Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 April 2026

Showing 801-850 of 1,583 articles

BBRI Distributes Final Dividend of Rp 209 per Share

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk (BBRI) has announced the payment date for its final dividend for the 2025 fiscal year, amounting to Rp 209 per share, totalling Rp 31.47 trillion, to be disbursed on 8 May 2026. This follows the approval at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 10 April 2026 of a total cash dividend of Rp 52.10 trillion or Rp 346 per share, after an interim dividend of Rp 20.63 trillion paid on 15 January 2026. The decision underscores BBRI's strong financial performance, with consolidated net profit attributable to owners reaching Rp 56.65 trillion, of which Rp 4.54 trillion will be retained as reserves.

Riau Police Search Suspected Drug King's House in Rohil Previously Protested by Residents

Riau Provincial Police conducted a search of a house in Panipahan, Rokan Hilir Regency, suspected to be a drug den, following community protests and concerns over alleged narcotic activities. The operation, involving local police, Satpol PP, and witnessed by community leaders, found no narcotics or related evidence, alleviating public fears and preventing potential vigilantism. This swift action underscores efforts to maintain public order and bolster trust in law enforcement institutions.

BMKG: 66 percent of West Java regions to be surrounded by early dry season

The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) in West Java has warned that 66 percent of the province's areas will experience an earlier-than-normal dry season, with conditions far drier and longer than usual, peaking in August when 90 percent of the region will face extreme drought. This phenomenon has already begun creeping in from March in areas like Bekasi and northern Karawang, expanding further in April. To mitigate potential crises, BMKG urges local governments and residents to conserve water, optimise reservoir operations, adjust planting calendars for drought-resistant crops, and prepare for risks of water shortages, forest fires, and agricultural disruptions.

Prabowo and Putin Agree on Strategic Cooperation: Energy, Industry to Space

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a nearly five-hour meeting in the Kremlin, resulting in agreements for long-term strategic cooperation across multiple sectors including energy, industry, agriculture, education, technology, military, and space exploration. Key outcomes include collaborations on energy security, oil and gas development, downstreaming of natural resources, and industrial manufacturing to bolster Indonesia's national production capacity and technological transfer. This partnership aims to enhance Indonesia's energy resilience, food security, and human resource development while expanding bilateral ties amid global geopolitical shifts.

Experts estimate Indonesia could buy oil at $59 per barrel from Russia

Energy expert Yayan Satyakti from Padjadjaran University suggests Indonesia could procure Russian oil at $59 per barrel, significantly cheaper than the global price hovering around $100 per barrel amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran. He notes that post-2022 Western sanctions, Russian oil prices dropped to as low as $25 per barrel in 2025, and with logistics costs of about 30%, the effective price for Indonesia would range from $76.7 to $80 per barrel. This opportunity could help Indonesia mitigate rising global energy costs and enhance energy security.

Where Can STNK Renewal Without the Previous Owner's ID Be Extended?

A policy allowing vehicle registration (STNK) renewal without the previous owner's ID is currently implemented only in West Java, Indonesia, as announced by the National Police's Traffic Corps. This initiative, which also covers administrative areas like Bekasi and Depok under the Jakarta Metropolitan Police jurisdiction, aims to address common issues faced by vehicle buyers. The Director of Registration and Identification plans to discuss expanding this policy nationwide at an upcoming coordination meeting.

To Chase Prabowo's 8% Economic Target, OJK Accelerates 6 New Insurance Regulations

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is preparing to issue six strategic regulations this year to bolster the insurance industry's contribution towards Indonesia's ambitious 8% economic growth target by 2029 under President Prabowo Subianto. These Peraturan Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (POJK) will address key areas such as financial reporting integrity, solvency, and governance in insurance and pension funds, alongside supporting rules. To meet the goal, insurance assets must grow 7-9% annually from the current Rp1.201 trillion, while pension fund assets need a 23-25% yearly increase from Rp1.679 trillion, highlighting the sector's pivotal role in sustainable economic expansion.

Indonesian Hajj Queue Stretches On: History and Facts

The Indonesian government has reformed the Hajj pilgrimage waiting system, reducing the maximum wait time from nearly 48 years to 26 years starting in 2026, as announced by President Prabowo Subianto. This addresses the imbalance between over a million registrants and an annual quota of more than 200,000 slots, the largest in the world, allocated by Saudi Arabia. The changes aim to ensure fairness across provinces by distributing quotas based on waiting lists, providing greater certainty for millions of aspiring pilgrims despite ongoing global limitations.

