Indonesia

On August 15, 2026, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the north coast of Flores Island, eastern Indonesia, triggering a tsunami warning and mass evacuations. The death toll rose from initial reports of 5 to at least 38 as rescue operations continued. Tsunami waves under one meter were recorded in some areas, but no major tsunami occurred. Thousands fled coastal areas amid strong aftershocks, including a 6.1 tremor. The quake caused significant damage, with rescuers struggling to reach affected communities in the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire region.

15 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 17, 10:28 AM UTC

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has nominated Destry Damayanti, senior deputy governor of Bank Indonesia, as the new central bank governor following Perry Warjiyo’s unexpected resignation amid reported fiscal policy disagreements. Damayanti, a seasoned economist, is expected to be approved by parliament, becoming the first permanent female BI governor. The appointment briefly boosted the rupiah but occurs amid fragile investor confidence due to Prabowo’s high-spending policies, which have led to ratings outlook downgrades by Moody’s and Fitch.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 11, 05:03 AM UTC

On August 7, 2026, PT PAL Indonesia held a steel-cutting ceremony in Surabaya, East Java, marking the start of construction for Indonesia’s first Scorpène Evolved submarine. Part of a partnership with France’s Naval Group, the submarine features lithium-ion batteries and advanced combat systems. Two submarines will be built domestically through technology transfer, with delivery expected by 2032. The program aims to modernize Indonesia’s naval fleet and enhance domestic shipbuilding capabilities.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 10, 04:05 PM UTC

The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup group draw has been announced, with Pakistan replacing China in the top-tier group after the Chinese Football Association declined the invitation. The top-tier teams include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Pakistan, divided into Group A (Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore) and Group B (Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines). The second-tier group consists of Hong Kong China, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei, and Timor-Leste. The tournament will be held from September 21 to October 6, with top-tier matches in Indonesia and second-tier matches in Hong Kong China. Both tiers use a single round-robin format, with group winners advancing to the final and runners-up competing for third place. China will instead participate in a five-nation invitational tournament in Chongqing against Uzbekistan, North Korea, Tajikistan, and Palestine as preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:30 AM UTC

A dispute over a Bali running club, Entourage Bali, has escalated into a broader immigration crackdown and public debate about the role of foreigners on the island. The controversy began when the club was accused of discriminating against Indonesian applicants by rejecting their registrations while accepting foreigners. Indonesian immigration officials subsequently barred two Dutch nationals involved with the club from re-entering the country, citing immigration violations and the club functioning as a 'state within a state'. The club apologized, citing errors in its automated approval process, and paused all activities. Other running clubs in Bali also temporarily halted events. The incident has drawn criticism from prominent Indonesians, including a Bali senator, and reflects Bali's increasingly assertive enforcement of immigration rules amid record tourism. Between January and June 2025, Bali deported 342 foreign nationals, up from 378 in all of 2024 and 335 in 2023.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 09:25 AM UTC

On July 28, 2026, about 150 active seafarers and family members staged a silent march in Kochi, India, organized by the Mariners Society, Ernakulam, to protest the killing of seafarers in military actions related to the West Asia conflict. Participants, including former captain Philip Mathews and active sailor Sardar Kandathil, highlighted escalating risks from bombs and missiles, shrinking job opportunities due to volatile maritime conditions, and difficulties in joining duty because of complicated visa regulations. They criticized the Director General of Shipping's circular warning against sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing it benefits Chinese and Indonesian seafarers at the expense of Indian jobs. The group submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and plans to forward it to the Union government, urging India to leverage its market potential to help end the conflict. Families expressed perpetual fear, noting many depend on mariners as sole breadwinners.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 04:28 PM UTC

The Business Times reports that markets are closely watching Indonesia after the surprise departure of its central bank governor. Investors are focused on whether the country's monetary policy credibility will remain intact following the leadership transition. The article, published on July 28, 2026, highlights that continuity and certainty are critical factors for investor confidence during this period of unexpected change at Bank Indonesia. The analysis suggests that the new leadership will need to reassure markets to maintain stability.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:24 PM UTC

The surprise resignation of Indonesia's central bank governor has created uncertainty in financial markets, with investors closely watching whether the incoming leadership will maintain monetary policy credibility. The article, published by The Business Times Singapore on July 28, 2026, reports that the unexpected departure raises questions about policy continuity and the stability of Indonesia's economic management. Market participants are seeking assurances that the transition will not disrupt the central bank's independence or its commitment to inflation control and currency stability. The event is seen as a test of Indonesia's institutional resilience and its attractiveness to foreign investment. Analysts emphasize that clear communication and a smooth handover are critical to maintaining investor confidence in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:24 PM UTC

