The "Smart City" Development and Innovation Competition in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region concluded with 1,382 works participating and 252 receiving awards, featuring strong international participation from ASEAN countries comprising nearly 40 percent of the 60 finalist teams. The event highlighted practical, industry-relevant innovations in areas like urban safety, intelligent construction, and smart communities, resulting in 86 application scenarios being implemented and several enterprises settling in industrial parks. Post-competition, Guangxi's Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development will establish a project database to promote pilot applications, fostering ongoing innovation for smart city construction in Guangxi and the ASEAN region.

The Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) has noted that liquidity needs and intense competition for funds are driving a third of Indonesian banks to offer special deposit rates above the guarantee interest rate (TBP). Despite a 75 basis point reduction in TBP since June 2025, the proportion of deposits receiving rates above TBP rose to 33% by December 2025, indicating non-compliance and contributing to persistently high lending rates. LPS has decided to hold TBP steady at 3.5% for rupiah deposits in general banks from February to May 2026 to align with market conditions.

Central Java Provincial Police have dismantled three illegal oil well drilling operations in Perhutani forest areas in Blora Regency, which had been active for about three months. Three suspects, who managed and funded the operations, have been arrested, and evidence including drilling rigs, pumps, pipes, and unsold crude oil was seized. The suspects face charges under Law No. 2 of 2022 on Job Creation for endangering the environment and local communities through these unauthorised activities.

Shell Indonesia has appointed Andri Pratiwa as its new President Director and Country Chair effective 1 May 2026, amid a crucial business transformation phase, while he retains his role as General Manager of Lubricants Indonesia. This leadership change coincides with the company's ongoing divestment of its fuel station business to a joint venture between Citadel Pacific Limited and Sefas Group, aiming to resolve recent fuel shortages and maintain investment commitments in the manufacturing sector. The move underscores Shell's optimism about Indonesia's economic growth and its continued positive contributions to the national economy.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily shut down 11 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in Mimika, Central Papua, due to non-compliance with wastewater treatment standards and administrative requirements under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Of the 18 units in the district, only seven remain operational, serving schools in four districts, while the Mimika MBG Task Force and BGN plan to monitor both active and closed sites to ensure optimal programme delivery. Local authorities emphasise the urgency of rectifying issues to resume services, highlighting the programme's importance for children's nutrition amid ongoing implementation challenges.

PT Jababeka Infrastruktur has secured the Green PROPER award for the sixth year running from the Ministry of Environment, recognising its exemplary environmental management that exceeds mandatory standards in its Cikarang industrial estate. The accolade highlights initiatives such as advanced wastewater treatment, effluent recycling, energy efficiency, and circular waste management, which integrate environmental stewardship into operations while supporting thousands of workers and residents. This achievement underscores Jababeka's commitment to innovation and collaboration with stakeholders to foster a more responsible and inclusive national industrial future.

Presidential hopeful Ganjar Pranowo urged volunteers from his Ganjarist group to address waste management as a critical issue that could lead to environmental and social disasters, during a halal bihalal event in Jakarta. He emphasised the importance of volunteers' presence in communities during crises and disasters, while the group's leader clarified that the gathering focused on organisational strengthening and social roles rather than long-term political agendas like the 2029 elections. The event underscores Ganjarist's commitment to social and environmental actions beyond politics, maintaining solidarity for potential future political involvement.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that Faizal Assegaf, director of PT Sinkos Multimedia Mandiri and a 1998 activist, has confessed to investigators about receiving goods and facilities from Rizal, a suspect in an alleged corruption case at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC). KPK investigators have seized the electronic items in question and plan to display them publicly soon. This development underscores ongoing efforts to probe the motives behind such illicit exchanges within the customs authority, highlighting potential graft involving high-ranking officials.

