Said Iqbal, President of the Indonesian Confederation of Trade Unions (KSPI) and the Labour Party, has warned that labour-intensive industries such as textiles, garments, and footwear are at high risk of mass layoffs due to rising global pressures and production costs from imported raw materials. He predicts these effects will become evident within the next three months, exacerbated by the ongoing war and surging energy prices that are also impacting capital-intensive sectors like automotive manufacturing. This alert underscores the vulnerability of Indonesia's export-dependent industries to international economic shocks, potentially leading to widespread job losses unless addressed through policy measures.

PT Dharma Polimetal Tbk (DRMA), a manufacturer of automotive components, reported solid 2025 performance with revenue reaching Rp5.9 trillion, up 7.8% year-on-year, driven primarily by a 12.5% growth in the two-wheeler segment amid a recovering four-wheeler market. The company is expanding through acquisitions, joint ventures boosting exports, and diversification into renewable energy via battery recycling for electric vehicles, targeting double-digit organic revenue growth in 2026 with stable profit margins. Analysts have upgraded the stock recommendation to BUY with a target price of Rp1,250 per share, citing attractive valuation at 8.3x P/E and positive catalysts from market share gains and EV opportunities.

PT Semen Baturaja (Persero) Tbk is eyeing significant opportunities in Lampung Province, where cement demand is projected to reach 375,000 tonnes amid massive infrastructure projects valued in trillions of rupiah, including road developments and the Sekolah Rakyat programme funded by national and regional budgets. The shift from asphalt to concrete construction further bolsters prospects, with the company identifying key initiatives like the Inpres Jalan Daerah programme worth Rp 1.3 trillion and local projects nearing Rp 2 trillion. Lampung's Governor has welcomed the collaboration, emphasising its role in accelerating regional development and economic growth.

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower has commended the Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda Kepri) for organising vocational training in barista skills and electrical installation to boost worker competencies in Batam, aiming to reduce unemployment amid a productive-age population of 158 million and 7.4 million jobless individuals. This collaboration, involving the Agency for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (BP3MI), targets 32 participants this year, with certifications from national bodies to meet industry needs in the region near Singapore and Malaysia. The initiative underscores the importance of skill certification in improving employability, with the ministry planning to train 70,000 participants via state budget funding this year.

Six fighter jets, including four F-16 Fighting Falcons, escorted President Prabowo during his working visit to Magelang, Central Java, as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). The pilots expressed respect for Prabowo's contributions to strengthening and modernising national air defence during his tenure as Defence Minister from 2019 to 2024, while pledging continued dedication to the nation. The article details the F-16's specifications, highlighting its wingspan of 9.8 metres, maximum speed of Mach 2 (approximately 2,414 km/h), operational ceiling of 15,000 metres, and multirole capabilities for air combat and ground attacks.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has approved a cash dividend payout of IDR 52.1 trillion, or IDR 346 per share, representing 91.96% of its 2025 consolidated net profit of IDR 56.65 trillion. This includes an interim dividend already paid and a final dividend of IDR 31.5 trillion, reflecting the bank's strong performance driven by its UMKM segment and digital transformation efforts. The decision underscores BRI's role in supporting national development through UMKM financing and financial inclusion as part of the state-owned enterprises group.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has disclosed the sequence of events leading to a near mix-up of a newborn at Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung, attributing it to a minor misunderstanding and procedural lapse rather than any criminal intent. A mother temporarily left her baby with a healthcare worker in the paediatric clinic, who inadvertently passed the infant to another person, prompting the incident to go viral on social media. Officials emphasise the need for stricter adherence to standard operating procedures in patient handling to prevent future occurrences, with apologies issued and the matter resolved to the satisfaction of West Java's Governor.

Iran has denied reports of sending a delegation to Islamabad for negotiations with the US, insisting that no talks will occur while Israel's attacks on Lebanon persist, potentially jeopardising a recently agreed two-week ceasefire. The ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan's Prime Minister, was initially hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough but faces uncertainty due to conflicting positions from the US and Israel, with Netanyahu reportedly asserting it does not cover Lebanon. This development underscores the fragility of Middle East peace efforts amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Honda's sales in the Indonesian automotive market have continued to weaken, with January to March 2026 figures showing year-on-year declines: 4,016 units in January (down from 7,276 in 2025), 5,385 in February (from 8,757), and 4,129 in March (from 6,303). This persistent downturn has pushed Honda out of the top four best-selling brands, overtaken by new entrants including Chinese marques, amid shifting consumer preferences and intensified competition in key segments like low-cost green cars (LCGC) and compact SUVs. If the trend persists, Honda risks losing its established foothold in the domestic market.

