Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 April 2026

Showing 601-650 of 1,583 articles

Revealed! The Identity of MT Behind the Alleged Harassment Case at FH UI: Perpetrator and Chat Spreader

The identity of MT has been revealed as a central figure in the alleged sexual harassment case involving University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law (FH UI) students, where he both participated in a group chat containing inappropriate content and leaked it to social media, sparking widespread public outrage. Initially formed for practical coordination among roommates, the chat group devolved into sharing content with verbal sexual harassment elements, raising ethical questions about MT's role as both whistleblower and participant. The leak, prompted by MT's partner upon discovering the conversations, has transformed a personal conflict into a national discussion on academic misconduct and accountability.

DKI DPRD: Involvement of Political Parties in Naming Rights Could Boost Jakarta's Regional Revenue

The Chair of Commission B of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Nova Harivan Paloh, has stated that political parties' participation in the naming rights programme for TransJakarta bus stops could significantly enhance the city's original local revenue (PAD). This comes amid a substantial Rp 15 trillion cut in Jakarta's revenue-sharing funds (DBH) from the central government, prompting efforts to explore new income sources. Nova emphasised that such involvement should adhere to regulations, maintain public aesthetics, and be conducted on a paid basis similar to commercial advertising to avoid political campaigning concerns.

Komodo National Park limits tourist visits to 1,000 per day

Komodo National Park has implemented a regulation limiting daily tourist visits to 1,000 since April 1, 2026, to alleviate excessive ecological pressure from the 429,509 visitors recorded in 2025, which surpassed the annual carrying capacity of 378,870 established by a 2022 study. The policy addresses environmental concerns such as demographic changes in Komodo dragons and declining coral reefs, while acknowledging the economic benefits of tourism. Officials anticipate visitor numbers to stabilise at 2025 levels and plan to monitor the policy's impacts, including separate quotas for cruise ships during the trial period.

Idle Money Remains Productive Amid a Volatile Market! These Mutual Funds Are the Answer

In the face of escalating geopolitical tensions, budget deficit concerns, and a weakening rupiah, Indonesia's financial markets have experienced significant volatility, with the JCI index dropping nearly 25% and bond yields rising. Amid this uncertainty, money market mutual funds like Syailendra Dana Kas and Syailendra Sharia Money Market Fund offer a stable solution, delivering a 5.04% annual return over the past year while providing high liquidity and low risk for investors' idle cash. This approach allows investors to maintain productivity in their funds without high exposure, positioning them to capitalise on future market recoveries through strategic rebalancing.

Increasingly Reckless: 21 Large Bags of Rubbish Dumped at Sanur Wisata Junior High School

The closure of the Suwung final waste processing site in Denpasar has led to a surge in illegal dumping, with 21 large bags of rubbish recently discovered on the grounds of SMP Wisata Sanur. School officials and local authorities are struggling to manage the waste, having reported it to the Environment and Cleanliness Agency without immediate response, while the subdistrict plans to install CCTV and collaborate on recycling initiatives to curb such incidents. This event highlights broader challenges in Bali's waste management infrastructure and the need for better community education and enforcement.

BRI (BBRI) Distributes Rp 52.1 Trillion Dividend, Investors Receive Rp 346 per Share

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BBRI) has approved a total cash dividend payout of Rp 52.1 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, equating to Rp 346 per share, as decided at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 10 April 2026. This includes an interim dividend of Rp 20.63 trillion (Rp 137 per share) already paid on 15 January 2026, with the final dividend of Rp 31.47 trillion (Rp 209 per share) scheduled for distribution to eligible shareholders recorded on 22 April 2026. The announcement underscores BRI's robust financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns in Indonesia's banking sector.

RI-Iran Negotiations Fail, RI Needs to Evaluate Energy Budget Posture

Following the failure of US-Iran negotiations, which have led to a prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and a surge in global oil prices to over $100 per barrel, Indonesian economist Wijayanto Samirin urges the government to reevaluate its energy budget in the state budget. He specifically calls for adjustments to prices of non-subsidised fuel and LPG, and volumes of subsidised fuel and LPG to align with fiscal capacity, while praising the Finance Minister's assurance that subsidised fuel prices will remain stable until the end of 2026. Wijayanto also stresses the need for more targeted subsidy distribution to mitigate the impact of potential further price hikes if tensions escalate.

