In response to allegations of sexual harassment at the Batang Integrated Industrial Estate (KITB) in Central Java, the Ministry of Manpower is ramping up educational efforts for workers to address such issues and prevent discrimination. This initiative follows findings from Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission IX, emphasising that harassment undermines workplace stability and requires proactive measures from companies to foster harmonious industrial relations. Local authorities have confirmed some reports of workplace friction, often stemming from poor communication ethics, and are supporting improvements in the industrial ecosystem.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has warned the public to be cautious of unofficial visa offers, such as mujamalah visas, emerging ahead of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. He emphasised that only quota-based Hajj visas guarantee departure to Saudi Arabia, while alternatives like mujamalah or non-existent furoda visas carry high risks of uncertainty and potential fraud. This advisory underscores the government's commitment to protecting pilgrims from scams, limiting official pathways to regular and special Hajj routes.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has reaffirmed Russia's support for Iran's right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, stating that Moscow will accept any decision aligned with Iran's legitimate interests. Speaking after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Lavrov outlined Russia's readiness to assist in resolving issues surrounding Iran's nuclear programme, including reprocessing highly enriched uranium into nuclear power fuel or storing it in Russia while respecting Iran's civil nuclear rights. He emphasised that Iran has never sought to militarise its nuclear activities, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and highlighted Russia's active role in the 2015 nuclear deal.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka welcomed President Prabowo Subianto's return to Indonesia at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta, following the President's working visit to Russia and France. During the trip, President Prabowo engaged in strategic diplomacy, including a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in priority sectors and exchanging views on global dynamics and maintaining world stability and peace. The arrival underscores Indonesia's active role in international relations under the new leadership.

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is enhancing vocational education in response to the growing demand for digital talent in the Industry 4.0 era, through strategic collaborations with Chinese partners like Irootech Technology Co. Ltd. and the Machinery Industry Education Development Center. This partnership has led to the launch of an International Cooperation Alliance for Developing Industrial Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence Talent, aimed at integrating education and industry to boost Indonesia's manufacturing competitiveness on the global stage. Key initiatives include talent exchanges, vocational skills competitions, and training programs under the JARVIS Bersama 2026 scheme to prepare adaptive and competent human resources.

PT Transportasi Jakarta is evaluating its seat booking system for the Royaltrans premium service on the Cibubur-Balai Kota route due to issues such as suboptimal passenger flow management and insufficient socialisation, which have caused confusion particularly among elderly passengers. To improve customer experience, bookings can now be made up to seven days in advance via the TJ: Transjakarta app, with same-day options available if seats remain, and field staff have been instructed to enhance guidance. The system is being expanded to all Royaltrans routes starting today, aiming to provide greater certainty and comfort for commuters.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has sealed Umang Island in Banten province after it was advertised for sale online, amid findings of multiple permit violations by its operator, PT GSM. The island, used as a tourism resort, lacks necessary approvals for marine space utilisation and small island development, prompting the sealing of its facilities to enforce regulations. This action underscores KKP's commitment to protecting Indonesia's maritime territories and preventing unauthorised island management.

United E-Motor has partnered with PT Asuransi Tokio Marine Indonesia (TMI) to offer comprehensive insurance solutions for online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers using United electric motorbikes. The coverage extends beyond vehicles to include personal accident protection for drivers and safeguards for carried goods, enhancing daily mobility confidence. This collaboration aims to bolster a safer and more relevant mobility ecosystem in Indonesia.

A Median survey reveals that 67 percent of social media users oppose the removal of President Prabowo Subianto before his term ends in 2029, with 71.8 percent expressing satisfaction with his government's performance, particularly citing stable fuel prices and the free nutritious meal programme. Additional polls from Poltracking Indonesia and Cyrus Network corroborate high approval ratings for Prabowo's personal performance and his cabinet ministers. The public also firmly rejects any fuel price hikes amid global uncertainties, highlighting concerns over economic impacts on grassroots communities.

