Police in Jakarta's Tamansari district have uncovered that teenagers involved in a violent brawl not only wielded sharp weapons but were also consuming and distributing methamphetamine, known as sabu. During a raid on their hangout, authorities seized drug packets, dozens of bottles of alcoholic beverages, and large machetes, with one 18-year-old suspect admitting to selling smaller quantities to fellow youths to fuel their aggressive behaviour. This case highlights the interconnected issues of juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, and alcohol consumption, prompting a comprehensive police investigation into the supply network.

Indonesia aims to achieve mass production of electric sedans by 2028 as part of its broader strategy to develop the domestic electric vehicle industry, with President Prabowo Subianto emphasising the importance of this initiative. Toyota's Vice President Director highlights the need to prepare an extensive supply chain, focusing on key components like batteries and lithium, while also stressing the development of supporting infrastructure such as public charging stations and additional power generation capacity. The government plans to raise the domestic content requirement for electric vehicles to 60% to bolster the national industry and reduce import reliance.

International relations expert Andrea Abdul Rahman Azzqy views the planned direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon as an initial confidence-building measure amid ongoing conflict. She highlights the novelty of this direct communication channel, given the absence of diplomatic ties for over 30 years, but warns of significant challenges due to low trust in Israel and the heated situation in southern Lebanon. While the step offers hope for peace if accompanied by clear civilian protection mechanisms and real de-escalation guarantees, without them, the talks risk being merely symbolic.

In preparation for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, 680 prospective pilgrims from Bali have been vaccinated against polio and meningitis, with COVID-19 vaccination also mandated by the Ministry of Health. The vaccinations, based on Law No. 14 of 2025, began on 9 April and are targeted for completion by 15 April, with only 72 individuals still needing the COVID-19 shot. This health protocol underscores Indonesia's commitment to protecting pilgrims' well-being during their journey to the Holy Land, with departures scheduled from Surabaya in May.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government plans to construct two new flyovers by 2030 at Jalan Latumenten in West Jakarta and Bintaro Puspita to enhance traffic safety and flow at railway crossings, selected from seven proposed sites due to budget constraints. These structures aim to eliminate level and illegal rail crossings, which are accident-prone, with the Latumenten flyover spanning 440.86 meters on the west side and 439.23 meters on the east, while the Bintaro Puspita flyover will measure 441 meters to alleviate congestion. Meanwhile, PT KAI has closed 40 illegal rail crossings since 2023 to mitigate risks, underscoring the urgency of such infrastructure improvements for public safety.

A group of punk youth in Gunungkidul, known as Petani Punk Gunungkidul, has initiated organic farming practices without chemical fertilisers or pesticides to promote farmer regeneration and support the needy. Led by SiBagz, who returned to his hometown after years away, the community started with a small plot funded by pawning family land and has grown to 40 members cultivating rice and vegetables on borrowed land. Their efforts focus on educating young people about agriculture, using produce for community aid like providing iftar meals and rebuilding homes, rather than profit.

The Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) is developing an integrated oversight strategy to ensure accountability in village financial management by 2026, focusing on early prevention systems and improved governance from planning to reporting. Key challenges include harmonising regulations across ministries and strengthening the use of single data sources for development planning, with data integration seen as crucial for targeted government interventions. BPKP is leveraging technology like the Village Financial System (Siskeudes), used by 93% of villages, and developing Continuous Audit and Continuous Monitoring tools for real-time anomaly detection to enhance compliance and societal benefits.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia to negotiate supplies of crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Russia, following discussions with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the potential for long-term energy cooperation, including investments, to bolster Indonesia's national energy reserves through government-to-government and business-to-business schemes. This move underscores Indonesia's efforts to enhance energy security by diversifying sources from major global producers like Russia.

The Indonesian mining industry is advancing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and electrification technologies to meet global demands for carbon emission reductions, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices, aligning with national policies like the Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (ENDC) and Net Zero Emission (NZE) target by 2060. Supported by Presidential Regulations 55/2019 and 79/2023, the sector faces challenges such as charging infrastructure, technological adaptation, and high initial investments, yet benefits from Indonesia's rich nickel resources positioning it as a key player in the global EV supply chain. CNBC Indonesia's upcoming forum, EV Transition in Mining Industry Outlook 2026, will explore these opportunities and hurdles to foster collaboration towards a more efficient and sustainable mining future.

