Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) and Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) have sealed four foreign tourist yachts at Pantai Mutiara in North Jakarta, suspected of misusing import duty and tax exemptions by being leased or sold to Indonesian citizens. The vessels, two from Malaysia and two from Singapore, were granted temporary import facilities for recreational tourism but allegedly evaded proper duties, with each small yacht estimated at around Rp10 billion. This enforcement action, part of ongoing collaborations to boost state revenue and ensure fiscal equity, underscores the authorities' commitment to compliance in the luxury goods sector amid broader inspections of private yachts in Indonesian waters.

KAI Group reported serving 128.05 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 9.97% increase from the previous year, driven by growing public preference for rail travel amid daily commutes, holiday travels like Eid, and intercity journeys. Services across long-distance, commuter, airport links, and tourism segments all showed significant growth, with KAI Commuter handling over 101 million riders and tourism services surging by 110%. This expansion underscores the integration of rail into everyday Indonesian life, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in transportation, particularly in urban and regional areas.

An environmental NGO, Yayasan Get Plastic Indonesia, has criticised the partial closure of the Suwung landfill in Denpasar for lacking accompanying concrete solutions, leading to rubbish accumulation on streets and residents resorting to burning waste. Director Ayu Pawitri emphasised the need for prior public education, infrastructure development, and waste management systems to ensure effective policy implementation, warning of prolonged environmental crises otherwise. She proposed short-term measures like specialised facilities for inorganic waste and long-term comprehensive systems involving community awareness and technology, while noting the limited involvement of NGOs in government policymaking.

PT PP (Persero) Tbk has secured a strategic infrastructure project to build the Pulau Laut Bridge in Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan, valued at Rp1.02 trillion, through a joint operation where it leads with a 50% stake as part of the 2026-2028 development programme. The bridge aims to enhance connectivity between Kalimantan and Pulau Laut, facilitating logistics distribution, improving public mobility, and boosting economic growth in the region. This achievement underscores PTPP's growing portfolio in large-scale infrastructure and its commitment to national development goals, including equitable infrastructure and sustainable economic progress.

Indonesia's National Zakat Agency (Baznas) has partnered with Al-Salah Medical Complex in central Gaza to deliver free healthcare services to 1,161 Palestinians during March-April 2026, amid the ongoing crisis. The initiative includes general check-ups, treatments for ailments like skin conditions and flu, and specialist consultations, aiming to improve health standards in a region plagued by limited medical facilities due to prolonged conflict. This programme underscores Indonesian society's solidarity with Palestinians and calls for continued public support through donations and prayers to aid humanitarian recovery.

The Cimahi City Government has implemented a work-from-home (WFH) policy for up to 75% of its civil servants every Friday to save on electricity and fuel costs, resulting in notably empty offices on the first day of enforcement. Senior officials and essential public service units remain on-site to ensure coordination and service continuity, with attendance monitored via a location-based app to prevent abuse. This measure is part of broader budget-saving efforts amid economic pressures, with penalties for non-compliance including warnings and pay deductions.

The leadership transition within the Golkar Party in West Java ahead of the 2026 Regional Conference has drawn academic attention, particularly the acclamation of Daniel Mutaqien as chairman and the withdrawal of strong candidate Ahmad Hidayat, who is now tipped for the secretary position. Political observer Kristian Widya Wicaksono from Parahyangan Catholic University highlights how Hidayat's ties to West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi could bridge party and provincial government communication but risks perceptions of external influence. He stresses the need for a balanced structure emphasising equity, regional representation, and clear task divisions to foster internal unity and avert conflicts that could impact the 2029 political landscape.

President Prabowo Subianto's presidential aircraft was escorted by four F-16 Fighting Falcon jets and two KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft from the Indonesian Air Force during his flight from Jakarta to Magelang on 9 April 2026, as part of enhanced VVIP security measures. This escort coincided with the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), highlighting the force's readiness and capability in safeguarding national airspace and the nation's leadership. From the aircraft, Prabowo expressed pride in the TNI AU personnel and their dedication to defending Indonesia's sovereignty, while pilots reciprocated with appreciation for his support in modernising air defence.

The Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD DKI) has mandated that all civil servants and personnel work from the office (WFO) every Friday to ensure optimal public services, despite broader work-from-home (WFH) policies allowing up to 50% of administrative staff to do so. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung specified that essential public service agencies, including BPBD, Satpol PP, Transportation, Health, and Fire Services, must maintain full on-site operations. This approach balances flexibility for administrative roles with uninterrupted service delivery amid ongoing policy adjustments.

On the occasion of the Indonesian Air Force's (TNI AU) 80th anniversary, President Prabowo Subianto's flight to Magelang, Central Java, was escorted by four F-16 Fighting Falcon and two KAI T-50 Golden Eagle jets, highlighting the military's VVIP security capabilities and national air defence readiness. From the presidential aircraft, Prabowo expressed pride in the TNI AU personnel, congratulating them on their milestone and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening Indonesia's air forces. Air Force pilots reciprocated with gratitude for Prabowo's support in modernising the TNI AU since his tenure as Defence Minister, underscoring the ongoing dedication to national sovereignty.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in Indonesia is maintaining direct public services, including witness examinations for corruption cases, even as a new national work-from-home policy takes effect every Friday to promote energy savings. While certain services like anti-corruption certification and gratuity reporting are optimised online, core functions such as public information, library access, public complaints, and state officials' wealth reports remain available in person, with staff working a hybrid model tailored to unit needs. This approach supports the government's broader cultural transformation initiative, ensuring institutional performance and service quality are preserved amid efforts to reduce fuel consumption.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk (BRI) has strategically transferred ownership of its subsidiaries PT BRI Manajemen Investasi and PT PNM Investment Management to PT Danantara Asset Management, aiming to consolidate and strengthen the national investment management sector. The transactions, valued at Rp975 billion for 65% of BRI-MI shares and Rp345 billion for nearly 100% of PNM-IM shares, were executed via conditional share purchase agreements on 1 April 2026 and disclosed on 2 April 2026. This move is expected to foster a more integrated, competitive asset management entity that generates sustainable economic and social value aligned with Indonesia's long-term agenda.

Jokowi's legal team has urged authorities to expedite the diploma controversy case to court for legal certainty on the authenticity of his academic credentials, following remarks by former Vice President Jusuf Kalla that the issue has lingered too long and caused societal division. Kalla suggested a simple resolution by Jokowi publicly displaying his original diplomas, while Jokowi is prepared to testify and present his documents from primary school to university level. The prolonged debate has reportedly cost billions in legal fees and wasted time, potentially harming public discourse and institutions like UGM and the KPU.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung inspected the dredging operations along the West Flood Canal in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, emphasising its strategic importance in managing flood risks at the confluence of the Ciliwung and Krukut Rivers. The project, involving the removal of approximately 178,000 cubic metres of sediment over 3.8 kilometres, aims to be completed within a year to ensure smoother water flow from upstream sources like the Manggarai Floodgate, amid plans for intensified river normalisation during the predicted low-rainfall period from April to September due to El Niño. This initiative is expected to accelerate water drainage to the sea, reducing flood potential, while addressing illegal fishing ponds and disposing of dredged sludge in North Jakarta.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has explained that the government is maintaining fuel prices despite soaring global oil costs due to the Iran conflict, following President Prabowo's directive to ensure affordability for low-income citizens. He highlighted strategies including budget efficiency, realocation, and accelerating the shift to electric vehicles and renewables, exemplified by the recent inauguration of an electric vehicle assembly plant in Magelang. This approach aims to shield the national economy from energy subsidy burdens without passing on costs to consumers.

The Indonesian government has implemented a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants every Friday to conserve energy amid the Middle East conflict, with the measure taking effect today and resulting in notably quieter offices at the State Secretariat and Cabinet Secretariat in Jakarta. While some employees and security personnel remain on site, lobbies are empty and lights are off in certain areas, highlighting the policy's immediate impact. Officials, including Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, emphasise exemptions for essential sectors like health and security, urging the public to stay productive during this cultural shift in work practices.

The Institut Transportasi dan Logistik (ITL) Trisakti celebrated its 56th anniversary by emphasising the critical role of the transportation and logistics sector in Indonesia's national economy, with commitments to enhance education quality amid future industry complexities. Key figures, including the rector and industry leaders, highlighted the need for graduates skilled in global competition, automation, big data, and green logistics, while addressing challenges like inflation and geopolitical uncertainties. The event featured a memorandum of understanding with PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China and recognitions for outstanding contributors, underscoring the institution's aim to foster integrity and innovation for national economic resilience.

