AGP Executive Report

Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s wildfires are drawing mounting criticism at home and abroad. Malaysia has offered firefighting aircraft, though dangerous smoke limits flights, while Singapore has invoked its haze law against seven Indonesian firms. A digital-rights group also alleges authorities are restricting online criticism of the response. El Niño Fallout: Drought has lowered the Kapuas River, disrupting palm-oil shipments and leaving smallholders in West Kalimantan unable to sell rotting fruit. Market Shock: Stocks plunged after MSCI proposed downgrading Indonesia from emerging-market status, raising concerns about access to global capital. Local Strains: Batam residents report further blackouts amid scrutiny of pressure on local media. A wildfire in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park killed four people battling the blaze.

Forest Fires and Haze: Fires are still spreading in Tanjung Puting National Park, where at least 513 hectares have burned, while Singapore has put seven Indonesian firms on notice over haze pollution. Indonesia says it will accept foreign help to fight the fires. Diplomacy: President Prabowo welcomed UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Hambalang for talks on multilateral cooperation, peace and global challenges. Food and Growth: Indonesia says it halted rice imports for domestic use in 2025, citing record production and ample reserves. The government is also targeting 6% growth in 2027, with investment and the digital economy among its priorities. Industry: The administration says 26 downstreaming projects worth Rp225 trillion are planned, with nearly 38,000 jobs projected. Road Safety: Three people died and 19 were injured when a tour bus and truck collided on a toll road in East Java.

Wildfires and Haze: A blaze at Mount Bromo killed four people and seriously burned two others. Smoke is disrupting flights, with authorities monitoring 16 Papua airports; the regional haze monitor has issued its highest alert, while Singapore has notified seven Indonesian firms over fires. Market Turmoil: Indonesia’s shares plunged nearly 12% after MSCI proposed removing the country from its global indexes over market transparency concerns. A final decision is not due until 2027. Bali Travel: Fuel supplies remain strained, prompting odd-even rules for Pertalite purchases as Pertamina ramps up deliveries. Cultural Tourism: The government plans to promote Prambanan as a religious tourism destination, including a Shiva festival from January to March 2027.

Haze Emergency: Fires in Indonesia have triggered ASEAN’s highest haze alert, with smoke disrupting daily life across the region. Four people died fighting a wildfire at Mount Bromo; Indonesia says it will accept foreign help, while Singapore has issued notices to seven Indonesian firms over fires and is weighing further action. Market Turmoil: Indonesian stocks plunged as much as 11% after MSCI proposed downgrading the market to standalone status, raising the risk of global investors pulling out. The rupiah also fell past Rp18,000 to the US dollar. Bali Travel: Fuel shortages have prompted a temporary odd-even licence-plate system for subsidised fuel purchases, as authorities work to restore supplies. Trade and Tourism: Indonesia and Senegal’s chambers of commerce signed a pact to expand trade and investment. The government also plans to promote Prambanan as a religious tourism destination. Transport: Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail service Whoosh has carried more than 18 million passenger trips in three years.

Wildfires and Haze: Four people died fighting fires at Mount Bromo, while smoke from blazes in Kalimantan reached Jakarta and toxic haze spread across the region. Indonesia has approved foreign firefighting assistance and is testing dry ice to disperse the smoke; authorities report more than 283,000 respiratory illness cases amid the fires. Regional Fallout: Singapore has issued notices to seven Indonesian firms over haze-causing fires and is weighing further legal action, a move that could strain ties with Jakarta. Market Turmoil: Indonesian shares plunged as much as 11% after MSCI warned it may downgrade the country from emerging-market status, raising fears of heavy investor outflows. Bali Disruptions: Fuel supply concerns have prompted authorities to boost deliveries and introduce an odd-even vehicle system for refuelling.

Wildfires and Haze: Four people died and two were badly burned fighting a fast-spreading blaze in East Java’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Smoke from Kalimantan fires has reached the skies above Jakarta, though it remains high in the atmosphere. President Prabowo has accepted offers of foreign firefighting aid, and Malaysia says it is ready to help. Regional Fallout: Singapore will send fire-prevention notices to seven Indonesian companies, warning that fines or charges are possible. Haze has worsened air quality across the region, while fires are driving more orangutans into rehabilitation care. Bali Fuel: The province will restrict fuel purchases by odd- and even-numbered license plates from Oct. 17 to 19 amid long queues; officials say supplies are adequate. Markets: Indonesia’s benchmark stock index plunged 11.6% after MSCI proposed moving the market from emerging-market to standalone status, citing concerns over transparency and market dysfunction. Democracy: A new SMRC poll found 56.5% of respondents dissatisfied with how democracy is functioning under Prabowo, the lowest reading in the pollster’s records.

