Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 April 2026

Showing 1,501-1,550 of 1,637 articles

Google Violates Indonesian Law, Expert Suggests Slowing Down YouTube

Indonesia's PP Tunas regulation, implemented on 28 March 2026, restricts social media access for children under 16, with platforms like X and BigoLive complying while Google and Meta initially resisted. Cybersecurity expert Alfons Tanujaya recommends strategic measures, such as prioritising faster access for compliant platforms and slowing down non-compliant ones like YouTube, to encourage adherence. On 9 April 2026, Komdigi announced Meta's compliance for Threads, Facebook, and Instagram, but Google has yet to follow suit, highlighting ongoing tensions in digital regulation.

Businessman Reveals Triggers for High Domestic Flight Costs

Akbar Djohan, Chairman of the Indonesian Logistics and Forwarder Association (ALFI), has highlighted that domestic flight tickets in Indonesia are already among the world's most expensive, even without external factors like the Middle East conflict driving up aviation fuel (avtur) prices. He points to operational inefficiencies in the aviation sector, where fuel accounts for about 40% of costs, urging a thorough review to enhance competitiveness. In response, the government is providing Rp 2.6 trillion in subsidies for April and May 2026, increasing the fuel surcharge cap to 38%, and waiving import duties on aircraft parts to support airlines and maintain public affordability.

Cruise Ship Guests Not Included in Quota Limiting Tourists to Komodo National Park

The management of Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara has set a strict annual visitor quota of 365,000 for regular tourists, averaging 1,000 per day, but excludes cruise ship passengers to prevent the quota from being exhausted by large groups. In 2024, cruise visitors numbered 30,276, expected to rise to 48,945 in 2025, with individual ships carrying over 1,000 people, yet their visits are tightly managed to a single location to minimise environmental impact. This policy ensures that mobile regular tourists can access multiple sites without depleting the daily limit, balancing tourism revenue with conservation efforts in the UNESCO-listed park.

UBS-Antam-Galeri24 Gold Prices at Pegadaian Plunge Uniformly This Friday Morning

Gold prices for UBS, Antam, and Galeri24 brands at Pegadaian in Jakarta experienced a sharp uniform decline on Friday morning, dropping to Rp2,879,000, Rp2,964,000, and Rp2,865,000 per gram respectively, compared to Thursday's levels of Rp2,923,000, Rp3,016,000, and Rp2,908,000. This downturn reflects broader fluctuations in the precious metals market, with Pegadaian noting that prices can change at any time. Detailed pricing for various quantities of Galeri24 gold is provided, highlighting accessibility for investors from 0.5 grams up to 1 kilogram.

B50 Road Test Reaches 40,000 Km: How is the Fuso Truck Engine Condition?

The Indonesian government's push for higher biodiesel blends, now at B50 with 50% palm oil, is undergoing intensive road testing to ensure vehicle compatibility, particularly for commercial trucks. PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motors, distributor of Mitsubishi Fuso, reports no issues so far after 40,000 km of testing, with evaluations planned before reaching the 50,000 km target in June or July. This testing is crucial for assessing long-term engine durability and providing maintenance recommendations, supporting the broader adoption of renewable energy mandates.

Israel Suddenly Invites Lebanon to Negotiate, Starting to Lose Against Hezbollah?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unexpectedly offered direct negotiations with Lebanon, focusing on disarming Hezbollah and normalising relations, amid ongoing tensions following deadly airstrikes that killed over 300 people. This move comes after a US-Iran ceasefire mediated by Pakistan, with disagreements over its scope, while Lebanon pushes for diplomacy and restricts arms possession to state institutions. Hezbollah has rejected direct talks with Israel, demanding a ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal as preconditions, highlighting the fragile path to de-escalation in the region.

Ministry of Transmigration Rehabilitates Infrastructure in North Gorontalo Transmigration Area

The Ministry of Transmigration is implementing development and rehabilitation programmes in the Sumalata Transmigration Area of North Gorontalo, including school repairs, toilet construction, 2 km of concrete roads, and a dam, as part of President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita vision to enhance national development, community empowerment, health, and education. North Gorontalo is one of 154 priority national transmigration areas aimed at creating new economic growth centres, with collaborations involving the Ministry of Agriculture for agricultural extension and machinery support, while local production of crops like durian is boosting exports despite ongoing infrastructure challenges. The ministry is also addressing land issues by planning to issue land certificates for 7,136 plots by the end of 2025 and exploring new transmigration proposals to promote food self-sufficiency.

