AGP Executive Report

Forest Fires & Haze Crackdown: Indonesia arrested 72 people suspected of deliberately setting forest and peatland fires across Borneo and Sumatra, as choking haze spreads toward Malaysia; police say the suspects allegedly burned land to clear areas for plantations and investigations may widen to those who benefited. Health Response: The health ministry deployed 314 medical personnel and supplies to seven haze-hit provinces, warning that more than 3 million people are exposed and acute respiratory infection cases are surging. Regional Politics & Discontent: A commentary flags growing regional discontent over uneven development and slow disaster response, urging Jakarta to act fast to protect public trust after the Aceh floods and the NTT earthquake. Commodity Power Play: Indonesia is pushing a new Strategic Mineral and Commodity Exchange to set benchmarks for palm oil pricing, challenging Malaysia’s FCPO role. Education Corruption Probe: KPK named suspects in an admissions graft case at Jenderal Soedirman University, including the rector and university officials. ASEAN Creative Economy: ASEAN is urged to tighten definitions and improve data on the creative economy so policies can be judged by real impact.

Forest Fires Response: Indonesia is ramping up the fight against Kalimantan wildfires and haze, with BNPB resuming intensive salt-based cloud seeding, adding helicopters and water trucks, and deploying more troops and aircraft as peatlands keep smouldering underground. Central Kalimantan Update: President Prabowo chaired a coordination meeting in Palangka Raya and ordered extra water-bombing helicopters plus more ground equipment to stop new hotspots. Regional Management: The government has appointed minister-level officials to share responsibility across fire-prone provinces, while the Ministry of Transportation expedites permits for foreign-registered aircraft to support firefighting. Way Kambas: A wildfire in Lampung’s Way Kambas National Park has been extinguished, with officials saying elephants remain safe and monitoring continues. Public Health Pilot: Banten’s Free Health Check and TB detection program is exceeding targets, using portable X-ray units to speed up screening. Fuel Subsidy Plan: The government is considering vehicle-based limits for Pertalite buyers, linking restrictions to socioeconomic deciles. Diplomacy & Sports: Indonesia is part of BRICS cooperation as sports ministers adopt a joint declaration and BRICS youth leaders hold a friendship cycling event.

Kalimantan Wildfires: President Prabowo Subianto ordered more troops, helicopters, and firefighting gear as haze worsened and four firms were investigated over West Kalimantan fires; authorities also pushed coordinated response and water-drilling support. Haze Spillover: Malaysia urged ASEAN to act on transboundary haze as air quality deteriorated in Sarawak, with Indonesia reporting thousands of hotspots and smoke drifting across borders. Earthquake Relief (NTT): Indonesia continued quake recovery after the Flores-region disaster, with the death toll rising and aid shipments and psychosocial support reaching displaced communities. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia joined Jordan and other Arab and Islamic countries condemning Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu Al Duhur airbase, calling for respect for sovereignty and de-escalation. Culture & Soft Power: Indonesia’s Festival returned to the Vancouver Art Gallery, while ASEAN cultural events and music caravans kept regional ties visible through performances and food. Trade & Security Watch: A US report flagged “shadow transshipment” risks for China-linked goods, and Indonesia also faced scrutiny amid reports of naval activity with China near Taiwan.

Earthquake Aftermath: Indonesia’s Flores quake death toll has climbed to 87, with about 13,000 people displaced and nearly 4,200 aftershocks reported. Disaster Aid: BNPB has airlifted nearly 778 tons of earthquake relief to East Nusa Tenggara, using both military and commercial flights to speed shelter and supplies. Wildfire Response: President Prabowo inspected West Kalimantan fire sites and ordered a rapid, coordinated containment strategy as hotspots remain high. Firefighting Scale-Up: Indonesia is deploying 1,500 troops and six helicopters, plus cloud seeding, to tackle West Kalimantan blazes. Haze Monitoring: The government is stepping up monitoring of haze impacts on flights as smoke spreads from Kalimantan. Creative Economy Jobs: Indonesia’s creative economy push targets Gen Z and millennials, with officials saying the sector can absorb large numbers of young jobseekers. Indonesia-China Ties: Prabowo met China’s Wang Yi and Dong Jun, welcoming more Chinese investment and calling for deeper strategic cooperation. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia joined foreign ministers condemning Israel’s E1 settlement plan, warning it threatens a two-state solution. Sports: Azizulhasni says he’s confident for the 2026 Asian Games despite tough Japan and China competition.

