Wildfires and Haze: Fires have affected 1,410 hectares across five provinces, while floods hit thousands of households in North Sumatra. A new study estimates smoke pollution killed 3,560 people in September; authorities have named 20 companies as suspects in forest fires. Drug Crackdown: Indonesian, Chinese and Malaysian agencies say they dismantled a major trafficking network in Aceh, seizing 1.2 tonnes of liquid methamphetamine and arresting 11 people at a suspected large-scale lab. Local Development: Central Papua plans to train 300 coffee farmers to improve crop quality. Jakarta’s governor will send 10 village-head finalists overseas to study urban management. Wildlife: Eight whale sharks have been found stranded and dead along Java’s southern coast in six months; experts are investigating the cause.
AGP Executive Report
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Wildfire Crisis: Forest-fire pollution killed an estimated 3,560 people in September, while 57.8 million Indonesians breathed unhealthy or hazardous air, a new study says. Police have named 20 companies and 245 people as suspects. Students have protested the fires alongside corruption and rising living costs. Regional Tensions: Indonesia and Singapore are moving ahead with a joint task force on haze as Jakarta’s 9% cut to gas exports adds strain to ties. Political Scrutiny: The Supreme Court granted a lawsuit challenging Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s high-school equivalency certificate, a ruling that puts his 2024 candidacy credentials under renewed scrutiny. Education: President Prabowo has made Taruna Nusantara high school free and is expanding it with five new campuses.
Haze Crisis: Indonesia has named 245 people and 20 companies as wildfire suspects as fires drive about 350,000 respiratory illness cases. Authorities have rolled out mobile oxygen buses and cloud-seeding flights, while students protest the government’s response. Cross-Border Tensions: Singapore has appointed a specialist panel to investigate firms linked to the haze; Jakarta and Singapore have pledged to work together on bilateral issues, including through a joint task force. Energy and Markets: Indonesia is prioritising domestic gas demand after cutting pipeline exports to Singapore by 9%. The Jakarta Composite Index has weakened again, with rupiah pressure and concerns over a possible MSCI downgrade weighing on investors. Policy and Industry: Danantara will require foreign waste-to-energy technology providers to partner with Indonesian firms, while Prabowo is due to inaugurate the country’s CATL-Antam battery plant.
Wildfire Crackdown: Police have named 20 companies and 245 people as suspects in Indonesia’s forest and land fires. Company-linked fires have burned nearly 29,200 hectares, and authorities have recommended revoking 23 firms’ permits. Public Anger: Students and other protesters are demanding action over the choking haze, rising costs and graft; smoke-related respiratory illness cases have topped 333,000. Singapore Ties: Jakarta and Singapore have agreed to move quickly on a joint haze task force, while Indonesian authorities say firms under scrutiny must cooperate. Energy: Indonesia says it will meet domestic gas demand before exports, defending a 31-million-cubic-foot-a-day cut to Singapore as within contract limits. Earthquake: A magnitude 6.2 quake in the Banda Sea shook parts of Maluku and Papua; officials reported no tsunami threat. Public Services: The government has shut more than 2,000 free-meal kitchens over hygiene concerns.
Wildfire Crisis: Indonesian students and civil society groups rallied in Jakarta and other cities over toxic haze, corruption and rising living costs. The government has deployed oxygen buses and aircraft for cloud seeding as fires continue across Sumatra and Kalimantan. Regional Haze: Indonesia and Singapore are moving to establish a joint task force to investigate companies linked to forest fires, amid strained ties over the smoke. Military Justice: Indonesia’s Constitutional Court has given the government until October 2028 to amend the military justice law, opening the way for soldiers accused of ordinary crimes to face civilian courts. Cultural Heritage: A wildfire near Toraja’s traditional stone burial sites has been extinguished; officials are assessing damage after flames burned about seven hectares.
