Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 March 2026

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Sinaksak-Simpang Panei Toll Road to Operate Toll-Free during Eid 2026 Exodus from 13 March

PT Hutama Marga Waskita will operate the 12.55-kilometre Sinaksak-Simpang Panei toll road section toll-free from 13 March 2026 to support the Eid 2026 return migration period, with enhanced safety facilities and 38 emergency vehicles on standby. The toll-free operation aims to improve connectivity to North Sumatra destinations including Lake Toba tourism area whilst facilitating efficient logistics distribution in the region.

Russian Oil Imports Under Consideration, Energy Ministry Delegates Decision to Pertamina

Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is considering redirecting crude oil imports from the Middle East to Russia, contingent upon relaxation of global sanctions against Moscow. Deputy Minister Yuliot Tanjung stated that the final decision rests with state-owned oil company PT Pertamina, whilst the US has begun easing certain sanctions on Russian oil already in transit, affecting global energy market stability.

Types of Employment for Indonesian Population in National Population Data Semester II 2025, Farmers Number 25 Million

Indonesia's government released employment data by generation for Semester II 2025, revealing that housekeeping (53.3 million people) is the most common occupation, followed by students (39.7 million) and farmers (25.4 million). The data, released by the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration, demonstrates Indonesia's agrarian character and will inform inclusive policy-making across all generations from pre-boomers to Generation Z.

Bali High Prosecutor's Office Awaits Attorney General Co-ordination on 671 Billion Rupiah Foreign Tourist Levy

The Bali High Prosecutor's Office is awaiting co-ordination from the Attorney General's Office regarding an investigation into alleged misuse of authority in managing 671 billion rupiah in Foreign Tourist Levy (PWA) funds in Bali. The Attorney General's Office is conducting clarification proceedings to ensure the levy's management complies with applicable regulations and intended purposes of supporting cultural preservation, environmental protection, and tourism quality enhancement. The Bali prosecutor's office will provide supporting documentation and information as needed without assuming authority over the centrally-handled investigation.

Breaking News! IHSG Falls 3%, Touches 7,100 Level

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) fell 3% to 7,141.46 on Friday, 13 March 2026, driven by investor anxiety over oil supply disruptions amid escalating military tensions in the Iran-US-Israel conflict. Global crude prices surged over 38% in less than two weeks, with Brent crude reaching USD 100.72 per barrel, as market participants feared prolonged geopolitical instability would disrupt global energy supply chains.

Ministry of Communications Guarantees Smooth Internet During Mudik and Eid, Here's How

The Indonesian Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) has announced comprehensive measures to maintain seamless telecommunications and internet services during the 2026 Ramadan and Eid holiday period, anticipating a 30-40 percent surge in network traffic during the mass exodus and return journeys. The government has coordinated intensively with major mobile operators—Telkom, Telkomsel, XLSmart, and Indosat—to implement mitigation strategies, deploying 35 monitoring units and establishing joint command posts at nine strategic locations including major airports, train stations, and ports to oversee service quality and radio frequency spectrum security throughout the period.

Participants of PBI JK Deciles 6-10 Given 90 Days to Update Data or Face Deactivation

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs has issued a 90-day deadline for health insurance premium assistance recipients (PBI JK) in deciles 6-10 to update their data to avoid account deactivation. The policy aims to ensure assistance reaches only low-income families in deciles 1-5, with eligible participants encouraged to transition to independent insurance schemes. The ministry has directed beneficiaries to update their data through the National Single Database for Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) via the official assistance portal.

Rismon Sianipar Confirms Authenticity of President Jokowi's Diploma

Digital forensics researcher Rismon Sianipar has reversed his earlier stance and confirmed the authenticity of former President Joko Widodo's university diploma from Gadjah Mada University following detailed analysis. Sianipar met with Widodo in Solo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming in Jakarta to apologise for his previous allegations, citing the discovery of three authenticating features including embossing, watermarks, and consistent security features on the original diploma.