A road collapse on Jalan Dewi Sartika in East Jakarta's Kramat Jati subdistrict is believed to stem from inadequately restored utility excavations, posing significant risks to motorists and potentially causing accidents. Local infrastructure officials have identified subsurface voids comprising about 50% of the structure, exacerbated by heavy rain, and are undertaking thorough repairs by excavating, filling with aggregates, compacting, and resurfacing with hotmix asphalt. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring utility companies properly restore roads after their works, with authorities urging caution for drivers in affected areas.

The Riau Islands Regional Police (Polda Kepri) has named one police officer, identified by the initials AS, as a suspect in the assault of two junior officers, NS and JB, on 13 April. NS succumbed to his injuries after refusing AS's order to participate in a community work activity (korve) at the police headquarters. This incident underscores serious internal disciplinary issues within the Indonesian National Police force.

Researchers at Universitas Negeri Semarang (Unnes) have innovated by converting campus leaf waste, such as from mahogany and ketapang trees, into natural textile dyes that produce unique, eco-friendly colours for products like batik and ecoprint. This breakthrough addresses previous challenges in natural dyes, such as colour fading and limited variety, resulting in sharper, more durable hues that compete aesthetically with synthetic alternatives. Amid growing global demand for sustainable products, these higher-priced items are attracting strong interest from international markets, highlighting the commercial potential of local waste utilisation.

Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has secured agreements with Russia for the supply of crude oil and LPG following negotiations in Moscow, aimed at bolstering the nation's energy reserves. The deals, pursued through government-to-government and business-to-business frameworks, involve major Russian energy firms and extend to potential collaborations in storage, long-term supplies, nuclear energy, and minerals. This partnership signals a positive step towards enhancing Indonesia's energy security amid global uncertainties, as directed by President Prabowo.

Bali Police, in collaboration with Ngurah Rai Customs, arrested a 24-year-old Russian national at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after discovering over 2.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his suitcase from Poland. The suspect, recruited in Poland and promised US$1,000 for the smuggling, faces severe penalties under Indonesia's narcotics laws, potentially including life imprisonment or the death penalty, with the drugs valued at Rp17.8 billion. Authorities are investigating the broader international network to dismantle the operation.

Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, reported positive feedback from students in Nusa Tenggara Barat regarding the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme during visits to schools in Mataram. He noted that while minor issues with food taste were raised, the Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) is committed to improvements, with no reports of food poisoning. The government pledges to oversee the initiative to promote healthy living, discipline, and proper nutrition among students, enhancing focus on learning.

The spokesperson for Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Budi Prasetyo, has calmly addressed a police report filed against him by Faizal Assegaf, a witness in an ongoing corruption case involving the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Budi emphasised respect for legal processes and reaffirmed the KPK's commitment to transparency in its anti-corruption efforts, explaining that Faizal's examination as a witness pertains to alleged receipt of goods and facilities from a suspect in a bribery and gratification scandal. This development highlights tensions between witnesses and investigators in high-profile graft probes, with seven suspects already detained and cases advancing to prosecutors.

The Environmental Fund Management Agency (BPDLH) has launched the second phase of its Call for Proposals under the Low Carbon Development Initiative-Innovation and Technology Fund (LCDI-ITF), targeting innovative climate projects in energy, transportation, agriculture, forestry and land use (AFOLU), and coastal and marine ecosystems. This phase prioritises six provinces and remote areas, with funding up to £250,000 per project, aimed at benefiting local communities, indigenous groups, women, children, and vulnerable populations. Applications are open from 11 March to 17 April 2026, supporting Indonesia's efforts to accelerate low-carbon development and environmental technologies.

PT Bhaktiagung Propertindo Tbk (BAPI) is planning to acquire PT Graha Nanotech Indonesia (GNI), a subsidiary of PT Nanotech Indonesia Global Tbk (NANO), to bolster its business fundamentals through expanded property asset management. The collaboration will see Nanoland managing BAPI's property assets valued at approximately IDR 600 billion, focusing on long-term productivity and sustainable income generation via green energy and green building projects aligned with ESG principles. This strategic move is expected to enhance operational efficiency, attract global institutional investors, and drive measured growth for shareholders.

