Golkar's Deputy Chairman Idrus Marham has urged caution in responding to former Vice President Jusuf Kalla's warning of potential chaos in July-August 2026, arguing that such definitive statements risk creating public panic rather than providing neutral analysis. He emphasised the need for public figures to contribute to national stability amid economic pressures from global geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation, as highlighted by the IMF and World Bank. Domestically, Indonesia's government is maintaining economic steadiness through controlled inflation, subsidies, and holding back fuel price hikes to protect purchasing power.

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Wiyagus, visited the Public Service Mall in Bandar Lampung City to oversee the implementation of Work from Home (WFH) and Work from Office (WFO) policies, confirming that public services remain uninterrupted and efficient. He praised the Lampung Provincial and Bandar Lampung City governments for maintaining full staffing at service counters and exempting critical sectors like emergency health and disaster response from WFH. The monitoring highlights Indonesia's push towards a flexible civil servant work culture focused on performance, accountability, and resource efficiency without compromising service quality.

The Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has clarified that the proposed "war ticket" scheme for Hajj pilgrimage, which has sparked debate, is still only at the discussion stage and not an official policy for this year. The initiative aims to shorten waiting times for pilgrims by offering additional spots outside the regular quota, particularly if Saudi Arabia significantly increases its overall capacity, potentially allowing Indonesia's quota to rise from 221,000 to 500,000 by 2030. This approach would not disadvantage long-waiting registrants and seeks to accelerate the queue without full state subsidies for the extra costs.

President Prabowo Subianto has accused certain individuals within the bureaucracy of abusing their authority to assist in the theft of state funds, highlighting ongoing issues of power misuse for personal or group gain in Indonesia. He praised the Task Force for Regulating Forest Areas (Satgas PKH), which he established, for recovering Rp 11.4 trillion from illegal mining and plantations, contributing to a total of approximately Rp 31.3 trillion returned to the state coffers within his first 1.5 years in office. This development underscores Prabowo's administration's commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding national assets.

Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has published a list of 24 illegal natural medicines (OBA) containing dangerous undeclared chemical substances, following laboratory tests on 1,858 samples conducted in January-February 2026. These products, marketed for pain relief, male stamina enhancement, and weight loss, include prohibited ingredients like sildenafil, methyltestosterone, paracetamol, and sibutramine, which pose serious health risks such as cardiovascular issues. This action underscores BPOM's ongoing efforts to enforce regulations and protect public health from misleading herbal remedies.

PT Nuon Digital Indonesia, a Telkom Group subsidiary, is pushing for a major transformation in the national digital music industry's business model by promoting integrated monetisation schemes to keep economic value circulating within the domestic ecosystem. Amid Indonesia's vast market of over 190 million digital consumers, the company aims to address fragmented monetisation structures and the dominance of global platforms that drain value abroad, through services like Langit Musik streaming, content aggregation, and commercial background music via PlayUp. This strategy leverages Telkom's extensive user base to boost access to premium services, enhance creator revenues, and strengthen local intellectual property management for creative industry sovereignty.

Tensions between the United States and the European Union have escalated due to over €6 billion (Rp 102 trillion) in fines imposed on US tech giants like Google, Apple, and Meta for antitrust and competition violations since early 2024. The Trump administration has criticised these penalties as stifling innovation and threatened retaliatory tariffs, highlighting a deepening rift in transatlantic economic relations. While the EU defends the fines as essential for consumer protection and regulatory compliance, the US argues they hinder AI development and Europe's technological progress.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is proposing a scheme to legalise illegal cigarettes through the imposition of excise duties, aiming to boost state revenue and regulate the market. The policy, currently under discussion with parliament, encourages illicit producers to enter the formal system without legitimising illegal trade, with implementation targeted for May 2026 at the latest. This transitional approach includes strict enforcement for non-compliant operators, potentially unlocking significant fiscal contributions if successful.

