The Legislation Body (Baleg) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has agreed to form a new special body to manage the Indonesia One Data (SDI) initiative via the Indonesia One Data Bill (RUU). This decision aims to address persistent data discrepancies between government agencies, which have caused issues in disaster response, social assistance programmes, and health services. The proposed body would oversee data coordination, including offices, data guardians, producers, and users, marking a significant step towards unified national data management.

Deputy Interior Minister Akhmad Wiyagus has stressed the need for stronger synergy between central and regional governments to position Lampung Province as a key driver of the national economy. Speaking at the Lampung Post Executive Forum, he highlighted Lampung's strategic role in national food security, particularly in supplying Jakarta, and called for optimal management of its potentials to enhance local welfare while aligning with national policies. Wiyagus also underscored the importance of improving human resources, commodity downstreaming, and maintaining governance integrity to ensure sustainable development.

The East Kalimantan Provincial Health Office is closely monitoring the operations of kitchens for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to ensure all facilities meet hygiene and sanitation standards. Initial operations are limited to 500 portions for testing, with gradual scaling up to 2,500-3,000 portions daily, prioritising food safety for high-risk children. To date, 196 kitchen units have been verified and granted operational permits through integrated oversight involving multiple agencies.

Police in East Java have dismantled an illegal operation distributing counterfeit Stabilisasi Pasokan dan Harga Pangan (SPHP) rice in Probolinggo, seizing 400 five-kilogramme sacks that were actually underweight and made from substandard grain. The perpetrators repackaged low-quality loose rice into official-looking SPHP bags, operating online for two years with monthly revenues in the tens of millions of rupiah, peaking before Idul Fitri for zakat fitrah needs. Bulog has clarified that the fake rice does not originate from their supplies, urging consumers to check for expiry dates and distribution permits to avoid such consumer protection violations.

A telecommunications tower collapse in Kembangan, Jakarta, which damaged two rental houses owned by the local RW 01 chairman, has been resolved amicably between the property owner and the tower provider, resulting in no legal charges. Police confirmed no public losses occurred, as the affected properties belong to the same individual, though permitting issues fall under city authority. The West Jakarta CKTRP department issued a warning after discovering the project lacked required building permits and community approvals.

Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, plans to boost its investments in the Middle East, particularly in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, despite ongoing conflicts, viewing it as a long-term opportunity. The fund, which aims to deploy around US$14 billion in 2026, will prioritise energy security to support AI growth and digital infrastructure, alongside critical minerals, amid potential prolonged impacts from regional tensions. Danantara is also forging partnerships with global sovereign funds like China Investment Corp and Qatar Investment Authority to enhance investment flows and economic ties, including with Russia.

In a Jakarta court trial, a police witness testified that the Terra Drone office, which suffered a deadly fire killing 22 employees, had only one exit, no fire alarms, and inadequate evacuation routes, trapping workers on upper floors. The CEO, Michael Wisnu Wardhana, faces charges of negligence under Indonesia's Criminal Code for failing to prevent and mitigate the blaze, which started from stored lithium batteries in a building lacking emergency stairs and proper fire extinguishers. This case underscores critical safety lapses in urban office buildings and potential corporate accountability in Indonesia's business sector.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has conducted a phased evacuation of 45 Indonesian citizens from Iran amid escalating Middle East conflicts, with the first group arriving safely in Jakarta on 14 April via Azerbaijan. The majority are students in Qom, alongside migrant workers and expatriates, and they are being handed over to provincial authorities for return to their home regions. This effort leaves 281 Indonesians still in Iran, with over 700 more in the Middle East awaiting repatriation, highlighting the ministry's ongoing commitment to citizen protection in volatile areas.

The Indonesian government has launched recruitment for 30,000 managers of the Merah Putih Village/Urban Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih), targeting graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.75 and aged under 35, with applications open until April 2026. Successful candidates will initially work under state-owned enterprise PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara on a two-year contract, after which they may transition to the cooperatives themselves. This initiative, coordinated by multiple ministries, aims to bolster rural economies and select top talent to drive national development, with 30,000 cooperative units slated for completion by mid-2026.

