PT Polytama Propindo has been awarded the PROPER Gold accolade by Indonesia's Ministry of Environment for its exemplary sustainable environmental management practices. The company implemented innovative initiatives such as the OPERATE PCR 2 programme, which reduced electricity consumption by 6,622.56 gigajoules in 2024, and the use of RDF as an alternative fuel to cut CO2e emissions by 68 tonnes, alongside water efficiency measures saving 2,635 cubic metres. This annual PROPER award, mandated by Law No. 70 of 2024, evaluates companies on compliance with pollution controls and beyond-compliance efforts like energy efficiency and biodiversity protection, underscoring Indonesia's push towards environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality.

El Niño and La Niña are opposing climate phenomena driven by changes in Pacific Ocean surface temperatures, with El Niño causing warmer waters and reduced rainfall in Indonesia, leading to prolonged dry seasons, droughts, and agricultural challenges, while La Niña results in cooler waters and increased rainfall, heightening risks of floods and landslides. These events significantly influence Indonesia's weather patterns, affecting sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and the economy, with variations in intensity occurring periodically. Understanding these differences is crucial for mitigating their impacts on food security and disaster preparedness in the archipelago.

The Earth's temperature has increased by 0.35 degrees Celsius over the past decade, nearly doubling the warming rate from the 1970s, leading to heightened risks of extreme weather events such as cyclones, flooding, and strong winds in Indonesia and globally. This warming also exacerbates sea level rise, threatening low-lying areas, and disrupts seasonal patterns, resulting in longer dry spells that endanger national food security by impacting rice farming. UGM expert Emilya attributes these changes to human activities like fossil fuel use, which boost greenhouse gases, and recommends rainwater harvesting techniques to mitigate prolonged droughts.

In the ongoing trial of former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim over the alleged Chromebook procurement scandal, BPKP auditor Dedy Nurmawan Susilo testified that no producers sell Chromebooks at a loss, with prices incorporating reasonable profits, production costs, and distribution margins to determine fair market value. The case accuses Nadiem and three associates of causing Rp 2.1 trillion in state losses by favouring Google's products, including directing procurement towards Chrome-based devices and granting Google monopoly-like control in Indonesia's education technology ecosystem. This testimony underscores the financial calculations used to quantify the alleged misuse of authority and its significant implications for public procurement integrity.

The ongoing US-Iran war, despite a two-week ceasefire, continues to unsettle global markets, with Bank Indonesia's Senior Deputy Governor Destry Damayanti highlighting three key channels of impact: financial, commodity prices, and trade and production. Indonesia faces reduced capital inflows and a stronger US dollar via financial channels, mixed effects from rising oil prices alongside boosts to export commodities like coal and CPO, and disruptions to global supply chains that could elevate logistics costs and hinder production. These shocks underscore the vulnerability of emerging economies like Indonesia to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, potentially pressuring the rupiah and domestic growth if the conflict escalates.

Negotiations for a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have collapsed after over 20 hours of talks in Islamabad, leaving both sides at an impasse and heightening fears of a second round of conflict. Residents across the Middle East, from Qatar and Tel Aviv to Tehran and Saudi Arabia, express growing anxiety and stress over the escalating tensions, exacerbated by US threats of a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and recent Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure. The failure of these talks not only dashes hopes for quick resolution but also threatens regional energy stability and broader global implications, as uncertainty permeates daily life and preparations for the worst-case scenario intensify.

South Kalimantan Provincial Police's Narcotics Directorate has successfully dismantled an inter-provincial smuggling operation linked to drug lord Fredy Pratama, seizing 43.8 kilograms of methamphetamine originating from Malaysia. The two couriers, from Jakarta and Lampung, were arrested at a hotel in Banjarmasin with the drugs concealed in large suitcases, following a tip-off and swift police investigation. This operation underscores ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect the nation's youth, earning praise from local legislators for preventing widespread societal harm.

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has defended the agency's allocation of approximately Rp113 billion for event organizer (EO) services, stating that it is a professional measure to ensure the success of the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG) during the agency's early development phase. As a newly established body, BGN lacks the internal resources to independently manage large-scale events, campaigns, and training, making external expertise from EOs essential for efficient operations, risk management, and public communication on national nutrition issues. Hindayana emphasised that this approach enhances transparency, accountability, and budget optimisation, with all expenditures compliant with regulations and open to oversight.

