Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto has hailed Indonesia's inaugural melamine project as a pivotal milestone in advancing the nation's downstream industry, particularly in the energy and chemicals sectors. The US$600 million initiative, located in the Gresik Special Economic Zone in East Java and backed by a Chinese joint venture, will process natural gas into liquid ammonia and derivatives such as urea, melamine, and ammonium nitrate, supporting agriculture, chemicals, and manufacturing while boosting exports and global competitiveness. The project is expected to address domestic melamine supply gaps, enhance food security through better fertilizer production, and drive sustainable economic growth, as echoed by Chinese Ambassador Wang Lutong.

Elon Musk has unveiled XChat as a standalone messaging application to rival WhatsApp, featuring end-to-end encryption, message editing, disappearing messages, and group chats for up to 481 members, with a launch scheduled for 17 April. The app promises an ad-free experience without user tracking, following Musk's recent criticism of WhatsApp's trustworthiness amid a class-action lawsuit alleging false claims about its encryption. WhatsApp has refuted these accusations, reaffirming its decade-long use of Signal's end-to-end encryption protocol.

The story of Julio, a young boy from a poor family in Surakarta who dropped out of school and fell into delinquency after losing his father, highlights the transformative impact of the Sekolah Rakyat programme. Introduced by President Prabowo Subianto, this free residential education initiative for vulnerable children has helped Julio regain discipline, rebuild his relationship with his grandmother Welas, and secure his basic needs, easing the family's burdens. Through the Ministry of Social Affairs' efforts, such interventions underscore the government's commitment to preventing at-risk youth from losing their future due to socioeconomic hardships.

The Associated Press has laid off at least 120 experienced journalists in the US without union consultation, citing business transformation amid declining newspaper revenues and a shift towards AI, digital markets, cloud services, and visual content. Financial analysts from Goldman Sachs predict AI-driven job cuts will escalate to 16,000 per month this year, following 5,000 to 10,000 monthly last year. In response, 92% of ProPublica's 150 staff voted to strike over working conditions and AI threats, highlighting tensions between technological reinvestment and the preservation of journalistic quality.

Indonesian House of Representatives member Rajiv has endorsed the policy limiting daily visitors to Komodo National Park to 1,000, viewing it as a strategic measure to ensure long-term conservation amid rising tourism numbers that threaten the ecosystem. He advocates for adopting world-class management practices, including technology-based booking systems and transparent data sharing, while emphasising the need for fair transitional support for local businesses to mitigate economic concerns. Rajiv stresses inter-ministerial coordination and ongoing oversight to balance conservation, tourism, and community welfare, underscoring Komodo's irreplaceable global value.

Experts at a national seminar hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada highlighted significant governance issues in Indonesia’s capital market, including stock manipulation, weak institutional independence, and inconsistent law enforcement by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), exacerbated by MSCI's suspension of stock assessments. Professor Sugarda and others pointed to a crisis of trust and legal certainty driving up business risks, while Dr. Yanuar Rizky warned of deteriorating fiscal conditions and the need for stricter sanctions to restore integrity. OJK's Deputy Director affirmed ongoing reforms to enhance transparency and competitiveness amid global pressures, underscoring the seminar's role in addressing these challenges for economic stability.

US President Donald Trump is contemplating limited military strikes against Iran in addition to a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has already been announced, amid ongoing tensions. Reports indicate that full-scale bombing campaigns are unlikely due to risks of regional destabilisation and Trump's reluctance for prolonged conflicts, following talks in Pakistan. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted agreements on some issues but persistent differences on key points, as the US prepares to intercept vessels paying Iran for passage through the strait.

The stalled peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan have heightened geopolitical tensions, stabilising Bitcoin prices above $71,000 as investors seek safe-haven assets amid global financial uncertainty. While major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and altcoins show limited movements, Hyperliquid bucks the trend with significant gains, highlighting selective capital rotation. Analysts maintain a cautious outlook, projecting a potential cycle bottom for Bitcoin between $40,000 and $45,000 by late 2026, emphasising the dominance of global liquidity and interest rate policies over short-term geopolitical risks.

