The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM) has mandated that the locally developed Bobibos biofuel undergo road tests on cars and motorcycles to verify its viability as an alternative to imported petrol. Officials, including Director General of Oil and Gas Laode Sulaeman, are coordinating with Bobibos representatives to conduct these trials and address necessary permits, emphasising technical evaluations and environmental benefits. The innovation, derived from rice straw, aims to reduce fuel imports, boost farmer incomes, mitigate fossil fuel pollution, and create jobs.

Perum Bulog's CEO, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, announced a total budget of Rp68.6 trillion for absorbing rice paddy, soybeans, and maize to bolster national food security, as directed by the government. As of 13 April 2026, Bulog has achieved 48.7% of its 4 million tonne target for rice paddy equivalent, with stocks nearing 5 million tonnes, while maize absorption stands at 131,673 tonnes out of a 1 million tonne goal. This initiative, guided by Presidential Instructions, aims to stabilise domestic supply without imports, protect farmers' welfare through set purchase prices, and align with President Prabowo Subianto's directives amid global geopolitical challenges.

The United Nations' maritime body has firmly stated that no country has the legal right to block shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international trade route crippled by the ongoing US-Iran war. In response to US President Donald Trump's threats of imposing a blockade on Iranian ports, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasised adherence to international maritime law, which prohibits interference with peaceful passage and the imposition of tolls on transit. While Iran's limited permissions for verified ships have already severely restricted traffic, Dominguez warned that further US actions would set a dangerous precedent but might have minimal additional impact given the current low volume of passages, urging de-escalation to restore normal operations.

Indonesia's investment realisation for the first quarter of 2026 is projected to reach approximately Rp497 trillion, though growth is expected to slow to 7% year-on-year from 15.6% in the previous year, amid global uncertainties due to geopolitical conflicts. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto noted that the ongoing wars have made global investors more cautious, leading to reevaluations of business expansion plans. Despite these challenges, foreign investor interest in Indonesia remains positive, as evidenced by encouraging responses during Airlangga's recent visits to the UK, South Korea, and Japan.

Indonesia's Investment Coordinating Board projects first-quarter 2026 investment realisation at IDR 497 trillion, with annual growth slowing to 7 percent from 15.6 percent last year, attributed to global uncertainties from geopolitical conflicts. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto notes that investors are cautious amid ongoing wars, leading to reviews of expansion plans. Despite challenges, foreign investor interest in Indonesia stays strong, evidenced by positive responses during government visits to the UK, South Korea, and Japan.

PT Industri Padi Nusantara (IPN) has partnered with Universitas Hasanuddin and Chinese firms to advance research on superior rice seeds, aiming to achieve yields of at least 12 tonnes per hectare across 20,000 hectares of farmland in South Sumatra, Lampung, and Papua. The collaboration, funded by IPN, includes a €35 million investment in agricultural equipment and the construction of a rice mill with an initial capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year in Lampung, supporting integrated industrial zones for rice processing and farmer benefits. This initiative draws on study visits to Chinese facilities to enhance Indonesia's rice breeding laboratories and boost national agricultural productivity.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has disbursed Rp17.13 trillion in subsidised mortgages to over 125,000 borrowers by March 2026, underscoring its commitment to providing affordable housing for low-income communities. This initiative supports Indonesia's national housing programme, enhancing access to homeownership while stimulating economic growth in sectors such as construction, building materials, and SMEs around residential areas. BRI leverages its extensive network to ensure equitable distribution of financing across regions, fostering sustainable impacts on welfare and the economy.

Perum Bulog has requested an increase in the MinyaKita cooking oil quota from the Ministry of Trade to tackle ongoing shortages in markets, following reports to the National Food Agency head and Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman. The current quota, comprising 35% of the Domestic Market Obligation allocated 70% to Bulog, 20% to ID Food, and 10% to Agrinas Palma Nusantara, is insufficient to meet both market demands and the distribution of food aid to over 33 million beneficiary families. Bulog hopes for approval of an additional quota up to 65% to ensure balanced supply for markets and sustained government assistance programmes.