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (Persero) Tbk. (BBTN) recorded a 22.6% year-on-year increase in net profit to Rp1.1 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, driven by government support for affordable housing programmes benefiting lower and middle-income families. The bank's credit disbursements grew 10.3% to Rp400.63 trillion, with significant rises in both subsidised and non-subsidised mortgage segments, alongside a 9.9% increase in third-party funds to Rp422.63 trillion. This performance underscores the multiplier effects of the housing sector on national employment and economic growth, with BTN's digital platform 'bale by BTN' seeing a 67.5% surge in users to 4 million.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a stark warning about escalating global geopolitical tensions driving countries to significantly increase military spending, with nearly half of nations raising defence budgets over the past five years and arms sales doubling in two decades. This surge is primarily financed through wider fiscal deficits and borrowing, leading to rapid rises in government debt—averaging 6.6 percentage points of GDP within three years—and potential short-term economic boosts but long-term risks including inflation, deteriorating external balances, and reduced space for social spending. The trend, most pronounced in emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa, underscores how ongoing conflicts are reshaping fiscal landscapes worldwide, constraining economic stability and policy flexibility.

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has announced that the government is preparing surprises for workers ahead of May Day 2026, amid concerns over 8,389 layoffs recorded from the start of the year to March. The Indonesian Confederation of Trade Unions (KSPI) has outlined eight key demands for the Labour Day commemoration, including the ratification of a new Employment Bill, rejection of outsourcing and low wages, tax reforms, halting layoffs due to global conflicts and imports, protection for domestic workers, asset forfeiture for anti-corruption, capping online ride-hailing fees at 10 percent, and ratifying ILO Convention No. 190 on workplace violence. These initiatives highlight ongoing efforts to address labour rights and economic pressures affecting Indonesian workers.

Indonesian immigration authorities detained 78 foreign nationals, mostly from China, during a raid at an industrial park in Bekasi, suspecting them of immigration violations due to inadequate documentation. The operation, aimed at enforcing the Selective Policy, seeks to ensure that only beneficial foreigners enter the country while protecting local job opportunities and national security. Further investigations are underway to verify their visas and activities, highlighting ongoing efforts to regulate foreign presence in industrial areas.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Health, has assured that 11 million citizens affected by the deactivation of their Penerima Bantuan Iuran (PBI) Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) memberships will receive uninterrupted healthcare services during a three-month transition period until the end of April 2026. This commitment follows an agreement with the DPR, with the Ministry issuing directives to hospitals to treat these individuals while urging them to reactivate their memberships via verification of their economic status by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The initiative aims to ensure data accuracy, redirecting those in higher economic deciles to independent payer status while reactivating eligible low-income individuals, as part of broader efforts to maintain equitable access to national health insurance for over 159 million beneficiaries.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the Iran-US-Israel conflict, have driven up global crude oil prices and disrupted energy supply chains, severely impacting Indonesia's petrochemical and plastics industries. PT Berlina Tbk (BRNA), a plastic packaging producer, reports raw material costs have surged 40-100%, comprising 50% of production expenses, forcing unavoidable price increases on products. While relying on resilient FMCG demand for support, the company urges government assistance to navigate regulatory uncertainties, shifting consumer expectations, and sustainability concerns.

KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, from the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, East Java, has called on all nations to ensure the security of Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, emphasising its sacred importance to Muslims worldwide. Speaking at a meeting with Indonesian religious leaders and MPR officials at the Saudi Ambassador's residence in Jakarta, he highlighted the need for a peaceful environment free from disruptions. Gus Kikin also criticised the recent failed peace talks between Iran, the US, and Israel, urging a permanent ceasefire to prevent ongoing conflicts in the Middle East from exacerbating economic, energy, and humanitarian crises.

The Indonesian government has launched a recruitment drive for 30,000 managers of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes), targeting young workers to bolster village economies through transparent, fee-free selection processes. Candidates must be aged under 35, hold a diploma or bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75, and will initially work under state-owned PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara before transitioning to cooperatives. This initiative, involving multiple ministries, aims to establish 30,000 cooperative units by mid-year, creating jobs and enhancing grassroots economic development while warning against recruitment scams.