Philippines seeks extension from US on waiver to buy Russian oil

The Philippines has requested an extension from the US for a waiver allowing the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products, which expired on 11 April, as stated by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. The government remains optimistic about the extension but is exploring alternative suppliers from South America, Canada, and the US to diversify energy sources amid global sanctions. Additionally, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended excise taxes on kerosene and LPG using emergency powers, though economic managers oppose similar measures for diesel and gasoline due to limited relief from market dynamics.

BDT 2026 Programme Launched to Enhance AI Utilisation Skills

The Ministry of Creative Economy has launched the Badan Ekraf Digital Talent (BDT) 2026 programme to identify and upskill digital talents in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), addressing the growing demand for tech-savvy workers in Indonesia's industries. Drawing on data highlighting skill gaps—such as 73% of workers not utilising digital skills and a projected shortfall of 3 million digital talents by 2030—the intensive, multilevel training combines technical and interpersonal competencies based on global industry curricula. Targeting 2,200 participants through free online and in-person sessions on app development, software, gaming, and practical AI applications, the initiative aims to boost productivity and position the creative economy as a key driver of national growth.

Telkom Synergises Cross-Industry Collaboration for AI Innovation in Campus Environments

PT Telkom Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering Indonesia's artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem through a collaborative programme with Katadata Indonesia, titled “Strengthening Indonesia’s AI Ecosystem: From Campus Innovation to National Impact,” held at the University of Udayana in Bali. The event featured interactive discussions between industry professionals and students to foster AI talent development, innovation, and a national AI ecosystem bridging academia and industry. This initiative aligns with Telkom's role in enabling digital transformation, emphasising the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships to enhance national competitiveness and drive economic growth via AI adoption.

Millions Queue for Hajj, PDIP: Inappropriate Moment for Ticket War

A PDIP politician has criticised the proposal to introduce a 'ticket war' system for Hajj pilgrimages amid a backlog of 5.6 million applicants, arguing that it undermines fairness for those who have waited years. She urged the Ministry of Hajj to prioritise existing queues and pursue diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia to increase quotas instead. The idea emerged following President Prabowo Subianto's directive to revolutionise Hajj management, with the Minister suggesting a return to direct registration based on financial readiness.

ADB and FTSE Russell Give Positive Signals, Global Investors Trust Indonesia's Fundamentals

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected stable economic growth for Indonesia at 5.2% for both 2026 and 2027, surpassing the 5.1% realised in 2025 and exceeding the Southeast Asian subregional forecast of 4.7%. This outlook, detailed in the ADB's April 2026 Asian Development Outlook amid Middle East conflicts, highlights Indonesia's resilience through robust domestic demand, controlled inflation at 2.5%, and well-calibrated monetary policies. Concurrently, FTSE Russell maintained Indonesia's status as a Secondary Emerging Market on 7 April 2026, explicitly ruling out any downgrade, which bolsters global investor confidence in the nation's structural strengths, including agricultural productivity, infrastructure development, private sector investment, and solid foreign direct investment inflows.

Finance Minister Purbaya Reassures Global Investors on Indonesia's Fiscal Resilience

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa met with major global investors in New York and Washington DC to affirm Indonesia's strong macroeconomic fundamentals and fiscal strategy, dispelling concerns about fiscal issues. Attendees including HSBC, BlackRock, and Lazard expressed interest in investing in Indonesia but sought confirmation on the investment climate, with Purbaya highlighting the positive direction of fiscal policies and the government's commitment to achieving economic growth targets outlined in the state budget. He anticipates sustained growth around 5.5% in Q1 2026 to further boost investor confidence and encourage larger investments.

Chromebook Corruption Trial: Witness Reveals Mechanism for Developing Education Platform

In the ongoing trial for alleged corruption in the procurement of Chromebooks implicating former Minister of Education Nadiem Makarim, witness Iwan Syahril detailed the intensive discussions between policymakers and technical teams that shaped the development of key educational platforms at the Central Jakarta District Court. He highlighted three main platforms: one for teacher training and collaboration that fostered over 145 learning communities, another for national assessments tailored for schools and local governments to enable data-driven improvements, and a third focused on simplified assessment results for reflection and enhancement. This testimony underscores how these initiatives aimed to make educational planning and implementation more targeted and effective through data reliance, shedding light on the ministry's digital education strategies amid the corruption probe.