The verdict in the corruption case concerning the issuance of foreign worker permits at Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) is set for 22 April, following the prosecutor's replik and the defendants' scheduled duplik on 20 April. Eight defendants, including high-ranking officials like former Director Haryanto and current Director Devi Angraeni, face prison terms ranging from 4 to 9.5 years, fines, and substantial restitution for violating anti-corruption laws. This case underscores ongoing efforts to combat graft within government agencies responsible for labour policies, potentially impacting foreign investment and workforce regulations.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has welcomed the Financial Services Authority's (OJK) initiative to revise Bank Business Plan regulations, aiming to direct more bank lending towards priority real sectors and national strategic programmes. While affirming that government fiscal support is already sufficient, Purbaya stressed the need to encourage banks to actively fulfil their intermediation role rather than holding funds at the central bank. OJK Chair Friderica Widyasari Dewi clarified that the revisions will align lending with government priorities without making it mandatory, leaving decisions to each bank's risk management.

Indonesia's Minister of Population and Family Development, Wihaji, has emphasised that providing decent education access can prevent early marriages among the youth, highlighting President Prabowo's initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat and Sekolah Garuda. He warned of health risks such as stunting in children born to couples marrying before age 19, recommending minimum marriage ages of 21 for women and 25 for men, amid ongoing challenges with a 19.8% stunting prevalence and rising divorce rates. In West Java, while divorce and stunting risks remain high, the province has achieved a notable 5.8% reduction in stunting from 2023 to 2024, supporting national goals for Indonesia Emas 2045.

Attorney General ST Burhanuddin, as Vice Chair I of the Task Force for Forest Area Regulation (Satgas PKH), has emphasised that the state must not lose to mafias exploiting Indonesia's forest resources for personal gain. During an event handing over administrative fines and recovering state finances, the task force returned Rp11.4 trillion to the state coffers and reclaimed over five million hectares of forest land. This action underscores Indonesia's constitutional duty to manage natural resources for public welfare, highlighting the need for firm law enforcement to protect national interests amid global economic challenges.

A social conflict in Central Halmahera, sparked by the discovery of a villager's body, has led to clashes between residents of Banemo and Sibenpopo villages, resulting in two deaths, multiple injuries, and the destruction of 84 homes and a church, displacing 580 people. The Ministry of Social Affairs, led by Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), has swiftly provided essential aid including food packages, blankets, tents, and psychosocial support, while security forces and local mediators work to restore peace and facilitate recovery. This response underscores the government's commitment to addressing social emergencies and rebuilding community relations in remote regions.

Former President Joko Widodo has firmly denied rumours that he paid Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar up to Rp 50 billion in connection with the alleged fake diploma case, calling the claims illogical and reversed. He clarified that the suspects in the defamation case have sought restorative justice with Metro Jaya Police and must apologise to him as the aggrieved party, questioning why the accused would pay the accusers. The case involves eight suspects charged under defamation and ITE laws, with some previously receiving investigation halts after meeting Jokowi.

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly, Hidayat Nur Wahid, has praised President Prabowo Subianto's decision to prevent the increased Hajj costs, due to rising aviation fuel prices, from being imposed on pilgrims, viewing it as a measure to uphold the state's commitment to its citizens. This policy ensures calm for the thousands of Indonesian pilgrims set to depart on 22 April, with flight costs potentially rising from Rp33.5 million to as much as Rp50.8 million per person without adjustments. HNW also urged that the commitment extend to domestic travel expenses for pilgrims from remote areas like Papua and Maluku, warning that additional burdens could cause social unrest and disrupt long-awaited journeys to the holy land.

