Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

Showing 1,601-1,650 of 1,696 articles

BBRI Maintains Dividends Amid Business Expansion

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering optimal returns to shareholders whilst pursuing accelerated business growth. The bank posted net profit attributable to owners of Rp30.86 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, up 17.5% year on year, supported by 16.2% loan growth and an improving NPL ratio.

TNI Air Force Water Bombing to Be Deployed to Extinguish Galuga Landfill Fire in Bogor

A fire that broke out at the Galuga landfill in Cibungbulang, Bogor, has begun to be brought under control, according to Regent Rudy Susmanto. The Indonesian Air Force will deploy helicopters for water bombing operations from Atang Senjaya air base, whilst residents have been urged not to discard cigarette butts or burn rubbish amid the prolonged dry season.

Gianyar Targets Regional Revenue to Rise to Rp 3.4 Trillion in the 2026 Amended Regional Budget

The Gianyar Regency Government has proposed an amended 2026 budget targeting regional revenue of Rp 3.4 trillion, a 3.4 per cent increase on the original budget. The plan also lowers regional expenditure to Rp 4.3 trillion, resulting in a projected deficit of Rp 921.9 billion to be covered through net financing. The revenue boost includes a Rp 3 billion award from the Ministry of Home Affairs for the regency's performance in reducing poverty and stunting rates.

Airports Reopen as Indonesia Awaits Key Data from Japan and China

Indonesian financial markets closed mixed, with the Jakarta Composite Index slipping 0.25% to 6,619.67 and the rupiah flat at Rp17,630 per US dollar, while 10-year government bond yields strengthened to 7.088%. Positive domestic sentiment came from foreign exchange reserves rising to US$146.5 billion in August and the gradual reopening of airports affected by the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption. Market attention now turns to Japan's final Q2 GDP growth figures and China's August trade balance.

Indonesia Prepares 10 Airports to Restore Flights Disrupted by Anak Krakatau Ash

Indonesia's Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that 10 airports will operate around the clock to accommodate diversions and speed up the recovery of flight schedules disrupted by Mount Anak Krakatau's eruption. Measures include extra domestic and international flights, full refunds for affected passengers, immigration leniency for overstaying foreign nationals, and free ground transport organised by InJourney Airports. Reopening of affected airports depends on monitoring of volcanic ash movement, which was forecast to persist into Tuesday morning.

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

Three airports closed due to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau have resumed operations following safety clearance from AirNav Indonesia. Soekarno-Hatta reopened at 00.30 WIB, followed by Halim Perdanakusuma and Husein Sastranegara, with flight flows managed gradually through Air Traffic Flow Management. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses with their airlines as schedules are adjusted during the recovery period.

Iran Blames US Economic War, Prepares Blockade of Entire Persian Gulf Region

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei has warned the United States that Tehran is preparing a comprehensive blockade of the Persian Gulf in response to Washington's economic war. He described a recent missile launch towards a US aircraft carrier as a warning, saying Iran's operational posture against American warships and bases has been fundamentally recalibrated. The threat risks escalating tensions in a region critical to global oil supplies.

BMKG Predicts Mount Anak Krakatau Volcanic Ash Moving Away from Indonesian Territory

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast that volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau is drifting away from Indonesian territory as of Tuesday, 8 September, at 04.00 WIB. The ash, detected up to an altitude of 6,000 feet, continues to affect air quality, visibility and, at certain altitudes, flight operations. Following the improved conditions, the government has reopened five airports, including Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma.

Trump 'Sells', Europe 'Buys': Fresh Funds Set to Flow into Greenland

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to announce a major investment package for Greenland covering critical minerals, satellite communications and renewable energy. The move is a firm EU counter to US President Donald Trump's persistent campaign to annex the Danish autonomous territory. The visit underlines the Arctic's rising geopolitical importance as melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to mineral wealth.

Ragunan Entrance Ticket Proposed at Rp 10,000, Here Is Pramono's Response

The Jakarta provincial government is planning to adjust entrance fees for Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta, as current prices are considered too low and have not been raised for a long time. Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo confirmed he has received proposals, including one to set the ticket price at Rp 10,000 per person, though no final decision has been made.