Baiq Nelly Kusumawati, the sister of West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, has been appointed as Deputy Director of Planning and Finance at the NTB Provincial General Hospital, leaving the position of Assistant III in the Mataram City Regional Secretariat vacant. Mataram Mayor Mohan Roliskana plans to auction several structural positions, including that of Assistant III, Inspector of the Inspectorate, echelon III roles, sub-district heads, and village heads, through open selection processes to fill them promptly. This move follows the governor's recent inauguration of several echelon II officials, including Nelly and the new NTB Regional Secretary Abul Chair, highlighting ongoing administrative reshuffles in the province.

Canada is advocating for Lebanon to be included in the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, ensuring that its participation is respected by Israel. A senior source from the ruling Liberal Party warned that excluding Lebanon could lead to a civil war, perpetuating endless conflict. Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly reiterated this call and pledged Canada's influence to support the ceasefire efforts.

Bank Indonesia's Bali office is supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the island in adopting digital technologies to broaden their market access, as part of efforts to maintain price stability, control inflation, and boost economic growth. The year-long programme includes training on digital platforms, practical sessions, and partnerships with institutions like Eximbank to promote export-oriented businesses, addressing key challenges such as productivity, financing, and market reach. Officials from the Ministry of SMEs and the Bali provincial government have praised the initiative, highlighting SMEs' vital role in the national economy, contributing over 60% to GDP and employing 97% of the workforce, and calling for integrated transformations to enhance competitiveness.

The Task Force for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (Satgas PRR) reports that 97% of the 1,593 disaster-affected places of worship in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have been rehabilitated and are operational again, with full funding disbursed in Aceh and West Sumatra, while North Sumatra's process is nearing completion. This effort, supported by the Ministries of Religious Affairs and Public Works, underscores the government's commitment to restoring community spiritual life and social resilience post-disaster. Additional aid, including Rp 145.5 billion for the Acehnese meugang tradition of sacrificial cows, highlights broader support for religious and cultural recovery in the region.

Perumda Pasar Jaya has successfully cleared the massive garbage buildup at Pasar Induk Kramat Jati in East Jakarta through intensive and phased operations, deploying 228 truckloads over 2-10 April 2026 to restore cleanliness and comfort for traders and visitors. This effort, directed by Governor of DKI Jakarta, involves collaboration with the Jakarta Environment Agency and includes ongoing education for better waste management, alongside innovative long-term solutions like thermal hydrolysis technology and the MASARO zero-waste system. The initiative underscores Perumda Pasar Jaya's commitment to sustainable environmental hygiene in key market areas, positioning the market as a model for clean and healthy urban trading hubs.

Indonesia and Russia discussed export diversification and deepening economic ties at the 7th Indonesia-Russia Working Group on Trade, Investment, and Industry meeting in Jakarta, emphasising the acceleration of the Indonesia-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement ahead of the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. Key areas of focus include trade, industry, investment, food security, the halal industry, and logistics connectivity such as the Surabaya-Vladivostok route operational since 2023, with bilateral trade reaching nearly US$5 billion in 2025. Ambassadors from both nations underscored the importance of tariff liberalisation amid global protectionism and urged stronger business engagement to unlock further growth potential in sectors like agriculture, IT, infrastructure, and mining.

The East Kalimantan Energy and Mineral Resources Agency is promoting biogas utilisation as a sustainable alternative for village energy independence, having facilitated 575 units since 2012 that convert cattle waste into clean gas for cooking and lighting, as well as organic fertilisers. This initiative aims to mitigate global energy shortages from geopolitical tensions and supports the province's transition to renewable energy by 2025. Local farmers express gratitude for the programme, which not only provides affordable fuel but also enhances agricultural productivity through by-products.