Indonesia's energy transition faces challenges amid rising fuel prices and delays in retiring coal-fired power plants, while communities in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and West Java demand greater transparency and justice in renewable energy projects. Local workshops highlight the need for inclusive approaches rooted in indigenous wisdom and public welfare, addressing issues like environmental impacts, fair compensation, and social conflicts arising from mismatched policies. Experts emphasise integrating global commitments with local values to ensure equitable benefits and avoid exploitation, positioning the transition as a strategic opportunity for a green economy.

PT BSA Logistics Indonesia Tbk (WBSA) has successfully debuted on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) as the first IPO of 2026, with shares surging 34.52 per cent to Rp226 by 10:30 WIB, marking a strong oversubscription of 386.86 times. The company raised Rp302.4 billion through the offering of 1.8 billion new shares at Rp168 each, with proceeds earmarked for acquiring nearly all shares in PT Bermuda Inovasi Logistik and bolstering working capital to support integrated multimodal logistics services. This listing underscores the robust growth potential in Indonesia's logistics sector, driven by its archipelagic geography and rising industrial and domestic consumption activities, positioning WBSA to enhance its market position and contribute to national economic expansion.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has explained that the furoda Hajj scheme has been discontinued over the past two years due to widespread misuse, particularly irrational pricing that varies wildly from Rp500 million to Rp1 billion per slot. This decision by Saudi authorities aims to curb moral hazards and potential fraud, a move fully supported by the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The scheme may be permanently abolished in the future to protect pilgrims from exploitation.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has clarified the controversy surrounding the procurement of 21,801 electric motorcycles bearing the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) logo, intended for operational use in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. He confirmed that the budget allocation originated from the 2025 fiscal year and was partially approved after scrutiny, with no new purchases planned for the current year, debunking viral claims of 70,000 units. The motorcycles, models from the Emmo brand designed for varied terrains, remain undistributed pending administrative processes as state assets, highlighting ongoing efforts to support field operations under Indonesia's social welfare initiatives.

On the inaugural day of the work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN) every Friday, Jakarta experienced a significant reduction in vehicle volume, leading to smoother traffic flow across major roads. Traffic authorities noted improvements on typically congested routes like Jenderal Sudirman and Asia Afrika, though some bottlenecks persisted at intersections such as Slipi and Semanggi due to crossing traffic. The policy, aimed at energy efficiency amid global conflicts, is projected to save the state budget up to Rp6.2 trillion in fuel compensation costs.

Indonesia's industries are intensifying efforts to penetrate global markets by meeting stringent standards, particularly those of Japan, through international collaborations that enhance product quality and certification. Sucofindo, a key player in testing, inspection, and certification, has partnered with Japan's Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) to expand services, facilitate market access, and boost global confidence in Indonesian products. This initiative is expected to streamline trade between Indonesia and Japan, improving operational efficiency and international recognition for the nation's industrial outputs.

On the inaugural day of work-from-home implementation for civil servants, the Central Jakarta District Court (PN Jakpus) continued its operations normally, conducting both corruption and general sessions with in-person attendance. Key proceedings included the ongoing corruption trial involving Pertamina executive Arief Sukmara and other cases like Duta Palma corporate matters and Tanihub investment fund mismanagement, while nine cases proceeded online. This underscores the judiciary's exemption or adaptation from the WFH policy, ensuring continuity in legal processes amid administrative changes.

China has launched the Qingdao Elderly Care Robot Training Centre in February to equip robots with essential skills for caring for the elderly, such as grasping objects, maintaining balance, and operating switches. The facility involves 45 companies, including Haier, Hisense, and Agibot, deploying 210 products across 10 categories like medication delivery, emotional companionship, and dementia intervention, creating a closed-loop system for training, testing, data sharing, standard verification, and market launch. This initiative underscores China's push towards technological innovation in addressing the growing needs of its ageing population.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission IX, Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa, has urged the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) to provide clear explanations regarding the procurement of 21,000 electric motorcycles for the operational needs of the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme, emphasising the importance of transparency to prevent misuse of funds and public distrust. Amid criticisms and presidential instructions for austerity, the procurement—costing Rp42 million per unit from the 2025 budget—has sparked controversy, with Commission IX scheduling a meeting with BGN to clarify the matter. This highlights the need for accountability in flagship government initiatives under President Prabowo Subianto to maintain programme credibility.

