Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 September 2026

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Cemagi Waste Processing Facility Found Dumping Waste into River; Incinerator Lacks SOP

The Badung Regency Environmental and Cleanliness Office (DLHK) has discovered that the Sarwa Metu Wangi waste processing facility in Cemagi lacks standard operating procedures for its incinerator. Following community complaints regarding thick smoke and illegal waste discharge, authorities have ordered immediate repairs and the implementation of proper waste management protocols.

Basarnas Confirms Five Journalists Lost Contact While Covering Mount Anak Krakatau Activity

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Banten has confirmed that five journalists, along with a ship captain, a crew member, and a guide, have lost contact in the Sunda Strait. Search operations are currently underway in the waters of Pandeglang Regency to locate the missing individuals.

Pramono orders immediate construction of command headquarters for Satpol PP

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has directed officials to coordinate the construction of a proper command headquarters (Mako) for the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP). The project, which is expected to begin planning as early as this year, aims to provide a dedicated facility for the unit, which currently operates from temporary premises.

Five Photojournalists Reported Missing While Covering Mount Anak Krakatau

Five photojournalists and two crew members have lost contact while attempting to document the conditions of Mount Anak Krakatau. A joint search operation involving the National Police and Basarnas is currently underway to locate their vessel.

5 Journalists Reported Missing While Covering Anak Krakatau Activity

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has launched a search operation for five journalists and two others reported missing in the Sunda Strait. The incident occurred after a speedboat carrying the crew, who were monitoring Mount Anak Krakatau, was involved in an accident near Pandeglang, Banten.

Five AI Startups Selected for GVV Batch 9, Aiming for Solutions Across Various Sectors

Grab Indonesia's accelerator program, Grab Ventures Velocity (GVV) Batch 9, has selected five AI startups to bolster the nation's digital ecosystem. The initiative aims to address the funding gap in Indonesia's AI sector, which currently receives only 4% of the total funding seen in the ASEAN-10 region.

Caring for Others: Polri Sespimma 76 Distributes Social Assistance to Residents in West Bandung

Participants of the 76th Polri Sespimma class have distributed 150 packages of basic food supplies to underprivileged residents in Langensari Village, Lembang. The initiative serves as a demonstration of the Indonesian National Police's commitment to community social welfare.

Minister of Home Affairs Reveals Post-Disaster Housing Assistance in Sumatra is Nearly Complete

The Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, announced that financial aid for repairing lightly and moderately damaged houses in Sumatra is almost fully distributed. The government is also coordinating the construction of permanent housing and relocation efforts for those whose homes were destroyed by natural disasters.

Legislator Urges Government to Strengthen Water Management to Combat Drought

Rina Saadah, a member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has called for a more strategic approach to drought management beyond merely distributing water pumps. She emphasised the need for comprehensive water management from upstream to downstream, including the maintenance of irrigation networks and catchment areas, to ensure food sovereignty.

Basarnas searches for ANTARA journalist who lost contact in Sunda Strait

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has launched an operation to locate a speedboat carrying a group of journalists that lost contact in the Sunda Strait. The vessel was reportedly en route to cover volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau when communication was severed.

Celebrating its 270th Anniversary, Yogyakarta City to Adopt 'Authentic and Concrete' Theme

The Yogyakarta City Government has announced a series of events and promotions to celebrate the city's 270th anniversary on 7 October 2026. Under the theme 'Authentic, Concrete', the celebrations will feature major cultural events and various commercial discounts involving state-owned enterprises and local businesses.

Bromo Filming Prohibited to Prevent Forest Fires

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority has suspended all commercial and non-commercial filming permits in the Mount Bromo area. This preventative measure aims to mitigate the risk of forest fires caused by dry vegetation during the current dry season.

West Jakarta Police Handle Eruption Impacts, Spraying Roads and Distributing Masks

The West Jakarta Metropolitan Police have deployed water cannons to spray volcanic ash from the Anak Krakatau eruption on major roads to prevent dust from becoming airborne. Additionally, the police have established eight health posts and are distributing masks to protect the public from respiratory issues.

