Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 April 2026

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Viral Sunken Road in East Jakarta Receives Only Temporary Repairs

A sunken road on Jalan Dewi Sartika in East Jakarta, which went viral on social media due to its dangerous location at a curve, has been temporarily repaired by the local road maintenance unit. The subsidence is suspected to stem from untreated utility excavations, creating a cavity beneath the asphalt that poses significant risks to motorists. Officials emphasise that the current fix using cold mix asphalt is interim, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining urban infrastructure safety.

Platforms 6-8 at Bogor Station to Close for 90 Days Starting 15 April 2026

Platforms 6, 7, and 8 at Bogor Station will be closed for 90 days from 15 April 2026 to facilitate rail extension works, leading to operational adjustments for KAI Commuter Line services. Passengers will be served only on platforms 2-3 and 4-5, with 31 train schedules adjusted by 2-3 minutes, while temporary access routes including walkways and crossings have been prepared to mitigate impacts. This upgrade will enable the platforms to accommodate 12-car train formations in the future, up from the current maximum of 10 cars, enhancing capacity on the Bogor line.

Saudi Arabia urges US to lift Hormuz Strait blockade and resume talks

Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to end its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations with Iran, citing fears that the blockade could escalate tensions and disrupt vital shipping routes. Riyadh is particularly concerned that Iran might retaliate by closing the Bab al-Mandeb strait, threatening Saudi oil exports, amid ongoing US-Israel strikes that have killed over 1,400 people since late February. Despite public posturing, backchannel communications between Washington and Tehran suggest potential for flexible talks to resolve the conflict.

Preventing Teen Vaping Requires Involving Families and Schools

Professor Agus Dwi Susanto from the University of Indonesia emphasises that preventing teenagers from using vapes necessitates comprehensive education involving families, schools, healthcare professionals, and the government to counter the influence of pervasive promotions portraying vaping as a lifestyle choice. He highlights the risks of addictive substances like nicotine in vapes and the need for consistent, repeated efforts to inform youth about health dangers. Meanwhile, the Head of the National Narcotics Agency, Suyudi Ario Seto, proposes banning electronic cigarettes in the draft Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill, citing alarming laboratory findings of narcotic liquids in 341 vape samples seized across Indonesia.

New Economic Opportunities from Agriculture: Deputy Minister Prepares New Regulations

Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture is drafting regulations on carbon economic value (NEK) in the agricultural sector to accelerate carbon trading integration, aiming to incorporate farming into the national carbon exchange ecosystem. Deputy Minister Sudaryono highlighted ongoing efforts to establish institutional frameworks and technical rules, including ministerial regulations and roadmaps for low-emission rice varieties, to support emission reductions and economic benefits. This aligns with broader government targets for a carbon market launch in July 2026, emphasising nature-based solutions like mangroves and seagrasses.

Prabowo's Visit to Russia: Analyst Says Indonesia Takes on "Bridge Builder" Role

International relations expert Probo Darono Yakti from Universitas Airlangga views President Prabowo Subianto's recent visits to Russia and France as Indonesia positioning itself as a "bridge builder" between Western and non-Western blocs in the post-Cold War order. During his five-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors such as energy, mineral resources, and downstream processing, while Prabowo is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron to balance diplomatic engagements. This approach aligns with Indonesia's active mediation role, including its involvement in the Board of Peace, aiming to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions among opposing international actors.

Member of Mass Organisation Threatening to Burn Shop in Deli Serdang Arrested

A 26-year-old man claiming affiliation with a mass organisation was arrested in Deli Serdang for threatening to burn a local grocery shop after the owner refused to pay an extortion fee disguised as a security payment. The incident, which occurred on 12 April, involved the suspect demanding Rp 250,000 for five months' worth of payments, following previous similar demands. Police from Sunggal Sectoral Police Station secured the perpetrator, highlighting ongoing issues with extortion by individuals posing as representatives of organisations like SPSI.

