Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

Showing 1,551-1,600 of 1,696 articles

Black Box of Amazon Cargo Plane Found, NTSB Prioritises Victim Evacuation

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the black box from the Amazon cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport, killing five people and seriously injuring five others. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said the urgent priority is recovering the victims' remains, whilst investigators examine the flight recorders, weather conditions and the absence of an arresting system at the end of the runway.

Prabowo Mentions Black Hawk Helicopters While Discussing the Garibaldi Aircraft Carrier

President Prabowo Subianto announced that the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi will soon join the Indonesian Navy. The vessel, Indonesia's first aircraft carrier, will be refitted to serve as a base for helicopters and drones to support forest and land fire response. Prabowo said the ship could accommodate up to 10 medium-class helicopters, each capable of carrying four to five tonnes of water per flight.

Soekarno Hatta and Halim Airports Reopen Following Krakatau Eruption

Indonesia's Ministry of Transport has reopened Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma and Husein Sastranegara airports after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced the closure of eight airports. Reopening comes with safety conditions, including aircraft inspections and pilot awareness of restricted airspace zones. Two airports in Lampung remain closed pending further developments.

Latest News! 5 Airports Reopen, Soekarno-Hatta Resumes Flights

Five airports previously affected by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau have reopened and resumed flight operations under the Airport Authority Office Region I. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia's main air gateway, resumed services at 00.01 WIB on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. The reopenings follow assessments that flying conditions had become safe once more.

Prabowo: 'It Is Indonesia's Fate to Be Located on the Ring of Fire'

President Prabowo Subianto has called for a comprehensive disaster mitigation master plan, citing Indonesia's vulnerability as a nation situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire. During a virtual cabinet meeting, he instructed officials to preposition resources, scale up the disaster mitigation budget, procure additional firefighting equipment, and explore heavy-lift drones and weather modification aircraft. He also requested progress reports on ongoing crises in Flores, at Mount Anak Krakatau, and in fire-affected regions.

Gold Prices Fall Again, Trapped at US$4,400

Gold prices weakened as strong US employment data bolstered expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September, with the precious metal closing at US$4,404.67 per troy ounce. Traders are now awaiting US inflation figures this week for further direction, while the CME FedWatch Tool shows the market pricing in roughly a 60% chance of a rate increase.

Bogor's Galuga Landfill in Cibungbulang Temporarily Closed Due to Fire

The Galuga landfill in Cibungbulang, Bogor Regency, was temporarily closed for one day on 8 September 2026 to allow joint firefighting teams better access to extinguish a blaze that began the previous evening. Regent Rudy Susmanto apologised to affected residents and said the burned area and cause of the fire were still being assessed, with drones deployed by the Environmental Agency to measure the damage.

WiFi connected but no internet? Here are the causes and solutions

A WiFi icon showing as connected does not guarantee internet access, as the connection may be disrupted by ISP outages, router problems, distance, or device settings. Users can troubleshoot by testing other devices, restarting the modem and router, disabling VPNs, or forgetting and rejoining the network before contacting their ISP.

Middle East mediators prepare Iran-US agreement

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said mediators are working to prepare an agreement between Iran and the United States once the necessary bargaining power is established. He warned that those believing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz could become the new normal would soon feel the negative impacts of the waterway's closure. The statement follows a series of exchanges between the two sides, despite a memorandum signed in mid-June aimed at halting hostilities.

Jakarta Weather Today: Predominantly Partly Sunny, with Light Rain Possible in South and East Jakarta in the Afternoon

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts that most of Jakarta will be partly sunny from midday through the evening on Monday (7/9/2026), with daytime temperatures peaking between 28–35°C. Residents of South and East Jakarta are advised to prepare for light rain in the late afternoon, with thick clouds expected in those areas by nightfall.

Indonesia confirms funds to cover high-speed rail debt obligations

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed the government will not seek external investors to service the Whoosh high-speed rail project's debt, instead drawing capital from state-owned enterprises. Under the restructuring plan, the ministry will acquire a 60 percent stake in consortium PT PSBI from Danantara Indonesia at no upfront cost, assuming debt responsibility through a Special Mission Vehicle or Public Service Agency. The move aims to relieve debt pressures weighing on PT KAI's balance sheet, with detailed calculations to follow once the equity transfer is complete.

