President Prabowo Subianto has arrived in Moscow, Russia, marking Indonesia's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and strategic cooperation with the country. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, accompanied by key officials including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. This diplomatic engagement underscores Indonesia's proactive approach to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and views Russia as a vital ally in supporting global economic stability and growth.

Bank Indonesia forecasts a strengthening of the rupiah in the medium to long term, despite current pressures pushing it to Rp17,100 per US dollar. BI's Head of Monetary and Securities Assets Management, Erwin Gunawan, highlights three positive fundamental indicators: a current account deficit of 0.69% within tolerable limits, inflation at 3.48% aligning with the 2.5% ±1% target, and foreign exchange reserves of US$148.2 billion exceeding global standards for six months of import and debt obligations. While external risks like the Middle East conflict pose short-term challenges, these fundamentals suggest an upward trend for the rupiah, urging patience amid global volatility.

In the ongoing corruption trial of former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim regarding the procurement of Chromebook laptops, IT expert Mujiono Sadikin testified that reasonable prices range from Rp 3 million to Rp 4 million for basic models, deeming the Rp 6 million procurement price excessive. BPKP auditor Dedy supported this, estimating an average of Rp 3.67 million based on market analysis. This testimony highlights potential overpricing in the government tender, raising concerns about financial irregularities in public education spending.

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) participated in a collaborative programme in Manado, North Sulawesi, to enhance access to affordable housing and empower local economies through financing initiatives like Kredit Pemilikan Perumahan (KPP) and Fasilitas Likuiditas Pembiayaan Perumahan (FLPP). The event, attended by 600 participants including UMKM actors and low-income beneficiaries, underscores the strategic role of the housing sector in national development by improving living standards, creating jobs, and boosting regional economic growth. BNI's commitment, supported by digital tools like the wondr by BNI app, aims to foster inclusive financing and sustainable economic progress across Indonesia.

Former Minister of Education Nadiem Makarim has asserted that testimony from a BPKP auditor definitively proves the calculated state financial loss in the Chromebook procurement case was fabricated. He criticised the auditor for failing to compare prices against market rates and instead relying on arbitrary margin assumptions, which ignored evidence of budget savings as the devices were purchased below average market prices for equivalent specifications. The case involves allegations of Rp 2.1 trillion in state losses from procurements in 2020-2022, with Nadiem among four defendants.

In a Jakarta military court, the legal team for three defendants in the alleged kidnapping and murder of a 37-year-old bank branch manager, MIP, has argued that defendant 3, Serka FY, bears no involvement in the crime, claiming an error in persona and flaws in the indictment. They contend that the prosecutor's charges fail to meet legal standards of clarity, completeness, and specificity, lacking evidence linking defendant 3 to the offences and violating procedural requirements for suspect designation. The team urges the judges to dismiss the indictment as invalid and consider substantive justice to prevent miscarriages of justice.

During a meeting of DPR Commission XIII, Chairman Willy Aditya light-heartedly joked about a potential merger between Nasdem and Gerindra parties, sparked by their cadres sitting close together and delivering consecutive statements. The banter referenced the locations of Nasdem's headquarters in Gondangdia and President Prabowo Subianto's residence in Kertanegara, highlighting the playful camaraderie among lawmakers amid discussions on the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency's report. This moment underscores the informal dynamics within Indonesia's parliamentary proceedings, even on serious ideological topics.

An ANTARA survey conducted from 24-29 March 2026 revealed that 91.4 percent of KAI passengers were satisfied with services during the Lebaran return flow, highlighting the success of customer-centric transformations amid high demand. Key factors included security, comfort, travel efficiency, and digital ticketing, with over 90 percent of transactions online, while younger demographics like Gen Z dominated respondents. The findings underscore opportunities for improvements in app functionality, cleanliness, and value-added services such as free WiFi, signaling KAI's need for ongoing innovation in digitalisation and inclusivity.

PT Asuransi Asei Indonesia (ASEI) is accelerating its business transformation by enhancing portfolio quality, human resources, and corporate governance to boost competitiveness in the insurance industry. The company is targeting significant growth in trade insurance to mitigate geopolitical risks and expanding into the retail segment with new digital-friendly products like MyAsei packages, achieving over 300% premium growth in 2025 while maintaining strong financial health. This strategy positions ASEI to contribute to the national insurance sector's sustainability amid challenges like low literacy and digital adoption.