The Indonesian government plans to allocate nearly Rp 1 trillion in 2026 for the revitalisation of approximately 1,600 schools in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), a threefold increase from the Rp 453 billion provided in 2025. This initiative, announced by Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Fajar Riza Ul Haq, forms part of a broader national programme to upgrade 71,000 schools, with a focus on damaged facilities in remote 3T areas. The funding will also support the provision of interactive digital boards to enhance teaching in multiple classrooms per school, underscoring the Prabowo administration's commitment to improving educational infrastructure.

Indonesian business owners, represented by Apindo, have urged the new Employment Bill during a hearing with DPR's Commission IX to incorporate more flexible regulations that safeguard both workers and enterprises, aiming to attract investments and create jobs in manufacturing. They highlighted challenges such as unstable labour regulations, including frequent changes to wage rules, which hinder long-term planning, alongside issues like the influx of 3.5 million new workers annually against limited job absorption from economic growth. Apindo emphasised the need for government-funded worker training to boost productivity and welfare, enabling career progression beyond reliance on minimum wages.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Sudaryono, has highlighted the importance of dismantling ratoon—rejuvenating old sugarcane plants with superior varieties—as a key strategy to enhance national sugar production and achieve self-sufficiency. He emphasised that using high-quality seeds could increase yields by 20-30 per cent, potentially lowering sugar prices, while also advocating for new land development without ecological harm. Additionally, Sudaryono discussed integrating agriculture into green economy initiatives through carbon economic value mechanisms, including a presidential regulation to promote carbon absorption and climate resilience in the sector.

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry and the South Korean Embassy, addressed a travel advisory issued by Korean authorities that included Bali due to criminal cases, clarifying it as a precautionary measure and apologising for any unintended damage to Bali's image. The government reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing security through coordination with local authorities and police, including risk assessments and stricter enforcement on traffic violations and foreign vehicle rentals. This initiative aims to maintain Bali as a safe, world-class tourist destination while strengthening collaboration with industry stakeholders and local communities.

The Constitutional Court of Indonesia has ruled in Decision No. 28/PUU-XXIV/2026 that the Financial Audit Board (BPK) holds exclusive authority to declare and quantify state financial losses, addressing previous ambiguities allowing other institutions to do so. Deputy Chairman of the DPR's Legislation Body, Martin Manurung, highlighted that this decision reinforces prior rulings and clarifies the BPK's role as the national auditor, while limiting bodies like the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) to internal audits. The ruling aligns with Article 603 of Law No. 1/2023 and Article 23E of the 1945 Constitution, ensuring a unified approach to state loss calculations.

The Indonesian government has introduced a nutrition labelling policy known as Nutri-level to educate the public on healthy eating and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases caused by excessive sugar, salt, and fat intake. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin highlighted that this initiative complements the free health check programme and aims to foster a nationwide movement towards healthier lifestyles, drawing parallels to popular trends like running and black coffee consumption. Implementation will involve a transitional period for the food industry, coordinated by agencies including BPOM, the Ministry of Population and Family Development, BPJS Health, and the Financial Services Authority.

The Jakarta Provincial Education Office has issued a circular regulating the wise use of gadgets in schools, aimed at students and educators to optimise learning in the digital era while minimising distractions. Key rules include collecting devices at the start of the school day, allowing limited use only for specific educational needs with prior approval, and prohibiting personal use during lessons for teachers. This policy applies to all public and private schools in Jakarta, emphasising secure storage and structured permissions to balance technology's benefits with focused learning environments.

A national survey by Cyrus Network reveals that public satisfaction with the quality of Lebaran 2026 homecoming services has improved to 84.5 percent, up from the previous year, with 79 percent rating it as good and 5.5 percent as very good. The survey highlights positive assessments of return traffic management and the dominance of intra-provincial travel, primarily via private vehicles like motorcycles, due to factors such as speed and cost savings. However, low utilisation of ticket and toll discounts at 8.7 percent underscores challenges in promoting public transport alternatives during the peak holiday period.

