The South Jakarta Parks and City Forestry Agency has felled a hazardous mahogany tree in Gandaria Tengah, Kebayoran Baru, after a resident's report revealed 70% rot in its trunk, aiming to enhance public safety during storms. In a separate action, four at-risk trees in Srengseng Sawah, Jagakarsa, were pruned following reports via the JAKI app, including banyan, tembesia, and saga species, to improve visibility and reduce potential hazards. These initiatives underscore the agency's proactive response to community concerns, promoting safer urban environments in Jakarta.

Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has assured that the Rp 1.77 trillion increase in Hajj flight costs, driven by rising aviation fuel prices, will be covered by state funds, ensuring no additional burden on pilgrims. The ministry is negotiating with airlines to determine the exact increase and coordinating with the Attorney General's Office on funding legality, with options including the state budget or other sources like state-owned enterprises. This decision, discussed in a meeting with the DPR's Commission VIII, underscores the government's commitment to maintaining affordable Hajj access amid economic pressures.

A national survey by Cyrus Network reveals that 79.6% of respondents believe the government's handling of the Sumatra disaster has improved over the past four months compared to its initial stages in November 2025, with overall satisfaction at 73.8%. Despite this progress, 95.6% call for further enhancements, particularly in aid sufficiency, inter-agency coordination, and response speed. The survey highlights high public trust in institutions like the TNI (94.4%) and BNPB (85.8%), offering valuable insights for bolstering Indonesia's disaster management framework.

Residents in Rawa Buaya, Cengkareng, West Jakarta, are enduring persistent poor-quality water services from PAM Jaya, with the supply often appearing black, murky, and emitting a foul sewer-like odour. Long-time users like Nurliana Sihombing, who has relied on the service for 25 years, report that the issue has been ongoing without resolution, forcing them to incur additional electricity costs for pumping the contaminated water. Local leaders, including the RT head, have witnessed similar problems, such as black, smelly water filling storage tanks overnight, highlighting ongoing deficiencies in Jakarta's public water infrastructure.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, has indicated that out of eight platforms requested to implement the initial phase of PP Tunas—a government regulation restricting social media access for children under 16—only Roblox and YouTube remain non-compliant, while X, Bigolive, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok have adhered. For Roblox, despite global feature adjustments like the Roblox Kids mode for verified users aged 5-12, the platform still permits communication with strangers, which contravenes Indonesian parental demands and the regulation's high-risk provisions. YouTube faces an administrative warning and is urged for full compliance, as its current age limit of "possibly 16 years" does not meet the strict legal requirements.

The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provincial government has emphasised the role of People's Schools as safe educational spaces for the most vulnerable children, particularly those from the lowest welfare deciles, offering not only access to education but also psychological support and a dormitory system to shield them from external influences. Currently, NTB operates five pilot People's Schools across primary to secondary levels, with a permanent integrated facility under construction in North Lombok, all fully funded by the state including advanced technological resources and qualified local educators trained by the central government. This initiative, targeted through rigorous selection via welfare programmes like PKH, underscores Indonesia's commitment to protecting and rehabilitating at-risk youth without any reported incidents of violence.

Indonesian businessman Subchan Gatot has highlighted that high severance pay obligations are driving numerous factories to relocate from Indonesia to competitors like Vietnam and Cambodia, where such costs are significantly lower—for instance, one month's salary for a one-year employee in Indonesia versus half a month's in those countries. He noted that severance can reach 19 months' pay for a decade-long employee in Indonesia, compared to just five months in Vietnam, with overall termination costs 240% higher, exacerbating the burden on labour-intensive industries. This disparity, combined with mismatched minimum wage levels and industrial affordability, underscores the competitive challenges facing Indonesia's manufacturing sector amid ongoing labour law discussions in parliament.

Prosecutors in Serang have charged local university student Muhamad Dzaky Hafizh Al Fikry, known as Fikri, with vandalism and arson during a student demonstration on 30 August 2025, which escalated into violence and resulted in the burning of a police post. The incident, stemming from a planned protest at Simpang Empat Ciceri in Serang, caused approximately IDR 150 million in material damage to the Serang City Police Traffic Unit. Fikri faces charges under Indonesia's new Criminal Code for acts endangering public safety through fire and collective violence against property.