AiMOGA Robots Reach 60 Countries, Shipments Hit 2,0 Namespace 000 Units

AI-based robotics firm AiMOGA Robotics has achieved a significant milestone, with cumulative shipments exceeding 2,000 units across more than 60 countries. The company's technology is being deployed in diverse real-world scenarios, ranging from automotive retail to public services and medical guidance.

Commission XII Urges Quality Control for B50 Biodiesel from Upstream to Downstream

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission XII has called on the government and PT Pertamina Patra Niaga to ensure the quality and logistics of the upcoming B50 biodiesel programme. The commission emphasised the need to prevent bottlenecks in the energy supply chain as the biodiesel blend increases to 50 per cent.

e-ID Card Printing Requests Surge in Mataram as Blank Card Stocks Deplete

The supply of blank e-ID card (e-KTP) blanks at the Mataram City Population and Civil Registration Office is running low due to a surge in applications from 17-year-olds and data update requests. Local authorities have implemented a priority system and are awaiting a shipment of up to 15,000 additional blanks from the central government.

Iranian Foreign Minister: US Compliance with Islamabad MoU is Key to Regional Stability

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Middle East stability depends on the United States adhering to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The discussions, held with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, also touched upon maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the global economic implications of ongoing US-Iran tensions.

Central Jakarta deploys 32 'water mist' units to tackle volcanic ash

The Central Jakarta administration has deployed 32 water mist vehicles across major roads and public parks to mitigate the impact of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. The operation involves various regional agencies and 150 personnel to ensure public health and environmental cleanliness.

Cabinet Reshuffle: President Appoints Former Boxer to Tackle Poverty

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed legendary boxer and former senator Manny Pacquiao to lead the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). The move is part of a broader government effort to reduce the national poverty rate to between 8% and 9% by 2028.

Pet Care Industry Grows, Local Cat Food Brands Expand Market in Indonesia

Local cat food producers have achieved a significant milestone at the Indonesia International Pet Expo (IIPE) 2026, with three domestic brands setting a Guinness World Record. The rapid sell-out of products reflects the growing consumer interest in the Indonesian pet care industry.

Kaspersky: Mobile Banking Trojan Threats Surge Sharply in Q1 2026

Kaspersky has reported a significant spike in mobile banking Trojan detections, with over 162,000 installation packages identified in the first quarter of 2026 alone. This surge represents more than double the total recorded in 2024, highlighting an increasing dominance of banking malware in the mobile threat landscape.

Govt supports Rp776 billion coconut processing industry in Morowali

The Indonesian government is backing a new Rp776 billion coconut processing facility in Morowali to bolster downstream industrialisation. The project aims to increase the value of coconut commodities by converting raw materials into export-ready products, potentially benefiting up to 10,000 local farmers.

Finance minister urges regions to assess risks before issuing bonds

Finance Minister Purbaya has advised regional governments to carefully assess financial risks before issuing bonds to prevent local debt from destabilising the national economy. In response, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo intends to proceed with bond proposals to fund capital development, while simultaneously calling for the restoration of Jakarta's revenue-sharing funds.

B50 cuts diesel imports, save Indonesia Rp170 trillion in forex

The implementation of the B50 biofuel programme is projected to save Indonesia Rp170 trillion in foreign exchange by significantly reducing diesel imports. This initiative aims to bolster national energy security and is expected to support employment for 2.1 million people by 2026.

Lenovo Tab Plus Gen 2 Officially Released, Here is the Price in Indonesia

Lenovo has officially launched the Tab Plus Gen 2 in the Indonesian market, focusing on enhanced visual experiences and audio performance. The mid-range tablet aims to serve both productivity and entertainment needs with improved screen brightness and sound clarity.

Eva Rataba Denies Receiving PKH Social Assistance Despite Inclusion in Decile 4 Data

Eva Stevany Rataba, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has refuted claims that she received PKH social assistance despite being listed in the nation's decile 4 socio-economic group. The legislator has called for a fundamental overhaul of the national data collection system to prevent errors that could deprive truly needy citizens of aid.

