Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on 13 April 2026, where they announced the establishment of the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) to advance bilateral defence ties and reinforce commitments to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The partnership is built on three pillars: military organisation and capacity development, professional military training and education, and joint exercises and operational cooperation, with plans to explore advanced defence capabilities including asymmetric abilities, next-generation maritime and underwater technologies, and autonomous systems. This agreement marks a new chapter in the over 75-year diplomatic relationship between the two nations, highlighting growing military collaboration through annual joint exercises and support for historical recovery efforts.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VIII has criticised the proposed "war ticket" system for Hajj pilgrimages, arguing that it could turn a constitutional right into a competition favouring certain groups and disadvantaging those already scheduled to depart. The system, intended to shorten the average 26.4-year waiting time, is still under discussion by the government, which is seeking ways to implement it without harming existing registrants. The MP urged the government to prioritise equitable policies, diplomatic efforts for quota increases with Saudi Arabia, and improved Hajj management.

The faction supporting Rosario de Marshal, alias Hercules, of the Gerakan Rakyat Indonesia Bersatu Jaya (GRIB Jaya), has strongly rejected accusations of illegally occupying land in Tanah Abang belonging to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI). They claim ownership through a 1923 Eigendom Verponding document held by heirs of the original owner, arguing that no legal transfer or compensation has occurred, thus invalidating PT KAI's 2008 land management certificate. The dispute highlights tensions over historical land rights versus modern state claims, with criticisms directed at statements from PT KAI's director and Minister Maruarar Sirait for being tendentious.

The new capital city of Nusantara (IKN) is drawing crowds of Indonesian visitors every weekend, who flock to public spaces to witness the ongoing construction progress firsthand. These gatherings highlight public interest in the development of key infrastructure and urban planning, turning the site into a hub for both tourism and social interaction. The phenomenon underscores the project's growing appeal and its role in fostering community engagement with Indonesia's ambitious relocation initiative.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a five-hour meeting at the Kremlin, agreeing to bolster cooperation in strategic areas such as energy, mineral resources, and downstream processing, alongside education, research, technology, agriculture, and investment. The discussions, which included bilateral sessions and a one-on-one meeting, underscore Russia's pivotal global role as a UN Security Council veto holder and BRICS founder, enhancing bilateral ties that have seen five meetings in the past year. This partnership is poised to support Indonesia's long-term national development through Russia's vast natural resources.

Indonesia and the United States have elevated their bilateral defence cooperation to the level of a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP), focusing on military modernisation, professional training, and operational exercises to enhance peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement was formalised during a meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, emphasising expanded joint exercises like Super Garuda Shield and mutual recognition as key defence partners. This partnership builds on decades of collaboration and underscores shared commitments to sovereignty, respect, and regional security.

President Prabowo Subianto visited Moscow on 13 April to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on global geopolitical dynamics and Indonesia's national energy resilience amid uncertainties like the Strait of Hormuz situation. This marks Prabowo's third trip to Russia as head of state, underscoring Indonesia's active diplomacy to build mutually beneficial partnerships, with energy cooperation—particularly in renewables and civil nuclear technology—remaining a central agenda. Putin's explicit offer to collaborate on civil nuclear energy development signals Russia's commitment to a long-term strategic alliance with Indonesia in this vital sector.

The United States and Indonesia have officially agreed on a new phase in their military relations by announcing the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP), as revealed by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during a bilateral meeting with Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Pentagon. This strategic agreement aims to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, focusing on military modernisation, professional training, and advanced technology initiatives to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The partnership builds on decades of strong ties, including significant arms sales and joint exercises, while highlighting Indonesia's growing role in global peacekeeping efforts, such as its commitment to deploy 8,000 troops to Gaza under the US-led Blue Ocean Project.