KPK Warns Officials to Reject Eid Gratuities in 2026; 32 Already Reported

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has issued a circular urging all state officials and civil servants to firmly reject all forms of gratuities ahead of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebration, emphasising their constitutional obligation to maintain integrity and decision-making impartiality. The warning comes as the KPK has already received 32 gratuity reports totalling IDR 13.6 million during the pre-Eid period, with 14 reports still under review. The preventive measure aims to protect Indonesia's bureaucratic integrity from corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN) during the 2026 religious holiday celebrations.

KontraS Activist Attacked with Acid While Riding Motorcycle; Police Hunt Perpetrator

Deputy Coordinator of KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), Andrie Yunus, was attacked with what is believed to be caustic soda by an unknown assailant on Thursday, 12 March 2026, in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta whilst riding a motorcycle. The attack left him with serious injuries to both hands, face, chest, and right eye, and he is currently receiving medical treatment at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Central Jakarta Metro Police are investigating the incident and have appealed to the public for any information regarding the attack.

KPK Urged Not to Halt Inquiry at Arrest of Former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas

The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has been urged to expand its investigation beyond the arrest of former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in a hajj quota corruption case estimated to have caused state losses of IDR 622 billion. Former KPK investigator Yudi Purnomo Harahap emphasised that the investigation should identify other actors involved in the hajj quota buying and selling scheme and prioritise state loss recovery. The case highlights alleged irregularities in the management of hajj quotas, with reports suggesting thousands of elderly pilgrims were unable to depart due to queue jumping.

Penajam District Transfers Sepaku Roads to IKN Authority

Penajam Paser Utara district government has proposed transferring district road infrastructure in Sepaku subdistrict within the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) area to the IKN Authority to enable more optimal management and improvement. The roads currently comprise 62.9 kilometres in good condition and 9.6 kilometres in fair condition, with 2.9 kilometres of minor damage and 92.88 kilometres of severe damage. The district government awaits further discussions with the IKN Authority to finalise the transfer process.

DKB Semester II 2025: 54.32 Per Cent of Indonesian Population Has Been Married

Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration released comprehensive population data for the second semester of 2025, revealing that 54.32 per cent of the population, or approximately 156.6 million people, have been married at some point. The total population reached 288.3 million, with notable increases in both currently married individuals (47.52 per cent) and divorced persons, highlighting the importance of population data for long-term public policy planning in healthcare, education, and social welfare.

West Jakarta District Attorney's Office Remits 530 Billion Rupiah in Seized Online Gambling Proceeds to State Treasury

The West Jakarta District Attorney's Office has remitted 530 billion rupiah in proceeds seized from online gambling operations to the state treasury, based on a court verdict issued in February 2026 against defendant Oei Hengky Wiryo. The funds, comprising 529.4 billion rupiah from multiple bank accounts linked to illegal gambling activities plus 1 billion rupiah in court fines, have been transferred through official mechanisms as part of a completed legal process. The case involved money laundering through shell companies affiliated with illegal online gambling platforms that operated from 2018 to February 2025.

Following ChatGPT and Anthropic, Microsoft Launches AI Health Copilot

Microsoft has unveiled Copilot Health, a new artificial intelligence feature designed to help users understand their health information, including interpreting lab results, medical records, and finding appropriate healthcare providers. The tool integrates with over 50,000 US hospitals and healthcare organisations, more than 50 wearable devices, and real-time healthcare provider directories, positioning Microsoft in the growing competition among tech firms to develop health-focused AI solutions.

BYD Establishes Six Mudik Service Posts for 2026: Supporting Electric Vehicle Users

BYD Motor Indonesia has officially opened six service posts along the Trans Java Toll Road for the 2026 Lebaran mudik (homecoming) season, double the number from the previous year. The posts will offer comprehensive technical services, vehicle inspections, tyre nitrogen refills, and notably, new fast-charging infrastructure with 120 kW chargers, alongside 24-hour emergency roadside assistance to support the anticipated surge in electric vehicle users travelling to Central and East Java.