A pastry business owner in East Jakarta, Neneng, has achieved monthly revenues of around Rp16 million following financial and managerial support from the National Zakat Agency's (Baznas) Village Microfinance Programme (BMD). Starting from her cooking skills to bolster family economic stability, her venture "Dapoer Keitha Aneka Pastry" now offers diverse products like croissants and cheese pastries, demonstrating the programme's success in empowering micro-entrepreneurs. Baznas Secretary General Subhan Cholid highlighted the initiative's role in providing direct community access to capital and guidance, underscoring effective zakat management for productive outcomes and family welfare.

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) plans to revise the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) for 2025-2034, launched just last year, to make national electricity planning more adaptive to changing needs and regulations. Acting Director General of Electricity Tri Winarno stated that discussions are underway for necessary adjustments, emphasising the importance of flexibility in regulatory frameworks. The original RUPTL targets adding 69.5 GW of power generation capacity, with a significant focus on new and renewable energy sources at 42.6 GW, alongside energy storage and fossil fuel plants, underscoring Indonesia's push towards sustainable energy transition.

The Serang City Government in Banten province has recorded nearly 90 active Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) operating to accelerate the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, with the highest number in the province currently processing permits. Officials note that while 100 units are ideally needed to serve around 3,000 recipients per point, the focus remains on data synchronisation and coordination with central authorities for the remaining units. This effort aims to ensure even distribution of MBG logistics to target communities, amid evaluations of some units for hygiene and facility standards.

Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has disclosed anomalies in the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) participant data, revealing that even the wealthiest 10% of the population are receiving government-subsidised premiums, prompting a data cleanup effort in collaboration with BPS and other ministries. The government plans to reallocate subsidies from affluent groups to the bottom 50% of income earners, deactivating 11 million ineligible participants by January 2025 and reactivating over 300,000 for those with catastrophic illnesses. This initiative aims to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare funds and prevent future inaccuracies through integrated national socioeconomic data systems.

Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has highlighted anomalies in the BPJS Kesehatan PBI programme, revealing that 47,210 beneficiaries are inaccurately targeted, including wealthy individuals and even the ministry's Secretary General. He noted that among 35 million PBPU Pemda participants, 35 million are off-target, alongside 11 million in the PBPU-BP Class 3 category, based on BPS data consolidation. The government plans to redirect these benefits to more deserving recipients in lower income deciles, such as Desil 5, by removing those in the top 10% wealthiest bracket to enhance equity in national health coverage.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Yvonne Mewengkang, has clarified that all cooperation agreements with foreign entities, including the United States, are conducted within the framework of full Indonesian sovereignty and adhere to national procedures. This statement addresses reports of a proposed overflight clearance allowing unrestricted access for US military aircraft through Indonesian airspace, emphasising that such proposals are under careful review with national interests and the country's independent foreign policy as priorities. The ministry stressed that defence cooperation with the US focuses on broader mutual benefits and will not compromise Indonesia's sovereignty or active non-aligned stance amid global geopolitical dynamics.

The Student Mining Association at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) has apologised for the circulation of a 1980s song titled Erika, performed by their semi-dangdut orchestra, which has drawn public criticism for containing elements of harassment against women. ITB views the incident as an opportunity to reinforce campus culture emphasising ethics, respect for human dignity, and prevention of all forms of violence, including verbal sexual violence. In response, the university is conducting internal evaluations, removing related content, and expanding campaigns on student ethics, social media literacy, and violence prevention through dedicated task forces across its campuses.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VII insists that Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers operating in the country must comply with the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) regulations, as outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 79 of 2023. While acknowledging the potential for policy flexibility to attract investments, Deputy Chair Chusnunia warns that it could hinder local component industries and urges the government to enforce the 40% TKDN threshold for incentives. This stance aims to foster long-term industrial localisation, energy independence, and a sustainable EV ecosystem from upstream to downstream.