Government to Revitalise 1,600 Schools in NTB

The Indonesian central government has committed to revitalising 1,600 schools across Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) this year, tripling the number from the previous year with a budget exceeding Rp1 trillion. This initiative, announced by Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Fajar Riza Ul Haq, aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's pledge to enhance educational infrastructure, particularly in remote, underdeveloped, and outermost regions (3T areas), by repairing damaged schools and adding up to three classrooms per school equipped with digital interactive boards. The effort underscores the government's dedication to improving learning outcomes for students amid global challenges, aiming to support 71,000 schools nationwide.

Oil Prices Poised to Surge, Indonesia Urged to Prepare Anticipatory Measures

Amid stalled US-Iran negotiations and ongoing Middle East tensions, global oil prices are at risk of spiking to $110–120 per barrel, prompting calls for the Indonesian government to reassess its energy budget and subsidised fuel pricing strategies. Energy Shift Institute Director Putra Adhiguna highlights the discrepancy between physical market prices in the Middle East and reference benchmarks, urging caution to avoid burdening state oil firm Pertamina while other nations gradually adjust fuel prices. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured no increases in subsidised fuel prices until year-end, assuming oil at $100 per barrel, though non-subsidised prices remain unpredictable.

Rp497 Trillion Investment Enters Indonesia, Absorbing 627,000 Workers

Indonesia's investment realisation for the first quarter of 2026 is projected to reach Rp497 trillion, marking a 6.9% increase from the same period last year, according to Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Roeslani. This influx is expected to create jobs for 627,000 workers, up 5.5% year-on-year, with downstreaming programmes contributing around 30% of the total, led by the basic metals sector. The surge in investor interest, dominated by countries like Singapore and China, is attributed to Indonesia's political stability and President Prabowo Subianto's economic diplomacy efforts.

AI Claude Arrives in Word, Capable of Automatically Writing and Editing Documents

Anthropic has launched "Claude for Word", an intelligent add-in that integrates directly as a sidebar in Microsoft Word, challenging Microsoft's own Copilot AI within its ecosystem. Designed for professionals like lawyers, auditors, and financial analysts, the tool excels at processing long documents by summarising business contracts, detecting data anomalies, and aligning numbers and formats with high precision. It also features interconnected memory across Claude integrations in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, enabling seamless data transfer without manual copying, though rollout details for individual and free users remain unconfirmed.

TikTok Complies with PP Tunas on Social Media Restrictions for Children

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, has praised TikTok for adhering to Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, which restricts social media access for children under 16 to protect them in the digital realm. As of 10 April 2026, TikTok has deactivated 780,000 accounts of users under 16 in Indonesia, marking it as the first platform to report such actions. Six out of eight initial platforms now comply, while the government urges others to follow suit within a three-month deadline for self-assessment reports.

Ministry of Cooperatives Encourages PKH Social Aid Recipients to Become Workers in Red White Village Cooperatives

The Indonesian Ministry of Cooperatives is promoting the integration of recipients from the Family Hope Program (PKH) social aid into employment within the Red White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih), potentially absorbing up to 1.4 million individuals if 80,000 cooperatives each hire 15-18 workers. This initiative targets productive-age recipients through tailored training for roles such as drivers and cleaners, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs, though regulatory hurdles like mandatory membership fees pose challenges. Additionally, parents of students from People's Schools will be empowered in this cooperative ecosystem, aiming to enhance economic inclusion and reduce dependency on aid.

Effective in Recovering State Funds, Expert: Attorney General's Office Like Implementing Asset Forfeiture Law

Legal expert Prof. Abdul Fickar Hadjar has praised the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) for its effective approach in recovering trillions of rupiah in administrative fines from businesses violating forest areas through the Forest Area Rescue Task Force (Satgas PKH), bypassing lengthy criminal processes. He compares this method to the unpassed Asset Forfeiture Law, allowing swift state recovery of assets without court proceedings, and recommends consistency using audited financial data for accurate calculations. This strategy, witnessed during a handover of Rp11.4 trillion in fines to President Prabowo Subianto, prioritises public interest over prolonged litigation that risks asset dissipation.

Polri Uncovers Zenix Drug Factory in Semarang, Seizes Hundreds of Thousands of Pills and 1.8 Tons of Raw Materials

Indonesian National Police's Narcotics Criminal Directorate has dismantled a clandestine production network for the narcotic Zenix, or carisoprodol, securing a suspected factory in Semarang and related sites in Jakarta. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 120,000 Zenix pills and approximately 1.8 tons of raw materials, along with production equipment, and the arrest of three suspects, including a repeat offender. This significant bust highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug manufacturing in Indonesia, potentially disrupting a major supply chain.

