaya Denies Indonesians Are Mass 'Dipping Into Savings'

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has dismissed claims that Indonesians are broadly depleting their savings to cope with economic pressure, pointing to double-digit growth in third-party funds at banks. He acknowledged some people have yet to feel the benefits of recovery, but said the government injected additional liquidity in July and early August to accelerate growth and broaden its reach.

Legislator Asks BMKG to Stop Using 'Computer Language': The Public Doesn't Understand

Boyman Harun, a PAN legislator on Commission V of the House of Representatives, has criticised the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) for delivering disaster information in overly technical, computer-generated language that ordinary citizens cannot understand. During a hearing on 8 September 2026, he urged the agency to provide timely, location-specific information that also includes concrete mitigation steps, citing forest and land fires as an example.