Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

Showing 1,251-1,300 of 1,696 articles

Why Prabowo Traveled to Russia Amid Disaster Response

Indonesia's Government Communication Agency (Bakom) defended President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Russia from 2–4 September 2026, which took place while the country was grappling with a magnitude-7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara and widespread forest fires. Bakom head Muhammad Qodari insisted the President had ensured domestic issues were properly handled and had visited disaster areas before departing, adding that foreign trips serve national interests by opening economic opportunities. The earthquake has displaced over 195,000 people and killed 127, while fires have burned more than 73,000 hectares of land.

Chinese Cars Begin to Grip the World, with Factories Across the Globe

Chinese carmakers such as BYD, Chery, Geely, SAIC and Xpeng are expanding overseas production to cut shipping costs, avoid import tariffs and meet local content rules. BYD has just opened its first Indonesian plant in Subang, West Java, with capacity of 150,000 vehicles a year, whilst in Europe Chinese brands captured 11% of Western European sales in Q2 2026, overtaking Japanese rivals. AlixPartners forecasts Chinese overseas production capacity could reach 3.4 million vehicles by 2030.

Puan Calls for Careful Study of Merger Plan Between BMKG and Geological Agency

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called for a thorough study of President Prabowo Subianto's plan to integrate the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) with the Geological Agency to monitor disaster potential. Prabowo raised the idea during a limited cabinet meeting on disaster management at the Merdeka Palace, saying the two bodies' mandates differ.

Militaristic Management and Investment Decisions: An Analysis of Risk Preferences

Companies with military-background board members show a positive relationship with investment efficiency, according to a study of 2,648 observations of non-financial firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2019. Drawing on Upper Echelons Theory and Imprinting Theory, the research finds that military training fosters discipline and accountability in strategic decision-making. The authors caution, however, that such appointments should be balanced with technical financial expertise.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Resumes Operations, Terminal 1B Busy with New Arrivals

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang has resumed operations after being closed due to volcanic ash disruption. Arriving passengers crowded Terminal 1B, many having faced multiple flight cancellations and rescheduling. One traveller from West Sumatra described a stressful journey marked by repeated schedule changes before finally reaching Jakarta.

INKA-Built Trains Enter Workshops, Jabodetabek Commuter Line Services Adjusted

KAI Commuter has temporarily reduced Jabodetabek Commuter Line services from 1,065 to 1,048 daily journeys from 7 September, cancelling 17 trips as trainsets undergo intensive maintenance. State-owned rolling stock manufacturer PT INKA is directly involved in the general check-up of its iE305 series trainsets, inspecting bogies, propulsion systems and other safety-critical components. The company apologised for the disruption and urged passengers to adjust their travel plans.

PTBA Targets New Coal Downstreaming Businesses Beyond DME

PT Bukit Asam (PTBA) is expanding its coal downstreaming programme beyond the DME gasification project to include methanol and potassium humate production. The company aims for downstreaming and diversification to contribute 20% of total revenue within four years, while also developing solar power plants on post-mining land.

West Java Regional Police Hand Over Kidnapping Suspect in Taufik Hidayat Case to District Prosecutors

The Women and Children Protection and Anti-Human Trafficking Directorate of the West Java Regional Police has transferred a suspect in the kidnapping and assault of Taufik Hidayat, along with the evidence, to the Bandung Regency District Prosecutor's Office. The second-stage handover is said to accommodate all aggravating charges under the applicable articles.

Tax Refunds Stuck, Business Cash Flow Stalled

Indonesian businesses are complaining about slow disbursement of tax refunds, which is disrupting corporate cash flow, delaying expansion and potentially dragging on economic growth. The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) is urging the government to set clear service standards, while economists link the delays to fiscal pressure on the state budget.

Mount Ile Lewotolok Spews Volcanic Ash, Residents Suffer Itchy Skin

Volcanic ash from Mount Ile Lewotolok has fallen on 11 villages in Ile Ape District, Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, damaging crops and causing eye irritation and skin complaints among residents. The volcano erupted on Tuesday morning, sending an ash column 800 metres above its summit. Local authorities are coordinating with the disaster agency to distribute masks to affected communities.

