Perspective
ASEAN’s Energy Future Depends on Stronger Regional Cooperation
ASEAN can strengthen energy security and competitiveness through regional power grids, renewable investment and cooperation, with Indonesia helping drive shared
Energy and Resources
Indonesia, Gabon explore strategic rare earth minerals partnership
Jakarta seeks to diversify resource cooperation with Central African nations beyond oil, while also pursuing phosphate opportunities in the Republic of the Congo.
Corporate Affairs
Bakrie Group secures major capital inflows from Danantara over the past two years
The conglomerate has partnered with Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund on oil and gas, electric buses and waste-to-energy projects, expanding its exposure to strategic sectors.
In Case You Missed It
Energy and Resources
Indonesia targets two new LPG plants in 2027 to boost domestic supply
16.10.2026
Jakarta Power Play
Prabowo reshuffles, appoints new disaster agency chief, other officials
15.10.2026
Environment
Foreign companies linked to BVI, Samoa implicated in Indonesia forest fires, says WALHI
15.10.2026
National Resilience
Singapore considers legal action against companies over Indonesia-linked haze crisis
15.10.2026
National Resilience
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission detains five suspects in disaster agency procurement probe
15.10.2026
Markets and Finance
Indonesia targets US$45 billion in nickel exports in 2026, US$618 billion in downstream investment by 2040
15.10.2026
Markets and Finance
Investors favor short-term Indonesian government bonds amid long-term economic uncertainty
15.10.2026
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CEO & LEADERS
The ability to provide resources to solve the problem is a key role for philanthropy: Elizabeth Yee, Rockefeller Foundation
Elizabeth Yee serves as the Rockefeller Foundation’s Executive Vice President for Programs, where she leads the foundation’s global initiatives, regional operations, partnerships, … Read more
GEOPOLITICS
Indonesia, Netherlands sign landmark agreement to return more than 30,000 historical objects and fossil collections
The agreements cover 30,190 items from the Eugène Dubois Collection, including Homo erectus fossils and ancestral remains, as well as 20 cultural objects taken
Indonesia, Egypt expand ties with MoUs on passports, fisheries and bilateral cooperation
The agreements include visa exemptions for diplomatic, service and special passport holders, alongside expanded maritime cooperation on sustainable fisheries an
President Prabowo, El-Sisi forge defence collaboration to boost military tech and training
Indonesia and Egypt will strengthen defence industrial ties, military education, joint exercises and exchanges of officials and experts to build capabilities.
Taiwan receives first US F-16V fighter jets amid rising tensions with China
The first two of 66 F-16V Block 70 jets ordered in 2019 have arrived in Taiwan, beginning deliveries under an estimated US$8 billion (Rp143.3 trillion) programm
Indonesia, EU push to conclude trade deal by end-October
Jakarta seeks to accelerate ratification of the I-EU CEPA so the agreement can take effect in early 2027 and preserve preferential access to the European market
China, Philippines accuse each other of airspace violations after aircraft encounter near Scarborough Shoal
Beijing and Manila trade accusations over a Chinese fighter jet and Philippine military aircraft near the disputed South China Sea shoal, adding to tensions.
MARKET & FINANCE
Nestlé, trade ministry target US$557 million in agricultural exports
Three-year export commitment aims to strengthen Indonesian supply chains, empower local farmers and expand domestic products across global markets.
MSCI's Indonesia downgrade threat sparks market rout, puts billions in foreign investment at risk
The proposed reclassification has rattled Indonesian stocks, triggering an 8.01% drop in the Jakarta Composite Index and a 30-minute trading halt on Friday.
IDX suspends stock trading after Jakarta Composite Index plunges 8%
The 30-minute trading halt was triggered after the Jakarta Composite Index fell 8.01% at the market open, with the exchange scheduled to resume trading at 9:30
Indonesia targets South Asia with CPO exports to India, Pakistan
The trade ministry seeks to expand market access as palm oil exports rise and India remains a key source of Indonesia’s trade surplus.
Indonesia targets US$45 billion in nickel exports in 2026, US$618 billion in downstream investment by 2040
The government aims to build on nickel export growth to more than US$40 billion in 2025, as it targets US$618 billion in downstream investment across multiple
Investors favor short-term Indonesian government bonds amid long-term economic uncertainty
Indonesia’s government says strong auction demand and continued foreign participation reflect investor confidence, despite a shift toward short- and medium-term
ENERGY & RESOURCES
Indonesia, Gabon explore strategic rare earth minerals partnership
Jakarta seeks to diversify resource cooperation with Central African nations beyond oil, while also pursuing phosphate opportunities in the Congo.
