INDONESIAN TALK

IndonesianTalk.com — THE SUFI BANK ACCOUNT By Asri Hadi Treasurer, Indonesian Digital Media Association (AMDI) There are people who wake up every morning, open their eyes — and then open their bank accounts. Sometimes, the order is reversed. The bank account comes first. Only after checking the balance do their eyes truly open. They look at the numbers. They check what has come in and what has gone out. If the balance has increased, their spirits rise with it. If it has fallen, even the morning coffee somehow tastes less sweet. Such is the peculiar power of money. In reality, money is largely a number. Yet we often give that number extraordinary authority over our emotions. The Sufis might smile at the way we behave. Not because they despise money. Nor because a Sufi must necessarily be poor, dress in worn-out clothes, live austerely and withdraw from worldly life. Sufism is…

IndonesianTalk.com — Prabowo Calls for North Bali Airport to Accommodate Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has called for the New Bali Airport in Kubutambahan, Buleleng Regency, to be developed as a major international gateway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380, according to project representatives involved in discussions with the government. The proposal is in line with Bali Provincial Regulation No. 2 of 2023, which designates two separate aviation facilities in Buleleng Regency. Under the regulation, Letkol Wisnu Airfield is intended to serve small aircraft, while the New Bali Airport is planned as a commercial airport designed to handle large international aircraft. The distinction between the two facilities was also discussed during a coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development on July 30, 2026. Participants discussed a proposal to further develop Letkol Wisnu Airfield as a dedicated…

IndonesianTalk.com — Jakarta begins transition away from open dumping as Bantargebang landfill enters new phase After decades of symbolizing Jakarta’s mounting waste crisis, the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Management Site (TPST Bantargebang) has begun showing signs of a long-awaited transformation. On Tuesday, Aug. 4, sections of waste piles in Zone 1 were seen covered with large sheets of black geomembrane, marking the start of the capital’s transition from an open dumping system toward a controlled landfill. The change represents far more than a cosmetic improvement. The Jakarta administration describes it as the first stage of a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s waste management system, with full implementation targeted by 2029. Under the new strategy, Bantargebang will no longer serve as the final destination for all municipal waste generated by the capital. Instead, only residual waste that cannot be recycled or processed elsewhere will eventually be transported to the landfill. Agung Pujo Winarko,…

IndonesianTalk.com — Burhanuddin Abdullah Elected Unopposed to Lead PWRI, Representing 3.6 Million Indonesian Retired Civil Servants The 15th National Congress (Munas XV) of the Indonesian Retired Civil Servants Association (Persatuan Wredatama Republik Indonesia/PWRI) has unanimously elected Prof. Dr. Ir. Burhanuddin Abdullah as chairman for the 2026–2031 term, entrusting the former central bank governor with the leadership of an organization representing approximately 3.6 million retired Indonesian civil servants. The decision was reached by acclamation during the closing plenary session at Hotel Sahid Jaya in Jakarta on Saturday. More than 500 delegates, representing retired state civil servant organizations and PWRI chapters from 35 provinces, attended the congress. The leadership transition was approved without a formal vote, as participants unanimously endorsed Burhanuddin’s candidacy. The appointment was greeted with prolonged applause from delegates, reflecting broad confidence in his leadership. For the organization, Burhanuddin’s election represents not only a change of leadership but also renewed expectations…

IndonesianTalk.com — Indonesia–China Forum Set to Boost Green Investment and Future Technology Cooperation Jakarta – The upcoming Indonesia–China Partnership Forum 2026: Advancing Green Energy and Future Technology is expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties and accelerate investment in Indonesia’s strategic industries, particularly renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and healthcare technology. Ismeth Wibowo, Commissioner of PT Sunra Asia Pacific Hi-Tech, said the forum comes at a crucial time as Indonesia seeks to accelerate its energy transition while advancing its digital economy through stronger international partnerships. “Indonesia and China have built increasingly robust economic relations over the past few years. This forum is expected to further enhance Chinese investors’ confidence in Indonesia, particularly in strategic sectors prioritized by the government, including renewable energy, future technologies and the healthcare industry,” Ismeth said. The forum is scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta, beginning at 9 a.m….