Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

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IndexPolitica Releases Performance Report Card for Red and White Cabinet Ministers — Who Comes Out on Top?

Political research institute IndexPolitica Indonesia has released a performance assessment of ministers in President Prabowo Subianto's Red and White Cabinet, with Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman ranking first with a score of 91. The evaluation prioritised measurable and verifiable achievements over media exposure, using evidence-based methodology. Investment and Downstreaming Minister Rosan Roeslani and Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa followed in the rankings.

Seven Indonesian Airports Remain Closed After Anak Krakatau Eruption

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau has forced the closure of seven Indonesian airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serving Jakarta, leaving some 170,000 passengers stranded and 1,558 flights delayed. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the reopening timeline remains uncertain due to dynamic weather, as schools in Jakarta moved online and shipping in the Sunda Strait was disrupted. Authorities warned that further eruptions remain likely, though the latest activity is not expected to trigger a tsunami.

Rupiah Opens Weaker as US Dollar Rises to Rp17,635

The rupiah opened marginally weaker at Rp17,635 per US dollar, unable to capitalise on a correction in the dollar index. Markets are awaiting US inflation data ahead of the Fed's September FOMC meeting, with traders pricing in roughly a 60% chance of a rate hike. Geopolitical tensions in the Gulf supporting high oil prices add further pressure, though Indonesia's foreign reserves rose to US$146.5 billion in August.

Elon Musk Documentary Trailer Released: Great Inventor or a Man Who Has Lost His Mind?

Bleecker Street has released the official trailer for 'Musk', a 235-minute documentary by Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney examining the billionaire's power, influence and controversies. The film premieres at the Venice Film Festival before screening in Toronto, and scrutinises Musk's relationship with governments and regulators. Musk dismissed the project as a 'hit piece' and declined to take part.

Eiffel Tower Closed After Staff Protest Over Removal of Female Colleagues

The Eiffel Tower was shut after staff went on strike to protest instructions that female employees be kept out of sight during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation. Operator SETE admitted the delegation had requested limited interaction with women, calling the conditions unacceptable and promising consequences, while Paris officials announced an investigation.

Transport Minister: Several Airports Affected by Mount Anak Krakatau Volcanic Ash Reopened

The Transport Minister, Dudy Purwagandhi, has announced the reopening of several airports closed due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, including Soekarno-Hatta, following a national aviation safety evaluation. Operations resumed from 00.01 WIB on Tuesday (8/9), though two airports in Lampung remain closed pending further assessment. The reopenings come with safety conditions, including mandatory fleet inspections and pilot awareness of restricted airspace polygons contaminated by ash.

Breathtaking! Portrait of the Pelican Nebula Reveals Gas, Dust and Newborn Stars

NASA has released a stunning new astronomical image of the Pelican Nebula (IC 5070), a colourful star-forming region about 2,000 light years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus. The portrait captures the dramatic interplay between ultraviolet radiation from massive young stars and the surrounding gas and dust, where new stars are actively being born.

To Meet Market Demand, NexAI Focuses Fully on Becoming a Digital Infrastructure Provider

PT NexAI Digital Infrastruktur Tbk (MGLV), formerly PT Panca Wisesa Anugerah Tbk, is pivoting its business towards high-density data centre infrastructure to serve the booming demand for AI and cloud computing in South-East Asia. The company's shares have surged more than 450% year-to-date, driven by its new strategic direction and links to Garibaldi 'Boy' Thohir's business network.

Coordinating Minister Yusril Denies Writing Book 'Islam According to Prabowo': Was Only Interviewed

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has denied authoring the book 'Islam ala Prabowo: How Prabowo Subianto Practises Islamic Teachings'. He said his involvement was limited to being interviewed as a source, and he had no part in the title, conception or financing of the book. Yusril stated he has now read the book in full and stands by his views as academically accountable.

Bogor Commuter Train Services Reduced, House Commission V Demands KCI Provide Reserve Trains

KAI Commuter Indonesia has cancelled seventeen scheduled journeys on the Bogor–Jakarta Kota commuter line owing to routine rolling stock maintenance, cutting daily services from 1,065 to 1,048. Lasarus, chair of House of Representatives Commission V, urged the operator to provide reserve trains so maintenance does not disrupt one of the busiest commuter routes. He also pressed the government and PT KAI to find swift alternatives, warning that prolonged maintenance would compound passenger disruption.