Haze Crisis: Thousands protested in Jakarta and other cities over wildfires, corruption and rising living costs, demanding a national emergency as toxic smoke sickens residents. Palangka Raya has launched buses offering free oxygen, while disaster officials keep thousands of responders and aircraft on standby. Regional Response: Indonesia and Singapore are setting up a joint task force to investigate companies linked to fires, with leaders Prabowo Subianto and Lawrence Wong pledging to tackle bilateral issues, including haze. Market Pressure: Stocks, bonds and the rupiah are under strain amid concerns that MSCI could downgrade Indonesia’s market; Bank Indonesia is intervening to steady the currency and bond market. Digital Economy: State fund Danantara says Indonesian banks can use homegrown fintech, including mobile banking and QRIS, to expand across Asia.
Wildfire Emergency: Indonesia’s fires have sickened more than 333,000 people, while peat burning keeps smoke spreading across the region. Jakarta and Singapore will form a task force to investigate businesses linked to the blazes; Indonesia is also discussing Malaysia’s offer of aircraft and firefighting crews. Energy Tensions: Indonesia says its 9% cut to gas exports to Singapore meets contract terms and is needed for domestic demand. Singapore says the reduction is less than 2% of its daily gas needs as both sides seek to manage the dispute. Election Oversight: Scrutiny is growing over the government’s delay in publicly naming the committee to select Indonesia’s next election commissioners, despite a legal deadline passing. Jakarta’s Old Town: Kota Tua vendors cautiously welcome plans to attract more tourists but want a say in the redevelopment and assurances they will not be pushed aside. Waste Management: Jakarta has extended its use of the overcapacity Bantar Gebang landfill for five years, as plans for alternative waste treatment remain uncertain.
Haze and Singapore: Indonesia and Singapore agreed to set up a joint task force to investigate companies linked to forest fires, share financial intelligence and pursue asset recovery. The deal comes amid tensions over Indonesia’s 9% cut to gas exports and concerns about a possible MSCI downgrade. Wildfire Emergency: Fires have been linked to 333,470 respiratory illness cases in Indonesia and threaten ancient cave paintings. Jambi’s fires have eased, with land-rewetting work due to be completed by Nov. 2. Jobs and Education: The government says its Free Nutritious Meals program has created 1.3 million jobs, while 44,200 children from poor households now attend Sekolah Rakyat. Geothermal Power: A retrofit at the Darajat plant in West Java raised its capacity, bringing Barito Renewables’ total geothermal capacity to 935.55 megawatts.
Creative Economy: Indonesia and India have launched a creative-tech corridor in East Java to pair Indonesian stories and intellectual property with Indian production expertise and AI tools. Energy Security: Jakarta plans domestic crude-oil storage so imports can arrive directly, while Danantara is seeking US$20–30 billion for industrial projects over the next two to three years. Gas Dispute: Indonesia says its 9% cut to pipeline gas exports to Singapore remains within contract terms, as Singapore stresses suppliers should honour commitments. Forest Fires: Haze continues to spread from Indonesian fires, with more than 333,000 respiratory illness cases reported since July; the blazes also threaten ancient cave paintings and have triggered student protests and calls for stronger government action. Wildlife: Researchers have confirmed the Bangka slow loris, unseen by scientists since 1937, still survives in Indonesia, though habitat loss from mining and plantations threatens the species.
Energy Policy: Indonesia is overhauling how it buys crude oil, fuel and LPG, shifting from Pertamina-led tenders to direct government and supplier deals to secure supplies. Inflation held at 3.28% in September, within the target range, though drought-driven chili shortages pushed prices up. Gas Dispute: Jakarta says its roughly 8% cut to gas exports to Singapore stays within contract limits and reflects domestic demand and maintenance. Singapore says the reduction is under 2% of its daily gas needs but expects contracts to be honoured. Wildfire Emergency: Fires continue across Indonesia, with haze linked to more than 333,000 respiratory illness cases. Johor has reopened schools as air quality improves, though some areas in Malaysian Borneo remain polluted. Climate and Digital Plans: Forecasters warn El Niño could raise drought risks for Indonesian rice and palm oil, while the government plans to spread data-centre capacity beyond Java and Batam, including into eastern Indonesia.