The construction of the legislative and judicial complex in Indonesia's new capital (IKN) will proceed as planned, exempt from the ongoing national budget efficiency policy, according to IKN Authority Head Basuki Hadimuljono. President Prabowo Subianto has directed the completion of this key area by 2027-2028, including main state buildings, supporting infrastructure, and roads. This prioritisation underscores the government's commitment to advancing IKN despite fiscal constraints, with initial land clearing underway for a 3.7 km road in the legislative zone and an 8 km network in the judicial zone, which encompasses the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, and related facilities.

The National Zakat Agency (Baznas) of Indonesia has successfully delivered 15,000 food aid packages from Indonesian donors to communities in need in Gaza, Palestine, following a complex international coordination process. Baznas Secretary-General Subhan Cholid expressed gratitude for the effective distribution, achieved through partnerships with organisations like Misr Alkhoir in Egypt, and emphasised the agency's commitment to responsible and targeted aid delivery. This initiative highlights Indonesia's ongoing humanitarian support for Palestinians, with calls for continued public donations via Baznas to provide sustainable relief.

Bank Syariah Nasional (BSN) has planted 1,150 mangrove seedlings along the Benoa Bay coastline in Bali to commemorate Earth Day, partnering with environmental startup LindungiHutan to promote conservation and community empowerment. This initiative underscores BSN's long-term commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on climate action, marine ecosystems, and terrestrial ecosystems, while highlighting mangroves' role in coastal protection, carbon absorption, and supporting local livelihoods. The effort signals BSN's ongoing dedication to corporate social responsibility, aiming to inspire broader participation in creating a healthier planet.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of its new compact electric vehicle, the Super One, in Japan, with sales set to begin at the end of May 2026 and pre-orders opening on 16 April 2026 through its dealer network. The model, registered in Indonesia under the NJKB code with an estimated value of Rp 257 million, has already undergone road testing in the country, and PT Honda Prospect Motor confirmed concrete plans for its introduction, though the official name remains undisclosed. This development signals Honda's expansion of its EV lineup into Asian markets, including Indonesia, amid growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.

Amid ongoing outflows of foreign capital from emerging markets to advanced economies due to heightened risks from potential US-Israel-Iran conflicts, investors are increasingly seeking Bank Indonesia's SRBI monetary instrument. Foreign inflows into SRBI have accumulated to Rp 29.08 trillion year-to-date, up from Rp 7.84 trillion in January 2026, with weekly signs of positive inflows despite annual net negatives. Bank Indonesia utilises these funds to stabilise the rupiah against the US dollar while ensuring domestic financial liquidity remains adequate through managed injections and commitments to purchasing various securities.

In a military court in Jakarta, the legal team for three soldiers accused of kidnapping and murdering a 37-year-old bank branch manager, MIP, has requested the separation of their case files due to significant differences in their roles, arguing that combining them undermines justice and legal certainty. They also challenged the indictment's formal and substantive validity, particularly for the third defendant, citing insufficient factual details and potential errors in legal application such as "error in persona." The prosecution has outlined layered charges including premeditated murder, assault leading to death, and deprivation of liberty causing death under various KUHP articles, with the court set to decide on the exceptions before proceeding to evidence presentation.

The Chairman of the Student Executive Board (BEM) at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law has confirmed allegations of sexual violence involving 16 students as perpetrators, stemming from explicit conversations in an internal group that spread on social media. The university has responded seriously, condemning such acts and initiating a thorough verification process in coordination with its sexual violence task force to ensure victim protection and confidentiality. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in creating safe spaces within educational institutions and the need for stringent sanctions against perpetrators.

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is considering a 'ticket war' proposal to address decades-long waiting lists for Hajj pilgrimages to Mecca, allowing financially ready pilgrims to register and depart in the same year. Amphuri, the Association of Muslim Hajj and Umrah Organisers in Indonesia, supports improving Hajj services but raises critical concerns about fairness, potential cost increases for low-income pilgrims, and implications for Hajj funds managed by BPKH. As alternatives, Amphuri suggests piloting the scheme with unused quotas, additional quotas, or a dual system that preserves existing queues and ensures transparency and equity in line with national regulations and Islamic principles.

