Indonesia's policy on child protection on social media platforms has garnered international attention, with approximately 19 countries, including those in Asia and Europe, awaiting its implementation to adopt similar measures. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid highlighted that nations like Singapore and Malaysia are preparing comparable regulations, while strong pushes come from Europe, with France's President Macron and the EU President considering continent-wide adoption. This global movement underscores the potential for Indonesia's initiative to impact child safety worldwide beyond its borders.

Garuda Indonesia has introduced a flexible policy allowing unlimited free rescheduling for First, Business, and Economy Class tickets, with one free change for promotional Economy fares, effective from bookings and travel periods starting Tuesday, 7 April 2026. Refunds are available up to 100% for certain international and domestic categories, subject to fees for others, aiming to enhance customer control amid evolving travel needs. This initiative underscores the national carrier's commitment to adaptive services in the dynamic aviation industry.

Hackers have claimed to have infiltrated China's National Supercomputing Center in Tianjin over a six-month covert operation, stealing approximately 10 petabytes of sensitive data including highly classified defence documents, missile schematics, and military simulation designs. The breach, which targeted clients such as the Aviation Industry Corporation of China and the National University of Defence Technology, highlights vulnerabilities in critical national infrastructure and could represent the largest data theft from a Chinese state facility in history. While Chinese authorities have yet to comment officially, cybersecurity experts have verified the authenticity of leaked samples, raising alarms about the sophistication of such attacks.

Indonesia's furniture and handicraft industry is under strain from high production costs, complex regulations, and intense competition from cheap imports, according to HIMKI Chairman Abdul Sobur. He criticises the inefficient regulatory framework, including duplicative certification requirements compared to competitors like China and Vietnam, which inflate costs by 20-25% and hinder global competitiveness. Sobur calls for better inter-ministerial coordination and streamlined policies to alleviate these burdens and support the sector's growth.

In a significant event at the Attorney General's Office, President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the recovery of state forest assets worth Rp 370 trillion by the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force, equivalent to nearly 10% of the national budget, alongside the handover of Rp 11.42 trillion in administrative fines from various sources including forestry, corruption cases, and environmental penalties. This achievement underscores the integration of anti-corruption efforts with fiscal management, aligning with laws on corruption eradication and state finances to enhance public welfare through accountable recovery of state losses. The article emphasises the need for institutional heroism and systemic reforms to ensure sustained anti-corruption measures translate into tangible improvements in public services and social justice.

The Indonesian government, under President Prabowo Subianto and Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, has been commended for swift actions to safeguard national energy security amid escalating global tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and failed peace talks. With oil prices surging past $100 per barrel and potential disruptions in key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, the ministers are lobbying multiple countries to secure alternative energy supplies. This proactive approach is vital in preventing severe impacts on Indonesia's economy and energy stability.

The policy of waiving credit arrears under Rp 1 million does not immediately lead property developers to relax their selection of potential buyers, as the Real Estat Indonesia (REI) emphasises maintaining rigorous screening to ensure a healthy housing financing ecosystem. REI Chairman Joko Suranto highlights challenges such as consumers' lack of understanding of digital-based repayment mechanisms and the stark differences in handling problematic loans between conventional banks and digital services like paylater and peer-to-peer lending, which often result in quick categorisation of defaults. He calls for enhanced regulatory guidance and public education to promote prudent use of financial products and better financial management, ultimately aiding more responsible homeownership.

The escalating Middle East conflict in late February 2026 has triggered a supply shock, with oil prices surging past US$100 per barrel, prompting divergent growth forecasts for Indonesia from international institutions: the World Bank revised its 2026 estimate down to 4.7%, while the Asian Development Bank raised it to 5.2%, and the IMF held at 5.1%. Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa sharply criticised the World Bank's projection as a "great sin" for potentially spreading negative sentiment, asserting that first-quarter growth could reach 5.5-5.6%, aligning with the government's 5.4% target. The article delves into the limitations of conventional economic forecasting models in capturing non-linear complexities, drawing historical lessons from the Great Depression, the 1997-1998 Asian Financial Crisis, and the 2020 pandemic to advocate for a complexity economics perspective that accounts for adaptive behaviours and path dependencies.

The Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has endorsed the involvement of Indonesian citizens in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission aimed at breaking the blockade of Gaza in Palestine. BKSAP Chairman Syahrul Aidi Maazat praised this participation as a consistent effort by Indonesian society to support the end of occupation in Palestine, with six Indonesian delegates already positioned in Barcelona for the mission's departure and others preparing for a land convoy via Libya and Egypt. This initiative, involving over a thousand activists from more than 100 countries and more than 100 ships from Europe, underscores global civil efforts to deliver essential aid like medicine, food, and clean water to Gaza amid ongoing challenges including risks of interception and intimidation by Israeli forces.

With the 2029 general election still three years away, Indonesian political parties such as PKB, PAN, and PSI are already laying the groundwork for the contest. PKB aims to position its leader Muhaimin Iskandar as a presidential or vice-presidential candidate, emphasising robust cadre development, while PAN supports Zulkifli Hasan as a potential running mate for incumbent President Prabowo Subianto, leveraging the removal of the presidential threshold. Meanwhile, PSI under Kaesang Pangarep is focusing on strengthening its organisational structure at the grassroots level, highlighting the competitive and pragmatic nature of future political battles.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz until the end of the year could trigger a worldwide food crisis, primarily due to disrupted supplies of oil, natural gas, and fertilisers essential for agriculture. US Chief Economist Maximo Torero highlighted the risks of lower crop yields and higher food inflation, with the poorest nations facing the gravest threats from fertiliser shortages. The blockade, initiated by the United States on 13 April 2026 to pressure Iran over nuclear negotiations, has escalated tensions, with Iranian officials dismissing the measures and predicting rising fuel prices globally.

Pope Leo XIV has asserted a moral obligation to oppose war and promote peace, despite sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump over his calls to end the escalating Middle East conflict involving Iran. The Pope, en route to Algeria for a papal visit, emphasised that the Church's mission is to advocate for peace as per the Gospel, while rejecting any intent to engage in political debates. This clash highlights tensions between religious moral authority and geopolitical strategies, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni deeming Trump's remarks unacceptable.

Three traffic police officers from Solok City Police Resort are under investigation by internal affairs for escorting former DPR member Arteria Dahlan's convoy, which stopped for photos at the hazardous Sitinjau Lauik bend, causing public outrage. West Sumatra Police's traffic director, AKBP Andis Anshori, stated that the probe focuses on potential SOP violations and miscommunication leading to the unsafe halt, with sanctions to follow if misconduct is confirmed. The incident highlights risks to road safety on the extreme terrain and underscores the need for strict adherence to escort protocols to avoid endangering other motorists.

Former Deputy Speaker of the DPR, Adies Kadir, has described his role as a Constitutional Court (MK) justice as the most comfortable position in his career, citing improved health and a peaceful work environment free from external pressures. He highlighted the independence and regular rhythm of work at the MK, contrasting it with the high demands of his previous roles in business, law, and politics. Adies, who was sworn in by President Prabowo Subianto in February, expressed gratitude for joining the institution and encouraged a fellow new justice, affirming their decision as the right one.

In a tense forum at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law (FHUI), 16 suspects accused of sexual harassment in a student chat group faced direct confrontation from victims and peers, who expressed profound disappointment over the violation of their safe space. While the event allowed for apologies, the BEM FHUI chair emphasised that mere remorse is insufficient and called for strict sanctions to support the victims. University Rector Heri Hermansyah has pledged to monitor the case, condemning sexual harassment, as the faculty investigates the viral screenshots of inappropriate conversations.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has highlighted price differences for goods, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 5, between the government's e-catalogue system and other platforms, viewing this as an opportunity to enhance anti-corruption efforts in public procurement. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo emphasised that such discrepancies fall under the agency's mandate to supervise government purchases and prevent corruption, urging greater digitalisation for efficiency while warning against price mark-ups. The commission also advocates for an integrity-driven business environment among vendors to minimise risks of manipulation in tender processes.