Golkar Deputy Chair: Solo and Cikeas Political Axes Begin Positioning for Presidential Election

Golkar Deputy Chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia says two political axes—Solo, associated with Jokowi's volunteer network Projo, and Cikeas, linked to the Democratic Party—have begun positioning themselves for the next presidential election. He pointed to AHY's speech at the Democratic Party's 25th anniversary and Budi Arie Setiadi's viral remarks on a possible earlier political momentum as strong signals that the 2029 race has effectively begun.

BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Strengthens Synergy with Kodam XV/Pattimura to Expand Worker Protection in Maluku

BPJS Ketenagakerjaan's Board of Supervisors member Ujang Romli held an audience with the Commander of Kodam XV/Pattimura, Major General Dody Triwinarto, to seek military support in expanding employment social security coverage across Maluku and North Maluku. The commander welcomed the initiative and expressed particular concern for fishermen in high-risk coastal occupations. The meeting formed part of the lead-up to BPJS Ketenagakerjaan's National Customer Day 2026.

Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption: PKS Urges Government to Strengthen Disaster Mitigation

PKS President Almuzzammil Yusuf has called on the government to strengthen disaster mitigation following increased volcanic activity and eruptions across Indonesia, including Mount Anak Krakatau. He expressed solidarity with affected communities and urged party members to assist relief efforts. The continuous eruption episode of Anak Krakatau ended after 25 hours, with the volcano now exhibiting mild strombolian eruptions.

Banten Puts Health Facilities on High Alert as Anak Krakatau Ash Spreads

The Banten Provincial Government has placed all healthcare facilities and personnel on high alert to mitigate public health risks from volcanic ash emitted by Mount Anak Krakatau. Under Circular Letter No. 400.7/3234/DINKES/2026, hospitals, puskesmas and health posts must activate 24-hour emergency services, ensure supplies of oxygen, PPE and respirators, and conduct daily surveillance of vulnerable groups. The Ministry of Health's Crisis Centre is also dispatching additional aid to Banten, Lampung, Jakarta and West Java, though cases so far remain within normal limits.

BRIN Research Professor Outlines Suspected Causes of Several Volcanoes Erupting Simultaneously

BRIN Research Professor Danny Hilman Natawidjaja has said that several Indonesian volcanoes erupting or showing heightened activity within a short period does not indicate the Earth is in a globally critical state. He explained that the phenomenon can still be accounted for as a statistical coincidence in volcanic cycles, whilst theories such as changes in the Earth's magnetic field or polar rotation remain speculative.

Free Nutritious Meal Poisoning Case Repeats in Sleman Within a Week

A second Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) poisoning incident in a week has struck Sleman Regency, affecting at least 47 people across three schools in Turi, with 45 treated at community health centres and two at hospital. The case follows an earlier incident in Pandowoharjo on 1 September, where 229 of 1,110 surveyed respondents reported symptoms. The Sleman Health Office is conducting epidemiological investigations and laboratory tests to determine the cause.

New 'Apocalypse' Threatens Israel as Citizens' Future Hangs in the Balance

At least 1,370 doctors have left Israel between 2023 and 2025, according to a Tel Aviv University study, highlighting an intensifying brain drain from the medical sector. The exodus is attributed to ongoing war, soaring living costs and the political crisis over the weakening of the judiciary, and researchers warn the trend could worsen after Israel's general election on 27 October.

Golkar Reads AHY's Remarks on Power as Signal He Will Run in 2029 Presidential Election

Golkar Deputy Chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia has interpreted Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono's (AHY) remarks on power as a strong signal of his readiness to contest the 2029 presidential election. AHY had reminded his cadres that power is a public trust with a time limit, not a permanent possession. Doli said Golkar remains focused on supporting the Prabowo-Gibran government's programmes until 2029.

Mataram City Government Hopes Central Government Will Take Over PPPK Salaries

The Mataram municipal government is urging the central government to take over the salaries of contract-based civil servants (PPPK), as employee spending already accounts for 42 per cent of the regional budget, well above the recommended 30 per cent ceiling. Regional Secretary Lalu Alwan Basri said cuts to regional transfer funds and PPPK payroll burdens have forced the postponement of goods and services programmes for residents. The city hopes the takeover will cover all PPPK formations, including full-time and part-time health, education and technical staff.

