The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has clarified that the country's airspace remains fully under national control, dismissing circulating claims from a draft agreement with the United States suggesting unrestricted US access. Officials emphasised that any defence cooperation must prioritise national interests and comply with domestic and international law, with the draft document still under internal review and lacking legal binding force. This statement aims to reassure the public amid misinformation, underscoring Indonesia's commitment to sovereign partnerships based on mutual respect and benefit.

NasDem deputy chairman Saan Mustopa has dismissed rumours of a potential merger with Gerindra as ordinary political speculation, noting that while the idea is worth considering, it would require careful deliberation on ideological differences, party identities, and existences. He referenced historical party fusions in 1973 that reduced the number of parties to three and addressed recent reports of a meeting between NasDem leader Surya Paloh and President Prabowo Subianto, suggesting it likely focused on coalition support rather than merger discussions. Saan reaffirmed NasDem's commitment to backing Prabowo's government priorities as part of the ruling coalition.

Three integrated waste processing facilities (TPSTs) in Denpasar—Kertalangu, Padangsambian, and Tahura—are overwhelmed with organic waste, leading to rejections of deliveries and causing despair among waste transporters. According to I Wayan Suarta, Chairman of the Bali Self-Managed Waste Forum (SSB), the facilities are at full capacity, with processed organic material unable to be removed, exacerbating queues at TPS3R sites and hindering effective waste management. This situation risks becoming a major public issue, with potential for piled-up waste and illegal burning in communities if not addressed promptly.

Saan Mustopa, Deputy Chairman of the Nasdem Party, has stated that there have been no in-depth discussions within the party regarding a potential merger with Gerindra, emphasising the current focus on internal consolidation from national to local levels. He acknowledged that merger rumours are commonplace in political dynamics but stressed the complexities involved, including ideological differences, party identities, and the foundational ideals of each organisation. This comes after a light-hearted remark by DPR MP Willy Aditya about the two parties potentially joining forces.

Indonesia's Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani has announced plans to overhaul the Online Single Submission (OSS) business licensing system by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies, aiming for a launch in 2026. This upgrade, supported by additional funding from the Finance Ministry, will connect the system automatically with 18 ministries as required by Government Regulation No. 28 of 2025, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and cross-ministerial digital integration. The initiative is expected to accelerate investment processes, provide greater certainty for businesses, and reduce negative practices associated with manual permitting.

Indonesian police have arrested Tatang Sutardin, alias Ki Bedil, a notorious illegal firearms and explosives dealer who operated for nearly 20 years, after capturing him in Bandung, West Java. Ki Bedil, who previously worked in an air gun factory, produced highly accurate homemade weapons sold for Rp15-20 million each, catering to criminals and illegal hunters via intermediaries and social media. This arrest highlights ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms trafficking in Indonesia, which poses significant risks to public safety and law enforcement.

US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Pope Leo XIV for condemning American actions in Iran, stating that he does not need a pope who opposes his policies. The Pope had previously described US threats against the Iranian people as unacceptable and argued that desires for domination contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ. Trump's remarks also urged the Pope to stop aligning with radical left groups and to focus on being a great spiritual leader rather than a politician.

In the ongoing trial for the murder of Mohammad Ilham Pradipta, branch head of a state-owned bank, the legal counsel for three military defendants argues that the third defendant, Serka Frengky Yaru, should not have been charged due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crime. The lawyer contends that the prosecution's decision lacks at least two valid pieces of evidence and suggests splitting the case files given the varying roles of the accused. This case highlights procedural concerns in military prosecutions involving premeditated murder charges under Indonesia's Criminal Code.

The escalating conflict in the Middle East involving Iran is disrupting global food supplies, particularly threatening rice production in Southeast Asia due to shortages and price surges in fuel and fertilisers via the Strait of Hormuz. Smallholder farmers across the region face soaring production costs, leading some to reduce planting or abandon harvests, which could exacerbate food insecurity for billions reliant on rice as a staple. Experts warn that prolonged disruptions could significantly impact food availability in the second half of the year, underscoring the vulnerability of Asia's agricultural sector to geopolitical tensions.