Japan plans to release additional oil reserves equivalent to 20 days' supply as early as the beginning of May, following the ongoing release of about 50 days' worth that began in mid-March, amid uncertainties over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz despite a conditional US-Iran ceasefire. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring stable crude oil supplies, given Japan's heavy reliance on Middle Eastern imports that pass through the strategically vital strait, which Iran has effectively blockaded after US-Israeli strikes. The decision comes as reports indicate ongoing Israeli attacks on Iran-affiliated groups in Lebanon, casting doubt on the blockade's lifting.

Indonesia's new policy mandating work-from-home (WFH) every Friday for civil servants and private sector employees began today as a measure to conserve fuel amid the Middle East conflict, yet many workers in Jakarta's Sudirman area continue to commute to offices. Observations at Sudirman Station reveal crowded platforms with employees heading to work, particularly those in field-based roles like amusement parks or critical sectors such as financial services, which may be exempt or challenging to implement remotely. While some workers express a desire for flexible WFH options depending on tasks, others accept the need for on-site presence in essential industries, highlighting the policy's varied impact across job types.

The Indonesian rupiah has reached a historic low against the Saudi riyal, closing at Rp4,551/SAR on Thursday, with further weakening to Rp4,556/SAR on Friday morning, driven primarily by heightened demand for foreign currency ahead of the 2026 Hajj season. This depreciation, amounting to 2.52% year-to-date, increases the financial burden on Hajj pilgrims as payments for accommodations, transport, and other expenses are made in riyal and dollars. The Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) reports that 70.95% of the Rp18.21 trillion Hajj budget has been transferred, with riyal requirements nearly fulfilled at 93.73%, underscoring the intensifying currency pressures on Indonesia's economy.

The West Papua provincial government has offered the development of Rendani Airport in Manokwari to Chinese investors to accelerate regional connectivity and economic growth, highlighting it as a priority project delayed for years. The initiative includes runway extension to 2,500 metres, construction of three aerobridges, and supporting infrastructure, estimated at Rp7 trillion, with potential involvement from Chinese state-owned enterprises. Additional investment opportunities discussed encompass maritime and fisheries, agriculture, plantations, oil and gas, ethanol industry from cassava, vocational education, healthcare, waste management, and satellite telecommunications, with follow-up talks planned in Shanghai in May 2026.

Bank Indonesia has spotlighted the performance of Bengkulu province's key export commodities, coal and crude palm oil (CPO), amid global geopolitical pressures, noting high production volumes but heavy reliance on traditional markets and limited downstream processing. Despite Bengkulu's significant output—10-15 million tonnes of coal and 1.38 million tonnes of CPO in 2025—export figures remain low, with coal exports at just 4.41% of production and CPO lagging behind neighbouring provinces. To bolster economic stability, BI recommends enhancing logistics, downstream industrialisation, domestic market obligations, and market diversification to capture greater value from these resources and reduce vulnerabilities.

Indonesia's economy ranks 16th globally in nominal GDP and 7th in PPP terms, driven by household consumption and a mix of state-owned enterprises and private sectors including SMEs, yet structural inequalities persist with low Islamic financial inclusion at just 13.41% despite overall financial inclusion reaching 79.71%. The article highlights a paradox where spiritual values from Ramadan fade in daily business pragmatism, advocating for Islamic economic principles that prohibit riba, speculation, and uncertainty while emphasising justice, balance, and sustainability to address these gaps and foster broader welfare.

Indonesian police have detained AS, the founder and former director of PT Dana Syariah Indonesia (DSI), following a seven-hour interrogation where he faced around 50 questions regarding allegations of fraud and embezzlement. The case involves the misallocation of funds from borrowers, affecting approximately 15,000 victims and causing losses estimated at Rp2.4 trillion, with five police reports filed, including one representing 146 additional victims. Three other executives have also been named as suspects, as authorities commit to a professional and transparent investigation.