Indonesia-EU Trade: Indonesia’s IEU-CEPA is set to deliver the country’s highest tariff commitments, cutting about 98% of tariff lines and giving zero tariffs for key exports like palm oil derivatives, textiles, footwear and rubber. China-Indonesia Strategic Dialogue: China and Indonesia agreed to deepen development synergy and cooperation across sectors, including maritime affairs, while reaffirming support for each other’s core interests. Wildfire Haze & Fire Control: Indonesia warned against open burning as Borneo wildfires worsen haze that is spilling into Malaysia, with visibility dropping sharply in parts of Kalimantan. Earthquake Relief in NTT: Indonesia is stepping up quake response and recovery in East Nusa Tenggara, with thousands displaced and schools damaged as aftershocks continue. Palestine Diplomacy: Indonesia joined other Arab and Muslim countries condemning Israel’s E1 settlement plan and related settlement activities, warning it threatens Palestinian state contiguity and regional stability. Bali Nyepi Case: A Swiss tourist was jailed for insulting Bali’s sacred Day of Silence, after a video sparked anger over holiday restrictions.

NTT Earthquake Response: BNPB says 1,378 schools on Flores were damaged by the Aug. 15 M7.7 quake, with 177,678 students and 21,166 teachers/staff set to keep learning via emergency facilities, remote classes, and temporary closures. Wildfire & Haze Crisis: Indonesia warns against open burning as smoke from Borneo worsens visibility and air quality, while the environment ministry orders six governors in Sumatra and Kalimantan to step up prevention, patrols, peat rewetting, and canal checks. Firefighting Push: The government is also ramping up weather modification/cloud seeding in Kalimantan to boost rainfall and wet fire-prone areas. Drug Crackdown: BNN reports a 2.6-ton liquid meth seizure that could have affected about 14.1 million people, highlighting the maritime drug threat. EV Policy Watch: Aismoli warns cutting the electric motorcycle incentive from Rp7m to Rp3m could slow adoption unless implementation is fast and predictable. Bali Court Case: A Swiss man jailed for a year over derogatory online remarks about Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence. Diplomacy & Trade: Indonesia targets an October signing of the EU IEU-CEPA, aiming to bridge the gap as EU trade preferences expire. Culture & Community: Chinese film “Dear You” is drawing strong audience reactions across Myanmar and Indonesia, resonating with shared migrant memories.

Indonesia Earthquake Relief: After the 7.7 quake off Flores, Indonesia says 59,647 people are displaced as aftershocks continue, with the death toll now at 71 and 898 injured; markets and gas stations have reopened in some areas as recovery ramps up. Miracle Rescue: An 84-year-old woman was found alive under rubble three days after the quake, highlighting how hard-to-reach terrain and damaged roads are slowing aid. Local Governance Data Push: Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian urged local governments in NTT to keep updating damage data on homes, schools, health facilities and evacuation sites to speed reconstruction. Regional Security Talks: China’s Wang Yi will meet Indonesia’s foreign and defence ministers in a “2+2” format on Friday, with security, politics and economic issues on the agenda amid South China Sea tensions. Creative Economy Boost: Indonesia’s Creative Economy Ministry is partnering with ION to expand digital market access for local creators, including cross-border trade and IP protection. Maritime Crackdown: The Indonesian Navy seized 514.1 tons of illegal minerals worth Rp10.25 trillion in 2026. Public Health Scale-Up: Free health checks reached about 82 million participants, with diabetes and hypertension among the top findings.

NTT Earthquake Response: Indonesia’s disaster agencies are pushing deeper into hard-to-reach areas after the 7.7 quake, with BNPB starting direct needs assessments in West Manggarai villages and Basarnas intensifying medical evacuations for elderly and pregnant survivors as aftershocks continue. Humanitarian Scale: Latest figures put deaths at 72, with about 82,691 people displaced and nearly 29,000 homes damaged, while the government speeds food aid into the field in East Nusa Tenggara. Health Logistics: The Health Ministry is preparing six ambulance helicopters plus mobile field hospitals to cut evacuation times for critical cases. Energy Policy: Jakarta targets Net Zero by 2050 and a 30% emissions cut by 2030, focusing on cleaner mobility. Electric Motorcycles: Indonesia sets four criteria for its national electric motorcycle program, including 60%+ domestic components and nickel-based batteries. Trade & Finance: Indonesia denies US claims of transshipment fraud and says US bond buybacks validate its own yield-stabilisation approach. Environment & Food Security: With El Niño strengthening, Indonesia warns of higher fire risk and drought-flood swings, while social forestry is reported to be improving livelihoods for 1.4 million families.

