Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

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Cases of Abandoned Mental Health Patients Rise, Bali Regional Parliament Pushes for Bigger Handling Budget

Commission IV of the Bali Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) is pushing for additional budget to handle abandoned people with mental health disorders (ODGJ), whose numbers rose to 47 as of June 2026, up from 32 a year earlier. The Bali provincial government has allocated Rp 2.5 billion in the 2026 regional budget, but lawmakers say regency and city governments must also share responsibility to avoid overlapping funding.

KPI calls on TV and radio to prioritise accuracy in disaster reporting

The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) has urged television and radio broadcasters to prioritise accuracy, verification, balance and the public interest when reporting on disasters, following the alert status of Mount Anak Krakatau. KPI member Muhammad Hasrul Hasan stressed that disaster coverage must not sensationalise, add to victims' trauma, or disrupt emergency response efforts.

Bandung Prosecutor's Office receives transfer of unlawful confinement suspect Taufik Hidayat

The Bandung District Prosecutor's Office has received the second-phase transfer of suspect Taufik Hidayat and case evidence from West Java Regional Police, on suspicion of physical and sexual violence accompanied by unlawful confinement. The suspect, who is accused of repeatedly beating his partner and leaving her blind, has been detained for 20 days pending prosecution and will soon be transferred to the Baleendah District Court.

Krakatau Ash Tests Negative at 8 Airports, But Should Residents Still Wear Masks?

The BMKG has confirmed that eight airports previously closed by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau have resumed operations after paper tests returned negative results. The agency continues real-time monitoring of ash movement, while residents in affected areas are advised to remain indoors and wear masks and protective goggles when outside. The tsunami potential remains low, below 50 per cent, with wave heights forecast at 0.5 to 3 metres in the Sunda Strait over the coming week.

Russia and North Korea Inaugurate First Road Bridge, Strengthening Strategic Ties

Russia and North Korea have officially opened their first road bridge across the Tumen River, marking a significant expansion of transport links between the two countries. The bridge, named after Soviet officer Yakov Novichenko, reflects the deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said the crossing would boost trade, tourism and economic cooperation.

Coordinating Ministry of Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Launches PPID Website and App

The Coordinating Ministry of Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections (Kemenko Kumham Imipas) has launched a website and application integrating the Information and Documentation Management Officers (PPID) across its constituent ministries. Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the platform aims to improve public communication and government transparency, with officers required to respond to public inquiries quickly and accurately.

Chair of Commission V backs plan to merge BMKG and the Geological Agency

Lasarus, Chair of the DPR's Commission V, has voiced support for President Prabowo Subianto's proposal to merge the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) with the Geological Agency. He argued that integration would improve coordination and efficiency in disaster management, though personnel and administrative matters should be resolved first. The president raised the plan during a limited meeting on disaster management, citing Indonesia's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Southeast Asian travelers trade up during sale periods, Traveloka platform data shows

Traveloka booking data from its May and July 2026 sale events shows travellers spending more per transaction rather than seeking savings, upgrading to better hotels, longer stays and added activities. The platform's 9.9 Epic Sale runs from 7 to 11 September across Indonesia and seven other markets, with demand concentrated on East Asian destinations such as South Korea and Japan.

Innalillahi: Eldest Daughter of General Hoegeng Passes Away

Reniyanti Hoegeng, the eldest daughter of former National Police Chief General Hoegeng Iman Santoso, has died at the age of 78 at Eka Hospital in Depok. She had reportedly been in declining health and had recently undergone heart treatment. She was also known as a close friend of former President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Indef: Increase in state spending should go to sectors that lever the economy

Economist Eko Listyanto of INDEF says the Rp9.1 trillion increase in the 2027 draft budget's spending target should be redirected towards economic lever sectors in the regions such as MSMEs, industry, tourism and infrastructure to maximise the multiplier effect. The increase, which applies to central government and ministry budgets, accompanies a matching rise in the revenue target to Rp3,435.1 trillion. The government is targeting 6 per cent economic growth in 2027, up from 5.4 per cent in 2026.

5 Practical US Stock Investment Apps for Indonesian Investors

Indonesian investors are increasingly drawn to US equities, with several platforms offering easy access to global companies. This article reviews five apps suitable for Indonesian users, including Webull, which offers broker-style tools and paper trading, and Pintu, which provides tokenised stocks exposure via blockchain-based assets. Investors are advised to compare each platform's features, costs and eligibility before signing up.

