AGP Executive Report

Volcanic Disruption Watch: Indonesia’s aviation crisis eased as Soekarno-Hatta and several other airports reopened after Anak Krakatau ash dispersed, but authorities still required aircraft airworthiness checks—closures had disrupted about 2,961 flights and affected roughly 341,000 passengers. Public Services Under Pressure: Jakarta’s water utility PAM JAYA said piped drinking water remains safe and meets national standards despite ash and weather, citing end-to-end monitoring from raw water to distribution. Legislative Accountability: Street protests over the long-stalled asset forfeiture bill pushed House leaders to commit—reportedly in writing—to finish deliberations by Dec. 15, with activists warning the deadline will be the public yardstick. Defense Diplomacy: Indonesia’s “free and active” stance faces new tests as Jakarta prepares back-to-back drills with the US and China, including Super Garuda Shield and the planned Garuda Heping exercise. Foreign Policy & Regional Platforms: Indonesia’s role in the expanded BRICS summit in New Delhi remains in focus, alongside broader calls for global governance reform. Human Rights Flashpoint: Legal advocates condemned a military court’s reduced sentences in an acid attack case involving an activist, arguing the appeal outcome deepened impunity concerns. Health & Environment: Wildfires and haze in Borneo continued to force school closures and online learning, while separate reporting highlighted ongoing health risks from second-hand smoke.

Disaster Response & Aviation: Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruption kept seven to eight Indonesian airports shut and disrupted hundreds to thousands of flights, stranding roughly 270,000 passengers across western Indonesia; Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta closure was extended as authorities ran frequent ash tests and urged travellers to check flight status, while airlines and airports arranged buses and alternative routes. Public Health Preparedness: Banten activated 24-hour health alerts as ash can trigger respiratory, eye and skin irritation, with hospitals and puskesmas told to stock supplies and standby referral systems. Volcanic Monitoring & Weather Modification: BNPB prepared weather modification (cloud seeding) and water misting to help clear ash once conditions allow, as the volcano stayed at Level III amid ongoing seismic activity. Law & Order on Fires: President Prabowo ordered Polri to pursue legal action against corporations linked to forest and land fires, including suspected deliberate burning tied to plantation expansion. Regional Security Cooperation: Indonesia and Malaysia police agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing to target narcotics syndicates beyond couriers. Energy & Industry: Chinese firms dominate Indonesia’s waste-to-energy bidding pipeline, while BYD expands EV manufacturing in West Java to meet rising local-content rules. Human Rights: Activists condemned a military court decision that reduced sentences in an acid attack case against human rights defender Andrie Yunus.

Volcanic Disaster & Aviation: Mount Anak Krakatau’s renewed eruptions have forced Indonesia to shut eight airports (including Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta) and cancel or delay more than 1,500 flights, stranding about 170,000 passengers; the transport ministry says closures could last until at least 8:59am as ash keeps shifting, while authorities extend alternative airport operations and push remote learning in affected areas. Regional Diplomacy & Environment: Indonesia says it will keep coordinating with ASEAN members under the transboundary haze framework as wildfire smoke and haze worsen across Southeast Asia, with Malaysia and others raising pressure for stronger action. Energy Policy Watch: Lawmakers are accelerating revisions to Indonesia’s Oil and Gas (Migas) Law, aiming for a mid-October 2026 finish, as debate grows over whether faster reform can reverse long-term production decline. Public Trust & Politics: Polling coverage shows President Prabowo’s approval slipping sharply since early 2025, with dissatisfaction over the economy, politics, and law enforcement driving the drop. Foreign Policy Appointments: The foreign minister has named five new diplomatic postings, including a new ambassador to Sweden drawn from prior ministerial advisory work. Security & Justice: Police are investigating a factory fire at the Sei Mangkei SEZ in North Sumatra that killed three workers.