Gas and Energy: Indonesia has cut pipeline gas exports to Singapore by about 9%, saying domestic supply must come first. Singapore says the reduction is less than 2% of its daily needs, but its leaders and opposition have urged both sides to honor contracts. Wildfire Haze: Fires are fueling toxic air and student protests, especially in Central Kalimantan, as calls grow for a national emergency. Authorities report more than 333,000 respiratory infections and have pledged to pursue companies linked to fires. The blazes also threaten Sulawesi’s ancient cave paintings; conservation teams say 53 orangutans have been rescued from fires in Borneo. Food Security: Rice assistance for 33.2 million households will continue through December, while the government accelerates new paddy-field development in Merauke to boost production. Digital Economy: Indonesia is promoting digital growth and protection, while a new local-led oversight program aims to improve monitoring of subsidized fuel.
Jakarta Air Quality: A two-day weather operation helped clear the capital, with the air-quality index at 61 before the Jakarta Running Festival and 80 by midday Sunday, the governor said. Food Support: Indonesia will provide 33.2 million low-income households with 30kg of rice each, covering October through December. Gas Exports: Indonesia has cut pipeline gas supplies to Singapore by up to 31 billion British thermal units a day, prioritising domestic industry; Singapore says the reduction is less than 2% of its daily demand and expects contracts to be honoured. Wildfire Crisis: Haze continues to disrupt life in Kalimantan, where students are protesting and residents are calling for a national disaster declaration. Malaysia says its offer of firefighting help remains open. Fires also threaten Sulawesi’s ancient cave paintings. Wildlife Rescue: Conservation workers in Central Kalimantan rescued a mother orangutan and her 10-month-old infant after they were caught in a snare; both are receiving treatment.
Wildfire Emergency: Students in Central Kalimantan protested under toxic haze, urging a national emergency as fires have burned more than 1.9 million hectares this year. The blazes threaten homes and ancient cave paintings, while Singapore has begun probing companies potentially linked to the fires. Energy Supply: Indonesia has started reducing pipeline gas exports to Singapore and redirecting supply to domestic power needs. Singapore’s energy regulator says the expected shortfall is 17 BBTUD over 18 days, less than 2% of daily demand. Food Support: Indonesia has launched rice assistance for 33.2 million beneficiaries.
Energy: Indonesia began cutting natural gas exports to Singapore by 31 billion British thermal units a day, saying it needs to protect domestic supplies for power and industry. Wildfire Crisis: Fires and toxic haze continue to choke communities and spread across Southeast Asia. More than 333,000 respiratory infections have been recorded, while students have protested, demanding an emergency response. President Prabowo has vowed to revoke licenses of foreign firms linked to fires; authorities say individuals and companies responsible will face prosecution. Economy: Indonesia’s economy grew 5.45%, and the country recorded US$216 billion in investment during Prabowo’s first two years in office. Jobs and Culture: The government is promoting animation as a source of digital jobs and aims to designate 1,038 items of intangible cultural heritage this year.
Wildfire Crisis: Indonesia says it will prosecute people and companies found deliberately starting forest fires, as blazes have caused 333,470 respiratory infections and threaten Sulawesi’s ancient cave art. Student protests are demanding stronger action, while Singapore has widened its haze investigation to local firms with links to Indonesian land. Energy Policy: Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia says he is undeterred by possible retaliation as Indonesia considers curbing gas exports to protect domestic supplies and industry. Jobs and Growth: Indonesia’s economy grew 5.45 percent, but young jobseekers describe months of unanswered applications and mounting stress. Culture: Banyuwangi’s Gandrung Sewu brings 1,300 dancers to Boom Marina Beach for its first evening performance, blending traditional dance with elaborate lighting.