Trump, China, and Italy Provide Desperate Support, Yet Coal Prices Continue to Plunge

Despite supportive measures from the US, Italy, and China—including Trump's proposed deregulation of coal ash waste, Italy's delay in closing coal plants until 2038, and slight price recovery in China—global coal prices closed at US$132.4 per tonne on Thursday, down 0.04% and extending a 6.1% drop over two days. This decline aligns with falling energy prices overall, underscoring persistent market caution amid positive news. The developments highlight ongoing tensions between environmental commitments and energy security needs in a volatile global landscape.

First WFH for Civil Servants Today, Immigration Services Continue Normally

Indonesia's new policy allowing civil servants (ASN) to work from home every Friday takes effect today, but the Directorate General of Immigration has ensured that all public-facing and supervisory services remain fully operational. Only management support staff are eligible for WFH, while personnel at immigration offices, airports, ports, border posts, and intelligence units continue their regular duties. The agency is implementing strict monitoring to maintain productivity and prioritise seamless, transparent services for the public.

On Friday morning, cayenne pepper price reaches Rp84,650/kg, chicken eggs Rp32,650/kg

The National Strategic Food Price Information Centre (PIHPS), managed by Bank Indonesia, reported on Friday morning that cayenne pepper prices hit Rp84,650 per kg, while chicken eggs were priced at Rp32,650 per kg at the national retail level. Other key staples like shallots (Rp47,250/kg), garlic (Rp40,200/kg), various rice qualities (Rp14,550 to Rp17,300/kg), and meats such as fresh chicken (Rp41,800/kg) and beef (Rp140,050 to Rp147,900/kg) also saw stable listings. This snapshot highlights ongoing price monitoring efforts to support economic stability and inform consumers and policymakers amid fluctuations in essential food commodities.

BTN Says Subsidised Mortgages Hold Up Amid Economic Slump

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) states that demand for subsidised housing and first-time home purchases remains stable despite economic slowdown and reduced purchasing power. BTN's CEO Nixon Napitupulu emphasises that first homes are a basic need, supported by family contributions for down payments, making them more resilient to short-term economic cycles than investment properties. He also notes seasonal factors, such as slower sales during the rainy season, influence credit realisations in the subsidised segment.

Strengthening Environmental Oversight Emphasised as Crucial Amid Rising Industrial Zone Activities

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission XII has conducted a working visit to the MM2100 industrial zone to oversee environmental management practices and ensure compliance with regulations. Member Shanty Alda Nathalia stressed the importance of robust environmental supervision to prevent negative impacts on communities and ecosystems, advocating for practical implementation beyond mere administrative adherence. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among government, industrial managers, and businesses to promote sustainable development in industrial areas.

Bangli Prepares to Collect Service Fees for Water Supply to Five Districts

The Bangli Regency government is preparing a scheme to charge service fees for water supplied to five other Bali districts—Badung, Klungkung, Karangasem, Gianyar, and Buleleng—based on their usage, as per environmental laws on resource utilisation. This initiative, supported by a completed study submitted to the Bali Provincial Government, aims to ensure economic contributions from beneficiary regions to the source area. The move highlights the legal basis for upstream regions to seek compensation from downstream users of naturally flowing groundwater and river water.

Safeguarding Energy Resilience, PHE Prepares to Accelerate Oil and Gas Production

PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) is intensifying oil and gas production efforts to bolster Indonesia's national energy security amid global geopolitical pressures and the natural decline of ageing fields. In 2025, PHE achieved approximately one million barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOEPD), contributing 65% of national oil and 35% of gas production despite managing only 27% of work areas, with targets set to increase oil output to 595,000 barrels per day in 2026, including a significant rise in domestic production. Alongside conventional boosts, PHE is pursuing dual growth through low-carbon initiatives like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) to align with government directives on reducing foreign energy dependence.

