The Bali Provincial Police have launched the Cakrawala Application, an online platform for monitoring and recording the presence and activities of foreign nationals to minimise legal violations and illegal activities in the region. This technology-based system, operational since December 2025, integrates data from accommodations and features a Command Center for real-time analysis, complementing immigration efforts amid a surge in foreign tourist visits, which reached 6.94 million in 2025, up 9.72% from the previous year. The initiative supports Bali's tourism-driven economy by ensuring security, facilitating investigations, and boosting tax revenue through better business licensing oversight.

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reported a Rp 1.77 trillion increase in Hajj flight costs for 2026, attributed to rising avtur prices and currency fluctuations, bringing the total from Rp 6.69 trillion to Rp 8.46 trillion. Proposals from Garuda Indonesia and Saudi Airlines contribute to this surge, with the ministry seeking approval from the DPR's Commission VIII and coordinating with the Attorney General's Office to ensure funding legality under force majeure conditions. President has assured that this cost escalation will not burden pilgrims, with funding sourced from the state budget for official delegations.

ASEAN member states have agreed to enhance financial cooperation at the 13th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in the Philippines, aiming to shield citizens from global economic pressures through resilient economies, stable livelihoods, and accelerated cross-border payment connectivity. Key initiatives include the Finance Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 and Project Revive, which are expected to generate jobs, support small businesses, and promote green financing to combat climate change impacts. Bank Indonesia's Deputy Governor emphasised the need for strong commitment from all members to ensure financial stability and protect against digital fraud, underscoring ASEAN's proactive role in regional economic welfare.

The Chairman of Committee III of the DPD RI, Filep Wamafma, has proposed a limited meeting between DPD RI leaders and the TNI and Police chiefs to formulate strategic measures for protecting healthcare workers in conflict-prone areas of Papua. Healthcare personnel face significant risks, including violence and loss of life, as highlighted by a fatal assault on two workers in March 2026, underscoring the state's obligation to provide maximum security. This initiative follows discussions with the Ministry of Health on implementing the 2023 Health Law, aiming to ensure safety and welfare in remote and frontier regions to optimise public health services.

President Prabowo Subianto is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace to strengthen bilateral cooperation and articulate Indonesia's stance on maintaining global peace and stability amid rapid geopolitical changes. This follows an intensive five-hour discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where the leaders focused on enhancing strategic partnerships in energy, mineral resources, and national industry development. The meetings underscore Indonesia's active diplomatic engagement to address international dynamics and secure support for key national needs.

Indonesia's Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq has designated 20 agglomeration areas across 47 districts and cities as priority zones for Waste-to-Electricity Processing (PSEL) investments, following President Prabowo Subianto's directive to focus on regions generating over 1,000 tonnes of waste daily. Of these, four areas have been fully prepared by the National Investment Agency (Danantara), with the remaining 16 in progress, while seven additional agglomerations with 500-1,000 tonnes daily have received recommendations despite not fully meeting presidential regulations. This initiative, supported by collaboration between the Environment Ministry and Danantara, aims to accelerate sustainable waste management and energy production using proven technologies, enhancing environmental and economic outcomes.

The proposal to involve ad hoc judges in military court proceedings has gained attention amid scrutiny over the handling of the acid attack case against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, initially suggested by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Legal expert Suharto indicates that while such involvement could be feasible if clearly legislated under Indonesia's judicial framework, it must adhere to the non-retroactive principle of criminal law, preventing new regulations from applying to past events. This discourse underscores the need for legislative clarity to balance judicial innovation with fundamental legal protections.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's third visit to Moscow as head of state underscores deepening bilateral ties with Russia, focusing on energy security amid global geopolitical uncertainties. The five-hour meeting with President Putin resulted in agreements to expand cooperation in energy, minerals, economy, agriculture, and other sectors, with emphasis on implementing prior commitments in renewable and nuclear energy development. This partnership, including Russia's support for Indonesia's BRICS membership, aims to bolster national energy independence, though experts urge transparent implementation and IAEA compliance to ensure tangible benefits.