Supriadi, a convicted corrupt official involved in illegal mining, has been placed in isolation following a viral video showing him relaxing at a coffee shop with prison guards from Kendari Detention Centre. The incident occurred after a court hearing, leading to the transfer of the inmate to Kendari Prison and disciplinary action against the accompanying officers. This case highlights ongoing issues with prison oversight in Indonesia, stemming from Supriadi's original conviction for corruption that cost the state Rp233 billion through illicit mining permits.

Plastic prices in Baturaja, South Sumatra, have surged to double their previous levels due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East driving up global oil prices, significantly impacting local retailers and vendors. Traders report shortages alongside the price hikes, with specific items like polyethylene bags and straws seeing increases of up to 50%, exacerbating costs for small businesses. Local trade authorities have not yet monitored these developments, focusing instead on essential commodities, highlighting potential gaps in oversight of everyday goods affected by international market fluctuations.

Scammers are exploiting Indonesia's Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) system to deceive the public through threatening SMS and WhatsApp messages containing suspicious links and requests for personal data. Police from Korlantas Polri advise citizens to verify any such notifications directly with the National Traffic Management Centre (NTMC) and ignore demands for payments or information, as official procedures do not involve threats or unofficial transfers. This surge in fraud disguised as public services underscores the need for heightened vigilance to protect personal data and finances.

Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochammad Irfan Yusuf Hasyim, has warned citizens against travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj without an official visa, highlighting the risks of detention, fines, deportation, and a 10-year entry blacklist. Last year, around 1,000 Indonesians were detained or barred from entering due to using pilgrimage or work visas instead, with stricter checks expected this year. The ministry urges the public to support the official Hajj contingents to meet targets and avoid such violations.

The Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI) has expressed concerns over the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Indonesia and the United States, which could allow up to 100% foreign investment in the Indonesian media sector, potentially threatening national media sovereignty and the independence of reporting. During a meeting with Democratic Party lawmaker Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, IJTI emphasised the need for robust regulations to protect local media players and prevent foreign dominance in information flow, while highlighting the media's crucial role in democracy. The discussion also underscored the importance of digital literacy and policies that safeguard users from misinformation without stifling investment opportunities.

The Bandar Lampung City Government has distributed aid consisting of 10 kilograms of rice and Rp500,000 in cash to approximately 5,800 affected families across 13 districts following recent flooding. Deputy Mayor Eva Dwiana emphasised ensuring the aid reaches those truly impacted and offered long-term solutions like relocation to rental apartments for residents in flood-prone areas. The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall, resulted in one fatality but no injuries, highlighting the city's proactive response to urban vulnerability.

The KPK Supervisory Board has begun examining a complainant regarding alleged ethical breaches by KPK leadership following the switch of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas from detention to house arrest. Marselinus Edwin Hardhian, chairman of the Aliansi Rakyat untuk Keadilan dan Kesejahteraan, clarified the basis of his report, highlighting the lack of transparency in the announcement and the failure to disclose investigation outcomes. This case stems from a Rp 622 billion corruption scandal involving the 2023-2024 Hajj quota, underscoring ongoing concerns about accountability within Indonesia's anti-corruption agency.

The West Nusa Tenggara Attorney General's Office has stated that no suspects have been named in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving sponsorship funds for the Motocross Grand Prix (MXGP) event. Investigators are currently deepening their probe by gathering evidence and examining witnesses from third-party supporters, promoters, and a local government-owned sharia bank that provided sponsorship. The case stems from complaints by third parties who claim they have not received payments for collaborations worth billions of rupiah.