Central Sulawesi Strengthens Equitable Access to Education through Berani Cerdas Programme

The Central Sulawesi Provincial Government is enhancing equitable access to education via its flagship Berani Cerdas programme, which extends beyond student scholarships to include school operational aid, uniforms for underprivileged pupils, and industrial work practice support for vocational students. Last year, the initiative distributed approximately Rp40 billion in school aid to 463 institutions, Rp6 billion for uniforms, and Rp27 billion for vocational training, with this year's scholarships now channelled through universities to ensure accuracy and prevent misuse. Additionally, limited scholarships for master's, doctoral, and specialist medical training will be introduced to bolster educator and professional development, underscoring the province's commitment to improving human resource quality.

New Treasure Emerges from Indonesia's Seas, Trenggono Acts Swiftly

Indonesia's marine and fisheries sector holds a significant potential for blue carbon absorption, estimated at nearly 10 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually from mangrove and seagrass ecosystems, presenting a major opportunity for developing a sea-based carbon exchange. Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono highlighted this during a parliamentary meeting, outlining three key pillars for implementation: regulatory strengthening, data enhancement, and field projects, all aligned with national policies like PP 110/2025. This initiative aims to create economic value for coastal communities while contributing to national climate mitigation goals, with the national carbon market set to launch in July 2026.

Vietnam's top leader To Lam arrives in China for first state visit

Vietnam's newly appointed President To Lam, who also retains his role as Communist Party General Secretary, has arrived in China for his inaugural state visit, underscoring Hanoi's prioritisation of foreign affairs as a core pillar of its policy amid rising geopolitical uncertainties. This trip highlights Vietnam's shift towards a more proactive international stance, including hosting key forums like the ASEAN Future Forum and preparing for APEC, while aiming to balance relations with major powers such as China and the United States to sustain economic growth and enhance national defence. Analysts suggest that Lam's consolidated leadership positions Vietnam to expand its diplomatic footprint and contribute more actively to global peace, potentially elevating its status as a rising middle power in Southeast Asia.

Danantara Indonesia prioritises proven technology for waste-to-energy

Danantara Indonesia is prioritising proven waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies that have succeeded in multiple countries, as stated by its head Rosan Roeslani during a Jakarta press conference alongside Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq. The government has identified 20 agglomeration areas across 47 districts and cities as priority investment targets for WtE projects, focusing on those generating over 1,000 tons of waste daily per President Prabowo Subianto's instructions, to ensure quick implementation, public acceptance, and benefits in waste reduction and sustainable energy production. Equipment will be sourced from nations like Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, and China, with some domestic development, aiming to convert accumulated waste into electricity for environmental and economic gains.

TikTok Deactivates 780,000 Accounts of Users Under 16 to Comply with PP Tunas

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, announced that TikTok has deactivated 780,000 accounts of users under 16 years old in compliance with the PP Tunas regulation aimed at protecting children online. This action marks a significant step in safeguarding Indonesian youth, with the ministry praising TikTok's proactive reporting while issuing warnings to other platforms like Roblox and YouTube to fully adhere to the rules. The government has urged all digital platforms, including the initial eight targeted ones, to submit implementation plans and risk assessments within three months to ensure child safety features are effectively enforced.

Viral Video of Police Car Accused of Hitting Resident in Tebet, Police Chief Denies

A video circulating on social media showed a police car from Tebet Police Station being surrounded by an angry crowd in South Jakarta, with claims that it had struck a resident. The Tebet Police Chief, AKP Iwan Gunawan, denied the allegations, explaining that the individual in question fell in front of the patrol vehicle during a brawl dispersal and was hit by a thrown object, leading to a misunderstanding and subsequent damage to the police car. This incident highlights tensions between law enforcement and the public in urban areas.

2026 Dry Season Predicted to be Drier than the Last 30 Years Average, Beware of Its Impacts

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecasted that the 2026 dry season will be drier than the average over the past 30 years, influenced by an active El Niño phenomenon starting late April 2026 and potentially exacerbated by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Although not the most extreme on record—such as those in 1997 and 2015—this drier condition could lead to reduced rainfall across various regions, prompting health officials in Jakarta to advise residents to avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 and 15:00 WIB. This prediction underscores the need for proactive measures in agriculture, water management, and public health to mitigate potential impacts on Indonesia's economy and society.