Former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla faces accusations of insulting Christian teachings following a sermon where he discussed religious motivations in conflicts like those in Poso and Ambon, suggesting both Muslims and Christians view their deaths or killings as martyrdom. Youth Christian and Catholic groups have filed a police report against him in Jakarta to address the public uproar and seek legal resolution. The incident highlights ongoing sensitivities around religious discourse in Indonesia's diverse society, potentially impacting interfaith relations.

Former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Anwar Usman, expressed relief upon concluding his 15-year tenure, reflecting on the joys and sorrows experienced in his role. He highlighted the inherent challenges of judicial decisions, which inevitably disappoint some parties and attract criticism, and recalled advising a fellow judge on enduring public pressure to uphold truth, law, and justice. Anwar apologised to his colleagues, thanked them for their support, and urged ongoing commitment to their divine mandate.

The Supreme Court of Indonesia has rejected a cassation appeal from the Tangerang Congress faction of the Indonesian Notaries Association (INI), thereby confirming the legal validity of the leadership elected at the Bandung Extraordinary Congress. This ruling ends the administrative dispute, with the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches all endorsing the Bandung leadership under Irfan Ardiansyah. The decision enables INI to resume optimal operations, supporting national initiatives such as strengthening fiduciary guarantees and establishing 80,081 Merah Putih Cooperatives across the country.

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) is enhancing its credit growth mechanism by establishing a Loan Factory, designed to accelerate processes, boost capacity, and maintain portfolio quality in a more controlled manner. This initiative forms part of BTN's ongoing business transformation since 2019, shifting from decentralised branch-based operations to an integrated, process-oriented model that ensures standardised and scalable credit disbursement across its network. By implementing a decision engine for credit scoring and targeting a reduction in processing time from six working days, BTN aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in handling around 1,000 daily KPR applications.

The Indonesian government aims to elevate several national parks to world-class status, with Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park identified as a top priority. The Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation from the Ministry of Forestry highlighted the groundbreaking of the Tengger Caldera Ring Road (JLKT) as a key step in integrated park management, balancing tourism, ecology, cultural preservation, and local economic empowerment. Local authorities emphasise that this 13-kilometre infrastructure project will sustain the park's natural, spiritual, and cultural values amid growing visitor numbers.

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas, Maruarar Sirait, highlighted that the realisation of 62,591 subsidised housing units in West Java in 2025, the largest in Indonesia, will drive an economic circulation of around Rp8 trillion and create jobs for approximately 300,000 workers. The initiative also encompasses a broad economic ecosystem, from small vendors to building material industries, while the KUR housing programme offers low-income residents access to loans up to Rp100 million at a mere 0.5% monthly interest, serving as a vital alternative to exploitative moneylenders. This government effort under President Prabowo aims to enhance housing quality, foster economic growth through job creation, and reduce poverty rates in the region.

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, where they agreed to elevate bilateral defence ties to a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP). This new framework aims to advance operational collaboration, military modernisation, training, and interoperability while emphasising mutual respect and national sovereignty. The agreement underscores Indonesia's key role in regional stability and promotes peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized USD 1 million allegedly intended by former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to influence the House of Representatives' Special Committee on Hajj (Pansus Haji). The funds, collected from Hajj quota fees via travel agencies and requested by Yaqut's special staff, were to be delivered through an intermediary identified as ZA but remained in ZA's possession. A member of the Pansus expressed shock at the revelation, stating the committee focused solely on evaluating the 2024 Hajj implementation and recommended legal action for any violations without engaging in enforcement.

Indonesia's Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Rosan Roeslani, has projected that investment realisation in the first quarter of 2026 will reach approximately Rp497 trillion, marking a 7% year-on-year growth. For the full year, the government targets Rp2,041.3 trillion in investments, aligning with the medium-term national development plan aiming for 8% growth and absorbing around 627,000 jobs, a 5.5% increase. Downstreaming remains a key driver, contributing 30% of investments primarily from major partners like Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, and the US, bolstered by Indonesia's non-aligned foreign policy amid global challenges.

Pertamina Subholding Upstream Regional Java is enhancing collaboration, integrity, and capabilities among supply chain partners to support sustainable upstream oil and gas operations through the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Forum 2026. The event, themed "Strengthening Collaborative Integrity to Drive Sustainable Energy and National Economic Growth," involved key stakeholders including SKK Migas, Bank Mandiri, and Pertamina Energy Institute, focusing on efficient procurement, financing support, and the introduction of the Indonesian Oil and Gas (IOG) e-Commerce platform. This initiative underscores Pertamina's commitment to professional, transparent partnerships that boost economic growth and operational performance in Indonesia's energy sector.

