The Mataram City Health Department in West Nusa Tenggara has successfully completed 100 percent vaccination against meningitis for all 854 prospective Hajj pilgrims scheduled for the 2026 season. This mandatory vaccination, administered through 11 community health centres since March 2026, aims to boost immunity and prevent disease transmission in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, pilgrims received polio vaccinations as a requirement for the pilgrimage and to safeguard health in the Holy Land.

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade, through its Trade Attaché in The Hague and the Indonesian Embassy, visited Unispices Wazaran BV in the Netherlands on 23 February 2026 to boost market access for Indonesian spices and food products in the EU, enhance value-added processing, and encourage Dutch investment in Indonesia. The company, part of the Saudi-based Wazaran Group, sources spices from regions like Central and East Java and is open to direct purchases from Indonesian farmers, joint ventures, and expanding processing activities with regulatory support. In 2025, Indonesia's spice exports to the Netherlands reached US$34.32 million, contributing to total bilateral trade of US$6.58 billion, highlighting the potential for deeper collaboration under the forthcoming Indonesia-EU CEPA.

Indonesia's Consumer Confidence Index (IKK) declined for the second straight month in February and March 2026, dropping from 127 in January to 125.1 in February and further to 122.9 in March, according to a Bank Indonesia survey. While still above the 100 threshold indicating optimism, economists view this as an early warning of cautious consumer behaviour amid global uncertainties like geopolitical conflicts and energy price hikes, potentially signalling a shift from aggressive spending to more prudent habits.

The West Lombok DPRD has criticised the local government for its slow progress in renovating the deteriorating Segenter Terminal in Lembar District, highlighting issues such as muddy parking areas, roaming livestock, and safety hazards from vehicles tracking mud onto main roads. Legislator Beny Basuki urged immediate action, noting that improving the terminal could enhance the region's image for out-of-town drivers and boost local revenue through increased parking fees. Truck driver Komaruddin echoed these concerns, calling for additional facilities like toilets and rest areas to attract more users despite the current poor conditions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Pyongyang on Friday, where Wang expressed China's willingness to enhance cooperation and communication with North Korea. The discussions emphasised the need for both nations to increase coordination on international and regional issues amid global uncertainties. This meeting follows September's consensus between Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping and precedes a planned US-China summit in mid-May.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has denied any plans to withdraw Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) troops from Lebanon, emphasising that evaluations of their deployment with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are ongoing following the deaths of three soldiers. He stated that the deployment aligns with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution's preamble to promote world peace. This comes after a UN preliminary investigation attributed one death to an Israeli tank projectile and the other two to likely Hezbollah-placed improvised explosive devices, with a full probe still underway.

Hercules, Chairman of the United Indonesian People's Movement (GRIB) Jaya, has refuted Housing and Settlement Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait's assertion that a vacant plot in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, belongs to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), insisting it is owned by the heirs of Sulaeman Effendi. He claims the land was leased to a private entity until 2017 and remains under the heirs' physical control, denying any state ownership or GRIB Jaya's control. Hercules challenges the minister and KAI's director to present evidence and proposes a collaborative verification to resolve the dispute.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expelled Spain from the Civilian-Military Coordination Centre overseeing the Gaza ceasefire, citing Spain's repeated opposition to Israel and its support for Palestine, which has strained bilateral relations. This move follows sharp Spanish criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and against Iran, including accusations of violations of international law and calls for the EU to suspend its association agreement with Israel. The decision underscores escalating diplomatic tensions amid broader regional conflicts, with US President Donald Trump warning of consequences for countries waging diplomatic wars against Israel.

The West Jakarta city government aims to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across all 56 sub-districts by June 2026, with a declaration planned in Tomang sub-district to complete this initiative and advance towards a healthy city status. The construction of communal bathing, washing, and toilet (MCK) facilities in Tomang, including new builds and renovations meeting health standards, is key to changing community behaviours and eliminating open defecation practices still present in five neighbourhood clusters. This effort addresses environmental pollution and disease risks, supported by non-physical approaches like community education and partnerships with academics and corporate social responsibility programmes.