South Korean actor Ji Chang Wook has gone viral for supporting the construction of an early childhood education (PAUD) building in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, through a collaboration with a snack brand under the One Bite One Dream programme. The initiative highlights the dire conditions at PAUD Cahaya Timur, where teachers receive minimal salaries of just Rp100,000 per month, often irregularly, and the school relies on community self-funding without significant local government support. This story underscores the challenges faced by remote educational institutions in Indonesia and the potential for celebrity-driven philanthropy to spotlight public policy gaps in early childhood education.

PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) is closely monitoring global supply chain disruptions and domestic automotive market dynamics to keep its vehicle prices stable in Indonesia, with no immediate plans for adjustments. While production and logistics costs fluctuate, the company anticipates potential changes in delivery times and quantities for certain models due to ongoing logistical issues. By relying on popular models like the Brio, HR-V, and BR-V, Honda aims to preserve consumer purchasing power and its market share in a competitive environment.

Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), in collaboration with Herbarium Bandungense and the Bandung Institute of Technology, has identified three new species of the Homalomena genus endemic to Sumatra: Homalomena pachyderma, Homalomena pulopadangensis, and Homalomena uncinata. These discoveries, made through social media monitoring of ornamental plant trade and detailed morphological analysis, underscore the role of digital platforms and hobbyist communities in revealing undocumented biodiversity. The findings highlight Sumatra’s significance as a centre of tropical plant diversity in Southeast Asia and emphasise the potential endemism and conservation needs of these limited-distribution species.

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has issued a new regulation revising the reference pricing formula for nickel ore sales, incorporating the economic value of associated minerals like cobalt and iron to boost state revenues from the mining sector. The changes, effective from 15 April 2026, adjust the corrective factors in the pricing model without altering the bi-weekly release schedule, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to optimise income from natural resources. Detailed formulas for nickel ore, ferronickel, MHP, and MSP now include valuations for by-product minerals, potentially increasing benchmark prices and enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesia's nickel industry.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned five directors of travel agencies for re-examination as witnesses in the ongoing corruption case concerning the 2023-2024 Hajj quota allocation, which implicates former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. The examination aims to gather more evidence on the alleged bribery involving intermediaries and other officials, with KPK planning marathon investigations at various locations to ensure effectiveness. This development brings the total number of suspects to four, highlighting persistent efforts to uncover corruption in religious pilgrimage management.

Indonesia's Real Estate Indonesia (REI) Chairman Joko Suranto has lauded President Prabowo Subianto's noble initiative to remove barriers in the Financial Services Information System (SLIK) for low-income households (MBR), enabling greater access to subsidised housing under the ambitious three million homes programme. The policy, endorsed by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), waives SLIK issues for debts under Rp1 million and accelerates updates for loan settlements to within three working days by late June 2026, addressing longstanding obstacles from minor digital loan defaults that previously blocked 80% of MBR mortgage applications. This collaborative effort involving ministries, regulators, and developers is expected to boost the property sector and financial industry growth while promoting affordable housing as a key welfare instrument.

Activist Faizal Assegaf has filed a police report against the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters, alleging that Prasetyo's statements misrepresented facts following Assegaf's clarification session regarding a bribery case in the Directorate General of Customs. Assegaf, who was questioned as the director of PT Sinkos Multimedia Mandiri about electronic aid provided by a customs official to activists, claims the aid was a personal matter unrelated to corruption and that the KPK's portrayal implied his involvement, distorting public opinion. This incident highlights tensions between activists and anti-corruption bodies in handling sensitive investigations.

Muhammadiyah's Majelis Tarjih and Tajdid examines the permissibility of female circumcision in Islam, highlighting its prevalence in Muslim-majority countries but condemning severe practices like those in Africa as contrary to Islamic teachings. It analyses hadiths supporting the practice, such as one from Ummu ‘Atiyah, but deems them weak due to unreliable narrators, distinguishing female circumcision's purpose from male circumcision's focus on purity and cleanliness. This perspective underscores the need to reinterpret reproductive health in progressive Islamic terms, potentially influencing cultural and religious debates on women's rights in Indonesia.

The detikcom Digital Connectivity Appreciation Programme has advanced to the second stage of judging, where 13 nominations from various sectors are being evaluated for their contributions to promoting equitable digital connectivity across Indonesia. This process involves field verification by journalists and is overseen by a panel of 10 experts from government, industry, associations, and media, highlighting initiatives from provincial governments, public institutions, individuals, and communities. The event aims to serve as a reflection for policymakers and accelerate national digital development by identifying exemplary models.