Indonesia's Energy Minister is accompanying President Prabowo on a working visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin, focusing on securing long-term national energy supplies, particularly oil, amid global geopolitical shifts. The discussions aim to expand concrete cooperation in the energy sector, highlighting its strategic role in supporting Indonesia's interests and sustainable security. Beyond energy, the leaders will exchange views on global geopolitical developments, with Indonesia reaffirming its commitment to international stability and peace.

Two Indonesian delegates from the Global Peace Convoy Indonesia (GPCI), Maimon Herawati and Chiki Fawzi, have joined the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2026, sailing from Barcelona, Spain, to escort three Indonesian-donated ships aimed at breaking the Gaza blockade in a humanitarian mission. The flotilla involves 30 official vessels and around a thousand participants from various countries navigating the Mediterranean Sea, while three other GPCI members are undertaking a land convoy through Libya. Indonesia's contribution of the ships, named after historical figures, underscores its active role in international solidarity efforts for Palestine.

The ongoing Iran-US war has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, stranding two Pertamina oil tankers and causing delays in international shipments, which heightens risks for trade and marine insurance providers. Premiums for war insurance could rise up to threefold amid escalating geopolitical tensions, though insurers prefer selective risk management over immediate price hikes. Indonesian state-owned entities like Asuransi Asei and Tugu Insurance, the latter protecting Pertamina's oil and gas tankers, are bracing for potential claims while the government engages in intensive talks with Iran to secure the ships' release.

The Chairman of IM57+ Institute, Lakso Anindito, has outlined potential motives behind Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo's bold corruption scheme involving the extortion of his subordinates. These include personal gain to bolster his wealth and political power through bribery and procurement conflicts, as well as the need for off-budget funds to maintain relations with local politicians, law enforcers, and auditors. Gatut was recently caught in a KPK sting operation using threats of undated resignation letters to control department heads.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that several countries, including Gulf states and potentially NATO members, will assist the United States in imposing a naval blockade on Iran to prevent its oil exports following failed negotiations in Islamabad. He dismissed Iran's threats of mine-laying as blackmail and stated that advanced mine-sweeping ships, including from the UK and others, would be deployed to clear the Strait of Hormuz. However, the UK has been the first to refute Trump's assertions, highlighting potential rifts in international support for the blockade amid escalating Middle East tensions.

For the first time, an AI agent has successfully hacked the highly secure FreeBSD operating system without any human intervention, completing a complex remote kernel exploit in just 4 to 8 hours. This breakthrough, reported by cybersecurity expert Amir Husain in Forbes, demonstrates AI's ability to independently design attack chains, build testing environments, and debug failures, marking a pivotal shift where AI evolves from a supportive tool to an autonomous offensive actor in cyber operations. The development signals a dramatic reduction in the barriers to sophisticated cyberattacks, prompting technology firms and national security agencies to reassess their defensive strategies amid emerging threats from self-adapting AI systems.

The rumour of rising fuel prices due to Middle East conflicts has sparked some interest in the used electric vehicle market in Indonesia, though the impact remains limited as the government has not yet increased fuel costs. Dealers report a temporary uptick in inquiries for affordable models like the Wuling Air EV, but overall prices remain stable with consumers adopting a wait-and-see approach. This situation highlights the growing appeal of electric vehicles amid potential energy policy shifts, potentially influencing future market dynamics in sustainable transport.

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence has refuted claims in an Indian media report alleging a secret document allowing unrestricted US military access to Indonesian airspace, clarifying that the document is merely an initial draft under internal discussion and lacks legal binding. The ministry emphasised that any defence cooperation must prioritise national interests, full sovereignty, and compliance with national and international laws, ensuring Indonesia retains complete authority to approve or deny activities in its airspace. This response underscores Indonesia's commitment to balanced international partnerships without compromising its sovereignty.

Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, is accompanying President Prabowo Subianto on a working visit to Moscow to bolster bilateral energy cooperation with Russia, focusing on ensuring long-term national energy security amid global uncertainties. The agenda includes discussions on stabilising oil supplies and other energy partnerships, highlighting Indonesia's strategic efforts to navigate geopolitical dynamics. This visit underscores the importance of international alliances in maintaining a sustainable energy landscape for the nation.

Batam Customs officials intercepted a smuggling attempt involving 337 mobile phones hidden in a secret compartment of a pick-up truck at Telaga Punggur RoRo Port, preventing goods valued at Rp3.76 billion from evading duties and causing a potential state loss of Rp414 million. The operation highlights systematic efforts to bypass customs controls in cross-border trade routes, with the suspect facing charges under Indonesia's Customs Law and free trade zone regulations. Authorities are ramping up surveillance to ensure fair trade practices and encourage public reporting of illegal activities.

NasDem deputy chairman Saan Mustopa stated that the party has not deeply discussed the proposed merger with Gerindra, focusing instead on internal consolidation amid various considerations. The idea, proposed by President Prabowo Subianto to NasDem leader Surya Paloh during a February 2026 meeting, could combine nearly 35 million votes from the 2024 elections but faces resistance due to ideological differences and concerns over maintaining NasDem's identity. Saan views party fusion as a reasonable concept historically, though more challenging today given differing party philosophies.

Indonesia's furniture and crafts industry faces a critical juncture with significant export opportunities overshadowed by challenges from cheap imports and complex domestic regulations. Industry leader Sobur highlights the vulnerability of SMEs due to burdensome compliance requirements, unsynchronised policies across ministries, and potential delays in tax refunds that could disrupt cash flow for exporters. Simplifying regulations and improving inter-ministerial coordination are essential to enhance competitiveness against rivals like China, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Minister of Villages and Underdeveloped Regions (Mendes PDT) Yandri Susanto visited Lenyek Village in North Luwuk, Banggai Regency, to express strong support for its thematic development centred on dragon fruit and tourism potential. He pledged assistance from the ministry for initiatives such as village-owned enterprises (BUM Desa), export villages, and tourism programmes, while addressing local grievances including infrastructure access, classroom shortages, and the absence of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in schools. This visit underscores the government's commitment to empowering rural areas by leveraging local potentials and coordinating with other ministries to resolve community issues.

Bank Indonesia reports that the Real Sales Index (IPR) for February 2026 increased by 6.5% year-on-year, surpassing January's 5.7% growth, driven primarily by sales in spare parts and accessories, food, beverages, and tobacco, as well as clothing amid Ramadan demand. Monthly growth reached 4.1%, reversing the previous month's contraction. Looking ahead, retail sales are expected to continue expanding in March, supported by festive season spending, while inflation pressures may rise slightly in the near term but stabilise later.

The Semarang City Government is marking the city's 479th anniversary on 14 April 2026 with a series of substantive public service programmes rather than mere ceremonies, focusing on health campaigns, nutritional resilience, and free services to directly benefit residents. Under the theme 'Semarang Moves, Semarang Grows Stronger', activities include fish-eating promotions in coastal communities, cooking competitions, health checks, and aid distribution, emphasising stunting prevention and inclusive development. This approach shifts the paradigm towards impactful initiatives that strengthen social and economic aspects for vulnerable groups.

Indonesian police have uncovered an illegal cosmetics production operation in Bogor, West Java, where products containing the dangerous substance mercury were being manufactured without BPOM approval. Three individuals were arrested, and authorities seized evidence including ready-to-ship packages, raw materials, and production tools, highlighting the risks of unregulated beauty products to public health. The operation generated around Rp 60 million monthly, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of health regulations under UU No. 17 Tahun 2023.

During a parliamentary meeting on the BPIP Bill, DPR Commission XIII Chairman Willy Aditya jokingly suggested a merger between NasDem and Gerindra parties, eliciting laughter from attendees, amid recent media reports of discussions between their leaders, President Prabowo Subianto and Surya Paloh. The light-hearted remark highlighted the seating arrangement of the parties' representatives and referenced locations associated with their headquarters and elite gatherings. This banter underscores ongoing speculation about potential political realignments in Indonesia's party landscape.

