Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

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TNI and US Army Sharpen Jungle Combat Skills Through SGS

Indonesian and United States Army personnel conducted a jungle lane shooting exercise as part of the Super Garuda Shield (SGS) 2026 joint military exercise in Baturaja, South Sumatra. The drill forms part of a larger exercise involving 4,743 personnel from 21 nations, aimed at testing operational readiness and strengthening defence diplomacy across the region.

1.6 Hectares of Perhutani Land Ablaze Beside Cipali Toll Road, Smoke Disrupts Drivers' Visibility

A fire engulfed roughly 1.6 hectares of state forestry firm Perum Perhutani's land near kilometre 139 of the Cipali toll road in Indramayu, West Java. The blaze, which sent smoke across the carriageway and threatened visibility for motorists, was extinguished within about two hours through a coordinated response involving military district personnel, Perhutani staff and toll operators. The cause remains unknown, but authorities have urged the public to refrain from burning vegetation to clear land during the dry season.

To guard against inflation, Bapanas: Government accelerates rice aid distribution

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) said the government is accelerating the distribution of rice food aid to complete by September 2026 in order to control inflation and stabilise rice prices. The second phase of the programme, a directive from President Prabowo Subianto, will provide 30 kg of rice each to 33.24 million recipients across Indonesia. Nearly one million tonnes of rice will be distributed through state logistics firm Bulog.

Why do Komodo dragons only exist in Indonesia? Here's the reason

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is endemic to Indonesia, found only on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang and parts of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara. Its limited distribution stems from geographic isolation, long evolutionary adaptation to the region's dry, hot savanna habitat, and the availability of prey such as the Timor deer. Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, plays a central role in protecting the species and its ecosystem.

Six small coal-fired power plants in West Nusa Tenggara to be converted to solar

The provincial government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), together with state utility PLN, plans to convert at least six small coal-fired power plants into solar power facilities as part of the region's transition to renewable energy. The move forms part of efforts to tap NTB's identified renewable potential of 1.73 gigawatts in solar and wind, though land availability remains the main challenge.

US Senator Slams Trump: Iran War Has Cost Rp 1,763 Trillion

Democratic Senator Mark Warner has sharply criticised President Donald Trump over the cost of the war against Iran, saying American taxpayers have borne $100 billion (around Rp 1,763 trillion). Warner, Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned the cost rises by a further $1 million every two minutes with no progress towards the war's stated objectives. He urged Americans to rise up and resist the administration's approach.

Thailand and Malaysia Strengthen Border Security Cooperation

Thailand and Malaysia have agreed to enhance border security cooperation and intelligence sharing following rebel attacks in southern Thailand. The two countries will also discuss cross-border trade and infrastructure projects, whilst Thailand commits to continuing peace negotiations with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).

ALFI Minta Harmonisasi KBLI Angkutan Multimoda dan JPT dalam Sistem OSS

Asosiasi Logistik dan Forwarder Indonesia (ALFI) meminta pemerintah menyelaraskan KBLI 52291 (Angkutan Multimoda) dan KBLI 52311 (Jasa Pengurusan Transportasi) dalam sistem perizinan OSS, karena ketidakselarasan klasifikasi berpotensi menambah biaya kepatuhan bagi pelaku usaha logistik. ALFI menegaskan pemisahan kedua kode tidak seharusnya membatasi ruang kegiatan JPT atau mewajibkan perubahan anggaran dasar dan perizinan baru tanpa perubahan substansi usaha. Asosiasi juga mendesak penguatan status Multimodal Transport Operator melalui standar kualifikasi dan tanggung jawab yang jelas demi efisiensi rantai pasok nasional.

Puan on Merging the Geological Agency with BMKG: If Effective, DPR Will Support It

DPR Speaker Puan Maharani has expressed readiness to support President Prabowo Subianto's proposal to merge the Geological Agency with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), provided the plan is properly studied first. She also backed a significant increase in disaster mitigation funding, though she warned the additional budget must deliver better results than before.

Economist says strengthening DTSEN will make social assistance better targeted

Esther Sri Astuti of INDEF has praised the strengthening of the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN) as the unified basis for social protection, saying more accurate data will reduce both inclusion and exclusion errors in distributing aid. She also highlighted budget efficiency gains from integrated data, whilst BPS has clarified that decile rankings reflect relative welfare positions rather than absolute poverty measures.