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) is partnering with the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services (Kemenimipas) to form a task force aimed at preventing illegal Hajj practices, particularly those involving travel without official visas. This collaboration seeks to enhance oversight at departure points like airports, educate pilgrims on legal requirements, and address legal and protection issues arising from unauthorised pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the National Police (Polri) is also intensifying efforts through its own Hajj task force to combat fraud, ensure security, and dismantle networks of rogue travel agencies, underscoring the government's commitment to safe and orderly Hajj operations.

India has quietly withdrawn its candidacy to host the COP33 climate conference, just 18 months after announcing its commitment and gaining BRICS support, citing the declining relevance of the COP forum amid global instability and unfulfilled funding promises from developed nations. Experts highlight a shift in priorities towards domestic climate actions, such as India's updated NDC targets for emission reductions and renewable energy expansion, while avoiding the financial and political burdens of hosting an event that may not yield equitable outcomes for the Global South. This pragmatic move underscores growing frustrations with multilateral climate efforts, exemplified by the US's repeated exits from the Paris Agreement, and India's focus on self-reliant sustainability initiatives.

Indonesia's Ministry of Health has identified that 55.4% of the population, or 88.14 million citizens, still receive state-subsidised BPJS Health contributions as of February 2026, but data improvements revealed that subsidies are being misallocated to around 10% of the wealthiest individuals. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced plans to reallocate funds from approximately 11 million inaccurately targeted participants, redirecting them to the poorest 50% to enhance equity in healthcare access. This initiative, involving collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs and BPJS Health, has already reactivated 2.1 million beneficiaries while deactivating 8.8 million others, urging financially capable individuals to voluntarily withdraw from the programme.

The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) of Indonesia has highlighted the rapid evolution of narcotics distribution methods, now including liquid forms and concealment in e-cigarettes, making detection increasingly challenging. BNN's Head, Commissioner General Suyudi Ario Seto, emphasised the need for strengthened regulations through collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), which pledged support based on scientific data. This comes amid proposals to regulate e-cigarettes in the Narcotics and Psychotropics Bill, following concerning lab findings on vape liquids and precedents from ASEAN neighbours banning them.

The IMF has lowered its forecast for Indonesia's economic growth to 5% in 2026, down from 5.1% previously, contributing to the rupiah's continued weakening beyond Rp17,000 per US dollar. This revision aligns with a broader global slowdown projected at 3.1% for 2026, exacerbated by the ongoing Middle East conflict and rising oil prices, while the World Bank also cut its estimate to 4.7%. Despite these pressures, the ADB maintains a more optimistic outlook of 5.2% growth, supported by strong domestic demand and infrastructure spending.

The Military Court II-08 in Jakarta has rejected all exceptions raised by the defendants and their legal team in the case involving the alleged murder of Mohamad Ilham Pradipta, a 37-year-old branch head of a state-owned bank in Cempaka Putih. The court affirmed its jurisdiction over the matter and ruled that combining the case files is appropriate, as the charges form a single chain of criminal events, promoting efficient and cost-effective justice. The trial will now proceed to the next stage, with court costs deferred until the final verdict.

The CEO of PT Terra Drone Indonesia, Michael Wishnu, has pledged to provide scholarships for the children of the 22 employees who perished in a devastating office fire on 9 December 2025, as announced during an ongoing court hearing in Jakarta. Wishnu also extended a formal apology to the victims' families, committing to improve communication and offer additional support where needed, marking the first direct expression of remorse from the company's management. This development comes amid the trial of the fire case at the Central Jakarta District Court, which began in March 2026 and highlights the profound impact of the tragedy on the company's community.

The Indonesian Industrial Estates Association (HKI) has opened a representative office in Shenzhen, China, as a strategic move to attract international investment into the country's industrial zones. HKI plans to expand with additional offices in key global economic hubs including Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia, building on collaborations with international partners and a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This initiative underscores Indonesia's strong appeal as an alternative investment destination amid global uncertainties, with 175 industrial estates currently approved, covering 98,235.5 hectares and achieving a 58.19% occupancy rate.

