Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

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Jakarta Provincial Government Sprays Water Mist on City Roads to Disperse Anak Krakatau Ash

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has deployed high-pressure water mist spraying operations across major roads to mitigate the impact of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Agency, the Regional Disaster Management Agency and the Environment Agency are jointly working to suppress airborne dust and keep affected streets clean, while residents are urged to remain vigilant over air quality conditions.

PVMBG: Mount Kerinci Safe, Activity Dominated by Shallow Earthquakes

The Kerinci Volcano Observation Post has confirmed that Mount Kerinci remains at Level II (alert) status, with routine fortnightly evaluations showing no significant increase in seismic activity. Head of the post Irwan Safwan said the white smoke occasionally seen emerging from the crater is a normal phenomenon caused by groundwater and not a sign of eruption. He also stressed that Kerinci's activity is independent of other active volcanoes, as each has its own separate magma system.

Police Goes to School in Rohul Campaigns Green Policing and Forest Fire Prevention

Rokan Hulu Police (Polres Rohul) and its subordinate police stations carried out a 'Police Goes to School' programme at primary, junior and senior secondary schools as part of a Green Policing campaign. The initiative aims to instil environmental awareness in students and prevent forest and land fires (karhutla), alongside education on drug abuse and public security and order. Police Chief AKBP Emil Eka Putra stressed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility, including for the younger generation.

CapCut Celebrates Community Growth at CapCut World Event

CapCut, the all-in-one creative editing platform launched in 2020, now reaches over 660 million users across more than 170 markets. The company held its inaugural CapCut World community event in Singapore, bringing together over 300 creators and industry leaders, with further events planned for Los Angeles and London later this year.

Backing President Prabowo's Directive, BRI Ready to Be the Backbone of Financial Access Expansion for Indonesians

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has declared its readiness to support President Prabowo Subianto's directive to expand banking account ownership among Indonesians, boosting financial inclusion and literacy. The government plans to match civil registration data from Dukcapil with Bank Indonesia's systems, alongside QRIS, to strengthen the digital transaction ecosystem. BRI, with 131 million individual customers and an extensive network of branches, e-channels, BRILink agents and the BRImo super app, says account ownership will underpin faster, more transparent and efficient delivery of government programmes.

Plastic Factory Fire in Balaraja Not Extinguished After 48 Hours, 33 Families Evacuated

A fire at a plastic factory owned by PT Technoplastika Prima Perdana in Balaraja, Tangerang Regency, has burned for 48 hours despite firefighting efforts. The local disaster agency has evacuated 33 families affected by smoke, and losses are estimated at Rp10 billion.

After Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption, Transport Minister Orders Aircraft Inspections Before Flights Resume

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has ordered airlines and airport authorities to thoroughly inspect all aircraft for volcanic ash contamination before resuming operations following the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption. Several airports closed by ash fallout, including Soekarno-Hatta, reopened from early Tuesday after passing national aviation safety evaluations, though two airports in Lampung remain shut pending further assessment.

Yogyakarta Regional Councillor Recorded as Decile 4 Recipient of Social Assistance

Lisman Puja Kesuma, chairman of the Gerindra faction in the DIY Regional Legislative Council, has been recorded in the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN) as a recipient of social assistance in the Decile 4 category in Sleman Regency, despite never registering for any aid programme. He has urged the government to update the data to ensure assistance reaches those genuinely in need. Similar misclassifications have surfaced elsewhere in Yogyakarta, including a motorised rickshaw driver listed in Decile 9 and a disabled elderly man recorded in Decile 10.

People See One Brand. The Internet May Show Them Hundreds More.

ONESECURE's The State of Digital Trust in Singapore 2026 report found that each reference organisation domain was associated with a median of 151 lookalike domains, with 82% showing observable internet or email infrastructure. The study analysed 120,702 distinct lookalike domains across 448 organisation domains, highlighting how external digital identities beyond organisational control can shape public trust. The findings, though Singapore-focused, raise broader questions relevant to any organisation operating online, including in Indonesia.

Kepulauan Seribu to host Bahari Festival to attract more tourists

The Kepulauan Seribu district will hold a Bahari Festival featuring jet skiing, paddleboarding, mangrove planting, island cleanups and live music to boost tourist arrivals. Officials say the event aims to stimulate the local economy while promoting marine environmental awareness. The district's proximity to Jakarta continues to make it a popular weekend destination.