Gunung Anak Krakatau Erupsi, Ini 5 Panduan Melindungi Diri dari Abu Vulkanik

Gunung Anak Krakatau telah erupsi secara menerus sejak 4 September 2026, menghasilkan sekitar 25 jam aktivitas vulkanik dan berpotensi menimbulkan bahaya berupa lontaran material pijar, aliran lava, serta hujan abu, dengan status gunung masih berada di Level III (Siaga) hingga 7 September. Artikel ini menyajikan lima panduan keselamatan bagi masyarakat, termasuk segera evakuasi bila berada di jalur bahaya, berlindung di dalam ruangan, melindungi mata dan pernapasan dari abu vulkanik, menghindari berkendara saat hujan abu tebal, dan tidak mengabaikan luka atau kondisi darurat. Warga diimbau terus mengikuti arahan pihak berwenang serta tidak menyebarkan informasi yang belum terverifikasi.

Court Quashes Halt Order in Alleged Sexual Violence Case Involving Former UNUGO Rector, Orders Police to Resume Investigation

The Gorontalo District Court has ruled that the police decision to halt the investigation into alleged sexual violence by a former UNUGO rector was unlawful, ordering the case to be reopened. Judges found sufficient initial evidence, including at least two valid pieces of evidence supported by expert testimony and forensic psychological examination. The ruling came after the victim filed a pre-trial challenge against the termination of the investigation.

B50 Becomes Indonesia's Foundation for Building an Energy Transition Ecosystem

Indonesia's long journey developing its biodiesel programme to the B50 mandate is seen as a key foundation for the national energy transition. Pertamina reports nationwide B50 distribution readiness has surpassed 90 per cent, with full implementation targeted for 1 October 2026. The government projects B50 will save up to Rp170 trillion in foreign exchange, absorb some 2.1 million workers, and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 44.46 million tonnes.

Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Airports Resume Flight Operations Today

PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) has resumed flight services at Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma and Husein Sastranegara airports following temporary closures caused by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The reopening was based on a Notice to Air Missions issued by AirNav Indonesia at 00.30 WIB, after runway friction tests confirmed the facilities met safety standards. Operations are being restored gradually under Air Traffic Flow Management, with passengers urged to check flight statuses with their airlines before travelling.

TAUD: Today an Acid Attack Is Repaid with Impunity

The Democracy Advocacy Team (TAUD) has condemned an appeal ruling by the Jakarta High Military Court that reduced the sentences of four TNI soldiers convicted of the acid attack on KontraS external deputy coordinator Andrie Yunus. TAUD says the verdict delivers no justice for the victim, reinforces impunity, and leaves more than 16 other suspects unprosecuted.

Thousands of Serbs Attend Funeral of War Criminal Ratko Mladic in Belgrade

Thousands gathered in Belgrade for the funeral of Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb general convicted of genocide who died aged 84 whilst serving a life sentence at the UN tribunal in The Hague. Plans for a state funeral were scrapped after strong objections from European leaders, with the EU condemning any glorification of Mladic and warning that genocide denial has no place in candidate countries. The ceremony exposed Serbia's deep polarisation, with nationalists honouring him as a hero whilst Bosnian war survivors denounced him as a butcher.

Yusril: No Fundamental Problem with Contents of 'Islam ala Prabowo' Book

Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra says there is no fundamental issue with the contents of the book 'Islam ala Prabowo', arguing the controversy stems mainly from its title and public perceptions of it. He denied any role in initiating or funding the book, stating he was merely an interviewee, and said he was never consulted about the copyright listing bearing his name.

Anak Krakatau Ash Hits 2,961 Flights, Leaves 341,000 Passengers Stranded

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau has disrupted 2,961 flights and stranded roughly 341,000 passengers, prompting the Transportation Ministry to extend closures of seven airports across Java and Sumatra until Monday night. Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the conservative approach reflects dynamic wind conditions, with reopening contingent on formal clearance from the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. Ground crews and airlines are carrying out safety inspections whilst authorities continue monitoring advisories.

Coordinating Minister Yusril Affirms He Is Not the Author of 'Islam ala Prabowo' Book

Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra has clarified that he is not the author of the book 'Islam ala Prabowo', which has drawn renewed public attention. He said his involvement was limited to being interviewed as a source, and he is prepared to account academically for the views attributed to him.

Foreigners affected by Krakatau eruption get emergency stay permits

Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration is issuing free 30-day emergency stay permits to foreign nationals stranded by flight cancellations caused by the Anak Krakatau volcanic eruption. Between 5 and 7 September, volcanic ash forced the cancellation of 520 flights affecting nearly 87,000 passengers. Dedicated service counters have been opened at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with dozens of applications already processed nationwide, whilst officials stress all applications remain subject to security review.