Volcano Response & Aviation Disruption: Mount Anak Krakatau’s renewed eruption has forced Indonesia to shut eight airports, including Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma, disrupting hundreds of flights and stranding about 150,000 passengers as ash drifts over Jakarta and Lampung; authorities say the volcano remains at Level III (Siaga) with round-the-clock monitoring, while the government expands alternative airport options and keeps closures in place until conditions are safe. Passenger Rights & Government Orders: The Transportation Ministry and airlines are being pushed to deliver clear updates and full refunds—100% reimbursement for cancellations—while Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung urges residents to follow the “5M” safety steps against ash. Disaster Preparedness Beyond Java: Indonesia also reports additional volcanic activity elsewhere and continues response measures, including weather modification efforts to reduce ash spread. Regional Politics & Diplomacy: Indonesia joins a joint condemnation by eight Arab and Islamic countries rejecting Israeli ministers’ calls for forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, reaffirming support for a two-state solution.

Volcanic Disruption: Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruption forced a temporary closure of Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport, extending flight suspensions until 9:30 a.m. and disrupting 209 flights and 22,798 passengers, with ash also affecting Lampung and Banten and prompting school and fishing cancellations. Local Emergency Response: Banyuwangi declared a 14-day emergency over the Ijen Crater forest fire, requesting water-bombing helicopter support and accelerating aerial firefighting operations. Regional Haze Cooperation: Indonesia reiterated it is coordinating with ASEAN partners to manage cross-border impacts from forest and land fires, as haze continues to spread. Election Integrity: Democratic Party chair AHY urged the military, police, intelligence agencies, and civil servants to stay neutral and protect voters’ rights during elections. Security & Crime: Makassar police seized nine kilograms of methamphetamine and 10,255 ecstasy pills, arresting seven suspects tied to a “Jocker Malaysia” trafficking network. Defense Drills: The Indonesian Navy deployed its Vampire MLRS during Super Garuda Shield 2026, part of a wider multinational readiness exercise. Tech & Industry: A new study proposes a permissioned blockchain plus edge-and-cloud framework to secure industrial IoT transactions across organizations. Education Corruption Watch: KPK warned that graft in “independent” university admissions may be widespread, urging reports of suspected manipulation.

Wildfire Response & Nusantara Security: Indonesia is stepping up wildfire control around the future capital Nusantara, using a Multi-Stakeholder Rapid Response Unit, patrols, and water-bombing to cool burned areas and stop flare-ups. Weather Modification: The Environment Ministry says cloud seeding continues in West and Central Kalimantan, with sodium chloride dispersal sorties aimed at wetting highly combustible peatlands. Air Pollution Emergency Rules: Malaysia’s Sarawak declared haze emergencies as air pollution spikes; Indonesia’s plan also allows emergency measures when the Air Pollution Index exceeds 400. Disaster Watch: Authorities keep Anak Krakatau at Level III, maintaining a 3-kilometre exclusion zone after lava-fountain activity and ash emissions. Food Safety & Social Policy: Nearly 2,000 people fell ill in suspected food poisoning linked to Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals program, adding pressure on oversight of the flagship scheme. Justice & Regional Courts: Indonesia’s Supreme Court chief justice Sunarto appears at the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum as CJI Surya Kant urges “healthy disagreement” and a “living Nalanda University” model for judicial dialogue. Defense Diplomacy: TNI and Singapore Air Force held their 20th annual staff meeting in Manado, reinforcing bilateral defense ties. Military Hardware: Indonesia’s Navy prepares to receive Italy’s Garibaldi aircraft carrier, to be renamed KRI Gajah Mada, boosting operational readiness.

