Pupils from three schools in Harjamukti, Cirebon, were suspected of falling ill after eating meals provided under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Parents took their children to hospital on Tuesday afternoon, reporting that symptoms began after school and that several other pupils had similar complaints.

Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) seized documents, electronic evidence, cash and jewellery during searches linked to an alleged corruption case in Klaten Regency. The investigation follows an October arrest operation and encompasses alleged bribery to influence a state audit, procurement, mining permits and payments from local government agencies.

Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry expects long fuel queues in several East Java areas, including Malang, Jember and Blitar, to be cleared within one to two days. Authorities are increasing supplies and accelerating deliveries, including through additional tanker trucks and round-the-clock depot operations, while assuring residents that East Java’s fuel stocks will be protected.

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration is encouraging business associations to make better use of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), now available through a digital application process. The agency says the faster, paperless service will ease regional business travel and support investment, while applications from Indonesians rose 41.8% in 2026.

Pertamina Geothermal Energy’s Kamojang operation is using geothermal heat to reduce organic fertiliser drying from 14 days to 12 hours, alongside other direct-use applications supporting local livelihoods. The Kanyaah programme also applies geothermal energy to fish farming and food processing, with the company reporting improved fish growth and a long-standing record of environmental performance.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged consumers to keep choosing products bearing halal labels after the government postponed mandatory halal certification from 2026 to 2028. MUI says the delay could leave consumers less certain about product status and argues that the certification requirement protects Muslims’ rights, while the government cites the broad scope of implementation involving millions of businesses and multiple industries.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia chief Gita Amperiawan says the N219 was developed without foreign technical assistance, drawing on around 16 domestic defence industries and four Indonesian universities. The aircraft is designed for 19 passengers and short, often unpaved runways; its domestic content could rise from 44.69 per cent to 65 per cent if mass production begins.

Police have arrested RH, director of RNH Umrah Travel, in Temanggung, Central Java, over alleged fraud and embezzlement involving pilgrims’ departure funds. Investigators initially identified about 172 victims and Rp9 billion in losses, while RH reportedly put the figures at 250 people and Rp12 billion; both estimates are being verified.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has welcomed the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s plan to establish an office in the city, with both financing and operational functions. He said the office would create opportunities for Hong Kong’s financial sector and strengthen regional cooperation, drawing on the city’s capabilities in areas including green finance, fintech and offshore renminbi business.

BMKG said a magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck off West Aceh late on Tuesday, at a depth of 74 kilometres, and posed no tsunami risk. The tremor startled residents in Meulaboh.

An Australian government report estimates that 13.6 million people use AI tools every day, with usage highest among working-age adults. More than 60 per cent of those surveyed use AI to find information and advice, while 39 per cent use it to create content for work or study.

Hydrogeology expert Prof Lambok M. Hutasoit says geothermal power operations are not directly linked to landslides or water shortages, arguing that deep geothermal reservoirs are separated from shallow aquifers by an impermeable cap rock. He also describes drilling to depths of 2,000 metres as routine, although the supplied article ends before his response to claims that geothermal drilling can trigger earthquakes.

Police in Magelang say bones found wrapped in burial shrouds were not human remains, but likely belonged to a four-legged animal. The discovery of more than 20 bundles at a site receiving building rubble had alarmed local residents, who feared they might contain the remains of babies.

The two-day APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting has opened in Hong Kong, with representatives set to discuss key financial priorities ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen in November. Topics include fiscal policy to support livelihoods, digital infrastructure financing, locally tailored financial inclusion, and cooperation among young finance professionals.

Golkar chairman Bahlil Lahadalia said the party’s purpose is to advance the state’s goals, including social justice and public welfare, rather than simply to secure the presidency for its leader. His remarks came amid questions about whether Golkar could partner with Prabowo Subianto in the 2029 election; he also outlined the party’s history and its stated welfare-oriented doctrine.

Islamic preacher and Hajj travel agency owner Khalid Basalamah told a Jakarta court he had paid US$554,500 to the Corruption Eradication Commission in connection with an alleged corruption case involving Hajj quotas. Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas is accused of causing state losses of Rp622.09 billion by manipulating additional Hajj quota allocations in 2023 and 2024.

Bank Central Asia shares fell 6.86% to a five-year low of Rp4,820 on 19 October 2026, amid heavy selling and a sharp net outflow of foreign investment. The decline has pushed BBCA’s valuation measures to levels well below their decade-long ranges, while BCA and the Financial Services Authority have denied rumours that businessman Haji Isam plans to acquire the bank.