KPK Summons Lippo Cikarang Legal Staff Again in Bekasi Regent Bribery Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Ruri, a legal staff member from Lippo Cikarang, for further questioning as a witness in the bribery case involving former Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang. The examination focuses on details related to asset purchases, including a house, amid allegations that Ade and his father received Rp 9.5 billion in advance payments for a 2026 project. This development underscores ongoing investigations into corruption in local government procurement, with three suspects already named: the regent, his father, and private sector figure Sarjan.

Apindo: Majority of Companies Not Interested in Hiring New Employees

The Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo) reports that most companies have no plans to hire new workers soon, with 50% indicating no expansion for the next five years and 67% uninterested in recruitment, amid a sluggish investment climate shifting away from labour-intensive manufacturing sectors. This trend aligns with concerns from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), which highlights structural pressures including high unemployment, a large informal workforce, and uncompetitive labour costs—such as severance pay up to 19 months' salary—driving industrial relocation to countries like Vietnam. Despite government optimism on investment growth to Rp 479 trillion in Q1 2026, experts stress the need for balanced labour regulations that protect workers without deterring investment to boost job creation.

Rp 497 Trillion in Investments Enter Indonesia, Absorbing 627,000 People into New Jobs

Indonesia's investment realisation in the first quarter of 2026 is projected to reach Rp 497 trillion, marking a 6.9% increase from the same period last year and absorbing 627,000 workers into new jobs. The government's downstreaming programme contributes significantly, accounting for about 30% of total investments, followed by sectors like transportation, mining, and housing. Investments are led by Singapore, China, and Japan, with major inflows in provinces such as Jakarta and West Java.

Role of State-Owned Energy Enterprises Needs Strengthening Amid Global Crisis

Muhammad Kholid Syeirazi from the National Energy Council highlights how global geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have driven oil prices to USD 110 per barrel, posing significant risks to Indonesia's energy security through disruptions in key supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz. With domestic oil production lagging behind imports and each USD 1 increase in oil prices potentially adding Rp10.3 trillion to state spending on subsidies, Indonesia is pushing for diversified imports and legal frameworks to support state-owned enterprises like Pertamina. Strengthening the role of energy SOEs is crucial for maintaining supply stability and mitigating the impacts of global volatility on domestic energy prices and distribution.

People's School Not Opening Registrations, Gus Ipul Reminds Regional Governments

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has clarified that the People's School programme does not involve public registrations but relies on direct outreach using the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) to target children from underprivileged families. He stressed the importance of accurate verification by local governments, PKH companions, and BPS, as part of an integrated poverty alleviation strategy that also empowers parents through housing improvements, access to village cooperatives, and health insurance. With over 100 permanent schools under construction targeting 4 million out-of-school children, the programme aims to ensure graduates become skilled workers or pursue higher education, preventing idleness and fostering family independence.

Agriculture Minister Guarantees Sufficient Rice Stocks to Face Godzilla El Niño: 4.7 Million Tonnes, Highest Since Indonesia's Independence

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has assured that Indonesia's national rice stocks are secure at 4.7 million tonnes—the highest since independence—despite the looming threat of the extreme "Godzilla El Niño" phenomenon in 2026. This stock, combined with an additional 12 million tonnes in supply and 11 million tonnes of standing crops, is expected to cover the six-month dry period, ensuring food security remains intact. The government is urging the public not to panic and is coordinating multi-agency efforts to mitigate impacts on agriculture, while Bappenas warns local governments to prepare for heightened risks of drought and forest fires.

Forestry Minister: Carbon Market an Opportunity for Indonesia to Achieve Climate Targets, Green Economy

Indonesia's Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has highlighted the carbon market as a strategic opportunity for the country to meet its climate targets while fostering sustainable green economic growth. He noted Indonesia's vast potential of 13.4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent from 2024 to 2050, derived from sources such as carbon removal in degraded lands, reductions in production forests, social forestry, and customary forests. Key initiatives include managing 48.69 million hectares of forests for emission reductions, restoring 3.5 million hectares of critical land, and optimising 1.3 million hectares of conservation areas, with the ministry regulating carbon trading mechanisms involving various stakeholders and land types.