Riau Regional Police Deploy Firefighting Drones to Tackle Forest and Land Fires in Siak

Riau Regional Police have deployed drone technology to combat forest and land fires in Suka Mulia village, Siak Regency. Surveillance drones detect hotspots and map the terrain, whilst BVD-M16 Fire Fighter drones conduct aerial extinguishing operations supported by seven logistics personnel. The police have urged residents to refrain from clearing land by burning and to report any fires or hotspots immediately.

Morgan Stanley Scoops Up Rp 547 Billion of GOTO Shares at Rp25

Morgan Stanley and Co International Plc purchased more than 21.9 billion shares of PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GOTO) in three transactions on 2 September 2026, totalling around Rp547.98 billion at Rp25 per share. The deals lifted its stake from 5.7157% to 7.5986% of voting rights, following an earlier Rp87.3 billion purchase in August.

How Best to Develop the Red and White Village Cooperatives? (1)

The Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP) programme is a government strategy to strengthen rural economies through institutions owned and run by villagers themselves. The article argues that establishing legal entities, providing capital and buildings is insufficient; cooperatives must be built on genuine village economic mapping, tailored to local potential, and oriented towards members' welfare rather than uniform government templates.

Viral: Bamboo-Walled Primary School in East Nusa Tenggara Without Electricity Sent a Smart TV

SDN Mboeng in East Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, is housed in a bamboo building with dirt floors that has never been renovated since 2008. The government instead supplied a large touch-screen smart TV branded 'Merah Putih', which cannot be used because the village has no electricity. A teacher confirmed the account, noting a diesel generator was insufficient to power the device.

Court Hearings Postponed Due to Volcanic Ash from Mount Anak Krakatau

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, whose volcanic ash spread across five provinces, has disrupted flights and forced the postponement of two court hearings in Java. The sentencing hearing for suspended Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara and the fifth pre-trial hearing for Roy Suryo were both delayed after judges could not reach court owing to cancelled flights.

Mobile Samsat Services Available in 14 Locations Across Jadetabek on Tuesday

The Traffic Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya is deploying its mobile one-stop vehicle administration service (Samsat Keliling) to 14 locations across Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi on Tuesday. The service offers annual vehicle registration certificate (STNK) validation and payment of motor vehicle tax (PKB) and mandatory road accident insurance (SWDKLLK).

Timeline: Boeing 767 Strikes Cars on Landing, Five Dead

A Boeing 767-300 cargo aircraft operated for Amazon by 21 Air LLC veered some 400 metres off the runway at Miami International Airport on Sunday, colliding with vehicles and killing five people. The US National Transportation Safety Board has recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, with more than 160 flights cancelled amid the busy Labour Day travel weekend.

Oil Prices Fuel Asian Market Movements This Morning

Asia-Pacific stock markets traded mixed on Tuesday amid rising geopolitical tensions following mutual attacks between the United States and Iran. Oil prices surged to a six-week high, with Brent crude rising 1.1% to US$97.31 per barrel, stoking inflation concerns and pressure on US Treasury yields ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting.

Bank BSN Expands Merchant Ecosystem to Drive Digital Transaction Growth

Bank Syariah Nasional (Bank BSN) is expanding its merchant ecosystem through the Serbu Ekosistem programme, targeting businesses in major cities to boost digital transactions. Its Bale Syariah mobile banking platform has recorded nearly 239,000 active users with 3.29 million transactions worth Rp6.57 trillion, whilst its QRIS service has been adopted by 2,102 merchants. The initiative offers payment acceptance, cash management and financing access for businesses from SMEs to corporates.

Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption Spreads Sulphur Dioxide/SO2 — Is It Dangerous?

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has clarified maps showing sulphur dioxide (SO2) distribution from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption in the Sunda Strait. It explained that the red colouring on satellite maps reflects concentrations in the atmosphere, not surface air quality, and so does not indicate gas being inhaled by the public. The agency advised residents to wear masks, stay indoors and avoid drinking rainwater if they smell sulphur.

