The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) is actively promoting sustainable transport in Indonesia by aiming to increase public transport usage by 50 percent, boost electric vehicle sales particularly for buses and two-wheelers, and enhance sustainable transport financing by 2030. Currently, 578 electric buses operate nationwide, with the majority in Jakarta, offering lower operational costs than diesel alternatives, while ITDP also advocates for urban logistics electrification to reduce emissions. To combat urban congestion, ITDP emphasises the need for policies restricting private vehicles, such as electronic road pricing and low-emission zones, amid rising motorcycle numbers from 115 million in 2020 to nearly 140 million in 2024.

PT Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk is undertaking a comprehensive fundamental business review as part of the state-owned enterprises recovery programme, focusing on asset quality and provisioning across all business lines to ensure financial statements accurately reflect the company's actual and prudent business conditions. Despite this process, the company has maintained positive operational performance with an EBITDA of Rp763.8 billion and is prioritising receivables collection from key projects like the LRT Jabodebek and Aceh-Sigli Toll Road to bolster liquidity. Looking ahead, Adhi Karya is preparing a pipeline of new infrastructure projects, emphasising sustainable initiatives, while strengthening its core construction business and exploring divestments to support long-term growth and good corporate governance.

The Karo District Prosecutor's Office in North Sumatra has confirmed it will not appeal the acquittal verdict for videographer Amsal Sitepu, making the decision final and legally binding under the new Criminal Procedure Code. The verdict stemmed from allegations of mark-up in village profile video production funded by village budgets from 2020-2022, amounting to Rp202 million, which the Medan District Court found unproven. This outcome highlights recent legal reforms prohibiting prosecutors from cassating acquittals and follows recommendations from Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III against further appeals.

In 1956, during a state visit to the Soviet Union, Indonesia's first President Soekarno was moved by the sight of a historic mosque in Leningrad that had been repurposed as a dilapidated warehouse during World War II. He raised the issue with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, urging the restoration of the building to its original function as a place of worship. The request was swiftly acted upon, leading to the mosque's renovation within ten days and its enduring legacy as the "Soekarno Mosque" in present-day St. Petersburg, highlighting the early diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Russia.

Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has temporarily suspended discussions on the 'war tiket' system, which would allow pilgrims to bypass long waiting queues for a fee without disrupting existing priorities, to concentrate on preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, who initially proposed the idea, acknowledged its internal debate but deemed it premature amid imminent Hajj commitments. The move addresses persistent queuing issues that have plagued the system for years, reflecting the ministry's commitment to resolving longstanding challenges in religious travel.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned five directors of hajj travel agencies as witnesses in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving the 2023-2024 hajj quota, which implicates former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. The examination took place at the KPK's Merah Putih building, with officials urging cooperation to ensure an effective probe. This follows the naming of two suspects, including the operational director of PT Makassar Toraja and a commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama, who allegedly paid bribes totaling over $30,000 to intermediaries representing the former minister, resulting in illicit gains of Rp40.8 billion for affiliated agencies.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Ferry Yunand, the Secretary General of Riau Province's Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Department, as a witness in the extortion case against inactive Governor Abdul Wahid, alongside 10 other civil servants from the department. The investigation centres on allegations of extortion and the receipt of gifts or promises within the provincial government for the 2025 fiscal year, building on the recent naming and detention of Abdul Wahid's aide, Marjani, as a suspect for collecting funds on behalf of the governor in the 'jatah preman' scheme amounting to Rp 7 billion across three instalments. This case highlights ongoing corruption concerns in regional governance and infrastructure sectors, with four suspects now involved, including the governor and the PUPR department head.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VIII has called for better management of Hajj pilgrims' luggage procurement to prevent it from being exploited by certain parties, including airlines, and suggested that the Ministry of Religious Affairs handle it directly in the future. The Minister of Hajj and Umrah responded by confirming warnings have been issued to Garuda Indonesia for delays in distribution, with sanctions under consideration and the remaining luggage expected to reach pilgrims by 17 April 2026. This intervention highlights ongoing efforts to ensure equitable and timely provision of essential items for the Hajj pilgrimage, overseen by government monitoring teams.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth have agreed to establish a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP), focusing on enhancing defence technology, operational readiness, professional military education, and interpersonal defence relations. The Indonesian Defence Ministry has clarified that this agreement does not include provisions for US military access to Indonesian airspace, emphasising the nation's sovereignty, national interests, and adherence to international law. This partnership is viewed as an opportunity to bolster Indonesia's defence capabilities while upholding its free and active foreign policy principles.