The Indonesian government and the House of Representatives (DPR) have agreed to cover the additional operational costs for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage using state finances, but have not yet specified the exact funding source, ruling out any burden on pilgrims or funds managed by the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). Officials confirmed that the extra expenses will not be passed on to Hajj participants, with ongoing negotiations with airlines like Garuda Indonesia and Saudi Airlines to finalise the actual costs. This commitment underscores the government's effort to maintain affordability of the pilgrimage amid rising expenses.

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) is exploring a partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs to advance the Sekolah Rakyat programme, aimed at broadening educational access for out-of-school children in Indonesia. UPI's contributions will focus on curriculum development, teacher capacity building, and operational concepts, without setting specific enrolment targets but supporting the ministry's goals through academic enhancements. The collaboration includes potential recruitment of UPI students as staff, teacher training, and curriculum restructuring, with hopes that the dormitory-based approach will foster character building and improve human resource quality among underserved groups.

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has called on Universitas Indonesia (UI) to decisively address allegations of sexual harassment involving 16 students from its Faculty of Law, citing the recent Ministry of Education Regulation No. 55 of 2024 on preventing and handling violence in higher education institutions. Deputy Chairman of Commission X, Lalu Hadrian, emphasised the need for strict implementation of the regulation to ensure transparency and victim support, criticising universities for half-hearted commitments that allow such incidents to recur. UI's Rector, Heri Hermansyah, affirmed the university's dedication to eradicating sexual violence and stated that the case is being monitored in line with procedures.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to visit Russia in May 2026 for an event in Kazan and again in July to strengthen bilateral ties. This follows their recent meeting in Moscow, where both nations agreed on strategic cooperation in energy, minerals, education, technology research, agriculture, and investment, particularly in Indonesia's industrial development. The agreements underscore Russia's global strategic position as a UN Security Council veto holder and BRICS founder, aiming to benefit both countries through intensified relations.

Indonesian Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo attended a halalbihalal event organised by the KSPSI labour confederation, where he called on workers to support government efforts in safeguarding the investment climate amid global uncertainties, particularly from Middle East conflicts. He emphasised the importance of industrial growth for worker prosperity, advocated for informal dialogues between labour and business to resolve regulatory issues like the Job Creation Law before legislative revisions, and invited both groups to jointly celebrate May Day at Monas with President Prabowo. This engagement highlights the role of tripartite cooperation in bolstering Indonesia's economic resilience and attractiveness to investors.

Representatives of Gerakan Rakyat Indonesia Bersatu Jaya (GRIB Jaya), led by Rosario de Marshal alias Hercules, have defended their management of a disputed plot near Tanah Abang Station, asserting ownership through a 1923 Eigendom Verponding document held by the heirs of Sulaiman Effendi. They reject accusations of illegal occupation by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), which claims the same land via a 2008 Sertifikat Hak Pengelolaan Lahan, insisting no sale transaction ever occurred. GRIB Jaya has filed a civil case at the Central Jakarta District Court to resolve the matter judicially, criticising statements from KAI's director and Minister Maruarar Sirait as tendentious.

Tempo magazine's editorial team has responded to a peaceful protest by NasDem party members who visited their Jakarta office on 14 April 2026, demanding an apology and clarification over a cover featuring a caricature of party leader Surya Paloh. Editor-in-Chief Setri Yasra defended the reporting as adhering to journalistic standards and offered space for NasDem's response, while apologising for any offence caused by the cover, which satirised potential merger talks with Gerindra amid Prabowo Subianto's presidency. The incident underscores tensions between media freedom and political sensitivities in Indonesia's democratic landscape.

Cadres from the NasDem Party staged a peaceful protest outside Tempo's office in Jakarta on 14 April 2026, objecting to the magazine's cover story on a potential merger with Gerindra initiated by Prabowo Subianto, which they deemed inaccurate and unethical. Tempo's Editor-in-Chief Setri Yasra responded by affirming that the report had undergone rigorous journalistic verification and offered space for clarification, while apologising for any offence caused by the cover featuring a caricature of party leader Surya Paloh. The incident underscores tensions between political entities and the press in Indonesia, with Tempo urging resolution through the Press Council as per the 1999 Press Law.

Dexa Group, a prominent health products manufacturer, has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the Indonesian government's national health initiatives by providing free health screening programmes and ensuring widespread access to quality generic medicines. The company's Cek Segitiga initiative, launched in Bogor with participation from 679 residents, revealed that 73.8% of participants are at risk of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, underscoring the critical need for early detection. Through its 38 branches nationwide and preventive health education, Dexa aims to address the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, which remain a leading cause of death in Indonesia.