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has strengthened access to affordable housing by participating in a collaborative housing financing programme in Manado, North Sulawesi, aimed at low-income communities and local economic empowerment. The event, attended by 600 participants including UMKM actors and potential beneficiaries, featured socialisation and financing agreements for schemes like KPP and FLPP, with key figures such as the Head of the Housing Task Force and the North Sulawesi Governor present. BNI's Director of Consumer Banking emphasised the programme's multiplier effects on community welfare, job creation, and regional economic growth, underscoring the bank's commitment to inclusive financing through digital tools and partnerships.

Indonesian police from the Directorate of Water and Air Police uncovered an illegal smuggling operation of lobster seedlings in Serang, Banten, arresting five suspects and seizing approximately 47,000 seedlings along with related equipment. The operation, which involved repackaging and storage of the seedlings sourced from West and Central Java, prevented an estimated state loss of Rp 705 million from black market sales. This bust underscores efforts to combat illegal fishing practices that threaten marine ecosystems and the national economy, with suspects facing up to eight years in prison under fisheries laws.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp 17,141 per US dollar at the opening of trading on Tuesday, depreciating by 0.21 per cent amid varied movements in other Asian currencies. In contrast, the Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) surged 1.70 per cent to 7,627.56, supported by robust trading activity with 11.83 billion shares exchanged worth Rp 6.03 trillion. This divergence highlights resilience in the local stock market despite currency pressures, with 465 stocks advancing against 138 declining.

Cango Inc. has launched the official digital portal for its subsidiary EcoHash Technology LLC, providing a primary interface for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI inference services. The platform targets AI developers needing low-latency computing near data sources and operators of energy-intensive computing infrastructure seeking modular solutions, addressing a projected 400 TWh electricity shortfall for US data centres by 2030 driven by AI inference demands. By leveraging Cango's global energy network and allocating 50 MW from its Georgia mining facility as a proof-of-concept, EcoHash introduces plug-and-play computing modules integrated with its EcoLink orchestration platform to enable scalable, reliable, and distributed AI infrastructure.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp17,130 per US dollar on Tuesday, influenced by the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) projection of 5.2% economic growth for Indonesia in 2026, which falls short of the government's 5.4% target amid global geopolitical tensions and volatile energy prices. The ADB highlighted risks from prolonged tight monetary policies in advanced economies and recommended accelerating structural reforms to boost productivity and fiscal resilience. This forecast underscores the need for stronger formal job growth in manufacturing to support inclusive economic transformation, as the agriculture sector continues to dominate employment with low productivity.

PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk. (EMAS), an Indonesian gold mining company, has secured a US$150 million (approximately Rp2.56 trillion) credit facility from a consortium of domestic and foreign banks, effective until 10 April 2026, with an option for a one-year extension. The unsecured loan, carrying a 2% annual margin over the applicable benchmark rate, will finance general corporate needs, including capital expenditures and equity investments, and is classified as a material transaction due to exceeding 20% of the company's equity as of 31 December 2025. This funding is expected to bolster the sustainability of the group's business operations, with EMAS majority-owned by PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk. (MDKA).

Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pontiff, has rebuffed strong criticism from US President Donald Trump by stating he is not a politician and has no intention of debating him, amid escalating tensions over the US-Israel war against Iran. The Pope, aged 70, reiterated his commitment to promoting peace during his first trip to Africa, following Trump's accusations that the Pope is weak on foreign policy and supportive of nuclear weapons in adversarial nations. This exchange highlights the intersection of religious authority and global geopolitics, with Trump claiming the Pope's election was a strategic move to deal with him.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung plans to gather the city's mayors in the coming days to address the growing problem of invasive plecostomus fish, which are disrupting the capital's waterways. Originating from South America, these fish multiply rapidly, are hard to control, and damage riverbank infrastructure by burrowing holes in embankments. The provincial government is committed to tackling the issue seriously, citing Central Jakarta's recent capture efforts near major landmarks as a model for control measures.

Professor Dian Fiantis from Universitas Andalas has highlighted that Indonesia's reliance on imported soybeans stems from suboptimal soil fertility, tropical climate conditions, and inefficient cultivation practices. Acidic tropical soils in Indonesia, which are low in organic matter and high in iron and aluminium, bind essential nutrients like phosphorus and hinder nitrogen-fixing bacteria, leading to nitrogen deficiencies crucial for protein formation in soybeans. National soybean productivity lags at 1.5 to 1.7 tonnes per hectare compared to over 3.3 tonnes in major producers like Brazil and the US, exacerbated by humid conditions during seed filling that impair plant metabolism, underscoring the need for improved agricultural strategies to enhance domestic production.