The Banten Provincial Government is enhancing cross-sector collaboration involving the military, police, ministries, and local authorities to combat the smuggling of protected wildlife, which frequently uses the province's waters as an international transit route. This initiative follows the successful interception by the TNI AL Base in Banten of 780 kilograms of pangolin scales worth Rp46.8 billion from a Vietnamese-flagged vessel in Merak waters on 8 April. Governor Andra Soni emphasised the shared responsibility to protect biodiversity and prevent the extinction of endangered species, underscoring Banten's strategic position as a vulnerable gateway for illegal activities.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has approved the name change of microfinance institution PT LKM Artha Kertaraharja to PT LKM Artha Kerta Raharja (Perseroda) via decree KEP-69/PL.02/2026, effective from 2 April 2026. This approval mandates the company to adhere to sound business practices and comply with all relevant laws and regulations in its operations. The institution's head office is located at Jln. Raya Serang KM 15, Cikupa Niaga Mas Blok A/9, Desa Telagasari, Kecamatan Cikupa, Kabupaten Tangerang 15710.

The Klungkung Regency government has disbursed over Rp 97.8 billion in social assistance grants to support arts and traditional activities, administered through the local Culture Department. Officials emphasised the importance of proper administration and reporting to avoid legal issues or audit findings from the Supreme Audit Agency. The initiative positions Klungkung as the second-largest grant provider in Bali, highlighting efforts to preserve cultural heritage while calls are made to maximise local revenue from tourism in Nusa Penida.

Global plastic prices have surged sharply in recent weeks due to supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, and geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, particularly affecting the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation impacts the petrochemical industry, with an estimated 20-25 billion USD in annual petrochemical products transiting the strait, tightening supplies of key feedstocks like naphtha. The crisis underscores the plastics sector's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to 5% of global CO2 emissions and posing broader challenges for manufacturing and consumer goods worldwide.

The West Papua Provincial Government has proposed a national technical coordination meeting to expedite the organisation and legalisation of metallic mineral mining, addressing the proliferation of illegal operations that harm the environment and spark social conflicts. Governor Dominggus Mandacan highlighted challenges such as suboptimal designation of mining areas and limited access for indigenous communities to legal mining management, advocating for a comprehensive approach involving legalisation, community empowerment, and enhanced oversight. This initiative aims to harmonise cross-sectoral regulations and ensure sustainable, lawful mining that boosts regional and national economic growth.

Indonesia's Interior Minister, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, visited subsidised housing in Tomohon, North Sulawesi, to oversee the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship 3 Million Houses Programme for low-income families. Accompanied by the Housing Minister and the Head of Statistics Indonesia, he engaged with residents, including former national badminton athlete Greysia Polii, and emphasised the need for local governments to streamline permitting processes by waiving building approvals and land acquisition taxes to facilitate housing provision. The initiative is expected to generate economic multiplier effects, boost local business activity, and increase regional own-source revenue while also ensuring targeted delivery of self-help housing stimulus aid.

Demokrat Party politician Andi Arief has dismissed calls by political analyst Saiful Mujani for public consolidation to oust President Prabowo Subianto, arguing that the public lacks any reason to rebel against a government that has only been in power for one year and six months. Drawing on his political experience and the 1998 reformasi, Arief emphasised that overthrowing a democratically elected leader outside constitutional impeachment mechanisms is unlikely, especially given Prabowo's efforts to address challenges like fiscal constraints and international conflicts. He urged respect for the people's electoral choice and invited Mujani for a discussion to clarify his views expressed at a recent gathering of observers.

Indonesian National Police (Polri) officials have pledged that the recruitment process for the Police Academy (Akpol) and Bintara positions will be conducted transparently and accountably, under the 'BETAH' principle, with immediate announcements of results to prevent irregularities. The process is supervised by external entities including the National Police Commission (Kompolnas), civil registry offices, medical associations, psychologists, universities, and NGOs. Kompolnas urges the public to report any suspected cheating or fraudulent promises, emphasising the robustness of the official selection mechanism to maintain integrity in police recruitment.

Indonesia's Minister of Public Works is proactively addressing the potential impacts of El Niño by maximising water levels in reservoirs, such as the Gajah Mungkur Dam, to sustain irrigation for nearby rice fields during dry periods. If the dry season extends beyond September-October, the ministry plans to implement weather modification operations to induce rainfall in upstream areas, ensuring water flows into the dams without risking direct interventions near the structures. These measures, coordinated with the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), underscore the government's commitment to mitigating drought-related agricultural disruptions.

The Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) has allocated SAR 152.4 million in Saudi Riyal banknotes to cover living costs for 203,320 Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims in 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE, with each receiving SAR 750 in specific denominations for daily expenses, emergencies, and penalties. This distribution adheres to Law No. 34 of 2014 on Hajj Financial Management and employs a Sharia-compliant Sharf contract for transparent currency exchange. Despite total Hajj costs reaching approximately Rp87 million per person, pilgrims will only pay around Rp54 million, with the Rp33.2 million shortfall covered by BPKH's professional fund management, demonstrating commitment to affordable and accountable pilgrimage financing.

The Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus) at the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) has confirmed that investigators are actively tracing several assets belonging to Riza Chalid, a fugitive suspect in a corruption case involving the procurement of crude oil and refinery products by Pertamina subsidiary Petral from 2008 to 2015. Chalid, identified as the beneficial owner of several companies, has been added to the wanted list (DPO), while six other suspects have been detained, with five held in custody for 20 days and one under city detention. The suspects face charges under Article 603 of the National Criminal Code and Indonesia's anti-corruption law, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat high-level graft in the energy sector.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that the Rp11.4 trillion handed over by the Forest Area Regulation Task Force (Satgas PKH) to the government can help cover the state budget deficit and bolster the fiscal position, acting as a windfall profit. The funds, derived from administrative fines in forestry, anti-corruption recoveries, tax collections, and environmental penalties, could also support development programmes that faced cuts, including those for the Attorney General's Office, schools, and the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). Purbaya highlighted further potential revenues from ongoing law enforcement efforts, such as tackling underinvoicing, ensuring the budget remains secure.

Indonesia's Home Affairs Minister, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, visited flood-affected areas in Sitaro Regency, North Sulawesi, accompanied by the Housing Minister and BPS head, to oversee the rehabilitation of damaged homes as per President Prabowo Subianto's instructions. The initiative focuses on rebuilding basic infrastructure in this border region with the Philippines, aiming to reduce poverty and enhance national security and welfare. This effort underscores the government's commitment to strengthening peripheral areas, boosting nationalism, and ensuring equitable state presence in remote communities.

The implementation of a work-from-home policy for Indonesian civil servants (ASN) has led to a 27 percent decrease in Commuter Line (KRL) passengers in the Jabodetabek area on its first day, with total ridership reaching 335,268 by 11:00 AM compared to 460,184 the previous Friday. Major stations such as Bogor, Bekasi, Sudimara, Juanda, Gondangdia, and Palmerah recorded significant drops, ranging from 24 to 35 percent, easing morning rush hour congestion near government offices. PT KAI Commuter continues to operate 1,065 daily trips while monitoring passenger movements to maintain service standards amid reduced mobility.

Indonesia's Interior Minister, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, visited Tomohon in North Sulawesi to inspect the implementation of the flagship 3 Million Houses programme for low-income households, a key initiative of President Prabowo Subianto. Accompanied by the Housing Minister and the Head of Statistics Indonesia, he engaged with residents and developers at a subsidised housing project owned by national badminton athlete Greysia Polii, emphasising the government's priority on affordable housing and new regulations to waive permits and taxes for such developments. The visit highlighted efforts to streamline local government processes, boost regional economies through multiplier effects, and ensure targeted delivery of self-help housing stimulus aid.

The ongoing conflict in Iran has disrupted production of nearly half the world's urea fertiliser and a fifth of its liquefied natural gas from the Gulf region, leading to halted operations in factories from Qatar to Bangladesh and uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz. This shortage, combined with fuel issues, threatens to drive up global food prices, disproportionately affecting the poorest nations, while governments and farmers grapple with limited adaptation options like subsidies, export restrictions, and crop switching. Experts highlight the potential for more efficient fertiliser use and alternative production methods, but stress the urgent need for supply stabilisation to mitigate the crisis.

Indonesia's reliance on milk imports has surged from 40% to over 80% in recent decades, highlighting the urgent need to bolster the domestic dairy ecosystem from upstream production to downstream distribution. The National Food Agency (Bapanas) and the Ministry of Agriculture are pushing for integrated strategies to achieve milk self-sufficiency, supporting national priorities like the Free Nutritious Meals programme amid stagnant local production and rising demand. This effort aims to enhance farmer welfare, nutritional security, and reduce import dependency, with Java remaining the primary hub for the country's 499,360 dairy cattle producing 820,874 tonnes of fresh milk in 2025.

