The West Java provincial government is revitalising the plaza in front of the historic Gedung Sate building with a Rp15 billion budget to connect it to the Gasibu field across the street, fulfilling Governor Dedi Mulyadi's vision to host national ceremonies there. The project, scheduled from 8 April to 6 August 2026, includes pedestrian enhancements and cultural elements representing West Java's identity, aiming to transform the area into an integrated public space that reinforces the building's symbolic role. Officials have assured systematic and transparent execution, with ongoing reviews of the design, though questions remain about the placement of the Sapta Taruna commemorative stone.

The Indonesian government's plan to audit tax refunds from 2020 to 2025, involving the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), has raised concerns among business leaders due to the soaring refund value of Rp 361 trillion last year amid a tax revenue shortfall of Rp 271.7 trillion. Business associations like Hipmi, Apindo, and Kadin warn that delays in refunds could disrupt company liquidity, delay capital spending and expansions, and create legal uncertainties that deter investment, especially in an unstable global economy. They propose risk-based audits, clear timelines with service level agreements, and fast-track processes for compliant taxpayers to balance fiscal accountability with business needs.

PT PLN (Persero) has confirmed that the national electricity system will remain stable until March 2026, with a net capacity of 71 GW and a reserve margin of 39 per cent, ensuring reliable supply to support economic growth and public needs. The company reports adequate fuel stocks, including an average of 12 days for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 15.9 days for coal, with deliveries proceeding on schedule and no significant disruptions. This assurance comes amid global geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, as highlighted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, which continues to monitor energy stocks daily to maintain national standards.

The Gunungkidul Regency government in Yogyakarta Special Region has imposed administrative sanctions, including a transfer, on a fee collection officer at Baron Beach following tourist complaints about discrepancies between payments and tickets. Although no intentional misconduct or illegal levies were found, the incident was attributed to carelessness in service procedures, prompting internal training and an official apology to visitors. The local authority emphasised the importance of transparency in managing regional revenues and urged tourists to verify their tickets promptly to ensure better accountability.

Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has clarified that there will be no open public registration for new students at the People's School for the 2026/2027 academic year; instead, admissions will be handled through direct outreach using the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) Volume 2 for 2026, ensuring transparency and targeting the most vulnerable families. This process, involving field verification by ministry personnel, social services, and BPS officers, aims to recruit children from impoverished households at risk of dropping out, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to eliminate corruption and nepotism. Additionally, construction of permanent school buildings across Indonesia is progressing on schedule for completion by July 2026, reflecting successful multi-stakeholder collaboration to break the cycle of poverty through education.

Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) has launched the 'Kampung Bersinar' (Drug-Free Village) initiative in Panipahan, Rokan Hilir, partnering with anti-drug ambassadors Okan Cornelius and Sandy Tumiwa to educate communities and students on the dangers of narcotics. The event, attended by key police officials including Kapolda Riau Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan, underscores a commitment to comprehensive anti-drug efforts from enforcement to public awareness, aiming to fortify coastal areas against drug trafficking. This collaboration highlights growing public trust in the police and includes announcements of new local leadership to enhance responsiveness and community safety.

Commissions I and III of the Denpasar City DPRD visited the integrated waste processing facility (TPST) Tahura Ngurah Rai I in Suwung on Monday to verify the waste sorting process, appreciating the mayor's initiatives in operating machines that require separated waste. The facility's two machines can process up to 200 tons of waste daily, potentially producing refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from inorganic materials if managed effectively. The commissions advocate for stronger legal frameworks, collaboration with providers for machine operation and maintenance, and focused efforts by the Environmental Office on waste collection to prevent costly repairs funded by government budgets.

Indonesian police have arrested a 57-year-old woman suspected of defrauding a victim of over Rp1.07 billion in a scam involving the purchase of export-ready ribbonfish and other fish species at a Jakarta port. The fraud, which occurred from August 2024 to April 2025, involved the suspect accepting payments without delivering the corresponding goods, leading to significant financial losses for the victim. Authorities seized evidence including bank statements, invoices, and WhatsApp chats, and plan to hand over the case to prosecutors soon.