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has issued a regulation mandating the blending of vegetable-based fuels (BBN) with petroleum fuels (BBM) to achieve energy self-sufficiency and promote renewable energy use, effective from 3 March 2026. The policy sets phased targets up to 2030, including increasing biodiesel blends to B50 for subsidised and non-subsidised diesel nationwide, bioethanol to E10 in select regions starting with Java and expanding to Bali and Lampung, 10% diesel biohydrocarbon for non-subsidised diesel, and initial 1-5% bioavtur at major airports. This initiative aims to boost domestic biofuel production and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, supporting Indonesia's transition to sustainable energy.

The Military Auditor in Jakarta has applied multiple layered charges, including planned assault and severe injury, against four military personnel accused of throwing acid on Kontras activist Andrie Yunus in March 2026, facing up to eight years in prison. The victim's legal team rejects the charges as insufficient, arguing for attempted premeditated murder and terrorism elements, supported by President Prabowo Subianto's classification of the incident as terrorism. This case highlights concerns over attacks on activists and the adequacy of legal responses in protecting human rights defenders.

Professor Rahma Gafmi from Universitas Airlangga has recommended that the Indonesian government combine the use of Saldo Anggaran Lebih (SAL) with spending efficiency measures to ensure the sustainability of the 2026 state budget amid global energy price pressures. She highlights the classic dilemma between short-term stability via SAL, which can be deployed quickly without budget revisions to maintain purchasing power, and long-term fiscal sustainability through efficiency, which strengthens debt credibility but risks slowing economic growth below 5% if cuts are too deep. This approach addresses potential depletion of SAL reserves if conflicts like US-Iran persist, emphasising the need to avoid unproductive subsidy spending.

The Philippines has accused Chinese fishermen of using cyanide to poison waters around Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, a contested area in the South China Sea, endangering local fish populations, naval personnel, and coral reefs while potentially undermining the structural integrity of a grounded Philippine warship used to assert territorial claims. Filipino troops seized cyanide bottles from Chinese boats on multiple occasions in 2025 and observed further incidents, with tests confirming contamination, amid ongoing maritime disputes that include a violent clash in 2024. Manila raised the issue with Beijing without response and plans diplomatic action, alongside increased patrols to mitigate environmental damage, highlighting escalating tensions over the strategically vital waterway despite an international ruling against China's expansive claims.

Garbage hauling services under the Forum Swakelola Sampah Bali (SSB) are planning to sell their trucks following the ban on disposing organic waste at the Suwung landfill since 1 April, leading to operational confusion and potential job losses. The Denpasar City Government's temporary waste processing sites are reportedly overwhelmed, forcing haulers to seek alternative disposal methods while still serving communities. SSB Chairman I Wayan Suarta criticises the policy as rushed and inadequately prepared, warning that uncollected waste could harm Bali's tourism industry and affect all stakeholders.

The Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center has called on volunteers and the wider community to enhance preparedness for the potential impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, which could affect food security, forest fires, and environmental crises. Emphasising early warning systems and collaborative efforts between government and society, the organisation highlights the need to map risks and increase vigilance amid forecasts of a longer, drier dry season in 2026. The BMKG predicts a 50-80% chance of weak to moderate El Niño developing, exacerbating drought and fire risks in Indonesia.

Prof KH Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh, Chairman of the Majelis Alumni of IPNU, has urged Nahdlatul Ulama to continually uphold unity amid various dynamics, emphasising its foundational role as outlined in the organisation's Qanun Asasi by KH Hasyim Asy'ari. Speaking at a Halal Bihalal event in Jakarta, he stressed returning to core principles to prevent divisions over religious or political differences and to foster brotherhood through silaturahim. This call is particularly significant for upcoming NU congresses, aiming to resolve conflicts peacefully and strengthen communal bonds within Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation.