German environmental activist Konstantin Zulske has cycled 15,000 kilometres across 16 countries from Germany to India as part of the global Save Soil campaign, highlighting the critical importance of soil health in combating climate change and water scarcity. Facing extreme challenges like desert crossings in Iran, Zulske emphasises that 52 per cent of the world's soil is already degraded, potentially reaching 90 per cent in 25 years, urging greater awareness and action. Currently in Indonesia, his journey continues through Southeast Asia, blending advocacy with personal exploration and cultural appreciation.

Microsoft has come under scrutiny for terms of service that describe its Copilot AI as intended for "entertainment" purposes and advise against relying on it for critical decisions due to potential inaccuracies. The company attributes this to outdated language from Copilot's early days as a Bing companion and plans to update the terms, while emphasising that AI outputs should be verified independently to avoid automation bias. This case highlights broader industry practices of including disclaimers to limit legal liability amid the risks of generative AI hallucinations.

The continuous rise in gold prices, driven by geopolitical tensions, has significantly impacted the jewellery market, particularly wedding and engagement rings, leading many consumers to postpone proposals and weddings in Indonesia and globally. Data from PT Antam shows the price of one gram of gold reaching Rp2,863,000, up from previous levels, while buyback prices have also strengthened. Experts note shifts in consumer behaviour, including opting for heirloom jewellery or instalment plans to manage costs, highlighting gold's dual role as both a decorative item and a valuable asset.

Indonesia has signed a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) with the United States to strengthen military ties, but the agreement does not include provisions for overflight clearances for American aircraft. Defence Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait emphasised that any such permissions are still under consideration, prioritising Indonesia's sovereignty, national interests, and compliance with national and international law. This development underscores Indonesia's cautious approach to deepening defence collaboration while safeguarding its strategic autonomy.

The Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) has emphasised that any new policies, including the proposed War Ticket scheme for Hajj pilgrims, must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure fairness, sustainability, and non-discrimination, particularly for those who have waited years in the queue. BPKH member Indra Gunawan highlighted that all Hajj financial management must adhere to relevant laws, such as Law No. 34 of 2014 and Law No. 14 of 2025, prioritising the welfare of long-waiting pilgrims while upholding principles of justice and accessibility. This stance underscores the need for deep consultation with stakeholders and proper socialisation to avoid disadvantaging existing registrants in Indonesia's complex Hajj system.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the United States and Iran to resume constructive negotiations following inconclusive talks mediated by Pakistan in Islamabad, emphasising that no agreement can be reached overnight amid deep-rooted differences. He stressed that there is no military solution to the current conflict, urging all parties to maintain an absolute ceasefire and respect international law, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions in maritime trade through the strait are exacerbating global economic vulnerabilities, food insecurity, and rising living costs due to impacts on fertilisers, fuel, transportation, and supply chains.

The Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo) has revealed that 67% of companies in Indonesia are not planning to recruit new workers in the near future, signaling a slowdown in job creation amid economic pressures. This reluctance stems from suboptimal investments shifting away from labour-intensive sectors and rigid labour regulations that deter business expansion. Apindo urges policies to attract investments, particularly in labour-intensive industries, to address the needs of Indonesia's predominantly lower-to-middle education workforce and ensure quality job opportunities.

The family of Tupon Hadi Suwarno, known as Mbah Tupon, a victim of land mafia in Bantul, has initiated the process to transfer land certificates back into his name after they were returned from court evidence held by the convicted Indah Fatmawati. One certificate will undergo a deed of sale to multiple buyers who are also victims, pending the completion of the name transfer. The Bantul Regency Government has committed to overseeing the process to ensure Mbah Tupon regains his rightful property, highlighting efforts to resolve this high-profile land fraud case.