Heavy Rain Expected in Sumatra Today, Says BMKG, Accompanied by Lightning

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast heavy to very heavy rain across several regions of Sumatra, including Aceh and North Sumatra, accompanied by lightning. The agency has urged residents in affected areas to step up disaster preparedness, citing convergence and confluence zones driving cloud growth across Indonesian waters.

Mount Anak Krakatau Ash Disrupts Flights, Indonesian Airlines Face Potential Losses of Rp19 Billion a Day

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau has forced the closure of several Indonesian airports, including Soekarno-Hatta, putting airlines at risk of daily losses of up to Rp19 billion (about US$1.1 million). The disruption has affected some 2,961 flights and 341,000 passengers since Saturday, with analysts warning of knock-on effects for tourism, logistics and investment if closures persist. The episode has also exposed Indonesia's heavy dependence on Jakarta as its main aviation gateway.

Fire at Galuga Landfill in Bogor, Helicopters Conduct Water Bombing

A fire broke out at the Galuga final disposal site (TPA) in Cibungbulang, Bogor Regency, West Java, beginning Monday afternoon and escalating overnight. An Indonesian Air Force helicopter from Atang Sendjaja Air Base was deployed to conduct water bombing on hotspots inaccessible to fire engines. No casualties were reported and the blaze is believed to have originated from adjacent farmland rather than the active waste piles.

Eiffel Tower Closes After Workers Strike Over Alleged Relocation of Female Staff

The Eiffel Tower was forced to close on Monday after employees staged a strike in protest at female staff being moved from their posts during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation. The tower's operator SETE admitted it should never have agreed to the request, which contravened company values and gender equality principles, and apologised. French officials, including the Mayor of Paris, condemned the incident and promised an investigation.

Mount Anak Krakatau Erupts Again This Morning

Mount Anak Krakatau erupted several times on the morning of Tuesday, 8 September, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' Magma portal. The eruptions were recorded at 05.08, 05.34 and 07.49 WIB, with the latest detected by seismograph rather than observed visually. PVMBG maintains the volcano's alert status at Level III, or Standby, warning that follow-up eruptions remain a significant possibility.

Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Salon de TIME attracts over 17,000 global buyers

The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and 14th Salon de TIME, organised by HKTDC, drew more than 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions, with notable growth in attendance from North America, ASEAN — including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand — and Latin America. An HKTDC survey of some 890 exhibitors and buyers found 50% expecting sales to rise over the next 12 to 24 months, with Latin America and Korea viewed as the most promising growth markets. Exhibitors reported robust orders, with several Chinese Mainland and international brands securing multimillion-dollar deals during the five-day event.

BMKG: Fishermen and Ferry Operators Urged to Beware Shipping Risks

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned fishermen and ferry operators to heighten vigilance against high waves of up to four metres in several Indonesian waters from 8 to 11 September 2026. The warning follows strong winds of up to 25 knots recorded across the Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Makassar Strait, and Maluku Sea, posing risks to vessels of all sizes.

These 10 Shares Were the Most Heavily Sold by Foreign Investors as IHSG Turned Red

Indonesia's composite index (IHSG) closed 0.25% lower at 6,619.67 on Monday, with foreign investors recording a net sell of Rp678.55 billion. Chandra Asri Pacific (TPIA) led the outflow at Rp121.18 billion, followed by Petrindo Jaya Kreasi and Indosat, with major banking shares also under pressure.

Mohan Responds to Neglect of Loang Baloq Park as Tourist Visits Decline

Loang Baloq Public Recreation Park in Mataram has fallen into disrepair, with abandoned animal enclosures and mostly empty MSME stalls, leading to a decline in visitors. Mayor Mohan Roliskana has instructed the Tourism Office to maintain public spaces despite budget constraints, and is considering fiscal intervention next year to revitalise the area.

With Improving Performance and Financing, BTPN Syariah Optimistic About Growth

PT Bank BTPN Syariah Tbk is optimistic about its business prospects, citing improving financing portfolio quality and financial performance. The bank posted a net profit of Rp 655 billion in the first half of 2026, with assets up 8 per cent to Rp 23 trillion and financing up 9 per cent to Rp 11 trillion.