Is It Safe to Travel to Indonesia After Volcanic Eruption? Latest Advice

Indonesia remains open to travellers despite the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which grounded around 2,000 flights and affected some 270,000 passengers, with Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport among those temporarily closed. Airports have since reopened and there is no government advice against travel, though disruptions may continue and passengers are advised to check flight status with airlines. Travellers are also urged to take precautions against poor air quality from volcanic ash, including wearing properly fitted face masks.

Video: PAG's Ambition to Become an Energy Hub, Adding LNG, Fuel and LPG Tank Capacity

PT Perta Arun Gas (PAG) is strengthening its position as a key Asian LNG hub, claiming the world's largest LNG re-export loading volume at 0.85 million tonnes, or 17.3% of the global market. Its strategy includes revitalising the Arun F-6004 LNG tank to 127,000 cubic metres to lift terminal utilisation by 25%, alongside long-term plans for new tanks, fuel and LPG facilities, and petrochemical storage.

Deputy Minister Stella Christie pushes for capacity building in contribution-based campuses

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Stella Christie said universities must strengthen their capacity by delivering real contributions to national progress, positioning them as key to the President's 8 per cent economic growth target. The ministry has launched the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKPT) to develop and regenerate university leadership, with participants learning from prominent figures including former ministers and rectors.

Agrarian Reform Regulation Bill Approved as House of Representatives Initiative

The House of Representatives (DPR) has approved the Bill on Agrarian Reform Regulation as a House initiative bill, moving it to deliberation with the government. The bill, comprising 16 chapters and 70 articles, provides for the establishment of an independent National Agrarian Reform Agency accountable directly to the president. It also covers land rights legalisation for farmers, fishers, indigenous communities and other marginalised groups, as well as land boundary control, conflict resolution and funding schemes.

Secretary General: Projo Has Never Declared a Solo Axis or a 2029 Presidential Election Coalition

Projo Secretary General Fredy Alex Damanik has denied that the organisation ever declared a 'Solo axis' or began building a coalition for the 2029 presidential election. His remarks came in response to Golkar Deputy Chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia, who suggested that Projo and Jokowi were positioning themselves alongside a Cikeas axis ahead of the next polls.

Adidas Draws Backlash After Featuring Former Israeli Soldier in Advertisement

Adidas has come under criticism after featuring Shalev Biton, a former Israeli soldier who lost a leg during a 2021 military operation in Gaza, in an advertising campaign for its Single-Shoe Service aimed at leg amputees. Human rights activists and pro-Palestine groups have questioned the choice, highlighting the plight of Palestinians who have lost limbs in the conflict. The controversy echoes Adidas's 2024 backlash over the removal of Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid from its SL72 campaign.

Quality of teachers: LPTK graduates vs non-LPTK graduates

The debate over teacher quality in Indonesia often centres on whether teachers must come from teacher-training institutions (LPTK). While LPTK graduates theoretically hold a pedagogical advantage, quality varies widely and graduation alone does not guarantee teaching competence. The author argues that LPTK status should only be privileged if institutions can genuinely assure readiness.

Krakatau Ash Distribution on 8 September 2026 Across Indonesian Territory, Says BMKG

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported the distribution of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau as of 00:00 WIB on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. The ash moved south and south-west at low altitude, affecting parts of Banten and the north-western Indian Ocean, with potential impacts on air quality and visibility. The volcano erupted three times that morning, according to the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's Magma monitoring site.

Democrat Party Denies AHY Speech Addressed 2029 Presidential Election, Affirms Support for Prabowo

The Democrat Party's BRAINS head, Ahmad Khoirul Umam, has clarified that AHY's speech at the party's 25th anniversary did not address the 2029 presidential election, dismissing speculation that he is positioning himself as a candidate. He stressed that AHY explicitly affirmed the party's commitment to the Prabowo Subianto government, responding to earlier remarks by Golkar deputy chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia suggesting AHY was signalling readiness to contest.

Chinese Foreign Workers Found at Site Where Three Illegal Gold Miners Died in Sumbawa

An illegal gold mine in Lawang Tua, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, came under scrutiny after a landslide killed three miners and injured six others. Local police confirmed the presence of Chinese nationals at the site, but said they were working as technicians rather than operators, with the mine run entirely by Indonesian citizens. The site has been sealed whilst investigations continue, as the operation is believed to lack a community mining permit.