In West Java, vehicle owners can now renew their Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) and STNK without presenting the original owner's ID card, provided they bring the current STNK and their own ID. This policy, outlined in Circular Letter No. 47/KU.03.02/BAPENDA effective from 6 April 2026, requires a declaration form at Samsat confirming ownership, requesting blocking of the vehicle, and committing to name transfer the following year. The measure aims to facilitate tax payments for second-hand vehicle buyers while encouraging prompt legal ownership updates to ensure compliance.

The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) closed up 2.19% or 160.5 points at 7,660 during the first trading session on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, continuing its positive momentum from the opening. This surge follows a significant 6.14% rebound last week, driven by easing global geopolitical tensions from a temporary US-Iran ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, boosting market sentiment. Looking ahead, analysts urge monitoring US indices and Fed policy amid renewed negotiation failures, alongside domestic factors like potential non-subsidised fuel price adjustments and rupiah stabilisation efforts around 17,000 to the dollar.

PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (PKT) has received the Gold award in the 2024 PROPER programme from the Ministry of Environment for the ninth consecutive year, underscoring its unwavering commitment to environmental management, greenhouse gas reduction, and community empowerment. As Southeast Asia's largest producer of urea and NPK fertilisers, PKT integrates sustainability into its core operations through initiatives like coral reef rehabilitation, the PKT BISA agro-energy programme, and zero-waste strategies, including solar power adoption and product diversification. This recognition highlights the company's role in ensuring sustainable food security while advancing low-carbon transformations in Indonesia's fertiliser industry.

The Nature Conservancy Indonesia (YKAN), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, has launched a programme to empower coastal women in safeguarding the Coral Triangle, a global hotspot of marine biodiversity encompassing 76% of the world's coral species and 37% of reef fish species. This initiative addresses threats such as climate change, overexploitation, and unsustainable fishing practices by involving women in leadership roles for ecosystem protection and community resilience, particularly in Indonesia's Raja Ampat and Maluku regions, as well as the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. By amplifying women's voices in traditional communities, the programme aims to enhance decision-making processes and preserve vital livelihoods, food sources, and cultural identities tied to these marine habitats.

The escalating geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has resulted in the closure of airspace by several countries, leading to the cancellation of 1,060 flights to and from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport over 44 days since 28 February 2026. This disruption severely impacts Bangladeshi migrant workers and transit passengers reliant on Middle Eastern hubs, forcing airlines to adopt longer routes that increase fuel costs and flight times. The situation underscores the broader ripple effects of regional instability on global aviation connectivity and passenger experiences.

In the first quarter of 2026, Japan's automotive brands continued to dominate Indonesia's passenger car market, with Toyota leading at 64,416 units sold and a 30.4% market share, followed by Daihatsu, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, and Honda. However, Chinese manufacturer BYD made a notable entry into the top six with 10,265 units and a 4.8% share, highlighting growing interest in electric vehicles. This shift signals increasing competition in the sector as Chinese players challenge the longstanding Japanese stronghold.

Siti Hediati Hariyadi, known as Titiek Soeharto and Chair of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, received a surprise birthday celebration following a commission meeting in Jakarta. The event was attended by her son Didit Prabowo, fellow commission members, and several ministers including the Minister of Forestry and the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, who presented her with a birthday cake and nasi tumpeng. Titiek expressed hopes for a long life filled with meaningful contributions and thanked everyone for their support.

Indonesia's newly enacted Criminal Code (KUHP) is facing its first major test with reports of international crimes, including alleged atrocities in the Gaza conflict and genocide against the Rohingya by Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing, now under consideration by the Attorney General's Office. Legal expert Albert Aries from Trisakti University highlights how the code's adoption of universal jurisdiction principles in Articles 6 and 7 enables prosecution of such offences occurring abroad, drawing from international human rights law. However, he cautions that this reciprocal approach could invite foreign scrutiny of Indonesia's own actions, such as in Papua, and emphasises that while the state has the authority to prosecute, it is not always obligated to do so.

At the Central Banking Forum 2026 hosted by CNBC Indonesia and Bank Indonesia, Noor Faisal Achmad from the Ministry of Finance highlighted Indonesia's robust economic indicators, including expansive manufacturing, ongoing trade surpluses, controlled inflation, and adequate foreign reserves, despite global volatility from the Iran-US-Israel conflict. The government is managing the state budget prudently to maintain market confidence, with fuel prices stabilised and inflation at 3.8%, positioning the APBN as a shock absorber amid geopolitical tensions. The fiscal deficit is targeted at 2.9% of GDP, with economic growth for Q1-2026 projected at 5.5% or higher, underscoring the nation's economic resilience.