Belitung-Jakarta flights resume operations

Flights between Belitung's H.AS Hanandjoeddin International Airport and Jakarta resumed gradually on Tuesday after disruption caused by the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Airport management implemented Service Recovery Activation procedures to assist affected passengers, including distributing refreshments and providing on-ground assistance.

3D Map of the Universe from DESI Reveals 4 Billion Cosmic Objects

Astronomers have completed one of the largest cosmological mapping projects in history using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) in Arizona, producing a 3D map covering roughly 75 per cent of the sky and nearly 4 billion celestial objects. Early data suggest dark energy may be weakening over time, with a full analysis of five years of observations due for release in 2027.

This Is How Mount Anak Krakatau's Body Shape Has Changed Over the Years

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has released illustrations showing the morphological changes of Mount Anak Krakatau from 2019 to 2024 following the December 2018 eruption and tsunami-triggering collapse. The agency assured that the newly formed volcanic body remains relatively small and does not currently pose a risk of a collapse capable of generating a tsunami. The volcano remains at Alert Level III and erupted again on 8 September 2026 for 17 seconds.

Russia Says It Is Closing German Consulate in St. Petersburg

Russia's Foreign Ministry has ordered Germany's consulate in St. Petersburg to cease operations by 18 September, in retaliation for Germany's closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and a cultural centre in Berlin. Moscow has also ordered the closure of all Goethe-Institut branches, with staff required to leave by 13 September. The tit-for-tat measures stem from Berlin's accusation that Russia was behind an attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport, which the EU described as showing signs of state-sponsored terrorism.

House Speaker calls for unified leadership in disaster handling

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Vivo reportedly developing V80 phone with superior camera features

Vivo is reportedly developing the V80, a smartphone focused on photography and content creation, featuring camera technology borrowed from its flagship X Series. Leaks suggest a 50MP ZEISS Night telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 10x zoom in Portrait mode, with a release expected in India in early October 2026.

Rupiah Reverses Course to Close Stronger as US Dollar Slips Slightly to Rp17,625

The rupiah ended Tuesday's trading 0.03% higher at Rp17,625 per US dollar, reversing an earlier weakening, as the dollar index (DXY) fell 0.26% amid yen strength driven by expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike. Market attention now turns to US inflation data due this week ahead of the Fed's 15–16 September FOMC meeting, with traders pricing in roughly a 60% chance of a rate rise this month.

Prabowo eyes BMKG-Geological Agency merger, Puan urges study

President Prabowo Subianto has floated merging the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) with the Geological Agency to strengthen Indonesia's disaster mitigation capacity. DPR Speaker Puan Maharani urged a careful study first, noting the two bodies have distinct roles, whilst Commission V Speaker Lasarus voiced support in principle. Legislators also indicated willingness to approve increased budget allocations for both agencies if the merger proceeds.

Environment Ministry prepares waste management roadmap, updates rules on producer responsibility

Indonesia's Ministry of Environment is drafting a region-based thematic roadmap for waste management to achieve 100 per cent managed waste by 2029. It is also revising Ministerial Regulation No. 75/2018 to clarify the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, which will require producers and importers to pay fees for the collection and processing of packaging waste.

Sultan HB X Falls Victim to AI Manipulation in Leasing Advertisement

Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X has again been targeted by an AI-manipulated video falsely showing him promoting a financial management service. The regional government has labelled the video a hoax and is conducting public education campaigns on AI misuse, though no police report has been filed yet.

Indonesia seeks to promote mosque imams as peace ambassadors

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said mosque imams should act as peace ambassadors in global diplomacy, extending their role beyond religious duties to social leadership, morality and education. He made the remarks after meeting Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta to discuss the 2026 International Grand Imams Conference (IGIC), which Indonesia will host in Jakarta and Palembang, with the Palestine issue on the agenda and invitations extended to imams from Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Europe and beyond.