Civil Servants Work from Home Today, Traffic at PGC Cililitan Intersection Smooth This Morning

On the first Friday of implementing work-from-home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN) in Jakarta, traffic at the Pusat Grosir Cililitan (PGC) intersection flowed smoothly at 06:40 WIB, with no significant congestion observed in key routes like Jalan Raya Bogor and Jalan Mayjen Sutoyo. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung issued a circular on 6 April 2026 mandating selective WFH for 25-50% of staff per work unit every Friday, tailored to job types and service needs. This policy aims to alleviate urban traffic burdens, demonstrating early positive impacts on morning commutes in East Jakarta.

Yesterday: Refining SPPG Governance to Electric Sedan Production

The Indonesian government is refining the governance of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) through new regulations outlined by Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, while Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has capped airline ticket price increases at 13 per cent to prevent excessive profiteering. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka urged the creative industry to enhance strategic collaborations, and Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is accelerating job openings at Customs for high school graduates amid high demand. President Prabowo Subianto expressed hopes for mass production of electric sedans by 2028, highlighted during the inauguration of an electric commercial vehicle assembly plant in Magelang.

IHSG Remains Volatile: Which Stocks Should Retail Investors Watch?

The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) is expected to trade mixed with volatility on Friday, following a modest gain to 7,307.589 amid global pressures from geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices. Analysts highlight resilience in domestic markets but warn of profit-taking risks and sector rotations, with financial stocks like BBCA, BMRI, BBNI, and BBRI facing corrections due to concerns over prolonged high interest rates. Retail investors are advised to monitor technical levels above 7,200–7,250 for potential upside, while capital outflows remain a short-term threat from weakening Asian currencies and Fed policy uncertainties.

Forestry Minister urges public to protect forests and boost economy through social forestry

Indonesia's Forestry Minister, Raja Juli Antoni, has called on the public to participate in conserving forests while enhancing economic opportunities via social forestry schemes, marking a shift from past restrictions to legal community management of forest areas. He recently distributed nine social forestry permits to 328 family heads in North Minahasa, North Sulawesi, emphasising the dual benefits of economic and ecological functions. This policy aims to empower local communities, fostering sustainable forest utilisation and national development.

Customs Seals Four Illegal Yachts from Malaysia-Singapore Valued at Rp40 Billion

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has seized four luxury yachts originating from Malaysia and Singapore that were illegally traded within the country, evading import duties and taxes worth an estimated Rp40 billion. The yachts, initially granted temporary import facilities for tourism purposes, were found to have been rented or sold to Indonesian citizens, prompting joint inspections with the tax authority at Pantai Mutiara in North Jakarta. This action underscores efforts to optimise state revenue from luxury goods, combat underground economies, and ensure fiscal equity, as emphasised by customs officials.

Jakarta Civil Servants to Work from Home on Fridays, Testing Public Service Delivery

Starting Friday, 10 April 2026, a portion of civil servants (ASN) in Jakarta will work from home as part of a national efficiency drive announced by Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, aimed at responding to global pressures including energy savings post-Middle East conflict. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has implemented this through Circular Letter No. 3/SE/2026, allowing 25 to 50 percent of ASN in each regional agency to telework on Fridays, subject to conditions like at least two years of service, no disciplinary issues, and strict monitoring via digital check-ins and active participation in online meetings. While the policy seeks to maintain public service standards, it raises questions about the effectiveness of service delivery under this hybrid model.

Government Ensures Smooth Hajj Implementation in 2026 Amid Middle East Conflict

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has assured that the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage will proceed smoothly despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have driven up flight costs and logistics challenges. President Prabowo Subianto has directed that any cost increases be absorbed by the state through APBN funding and BPKH management, rather than passed on to pilgrims. Coordination with Saudi Arabia confirms ample supplies of food, energy, and water, emphasising the pilgrimage's role in promoting peace.

Three Protests in Jakarta Today, Beware of Traffic Jams at the Following Points

Three demonstrations are scheduled in Central Jakarta today, Friday, including one by the Indonesian Law Students Union outside Bank BRI's headquarters at 9:00 AM and another by the Indonesian Youth Initiative Movement in front of the DPR/MPR building at 1:00 PM. Police have deployed 453 combined personnel for security, with situational traffic arrangements to manage potential congestion based on crowd size. Authorities urge the public to avoid protest areas to prevent traffic disruptions.