Venezuela's National Assembly has approved a new law opening the mining sector to foreign investors, marking a significant shift in economic policy under interim President Delcy Rodriguez. The legislation focuses on modernising the country's gold reserves and inviting investment in other resources such as rare earth elements, bauxite, iron, coal, copper, nickel, and coltan, aiming to integrate Venezuela's mineral wealth into the global economy and diversify national revenue sources. This reform follows the transitional government's legislative changes after the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro and a prior revision of the hydrocarbon law to ease restrictions and boost foreign partnerships in oil.

The South Tangerang Revenue Agency (Bapenda Tangsel) has clarified that lingering old debt notices in the Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax (PBB-P2) Notification Letters (SPPT) stem from outdated administrative records in their system, which persist until payments are verified or debts are officially waived. The agency is conducting phased data verification and encourages affected taxpayers to submit proof of payment via WhatsApp or in person to update records and improve data accuracy. This response follows viral social media complaints from residents receiving unexpected five-year arrears demands despite prior settlements.

Experts have criticised Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo's assertion of a 649 million tonne deposit of Asbuton, Indonesia's natural asphalt from Buton, stating that the figure remains an unverified estimate lacking thorough exploration. Road pavement specialist Purnomo highlighted the technical challenges in extracting Asbuton, which is embedded in limestone rock, complicating its use in road construction and hindering the government's ambitions for national asphalt self-sufficiency. Fragmented mining permits since the reform era have further stalled serious exploration efforts, underscoring the need for more rigorous data confirmation to support infrastructure development.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has firmly rejected US pressure, asserting Cuba's sovereignty and independence in his first interview with US media, NBC News. Amid escalating US sanctions restricting energy supplies and threats of tariffs on oil exporters to Cuba, Russia has pledged unwavering support, including recent oil shipments to alleviate the island's energy crisis exacerbated by disrupted Venezuelan supplies. This development highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions, with Cuba open to dialogue on equal terms while navigating alliances with Russia against American influence.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has set a target for implementing a new layer in the cigarette excise tax structure by May 2026 to boost government revenue and combat illegal tobacco products. The proposal, soon to be presented to parliament, aims to legalise illegal cigarette distributors by allowing them to pay specific excise duties, with strict enforcement against those who refuse to comply. This initiative follows the simplification of the excise structure to eight layers in 2022 and considers the industry's employment impact while prioritising legal operations.

Indonesia's Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas has highlighted that the swift advancement of digital platforms has not been accompanied by fair and accurate royalty distribution for creators, particularly in the music industry. Speaking at the ASEAN Collecting Management Organizations Forum 2026 in Bali, he announced Indonesia's initiative to develop a strategic document for an international instrument on copyright royalty governance in the digital environment, aiming to combat opaque "black box" royalty practices and ensure transparent global systems. This effort, supported by regional collaboration, seeks to protect creators' economic rights and foster sustainable reforms across ASEAN, enhancing the region's global standing.

The Indonesian government, through Deputy Minister Christina Aryani, has endorsed the Health Polytechnic in Aceh for its role in training nurses with international competencies, including English and Japanese language skills, to enhance their global employability. This support includes establishing Migrant Centers to provide structured guidance on overseas job opportunities and standards, in collaboration with the P2MI and Health Ministries. The initiative addresses strong international demand for skilled Indonesian health workers, building on the polytechnic's track record of placing graduates in countries like Japan, the UAE, and Germany, thereby bolstering the nation's migrant worker ecosystem.