BTN Prepares Rp23.18 Trillion in Cash for Eid al-Fitr 2026

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) has prepared Rp23.18 trillion in cash from 13 to 25 March 2026 to meet anticipated transaction demands during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period. The allocation includes Rp14.55 trillion (63 per cent) for branch operations and Rp8.63 trillion (37 per cent) for ATM and CRM machines, with enhanced liquidity provisions at remote branches to accommodate increased consumer activity and cash demand during the holiday season.

Lampung Provincial Government Plans Development of Public Port in Ketapang

Lampung Provincial Government is planning the development of a new public multipurpose port in Ketapang, South Lampung, on a 28-hectare site at Onaria Beach. The project is currently in early discussion stages with the Investment Coordination Board (BKPM), with private sector involvement expected to drive financing and operations. The port is projected to strengthen regional economic connectivity and serve as a distribution hub for commodities in southern Lampung.

Pertamina Increases Fuel and LPG Stocks Ahead of Eid al-Fitr in South Java Coast Region

PT Pertamina has increased stocks of petroleum fuel and liquefied petroleum gas across the South Java Coast (Pansela) region of Central Java to meet anticipated demand surges during Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr. The company has raised fuel reserves by 4–5 per cent and LPG supplies by 6.7 per cent across five regencies, with projections showing gasoline consumption increasing by 23.3 per cent whilst LPG demand is expected to rise by 13 per cent. The stockpiling and infrastructure preparations ensure energy availability for the public during the Islamic holy month and festival celebrations.

Chair of House Commission VIII Shocked by Yaqut's Alleged Plan to Condition Special Pilgrimage Committee with 1 Million US Dollars

The Chair of Commission VIII of Indonesia's House of Representatives, Marwan Dasopang, expressed shock upon learning of allegations that former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas attempted to influence the Special Pilgrimage Committee investigating the 2023-2024 hajj operations by offering 1 million US dollars. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed the alleged bribery attempt, which Dasopang claims he was unaware of during the committee's investigations. The special committee concluded that any suspected legal violations discovered should be referred to law enforcement authorities for further action.

Indonesia's Diesel Power Plants to be Phased Out in Favour of Solar Energy

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources plans to replace diesel-powered power plants (PLTD) with renewable energy sources, particularly solar power (PLTS), as part of a government dedieselisation programme. The initiative will prioritise remote and underdeveloped regions, with at least 30 locations identified for conversion, as part of a broader renewable energy capacity expansion targeting 42.6 GW from renewable sources by 2034 to reduce fossil fuel imports and enhance energy security.

Banten Health Department Identifies 2,000 Measles Suspects by March 2026: Indicative of Outbreak

Banten provincial health authorities have identified over 2,000 suspected measles cases as of March 2026, with just one confirmed positive case, signalling a potential public health emergency (KLB). In response, the government is intensifying measles vaccination campaigns across the province whilst establishing 94 field health posts to provide immunisation services, particularly during the Lebaran exodus period.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Presents Award as Bali Wins Best Island at RCA 2026

Bali has won the Best Island award at DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2026, maintaining its unbroken winning streak since the award's inception. The award, which gathered over one million votes from 45,000 readers across 38 categories, was presented by Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa, affirming Bali's position as the premier tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region.

Ratification of Indigenous Peoples Bill Must Be Accelerated

Deputy Chair of the People's Consultative Assembly Lestari Moerdijat has urged the government to accelerate the ratification of the Indigenous Peoples Bill into law, citing 16 years of deliberation without resolution. With 50-70 million indigenous people in Indonesia, 11.7 million hectares of customary land lost, and numerous indigenous residents criminalised, Moerdijat emphasised that state recognition and legal protection can no longer be delayed.

PGE introduces clean energy sector share investment opportunities to young people

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) has partnered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) to promote share investment opportunities in the clean energy sector to young Indonesians. The initiative highlights geothermal energy's substantial potential in Indonesia—estimated at 24 GW—and emphasises the long-term investment prospects as global demand for low-emission energy sources increases amid international carbon reduction commitments.