In an era of global uncertainty, Indonesia's government is prioritising efficiency through measures like restricting official travel and implementing Work From Anywhere (WFA) for civil servants to control budgets and deficits. While these policies promise substantial fiscal savings, they inadvertently transfer burdens to individuals and local economies, such as increased personal utility costs for remote workers and reduced business for hotels and transport reliant on government mobility. This shift highlights the complex trade-offs in public policy, where macro-level efficiencies can exacerbate micro-level hardships amid rising consumer prices.

Jakarta's waste management overhaul focuses on reducing and sorting waste at the source to alleviate the burden on the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST), which will soon only accept residual waste after 37 years of handling the capital's entire output. With daily waste production averaging 7,500 tonnes, the DKI Jakarta Environment Agency has established 2,755 Community Waste Management Units (BPS RW) by 2025, with over 85% actively implementing sorting, 3R practices, organic processing, and waste banks, surpassing targets for household participation. Supported by Governor's Regulation No. 77 of 2020, these community-based initiatives aim to foster mandatory sorting habits through binding local rules, addressing past issues like the tragic landslide at Bantargebang.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated following the failure of peace negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Iran firmly rejecting President Donald Trump's order for a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials, including the parliamentary speaker and navy chief, have dismissed the threat as absurd and vowed to counter any aggression, while the IRGC warned of decisive action against approaching military vessels. The Strait, a critical global oil and gas route, remains under Iranian control with restrictions on vessels affiliated with aggressor nations, potentially disrupting international shipping amid the ongoing conflict.

The Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH) has mandated that the logistics sector implement comprehensive halal certification by 2026, extending the concept of halal beyond final products to include storage, packaging, and distribution processes. This policy aims to protect domestic micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from non-compliant imported products by creating a strategic barrier to entry. BPJPH emphasises the need for strict separation of halal and non-halal items in logistics operations to build a competitive national halal ecosystem.

Three Indonesian National Army (TNI) members accused of the premeditated murder of Mohammad Ilham Pradipta, branch head of a state-owned bank, have filed exceptions claiming the prosecutor's indictment lacks precise, clear, and complete factual descriptions, particularly for the third defendant. Their lawyer argued that the suspect designation for the third defendant lacks at least two valid pieces of evidence and fails to establish any criminal involvement or connection to the case, rendering the process procedurally flawed. The military prosecutor charged the defendants under various articles of the Criminal Code for premeditated murder, joint murder, assault leading to death, and deprivation of liberty causing death, highlighting procedural disputes in this high-profile case.

Bank Indonesia's Senior Deputy Governor Destry Damayanti has attributed the elevated inflation rates in Indonesia during February and March 2026—reaching 4.76% and 3.48% year-on-year, respectively—to the absence of electricity subsidies this year following their implementation in the previous year, which created a low base effect. She noted that while volatile food prices contributed significantly, coordinated efforts between BI and the government have successfully curbed these pressures, bringing overall inflation back within the central bank's target corridor of 2.5% plus or minus 1%. Additionally, the government's decision to maintain prices of subsidised fuels like Pertalite amid global oil volatility from Middle East conflicts is seen as a positive measure for stabilising the rupiah exchange rate.

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is advancing technology to process ant sugar from sweet sorghum sap as a local alternative to sugar, enhancing the value of indigenous food commodities. Sorghum, related to sugarcane but more versatile, can be used for sugar, bioethanol, and animal feed, with the entire plant utilisable, making it promising despite lower sugar content. The integrated, energy-efficient equipment, designed for small-scale farmers and MSMEs, employs hygienic stainless steel and modular designs to produce syrup or crystallised ant sugar efficiently.

The Indonesian government has permitted domestic airlines to increase ticket prices by 9-13% due to soaring aviation fuel costs triggered by the Middle East conflict, which is expected to reduce passenger numbers by 10-15% amid an uncertain economy. To support the aviation industry, measures include a 38% fuel surcharge, government-borne 11% VAT for economy tickets, and zero import duties on aircraft parts, though experts note these may not fully offset the impact on business travel. Transportation observers recommend airlines adopt adaptive strategies, such as bundling flights with tourism packages, to mitigate the downturn.

Global oil prices have surged dramatically, with Brent crude exceeding US$103 per barrel (Rp1.75 million), marking the first time it has surpassed the US$100 level since briefly hitting US$111 last week, triggered by US President Donald Trump's announcement of a naval blockade against Iran. The blockade, set to begin on Monday and targeting ships entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz, comes amid failed ceasefire negotiations and escalating geopolitical tensions, which have already restricted shipping traffic in this vital chokepoint for one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply. This escalation has also led to weakening Asian stock markets, with indices like Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's KOSPI declining, underscoring the broader economic ripple effects of the conflict.