Cyrus Survey: 73.8 Percent of the Public Satisfied with Handling of Sumatra Disaster, but Improvements Needed

A survey by Cyrus Network reveals that 73.8 percent of Indonesians are satisfied with the government's response to the floods, flash floods, and landslides that struck West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh in November 2025, with 79.6 percent believing the handling has improved since then. Conducted among 1,260 respondents, the poll highlights widespread awareness of the disaster but also underscores the public's expectation for enhanced disaster management in the future. This public sentiment reflects positively on government recovery efforts while signalling areas for policy refinement in emergency response.

Freeport's Revenue in 2025 Reaches US$8.6 Billion, Half Deposited to the State

PT Freeport Indonesia reported revenues of US$8.6 billion in 2025, with nearly half—US$4.3 billion—contributed to the Indonesian state through taxes, non-tax revenues, and dividends to MIND ID, exceeding initial plans due to corporate tax obligations. Despite a significant operational disruption from a wet material landslide at the Grasberg Block Cave mine, which halted activities until late October and reduced copper production by nearly 30% and gold by over 50%, rising commodity prices mitigated the financial impact, limiting revenue decline to 17%. This performance underscores Freeport's resilience and substantial economic contributions amid mining challenges in Indonesia.

Origins of the Exposure of the Student Harassment Group Chat at FH UI, Perpetrator Leaks to Victims

The sexual harassment case involving 27 victims and 16 students from the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law began when one group member leaked the chat contents to the victims in 2025, prompting initial awareness but delayed reporting due to insufficient evidence. Victims endured emotional distress and hoped the incidents would cease, but persistent abuse led to evidence gathering and full disclosure by the perpetrator this year, enabling legal action. This revelation highlights challenges in addressing campus sexual misconduct and the importance of comprehensive proof in pursuing justice.

Trump says Iran's nuclear programme is an obstacle in negotiations

US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran's nuclear programme remains a major hurdle in ongoing negotiations held in Islamabad, despite agreements on other issues to end the conflict. Trump expressed confidence that Tehran will eventually accept Washington's conditions to halt its nuclear weapons development, praising his Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner for their roles in the talks. Following the failure to reach a comprehensive deal, Trump ordered a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Iran back to the table, a move condemned by Iran as revenge against the global economy.

Analysts Recommend Buying INDF Shares, Target Price Rp8,200, Here's Why

Ciptadana Sekuritas has maintained a Buy recommendation for PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk (INDF) shares, setting a target price of Rp8,200 per share, implying a potential upside of 22.4% from the current Rp6,700. The recommendation is supported by strong growth in key segments including Consumer Branded Products with over 60 new launches driving 3.3% YoY sales increase, agribusiness boosted by 31.8% revenue growth from higher CPO prices, and stable performance in Bogasari amid rising wheat prices. INDF's 2025 financials showed revenue of Rp123.5 trillion (up 6.7% YoY) and net profit of Rp10.7 trillion (up 23.6% YoY), with projections for 2026 indicating further improvements, making its current 4.7x P/E valuation attractive compared to sector peers.

Pram urges "Yellow Troops" to proactively monitor infrastructure conditions

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has urged the DKI Jakarta Road and Bridge Service's "Yellow Troops" to adopt a more proactive approach in monitoring infrastructure conditions, rather than relying solely on public complaints or viral reports. He praised their dedication in handling road damage from heavy rains at the end of 2025 into early 2026, emphasising the importance of quick responses to prevent accidents, and stressed adherence to standard operating procedures for safety. Pramono called for strengthened synergy to realise a pothole-free Jakarta, supporting the city's transformation into a safe, comfortable, and inclusive global metropolis.