Wildfires and Haze: Fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan are driving hazardous smog across Southeast Asia, with schools closed in Timor-Leste and air pollution rising in neighboring countries. Indonesia has approved foreign firefighting assistance and deployed thousands of personnel; a rehabilitation centre in West Kalimantan is now caring for 90 orangutans after rescuing 49 since August. Market Warning: MSCI is consulting on removing Indonesia from its emerging-market indexes and assigning standalone status, citing concerns over market integrity. The proposal could threaten foreign investment unless authorities show meaningful improvements. Bali Fuel Disruptions: Long queues at petrol stations are straining the tourism island, prompting Pertamina to run round-the-clock distribution and send additional fuel. Trade Push: Trade Expo Indonesia opened with buyers from 134 countries and a US$17.5 billion transaction target. Komodo Search: Rescuers continue looking for a missing divemaster after a boat capsized near Labuan Bajo; 29 passengers and crew were rescued.

Wildfire Emergency: Prabowo has approved foreign help to fight fires as haze turns skies orange and worsens air quality across Indonesia and the region. Nearly 17,000 personnel are focused on Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra, while authorities test dry ice to disperse smoke. East Timor has closed schools, and Malaysia says it will pursue diplomacy while offering assistance. Bali Fuel Disruptions: Delays have sparked long queues at petrol stations, prompting authorities to urge calm. Military Courts: The Constitutional Court ruled the Military Courts Law must be amended within two years or it will lose legal force, pressing lawmakers to clarify military courts’ jurisdiction. Trade and Energy: Trade Expo Indonesia opened with buyers from 134 countries and a US$17.5 billion target for potential deals. A new West Java LPG plant is expected to supply 10–15% of demand in West Java and Jakarta.

Bali Fuel Disruption: Bali has ordered three days of work from home, Oct. 15–17, to help ease fuel queues and support distribution. Officials blame a delayed tanker, rough weather, traffic and panic buying—not depleted island-wide stocks. Pertamina says 57.9 million litres are due between Oct. 14 and 17, but long lines persist. Wildfires and Haze: Fires across Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua are worsening regional air pollution, prompting school closures in Malaysia and health monitoring in Indonesia. Police have named corporate suspects in ongoing fire investigations, while officials say they aim to extinguish the blazes within a month. Wildlife Rescue: A starving orangutan was rescued from a burned area of Central Kalimantan as fires continue to threaten wildlife and habitat. Diplomatic Dispute: Jakarta condemned Israel’s refusal to allow an Ethiopian Airlines flight to land because its pilot was Indonesian, calling the nationality-based restriction discriminatory.

Wildfire Emergency: Fires across Sumatra and Kalimantan are sending haze into neighboring countries, driving pollution to extreme levels in Singapore and forcing school closures in Timor-Leste. Indonesia’s health ministry reports 277,075 respiratory-infection cases across seven provinces, including 62,400 among children under six. Accountability: Authorities have named more than 200 people and nine companies as suspects in connection with the fires, while residents in West Kalimantan are suing for clean air. The government has ruled out declaring a national disaster for now. Bali Fuel Crunch: Delayed tanker offloading and high demand have caused long queues at gas stations, though officials say supplies are adequate. Bali has ordered public agencies to work from home Oct. 15–17 to help ease distribution, with essential services continuing in person. Komodo Rescue: A tourist boat capsized in Komodo National Park; 29 people were rescued and one woman remains missing.

Wildfires and Haze: Indonesia’s environment minister aims to extinguish forest and land fires within a month, as smoke clouds parts of the country and spreads across the region. Officials say the Forestry Ministry has handled 290 fire-affected wild animals. Critics say the government’s refusal to declare a national disaster reflects an inadequate response, while haze has disrupted flights and raised health concerns in neighbouring countries. Public Mood: A new SMRC poll found confidence that Indonesia is heading in the right direction fell to 47.7%, from 83% when President Prabowo took office in 2024. The pollster called the decline an early warning for the administration. Energy: Nations Petroleum, linked to Prabowo’s brother Hashim Djojohadikusumo, has pledged US$103.3 million for three years of work on the technically challenging Natuna D-Alpha gas block, prompting questions about the company’s experience and capacity.