Perry Warjiyo, governor of Bank Indonesia since 2018, resigned unexpectedly two years before his term ended, citing personal reasons. Senior Deputy Governor Destry Damayanti was appointed interim governor. The resignation rattled markets, with the Jakarta Composite Index falling 0.5% and the rupiah weakening past 18,000 per dollar. The move raises concerns about central bank independence under President Prabowo Subianto, whose expansionary policies have drawn ratings downgrades from Moody’s and Fitch. Prabowo will propose three candidates for a permanent successor.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:03 AM UTC

Andhra Pradesh BJP president P. V. N. Madhav stated the party's commitment to inclusive development of minorities while upholding religious freedom. Addressing the BJP Minority Morcha State Executive Committee in Vijayawada, he advocated for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), citing Indonesia as a Muslim-majority example. He described Hindutva as a civilisational ethos based on equality and tolerance. Madhav urged minority youth, especially Muslims, to pursue careers in civil services and the armed forces, and called for improved education and employment opportunities for Pasmanda Muslims. He praised central welfare schemes under Prime Minister Modi for benefiting all eligible citizens regardless of religion or caste, and appealed for communal harmony.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:28 PM UTC

On July 24, 2026, the Trump Administration announced new tariffs on imports from 60 economies, following a USTR investigation into failures to enforce bans on forced labor goods. The National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO) criticized a 'textile mechanism' clause that offers Section 301 duty relief for textile and apparel imports from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia based on their imports of US cotton and textiles. NCTO argues this will harm US domestic manufacturers, who have lost 41 plants and employ 453,000 workers. The group warns that Asia's US market share has grown from 77% to 79% since 2019, while the Western Hemisphere's share shrank from 16% to 12%. NCTO claims the mechanism will not boost US yarn/fabric exports due to Asia's reliance on subsidized inputs, and urges stronger enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act instead.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:10 PM UTC

PT Articura Tech Indonesia announced the launch of its Sovereign Healthcare AI Platform, bringing together hospitals, clinics, academia, and industry to develop trusted, nationally grounded healthcare AI. The platform connects AI infrastructure, sovereign medical intelligence, and clinical applications within an integrated environment. Articura signed memoranda of understanding with five initial partners: RSPON (national brain health referral center), Universitas Padjadjaran's Faculty of Pharmacy, PT AXIS PERIFER SENTRAL (pediatric care), FokusMedika (primary care), and Orbiva Limited (healthcare AI/AIoT). The initiative aims to identify real-world needs, jointly develop AI capabilities, and translate them into practical applications across Indonesian healthcare settings. Articura's existing modular software suite includes Articura Max for large hospitals, Articura Edge for regional facilities, and Articura Mini for clinics, supporting clinical documentation, decision support, operational improvement, and remote monitoring. The signing ceremony included representatives from Indonesia's Ministry of Health, highlighting alignment with national digital-health and data-sovereignty priorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:00 PM UTC

Indonesia will implement a new e-commerce tax mechanism starting August 1, 2026, as reported by The Business Times Singapore. The regulation introduces changes to how taxes are collected on online transactions, affecting consumers, sellers, and platforms. The article analyzes the implications, identifying which parties bear the tax burden and which may lose out under the new system. Key details include the effective date and potential impacts on online shopping behavior in Indonesia. The regulation aims to streamline tax collection in the growing e-commerce sector but raises questions about compliance costs and market competitiveness.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 04:00 AM UTC

Vietnam is drafting new rules to restrict social media access for children under 16, barring them from posting, commenting, sharing, or reacting on platforms. Accounts for minors must be registered using a parent's or guardian's information, who will supervise content and screen time. Social media companies will be required to identify child users and ensure age-appropriate content exposure. The move stops short of a full ban, unlike Australia's recent law, and aims to protect children from cyberbullying, fraud, and pornography. The draft decree also proposes limiting online gaming for children to 60 minutes per day. Vietnam has large social media user bases, with 89 million Facebook accounts and 80 million TikTok users. The policy follows similar actions in Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Meta has noted technical challenges in enforcing passive-only usage, as behavioral signals needed to identify child users would diminish.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:42 AM UTC

Vietnam is drafting new rules to restrict social media access for children under 16, barring them from posting, commenting, sharing, or reacting on platforms. Accounts for minors must be registered using a parent's or guardian's information, who will supervise content and screen time. Social media companies will be required to identify child users and ensure age-appropriate content. The move stops short of a full ban, unlike Australia's recent law, and aims to protect children from cyberbullying, fraud, and pornography. The draft decree also proposes limiting online gaming for children to 60 minutes per day. Vietnam has large social media user bases, with 89 million Facebook accounts and 80 million TikTok users. The policy follows similar actions in Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Meta has warned that passive-only use by children could reduce behavioral signals needed to identify and protect them online.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 02:42 AM UTC