Indonesian House of Representatives member Rajiv has endorsed the government's sealing of a resort on Maratua Island in East Kalimantan, praising the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries for enforcing maritime spatial planning regulations to protect coastal ecosystems. He emphasised the mandatory nature of the Marine Spatial Utilisation Activity Compliance Approval (PKKPRL) and compliance with zoning plans under relevant laws, urging stricter patrols, comprehensive sanctions including demolitions and legal proceedings, and enhanced inter-agency coordination to deter illegal activities. This case highlights the need for sustainable tourism development that prioritises environmental protection and national sovereignty in Indonesia's marine sectors.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) has clarified that listed companies or their controlling entities are responsible for share buybacks following the delisting of 18 issuers, in line with POJK 45/2024 regulations. This measure aims to protect investors amid significant financial or legal issues that prevent recovery, with delisting effective from 10 November 2026 after extensive coaching and monitoring efforts. The affected companies include seven bankrupt firms and eleven others suspended for over 50 months, underscoring BEI's commitment to market integrity and early warnings for stakeholders.

PT Bakrie Capital Indonesia has purchased 464.516 million shares of PT Astrindo Nusantara Infrastruktur Tbk (BIPI) at Rp 250 each, increasing its ownership from 6% to 6.73%. This acquisition coincides with BIPI's recent expansion into waste-to-energy (WTE) through the purchase of two companies from PT Maharaksa Biru Energi Tbk (OASA), aligning with plans to launch a US$300-350 million WTE project in 2026. Despite a 1.45% intraday drop, BIPI shares have surged 15.38% over the past five days and 193.48% year-to-date, highlighting strong investor interest in its infrastructure and energy diversification.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has clarified that inter-ministerial communications regarding a US proposal for military overflight access in Indonesian airspace are routine and emphasise full sovereignty. While confirming the US suggestion is under careful internal review, officials from both ministries stress that any cooperation must align with national interests and Indonesia's free and active foreign policy, without granting unrestricted access. The recent Major Defense Cooperation Partnership agreement with the US focuses on capacity building in defence technology and training, excluding any airspace concessions, amid concerns over potential South China Sea tensions.

At GITEX ASIA 2026, WPS 365 garnered significant attention for its AI-powered office platform, which offers full compatibility, flexible deployment, and cost-effective solutions tailored to Southeast Asian enterprises' digital transformation needs. Leveraging proprietary Knowledge-Augmented Generation architecture, the platform ensures compliance with local regulations, reduces AI risks through traceable outputs, and integrates with major cloud providers like Huawei Cloud, AWS, and Google Cloud. With a robust expansion strategy involving local partnerships and serving key regional clients such as Indonesia's Erajaya Group, WPS 365 positions itself as a leader in the shifting enterprise office market, emphasising intelligent, compliance-focused tools backed by the company's extensive R&D investment and global user base.

PT Pegadaian, Indonesia's state-owned pawnshop, has received the prestigious Best Social Bond/Sukuk-Non Bank Financial Institution award at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards 2026 in Hong Kong for its successful issuance of sustainable social bonds and sukuk worth Rp3.49 trillion. This recognition highlights Pegadaian's integration of sustainable finance principles into its funding strategy, enhancing financial inclusion and supporting grassroots economic empowerment. The achievement underscores Pegadaian's commitment to ESG practices, positioning it as a leader in Southeast Asia's non-bank financial sector and boosting investor confidence.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has highlighted the government's success in reducing Hajj pilgrimage costs by Rp7 million over two years under President Prabowo's administration. The cost dropped from Rp94 million per pilgrim in 2024 to Rp89 million in 2025 and further to Rp87 million in 2026, with pilgrims paying Rp54 million directly and the remainder managed by BPKH. This achievement, amid a Rp18 trillion budget with significant foreign currency components, aims to mitigate the impact of rupiah depreciation on the pilgrimage process.

Private universities in Bali are gearing up to implement distance learning for students in semester five and above, in response to a Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology directive aimed at energy conservation amid global geopolitical dynamics. While practical activities will remain in-person, lecturers will have one day of remote work per week, and staff will adopt a hybrid model to balance efficiency and educational quality. This policy, outlined in Circular Letter No. 2 of 2026, applies to all higher education institutions and underscores Indonesia's push for adaptive educational practices without compromising standards.