Trenggalek Regional-Owned Enterprise Achieves National Recognition Again Through BPR Jwalita

PT BPR Jwalita, a regional-owned bank in Trenggalek, has secured the Golden Trophy at the TOP BUMD Awards 2026 in Jakarta for maintaining its 5-Star BUMD status for three consecutive years from 2024 to 2026. The bank's director, Dwi Fraidianriani, was named TOP CEO BUMD 2026, while Regent Mochamad Nur Arifin received the TOP BUMD Mentor award for his supportive role. This accolade underscores BPR Jwalita's strong governance, innovation, and contributions to local economic development, particularly in empowering SMEs and bolstering regional revenue.

World in Turmoil, ADB Projects Indonesia's Economy Remains Strong and Growing

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts Indonesia's economy to grow robustly at 5.2% in both 2026 and 2027, up from 5.1% in 2025, driven primarily by strong domestic demand and controlled inflation around 2.5%. Amid global uncertainties, investments in infrastructure and inflows of foreign capital are bolstering national economic stability, while FTSE Russell's decision to maintain Indonesia's status as a Secondary Emerging Market signals growing investor confidence in the country's financial reforms. The government plans to sustain this momentum through fiscal, monetary policies, and financial sector reforms to navigate ongoing global pressures.

ANTARA News Agency Holds Journalism Training for Students in West Kalimantan

Perum LKBN ANTARA, a state-owned news agency, conducted a journalism training programme for 41 students from various universities in West Kalimantan as part of its Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) initiative at Tanjungpura University in Pontianak. The half-day workshop covered fundamentals of journalism, news writing techniques, interviewing, research, ethics, digital content production, and infographics, aiming to enhance information literacy and foster ethical young journalists. This effort underscores ANTARA's commitment to regenerating the media workforce and supporting a professional press ecosystem in the region, with similar programmes expanded to include greening initiatives this year.

Residents Complain About Collapsed Road on Jalan Dewi Sartika in East Jakarta

Residents in East Jakarta are raising concerns over a collapsed section of Jalan Dewi Sartika, which has formed a deep pothole at a sharp bend, posing significant safety risks to motorists and motorcyclists, including near-accidents and potential for serious collisions due to blind spots. Local business owner Kevin and resident Eko have reported frequent vehicle impacts and disruptions to daily activities, urging the government to undertake prompt and permanent repairs to prevent casualties. The issue gained attention on social media, highlighting the need for regular road maintenance on this busy thoroughfare.

Fiscal Deficit at Risk of Widening, Economist: Impossible to Suppress Without Extraordinary Measures

The Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia warns that maintaining the fiscal deficit below 3% of GDP is challenging amid the Middle East conflict, as the deficit has already widened to Rp 54.6 trillion (0.21% of GDP) in January 2026, the deepest for that month in five years. Executive Director Mohammad Faisal suggests that mere budget efficiency is insufficient, advocating for a combination of policies including refocusing expenditures, optimising windfall revenues, and potentially using excess budget balances as a last resort to keep the deficit around 2.9%. This situation underscores the limited fiscal space for the Indonesian government, exacerbated by pre-existing pressures even before recent geopolitical tensions.

Mirae: Capital Market Reform Agenda to Strengthen Retail Investor Security

PT Mirae Asset Sekuritas Indonesia (MASI) has welcomed the capital market reform agenda led by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI), and the Indonesian Central Securities Depository (KSEI), stating that it will enhance security for retail investors. Prisa Ngadianto, Head of Retail Business Support at Mirae Asset, highlighted that new regulations, such as detailed disclosures of share ownership exceeding 1 percent in listed companies, provide more transparent information beneficial to individual investors. The firm plans to draw lessons from implementations in countries like India and Hong Kong to adapt these reforms effectively in Indonesia.