Secures International "The Asset Triple A" Award in Hong Kong, Pegadaian Gains Further Recognition on the Global Stage

PT Pegadaian has won the prestigious "Best Social Bond/Sukuk - Non Bank Financial Institution (NBFI)" category at the 2026 The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards in Hong Kong, recognising its issuance of sustainable social bonds and sukuk worth Rp3.49 trillion. The award highlights Pegadaian's successful integration of sustainable finance principles into its funding strategies, enhancing financial inclusion and empowering grassroots economies. This achievement reinforces Pegadaian's role as a leader in ESG practices within Southeast Asia's non-bank financial sector, boosting investor confidence and national economic potential.

'National Burden' Remark Leads to Police Report, Analyst Ubedilah Badrun Reported to Police

Political analyst and academic Ubedilah Badrun from Jakarta State University has been reported to the Metro Jaya Regional Police following his controversial statement labelling the current government leadership duo as a "real burden" on the Indonesian nation, made during a YouTube podcast on 6 April 2026. The report, filed by Rangga Kurnia Septian of the Pemuda Garda Nusantara youth coordinator on 13 April 2026, accuses him of hate speech via electronic media. Police have confirmed receipt of the report and are investigating potential criminal elements, highlighting tensions over freedom of expression in political discourse.

China’s Hormuz Problem

China faces growing energy security risks due to its heavy reliance on Iranian oil transported through the politically volatile Strait of Hormuz, where a fragile two-week ceasefire has failed to restore normal market-driven flows amid US-Iran tensions. Beijing's limited naval presence in the Gulf highlights a mismatch between its dependence on these sea lanes and its inability to influence their security, challenging its traditional strategy of benefiting from US-led maritime protection without direct involvement. As disruptions raise oil prices and supply uncertainties, China must consider accelerating diversification, expanding reserves, and investing in alternatives, though these measures cannot fully eliminate vulnerabilities tied to this critical chokepoint.

Polri launches app for online police reports and lost items

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has enhanced its Super App with new features for submitting online police reports and lost item declarations, allowing the public to report incidents anytime and anywhere without visiting stations initially. This initiative, starting in Greater Jakarta, West Java, and Banten before nationwide rollout, includes a consultation engine for real-time video and chat support with officers, emphasising transparency through digital documentation and monitoring. The move aims to modernise police services, improve efficiency, and foster a technology-driven culture within Polri.

WPS 365 Showcases Integrated AI-Based Office Solutions at GITEX ASIA 2026, While Expanding Reach in Southeast Asia

WPS 365 participated in GITEX ASIA 2026 in Singapore to showcase its global AI-based collaborative office platform, aiming to accelerate B2B network development and strengthen partnerships with companies and governments in Southeast Asia. The platform integrates advanced AI features, high interoperability, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance to support digital transformation amid rising AI adoption and data sovereignty demands. Through strategic alliances with Huawei Cloud, AWS, and Google Cloud, WPS 365 is building a comprehensive B2B service network, backed by its 38 years of tech experience and over 678 million monthly active users worldwide.

Experts Believe Indonesia Can Control Global Carbon Trade, Here Are the Conditions

Indonesia, with its vast tropical rainforests acting as the world's lungs, holds significant leverage in global carbon trading but risks being sidelined without robust regulations, according to forestry expert Ir. Aswin Usup from Palangka Raya University. He highlights the lack of binding standards leading to ineffective oversight and misuse of funds, urging the government to establish fair pricing, transparent audits, and community empowerment to prevent carbon emissions from peatland fires and ensure equitable benefits. This proactive approach is essential for environmental sovereignty and preventing a 'carbon time bomb' that exacerbates climate change.

Apology Not Enough: 16 UI Law Students Face Dropout Threat Over Alleged Sexual Harassment Case

Sixteen students from the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law are at risk of being dropped out following allegations of sexual harassment, despite some offering public apologies during an open forum attended by hundreds of students. University officials and student leaders emphasise that mere apologies are insufficient and advocate for severe sanctions to deter future incidents, with the process adhering to strict campus procedures involving ethical hearings and a task force on sexual violence prevention. This case highlights growing public and academic pressure on Indonesian universities to address sexual misconduct rigorously through formal mechanisms.