Digital gold trading transactions on the Indonesia Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (ICDX) surged to 30.9 million grams in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 246 percent increase from the 8.9 million grams recorded in the same period the previous year. ICDX Director Nursalam attributed this growth to rising public interest in digital physical gold markets and expressed optimism for continued positive expansion through the year. The exchange plans to collaborate with regulators like Bappebti to enhance the ecosystem, ensuring robust oversight across trading, clearing, and depository functions to protect investors and promote gold as an alternative investment.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a two-hour bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, focusing on enhancing strategic cooperation in areas such as energy, education, digital affairs, defence, green energy, infrastructure, transportation, and the creative economy. The discussions, building on their long-standing personal relationship from Prabowo's time as defence minister, aim to foster long-term investment projects and mutual benefits amid global geopolitical tensions. This summit underscores Indonesia's view of France as a key European partner, marking a significant milestone in bilateral ties following Prabowo's earlier engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rear Admiral Bram Rusman Namin recounts his naval experiences, including expelling foreign warships from Jakarta's waters during the 1998 riots to prevent maritime intervention. He also discusses the food self-sufficiency programme in soybeans, a special task assigned by President Prabowo Subianto to the Indonesian Navy, involving the launch of a new variety named Kedelai Garuda Merah Putih. This highlights the military's evolving role in national security and agricultural initiatives under the current administration.

The Indonesian government has relaxed the requirements of the Financial Services Information System (SLIK) to allow individuals with credit records below Rp 1 million to apply for subsidised housing loans, aiming to support the 3 million houses programme. However, REI's General Secretary Raymond Ardan Arfandy believes this will provide some assistance but not significantly increase demand, as underlying reasons for small defaults need addressing and monthly mortgage repayments remain a challenge. The policy, decided after a meeting between OJK and the Minister of Housing, also accelerates loan repayment status updates to within three working days, with implementation by end of June 2026.

The Military Court II-08 Jakarta is set to schedule a trial within a week after receiving the case file from the Military Prosecutor regarding the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus by four TNI Strategic Intelligence Agency members. The attack, which occurred on 12 March and caused over 20% burns to Yunus, will be charged under multiple Indonesian Criminal Code articles for severe and premeditated assault, with penalties up to eight years imprisonment. Yunus's legal team rejects the charges as insufficient, arguing for premeditated murder and terrorism provisions, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's view of the incident as terrorism.

The Southeast Asian e-commerce market surged to a gross merchandise value (GMV) of US$157.6 billion in 2025, growing 22.8%, but competition has consolidated with Shopee, TikTok Shop (including Tokopedia), and Lazada controlling 98.8% of the market. Shopee leads with a GMV of US$83.2 billion, capturing over 50% market share across the region and 54% in Indonesia, maintaining its dominance despite aggressive growth from TikTok Shop. In Indonesia, retail app downloads reached 181 million in 2025, with users spending 8.68 billion hours on such apps, underscoring Shopee's popularity through features like video commerce.

The legal case against digital forensic expert Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar has reached a positive resolution, with his legal team stating that the termination of investigation (SP3) is in its final stages and expected to be officially announced by police soon. This follows a successful restorative justice process initiated in March 2026, resulting in a peace agreement with the complainants, including figures linked to allegations regarding President Joko Widodo's diploma. The development underscores the application of legal mechanisms to resolve disputes professionally, with appreciation extended to the Metro Jaya Police investigators.

Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar's legal team visited Metro Jaya Police Headquarters to finalise the SP3 (order to halt investigation) in the case accusing former President Joko Widodo of possessing a fake diploma. The process, based on restorative justice initiated by Sianipar following his own research, concludes without any financial exchanges or external interference, marking the end of the probe. A press conference by the police directorate is scheduled for Thursday to officially announce the termination.

Indonesian police's Narcotics Criminal Directorate has dismantled an illegal factory in North Jakarta producing nitrous oxide (N2O) under the Whip Pink brand, following a surge in misuse cases. The operation involved undercover purchases and raids that uncovered filling machines, ready-to-sell products, and packaging materials, with nine witnesses detained revealing the company PT SSS lacks necessary legal permits and BPOM approvals. This bust highlights ongoing efforts to curb the illicit distribution of N2O, often abused recreationally, underscoring regulatory gaps in product oversight.