Has Soekarno-Hatta Airport Reopened? Check the Latest Information

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport resumed operations after a temporary closure caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Six other affected airports, including Halim Perdanakusuma and Radin Inten II, have also returned to normal, though some flights remain cancelled or delayed.

Baznas RI pushes modern philanthropic literacy among the younger generation

Baznas RI's Head of Mobilisation and Collection, Rizaludin Kurniawan, has called for stronger Islamic philanthropic literacy among young Indonesians to boost zakat, infak and sedekah practices across generations. Citing Baznas research from 2020, 2022 and 2024, he highlighted a persistent gap between people's knowledge of zakat and their actual payment behaviour. He proposed early philanthropic education incorporating practical exercises such as zakat rituals and extracurricular activities.

Government and Private Sector Obliged to Provide Remedy for MBG Food Poisoning Victims

The Ministry of Human Rights has called on the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to provide rights-based remedies for victims of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme who suffered food poisoning. Citing the Maastricht Guidelines, the Ministry stressed that both the government and private actors, such as SPPG providers, can be held responsible for violations. It has also asked BGN to establish a dedicated unit to handle recovery services.

PDIP Reports to Metro Jaya Police Over Member Falsely Linked to Viral Ojol Driver During 27 August Protest

PDIP Jakarta's legal aid body has filed a police report over hoax allegations after party member Ellen Taroreh was falsely identified as Melva Pardede, an online motorcycle taxi driver who went viral during the 27 August demonstration outside the DPR building. The report targets several social media accounts under articles on defamation and false news in the Criminal Code. Police have confirmed the report and are preparing an investigation.

Zohran Mamdani to Attend Ground Zero Ceremony Despite Growing Controversy

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed he will attend the main ceremony at Ground Zero marking the 25th anniversary of the 11 September 2001 attacks, despite calls from some victims' families and political figures, including Rudy Giuliani, for him to stay away. The controversy intensified after Mamdani handed the pen used to sign 9/11-related executive orders to his chief counsel, Ramzi Kassem, a law professor who previously represented Guantanamo detainees. Kassem has never been accused of involvement in the attacks.

Baznas affirms ZIS funds were not used for the book 'Islam Ala Prabowo'

The National Zakat Agency (Baznas) has denied that zakat, infaq and sadaqah (ZIS) funds were used to produce or publish the book 'Islam Ala Prabowo'. Its chairman, Sodik Mudjahid, said Baznas's involvement was limited to institutional synergy in religious outreach literacy alongside the MUI, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the MPR. He added that President Prabowo Subianto had entrusted his personal ZIS funds to Baznas, which are being channelled into flagship programmes for the public.

Sonablate HIFU: A Modern Alternative Prostate Treatment with Faster Recovery

Cases of prostate disorders among men are rising, driving demand for effective treatments with quicker recovery times. Sonablate High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), offered at Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh, uses precisely focused ultrasound energy to destroy abnormal prostate tissue without incisions, offering reduced pain, lower complication risks and a return to light activities within one to two days. Suitability is determined through comprehensive evaluation by a urology specialist.

Six Volcanoes Erupt, Government Monitors Impact on Economy and Logistics

The Indonesian government is monitoring the economic and logistical fallout from eruptions at six volcanoes, including Mount Sinabung, Anak Krakatau and Semeru. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said aviation and cargo disruptions are already being felt, while Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa assessed the economic impact as not yet significant.

To Curb Residents' Spending, Pasuruan Regency Holds Three-Day Affordable Market

The Pasuruan Regency Government held a three-day affordable market from 7–9 September 2026 at the Grati District Office to ease residents' daily expenses and support food security. Staples such as rice, sugar and cooking oil were sold well below market prices, with state logistics firm Bulog and private companies supplying commodities. Local MSMEs were also given stalls to promote their products.

South Korea, Philippines strengthen defence and arms industry cooperation

South Korea and the Philippines have agreed to expand defence cooperation, including personnel exchanges, joint military exercises and deeper defence industry ties beyond existing naval and air programmes. The commitment follows a bilateral summit in March and comes as Manila holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year.