Indonesian sugarcane farmers, led by APTRI Chairman Soemitro Samadikoen, urge the government to prioritise land intensification, accurate data mapping, and tailored mechanisation over mere expansion to achieve sugar self-sufficiency, emphasising tripartite partnerships between farmers, mills, and authorities to address field-specific issues like water, fertiliser, and funding access. Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman announced a Rp1.7 trillion programme in 2025 to rejuvenate 300,000 hectares of unproductive sugarcane through ratoon dismantling over three years, aiming for national white sugar self-sufficiency by 2027 at the latest. This collaborative approach highlights the need for inclusive policymaking to boost productivity and reduce import dependency in the vital agricultural sector.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has highlighted the growing issue of 'analyst inflation', where unqualified individuals provide inaccurate analyses across various fields, including economics and military affairs, often with erroneous data aimed at influencing public opinion. He noted that this phenomenon predates President Prabowo Subianto's tenure and contrasts sharply with the strong public trust demonstrated by over 96 million votes in the 2024 election. Teddy urged constructive criticism while emphasising the need to maintain national stability and optimism, assuring that feedback will be used to improve governance.

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has forecasted the development of the dry season and a potential El Niño event in the second half of 2026, with a 50-80% chance of weak to moderate intensity. This could lead to a drier and longer dry season than normal, heightening risks of drought, water shortages, and forest fires, prompting calls for early mitigation measures by local governments, the agricultural sector, and communities. BMKG emphasises ongoing monitoring and the importance of relying on official climate information to inform policy and public activities, aiming to minimise impacts on Indonesia's economy and society.

The PKH Task Force has recovered a total of Rp 31.3 trillion in fines from illegal activities in forest areas, with the latest handover of Rp 11.4 trillion occurring in the presence of President Prabowo Subianto. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya highlighted this achievement as concrete evidence of the administration's firm commitment to eradicating corruption and legal violations. President Prabowo expressed honour and joy over the recovery, noting that within just 1.5 years, the government has safeguarded tens of trillions of rupiah that would otherwise have been lost to corruption.

The Muara Baru Beach seawall in North Jakarta has been reinforced with permanent concrete pouring following reports of seawater leaks in December 2025, ensuring robust protection against tidal flooding. Local residents, including Sulaiman, report feeling secure as the structure prevents water from entering settlements and has become a popular spot for leisure activities. This collaborative effort between the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and the Ministry of Public Works highlights the importance of joint initiatives in mitigating coastal disaster risks.

President Prabowo Subianto has commended the task force established in February 2025 for successfully reclaiming forest assets worth Rp371.1 trillion (US$21.7 billion), highlighting their sacrifices amid threats and enforcement challenges in Indonesia's vast geography. He emphasised the importance of integrity among officials, warned against obstructing the task force's work, and pledged full government support to redirect recovered assets towards public welfare, development programmes, and environmental protection. This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to safeguarding state resources and combating corruption for the nation's benefit.

Hyundai Motor Indonesia is actively monitoring the global situation following the recall of premium SUV Hyundai Palisade models in the United States due to a fatal seat malfunction. The company, which imports the vehicles fully built from South Korea, is coordinating with its principal to determine appropriate actions while emphasising its commitment to customer safety. No confirmation has yet been provided on whether the incident affects Indonesian-market vehicles, amid reports of halted sales for higher-end versions and similar issues in Korea.

The Bangli Regency Government is proposing environmental service fees for water sources flowing from Bangli to five other districts in Bali, potentially generating up to Rp 739.3 billion annually in local revenue. Based on academic studies, the fees would be calculated at Rp 2,389 per cubic metre for the 309,462 cubic metres of water utilised yearly by districts including Badung, Gianyar, Karangasem, Klungkung, and Buleleng. Although the proposal has been submitted to the Bali Provincial Government and local legislature, no significant follow-up discussions with affected parties or the central government have occurred yet.

The Indonesian hotel and restaurant industry is protesting against steep increases in groundwater tax rates imposed by regional governments, arguing that the policy fails to account for weak consumer spending and low hotel occupancy rates, potentially threatening business viability. Industry leaders like Haryadi B Sukamdani of PHRI highlight the rise in operational costs amid inadequate public water supply, forcing reliance on groundwater, while Zaenal Muttaqin in Banyuwangi criticises the shift to usage-based progressive taxation as disproportionately burdensome. Calls are growing for proportional adjustments and dialogue, as the tax hikes could lead to operational efficiencies such as reduced employee hours, underscoring tensions between environmental regulations and economic recovery in the hospitality sector.