Ngurah Rai Airport Reopens Routes to Jakarta, Tangerang and Bandung

Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has resumed flights to and from Tangerang, Jakarta and Bandung after services were suspended due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The reopening follows three NOTAMs issued by AirNav Indonesia confirming airspace was safe, with seven of eight carriers on the routes back to normal operations. Passengers are advised to confirm flight status with airlines before travelling to the airport.

One Year as Finance Minister, Purbaya Reveals He Has Lost 14 Kilogrammes

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has marked one year in office in President Prabowo Subianto's cabinet, joking that his weight has dropped from 102 kg to 88 kg, reflecting the heavy workload at the Finance Ministry. He said Indonesia has broken free of the '5% growth curse', citing quarterly growth above 5%, and expressed optimism that the economy could approach 6% by the fourth quarter despite global disruptions.

Southeast Sulawesi fishery exports reach Rp171 billion by mid-2026

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) recorded fishery exports from Southeast Sulawesi at 738 tonnes worth Rp171 billion by mid-2026, following a stronger performance of over 2,200 tonnes worth Rp313 billion in 2025. Commodities such as tuna, octopus and crab have been shipped to markets including the United States, Japan and Australia, supported by KKP quality certification services. Export-oriented fish processing units in the province also employ 1,249 local workers.

Attorney General's Office Reveals 30% of Seized Assets Fail to Sell at Auction, Here's Why

The Attorney General's Office's Asset Recovery Agency (BPA) has told the House of Representatives that around 30 per cent of seized assets put up for auction receive no bids, largely because reserve prices are set too high. BPA chief Patris Yusrian Jaya said the agency has nevertheless resolved 21,737 assets over the past three years, depositing Rp26.04 trillion into state coffers. He also flagged regulatory mismatches over found-property status, vehicle registration, and inter-agency data sharing as obstacles to asset recovery.

Witness Reveals Labelled Quota Records for Several Parties in Hajj Corruption Trial

A witness in the corruption trial over the 2023-2024 additional hajj quota allocation has revealed detailed records of estimated quotas assigned to various institutions, including 200 places labelled 'BIN' for the National Intelligence Agency and 200 for parliament. The case implicates former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who is accused of causing state losses of Rp622.09 billion and personally receiving US$271,500.

Eruption Intensity of Anak Krakatau Declines, Volcanic Ash Moving Away from Indonesia

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded a decline in the eruption intensity of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, with volcanic ash drifting south-westwards away from populated areas. Eight airports that had been closed, including Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma, have resumed operations after paper tests showed negative results for ash exposure. Authorities continue cloud-seeding operations and monitoring, whilst urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and wear masks outdoors.

Roborock Reports 27.6% Revenue Growth in H1 2026, Reinforcing Global Market Leadership

Roborock reported a 27.6% revenue increase in the first half of 2026, driven by strong international expansion across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, where it holds leading market shares in the robotic vacuum category. The company sustained heavy R&D investment of RMB 720 million, focusing on intelligent navigation, AI-powered perception and integrated cleaning systems. At IFA 2026, Roborock unveiled new products including the Saros Rover two-wheel-leg robot, its first intelligent pool cleaner and a LiDAR robotic mower, extending its autonomous cleaning ecosystem beyond indoor floors.

Argentina Files Criminal Complaint Against Oil Companies Over Falkland Drilling

Argentina has filed a criminal complaint against international energy firms drilling for oil and gas under British licences around the Falkland Islands, known in Buenos Aires as the Islas Malvinas. The move, backed by President Javier Milei's office, escalates a long-running sovereignty dispute as offshore drilling projects approach production, with London dismissing the legal threats as domestic politics.

Reasons Why the JCI Rose 1% at the Start of Session Two

Indonesia's Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) climbed 1.02% to 6,687.03 in Tuesday trading, approaching the psychological level of 6,700, driven largely by big-cap banking shares. Foreign investors recorded a net buy of Rp83.37 billion, with Bank Central Asia the biggest index contributor at 11.73 points.

Forest and land fires reach 305 incidents, Belitung Police warn of criminal sanctions

Police in Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands, have warned residents that clearing land by burning is illegal and carries criminal penalties, as forest and land fires in the regency have reached 305 incidents affecting 442 hectares. BPBD data recorded 146 incidents in August alone, with police and joint teams stepping up preparedness and public education to prevent further blazes.