Most Asian currencies weakened significantly against the US dollar on Monday morning, driven by the failure of Washington-Teheran peace talks and renewed investor flight to safe-haven assets amid escalating tensions, including a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The Thai baht and Philippine peso saw the deepest declines, while the Vietnamese dong was the sole gainer, strengthening by 0.08%. This currency turmoil, coupled with rising oil prices, heightens concerns over broader inflation pressures and prolonged market uncertainty.

Indonesia's National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has highlighted that financial cooperation with China will enhance trade and investment efficiency while bolstering Indonesia's liquidity resilience amid global uncertainties. Key developments include the renewal of a bilateral currency swap agreement in January 2025, increasing its value to 400 billion yuan, and the upgrade of the Local Currency Settlement mechanism to Local Currency Transaction, expanding its scope to all balance of payments areas. Bilateral trade reached 167.49 billion US dollars in 2025, with Chinese direct investment at 7.5 billion US dollars, underscoring the strategic partnership's role in regional economic stability.

Amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war, Pertamina has kept prices for non-subsidised fuels like Pertamax stable since early March 2026, with no adjustments reported at private stations such as Shell, Vivo, and bp either. Key prices at Pertamina stations include Pertalite at Rp10,000 per litre and Pertamax at Rp12,300 per litre, reflecting resilience in Indonesia's fuel market despite global tensions. This stability provides relief to consumers and businesses, potentially influencing inflation and energy costs in the domestic economy.

The reconstruction of Pasar Turi in Surabaya represents a pivotal effort to revive the city's traditional market economy following a devastating fire in 1950 that disrupted local trade and livelihoods. Government initiatives, including phased rebuilding of kiosks, drainage systems, and organised trading spaces, aim to restore not only physical infrastructure but also the social and cultural fabric of the community. This project underscores the strategic role of traditional markets in Indonesia's urban economic recovery and spatial planning, highlighting ongoing challenges like budget constraints while fostering inclusivity among diverse traders.

The article critiques Indonesia's lengthy Hajj pilgrimage waiting lists, which can span decades, arguing that this system undermines the religious requirement of istitha'ah—full readiness for the pilgrimage—potentially leading to departures in suboptimal physical and mental conditions. It clarifies the 'war tiket haji' concept as a metaphor for a more adaptive system prioritising those truly prepared, rather than rigid queuing, and warns of lessons from Malaysia's extreme waits exceeding a century. This discourse highlights the need to realign Hajj administration with its spiritual essence amid growing demand and limited quotas.

A 1923 colonial-era document known as Eigendom Verponding is at the centre of a land ownership dispute in Jakarta's Tanah Abang area between GRIB Jaya representatives and government entities including the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and PT Kereta Api Indonesia. This document, originally granting full ownership rights under Dutch colonial law, is now merely a historical pointer that requires conversion into modern certificates under Indonesia's 1960 Basic Agrarian Law to be legally recognised. The case highlights the challenges of reconciling colonial land titles with contemporary national land registration systems managed by the National Land Agency.

Dozens of tourism operators in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, staged a demonstration at the West Manggarai DPRD office on Monday (13/4/2026) to reject the policy limiting daily visitors to Komodo National Park to 1,000, arguing it harms local businesses. The protesters, united under the Aliansi Pariwisata Mabar Bersatu, demanded transparent studies involving local communities and urged DPRD members to sign a statement opposing the quota, which was subsequently supported by the council. The Komodo National Park Authority implemented the annual quota of 365,000 visitors starting 1 April 2026 to manage tourism sustainably, with unused low-season slots redistributed to peak periods based on historical data.

PT Pigeon Indonesia and Rumah Zakat have collaborated on a stunting prevention programme in Panyabrangan Village, Cikeusal District, Serang Regency, Banten, emphasising the importance of Clean and Healthy Living Behaviour (PHBS) as a key strategy to combat child stunting. Nutrition expert Rifdah Widda Islami from Cikeusal Health Centre highlighted simple habits like handwashing with soap, maintaining environmental hygiene, and balanced nutrition to support child development, stressing that prevention begins at the family level. The initiative aims to raise community awareness on proper nutrition and parenting practices, fostering active participation to reduce stunting rates in the region and create a healthier generation.