BPS: KBLI Revision Part of Routine Update of Economic Activity Classification

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) says the 2025 revision of the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI) is a routine five-yearly update aligned with UN international standards, not an attempt to burden businesses. BPS also assured firms they need not amend their deeds of incorporation, under a joint circular signed by three ministries and agencies. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarders Association (ALFI) has called for a thorough review and harmonisation of the new classification as it affects transport arrangement service providers.

Lung Specialist Explains Why Damp Masks Must Not Be Used to Ward Off Volcanic Ash

Lung specialists have warned that wetting masks before use damages their structure and reduces protection against volcanic ash, which contains corrosive silica and crystal particles. The public is urged to stay indoors during ashfall and to follow official guidance rather than experimenting with protective equipment.

BMKG: Three regencies in Central Sulawesi potentially facing rain on 9-11 September

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast light to moderate rain in three areas of Central Sulawesi — Sigi Regency, parts of Donggala, and parts of Tolitoli — from 9 to 11 September. A forecaster said the rain is driven by global atmospheric dynamics such as wind convergence, with the region not expected to enter the transitional season until October.

Trump Threatens to Block Bombardier Planes From US Market

US President Donald Trump has threatened to block Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier from the American market unless it manufactures its planes domestically, escalating a trade dispute with Ottawa. The threat came hours before Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs worth around US$20 billion on American goods, including duties of up to 50 percent on selected imports. Bombardier countered by highlighting its US$2.5 billion annual spending with American suppliers and its 3,500-strong workforce across the United States, underscoring how deeply intertwined the two countries' aerospace industries remain.

Seventh day of Putri Cempo landfill fire, only 1.5 hectares extinguished

The fire at the Putri Cempo landfill in Solo, Central Java, has entered its seventh day, with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recording the affected waste mound at 5.5 hectares. Only around 1.5 hectares have been extinguished so far, with firefighting efforts continuing through water bombing and weather modification. Joint teams from the fire brigade, BPBD, TNI and Polri are involved in the operation.

Listed Companies Must Stay Protected Despite Indonesia's Many Disasters — How?

A string of natural disasters — the Flores earthquake, widespread forest fires and the Anak Krakatau eruption — has tested the resilience of Indonesian businesses, yet only 1%–5% of disaster risks in the country are insured. The analysis examines the insurance burden and coverage values disclosed by major listed companies such as TPIA, TLKM, ASII and INCO, as well as strategic state firms Pertamina and PLN. It argues that companies must look beyond premiums, auditing policy limits, business interruption cover and international practices such as Japan's parametric schemes.

Forest Fire Smoke Spreads to 14 Regencies in North Sumatra as Air Quality Turns Unhealthy

Smoke from forest and land fires has spread to 14 regencies across North Sumatra, affecting air quality which now ranges from moderate to unhealthy. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency's Medan office recorded 26 hotspots on 7 September and warned of reduced visibility, while urging affected communities and local governments to remain vigilant.

TelkomGroup Welcomes BGN's Use of Graha Merah Putih

Telkom Indonesia has responded positively to the National Nutrition Agency's (BGN) plan to utilise Graha Merah Putih, communicated through an official letter. Telkom views the lease as an asset-leveraging opportunity under a fair B2B scheme, whilst also reorganising its own workspace needs in Jakarta. The transition will be phased and conducted in line with Good Corporate Governance principles.

BNPT: Enhancing officials' competence builds national preparedness

The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) and the National Institute of Public Administration (LAN) have signed an MoU to strengthen officials' competencies and national preparedness against radicalism and terrorism. BNPT Head Eddy Hartono stressed that civil servants, the TNI and Polri need both technical counterterrorism skills and managerial capability to guard against radical ideologies. The two agencies will develop learning materials, in physical and digital formats, on terrorism prevention for civil servants and potentially the wider public.

Company that demanded money from job applicants in Pasar Minggu no longer operating

The South Jakarta Manpower, Transmigration and Energy Sub-Department has confirmed that a company accused of running a fake job recruitment scam in Pasar Minggu ceased operations on 1 September 2026. Applicants reportedly suffered losses ranging from Rp50,000 to Rp1.9 million, and authorities have issued a warning letter whilst police continue their investigation.