Meeting Arab Prince, Xi Jinping Delivers Important Message on Middle East War

In a meeting with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of upholding international law impartially to achieve peace in the Middle East, implicitly criticising the US-Israel war against Iran. Xi warned against selective application of legal principles and a return to 'jungle law' amid escalating tensions, including Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and US blockades, which have severely disrupted global energy trade and impacted China's imports. This statement underscores China's diplomatic stance on the conflict, with Xi scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump next month.

Polri Public Relations Technical Meeting 2026 Strengthens Public Communication in the Digital Era

The Indonesian National Police's (Polri) Public Relations Technical Meeting for the 2026 Fiscal Year commenced in Jakarta, focusing on enhancing public communication strategies amid the complexities of the digital age. Under the theme of optimising public communication and media management, the event aims to align Polri's efforts with the President's Asta Cita programme, emphasising the need for accurate and timely information to combat disinformation and build public trust. Participants from various levels engaged in training, panel discussions, and evaluations to develop adaptive, data-driven approaches that foster transparency and positive institutional image.

China's Xi says rule of law must be upheld for Middle East peace

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the importance of upholding international rule of law to achieve peace in the Middle East, criticising selective application of legal principles amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. He vowed China's constructive role in promoting peace talks and proposed respecting the sovereignty of Gulf countries while safeguarding a UN-based world order. The statements were made during talks with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting deepening China-UAE strategic partnership in trade, energy, and technology amid regional tensions affecting global oil and gas supplies.

Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Motivates Primary School Students to Build Confidence for Academic Ability Test

Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, visited primary school students in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, to encourage them ahead of the Academic Ability Test (TKA), emphasising that it assesses individual literacy and numeracy skills without determining graduation. He highlighted the test's role in mapping student abilities and its potential use in merit-based pathways for further education, while interacting with students using interactive digital boards to make learning engaging. Teachers noted that preparations, including extra lessons and simulations since last year, have made the process more interactive and effective for the eight participating students.

Forestry Minister: Social Forestry Scheme Opens Carbon Economy Opportunities

Indonesia's Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has highlighted the social forestry scheme as a strategic avenue for developing carbon economy potential, targeting 12.7 million hectares to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing economic incentives for communities through the Social Forestry Carbon Economic Value Incentive (NEK PS). The scheme supports nature-based carbon projects, including carbon stock protection in remaining natural forests and long-term increases via agroforestry and critical land rehabilitation. Additionally, conservation areas offer significant carbon absorption potential through ecosystem restoration, addressing budget gaps by involving private sector participation and sustainable economic value creation.

Mandung Landfill Firmly Accepts Only Residual Waste from 1 May

The Mandung Final Disposal Site in Tabanan, Bali, will restrict waste intake starting 1 May 2026, accepting only residual waste after sorting, as per a circular from the Regent. This policy, aimed at accelerating source-based waste processing, is expected to drastically reduce daily waste volume from 70 trucks to about seven, following extensive socialisation efforts with local authorities and communities. The site has already transitioned to a controlled landfill system since 2023 to improve environmental management and prevent issues like landslides.

Witness and Victim Protection Bill Expands Safeguards to All Criminal Offences

The Witness and Victim Protection Bill (RUU PSDK) aims to broaden legal safeguards for witnesses and victims across all types of criminal offences, moving away from the limitations of the 2014 law that focused on specific crimes like terrorism, corruption, and organised crime. It introduces threat-based protection criteria, adds informants—particularly in transnational cases—as eligible subjects, and includes vulnerable groups and human rights activists. This reform is expected to enhance synergy with law enforcement agencies, encouraging greater public participation in reporting crimes and fostering more effective, transparent, and just legal processes.

IDX Delists 18 Issuers from Indonesia's Capital Market, Most Due to Prolonged Suspensions

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has announced the delisting of 18 issuers from the capital market, effective 10 November 2026, primarily due to prolonged trading suspensions exceeding 50 months, with seven others declared bankrupt. IDX Director of Company Evaluation, I Gede Nyoman Yetna, stated that extensive guidance and monitoring were provided to these issuers before the decision, in coordination with regulators, as they failed to show adequate recovery under Exchange Regulation No. I-N. This action underscores the IDX's commitment to maintaining market integrity by removing entities posing significant risks to business continuity.