President Prabowo Subianto has directed Attorney General ST Burhanuddin to enforce the law against uncooperative businessmen who disregard Indonesian regulations, threatening criminal prosecution for those who continue to harm the state. He cited an example of a businessman operating a mine without a permit for eight years after it was revoked, condemning such actions as disrespectful to the nation. This directive accompanies the Attorney General's Office's recent recoveries of state funds totalling over Rp 49 trillion in the past 1.5 years, underscoring Prabowo's commitment to safeguarding public resources and combating corruption.

President Prabowo Subianto saluted the Task Force for Forest Area Regulation (Satgas PKH) for their dedication in safeguarding state finances during a ceremony at the Attorney General's Office. He emphasised the government's unwavering commitment to combating corruption and protecting national assets despite opposition, assuring that the people stand united with the administration in these efforts. Prabowo declared readiness to persevere and even sacrifice on the righteous path of defending the populace, highlighting the noble nature of such struggles.

President Prabowo Subianto has underscored the critical role of law in protecting the nation's wealth as a prerequisite for public welfare, while also serving as a key tool for reclaiming forest areas and salvaging state finances. Speaking at the handover ceremony of administrative fines and state financial recovery efforts at the Attorney General's Office, he committed to impartial enforcement against corruption, smuggling, illegal mining, and abuse of authority, instructing law enforcement and relevant agencies to enhance coordination. The Forest Area Regulation Task Force has achieved significant results, recovering Rp11.4 trillion in early 2026 and a total of Rp371.1 trillion since February 2025, highlighting a robust push to combat economic crimes and bolster national assets.

Residents in Jakarta are turning to paid 'jockeys' to secure queue barcodes and collect subsidised food assistance packages due to the challenging online registration process on the Pasar Jaya website, which often sells out within minutes. For a fee of around Rp 40,000, these services allow beneficiaries to avoid long queues and have essentials like rice, meat, fish, eggs, and milk delivered, highlighting accessibility issues in government welfare distribution. This practice underscores the demand for affordable staples among low-income groups, particularly KJP holders, who benefit from packages priced at Rp 126,000.

The Gunungkidul Regency government in Yogyakarta Special Region has transferred and provided intensive internal training to tourism retribution collection officers at Baron Beach following tourist complaints about discrepancies between payments and tickets. The action, which found no intentional misconduct but procedural lapses, aims to enforce discipline, enhance service quality, and maintain transparency in local revenue management. Officials have apologised to visitors and urged them to verify receipts, viewing the incident as an opportunity to improve overall tourism services.

Serang Regent Ratu Rachmatuzakiyah has expressed full support for the central government's push to restrict children's access to Meta's social media platforms, including Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, for those under 16 years old. This stance aligns with Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection, known as PP Tunas, aimed at creating a safer digital environment for the youth. The regent highlighted the urgency of such measures due to the challenges in filtering harmful content and emphasised the state's role in protecting children's rights, with local implementation pending official directives from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has clarified that the government's placement of approximately Rp 300 trillion in banks is not specifically directed towards financing priority programmes, but rather serves as a market-driven strategy to encourage credit distribution across the economy. This approach relies on the "invisible hand" to guide banks towards productive sectors without direct government intervention, optimising the banking sector's intermediation function. Amid global pressures such as rising oil prices, this placement forms part of a broader fiscal buffer of Rp 420 trillion, with the remainder held at Bank Indonesia to ensure layered economic defences and stable money supply.

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has indicated that the continuation of incentives for electric vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, remains under discussion with the Ministry of Industry and industry stakeholders like Gaikindo. The proposed stimulus scheme is more detailed than previous pandemic-era measures, focusing on segments, technology, and local content requirements to boost EV adoption, particularly among first-time buyers. This development underscores the government's efforts to advance sustainable transportation amid evolving economic priorities.

Wuling dealers in Indonesia have begun accepting pre-orders for the new electric vehicle Eksion, despite the official launch not yet taking place, reflecting strong public enthusiasm following its showcase at the Indonesia International Motor Show. This early booking practice allows eager customers to secure priority delivery, with a booking fee, though Wuling emphasises coordination with official dealers for accurate details. The move is expected to bolster Wuling's dominance in the national EV market by offering a competitive new option amid rising demand for eco-friendly vehicles.