Access to Fire Point Hinders Extinguishing Efforts at Galuga Landfill in Bogor

Bogor Regent Rudy Susmanto inspected a fire at the Galuga landfill in Cibungbulang District, where firefighting efforts have been hampered by poor access to the seat of the fire. Crews had to join several hoses together to reach the blaze, causing water pressure to drop significantly. The fire, which began on Monday afternoon on vacant land opposite the landfill, spread until it reached the landfill's area.

Home Affairs Minister urges regional heads in East Nusa Tenggara to swiftly use presidential assistance

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has called on regional heads in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to promptly disburse Rp200 billion in presidential assistance for post-earthquake recovery. He noted that the funds, allocated to the province and eight regencies, have been disbursed slowly and that the Ministry has deployed teams to expedite their use. Basic infrastructure in NTT is largely functioning again, with attention now turning to logistics and shelter needs.

Doctor Warns of the Dangers of Wearing a Damp Mask When Exposed to Volcanic Ash

A lung and respiratory specialist has warned against the popular belief that wetting a face mask offers better protection from volcanic ash. Dr Agus Dwi Susanto explained that damp masks become breeding grounds for viruses, bacteria and fungi, and that volcanic silica can harden on a wet mask like cement, obstructing breathing. He advises replacing respirator masks every six to eight hours instead.

Carrying Mattresses and Belongings, Hundreds Queue to Flee the Country

Hundreds of Burundian nationals queued outside their embassy in Nairobi to obtain travel documents after Kenyan President William Ruto ordered a crackdown on small businesses run by foreigners. Critics accuse the government of scapegoating migrants for Kenya's economic woes ahead of next year's general election. Ruto has also ordered India's Tata Chemicals to cease operations in Kenya.

Indonesia, Arab, Islamic nations condemn calls to expel Palestinians

The foreign ministers of Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE issued a joint statement condemning inflammatory calls by Israeli ministers to displace Gaza's residents. They warned such moves would violate international law and derail peace initiatives, including Trump's Gaza plan. The ministers reiterated support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders and urged the UN Security Council to act.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Resumes Operations Early Tuesday

Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma and Husein Sastranegara airports resumed operations early on Tuesday after being closed since Sunday due to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. The BMKG conducted paper tests at the airports, with results at Soekarno-Hatta proving negative. Although the continuous eruption episode ended after roughly 25 hours, PVMBG warns that strombolian eruptions continue and further activity remains possible.

Transport Minister: Soekarno-Hatta, Halim and Husein Sastranegara Airports Reopened

Several airports affected by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, including Soekarno-Hatta, have resumed operations as of early Tuesday (8 September). Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said airports in Banten, Jakarta and Bandung were reopened, although two airports in Lampung remain closed pending further developments. The reopenings come with conditions, including fleet inspections and pilot awareness of restricted air zones contaminated by volcanic ash.

Expert: Anak Krakatau's Activity Is Not Linked to the Sunda Strait Megathrust Cycle

BRIN research professor Danny Hilman Natawidjaja has stated that the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau is unrelated to the megathrust cycle in the Sunda Strait. Whilst volcanic and tectonic systems can interact, particularly when located close together, he stressed there is no basis to link the volcano's eruptions with the megathrust cycle.

To Ease Deportations, Indonesian Police and PDRM Agree to Revoke Drug Lords' Passports

Indonesia's National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have agreed on measures to speed up the deportation of drug crime suspects, including revoking passports so they become illegal residents in Malaysia. The agreement came at the 14th bilateral meeting between the two forces' narcotics directorates held in Malaysia from 2 to 4 September 2026. The two sides also agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing to target drug syndicate masterminds and to tighten joint patrols along vulnerable border areas.

Anak Krakatau ash disrupts 2,961 flights, strands 341,000 passengers

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau has disrupted nearly 3,000 flights and stranded around 341,000 passengers, prompting Indonesia's Transportation Ministry to extend closures of seven airports across Java and Sumatra, including Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta. Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the conservative approach prioritises aviation safety amid dynamic wind conditions, with reopenings pending clearance from the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre.

Longing for Ibu Pertiwi: A Perspective on Dual Citizenship for the Governance of the Indonesian Diaspora

Following President Prabowo's address to the House of Representatives proposing limited dual citizenship for talented Indonesians abroad, the author argues that the policy should be broadened into a comprehensive, inclusive diaspora governance framework. Drawing on the experiences of South Korea, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Germany and Turkey, the piece contends that the state should embrace the estimated 6–9 million Indonesians overseas as a national asset rather than a select professional elite. The article insists that the right to remain legally bound to one's homeland is a fundamental human right, and that security safeguards need not preclude wider openness.