Indonesia's Economy Projected to Grow 5.2 Percent, Citizens' Purchasing Power Remains Stable

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecasted Indonesia's economic growth at 5.2 percent for both 2026 and 2027, slightly above the 5.1 percent expected for 2025, highlighting the resilience of domestic demand amid global uncertainties. This strong performance, supported by controlled inflation and ongoing infrastructure investments, is expected to sustain household consumption and employment opportunities. Additionally, FTSE Russell's decision to maintain Indonesia's status as a Secondary Emerging Market underscores growing investor confidence in the country's financial reforms.

Accelerating Transformation, Bank Jakarta Secures TOP BUMD Award

Bank Jakarta is intensifying its business transformation efforts amid rising competition in the banking sector, focusing on enhancing performance, innovating services, and adapting to changing customer behaviours. The bank's initiatives have earned it the TOP BUMD Awards 2026 BPD Bintang 5 (Excellent) accolade, with CEO Agus Haryoto Widodo recognised as TOP CEO BUMD 2026, highlighting its strong business performance, innovation, and contributions to Jakarta's economic growth. This recognition underscores Bank Jakarta's role as an enabler for the city's development into a global metropolis.

South Korea's Lee warns Iran war to keep oil price high, orders quick aid rollout

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has warned that the ongoing Iran war and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz will sustain high oil prices and disrupt global energy and raw material supply chains, urging the government to bolster its emergency response systems. He directed ministries to swiftly implement a supplementary budget for economic support, including aid for crude imports, anti-hoarding measures, and financial assistance to affected companies, while pursuing alternative supply chains and industrial restructuring as national priorities. Efforts to secure new energy sources involve diplomatic missions to countries like Congo, Algeria, Libya, and Kazakhstan, alongside adjustments to electricity pricing to optimise solar usage and interest from Middle Eastern producers in using South Korea's storage facilities.

Pramono Offers Free TransJakarta, MRT, and LRT Rides for 45,000 JAKIM 2026 Participants

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has announced free public transportation, including TransJakarta, MRT, and LRT, for 45,000 participants and organisers of the Jakarta International Marathon (JAKIM) 2026, scheduled for 13-14 June, to enhance accessibility and reduce traffic congestion. Participants need only show their race bib to access the services, allowing them to focus on the event without worrying about parking or transit costs. The initiative is expected to boost Jakarta's economy through increased activity in hospitality, dining, transport, sports retail, and local SMEs, generating a significant multiplier effect.

MP References Case of Former Minister Yaqut in Response to Hajj Ticket Lottery Proposal

An Indonesian MP, Hidayat Nur Wahid, has stated that discussing a lottery system for Hajj tickets is not urgent, citing existing laws that allocate 92% of quotas to regular pilgrims and 8% to special ones, and referencing a past case involving former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas where these rules were not followed. The government is exploring ways to eliminate Hajj waiting queues while protecting long-waiting applicants, as explained by Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, amid ongoing financial management issues that exacerbate the backlog. This debate highlights tensions between legal frameworks and efforts to modernise pilgrimage administration in Indonesia.

Indonesia Vows Sub-3% Deficit as Purbaya Courts US Investors in New York

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has reaffirmed the government's commitment to keeping the state budget deficit below 3% of GDP, emphasising fiscal discipline during a meeting with investors in New York. He highlighted strategies to boost revenue, optimise state assets, and increase private sector involvement to drive economic growth towards 6%, amid concerns raised by Moody's Ratings over policy predictability and expanded social spending. Maintaining this fiscal prudence is crucial for sustaining investor confidence and supporting Indonesia's stable growth and manageable debt levels.

US Blocks Iranian Ports, China: Dangerous and Irresponsible!

The Chinese government has condemned the United States' blockade of Iranian ports as "dangerous and irresponsible," following US President Donald Trump's threats to sink any vessels attempting to enter or leave those waters. This escalation comes after failed peace talks and despite a fragile two-week ceasefire, with Beijing warning that the move will worsen tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for one-fifth of global oil shipments. Analysts suggest the blockade aims to cut off Iran's funding and pressure China, Iran's largest oil buyer, to urge Tehran to reopen the strait, while President Xi Jinping called for respect of regional sovereignty during talks with affected leaders.