The Indonesian government, under President Prabowo's directive, is allocating 1,000 units of housing stimulus aid through the Self-Help Housing Improvement Programme (BSPS) to renovate substandard homes in Sitaro Regency, a strategic border area in North Sulawesi, as part of broader efforts to enhance regional resilience and national pride. This initiative includes an additional 300 units beyond the initial proposal for border sub-districts and addresses recent flash flood impacts affecting local residents. Nationally, 15,000 units are earmarked for border regions, marking a significant increase from previous years and underscoring the government's commitment to social justice and rapid recovery in vulnerable areas.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) secured 6,047 lost items valued at approximately Rp 4.43 billion during the first quarter of 2026, including 1,450 valuable items such as mobile phones, tablets, and jewellery. During the Lebaran travel period from 13 to 30 March 2026, the company recovered 1,884 items worth Rp 1.3 billion, with 424 being high-value possessions. KAI emphasises passenger safety and convenience through regular training for staff and efficient lost and found services to reunite items with owners.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted raids on 12 locations in Madiun, East Java, including the home of a civil servant at the city's Environmental Office and private residences, to gather additional evidence in a case involving alleged extortion through project fees, CSR funds, and gratuities within the Madiun city government. The searches yielded documents and electronic evidence, which investigators will analyse to strengthen the ongoing probe. This follows the January 2026 sting operation that led to the arrest of suspended Mayor Maidi, his aide Rochim Ruhdiyanto, and Public Works head Thariq Megah, uncovering demands for fees on business permits.

Indonesia's new policy mandating work-from-home (WFH) for civil servants every Friday has led to noticeably smoother traffic in Jakarta on its inaugural day, with significant reductions in vehicle volumes on key roads like Jenderal Sudirman and Asia Afrika. Institutions such as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have adopted a hybrid model, maintaining essential public services while optimising digital platforms for other operations. While government offices appear quieter, private sector workers in fields like finance and fieldwork express mixed views, highlighting challenges in applying WFH universally but appreciating its potential to ease commutes and fuel consumption.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States against supporting Israel's attacks on Lebanon, describing such actions as a potential major blunder that could undermine diplomatic efforts in the region. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, revealed that the government is calculating adjustments to non-subsidised fuel prices amid volatile global crude oil price movements. This comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is enhancing energy access in remote Indonesian regions by operating the MT Gas Attaka, an LPG carrier ship with a 1,700 metric tonne capacity, to deliver supplies to areas in Kalimantan, Sulawesi, including Amurang and Donggala. The vessel's operations, supported by a 24-hour crew rotation and adherence to strict HSSE standards, address logistical challenges posed by difficult terrain, ensuring timely and safe distribution. This initiative underscores Pertamina's commitment to balancing supply and demand, promoting wise LPG usage, and leveraging a fleet of owned and chartered ships to reach diverse geographies across the archipelago.

The Central Java Provincial Government has confirmed no hoarding of plastic amid a sharp price surge driven by global supply disruptions from geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have elevated naphtha prices from $600 to $900 per tonne. Small and medium enterprises in the food sector are facing the heaviest pressure due to intensive use of plastic packaging, prompting the government to intensify campaigns against single-use plastics and promote bioplastics derived from cassava starch. These measures aim to foster adaptation and transformation towards more environmentally friendly materials, turning the challenge into an opportunity for sustainable practices.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has disclosed that individuals posing as its employees, who attempted to extort DPR member Ahmad Sahroni for Rp 300 million, have previously targeted other parliament members. Four suspects were arrested by Metro Jaya Police following Sahroni's report, with KPK confirming this is not the first such incident. KPK urges the public to report similar extortion attempts directly to them or law enforcement to prevent further scams.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that Russia will invest approximately 4.5 trillion roubles (about 58 billion USD) this year in a new national space project called Cosmos. The funding will support the expansion of Russia's satellite constellation, the construction of a national orbital space station, and the development of efficient reusable rockets, with special emphasis on training skilled personnel for the space sector. Mishustin highlighted the importance of advancing the space industry for economic growth, improving quality of life, and ensuring national security, coinciding with upcoming celebrations like Cosmonautics Day on 12 April and the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's historic flight in 2026.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy has dismissed circulating rumours suggesting that Indonesia is on the brink of chaos, describing them as a misguided narrative and assuring the public that the situation is fully under control. He cited the decision by President Prabowo Subianto to maintain stable fuel prices amid global conflicts and rising costs elsewhere as key evidence of stability. Additionally, Teddy highlighted optimistic economic indicators, preserved purchasing power, and the smooth conduct of two Eid al-Fitr holidays under the current administration, emphasising that essential goods remain available and affordable.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is set to undertake a working visit to Russia soon, as confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, though exact details remain pending official announcement from the Foreign Ministry. The trip aims to follow up on existing bilateral cooperations, building on recent agreements like the oil deal with Japan. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has verified ongoing preparations for a meeting between Prabowo and President Putin, highlighting strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) reported serving 128,055,072 passengers in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 9.97% increase from the same period in 2025, driven by enhanced integration across various rail services. Key growth areas included long-distance and local trains with an 18.40% rise, Commuter Lines up 8.11%, and the LRT Jabodebek line surging 22.10%, reflecting growing public trust and demand for efficient urban and intercity mobility. This performance underscores the expanding role of rail infrastructure in supporting Indonesia's daily transportation needs amid economic and social recovery.