Manulife Asset Management Indonesia (MAMI) views Indonesia's fiscal space as still intact, even as the government holds fuel prices steady amid rising global oil prices, which supports consumer purchasing power and controls inflation but increases energy subsidy costs by approximately Rp103 trillion. This pressure is offset by budget efficiencies and reallocations totaling Rp259 trillion, maintaining adequate fiscal room. The firm notes that Middle East conflicts' impact on Indonesia's markets depends on oil supply disruptions' duration, with global growth projections remaining stable and limited pressure for aggressive monetary tightening.

Cambodia's retail fuel prices have continued to decline after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East, with the Ministry of Commerce announcing reductions effective from Wednesday. Regular petrol is now priced at 5,100 riel per litre, down 1.9 per cent, while diesel falls 7.24 per cent to 6,400 riel per litre, and LPG remains unchanged at 3,900 riel. Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that the government has been providing approximately US$50 million in monthly subsidies through tax and import duty reductions to mitigate the impact of global fuel price fluctuations.

Garuda Indonesia has announced comprehensive preparations for operating Hajj flights in 1447 H/2026 M, deploying 15 wide-body aircraft to serve over 102,000 pilgrims from 10 embarkation points starting 21 April 2026. The airline is emphasising safety, fleet reliability, and enhanced services for elderly pilgrims, who comprise 18% of the total, including mobility assistance and specialised facilities. This marks the first time Garuda will handle departures from Yogyakarta International Airport, underscoring its pivotal role in Indonesia's religious travel operations amid close collaboration with regulators.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has officially set the Reference Coal Prices (HBA) for the second period of April 2026, with all four categories experiencing uniform increases compared to the first period. Prices range from US$103.43 per ton for high-calorific coal to US$38.30 per ton for low-calorific varieties, reflecting positive market movements in the coal sector. This adjustment, outlined in Ministerial Decree No. 145/2026, underscores the strengthening of Indonesia's key export commodity amid global energy demands.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) emphasises that collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to improving safety at railway crossings, which are a significant risk point for accidents in Indonesia. The company highlights the severe consequences of such incidents, including loss of life, material damage, and disruptions to train operations. Meanwhile, the East Java provincial government has integrated safety enhancements into its medium-term development plan, allocating funds for 22 crossings under its jurisdiction, with most already guarded by KAI and the remainder equipped with gates and personnel.

In an exclusive interview, Cindy Crow from Aveva highlights that while AI promises significant efficiency gains for the oil and gas sector, the primary challenge lies in data governance, as poor data quality can lead to suboptimal results and misguided decisions. She emphasises that human factors, such as misuse and security vulnerabilities, pose greater risks than the technology itself, but AI tools can mitigate these if properly integrated. Looking ahead, AI adoption in the industry is expected to grow and become more embedded in operational processes, with Aveva offering tailored solutions like Aveva Connect and PI System.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has announced a total cash dividend of Rp52.1 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, equivalent to Rp346 per share, including an interim dividend already paid in January 2026. The recording date, determining eligibility for the remaining Rp31.47 trillion final dividend, is set for 22 April 2026. This distribution underscores BRI's strong financial performance, driven by its core UMKM segment and digital transformation, reflecting a commitment to optimal shareholder returns.

Hinca Panjaitan, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, argued before the Constitutional Court that providing suspects with receipts for police reports is merely an administrative measure for complainants and should not be extended to suspects at the initial stage. He emphasised that suspects have no administrative interest in the early recording phase and that sharing such receipts could jeopardise investigations by risking evidence tampering, witness coercion, or evasion of legal processes. This position underscores the balance between legal certainty for victims and the integrity of law enforcement procedures in Indonesia.