Economist Mohammad Faisal from CORE Indonesia states that Indonesia is better positioned than neighbours like the Philippines and Malaysia to handle the US-Iran conflict, due to lower dependence on Gulf oil imports at only 20% compared to 90% and 70% respectively, bolstered by imports from African nations and accelerated energy transition efforts. While energy resilience is strong, rising commodity prices, particularly for food and fertilisers, pose risks that can be mitigated by maintaining exchange rate stability without hiking interest rates. Indonesia's sufficient foreign reserves further aid in cushioning currency volatility, highlighting positive macroeconomic management.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Komjen Pol Tomsi Tohir, has sharply criticised regional heads for failing to control soaring food prices, particularly for shallots and chillies, despite Indonesia's resilience in maintaining stable fuel prices amid global oil surges. Highlighting dramatic price hikes in specific regions like up to 92.77% for shallots in Supiori Regency and 203.44% for red chillies in Aru Islands, Tomsi urged local governments to promote local cultivation through BUMDs or third parties to meet community needs without excuses. He apologised for his strong words but emphasised the need for accountability in addressing these persistent issues to avoid repeated national discussions on basic necessities.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has examined cigarette entrepreneur Rokhmawan as a witness in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within the Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance, specifically regarding cigarette excise management. This follows a previous failed summons on 31 March 2026 and stems from a hand-catch operation on 4 February 2026 that led to the arrest of several officials, including the Head of the West Sumatra Regional Customs Office, Rizal, and subsequent naming of six suspects for bribery and gratifications related to counterfeit imports. Further developments include the designation of additional suspects and the seizure of Rp5.19 billion in cash suspected to be from customs and excise activities, highlighting systemic corruption in tax administration.

The Head of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), Yudian Wahyudi, announced that a presidential letter concerning the BPIP Bill has been issued, prompting a request for follow-up discussions with the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). The Bill's problem inventory list (DIM) was coordinated by the Minister of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform and submitted to President Prabowo Subianto in early February 2026. Commission XIII of the DPR RI emphasised the importance of strengthening BPIP through comprehensive legislative discussions to clarify its position, duties, functions, and authority.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has launched the 2026 Private Higher Education Strengthening Programme (PPPTS), providing grants ranging from Rp 500 million to Rp 650 million to 403 private universities to enhance educational quality and industry relevance. Divided into two main schemes, the programme focuses on improving teaching facilities like IT equipment and advanced laboratories, with evaluations based on student satisfaction, graduation rates, and graduate employability. This initiative builds on previous years' efforts, aiming to boost access to higher education and better prepare graduates for the job market through inter-university partnerships and industry collaborations.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has installed high-frequency radar systems in West Sumatra to aid maritime navigation between Padang and the Mentawai Islands while also confirming the presence of tsunami waves along the coastal areas. These radars, positioned near Masjid Al Hakim in Padang and Taman Anas Malik in Pariaman, can detect waves up to 140 kilometres away, offering faster monitoring than previous tsunami gates and addressing the heightened megathrust tsunami risk in the region. Full operation is anticipated by May 2026 following frequency adjustments, enhancing early warning capabilities to mitigate potential disasters.

Habiburokhman, Chairman of House Commission III, stated that the Prabowo Subianto administration will follow up on constructive criticisms from observers, while dismissing destructive or politically motivated ones as potential threats to democracy. He defended Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya's remark on the "inflation of observers" and urged education to counter harmful propaganda aimed at seizing power. Emphasising Prabowo's commitment to democracy, Habiburokhman noted that no one has been punished for criticising the President, with public evaluation possible in the 2029 elections.

Ahmad Ali, Chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), revealed that former President Joko Widodo laughed during a conversation about former Vice President Jusuf Kalla's (JK) suggestion that Widodo should publicly display his educational diplomas to resolve ongoing controversies. Ali countered by challenging JK to show his own diploma and marriage certificate publicly, while emphasising that Widodo views his diplomas as private unless required by a court. This exchange highlights escalating political tensions and public divisions surrounding the diploma issue, which JK claims has prolonged and harmed Widodo's reputation.

In a striking display of Indonesia's balanced foreign policy, President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, 13 April 2026, while simultaneously, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin will engage with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. This concurrent diplomacy underscores the dynamic global landscape and the importance of maintaining strong ties with major powers amidst shifting international relations. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya highlighted the crucial nature of the presidential meeting, which follows a 12-hour flight via Garuda Indonesia.