Ministry of Public Works: National roads in Banten support traffic flow to Merak Port

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works has confirmed that national road infrastructure in Banten Province is prepared to handle increased traffic flow during the 2026 Eid holiday exodus, particularly towards the Merak-Bakauheni ferry crossing. All maintenance work has been scheduled for completion by ten days before Eid to ensure smooth and safe travel. The ministry has also established eight rest areas along Banten's national roads and prepared traffic management contingency plans to address potential congestion at major ports.

Three Advanced Tools to Monitor Communication Quality for Eid 2026

Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology has deployed three advanced monitoring tools—Spectrum Analyser, Portable Monitoring Receiver, and QualiPoc—to ensure telecommunications network quality during the Eid 2026 festivities from 13–29 March 2026. The tools will be operated by 35 Regional Monitoring Centres across Indonesia to detect and address network disruptions in real time, with telecommunications traffic expected to surge 30–40 percent during the period.

Surge in Digital Fraud Cases; UGM Economist Warns of Impact on Investment Climate

Indonesia is experiencing a significant rise in digital fraud cases, with losses reaching approximately 91 trillion rupiah from 432,637 reports between November 2024 and January 2026, according to the Indonesia Anti Scam Center. A UGM economist warns that widespread fraud cases could erode public confidence in digital transactions, potentially dampening growth in the digital economy and affecting investor sentiment towards Indonesia's digital ecosystem. The fraud trend may force digital companies to allocate additional resources to security measures, diverting funds from innovation and expansion, whilst signalling to investors higher operational risks and requiring increased risk premiums.

Religious Scholar UAS Delivers Friday Sermon at South Sumatra Police Headquarters, Reminds Officers that Policing is a Sacred Trust

Ustaz Abdul Somad (UAS), a prominent Islamic scholar, delivered a Friday sermon at South Sumatra Police Headquarters, emphasising that police work is a sacred trust (amanah) requiring accountability before both society and God, not merely employment. He highlighted that all professional duties, including law enforcement, can constitute spiritual worship when performed with sincerity and integrity, a message that resonated with senior police officials and hundreds of personnel preparing for Eid security operations.

Ramadan: A Month of Blessings as Jokowi and Rismon Seek Reconciliation

Digital forensics expert Rismon Sianipar has publicly apologised to President Joko Widodo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka for his previous analysis and allegations regarding the president's academic credentials, citing Ramadan as a period for reflection and spiritual rectification. The reconciliation marks a significant moment of restorative justice, with both parties moving towards settlement outside the courts during the holy month, exemplifying Indonesian values of forgiveness and mutual respect.

Pramono Clarifies "Visit Jakarta" Programme is Not an Invitation for Provincial Residents to Settle in Capital

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has clarified that the "Visit Jakarta" programme during Lebaran holidays is not intended to encourage people from outside areas to permanently relocate to the capital. The provincial government plans to offer various incentives, including discounts at tourist attractions, to provide an alternative experience for residents who remain in Jakarta during the festive period when the city is less congested than usual.

National Police Chief Prepares Security Measures Aboard Ferry Vessels

The National Police Chief has announced comprehensive security measures for this year's Eid homecoming, including deploying officers aboard ferry vessels and implementing online ticketing systems to manage congestion. Coordination between law enforcement and transport operators aims to ensure safe and efficient travel through enhanced infrastructure and real-time monitoring.

Japek II South Toll Road to Open and be Waived During Eid Return Traffic

Jasamarga Metropolitan Tollroad will open the Japek II South toll road and waive tolls during the Eid return journey in 2026 to alleviate traffic congestion. The 52-kilometre route will operate free of charge for southbound traffic from Bandung to Jakarta during peak return periods, whilst a 30 per cent discount will be applied to other toll routes including Cipularang and Cisumdawu from 15–17 March for outbound traffic and 26–28 March for return traffic.