Pertamina Foundation Appoints New Leadership to Expand Sustainability Impact and Accelerate Energy Transition

The Pertamina Foundation has announced a new leadership structure following a Town Hall Meeting aimed at strengthening organisational governance. The foundation intends to enhance its synergy with the Pertamina Group, focusing on energy transition, sustainability, and downstreaming initiatives.

Iceland Summons US Ambassador Following Trump's Post Featuring Map of 'Annexed' Territory

The Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the US Ambassador after Donald Trump shared a map on social media depicting Iceland as part of the United States. The diplomatic tension arises from the map's inclusion of various territories under a US flag motif, causing significant concern in the subarctic nation.

US Media: Indonesia's Richest Family Moves Over Rp17.6 Trillion Abroad

A Bloomberg report reveals that the Hartono family, Indonesia's wealthiest dynasty, has invested over USD1.4 billion in overseas entities. This move towards international diversification is seen as a strategy to hedge against domestic economic uncertainty and currency fluctuations.

1,900 Ministry of Social Affairs Employees Linked to Online Gambling, Gus Ipul Threatens Dismissal

The Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, has threatened severe disciplinary action, including dismissal, against 1,900 employees suspected of participating in online gambling. An investigation is currently underway to verify the extent of the involvement and determine the appropriate sanctions for the civil servants involved.

Second Day of Online Learning: Students Found Outside During School Hours During Patrol

School monitoring teams in Purwakarta discovered several primary school students wandering outside their homes during scheduled online learning hours. The shift to remote learning was implemented following the distribution of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau across the region.

141 Blora Children Fall Ill After Consuming State-Sanctioned Free Meals

A significant food poisoning incident has affected 141 students in Blora Regency, Central Java, following the consumption of state-sanctioned free nutritious meals. The incident, involving symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea, has raised concerns regarding the safety and management of the government's meal programme.

Government Targets 16.8 Million KL of B50 Biodiesel Distribution by 2026

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources aims to distribute between 16.8 and 18 million kilolitres of B50 biodiesel by 2026 to reduce reliance on fuel imports. The initiative is expected to save the state significant foreign exchange and create millions of new jobs within the national palm oil industry.

Jakarta Provincial Government Installs Fencing and Pelican Crossing at Dewi Sartika Pedestrian Bridge

The Jakarta Provincial Government has implemented fencing and installed a pelican crossing at the Dewi Sartika pedestrian bridge in Cawang to improve pedestrian safety. This intervention follows public outcry regarding a structural flaw where the bridge stairs previously forced pedestrians to cross the main road mid-way.

Kupang Prepares Tourism Ecosystem to Welcome 2028 National Sports Week

The Kupang City Government in East Nusa Tenggara is developing a comprehensive tourism ecosystem, including homestays and local culinary promotion, ahead of the 2028 National Sports Week (PON XXII). The initiative aims to transform the city into a comfortable hub for athletes and tourists, leveraging its position as a gateway to NTT's wider destinations.

Observer: 'Berani Cerdas' Initiative by Anwar Hafid Deserves to be a Model for Other Regions

Political observer Ujang Komarudin has praised Central Sulawesi Governor Anwar Hafid's 'Berani Cerdas' programme for its comprehensive approach to educational scholarships. The initiative, which covers levels from primary school to PhDs, is highlighted as a strategic model for human resource development in other Indonesian provinces.

Indonesia Needs More Stories That Showcase National Identity

Film director and producer Angga Dwimas Sasongko emphasises the need for more local characters and narratives to represent Indonesia's national identity. He encourages young creators to move beyond being mere consumers and instead focus on building domestic intellectual property.

DPR, TikTok Tokopedia Meet Closed-Door: What Was Discussed?

Commission VII of the House of Representatives held a closed-door hearing with TikTok Tokopedia executives and government officials to address grievances from MSMEs regarding frozen accounts and withheld funds. The parliamentary committee is demanding transparency regarding the platform's operational protocols and a clear timeline for the release of capital to affected small business owners.

Bulog West Java strengthens 5kg premium rice stocks to tackle retail shortages

Perum Bulog West Java is increasing the supply of 5kg premium rice to modern retail chains to address recent shortages caused by rising paddy prices. The initiative aims to stabilise availability across major supermarket networks in the region despite fluctuations in supplier costs.