InterSystems Asia READY: AI Adoption to Enhance Healthcare Services

InterSystems has highlighted how artificial intelligence, interoperability and trusted health data can improve healthcare services and enable smarter hospitals at its InterSystems Asia READY 2026 event. Executives Luciano Brustia and Don Woodlock outlined three priorities for healthcare transformation: building trusted data foundations, enabling interoperability across systems, and applying AI to real clinical and operational challenges.

Elnusa's Net Profit Rises 29% in the First Half of 2026

PT Elnusa Tbk (ELSA), Pertamina's upstream subholding, posted a net profit of Rp435 billion in the first half of 2026, up 29.2% year-on-year, driven by an 8.9% rise in revenues to Rp7.58 trillion. The company also reported EBITDA of Rp862 billion and a carry-forward contract portfolio of Rp18.8 trillion, supported by disciplined investment and expansion into third-party customers.

Viral Altercation Between Motorcyclist and Transport Officer in Lempuyangan, Yogyakarta

A video showing a motorcyclist clashing with a Yogyakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) officer at the Lempuyangan three-way junction has gone viral on social media. The incident reportedly began when the rider ignored a warning against travelling the wrong way down a one-way street, later returning and allegedly ramming his motorcycle into the officer's vehicle. Police have confirmed the incident but stress that the sequence of events remains provisional pending further investigation.

Jaguar Land Rover opens voluntary workforce reduction programme

Jaguar Land Rover has launched a voluntary redundancy programme that could cut around 4,000 positions over the next two years as part of a £1.7 billion cost-saving drive. The British carmaker is facing mounting pressure from rising trade tariffs and intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers, but insists it will continue investing in new vehicles, electrification and digital technology.

Water spraying to tackle volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau in Jakarta

Jakarta's Environment Agency staff and firefighters sprayed water in areas including Sarinah, Medan Merdeka Selatan and Bundaran HI to manage volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. The Jakarta provincial government said spraying of roads and public facilities will continue depending on air conditions. It urged residents to follow the 5M protocol: wearing masks, closing doors, windows and water sources, limiting non-essential outdoor activity, dampening ash before cleaning, and monitoring information from official channels only.

Bogor Police Dismiss Three Personnel Over Alleged Drug Abuse

The Bogor Police Resort (Polres Bogor) has held a dishonourable discharge ceremony for three personnel found involved in drug abuse and desertion. The ceremony, led by Bogor Police Chief AKBP Wikha Ardilestanto, was described as a demonstration of internal law enforcement and commitment to institutional discipline within the National Police.

China's Exports Post Spectacular Record, These Products Are Selling Fast

China's exports surged 25% year-on-year in August, driven by strong overseas demand for high-tech and AI-related products such as electric vehicles, solar cells and lithium-ion batteries. The trade surplus swelled to US$119.09 billion, keeping the annual figure on track to exceed US$1 trillion for a second consecutive year, even as domestic demand remains weak. The export strength relieves pressure on Beijing to roll out large-scale stimulus, though it exposes the country to trade restrictions from partners such as the US and EU.

Fisherman Missing in East Lombok, Residents Find Only Empty Boat

Ramadhan (56), a fisherman from Pene village in Jerowaru district, East Lombok, went missing after setting out alone to fish. Residents discovered his empty boat and nets near Gili Linus, prompting a search operation led by the Mataram SAR office, though efforts were hampered by darkness. The search resumed at dawn with surface sweeps and dives involving traditional divers.

BRI Ready to Be the Backbone of Expanding Public Financial Access

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has declared its readiness to support President Prabowo Subianto's directive to expand bank account ownership among Indonesians. BRI's vast network—131 million individual customers, over 7,000 branches and 1.13 million BRILink agents—positions it to widen financial inclusion, currently at 93.62%.

Order of Ceremony for National Sports Day 2026 with Official Address and Prayer from the Ministry of Youth and Sports

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has issued Circular Number B/BO.04/9.7.43/MPO/IX/2026 setting out the ceremony programme for the 43rd National Sports Day (Haornas) on 9 September 2026. The official address frames sport as a national investment and urges regional governments to promote an active and fit society, while the ceremony concludes with an official prayer for athletes and the sports industry.