Commission XIII Condemns Acid Attack on KontraS Activist

The deputy chair of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives has condemned an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), which occurred on 12 March 2026 in Central Jakarta. The attack, carried out by two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle, caused severe chemical burns covering 24 per cent of Yunus's body, and the commission is calling for law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Special Committee Member Claims Surprise at Yaqut's Alleged Attempt to Condition USD 1 Million

A member of the Special Committee (Pansus) on the 2024 Hajj expressed shock at allegations that former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas attempted to influence the committee by conditioning USD 1 million in funds whilst under investigation for alleged corruption involving hajj quotas. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that Yaqut attempted to distribute money collected from fees obtained through providing additional hajj quotas to the PIHK (Private Hajj Travel Agency) group to condition the committee's findings, though the money was reportedly rejected.

Digital Forensics Expert Confirms Authenticity of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Gibran's Diplomas

Digital forensics expert Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar has confirmed that the diplomas of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming are authentic following scientific testing. Rismon stated he employed three variables in his research—including geometric variables, translation, rotation, and lighting analysis—to verify the documents' legitimacy and expressed his readiness to publicly demonstrate his methodology to resolve lingering public doubts.

340,000 Vehicles Expected to Use Toll Road During Two-Week Operational Period

Indonesia's Jasa Marga toll operator estimates approximately 340,000 vehicles will traverse the Prambanan-Purwomartani toll road during its functional operation from 16-29 March 2026 during the Lebaran exodus period, averaging around 17,000 vehicles daily. The toll company is doubling operational staff and deploying mobile transaction readers at toll gates to manage the anticipated surge in traffic and ensure smooth service delivery.

TNBTS closes Mount Bromo tourism activities during Nyepi

Mount Bromo National Park (TNBTS) will close its tourism areas on 19-20 March 2026 during Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, reopening on 21 March to honour religious observance and demonstrate tolerance towards Hindu worshippers. The park management has also implemented precautionary closures at Ranu Regulo due to extreme weather conditions, whilst preparing enhanced security measures and facilities for anticipated 5,000 visitors during the Lebaran holiday period.

KAI Daop 1 targets 8 per cent increase in Eid holiday rail passengers this year

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Daerah Operasi 1 Jakarta is targeting an 8 per cent increase in rail passenger volumes during the Eid holiday period in 2026, supported by government stimulus measures including a 30 per cent fare discount on commercial economy class tickets from 14 to 29 March 2026. The region has provided 329,000 commercial economy class seats during this period, with approximately 67,000 seats still available for the public to utilise at the discounted rate.

Sinar Mas Endows Qurans to Kopassus and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Sinar Mas, through the Muslim Sinar Mas Foundation (YMSM), has donated 1,600 Qurans and 5,000 litres of cooking oil to two Indonesian state institutions—Kopassus and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—in a symbolic ceremony held on 13 March 2026. The foundation emphasises that this wakaf (Islamic endowment) initiative aims to strengthen spiritual values and Islamic literacy within these government bodies, whilst reinforcing Indonesia's commitment to peace and humanitarianism through diplomacy.

Finance Minister Purbaya Confirms PNM Takeover Plan from Danantara Still Under Review

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the government is still deliberating a plan to take over Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) from Danantara's management, with various policy scenarios currently being calculated and evaluated internally. The proposal has been presented to President Prabowo Subianto, but no final decision has been made, as the government seeks to determine the most advantageous approach for the country and MSME financing. Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani has confirmed he is open to the option, though he notes the Ministry of Finance has not yet formally presented its rationale for the proposed takeover.

Coordination Ministry Distributes 2 Million Zakat Fitrah Packages Worth Rp441.9 Billion

The Coordination Ministry for Community Empowerment (Kemenko PM) officially launched the Tebar Harapan Ramadan (THR) programme, a collaborative movement distributing 2 million zakat fitrah packages worth Rp441.9 billion to underprivileged communities across Indonesia. The initiative orchestrates 184 Islamic charitable organisations and 234 philanthropic organisations to strengthen poverty alleviation efforts, targeting 168 districts across eight provinces with the highest extreme poverty rates and three disaster-affected provinces.