Akamai Technologies reports a significant surge in API attacks across the Asia-Pacific region, reaching nearly 65 billion in 2025, a 23% increase from the previous year, largely fuelled by the adoption of AI-driven strategies. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in APIs that underpin digital transactions and services, with 87% of global organisations experiencing related security incidents and a tripling of daily attacks. The report highlights the need for enhanced security measures, including real-time monitoring and integrated protections, as sectors like retail, finance, and telecommunications face growing threats from sophisticated AI-powered bots.

UIN Ar-Raniry in Banda Aceh is set to lead the implementation of the Halal, Safe, and Healthy Culinary Zone (KHAS) within university environments in Aceh, focusing on campus canteens and strategic areas to ensure halal standards, cleanliness, and accessibility. This initiative strengthens the university's identity as a sharia-based institution integrated with Islamic economic practices and serves as a model for developing a halal ecosystem, including student-led innovations in sharia economy and digital transactions via QRIS. The commitment declaration is scheduled for late April 2026 as part of the Road to Aceh Sharia Economic Festival, potentially positioning UIN Ar-Raniry as a regional and national role model.

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has expressed openness to collaboration between the Jakarta Planetarium at Taman Ismail Marzuki and the Equator Bonjol area in West Sumatra, aiming to enhance science education and develop knowledge-based tourism destinations. During his visit to the Tuanku Imam Bonjol Museum in Pasaman, Rano emphasised the vital role of culture in driving social, economic, and community character development, while highlighting the contributions of local SMEs to regional self-reliance. Pasaman Regent Welly Suhery outlined the 'School Goes to Equator' programme, which seeks to transform the planetarium into an educational hub for children, fostering sustainable visitor growth.

Dino Patti Djalal, founder of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), has urged the Indonesian government to exercise caution in defence cooperation decisions, particularly regarding air space control with the United States, warning against an appeasement policy that could undermine national interests. He emphasised that agreements should not be hastily approved and must prioritise Indonesia's sovereignty, as highlighted in the recently signed MDCP framework. The Defence Ministry has clarified that proposals for US aircraft activities in Indonesian airspace are still under consideration and not finalised, ensuring compliance with national and international law.

Sahat Martin Philip Sinurat, the Chairman of the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI), has filed a police report against former Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) for alleged blasphemy over controversial remarks made during a lecture at Gadjah Mada University's mosque in March 2026, referencing religious conflicts in Poso and Ambon. The report, registered with the Metro Jaya Police, highlights JK's statements on martyrdom in interfaith violence, which GAMKI deems offensive. Sinurat, a 1989-born ITB alumnus and commissioner in several state-linked firms, also serves as the Acting Chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party's (PSI) North Sumatra branch since January 2026 and supported the Prabowo-Gibran presidential ticket in 2024.

Indonesian police have dismantled a clandestine laboratory producing the drug Zenith in Semarang, Central Java, arresting two suspects and seizing over 306,000 tablets along with 1.83 tons of precursor materials capable of yielding millions more. The operation, uncovered through a drug trafficking probe in West Jakarta, targeted teenagers and workers, posing a significant threat to the nation's future. Eight other suspects remain at large, with the arrested individuals facing severe penalties under narcotics laws.

The Jakarta DPRD conducted a fit and proper test for Syafrin Liputo, Head of the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency, as a candidate for Mayor of South Jakarta, focusing on his strategies to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and sectoral egos within sub-district offices. Concerns were raised about controlling thousands of civil servants across 10 districts and 67 villages, as well as accelerating the resolution of public and social facilities issues, which often take years in South Jakarta compared to months in West Jakarta. Syafrin pledged to address these challenges through coordination, collaboration, and full support from lower administrative structures to ensure prompt problem-solving for residents.

Police in Sumenep, East Java, are conducting an intensive investigation into the discovery of 23 packages containing approximately 27.83 kilograms of suspected cocaine along the Pasir Putih Kahuripan beach in Giligenting subdistrict on 13 April 2026. The find, reported by local residents and secured by narcotics unit officers, will be sent to the East Java Provincial Police Forensic Laboratory for verification, marking the second major drug discovery in the area within the past year following a 35-kilogram seizure of methamphetamine in May 2025. Authorities are urging community cooperation to combat drug trafficking and safeguard youth in the region.