Leaked Next-Generation Hyundai Kona: More Stylish and Modern Design

Leaks surrounding the next-generation Hyundai Kona point to a more mature and stylish design whilst retaining its futuristic identity. The compact SUV is expected to feature a Seamless Horizon Lamp, dual integrated screens and a range of powertrains from ICE to hybrid and fully electric. Hyundai is also set to showcase new EV and HEV models at GIIAS 2026, underlining its long-term commitment to Indonesian mobility.

Prabowo Floats 'Merger' of ESDM's Geological Agency and BMKG, Here's Why

President Prabowo Subianto has raised the possibility of merging the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). He made the remark while chairing a limited meeting on natural disaster management, noting Indonesia's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia declined to comment, saying he had not yet reviewed the matter.

Ancol to Expand Land Reclamation to 65 Hectares, with Hotels and Even a Hospital

PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol Tbk plans to develop a 65-hectare reclaimed mixed-use area comprising hotels, apartments, a hospital and entertainment facilities. The company aims to appoint a winning contractor by December 2026 and begin work in February 2027, with full operation targeted for 2030. Jakarta's DPRD Commission B also urged the development of Ancol's marina to improve access to the Thousand Islands.

Impact of Krakatau Eruption: BMKG Says Tsunami Risk Low but Waves Could Reach 3 Metres

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has assessed the probability of a tsunami following the eruption of Anak Krakatau as low, based on readings from 20 tsunami gauges and coastal radar. However, sea waves of 0.5 to 3 metres are forecast around the Sunda Strait over the coming week, and volcanic activity continues to be monitored closely.

Wings Air Kupang-Larantuka Flight Cancelled Due to Volcanic Ash

A Wings Air flight from Kupang to Larantuka was cancelled after volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Ile Lewotolok affected the flight route. Wunopito Airport in Lewoleba, East Nusa Tenggara, was also temporarily closed, whilst Gewayantana Airport in Larantuka continued normal operations.

Puan urges probe into land burned, then planted with oil palms

House Speaker Puan Maharani has called on authorities to promptly investigate cases where land burned by forest fires was subsequently converted for other uses, including oil palm planting, echoing concerns raised by President Prabowo Subianto. She stressed that tackling forest and land fires must extend beyond firefighting to address impacts on health, education and welfare. Police have named 138 suspects in fire cases, including 119 for deliberate burning, with eight companies facing legal proceedings.

Iran Warns US Energy Assets in the Gulf Are Vulnerable to Retaliatory Attacks

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that American oil and gas assets in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz are vulnerable to Iranian retaliation following US strikes on Iranian tankers. The exchange of attacks has pushed oil prices near a six-week high, with no diplomatic progress in sight after six months of conflict. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran that its oil tanker fleet would be destroyed if it fired on US vessels.

KAI adds Jakarta train capacity after Anak Krakatau's eruption

Indonesia's state railway operator KAI has added train capacity on routes to Jakarta following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which disrupted air travel. Its Surabaya regional division is operating 41 services with 23,384 seats, including two additional trains from Surabaya Pasarturi and Malang to Gambir. KAI said it will continue to monitor travel demand and adjust capacity while prioritising passenger safety.

KH Ahmad Fudholi Dies After Accident on Tangerang-Merak Toll Road

KH Ahmad Fudholi, a prominent Banten-based cleric and Islamic preacher, has died at Tangerang Regency Hospital after being injured in a traffic accident on the Tangerang-Merak toll road. Banten Governor Andra Soni paid his condolences in person, while Deputy Governor Achmad Dimyati Natakusumah urged the public to respect the family's privacy and refrain from spreading footage of the incident.

Krakatau Steel Reshuffles Management, Announces New Directors and Commissioners

PT Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk has appointed Willgo Zainar as its new President Director following an extraordinary general meeting in 2026. The state steelmaker also reported a 30.6 per cent rise in steel sales volumes and a doubling of gross profit in the first half of 2026, supported by working capital funding from Danantara.

