Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

Showing 1,201-1,250 of 1,696 articles

Palm sugar produced by PNM-assisted MSME attracts exporter interest

Gasebu, an ant-infused palm sugar brand produced by Susanti, a micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) owner from Garut, West Java, has drawn interest from an exporter in Cianjur requesting up to 30 tonnes for a potential export deal. State-owned PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) supported her ultra-micro business through financing and empowerment programmes, transforming it from an unbranded product into one supporting 113 areca farmers and 17 production workers.

Merz: Germany's policy on Russia unchanged despite unpopularity

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to maintain his government's Russia policy despite its apparent impact on his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party's ratings. His remarks came after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a commanding victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, prompting speculation about Merz's political future.

Supporting Economic Movement, Pertamina Safeguards Energy Supply in Eastern Indonesia

Pertamina's Risk Management Director Ahmad Siddik Badruddin visited the company's facilities in Ternate, North Maluku, to review operational readiness and energy infrastructure capacity. The visit covered the Baabullah Aviation Fuel Terminal, which supplies aviation fuel for around 15 flights daily, and the Ternate Fuel Terminal, which supports fuel distribution to surrounding islands. Pertamina is evaluating expansion options to anticipate growing energy demand driven by economic activity in the region.

Caca Breaks Into Several Houses in East Jakarta, Cries When Arrested

Jakarta Metropolitan Police have arrested a 21-year-old woman known as Caca for a series of house burglaries across East Jakarta. She allegedly stole a Samsung S23 Ultra phone and cash totalling Rp 18 million, and broke down in tears during her arrest.

Video: How Perta Arun Gas Strengthens Its Position as an LNG Hub and Energy Infrastructure Player

PT Perta Arun Gas (PAG), a subsidiary of the Pertamina Group, has been named the world's largest LNG regasification company by reloading volume, handling 0.85 million tonnes or 17.3% of the global market share, according to the IGU World LNG Report 2026. The company manages the Arun terminal in Aceh, Indonesia's first bonded LNG logistics hub, supporting national energy security and positioning its parent Subholding Gas alongside Singapore as an Asian LNG centre.

Mysterious Mobs Dispersing Protesters in Pejompongan

Unidentified men arrived by truck beneath the Pejompongan flyover in Central Jakarta and repeatedly attacked demonstrators who had regrouped there after being dispersed by tear gas outside the Parliament Complex in Senayan. Several people were injured in the beatings, with local neighbourhood officials describing waves of assaults. The incident raises serious questions about the deployment of shadowy groups against protesters and the police response.

Brawl in East Jakarta, Polda Metro Jaya Secures Two Sharp Weapons

A brawl broke out in the early hours of Tuesday in Pisangan, Penggilingan, Cakung, East Jakarta, prompting a joint patrol team from Polda Metro Jaya to intervene. Officers secured a suspect along with two sickle-type sharp weapons, which were handed to the East Jakarta Metro Police for further legal examination.

Is the Anak Krakatau Eruption Similar to 2018? Here's What the Geological Agency Says

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has assured the public that Anak Krakatau's current condition differs from that preceding the 2018 tsunami, as the rebuilt volcanic body remains relatively small and unlikely to collapse on a tsunami-triggering scale. The volcano remains at Level III (Standby) status with a recommended 3-kilometre exclusion radius, while ash fall reaching distant areas is attributed to fine particles and wind patterns.

Maulid Nabi at Al-Ikhlas Mosque: Deputy Police Chief Leads Joint Prayer for the Nation's Safety

Deputy National Police Chief Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo led a joint prayer for the safety of the nation during Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW commemorations at Al-Ikhlas Mosque, National Police Headquarters, Jakarta. He called on the police family to emulate the Prophet's virtues of honesty, justice and compassion in their service, and prayed for protection from disasters including volcanic eruptions.

Plenary session approves Aceh Governance Bill as DPR initiative

The DPR plenary session approved the Bill amending Law No. 11 of 2006 on Aceh Governance, elevating it from a Legislative Body (Baleg) initiative to a formal DPR initiative. Key issues include a proposal to raise Aceh's special autonomy fund from 2 per cent to 2.5 per cent of the national general allocation fund. Final decisions will be discussed with the government through the problem inventory list (DIM) mechanism.