Indonesian authorities have arrested Adriansyah, a former top anti-corruption prosecutor who was once considered the country's most powerful figure in the fight against graft. The arrest followed police raids on his properties. Adriansyah had stepped down from his position at the Attorney General's Office (AGO) earlier in July 2026. The development marks a significant reversal for a figure previously celebrated for his role in prosecuting corruption cases, raising questions about the integrity of Indonesia's anti-corruption institutions and potential political motivations behind the arrest.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:22 AM UTC

Indonesian authorities have arrested Adriansyah, a former top anti-corruption prosecutor, following police raids. Adriansyah was once considered Indonesia's most powerful anti-corruption prosecutor and recently stepped down from his position at the Attorney General's Office (AGO) earlier in July 2026. The arrest marks a significant development in Indonesia's ongoing efforts to combat corruption, highlighting the complex dynamics within the country's legal and anti-corruption institutions. The Business Times reported the news on July 27, 2026, based on information from the Indonesian authorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:22 AM UTC

The Korea Football Association's Fair Committee has imposed a heavy penalty on former South Korea national team and Ulsan HD head coach Shin Tae-yong for improper treatment and assaulting players during his tenure at Ulsan HD in 2025. The incident involved defender Jung Seung-hyun publicly alleging that Shin slapped his face during their first meeting, with other players also reporting misconduct. Ulsan HD issued warnings and terminated his contract. The Sports Ethics Center recommended a heavy penalty in May, and the Fair Committee finalized the decision in July. Although the KFA did not disclose specific details due to personal sensitive information, Indonesian media reported a 10-year ban. Shin, now head coach of Indonesian club Persija Jakarta, stated the penalty will not affect his work in Indonesia and he is ready for a long-term coaching stint there.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 06:23 AM UTC

India's Commerce Ministry announced that 45% of Indian exports to the U.S. will not face the new 10% 'forced labour' tariffs imposed by Washington, including generic pharmaceuticals, smartphones, and products already covered by Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminium, and auto parts. The remaining 55% of exports will attract the 10% duty, but this rate is lower than the initially proposed 12.5% and lower than tariffs imposed on 38 other countries investigated by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). India was not included in a textile tariff-rate quota mechanism established for Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, but said it continues engaging with the U.S. on textile exports as part of ongoing negotiations for the India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The Ministry credited sustained diplomatic engagement for India's relatively favorable tariff treatment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 12:08 PM UTC

Punjab Police's Anti-Gangster Task Force, in coordination with central agencies and the Overseas Fugitive Tracking & Extradition Cell, successfully deported fugitive gangster Jobanjit Singh (alias Joban Billa) from Jakarta, Indonesia, after a six-month international manhunt. The operation, named Operation Nomad Hunt, involved sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering across multiple countries. Singh is wanted in India for multiple heinous crimes including murder, attempted murder, and offenses under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Arms Act. Police DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that the deportation marks a major breakthrough against transnational organized crime and reaffirms the commitment to bringing fugitives to justice regardless of their location.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 11:46 AM UTC

Indonesian stocks experienced a brief rally that pushed the benchmark index to the brink of a bull market, driven by improving investor sentiment. The rally was attributed to an earlier drop in oil prices, which helped stabilize the world's worst-performing stock market this year. The article, published by The Business Times on July 25, 2026, notes that investors rotated into the market as sentiment steadied, though the rally was short-lived. The Jakarta Composite Index approached bull market territory, reflecting a positive shift in market dynamics after a prolonged period of underperformance.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 08:25 AM UTC

Indonesian stocks experienced a brief rally that pushed the benchmark index to the brink of a bull market, driven by improving investor sentiment. The rally was attributed to an earlier drop in oil prices, which helped stabilize the world's worst-performing stock market this year. Investors rotated into equities as sentiment improved, though the rally was short-lived. The article, published by The Business Times on July 25, 2026, highlights the market's recovery from a difficult period, with oil price declines providing a catalyst for renewed buying interest.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 08:25 AM UTC

Indonesian search and rescue teams are searching for a speedboat carrying 11 European tourists and two Indonesian crew members that went missing off Sulawesi island on July 24, 2026. The vessel departed from Tanjung Unauna regency bound for Marisa Port in Gorontalo province but failed to arrive. A local tour guide reported the missing boat at 3:40 p.m. on Friday, prompting an immediate search operation. The passengers include a Czech man, a Belgian man, five Dutch nationals, three Germans, a French woman, and two Indonesian crew members. Dozens of search-and-rescue teams are covering approximately 300 square nautical miles of waters along Tomini Bay, using a thermal-imaging drone and diving equipment. Rescuers face challenging sea conditions with strong winds and waves up to 2.5 meters high, though the meteorological agency forecast generally clear skies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 07:56 AM UTC