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has identified 16,103 individuals, including civil servants, military personnel, police, and state-owned enterprise employees, who are incorrectly listed on the negative list for JKN premium assistance recipients despite being ineligible due to their employment status. This discovery stems from field checks on 11 million deactivated JKN participant records to ensure subsidies target low-income groups in economic deciles 1 to 5. Additionally, BPS flagged 254,443 lower-decile individuals for deactivation due to medical or administrative reasons, such as death or switching to independent status, as part of efforts to refine the social welfare database for equitable distribution.

The Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has urged mining companies operating in Southeast Sulawesi to continuously improve their environmental management standards to safeguard ecosystems and local community welfare. During a working visit, Commission Chair Bambang Patijaya emphasised the critical role of environmental aspects within the ESG framework, committing to monitor compliance and recovery efforts. The initiative aims to ensure responsible operations that deliver long-term benefits, including job creation and economic multipliers, while praising companies demonstrating strong commitments.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron held a warm bilateral meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris, agreeing to bolster the strategic partnership between their nations. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in key sectors including energy, education, digital communications, and long-term economic investments. This encounter, building on their personal ties established during Prabowo's tenure as Defence Minister, marks a significant step in expanding collaboration amid evolving global geopolitical and economic dynamics.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita expressed optimism about the bright future of Indonesia's textile and textile products (TPT) sector, describing it as a 'sunrise' industry amid global complexities, supported by robust economic growth and government efforts to enhance competitiveness. In 2025, the TPT sector achieved 3.55% year-on-year growth, with exports reaching $12.08 billion and a surplus of $3.45 billion, alongside Rp20.23 trillion in realized investments absorbing nearly 4 million workers. Despite challenges like rising global raw material prices and supply chain disruptions, the minister emphasized the need for strong collaboration between government, associations, and businesses, highlighting the Indo Intertex-Inatex 2026 exhibition as a key platform for international partnerships and investments.

PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk (AALI), an Astra Group palm oil company, has budgeted Rp1.4 trillion for capital expenditure in 2026, marking a 79% increase from the previous year, with the majority allocated to plantation activities including replanting 8,000 hectares of palm oil to boost productivity. The company reported strong 2025 performance with net profit rising 28.2% to Rp1.5 trillion and revenue up 31% to Rp28.7 trillion, driven by increased CPO production and higher average selling prices amid tight global supplies. However, operational costs are rising due to geopolitical tensions affecting energy and fertiliser prices, prompting AALI to implement cost-efficiency strategies.

Dubai has imposed restrictions on foreign airlines, allowing only one daily flight to its airports until the end of May 2026, a measure stemming from the US-Israel-Iran conflict that threatens significant revenue losses for Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo, who had scheduled hundreds of flights for the period. The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has urged the Indian government to press Dubai authorities to lift the curbs, warning of potential reciprocal policies against Dubai-based airlines such as Emirates and flydubai if unmet. This comes amid existing financial pressures on Indian airlines from high fuel costs and longer routes due to airspace bans over Pakistan.

Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan has fulfilled his pledge by inaugurating a free workshop dedicated to online motorbike taxi (ojol) drivers at the Brimob headquarters in Pekanbaru, in collaboration with Honda's authorised dealer. The initiative, which provides light servicing and free oil changes daily, stems from community engagement during Ramadan and aims to strengthen ties between police and the public while enhancing security through ojol drivers' role as vigilant community eyes and ears. This programme underscores the police's commitment to supporting informal workers and leveraging their mobility for 24-hour reporting of incidents via the 110 hotline.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has warned the public to be cautious of unofficial visa offers like mujamalah visas, which are under Saudi Arabia's authority and carry high uncertainty compared to official quota-based hajj visas. He emphasised that Saudi Arabia is not issuing furoda visas this year, urging people not to fall for promises of quick departures via social media, which could lead to scams or illegal hajj practices. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with police, is forming a task force to prevent illegal hajj operations and non-procedural departures.