In a stark confrontation, Pope Leo XIV, an American-born pontiff from Chicago, has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump's military aggression against Iran, calling it "utterly unacceptable" and a violation of international norms and scriptural teachings. This rebuke contrasts with the White House's claims of divine endorsement for the war, highlighted by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's calls for prayers in Jesus Christ's name, underscoring deep divisions within American religious and political spheres. The fragile two-week ceasefire in the Iran conflict amplifies the significance of the Pope's intervention, challenging the administration's evangelical alliances.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has confirmed that President Prabowo Subianto's planned visit to Russia is under preparation, pending official announcement from the Foreign Ministry, as part of Indonesia's efforts to strengthen international partnerships, particularly in the energy sector. This follows the president's recent trip to Japan, which yielded cooperation agreements in energy and oil, underscoring the government's focus on enhancing national energy resilience. Russian sources have also indicated that negotiations for a meeting between President Putin and his Indonesian counterpart are being arranged, with details to be released soon.

President Prabowo Subianto's administration has successfully recovered Rp 31.3 trillion in state funds through anti-corruption efforts and enforcement actions over the past 1.5 years, with the latest recovery of Rp 11.4 trillion handed over on 10 April 2026. This includes fines from legal violations in forest areas and corruption cases related to crude palm oil export facilities, demonstrating the government's commitment to reclaiming misappropriated assets. The initiative, initiated by a presidential task force, underscores a robust stance against corruption, potentially bolstering public trust and national finances.

The Attorney General, Sanitiar Burhanuddin, announced that the Forest Area Control Task Force (Satgas PKH), established in February 2025, has successfully recovered Rp371 trillion in state financial assets through forestry administrative fines and the reclamation of 57 million hectares of forest land. Speaking at an event handing over Rp11.1 billion in fines in the presence of President Prabowo Subianto, he emphasised that robust and targeted law enforcement is essential to improve governance, restore state losses, and enhance the national economy, countering the suboptimal position of Indonesia in the global economic architecture where raw materials are exported with little value added retained domestically. Burhanuddin stressed that law enforcement must serve as a tool for social justice and national stability, protecting Indonesia's vast natural resources from exploitation by mafias seeking personal enrichment.

Indonesia's Attorney General has warned against allowing a 'sucker' mafia to exploit the nation's forest wealth, stressing the need for robust law enforcement to protect natural resources and ensure they benefit the public rather than a select few. He highlighted Indonesia's rich natural assets and demographic advantages but noted the country's suboptimal position in the global economy as a raw material supplier, with added value flowing abroad. The PKH Task Force has recovered Rp11.42 trillion in funds and over five million hectares of forest land, which will be used to enhance schools, housing, and infrastructure nationwide, underscoring the government's commitment to social welfare through asset reclamation.

PT Kaltim Methanol Industri (KMI) is partnering with Pupuk Kaltim Group to utilise CO2 from ammonia production as a feedstock for low-emission methanol, supporting Indonesia's Nationally Determined Contribution targets under the Paris Agreement. This collaboration, facilitated by PT Kaltim Industrial Estate's infrastructure, is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 27,000 tonnes annually while enhancing sustainable carbon management. The initiative marks a paradigm shift in industrial emissions handling, transforming waste CO2 into valuable energy sector resources and advancing greener methanol production in Asia.

China is actively facilitating a ceasefire in the escalating Iran conflict involving the US and Israel, primarily to safeguard its export-driven economy and ensure stable energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. As a major importer of oil, Beijing faces significant pressures from rising fuel costs and potential disruptions to global trade routes, which could hinder its economic growth. While this diplomatic push builds on China's previous mediation successes in the Middle East, experts view it as facilitative rather than direct intervention, underscoring ongoing geopolitical tensions with the US.