A LINE chat group named "Basecamp Puri Asih," involving 16 students from the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law, originated as a boarding house group but evolved into a platform for discussing sexual harassment against 27 victims. The case came to light in 2025 when one of the perpetrators leaked the group's contents to the victims, who had been aware of the issue since then, causing them significant emotional distress. This revelation has prompted investigations and highlights concerns over student misconduct and safety within academic environments.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has assured that there is no sign of a super El Niño event, dubbed Godzilla El Niño, in 2026, with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) expected to remain neutral in the first half of the year before potentially shifting to a weak or moderate El Niño with a 55% probability from June to August. ENSO, a global climate phenomenon driven by interactions between the ocean and atmosphere in the tropical Pacific, typically leads to reduced rainfall in Indonesia during El Niño phases, though the impact varies based on local sea temperatures. This forecast is crucial for agricultural planning and water resource management in the country, helping to mitigate potential disruptions to farming and food security.

Indonesian MP Hamka B Kady from Commission V of the House of Representatives has called for a thorough evaluation of traffic management during the Eid al-Fitr exodus, highlighting recurring congestion at ferry ports like Gilimanuk, Ketapang, and Merak due to inadequate buffer zones. He urged the Ministry of Transportation to repair roads far ahead of the holiday period to avoid disruptions and to enhance safety measures, such as better lighting for traffic controls, to mitigate accident risks. While accident rates have decreased, Hamka stressed the need for comprehensive assessments to prevent foreseeable issues in future mudik seasons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to visit Russia in May and July 2026, following their bilateral meeting in Moscow on 13 April 2026. The invitation aims to strengthen economic ties, people-to-people relations, and cooperation in key sectors such as energy, space, agriculture, industry, pharmaceuticals, education, and trade between the two nations. Prabowo expressed appreciation for Russia's support in strategic areas vital to Indonesia, highlighting the strategic partnership that could benefit both countries through intensified collaboration.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has issued a stern ultimatum to illegal cigarette producers, demanding they integrate into the official system by paying excise duties or risk having their factories shut down. The government is introducing a new layer in the tobacco excise structure to facilitate this transition, aiming for implementation by May to boost state revenues and curb illegal trade. This policy seeks to create fair competition in the industry while addressing revenue leakages that have disadvantaged legal small and medium-sized enterprises.

The article explores how technological advancements have democratised stock trading in Indonesia, allowing anyone with a smartphone and internet access to participate, a stark contrast to the exclusive market of 10-15 years ago. It advises novice investors to select trading apps based on long-term factors like security, stability, research tools, customer service, and educational support rather than superficial incentives. Highlighting Maybank Trade ID as an exemplary platform, it emphasises its paperless account opening, user-friendly features, and global backing from Maybank Sekuritas, positioning it as a reliable gateway to financial independence.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has granted approval for the merger of two rural banks (BPR) in Yogyakarta, with PT Bank Perekonomian Rakyat Artha Mlatiindah consolidating into PT Bank Perekonomian Rakyat Artha Mertoyudan, as part of efforts to strengthen the financial sector under Law No. 4 of 2023. This strategic consolidation aims to enhance institutional resilience, improve operational efficiency, and expand support for SMEs and regional economic growth. OJK will oversee the integration process to ensure compliance and consumer protection, fostering a more competitive and robust BPR industry.

Indonesian Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, inaugurated the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole (WCPP) 2026 in Bali, emphasising Indonesia's commitment to transforming the correctional system towards a more humane and sustainable restorative justice approach. The event, themed 'Getting Smart on Justice: Healing Hearts, and Safer Societies', brings together over 400 participants from 44 countries to exchange experiences and develop best practices in rehabilitation, alternative sentencing, and reducing recidivism. This congress highlights Indonesia's growing role in global justice reform, integrating local wisdom with modern paradigms as reflected in recent updates to the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure.