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is prioritising the security and safety of Indonesian pilgrims throughout their 2026 Hajj journey, from departure to return, aiming to improve services to 100% compared to previous years. Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf emphasised that the pilgrimage will proceed as scheduled in line with Saudi Arabian government regulations, provided no disruptions occur. While broader discussions on Hajj financing and regulations are urged to be studied transparently, the focus remains on ensuring the success of this inaugural Hajj under the new ministry, with the minister taking responsibility for any controversial proposals.

Indonesian modern retail executives are implementing gradual price increases to cushion the impact of surging producer prices on consumers, amid rising costs from raw materials across various sectors. Hippindo Chairman Budihardjo Iduansjah is negotiating with factories for special initial pricing to allow phased adjustments, highlighting pressures from electronics to household goods due to global factors like Middle East conflicts driving up oil prices. This strategy aims to preserve consumer purchasing power, with textile retail prices expected to rise by around 10% in the coming weeks.

The parents of a victim from the fatal fire at PT Terra Drone Indonesia's office expressed deep disappointment in court over the company's lack of responsiveness in providing compensation for their orphaned grandchildren. Mulyati, mother of the deceased Muchamad Apriyana, who had worked at the company for just eight months, struggled to contact the firm despite visiting their Bandung branch, highlighting the emotional and financial distress faced by affected families. The case, involving 22 deaths from the December 2025 blaze, is now in the trial phase at Jakarta Central District Court, with the company's lawyers claiming they have provided funeral assistance and varying compensation based on employment terms.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission IX, Irma Chaniago, has urged Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin to oversee hospital services for 11 million BPJS Health premium assistance recipients who were temporarily deactivated earlier this year, as reports indicate some citizens are still being denied care despite a ministerial circular. Irma criticised the lack of follow-through on the circular and called for solutions to ensure all citizens receive healthcare, while highlighting discrepancies between government assurances and hospital practices. The government has reactivated over 2 million participants, with the Minister reaffirming that all affected individuals should still access services during the reactivation process.

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled two concept vehicles under its IONIQ brand in Beijing, targeting China's vast electric vehicle market ahead of the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. The models embody a "Lead, don’t follow" philosophy with distinctive single-curve silhouettes and prioritise safety, world-class quality, and intelligent driving experiences tailored to Chinese consumers. This launch signals Hyundai's strategic recommitment to the competitive Chinese automotive sector, featuring planet-inspired naming for future IONIQ models and a human-centric approach to mobility.

The Indonesian government has launched a national recruitment drive for 5,476 positions to manage the Red and White Fishermen's Villages (KNMP), targeting graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and under 35 years old, with placements in state-owned enterprises under PT Agrinas Jaladri Nusantara on two-year contracts. The process is open, transparent, and free of charge, prioritising local candidates, and aims to support the completion of 1,300 such villages by year-end. Additionally, 30,000 positions for village cooperative managers under Agrinas Pangan Nusantara are available until April 2026, underscoring the government's push to bolster rural economies in fisheries and agriculture.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp17,143 per US dollar on 15 April 2026, raising concerns over potential inflation driven by higher import costs for essential goods like plastics, electronics, and agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and animal feed. This cost-push inflation, exacerbated by El Niño threats and rising energy prices, could increase prices for consumers, though exporters in commodities like tin, nickel, and crude palm oil stand to benefit from stronger dollar revenues. The government is urged to prioritise inflation control to mitigate these combined pressures on food prices and production costs.

The Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) has stressed the critical need to enhance the strategic role of government internal supervisory apparatus (APIP) in ensuring the success of regional development projects. Deputy Setya Nugraha highlighted that APIP leaders must effectively manage internal audits, align them with stakeholder expectations, and provide independent insights to support strategic decision-making by regional heads. This approach, including risk-based internal supervision, aims to improve public service quality, accountability, and transparency in addressing national development issues.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto delivered a public lecture and book discussion at Jambi University, emphasising that life should not be enslaved by material pursuits and must hold meaning, while sharing insights from his book Babad Desa on political education, bureaucratic dynamics, and leadership strategies. He urged young people to discover their identity early to shape their future careers and political involvement, criticising many regional leaders for being trapped in ceremonial activities that hinder effective programme implementation. Students appreciated the session for highlighting leadership challenges and the importance of hard work, discipline, and social interaction in overcoming them.