Russia's Trillion-Ruble Secret Profits Amid Iran, America-Israel Clashes

The escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, has driven global oil prices above $100 per barrel, creating a severe energy crisis and benefiting Russia as a major exporter. Russian oil tax revenues surged to approximately $9 billion in April, more than double the previous month, boosting its economy without direct involvement in the conflict. Meanwhile, the US faces rising petrol prices exceeding $4 per gallon nationally, posing political challenges, while market scepticism persists even after a temporary ceasefire announcement.

Sidewalk Near Batu Ceper Station in Tangerang Temporarily Turned into Illegal Parking, Now Cleared After Going Viral

The sidewalk around Batu Ceper Station in Tangerang, previously overrun by illegal motorcycle parking that forced pedestrians onto busy roads, has been cleared following a viral social media video highlighting the issue. Authorities installed yellow concrete barriers to prevent future encroachments, restoring order to the area. However, locals complain that these barriers have narrowed the walkway, potentially compromising pedestrian safety and comfort amid heavy truck and bus traffic.

JCI Strengthens Amid Foreign Sell-Off of Rp 1.74 Trillion, Investor Caution Signal

The Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) demonstrated resilience by closing higher on Thursday (9/4/2026), gaining 0.39% to 7,307.59, despite a net sell-off by foreign investors amounting to Rp 1.74 trillion across the market. Major pressure came from sales in large-cap banking stocks like Bank Central Asia (Rp 611 billion), Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Rp 352.1 billion), and Bank Mandiri (Rp 207 billion), while foreign buying targeted stocks such as Sinar Mas Multiartha (Rp 132.1 billion) and Petrindo Jaya Kreasi (Rp 82.9 billion). This mixed activity, with trading volume reaching 29.04 billion shares worth Rp 17 trillion, signals caution among investors amid broader market volatility.

Saiful Mujani Assesses Democracy as Deteriorating Further in the Prabowo Era

Saiful Mujani, founder of Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC), has criticised the quality of democracy in Indonesia as worsening under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, citing a decline in the Varieties of Democracy report from 0.33 in 2024 to 0.30 in 2025. He attributes this to a lack of checks and balances, with nearly all political parties aligning with the government, resulting in an electoral autocracy. Mujani advocates for alternatives like people power to delegitimise Prabowo's leadership, amid reports of him being investigated for hate speech over his public criticisms.

Deputy Governor Rano to Directly Monitor Old Town Revitalisation, Ready to Set Up Office There

Jakarta's Provincial Government plans to revitalise the historic Old Town area in West Jakarta, maintaining its status as a low emission zone while introducing low-emission public transport like trams to reduce pollution and preserve cultural identity. Deputy Governor Rano Karno, as head of the revitalisation team, will personally oversee the project by establishing an office in the area within a month to ensure smooth coordination. This initiative builds on Jakarta's existing low emission zones, such as Tebet Eco Park, aiming to improve air quality by restricting high-emission vehicles and promoting sustainable transport options.

Wall Street Strengthens Amid Oil Surge, Investors Warned to Beware Energy Risks

US stock markets rose on Thursday, driven by a spike in global oil prices and investor optimism over the ceasefire between the US and Iran, which promises to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz. Key indices like the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones posted gains, with oil benchmarks WTI and Brent surging past significant levels. While geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including statements from Israeli and Iranian leaders, briefly tempered the rally, the positive momentum underscores the market's sensitivity to energy supply disruptions and potential tariff policy shifts under President Trump.

Komdigi Plans Auction of Golden Frequencies, Telkomsel Delighted

The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is preparing a selection process for the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz radio frequency bands in 2026 to enhance mobile broadband services and digital transformation. Telkomsel has welcomed the initiative, expressing readiness to participate in order to optimise spectrum utilisation and support inclusive, technology-driven economic growth. The frequencies, known as 'golden' due to their complementary roles in coverage and capacity, will bolster national telecommunications infrastructure, particularly for 5G development in urban areas.