Forestry Ministry continues legal proceedings against armed poachers in Komodo National Park

The Indonesian Forestry Ministry has escalated legal action against armed poachers in Komodo National Park by handing over case files to the West Manggarai District Prosecutor's Office for trial, highlighting the severe ecological threat to the UNESCO World Heritage site. The poaching of Timor deer, crucial to the Komodo dragon's food chain and savanna ecosystem balance, prompted a serious response after a confrontation at sea led to the arrest of three suspects, with five others now on the wanted list. The suspects face layered charges under conservation and firearms laws, potentially resulting in up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of Rp5 billion, underscoring the government's commitment to protecting this vital biodiversity hotspot.

FH UI Case, JPPI: Paradox of a Centre for Learning Law and Justice Becoming a Site of Sexual Violence

The National Coordinator of the Indonesian Educators Monitoring Network (JPPI), Ubaid Matraji, has highlighted the severe paradox in the recent sexual violence case involving 16 students from the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law (FH UI), where a hub of legal education and justice has instead become a place of assault. This incident underscores a broader systemic crisis in education, with JPPI data from January to March 2026 recording 233 violence cases, predominantly perpetrated by educators and staff at 33%. Ubaid warns that this pattern signals an emergency, eroding moral exemplars and safe spaces for students, urging immediate reforms to restore trust in educational institutions.

Viral Video: Excavator Crashes Through Wedding Party Tent in Tempel, Sleman

A video of an excavator passing through a wedding tent in Padukuhan Onggojayan, Banyurejo, Tempel, Sleman, has gone viral on social media, capturing the moment the heavy machinery navigated the event site en route to a toll road construction project. The incident occurred on Friday, April 10, when villagers borrowed the excavator from the toll project team to demolish and renovate the nearby Al Falah Mosque, with the tent erected over the only accessible road. Local officials confirmed no issues arose, as the road remained open for traffic on Friday and Saturday before the wedding peak on Sunday, highlighting the community's cooperative efforts to balance local needs with infrastructure development.

Indonesia and US Sign Major Defense Cooperation Partnership for Joint Military Training

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) at the Pentagon, elevating bilateral defence ties. The agreement focuses on three pillars: military modernisation and capacity building, professional military training and education, and operational exercises, including expanding joint drills like Super Garuda Shield to enhance collective capabilities and regional peace. This partnership underscores decades of sustained defence relations between the two nations, grounded in mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared interests in maintaining stability.

Jambi HAM Office Analyses Regional Regulations to Ensure No Human Rights Violations

The Jambi Regional Office of the Ministry of Human Rights, in collaboration with local government and practitioners, conducted an analysis and evaluation of regional regulations (Perda) to ensure they align with human rights principles and are free from violations. Head of the office, Sukiman, highlighted the importance of this evaluation amid regulatory dynamics, including the new Ministerial Regulation No. 16 of 2024, which mandates the integration of at least 30 human rights indicators in all legal products. Recommendations for revisions will be provided to local authorities to strengthen protections for vulnerable groups and uphold administrative order in Jambi Province.

Aceh Declares Disaster Alert Status until 20 April

The Aceh government has declared a hydrometeorological disaster alert status across several districts and cities until 20 April 2026, in response to BMKG warnings of extreme weather including moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning. Secretary General M. Nasir has instructed local authorities to activate 24-hour emergency posts, monitor weather in real-time, and implement immediate mitigation measures such as infrastructure normalisation, patrols, and preparation of evacuation resources to minimise risks of flooding, landslides, and strong winds. This proactive approach aims to ensure public safety and prevent disruptions during the critical period from 11 to 20 April 2026.

Misappropriating Customer Funds for Online Loans and Cockfighting, BRI Employee Faces 3.5-Year Sentence

A Bank BRI employee in Karangasem has been prosecuted for embezzling approximately Rp 863 million in customer funds, which he diverted to repay online loans and fund cockfighting gambling activities from 2019 to 2023. The public prosecutor at the Denpasar Corruption Court has demanded a 3.5-year prison sentence, a Rp 50 million fine, and restitution of Rp 691 million, highlighting the act's contradiction to government anti-corruption efforts and the resulting state financial losses. The case underscores vulnerabilities in financial service operations and the personal pressures leading to such corruption within state-owned banks.