President Prabowo Subianto has issued a presidential letter regarding the deliberation of the Bill on the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), as confirmed by BPIP Head Yudian Wahyudi during a meeting with the House of Representatives' Commission XIII. The bill, initiated by the DPR and submitted in December 2025, involves coordination among key ministries led by the Minister for Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform to prepare the academic paper, which has already been forwarded to the President. Commission XIII Chairman Willy Aditya stated that the commission is awaiting the government's academic paper to proceed with discussions, highlighting ongoing legislative efforts to formalise BPIP's role in upholding Indonesia's state ideology.

The Buleleng Regency Government is implementing a strict waste management policy starting 1 May 2026, prohibiting organic waste from entering the overcapacity Bengkala Landfill and mandating sorting at the source to address the national waste crisis. This initiative, aligned with central government directives, aims to phase out open dumping by July 2026 and promote source-based waste management, with strategies including separate collection schedules, incentives for recycling, and penalties for non-compliance. The policy seeks to transform waste from a burden into a productive resource, with leaders urged to lead by example in households and offices.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Legislation Body has revealed that the Single Data Indonesia (SDI) Bill aims to generate National Basic Data (NBD) as the primary reference for national and regional development planning. The bill emphasises principles such as integration, sovereignty, decentralisation, interoperability, recognition, and legal certainty to ensure valid and accurate data management led by an authoritative body. This initiative seeks to enhance national data governance, foster efficient, transparent, and accountable digital government, and strengthen national sovereignty through sovereign data handling, particularly for social assistance programmes.

Equity analyst at PT Indo Premier Sekuritas, Hari Rachmansyah, forecasts a mixed and consolidative movement for the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) this week, driven by diverse global and domestic sentiments. Globally, pressures from failed US-Iran negotiations and hawkish expectations for Federal Reserve policy amid energy-driven inflation risks are expected to heighten market volatility and encourage a risk-off approach among investors. Domestically, adjustments to non-subsidised fuel prices and efforts to stabilise the rupiah, currently around Rp17,000 per US dollar, reflect the government's proactive stance on macroeconomic stability, though markets may react cautiously due to inflation concerns.

A Tempo Data Science survey reveals significant barriers in police reporting services in Indonesia, with only 42.4% of property crime victims or witnesses reporting incidents due to perceptions of a complicated process, lack of follow-up, and minor losses. Reporting rates are higher at 62% for violent crimes, but similar deterrents persist. These findings highlight the urgent need for police to improve early-stage reporting services to enhance public trust and effectiveness in law enforcement.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has released 2,000 civil servants from 49 ministries and agencies to participate in a 1.5-month training programme as reserve components (Komcad), aimed at fostering nationalism and defence spirit among public servants. The training, launched at Monas field in central Jakarta, will take place at various military education facilities and focus on building mental resilience, character, and discipline through basic military instruction. This initiative is expected to instil a unified sense of national duty across the civil service, with a second wave planned for another 2,000 participants upon completion.

A Jakarta mother shares her arduous journey to secure inclusive education for her son with ADHD, highlighting barriers such as high costs for therapy and shadow teachers, limited school quotas, and the ineffectiveness of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite waiting lists and negotiations for one-on-one sessions, her persistence and regular therapy have enabled her child to transition successfully to a public primary school in third grade. This story underscores the systemic challenges in Indonesia's education system for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasising the need for more accessible and supportive policies.

Anton, a community activist for sailfin catfish (pleco) and representative of a specialist shop in West Jakarta, asserts that eradicating the invasive species from Jakarta's rivers is nearly impossible due to their widespread distribution, high adaptability to polluted waters, and rapid reproduction rates producing 200 to 400 eggs per spawning. He highlights that the fish thrive in contaminated environments where other species perish, exacerbating riverbank erosion through their burrowing for reproduction. Instead of focusing solely on extermination, Anton advocates for realistic, sustainable population control measures alongside efforts to improve river water quality by reducing chemical and domestic waste pollution.