Popular: Child of Krakatau Eruption Ends, New Ragunan Ticket Prices on the Way

A roundup of top ANTARA news includes the end of the 25-hour sustained eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo is set to decide new ticket prices for Ragunan Zoo and has extended remote learning until 8 September due to volcanic ash concerns.

Beware: New Trick to Bypass WhatsApp via Video Call

A bug in WhatsApp on Android can allow someone with physical access to a locked phone to open the photo gallery via an incoming video call. Testing showed Google Pixel 6 Pro and Oppo K13 were vulnerable, whilst Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhones were not. Users are advised to restrict WhatsApp's photo permissions in settings.

The History of National Sports Day, originating from the 1948 PON

National Sports Day (Haornas) is commemorated every 9 September, tracing its origins to the first National Sports Week (PON) held in Solo in September 1948. The observance was officially launched by President Soeharto in 1983 and given a legal basis through Presidential Decree No. 67 of 1985. The occasion serves as a government-backed momentum to promote sport as part of national identity and public health.

Govt's 3 million new jobs target next year deemed 'ambitious'

Indonesia aims to create between 2.57 million and 3.49 million new jobs in 2027, a target that businesses and economists have labelled ambitious given the sluggish labour market. Business groups, including Apindo, warn that achieving the goal requires cutting the high cost of doing business, simplifying licensing and supporting labour-intensive industries, with the government also targeting 6 percent growth and a rise in formal employment to 40.81 percent.

Otto says regional cooperation crucial in facing today's crime

Deputy Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Otto Hasibuan stressed that regional cooperation is essential to combat crime that increasingly crosses national borders. Speaking at the 36th POLA Summit in Jakarta, he highlighted Indonesia's new Criminal Code as a milestone whilst noting that implementation remains the key challenge. Supreme Court Criminal Chamber Chief Prim Haryadi confirmed that the new Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code came into force on 2 January 2026.

New Chapter in Transfer Pricing Corruption Case: TPL Named Corporate Suspect

The Attorney General's Office has named PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) a corporate suspect in an alleged transfer pricing corruption case spanning 2008 to 2025, estimated to have caused state losses of up to Rp2 trillion. Prosecutors say the company manipulated HS Codes, under-invoiced exports, and colluded with tax officials to avoid scrutiny. Two officials from the Finance Ministry's Directorate General of Taxes have already been named suspects.

Fire at Galuga Landfill in Bogor: Extinguishing Efforts Hampered by Waste Mountain

A fire has raged since Monday evening at the Galuga landfill in Cibungbulang, Bogor Regency, spreading across tens of hectares of farmland behind the site. Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto said firefighting efforts were severely hampered by poor access, forcing crews to connect hoses spanning 400 to 500 metres, whilst the cause and exact burned area are still being assessed.

Hundreds of Buleleng Regency Assets Remain Uncertified, DPRD Warns of Disputes

The Buleleng Regency House of Representatives (DPRD) has revealed that around 200 regional government assets, including school facilities, lack land certificates, exposing the administration to future legal disputes. The council is urging the regency government to accelerate certification through the National Land Agency and to adopt use-rights schemes for schools built on customary village or inherited land. It also called for digitalisation of asset management and better utilisation of assets such as Pasar Anyar and Penarukan Terminal.

Woman's Car Parked at Random for Three Days in Ngaglik Leaves Residents Bewildered

An unidentified woman left her car parked for three days in Candi Karang Hamlet, Ngaglik, Sleman, puzzling residents who eventually reported it to Merapi Uncover. The owner only retrieved the vehicle after news of it went viral on social media, apologising and claiming she had been in a hurry.

Russia and North Korea Inaugurate First Land Bridge, Strengthening Trade Route and Alliance

Russia and North Korea have opened their first road bridge across the Tumen River, providing a new overland trade route between the two countries. The infrastructure, agreed during Vladimir Putin's 2024 visit to Pyongyang, underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang since the war in Ukraine.