Indonesia is set to commence construction of a rare earth metals processing plant on 20 May 2026, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto, with state-owned PT Timah Tbk supplying raw materials from its tin production by-products and Perminas handling processing and downstream activities. This collaboration aims to accelerate monetisation, with the facility expected to be operational within two years, producing high-value products for electric vehicles, solar energy, and power generation to generate significant foreign exchange. The project underscores Indonesia's push towards resource beneficiation, potentially multiplying the economic value of associated tin minerals by tens of times.

A San Francisco-based startup, The Biological Computing Company (TBC), founded in February 2026 with US$25 million in initial funding, is pioneering the use of human brain cells to develop energy-efficient alternatives to traditional silicon chips for AI infrastructure. Led by former neurosurgeons Dr. Alex Ksendsovsky and Dr. Jon Pomeraniec, TBC's chips, containing 100,000 to 500,000 nerve cells, enable faster AI training with up to three times less computational power and energy consumption, addressing the growing environmental and energy crises posed by AI advancements. While currently focusing on enhancing visual AI algorithms rather than commercial sales, the company anticipates biological computing becoming mainstream in five to ten years, though significant challenges remain in waste management and cell longevity.

Attorney General ST Burhanuddin has conducted a major reshuffle within the Indonesian Attorney General's Office, mutating 14 Heads of Provincial Prosecutors (Kajati) as per Decree No. 488 of 2026 dated 13 April 2026. This move involves key appointments across various provinces, including Dr. Abd Qohar AF to East Java and Dr. Sugeng Riyanta to Southeast Sulawesi, among others. The reshuffle aims to strengthen the prosecutorial structure and reflects ongoing administrative reforms in Indonesia's justice system.

Indonesian business associations Apindo and Kadin have urged the government to reconsider plans to delay or halt tax restitutions, warning that such measures could undermine investor confidence, disrupt cash flows, and harm the national economy amid global uncertainties. They emphasise that restitutions represent legitimate refunds of overpaid taxes essential for operational liquidity and job preservation, and advocate for consistent legal certainty to support long-term investments and economic growth. This response counters a parliamentary proposal to boost state revenues by up to Rp500 trillion through delays, highlighting the need for balanced fiscal policies that prioritise business stability.

Blaize and Nokia are advancing their partnership through the Nokia Network Innovation Lab in Singapore, developing a joint reference architecture that integrates Blaize's AI platform with Nokia's networking capabilities for hybrid AI infrastructure in edge and data centre environments. The collaboration will be showcased at GITEX Asia 2026 in Singapore, featuring demonstrations, innovation lab introductions, and discussions on AI infrastructure and edge computing, targeting enterprises, governments, and providers in the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative aims to validate real-world AI applications and foster scalable deployments, highlighting the growing integration of AI with telecommunications infrastructure.

Industry leaders have urged President Prabowo Subianto to establish a dedicated Task Force for Monitoring and Accelerating Investments to address implementation hurdles that are stalling commitments from major global partners such as the UAE, US, Japan, and South Korea. While applauding the government's diplomatic successes in securing billions in pledges to bolster industrial downstreaming and national energy resilience, stakeholders highlight persistent issues like convoluted bureaucracy, regulatory inconsistencies between central and local governments, and technical barriers that deter investors from proceeding to groundbreaking. This initiative is seen as crucial to transforming signed agreements into tangible economic impacts and preventing Indonesia from missing out on a prime investment window.

Pope Leo XIV has stated he has no intention of debating US President Donald Trump following criticism over his comments on the US-Iran conflict, emphasising his role is to promote peace rather than engage in politics. Trump accused the Pope of weakness on crime and poor foreign policy, claiming credit for his election as the first US-born pontiff and urging him to focus on being a strong leader instead of aligning with radicals. This exchange highlights tensions between religious and political leadership amid global security concerns.

Indonesia's mandatory biodiesel policy, advancing to B50 by July 2026, is expected to significantly reduce diesel imports by up to 50 percent, saving foreign exchange reserves of US$8-10 billion annually and improving the national energy trade balance. Supported by abundant palm oil resources and mature processing technology, the programme has already cut imports from 8.3 million kilolitres in 2024 to 5 million in 2025 under B40, while adding value to crude palm oil by Rp20.43 trillion and reducing emissions by 38.88 million tons of CO2 equivalent. Experts emphasise sustainable palm oil governance to prevent deforestation, protect indigenous rights, and avoid conflicts between energy and food needs.