Indonesia has launched a nationwide measles-rubella (MR) vaccination programme targeting 39,212 medical personnel, 223,150 health workers in 14 high-risk provinces, and 28,321 general practitioners and intensive care physicians across the country, with 565 doses already administered in the initial phase. Personnel with incomplete or no prior vaccination will receive boosters or full doses spaced at least 28 days apart, aiming to protect healthcare workers and prevent outbreaks. Hospital directors in Bandung and Adam Malik have welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance in safeguarding both staff and the wider community amid rising measles cases.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has highlighted positive economic trends in Indonesia, with stable purchasing power amid global conflicts, exemplified by the government's decision not to raise subsidised fuel prices and the maintenance of stable essential goods prices during recent Eid celebrations. He reassured the public of controlled conditions, supported by economic data showing optimism. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto echoed this sentiment, projecting GDP growth of at least 5.5% in the first quarter of 2026 and 5.4% for the year, driven by strong domestic fundamentals like household consumption contributing 54% to GDP.

A viral social media post has highlighted frustrations among residents of South Tangerang over receiving tax notices for Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax (PBB-P2) that include old arrears they claim to have already settled. The local tax authority attributes these discrepancies to outdated debt records transferred from the central government in 2014, which remain in the system until paid or officially cleared. Officials are conducting a massive data audit to improve accuracy and have urged affected taxpayers to submit proof of payment via WhatsApp or in person to resolve the issues.

Members of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission X, led by Lita Machfud Arifin, have expressed concern over the uneven distribution of KIP Kuliah quotas between public and private higher education institutions during a working visit to Banjarmasin Polytechnic in South Kalimantan. While public universities receive quotas of 900 to 1,000 slots, private institutions are allocated only 100 to 200, despite claims that over 50% of the quota is intended for private universities, prompting calls for verification of accurate data. This disparity is seen as a critical issue, as the KIP Kuliah programme is essential for attracting students to private universities and promoting equitable access to higher education.

Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) and Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) have begun implementing work-from-home (WFH) policies on Fridays as part of efficiency measures in response to the global energy crisis, following directives from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. While administrative staff at both institutions are largely working remotely, practical classes and certain pre-scheduled events continue on campus due to curriculum constraints and external partnerships. This policy aims to reduce energy consumption but includes provisions for proportional on-site presence in academic and public service units to maintain operational continuity.

In his inauguration speech, Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing urged unity between the newly democratically elected government and the people to strengthen the multi-party democracy system. He highlighted the successful organisation of fair multi-party elections following the military rule that ended after nearly five years, with the Union Solidarity and Development Party emerging victorious and appointing him as president. This development signals Myanmar's shift towards a brighter future amid global and domestic challenges.

Indonesia is poised to export 1.5 million tonnes of fertiliser over the next year, capitalising on global supply disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono highlighted that countries like India, the Philippines, and Australia have expressed strong interest in purchasing Indonesian urea, one of the world's largest productions, while ensuring domestic farmers' needs are prioritised. This opportunity has led to the reversal of plans to close several domestic fertiliser plants, boosting export potential without compromising national agricultural stability.

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has forecasted that the 2026 dry season will begin gradually from April to June, peaking in August-September, and lasting 3 to 6 months depending on the region. This prediction, influenced by monsoon patterns and global climate dynamics, highlights longer dry periods in areas like Nusa Tenggara and eastern Java, with shorter durations in Sumatra and Kalimantan. BMKG urges local governments and communities to prepare by managing irrigation, conserving water, and mitigating risks such as forest fires to minimise impacts on agriculture, water resources, and disaster management.

Prosecutors from the Jakarta High Prosecutor's Office (Kejati DKI) conducted searches at the Ministry of Public Works (PU) offices, targeting rooms of the Director Generals for Water Resources and Public Works, as well as the Minister and Deputy Minister's offices, in connection with alleged corruption involving budget items from the 2023-2024 fiscal years, specifically suspected misuse of state funds in constructing a pendopo pavilion on ministry grounds. Minister Dody Hanggodo expressed surprise but fully cooperated, granting access and informing President Prabowo Subianto, while emphasizing transparency and non-interference in the legal process. Investigators seized documents, including audit results, and electronic evidence to advance the corruption probe.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has assured the public that Indonesia's national security and stability are fully under control, dismissing circulating negative narratives of impending chaos as misguided. He highlighted President Prabowo's decision not to raise subsidised fuel prices as a key fact demonstrating this stability, contrasting it with situations in neighbouring countries. This statement aims to reassure the populace amid concerns over economic and social conditions.