Japan Eyes Rebana in West Java, New Business Opportunities Wide Open

The Indonesian government, through the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, is partnering with JICA to attract Japanese investment into the Rebana area in West Java, hosting a co-creation seminar on new business opportunities and public-private partnerships. The zone has already drawn Rp36 trillion in investment in 2025, with Rp21.59 trillion more by Q2 2026, and is projected to create up to 1.8 million jobs.

AKRA allocates Rp1 trillion for terminal development through to JIIPE

PT AKR Corporindo Tbk has set aside Rp1 trillion in capital expenditure for 2026 to develop terminals across Java, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, acquire a vessel, and complete utility facilities at JIIPE in Gresik. Around Rp546 billion had already been spent by the first half of the year, as the company reported revenues of Rp30.84 trillion.

BNPT: Cooperation with Partner Countries Needed to Counter Borderless Digital Threats

Indonesia's National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has stressed the importance of international cooperation, including with Brunei Darussalam, to address terrorist threats in the digital sphere that cross national borders. BNPT chief Eddy Hartono warned that social media, online gaming platforms and artificial intelligence can be exploited to spread violent extremist propaganda, particularly among the young. A meeting with Brunei's Research Department in Bogor highlighted the need for joint prevention efforts, early detection and information exchange.

M5.1 Aftershock Strikes Near Ruteng in Flores Earthquake Sequence

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck off the coast north-east of Ruteng in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, at a depth of 10 kilometres, with BMKG confirming no tsunami potential. The quake is part of the aftershock sequence following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that hit Flores on 15 August, with 13,591 aftershocks recorded so far. BMKG attributed the activity to the Flores Back-Arc Thrust and urged residents to stay calm and avoid damaged buildings.

Xiaomi 18 Fold launches with 6,000 mAh battery and Xring O3 chip

Xiaomi has launched its new foldable handset, the Xiaomi 18 Fold, featuring a 6,000 mAh battery and the company's in-house Xring O3 chip. The device offers significant performance gains over its predecessor, with multi-core CPU performance up 60 per cent and GPU performance up 85 per cent. It is currently available only in China, with prices starting from 10,999 yuan (around Rp28.8 million).

Satgas PASTI Halts 1,222 Illegal Financial Entities by End of August 2026, Most Being Illegal Online Loans

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that Satgas PASTI halted 1,222 illegal financial entities between January and August 2026, with illegal online lending (pinjol) accounting for 951 of them. The agency also received over 30,000 complaints about illegal entities and, through the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre, blocked nearly 660,000 bank accounts and frozen Rp771.2 billion in victim funds.

Eight-Year-Old Palestinian Girl Killed by Israel on Her First Day of School

An eight-year-old Palestinian girl, Wafaa Yousef Nabil Akila, was killed alongside her father in an Israeli drone strike in western Gaza City, just hours after attending the first day of the new school year. The Israeli military identified her father as a Hamas Nukhba commander, though no publicly accessible evidence was provided. The killing has sparked outrage online and highlighted the destruction of Gaza's education infrastructure, which has forced thousands of children to study in tents and emergency classrooms.

Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max debuts with 13.3-inch display and 12,000 mAh battery

Xiaomi has officially launched the Pad 9 Pro Max, its first tablet powered by the in-house Xring O3 chipset, featuring a 13.3-inch 144Hz LCD display and a 12,000 mAh battery with 120W fast charging. The tablet starts at 4,799 yuan (around Rp12.6 million), with the top-spec variant priced at 7,899 yuan (around Rp21 million).

KPK Summons Head of Central Java DPRD Commission A in Pemalang Regent Extortion Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Imam Teguh Purnomo, head of Commission A of the Central Java Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), as a witness in the extortion case surrounding suspended Pemalang Regent Anom Widiyantoro. The KPK has named four suspects, including the regent and a KPK administrative officer, with an alleged Rp 1.98 billion collected through extortion.

Eiffel Tower Closes Abruptly Amid Controversy Over Hindu Delegation

The Eiffel Tower in Paris was abruptly closed on Monday after staff went on strike over the treatment of female employees during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation. Management had reportedly complied with a request to replace female staff with male workers during a private tour on Saturday, prompting union outrage. The tower's operator has acknowledged the incident, saying such a request should never have been accepted, while Paris City Hall voiced support for the workers.

