Hello reader,

The word “amplop” (envelope) often contains a negative connotation relating to bribes in Indonesia. So when a legislator received one during a televised meeting (about Pertamina, no less), surely it doesn’t contain kickbacks?

The politician in question is fighting back against that accusation. Check out what he had to say just below.

Cheers,

Andra

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Law/Politics  

• Democratic Party legislator Herman Khaeron has denied allegations that he accepted an envelope during a House of Representatives (DPR) meeting with Pertamina, calling the viral video clip "malicious slander." He explained that the moment captured in the footage was him signing and receiving his official travel allowance (SPPD), which he had not collected the previous week. Herman clarified that the meeting on Tuesday focused on protecting Pertamina from internal misconduct and corruption. He has issued an ultimatum to the video's uploader to delete the misleading content and is considering legal action, asserting that the accusations tarnish his reputation and that of his commission.

• Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno has responded to criticism over his use of a rubber boat while inspecting floods in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, stating that no action can please everyone. He clarified that he and Governor Pramono Anung had coordinated their efforts, with Pramono surveying from the air while Rano assessed the situation on the ground. During his visit on March 4, Rano used a boat to reach affected residents, drawing comparisons to President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who visited flooded sites on foot.

• Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) lawmaker Selly Andriany Gantina has urged the police to impose the maximum punishment on former Ngada Police Chief AKBP Fajar Widyadharma Lukman Sumaatmaja, who is implicated in child sexual abuse, pornography, and drug-related crimes. Selly called Fajar’s actions “barbaric” and stated that, beyond being dismissed from duty, he deserves the death penalty under Indonesia’s Sexual Violence and Narcotics Laws. She highlighted that his offenses, including sexually exploiting minors under his authority, recording the abuse, and drug use, could warrant at least 20 years in prison, if not life imprisonment or execution.

• Instagram influencer Rafi Ramadhan, 24, has been arrested for drug-related offenses in Cakung, East Jakarta. Rafi, who claims to be a spiritual consultant offering services like aura cleansing, invulnerability rituals, and selling mystical items, was caught in possession of methamphetamine. Police revealed that his verified Instagram account, followed by thousands, was used to market his services. The investigation led to the arrest of his employee, TH (21), who was caught with two small packets of crystal meth. Rafi and TH now face charges under Indonesia’s Narcotics Law, carrying severe penalties.

• As of today, police in Southeast Aceh are still hunting for 32 escaped inmates from Kutacane Prison, who fled during a chaotic iftar meal distribution on Monday. The mass escape began when inmates, frustrated by the slow meal distribution, created a commotion, broke through security barriers, and overwhelmed prison staff. Some escaped by climbing through the ceiling and breaking out via the prison’s rooftop. Sixteen inmates have been recaptured, while the prison remains under tight security from police and military forces.

Business/Economy

• The government is set to increase royalty rates on six key mining commodities—coal, tin, gold, silver, copper, and nickel—to ensure a fairer share of resource revenues. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources confirmed the planned revisions, though specific rate increases have not been disclosed. Currently, royalties are calculated based on commodity type, grade, and market price, with coal, nickel, and gold having tiered rates depending on their quality and price thresholds. The changes are in the finalization stage with the State Secretariat, and once implemented, they will impact mining companies operating under Indonesia's regulatory framework.

• Fitch has reaffirmed Indonesia's Sovereign Credit Rating at BBB with a stable outlook, citing strong medium-term economic growth prospects and a low government debt-to-GDP ratio. The agency expects Indonesia's 2025 growth to be driven by strong domestic demand, public spending on social assistance and infrastructure, and sustained private investment supported by moderate monetary easing and post-election policy stability. Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo welcomed the decision, highlighting global confidence in Indonesia’s macroeconomic stability. He reiterated BI’s commitment to maintaining inflation within target while supporting economic growth through coordinated policies with the government and financial authorities.

• Bank Indonesia’s February 2025 Consumer Survey indicates a slight decline in consumer confidence, with the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) dropping to 126.4 from 127.2 in the previous month. There’s still optimism, supported by stronger confidence in current economic conditions, as reflected in the Current Economic Condition Index (CECI), which rose to 114.2 due to increased durable goods purchases and higher current income. Confidence was also strong among respondents aged 20-50 years and saw the highest increase in Jakarta, followed by Bandung and Makassar. However, the Consumer Expectation Index (CEI) fell to 138.7, driven by lower expectations for income, job availability, and business activity.

• Bank Central Asia (BCA) has officially appointed Hendra Lembong as its new President Director, replacing Jahja Setiaatmadja, following approval at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (RUPST) today. The leadership reshuffle also includes Jahja Setiaatmadja moving to the role of President Commissioner, replacing Djohan Emir Setijoso, who will step down on June 1, 2025. BCA also announced a cash dividend of IDR 300 per share, an 11.1% increase from the previous year, with IDR 50 per share already distributed as an interim dividend in December 2024.

• The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) has confirmed the appointment of singer Riefian Fajarsyah, also known as Ifan Seventeen, as the President Director of PT Produksi Film Negara (PFN). The Ministry acknowledged public skepticism about Ifan’s limited experience in filmmaking but highlighted his background as a film producer as justification for the role.

• The Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that BBN Airlines Indonesia has ceased its scheduled flight operations but will continue offering charter services for cargo and passengers. A subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, BBN Airlines began passenger flights in September 2024, but struggled with low occupancy rates. 

Everything Else

• Indonesia secured five victories on the opening day of the All England Open 2025, highlighted by an impressive performance from doubles pair Muhammad Shohibul Fikri/Daniel Marthin. The Super 1000 tournament kicked off on Tuesday at Utilita Arena Birmingham, with six Indonesian representatives competing. Five successfully advanced to the Round of 16. In men’s singles, Jonatan Christie dominated Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao in straight games, while Putri Kusuma Wardani stunned eighth seed Supanida Katethong in women’s singles. In doubles, Leo Rolly Carnando/Bagas Maulana and Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma/Amalia Cahaya Pratiwi secured convincing wins. The highlight came when Fikri/Daniel defeated world No.1 Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen. The only loss came from Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo, who was eliminated early by a top-ranked opponent.