Bank Indonesia (BI) is committed to maintaining exchange rate stability and Rupiah liquidity through three key strategies: smart interventions, measured enhancements to the attractiveness of domestic assets like SBN, and strengthened monetary operations. These efforts aim to support national economic growth amid global exchange rate volatility, as discussed at the Central Banking Forum 2026 themed "Indonesia's Economic Resilience Facing Global Exchange Rate Volatility." BI emphasises that exchange rate movements are tied to fundamentals such as the balance of payments, with any corrections occurring gradually.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has called on the region's cooperatives to play a key role in assisting communities to avoid predatory lending from online loan platforms and informal moneylenders. Speaking at a regional coordination meeting of the Indonesian Cooperative Council in Semarang, Luthfi highlighted the strength of the province's 19,022 active cooperatives, which boast 6.8 million members and nearly Rp60 trillion in assets, and urged them to empower not only members but also surrounding communities. He also noted that 8,523 Red and White Cooperatives in Central Java have obtained legal entity status, with 6,271 already operational, aiming to bolster village economies and reduce reliance on exploitative financing.

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has scheduled the departure of hajj officials to Saudi Arabia beginning on 17-18 April 2026, with advance teams leaving earlier on 13 April, to ensure readiness for the 1447 Hijri/2026 CE pilgrimage services. Indonesia has been allocated an official hajj quota of 221,000 pilgrims, including 203,320 regular and 17,680 special slots, while the first group of pilgrims will enter hajj dormitories on 21 April and depart on 22 April. The ministry reaffirms its commitment to conducting the hajj with professionalism, transparency, and responsibility, underscoring the government's role in facilitating this significant religious obligation for Indonesian Muslims.

TikTok has announced its compliance with directives from Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs to limit access to its platform for users under 16, in line with Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection (PP Tunas). The company will deactivate accounts of underage users in Indonesia after notification and offers an appeal process for those over 16 affected by errors, while maintaining over 50 automatic safety features and ongoing content moderation. This follows an initial assessment where TikTok partially complies, unlike fully compliant platforms such as Meta's services and X, and non-compliant YouTube.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung plans to introduce detailed regulations for naming rights on public transport facilities such as bus stops and stations to boost regional revenue while preserving the city's aesthetics. This initiative, which opens sponsorship opportunities to various entities including political parties, has sparked online debate, with celebrities like Zaskia Adya Mecca criticising it for potentially disrupting urban beauty. The scheme aims to commercialise public infrastructure names to increase local income, but Pramono assures that rules will prevent any aesthetic interference.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a 'major' defence partnership with Indonesia, elevating bilateral ties to focus on military modernisation, capacity building, training, and operational cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement underscores shared commitments to regional peace and stability, while Indonesia emphasises its non-aligned foreign policy and ongoing review of US military access proposals. This development highlights Indonesia's strategic position and multifaceted international engagements, including recent ties with Russia and the US.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto has confirmed that funding for the Red and White Village/Urban Ward Cooperatives (KDMP) is safely allocated within the State Budget (APBN), despite ongoing fiscal tightening measures. A new regulation, Ministerial Regulation on Finance Number 15 of 2026, allows state-owned banks to provide financing to KDMP units up to Rp3 billion each at a 6% annual interest rate, easing the burden on the national budget while supporting grassroots economic activities. This initiative includes Rp200 trillion from state-owned banks and Rp16 trillion from surplus budget funds, with 58.03% of village funds directed towards KDMP development, aiming to accelerate infrastructure and operational setup for these cooperatives.

Indonesia's Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has guaranteed sufficient national rice stocks, with 4.7 million tonnes in Bulog warehouses marking the highest since independence, supplemented by 12 million tonnes in the supply chain and 11 million tonnes of standing crops, enough for the next 10 months. This assurance comes amid warnings of the severe Godzilla El Niño phenomenon potentially striking in 2026, prompting government efforts to mitigate impacts on agriculture, forest fires, and droughts. Officials urge the public not to panic while local governments prepare anticipatory measures.