Judge in Ex-Religious Affairs Minister Case Temporarily Replaced Due to Volcanic Ash Flight Disruption

The first member judge in the corruption trial of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was temporarily replaced after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau eruptions disrupted his flight. Yaqut stands accused of causing state losses of Rp 622 billion in the additional hajj quota corruption case for 2023-2024.

Education Minister: Strengthening 3S literacy concept is the foundation for Golden Indonesia

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti has launched the 3S literacy concept—literacy for others, the universe, and prosperity—as a foundation for preparing the younger generation towards Golden Indonesia 2045. Speaking at the International Literacy Day commemoration, he said the concept, adapted from UNESCO's global literacy theme, aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Astacita on building competitive human resources.

Someone Buys 872 Million INPP Shares at Rp720, Spending Rp628 Billion

Tree of Blessing Pte Ltd has purchased 872 million shares, or 7.8%, of PT Indonesian Paradise Property Tbk (INPP) at Rp720 per share, in a transaction worth Rp628 billion. The purchase, disclosed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, lifts its stake to 35.95%, placing it just behind PT Grahatama Kreasibaru, which holds 36.24% and whose ultimate beneficiary is Amelia Gozali and family.

Rupiah predicted to strengthen as majority of regional currencies improve

The rupiah is expected to strengthen slightly against the US dollar, supported by gains in regional currencies, particularly the Japanese yen, as the dollar index softens. Analysts at Bank Woori Saudara note growing speculation that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates, although domestic concerns persist over a widening trade deficit driven by rising oil prices and dollar demand.

"Kasih Aba-Aba 2.0" by Naykilla-Tenxi Goes Viral on TikTok Ahead of 9.9

The song "Kasih Aba-Aba 2.0" by Naykilla and Tenxi has become a viral TikTok sound ahead of the 9.9 shopping event on 9 September 2026, amassing over 21 million views on TikTok alone. The trend, fuelled by user-created dance and sing covers, is amplifying Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day campaign, which features promotions including Rp1,000 Super Deals and discounts of up to 90 per cent.

Ibas urges young people to think critically in facing the influence of AI and algorithms

Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono has called on Indonesia's younger generation to think critically and actively participate in democracy rather than surrendering their thinking to artificial intelligence and social media algorithms. Speaking at a national seminar on AI, TikTok and politics, he warned that virality does not equal truth and that views and followers are not measures of leadership or public trust.

Eight Airports Affected by Volcanic Ash Resume Operations, Latest Being Radin Inten Airport

Eight airports closed due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau have all resumed operations, with Radin Inten II, Taufik Kiemas and Salakanagara the latest to reopen. AirNav Indonesia stated that all affected airports are open but remain under monitoring, as ash clouds are still detected in flight zones, and passengers are advised to check flight statuses with airlines before travelling.

BNPB records 1,730 disasters striking Indonesia up to September 2026

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded 1,730 natural disasters across all 38 provinces as of 7 September 2026, dominated by hydrometeorological events such as forest fires and floods. The disasters damaged more than 111,000 homes and thousands of public facilities, prompting the government to allocate an initial Rp1.12 trillion budget for BNPB in 2027, including funds for post-disaster recovery in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

Indonesian Air Force confirms aircraft activity in Jakarta back to normal

The Indonesian Air Force has confirmed that flight operations at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta have resumed normally after a two-day suspension caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that several affected airports, including Soekarno-Hatta, reopened early on Tuesday following national aviation safety evaluations, although two airports in Lampung remain closed pending further assessment.

Furore as Trump Posts Map of Mexico, Canada and Greenland Covered by US Flag

US President Donald Trump posted a map on Truth Social showing the American flag draped over most of North America, including Canada, Mexico, Greenland and Iceland, without any explanation. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded firmly that Mexico is not and will not become a colony or protectorate of any foreign nation. The post follows a series of Trump's territorial and renaming ambitions, including proposals to annex Canada and Greenland and to rename the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario.