Follow-up floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have disrupted transportation in Central Aceh, damaging roads, bridges, and settlements, exacerbating the aftermath of November 2025 disasters. Task Force Chairman Muhammad Tito Karnavian, also the Interior Minister, has urged intensified efforts, with the Satgas PRR deploying heavy equipment, installing temporary Bailey bridges, and planning weather modification operations to mitigate further risks. This response, supported by BNPB and the Public Works Ministry, underscores the government's commitment to rapid rehabilitation amid warnings of continued heavy rain from BMKG.

A manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China, operated by CNOOC Energy Technology & Services, has achieved zero-carbon certification by integrating digital twin technology, renewable energy sources, and smart management systems to drastically reduce energy consumption and emissions in oil casing pipe production. This initiative aligns with China's national green transition goals, including a 17% cut in CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 2030 and new ecological regulations promoting coordinated environmental protection and economic growth. The project demonstrates how carbon reduction can enhance efficiency and competitiveness, serving as a model for industrial sustainability worldwide.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Monday, where Putin warmly greeted him as a friend and expressed sincere gratitude for accepting the invitation to visit Moscow. Putin highlighted his pleasure over the implementation of the strategic partnership declaration between Russia and Indonesia. Prabowo was accompanied by key ministers including Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Foreign Minister Sugiono, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow on 13 April 2026, expressing deep gratitude for the warm reception despite Putin's busy schedule. Accompanied by key ministers including Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and Foreign Minister Sugiono, Prabowo highlighted the productive discussions following their previous encounter in December 2025 and recent interactions with Russian officials and companies in Jakarta and Moscow. This bilateral engagement underscores Indonesia's commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Russia amid global geopolitical dynamics.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France and the UK will co-host a conference in the coming days to unite countries willing to contribute to a multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative focuses on forming a purely defensive peaceful mission to secure the strategic waterway, separate from ongoing conflicts, and is part of broader French efforts to pursue diplomatic resolutions to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Macron emphasised the need to address key issues such as Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activities, regional actions, and stabilising Lebanon to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.

Governor Rahmat Mirzani Djausal of Lampung has emphasised the need to bolster the agricultural sector, which underpins the province's economy, during the opening of the 2026 Provincial Development Planning Consultation (Musrenbang) for drafting the 2027 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan. He highlighted challenges such as fluctuating commodity prices and low farmer incomes but noted significant improvements from central government interventions, including stabilised prices and better fertiliser access, leading to higher productivity and economic activity. The provincial government is implementing supporting programmes like liquid organic fertiliser distribution, commodity processing facilities, and vocational training to drive sustainable growth, reduce poverty, and achieve an 8% economic target aligned with national goals.

President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the handover of administrative fines and the reclamation of 1.2 million hectares of forest land in stage VI of the operation, recovering a total of Rp370 trillion in state assets from illegal forestry exploitation, equivalent to nearly 10% of the national budget. This achievement by the Forest Area Regulation Task Force addresses long-standing systemic looting of natural resources and highlights the need for stronger enforcement against land mafias and rogue corporations. The recovery could significantly bolster food security, education, healthcare, and budget deficits, marking a pivotal step in asserting economic sovereignty and tackling agrarian conflicts nationwide.

Former UIN Malang lecturer Imam Muslimin, known as Yai Mim and a suspect in an alleged sexual harassment and pornography case, died suddenly on Monday while being taken for questioning at Malang City Police Headquarters. Police reported that he collapsed shortly after leaving his cell, was rushed to Saiful Anwar Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival, with no prior health issues noted during routine checks. The incident has prompted an ongoing investigation into the cause of death, amid assurances from authorities that he received standard treatment without any special privileges or violence during detention.

Perum Bulog's CEO, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has assured that rice prices will remain stable despite increased costs for plastic packaging, emphasising the state-owned enterprise's focus on strengthening stocks and controlling distribution amid various cost pressures. As of 13 April 2026, Bulog has absorbed 48.7% of its annual target, equivalent to 1.9 million tonnes of rice, supported by ongoing harvests, with current stocks at 4.727 million tonnes. The company is coordinating with the Ministry of Industry for relief on raw material prices and preparing strategies to counter potential El Niño effects, while exploring export opportunities to Malaysia and domestic market operations to protect consumer and farmer purchasing power.