Implementing Sustainable Industry, Krakatau Posco Achieves Green PROPER Rating

Krakatau Posco has secured the Green PROPER rating for the third consecutive year, highlighting its environmental management practices that exceed regulatory compliance. The achievement reflects the company's commitment to sustainability through initiatives like energy efficiency, emission reductions, waste management, and community empowerment programmes around its operational areas. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq emphasised that such beyond-compliance approaches not only promote resource efficiency and prevent pollution but also generate economic value for society.

Transport Minister Dudy Reveals Causes of Horrific Traffic Jam in Gilimanuk, Bali, During Overlapping Lebaran-Nyepi Period

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has disclosed the reasons behind the severe traffic congestion extending up to 20 kilometres on the Gilimanuk-Ketapang ferry route during the 2026 Lebaran period, which coincided with Nyepi. Key factors included the overlapping holidays leading to a surge in vehicle traffic, the operation of heavy vehicles slowing down the flow, prioritisation of motorcycles due to limited port facilities, and insufficient buffer zones for queuing vehicles. The ministry managed to resolve the jam by the third day, highlighting ongoing challenges in handling peak travel demands at this crossing compared to larger ports like Merak-Bakauheni.

Founder of PT Dana Syariah Indonesia Officially Detained in Bareskrim Detention Centre

The Directorate of Special Economic Crimes (Dittipideksus) of Bareskrim Polri has detained Atis Sutisna, the founder of PT Dana Syariah Indonesia (DSI), as a suspect in an alleged fraud case involving the company. The detention, lasting 20 days, follows a seven-hour interrogation where he was questioned on approximately 50 points, making him the fourth suspect in the case alongside the company's former director and shareholders. The suspects face charges including embezzlement, fraud, electronic fraud, falsifying financial records, and money laundering related to fictitious projects used to channel public funds.

3 Scenarios for US-Iran Ceasefire: 'Boss' of the Strait of Hormuz - Permanent Peace

A fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, with Israel's involvement, sets the stage for mediated negotiations towards permanent peace, as analysed by Russian expert Sergey Poletaev. He outlines three potential scenarios: a prolonged ceasefire leading to Iran extracting transit fees from Arab states via the Strait of Hormuz, a risky escalation that could trigger global economic crisis, or low-level controlled clashes under Iranian dominance. This analysis highlights the shifting regional power dynamics, with Iran poised to gain influence over key oil routes, challenging US and Israeli leverage in the Middle East.

Rano Karno Wants to Revive Trams in the Old Town

Jakarta's Deputy Governor Rano Karno has announced plans to revitalise the historic Old Town area while preserving its status as a low emission zone, proposing the introduction of low-emission trams as a public transport option. This initiative draws on the city's past tram system and aims to integrate with the upcoming MRT line to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The move supports broader efforts to limit motor vehicle access in designated zones, encouraging sustainable transport among residents.

Petral Oil Procurement Case Leads to Riza Chalid Being Named Suspect Twice by Attorney General's Office

Businessman Mohammad Riza Chalid has been designated as a suspect for the second time by Indonesia's Attorney General's Office in a corruption case involving oil procurement at Pertamina Energy Trading Limited (Petral) from 2008 to 2015, where he allegedly influenced tenders as the beneficial owner of participating companies. This follows his prior suspect status in a 2018-2023 Pertamina oil management corruption case, which caused state losses of Rp 285 trillion, and he has been a fugitive since August 2025 with an Interpol red notice issued in January 2026. The cases highlight ongoing issues of transparency and intervention in state-owned energy sector dealings, prompting intensified efforts to locate and prosecute Chalid.

Saiful Mujani's Statements Allegedly Inciting Rebellion to Overthrow Prabowo, Resulting in Report

Political analyst Saiful Mujani has been reported to the Metro Jaya Police for statements perceived as calls to overthrow President Prabowo Subianto, following a viral video clip shared by a presidential staff advisor. In the footage from a halal bihalal event, Mujani urged consolidation to topple the president, dismissing formal mechanisms like impeachment and advising against mere counsel. The report, filed under Article 246 of Law No. 1 of 2023, highlights rising tensions in Indonesia's political landscape amid criticisms of the leadership.