The recent change in Indonesia's government has introduced new uncertainties in defence procurement policies, making the market challenging for global giants like Airbus and Boeing, despite a US$28 billion foreign loan quota that positions Indonesia as an attractive emerging market. Airbus faces hurdles due to its strict robust compliance policies, stemming from past scandals, which clash with Indonesia's defence business climate, stalling potential deals for A400M transports and A330 MRTT tankers. Meanwhile, Boeing's prospects hinge on the F-15EX fighter, but overall market opacity and preference for alternatives like Russian Il-78 tankers underscore the risks for foreign firms in Indonesia's unpredictable defence sector.

Severe weather, including heavy rain and strong winds, has caused disruptions on Jakarta's toll roads, such as a billboard collapse near a Transjakarta bus, fallen trees on the Jagorawi and JORR tolls, and the collapse of the Halim toll gate frame. Jasa Marga, through its JMT division, has swiftly mobilised teams to secure affected areas, evacuate materials, and manage traffic to ensure user safety. Additionally, flooding at a rest area in West Java prompted the deployment of water pumps, highlighting the company's proactive measures amid extreme weather impacts on critical infrastructure.

The Chairman of Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK), Friderica Widyasari Dewi, has highlighted significant advancements in making the country's stock market more transparent and aligned with global standards. Key measures include monthly disclosures of major shareholders on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) website since March 2026, detailed investor classifications effective from April 2026, an increase in the minimum free float requirement to 15% from March 2026 to boost liquidity, and the introduction of high shareholding concentration warnings from April 2026. These reforms address stakeholder concerns and enhance investor confidence, positioning Indonesia's market to compete effectively on the international stage.

The North Sumatra Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that 5,933 prospective pilgrims from the province are set to embark on their journey to the Holy Land this year, including an additional quota of 20 pilgrims. Preparations, including document processing, health checks, and the distribution of the digital Nusuk Card at embarkation points, have proceeded smoothly, with representatives from Saudi Arabia's service providers ensuring proper activation. The Nusuk Card serves as a crucial digital identity for pilgrims, distinguishing official participants and granting access to key services and sites in Saudi Arabia, highlighting Indonesia's coordinated efforts in managing its annual Hajj program.

Gold prices for PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) products have surged to Rp 2,863,000 per gram on 14 April 2026, marking an increase of Rp 45,000 from the previous day, while the buyback price stands at Rp 2,639,000 per gram. Prices vary by size, ranging from Rp 1.481 million for 0.5 grams to Rp 2.8036 billion for 1,000 grams, excluding applicable taxes such as a 1.5% withholding tax for NPWP holders on buyback transactions over Rp 10 million. This rise reflects ongoing volatility in the precious metals market, influencing investor sentiment in Indonesia's financial landscape.

Indonesia's Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has praised the work from anywhere (WFA) policy implemented during the 2026 Lebaran travel period for successfully reducing traffic density by shifting 450,000 vehicles during the outbound rush and 328,000 during the return, leading to a 17.94% and 10.57% decrease in peak congestion respectively. Additional measures, such as restrictions on goods transport, further alleviated road pressure, with enforcement actions against non-compliant companies and stable toll road speeds above 80 km/h. The total movement reached 298.6 million trips involving 147.55 million travellers, exceeding projections and highlighting the policy's role in managing one of the world's largest annual migrations.

The Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) rose sharply by 2.07% or 155.27 points to 7,655.45 during the morning trading session on Tuesday, supported by the majority of stocks advancing and heightened trading activity. With 517 stocks gaining against 142 declining and a transaction value exceeding Rp10.37 trillion, the index's consistent upward movement signals positive sentiment in the Asian markets. This surge is further bolstered by optimistic global developments, including potential diplomatic talks between Iran and the US, which enhance regional market confidence.

The Indonesian government's policy allowing civil servants (ASN) to work from home (WFH) has been implemented smoothly in its first week, maintaining public service levels and drawing on past COVID-19 experiences. Minister Rini Widyantini highlighted positive adaptations in central government agencies, though challenges like uneven digital infrastructure persist, with ongoing coordination for regional implementation. Evaluations will occur every two months starting in June 2026 to ensure efficiency, energy savings, and long-term bureaucratic transformation.