The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has issued a disaster alert for Aceh province, warning of potential heavy rain leading to flash floods, landslides, and strong winds across 23 districts from 11 to 20 April 2026. This follows recent flooding in November 2025 that affected 18 districts, with some families still displaced, and a fresh landslide in Aceh Tengah on 11 April. The Post-Disaster Sumatra Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR), under Muhammad Tito Karnavian, is mobilising heavy equipment, infrastructure assessments, and weather modification operations to mitigate risks and aim for zero risk to public safety.

Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim expressed fear and confusion after listening to testimony from a BPKP auditor in a corruption trial involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops, which allegedly caused state losses of Rp 2.1 trillion. Nadiem argued that the purchase price of Rp 5.6 million per unit was below market rates, suggesting savings rather than losses, and emphasised that any irregularities fell under the responsibility of procurement officials, not the minister. The case accuses Nadiem and three co-defendants of abusing authority to favour Google in Indonesia's technology ecosystem, with Nadiem allegedly enriching himself by Rp 809 billion through related investments.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, may target Turkey as its next enemy following Iran, amid escalating tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv. Fidan highlighted Israel's conflicting regional policies with Turkey's balancing efforts in areas like Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, attributing the hostility to President Erdogan's influential leadership. This comes after Netanyahu's verbal attacks on Erdogan in response to Turkey's announcement of charges against 35 Israelis, including Netanyahu, related to the targeting of the Global Freedom Flotilla aimed at breaking the Gaza blockade.

President Prabowo Subianto has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, marking a key diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Accompanied by key ministers, Prabowo was warmly received by Putin, who expressed delight over the regular and substantive contacts, highlighting the recent declaration of a strategic partnership. This meeting underscores the strengthening bilateral relations and potential for deeper cooperation between Indonesia and Russia.

The Indonesian government has granted Perum Bulog a 2 percent interest subsidy on loans from state-owned banks to bolster its financing for absorbing paddy from farmers, aiming to achieve a target of 4 million tons of rice equivalent by 2026. This policy, approved by the Finance Minister following inter-ministerial discussions, reduces Bulog's borrowing costs from 4 percent, with the government covering half, thereby enhancing the company's financial health and services to farmers while ensuring food stability. As of 13 April 2026, absorption has reached 48.7 percent or about 1.9 million tons, with current rice stocks at 4.727 million tons, projected to exceed 5 million tons soon amid the upcoming peak harvest.

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has clarified that the procurement of socks, mentioned in connection with the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme budget, was not directly handled by BGN. Instead, the socks are part of the equipment provided to participants during the Bachelor of Indonesian Development Drivers (SPPI) education programme, organised by the National Defence University (Unhan). Dadan emphasised BGN's commitment to efficient, transparent, and accountable budget management, urging the public to verify information from official sources amid concerns over public fund usage.

PT PLN (Persero) plans to execute 21 solar power plant (PLTS) projects in the first half of 2026 as part of accelerating the energy transition and strengthening national energy resilience, in line with the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL). These initiatives include integrating PLTS with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to reduce diesel fuel consumption in remote areas and target a 69.5 gigawatt capacity addition, with 76% from new and renewable energy sources. To address challenges like mismatches between renewable energy locations and demand centres, PLN is developing a 48,000 km Green Enabling Supergrid to ensure reliable electricity supply and long-term energy independence.

An investigation into the acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus on 12 March 2026 reveals strong indications of civilian involvement alongside state apparatus in a coordinated surveillance and assassination attempt. Analysis of phone records, CCTV footage, and vehicle registrations by independent groups like TAUD identifies at least 16 unidentified persons, including civilians, who monitored Yunus's movements throughout the day, exploiting his habits to target his face. This incident is part of ongoing threats against KontraS, linked to their advocacy on military reform and the August 2025 unrest, highlighting concerns over impunity and the need for public prosecution rather than military handling.

The Tangerang City Government, through its regional water company Perumda Tirta Benteng, has won four prestigious awards at the TOP BUMD Awards 2026, including the highest Bintang 5 rating for excellent governance. Mayor H. Sachrudin expressed gratitude for the collective hard work but urged continued innovation and improvement in public services to better serve the community, dedicating his own TOP Pembina BUMD award to the dedicated team. This recognition underscores the city's commitment to enhancing regional development contributions from its state-owned enterprises.