Police in Tebet, South Jakarta, have denied claims that a patrol vehicle struck a resident during a brawl on Monday night, clarifying that the individual was likely hit by a stone and fell near the vehicle, leading to public misunderstanding. The incident resulted in damage to police vehicles from thrown stones, but officers quickly dispersed the crowd and transported the injured person to Tebet Hospital for treatment. The victim's parent praised the police's swift response, while authorities urged the public to verify information to avoid provocation and maintain community safety.

A Jakarta court has partially granted a pre-trial motion by DPR Secretary General Indra Iskandar, ruling his suspect status in a 2020 corruption case involving procurement of deputy house facilities as unlawful due to the KPK's failure to meet minimal evidence requirements and examine him beforehand. Indra's lawyers expressed relief and appreciation for the decision after a prolonged four-year process, urging the KPK to close the investigation and resolve his client's uncertain status. The KPK respects the ruling but maintains that it had sufficient evidence from the preliminary investigation stage, clarifying its procedures differ from standard practices.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VIII, Maman Imanul Haq, has criticised the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's proposal for a Hajj ticket auction system, warning that it could exacerbate inequalities due to limited internet access in remote areas. He urged the government to conduct a comprehensive review to ensure fairness for long-waiting pilgrims and avoid displacing those already in the queue. Instead, Maman advocated strengthening diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia to increase Indonesia's Hajj quota, emphasising the need for transparent and equitable policies to protect pilgrims' rights.

In a Constitutional Court session, DPR representative I Wayan Sudirta defended the allocation of education budget funds to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme as a logical consequence, given that school students are primary beneficiaries and nutritional support is integral to the national education system. He argued that fulfilling students' physical and health needs directly contributes to the goals of national education, positioning MBG as a sub-component of education financing alongside initiatives like compulsory education and LPDP scholarships, without diverting mandatory spending. This stance underscores the substantive appropriateness of the funding in supporting Indonesia's educational objectives under the 2026 State Budget.

Google's dominance in global digital advertising revenue is waning for the first time, with Meta Platforms projected to surpass Alphabet (Google) by the end of 2026, reaching US$243.46 billion compared to Google's US$239.54 billion, according to Emarketer. Meta's Advantage+ advertising tools have driven strong adoption among advertisers by simplifying campaigns and boosting marketing returns, validating its core strategies. While Google has diversified revenue streams like YouTube Premium, its broader business mix may hinder it from overtaking Meta in ad revenue, amid a concentrated market where Meta, Google, and Amazon are expected to control 62.3% of global digital ad spend.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has achieved a subsidised mortgage disbursement of Rp17.13 trillion by March 2026, benefiting over 125,000 low-income borrowers as part of its commitment to national housing programmes. This initiative not only expands home ownership access but also stimulates economic growth in supporting sectors such as construction, building materials, and SMEs around housing developments. BRI leverages its extensive network to ensure equitable financing reach across regions, fostering sustainable societal and economic impacts.

Indonesia's furniture industry is grappling with heavy reliance on the US market, which absorbs about 54% of its exports, making it vulnerable to disruptions like tariff pressures that have already led to declines in shipments. While the US remains the most stable and lucrative destination, industry leaders are urging diversification into markets such as Europe, the Middle East, India, and BRICS countries to mitigate risks, though geopolitical tensions pose challenges in regions like the GCC. This situation underscores the need for strategic adaptation to sustain growth amid rising production costs and cheap imports.

The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has announced that West Java has entered the dry season earlier than usual, with 66% of the region experiencing an advanced onset and 93% facing drier conditions than normal. The season is projected to peak in August for 90% of the area and last longer overall, prompting calls for optimised water management and agricultural adjustments to mitigate risks of water shortages, droughts, and fires. This forecast underscores the need for proactive measures by local governments and farmers to safeguard food security and public safety amid prolonged dry weather.