Ministry of Hajj to Distribute Nusuk Cards for 2026 in Indonesia

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will begin distributing official Nusuk Cards to 2026 Hajj pilgrims while they are still in Indonesia, specifically at embarkation points, to ensure they have their unified identity documents before departing for the Holy Land. This initiative, integrated with a one-stop service system (OSS), will also provide special bags for safeguarding passports and other essentials, alongside health checks and pocket money, aiming to enhance security and efficiency, particularly for elderly pilgrims. By streamlining processes from within the country, the policy seeks to prevent document loss and facilitate smoother access to key Hajj rituals in Arafah and Masjidil Haram, ultimately improving the overall quality of Hajj services.

DKI DPRD Conducts Fitness Test for Transportation Head Syafrin Liputo as South Jakarta Mayor Candidate, Highlights Sectoral Ego

The Jakarta DPRD held a closed-door fitness and properness test for Syafrin Liputo, current Head of the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency, as a candidate for Mayor of South Jakarta, focusing on bureaucratic challenges such as sectoral egos among sub-district offices that hinder coordination. Chairman Khoirudin questioned Syafrin's strategies to unify cross-agency efforts and effectively manage thousands of civil servants across 10 districts and 67 villages, noting delays in resolving community issues like the handover of public facilities compared to faster progress in West Jakarta. Deputy Chair Ima Mahdiah expressed hopes that Syafrin, if appointed, would streamline bureaucracy to expedite resolutions for residents' problems.

Pramono's Remarks on Thuggery Still Rampant in Jakarta

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has pledged to crack down decisively on thuggery plaguing the capital, following recent viral incidents of extortion targeting street vendors and bajaj drivers in Tanah Abang. He assured full support from the DKI Jakarta administration to synergise with security forces in eliminating such acts and preventing their recurrence, emphasising the creation of a safe environment for residents. The police have already arrested several suspects involved in these cases, including those caught on video damaging vendors' goods.

Airplane Ticket Prices Rise 13%, Bali DPRD to Coordinate with Airlines

The Bali DPRD has responded to a 13% increase in airplane ticket prices by planning to coordinate with airlines and the central government to mitigate the impact during this transitional period. Although tourist arrivals to Bali remain on the rise, the hike stems from a 38% rise in fuel surcharges due to elevated Avtur prices amid the Middle East conflict. The government has introduced incentives such as covering VAT on tickets and waiving import duties on aircraft parts to cap the overall increase at 9-13%.

BKKP Partners with North Jakarta District Prosecutor's Office to Strengthen Legal Certainty in Maritime Health Services

The Balai Kesehatan Kerja Pelayaran (BKKP), under the Directorate General of Sea Transportation in the Ministry of Transportation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the North Jakarta District Prosecutor's Office to provide legal assistance in civil and state administrative matters. This collaboration aims to ensure that BKKP's policies and services are legally robust, transparent, and accountable, aligning with the goal of achieving the Clean and Serving Bureaucracy Region (WBBM) status by 2026. The partnership is expected to mitigate legal risks, enhance public trust, and support BKKP's performance targets, including optimising BLU financial management and improving maritime health services for seafarers.

MDCP Not Included in US Military Air Access Agreement

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence has clarified that the recently signed Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) with the United States is separate from ongoing discussions regarding US military overflight clearances in Indonesian airspace. The MDCP emphasises military modernisation, professional training, and operational cooperation, while the overflight proposal remains under careful internal review and is non-binding. This distinction underscores Indonesia's commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and interests in all defence collaborations.

JCI Strengthens, Surpassing 7,600 Level Driven by Surge in These Issuers

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) surged by 2.34% or 175.76 points to close at 7,675.95 on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, breaking through the 7,600 level amid positive Asian market trends, falling crude oil prices, and hopes for US-Iran negotiations. The infrastructure sector led gains with a 5.62% rise, followed by industrials and energy, while cyclical consumer and technology sectors declined; key contributors included shares from conglomerates like Prajogo Pangestu and the Bakrie Group, such as Barito Pacific (BRPT) up 11.42% and Bumi Resources (BUMI) up 7.38%. This robust performance underscores investor confidence in Indonesia's key sectors despite global uncertainties.

AP2HI: Global Market Now Demands Transparency in Fishery Products

The Association of Pole and Line and Handline Fisheries Indonesia (AP2HI) emphasises that global markets now require not only quality but full transparency in fishery products through robust traceability systems. Industry players highlight that traceability is a mandatory requirement for international standards like BRC and BAP, ensuring product safety and sustainability, which boosts market competitiveness. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has introduced the digital Stelina platform, aligned with global standards, with a target for all tuna, shrimp, and crab exporters to adopt it by 2027 to meet these demands.