PJAA CEO Resigns Ahead of Annual General Meeting

Winarto, the President Director of PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol Tbk (PJAA), has resigned effective 13 April 2026, just before the company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMS). The resignation, announced via a disclosure to the Indonesia Stock Exchange, is not expected to materially impact the company's operations, legal standing, financial condition, or business continuity. Winarto, who assumed the role in August 2022, brings extensive experience in property and recreation sectors, including prior leadership positions within the Jaya Ancol Group and the Gelora Bung Karno Complex management.

Surabaya City Government Sets 18:00-20:00 WIB as Gadget-Free Time for Children

The Surabaya City Government has introduced the Surabaya Without Gadgets initiative, designating 18:00-20:00 WIB as a gadget-free period for children to enhance digital protection and foster family interactions. This policy, outlined in a mayoral circular referencing national regulations on child protection in digital spaces, imposes strict age-based restrictions on app usage and social media access, prohibiting children under 13 from having social media accounts and limiting older children to low-risk platforms with parental consent. The measure aims to mitigate digital threats such as inappropriate content, online gambling, cyberbullying, and data misuse, while encouraging open communication and reporting through community channels.

You Cannot Bribe a Computer: Estonia's Lessons for Indonesia

Estonia's digital transformation, encapsulated in the phrase "You cannot bribe a computer," demonstrates how automating public services reduces corruption by minimising direct interactions between citizens and officials, narrowing discretionary powers, and ensuring all actions are recorded. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia rebuilt its national systems from scratch amid resource constraints and a small population, leveraging its technological heritage and consistent political leadership to innovate and survive. This model offers valuable lessons for Indonesia in enhancing transparency and accountability through digitalisation.

KPK Probes Receipt of Funds by Employees of Madya Banjarmasin Tax Office

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating the receipt of funds by employees at the Madya Banjarmasin Tax Office in South Kalimantan, examining four witnesses on 13 April 2026 regarding alleged payments linked to a tax audit in a VAT restitution process. This probe follows a 4 February 2026 sting operation that resulted in the arrest of the office head Mulyono, tax employee Dian Jaya Demega, and private sector manager Venasius Jenarus Genggor for corruption involving a Rp48.3 billion VAT restitution claim by PT Buana Karya Bhakti in the palm oil sector. The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat bribery in Indonesia's tax administration, highlighting vulnerabilities in fiscal restitution procedures.

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution Rages at Sub-District Head in Central Tapanuli: Don't Act Like You're the Hardest Worker!

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution publicly berated the Sub-District Head of Tukka, Yan Munzir Hutagalung, during an inspection of a river embankment project in Central Tapanuli, highlighting delays in the flood recovery efforts following the November 2025 deluge. In a heated exchange captured on video, Nasution accused local officials of inefficiency and failure to utilise substantial government funding, contrasting their progress with faster advancements in neighbouring areas. The incident underscores tensions in implementing infrastructure projects aimed at mitigating flood risks in the region.

Pramono says construction of tram in Old Town is still under study

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has stated that plans for a tram in the historic Old Town area remain in the study phase, while prioritising the completion of the MRT Lebak Bulus-Kota project by early 2029. He expressed optimism that integrated transport options, including KRL, MRT, and TransJakarta routes, will revitalise the area as a prime tourist destination. Previously, Deputy Governor Rano Karno highlighted the tram as a key element in the area's revitalisation, serving as an eco-friendly transport solution to reduce emissions in this heritage zone.

Menhaj on Hajj Ticket Auction Proposal: If It's Premature, We'll Halt It

Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has expressed willingness to shelve the controversial "war ticket" proposal for Hajj quotas if deemed premature, prioritizing the upcoming pilgrimage season. The idea, which involves auctioning tickets, has drawn sharp criticism from DPR Commission VIII members, who argue it could exacerbate social jealousy by favouring the wealthy and disadvantaging long-saving pilgrims, especially from rural and elderly communities. This debate underscores tensions between modernising Hajj access and upholding principles of equity as enshrined in recent legislation.