The Denpasar Public Works and Public Housing Department has reported a sharp rise in river waste dumping, reaching 30.6 tonnes per day—a 15.91% increase—after the Suwung landfill closed. This surge is most pronounced in the Badung and Pemogan rivers, straining existing staff and equipment without additional resources, leading to heavier workloads and slower response times. On 8 April 2026, efforts to clear waste from the Badung River required 25 workers and five trucks but could not be completed in a single day due to the volume.

The Forum Human Capital Indonesia (FHCI) has highlighted the critical need to enhance employee experiences as organisations accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain productivity and workforce quality. At the FHCI Connect Expert Series 9 event in Jakarta, discussions focused on AI's role in human resource management, the importance of data security, and the shift towards AI literacy in workplaces, with state-owned enterprises (BUMNs) urged to collaborate on developing adaptive talent. Experts from PT Wijaya Karya and LinkedIn stressed the value of digital learning platforms for upskilling, noting significant increases in learning engagement and the projection that 70% of job skills will change by 2030, underscoring the necessity for reskilling investments to prepare the workforce for technological transformations.

The article argues that Islamic economics and finance should transcend mere planning documents and national speeches to become a tangible force in everyday Indonesian life, particularly in grassroots economic activities. It highlights how, despite being integrated into national development plans like RPJPN 2025–2045 and RPJMN 2025–2029, the sector often remains theoretical without operational implementation. Focusing on Sulawesi Selatan, it emphasises the region's religious society, cooperative culture, and strong real economy in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and inter-regional trade as ideal foundations for advancing Islamic economic principles into practical growth drivers.

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade reported that e-commerce sales hit $5.76 billion (approximately Rp 96.7 trillion) in February 2026, propelled by the growing reliance on content-driven transactions. Platforms like Tokopedia and TikTok Shop saw 38 billion live stream views, boosting transactions up to 15-fold, with integrated features enabling seamless discovery and sales for businesses. Local brands such as MOELL OFFICIAL exemplify success through content collaborations, affiliate creators, and 24-hour live streaming, highlighting the pivotal role of content in accelerating digital economic growth.

Investigators conducted a thorough search at Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works, accessing key areas including Minister Dody Hanggodo's office and units like the Directorate General of Human Settlements and Water Resources, as part of an ongoing audit process. Dody expressed surprise but granted full access to ensure transparency and reported the matter to President Prabowo Subianto, emphasising non-interference to respect legal proceedings. The ministry has committed to full cooperation by providing necessary documents, highlighting efforts to uphold accountability in public administration.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission I, Yudha Novanza Utama, has expressed full support for the Ministry of Communication and Digital's (Komdigi) ongoing investigation into irregularities in the Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS) ratings for games on the Steam platform. He views this as a crucial opportunity to enhance the national game rating system, ensuring accurate age classifications and better oversight of developers' self-assessments to align with international standards and protect children from inappropriate content. Komdigi Director Sonny Hendra Sudaryana acknowledged anomalies, such as PUBG receiving a 3+ rating while Upin Ipin Universe is rated 18+, prompting the probe into internal and external factors to foster a healthier digital ecosystem.