BPJS Kesehatan is leveraging artificial intelligence and digitalisation to improve data-based healthcare services for its 280 million participants. The organisation manages vast amounts of health data, generating 2 million records daily, and focuses on ensuring data security, preventing fraud, and maintaining high data quality standards across 27,000 integrated healthcare facilities. This initiative addresses key challenges in big data management to enhance Indonesia's overall healthcare system.

Mohammad Faisal, Director of CORE Indonesia, highlights that while Indonesia's rupiah exchange rate remains stable amid global volatility triggered by geopolitical tensions, fiscal management poses significant challenges, particularly with rising energy subsidies potentially exceeding Rp 100 trillion if oil prices hit US$84 per barrel. He praises the government's efforts in controlling inflation through stable domestic fuel prices and maintaining budget deficits below 3.5%, alongside the positive impacts of downstreaming policies driving trade surpluses in commodities like nickel and steel. These measures are crucial for sustaining economic resilience and boosting investor confidence.

The Indonesian rupiah has depreciated by 1.91% since the outbreak of the Middle East war in late February 2026, amid a broader flight of capital from emerging markets and a strengthening US dollar. However, this weakening is milder compared to currencies like the South Korean won (down 5.0%) and the Thai baht (4.0%), indicating that investors still view Indonesia's fundamentals as relatively stable. Factors supporting the rupiah's resilience include cooling domestic inflation, active intervention by Bank Indonesia in forex and bond markets, and sustained domestic demand bolstering economic growth.

Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has emphasised the need for similar yet distinct strategies in addressing narcotics abuse and terrorism, focusing on addiction control and ideological handling respectively, while advocating for value-building and economic empowerment initiatives. During a visit to the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), BNN's head highlighted emerging drug threats like contaminated e-cigarette liquids and praised rehabilitation programmes that prioritise skills training over mere punishment. Both agencies underscored the importance of inter-agency synergy to combat complex, cross-sectoral crimes, including global narcoterrorism links, to enhance national security and effective enforcement.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has clarified that reports of an agreement allowing unrestricted access for US military aircraft to Indonesian airspace remain in the preliminary discussion stage and are not final. Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait emphasised that any defence cooperation will prioritise national interests, sovereignty, and compliance with national and international laws, with full Indonesian authority retained over its airspace. The ministry urged the public to approach circulating information cautiously, reaffirming commitments to mutual respect and benefit in international partnerships without compromising national sovereignty.

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) has contributed a total of US$11.04 billion (approximately Rp 187 trillion) to the Indonesian state through dividends and non-tax state revenues (PNBP) from 2021 to 2025, underscoring its pivotal role in bolstering national revenues amid fluctuating global commodity prices. Economist Rizal Taufikurahman from INDEF highlights PTFI's strategic importance in generating significant economic value, particularly during commodity booms, while advocating for enhanced fiscal policies to ensure sustainable benefits through mining downstreaming and adaptive mechanisms. This substantial contribution exemplifies the mining sector's capacity to drive Indonesia's economic transformation under state management via MIND ID.

The Indonesian Nazhir Association (ANI) has launched the Indonesia Nazhir Academy (INA) at Masjid Istiqlal in Jakarta, aiming to accelerate the transformation of national waqf management by enhancing the capacity of nazhir human resources. INA serves as a systematic and sustainable learning and development centre to address challenges such as uneven management quality and unproductive waqf assets, targeting the creation of a new generation of professional and adaptive nazirs. This initiative, coupled with national nazhir gatherings and discussions on waqf amendments, underscores the need for synergy in human resource improvement, regulatory updates, and institutional governance to elevate waqf's role in national economic development.

Hundreds of academics from various universities and activists gathered at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Medicine to discuss pressing national issues through an interdisciplinary intellectual forum. The event, organised by the Forum Intelektual Antardisiplin (FIAD), focused on topics including economy, food, health, energy, natural resources, law, social and cultural matters, and higher education, aiming to generate new ideas and support for vulnerable groups such as the poor, marginalised communities, and women. Participants emphasised the role of universities in producing knowledge for public welfare, while critiquing the government's reluctance to incorporate scientific research and academic recommendations into policy-making, highlighting the need for evidence-based decisions to address societal challenges.