Haze & Wildfires Spill Over: Metro Cebu kept classes suspended as haze from Indonesia’s fires pushed air quality to “very unhealthy” (AQI 197), while Singapore also saw unhealthy readings before partial improvement—renewing calls for stronger regional enforcement, not just crisis coordination. Indonesia’s Fire Response: Indonesia evacuated 11 orangutans from a Borneo rehabilitation site after land fires reached the reserve, while officials said cloud-seeding and water-bombing are being used to suppress new hotspots near Nusantara. Volcanic Alert: Mount Anak Krakatau issued renewed eruptions and a safety advisory, urging a 3-kilometre exclusion zone for residents and visitors. Energy & Investment Policy: Indonesia invited Russian investors to bid on 138 oil and gas blocks and outlined downstream investment strategies aimed at jobs and technology transfer. AI for Public Benefit: The communications minister pushed “Meaningful AI” focused on measurable public outcomes and resilience against cyber and climate risks. Central Bank Politics: Indonesia’s parliament confirmed Destry Damayanti as the first female central bank governor, with stability as the top agenda.

Wildfire & Haze Crisis: Indonesia’s fires are driving dangerous air quality across Southeast Asia, with Metro Cebu in the Philippines hitting “very unhealthy” levels and Malaysia declaring an emergency in Sarawak’s Serian district after the Air Pollutant Index topped 500. Disaster Response: Indonesia is ramping up firefighting near Nusantara, including Air Force Caracal water-bombing after hotspots reappeared, while Jambi deployed water-bombing helicopters to tackle blazes inside a forest park. Food Safety & Human Rights: Komnas HAM urged police to investigate mass food poisoning linked to Prabowo’s free school meals after more than 2,000 students and teachers fell ill. Housing Recovery: Indonesia’s VP Gibran apologized to North Sumatra disaster victims and said permanent housing construction will start this month. International Diplomacy: Indonesia showcased genomic and precision-medicine advances to Sweden’s Crown Princess, while the Foreign Ministry facilitated repatriation of an Indonesian worker who died in Japan. Regional Politics: Peter Obi urged Nigeria’s Rivers voters to ensure 2027 elections are free, fair, and that every vote counts.

Education & Health Response: Indonesia-linked haze is driving emergency measures across the region, with the Philippines’ Malacañang ordering alternative learning modes in Metro Manila and multiple provinces on Sept. 4 as air quality worsens; local class suspensions are also reported in Bohol amid “acute unhealthy” conditions. Wildfire Governance & Accountability: Malaysia’s haze crisis coverage keeps spotlighting governance failures behind recurring smoke, while Indonesia faces scrutiny over fires inside business concessions and enforcement gaps. Prabowo’s Diplomacy & Trade: President Prabowo returned from Russia after the 11th Eastern Economic Forum, urging EAEU members to complete ratification of the Indonesia–EAEU FTA and pitching Indonesia as a gateway to ASEAN for Eurasian businesses. Regional Security Posture: Indonesia’s balancing act in defense is reflected in large-scale Super Garuda Shield 2026 drills with the US and partners, alongside continued Indonesia–China military engagement. Human Rights & West Papua: Indonesia says a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit to West Papua is “on track,” after Pacific leaders pressed for action. Economy & Public Services: Jakarta’s public transport ridership is rising, but Greater Jakarta remains disconnected—an execution gap that keeps private vehicle use high. Social Program Crisis: Indonesia’s free school meals continue to trigger mass food poisoning reports, renewing calls for tighter controls.

Wildfire Haze & Power Strain (Philippines): Metro Cebu faced “acutely unhealthy” air quality while the Visayas grid stayed under a Red Alert for hours, with officials linking the haze to Indonesian forest and peat fires and cross-equatorial winds; schools shifted to flexible learning and authorities urged precautions. Indonesia’s Free Meals Crisis: Another wave of suspected food poisoning hit Indonesia’s school feeding program, with more than 800 students and teachers ill in separate incidents across East Java and West Sumatra, adding pressure on the flagship policy. Central Bank Leadership: Destry Damayanti was sworn in as Bank Indonesia’s first female governor, signaling a stability-first approach while coordinating with the government amid global volatility. Indonesia-Russia Economic Push: President Prabowo used the Eastern Economic Forum to invite Russian investment into 138 new energy blocks and to frame Indonesia as a gateway for the EAEU to ASEAN, while also urging Danantara and RDIF to move from ideas to bankable projects. Human Rights & Asset Forfeiture: Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai urged lawmakers to draft the Asset Forfeiture Bill with strict limits and court-based safeguards to protect property rights. Labor Policy: Registration opened for Phase II of Indonesia’s 2026 National Internship Program (MagangHub), targeting 150,000 participants this year with tighter oversight on quality. Food Security Watch: The government said food security remains secure despite El Niño risks, citing rice reserves and ongoing distribution buffers.