Danantara Establishes PT Denera, Focusing on Waste-to-Energy Projects

Indonesia's Danantara has formed PT Daya Energi Bersih Nusantara (Denera) as a subsidiary of its investment management arm to spearhead waste-to-energy (WtE) projects, aiming to integrate waste management from upstream to downstream while generating electricity. Each WtE unit requires an investment of Rp2.5 to Rp2.8 trillion, with Denera holding a 30% stake alongside 70% from business partners, and it will oversee operations across 25 cities targeted in the second tender wave starting April 2026. This initiative not only addresses waste challenges but also promotes cultural shifts in waste handling and extends to industrial waste, fostering sustainable energy and environmental practices in Indonesia.

Private Vehicles and Trucks Contribute the Largest Pollution in Indonesia

The land transportation sector remains the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia, accounting for nearly 90% of transport-related emissions and 12.2% to 15% of national totals, primarily due to heavy reliance on fossil fuel-based private vehicles and motorcycles. With over 164.5 million motorised vehicles in circulation, private cars alone emit more than 108 million tonnes of CO2 annually, while public transport plays a minimal role. Trucks, despite comprising only 4% of vehicles, contribute around 40.56% of transport emissions due to their diesel fuel use and high operational intensity, exacerbating environmental challenges and straining national budgets through fuel subsidies.

Prabowo's Remarks on Indonesia Possibly No Longer Importing Fuel

President Prabowo Subianto has stated that Indonesia could cease importing fuel oil within the next 2-3 years, thanks to government initiatives to shut down 13 diesel power plants and accelerate the transition to clean energy. During the inauguration of the country's first electric commercial vehicle assembly facility in Magelang, Central Java, he announced plans to produce electric sedans on a large scale by 2028 and build 100 gigawatts of solar power capacity within two years. These measures are expected to save up to 200,000 barrels of fuel per day initially, reducing current imports of one million barrels daily by 20 percent and enabling energy self-sufficiency.

OIKN-IPB Collaboration Yields 20-Hectare Upland Rice Harvest in Nusantara

The collaboration between the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) and Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB), involving local farmers, has successfully produced a 20-hectare harvest of upland rice in Muara Jawa, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, marking an initial trial for innovative farming in the new capital region. The rice variety IPB 9G, planted on 5 hectares, and local varieties on 15 hectares, demonstrated superior qualities such as fluffier, tastier, and more savoury grains compared to other varieties. This achievement, celebrated with a harvest ceremony, underscores OIKN's commitment to sustainable agricultural development and environmental integration in Nusantara's future growth.

Meta AI App Enters Top 5 on App Store Following Debut of Muse Spark AI Model

Meta's AI app has seen a significant surge in downloads after the launch of its new AI model, Muse Spark, propelling it into the top 5 on Apple's App Store in the US, rising from 57th place. Developed by Meta's Superintelligence Labs under the leadership of Alexandr Wang, Muse Spark offers multimodal inputs and advanced capabilities in areas like health education, complex reasoning, visual coding, and task-specific subagents, marking a substantial upgrade from the previous Llama 4 model. With over 60.5 million global installations and a 138% increase in downloads over the past five months, the app's success underscores Meta's billion-dollar investments in AI talent, with India leading as the primary market.

WFH for Civil Servants Every Friday Officially Takes Effect Today

Indonesia's government has implemented a policy allowing civil servants (ASN) to work from home every Friday, effective from 10 April 2026, as a measure to promote energy efficiency amid the Middle East conflict. This flexible four-day office schedule, previously trialled during the Covid-19 pandemic, ensures public services continue uninterrupted through remote work and digital oversight. The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform emphasises that WFH is not a holiday, with performance reporting and supervision remaining mandatory to maintain organisational productivity.

Denpasar City Rabies Vaccination Schedule for April 2026, Note the Locations!

The Denpasar City Government has released the schedule for its rabies vaccination programme in April 2026, targeting pets such as cats and dogs to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure a healthy environment. Organised by the city's Agriculture Department, the initiative involves door-to-door services across various districts including Denpasar Utara, Selatan, Timur, and Barat, with sessions starting at 08:30 WITA each day. This public health effort underscores the local authority's commitment to animal welfare and community safety amid ongoing rabies control measures.