The Faculty of Engineering and Informatics at Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) organised a hybrid National Seminar on Technological and Informatic Innovation in Bekasi, West Java, emphasising sustainable digital transformation in Indonesia. Featuring over 80 participants including academics, researchers, and practitioners, the event highlighted the need for adaptive, collaborative, and innovative responses to advancements in AI, big data, and IoT. UBSI aims to cultivate integrated education-technology ecosystems through partnerships, ultimately driving social and economic impacts to realise the vision of Golden Indonesia.

In the first quarter of 2026, KAI Group's airport train services across Indonesia served 3.74 million passengers, marking a significant increase in usage and underscoring the growing reliance on rail for seamless land-air connectivity. Key routes such as those to Yogyakarta International Airport, Kualanamu Airport in Medan, Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta, and others reported substantial passenger growth, with improvements ranging from 8% to over 31% compared to the previous year. This expansion highlights the vital role of rail transport in enhancing daily mobility, providing reliable travel options amid urban challenges like traffic and natural disasters.

Bank Indonesia's Senior Deputy Governor Destry Damayanti has outlined the dual impacts of the US-Iran conflict on the global economy, highlighting disruptions in oil distribution through the Strait of Hormuz that drive up oil prices while indirectly boosting prices for Indonesian exports like coal, CPO, and gold. She noted that while trade disruptions from the conflict could raise logistics costs and affect global supply chains, Indonesia's economy remains resilient with projected growth of around 5% in Q1 2026. The government, under President Prabowo, is focusing on enhancing resilience in food, energy, and security through initiatives like land expansion, new refineries, and utilising domestic coal resources.

China has announced a series of measures to enhance exchanges with Taiwan, including resuming individual travel programs and direct flights to various cities, following a rare visit by the leader of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang party. This development offers a potential thaw in cross-strait relations after years of severed high-level contacts since the 2016 election of Taiwan's pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, though Taiwan's presidential spokesperson expressed scepticism about Beijing's intentions. The announcements come amid ongoing military pressures from China, highlighting the delicate balance in efforts to promote peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait.

A 24-year-old CPNS from the Ministry of Creative Economy, Maulidia from Indramayu, is motivated to join the Komponen Cadangan (Komcad) programme to undergo basic military training offered by the Ministry of Defence, aiming to build resilience, discipline, and practical skills for her professional life in Jakarta. She views the opportunity as a rare once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn weapon handling and self-defence under expert guidance, especially given her limited prior outdoor training as a civil servant. This participation highlights the government's initiative to involve 2,019 ASN candidates in Komcad, distributed across six training locations, fostering national defence readiness among public sector employees.

Residents in South Jakarta are voicing concerns over the parking area at the MRT Lebak Bulus Depot, which allegedly encroaches on the roadway, narrowing traffic lanes and posing risks to motorists, particularly during peak hours. Activist Rafli Zulkarnaen, known as Ijoel, highlighted numerous complaints from locals and passersby, noting that the site features official parking signs despite the road being a public asset managed by the regional government. Although the parking lot appears orderly and guarded, its expansion from the depot's early days underscores ongoing tensions between urban transport infrastructure and public space utilisation.

During a DPR Commission XIII meeting, Willy from NasDem light-heartedly suggested a merger between NasDem and Gerindra after noticing their members sitting adjacent, quipping about the empty chair as a 'bridge' between the parties. He further joked about the proximity of NasDem Tower in Gondangdia to Prabowo Subianto's residence in Kertanegara, eliciting laughter from Gerindra's Anwar Sadad. This playful banter highlights the informal camaraderie among Indonesian parliamentary factions amid discussions with BPIP head Yudian Wahyu.

Indonesia's Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, has highlighted the crucial role of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama paralegals in enhancing access to justice for women and children at the community level, particularly during the 80th anniversary celebration in Yogyakarta. She emphasised that paralegals serve not only as legal aides but also as agents of change to raise awareness, prevent violence, and bolster family resilience, calling for improved competencies and victim-centred perspectives. The Head of the National Legal Development Agency stressed the adoption of a people-centred justice approach to address barriers like distance and costs, promoting inclusive and equitable legal services down to the village level through capacity building and community-based legal education.

Following a demonstration in Panipahan, Rokan Hilir, that escalated into vandalism over demands to apprehend drug dealers, local residents, police officials, and community leaders convened a peace meeting, resulting in a joint declaration committing to support law enforcement efforts against narcotics without vigilante actions. Riau Provincial Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan demonstrated institutional accountability by dismissing the local police chief and criminal investigation unit head for failing to maintain order, while highlighting the force's success in arresting over 4,500 suspects and seizing drugs equivalent to saving millions of lives in the past 15 months. This initiative underscores Riau's zero-tolerance policy on drugs, given the province's vulnerability to cross-border trafficking, aiming to foster community-police collaboration for sustained security.