How Banten Is Responding to Anak Krakatau's Volcanic Ashfall

Banten's Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has issued a circular outlining seven preparedness steps in response to heightened activity at Mount Anak Krakatau, including ash impact monitoring, evacuation readiness, logistical preparation, activity restrictions, and public education. The Geological Agency confirmed that a 25-hour continuous eruption ended early Sunday, with six Strombolian eruptions recorded since, and further eruptive episodes remain likely.

Sjamsuddin Noor Air Base Helps Seed 3 Tonnes of NaCl in Weather Modification Operation to Combat South Kalimantan Wildfires

The TNI, through Sjamsuddin Noor Air Base, carried out three sorties seeding three tonnes of sodium chloride to induce rain over South Kalimantan as part of a weather modification operation against forest and land fires. The operation yielded rainfall in several regencies including Tanah Bumbu, Hulu Sungai Tengah and Tabalong. The move follows President Prabowo Subianto's instruction to crack down on corporations responsible for wildfires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, with police having named 138 suspects so far.

Health Ministry coordinates with distributors to ensure smooth mask supply

The Ministry of Health has coordinated with mask producers and distributors to maintain supply following price spikes triggered by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. It has distributed over 100,000 N95 and medical masks plus other health supplies to the worst-affected regions, and urged businesses not to hoard or restrict supply.

Ministry of Hajj: Flights Carrying 3,450 Umrah Pilgrims Delayed Due to Volcanic Ash

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has disrupted operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, delaying flights carrying 3,450 Umrah pilgrims. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it is coordinating with airport operators, airlines and travel organisers to ensure pilgrims' safety and protection.

Customs Office and Surabaya City Government Destroy 43.2 Million Illegal Cigarettes

The Surabaya City Government, together with the East Java I Regional Customs Office and Sidoarjo Customs, has destroyed 43.2 million illegal cigarettes seized during the first half of 2026. The haul was valued at an estimated Rp 64.2 billion, with potential state revenue losses of around Rp 36 billion. The destruction is part of a broader effort to curb illegal cigarette circulation and protect state excise receipts.

Volkswagen Car Plant Becomes Israeli Weapons Production Centre

The Volkswagen plant in Osnabrück, Germany, is being converted from car manufacturing into a defence industry hub, with Israeli state-owned arms maker Rafael Advanced Defence Systems as its first major industrial partner. Aurelius Capital will hold the majority stake alongside the state of Lower Saxony, in a deal that reflects both Germany's rising defence spending and the wider restructuring of the European automotive industry.

Far-right AfD wins election in German state of Saxony-Anhalt

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won 43.8% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, doubling its 2021 share and securing 39 of 83 seats, though falling short of the 42 needed for an outright majority. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU slumped to 17.2%, and with all other parties refusing to cooperate with the AfD, the state faces prolonged political uncertainty over coalition formation.

Radin Inten II and Four Other Airports Reopen Today

AirNav Indonesia has reopened five airports, including Radin Inten II, following volcanic ash disruption from Mount Anak Krakatau. The airports remain under close monitoring as ash clouds are still detected in the flight area, and pilots are urged to remain cautious.

Eiffel Tower Employees Strike After Female Staff Removed

The Eiffel Tower was closed on Monday after staff went on strike to protest the removal of female employees during a visit by around 100 men from the BAPS Hindu spiritual group, which had requested limited interactions with women. Operator SETE admitted the decision was a mistake, while Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire condemned the incident as unacceptable. The landmark, which attracts some seven million visitors annually, was set to reopen on Tuesday.

SIG maintains idAAA rating from Pefindo with stable outlook

PT Semen Indonesia (SIG) has retained its idAAA rating with a stable outlook from Pefindo, the highest rating reflecting a superior capacity to meet long-term financial commitments. The company has reduced its financial obligations by Rp2.3 trillion between January and July 2026, while first-half sales volumes rose 5.6 per cent year on year. The rating strengthens SIG's credibility and investor confidence, according to chief executive Indrieffouny Indra.