South Tapanuli Regency Accelerates Recovery for Disaster-Affected Residents

The South Tapanuli Regency government is intensifying post-disaster recovery efforts following recent hydrometeorological events in North Sumatra. The initiative focuses on revitalising the local economy through agricultural downstreaming, specifically targeting Arabica coffee and fisheries to restore livelihoods in affected areas.

Ministry of Finance to Take Over Whoosh Management from September 2026

The Indonesian Ministry of Finance is set to assume management of the Whoosh high-speed railway from the Danantara Investment Agency starting 15 September 2026. The takeover will be executed through special mission vehicles such as PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur or the Indonesia Investment Authority, with debt restructured over an 80-year tenor.

Head of BPS: NasDem Legislator Eva Stevany Updated to Decile 10

The Head of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has confirmed that the socio-economic status of NasDem MP Eva Stevany Rataba has been updated to decile 10 following controversy over her previous classification. While she was previously listed in decile 4, officials clarified that she had never actually received social assistance benefits.

Dewi Sartika Pedestrian Bridge Goes Viral; Jakarta Provincial Government Installs Fencing and Pelican Crossing

The Jakarta Provincial Government has taken initiative to install fencing and a pelican crossing at the Dewi Sartika pedestrian bridge following social media criticism regarding its unsafe design. Governor Pramono Anung noted that while the developer, KSO Fortuna Indonesia, is responsible for completing the bridge, the city has intervened to ensure public safety.

Trump Tariffs Cripple EU Firms' Confidence in ASEAN

A recent survey by the EU-ASEAN Business Council reveals that US tariff uncertainties under the Trump administration have significantly eroded the confidence of European businesses operating in Southeast Asia. Despite these challenges, Indonesia and Vietnam remain attractive destinations for supply chain recalibration, with Indonesia's upcoming free trade agreement with the EU expected to act as a major economic catalyst.

RI Govt restructures Whoosh debt to US$56 million annual installments

The Indonesian Finance Ministry has restructured the debt for the Whoosh high-speed rail project, spreading repayments over 80 years with annual instalments of approximately Rp1 trillion. As part of the plan, the ministry will acquire a 60 per cent stake in the PT Pilar Sinergi BUMN Indonesia consortium, with the formal transfer of debt management scheduled for September 2026.

Attorney General's Office: 30 Per Cent of Seized Assets Fail to Sell at Auction

The Attorney General's Office's Asset Recovery Agency has revealed that 30 per cent of seized corruption assets remain unsold at auction because their prices align too closely with market value. The agency also faces challenges regarding asset maintenance costs and discrepancies with the courts regarding the legal status of seized goods.

North Kayong increases capital expenditure by Rp21.6 billion in Revised Regional Budget

The North Kayong Regency government in West Kalimantan has increased its capital expenditure allocation to Rp53.7 billion in the 2026 Revised Regional Budget (APBD). The additional funds are earmarked for improving educational infrastructure, roads, bridges, and basic public utilities.

BPK Penabur Jakarta Partners with Jakarta Provincial Government to Host PICF 2026 Festival

BPK Penabur Jakarta is preparing to host the 7th Penabur International Choir Festival (PICF) in September 2026, featuring 152 choirs from Indonesia and neighbouring countries. The event is supported by the Jakarta Provincial Government through various agencies, including the Department of Culture and the Department of Digital Communication.

Middle East Tensions Escalate! Houthis Bombard Saudi Arabia, Casualties Reported

The Yemen-based Houthi group has launched extensive drone and missile attacks on several Saudi Arabian cities, injuring over 70 people and damaging oil installations. This escalation has caused global Brent crude prices to surge above US$99 per barrel, threatening global energy supplies and economic stability.

Korpasgat assists residents in cleaning places of worship in Bekasi

The 1st Parako Brigade of the Indonesian Air Force's Pasgat has conducted a social service activity to clean the Bethel Indonesia Church (GBI) Batu Penjuru in Bekasi. This initiative is part of the celebrations for the 79th anniversary of Korpasgat and aims to strengthen the bond between the military and the local community.