The Bekasi Regency Government in West Java is calling on the community to enhance child protection in the digital realm, highlighting the new Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, known as PP Tunas, which aims to safeguard children under 16 from online risks. This regulation involves collaboration among children, parents, educators, digital platforms, and the government to address the growing internet exposure from early ages, including infants. Local authorities are intensifying awareness campaigns through partnerships with education departments, law enforcement, and community groups to prevent issues like negative content spread and digital-initiated conflicts, emphasising collective responsibility beyond just governmental efforts.

A direct flight route between Jakarta and Wuhan has been launched, marking a significant enhancement in connectivity between Indonesia and central China, operated by Xiamen Airlines with four weekly flights using a Boeing 737-800 Max. This development is expected to streamline travel times, eliminate the need for transits previously required via cities like Guangzhou or Singapore, and foster stronger trade ties given Wuhan's role as a key industrial and logistics hub. Additionally, it promises to boost tourism exchanges, leveraging Wuhan's historical sites and Indonesia's appeal as a Southeast Asian gateway for Chinese visitors.

President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Moscow on Monday to undertake a working visit aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Russia. Welcomed by high-ranking Russian officials and the Indonesian ambassador, the trip underscores Indonesia's commitment to active diplomacy in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with key allies like Russia, particularly in supporting global economic stability and growth. Accompanied by key ministers including Foreign Minister Sugiono and Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, the visit highlights Indonesia's proactive and national interest-oriented approach on the international stage.

Indonesia's National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) raided an illegal home-based cosmetics factory in Bogor, West Java, arresting three suspects involved in producing and distributing hazardous products without BPOM permits. The operation, which generated around Rp 60 million monthly through online sales, involved mixing dangerous chemicals like mercury into creams and toners, posing significant health risks to consumers. The suspects face charges under the 2023 Health Law, highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts against unregulated beauty products in the country.

The Panin Group, a prominent Indonesian conglomerate founded by Mu’min Ali Gunawan, has built its empire primarily in financial services, including banking, insurance, and asset management. This article profiles seven key publicly listed stocks under the group—such as Panin Financial (PNLF), Bank Pan Indonesia (PNBN), and Clipan Finance (CFIN)—highlighting their histories, operations, and share prices as of 13 April 2026. Investors interested in the financial sector may find these stocks appealing, though the piece emphasises educational purposes and OJK-regulated platforms like InvestasiKu for safe trading.

Flooding has inundated the vital SOR GBLA Road in Gedebage District, Bandung City, for the past three days, severely disrupting traffic and causing vehicle breakdowns, particularly motorcycles. Local resident Jajang, a 35-year-old online motorcycle taxi driver from Cileunyi, Bandung Regency, reported his bike stalling in the deep water but restarting, highlighting the daily commute challenges faced by commuters. He urged the government to address the recurring flood issues in the area to prevent further disruptions to essential transport links.

South Africa has become the latest nation to draft comprehensive AI adoption regulations, aiming to lead African innovation while addressing ethical, social, and economic challenges, with public input due by June 2026. This global trend includes the EU's AI Act, regulations from China, the UK, and South Korea, focusing on risk mitigation, user protection, and ethical standards, amid concerns over foreign infrastructure dependency. Indonesia is finalising its AI Roadmap and ethics framework for presidential approval in 2026, emphasising balanced innovation and sector-specific protections in areas like health, education, and finance.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has initiated training for 2,109 civil servants as part of the Komcad reserve component programme to bolster the country's defence system amid complex threats. Lieutenant General Gabriel Lema emphasised the importance of synergy between ministries, which will serve as a pilot for regional levels to build superior human resources towards Indonesia Emas 2045. The 45-day training focuses on fostering corps spirit, discipline, and mental resilience, with limited military elements, without altering participants' bureaucratic roles.