Vietnam Aspires to Dominate the "World's Kitchen", Indonesia Left Biting Its Nails

Vietnam has achieved a record agricultural, forestry, and fisheries export value of US$70.09 billion in 2025, surpassing its target and positioning food as a primary foreign exchange earner, with diversification across commodities like wood products, coffee, and fruits driving resilience and value addition through processing. In contrast, Indonesia's exports in the same sectors reached only US$6.88 billion, highlighting a significant gap and underscoring Vietnam's aggressive strategies in trade access, standardization, and culinary promotion as a model for Southeast Asian economic ambition. This disparity raises questions about Indonesia's competitiveness in global food markets.

Siak Police in Riau Name Rogue Teacher as Suspect in Fatal Science Experiment Explosion

The Siak Police in Riau have designated a 35-year-old teacher, identified only by the initials IP, as a suspect in the death of a 15-year-old student during a school science practical exam, citing negligence after the teacher permitted a demonstration of a 3D-printed makeshift gun despite knowing it contained explosives. The incident occurred at the Islamic Center Junior High School in Siak when the device exploded, fatally injuring student MAA in the face and head; IP faces up to five years in prison under Indonesia's Criminal Code for causing death through negligence. This tragic event underscores critical safety lapses in educational settings and the dangers of unsupervised student projects involving hazardous materials.

Traffic Corps Response on Rule for Paying Taxes Without Previous Owner's ID in West Java

The Indonesian National Police's Traffic Corps has endorsed West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi's policy allowing annual vehicle tax payments without the previous owner's ID card, aiming to ease administrative burdens for residents. While the service simplifies the process requiring only the new owner's ID and vehicle registration, authorities emphasise the need for prompt ownership transfer to avoid future issues and maintain verification protocols. This flexible approach seeks to boost tax compliance and streamline Samsat services across the province.

Not an Official Duty, But These 15 Soldiers Braved the Rain for One Village in Langkat

Fifteen soldiers from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Langkat Regency voluntarily constructed a 12-metre armco bridge to connect two neighbouring hamlets, Dusun V Expedit and Dusun VI Ladangan, in Kebun Balok Village, overcoming years of isolation that hindered access to schools, markets, and medical care. Despite challenging rainy conditions and lacking heavy machinery, the troops from Kodim 0203/Langkat gathered materials and worked tirelessly to complete the project, demonstrating remarkable dedication and community spirit. This initiative, though unofficial, highlights the military's role in supporting rural infrastructure and improving villagers' daily lives in Sumatra.

Pertamina to follow government directives on Russian oil imports

Pertamina, Indonesia's state-owned energy firm, has affirmed its commitment to adhering to government regulations regarding potential imports of Russian crude oil, as discussed in recent high-level talks between Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Vladimir Putin. The cooperation encompasses oil refinery development, trade enhancement, technology adoption, and long-term clean energy partnerships to bolster Indonesia's energy security amid global market volatility. With ongoing refinery modernizations, Pertamina anticipates greater flexibility in processing diverse crude types to ensure national supply resilience.

Riau Islands Police Name Bripda AS as Suspect in Police Barracks Assault Case

The Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda Kepri) has designated Bripda AS, a junior police officer, as a suspect in the fatal assault of fellow officer Bripda NS at a police barracks in Batam, with investigations ongoing into possible involvement of other personnel. The incident, which occurred late on 13 April, stemmed from an altercation over the victims' alleged failure to participate in community service duties, resulting in one death and another officer requiring medical examination. Polda Kepri has expressed condolences, pledged a thorough probe under both criminal and ethical codes, and committed to providing financial and logistical support to the victim's family.

Jasa Raharja CEO: Accidents Alter Family Socio-Economic Structure

The CEO of Jasa Raharja, Muhammad Awaluddin, highlighted that traffic accidents primarily affect productive-age individuals and family breadwinners, leading to significant socio-economic disruptions for affected families, including reduced income and increased burdens on other members. He advocated for a shift from reactive to preventive approaches in accident management through integrated, data-driven systems and multi-stakeholder collaboration to curb rising accident rates and fatalities. In South Sulawesi, while accidents rose by 8% in the first quarter of 2026, fatalities decreased by 24%, underscoring the potential impact of such preventive measures on public safety and economic stability.