In the Musyawarah Perencanaan Pembangunan (Musrenbang) for West Java's 2027 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan held in Bandung, DPRD member Iwan Koswara stressed the critical need to protect vulnerable groups, including low-income families, the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, ensuring development encompasses social justice beyond mere economic growth. He highlighted ongoing challenges in Depok and Bekasi where many residents lack full access to social assistance, healthcare, and education, urging stronger data collection, intergovernmental coordination, and cross-sector collaboration to make programmes more targeted and effective. The forum addressed key issues like enhancing social security, improving access to basic services, and tackling extreme poverty, aiming for adaptive policies that prevent any group from being marginalised in West Java's development process.

Midea Building Technologies (MBT) and Keppel have announced a non-exclusive partnership to co-develop standardised, modular cooling systems that integrate MBT's HVAC manufacturing expertise with Keppel's Cooling-as-a-Service and AI-driven digital optimisation capabilities. This collaboration aims to deliver flexible, energy-efficient solutions for sectors such as data centres, manufacturing, healthcare, and aviation hubs across Asia, reducing installation complexity and carbon emissions through remote monitoring via Keppel's Operations Nerve Centre. By establishing an AI-first Centre of Excellence, the partnership seeks to standardise and scale sustainable cooling infrastructure, building on their existing projects in Singapore to promote accessible, low-capex innovations in intelligent building systems.

PT Pemeringkat Efek Indonesia (Pefindo) forecasts corporate bond issuance in Indonesia to range between Rp154 trillion and Rp196.86 trillion in 2026, with a midpoint of Rp175.77 trillion, driven primarily by high debt maturities totalling Rp124.12 trillion from May to December, which will spur refinancing activities. While stable domestic economic conditions support business expansion funding, challenges such as global geopolitical risks and rupiah depreciation could lead to market volatility and higher bond yields. In the first quarter of 2026, issuance already reached Rp59.35 trillion, surpassing maturities of Rp26.88 trillion, reflecting strong corporate interest amid relatively low interest rates.

PT Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk is bolstering its implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to enhance corporate governance and mitigate business risks through a structured system of monitoring and performance measurement. The company has established an ESG Committee to oversee the sustainability roadmap and integrated ESG into its long-term business strategy via comprehensive guidelines and 11 specific policies. This initiative has improved the company's ESG risk score from 40.3 to 32.33, alongside annual internal assessments and recognitions that underscore its commitment to long-term business sustainability.

Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin is advocating for enhanced heart disease prevention through screening at puskesmas to address the annual financial burden of Rp17 trillion. The government has launched the Free Health Check Programme to enable early detection of risks such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and smoking, aiming to reduce hospital admissions and ease the load on BPJS Kesehatan. Additionally, collaboration with Japan's Tokushukai Medical Group is transforming RSJPD Harapan Kita into Asia's largest heart education and research centre, boosting medical expertise and service quality.

Indonesia faces a significant challenge from the projected El Niño in the second half of 2026, which could lead to prolonged dry seasons, reduced agricultural production, water shortages, and inflationary pressures on food prices, ultimately threatening national economic stability. President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the importance of sovereignty in food, energy, and water, highlighting the need for precise management and adaptive technologies. The adoption of drone technology, or 'Dronomic', offers a strategic solution by enabling precision agriculture, efficient water management, and enhanced monitoring across Indonesia's vast archipelago, potentially fostering new industrial clusters and positioning the country as a regional innovation hub.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, is recruiting 5,476 individuals for key management roles in the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) initiative, targeting the establishment of 1,300 such villages by year-end to bolster coastal communities. Open to D3, D4, and S1 graduates under 35 with a minimum GPA of 2.75, the transparent selection process ensures no fees or special channels, with placements as two-year contract employees under state-owned enterprise PT Agrinas Jaladri Nusantara, prioritising local candidates. This recruitment forms part of broader efforts including 30,000 positions for village cooperative managers, aiming to enhance economic opportunities in fisheries and rural development.

PT Asuransi Jiwa IFG (IFG Life), part of the state-owned insurance holding IFG, has consistently managed and paid claims for restructured policies from the former PT Asuransi Jiwasraya over the past five years, ensuring timely and accurate fulfilment of customer rights. In 2026, the company will disburse over Rp7.5 trillion in claims to 94,793 former Jiwasraya customers, supported by a government capital injection of Rp26.56 trillion to maintain stability and ongoing obligations. This commitment underscores IFG Life's dedication to good governance, accessible services, and sustainable protection for policyholders amid Indonesia's efforts to restore trust in its insurance sector.