Retirement Need Not Mean Stopping Earning: 7 Businesses You Can Start Before Age 60

The article outlines business ideas that Indonesians can begin before retirement to supplement savings and pension funds. It highlights home-based culinary ventures, online shops, and plant and gardening businesses as flexible options that can be started small whilst still employed. The piece is part of a financial planning guide ahead of retirement.

Important Lessons from the 2026 Anak Krakatau Eruption

The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau on 4–6 September 2026 produced spectacular lava fountains and an ash column reaching approximately 15 km above sea level, disrupting flights far from the eruption centre. Volcanologists note the event cannot be explained as a simple Strombolian eruption, as the volcano's island setting allowed magma–seawater interaction that greatly intensified explosiveness and ash production. The episode offers crucial disaster-mitigation lessons for Indonesia's many tropical and maritime volcanoes.

Mysterious Cattle Death in Gunungkidul Suspected to Be the Work of a Group of People

Police in Panggang, Gunongkidul, have revealed that a cow found dead under mysterious circumstances likely died at the hands of a group of people, with slash marks on its neck and both hindquarters missing. The owner has declined to file a report, considering the incident a misfortune, but police say they will continue their investigation to establish the exact cause of death.

India built world's largest real-time payment system. Now merchants fear being stuck with the bill

India's parliament has passed a bill allowing banks and payment companies to charge merchants fees on UPI real-time transactions above a yet-to-be-set threshold, ending a zero-fee policy in place since 2020. Merchants, especially restaurants and electronics retailers, warn that even modest charges of 0.5 per cent could erode thin profit margins, though the Finance Ministry insists the fees will be nominal and below card charges. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted that fast-payment systems in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand already levy merchant fees, arguing subsidies alone are not viable for UPI's next phase of growth.

'It has to be absorbed by the business': Why Indian merchants are wary of instant payment fees

India's parliament has passed a bill allowing banks and payment companies to charge merchants a fee on UPI real-time transactions above a certain threshold, ending a zero-fee policy in place since 2020. Businesses and experts warn that even modest charges could erode thin profit margins, particularly for restaurants, fuel retailers and distributors handling high-value payments. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted that fast-payment systems in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand already charge merchant fees.

Assessing the Quality of Education from Viral Videos

This opinion piece cautions against drawing sweeping conclusions about the decline of Indonesian education from viral videos of classroom violence and student misbehaviour. It argues that overgeneralisation from isolated incidents is academically unsound, and that education problems are multidimensional, requiring diagnosis rather than blame. The author calls for a shift from reactive punishment towards preventive, system-wide improvement that honours teachers, students and knowledge alike.

Substation Fire, Police Hunt Mastermind of Chain of Sabotage

Berlin police are investigating a fire at a substation construction site in the Moabit district and a possible act of arson, amid a series of suspected sabotage attacks on Germany's power grid. In Wesel, western Germany, police have launched a large-scale inspection after a security fence at a transformer substation was found cut. Authorities are also probing a man suspected of claiming responsibility for earlier sabotage attacks, after an object believed to be an explosive device was found at his residence.

On Additional Disaster Mitigation Budget, Purbaya: Wait for BNPB's Calculations!

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said the government is awaiting calculations from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) before determining additional allocations for disaster mitigation. President Prabowo Subianto earlier stated that disaster mitigation funding must be increased significantly given Indonesia's position on the Ring of Fire, and ordered officials to prepare a comprehensive master plan, including strengthening forest and land fire response capabilities.

Five Dead as Amazon Cargo Plane Overruns Runway at Miami Airport

An Amazon Prime Air cargo flight from Puerto Rico overran the runway at Miami International Airport, striking several vehicles and bursting into flames, killing at least five people. The FAA and NTSB have launched investigations, whilst the accident briefly halted all flights at the airport. Amazon expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with the inquiry.

Israel continues pounding Gaza, five killed and 30 others wounded

Five Palestinians were killed and 30 others wounded in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Since a ceasefire came into force on 11 October, 1,352 people have been killed and 4,511 injured in Gaza, with the total death toll since 7 October 2023 surpassing 73,000.