Perum Bulog's President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani has called on farmers to sell paddy only at the appropriate harvest age to ensure the quality of the Government Rice Reserve (CBP), despite absorbing all qualities within that timeframe, as outlined in Presidential Instruction No. 4 of 2026. This policy shift aims to prevent premature harvesting driven by peer influence, building on past experiences, while the government sets a 2026 absorption target of 4 million tons of rice—up from 3 million the previous year—at a fixed purchase price of Rp6,500 per kg to bolster farmer welfare and rice self-sufficiency. As of April 2026, Bulog has absorbed nearly 48% of the target, projecting full achievement by late July, with current government rice stocks at 4.727 million tons.

At the 255th anniversary celebrations of Gianyar City, Regent I Made Mahayastra opened an exhibition featuring products from micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM), urging local businesses to adopt the One Village One Product (OVOP) concept to ensure equitable representation from each village. The event, which includes 40 stalls showcasing unique local products, aims to boost community support for UMKM as a vital pillar of the people's economy amid uncertain conditions. Mahayastra hopes this initiative will enhance the visibility of Gianyar's village specialties, increase competitiveness, and improve local welfare in line with the city's cultural week festivities.

Indonesian National Police's Bareskrim is pursuing Tosan, an associate of drug lord 'The Doctor' alias Charlie alias Andre Fernando, suspected of supplying narcotics at the Whiterabbit nightclub in Room 707. Tosan, now on the wanted list and believed to be in Malaysia, is described with specific physical features including height of 170 cm and age around 40. This pursuit follows Andre's arrest in Penang, Malaysia, linked to a broader narcotics case involving transactions worth hundreds of millions of rupiah for kilograms of methamphetamine distributed in Bima, NTB, which also implicated former police officials.

Indonesia's Minister of Cooperatives, Ferry Juliantono, has announced that families receiving social aid, particularly under the Family Hope Programme (PKH), can gain additional income by joining Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih), including sharing in annual surplus profits and potential employment opportunities. The initiative aims to help these families escape poverty by providing sustainable economic benefits, with plans to employ up to 1.4 million PKH recipients nationwide and lighter membership obligations through new regulations. Collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs will ensure targeted recruitment via data integration, emphasising self-reliance over dependency on aid.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, through its regional-owned enterprise Food Station Tjipinang Jaya, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Pariaman City Government in West Sumatra for the procurement of rice to meet the capital's monthly demand of 80,000 tonnes. Jakarta's Deputy Governor Rano Karno emphasised the need for such partnerships with producing regions like West Sumatra, which could extend to other commodities such as chillies, salt, and even cattle, potentially importing up to 15,000 heads per period. This collaboration aims to bolster food self-sufficiency, enhance food security, and boost the local economy for farmers in Pariaman, with potential expansions into tourism and other agricultural products.

Perum Bulog's Director General, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, revealed that Malaysia has requested imports of approximately 200,000 tonnes of Indonesian rice, presenting a significant new export opportunity. Bulog is actively negotiating the details to ensure supply readiness and mutual benefits, which could strengthen Indonesia's position in the international rice market while enhancing national rice reserve management. Domestically, Bulog has achieved 48.7% of its 2026 target for absorbing farmers' unmilled rice, equivalent to 1.9 million tonnes, with total rice stocks nearing 4.727 million tonnes and projected to exceed 5 million tonnes soon.

The Chinese automotive brand Jaecoo has achieved impressive sales in Indonesia, becoming the top-selling electric vehicle (EV) brand from January to March 2026, with 7,827 units sold, surpassing BYD's Atto 1. Driven by strong demand for its flagship J5 EV model, Jaecoo's cumulative sales since entering the market have exceeded 12,000 units, reflecting growing consumer trust in electric vehicles. To sustain this momentum, the company is enhancing domestic production through two local assembly facilities and aims to sell over 13,000 J5 EV units by the end of April 2026.