Wunopito Airport in East Nusa Tenggara Closed Due to Volcanic Ash from Mount Ile Lewotolok

Wunopito Airport in Lewoleba, East Nusa Tenggara, was temporarily closed after Mount Ile Lewotolok erupted, sending an ash column some 800 metres above its summit. AirNav Indonesia issued a NOTAM closing the airport from 8 to 9 September 2026, citing flight safety risks from volcanic ash. Eleven villages in Ile Ape District were also affected by ashfall, damaging crops and causing skin irritation among residents.

Waymo's Zeekr robotaxis expand to 14 cities across the United States

Waymo has launched public driverless taxi services in Denver, San Diego and Tampa, bringing its US operations to 14 cities. The expansion relies on the Zeekr Ojai as the exclusive vehicle platform, as Waymo gradually transitions away from its Jaguar I-Pace fleet. The company has surpassed 500,000 fully autonomous trips per week and aims to reach one million weekly by the end of 2026.

Volcanic Ash from Mount Lewotolok Eruption Spreads, Wunopito Airport in East Nusa Tenggara Temporarily Closed

AirNav Indonesia has temporarily closed Wunopito Airport in Lewoleba, East Nusa Tenggara, after volcanic ash from Mount Lewotolok's eruption spread into the area. The closure, effective from 7 September through 9 September 2026, follows an eruption that sent an ash column roughly 800 metres above the summit. AirNav continues monitoring conditions and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure flight safety.

Expert Warns of Volcanic Ash Hazards Even After Eruptions End

Health experts have warned that volcanic ash remains dangerous after eruptions cease, as particles accumulated on roads and rooftops can be resuspended into the air by wind, vehicles and cleaning activities. Dr. Sukamto Koesnoe of PAPDI urged the public to wear high-standard masks such as N95 and to update influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, particularly chronic disease patients and the elderly in affected provinces.

Indonesian House of Representatives Approves Auction of Former Warship KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara-364

The DPR RI has formally approved a request from the Ministry of Defence and the Indonesian Navy to sell the former corvette KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara-364 via auction. Under Law No. 1 of 2004 on State Treasury, the sale of state assets valued above Rp100 billion requires legislative approval. The training warship, built in Split in the former Yugoslavia, is currently half-submerged at a dock in Semampir, Surabaya.

Chinese Scientists Startled by Fish 'Moonwalking' Above Indonesian Waters

Chinese researchers have recorded an armoured searobin 'walking' backwards across the seabed of the South China Sea near Indonesia's northern maritime boundary. The fish uses stiff, thickened fins to move and hop across sediment, and its apparent sensitivity to light has raised questions about how recently it colonised the deep-sea environment.

1,730 Disasters Strike Indonesia Up to September 2026, with Forest Fires and Floods the Most Common

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded 1,730 natural disasters across Indonesia from the start of the year to 7 September 2026, dominated by forest and land fires and floods. The disasters damaged over 111,000 homes and thousands of public facilities, with the government approving an initial Rp1.12 trillion budget for BNPB in 2027, including Rp126.24 billion for post-disaster recovery in three Sumatran provinces.

Impact of Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption: Train Passengers to Jakarta Reach 117,339

Rail services have become the alternative transport of choice following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, with 117,339 passengers arriving in Jakarta between 6 and 9 September 2026 after air travel was suspended. KAI Daop 1 Jakarta operated normally and added four extra long-distance services to Central and East Java to meet surging demand.

BMKG Urges Public Not to Be Swayed by Viral Video Predicting M9 Earthquake

A viral video by Canadian man Frankie MacDonald claimed Indonesia would be struck by a magnitude 7-9 earthquake. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged the public to remain calm and disregard unverified predictions, stressing that earthquakes cannot yet be precisely predicted in terms of timing or location.

Tensions Rise! Houthi Strikes Saudi Arabia, 73 People Wounded

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have attacked targets inside Saudi Arabia, including Abha International Airport, King Khalid air base and Aramco facilities, as fighting intensifies near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Saudi-led coalition reported 73 civilians wounded in the strikes, while days of clashes near the Red Sea coast have killed more than 300 people and displaced hundreds of families. The strait is a critical shipping route for Saudi oil exports amid Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Indonesia strengthens emergency care pillar for health crises caused by disasters

The Ministry of Health is standardising WHO-compliant Emergency Medical Teams and improving emergency department governance in response to Indonesia ranking as the world's second most disaster-prone country. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said 52 disaster-related health crises had been recorded by September 2026, with over 38,000 reserve health personnel on standby nationwide. The profession's support comes with a caveat: Indonesia has only 66 emergency specialist doctors against an ideal requirement of 1,034.