Forest-Fire Haze Response: Indonesia’s BNPB urged residents in Kalimantan and Sumatra to regularly check the Air Pollution Standard Index as smoke spreads, with hotspots flagged in West/Central/South Kalimantan and Riau, Jambi, and South Sumatra; officials pointed people to government air-quality portals and the BNPB’s 2026 fire-response dashboard. Local Impact on Education: In the Philippines, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival suspended in-person classes for two days due to worsening haze, citing Metro Cebu AQI readings in the “acutely unhealthy” range and pushing flexible learning options. Central Banking Leadership: Indonesia’s House confirmed Destry Damayanti as Bank Indonesia’s first female governor, as coverage also highlighted how central banks are navigating 2026 pressures. Anti-Corruption Oversight: Calls grew for the House to publish the latest draft asset forfeiture bill, with activists warning closed-door deliberations could weaken safeguards and public trust. Diplomacy & Regional Politics: Melanesian countries urged Indonesia to allow a UN human rights chief visit to West Papua or face review of Indonesia’s MSG associate status. Indonesia-Russia Ties: President Prabowo visited Russia for the Eastern Economic Forum, with plans for bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin focused on trade, investment, and energy. Education Cooperation: Indonesia and Saudi Arabia discussed student/lecturer exchanges, joint degrees, research, and expanded scholarships.

Central Bank Leadership: Destry Damayanti was sworn in as Indonesia’s first female Bank Indonesia governor, with Aida S. Budiman and Solikin M. Juhro as deputy governors, as parliament confirmed the appointments and she pledged stability plus sustainable growth. Jobs & Skills: Manpower Minister Yassierli says Indonesia targets 3.49 million new jobs in 2027, pushing national internships and vocational training to close skills gaps and prepare for green jobs. Green Jobs & Energy Transition: The government is also accelerating workforce readiness for green jobs, while the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry ramps up renewables under Astacita to protect energy security amid global volatility. Trade & AI for SMEs: Indonesia and Singapore plan to roll out an AI-powered trade advisory platform (TAIA-ID) to help Indonesian exporters find markets and buyers, with a wider launch expected in 2027. Wildfires & Haze Spillover: Indonesia’s fire crisis continues to drive hazardous haze across the region, including Metro Cebu where in-person classes were suspended due to extreme air quality. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Police in Jakarta are investigating “intellectual actors” behind the Aug 27 unrest, while Indonesia’s broader Indo-Pacific posture keeps expanding through military cooperation. Food & Agriculture: Agriculture officials say high-yield rice seeds will be expanded nationwide to boost productivity and strengthen food security.

Forest-Fire Command: President Prabowo summoned military and police chiefs to coordinate the response to Sumatra and Kalimantan fires, stressing a faster, integrated crackdown as haze worsens. Health Emergency: The Health Ministry is mobilizing emergency care for the elderly, citing tens of thousands of acute respiratory cases linked to toxic smoke. Aviation Disruptions: Mount Sinabung’s eruption triggered flight cancellations and temporary airport closures at Kualanamu as ash risk forced operational changes. Volcano Evacuation: North Sumatra raised Sinabung’s alert level and ordered faster evacuations, with officials told to ensure evacuation centers are properly equipped. Regional Haze Spillover: Smoke from Indonesian fires is also driving health advisories abroad, including mask guidance in parts of the Philippines. Disaster Logistics: Indonesia approved foreign-registered aircraft to support aerial firefighting in Kalimantan amid shortages of specialized domestic equipment. Diplomacy & Security: Prabowo is set to attend Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, while Japan’s defense minister is considering a visit to Indonesia to deepen security cooperation. Central Banking: Indonesia’s parliament confirmed Destry Damayanti as the new central bank governor, as policy focus shifts to stability. International Spotlight: Xi Jinping’s Egypt visit underscores China’s push to expand influence in the Middle East.