In Badung, Bali, a rental car was forcibly seized by debt collectors from a financing company while in use by a customer, prompting the owner to file a police report with Polda Bali. The vehicle's owner, who had purchased it through financing and was three months behind on payments but expressed intent to continue, argues the seizure was unlawful without a court order and violates a Constitutional Court ruling requiring voluntary surrender of fiduciary collateral. The legal representatives warn against auctioning the vehicle pending resolution and seek swift action on the alleged procedural breach.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has transferred ownership of its subsidiaries PT BRI Manajemen Investasi and PT Permodalan Nasional Madani Investment Management to PT Danantara Asset Management as part of a national consolidation strategy in the investment management sector. The transactions, valued at Rp 975 billion for 65% of BRI MI and Rp 345 billion for nearly 100% of PNM IM, aim to create a more integrated and competitive asset management entity that generates economic and social value aligned with Indonesia's long-term agenda. This move, alongside acquisitions of BNI and Mandiri's investment arms, is expected to strengthen the national financial ecosystem and foster sustainable value creation.

Endeavor Indonesia has unveiled its Endeavor Outliers 2026 list, spotlighting 13 high-growth companies from Indonesia and Singapore that demonstrate resilience and expansion amid global startup challenges. These firms, including Kopi Kenangan, Kredivo, Chickin, and DANA, represent top performers within Endeavor's global network and underscore Indonesia's potential to build scalable businesses despite economic pressures. The recognition highlights the role of bold founders and mentorship in fostering a sustainable digital economy, with Indonesia boasting over 3,100 active startups supported by its growing middle class.

Minor Hotels, an international chain based in Bangkok, is integrating artificial intelligence across its more than 640 properties worldwide to enhance guest experiences through personalised services and efficient operations. Partnering with tech giants like Google Cloud, Salesforce, OneTrust, and Deloitte, the company is developing an integrated digital platform that leverages AI for data analysis, real-time responses, and secure privacy management. This adoption reflects broader global trends in AI-driven efficiency, automating routine tasks to reduce costs and boost productivity in the hospitality sector.

Iran is reportedly planning to impose transit fees for the Strait of Hormuz in its national currency, the rial, a move aimed at disrupting the longstanding petrodollar system that bolsters US economic dominance. This initiative, proposed by Iran's parliament, builds on existing practices where some commercial vessels pay in Chinese yuan, deepening Iran-China economic ties and promoting alternatives to the US dollar in global oil trade. Experts suggest the strategy not only challenges American influence but also helps Iran evade US sanctions while supporting BRICS nations' shift towards yuan-denominated transactions.

The home of a witness, identified only by the initial S, in the alleged bribery case involving suspended Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang was reportedly set on fire on 17 February 2026 in Karangsambung village, Bekasi Regency. Police investigations, coordinated with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), suggest the blaze originated from an electrical short circuit, with no injuries reported but material losses estimated at Rp 100 million. This incident raises concerns about potential intimidation in the ongoing corruption probe, though authorities are still determining the exact cause.

Despite being reprimanded by President Prabowo Subianto for proceeding without full approval, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo is continuing flood control infrastructure projects, including dam construction at 188 sites, to prevent worse disasters in Sumatra. The ministry is also accelerating bridge repairs on key routes like Medan-Banda Aceh to ensure logistics flow ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026, with temporary bridges planned where needed, prioritising regions such as Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Additionally, preparations are underway to mitigate a potential prolonged dry season as forecasted by the BMKG.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell have warned American bank CEOs about a new cyber threat posed by Anthropic's powerful AI model, Mythos, which can identify and exploit vulnerabilities in major operating systems and web browsers. The US government convened a meeting to alert banks and urge protective measures, while Anthropic has limited access to select tech firms and is briefing officials on the model's offensive and defensive capabilities. This development highlights growing concerns over AI's potential to disrupt financial security, prompting proactive collaboration between government, industry, and AI developers.