Jakarta Metro Police, in collaboration with West Jakarta Metro Police Resort, have dismantled a clandestine laboratory in Semarang producing Zenith Carnophen, a type I narcotic commonly known as 'Pil Jin', arresting three suspects including a low-ranking police officer suspected of acting as a courier. The operation seized 186,000 ready-to-distribute tablets, 1.83 tons of precursor materials sufficient for over 4.3 million pills, and production machinery, preventing widespread distribution that could harm millions. Authorities are pursuing additional fugitives to eradicate the syndicate, charging suspects under new Criminal Code and narcotics laws amid commitments to combat illegal drug trade from source to street.

The Indonesian government has introduced a digital process through the Identitas Kependudukan Digital (IKD) app for newcomers to register as non-permanent residents, ensuring official recording of population data, easier access to public services, and orderly administration in their area of domicile. The registration involves simple steps like logging in, accessing the services menu, submitting an application, and completing required information, after which the document can be accessed and printed. Additionally, printing of issued civil registry documents can be delegated to family members under specific conditions, while full representation for administrative services requires a stamped power of attorney form (F-1.07), highlighting efforts to streamline bureaucratic processes while maintaining security.

PT Samku Glove Indonesia, a Yogyakarta-based manufacturer of gloves and supporting materials, has exported 147 cartons valued at US$55,637.17 (approximately Rp900 million) to Los Angeles, marking a strategic expansion into international markets. This shipment, compliant with global standards for industrial and sports sectors, underscores the competitiveness of Indonesian products and the growth of the manufacturing industry in the region, as highlighted by the Yogyakarta Customs Office. The company aims to sustain this momentum to boost export volumes, explore new markets, and contribute to national foreign exchange earnings.

Oil prices fell in Asian trading on Tuesday morning following hopes of further peaceful talks between the US and Iran, easing concerns over potential energy supply disruptions. Brent crude dropped about 1% to 98.40 USD per barrel, while US-traded oil declined 1.7% to 97.40 USD, after previously surging above 100 USD amid US-ordered blockade of Iranian ports. Analysts view President Trump's comments on receiving contact from Tehran as a sign of possible de-escalation, with the market closely watching for progress in nuclear negotiations that could stabilise global energy markets.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned two officials from the Supreme Court's Directorate General of General Judiciary as witnesses in a bribery case involving the execution of a land dispute ruling at Depok District Court. The case centres on a 6,500 square metre plot in Depok, West Java, where PT Karabha Digdaya, a Ministry of Finance entity, secured a favourable court decision in 2023, but faced delays in enforcement amid a community review petition. Five suspects, including the Depok court chief and deputy, a bailiff, and two company executives, were named in February 2026 for their roles in the alleged bribery to expedite the land clearance.

The South Jakarta District Court has granted a pre-trial motion filed by DPR RI Secretary General Indra Iskandar, ordering the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to halt its investigation into alleged corruption in the procurement of office equipment for DPR members in the 2020 fiscal year. The court ruled that KPK's designation of Iskandar as a suspect on 19 January 2024 was arbitrary and also demanded the lifting of his travel ban. This decision comes after KPK named Iskandar and six others as suspects on 7 March 2025, with detention pending a state financial loss calculation by BPKP, highlighting tensions between judicial oversight and anti-corruption efforts in Indonesia.

Online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers staged a demonstration outside the Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) office in central Jakarta on Tuesday, demanding that pollster Saiful Mujani publicly apologise for his statements in a discussion forum calling for the overthrow of President Prabowo Subianto's leadership. Led by the Chairman of the Indonesian Online Motorcycle Taxi Association, Cecep Saripudin, the protesters condemned Mujani's remarks as dangerous and inflammatory, accusing them of inciting conflict among the people and undermining the legitimate government. They issued an ultimatum, threatening larger protests if their demands for an apology via media and a police investigation into alleged incitement of rebellion are not met within three days.