Wakil Ketua MPR RI Lestari Moerdijat has urged the National Library (Perpusnas) to maximise the use of ancient manuscripts, beyond mere preservation, to boost national literacy levels. With only 13,318 of Indonesia's 143,259 national manuscripts stored at Perpusnas and just 7,987 digitised, budget constraints have reduced salvage targets significantly. Lestari emphasises that these manuscripts embody the nation's intellectual heritage and local wisdom, essential for future development, and calls for consistent efforts to make them accessible to the public.

The escalating military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is projected to inflict economic losses on the Asia-Pacific region ranging from US$97 billion to US$299 billion (Rp1,649 trillion to Rp5,083 trillion), equivalent to 0.3-0.8% of the area's GDP, according to the United Nations Development Programme. This disruption, primarily due to blockades in the Strait of Hormuz affecting 20% of global oil and gas supplies, could push 32 million people worldwide into poverty, with 8.8 million in Asia-Pacific, exacerbating global food crises and energy shortages. As Asia serves as the world's manufacturing hub and most populous region, these shocks risk triggering a domino effect on the global economy.

Universitas Indonesia is investigating a sexual harassment case involving 16 law faculty students, who are currently under examination while upholding the presumption of innocence. The incident originated from inappropriate digital communications that spread on social media, prompting public outcry and student demands for expulsion. The university's task force is handling the matter professionally, based on institutional regulations, with potential academic sanctions to follow verification.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has approved the merger of PT Bank Perekonomian Rakyat (BPR) Artha Mlatiindah into PT Bank Perekonomian Rakyat Artha Mertoyudan, as outlined in a decree dated 13 March 2026. This strategic consolidation aims to bolster the institutional resilience of BPRs, enhance their role in serving communities and financing productive sectors, and improve operational efficiency and corporate governance. OJK will oversee the integration process to ensure compliance and consumer protection, ultimately supporting stronger contributions to SME financing and regional and national economic growth.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) is promoting a more creative and accessible approach to news delivery under the PSO Press Sector to ensure credible information is easily understood and beneficial to the public. Director General Fifi Aleyda Yahya highlighted the use of engaging visuals and data to enhance narratives, emphasising that PSO Press should be informative, communicative, adaptive, and impactful in communicating government priorities. This initiative positions the National News Agency (LKBN) Antara as a key reference for public information, focusing on national development themes like food and energy sovereignty, as well as productive and inclusive economic growth for 2026.

Shell has appointed Andri Pratiwa as President Director and Country Chair of Shell Indonesia, effective from 1 May 2026, succeeding Ingrid Siburian who will transition to General Manager Mobility. Andri will continue his current role as General Manager of Lubricants Indonesia while overseeing the company's focus on expanding its lubricants business and the ongoing transfer of its fuel station operations to a joint venture between Citadel Pacific Limited and Sefas Group. This leadership change underscores Shell's commitment to sustainable investments, including a new grease manufacturing facility in Marunda, amid Indonesia's evolving energy landscape.

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno, known as Si Doel, has proposed collaboration between the Equator Bonjol area in West Sumatra and Jakarta's Planetarium to enhance science education and develop new tourism spots. This initiative aims to create engaging, contextual learning spaces for the youth by integrating science, history, and direct experiences, while emphasising the role of local culture and history in sustainable development. Rano also highlighted the importance of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Pasaman to bolster the local economy alongside these cultural and educational efforts.

Universitas Indonesia (UI) has assured that the handling of an alleged verbal sexual violence case within its Faculty of Law is being managed comprehensively and in line with applicable regulations, including national standards set by the Ministry of Education. The university's task force is conducting a victim-centered investigation, providing psychological support, legal aid, and academic assistance while maintaining confidentiality. UI urges the public to avoid spreading unverified information to prevent interference with the process and ensure the integrity of the proceedings.

The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) of Indonesia is advocating for an integrated system of zakat, infak, sedekah, and wakaf through digital transformation in fundraising to enhance collection and broaden social impact globally. At the Global WaqfTech Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Baznas representative Arifin Purwakananta highlighted the use of digital technology for transparency, donor experience, and public trust, positioning zakat as a short-term solution for basic needs and wakaf for long-term financing in education and infrastructure. The initiative received positive feedback from international participants, underscoring Indonesia's leadership in tech-driven Islamic philanthropy.