Nickel prices have climbed to their highest level in over two months, reaching US$18,323.88 per tonne on 15 April 2026, driven by Indonesia's new policies tightening nickel ore pricing and supply constraints in the HPAL sector. As the world's largest nickel producer, Indonesia's revisions to the Mineral Reference Price formula, incorporating additional elements and higher correction factors, are pushing up global production costs and supporting elevated benchmark prices amid steady demand from battery and stainless steel industries.

The Indonesian government has successfully delimited the land border with Malaysia on Sebatik Island, resulting in a net gain of 127.3 hectares for Indonesian territory, demonstrating the effectiveness of peaceful diplomacy in strengthening national sovereignty. This agreement transfers 127.3 hectares from Malaysia to Indonesia while only 4.9 hectares move the other way. The completion coincides with the operationalisation of border crossing posts (PLBN), which have boosted economic activity, recording over 2.4 million crossings and Rp13.5 trillion in trade, underscoring the government's commitment to secure and competitive border regions.

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is enhancing synergies among tourism polytechnics to produce superior and globally competitive human resources in the sector. Through a hybrid coordination meeting held in Jakarta from 8 to 10 April 2026, Deputy Minister Martini M. Paham emphasised comprehensive efforts including policy alignment, adaptive governance, and improved education, research, and community service. The initiative aims to foster innovation, reduce administrative barriers, and promote collaborations with industry and international partners like Swisscontact to drive impactful economic empowerment in tourism.

DPR Commission IX member Irma Chaniago from the NasDem faction has criticised Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin for claiming that 11 million inactive BPJS PBI participants are still receiving healthcare services for the past three months, urging him not to make unsubstantiated statements. She highlighted reports from constituents that hospitals are refusing treatment despite government circulars, and called for better monitoring to ensure access to public health services amid budget efficiencies. The dispute arises during a parliamentary working meeting, underscoring tensions over the government's role in protecting vulnerable populations' healthcare rights.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, has added approximately 25,000 new Keluarga Penerima Manfaat (KPM) for the second quarter of 2026 social assistance distribution, following a comprehensive update to the National Integrated Social Welfare Database (DTSEN). This update aims to enhance data accuracy, ensure aid reaches the truly deserving, and minimise errors, with 11,014 families removed due to no longer qualifying as poor or vulnerable. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to targeted and efficient social welfare programmes.

The United States is set to terminate sanctions waivers for Iranian oil shipments at sea this week, while quietly allowing similar exemptions for Russian oil to expire last weekend, as part of a full economic blockade on Iran's ports. This move, described as deploying the full "economic fury" against Tehran amid ongoing military campaigns and nuclear concerns, aims to sever Iran's oil exports, particularly to China, which purchases over 90% of its sanctioned supply. The policy escalation, including warnings to banks in China, Hong Kong, UAE, and Oman, and tightened controls in the Strait of Hormuz, underscores the Trump administration's maximum pressure strategy, potentially destabilising global energy markets.

The Indonesian Transport Society (MTI) has urged the government to integrate traffic safety education into school curricula to foster early awareness among children, highlighting the high incidence of road accidents involving young people and productive age groups. Citing successful implementation in Solo, Central Java, MTI emphasises the need for local governments to allocate budgets for such programmes, which could reduce accident rates and promote disciplined road users. Recent data from the National Police Traffic Corps shows a general upward trend in road accidents from 2020 to 2023, with a slight decline in 2024, underscoring the urgency of preventive education.

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry is accelerating the transformation of the national cement sector towards greater environmental sustainability by implementing a decarbonisation strategy based on five key pillars, prioritising emission reductions before carbon neutralisation. This approach addresses global challenges like urbanisation, decarbonisation, and digitalisation, while the sector demonstrates robust performance with 6.16% growth in 2025, Rp25 trillion in investments, and exports valued at US$1.79 billion, supporting infrastructure development and job creation. Achievements include surpassing 2025 targets with a clinker factor of 68.1%, thermal substitution rate of 12.58%, and specific emissions reduced to 566.3 kg CO2 per tonne of cement equivalent from 2010 baselines.