The Indonesian Nazhir Association (ANI) hosted three key events at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, including the Indonesian Nazhir Gathering, the launch of the Indonesia Nazhir Academy (INA), and a talk show on waqf amendments, drawing nazhir from across the archipelago and highlighting youth involvement in modernising waqf management. The INA aims to foster professional, adaptive nazhir through comprehensive training in mindset, character, competency, and literacy, positioning waqf as a dynamic economic instrument. Discussions underscored the need for regulatory reforms to enhance waqf productivity, human resources, and governance, with input from institutions like KNEKS, Bank Indonesia, and the Indonesian Waqf Board.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Pancasila Education Teachers Association (AGPPI), Unro Aljuhri, has urged parents to vigilantly supervise and accompany their children by preventing them from creating accounts on social media platforms to shield them from negative content. This call aligns with the government's Ministerial Regulation on Communication and Digital Affairs Number 9 of 2026, effective from 28 March 2026, which prohibits children under 16 from having independent accounts on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox, aiming to protect them from threats like pornography, online scams, gambling, cyberbullying, and other crimes. Educational leaders emphasise the need for synergy between parents, society, and the government to foster positive activities, critical thinking, and spiritual values in children, preparing Generation Alpha and Beta for a green economy and digital transformation while supporting restrictions on social media to encourage learning and character development.

Economists have criticised the proposal to transform PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) into a dedicated SME bank under the Finance Ministry, arguing that it risks disrupting the existing financing ecosystem managed by state-owned banks. Experts like Etika Karyani from the Center of Reform on Economics and Budi Frensidy from Universitas Indonesia emphasise that the government should prioritise strengthening current systems, business mentoring for startups, and ensuring institutional designs that maintain integration and prudence without adding bureaucratic layers. This approach, they warn, could otherwise complicate operations and hinder SME development in the short term.

Chery Group's robotics subsidiary AiMOGA has launched online sales of its full-sized humanoid robot, the Mornine M1, which features a maximum walking speed of 1 m/s, a 1.5 kg arm payload, and advanced sensors including LiDAR and multiple cameras. Priced at approximately Rp 700 million, the robot is already deployed as a smart sales consultant in Chery outlets in Malaysia and was showcased at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2026, where it interacted with visitors and integrated with vehicle functions. This development highlights the growing integration of AI and robotics in the automotive retail sector, potentially revolutionising customer experiences in emerging markets like Indonesia.

The consortium of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) and PT PLN Indonesia Power has reached an agreement with PT PLN on the electricity tariff for the development of the 15 MW Lahendong Bottoming Unit geothermal power plant, marking a key step in optimising the use of residual heat from existing plants through binary technology. This project, part of broader synergies between state-owned enterprises Pertamina and PLN, supports Indonesia's national energy transition by enhancing efficiency and contributing to a cleaner energy mix, with commercial operations targeted for 2028. PGE, a pioneer in geothermal development with over four decades of experience, currently manages 727 MW of installed capacity and is pursuing further expansions across multiple sites.

A group of online motorbike taxi drivers, under the banner of the Indonesian Online Motorbike Taxi Association, protested at the Saiful Mujani Research & Consulting office in Jakarta, demanding that Saiful Mujani retract his statement perceived as inciting the overthrow of President Prabowo Subianto's leadership. The demonstrators condemned Mujani's remarks as treasonous and called for police investigation, threatening larger protests if demands are unmet within three days. While Mujani and former Coordinating Minister Mahfud MD defended the statement as legitimate political participation rather than sedition, the controversy has led to police reports for alleged incitement.

Perum Bulog's CEO, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has revealed that Malaysia is interested in importing 200,000 tonnes of rice from Indonesia, presenting a significant new export opportunity for the state-owned enterprise. A Bulog director has been dispatched to Malaysia to explore this demand further. Meanwhile, Bulog's rice stocks remain secure at 4.27 million tonnes as of 13 April 2026, with absorption reaching 1.9 million tonnes and projections to hit 5 million tonnes soon, supporting both domestic needs and potential exports.

The Indonesian Legal Resource Center (ILRC) has expressed outrage over a sexual harassment incident involving 16 students from the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law (FH UI), highlighting how it normalises the objectification of women's bodies and undermines future legal enforcement, particularly in sexual violence cases. ILRC Director Siti Aminah Tardi praised FH UI's establishment of a complaint channel and support for victims but urged stronger preventive measures to create a safe environment free from violence and gender-based discrimination. The case, which went viral on social media due to explicit group chats, has led to the potential expulsion of the implicated students.