Dubai's tourism sector is reeling from the escalation of conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, resulting in a sharp decline in international visitors from 19.59 million last year and severely impacting businesses like restaurants and hotels. Restaurant revenues have plummeted by up to 80%, leading to salary cuts of 30% to avert mass layoffs, while hotel occupancy has dropped to 15-20% and thousands of flights have been cancelled amid missile attacks that have caused casualties. The Middle East could lose 23-38 million tourists this year, inflicting losses of US$34-56 billion, though Dubai's government has allocated US$272 million in support, with recovery hinging on the conflict's resolution.

US President Donald Trump has launched an unusual public attack on Pope Leo XIV via social media, criticising him as weak on crime and detrimental to foreign policy, in response to the Pope's call to end the war in Iran and his remarks on delusions of omnipotence fuelling the conflict. Trump claimed credit for the Pope's election as the first US-born pontiff and accused him of serving radical leftists while failing to address Iran's nuclear ambitions. This spat highlights escalating tensions between US leadership and the Vatican on international conflicts and military strength.

The Acting Secretary of Central Kalimantan, Linae Victoria Aden, has initiated ongoing inspections and evaluations to ensure the effective implementation of work-from-office (WFO) and work-from-home (WFH) policies across provincial government offices. Focusing on ASN discipline, energy efficiency, and public information transparency, these surprise visits to various departments aim to optimise resource use and enhance governmental performance. The initiative underscores the provincial government's commitment to efficient, accountable public service amid budgetary constraints.

The modern workforce is undergoing significant disruption driven by Generation Z's fluid social-psychological identities, which challenge conventional capitalism and redefine work as a project of self-actualisation rather than mere income generation. Research indicates that over 65% of Gen Z view employment through the lens of identity expression, prioritising personal branding and digital cultural capital over institutional loyalty, making them highly adaptable to the gig economy but vulnerable to job instability. This shift, drawing on theories from Castells and Bourdieu, highlights a paradoxical agility that could profoundly impact employers and labour markets.

Dewi Asmara, Deputy Chair of DPR RI's Commission XIII, has stressed the urgent need for enhanced immigration oversight at Indonesia's border regions, particularly at the 14 existing border crossing posts, due to challenges like limited facilities, geographical barriers, and difficult access. She highlighted risks such as undocumented migrant workers, human trafficking, and drug circulation, urging improvements in human resources, infrastructure, and internet connectivity to ensure effective operations. Asmara also called for stronger synergy between central and local governments to prevent border communities from feeling marginalised and to affirm the state's presence in these areas.

WPS Office has launched "WPS for Pad", a new application designed to bridge the productivity divide between tablets and laptops, allowing users to seamlessly switch devices without losing functionality. Featuring support for the Apple Pencil, PDF annotations, and AI-based tools, the app caters to students and young professionals who often carry both an iPad and a laptop for different tasks. This development reimagines tablets as versatile workspaces, enhancing mobility and efficiency in regions like Southeast Asia.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has launched a programme to educate 4,000 civil servants (ASN) in the Reserve Component (Komcad), with the first batch of 2,000 participants beginning their 1.5-month military basic training. Head of Bacadnas, Lieutenant General Gabriel Lema, expressed gratitude to 49 ministries and state institutions for their support and released the participants at Monas in Central Jakarta. Grounded in Articles 27 and 30 of the 1945 Constitution on national defence, the training aims to foster awareness, character, unity, and a sense of duty among participants through a curriculum focused on military basics.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp17,123 per US dollar on Monday, influenced by the failure of Iran-US negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, which raises fears of escalating tensions in the Middle East, potentially driving up oil prices and impacting global markets. Bank Indonesia's consumer survey for March 2026 indicates sustained optimism in economic conditions, with the Current Economic Index at 115.4, supported by rising income perceptions despite slight declines in job availability and durable goods purchases. The Asian Development Bank forecasts a slowdown in economic growth for developing Asia-Pacific countries to 5.1% in 2026 and 2027, weighed down by Middle East conflicts and ongoing trade uncertainties.