Rising production costs are forcing Indonesian garment factories to implement efficiency measures, including laying off around 30% of workers and reducing working hours, affecting thousands of employees across various regions. Industry leaders from the Ikatan Pengusaha Konveksi Berkarya (IPKB) emphasise that these steps are essential to sustain operations amid increasing pressures, without resorting to permanent redundancies. This situation highlights the challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises in maintaining competitive pricing in a tough market.

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Legislation Body (Baleg) has proposed creating a dedicated agency to manage national data through the Single Data Indonesia (SDI) Bill. This new body would handle data offices, custodians, producers, guardians, and users, aiming to establish national baseline data for development and foster an effective digital government that protects privacy and public information rights. The bill, comprising 130 articles across 16 chapters, covers data authority division, standards, protection, oversight, and public participation, distinct from the ongoing Statistics Bill.

The National Nutrition Agency estimates that implementing the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme in Bogor Regency will cost Rp 1 trillion monthly, based on 1,000 nutrition fulfilment service units (SPPG) each requiring Rp 1 billion. Allocations include 70% for raw materials, 20% for operations like staff salaries, and 10% for repaying community investments in infrastructure, with over 27,000 SPPG already operational nationwide through public-private partnerships totalling Rp 540 trillion. The agency plans to establish Nutrition Fulfilment Service Offices (KPPG) led by senior civil servants to oversee planning, supervision, and reporting of the programme.

Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has stated that durian exports from the Parigi Moutong transmigration area in Central Sulawesi could reach Rp1 trillion in 2026, driven by strong demand from China. In the first three months of 2026 alone, exports are projected to hit Rp400 billion, highlighting the economic impact of transmigration development. The Transmigration Minister plans to visit the site to witness shipments of tens of thousands of tonnes, with cooperation starting with frozen durian before expanding to fresh varieties.

Ahmad Doli Kurnia, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission II, has announced that the initial meeting to discuss amendments to the 2017 Election Law has been postponed indefinitely, originally scheduled for Tuesday. Despite the delay, he has requested key points from the House's Expert Body, covering analyses, responses to Constitutional Court decisions, and public inputs on the electoral system, though no draft academic paper or bill has been prepared yet. Doli urges party leaders and House officials to address the bill urgently to avoid rushed discussions close to the election timeline, emphasising the need for objective deliberation in this era of second-stage reform.

Hyundai Motors Indonesia's Chief Operating Officer, Fransiscus Soerjopranoto, has addressed concerns over the sharp decline in used Hyundai Ioniq 5 prices, which now range from Rp 350 million to Rp 500 million compared to the current new price starting at Rp 800 million. He argues that the depreciation of 30-35% is comparable to that of conventional petrol vehicles when benchmarked against the model's original launch price of Rp 750 million, indicating a competitive resale value. This reassurance comes amid growing interest in electric vehicles, with ecosystem factors like charging stations adding to the model's appeal.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) raided the homes of Ono Surono, Deputy Chairman of the West Java DPRD and PDIP chairman, in Bandung and Indramayu as part of an ongoing bribery investigation involving the dismissed Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang. Ono expressed respect for the legal process, denied receiving any funds personally or to his party, and urged the public to refer to court documents, noting his name is absent from the indictment. He clarified that seized cash belongs to his wife's arisan savings, as explained by his legal team, highlighting the intensifying scrutiny on political figures in corruption cases.

Indonesian police from the National Police's Special Economic Crimes Directorate raided five locations in North and West Jakarta, seizing tens of thousands of illegal imported mobile phones as part of efforts to combat smuggling. The operation follows direct orders from President Prabowo Subianto to military, police, and finance leaders to prevent smuggling that harms state finances, emphasising the role of law enforcement in safeguarding national wealth. Prabowo highlighted the government's success in recovering Rp 31.3 trillion in state funds within his first 1.5 years in office, underscoring the ongoing fight against economic leakages.