A national survey by Cyrus Network reveals that 65.4% of Indonesians support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, primarily for its benefits in meeting nutritional needs, easing family economic burdens, and improving child and maternal health, though 45.6% of respondents urge enhancements in implementation and governance. High public awareness stands at 98.6%, with over 60% directly benefiting, but concerns include poor execution, questionable food quality, and targeting inaccuracies. Conducted in April 2026 across 38 provinces, the survey highlights the programme's broad reach while underscoring the need for refinements to sustain public backing.

Indonesia's Environmental Fund Management Agency (BPDLH) has disbursed Rp20.34 billion (approximately £934,586) to four innovative low-carbon development projects aimed at boosting the economy, reducing emissions, and improving quality of life. The recipients include Hasanuddin University's Faculty of Animal Husbandry for integrated waste management in Makassar, PT Venambak Kail Dipantara for climate-smart shrimp farming in Sumbawa, PT Sinar Hijau Ventures for sustainable spice technology in West Seram, and PT Jejak Enviro Teknologi for advanced rice farming decarbonisation in Bogor. This funding, provided through the Low Carbon Development Initiative – Innovation and Technology Fund (LCDI-ITF), underscores Indonesia's commitment to sustainable development and green innovation across agriculture and environmental sectors.

Police in Bandung are investigating a near-miss incident at Rumah Sakit Hasan Sadikin (RSHS) where a nurse allegedly handed a newborn to the wrong parents due to possible negligence. The hospital has suspended the involved nurse, issued a warning, and reported the matter to the Ministry of Health, which will conduct an evaluation to prevent future occurrences. This case highlights critical lapses in hospital protocols and patient safety in Indonesia's public healthcare system.

The Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) has commenced the first phase of claim payments totalling Rp1.81 billion to 1,909 customers of the now-defunct Bank Perkreditan Rakyat (BPR) Sungai Rumbai in Dharmasraya Regency, West Sumatra, following the revocation of its licence by the Financial Services Authority (OJK). This rapid response, executed within five working days through designated BRI units, aims to restore public confidence in the banking system. Customers have expressed relief at the swift process, highlighting the importance of the LPS guarantee in alleviating initial panic over inaccessible savings.

Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, also head of the National Border Management Agency (BNPP), has urged officials to effectively implement a housing renovation programme targeting 15,000 uninhabitable homes in Indonesia's border regions, in coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas. He emphasised utilising detailed socio-economic data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) to ensure the initiative reaches the right beneficiaries. The programme is expected to enhance community welfare, foster nationalism, and strengthen border defence as a buffer zone.

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, held a bilateral meeting in Moscow with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev to follow up on agreements between Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Vladimir Putin. The discussions secured commitments for additional crude oil reserves and LPG supplies from Russia, involving major firms like Rosneft and Lukoil, while exploring broader collaborations in storage facilities, nuclear energy, and minerals. This diplomatic effort aims to bolster Indonesia's energy resilience amid global market volatility and geopolitical tensions.

Indonesia has secured supplies of crude oil and LPG from Russia following high-level talks during President Prabowo Subianto's visit, accompanied by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. The agreements, discussed with Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev, aim to bolster national energy reserves through government-to-government and business-to-business schemes, while exploring further collaborations in nuclear energy and minerals. This partnership underscores Indonesia's proactive diplomacy to enhance energy security amid global uncertainties, leveraging Russia's substantial production capacity.

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Syamsoeddin met with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon to discuss enhancing the International Military Education and Training (IMET) programme, focusing on capacity building and human investment in education and training for special forces. The meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the elevation of bilateral defence relations to a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP), aimed at promoting regional peace, stability, and military professionalism while respecting national sovereignty. This partnership opens avenues for strategic cooperation in defence modernisation, next-generation technology development, operational readiness, and interpersonal defence ties.