MIND ID, the state-owned mining holding company, is seeking to extend the operational life of PT Aneka Tambang's (Antam) gold mine in Pongkor, West Java, which is currently projected to last only until 2030 due to depleting reserves and regulatory hurdles related to forest area status changes. The extension requires resolving legal uncertainties through coordination with local government and parliamentary support to ensure long-term exploration and production planning. Meanwhile, Antam is pursuing new domestic and international exploration opportunities, including in East Java and Saudi Arabia, to bolster its gold reserves amid current production of just 450 kg per year from Pongkor.

Perum Bulog's Director General, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has directed regional offices to conduct market operations to address the scarcity of Minyakita cooking oil and maintain its price at the government's maximum retail price of Rp 15,700 per litre. This follows complaints about prices exceeding the cap in various areas, with Bulog prioritising operations in Jakarta this week to stabilise supply and curb public panic. The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directives to ensure food price stability, building on Bulog's successful efforts during recent holidays.

The rising price of avtur, aviation turbine fuel, is putting pressure on Indonesia's logistics sector, but FedEx has not yet adjusted its service tariffs and is closely monitoring the situation. Senior Manager Operations Ida Ayu Eka Restini stated that the company is gathering data to assess the impact, noting that owning its own aircraft helps control costs better. Data from Soekarno-Hatta Airport shows a sharp 72.45% increase in domestic avtur prices from March to April 2026, reaching Rp 23,551.08 per litre, marking a 295% rise since 2019.

Jakarta's Metro Police, in collaboration with West Jakarta Metro Police, have dismantled a major clandestine laboratory producing Zenith, a Class I narcotic, in Semarang's Mijen district, seizing over 186,000 tablets and 1.83 tons of precursor materials that could yield millions more. The operation began with the arrest of a courier in North Jakarta carrying 120,000 pills, leading to the main suspect and the hidden facility, which targeted teenagers and workers with its high-capacity production. Authorities emphasise the public safety impact, having prevented the distribution of over 4.3 million pills that could cause permanent nerve damage or death, and are pursuing further syndicate members under new criminal and narcotics laws.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Paris late on Monday after a five-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. He is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Tuesday to discuss enhancing strategic cooperation between Indonesia and France. The discussions will also address Indonesia's strategic perspectives on global dynamics, underscoring the importance of bilateral ties amid international developments.

The Semarang-Demak Toll Road project, particularly Section 1 from Semarang to Sayung, innovatively employs 10 million bamboo poles as a mat foundation to stabilise the soft, muddy soil over which the 10.64 km viaduct is being constructed. Road pavement expert Purnomo highlights bamboo's remarkable durability in waterlogged environments, remaining intact even after 100 years of submersion, making it an ideal local alternative to scarce dolken wood in Java. This eco-friendly approach not only ensures structural stability but also integrates with the sea embankment, enhancing connectivity in the region while showcasing sustainable construction practices.

A research report from BRI Danareksa Sekuritas forecasts Indonesia's economy to expand by 5.36% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, driven primarily by resilient household consumption and improving investment indicators. Government spending is also contributing positively, helping to maintain public confidence amid global pressures. While geopolitical risks, such as tensions in the Middle East, pose potential threats through rising energy prices, the government remains prepared with scenarios and views the overall outlook as stable, with no immediate need to adjust the 2026 state budget assumptions.

Police in Kudus are investigating allegations of extortion by members of a community organisation against street vendors, who were demanded tens of millions of rupiah under threat of being reported under the ITE Law for posting a video of the incident. The case involves potential violations of Articles 368 and 378 of the Criminal Code for extortion and fraud, with evidence including CCTV footage and an audio recording of negotiations. Authorities have emphasised that the vendor's video does not constitute a criminal act but serves as documentation of alleged illegal levies, highlighting ongoing issues with public space extortion in Indonesia.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa met with major US investors in New York and Washington DC to outline Indonesia's robust macroeconomic fundamentals and forward-looking fiscal strategies, aiming to dispel any doubts and encourage investment. He addressed concerns about fiscal stability, emphasising that policies align with economic theories and that recent negative outlooks from international rating agencies were premature due to incomplete data. Purbaya stressed the importance of achieving targeted economic growth of 5.5% in the first and second quarters to further boost investor confidence and expand investments in Indonesia.