In response to public scrutiny over the handling of the Amsal Christy Sitepu case, Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin has removed Dante Rajagukguk from his position as Head of the Karo District Prosecutor's Office, with Edmond Novvery Purba appointed as his replacement. The reshuffle extends to higher levels, including the transfer of Harli Siregar from North Sumatra Provincial Prosecutor's Office to a supervisory role at the Attorney General's Office. This internal evaluation stems from controversies surrounding alleged mark-ups in a village video project, despite the Medan District Court's acquittal of Sitepu due to insufficient evidence of criminal activity.

Transactions on Indonesia's Alternative Market Organiser System (SPPA) skyrocketed by 461.6% year-on-year in 2025, totalling Rp1.382 trillion, driven primarily by the introduction of Repurchase Agreement (Repo) features that accounted for over half of the volume. The Repo transactions, launched on 10 March 2025, generated Rp751.6 trillion, while outright debt trading also rose significantly by 196.2% to Rp630.5 trillion. This growth underscores SPPA's evolving role as an efficient and transparent platform for secondary bond and sukuk markets, accommodating 39 institutions and enhancing Indonesia's financial infrastructure.

The CEO of state-owned food company Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has guaranteed that rice prices will remain stable despite the scarcity of plastic pellets driving up packaging costs, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to prevent food price increases and protect consumer purchasing power. With national rice stocks at a robust 4.72 million tonnes, Bulog is adjusting internal policies and coordinating with the Ministry of Industry to mitigate packaging expenses without compromising distribution efficiency or quality. This effort supports key government programmes, including food aid for 33.3 million beneficiary families and the Stabilisation of Food Supply and Prices initiative, ensuring affordability amid production challenges.

The West Jakarta city government has pledged support for a mass eco-enzyme production initiative led by the Sedulur Bunda Milenial Foundation, targeting a Museum of Indonesian World Records (MURI) entry. The event, set for June to September 2026 as part of DKI Jakarta's 499th anniversary celebrations, will involve around 6,000 participants, including 1,200 from West Jakarta, who will process fruit peel waste into eco-enzymes while women wear traditional kebaya to promote cultural identity. This multi-stage programme aims to foster environmental awareness, improve river and reservoir cleanliness through fermentation application, fish stocking, and tree planting, ultimately contributing to sustainable waste management and cultural preservation in a globalising city.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration is set to deport 13 Japanese nationals this week for their involvement in organised online scamming operations targeting Japanese victims in Indonesia, where they posed as police and telecom officials to extract financial information and large transfers. The suspects, arrested in March 2026 in Sentul City, Bogor, misused their visit and pre-investment visas, violating the 2011 Immigration Law, with the deportation process to be escorted by Indonesian and Japanese immigration officers. This action forms part of the broader Wirawaspada 2026 operation, which netted 346 immigration violators from various nationalities, underscoring Indonesia's efforts to combat transnational crime and enforce immigration regulations.

A viral video clip has accused former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla of insulting Christian teachings by discussing the concept of "martyrdom" in the context of religious conflicts in Poso and Ambon. Fact-checking reveals that Kalla was illustrating how misguided religious interpretations fuel violence, not endorsing or misrepresenting official doctrines, and he emphasised that killing innocents is condemned by all religions. This clarification underscores Kalla's longstanding role in promoting peace, including his initiation of the Helsinki Peace Accord that ended the Aceh conflict in 2005.

A Poltracking Indonesia survey reveals that the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme is the primary driver of public satisfaction with President Prabowo Subianto's administration, cited by 23% of respondents, followed by targeted aid and decisive leadership. Overall, 74.9% of respondents express satisfaction with Prabowo's personal performance, while 74.1% are satisfied with the joint performance of the president and vice president Gibran Rakabuming Raka. The survey, conducted in March 2025 with 1,220 respondents, underscores the programme's widespread recognition at 36.5%, surpassing other key initiatives amid ongoing controversies.

Anwar Usman, former Chief Justice of Indonesia's Constitutional Court and brother-in-law to President Joko Widodo, has completed his 15-year tenure, expressing profound relief at departing without any blemish on his record. He likened the experience to being reborn, following a State Administrative Court ruling that restored his dignity amid controversies surrounding a key decision on presidential age limits. Anwar plans to release two books detailing his experiences, titled 'Pandora's Box', while keeping future plans undisclosed.