Russia has evacuated almost all of its personnel from Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant amid escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, leaving only 20 managers and safety officers on site to mitigate risks of a radiological disaster worse than Chernobyl. The withdrawal follows repeated attacks near the facility, including one that killed a guard, as the US imposes a naval blockade on Iranian ports under President Trump's orders to control the Strait of Hormuz. This development heightens tensions in the region, with Iran warning that no ports will remain safe if its security is threatened, potentially disrupting global energy supplies.

Sixteen students accused of sexual harassment in a University of Indonesia Faculty of Law (FHUI) WhatsApp group have apologised directly to the victims during a forum at the university's auditorium. The Student Executive Board emphasised that apologies alone are insufficient and called for firm sanctions to support the victims, amid strong condemnation from the faculty and the university rector's commitment to combating sexual violence on campus. This incident highlights ongoing efforts to address sexual misconduct in Indonesian higher education institutions.

PT PLN (Persero) has launched the Clean Energy Day initiative, encouraging over 37,000 employees across Indonesia to use eco-friendly transport every Friday to reduce fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions, in line with government directives amid global geopolitical challenges. The programme includes policies such as parking non-fuel vehicles at offices, promoting public transport, electric vehicles, cycling, or walking, alongside a 50-70% cut in official travel and more virtual meetings. On its inaugural day, the effort saved approximately 12,400 litres of fuel and reduced emissions by 28,600 kg of CO₂, equivalent to Rp153 million in energy cost savings, marking a significant step in Indonesia's energy transition.

Economists and Bank Indonesia officials predict that the rupiah will strengthen against the US dollar in the medium to long term, supported by low current account deficits, controlled inflation, and robust foreign exchange reserves. Despite recent weakening to above Rp17,000 per dollar due to global risk-off sentiments like the US-Iran tensions, Indonesia's trade surplus and macroeconomic fundamentals provide a solid base for stability and growth. The rupiah's volatility remains the lowest among peers, bolstering business confidence and economic resilience.

The 28th edition of the China (Guangzhou) International Building Decoration Fair (CBD Guangzhou 2026) is scheduled for 8–11 July 2026 at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China, serving as a premier global platform for international trade and industry development in building materials and interior design. Featuring over 2,000 brands across 300,000 square metres, the event will highlight three main ecosystems—INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, and MATECH—covering sectors like smart homes, sanitation, doors and windows, materials, and advanced manufacturing technologies. This fair offers significant value to international distributors, property developers, architects, and manufacturers by providing access to high-quality brands, bulk procurement solutions, innovative designs, and China's cutting-edge production equipment, underscoring its role in driving modern advancements in construction and smart living.

The ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly the Iran-US-Israel tensions leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has caused a 60% surge in plastic raw material prices, impacting Indonesian manufacturers. Fajar Budino, Secretary General of INAPLAS, noted that naphtha prices have risen from USD 1,000 to USD 1,800 per metric tonne since the second week of the war, disrupting supplies and driving up crude oil costs. Businesses are seeking alternative sources like the US, though facing higher shipping costs and longer delivery times, as discussed in a CNBC Indonesia interview.

MIND ID, Indonesia's state-owned mining holding company, achieved revenue of Rp 159 trillion in 2025, surpassing its target by 4 percent, while net profit reached Rp 29 trillion, exceeding expectations by 13 percent. Despite challenges including management transitions, regulatory changes, and operational incidents such as those at PT Freeport Indonesia, the company maintained strong performance with EBITDA of Rp 42 trillion. Management is committed to enhancing safety, compliance, and governance, while focusing on synergies in value-added downstream projects to boost national economic contributions.

Senior legal and political analyst Boni Hargens has emphasised that the Indonesian National Police (Polri) serves as the frontline defence against the smuggling of subsidised fuel and LPG, which causes significant losses to the state and public. He highlights Polri's role in executing President Prabowo Subianto's directives for synergy with the TNI, BIN, and the Ministry of Finance to curb smuggling amid global energy price volatility from Middle East conflicts, underscoring the institution's commitment to national economic resilience. In 2025–2026, Polri uncovered 665 cases of subsidised fuel and LPG misuse across 33 provinces, securing 583 suspects and preventing potential state losses of Rp1.26 trillion.