Universitas Indonesia (UI) is investigating allegations of verbal sexual harassment involving over a dozen students in the Faculty of Law (FH) chat group, emphasising that such acts constitute serious violations of university values and ethics. The university's task force is conducting a victim-centred probe, with initial organisational sanctions already imposed by the student body, and potential academic penalties up to expulsion or legal coordination if criminal elements are found. UI commits to providing comprehensive support to victims and strengthening policies to prevent future incidents, ensuring a safe and just campus environment.

A renewed call for efficiency in governance is prompted by the global energy supply crisis triggered by the US-Israel-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, yet it remains largely a slogan rather than a practical measure in Indonesian administration. The controversy over a multi-billion rupiah renovation of the provincial governor's residence in East Kalimantan exemplifies this paradox, where non-essential public spending persists amid calls for austerity and economic pressures on the public. Effective leadership demands not only adherence to rules but also a sense of crisis, moral responsibility, and sensitivity to public perception to maintain trust and prioritise societal needs.

The case involving the illegal hunting of deer using firearms in Komodo National Park, which endangered enforcement officers, has been fully prepared for prosecution with three suspects set to face trial, while five others remain at large. Authorities highlight the severity of the crime due to the use of weapons and its potential to disrupt the park's UNESCO World Heritage ecosystem, where Timor deer are vital to the Komodo dragon's food chain. The government reaffirms its commitment to stringent enforcement against poaching to preserve the conservation area's global ecological balance.

The Indonesian government has expressed satisfaction with the initial implementation of the work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN), noting that it has proceeded smoothly while maintaining performance levels, drawing on experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Rini Widyantini highlighted the policy's focus on transforming work practices to be smarter, more efficient, and responsive, with public services remaining a top priority and essential operations continuing uninterrupted. Although challenges such as uneven digital infrastructure persist, ongoing evaluations every two months will ensure adjustments to achieve long-term goals in bureaucratic transformation, energy efficiency, and environmental preservation.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has arrived in Paris for a one-on-one meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, following his recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The talks aim to strengthen strategic cooperation between Indonesia and France, while allowing Prabowo to present Indonesia's perspectives on global dynamics, including the ceasefire in the Iran-US-Israel conflict and efforts to promote world peace. This visit builds on prior high-level engagements, marking the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Following the South Korean Embassy's issuance of a travel warning for Bali in early April 2026, Indonesian MP Bambang Haryo Soekartono has called on the Ministry of Tourism to take the lead in enhancing the island's image amid recent incidents involving foreign tourists. He highlighted the need for better cross-sectoral coordination, with the Ministry of Tourism spearheading efforts in tourist screening, promotion, and collaboration with ministries like Foreign Affairs and Immigration to ensure safety and security. As Bali contributes over 50% of Indonesia's foreign tourist revenue, swift action by central and local governments is crucial to address problems and restore positive perceptions internationally.

The Director of Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, conducted a surprise inspection at Pasar Minggu market in South Jakarta, where traders highlighted rising plastic packaging costs driving up bulk cooking oil prices and pushing consumers towards the subsidised Minyakita brand. Rizal assured coordination with the Ministry of Industry to address packaging cost issues and confirmed Bulog's request for increased Minyakita quotas to meet surging demand. This routine market check underscores efforts to stabilise essential commodity prices amid inflationary pressures on supply chains.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VIII, Maman Imanul Haq, has called for a comprehensive review of the proposed Hajj ticket auction scheme, warning that it could displace long-waiting pilgrims and exacerbate inequalities, particularly for those in remote areas with limited internet access. He advocates prioritising fairness and justice over a 'first-click-wins' system, suggesting instead that the government strengthen diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia to increase Indonesia's Hajj quota. The scheme would require full upfront payment without the benefits of the regular queue, and officials have clarified it is merely a discussion, not a current policy.