Indonesia raises initial nuclear power target to 1,500 MW as it weighs global technology offers
The government is considering nuclear technology proposals from Russia, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Canada
Bahlil inaugurates new Cilamaya LPG plant in West Java
The privately owned facility will produce 52,800 tons of LPG annually, supplying an estimated 10% to 15% of demand in West Java and Jakarta.
Danantara, INA commit US$200 million to Chandra Asri’s US$800 million chemical plant
The investment accounts for 25% of the US$800 million CA-EDC project in Cilegon, which is targeted to begin commercial operations in 2027.
Indonesia targets two new LPG plants in 2027 to boost domestic supply
The planned facilities in Jambi Merang and Tomori are expected to expand domestic LPG production as Indonesia seeks to strengthen its energy supply.
Indonesia pushes palm oil downstreaming to unlock greater economic value
The industry ministry is urging businesses to expand palm oil processing beyond crude palm oil as Indonesia seeks to increase export earnings.
DEFENSE & SECURITY
Prabowo continues military expansion with three newly inaugurated Army support battalions
The Indonesian Army will gradually equip and staff the new cavalry, field artillery and air defense battalions, with deployments planned for Riau, Papua.
President Prabowo forms 204 new army units to strengthen national defence
Six new regional military commands are among the units inaugurated as Indonesia expands its national defence architecture
House Commission I backs Defense Ministry’s plan to acquire J-10 fighter jets from China
Dave Laksono says Indonesia needs capable combat aircraft to respond to regional security threats, while stressing supply chains, training and support readiness
Indonesia arrests 11 suspected militants in nationwide counter-terrorism operation
Densus 88 says suspects were linked to online recruitment, network consolidation and weapons training as authorities step up efforts to prevent extremist attack
Indonesia, Netherlands marines discuss jungle warfare training and new defence forum
The proposed cooperation would expand professional exchanges between the Indonesian and Dutch Marine Corps, including jungle training and Marines-to-Marines.
Indonesian Air Force might signal strategic shift with potential dedicated missile corps
The Indonesian Air Force might consider establishing a dedicated Missile Corps to strengthen its active-defensive capabilities
FINANCIAL CRIMES
Attorney general reveals US$48.16M state loss in free meal program EV procurement
The alleged corruption involved 19,269 electric motorcycles procured for Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal program, with five suspects handed over to prosecutors for trial preparation. Read more
Indonesian military detains officer over alleged online gambling hub at army residence
The TNI has detained an intelligence officer for questioning after 11 civilians were arrested at a m… Read more
Corruption Eradication Commission detains four suspects in Jasindo insurance corruption case, with Rp15.6B in state losses
KPK detains four suspects regarding Jasindo corruption case spanning 2015-2020, leading to financial… Read more
Indonesia’s agrarian affairs minister’s confidants questioned in KPK corruption probe
Two alleged confidants questioned as KPK traces Rp106.3 billion (US$6.03 million) in cash and an all… Read more
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT
Indonesia's employer association warns asset confiscation bill threatens investment climate
APINDO says weak legal safeguards in the proposed law could expose legitimate corporate assets to seizure, disrupt business operations and put jobs at risk.
Indonesia, China seek strategic AI and digital economy partnership at Kura-Kura Bali SEZ
Indonesia aims to deepen technological cooperation with China in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and the digital economy through research collaboration
Infrastructure and Development Ministry targets 14,000 km of new, reactivated railway tracks by 2045
Indonesia plans to invest up to Rp1,200 trillion (US$67.04 billion) to expand and reactivate railway lines nationwide by 2045
Indonesia eyes share of US$2.3T global clean-energy investment, Chamber of Commerce says
Indonesia is seeking to turn its critical-mineral resources, renewable-energy potential and domestic market into a larger role in the global clean-energy.
Danantara and Russia’s direct investment fund seek joint financing for bankable projects
Prabowo urges Indonesia and Russia to turn investment opportunities into commercially viable projects with measurable targets, clear financing schemes.
Batang industrial zone seeks Chinese investment through Hangzhou economic and technological development area partnership
MoU between KITB and HEDA aims to expand investment, trade and knowledge-transfer opportunities across BRICS economies.
CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Danantara seeks to build domestic chip industry to reduce import dependence
Indonesia is partnering with Peruri, the state-owned enterprises agency and the education ministry to develop a national semiconductor industry
Bakrie Group secures major capital inflows from Danantara over the past two years
The conglomerate has partnered with Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund on oil and gas, electric buses
Danantara takes over PLN Batam following regional blackout
The state investment agency is targeting improvements in electricity reliability and customer service in Batam
CNGR China moves to acquire Gunbuster Nickel Industry, signaling expansion in Indonesia
The Chinese battery materials producer is negotiating to buy an 80% stake in the debt-ridden nickel smelter, a deal that could strengthen its position.
Danantara plans state-owned textile enterprise to rescue Indonesia’s struggling textile industry
The government plans to consolidate existing textile businesses, including troubled manufacturers such as Sritex, under a state-backed company.
Golden Energy Mines allocates US$363,000 for exploration in Kalimantan and Sumatra
The coal miner recorded Rp6.51 billion (US$363,342) in exploration drilling and geotechnical expenses through September 2026, with activities concentrated.
PROFILES
Who is Luky Alfirman, the new deputy minister of finance?
The veteran Finance Ministry bureaucrat returns to the institution months after being removed from his budget post under former Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.
Who is Arrmanatha Nasir, Indonesia’s new foreign minister and veteran UN diplomat?
A career diplomat with extensive multilateral and UN experience replaces Sugiono as Jakarta’s top diplomat.
Sofyan Djalil
Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning of Indonesia
Sofyan A. Djalil was born in 1953 in Aceh. Djalil is the Minister of Agrarian and Spatial Planning of Indonesia. He was a very persistent person at a young age to reach his goals, that persistence made him successful in studying at the University of Indonesia (UI). At UI, he studied Business Law and graduated in 1984. He then met his future wife, Dr. Ir. Ratna Megawangi, M.Sc. and has 3 children.
Siti Nurbaya Bakar
Minister of Environment and Forestry
Siti Nurbaya Bakar was born in 1956 in Jakarta to Mochamad Bakar and Sri Banon. She is the current Minister of Environment and Forestry. Her father is a retired Betawi Police officer and his mother is from Lambung. Siti is married to Rusli Rachman and has two children: Meitra Mivida NR and Ananda Tohpati.
Sandiaga Uno
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy
Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno was born in 1969 in Riau, Indonesia. Uno is the current Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy. During his childhood, he met with Erick Thohir and was in the same elementary school as a schoolmate. Sandiaga Uno was an undergraduate of Wichita State University in the United States, he graduated with a cum laude. He continued his university education in the United States at George Washington University in 1990 after receiving a paid scholarship from William Soerjadjaja and graduated with an MBA in 1992 and a GPA 4.00.
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono
Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Wahyu Sakti Trenggono was born in Semarang in 1962, He is the current Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Trenggono is a person who focuses on business development. He attended a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering at the Bandung Institute of Technology in 1986, after which he continued his Masters in Management at the Bandung Institute of Technology.
Ridwan Kamil
Governor of West Java since 2018 - 2023
Mohammad Ridwan Kamil called Kang Emil or Ridwan was born in Bandung in 1971. Kamil is the Governor of West Java since 2018. He is the son of a husband and wife Dr. Atje Misbach, S. H. and Dra. Tjutju Sukaesih. Ridwan is the second of five children. Ridwan has a family, he is married to Atalia Praratya Kamil and has children Camillia Laetitia Azzahra and Emmiril Khan Mumtadz.
CYBER & ESPIONAGE
Bank Indonesia projects cyberattack losses to surpass Rp110T in 2026
Rapid AI adoption and automation are increasing cybersecurity, data misuse, fraud and scam risks, prompting calls to strengthen payment security and consumer protection... Read more
Indonesia strengthens cybersecurity readiness for post-quantum era
Government, industry and academia map out national migration strategy as quantum computing threatens current e… Read more
Indonesia pushes joint task force with Cambodia to crack down on online scams
Indonesia and Cambodia move toward closer law enforcement coordination as Jakarta seeks stronger action agains… Read more
Indonesia faces surge in Cambodia repatriation requests amid online scam crackdown
More than 12,000 Indonesians seek government assistance to return home as Cambodia intensifies action against … Read more
Indonesia advances long-delayed cyber security bill
Government, lawmakers begin formal talks on legislation to protect critical infrastructure Read more