Major Drug Bust: Indonesia seized 2.6 tons of liquid meth from a Tanzania-registered cargo ship off Bengkalis, arresting 10 Myanmar nationals; police also found 1.5 million illegal cigarettes and the vessel used multiple names. Earthquake Relief in NTT: BNPB says the Flores quake response is still ramping up as deaths rise to 71, with tens of thousands displaced; air shipments and sea logistics are continuing, while the health ministry says medicine supplies can cover the next five days. Maritime Safety Review: After ferry fires and passenger-manifest discrepancies, Indonesia will review maritime safety rules and could restrict or ban vessels found violating procedures. Defense Self-Reliance: The Defense Ministry plans to develop Kertajati Airport into an MRO hub for TNI AU fighter-jet maintenance, aiming to cut reliance on foreign tech. Energy & Growth Push: Government is preparing new growth engines toward 8% GDP, including downstreaming projects and export proceeds management, while Germany reiterates support for Indonesia’s energy transition. EV Incentive Update: Electric motorcycle subsidies are set to restart in September, pending the final legal regulation.

NTT Earthquake Response: BNPB is preparing housing repair aid for Flores survivors, with Rp15m for lightly damaged homes, Rp30m for moderate damage, and Rp600,000 housing waiting funds for the worst-hit while permanent housing is built; meanwhile, telecom recovery is nearly complete with 99.9% of affected BTS towers back online. Central Bank & Markets: Bank Indonesia says growth stays on track despite global uncertainty, while foreign portfolio investors posted US$1.8b net inflows in Q3; BI also held its policy rate at 5.75% and expects the rupiah to keep strengthening. Energy & Transport Rules: Indonesia will phase out coal plants gradually to protect industry and grid stability, and is preparing Weigh-in-Motion tech to enforce zero ODOL in 2027. Public Space Security: BNPT and Australia are drafting a training curriculum for ASEAN to better protect crowded public spaces and critical infrastructure. Culture & Society: Perpusnas brings Indonesia’s literacy work to the IFLA congress; Bali’s Ayenda Gym expelled three Israeli tourists over alleged IDF ties, sparking viral debate. Sports: Badminton’s Pearly Tan–Thinaah advance at the World Championships; Indonesia’s Leong Jun Hao and K. Letshanaa are eliminated.

NTT Quake Response: Indonesia is mobilizing all inter-ministerial resources to speed up recovery after the 7.7 quake on Flores, with focus on food and shelter, reopening landslide-blocked roads, and restoring power and communications; officials say aftershocks could last weeks, while thousands remain displaced and tourist sites on Flores are temporarily closed for safety checks. Casualties and Displacement: The death toll has climbed to 53 after rescuers recovered six more bodies, with injuries rising and tens of thousands now living in temporary shelters as many fear further tremors. Earthquake Aftershocks: Authorities recorded 2,119 aftershocks since Saturday, including dozens felt by residents, as search and damage assessments continue. Volcano Watch: Three active volcanoes erupted in succession Tuesday evening—Mount Ibu, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, and Mount Semeru—prompting alert levels and ash monitoring. Wildfire Risk: Indonesia reported wildfires nearly doubling in July, burning about 95,000 hectares, as El Niño conditions intensify. Humanitarian Needs: Save the Children warns over 8,000 children in East Nusa Tenggara can’t attend school after the quake, with risks to safety and wellbeing. Policy and Economy: Bank Indonesia says external debt rose 4.4% to US$453.4bn in Q2, while the government says it has about IDR 5tn ready for disaster response via BNPB.

Disaster Response: Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara quake recovery is in full swing as the death toll reaches 68, with thousands still displaced and aftershocks continuing; officials say electricity restoration and food distribution are top priorities, while Bali and universities are mobilizing supplies and medical teams and Flores tourist sites are temporarily closed for safety checks. Climate & Fires: Wildfires burned nearly 95,000 hectares in July as El Niño intensifies, with authorities warning the peak fire risk may run into August-September. Human Rights & Minerals: A new report says Indonesia recorded the most allegations of abuses tied to Chinese transition-mineral investments, largely linked to nickel projects. Finance & Policy: Bank Indonesia expanded its domestic credit card for retail and businesses, aiming to reduce reliance on Visa and Mastercard, while external debt rose 4.4% y/y to $453.4bn in Q2. Women’s Credit: The government launched KPPS, cutting underprivileged women’s business loan interest to a flat 8% with up to Rp15m per agreement. Governance: The agriculture minister dismissed 14 officials over alleged graft. Security & Society: Police uncovered a gold smuggling method using gold turned into gel concealed in clothing.