Latest Survey Reveals Top 10 Best-Performing Ministries, Ministry of Finance Takes First Place

A recent national survey by Cyrus Network indicates that public satisfaction with the performance of ministers in the Merah Putih Cabinet stands at 70%, with the Ministry of Finance leading both in performance and popularity rankings. The survey, involving 1,260 respondents across Indonesia, highlights factors such as public exposure, territorial coverage, and leadership proximity to the president as key contributors to institutional popularity. This underscores the importance of effective communication and visibility in shaping public perception of government institutions.

Aboe Bakar sheds tears and apologises after examination by DPR's Honour Court

Indonesian House of Representatives member Aboe Bakar Al-Habsyi tearfully apologised for his controversial remarks suggesting the involvement of Madura's religious scholars and Islamic boarding schools in drug trafficking, made during a commission meeting with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). He clarified that his comments were intended to urge greater vigilance against drugs infiltrating these communities, not to accuse them, and stressed the vital role of ulama in moral education and prevention efforts. The incident highlights the sensitivities surrounding public discourse on religious figures and underscores the need for careful communication by lawmakers on critical issues like drug eradication.

IHSG Continues to Strengthen, Capital Market Reforms Deemed Positively Received

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) has surged 1.91% to 7,642 points on Tuesday, signalling growing investor confidence in Indonesia's capital market reforms amid global uncertainties. Analysts attribute this positive market response to the consistent implementation of policies by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), which has maintained Indonesia's status as a secondary emerging market according to FTSE Russell, enhancing transparency and attracting global investment. OJK Chair Friderica Widyasari Dewi emphasised that these reforms address market concerns and align domestic stocks with international standards, promising a brighter outlook for both local and international investors.

Rumours Circulate About Gus Ipul as Head of NU Congress Organising Committee, Gus Yahya Responds

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) General Chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf has clarified that no official committee has been appointed for the upcoming Muktamar NU congress, dismissing circulating rumours that include Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) as its head. He emphasised that preparations for the event are ongoing, but formal decisions on the organising structure and venue remain pending, with proposals such as Pesantren Lirboyo in Kediri, Surabaya, and Jakarta still under discussion. This response underscores the internal organisational processes within one of Indonesia's largest Islamic bodies, highlighting the importance of formal mechanisms in major events.

Solo District Court Rejects Lawsuit Regarding Jokowi's Diploma

The Solo District Court has rejected a lawsuit challenging the authenticity of President Joko Widodo's educational diploma, filed by two University of Gadjah Mada alumni as a citizen lawsuit. The court accepted the exceptions raised by the defendants, including Jokowi, the UGM rector, vice-rector, and Indonesian police, declaring the claim inadmissible and ordering the plaintiffs to pay court costs of Rp 537,000. This decision underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the president's credentials amid political debates, though the court found the lawsuit lacked merit.

Convenient: Apply for a Home Ownership Loan Now via Mobile Phone, Here's How

The Tapera Mobile application now enables low-income earners in Indonesia to apply for home financing online through their smartphones, simplifying the process with integrated steps from registration to status tracking. Users can download the app, verify their identity using selfies and ID photos, search for suitable properties, select a disbursing bank, and monitor their application progress independently. This initiative by BP Tapera aims to make housing finance more accessible, covering five key stages at the bank including application, follow-up, and contract signing.

New Threat Looms, Many Countries Already Anxious

Officials in the UK and US have warned major bank executives to be vigilant against a new AI model called Mythos from Anthropic, which demonstrates advanced capabilities in exploiting system vulnerabilities and executing multi-stage cyber attacks in simulations. Evaluations by the AI Security Institute (AISI) reveal that Mythos outperforms previous models, completing complex tasks autonomously that would take human experts days, though it has limitations in certain operational technology scenarios. While the simulated environments differ from real-world protected systems, the development underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity fundamentals to counter AI-assisted threats.

Jakarta Bus Stops Can Use Political Party Names, Here Are the Requirements

Jakarta's regional parliament commission chair, Nova Harivan Paloh, has stated that political parties may name public transport stops after themselves, provided they pay the required fees as per existing regulations. This naming rights scheme, already in use for TransJakarta services, varies in cost by location, with prime spots like Sudirman and Bundaran HI fetching billions of rupiah, and is viewed as a non-burdensome way to boost regional revenue. While addressing public concerns over potential campaign misuse, Paloh emphasised that it must adhere to commercial advertising rules and preserve urban aesthetics.