IRGC claims strike on US Naval base in Bahrain with missiles and drones

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed on Thursday that it had launched two waves of attacks on the US Fifth Fleet base at Mina Salman port in Bahrain, using kamikaze drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The escalation follows a 28 February joint Israeli-American strike on Tehran that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military commanders, prompting Iran to conduct retaliatory strikes against Israeli and US assets across the Middle East.

Police Must Urgently Reveal Perpetrators Behind Acid Attack on KontraS Vice Coordinator

The National Police Commission has condemned an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), in Jakarta's Salemba district, characterising the assault as a serious threat to Indonesia's democratic processes rather than ordinary criminal violence. Commission member Choirul Anam has urged the police to conduct a transparent and accountable investigation, emphasising that the state must demonstrate its capacity to protect human rights activists and prevent such violence.

Analysis and Complete Timeline: Rismon Sianipar Apologises to Jokowi Over Diploma Controversy

Digital forensics researcher Rismon Sianipar formally apologised to President Joko Widodo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in March 2026 for errors in his earlier analysis alleging the president possessed a fraudulent diploma. Sianipar acknowledged technical mistakes in his digital forensic methodology, including failures to account for geometric variables and lighting conditions, and confirmed through revised analysis that the diploma was 100% authentic. The reconciliation marked a significant turning point in a multi-year dispute that had drawn substantial public attention.

Pramono Distributes 1,108 Free Service Cards to Seribu Islands Residents

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo distributed 1,108 Free Service Cards (Kartu Layanan Gratis) to residents of the Seribu Islands during a Ramadan visit, emphasising the provincial government's commitment to providing the service equitably across 15 population groups including the elderly. The provincial government has streamlined the card replacement process to operate online, allowing residents to manage lost, stolen, or damaged cards without queuing at bank branches.

REAL Accelerates Property Business Expansion Through Groundbreaking Low-Cost Housing Project with Riscon Group

PT Repower Asia Indonesia Tbk (REAL) has launched a strategic collaboration with PT Ardias Bayu Pratama (Riscon Group) to develop subsidised housing for low-income communities in Bogor, West Java, marking the company's expansion into the affordable housing sector. Under an operational cooperation scheme, REAL will handle infrastructure and housing construction whilst Riscon Group provides land and manages marketing and sales. The partnership aligns with the government's programme to build 3 million homes and positions REAL as an active participant in addressing Indonesia's significant affordable housing demand.

Toll Rate Discount on Semarang-Batang Route 15-16 March 2026, Jakarta to Semarang Reduced to Rp 289,450

PT Jasamarga Semarang Batang has announced a toll rate discount of up to 46 percent on the Semarang-Batang expressway route during the Lebaran exodus period of 15-16 March 2026. The continuous journey from Cikampek Utama toll gate to Kalikangkung toll gate will be reduced to Rp 289,450, allowing motorists to save up to Rp 157,050 per trip, with similar discounts also applied during the return journey period.

Indonesia finalizes plan to settle China debt for Whoosh train

The Indonesian government has concluded discussions on financially restructuring PT KCIC to resolve China debt on the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed railway (Whoosh), with Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirming a plan is in place. The government has made debt resolution a prerequisite before expanding the network further, with Coordinating Minister AHY emphasising that settling the Chinese debt is essential before advancing plans to extend the line to Banyuwangi.

KPK states that Yaqut allocated additional 20,000 pilgrimage quotas for 2024 in accordance with law

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed that former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas allocated an additional 20,000 pilgrimage (hajj) quotas for 2024 in accordance with Law Number 8 of 2019 on the implementation of hajj and umrah pilgrimages. The distribution was initially split 92 percent for regular hajj and 8 percent for special hajj, but Yaqut subsequently divided the additional quotas equally at 50 percent each in ministerial decree number 130 of 2024. Yaqut is currently under investigation by the KPK for alleged corruption involving pilgrimage quotas for 2023-2024, with the state financial loss estimated at Rp622 billion.