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Hello reader,

Setya Novanto is undoubtedly one of the highest profile corruption convicts in this nation’s history. The disgraced former DPR speaker was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2018 for rigging the massive e-KTP government project.

Now, that sentence has been slashed by 2.5 years, among other punishment discounts, by the Supreme Court. More on that, and other top stories of the day, just below.

Cheers,

Andra

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Law/Politics

• The Supreme Court (MA) has granted a judicial review filed by former House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Setya Novanto in the e-KTP corruption case, which caused IDR 2.3 trillion in state losses, reducing his prison sentence from 15 years to 12.5 years. In addition to prison time, Setya must pay a fine of IDR 500 million in lieu of an additional six months in jail, and return USD 7.3 million in stolen funds, offset by IDR 5 billion he had previously deposited with the KPK. The remaining restitution amounts to over IDR 49 billion, with a substitute sentence of two years if unpaid. Setya is also stripped of his right to hold public office for 2.5 years after completing his prison term. This new verdict replaces the 2018 decision that initially sentenced him to 15 years in prison, a five-year ban from public office, and similar financial penalties.

• The body of Juliana Marins (26), a Brazilian hiker who died on June 24 after falling on Mount Rinjani in Lombok, has arrived in her hometown of Rio de Janeiro via a Brazil Air Force flight. After a prior autopsy in Bali, her family requested a second one, citing unclear details about the time and cause of death. The first autopsy found she died from fractures and internal injuries, surviving around 20 minutes after impact. Brazil’s Federal Public Defender has asked the Federal Police to investigate, and the case may be brought to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) if Indonesian authorities are found negligent. While IACHR cannot enforce rulings, it exerts strong moral and political pressure.

• Police arrested a man identified as Z after he brandished a pistol and claimed to be part of the presidential security ring during a dispute in Depok, West Java. The incident occurred on June 19 during a building demolition on government-owned land, where Z—allegedly a slaughterhouse businessman—argued with residents and showed a pistol tucked in his waistband, asserting ties to the government. He was apprehended on June 30 in Sawangan, Depok, and is currently under investigation by the Jakarta Metro Police. A viral video shows Z flaunting the weapon during the confrontation, suggesting he had official authority.

• During its 79th anniversary ceremony yesterday, the National Police showcased over 20 robots, including humanoids, robot dogs, and drones, developed with PT Sari Teknologi and Ezra Robotics for tasks like public service and disaster response, with robot dogs planned for 2026. The National Police, inspired by countries like China and Singapore, also launched PoliceTube, a video-sharing platform to boost public trust through institutional updates. Critics question the program's transparency, high costs—exceeding some police infrastructure budgets—and relevance, given unaddressed issues like police brutality and digital crimes, arguing systemic reforms should take precedence.

• Two Gadjah Mada University (UGM) students died after their boat capsized in the waters of Debut, Southeast Maluku, yesterday. The victims were among seven students who were part of UGM’s community service program (KKN-PPM) and were collecting sand from Wahru Island for a coral reef revitalization project. They traveled with five locals in two speedboats, but one boat overturned due to high waves and strong winds.

Business/Economy

• Finance Minister Sri Mulyani has requested DPR approval to use IDR 85.6 trillion from the government's surplus budget balance (SAL) to reduce reliance on debt, as the 2025 state budget (APBN) deficit is projected to widen from 2.53% to 2.78% of GDP, or around IDR 662 trillion. The increase stems from reduced revenue—partly due to scrapping a planned VAT hike and redirected state-owned enterprises (BUMN) dividends—while spending needs remain high, especially to fund President Prabowo’s new priority programs like the free nutritious meals initiative (MBG). However, lawmakers criticized the budget gap and questioned the government’s earlier savings narrative, which promised IDR 306.69 trillion in efficiency but only delivered IDR 93.8 trillion, with no clarity on the remaining IDR 212.89 trillion.

• Speaking of MBG, Sri Mulyani said IDR 240 trillion has been allocated for President Prabowo’s flagship program, which targets 82.9 million beneficiaries—including schoolchildren, pregnant women, and toddlers—by 2026. This priority program is now embedded in the 2026 draft state budget framework. Sri Mulyani noted the budget could scale from IDR 71 trillion to IDR 116 trillion, and eventually IDR 240 trillion, reflecting its significant share of government spending. She emphasized its potential multiplier effect for both demand and supply sectors. Separately, Food Minister Zulkifli Hasan reported that IDR 5 trillion of the MBG budget has been spent so far this year, with full-year projections reaching Rp121 trillion and 5.5 million recipients already served.

• Edi Slamet Irianto has been dismissed as Director of Business and Industry Development at state-owned oil palm plantation company PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara, effective yesterday, following a shareholders' meeting. While acknowledging that such decisions fall under leadership prerogative, Edi argued the dismissal violated regulations, citing a directive from sovereign wealth fund Danantara’s head that prohibits BUMN management reshuffles.

• PT Indokripto Koin Semesta Tbk is set to become the first crypto-related company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) as it launches its IPO. The company plans to offer 2.2 billion shares—15% of its post-IPO capital—at IDR 100 per share, aiming to raise around IDR 220.6 billion. The offering runs from July 2–7, with listing scheduled for July 9. About 85% of proceeds will go to its subsidiary CFX for working capital, while the rest supports another unit, ICC.

• If you know what “vibora” means, prepare to cough up a little more for your hobby. Padel court rentals in Jakarta are officially subject to a 10% Specific Goods and Services Tax (PBJT) under the Entertainment and Arts Services category, as outlined in a recent Jakarta Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda) decree. This tax also applies to other sports facilities that now function as paid recreational services, including tennis, futsal, archery, squash, gyms, and swimming pools. While the tax is borne by consumers, business owners are responsible for collecting and remitting it to the Jakarta provincial government. Taxable transactions include court rentals, entrance tickets, and digital bookings.

Everything Else 

• Fans are reacting strongly to the announcement of legendary pop rock band Peterpan's comeback concert, "The Journey Continues," set for August 31 in Bandung, West Java—especially after it was revealed that frontman Ariel and guitarist Uki will not be part of the lineup. A teaser released by event organizer Aloka featured only Indra, Andika, Reza, and Lukman, sparking questions about who will be the new voice performing Peterpan’s iconic songs. The absence of Ariel, in particular, disappointed many fans, with some saying the band isn't truly Peterpan without him. While Ariel has yet to comment, Uki has previously made it clear that he has left the music industry for good.

• At least 24 tourists, mostly children, have been stung by jellyfish along several beaches in southern Yogyakarta, according to local disaster and rescue authorities. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that many victims mistakenly believed the jellyfish resembled the harmless creatures from the SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon and attempted to touch them. The jellyfish, which have washed up recently along beaches like Parangtritis, Kukup, and Sepanjang, vary in shape and color—some with long tentacles that can stick to the skin and cause severe reactions, especially if the sting occurs near the chest.