An open hearing was held early on Tuesday (14/4/2026) at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law (FH UI) to demand accountability from 16 students accused of sexual harassment, organised in collaboration with the FH UI Student Executive Board and the Dean's Office. As the accused entered the room, they were loudly jeered by attending students, with tensions escalating because only two of the suspects attended voluntarily, while the parents of the other 14 prevented their appearance, deeply affecting the victims who were present. The event highlights the university community's push for justice and support for victims amid heightened emotional responses.

Jakarta Metro Police, in collaboration with local authorities, dismantled an illegal factory producing Zenith Carnophen, commonly known as 'pil jin', in Semarang, Central Java, following the arrest of a courier in North Jakarta. The operation resulted in the seizure of 306,000 pills and 1.83 tons of precursor materials capable of producing millions more, along with production machinery, targeting youths and workers. The suspects face charges under narcotics laws, highlighting the significant threat of organised drug production and the police's success in preventing widespread harm.

The East Nusa Tenggara provincial government has delivered logistical aid, including 2 tons of rice and 850 cans of fish, to earthquake victims in Flores Timur Regency, where over 2,000 residents remain displaced amid ongoing aftershocks. Distribution to affected areas is scheduled for the following day, addressing the damage to 368 homes across 14 villages and minor injuries to 18 people from the initial 4.7-magnitude quake. Experts from PVMBG explain the repeated tremors as the Earth's crust seeking new equilibrium post-major shift, heightening stress among locals who report panic and fatigue from unpredictable vibrations.

The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA) is coordinating with local authorities to monitor the handling of a tragic incident in Siak Regency, Riau, where a 15-year-old junior high school student died from a homemade firearm explosion during a school experiment. The ministry is supporting the deepening of the case in line with applicable laws to ensure justice for the victim, provide certainty on the cause of death, and prevent similar occurrences, while offering support to the family and witnesses. This case highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations on handling potentially dangerous devices in educational settings to protect children's rights and safety.

US President Donald Trump has announced that the American military has begun blockading Iranian ports as a strategy to compel Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a deal ending the ongoing war, which has lasted over six weeks. While Trump signals willingness for dialogue, Iran has retaliated with threats against all ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, targeting US allies, and two tankers have already turned back amid the blockade. The move, enforced by US Central Command, restricts access to Iranian coastal areas but allows transit for non-Iranian ports, potentially disrupting global energy supplies and escalating regional tensions.

A senior official from the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), Bestari Barus, has revealed that 15 to 20 active members of the House of Representatives (DPR) are poised to defect to PSI, attracted primarily by former President Joko Widodo's role as the party's patron. This influx includes politicians from various parties, such as former NasDem members like Barus herself and Rusdi Masse, who recently resigned from his position as Deputy Chairman of Commission III. Barus dismissed rumours of Jokowi planning to take over NasDem as baseless attempts to create negative public opinion, while expressing hopes for her former party's internal consolidation.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has introduced new policies to support the government's priority programme of providing three million homes, including limiting SLIK credit information to debts over Rp1 million and updating repayment statuses within three working days. These measures aim to ease mortgage approvals for individuals with minor bad credit and accelerate housing financing processes. Additionally, OJK is forming a task force with relevant stakeholders to address financial sector challenges in the housing programme and clarifying that SLIK data does not automatically determine credit approvals.

Jakarta's hosting of the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) in 2026 presents a pivotal opportunity for Indonesia to transcend mere discussions and establish a structured platform that connects government, businesses, investors, and global platforms to foster concrete partnerships and investments in the creative sector. The opinion piece highlights Indonesia's rich talent and cultural assets but underscores the need to master distribution and monetisation channels currently dominated by international giants like Netflix and YouTube. By shifting the conference's focus towards building a sustainable ecosystem, Indonesia can enhance its global position in the creative economy value chain, driving economic growth and strengthening Jakarta's image as a creative hub.