The Indonesian furniture industry is under dual pressure from a flood of cheap imported products overwhelming the domestic market via online platforms and a reliance on exports for survival. Industry players like Sobur highlight that low consumer purchasing power and economic growth of only 4-5% exacerbate the situation, making it difficult to compete with easily accessible imports that often use substandard materials. While safeguards are considered risky due to potential retaliation affecting exports, stronger domestic demand would require at least 8% economic growth to bolster the local market.

A significant road collapse on Jalan Dewi Sartika in East Jakarta has gone viral on social media due to a deep hole at a sharp bend, posing serious risks to motorists, particularly motorcyclists heading from Kalibata. Local residents report the hole has worsened over the past week from initial small cracks, exacerbated by heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, and heavy rain, with no repairs despite prior checks by the Roads Department. Efforts to contact the East Jakarta Roads Sub-Department head for comment have been unsuccessful, highlighting ongoing infrastructure maintenance challenges in the capital.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a batik-patterned vase and a miniature of Borobudur Temple during their meeting in Moscow, symbolising Indonesia's cultural heritage. The exchange highlighted mutual appreciation, with Putin expressing thanks before escorting Prabowo to his vehicle. The leaders agreed on key strategic cooperation points, particularly in long-term energy and mineral resources, as well as education, technology research, agriculture, and investment in industrial development.

Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives' Commission XIII, Andreas Hugo Pareira, has urged the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) to bolster its technocratic capabilities to effectively monitor and implement the government's priority programmes. He emphasised the importance of placing competent technocrats in key roles to avoid implementation bottlenecks, citing the ongoing debates over geothermal energy development in East Nusa Tenggara as an example where a lack of technical understanding has led to unproductive controversies. Andreas encouraged KSP to act as the president's "eyes and ears," bridging gaps through data-driven communication to ensure policies are executed optimally.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has announced plans to develop detailed regulations allowing brands and political parties to buy naming rights for public transport stops, aiming to boost local revenue while preserving the city's aesthetics and safety. He emphasised Jakarta's status as a modern global city open to such innovations but stressed the importance of boundaries to ensure public comfort. The initiative, discussed openly with lawmakers, highlights a commercial approach to funding public facilities, with Pramono jokingly inviting Golkar to sponsor a stop.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has highlighted the rising cases of iron theft from pedestrian bridges (JPOs) across the city, vowing to push for strict measures against the perpetrators due to their disruption of public order. He emphasised that such thefts not only cause financial losses to the government but also endanger public safety. To combat this, the Jakarta administration plans to install CCTV cameras on multiple JPOs as a preventive step, while committing to ongoing improvements in public facilities for greater safety and comfort.

Asian stock markets rallied and oil prices fell on Tuesday amid hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the Middle East conflict, despite the US initiating a naval blockade of Iranian ports along the Strait of Hormuz. Investors drew optimism from ongoing peace talks in Pakistan and President Trump's comments that Iranian officials are eager for a deal, reversing Monday's market downturn triggered by the blockade announcement. The International Energy Agency warned of worsening energy supply disruptions in April, highlighting the potential for broader economic impacts if the crisis persists.

State revenue from e-cigarette excise duties surged to Rp 0.29 trillion in March 2026, marking an 11.5% increase from February and 20.8% from March 2025. For the first quarter of 2026, collections reached Rp 0.92 trillion, up 19.5% year-on-year, providing a welcome boost to government finances under Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. This growth stems from excise on open and closed liquid systems as well as solid forms, following the imposition of tobacco excise and piggyback taxes since January 2024.

The DKI Jakarta Public Works Department is gearing up for permanent repairs to pothole-ridden roads in the capital, using cold mix asphalt for asphalt surfaces and quick-dry cement for concrete ones, following temporary fixes amid unpredictable weather. Officials plan to implement comprehensive hot mix asphalt repairs across all five administrative cities once conditions improve, aiming to enhance road quality and durability against extreme weather. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to maintaining vital infrastructure in the face of seasonal challenges.