11th CENTRESTAGE concludes successfully with over 12,000 buyers, setting new attendance record

The 11th edition of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion trade fair organised by the HKTDC, drew a record 12,000 buyers from 93 countries and regions, with notable growth from Vietnam, Malaysia and Russia. Around 270 brands from 24 countries exhibited, including first-time participants from Austria, Colombia and the UAE. Indonesian retail was represented by Tifandy Okto of Galeries Lafayette Indonesia, who expressed interest in introducing Australian brand VICETA WANG and Chinese Mainland brand WANZZZ to Indonesian outlets, highlighting growing regional sourcing ties.

Deep Red Sun Phenomenon in Medan Causes a Stir, BMKG Explains

Residents of Medan were alarmed by sightings of a deep red sun, prompting an explanation from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). BMKG Region I attributed the phenomenon to atmospheric particles such as aerosols, dust and smoke scattering blue light, leaving red and orange hues dominant. The agency assured the public that the effect is purely optical and poses no cause for concern.

Prabowo Wants Every Indonesian to Have a Bank Account, BRI and BSI Assigned the Task

President Prabowo Subianto has directed state lenders BRI and Bank Syariah Indonesia to prepare bank accounts for all Indonesians as part of a push to widen national financial inclusion. The programme will use population data from the civil registration directorate (Dukcapil), to be matched with Bank Indonesia's national payment system. Officials say the accounts will also serve as distribution channels for future government programmes.

Yogyakarta Weather Today: Rain Forecast for Malioboro and Kaliurang

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast rain across parts of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, including the Malioboro area and the Kaliurang slopes of Mount Merapi. Elsewhere, Bantul and Gunungkidul are expected to remain largely fair, whilst Yogyakarta International Airport should see clear but cloudy skies.

BMKG to Continue Weather Modification Operations Until Anak Krakatau Ash No Longer Disrupts Airports and Communities

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), together with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), has launched weather modification operations (OMC) to curb the spread of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Operations began from two posts at Ahmad Yani airbase in Semarang and Pondok Cabe airport in South Tangerang, with western Java and Jabodetabek as priority areas, and may extend to Lampung depending on ash distribution.

Anak Krakatau Eruption Affects 2,961 Flights and 341,000 Passengers Nationwide

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has disrupted 2,961 flights across Indonesia over three days, affecting an estimated 341,000 passengers. The government has ordered five alternative airports to operate round the clock to manage stranded travellers and maintain national connectivity.

Don't Be Late! Here Are 5 Mobile Driving Licence Locations in Jakarta Today, Tuesday 8 September 2026

The Traffic Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya is operating mobile driving licence (SIM) services at five strategic locations across DKI Jakarta on Tuesday, 8 September, from 08.00 to 14.00 WIB. The service caters exclusively to extensions of still-active SIM A and SIM C licences, with expired licences requiring a new application at the Daan Mogot testing centre in West Jakarta.

Five Airports Including Soetta Reopen, Accompanied by Two Important Notes

Five airports affected by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, including Soekarno-Hatta, have resumed operations as of Tuesday 8 September at 00.01 WIB. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced the reopening with two safety conditions: airlines must inspect all aircraft, and pilots must be aware of restricted airspace polygons containing volcanic ash. Two airports in Lampung remain closed pending further developments.

OJK Pursues Illegal Insurance Sellers, Strengthens Consumer Protection

Deputy Chair of the OJK Board of Commissioners Hernawan Bekti Sasongko outlined developments across sharia finance, regional economic development and law enforcement in the financial services sector in 2026. OJK investigators have resolved 187 criminal cases in the sector and are cracking down on unlicensed insurance brokerage and marketing activities to protect consumers.

AcroMeta to Enter Ambient Temperature Cellular Logistics Through Strategic Partnership with Macro HRD SG Pte. Ltd.

Singapore-listed AcroMeta Group has signed a non-binding term sheet to acquire a strategic stake in Macro-ATCLS Pte. Ltd., the firm commercialising Ambient Temperature Cellular Logistics technology that eliminates reliance on cold-chain refrigeration for transporting living cells. The deal includes an option for an exclusive licence to deploy the technology across Southeast Asia, with the right to appoint sub-licensees, targeting a serviceable addressable market of approximately US$14.5 billion by 2032. The partnership signals AcroMeta's push to diversify beyond its core facility management operations into the fast-growing cell and gene therapy logistics sector.