US Voters to "Punish" Trump? Potential Path to Removal from the Presidency

The US midterm elections on 3 November pose a major test for President Donald Trump, with his low approval ratings threatening Republican control of Congress. A Democrat takeover of the House and Senate could open the way for renewed impeachment proceedings against the president, echoing his two previous impeachments.

Indonesia's Medical Aesthetics Market Grows, Demand for Doctors Rises

Indonesia's medical aesthetics market is projected to nearly double from US$234.11 million in 2022 to US$450.23 million in 2028, driving demand for clinically competent doctors. Training institutions such as the Jakarta Science Academy, accredited by the Ministry of Health, emphasise hands-on practice to prepare doctors for procedures like fillers, botulinum toxin and laser treatments.

Jakarta yesterday: SJUT cable arrangement and 'water mist' operations

Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo announced that the Integrated Utility Network (SJUT) cable arrangement will begin along Jalan Gatot Subroto to Cawang, and that a new Ragunan Zoo ticket price of Rp10,000 will be decided shortly. Meanwhile, the Jakarta provincial government deployed water mist spraying and watering operations across the city to curb the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, with monitoring showing particulate levels improving.

Sempurna's Story and the Threat of Forest Fires to Bornean Orangutans

An adult male Bornean orangutan named Sempurna died in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, after being found weak and suffering respiratory distress in an oil palm plantation, with a post-mortem suggesting lung damage linked to smoke exposure from forest and land fires. His case illustrates how such fires threaten wildlife not only through habitat loss but also through smoke inhalation. Separately, eleven orangutans were successfully evacuated in East Kalimantan as fires approached the Samboja forest area, underscoring the importance of both rapid rescue and habitat protection.

Andrew Andika Appears as Witness in Ridho Illahi's Police Report at Bogor Police

Actor Andrew Andika appeared as a witness at Bogor Regency Police in Cibinong, West Java, in support of Ridho Illahi's report alleging fraud and embezzlement. Andrew stated he had joined a business offered by the suspect, who used Ridho's name, and was himself a victim, claiming most but not all of his money had been returned. He warned colleagues, including fellow celebrities, to be cautious of business offers when seeking additional income.

Anak Krakatau eruption affects 341,000 flight passengers

Ash from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption has disrupted 2,961 flights nationwide, affecting some 341,000 passengers and prompting the temporary closure of major airports including Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma. Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono said the government is monitoring the volcano through cross-agency coordination, and has ordered five alternative airports in Java to operate round-the-clock from Monday to ease congestion and maintain national connectivity.

Uproar as 1,900 Ministry of Social Affairs Employees Implicated in Online Gambling, 70% Confirmed to Have Participated

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) has prepared graduated sanctions, up to dismissal, for ministry employees involved in online gambling, after PPATK data flagged around 1,900 staff. Of those already questioned, more than 70% admitted to some involvement. The ministry aims to complete the clarification process by the end of the month.

The impact of forest and land fires on Bornean orangutans goes beyond the flames

A Bornean orangutan named Sempurna died from suspected smoke inhalation after being found in respiratory distress at an oil palm plantation in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, amid ongoing forest and land fires. Conservationists warn that fires destroy orangutan habitat and food sources, driving the animals into human areas and raising the risk of conflict. The Ministry of Forestry recorded 946 high-confidence hotspots nationally up to 30 August 2026, underscoring the need for prevention and habitat protection alongside rescue efforts.

Finally! Soekarno-Hatta Airport Reopens for Flights After Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption Disruption

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport resumed flight operations in the early hours of Tuesday, 8 September 2026, after a temporary shutdown caused by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The decision followed monitoring by the authorities, with the BMKG reporting negative results from paper tests for volcanic ash at the airport. Passengers have been urged to check the latest flight status and schedules through official airline channels before travelling to the airport.