Ministry of Communication and Digital: PSO Press Ensures Public Access to Quality Information

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has highlighted the Public Service Obligation (PSO) for the Press as a vital instrument to deliver credible and accessible information to all societal layers. During the kick-off event for the 2026 PSO Press implementation, Director General Fifi Aleyda Yahya urged strengthening narratives around President Prabowo Subianto's priority programmes, including free nutritious meals, the Red and White Cooperative, People's Schools, and digital transformation, while emphasising child protection in the digital space via Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025. Perum LKBN Antara, as the programme's executor, commits to disseminating national development narratives to remote areas, aligning with the 2026 government agenda focused on food and energy sovereignty as well as productive and inclusive economic growth.

New Roblox Rules for Children Aged 5-12 in Indonesia

Roblox Corporation is introducing age-based account types, Roblox Kids for users aged 5-12 and Roblox Select for 13-15, starting in early June 2026, to enhance child protection in Indonesia with stricter age brackets than the global scheme. The platform is collaborating with Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs to foster a positive online space, requiring verified parental consent for all under-16 accounts and limiting access to chat and moderate-rated games without it. This update integrates age verification, tailored settings, content ratings, and expanded parental controls into a unified dashboard, ensuring most under-16 users can still access their favourite games post-verification.

Faizal Assegaf Reports KPK Spokesperson for Defamation

Faizal Assegaf, a political critic and director of PT Sinkos Multimedia Mandiri, has filed a police report against KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo with Polda Metro Jaya, alleging defamation stemming from Budi's statements about Assegaf's examination as a witness in a customs import corruption case. Assegaf claims Budi misrepresented the details of his questioning regarding alleged receipt of goods and facilities from suspect Rizal, portraying him as involved in corruption without evidence, following an unheeded summons. He plans to further report the matter to the KPK Supervisory Board to probe potential misuse of statements for issue diversion, highlighting tensions in anti-corruption enforcement and public communications.

Indonesia's economy remains resilient amid global challenges: Minister

Indonesia's economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025, achieving 5.11 percent growth amid global projections of 2.6 to 3.3 percent, as highlighted by Minister Hartarto. This performance, among the highest in the G20, was driven by robust domestic demand, including household consumption contributing 54 percent to GDP, strong agricultural output with nearly 34.7 million tons of rice produced, and a 70-month trade surplus bolstered by exports of key commodities reaching US$47 billion. Looking ahead, the economy is projected to exceed 5.3 percent growth this year, supported by controlled inflation, ample foreign reserves of US$148.2 billion, and government stimuli such as energy subsidies and food assistance totaling Rp11.92 trillion, underscoring Indonesia's ability to navigate international headwinds effectively.

DPR Members Widely Reject Hajj Ticket Auction Proposal, Here Are the Reasons

Members of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VIII have strongly opposed the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's proposal to auction Hajj tickets, urging a halt to the discussion to focus on improving the pilgrimage system. They argue that such a system could eliminate the long-standing queue process, dashing the hopes of many waiting devotees and potentially leading to ticket scalping without increasing the number of pilgrims. This rejection underscores the lawmakers' commitment to ensuring a fair and well-prepared Hajj this year, criticising the minister for diverting attention from core organisational duties.

Jasa Raharja Strengthens Transportation System through Pentahelix Approach

Jasa Raharja's CEO, Muhammad Awaluddin, advocated for a shift from reactive to data-driven preventive measures in transportation safety to reduce accidents and fatalities, highlighting a significant rise in compensation claims and incidents in South Sulawesi. The Pentahelix forum in Makassar fostered collaboration among stakeholders, resulting in agreements on enhanced education, expanded emergency programs, and infrastructure improvements, underscoring the socio-economic impacts of accidents on productive-age victims and families. This integrated approach aims to build a comprehensive roadmap for local transportation safety, addressing blackspots, first response training, and public transport corridors.

KPK to Study Judge's Legal Considerations on Indra Iskandar's Pre-Trial Petition

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has announced it will examine the legal reasoning behind the South Jakarta District Court's decision to grant the pre-trial petition filed by DPR RI Secretary General Indra Iskandar, which revoked his suspect status in a corruption case involving the procurement of office equipment for 2020. Despite respecting the ruling as part of due process, KPK maintains that it retains the authority to continue the investigation if sufficient evidence exists, underscoring the ongoing anti-corruption efforts in public procurement. This development highlights tensions between judicial oversight and investigative powers in Indonesia's fight against graft.