Indonesia Berdaya, under Dompet Dhuafa, has provided economic recovery assistance to 31 fishermen in Aceh Tamiang, following a devastating disaster that disrupted their livelihoods. The aid, funded by zakat donations, includes boats, fishing gear, and working capital to help restore their ability to fish and support their families. Local government officials praised the initiative for aiding post-disaster recovery and revitalising the community's economic prospects.

A pro-Iran hacking group, Handala Hack Team, has claimed to have accessed over 19,000 sensitive files from the personal phone of former Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, including secret images and videos from high-level meetings. The breach, described as a multi-year operation, exposes confidential military facilities, crisis rooms, maps, and command centre details, marking one of the most serious cyber incidents involving a senior Israeli security figure. The group has publicly released photos and videos showing Halevi's military visits, briefings, and personal life, highlighting the escalating cyber warfare between Iran and Israel amid broader regional tensions.

PT Bridgestone Tire Indonesia has been awarded the Gold rating in the PROPER programme by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry for its exemplary environmental management and community contributions at its Karawang manufacturing facility. The award coincides with the company's 50th anniversary in Indonesia, highlighting innovations like the Centralized Maintenance Energy Monitoring System that reduced energy consumption by 21% and greenhouse gas emissions by 475.92 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. Bridgestone's RISE programme further supports biodiversity conservation in West Java, underscoring the PROPER initiative's role in driving corporate sustainability beyond mere compliance.

Jakarta Metro Police have arrested three men for extorting a street vendor in Central Jakarta, emphasising their commitment to eradicating thuggery and intimidation against small traders and the public. The incident, which went viral, involved the suspects smashing the vendor's bowls and demanding Rp300,000 as a 'security fee' while threatening violence. Authorities seized sharp weapons as evidence and are continuing investigations to curb such criminal activities targeting vulnerable businesses.

Deputy Interior Minister Ribka Haluk has called for accelerated development of the central government area in Papua Pegunungan Province through enhanced coordination across ministries and local governments, emphasising adherence to technical guidelines from the Ministry of Public Works on timelines, master plans, and potential changes. She highlighted the need for agreement on locations for key buildings like the offices of the Majelis Rakyat Papua (MRP) and Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Papua (DPRP) to ensure timely progress aligned with planning and budgeting mechanisms. Meanwhile, Deputy Public Works Minister Diana Kusumastuti noted that the architectural design concept has been finalised, urging further inter-ministerial coordination involving the Interior Ministry and Finance Ministry to synchronise infrastructure planning and funding.

HNW, a PKS member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has praised President Prabowo's commitment to absorb the surge in Hajj flight costs due to rising aviation fuel prices from ongoing geopolitical tensions, ensuring no additional burden on prospective pilgrims departing from 22 April. During a parliamentary working meeting, the Commission VIII rejected passing these costs to pilgrims, citing force majeure clauses, and proposed government funding through APBN efficiency to cover the Rp 1.77 trillion shortfall. HNW also urged extending this policy to domestic flights for pilgrims from remote regions like Papua and Maluku to prevent social unrest and ensure smooth departures for those who have saved for decades.

President Prabowo Subianto is reportedly set to visit Russia soon to meet President Vladimir Putin, with discussions potentially focusing on energy sector cooperation, including the continuation of Rosneft's investment in the Grass Root Refinery project in Tuban alongside Pertamina. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia indicated that the meeting could follow up on this business-to-business collaboration, while emphasising Indonesia's openness to energy supplies from various countries. This visit underscores Indonesia's efforts to strengthen international energy partnerships amid global supply dynamics.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto visited Bekasi City to inspect the implementation of the work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants, conducting video calls to verify their productivity and reviewing public service facilities. The visit, following directives from Minister Tito Karnavian, revealed effective WFH practices with reporting via e-Kinerja forms and additional efficiency measures like promoting public transport and bicycles, saving the city approximately Rp 120 million monthly on electricity by eliminating overtime. Bima emphasised that WFH not only addresses global geopolitical risks but also drives cultural transformation in government work practices.