Yesterday's crime: foreign national snatch theft and substation short circuit in Central Jakarta

Central Jakarta Police arrested a suspect within 24 hours of a snatch theft targeting an Indian national on Jalan Gondangdia, Menteng, and are pursuing an accomplice. Separately, police confirmed that black smoke that caused panic at Pasar Baru was caused by an electrical short circuit at a PLN substation, while officers distributed masks to residents amid volcanic ashfall.

Orangutan dies from forest and land fires, here is the impact on wildlife

A male Bornean orangutan named Sempurna died in West Kalimantan after being found with severe breathing difficulties amid ongoing forest and land fires, with a post-mortem suggesting smoke exposure caused acute hypoxia and cardiovascular failure. The case highlights how fires destroy orangutan habitats, fragment forests and drive wildlife into human areas, raising the risk of conflict. Conservationists stress that saving orangutans requires protecting and restoring the forests that serve as their home.

Expert: Asset Forfeiture Authority Must Be Held by a Trusted Institution

Legal observer Shri Hardjuno Wiwoho has told a public hearing with Commission III of the House of Representatives that the sweeping powers under the Asset Forfeiture Bill must be exercised by credible institutions and officials. He warned that oversight is essential to prevent abuse of authority, and stressed that the DPR must ensure the personnel of the authorised agency are genuinely trustworthy. He noted that public pressure to pass the bill stems from anger over corruption and misuse of power, making the restoration of trust in law enforcement paramount.

Said Iqbal: Draft Employment Protection Bill offers greater protection to workers

The Labour Party and the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) have welcomed the draft Employment Protection Bill being prepared by a working committee of the House of Representatives, calling it superior to the Omnibus Law. Labour Party President Said Iqbal said the draft incorporates provisions from the 2003 Labour Law, Constitutional Court rulings and positive elements of the Job Creation Law, though he urged broader definitions covering journalists, medical workers, seafarers and digital platform workers.

What do orangutans do in their daily lives in the forests of Kalimantan?

This feature examines the daily routines of Bornean orangutans, from foraging and nest-building to raising young, based on observations by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. It highlights how habitat loss, fragmentation and forest fires increasingly threaten the species, whose survival depends on large, interconnected forests.

Tuesday: Most of Jakarta to be Partly Cloudy During the Day and at Night

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts that most of Jakarta will be partly cloudy throughout the day and night, with light rain possible in East and South Jakarta in the late afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range from 27 to 35 degrees Celsius, with wind speeds varying between 1 and 16 km per hour.

Today's BMKG forecast: Heavy rain in Sumatra, major cities mostly cloudy

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged residents of Aceh and North Sumatra to prepare for potentially extreme weather, with heavy to very heavy rain forecast for Tuesday. The heightened rainfall is driven by convergence and confluence zones stretching from the waters off western Aceh to the Flores, Arafura, and Banda Seas, as well as Central Papua. Meanwhile, most major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Surabaya, are expected to see cloudy conditions.

Soekarno-Hatta, Halim, and Husein Sastranegara Airports Resume Normal Operations

PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) has reopened flight operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Halim Perdanakusuma, and Husein Sastranegara following temporary closures caused by volcanic ash from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption. The reopening follows a Notice to Air Missions (Notam) issued by AirNav Indonesia, with strict safety procedures including runway friction tests. Airport management has urged passengers to monitor flight statuses through official airline channels as schedules remain subject to adjustment.

Daihatsu Sales Grow 10 Percent, Gran Max and LCGC Models Most in Demand

Daihatsu's retail sales rose around 10 per cent year-on-year in August 2026 to 12,100 units, driven largely by the Gran Max Series and its Low Cost Green Car (LCGC) models, Sigra and Ayla, which together accounted for roughly 80 per cent of total sales. Gran Max led with 5,944 units sold, whilst the Terios SUV also posted 13 per cent growth. The company said the figures reflect sustained demand for functional vehicles serving business and family mobility needs.

Prabowo Wants the Navy to Procure More LCM and LCVP Landing Craft

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Indonesian Navy to order more LCM and LCVP landing craft, arguing that the country's many small islands require greater access for disaster relief. The directive emerged during a limited meeting on the earthquake disaster response in East Nusa Tenggara, after the provincial governor requested additional patrol vessels stationed in Kupang.