Indonesia's Richest Family Shifts Investments Abroad Amid Anxiety Over Prabowo's Policies

The Hartono family, Indonesia's wealthiest with an estimated fortune of 30 billion US dollars, has quietly invested at least 1.4 billion dollars overseas through Singapore- and London-based entities, marking a sharp break from its tradition of keeping wealth at home. The shift reflects growing unease among Indonesia's business elite over President Prabowo Subianto's policies, including capital flight, the dismissal of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, and tensions over the BCA bank stake. Analysts warn that coercive government tactics without clear legal certainty could deter long-term foreign investment in Indonesia.

Germany and Kosovo Combat the Hyalomma Tick Carrying a Deadly Virus

German and Kosovar researchers have joined forces to monitor and control the Hyalomma tick, which spreads the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus, a disease with a high fatality rate. Their collaboration, funded since 2013 through Germany's Biosecurity Programme, has seen serious infections in Kosovo fall from around 100 cases in the previous decade to just five in the last ten years. With the tick now detected as far north as France, the scientists are warning that its spread across Europe must be closely monitored.

Video: The Fate of Crypto Investment Amid Middle East Turmoil and the Tariff War

Indonesia's digital asset market continues to grow, with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) recording 22.93 million crypto investors as of July 2026, driven by growing interest among young investors. Trading platform OSL Indonesia, part of the OSL Group, is expanding its regulated digital asset trading services in the country. CNBC Indonesia's Mercy Widjaja discussed the outlook for crypto investment amid global volatility with OSL Indonesia President Director Ivan Arilito.

KPK responds to Silmy Karim's pre-trial motion over asset seizure

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has responded to a pre-trial motion filed by former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim, challenging the legality of coercive seizure measures in an extortion case. The KPK said it respects the legal rights of suspects whilst affirming that all investigative steps were conducted in accordance with criminal procedure law. Eight suspects, including Silmy Karim, have been named in the alleged extortion of residence permit arrangements for foreign nationals, with estimated gains of around Rp145.5 billion.

Residents Complain of Long-Broken Water Gate, Depok City Government to Carry Out Repairs

Residents of Pengasinan in Depok, West Java, have complained on social media about a severely damaged water gate that has yet to be repaired. The Depok Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency has drawn up a phased repair and revetment plan for the Kali Putih channel, with a budget proposal pending approval in the 2026 supplementary budget.

PTPP: Kataraja Toll Road Section 1 construction reaches 94.9 per cent

State construction firm PT PP (Persero) Tbk reports that the Kataraja Toll Road Section 1, linking North Jakarta to Tangerang, has reached 94.9 per cent completion, with a deadline of 14 October 2026. The stretch has been operational since 9 October 2025 and received a five-star functional worthiness rating. The company applied engineering innovations, including a structural health monitoring system with over 100 sensors on the JC Sedyatmo Bridge.

DKI Jakarta Council Special Committee finds parking operators without permits

The DKI Jakarta Regional House of Representatives' special committee on parking governance has found parking operators managing busy areas, including shopping districts and shop-house complexes, without proper permits. The committee also flagged discrepancies between reported parking tax and actual turnover, urging the provincial government to take firm action including sealing premises and imposing sanctions.

US Suspects Chinese Ships and Cranes of Espionage

Two senior Trump administration officials have accused China's state-owned COSCO Shipping of using hidden devices on its vessels to collect military communications near coastlines, including those of the United States. COSCO and the Chinese Embassy in Washington firmly denied the allegations, which echo earlier US congressional findings that unexplained cellular modems were installed in ZPMC port cranes used across American terminals.

Two Killers and Rapists of Two Sisters in Banyuasin Face Death Penalty

Rendi Saputra and Andika, the suspects in the murder and rape of two sisters identified as RN (23) and AY (18) in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, face the death penalty or life imprisonment. The case resurfaced after human remains were discovered at an abandoned house in Talang Kelapa, along with school bags, uniforms, and jewellery believed to belong to the victims.

Puan says proposal to merge BMKG and the Geological Agency needs further study

DPR Speaker Puan Maharani has urged that President Prabowo Subianto's plan to merge the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) with the Geological Agency be thoroughly studied first. She noted the two bodies have distinct duties and said any merger must deliver clear benefits to the public, while adding that the DPR would support the move if it proves more effective.