First Day of US Blockade: 3 Tanker Ships Pass Through Strait of Hormuz

On the first day of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, at least three tanker ships successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, as they were not bound for Iran and thus exempt from the restrictions. The blockade, announced by President Donald Trump following failed peace talks in Pakistan, has drawn sharp criticism from China, which labelled it a dangerous and irresponsible act that could exacerbate regional tensions. Despite the blockade, vessels like the Chinese-owned Rich Starry and others continued their journeys to destinations in the UAE, Iraq, and beyond, highlighting ongoing maritime activity in the strait.

Government Prepares Adult Measles Vaccine, Here's the Dosage

The Indonesian government has expanded access to the measles vaccine for adults amid ongoing outbreaks, with the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) granting official approval. As of week 11 of 2026, there have been 58 extraordinary measles events across 38 districts in 14 provinces, resulting in 10 deaths and a notable 8% of cases among those over 18. The vaccine is prioritised for healthcare workers, frequent international travellers, and close contacts of vulnerable patients, with dosages tailored to prior immunisation history to enhance protection against severe symptoms.

Indonesia Hajj 2026: Officials to Depart Starting 17 April

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that Hajj officials will begin departing for Saudi Arabia on 17-18 April 2026, with advance teams leaving earlier and subsequent groups following in stages to prepare pilgrim services. This schedule ensures optimal readiness for the 221,000 allocated Indonesian pilgrims, comprising regular and special quotas. The ministry reaffirms its commitment to organising the pilgrimage professionally, transparently, and responsibly, amid ongoing efforts to manage costs and enhance safety.

Cyrus Network: 98 Percent of Public Aware of MBG, 65 Percent Support It

A survey by Cyrus Network reveals that 98.6 percent of Indonesians are aware of President Prabowo's flagship Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, with 54.4 percent having directly experienced it and 65.4 percent expressing support. The primary reasons for support include fulfilling community nutrition needs (31.5 percent), reducing family economic burdens (28.4 percent), and supporting the health of school children, toddlers, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women (23 percent). This high awareness and majority backing underscore the programme's prominence since its introduction during the election campaign and its potential to address long-term nutritional and welfare challenges in Indonesia.

On "war ticket" issue, Menhaj to halt discussion if deemed premature

Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has stated that the "war ticket" concept for Hajj pilgrimage remains at the discussion stage and will be paused if considered too premature, prioritising the upcoming Hajj season. The proposal has sparked debate on social media, with concerns over accessibility for rural and less tech-savvy individuals, long waiting lists, and potential fraud, while supporters argue it could expedite travel for the elderly. Commission VIII Chairman Marwan Dasopang emphasised that the quota system depends on agreements with Saudi Arabia, limiting unilateral changes by Indonesia.

Dharma Jaya targets 1,416 bazaar points throughout 2026

Perumda Dharma Jaya, a regional public company in Jakarta, aims to host bazaars at 1,416 locations in 2026 to enhance public access to affordable animal protein, building on last year's 1,200 points and already reaching 480 by March. The company has expanded its refrigerated meat distribution fleet from two to four vehicles, enabling an average of six bazaars per day while keeping prices below market rates to curb inflation. Jakarta's provincial government official highlighted this as evidence of effective public-private synergy in fostering a robust food ecosystem and regional economic stability.

Maxim Provides Free BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Protection for Disabled Drivers

Maxim, an Indonesian e-hailing platform, has launched a pioneering programme offering free BPJS Ketenagakerjaan membership to all eligible disabled drivers across its operational cities, marking the first such comprehensive social protection initiative in the industry for vulnerable groups. In addition to this, the company implements a zero percent commission policy for these drivers, allowing them to retain 100 percent of their earnings, while providing specialised training, vehicle adaptations, and support for documentation to ensure safety and inclusivity. This move is seen as a strategic investment in building an equitable digital economy, potentially influencing industry competition towards greater social responsibility and regulatory trust.