PT PLN's CEO, Darmawan Prasodjo, has emphasised that Indonesia's national electricity policy prioritises energy security and independence over mere transition from fossil fuels to renewables, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's directives. Through the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), PLN aims to add 69.5 gigawatts of capacity, with 76% from new and renewable sources, while addressing challenges like geographical mismatches via a 48,000 km Green Enabling Supergrid and large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems. These initiatives, including reducing diesel use and launching the Giga One bundling project, seek to lower costs, enhance reliability, and boost green investment attractiveness, ensuring affordable and domestic-based energy supply.

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission XII has commended the Mining Industry Holding MIND ID for its solid performance throughout 2025, despite global commodity price fluctuations, with revenues reaching Rp159 trillion, exceeding targets by 4%. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of integrated mining management and downstream policies, which are seen as crucial for bolstering national economic growth towards an 8% target by 2029. Looking ahead to 2026, MIND ID plans to ramp up production of key commodities like coal, bauxite, nickel ore, and tin, while prioritising sustainability and portfolio optimisation.

Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has announced that the country has secured commitments for naphtha supplies from alternative countries to counter disruptions from the Middle East, though deliveries may be delayed due to shifting demand and shipping issues caused by ongoing conflicts. In the interim, industries are relying on existing stocks, while the government works to expedite new imports amid a global crisis affecting regional partners like Singapore, China, and South Korea. The conflict, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, has driven up plastic product prices in Indonesia by 30 to 40 percent, highlighting the nation's heavy dependence on imported raw materials.

PT Phapros Tbk, an Indonesian pharmaceutical company, implemented five sustainability strategies focusing on operational efficiency, technological innovation, and waste management, leading to a remarkable turnaround from a Rp 290.63 billion loss in 2024 to a 109% surge in net profit for 2025. These green initiatives, including energy savings of 33,824.80 GJ and CO2e emission reductions of 3,442.74 tonnes, not only earned the company the Proper Hijau award but also drove a 26.34% increase in sales to Rp 940.88 billion across all segments. This success underscores the integration of environmental responsibility with financial growth, setting a model for sustainable business practices in Indonesia's pharmaceutical sector.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission XIII has unanimously approved the second amendment to Law No. 13 of 2006 on Witness and Victim Protection, advancing it to the plenary session for final decision. The bill expands protections to include not only witnesses and victims but also perpetrator witnesses, reporters, informants, and experts facing threats, while establishing the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) as a state institution with regional representatives and special task forces. It also introduces a permanent victim fund managed by the finance ministry to provide compensation and rehabilitation, highlighting the government's commitment to strengthening judicial safeguards amid ongoing threats to justice participants.

Indonesia faces intensifying geopolitical pressures as it negotiates expanded U.S. military aircraft access to its airspace while President Prabowo engages Russia on defense cooperation, risking U.S. sanctions under CAATSA. Amid global tensions, including a fragile Iran-U.S. ceasefire, a closed Strait of Hormuz, and reports of China supplying Iran with air defense systems, Indonesia's longstanding policy of neutrality is increasingly challenged in a world divided between democratic and authoritarian blocs. Regionally, Southeast Asia's fragmentation, exemplified by the Philippines' closer U.S. ties, further complicates Jakarta's independent stance, underscoring the strategic significance of Indonesia's geographic position in global logistics.

Malaysia is undergoing a critical transformation in its energy sector, driven by global geopolitical pressures and supply uncertainties, with efforts focusing on accelerating solar-based renewables, exploring nuclear energy, and testing palm oil-based biodiesel as alternatives to fossil fuels. The global energy crisis, exacerbated by Middle East conflicts, has prompted the government to restructure its national energy mix to reduce fossil fuel dependency and enhance domestic resilience, with analysts maintaining an 'overweight' rating on the sector due to expected structural re-rating from policy shifts and infrastructure investments. This diversification strategy, combining intermittent solar with stable nuclear power, addresses reliability challenges in the national grid while warning that national reserves may only last until the end of May 2026 without improvements.

The University of Indonesia (UI) and the University of Sydney have renewed their memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration in education, research, and community service, focusing on joint projects, curriculum development, academic exchanges, and student mobility programs. This partnership aims to strengthen UI's global standing, expand academic networks, and address international challenges while fostering Indonesia-Australia relations. UI has proposed a double degree program to further integrate the institutions' offerings.