Abdullah, a member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III from the PKB faction, has urged the government and social media platform operators to establish and finance rehabilitation centres for online gambling addicts across the country. He emphasised that digital platforms must contribute to mitigating the social impacts of rampant online gambling ads, given the limited rehabilitation facilities amid massive proliferation of the issue. Highlighting severe cases of crime linked to gambling addiction and the enormous annual turnover exceeding Rp1,000 trillion, Abdullah stressed the need for strong legal frameworks to address this national social and economic crisis through rehabilitative approaches, similar to those in the US and UK.

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could spark a global food crisis by hindering supplies of fertiliser and energy, leading to higher food prices. FAO economists emphasise the urgency for resuming shipments to avoid impacts on planting seasons in vulnerable poor countries, potentially reducing harvests and prompting domestic price controls. The agency urges nations to avoid export restrictions on energy and fertilisers, utilise international financial aid, and notes that 20-45% of key agricultural inputs pass through the strait, with risks amplified by weather events like El Niño.

As mid-month approaches, many Indonesians are becoming more cautious with their spending to maintain financial stability, prompting greater interest in digital instalment options. ShopeePay's SPayLater feature offers interest-free instalments for online and offline transactions at partnered merchants, including daily essentials like minimarkets and lifestyle categories, alongside periodic discounts and reward points. The company urges users to verify promotions through official channels to avoid scams.

Social media users have accused Apple Maps of removing labels for several southern Lebanese villages and towns amid the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict, sparking protests as these areas face intense bombings and mass evacuations. Apple denies any deletions, claiming the locations were never labeled as such and that its detailed mapping features are not yet available in the region, though comparisons reveal more detailed labels for nearby Israeli areas. This controversy unfolds against a deepening humanitarian crisis, with 1.3 million people displaced in southern Lebanon and Beirut's outskirts since early March.

Pertamina EP Java Region has bolstered its supply chain ecosystem through the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Forum 2026, themed "Strengthening Collaborative Integrity to Drive Sustainable Energy and National Economic Growth," which involved key upstream subsidiaries and partners. The event featured coordination by the Supply Chain Management function, expanded collaboration with Bank Mandiri for financing support, and the introduction of the Indonesian Oil and Gas (IOG) e-Commerce platform by SKK Migas to enhance procurement efficiency and transparency. This initiative underscores the strategic role of partners in ensuring operational reliability, safety compliance, and economic growth, with capacity-building sessions and performance reviews aimed at promoting domestic content and sustainable partnerships.

The rise of third-party services offering to handle annual tax return (SPT) filings via the Coretax system has become increasingly visible on social media, providing a convenient shortcut for taxpayers struggling with the digital platform. Experts note that inadequate government education and rushed implementation of Coretax have left many users confused, leading to common errors in submissions and a need for adaptation time of at least two years. This phenomenon highlights broader challenges in public service digitalisation, where such jockey services emerge as a practical adaptation for those unwilling or unable to navigate the complexities themselves.

The Sidoarjo Customs Office has destroyed 3.9 million illegal cigarettes valued at Rp5.9 billion, resulting in a state loss of Rp3.8 billion, as part of enforcement actions against excise violations. The destruction took place on 9-10 April 2026 at a facility in Mojokerto, East Java, using incineration to ensure the items cannot be reused. This action not only upholds the law but also educates the public on the health risks and economic harms of illegal excise goods, with officials urging citizens to report suspicious activities.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned witness ZA, suspected of acting as an intermediary in the alleged transfer of US$1 million from former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to members of the 2024 DPR RI Hajj Special Inquiry Committee, amid a broader corruption probe into Hajj quota allocations. The funds, intended to influence the committee, were seized by investigators before use, highlighting ongoing efforts to secure evidence in a case that has already led to the arrest of Yaqut and three others, with state losses estimated at Rp622 billion. This development underscores the KPK's reliance on parliamentary findings while probing potential bribery within legislative oversight processes.