Indonesian university students are at high risk of financial errors, particularly with online lending services, due to limited understanding of risks, interest rates, fees, and late payment consequences, which can harm long-term financial health. The fintech industry, including Kredit Pintar, is addressing this through educational programmes like "Pindar Mengajar: Cerdas Mengelola, Bijak Bertransaksi," held at Universitas Riau, emphasising collaboration among regulators, industry associations, and educational institutions to foster responsible digital finance usage. This initiative aims to build healthy financial habits among young people, highlighting the importance of borrowing wisely and selecting licensed platforms supervised by OJK to mitigate risks in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced plans to release additional oil reserves equivalent to 20 days' supply in May, as an extension of efforts initiated in mid-March to stabilise supplies amid ongoing uncertainties in the Middle East. This follows the release of reserves covering about 50 days since 16 March, prompted by the closure of major oil shipping routes due to conflict at the end of February. Despite a two-week US-Iran ceasefire, the safety of passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain, though Japan expects to secure over half of its oil imports via alternative routes by May, highlighting its heavy reliance on the region for more than 90% of its crude oil needs.

President Prabowo Subianto has praised the Forest Area Regulation Task Force (Satgas PKH) for saving approximately Rp370 trillion in state assets within forest areas over the past year and a half, a figure equivalent to nearly 10% of Indonesia's Rp3,700 trillion state budget. He highlighted the potential of these recovered funds to drive national development, such as modernising all schools nationwide with digital infrastructure and building thousands of rural bridges. This achievement underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding public resources for the welfare of the people.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that four individuals suspected of extorting Indonesian House of Representatives member Ahmad Sahroni by posing as KPK employees have engaged in similar activities more than once. The suspects were arrested by a joint team from KPK and Metro Jaya Police after demanding US$17,400 to allegedly influence a case handling. This incident underscores ongoing vulnerabilities to impersonation scams targeting public officials amid Indonesia's anti-corruption efforts.

The management of West Java International Airport (BIJB) Kertajati in Majalengka is optimistic about reaching its target of 2.5 million passengers per year, which would enable self-sustaining operations and repayment of obligations without relying on government funding. Director Ronald H. Sinaga highlighted initial goals of 2 to 2.5 million passengers, supported by central, provincial, and local governments, and proposed strategies like a multi-airport system to share flight traffic from major airports. Additional backing from the Ministry of Transportation includes letters urging airlines to operate from Kertajati, with hopes for swift implementation.

Bali's economy is experiencing unprecedented growth with a 5.82% rate in 2025 and investment realisation reaching Rp 42.82 trillion, yet this masks deep concerns over foreign capital dominance and the marginalisation of local businesses. The island faces systemic ecological cannibalism and cultural degradation due to unchecked overtourism, evidenced by a record 6.95 million international visitors, leading to its inclusion in Fodor’s No List 2025 as a destination to avoid. Experts warn that Bali is at a dangerous saturation point, transforming into a playground for global investors while locals are pushed to the sidelines.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has visited Singapore to strengthen ties with its key fuel supplier amid an escalating energy crisis triggered by the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and soaring global petrol prices. The strategic visit underscores mutual dependencies, with Singapore providing over a quarter of Australia's refined fuel needs while receiving liquefied natural gas from Australia. This collaboration is crucial as Australia faces severe shortages, including diesel stockouts at 2.7% of its fuel stations and petrol reserves sufficient for only 39 days, threatening its transport and logistics sectors.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces' Command for Doctrine, Education, and Training (Kodiklat TNI) has conducted a five-day technical guidance programme on food security and enhancing the capabilities of Territorial Development Infantry Battalions (Yonif TP) for the 2026 fiscal year, aiming to bolster soldiers' readiness amid complex global strategic dynamics. TNI Chief General Agus Subiyanto inspected the practical sessions and emphasised the importance of developing productive crops to support national food self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges. This initiative underscores the military's commitment to supporting government programmes on food security, integrating adaptive and productive skills into soldiers' training to strengthen overall national defence.

Civil servants in Bekasi are encountering technical challenges with unstable WiFi connections while implementing the work-from-home (WFH) policy, though they maintain that productivity remains effective through GPS monitoring. Concerns have been raised about WFH on Fridays potentially leading to perceptions of extended weekends, prompting suggestions for random supervision to ensure professionalism. Despite these hurdles, the policy offers benefits such as reduced daily operational costs for transport and meals, highlighting its role in balancing efficiency and employee welfare amid government work regulations.