Indonesia's House of Representatives has voiced full support for Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, known as PP TUNAS, which aims to protect children in the digital space by restricting social media access for minors, effective from 28 March. DPR Commission I member Nurul Arifin highlighted that Indonesia's approach is among the most stringent globally, aligning with trends in at least 19 countries and prompting platforms like X and Bigo Live to adjust their policies. This firm stance is expected to create a domino effect, ensuring broader compliance and emphasising the need for collaboration among government, parents, and tech providers to make the regulation impactful on the ground.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) has been reported to the police by the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI) and several other organisations following a lecture at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) on 5 March 2026, where he was accused of insulting Christian teachings. During the 'Ramadan Public Lecture' titled 'Indonesia's Diplomatic Strategy in Mitigating Potential Multipolar Regional War Escalation', JK discussed past religious conflicts in Poso and Ambon, criticising the notion that killing in the name of faith leads to martyrdom or heaven in both Islam and Christianity, which GAMKI claims wounds Christian sentiments and misrepresents their doctrine. JK recounted his personal role in mediating these conflicts by invoking religious principles against violence to achieve peace, highlighting his efforts in Malino and Poso without military intervention.

The CEO of Perum Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has acknowledged the limited availability of Minyakita cooking oil in the market and has reported the issue to the Minister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency, Amran Sulaiman, while requesting an increase in the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) quota from the Minister of Trade. Currently, at least 35% of Minyakita distribution is handled by state-owned food enterprises including Bulog, but supply constraints arise from balancing market needs with government food assistance programmes, particularly following Ramadan and Eid priorities. Bulog proposes raising the DMO allocation to BUMNs to 65% to ensure optimal distribution for both market supply and social aid, aiming to normalise availability across the board.

Indonesia's Minister of Transmigration, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, announced an expanded partnership with China following a meeting with Ambassador Wang Lutong, aimed at accelerating poverty alleviation and job creation in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directives. The collaboration draws on China's successful transmigration models, including the relocation of over nine million people for infrastructure projects, which will be adapted to Indonesia's 154 transmigration areas, with plans to send experts, academics, and transmigrant representatives to China for study. Additionally, both nations discussed establishing a Center of Excellence for poverty alleviation in Papua, focusing on food, energy, and water security, with China expressing strong enthusiasm after a recent survey delegation.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has urged residents to revert to traditional methods like using banana leaves for wrapping food amid a sharp rise in plastic prices, which has increased by 30 to 40 percent since late March 2026 due to geopolitical conflicts in Iran. He noted that the provincial government lacks authority to intervene in plastic pricing and emphasised the need to reduce plastic dependency to address environmental concerns. This call highlights the broader economic pressures and sustainability challenges in the capital.

The Bandung City Government is advancing the restructuring and management of Bandung Zoo by inviting 85 conservation institutions to a selection process overseen by central, provincial, and city authorities to ensure transparency and high standards. Mayor Muhammad Farhan highlighted the significant public interest and international participation as positive indicators for establishing world-class management, with selections expected to narrow down by the end of April 2026. The initiative also presents substantial investment opportunities, potentially exceeding Rp 50 billion in the first two years, underscoring the need for capable and reputable managing entities.

The Cirebon District Prosecutor's Office has named three individuals as suspects in an alleged case of credit disbursement irregularities at Perumda BPR Bank Cirebon, a regional public-owned bank in West Java. The suspects, initially witnesses, were upgraded after sufficient evidence was found of violations spanning 2017 to 2024, involving improper loans to 17 employees that caused significant financial losses to the state. They have been detained for 20 days as the investigation continues, highlighting ongoing issues in the oversight of public financial institutions.

Indonesia is intensifying its de-dollarisation efforts through the expansion of local currency transactions (LCT), which surged 163% year-on-year to $8.45 billion in January-February 2026, driven by increased user adoption across key sectors like manufacturing and trade. The government, in collaboration with Bank Indonesia, has extended LCT to six major partner countries including China and Japan, bolstering bilateral financial cooperation and supporting the rupiah's strength amid a robust trade surplus. A newly formed National LCT Task Force will further promote incentives and streamlined processes to enhance economic resilience and reduce transaction costs in international trade.