The CEO of the Indonesian Pole and Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI), Janti Djuari, has emphasised the critical need for ongoing government subsidies in the fisheries sector, particularly for small-scale traditional fishermen, to enhance productivity and maintain competitiveness. She highlighted the challenges posed by the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS-1), effective from September 2025, which prohibits certain subsidies amid Indonesia's heavy reliance on fuel subsidies, while noting that competitors like China provide similar support through different mechanisms. As negotiations for a more comprehensive AFS-2 continue without full agreement, Janti called for efficient targeting of subsidies to ensure they reach those in need, especially in eastern Indonesia where operational costs remain high.

The Indonesian cement industry is facing new pressures from disruptions in the plastic supply chain, affecting packaging materials and potentially driving up overall production costs, as highlighted by government and industry officials. Head of the Agency for Standardization and Industrial Services Policy, Emmy Suryandari, noted shortages in plastic-based cement bags, a trend also felt in everyday markets, while Asperssi Chairman Lilik Unggul Raharjo pointed to heavy reliance on imported raw materials like plastic pellets and kraft paper from geopolitically unstable regions. This global challenge underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate import dependencies and stabilise domestic supply chains.

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence has clarified that a draft Letter of Intent for overflight clearance allowing US military aircraft to traverse Indonesian airspace remains non-final and non-binding, serving merely as a proposal from the US side under internal government review. The ministry emphasises that any such arrangement will be meticulously evaluated to safeguard national interests, sovereignty, and Indonesia's free and active foreign policy principles. This development underscores Indonesia's cautious approach to defence diplomacy with the US, ensuring mutual benefits without compromising national independence.

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is enhancing universal participation to ensure the availability of competent teachers and improve their welfare, aiming for equitable education services across Indonesia. Director General of Teachers and Education Personnel Nunuk Suryani highlighted priority programmes for 2026, including teacher professional development, certification completion, and academic qualification enhancements, amid challenges like 70,000 to 80,000 annual retirements and ongoing shortages. Nationally, over 92% of teachers are certified, with remaining gaps addressed through scholarships for D4/S1 qualifications, underscoring the government's commitment to quality education for all.

The Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, has strongly condemned the alleged sexual harassment by 16 male students at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law, which involved derogatory messages in a digital chat group, describing it as a degrading act that undermines women's dignity and creates unsafe academic environments. She pledged to oversee the case to ensure victims receive protection, psychological and legal support, and justice in line with the Sexual Violence Crime Law (UU TPKS), while urging the university to conduct a thorough investigation and impose strict sanctions. The university has initiated verification processes and may coordinate with law enforcement if criminal elements are found, highlighting the need for impartial enforcement regardless of the perpetrators' backgrounds.

Legal expert Mahfud MD has asserted that apprehending corrupt individuals who escape to foreign countries is legally straightforward due to Indonesia's adequate instruments for pursuit and extradition. He highlighted the case of a suspect in a Rp189 trillion money laundering scandal who died abroad, attributing the failure to capture him to diplomatic manoeuvres, official interference, and inconsistent law enforcement rather than systemic flaws. Mahfud, who previously oversaw the case as Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, emphasised that weak enforcement and vested interests often protect perpetrators, allowing cases like that of Siman Bahar, who died in China amid an illegal gold processing probe, to collapse.

Governments worldwide, including Indonesia and the UK, are implementing restrictions on social media access for children under 16 to combat addiction driven by addictive scrolling mechanisms and algorithms. In Indonesia, the PP Tunas regulation was introduced in March 2025 with stricter enforcement beginning on 28 March 2026, following similar bans in Australia and announcements in Egypt. The UK is consulting on potential bans and time limits, highlighting concerns over impacts on sleep, family life, and education, with over 45,000 responses already received.

PT PLN (Persero) has supplied 250 Megavolt Ampere (MVA) of high-voltage electricity to PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper (IKPP) Karawang Mill in West Java, enabling the expansion of Indonesia's pulp and paper industry and enhancing national competitiveness in global markets. This strategic initiative, supported by a new 150 kV overhead transmission line spanning 8.481 kilometres, is projected to boost production of industrial brown and white products while creating up to 2,500 direct and indirect jobs. PLN executives and IKPP representatives hailed the collaboration as a key driver for sustainable economic growth, underscoring the state-owned electricity company's commitment to reliable infrastructure and industrial productivity.