The ongoing controversy involving Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Regent of Tulungagung has thrust anti-corruption efforts back into the public spotlight, raising questions about legal processes, public trust, and institutional legitimacy. While the KPK has been a key player in combating systemic corruption over the past two decades, the current polemics highlight tensions between formal due process and public expectations for substantive justice, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability. This situation underscores the challenges of maintaining neutrality in anti-corruption enforcement, particularly when political figures with budgetary powers are involved, and calls for stronger institutional communication strategies.

The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) closed higher in the first trading session on Tuesday, surging 160.57 points or 2.14% to 7,660.76, supported by consistent buying pressure and increased market liquidity reaching Rp 13.60 trillion. Investment specialist Azharys Hardian attributes this strength to solid domestic foundations, including positive impacts from Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) transformations boosting market confidence, rather than mere global sentiment reactions. Technically, the IHSG has confirmed a rebound phase via a triple bottom pattern, targeting a short-term high of 7,950, prompting retail investors to consider accumulation amid renewed liquidity.

During an inspection at Pasar Minggu in South Jakarta, Bulog's CEO Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani discovered beef prices surpassing Rp150,000 per kilogram, above the reference selling price of Rp140,000, likely due to suppliers withholding stock ahead of Idul Adha. To stabilise prices, Bulog plans to coordinate with state-owned food enterprises to increase supplies of frozen beef to strategic markets via the SP2KP network. Other staples like rice, cooking oil, and eggs remained stable, though Bulog is addressing rising demand for packaged Minyakita and encouraging unregistered traders to obtain business IDs for official distribution.

The Jakarta Provincial Government is implementing Low Emission Zones (KRE) to combat air pollution, with a feasibility study by Breathe Jakarta indicating potential reductions in PM2.5 concentrations by up to 30 percent through widespread and integrated application. Officials emphasise the need for cross-sectoral collaboration, data-driven policies, and inclusive implementation to achieve tangible improvements in air quality. The initiative, supported by international partners like C40 and local researchers, integrates urban mobility changes and broader environmental measures to promote sustainable urban development in the capital.

Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Moch. Irfan Yusuf, has disclosed that one meal service provider for Hajj pilgrims withdrew ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage, affecting 3,500 portions, which have been redistributed to three other vendors. He also updated on luggage distribution progress, with Saudi Airlines at 74.1% and Garuda Indonesia at 50.8%, expecting completion by 17 April, and outlined the departure schedule for the Hajj organising committee starting from 13 April. These updates highlight ongoing preparations to ensure smooth operations for the annual religious journey, a key aspect of Indonesia's social and religious policy.

The founder of China Evergrande Group, Hui Ka Yan, has pleaded guilty to charges including misuse of funds, fundraising fraud, and illegally taking public deposits, as announced by a Shenzhen court. Evergrande, burdened by over US$300 billion in liabilities and emblematic of China's property sector crisis, also faces additional charges such as illegally extending loans, fraudulently issuing securities, and bribery. This development underscores the ongoing regulatory crackdown on financial misconduct in China's beleaguered real estate industry, which has significantly impacted economic growth.

In the ongoing trial of the alleged Chromebook procurement corruption case involving former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Makarim, witness Iwan Syahril testified about Nadiem's leadership style that introduced a new culture of open discussion and collaborative decision-making within the ministry. Iwan described how initial bureaucratic resistance gave way to a process involving iterative policy development, ensuring alignment with regulations and field challenges without direct orders or intimidation from the minister. This testimony counters perceptions of pressure from above, highlighting a focus on maintaining policy direction while acknowledging technical limitations.

At the Central Banking Forum 2026, Noor Faisal Achmad from the Ministry of Finance highlighted Indonesia's robust economic indicators, including an expansive manufacturing sector, ongoing trade surplus, controlled inflation, and adequate foreign reserves, despite global economic turbulence from geopolitical conflicts. The government is prudently managing the State Budget (APBN) to maintain market confidence, ensure liquidity, and act as a shock absorber, with inflation steady at 3.8% and a targeted economic growth of 5.5% or higher for Q1-2026. This approach underscores Indonesia's resilience in the face of global exchange rate volatility and energy price risks.