Video: Reasons Economist Cites for Rupiah's Relatively Strong Fundamentals

At the Central Banking Forum 2026, hosted by CNBC Indonesia and Bank Indonesia, Chief Economist of BCA, David Sumual, explained that the Rupiah's fundamental strength remains relatively good despite global exchange rate volatility affecting currencies like those of Turkey, the Philippines, and Korea. He noted that the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) positions the Rupiah at a neutral level, with undervaluation decreasing. However, short-term liquidity issues and rising liquidity needs pose potential pressures on the Rupiah, highlighting the need for monetary authorities to bolster national economic resilience and market confidence.

How to Withdraw Taspen Funds? Read the Complete Guide

This article provides a detailed guide on claiming benefits from Taspen, Indonesia's state-owned savings and insurance fund for civil servants and government officials, covering programs like retirement savings, pensions, work accident insurance, and death benefits. It outlines the specific documents required for various claims, such as retirement, death-related pensions, and accident compensation, emphasising the importance of complete paperwork to ensure smooth processing. The guide also explains the submission process at local Taspen offices or via the digital Tos Taspen platform, highlighting Taspen's role in providing financial security for public sector workers and their heirs.

Tourist Quota for Entering Komodo Island Set at 1,000 People per Day

The Komodo National Park Authority has imposed a daily limit of 1,000 tourists to visit Komodo Island, effective from 1 April 2026, aiming to mitigate ecological pressures from the high visitor numbers that reached 429,509 in 2025, exceeding the park's carrying capacity. This measure addresses concerns over habitat degradation, changes in Komodo dragon behaviour, and coral reef health, while acknowledging the economic benefits of tourism. Despite the quota, officials anticipate visitor numbers in 2026 to match those of the previous year.

Minjakita Consumption Surges Due to Rising Plastic Prices, How Come?

Perum Bulog's Director General, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, observed a sharp increase in Minyakita consumption during a market inspection in South Jakarta, attributing it to rising plastic prices that have prompted consumers to switch from bulk oil. To address the heightened demand and prevent price pressures, Bulog has requested additional quotas from the Ministry of Trade and plans to bolster distribution to traditional markets and the Food Supply and Price Stability Network (SP2KP) post-Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The inspection also confirmed stable prices for rice, eggs, and onions, with national rice stocks at 4.75 million tonnes following a 49.2% procurement rate, while beef prices have risen ahead of Eid al-Adha, prompting coordination for increased frozen meat supplies.

Bali Provincial Government, Denpasar City Government, and Badung Regency Government Sign PSEL Agreement

The Bali Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Denpasar City and Badung Regency governments, has signed an agreement to develop a Waste-to-Energy Electricity (PSEL) facility in Greater Denpasar, addressing the island's escalating waste management crisis amid operational restrictions at the Suwung landfill. This project, targeted for groundbreaking in mid-2026 near Benoa Port, represents a collaborative commitment to environmentally friendly infrastructure that converts waste into electricity, countering social and cultural challenges to interim solutions and safeguarding Bali's status as a premier global tourism destination. The agreement underscores a unified policy approach to overcome past investor hesitancy and pave the way for sustainable waste processing.

Freeport's Copper Ore Production Projected at 156,000 Tonnes per Day in 2026

PT Freeport Indonesia projects its copper ore production to reach 156,000 tonnes per day by 2026, following recovery efforts from a landslide incident at the Grasberg Block Caving mine last year. The company anticipates producing 1.1 billion pounds of copper and 26 tonnes of gold, with the latter fully absorbed by PT Aneka Tambang, contributing US$2.9 billion to state revenues through taxes, non-tax revenues, and dividends. This ramp-up includes infrastructure enhancements like a new 3-km drainage tunnel to ensure operational sustainability and reach normal production levels of around 200,000 tonnes per day by 2027.

Police headquarters confirms rogue officer involved in Semarang drug factory case

Metro Jaya Police confirmed the involvement of a rogue police officer, ranked Bhayangkara Kepala with initials P, in a large-scale clandestine laboratory producing Zenith, a Group I narcotic, in Mijen, Semarang, Central Java. The operation, stemming from public reports in West Jakarta, led to the arrest of two suspects, including the main operator D, and the seizure of 186,000 ready-to-distribute Zenith tablets and 1.83 tons of precursor materials sufficient for over 4.3 million pills. This bust prevents the circulation of dangerous drugs that could cause permanent nerve damage or death to millions, underscoring the critical role of law enforcement in public safety despite internal corruption concerns.