The Indonesian National Police's Education and Training Centre (Lemdiklat Polri) has launched a workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost the technological and informational capabilities of its personnel. Opened by Acting Head Irjen Andi Rian R. Djajadi in Jakarta on Monday, 13 April 2026, the hybrid event features experts from PT Nusantara Compnet Integrator and is open to participants nationwide and the public. Andi Rian emphasised that integrating AI is a strategic step towards a precise, adaptive, and professional police force, particularly in enhancing teaching efficiency across Polri's educational units.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is continuing its investigation into the extortion case against former Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU) Chief Prosecutor Albertinus P Napitupulu by examining two witnesses from the HSU Prosecutor's Office, including a detention guard and an aide. The suspects, including Albertinus, former Intelligence Section Head Asis Budianto, and former General Affairs Section Head Taruna Fariadi, are accused of extorting millions of rupiah from local department heads and misappropriating office funds. This case highlights ongoing corruption issues within regional prosecutorial offices in Indonesia.

Dozens of students from a state junior high school in Jetis, Bantul, experienced symptoms of food poisoning after consuming the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme on Monday, including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and dizziness. Health officials reported 71 students affected, all treated as outpatients with no hospital admissions required, and their conditions have improved. Authorities are investigating potential similar incidents at other schools supplied by the same nutrition service provider, which covers 25 institutions.

Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has announced efforts to accelerate the registration of cultural heritage items to mitigate disaster impacts, targeting over 1,000 collections including repatriated artefacts and national heroes' graves. The initiative prioritises items under the authority of regional cultural preservation centres, with collections owned by national heroes requiring no further study. In 2024-2025, registrations surged by 800% from 10 to 85 items, with 70 designations in 2026 and potential for 50,000 sites nationwide, enabling better government disaster response through integrated documentation.

Ngurah Rai Immigration authorities in Bali have detained 10 foreign nationals, including Nigerians, Ugandans, Russians, and Tanzanians, during a targeted enforcement operation in tourist areas like Kerobokan Kelod and Poppies Street in Kuta. The suspects face allegations ranging from establishing fictitious companies and using forged documents to obtain residence permits, operating an online prostitution network, overstaying visas, and engaging in unauthorised activities. Officials, led by Bugie Kurniawan, emphasised that such firm actions, including potential deportation, are essential to protect national sovereignty in high-foreign-population areas, with ongoing operations and public reporting encouraged.

Indonesia's Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus has raised concerns over the uneven measles immunisation coverage in Lampung province, attributing it partly to misinformation and hoax campaigns that fuel public resistance. The Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to enhance public education on the importance of vaccinations for preventing measles. Lampung's provincial government, led by Deputy Governor Jihan Nurlela, pledges to bolster disease surveillance, expand immunisation efforts, and foster cross-sectoral partnerships, amid reports of 51 suspected cases among toddlers in Bandar Lampung's health centres and 169 cases in hospitals by March.

PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) has disclosed updates on its transformative US$2.4 billion aluminium smelter project in Mempawah, West Kalimantan, aiming to boost its production capacity from 275,000 to 900,000 tonnes per year. The initiative faces two primary challenges: land acquisition and securing long-term energy supply through a 30-year coal-fired power plant (PLTU) collaboration with PTBA and MIND ID. Inalum is seeking support from the House of Representatives' Commission XII for regulatory strengthening, governance oversight, and electricity provision to align the project with national downstreaming targets.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has declared an initiative to eradicate the invasive sailfin catfish species, which is damaging the city's water ecosystems and flood control infrastructure. He plans to convene a special meeting to instruct all mayors in Jakarta to participate in clearing the freshwater bodies of these fish, citing their predatory nature and threat to local fauna. A recent operation in Kali Cideng captured 41 large specimens, serving as a model for broader efforts that could guide other regions.

The Central Banking Forum 2026, hosted by CNBC Indonesia and Bank Indonesia, addresses Indonesia's economic resilience amid global exchange rate volatility, with experts highlighting the nation's heavy reliance on imported fuel and food commodities like soybeans and sugar. Mohammad Faisal from the Center of Reform on Economics emphasises the need to bolster energy security through alternative supplies from Africa and accelerate renewable energy development, while leveraging high coal prices. Maintaining Rupiah stability is crucial to mitigate the impact of surging import costs on food security and overall economic stability.

Safrizal Zakaria Ali, head of the Aceh Region Command Post for the Task Force for Accelerating Post-Tsunami Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, has affirmed that the government is ensuring a directed and sustainable recovery process in Aceh following the recent disaster. He highlighted the restoration of stable government operations, normal public services, and progress in infrastructure, health facilities, worship places, and inter-regional connectivity, with initiatives like cash-for-work programmes providing dual benefits for environmental clean-up and local economic stimulation. Emphasising the importance of leadership stability, academic synergy, and collaborative efforts, Safrizal stressed that the focus should be on resilient recovery rather than mere speed, enabling Aceh's community to rise stronger.