Global gold prices have exhibited unusual volatility in early 2026, following a sharp 65% surge in 2025 that set records above $4,500 per ounce, only to face significant corrections despite ongoing global uncertainties like Middle East tensions. As of April 2026, prices remain elevated at $4,600 to $4,800 per ounce, but the fluctuations challenge gold's traditional role as a safe-haven asset, particularly when high interest rates reduce its appeal as a non-yielding investment. This sensitivity to global factors raises questions among investors about whether the rally has ended or is merely pausing.

Cadres of the NasDem Party in North Sumatra protested at the party's regional office in Medan against a Tempo magazine article and cover depicting party leader Surya Paloh in a negative light, claiming it undermines his honour and falsely suggests the party is for sale or merger. Iskandar ST, the regional chairman, denied any such intentions, emphasising NasDem's commitment to President Prabowo's government while refusing cabinet positions out of respect, and highlighted Paloh's positive demeanour. Tempo's editor-in-chief apologised for the cover's impact but defended the reporting as verified journalism, urging disputes to be handled through the Press Council.

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has stated that the government is closely monitoring potential impacts on the labour sector due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has created global uncertainty. Business leaders, including Apindo's labour affairs chair Bob Azam, have highlighted disruptions to supply chains and raw material imports, potentially leading to production halts and layoffs, with 8,389 workers already affected since the start of the year up to March 2026. To counter these challenges, the government is emphasising vocational skills development through national training and internship programmes to enhance workforce resilience and align with broader strategies for food and energy security.

The rupiah closed weaker at Rp17,143 per US dollar on Wednesday, influenced by dominant external pressures despite optimism over potential US-Iran peace talks. While statements from US President Donald Trump suggesting upcoming negotiations in Pakistan have boosted market risk appetite and tempered dollar strength, uncertainty remains high, limiting significant rupiah appreciation. Domestically, Bank Indonesia is supporting the currency through pre-emptive interventions, strong foreign reserves of $148.3 billion, and coordinated fiscal prudence to maintain stability.

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that it has not yet conducted a specific study on a proposed moratorium for new alumina and aluminium smelters, amid concerns over depleting bauxite reserves. PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) highlighted that planned refinery projects could increase annual bauxite demand to 80-94 million tonnes, potentially reducing proven reserves to less than 10 years of supply, threatening the economic viability of existing investments like the Mempawah smelter. This issue underscores the need for balanced resource management to sustain Indonesia's downstream aluminium industry.

The Indo Intertex & Inatex 2026 exhibition has been officially launched in Jakarta, reinforcing its status as the premier textile and garment event in Southeast Asia, attended by key figures including the Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita and leaders from Indonesian textile associations. The event highlights the resilience of Indonesia's textile sector, which recorded 3.55% year-on-year growth in 2025, with exports reaching USD 12.08 billion and a surplus of USD 3.45 billion, amid global challenges like geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. Featuring innovations in sustainable machinery, eco-friendly products, and AI-driven solutions, the exhibition serves as a vital platform for business matching, fostering international partnerships and investments to bolster Indonesia's position in the global textile industry.

Indonesia's Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has ignited controversy by accusing numerous observers and analysts of producing inaccurate data that undermines public confidence in President Prabowo Subianto's administration, particularly on issues like fuel prices amid the Middle East energy crisis. Critics, including political researcher Yoes Kenawas, view these remarks as indicative of a growing governmental intolerance for dissent, exemplified by recent accusations of treason against a researcher and an acid attack on a rights advocate. While some supporters argue for the need for data-backed criticism, the debate underscores escalating tensions between the government and independent voices in Indonesia's democracy.

Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture and Head of the National Food Agency, Amran Sulaiman, has announced plans to bolster the role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including Bulog, to revive the national food sector and reduce reliance on imports for key commodities such as milk, meat, soybeans, and garlic. The government aims to involve SOEs not only as off-takers but also in direct production to address market anomalies, like importing sugar while domestic production goes unsold, which he attributes to mafia-like activities. Amran emphasised strict oversight, public reporting of violations, and severe penalties, with recent prosecutions in West Java and South Kalimantan serving as examples of the administration's firm stance against those harming the public.