Indonesia's Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, is pushing for the rapid development of water taxi services and port facilities in Bali to enhance tourism connectivity and reduce traffic congestion. The initiative includes linking Ngurah Rai Airport to the popular Canggu area via water taxi, slashing the current 1-2 hour land journey to just 30 minutes, while expansions at Celukan Bawang Port aim to provide alternative shipping options. These measures are expected to improve logistics efficiency, support passenger mobility, and elevate transportation services in Bali's tourism hotspots, especially ahead of overlapping holidays next year.

In Jakarta, particularly in South Jakarta, a new phenomenon of "social aid jockeys" has emerged, where individuals like Refa and Yuni offer paid services to help residents navigate the complex process of registering and collecting government social assistance, such as subsidised food and KJP cards. This practice fills gaps in an accessibility-challenged distribution system, allowing these proxies to earn significant monthly incomes—potentially millions of rupiah—while supporting their families amid economic uncertainty. The rise highlights inefficiencies in Indonesia's social welfare delivery, potentially exacerbating inequalities for those unable to afford such assistance.

The Attorney General's Office has named seven suspects in a corruption case involving the procurement of crude oil and refinery products at PT Pertamina Energy Trading Limited (PETRAL) from 2008 to 2015, as part of an ongoing investigation into crude oil governance. Key findings include leaks of confidential Pertamina information and the issuance of guidelines conflicting with board decisions to favour specific interests, leading to questionable MoU signings. Riza Chalid remains a fugitive, highlighting persistent challenges in high-profile corruption probes within state-owned enterprises.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has assured that witness examinations in corruption cases will proceed uninterrupted despite the new government policy mandating civil servants (ASN) to work from home every Friday. This flexible work arrangement aims to enhance energy efficiency amid the Middle East conflict, while maintaining essential public services through a mix of remote and on-site operations at the KPK. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto emphasised that public services, including banking and capital markets, will continue seamlessly under this initiative, building on similar measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has called on the public and government employees to practise energy conservation through simple actions like turning off lights when not in use and switching to electric vehicles, aiming to preserve energy supplies and mitigate environmental impacts. The government is promoting flexible work arrangements such as Work From Home for civil servants to reduce fuel consumption and support the transition to clean energy, while exempting the energy sector to ensure uninterrupted operations. These initiatives underscore Indonesia's efforts to build daily energy-saving habits and decrease reliance on fossil fuels amid global energy challenges.

The Jakarta East Metro Police Resort and Borobudur University have formalised their collaboration by establishing the Police Studies Centre Post, implementing a cooperation agreement between Metro Jaya Regional Police and the university to enhance police human resources through scientific research. During a technical discussion on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, Deputy Chief AKBP Achmad Akbar met with university officials, including Vice Rector Dr Syaiful and Postgraduate Director Prof Fasial Santiago, to outline cooperation points such as data exchange, research, and community service in East Jakarta. This initiative aims to foster innovation, improve policing quality, and ensure evidence-based programmes for precise, modern, and humane security.

Dr. Samsurizal from Institut Teknologi PLN has developed an AI-based optimisation method for fast charging of electric vehicles, addressing key challenges in battery life and grid stability during Indonesia's energy transition. His doctoral dissertation at Universitas Negeri Malang introduces the Thunderstorm Algorithm, inspired by lightning storms, which balances charging speed with system safety and integrates vehicle-to-grid technology for a more adaptive energy system. This innovation holds strategic potential for enhancing the national electric vehicle ecosystem and supporting sustainable energy goals.

On the occasion of the Indonesian Air Force's (TNI AU) 80th anniversary, President Prabowo Subianto's presidential aircraft was escorted by four F-16 Fighting Falcon jets and two KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft during his working visit to Magelang on 9 April 2026. The escort pilots expressed gratitude for Prabowo's contributions to strengthening and modernising the nation's air defence since his tenure as Defence Minister in 2019. In response, the President conveyed his congratulations and appreciation to the TNI AU personnel, emphasising national pride in their role in safeguarding Indonesia's sovereignty.

Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has announced that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will promptly issue a Governor's Regulation (Pergub) as a derivative of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP Tunas), to support the protection of minors in the digital space. This initiative is particularly relevant given Jakarta's high digital literacy among children, with plans including mass socialisation to parents, schools, and communities, coordination with digital platforms for compliance, and enhancements to family digital literacy. Additionally, the DKI Education Office has issued a circular to promote wise gadget use in schools, including restrictions during lessons and increased supervision to mitigate online risks.