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has urged authorities to ensure the protection and restitution rights of two children injured by a stray bullet allegedly from a TNI AL member in Gresik, East Java, emphasising the need to prevent repeated victimisation. KPAI is coordinating with the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection and local units to guarantee a child-centred legal process, while the victims continue to recover physically from surgery but require further mental health assessments. This incident, occurring near a military shooting range, highlights the importance of transparent and professional handling to deliver justice for the young victims.

The Merak Customs Office is intensifying efforts to eradicate the circulation of illegal tobacco products through Operation Gurita, targeting markets and integrated surveillance in various regions of Banten province from 6-10 April 2026. This operation, prompted by public reports, aims to protect consumers, safeguard state revenues, and foster a fair business environment by addressing the widespread harm caused by illegal cigarettes to both public health and compliant businesses. In addition to enforcement, educational outreach is provided to traders and the community to promote legal compliance and encourage collective support for a clean market climate.

Following a failed peace negotiation in Pakistan after a temporary ceasefire, the United States has threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iran's earlier restrictions on shipping amid ongoing conflict involving US and Israeli airstrikes. President Trump announced that the US Navy would block all vessels entering or exiting the strait, warning of severe retaliation against any Iranian aggression, while also planning to blockade all Iranian ports starting Monday. This escalation risks further disrupting global oil supplies, which already saw prices rise due to Iran's blockade, heightening tensions in the strategically vital waterway.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) closed slightly higher by 0.46% at 7,492.731 in the first trading session on Monday, despite the failure of US-Iran negotiations to yield an agreement. Market analyst Ahmad Faris Mu’tashim from PT Korea Investment and Sekuritas Indonesia projects a consolidation phase for the index this week, with potential early weakness, recommending focus on commodity-based sectors like coal and oil and gas, including stocks such as AADI and MEDC. This resilience reflects reduced intensity in global sentiment escalations, allowing investors to capitalise on dips for strategic buys.

US President Donald Trump's announcement of a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz amid failed peace talks with Iran has drawn criticism from analysts, who describe it as a counterproductive move lacking strategy and potentially damaging America's global credibility. Experts warn that the blockade could increase risks to US forces, fail to coerce Iran into submission, and exacerbate domestic concerns over the ongoing conflict, with polls showing widespread American anxiety and calls for reopening the strait to stabilise oil prices. Democratic senators have questioned the logic behind the blockade, highlighting Trump's earlier withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal as a complicating factor in negotiations.

The global smartphone market experienced a 6% year-on-year decline in the first quarter of 2026, primarily driven by a memory crisis that began in late 2025, leading to RAM shortages and weakened demand. Analysts from Counterpoint Research note that memory vendors are prioritising AI data centres over consumer electronics, forcing smartphone manufacturers to adjust prices, delay launches, and shift to refurbished devices, with entry-level and mid-range segments hit hardest while premium brands like Apple maintain resilience. Apple's market share reached 21% during this period, bolstered by strong demand for the iPhone 17 series, highlighting the crisis's disproportionate impact on volume-driven Chinese brands in price-sensitive regions.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence's National Reserve Agency has launched training for 2,019 civil servants (ASN) under the Komcad programme, focusing on basic operational knowledge of weapons and limited shooting exercises. The curriculum, infused with military elements, begins with physical, psychological, and ideological assessments at six military education institutions from 13 April, with full training starting on 22 April and lasting about one and a half months. This first wave is part of a plan to train 4,000 ASN in two batches this year, enhancing national defence readiness through civilian involvement.

Klungkung Regent I Made Satria has pledged to limit the construction of modern retail outlets to safeguard local micro-enterprises from unfair competition. Through existing regional regulations, the district will enforce zoning restrictions, prohibiting such developments near traditional markets to ensure coexistence between large retailers and small traders. This initiative includes closing non-compliant outlets, such as one in Nusa Penida, and encourages public reporting of violations to support small-scale vendors.