Pertamina Ensures Safe LPG Supply to Sumbawa via Ship

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has assured that the LPG supply on Sumbawa Island in West Nusa Tenggara remains secure following the docking of the LPG Gas Camellia ship at the Integrated Terminal Bima on 13 April. This delivery supports the distribution of LPG to various cities and districts across the island, including Bima City, Bima Regency, Dompu Regency, Sumbawa Regency, and West Sumbawa Regency, via local filling stations. The initiative underscores Pertamina's commitment to providing energy access to remote areas, backed by a fleet of nine owned LPG ships and over 30 chartered vessels operating nationwide.

KDM Urges Gen Z to Prioritise Paying Off a Home Over Lavish Wedding Parties

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi (KDM) has advised young couples, particularly Gen Z, to redirect funds typically spent on extravagant weddings towards down payments on housing to ensure long-term family financial stability. Speaking at an economic empowerment event in Bandung, he criticised the trend of financing opulent ceremonies through informal loans, advocating instead for simple nikah ceremonies followed by homeownership, even if on instalments. KDM highlighted ongoing government housing subsidy programmes and renovations for substandard homes as key to enhancing welfare, positioning property as a foundational symbol of dignity and independence in West Java.

Business Leader Reveals Indonesian Workers' Productivity Lags Behind Wage Increases

Indonesian business leaders have raised concerns over the country's declining labour productivity, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which contributes only 19% to the economy—the lowest in ASEAN—resulting in annual productivity growth of just 2%. This lags significantly behind the 7-8% yearly increases in minimum wages, creating a gap that burdens workers, squeezes employers, and drives investors away from labour-intensive industries. The Apindo labour chair hopes the new Employment Bill will address these issues to boost productivity and welfare.

Sexual Violence Case at UI Law Faculty: Ministry of Higher Education Urged to Intervene

The National Coordinator of the Indonesian Educators Monitoring Network (JPPI), Ubaid Matraji, has urged the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) to address the sexual violence case involving 16 students at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law by declaring a national emergency on violence in education and prioritising victim protection. JPPI outlined five demands, including strengthening prevention mechanisms, conducting comprehensive audits of student protection systems, and fostering inclusive educational environments, amid 233 reported cases of violence in educational settings from January to March 2026. This call highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent recurring incidents and ensure education remains a safe space for growth and learning.

Mahfud MD: Green economy must leave room for future generations

Legal expert Mahfud MD has emphasised that Indonesia's green economy must be implemented sustainably to prevent the complete depletion of natural resources, ensuring availability for future generations and avoiding environmental disasters like the recent floods in three Sumatran provinces. He highlighted ongoing issues in resource management where local communities near mining areas remain impoverished despite national gains, a problem he believes the incoming Prabowo administration aims to address. This aligns with Indonesia's broader economic transformation strategy towards the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, evidenced by the Green Economy Index rising from 47.2% in 2011 to 59.17% in 2020.

House of Representatives Commission VIII deems "war ticket" unable to resolve Hajj queue issues

The Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Marwan Dasopang, has criticised the proposed "war ticket" system for Hajj pilgrimages, arguing that it fails to address the core problem of limited quotas agreed upon with Saudi Arabia, which currently stand at around 221,000 pilgrims annually. He advocates for the existing waiting list system as the fairest approach, highlighting how lotteries could lead to inequities where some embark multiple times while others never do, amid a backlog of millions due to high demand among eligible Muslims. Additionally, Marwan supports the establishment of the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) for greater transparency in fund management and proposes negotiating with Saudi Arabia to utilise unused quotas from other countries to shorten the queues.

Police Arrest 5 Muggers Who Targeted Firefighter in Central Jakarta

Police in Jakarta have arrested five suspects involved in the mugging of a firefighter in the Gambir area of Central Jakarta, where the victim was beaten, robbed of his motorcycle and mobile phone, and left with injuries to his head, face, and hands. The arrests took place in an apartment in North Jakarta's Penjaringan district, with authorities still interrogating the perpetrators and seizing evidence. This incident, which went viral on social media, underscores ongoing concerns about street crime targeting essential workers in the capital.