The extension of Special Autonomy Funds (Otsus) for Aceh following the disaster is a morally compelling policy that underscores the state's commitment to rebuilding infrastructure, public services, and the economy in the affected region. However, despite nearly two decades of substantial funding, persistent challenges such as high poverty, unemployment, and fiscal dependency highlight the need for enhanced governance, impact-based oversight, and transparency to ensure funds translate into tangible improvements in quality of life. This extension should serve as a policy correction moment, directing resources to urgent needs rather than routine bureaucratic spending, thereby fostering genuine transformation.

The Indonesian Mining Association (API-IMA) has urged the government to reconsider proposals to withhold tax refunds, warning that such measures could destabilise business operations and investor confidence in the mining sector. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has indicated a review of the refund mechanism to prevent revenue leakages, noting that refunds totalled Rp 361.5 trillion in 2025, amid concerns over transparency. Business groups and experts emphasise the importance of refunds for cash flow and sustainable economic growth, arguing that fiscal strengthening should focus on better administration rather than withholding taxpayer rights.

Arif Rahman, a NasDem Party member in Indonesia's House of Representatives, has dismissed rumours of a merger between his party and Gerindra as illogical and irrational, emphasising that good personal relations between leaders do not equate to party amalgamation. He highlighted NasDem's 15-year history, its political responsibilities to 14.6 million voters from the 2024 elections, and questioned the timing of the rumour's emergence following a February meeting between Surya Paloh and Prabowo Subianto. This statement underscores NasDem's commitment to its independence amid ongoing political dynamics.

A prosecutor in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, has demanded a six-month prison sentence for Mokrianus Imanuel Lay, a local DPRD member from the Hanura Party, for neglecting his wife and two children under domestic violence laws. The charges, based on evidence presented in court, cite violations of Indonesia's 2024 Domestic Violence Elimination Act and related criminal code adjustments, with the trial presided over by Judge Harlina Rayes. Lay's legal team has criticised the prosecution as half-hearted and plans to argue for his full acquittal in the upcoming plea hearing.

A distressing case of alleged sexual violence against a 3-year-old girl in Parongpong, West Bandung Regency, has gone viral after the child's relative pleaded for assistance from West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi via social media. The suspected perpetrator is a family acquaintance, highlighting vulnerabilities in personal relationships, and the local child protection agency has been providing support since receiving the report in October 2025. This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced child protection measures in Indonesia to prevent such traumas within close-knit communities.

The University of Indonesia has launched an investigation into alleged sexual harassment by Law Faculty students following the circulation of lewd and derogatory messages in a student chat group on social media. The university's Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force is verifying reports, summoning those involved, and gathering evidence, while the faculty has revoked their student body membership and may impose disciplinary actions including expulsion or referral to law enforcement. UI is providing psychological and legal support to victims and has urged the public to respect the process, highlighting the institution's commitment to addressing sexual violence in line with its values and Indonesian laws.

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution expressed fury towards the Tukka sub-district head, Yan Munzir Hutagalung, during an inspection of a river embankment project in Tapanuli Tengah Regency, citing extremely slow progress in flood recovery efforts. In a video shared on the provincial government's Instagram, Nasution was seen berating the official for failing to utilise substantial funding allocations, while the regent, Masinton Pasaribu, attempted to calm the situation. The incident underscores tensions in local governance and the urgency of infrastructure projects to address natural disasters in the region.

Mohammad Faisal, Executive Director of the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE), states that Indonesia's energy resilience is stronger than that of regional peers like the Philippines and Malaysia, with only 20 percent reliance on Middle Eastern oil supplies. This lower dependence stems from government diversification efforts, including imports from African nations, providing better buffers against global energy disruptions. While global pressures persist, policies such as maintaining subsidised fuel prices and implementing work-from-home arrangements are helping to stabilise the domestic economy and save up to Rp 59 trillion in fuel consumption.

Bali's Narcotics Directorate of the Regional Police successfully thwarted an international cocaine smuggling attempt, seizing over 2.5 kilograms hidden in a suitcase from Poland, with a Russian national as the suspect. The operation, conducted in collaboration with Ngurah Rai Customs, uncovered the drugs at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, potentially saving thousands of lives and valued at Rp17.8 billion. The suspect faces severe penalties under Indonesian law, including the death penalty, as authorities vow to dismantle the broader narcotics network.

Amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East driving up global energy prices, China, the world's largest energy importer, is strategically reducing its oil and gas imports to maintain domestic energy stability. Recent reports indicate a significant drop in LNG imports to the lowest since 2018, with natural gas imports falling 11% in March 2026, while earlier stockpiling efforts have boosted crude oil imports by 8.9% year-to-date. This adaptive response to surging prices above $100 per barrel and supply risks in the Gulf region underscores China's historical pattern of curbing purchases during market volatility.

Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is preparing a revised regulation on tax restitution, set to take effect on 1 May 2026, which will impose stricter mechanisms for refunding overpaid taxes to businesses amid concerns over revenue leakages. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa highlighted that last year's restitutions reached Rp 361.5 trillion, prompting comprehensive audits in collaboration with the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) to identify vulnerabilities, particularly in the natural resources sector from 2020 to 2025. This move aims to ensure that only eligible taxpayers receive refunds without halting the process entirely, thereby safeguarding state revenues.

The CEO of Perum BULOG, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, conducted an inspection at Pasar Minggu and Pasar Grogol in Jakarta to verify the availability and affordability of Minyakita cooking oil in traditional markets. He confirmed sufficient stocks at the controlled price of Rp15,700 per litre, amid rising demand due to shifts in consumer preferences, and announced proposals for increased supply quotas to maintain distribution. Additionally, BULOG reported a national rice stock of approximately 4.7 million tonnes, expressing optimism about overall food security and pledging ongoing monitoring to support price stability and public purchasing power.

Indonesian Forestry Ministry authorities have seized 796.34 kilograms of pangolin scales from a Vietnamese-flagged cargo ship at Merak Port in Banten, leading to the arrest of a Vietnamese national suspected of involvement in an international wildlife trafficking network. The discovery, hidden among legitimate steel coil cargo, underscores the growing threat of organised crime to Indonesia's biodiversity, particularly the critically endangered Javan pangolin, and highlights the need for broader enforcement to dismantle smuggling routes. The suspect faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rp5 billion under wildlife protection laws, with investigations ongoing into the syndicate's operations, including potential ship-to-ship transfers.

The Central Maluku Regency is bolstering local food culture by hosting the Kora Inasua Festival in Teon Nila Serua sub-district, aiming to preserve marine resources while sustaining cultural and economic practices. Inasua, a traditional salted fish preservation method, embodies coastal communities' identity and wisdom in managing seafood during harsh weather, with emphasis on women's empowerment and youth education on conservation. This event fosters synergy among local government, indigenous groups, and partners to promote sustainable fisheries and highlight the vital link between healthy oceans and community livelihoods.

Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon welcomed Saudi Arabia's Culture Minister, His Highness Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, for a visit to the National Museum and National Gallery of Indonesia as part of bilateral efforts to strengthen cultural cooperation. During the tour, Zon highlighted key exhibitions on the geological evolution of the Nusantara archipelago, early human life, and the historical spread of Islam in Indonesia since the 7th century, showcasing over 300 artefacts that illustrate the inclusive development of Islamic civilisation blended with local traditions. The visit also featured contemporary works by Indonesian women artists and masterpieces by renowned painters like Raden Saleh and Affandi, underscoring Indonesia's rich artistic heritage, while discussions focused on renewing cultural agreements, UNESCO collaborations, and advancing creative economy sectors like film and literature to foster sustainable bilateral ties.

PT Pegadaian has been awarded the Best Social Bond/Sukuk - Non Bank Financial Institution (NBFI) at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Award 2026 in Hong Kong, recognising its issuance of sustainable social bonds and sukuk worth Rp 3.49 trillion in 2025. The accolade highlights Pegadaian's commitment to sustainable finance, integrating ESG principles to enhance financial inclusion and empower grassroots economies. This achievement positions Pegadaian as a leading model for non-bank financial institutions in Southeast Asia, fostering investor confidence and national economic growth.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has introduced new rules under its Financial Services Information System (SLIK) that prevent individuals with credit defaults exceeding Rp 1 million from automatically accessing subsidised Home Ownership Credit (KPR), requiring full repayment before eligibility. This policy offers leniency only for smaller defaults below Rp 1 million, while streamlining the update process for cleared credits to a maximum of three working days to reduce bureaucratic delays. The adjustment aims to support the government's affordable housing programme for low-income earners while upholding prudent banking principles and providing legal certainty for compliant applicants.