Searah, a joint venture between Eni and Petronas, has commenced development of a floating gas processing facility for the $11.8bn North Hub project in Indonesia's Kutai Basin. A steel-cutting ceremony was held for the FPSO vessel, which will serve as a central processing unit for 16 wells in the Geng North and Gehem gas fields. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028, targeting 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day and 80,000 barrels of condensate per day. $2.9bn has been allocated for the FPSO development. Saipem, in partnership with Tripatra, won an EPCI contract for the FPSO. The project includes subsea development, gas export to the Bontang LNG plant, and domestic supply via the East Kalimantan system. Eni also recently discovered approximately 5 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Ganal block.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:48 AM UTC

The Indonesian Air Force has ordered a dozen Leonardo M-346F Block 20 light fighters, becoming the first Asian customer for this variant. The deal, announced by Leonardo's CEO, includes localization of support, maintenance, and training capabilities. The M-346F is a multirole light fighter equipped with AESA radar, Link 16 data link, and seven hardpoints. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030. Indonesia, which already operates a diverse fleet including Rafale, F-16, Su-27/30, and T-50i aircraft, continues to pursue a diversification strategy, though analysts note interoperability challenges. Separately, Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense signed a letter of intent for the potential procurement of AW149 medium helicopters for the Indonesian Navy, intended for search and rescue and disaster relief missions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:35 AM UTC

The Indonesian Air Force has ordered a dozen Leonardo M-346F Block 20 light fighters, with deliveries expected to begin in 2030. The deal includes localization of support, maintenance, and training capabilities. Indonesia becomes the first Asian customer of the latest Block 20 variant. The M-346F is a multirole light fighter equipped with AESA radar, Link 16 data link, seven hardpoints, aerial refueling capability, and electronic countermeasures. Separately, Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense signed a letter of intent for the potential procurement of AW149 medium helicopters for the Indonesian Navy, intended for search and rescue and disaster relief missions. The article highlights Indonesia's ongoing challenge of operating a highly diverse and complex fleet of combat aircraft from multiple nations, which raises interoperability concerns.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:35 AM UTC

The Indonesian Air Force has ordered a dozen Leonardo M-346F Block 20 light fighters, becoming the first Asian customer for this variant. The deal includes localization of support, maintenance, and training capabilities. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030. The M-346F is a multirole light fighter equipped with AESA radar, Link 16 data link, seven hardpoints, aerial refueling, and electronic countermeasures. Separately, Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense signed a letter of intent for the potential procurement of AW149 medium helicopters for the Indonesian Navy, intended for search and rescue and disaster relief missions. Indonesia's fleet already includes Dassault Rafale, F-16, Su-27/Su-30, and T-50i aircraft, and the country has expressed interest in the KF-21, Turkish Kaan, and Chinese J-10. Analysts note that this diversification strategy poses interoperability challenges for joint operations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:35 AM UTC

At the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, the Leonardo-Baykar joint venture LBA Systems debuted the Astore Levante, a carrier-capable UCAV based on Baykar's Bayraktar TB3. Equipped with Leonardo mission systems (radar, EW, ASW), it features folding wings and autonomous short-deck operations. The first batch is in production in Italy, with delivery to the Italian Navy expected by end of 2026 for use aboard the carrier Cavour alongside F-35Bs. Indonesia is the first export customer.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:15 AM UTC

A collection of cultural artifacts looted from Indonesia's Papua region and illegally taken to the United States has been returned to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The handover occurred on Wednesday at Prabowo's residence in Jakarta during a meeting with FBI Director Kash Patel. Indonesian officials confirmed the return to reporters, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesia in combating illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. The artifacts, originating from Papua, were recovered as part of FBI efforts to repatriate stolen cultural property. This event underscores bilateral law enforcement collaboration and efforts to preserve Indonesia's cultural heritage.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:29 PM UTC

ABL Group has been awarded a marine warranty survey services (MWS) contract by Oil Search (PNG), a subsidiary of Santos, for Papua New Guinea's first offshore floating storage and offloading (FSO) facility. The FSO unit will be located at the Kumul Marine Terminal and integrated into the Kutubu Pipeline System, receiving, storing, and offloading crude oil and condensate from regional oilfields. Gas produced alongside liquids will be directed to the PNG LNG Project. ABL's scope includes overseeing pipe load-out operations in India, load-out of coated pipe and manifolds in Indonesia, and monitoring flexible riser load-out in the UK. Within PNG, ABL will approve pipe-laying, supervise PLEM installations, manage FSO mooring deployment and hook-up, and oversee the flexible riser pull-in process. The project is led by ABL's Australia office with support from teams in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the UK, and is expected to continue through 2028.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:16 PM UTC