2026 SIM C renewal costs: don't just prepare Rp75,000

The official non-tax state revenue (PNBP) fee for renewing a motorbike driving licence (SIM C) in 2026 is set at Rp75,000, but this is far from the total cost. Once health checks, psychological tests, and accident insurance are included, applicants may need around Rp260,000. Motorcyclists are advised to renew before expiry to avoid having to apply for a new licence.

Popular: Anak Krakatau eruption response, NTT earthquake and Sumatra floods

Indonesia's humanitarian news roundup covers the end of a continuous 25-hour eruption episode of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait and the verification of 51,591 homes belonging to victims of the magnitude-7.7 earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Additional items include health risks for 3.3 million elderly people from volcanic ash and progress on permanent housing for Aceh disaster survivors.

Squeezed by US Sanctions, Iran's Petrol Prices Soar

Iran has doubled the price of petrol for high-volume consumers as US sanctions continue to squeeze the country's economy amid a prolonged conflict. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced that the third-tier price would rise to 10,000 toman per litre, whilst the first and second tiers remain unchanged. The move comes as the Iranian rial trades at over 2.2 million to the dollar on the black market.

Krakatau Eruption Volcanic Ash Update: Several Airports Resume Operations

Several airports affected by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, including Soekarno-Hatta, have resumed operations from early Tuesday (8 September). Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said airlines must inspect all aircraft and crews must be aware of restricted air zones still contaminated with ash. Two airports in Lampung remain closed pending further assessment.

How is artificial rain made? Here's how weather modification works

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has deployed a Weather Modification Operation to help clear volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, which has spread across Jakarta, Banten and Lampung. Rather than creating rain from nothing, cloud seeding uses naturally available clouds and atmospheric processes, with seeding materials such as sodium chloride, urea, silver iodide and dry ice released from aircraft to accelerate rainfall. When rain clouds are insufficient, BNPB has prepared a water mist method as an alternative to help break down ash particles in affected areas.

West Java Suspends Free Nutritious Meals at Schools Amid Anak Krakatau Ash Risks

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme at schools in several West Java regions that have shifted to remote learning due to Mount Anak Krakatau's volcanic ash risks. BGN spokesperson Khairul Hidayati said the suspension is adaptive to regional policies and will be reassessed once in-person learning resumes. Schools in Lampung, Banten, and Jakarta have also adopted remote learning in response to the heightened volcanic activity.

Britain to Boycott Settlement Products; US and Israel Begin to Stir Trouble over the Falklands

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is set to announce a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements, in line with the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory unlawful. Israel has threatened retaliation, whilst Yair Netanyahu's claim that the Falklands belong to Argentina has been echoed by President Trump, who hinted Washington might review its position on British sovereignty over the islands.

How weather modification works: can it really make it rain?

Following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, Indonesia's disaster agency BNPB has prepared a Weather Modification Operation (OMC) to help clear volcanic ash from the atmosphere. The technique relies on cloud seeding rather than creating rain from clear skies, and its success depends heavily on existing atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover, humidity and wind direction.

WTCA Discusses the Key to Indonesia's Long-Term Investment Appeal

Indonesia recorded Rp1,010.6 trillion in investment realisation in the first half of 2026, up 7.2% year-on-year, with FDI contributing just over half. The government is targeting Rp2,322 trillion in 2027, and WTCA figures argue that diversification, Indonesia's neutral geopolitical position and its large domestic market underpin its appeal, provided fundamentals such as transparency and infrastructure are strengthened. The WTCA Asia Pacific Conference 2026 will be held in Jakarta for the first time in November 2026.

Yusril: Criminal law transition fundamentally changes orientation of sentencing

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra said Indonesia's criminal law transition shifts punishment from a purely retributive approach towards one balancing prevention, rehabilitation, restoration, public protection and human dignity. Speaking at the 36th Presidents of Law Associations in Asia (POLA) Summit in Jakarta, he outlined four major challenges requiring Asian cooperation: corporate criminal liability, cybercrime, transnational financial crime, and transnational criminal law enforcement.