President Prabowo Subianto has departed for Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation particularly in energy and oil supplies amid global dynamics. The meeting will focus on ensuring stable national energy supplies through continued partnerships with Russia and exchanging views on global geopolitical developments, underscoring Indonesia's strategic position in maintaining international stability and peace. Accompanied by key ministers, this visit highlights Indonesia's efforts to bolster energy resilience in an uncertain world.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has addressed social media claims that the electric motorcycles it purchased for its free nutritious meals programme are merely rebranded versions of cheaper models sold on Alibaba, asserting that the Emmo-branded vehicles are legitimate Indonesian-market products distinct from the disputed listings. BGN acquired 21,801 units at prices of Rp 41.7 million for scooter models and Rp 43.3 million for trail models, intended for operational use in remote areas, while dismissing the Alibaba seller as fraudulent given the unrealistic pricing compared to component costs. The controversy highlights ongoing scrutiny of government procurement practices amid the programme's viral exposure of stored vehicles in warehouses.

The Head of the National Reserve Agency under the Ministry of Defence has outlined that the curriculum for civil servants (ASN) in the Komponen Cadangan (Komcad) programme focuses on basic military knowledge, including limited shooting exercises and team-building activities simulating military operations. This training aims to enhance quick and coordinated responses to commands within a collaborative system, tailored to the needs of various government agencies. Over 2,000 ASN candidates have advanced to the next selection stages at six military training sites, underscoring Indonesia's efforts to bolster national reserves through civilian integration.

The Indonesian Constitutional Court (MK) is set to hold a retirement ceremony for Justice Anwar Usman, who served for 15 years including as Deputy Chief and Chief, this afternoon, alongside welcoming new justices Liliek Prisbawono Adi and Adies Kadir. Anwar Usman's tenure ends on 6 April 2026, with Liliek appointed by President Prabowo Subianto to replace him, and Adies sworn in earlier to succeed Arief Hidayat. This event follows a busy session day with nine hearings, including examinations of the new Criminal Code and other key legislation, underscoring the court's ongoing role in judicial review amid leadership transitions.

The US Central Command has announced that its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will exempt ships not heading to or from Iranian ports, following the failure of peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran. This measure, set to begin on Monday, aims to restrict access to Iranian waters while preserving the vital global shipping corridor through which 20% of the world's oil supply passes. The development underscores escalating tensions in the region, with potential implications for international trade and energy security.

Following failed peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to blockade the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday afternoon, targeting all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports while allowing passage to non-Iranian destinations. This escalation threatens a fragile two-week ceasefire and has prompted several oil tankers, including the Malta-flagged VLCC Agios Fanourios I, to turn back or avoid the strait, heightening global concerns over disruptions to vital oil shipping routes. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has warned of forceful responses to any approaching military vessels, underscoring the risk of further conflict in this critical energy corridor.

The price of Antam precious metal gold dropped by Rp 42,000 to Rp 2,818,000 per gram on Monday, reversing a slight gain from the previous trading day. The buyback price also fell to Rp 2,585,000 per gram, mirroring a global decline influenced by a strengthening US dollar amid renewed Middle East political tensions. Despite the weekly increase of 1.54% in global gold prices, today's 2.01% drop to US$ 4,651.94 per troy ounce highlights the volatility tied to geopolitical factors.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) opened lower on Monday, declining by 0.65% to 7,410.09, in line with weakening trends across Asian stock markets amid external pressures including stalled US-Iran negotiations and elevated US inflation data. Domestic demand resilience provides some support, with the index potentially seeing limited gains later in the day, while investors await key Indonesian economic indicators from Bank Indonesia to gauge consumption and external debt stability. China's solid economic performance could bolster global demand for Indonesian commodity exports, countering risk-off sentiments from disappointing data.

Gerindra Party Deputy Chairman Habiburokhman has urged the government to act on constructive criticism while countering destructive propaganda with public education to safeguard democracy. He defended President Prabowo Subianto's administration, noting its responsiveness to positive feedback and commitment to free speech, with no citizens punished for criticising the president after nearly 1.5 years in power. Habiburokhman warned against unconstitutional power grabs, emphasising that Prabowo's performance will be evaluated by voters in the 2029 election.