Disaster Response: Indonesia’s 7.7 quake off Flores has killed at least 68, with thousands displaced across East Nusa Tenggara as aftershocks keep rescue and aid delivery slow; a 5.9 aftershock also hit the region, adding fresh worry for people sleeping outdoors. Independence Day: On Aug. 17, President Prabowo led Independence Day ceremonies with a moment of silence for quake victims, while local events in NTT were disrupted by tremors. Digital Payments: Bank Indonesia launched the Indonesian Credit Card (KKI) to work with QRIS, aiming to boost inclusive digital payments; major banks including CIMB Niaga joined the rollout. EV Industry Push: Prabowo is betting on an “electric-motorcycle ecosystem” and plans for homegrown electric cars by 2028, but analysts warn incentives may fall short without stronger local supply-chain rules. Society & Youth Online: A UNICEF/GSMA poll shows young people’s views on life online, while Brazil’s regulator ordered Discord to suspend livestreams over child-safety concerns. Crime: North Sumatra police arrested an Indonesian migrant worker for allegedly smuggling 8kg of crystal meth from Malaysia.

Disaster Response: Indonesia’s Independence Day was overshadowed by the Flores, East Nusa Tenggara quake as the death toll climbed to 68 and injuries topped 200, with about 12,800 people still displaced and sleeping in schools, police stations and makeshift tents while aftershocks keep families afraid to return. Relief Funding: Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said disaster financing will start with BNPB’s Rp5 trillion liquid reserve, with standby funds ready if needed, so response won’t stall. Rescue & Aftershocks: Authorities reported no confirmed missing people so far, but landslides and damaged roads are slowing access, while a fresh 5.9 aftershock hit the Flores region. Independence Day Politics: DPR Speaker Puan Maharani urged modest celebrations and mourning for NTT victims, calling for unity and a “sovereign, just, and prosperous” Indonesia. Local Society: Jakarta reported 5.52% Q2 growth and 2.5% inflation, stressing development that reduces inequality and expands education and welfare support. Global Diplomacy: Foreign ministers from eight countries condemned Israel’s rejection of a Gaza peace roadmap, while envoys also sent congratulations to Indonesia on its 81st anniversary.

Disaster Response: Indonesia’s Flores quake toll climbed to 53 dead and 135 injured as rescue teams battled landslides, cut roads, and nearly 1,000 aftershocks; thousands spent the night outdoors while authorities cleared access to previously isolated villages and kept evacuation sites active. Government & Economy: President Prabowo used Independence Day remarks to push a new state export firm to monitor key commodity shipments and tackle price gaps, while stressing it won’t take over export control. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers including Indonesia condemned Israel’s rejection of a Gaza roadmap tied to Trump’s peace plan, warning it could derail efforts toward a lasting settlement and Palestinian statehood. Tech & Business: NVIDIA and Indosat, with UGM in Yogyakarta, opened Indonesia’s first university AI research center, signaling a push to grow local AI talent and research. Trade & Industry: Indonesia’s dairy imports rose to 1.76 million MT-LME in the first half of 2026, with skim milk powder leading, as demand for milk products keeps climbing.

Disaster Response: Indonesia’s 7.7 quake off Flores has killed at least 51, with about 5,000 people evacuated as rescue teams dig through rubble and landslides keep some areas cut off; the East Nusa Tenggara government has declared a 14-day emergency response through Aug. 28, while fuel and LPG supplies are being restored and shelters house nearly 6,000 people. Aid & Recovery: The government and ministries are rushing logistics and basic supplies, including food packages flown to Maumere, and BNPB has launched a media center to share verified updates daily to curb misinformation. Regional Impact: A separate 6.9 quake struck North Sumatra hours later with no immediate casualties reported, and tremors were felt as far as Penang in Malaysia, where officials say the situation remains under control. Tech & Policy: BRIN is pushing an N219 flying-ambulance ecosystem and coal-waste battery materials for Indonesia’s EV push, while the palace says Prabowo’s limited dual citizenship idea would be “highly selective.”