Eight-Day Rally Ends! Coal Prices Fall as India Rushes to Replenish Supplies

Coal prices eased after an eight-day rally, closing at US$152 per ton, down 0.65%, as buyers turned cautious amid high prices and weakening demand in China. Meanwhile, India has ramped up coal deliveries to power plants after stocks at dozens of plants fell to critical levels, with state miner Coal India Limited boosting daily production by around 35% following the easing of monsoon rains.

AI Becomes an Investment Theme: Seven Stocks Deemed Worth Watching - IndoPremier

The artificial intelligence trend is shifting from a technological talking point into a tangible investment opportunity in Indonesia, driven by neocloud data centre investments. Sucor Sekuritas' Chief Strategist Arief Putra highlights seven stocks across telecommunications, industrial estates, construction and commodities that offer exposure to this growth at relatively cheap valuations. He notes the theme of "AI winners at old-economy valuations" as the Indonesian market lags other Asian bourses this year.

When Western Historians Acknowledge That Man's Fitrah Is Tawhid, Why Do So Many Deny It?

The Secretary-General of the World Muslim Scholars Union, Dr Ali Muhammad ash-Shallabi, has asserted that tawhid (monotheism) was humanity's original and earliest form of religious belief. He notes that Western archaeologists and religious researchers have reached similar conclusions, contradicting earlier theories that monotheism was a later product of civilisational progress. The article discusses how humans gradually deviated from this innate disposition towards polytheism.

Akbar Djohan Dismissed, Willgo Zainar Becomes New Krakatau Steel President Director

PT Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk has replaced its president director, removing Muhammad Akbar Djohan and appointing Willgo Zainar in his place. The changes, approved at an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, also saw Thomas Christian named finance and risk management director and Didik Hariyanto appointed as independent commissioner.

Krakatau Steel Overhauls Management, Willgo Zainar Appointed New CEO

PT Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk has reshuffled its board of directors and commissioners following an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders. Willgo Zainar replaces Muhammad Akbar Djohan as chief executive, whilst Thomas Christian takes over as finance and risk management director and Didik Hariyanto joins as independent commissioner.

Pertamina Requests Blocking of 5,000 Number Plates Suspected of Hoarding Subsidised Fuel

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has requested the blocking of around 5,000 vehicle number plates in West Sumatra suspected of repeatedly purchasing subsidised fuel. The move forms part of strengthened oversight, including surprise inspections with police and the provincial government, as well as sanctions against violating fuel distributors.

KPAI: Rapist of 15-Year-Old Earthquake Evacuee in East Nusa Tenggara Must Receive Heavy Punishment

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has called for severe punishment for the perpetrator of the alleged rape of a 15-year-old displaced by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, and urged that the victim receive immediate psychological support and medical rehabilitation. Police have revealed two cases of alleged sexual violence at evacuation sites following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo, both allegedly committed by individuals with mental health disorders. No official police reports have yet been filed by the victims.

Man Catches Wife Cheating, Ends Up in Prison Himself

A Taiwanese man discovered his wife's affair after the camera on his robot vacuum captured her with another man, and successfully sued for damages. However, his wife then counter-sued him for recording her without consent, and the court jailed him for five months, ruling that marital obligations do not override individual privacy rights. The verdict has divided opinion on social media.

Mobile driving licence services available at five Jakarta locations on Tuesday

Jakarta Metro Police's Traffic Directorate is offering a mobile driving licence (SIM) renewal service at five locations across Jakarta from 08.00 to 14.00 WIB on Tuesday. The service covers SIM A and SIM C renewals only for licences still valid, with renewal fees set at Rp80,000 and Rp75,000 respectively under Government Regulation No. 76/2020.

SIA to add 8 relief flights between Singapore and Jakarta for customers affected by Mount Anak Krakatau eruption

Singapore Airlines will operate eight relief flights between Singapore and Jakarta as Indonesia's main airport reopens following closure caused by ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The volcano, some 150km from Jakarta, erupted on Saturday, halting operations at eight airports and forcing SIA to cancel 18 flights on Monday. The airline will progressively rebook affected customers, though it warned the situation remains fluid.