Indonesia Stock Index Plunges Over 7% as MSCI Freezes Index Changes, Market Volatility Intensifies
Jakarta – Indonesia’s benchmark stock index, the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI/IHSG), came under severe pressure ahead of the close of the first trading session on Wednesday (January 28, 2026), tumbling 7.71 percent or 692.47 points to 8,287.76 as of 11:15 a.m. local time. The index opened weaker at 8,393.51, briefly attempted a rebound, and touched…
China Reverses Course in Africa: From Top Lender to Net Debt Collector as Capital Flows Swing by USD 52 Billion
Jakarta – China’s role as Africa’s leading development financier has undergone a dramatic reversal over the past decade. Once the continent’s largest source of bilateral lending, Beijing has increasingly shifted into the position of a net debt collector, with capital flows swinging by an estimated USD 52 billion. According to The Great Reversal, a report…
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles as U.S.–South Korea Discuss Military Strategy, Regional Tensions Rise Again
Pyongyang – North Korea escalated regional security tensions on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) by launching multiple ballistic missiles into the sea, coinciding with strategic discussions between the United States and South Korea on adjusting Washington’s military posture toward Pyongyang. South Korea’s military said the missiles were believed to be short-range ballistic missiles. According to Reuters,…
Xi Jinping’s Closest General Under Investigation as China’s Military Enters Its Most Fragile Phase
Beijing – China’s military leadership has entered one of its most sensitive periods in decades after authorities confirmed an investigation into Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the most senior active general in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The move marks the highest escalation yet in a sweeping purge of…
United States Officially Withdraws from World Health Organization
WASHINGTON / GENEVA — The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO) as of Thursday (January 22, 2026), ending its membership as the largest financial contributor to the global health body. President Donald Trump had announced his intention to leave the WHO on the first day of his second term in…
Finance Minister’s Son Draws Market Scrutiny as DADA Shares Surge, “Stock Pumping” Concerns Resurface
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s capital market has come under renewed scrutiny after comments made by Yudo Achilles Sadewa, son of Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, in a private online investment group were followed by sharp price movements in several thinly traded stocks. The spotlight fell primarily on PT Diamond Citra Propertindo Tbk (DADA), whose shares surged…
Indonesian Rupiah Slides Toward 17,000 per U.S. Dollar as Policy Credibility and Global Risks Weigh on Markets
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s rupiah remained under pressure on Tuesday (Jan 20, 2026), edging closer to the psychologically significant level of 17,000 per U.S. dollar, even as the country’s stock market surged to a new all-time high. Bloomberg data showed the rupiah opening weaker at 16,997 per dollar, before briefly strengthening to 16,976 by mid-morning. Despite…
From Maritime Diplomacy to Elephant Conservation: President Prabowo’s Strategic Agenda in the United Kingdom
JAKARTA — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s official visit to the United Kingdom carries a strategic mission that goes far beyond formal diplomacy. From strengthening maritime cooperation to advancing wildlife conservation, the trip marks a new chapter in long-term Indonesia–UK relations. Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi revealed that one of the visit’s key outcomes will…
High-Speed Train Collision in Spain Kills 39, Rescue Efforts Marked by Screams and Wreckage
MADRID — Spain is in deep mourning after a deadly collision involving two high-speed trains in Adamuz, near the city of Córdoba, on Sunday night (January 18, 2026). As of Monday (January 19, 2026), the death toll has risen to 39, with dozens more injured — many of them critically. The tragedy unfolded when a…
Malaysian King Condemns Corruption Within the Military, Alludes to Senior ATM Officers
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has voiced strong disappointment over the prevalence of corruption within the Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia/ATM), including cases allegedly involving senior military officers. The remarks were delivered during the opening of the First Session of the 15th Term of the Malaysian Parliament in Kuala Lumpur…