Indonesian Seafood Records Rp3.49 Trillion in Potential Transactions in Japan

Indonesian seafood businesses recorded potential transactions worth US$198.33 million (around Rp3.49 trillion) at the 28th Japan International Seafood & Technology Expo in Tokyo. The Ministry of Trade urged exporters to capitalise on the amended IJEPA protocol, which grants zero per cent tariffs for processed fish products. Exports of processed fishery products to Japan grew 29.05 per cent in January–June 2026 despite an overall decline in seafood exports.

Brawl at Bekasi Mall Sparked by Harassment of Sales Promotion Girl Resolved Through Mediation

A brawl at a shopping mall in Bekasi, West Java, involving around 30 people from a fried potato brand and a beverage brand has been resolved through police-facilitated mediation. The dispute was triggered by a male employee repeatedly harassing a sales promotion girl, who also alleged he photographed her without permission. Both parties signed a joint agreement and pledged not to repeat the confrontation.

Sand Truck Owner to Repair Collapsed Road in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta

A road on Jalan Raden Inten Raya in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, collapsed after a sand-laden truck stopped over a water channel crossing. The Jakarta Highways Agency said the truck owner has agreed to take responsibility for the damage and repairs are expected soon. Coordination is under way with the East Jakarta Water Resources Agency to ensure the technical handling of the crossing structure.

AirNav: Five airports to reopen

AirNav Indonesia has issued NOTAMs reopening five airports in the Lampung and Banten regions after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced their closure since Sunday. The airports, including Radin Inten II and Pondok Cabe, will remain under close monitoring as ash clouds are still detected in the flight area, with safety evaluations ongoing.

Another MBG Food Poisoning Case Hits Yogyakarta, Sultan HB X Points to SPPG Negligence

A suspected food poisoning case linked to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme has again occurred in Turi, Sleman, in Yogyakarta. Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X said he believes the incident was unintentional but stemmed from negligence by the SPPG kitchen operators, and argued the programme should not be halted if food safety can be properly managed.

Iran threatens to impose a maritime exclusion zone in the Persian Gulf

A senior Iranian security official has warned that Tehran could establish a maritime exclusion zone across the Persian Gulf if the United States continues its 'economic war' against Iran. The threat, made by Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, comes amid renewed tension over mutual accusations that both sides have failed to honour a June memorandum of understanding mediated by Pakistan and Qatar.

How Harmful Is Volcanic Ash to Plants?

An IPB University agrogeology professor explains that the damage volcanic ash causes to plants depends on exposure duration and distance from the eruption centre, with prolonged ash coverage disrupting photosynthesis, flowering, and fruiting. He advises prompt land cultivation once normal activities resume and notes that ash can replenish degraded soil with nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, provided pH and electrical conductivity are tested first.

Telkom Eyes 100% Buyout of Digiserve: How the Telecom Giant Plans to Supercharge Its B2B Tech Engine

State-owned PT Telkom Indonesia plans to acquire 100% of PT Digital Aplikasi Solusi (Digiserve), buying shares from TelkomMetra and individual shareholder Trihono Edhie Laksono to bring the enterprise ICT provider under direct control. Telkom's enterprise division currently contributes less than 15% of group revenue, well below the 20-40% benchmark seen at global telecom operators, and the move is intended to accelerate its high-margin B2B digital services push. Digiserve was formerly the Telkom-Telstra joint venture Telkomtelstra, with Telkom having bought out Telstra's stake in 2021.

Transport Minister Dudy Warns Airlines to Inspect Aircraft Before Flying Following Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has ordered all airlines to carry out thorough inspections of their aircraft before resuming operations after the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Several airports, including Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma and Husein Sastranegara, reopened from 00.01 WIB on Tuesday once national aviation safety evaluations confirmed conditions were safe.

Bapanas: Additional 150,000 tonnes of SPHP maize targeted at micro-scale poultry farmers

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has announced an additional allocation of 150,000 tonnes of feed maize under the Food Supply and Price Stabilisation (SPHP) programme, aimed at micro, small and medium poultry farmers rather than large corporations. Distribution will be carried out by state logistics firm Bulog at subsidised prices of Rp5,000–5,500 per kilogram, with the government pledging to continue the programme until the end of the year.