Indonesia's furniture and handicraft industry is facing significant challenges from a sluggish domestic market and heavy reliance on exports to the United States, exacerbated by the national economy's growth of only 4-5 per cent, far below the 8 per cent needed for prosperity. Imported products flooding the market via digital platforms are undercutting local manufacturers with cheaper prices, though often inferior quality, leading to loss of market share particularly in mid-to-low segments. This vulnerability is heightened by global disruptions affecting the US market, directly impacting export performance.

President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the transfer of Rp 11.4 trillion in seized funds from administrative fines and state financial recoveries into the national treasury, which is expected to bolster Indonesia's fiscal space. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the funds could help plug the budget deficit or support delayed development programmes, though he emphasised their non-recurring and unpredictable nature makes them unsuitable as a primary tool for addressing structural deficits. Relying on such one-off inflows risks overly optimistic planning amid ongoing pressures on state revenues and expenditures.

In the ongoing corruption trial involving former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim over the procurement of Chromebook laptops, BPKP auditor Dedy Nurmawan testified that the calculation of state losses amounting to Rp 2.1 trillion was conducted independently without any intervention or directives from investigators. Dedy emphasised that the process adhered to professional standards, transparent discussions, and ethical codes, with all steps reported to BPKP leadership. The court has rejected Nadiem's preliminary objection and proceeded to the evidence stage, highlighting the significance of ensuring audit integrity in high-profile graft cases.

The British government has firmly stated it will not participate in the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz ordered by President Donald Trump following failed peace talks with Iran in Pakistan. Emphasising the need for free navigation to support the global economy, Britain is instead working urgently with France and other partners to form a coalition to protect shipping routes. The move highlights growing tensions in the region, with Trump vowing to intercept vessels paying tolls to Iran and clear sea mines, underscoring the strategic importance of the strait for global oil and gas shipments.

Elite AI talents who previously worked in the United States are increasingly returning to China, driving a wave of "reverse migration" that is reshaping the global AI competition landscape. China offers superior opportunities, including rapid real-world implementation of AI technologies, advanced hardware supply chains, competitive compensation adjusted for living costs, and appealing social conditions like modern infrastructure and low crime rates. This trend is exacerbated by US geopolitical tensions and stricter immigration policies, signalling China's maturation as a technology innovator rather than just a consumer of Western advancements.

Indonesia's Customs Service is enhancing regional export potential through inter-agency collaborations in Palembang, Gorontalo, and Cilacap, addressing logistical hurdles and supply limitations to boost local businesses. In Palembang, it supported SME exports of laminating boards and stick dowels to China, while in Gorontalo, discussions focused on tuna fisheries' international quality amid challenges like supply shortages and certification needs. In Cilacap, coordination with local government and tax offices aims to unlock export opportunities in tobacco products, ultimately driving economic growth and community welfare by improving product competitiveness in global markets.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is urging the insurance and pension funds sector to increase its contribution to Indonesia's GDP by achieving growth rates that at least match, and ideally exceed, the national economic expansion. Ogi Prastomiyono, the Executive Head of OJK's Insurance, Guarantee, and Pension Fund Supervision, highlighted the sector's current low asset contribution of around 6% and set ambitious targets of 7-9% annual growth for insurance and 23-24% for pension funds by 2029. To meet these goals, the industry must enhance capital, governance, risk management, digitalisation, and human resources, while OJK plans to introduce six new regulations in 2026 focused on financial reporting integrity, solvency, and risk-based supervision to bolster stability and support government priorities.

Gerindra Party Deputy Chairman Habiburokhman has criticised political analyst Saiful Mujani's call for public consolidation to topple President Prabowo Subianto, suggesting it stems from partisan motives rather than genuine concern for governance. Mujani, who has long opposed Prabowo, argues the president's leadership lacks inclusivity and competence, proposing options like impeachment or waiting for the 2029 elections, but Habiburokhman warns against unconstitutional power grabs that could harm the public. The exchange highlights tensions within Indonesia's political landscape as Prabowo's administration faces scrutiny just 1.5 years into its term.