PT Freeport Indonesia has signed its 24th Collective Work Agreement (PKB) for 2026–2028, focusing on enhancing industrial relations with workers through a family-oriented negotiation process. The agreement includes a 3% wage increase in the first year and 4% in the second, a 15% rise in child education allowances, a Rp2 million monthly old-age allowance for all employees, and an increase in work accident death insurance from US$50,000 to US$75,000. Labour Minister Yassierli commended the company's 48-year consistency with such agreements, emphasising their role in clarifying rights and obligations while promoting synergy between unions, workers, and management for transformative industrial relations.

Bima Arya has highlighted that work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for civil servants (ASN) are key to enhancing efficiency and fostering a new work culture, particularly by reducing reliance on imported fuel amid global tensions. During a visit to Bekasi City Hall, he praised the 40% WFH participation rate and urged calculations of budget savings from reduced fuel, water, and electricity use, while assuring that essential public services remain fully operational. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to protecting lower and middle-class citizens from fuel price hikes and supports broader shifts towards electric public transport.

Indonesia's Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, and Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas, Maruarar Sirait, have allocated 1,000 units of housing renovation assistance under the Unfit Housing Improvement Programme (RTLH) for Sitaro Regency in North Sulawesi, focusing on border areas affected by flash floods. This initiative, directed by President Prabowo, represents a significant increase in national allocations for border regions, with 15,000 units designated out of 400,000 total, aimed at enhancing social justice, regional resilience, and national pride among frontier communities. The programme underscores the government's commitment to rapid response in strategic, impoverished, and disaster-impacted areas like Sitaro.

Astra International has strengthened its dominance in Indonesia's Low Cost Green Car (LCGC) segment, achieving a 79% market share in March 2026, up from 73% in February, amid broader market pressures. However, overall LCGC sales volumes have plummeted to 6,725 units in March from 11,412 in February, with Astra's own sales dropping to 5,325 units, indicating a shrinking market pie. This trend, evident since 2025, signals waning momentum for affordable cars due to reduced purchasing power and shifting consumer preferences towards feature-rich or electric vehicles, potentially challenging Astra's overall market position if it persists.

The Hungarian National Police Headquarters will establish a national command and operational commands for rapid response units and regional headquarters for the elections scheduled on 12 April. Police will operate with necessary force and resources, independently of any political party influence, ensuring presence around polling stations from the day before until election day. While maintaining order at polling stations is the responsibility of local committees, police are obligated to intervene upon request to uphold security and order.

The Commission I of the Banten Provincial Council visited the Central Office for Regional Investment Promotion (PPID) in Batam to explore collaborative models for optimising local potential through investment. Established by APKASI and IBA, PPID serves as an integrated platform bridging regional governments with global investors, addressing challenges like limited market access and investor networks. This initiative, leveraging Batam's status as a free trade zone, aims to enhance regional revenues and job creation, though success depends on regulatory certainty and infrastructure improvements.

Singapore and Cambodia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Friday to bolster bilateral rice trade and enhance food security amid rising global supply chain uncertainties. The agreement reaffirms commitments to open trade and avoids unnecessary restrictions, with Cambodia agreeing to support rice sales to Singapore based on mutually agreed terms. This is Singapore's third such food security pact, following similar deals with Vietnam and Thailand, underscoring the importance of such partnerships in maintaining stable food supplies during disruptions.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission X, led by Dr. Ir. Hatifah Sjaifudian, conducted a working visit to South Kalimantan to gather input from local higher education institutions on the new student admission system (SPMB) and the higher education operational cost standard (SSBOPT). The commission heard concerns from leaders of public and private universities and polytechnics about governance, fairness in funding, and management of the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) for tuition assistance, aiming to address these issues to improve access to higher education for underprivileged students. These aspirations will be discussed further with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, Science, and Technology, potentially through a special working group, to advance equitable higher education across Indonesia.