US Vice President J.D. Vance has revealed that President Donald Trump is seeking a comprehensive agreement with Iran, rather than a limited one, as part of a broader strategy amid a ceasefire that has held for nearly a week. The ongoing negotiations follow failed talks in Islamabad and aim to ensure Iran forgoes nuclear weapons in exchange for normal economic treatment, potentially bringing significant global benefits if successful. Despite mutual distrust, Vance expressed optimism for continued good-faith discussions, possibly resuming directly in Pakistan within days.

PT Jasa Marga, through Jasamarga Metropolitan Tollroad, has officially relocated the Sadang Lama toll gate operations to the new Sadang toll gate starting 15 April 2026 at 1:30 PM WIB, as part of enhancing services and supporting the Jakarta-Cikampek II South Toll Road construction in the Simpang Susun Sadang area. The new facility features modern infrastructure with four entry and four exit transaction lanes, accompanied by traffic engineering measures including detours, movable concrete barriers, and closure of unofficial access points to ensure safety and smooth flow. This transition underscores Jasa Marga's commitment to maintaining operational standards while advising motorists to follow on-site instructions during the adjustment period.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed lower by 52.37 points or 0.68% at 7,623.59 on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, following profit-taking after a recent rally, with the health sector experiencing the steepest decline of 2.81%. Despite the overall downturn, sectors like transportation surged 3.46%, and standout performers included PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO) which rose 5.84% to 6,800. Globally, S&P Global Ratings warned that prolonged Middle East conflicts could heighten Indonesia's debt vulnerability through higher energy costs, widened current account deficits, and potential interest rate hikes.

The internal meeting of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission II to review the initial draft of the Election Bill was abruptly cancelled on 13 April 2026, with no clear reason provided, delaying the substantive discussions on revisions to the election law. Commission member Ahmad Doli Kurnia highlighted the urgency of addressing several Constitutional Court rulings, including those on separating national and local elections, as the timeline for upcoming electoral preparations tightens. He warned against rushed legislative processes close to election stages, noting that the selection team for election organisers should have been formed by August or September this year.

The Indonesian government has revised the guidelines for determining the Benchmark Price of Minerals (HPM) for nickel and other commodities, effective 15 April 2026, to boost state revenues by incorporating additional elements like cobalt and iron into the pricing formula. Despite the increase, officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) assure that domestic nickel ore prices remain more competitive than those in rival producers such as the Philippines and New Caledonia. This adjustment aims to align national commodity values closer to international market rates while preserving the competitiveness of the downstream industry.

Deputy Interior Minister Akhmad Wiyagus urged regional governments in West Java to ensure that their budgets (APBD) are fully aligned with the Regional Government Work Plan (RKPD) to maintain consistency in development planning. He praised the province's 2025 economic growth of 5.32 per cent, exceeding the national average, but cautioned against complacency given the high open unemployment rate of 6.77 per cent, stressing the need for more inclusive growth. Wiyagus also highlighted support for national priorities like the formation of Red and White Village/Urban Ward Cooperatives and the acceleration of hygiene and sanitation certifications for food security programmes.

Ahmad Doli Kurnia, a Golkar faction member of the DPR's Commission II, expressed surprise over the sudden cancellation of a scheduled internal meeting with the DPR's Expert Body (BKD) to discuss the academic draft for revising the Election Law. The meeting, originally planned for Tuesday, 14 April, was postponed without explanation, leaving Doli uncertain about the reasons or rescheduling. Despite the cancellation, Doli requested and received the BKD's presentation materials, which outline analyses of Constitutional Court decisions necessitating the revision and compile public proposals on the matter.

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has announced preparations for a special "gift" for workers in anticipation of May Day 2026, amid concerns over layoffs affecting 8,389 individuals from the start of the year to March 2026. While details remain undisclosed, this initiative coincides with labour unions, led by KSPI President Said Iqbal, planning to highlight key demands including the ratification of a new Labour Bill, halting layoffs due to global conflicts and import policies, and protections for domestic workers and against workplace harassment. The announcements underscore ongoing efforts to address worker rights and economic pressures in Indonesia's labour sector.