Indigenous Peoples Bill Push: Coordinating Minister Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar urged the DPR to quickly finalize and pass the long-stalled Indigenous Peoples Bill, arguing it’s needed for legal certainty and to empower indigenous communities in national development. Wildfire Response & Policy: President Prabowo is closely monitoring forest-fire efforts as El Niño peaks, while the government keeps using weather modification, water bombing, ground firefighting, enforcement, and public awareness; officials also stressed that recurring fires won’t be solved by routine methods alone. Local Knowledge for Fire Control: Iskandar called for incorporating indigenous and local ecological knowledge into wildfire prevention, pushing ministries to adopt community practices rather than treating customary stakeholders as afterthoughts. Military Support for Firefighting: TNI is using aerial surveillance and mapping in West Kalimantan to spot hotspots and find the fastest access routes, aiming to speed up response in remote areas. Regional Fallout (Haze): Indonesia-linked haze is affecting parts of the Philippines, with authorities suspending classes and issuing air-quality warnings as smoke transport continues. Local Governance on Risk: West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi ordered temporary closures of mountain hiking areas to prevent new fires during the dry season.

Forest-Fire Fallout: Indonesia’s haze crisis is spilling across borders, with hazardous air quality in Malaysian Borneo and flight disruptions in West Kalimantan, while Indonesia temporarily closes hiking routes in nine national parks to reduce wildfire risk. Public Health & Education: In the Philippines, Quezon City suspended face-to-face classes in public schools after “very unhealthy” air readings, linking the pollution to smoke from Kalimantan fires. Disaster Response & Risk Management: Indonesia’s BNPB reports hotspots surging in parts of Kalimantan, alongside health monitoring for respiratory illness, as authorities intensify firefighting and weather-modification efforts. Politics & Society: NU elects Gus Kikin as chairman through an indirect voting mechanism aimed at insulating leadership from outside influence, while debates over democracy and authoritarian drift continue in commentary. Security & Diplomacy: Indonesia, the US and allies kick off Super Garuda Shield 2026, underscoring Indo-Pacific deterrence amid Jakarta’s balancing act between Washington and Beijing. Economy & Governance: A fresh policy debate swirls around Whoosh/HSR debt handling as finance officials signal liabilities shifting to the ministry, raising questions about long-term strategy.

Wildfire Response & Haze: Indonesia says hotspot numbers are falling, but officials warn the fire threat isn’t over—peatland smolders can still restart haze. Public Safety Measures: The Forestry Ministry temporarily closed hiking trails in nine national parks in high-risk areas, after past incidents left hikers stranded, while some routes remain open under strict supervision. Health Impact: Health authorities reported millions living in affected zones and thousands of acute respiratory infection cases recorded in July-August, with monitoring and coordination continuing. Regional Fallout: West Kalimantan haze disrupted flights at Supadio Airport, forcing rescheduling of 10 flights due to visibility dropping below 1,000 meters. Government Coordination: Sarawak signaled an emergency trigger if air pollution hits an API of 500, and stressed ASEAN channels with Indonesia. Defense & Diplomacy: Indonesia and the U.S. kicked off annual Super Garuda Shield 2026 with 4,700+ personnel across 15 nations, while Japan sent helicopters for firefighting under defense cooperation. Budget & Oversight: Danantara’s export monitoring platform will bring $70B+ in commodity exports under closer scrutiny starting Sep 1. Energy Policy: The government pledged to secure subsidized 3-kg LPG supply despite projected quota pressure, pointing to governance fixes rather than only raising quotas. Economy & Industry: The Industry Ministry set eight 2027 programs to boost manufacturing productivity, exports, and green industry. Health Workforce: Indonesia approved 25 new specialist doctor training programs to help address shortages in underserved regions.