The Deputy Chair of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dewi Asmara, has urged a thorough evaluation of the Directorate General of Immigration's services for the Support Letter for Work and Holiday Visa (SDUWHV), highlighting issues such as system downtimes, over-reliance on third-party vendors, and lack of integration with the national electronic-based government system (SPBE). She emphasised the need for improved standard operating procedures, transparency regarding the status of 5,334 affected applicants, and internal audits to address potential maladministration among staff. This push follows a hearing that addressed ongoing controversies in the SDUWHV allocation process for Australia in 2025, aiming to ensure fairer and more accountable immigration services.

Indonesia's Islamic economy is experiencing rapid growth, positioning the country as a potential global hub due to its large Muslim population and emphasis on equitable wealth distribution aligned with Pancasila principles. A key example is the collaboration between the National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) and Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), which has channeled over Rp1.07 trillion in zakat since 2021, benefiting over 1.2 million recipients in 2025 through various social and economic programs. This synergy underscores zakat's role as a fundamental pillar in fostering fair economic growth, supported by rising contributions to national GDP and advancements in Sharia finance sectors.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has identified key issues from the 2026 Lebaran transportation operations, including overcrowding at the Km 57 rest area on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road, Gilimanuk Port, and access to the Sumatra Toll Road, which will inform improvements for future years. Despite the overall smooth operation of public transport modes, evaluations with relevant ministries and stakeholders aim to mitigate such densities through enhanced facilities and prioritisation strategies. This review underscores the government's commitment to refining infrastructure and logistics for the annual Eid exodus to ensure safer and more efficient travel for millions of Indonesians.

eFuels SEA, Ltd., headquartered in Singapore, has launched a new development platform to advance eFuel projects across Southeast Asia, leveraging low-carbon eFuels technology from Infinium to produce sustainable aviation fuel and other products from captured CO2 and renewable energy. The initiative aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable fuels, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support decarbonisation goals in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, with plans for 3-5 projects in the region. This collaboration positions Southeast Asia as a potential leader and exporter of sustainable fuels, enhancing energy security and industrial development.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, expressed optimism that the economy will grow by at least 5.5 percent in the first quarter of 2026, supported by strong domestic fundamentals including household consumption contributing 54 percent to GDP and positive fiscal performance with tax receipts up 14.3 percent to Rp 462.7 trillion. Despite ongoing global uncertainties such as Middle East conflicts potentially affecting energy prices and supply chains, the government plans to maintain the 2026 growth baseline at 5.4 percent as per the state budget, absorbing impacts like oil price fluctuations where each US$1 increase in fuel costs nets around Rp 6 trillion to the budget. National food security remains robust, with 2025 rice production at 34.7 million tonnes and Bulog's stock at 4.6 million tonnes, alongside manufacturing sector expansion.

The Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) reports that 15.3 million Indonesians aged 15-69 still do not have bank accounts, potentially hindering the direct distribution of government social aid. LPS Chairman Anggito Abimanyu highlighted this issue during a meeting with Commission XI, noting that President Prabowo Subianto has directed that all citizens should have personal accounts within three years to ensure aid reaches recipients without intermediaries. To address this, LPS aims for a 5% annual growth in accounts for this demographic from 2026-2030, building on recent reductions from 59.8 million unbanked in 2023 to 49.7 million in 2025.

The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) has issued Hak Pengelolaan Lahan (HPL) certificates to provide legal certainty for the development of the Tanjung Carat New Palembang Port, a designated Strategic National Project. Minister Nusron Wahid emphasised the ministry's role in supporting investments, particularly in connectivity infrastructure like ports, which are expected to attract further economic activity. The Transport Minister highlighted the port's significance in enhancing national logistics efficiency and Indonesia's global economic position, with the project aiming for completion by 2029 through collaborative efforts.

Indonesian government offices, including the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, appeared unusually quiet on Friday as civil servants began implementing a new work-from-home (WFH) policy for every Friday. This initiative, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency amid global conflicts, is projected to save up to Rp6.2 trillion in the state budget (APBN). The policy underscores the government's efforts to balance operational needs with fiscal prudence in uncertain times.