Analyst: Gus Kikin can push NU to strengthen the blue economy

Maritime analyst Marcellus Hakeng Jayawibawa believes newly elected PBNU Chairman KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, can leverage his shipping background to strengthen NU's focus on Indonesia's blue economy. Gus Kikin, elected at the 35th NU Congress for the 2026–2031 term, studied at the Jakarta Maritime Institute and led PT Djakarta Lloyd's Cilegon branch before entering business. The analyst likened leading NU to steering a ship, noting that his managerial experience suits an organisation stretching from the coast to the interior.

Four Eruptions Within Hours: Current Status of Mount Anak Krakatau Today

Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait erupted four times on 8 September 2026, between 05:08 and 11:34 WIB, with seismic activity recorded at a maximum amplitude of 50 mm. The Geological Agency has maintained the volcano's alert status at Level III (Siaga), warning residents and tourists to stay at least 3 kilometres from the centre of activity.

INKA-Made KRL Enters Maintenance, Leading to Reduced Train Services

KAI Commuter has cut 17 daily trips on the Jakarta Kota–Bogor route after withdrawing the INKA-built iE305 train series for maintenance. The series, which entered service in December 2025, suffered door malfunctions and two derailments in a single day at Jakarta Kota and Manggarai stations. INKA has taken responsibility, deploying engineering and quality assurance teams to work alongside KAI Commuter to ensure safety and reliability.

Puan pushes for a single disaster management command in Indonesia

House Speaker Puan Maharani has called for disaster management in Indonesia to be brought under a single leadership capable of coordinating ministries, agencies and regional governments. Her remarks come amid heightened volcanic activity, including the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which disrupted flights and forced the temporary closure of eight airports.

BPS: KBLI Changes Part of Routine Economic Activity Classification Update

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) says the KBLI 2025 revision is a routine five-yearly update aligning Indonesia's economic activity classification with the UN's ISIC standard. Head of BPS Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti assured businesses the change does not require amendments to company deeds of incorporation, under a joint circular signed by three ministries and agencies. Existing licences issued before KBLI 2025 remain valid.

Copper Seen as New Chapter in Indonesia's Mineral Resource Development

Indonesia is entering a new phase of mineral resource management, with copper playing a central role in electrification and the global energy transition. Through MIND ID's majority stake in PT Freeport Indonesia, the country is building an integrated mineral value chain, exemplified by the Gresik Precious Metal Refinery, which supplied 125 kg of gold to ANTAM in February 2025. MIND ID says integration across its holding members ensures strategic minerals deliver greater added value domestically.

Indonesia suspends nearly 2,000 free meal kitchens for breaching sanitation rules

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency has temporarily suspended 1,999 kitchens under President Prabowo Subianto's flagship free meals programme for failing to register for mandatory hygiene and sanitation certification. The programme, which currently operates 27,022 kitchens nationwide, has been plagued by corruption allegations, leadership changes and mass food poisoning outbreaks affecting at least 50,000 people. Lawmaker Charles Honoris cited health department data showing more than 2,000 students and teachers fell ill in a single week, with improper food storage and late deliveries identified as the main causes.

Batam's Economy Grows 7.28%, Outpacing Riau Islands and National Figures

Batam's economy grew 7.28% year on year in the second quarter of 2026, surpassing both the Riau Islands province at 6.99% and the national rate of 5.29%. BP Batam leaders say the focus now is on translating growth into jobs, better infrastructure and quality, inclusive investment in advanced manufacturing, data centres and logistics.

Organising disaster communication beyond the affected area's radius

This opinion piece argues that disaster communication should not end once official statements are issued, as the real work begins afterwards in helping the public navigate uncertainty. It stresses that communication must be treated as part of disaster preparedness rather than merely a response measure, with the state responsible for helping people understand evolving situations and distinguish reliable information.

Forest Fires Destroy 37 Hectares in Siak, Exposing Palm Oil Operations; Two Named Suspects

An investigation into a 37-hectare land fire in Dayun, Siak Regency, has revealed suspected illegal palm oil cultivation within a production forest area. Two men, MS (53) and MPS (52), have been named suspects, with police seizing evidence including tools and fuel from the site. Riau Regional Police stressed that fire response extends beyond extinguishing blazes to enforcing the law against land clearing and illegal forest use.