Indef deems East Nusa Tenggara prospective as industrial salt production base

The Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) believes East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is well suited to become a large-scale industrial salt production base, complementing community salt centres in Java. National salt output fell to about 1.04 million tonnes in 2025, well short of government targets of 2.5 million tonnes by 2026 and self-sufficiency by 2029. The K-SIGN industrial salt zone in Rote Ndao, NTT, is a key vehicle for expanding capacity, with a first harvest targeted for November 2026.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Resumes Operations, Jakarta-Lombok Flights Return to Normal

Jakarta-Lombok flights have returned to normal after Soekarno-Hatta International Airport resumed operations on Tuesday (8/9/2026) at 00.30 WIB, having been closed due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The disruption had affected 37 scheduled flights and more than 5,000 passengers between Sunday and Monday. Angkasa Pura Indonesia is coordinating with airlines whilst urging passengers to check flight status regularly.

BMKG Reveals September 2026 as Critical Phase for Forest and Land Fires, El Niño Hampers Extinguishing Efforts

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned that September 2026 remains a critical phase for forest and land fires, driven by El Niño-induced dry conditions and a high number of hotspots, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Smoke spread and rising PM2.5 and carbon monoxide emissions are affecting air quality, with BMKG conducting Weather Modification Operations alongside BNPB and other agencies to support mitigation.

Bank Mandiri to Distribute Rp6.16 Trillion Dividend – Note the Dates!

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (BMRI) is distributing an interim dividend of Rp6.16 trillion, or Rp66 per share, for the 2026 financial year, bringing total dividends paid during calendar 2026 to around Rp50.63 trillion. The payout comes amid strong performance, with loans up 17.6% year-on-year to Rp1,592 trillion and net profit rising 22.3% to Rp37.5 trillion as of August 2026. The dividend will be paid on 2 October 2026.

Metro Jaya Police disperse brawl and secure two machetes in East Jakarta

A joint patrol team from the Mobile Brigade of the Metro Jaya Regional Police and the East Jakarta Precinct dispersed a brawl in Pisangan, Penggilingan, Cakung, early on Tuesday morning. Officers secured one suspect along with two machetes, which were handed to the East Jakarta Metro Police for further investigation.

Water crisis threatens vessel traffic in the Panama Canal

Severe water shortages could reduce daily transits through the Panama Canal to 27 vessels in the coming months, according to the canal's administrator cited by the Financial Times. The canal handles over 3 per cent of global trade and relies on freshwater reservoirs, prompting conservation measures and plans for a new reservoir on the Rio Indio river by 2032.

Puan Calls for Immediate Investigation Into Former Burnt Forest Land Planted with Oil Palm

DPR Speaker Puan Maharani has called for an immediate investigation into former forest and land fire areas that were swiftly converted into oil palm plantations. Her remarks echo President Prabowo Subianto's earlier order to investigate the practice, including revoking the permits of any corporations found responsible.

Adidas Apologises After Ad Featuring Former Israeli Soldier Sparks Boycott Calls

Adidas has apologised after a local Israeli advertising campaign featuring Shalev Biton, a former Israeli soldier who lost his left leg during military service, triggered criticism and calls for a boycott. The German sportswear giant said the material was produced by its local team in Israel and was not part of a global campaign, amid protests over the high number of Palestinian amputees in Gaza.

Furore as Canadian Observer Predicts M9.0 Earthquake to Hit Indonesia by 2026 — BMKG Issues This Reminder

A viral video by Canadian amateur meteorologist Frankie MacDonald warning Indonesians to prepare for a devastating earthquake before the end of 2026 has caused alarm. The BMKG's earthquake and tsunami director, Wijayanto, dismissed the prediction as coincidence, noting Indonesia experiences on average two earthquakes above M7.0 per year and that earthquakes cannot yet be predicted. He urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, relying only on official BMKG channels for early warnings.