Tourism operators in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, staged a long march protest against the Komodo National Park's daily visitor quota of 1,000 tourists, starting from the local DPRD office and culminating at the BTNK headquarters, where hundreds demanded its revocation due to severe impacts on local livelihoods. They criticised the BTNK for granting concessions to investors for tourism accommodations while restricting visitor numbers under the guise of conservation, especially given Indonesia's ambitious target of 17.6 million foreign tourists by 2026, contrasting with Komodo's annual cap of 300,000. BTNK head Hendrikus Rani Siga explained that the annual quota of 365,000 from April 2026 would be proportionally distributed between low and peak seasons based on prior data, allowing flexibility to exceed 1,000 daily during high season using unused low-season slots.

The Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections (Kumham Imipas) held a meeting in Jakarta to enhance coordination in managing Indonesia-Malaysia border crossing points (PLBN), focusing on improving cross-border services, security, and socio-economic activities. Discussions included plans to open the Sebatik-Tawau crossing to boost connectivity for border communities and reduce illegal crossings, alongside the government's intention to add eight new PLBNs that also promote economic growth in border areas. Officials from the National Border Management Agency (BNPP) emphasised the need for refining existing facilities and identifying development potentials in Kalimantan to strengthen overall border management.

The Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Organisers Association (AMPHURI) has welcomed the government's proposal for a 'war ticket' system to address long Hajj waiting lists but stresses the need for comprehensive review to ensure fairness and legal compliance. Secretary General Zaky Zakaria highlighted structural causes of the queues, such as limited global quotas and rising demand, and proposed alternatives like utilising spare quotas and dual systems. The association warns that any changes must align with existing laws and protect the Rp170 trillion in managed Hajj funds.

In Malaysia, motorcycles, including small-capacity ones, are permitted to use toll roads freely without engine size limits, contrasting sharply with Indonesia's general prohibition except on specific routes with dedicated lanes. This policy, governed by the Federal Roads (Private Management) Act 1984, includes dedicated motorcycle lanes on major routes like those in the Klang Valley to enhance safety, though riders often share main lanes with cars and trucks. The flexible approach in Malaysia highlights potential infrastructure improvements for Indonesia, promoting safer and more inclusive road usage.

The global semiconductor industry achieved a record high in 2025 with total chip sales reaching $791.7 billion, marking a 25.6% increase from the previous year, driven by surging demand in technologies like AI, IoT, and autonomous vehicles. Regional growth was strongest in Asia Pacific at 45%, while Japan saw a slight decline; projections indicate sales nearing $1 trillion in 2026. SIA's John Neuffer emphasised the need for supportive policies, particularly in the US, to bolster domestic competitiveness, economic growth, and national security.

President Prabowo Subianto has departed for Moscow, accompanied by key ministers, to hold a one-on-one meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss strategic issues such as energy security and global geopolitical developments. The visit, described as crucial for deepening bilateral cooperation to ensure stable national energy supplies, particularly oil, marks Prabowo's third trip to Russia since taking office and reaffirms Indonesia's commitment to global stability and peace. Previous engagements have explored cooperation in renewable energy and nuclear technology, with Putin expressing support for Indonesia's peaceful nuclear development.

Mahmoud Komati, Deputy Head of Hezbollah's Political Council, has warned that the Lebanese government's policies towards the group could lead to internal divisions and national chaos. He highlighted growing public criticism of the government's perceived subservience to the United States and Israel, which he claims undermines the resistance movement that defends Lebanon's sovereignty. Despite remaining part of the government to maintain minimal stability, Komati noted increasing decisions that harm Hezbollah's interests.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has highlighted World Parkinson's Day, observed on 11 April under the theme 'United for Progress, Hope for All', as a critical opportunity to enhance international solidarity, equitable access to treatment, and innovative research for the progressive neurological disorder. With over 10 million people worldwide affected and projections of more than 1.1 million cases in Indonesia by 2026, the ministry emphasises the growing burden of degenerative diseases amid an ageing population. Government initiatives, including guidelines from PERDOSNI and expanded BPJS coverage, alongside community support, are vital for improving care, awareness, and inclusivity for patients facing motor, cognitive, and emotional challenges.