Harita Nickel Pursues World-Class Mining Standards — Here's Why

PT Trimegah Bangun Persada Tbk, known as Harita Nickel, is awaiting the results of a voluntary audit by the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), which could make it the first Indonesian mining company to earn the certification. The move reflects both a commitment to continuous improvement and pressure from European battery and EV manufacturers demanding high ESG standards for nickel feedstock. It comes as the company posted Rp 29.63 trillion in 2025 revenue, alongside rising hazardous waste volumes of 40 million tonnes.

Former House Speaker and Presidential Cousin Arrested over Rp 2.1 Trillion Corruption Case

Philippine police have served an arrest warrant on former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a first cousin of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., while he was hospitalised in Metro Manila. Romualdez and three others face plunder charges over 7.44 billion pesos allegedly taken from contractors with interests in flood control and other infrastructure projects funded by the national budget between 2022 and 2025.

Road in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, Collapses After Being Crossed by Sand-Laden Truck

A section of Jalan Raden Inten Raya in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, collapsed after a heavily laden sand truck passed over it, leaving only 1.5 metres of the road usable. The Jakarta Public Works Agency confirmed the incident and said the truck's owner has agreed to bear responsibility for repairs.

Prosecutors Open Case File Revealing Yaqut Received US$271,500, Witness Says He Is Unclear

Prosecutors at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed an examination dossier in the trial over alleged corruption in the 2023-2024 additional hajj quota, showing former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas allegedly received US$271,500. Witness Ridwan Kurniawan, a former ministry contractor, said he merely delivered envelopes and was 'not clear' on the figures, deferring to further evidence. The case allegedly caused state losses of Rp622 billion and enriched 27 parties, including 313 special hajj organisers.

Bone DPRD Speaker Questioned Over Alleged Assault of Staff Member, Faces 20 Questions

Andi Tenri Walinonong, Speaker of the Bone DPRD in South Sulawesi, was questioned by police for two hours over the alleged assault of a part-time PPPK staff member, Yuli Nofita Sari. Investigators posed around 20 questions relating to the alleged throwing of objects at the victim, following a complaint lodged after an incident at the DPRD canteen in July.

BMKG: Rainy Season in West Nusa Tenggara Delayed Until December

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned that the dry season in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is likely to persist until the end of November 2026, with the rainy season delayed until December. A very strong El Niño, with an index of 2.74, is expected to maintain low rainfall, and some areas such as Bima Regency have recorded more than 100 consecutive days without rain.

AKR Corporindo (AKRA) Hints at Dividend, Here's the Amount

PT AKR Corporindo Tbk (AKRA) plans to distribute dividends for the 2026 fiscal year with a payout ratio of at least 30% of net profit, down from as much as 80% in the 2025 fiscal year. The company reported net profit of Rp1.43 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 21.25% year on year, though dividend decisions remain subject to funding needs and shareholder approval.

Silmy Karim Files Pre-Trial Motion Against KPK, Challenging Seizure of Evidence

Former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim has filed a pre-trial motion at South Jakarta District Court challenging the legality of the Corruption Eradication Commission's seizure of evidence. Karim and seven others have been named suspects in an alleged extortion and gratification scheme involving residence permits for foreign nationals between 2022 and 2026. The KPK has seized assets worth approximately Rp150 billion following raids across multiple immigration offices and visa service agencies.

BRI backs President's directive to expand bank account ownership

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has pledged its support for President Prabowo Subianto's directive to ensure every Indonesian citizen holds a bank account, strengthening financial inclusion and literacy. BRI President Director Hery Gunardi said the initiative should be paired with financial education so account ownership becomes a gateway to broader financial services. Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto said dukcapil civil registration data would be integrated with Bank Indonesia's payment and gateway systems, using QRIS, to widen account ownership.

Drunk Woman Destroys Pukis Seller's Cart in Babarsari, Sleman

A disturbance occurred on Jalan Babarsari in Sleman when a woman, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, damaged a pukis (steamed cake) seller's cart. Police from West Depok sector responded to a public report and took both parties in for mediation. Authorities have urged residents to avoid excessive drinking and to refrain from destructive acts when disputes arise.