Wildfire Emergency: Fires in Bangka Belitung have destroyed nearly 300 homes and driven about 1,000 people from their village. Peat smouldering beneath the ground and strong winds helped the flames spread. Haze Response: Smoke now blankets parts of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua, reaching Singapore and Malaysia. President Prabowo has ordered more firefighting resources, but the government says it will not declare a national disaster for now as pressure grows for stronger action. Forest Policy: Indonesia may scale back plans to clear rainforest for rice and sugarcane after achieving rice self-sufficiency ahead of schedule. Officials say future crops can be grown on degraded land, though conservation groups want policy changes to make the shift real. Housing: The government is mapping available land to support its target of building three million homes.

Wildfires and Haze: Indonesia is keeping 50 helicopters on fire duty as smoke disrupts flights and worsens air quality across the region. President Prabowo has ordered tougher action, while the government plans to expand the forest ranger force and sanction more companies over fires; it has not declared a national disaster. Wildlife: Eight endangered orangutans rescued from Borneo fires have been moved to protected forest. Schools: A series of alleged bullying cases in Central Java, including the death of a seven-year-old, has prompted child-protection officials to call for stronger prevention and supervision. Energy: Pertamina and Medco are acquiring stakes in Eni’s Indonesian oil and gas projects, including deepwater assets. Jakarta Transport: The city plans to launch TransJakarta boat services in 2027 and is considering a longer-term expansion into air transport.

Wildfires and Haze: President Prabowo convened officials to review fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan as 50 helicopters continue water-bombing operations, hampered by smoke. The government plans to suspend or revoke more company permits, while fires threaten orangutans and spread haze across the region. Energy and Investment: Pertamina and Medco are acquiring Eni stakes in offshore East Kalimantan gas projects, strengthening Indonesia’s position in the Kutei Basin. Indonesia and Egypt also agreed to establish a joint investment fund and expand trade. Marine Protection: Indonesia has permanently banned clear lobster seed exports and launched a multi-agency task force to combat smuggling. Transport Rules: The government plans to bring motorcycle ride-hailing services under public transportation law, setting a clearer legal framework for drivers and platforms. Election Oversight: The government missed the deadline to form selection teams for the next KPU and Bawaslu commissioners, whose terms end in April.

Forest Fires and Haze: Indonesian fires are driving unhealthy air across the region, prompting calls for a stronger crackdown and international firefighting help. Indigenous and civil society groups have also sued President Prabowo over the government’s response; the allegations have yet to be proven. Wildlife: Eight orangutans rescued from Borneo fires have been released into a protected forest, while fires continue to threaten habitats. Egypt Ties: Prabowo and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi agreed to deepen trade and investment cooperation, including exploring a partnership agreement and joint investment fund, and condemned Israeli settlements. Food Safety: Seventeen pupils in Medan fell ill after eating meals from the free school food program; six were hospitalized as officials await test results. Jobs and Costs: A new employment law caps fixed-term contracts at four years, while chicken prices have risen faster than workers’ wages. Disaster Readiness: A trial is testing whether mosque loudspeakers can deliver earthquake warnings to communities across Indonesia.

Indonesia–Egypt Ties: Prabowo and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education and maritime affairs. They will pursue an economic partnership agreement and joint investment fund, with a goal of lifting trade to $5 billion by 2030. The leaders also condemned Israeli settlements and reaffirmed support for Palestinian statehood. Wildlife: Eight orangutans rescued from fires in West Kalimantan have been relocated to a protected forest, as Indonesia faces its most intense wildfires in 11 years. Cultural Heritage: The Netherlands will return 30,210 items from the Eugène Dubois collection, including Java Man discoveries, along with 20 other historical objects. Jobs: East Java unions warn up to 50,000 workers could face layoffs, especially in manufacturing; this estimate is far higher than the labour ministry’s figures. Mandalika: The MotoGP weekend boosted sales for local food and handicraft vendors, with organisers reporting gains for 114 MSMEs.