Unmapped Housing Backlog, BTN Proposes New Data System

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) has highlighted the lack of detailed data on Indonesia's housing backlog, which consists mainly of aggregate statistics without individual identities or addresses, hindering targeted efforts to meet housing needs. BTN's CEO Nixon Napitupulu compared the issue to the effective name- and address-based hajj queue system and suggested building a comprehensive database ecosystem for prospective homebuyers to register in advance. Internally, BTN is launching a 'Housing Clinic' initiative to allow people to register their housing needs, enabling better mapping of demand for 2026 and beyond.

Prabowo to Open Palm Oil and Used Cooking Oil Processing Centre into Aviation Fuel

President Prabowo Subianto has announced plans to establish processing centres that convert palm oil, used cooking oil (jelantah), and waste into aviation turbine fuel (avtur), aiming to reduce Indonesia's reliance on fossil fuels through significant government investment. During the inauguration of an electric vehicle assembly plant in Magelang, he urged the public to shift towards clean, renewable energy and electrification, while targeting mass production of electric sedans by 2028 to support energy self-sufficiency. These initiatives highlight Indonesia's transition from energy consumer to producer in sustainable technologies, bolstering the nation's green economy ambitions.

DJKI Designs New PNBP Tariffs for Intellectual Property, Here Are the Amounts!

The Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) under the Ministry of Law is preparing revisions to the types and tariffs of non-tax state revenues (PNBP) for intellectual property services, with discussions ongoing through focus group discussions (FGDs) involving stakeholders. This initiative aims to align fee adjustments with improved service quality and enhanced national IP protection, ahead of a public consultation on amendments to Government Regulation No. 45 of 2024. Current tariffs include Rp 200,000 for copyright registrations, Rp 350,000 for SME patent applications, and Rp 500,000 per class for SME trademark registrations, with the changes expected to encourage greater utilisation by businesses and the public.

Waste-to-Energy Projects Accelerated, Danantara Allocates Up to Rp2.8 Trillion per Site

Danantara Investment Management is gearing up to invest between Rp2.5 trillion and Rp2.8 trillion per site in waste-to-energy (WTE) projects across several Indonesian cities, including Denpasar, Bogor, Bekasi, and Yogyakarta, to tackle the national waste crisis. Through a new entity, Daya Energi Bersih Nusantara, the firm will hold a 30% stake in partnerships with 70% from local partners, funded largely by 70% debt and classified as foreign direct investment to boost Indonesia's investment climate. The projects require a minimum daily waste collection of 1,000 tonnes and prioritise rapid development timelines to address urgent waste management needs.

Zakat and Wakaf as Economic Buffers Amid Global Uncertainty

This opinion piece highlights the untapped potential of zakat and wakaf in Indonesia as sustainable economic buffers during global uncertainties, estimating their combined annual potential at over Rp400 trillion, comparable to the national social protection budget. It critiques the current underutilisation, with realisations far below potential due to systemic failures, and advocates shifting from short-term consumptive aid to productive investments in SMEs and infrastructure to enhance economic resilience under the new Prabowo Subianto administration. By integrating these Islamic financial instruments into national policy, Indonesia could strengthen household consumption, foster long-term growth, and reduce fiscal pressures without increasing debt.

Pramono Holds Town Hall Meeting, Reminds PPSU of Follow-Up on JAKI Reports with AI Photos

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced a town hall meeting next week with all PPSU personnel to address the falsification of citizen complaint follow-ups using AI-generated photos on the JAKI app. This follows incidents in Kalisari and South Jakarta, where officials manipulated evidence, leading to immediate dismissals of negligent staff including a village head and section chiefs. Pramono emphasised zero tolerance for such breaches to maintain public trust in Jakarta's services, noting that citizen participation in JAKI remains stable despite the scandals.

Yesterday's legal news: Riza Chalid named suspect to Hajir Her questioned

Indonesia's legal landscape saw significant developments on Thursday, including the Attorney General's Office designating Mohammad Riza Chalid and six others as suspects in a long-standing corruption case involving Pertamina's Petral subsidiary from 2008-2015. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned cigarette entrepreneur Khairul Umam, known as Haji Her, as a witness in a graft probe at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Other notable events included the bust of an international Komodo dragon smuggling ring to Thailand, a four-year prison sentence for former Inhutani V director Dicky Yuana Rady for bribery in forest management, and KPK seeking statements from additional import forwarding companies beyond Blueray Cargo.