Disaster Relief Effort: BRI Peduli Distributes Masks and Vitamins in Jakarta

BRI Peduli, the corporate social responsibility arm of state lender BRI, distributed masks and vitamins to residents at high-mobility locations across Jakarta following volcanic ashfall from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. BRI Corporate Secretary Dhanny said the initiative formed part of the bank's emergency response programme to protect communities from deteriorating air quality.

Full Price List for Galeri24, Antam and UBS Pegadaian Gold on Tuesday

Gold prices quoted on Pegadaian's website at 10.50 WIB on Tuesday showed Galeri24, Antam and UBS gold at Rp2,587,000, Rp2,667,000 and Rp2,629,000 per gram respectively. Prices are subject to change, and the brands are sold in quantities ranging from 0.5 grams up to as much as 1 kilogram.

BNPB Requests Additional Rp 5.67 Trillion Ready-to-Use Funds for Disaster Management

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has proposed an additional Rp 5.67 trillion in ready-to-use funds to the Ministry of Finance to accelerate disaster response and physical rehabilitation across Indonesia in 2026. The agency's regular 2026 budget stands at Rp 1.08 trillion, whilst the government has already approved an initial 2027 allocation of Rp 1.12 trillion.

More Than 1,000 DNA Variations Help Shape Human Personality

A major genetic study analysing hundreds of thousands of individuals has found that human personality is shaped by more than 1,000 small DNA variations rather than one or two single genes. The research overturns the notion of specific 'personality genes' and highlights that environment and life experience remain powerful influences alongside inherited predispositions.

The "Bridge of Love" Between Putin and Kim Jong Un Is Completed and Officially Opened

Russia and North Korea have officially opened their first road bridge across the Tumen River, connecting Khasan in Russia with Rason in North Korea. Named after Soviet officer Yakov Novichenko, who saved Kim Il Sung's life in 1946, the bridge is expected to boost bilateral cooperation, including tourism and job creation. Construction began in April 2025 following an agreement struck during Vladimir Putin's 2024 visit to Pyongyang.

Doctor: Beware the effects of volcanic ash even after an eruption has ended

A senior Indonesian physician has warned that health risks from volcanic ash persist for days or weeks after an eruption, as particles can be resuspended by wind, traffic and cleaning activities. Dr Sukamto Koesnoe of PAPDI urged vigilance for respiratory, eye, skin and cardiovascular effects, particularly for people with chronic conditions. The advisory follows a series of eruptions at Indonesian volcanoes including Mount Anak Krakatau, Semeru and Sinabung.

House Plenary Session Approves Sale of KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara

The Indonesian House of Representatives has approved the sale of the decommissioned naval vessel KRI Ki Hajar Dewantara via auction. The ship, built in Yugoslavia in 1978 and stripped of its weaponry in 2018, is no longer seaworthy or operational as a warship.

Fact Check: Malaysia Did Not Deploy Firefighting Aircraft to Sumatra in 2026, Viral Footage Is From 2015

Viral social media posts claiming Malaysia deployed a CL-415MP aircraft to combat Sumatra forest fires in August 2026 are misleading; Tempo's verification shows the footage dates from a 2015 relief operation in Palembang, and Malaysia's Maritime Enforcement Agency confirmed no aircraft were sent in 2026. The misinformation spread amid renewed forest and land fires in Sumatra driven by the 2026 El Nino, with thousands of hotspots detected, most within concession areas, underscoring the structural challenge of peat ecosystem protection in Indonesia.

Ministry of Higher Education establishes AKPT to strengthen campus leadership vision

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology has officially launched the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKPT) to strengthen leadership development and regeneration at Indonesian universities. Deputy Minister Fauzan stressed that higher education must be treated as strategic national infrastructure, producing talent, knowledge, technology and innovation. The academy will connect current university leaders with potential future leaders, with sessions featuring figures such as former Education Minister Mohammad Nuh and Bappenas head Rachmat Pambudy.

The 10 Loneliest Countries in the World, Indonesia Among Them

Indonesia ranks tenth among the world's loneliest countries with a score of 77, according to the Global Loneliness Study conducted by digital entertainment platform JB.com across 36 nations. Turkey tops the list with a perfect score of 100, followed by India and Brazil, with the findings showing loneliness is not simply linked to living alone.