The Indonesian packaged drinking water industry is facing significant challenges from a 25% to 100% surge in plastic raw material prices since early April 2026, driving up production costs by 35% to 45%. This has led to retail price adjustments, production volume declines especially among SMEs, and looming mass layoffs threatening thousands of workers. As packaged water is considered an essential need for safe hydration, industry leaders express deep concern over the sector's sustainability.

An article drawing on Islamic teachings highlights the Prophet Muhammad's emphasis on settling debts before death, as unpaid debts can prevent a soul's repose, illustrated by a hadith where the Prophet delayed a funeral prayer until a debt was guaranteed. It addresses whether national debt burdens citizens in the afterlife, citing Muhammadiyah's view that Islamic principles hold individuals accountable only for their own sins, thus government debt does not automatically implicate the populace spiritually. This perspective underscores the separation between worldly fiscal responsibilities and personal religious accountability in Islamic jurisprudence.

Eddy Soeparno expresses optimism for Indonesia's economic growth exceeding 5% in 2026, despite global disruptions from the ongoing Middle East conflict affecting energy supply chains. He highlights Indonesia's advantages as an exporter of natural resources like coal, palm oil, nickel, and tin, which are seeing price appreciations, along with domestic energy self-sufficiency in electricity production. While acknowledging tight fiscal space and potential rises in fuel, plastic, and fertiliser prices that could impact food and household goods, he urges prudent budgeting, strong social safety nets, inflation control, and public participation in energy conservation to sustain consumption and growth.

Two women in Lebak, Banten, have been arrested and charged with blasphemy after stepping on the Quran during a sworn oath to resolve a dispute over stolen makeup and perfume, an incident that went viral on social media. Islamic organisations such as PBNU and Muhammadiyah condemned the act as a desecration of the holy book, emphasising the need for proper religious knowledge and ethical handling of the Quran. Indonesian lawmakers have called for strict enforcement of the law and enhanced religious education to prevent similar violations of religious norms.

Indonesia's Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) opened lower on Monday, declining by 0.12% to 7,449.18, amid moderate trading activity influenced by negative global sentiment from failed US-Iran negotiations. Analysts predict volatile movements with a downward bias, emphasising the importance of sector diversification in energy and commodities to weather geopolitical uncertainties.

Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services is playing a pivotal role in attracting foreign investment by modernising immigration services, including e-visas and the Golden Visa programme, which has already secured commitments worth Rp48 trillion from over 1,000 investors. With realised investments reaching over Rp1,400 trillion in 2025, primarily from foreign direct investment in sectors like manufacturing, mining, and services, efficient immigration processes are essential for facilitating the mobility of foreign workers and investors. The ministry's selective policy ensures that only high-quality investments benefiting the national economy are prioritised, balancing openness with national security to boost economic growth and job creation.

The US-Iran conflict has escalated following the failure of ceasefire efforts and peace negotiations, with the US preparing to blockade Iranian ports and Iran threatening retaliation in the vital Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy flows. Oil prices have surged over 7% to around US$102 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions, while Gulf states seek alternative routes to mitigate economic impacts. This standoff, compounded by stalled nuclear talks and conflicting US military statements, risks a prolonged war with widespread global industrial consequences.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following the complete failure of ceasefire efforts and peace negotiations, prompting threats of a blockade and worsening the crisis in the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. US President Donald Trump has claimed that a planned blockade of Iranian ports will effectively pressure Teheran's economy, particularly its energy sector, leading to an 8% surge in US crude oil prices to $104.24 per barrel and a 7% rise in Brent crude to $102.29. Gulf states are seeking alternative routes amid drastically reduced shipping traffic through the strait, while experts warn that prolonged conflict could disrupt global supplies of oil and other strategic commodities.

The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), led by Kaesang Pangarep, has attracted at least nine former cadres from other political parties since 2025, with the largest group of three coming from NasDem. Notable joiners include Ahmad Ali, Bestari Barus, and Rusdi Masse Mappasessu from NasDem, who cited PSI's forward-looking vision, as well as Nina Agustina from PDI-P, who reportedly received approval from former President Joko Widodo. This influx highlights shifting political allegiances ahead of potential elections, bolstering PSI's ranks with experienced politicians.