Haze Crisis: Forest fires have sickened more than 333,000 people, while students protest the government’s response across Indonesia. Officials vow to prosecute anyone responsible and revoke permits linked to the blazes. Cross-Border Fallout: Singapore has issued its first haze-law notices to 10 Singapore-registered plantation and forestry firms, including Wilmar and APP, seeking details on Indonesian concessions and fire prevention. Food Security: Indonesia says rice stocks have reached a record 4.56 million tonnes, enough to support national needs through July, while posyandu health posts will help deliver the free-meals program to more families. Energy: Jakarta is weighing limits on gas exports to protect domestic supply, even as state revenue from the energy and minerals sector rises despite lower coal shipments.
Haze Emergency: Indonesia has recorded more than 333,000 respiratory infections as forest fires spread toxic smoke across the region. President Prabowo Subianto says firms linked to repeated fires—including foreign-owned companies—could lose their licences. The government has allocated US$68 million for firefighting and health care, while student protests demand stronger action. Energy and Growth: Jakarta is weighing cuts to gas exports to prioritise domestic needs. Fitch expects growth of about 4.9% in 2027 and 2028, well below Prabowo’s 8% target. Defence Cooperation: Indonesia, Türkiye, Qatar and Pakistan have signed a pact to expand joint military production, training and research.
Forest Fires: Police named 11 corporations, including three foreign-invested firms, as suspects in fire cases; Prabowo vowed to revoke permits of repeat offenders. The government released another $68 million for firefighting and health care, with 71,000 personnel deployed. Malaysia urged stronger action and offered help. Markets: Prabowo rejected MSCI’s warning that Indonesia could lose emerging-market status, as officials pledged reforms to restore investor confidence. Public Welfare: The government disbursed $2.95 billion in productive loans to 2.1 million small businesses, farmers and fishers. Prabowo said economic strength must bring fairer wealth distribution. Defense: Indonesia, Türkiye, Qatar and Pakistan agreed to cooperate on defense research, technology transfer and joint production. Rights and Protests: Students have taken to the streets over rising costs and toxic haze, while legal advocates warned that Indonesia’s rule-of-law score has fallen.
Haze Emergency: Forest fires and toxic smoke are fuelling student protests over health risks and living costs. Indonesia is assessing offers of help from neighbours, while authorities have set up 477 emergency oxygen shelters. Market Confidence: Regulators are fast-tracking reforms after MSCI opened a consultation on shifting Indonesia from emerging-market to standalone status. A decision is due in June 2027; President Prabowo has criticised the warning, while officials promise concrete action to build investor confidence. Ferry Fire: More than 400 people were evacuated after a passenger ferry caught fire off Java, and 11 were hospitalized. Defence Industry: Indonesia joined Qatar, Türkiye and Pakistan in a pact to pursue joint defence production, research and training. Smart Cities: Danantara and the state-owned enterprise body plan 12 urban hubs using state assets, with affordable housing, schools and hospitals as priorities.
Wildfire and Haze Crisis: Residents in West Kalimantan are taking the government to court over its response to fires that have sickened people and disrupted daily life. President Prabowo called deliberate burning “environmental terrorism” and ordered a wide-ranging probe, while disaster teams continue weather-modification flights. Malaysia and Indonesia are discussing a joint effort to share fire-monitoring data and prevent cross-border haze. Public Anger: Students in Malang marked Prabowo and Vice President Gibran’s second year in office with demands including action on fires, rising prices and militarism. Ferry Fire: More than 400 people were rescued after a passenger ferry caught fire off Indonesia’s coast; authorities are investigating. Markets: Bank Indonesia is monitoring possible capital outflows after MSCI proposed reclassifying Indonesia’s market, and held its benchmark rate at 5.75%. Accountability: An inactive Pati regent was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for corruption in two cases.
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