Police Investigate Alleged Intimidation of Foreign Nationals at Bangsal Harbour

Police in North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, have launched an investigation after videos circulated on social media appearing to show local residents intimidating foreign nationals at Bangsal Harbour. The foreigners alleged that a group of men blocked them from taking a taxi and forced them to pay Rp150,000 before allowing them to leave. The criminal investigation unit has deployed a field team and is coordinating with Pemenang sector police.

OJK Records Pension Fund Investment in SRBI Up 132.76 Per Cent as of July

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) recorded pension fund investment in Bank Indonesia Rupiah Securities (SRBI) rising 132.76 per cent year on year to Rp18.52 trillion as of July 2026. Overall pension fund assets grew 6.70 per cent to Rp1,699.99 trillion, with 30.67 million members. OJK also noted that gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) are already a permitted diversification option for pension funds.

The Lotus Flower: A Symbol of Purity and the Story of a Plant

The lotus, revered in Hinduism and Buddhism as a symbol of purity, thrives in Indonesian garden ponds and carries both ornamental and medicinal value. The giant water lily Victoria amazonica, held at the Bogor Botanical Gardens since 1860, has a remarkable history of botanical exploration and international transfer of seeds from South America to Europe and Asia. Its night-blooming flowers, pollinated by trapped beetles, exemplify the plant's unique biology.

Regent: All fire points at Bogor's Galuga landfill extinguished by Tuesday afternoon

A fire that burned for roughly 22 hours at the Galuga final disposal site in Cibungbulang, Bogor Regency, was fully extinguished by Tuesday afternoon. Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto, who led the firefighting efforts, said crews are now focused on cooling operations as thick smoke continues to rise from several points. The blaze reportedly began on adjacent farmland before spreading to the old, disused waste disposal area.

Reading AHY's Gestures on His Speech About Power

Democratic Party chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono declared during the party's 25th anniversary that power is not anyone's permanent possession but a mandate from the people with a time limit. His remarks have drawn reactions from both outside and inside the ruling KIM Plus coalition, with Golkar deputy chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia suggesting the statement signals the emergence of a potential 'Cikeas axis' ahead of the 2029 presidential election. Observers now question how coalition parties will respond to this shifting political landscape.

Reason Pickup Driver in Bogor Fled After Grazing Motorcyclist: Panicked as Residents Gave Chase

Police in Bogor have revealed that a pickup driver who fled after grazing a motorcycle towards Sentul did so out of panic at being chased by local residents. The vehicle, which was carrying drums whose contents remain under investigation, was later damaged by an angry crowd before the driver was secured by police. The driver, identified as JD, is currently being treated as a witness whilst the traffic accident investigation continues.

Nepal rescue focused on workers trapped in three tunnels

Rescue teams in Nepal are concentrating efforts on three hydropower tunnels where up to 121 workers are believed trapped, two weeks after a glacier collapse on the Nepal-China border triggered floods that killed at least 1,399 people. Oxygen is being supplied through pipes as teams attempt to open passages into the tunnels, with the prime minister vowing the operation will not let up. Both China and Nepal have attributed the disaster to climate change.

Dozens of Primary School Pupils in Jetis, Bantul Suspected of MBG Food Poisoning

At least 50 pupils and three teachers at SDN 1 Sumberagung in Jetis, Bantul are suspected of suffering food poisoning after eating the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme menu. Symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach pain and dizziness emerged shortly after Friday's meal, with one teacher hospitalised after becoming seriously unwell. Local authorities and the SPPG have responded by visiting affected pupils at home and dispatching a doctor to the school.

Ministry of MSMEs allocates Rp350.2 billion for recovery of 113,292 MSMEs in Aceh

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has earmarked Rp350.2 billion in its 2026 budget to accelerate the recovery of 113,292 disaster-affected MSMEs in Aceh Province. The bulk of the funds, Rp340.63 billion, comes through Presidential Assistance for Micro-Enterprise Rehabilitation, with each micro-enterprise receiving Rp3 million. Further allocations cover production equipment, empowerment programmes, and MSME recovery clinics across five locations in Aceh.