Tangerang legislator proposes weather modification to tackle volcanic ash spread

A Tangerang city councillor has proposed weather modification to suppress the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, which has affected air quality and public health in Banten. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is reportedly working on the plan with the Banten provincial government, though its feasibility depends on cloud potential.

Food Affairs Coordinating Minister: Government adds 150,000 tonnes of subsidised maize for small livestock farmers

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan announced an additional 150,000 tonnes of maize under the food supply and price stabilisation (SPHP) programme, drawn from Perum Bulog stocks. The allocation targets small and micro poultry farmers rather than large industrial producers, as prolonged dry weather threatens to reduce maize output and drive up feed prices.

Ministry of Villages urges promotion of village potential through digital video

The Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions is encouraging villages across Indonesia to use digital media, particularly video, to promote their economic potential. Tabrani, Director General of Village Economic Development and Investment, said the 2026 village documentary video competition should be seen as part of building a digital promotion ecosystem rather than merely a contest.

Government Has Disbursed Rp208 Trillion in KUR, Rp82 Trillion Remaining in 2026

The government has disbursed Rp208.21 trillion of its Rp290 trillion people's business credit (KUR) target as of end-August 2026, or 71.76% of the annual goal. Around Rp81.79 trillion remains available for micro, small and medium enterprises through to year-end. KUR reaches 3.23 million borrowers, while ultra-micro financing has served 15.42 million debtors, predominantly women.

Volcanic Ash from Mount Anak Krakatau Spreads — How Long Will It Remain in the Air?

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has spread volcanic ash across Banten, West Java, Lampung and Bengkulu, with the BMKG detecting ash from the surface up to about 15,000 feet. The duration ash stays airborne depends on particle size, wind direction and speed, and rainfall conditions. Fine particles can remain suspended and travel great distances even after visible ashfall ceases.

INKA Breaks Silence After 17 KRL Services Cancelled Due to Train Maintenance

PT INKA has confirmed its engineering teams are directly involved in maintenance of the problematic iE305 KRL series it manufactured, as KAI Commuter Indonesia cut 17 daily services on the Bogor-Jakarta Kota route until the end of September. KCI has reduced total daily operations from 1,065 to 1,048 journeys across the Jabodetabek commuter network while the fleet undergoes intensive checks.

Pertamina assures energy supply for economic activity in eastern Indonesia

PT Pertamina (Persero) has affirmed the readiness of its energy infrastructure and supply to support connectivity and economic growth in eastern Indonesia. Risk Management Director Ahmad Siddik Badruddin highlighted evaluations of the Aviation Fuel Terminal Babullah in Ternate and Fuel Terminal Ternate, noting the unique logistical challenges of distributing energy across the island-heavy Papua and Maluku regions.

BSI Backs Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia (MotoGP™) 2026, Strengthening Tourism and Sharia Finance Ecosystem in Mandalika

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) has reaffirmed its support for the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia (MotoGP™) 2026, to be held on 9–11 October at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok. The state-owned sharia bank is working with ITDC and Danantara Indonesia to provide seamless financial services, digital payment channels and micro, small and medium enterprise integration to boost the local halal tourism economy.

Key Notes from the 35th NU Congress Bahtsul Masail on the Revision of the Aceh Qanun

The Bahtsul Masail of Nahdlatul Ulama's 35th Congress has called for the refinement of Articles 52, 53 and 54 of the Aceh Qanun on Criminal Law, which govern rape complaints and evidentiary rules. The forum judged these articles as still leaving room for the criminalisation of victims. Delegates welcomed recent Qanun revisions accommodating the Sexual Violence Crimes Law, while urging further alignment with victim protection principles.

Papaya Fruit Fibre Holds Potential as the Future of Medicine

Researchers have found that fibres from papaya fruit possess unique microstructures that could serve as innovative materials in modern medicine. The cellulose networks can be processed into stable hydrogels for wound dressings and targeted drug delivery, offering biodegradable and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic polymers. The research also supports circular economy principles by utilising agricultural waste and reducing the pharmaceutical industry's reliance on petroleum-based materials.