Muklisin, a 41-year-old public infrastructure and facilities officer (PPSU) in North Jakarta's Penjaringan area, has gained public attention for his authentic social media posts documenting his daily cleaning routines, showing before-and-after conditions without any visual manipulation. Starting his day at 4:00 AM and commuting from Tangerang, he emphasises that these uploads are personal initiatives for education, predating recent controversies over alleged manipulation of work reports via the Jakarta Kini (JAKI) app using AI technology. His story highlights the value of genuine fieldwork amid concerns about accountability in public service roles.

The number of electric vehicle (EV) transactions during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr exodus period quadrupled to 18,088, with energy consumption rising to 427,980 kWh, compared to the previous year, according to PT PLN (Persero). This surge highlights the robustness of Indonesia's EV infrastructure, particularly the SPKLU charging stations, which supported smooth travel without disruptions. PLN plans to expand the network further, encouraging private sector involvement to meet growing demand and enhance the profitability of charging infrastructure.

US President Donald Trump has escalated the ongoing conflict with Iran by ordering a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for 20% of global oil shipments, following failed negotiations in Pakistan. This move has drawn international backlash, with NATO allies refusing involvement and energy markets facing severe disruptions, potentially worsening economic impacts in April. The article outlines nine key updates, including military actions by Israel against Hezbollah, threats to Iranian vessels, and tentative ceasefire efforts, highlighting the broadening regional tensions and risks to global energy security.

Indonesia's Ministry of Culture hosted Saudi Arabia's Minister of Culture, Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, to enhance bilateral synergies in cultural development, emphasising shared visions and priorities in national transformation. Key areas of collaboration include intangible cultural heritage at UNESCO, museum partnerships, and creative economy sectors such as film, literature, music, fashion, and artist residencies, with potential for co-productions, talent exchanges, and investments. The meeting, followed by visits to Indonesia's National Museum and National Gallery, underscores the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations, fostering global cooperation and economic opportunities in creative industries.

The Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH) is enhancing its human resource capabilities through targeted competency development to boost the effectiveness of halal certification services, particularly with the mandatory halal requirement approaching in October 2026. Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan emphasised that successful implementation depends on skilled personnel, leading to the recent Training on Competency Development Needs Analysis (AKPK) for civil servants across central and regional units. This initiative aims to identify skill gaps, improve talent management, and foster a competitive ecosystem for national halal standards.

Parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Indonesia express frustration over the education system's inadequacy in supporting students with special needs, despite the prevalence of inclusive schools. They highlight that many teachers lack the training and resources to effectively manage ADHD due to low pay and high workloads, calling for holistic reforms in education and health sectors funded by optimal state budget allocations. This issue underscores a broader societal responsibility to address the needs of children with developmental disorders, which policymakers have yet to fully embrace.

The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs has urged the six provinces in Papua to ensure transparent use of the 2026 special autonomy (otsus) funds, following the disbursement of the first tranche by the central government. Deputy Minister Ribka Haluk emphasised the need for public disclosure to build trust and prevent suspicion among residents, noting that 95% of the funds have already been realised across 46 regions. The government is actively addressing issues in fund management to improve governance in the region.

Perum Bulog's CEO Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani has reported shortages of MinyaKita cooking oil in markets and requested an increased quota from the Ministry of Trade following coordination with the National Food Agency and Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman. The current limited distribution quota, comprising 35% of the Domestic Market Obligation allocated primarily to Bulog, struggles to meet both market demands and government food aid programmes for over 33 million beneficiary families. This shortage follows a period of focused distribution during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing national food security and public assistance amid rising regional needs.

The Indonesian state budget (APBN) for 2026 faces significant pressure from surging crude oil prices exceeding US$100 per barrel, far above initial assumptions, leading to a 43% deviation that erodes fiscal space and could exhaust endurance in just 6.8 months without intervention. First-quarter deficit realisation already stands at 0.93% of GDP, 50% faster than the annual target of 2.64%, highlighting the urgency for recalibration. The government is responding with a fiscal savings package, including budget refocusing, B50 biodiesel implementation, and work-from-home policies, projected to reduce the deficit from 3.47% to 2.92% of GDP while maintaining social stability and avoiding fuel price hikes.