The Indonesian Minister of Public Works, Dody, has reported positive progress on the Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) construction in Surabaya, reaching approximately 45% completion with good quality, as part of the government's priority programme to combat extreme poverty through quality education for underprivileged children. The project, executed by Waskita Karya, includes facilities for primary, secondary, and high school levels, accommodating up to 1,000 students with dormitories, teacher housing, and sports amenities on a 6.6-hectare site. Emphasising timely completion by late June to enable use from 1 July, the ministry is committed to enhancing coordination and supervision to ensure all sites meet deadlines and deliver optimal benefits.

The Indonesian furniture and handicraft industry is under pressure from heavy reliance on the US market, which accounts for 54-60% of exports, making it vulnerable to disruptions like high tariffs that have already reduced export values from $3.5 billion. The domestic market is also overwhelmed by cheap imports, particularly from China, prompting calls for regulatory reforms to protect local producers and curb illegal imports. HIMKI aims to expand into new markets such as India, the Gulf region, Africa, and BRICS countries while targeting $6 billion in exports by 2030.

The Indonesian government has permitted domestic airline ticket prices to rise by 9-15% to address surging operational costs, particularly from jet fuel price hikes driven by global geopolitical tensions. This policy aims to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection, ensuring safety and affordability. However, experts predict a 10-15% decline in passenger numbers due to weakened purchasing power and economic uncertainty, despite government incentives like fuel surcharges and tax reliefs.

Former US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, accusing him of weakness on foreign policy and implying support for Iran's nuclear ambitions after the Pope condemned Trump's rhetoric against Iran. Trump, who previously criticised the Pope on Truth Social, claimed the Pope's appointment was a strategic move by the Church to deal with him and reiterated his disdain for the Pope's views on US actions in Venezuela. This exchange highlights deepening tensions between political leadership and religious authority on international conflicts involving the US.

Sinar Mas Land has marked a significant milestone with the topping-off ceremony for the Medical Suites in the D-HUB Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in BSD City, part of the International Education, Technology, and Health Special Economic Zone (KEK ETKI) in Banten. This development, set to operate from the fourth quarter of 2026, integrates medical services, research, and education to international standards, aiming to enhance Indonesia's healthcare quality and retain foreign exchange by reducing outflows for overseas treatment. The project has already contributed to Rp1.19 trillion in investments and 836 jobs by December 2025, supported by tax incentives and synergies with tech ecosystems to attract global investors.

In a heated exchange, US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing social media attack on Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, accusing him of poor foreign policy and serving radical left groups following the Pope's call to end the war with Iran and criticism of delusions of omnipotence driving the conflict. Trump claimed the Pope owes his position to him and urged him to use common sense rather than engage in politics, while dismissing concerns over Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions as unfounded based on US intelligence. This unusual feud highlights tensions between the Trump administration's aggressive military stance and the Vatican's push for peace, potentially straining relations between the US government and the Catholic Church.

Recent incidents of bag-snatching targeting elderly individuals in Indonesian cities such as Jakarta, Bekasi, Bali, and Bandung highlight a disturbing pattern of street crime exploiting vulnerable seniors in under-supervised public spaces. Analysing these crimes through criminological theories like Routine Activity and Rational Choice, the article underscores how urban design fails to accommodate an ageing population, creating high-risk zones. It advocates for systematic prevention measures, including enhanced surveillance, community vigilance, and age-friendly city policies inspired by successful international models in Singapore, Japan, and Denmark to foster safer, more inclusive environments for the elderly.

PT Buana Lintas Lautan Tbk (BULL), an Indonesian shipping company, plans to appoint Ferita Lie, a former high-ranking executive from the Sinar Mas Group, as a new independent commissioner during an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 23 April 2026. Lie brings extensive experience in finance and management, including roles as Managing Director at PT Sinarmas Multi Artha Tbk and Chief Financial Officer at Sinarmas Mining Group. This move comes amid rumours of a potential acquisition by Sinar Mas, with the company highlighting its long-standing relationship with the group through Bank Sinarmas and optimistic prospects for transformative business opportunities.