Volcanic ash still spreading, Lebak Regency extends remote learning until tomorrow

The Lebak Regency government in Banten has extended distance learning until Wednesday due to continuing volcanic ashfall from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The measure covers early childhood through junior secondary levels, with pupils urged to wear masks and goggles outdoors.

Indonesia Lies on the Ring of Fire, Puan Stresses Integrated Mitigation and Anticipation

DPR Speaker Puan Maharani has called for integrated disaster mitigation and anticipation, emphasising public safety as the paramount priority given Indonesia's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Her remarks follow heightened volcanic activity, with five volcanoes erupting within a week, including Anak Krakatau, whose ash has degraded air quality and disrupted flights across several provinces. She urged a unified disaster leadership, stronger protections for at-risk regions, and public education to prevent panic from unverified information.

Seven New INKA CLI-225 Commuter Trains Pulled into Workshops for Thorough Inspection

PT KAI Commuter Indonesia (KCI) and PT INKA have sent seven new iE305 (CLI-225) commuter train sets produced at INKA's Madiun plant for comprehensive inspections from 7 to 30 September 2026. The move forced KCI to adjust 17 weekday services on the Bogor Line, reducing daily trips from 1,065 to 1,048. The inspections follow derailments of the same train series at Jakarta Kota and Manggarai stations on 4 September 2026.

Groundbreaking in December: Semarang Raya Waste-to-Energy Plant Targets 1,000 Tonnes of Waste

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi and Danantara subsidiary PT Denera have announced that the Semarang Raya waste processing plant (PSEL) at Jatibarang landfill will break ground in December 2026 and begin operations by late 2028. The facility will process 1,000 tonnes of waste per day from Semarang City and Kendal Regency, forming part of a province-wide roadmap towards zero waste by 2029.

Febrie Adriansyah Questioned as Suspect in Money Laundering Case

Former Deputy Attorney General for Special Criminal Febrie Adriansyah was questioned at the Attorney General's Office as a suspect in a money laundering case linked to state insurers PT Asabri and PT Asuransi Jiwasraya. Investigators previously found 74 kilograms of gold and hundreds of billions of rupiah at his Sentul residence, the origin of which remains unclear. Two other suspects, Don Ritto and Nurman Herin, have also been named, with Ritto's lawyer claiming his client is merely a scapegoat.

17 Jakarta Students Turn Fabric Scraps into Map of Indonesia and Fashion

Seventeen students from five Jakarta schools created a 2.5m x 1.5m map of Indonesia from fabric scraps for the Weaving Nusantara project, showcased at a charity event supporting people with disabilities at ICE BSD, Tangerang Selatan. The event, part of the BNI KKB Style Avenue bazaar tied to BNI wondrX 2026, raised funds for Yayasan Wisma Cheshire Indonesia and featured a fashion show of ten gowns by young designers. The project also gave students hands-on experience in leadership, project management, social entrepreneurship and disability inclusion.

Silmy Karim Files Suit Over Asset Seizure, KPK Ready to Face It

Former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim has filed a pre-trial motion at the South Jakarta District Court challenging the KPK's seizure of assets worth around Rp 150 billion in a case involving the extortion of foreign nationals' residence permits. The KPK says it is ready to face the challenge, insisting its investigation and seizures followed proper legal procedure. Eight suspects have been named in the case, which allegedly began when Silmy served as Director General of Immigration in 2023.

General Hoegeng's eldest daughter, Reniyanti, passes away at the age of 78

Reniyanti Hoegeng, the eldest daughter of the late former National Police Chief General Hoegeng Iman Santoso, has died at Eka Hospital in Depok at the age of 78. Her health had reportedly declined in recent weeks following treatment for a heart condition. She was also known as a schoolfriend of former President Megawati Soekarnoputri and was formerly married to senior actor Rudy Wowor.

BSN Records Rp6.57 Trillion in Digital Transactions, Targets Thousands of Merchants

Bank Syariah Nasional (BSN) recorded Rp6.57 trillion in transaction volume through its Bale Syariah mobile banking service by the end of August 2026, with 238,897 active users. The bank is now expanding its digital payment ecosystem by targeting merchants across major Indonesian cities through its Serbu Ekosistem programme, offering QRIS, EDC machines, cash management services and financing access.