Hezbollah has firmly rejected direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, stating that it anticipates no positive outcomes from such discussions and credits Iran's hardline stance for the recent ceasefire in Lebanon. According to Hezbollah's Deputy Head of the Political Council, Mahmoud Komati, the ceasefire was imposed on the US and Israel due to Iran's influence, contrary to efforts by Washington and Tel Aviv to portray themselves as initiators. The talks are scheduled for Tuesday, with the US assuring Lebanon that Israel will not bomb Beirut beforehand.

The Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) has recorded 11.1 million submissions of the 2025 Annual Income Tax Return (SPT Tahunan PPh) as of 12 April 2026, with the deadline for individual taxpayers extended to 30 April 2026 and administrative sanctions waived for late filings during this period. This progress includes reports from various categories of taxpayers, including employees, non-employees, and corporate entities, alongside significant activations of the Coretax system reaching nearly 18 million accounts. The Ministry of Finance is enhancing the Coretax platform to curb fraudulent reporting services promoted on social media, underscoring efforts to improve tax compliance and digital infrastructure in Indonesia.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, handled 13.492 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 5.5% increase from the previous year, driven by heightened demand during Christmas, New Year, and Eid travel periods. Aircraft movements also rose by 6.8% to 92,710 flights, with domestic routes like Jakarta-Denpasar and international ones such as Jakarta-Singapore dominating traffic. The airport's management attributes this growth to optimised operations and stakeholder collaboration, with plans to focus on Hajj pilgrim services and school holiday periods in Q2.

The surge in global oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, threatens Indonesia's 2026 state budget (APBN) by increasing energy subsidy burdens and fiscal pressures. Experts warn that prolonged high prices could add up to Rp500 trillion in additional spending, pushing the deficit beyond targets, while a weakening rupiah exacerbates the issue. The government has prepared a Rp420 trillion fiscal buffer, but structural vulnerabilities may necessitate budget reallocations or deficit expansions to maintain economic stability.

Geopolitical tensions from the US-Israel conflict with Iran, combined with widespread layoffs, are prompting Indonesian consumers to curb non-essential spending and prioritise basic needs amid global instability. Analysts note a slowdown in demand for discretionary products since mid-March, with shoppers shifting to more affordable options and simpler routines to manage finances. Rising oil prices are exacerbating inflation, increasing production costs and household burdens, particularly for the middle class.

The PKS faction in the DKI Jakarta Provincial DPRD has urged the regional water utility to implement automatic compensation for customers during service disruptions, as highlighted during discussions on a draft regional regulation for drinking water provision. They criticised the uneven access, suboptimal service quality, and high leakage rates, with coverage at only 65.85% and non-revenue water losses at 46.67%, warning that without improvements, the 2030 goal of 100% coverage will remain unattainable. Additionally, the faction called for locking subsidy distribution to the Integrated Social Welfare Data system, eliminating oligarchic monopolies, and introducing social tariffs, including full subsidies for places of worship, orphanages, and public schools.

The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has warned of the severe health risks posed by the predicted Godzilla El Niño this year, which could lead to prolonged hot and dry conditions exacerbating vulnerabilities in children. Children's immature thermoregulation systems make them prone to dehydration, heat cramps, fatigue, respiratory issues, and potentially life-threatening heatstroke, alongside skin irritations and nosebleeds from dry air. This highlights the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to protect young populations amid climate-related challenges.

Drawing parallels from historical empires such as the Ottoman, Spanish, Habsburg, and British, experts warn that the United States faces a potential gradual decline due to structural weaknesses like maladaptive institutions, fragile economic bases, and excessive military expansion. Citing works like 'Why Nations Fail' by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, the discussion highlights how extractive political and economic institutions hinder innovation and adaptation, as seen in the Ottoman Empire's fall. Paul Kennedy's 'The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers' further emphasises the risks of 'imperial overstretch', where military commitments outpace economic capacity, a scenario that could be exacerbated by external conflicts such as those with Iran.

Indonesia's Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has proposed extending Aceh's special autonomy funds, citing the region's ongoing economic challenges and the extensive needs for post-disaster recovery. He suggested restoring the allocation to 2% of the national budget if fiscal capacity allows, drawing parallels to Papua's scheme, amid damages including over 4,000 educational facilities, nearly 36,000 homes, and numerous infrastructure projects like bridges and roads. This extension is seen as rational given recent events such as landslides and floods in Aceh Tengah and Pidie Jaya, underscoring the urgency for sustained central government support.

The Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH) has mandated that the logistics sector fully implement halal certification by 2026, extending the concept of halal beyond food and beverages to encompass the entire supply chain, including storage, packaging, and distribution. BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan emphasised that this measure serves as a strategic barrier to protect domestic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from non-compliant foreign products, with no further delays allowed for the sector. Strict separation of halal and non-halal products, such as meats, is required to maintain product integrity, aligning with national policy deadlines.

In a Jakarta military court, the legal team for three military defendants accused of kidnapping and murdering a bank branch manager has filed an exception demanding the annulment of the indictment due to its formal and material flaws, particularly the lack of clear and complete factual details linking the accused to the crimes. They argue that the charges fail to meet legal standards, such as specifying roles and providing sufficient evidence, especially for the third defendant, and cite constitutional rulings and military justice laws to support their plea for dismissal or state-funded costs. Invoking the principle that it is better to free a thousand guilty than punish one innocent, the team urges the judges to uphold justice, though they defer to the court's final ruling.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is collaborating with stakeholders to develop low-risk investment products with guaranteed returns in the capital market, aimed at helping insurance companies and pension funds (dapen) manage risks more effectively. This initiative seeks to boost their investments in capital market instruments, including new regulations on gold-based ETFs as alternative options. Additionally, 2026 marks a critical year for the insurance and pension sector with OJK's mandates on minimum equity requirements, sharia business unit spin-offs, and improvements in capital, risk management, governance, and international accounting practices.

The legal representative of Bun Djokosudarmo has issued a rebuttal to media reports alleging involvement in a Rp 24.7 billion land mafia case in Jimbaran, Bali, claiming the transaction was transparent and agreed upon by both parties via a notarised deed in July 2024. The dispute arose after the buyer halted instalment payments and reported the seller for fraud, despite initial awareness of certificate annotations that were later cleared. The case is ongoing in both criminal proceedings at Bali Police and civil courts, with the representative urging investigators to act objectively based on facts.

The Saudi Arabian government has introduced entry restrictions to the holy city of Mecca effective from 13 April 2026, allowing access only to those with official permits such as residence visas issued in Mecca, official Hajj visas, or work permits in sacred sites. This measure aims to ensure the safety, order, and capacity compliance for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage in 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE, under the principle of "No Hajj Without Permission." Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Ministry spokesperson Ichsan Marsha urged Indonesian pilgrims to avoid illegal Hajj routes and use only official Hajj visas, warning against other visa types like Umrah or tourist visas.

In a stunning upset, Hungary's opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, has won a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections, ending Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule and securing an absolute majority in parliament. This shift is poised to reshape Hungary's strained relations with the European Union, potentially restoring frozen funds and aligning more closely with Western allies amid Orbán's pro-Russia stance during the Ukraine conflict. The result, celebrated across Europe and seen as a blow to global right-wing populism, reflects high voter turnout driven by youth disillusionment with corruption and authoritarianism.

Hardiyanto Kenneth, a member of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, has condemned the illegal extortion practices targeting bajaj drivers in the Tanah Abang area, describing them as detrimental to small-scale operators and a stain on government urban improvement efforts. He advocates for the implementation of a cashless official parking system across strategic zones in Jakarta to enhance transparency and curb such illicit activities, while urging collaboration between provincial authorities, police, and Satpol PP for rigorous enforcement and routine patrols. This initiative aims to ensure public safety, fairness, and protection for vulnerable residents, addressing premanisme as a criminal offence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia's future hinges on mastering artificial intelligence, viewing it not just as a technological advancement but as essential to national sovereignty amid global competition. He has instructed the government to develop a comprehensive national plan for AI adoption across sectors like the economy and defence, emphasising the need for indigenous technology to avoid reliance on foreign systems, particularly in the face of geopolitical pressures and sanctions. Putin's statements underscore Russia's strategic push towards technological self-sufficiency as a cornerstone of national defence and operational resilience.