KH Abdussalam Shohib, known as Gus Salam, visited the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, to pay respects and discuss the current challenges facing Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation. Minister Nasaruddin, a veteran NU figure, expressed deep concern over the organisation's internal situation, unprecedented in its history, and urged reconciliation among leaders, officials, and members to restore unity and the organisation's prestige. He also hoped that the upcoming 35th NU Congress would feature a healthy, open leadership transition, selecting honest, trustworthy, and integrity-driven leaders to guide NU forward.

Indonesian Ambassador to Ukraine, concurrently Armenia and Georgia, Arief Basalamah, has highlighted the promising opportunities for Indonesian restaurants abroad, particularly in Armenia, driven by the growing Indonesian diaspora. He suggests that professionally managed establishments can attract not only Indonesians but also locals, tourists, and expatriates, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs potentially facilitating workshops to share best practices. An example is Little Bali in Yerevan, founded in 2024 by diaspora member Fugen Chandra, which serves popular dishes like nasi goreng and soto ayam Madura to a diverse clientele, amid a community of 30 to 50 Indonesians in the country.

Japan's government has reclassified cryptocurrencies as financial instruments equivalent to shares and other investment products through amendments to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA), approved on 10 April 2026, which will take effect as early as 2027. This historic shift imposes stricter regulations including bans on insider trading, mandatory disclosures, and harsher penalties, enhancing legitimacy and fostering institutional growth in the crypto sector. The move reflects Japan's systematic approach to financial reform, transitioning crypto from payment tools to regulated investments amid broad public support and evolving market perceptions.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has affirmed that its defence cooperation with the United States, formalised through the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) signed by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, will bolster national defence capabilities while adhering to Indonesia's free and active foreign policy principles. Key areas of collaboration include technology development, operational readiness, professional military education, and strengthening personnel ties, which are expected to enhance weapon systems, joint training, and intellectual development of Indonesian troops. This partnership is anticipated to deepen long-standing military diplomacy between the two nations and elevate Indonesia's military strength in safeguarding national sovereignty.

Deputy Chair of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ahmad Sahroni, has called for firm sanctions against law students at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law (FH UI) accused of verbal sexual harassment, describing the incident as a serious threat to Indonesia's future legal system. He expressed dismay over the behaviour of these future legal practitioners and urged reflection on how such mindsets could undermine the enforcement of laws like the Sexual Violence Crime Act. Meanwhile, UI is handling the case through its Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force with a victim-centred approach, while the faculty and student body have initiated internal investigations and imposed organizational sanctions, including revoking active membership for the suspects.

Batam Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle 337 mobile phones, valued at Rp3.76 billion, concealed in a hidden compartment of a pickup truck at Telaga Punggur RoRo Port, preventing a potential state loss of Rp414 million. The operation, conducted during routine inspections, involved various high-end models including iPhones and Samsung devices, with no narcotics found via K-9 unit checks. This incident underscores ongoing efforts to combat systematic smuggling and ensure fair trade practices in Indonesia's free trade zones.

East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas'ud has faced public scrutiny once again after revelations of a Rp25 billion budget for renovating official residences and office spaces, following controversy over a Rp8.49 billion official vehicle purchase. The provincial government clarified that the sum covers multiple projects, including the governor's and deputy governor's residences and office improvements, spread across various budget years and not disbursed at once. Officials emphasised that the renovations address long-neglected state assets to meet current standards, aiming to dispel misconceptions of extravagance.

The CEO of BPI Danantara, Rosan Roeslani, announced that the agency is prioritising proven technologies for Waste-to-Electricity (PSEL) projects in 20 priority agglomeration areas across 47 districts/cities, as designated by the government. President Prabowo Subianto has directed focus on regions generating over 1,000 tonnes of waste daily, with these areas meeting initial criteria set by the Ministry of Environment. While open to other technologies from countries like Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, and China, as well as domestic products, the emphasis is on solutions that are effective, swift, and acceptable to local communities.