Despite a national survey indicating that 67% of companies are reluctant to hire new employees, Batam is experiencing a contrasting trend with robust investment inflows maintaining ample job opportunities, particularly in manufacturing and supporting industries. Local data from the Batam Manpower Office shows an increase in job seekers to 29,710 in 2025 from 24,690 in 2024, with 18,528 job vacancies available, though placements slightly declined due to heightened selectivity and competition. This resilience underscores Batam's competitiveness as a free trade and industrial zone, driven by its proximity to international markets and calls for balanced regulations to sustain labour-intensive investments.

Bambang Soesatyo, a prominent Indonesian legislator and head of the ARDINDO business association, has called for stronger collaboration between the government procurement agency LKPP and the private sector to enhance governance in public procurement, which exceeds Rp1,200 trillion annually and offers significant opportunities for local businesses and SMEs. Emphasising digitalisation, he highlighted the success of e-procurement systems like the national e-catalogue, which surpassed Rp500 trillion in transactions by 2025, and advocated for a fully paperless, inclusive, and competitive ecosystem. This synergy aims to drive national economic growth through efficient, modern procurement practices integrated with platforms like ARDINDO's Ardindo Apps.

Rising aviation fuel (avtur) prices have prompted airlines to request additional funding of around Rp7 million per pilgrim from Garuda Indonesia and US$485 (approximately Rp8.31 million) from Saudia Airlines, totaling Rp1.77 trillion to cover Hajj flight costs for 2026. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf Hasyim (Gus Irfan) reported this to President Prabowo Subianto, who committed to not burdening pilgrims with the increase and instead providing government subsidies, aligning with the decision to reduce Hajj costs by Rp2 million this year. This intervention highlights the government's efforts to maintain affordability for Indonesian pilgrims amid volatile fuel prices, potentially easing the subsidy burden as avtur costs have since declined.

A Tempo Data Science survey reveals that only 20.4% of Indonesians are aware of the Indonesian National Police's (Polri) role in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, though nearly 40% of those informed rate their performance positively. This indicates growing appreciation for Polri's contributions to social initiatives beyond core duties, but highlights the need for enhanced public communication to broaden recognition. The public continues to view Polri primarily as the key institution for maintaining security and upholding the law, which underpins public trust.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has introduced a mandatory Nutri-Level labelling system for ready-to-eat food products, particularly sweetened beverages, to promote healthier consumption patterns among the public. This regulation, outlined in Ministerial Decree HK.01.07/MENKES/301/2026, categorises processed foods from A (healthiest, dark green) to D (least healthy, red) based on sugar, salt, and fat content, aiming to educate consumers and curb non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes. The move addresses rising healthcare costs, with BPJS expenditures for related conditions such as kidney failure surging over 400% to Rp13.38 trillion in 2025 from Rp2.32 trillion in 2019.

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has highlighted the crucial role of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) in accelerating the construction of kitchens for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, as demonstrated during the inauguration of a facility in Bogor Regency. With a 2025 budget of approximately Rp6 trillion for these Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) kitchens, government efforts alone would be insufficient without private sector involvement, which not only boosts nutrition but also stimulates local economies by sourcing ingredients from farmers, herders, fishermen, and SMEs while creating jobs. Kadin Bogor Regency has pledged full support, viewing the initiative as a strategic move to enhance community welfare and regional economic resilience through public-private collaboration.

Alfan Harvi Putra, a 24-year-old from Malang, Indonesia, won an international scientific writing competition but was arrested upon receiving the prize package, which contained synthetic cathinone, a class I narcotic. Unaware of its illegality, Alfan accepted the delivery, leading to charges under Indonesia's Narcotics Law and other statutes for possession and failure to report. The case highlights the risks of unregulated online contests and underscores the strict enforcement of drug laws in Indonesia.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp 17,143 per US dollar on Wednesday, pressured by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following the US's naval blockade against Iran. This blockade, aimed at forcing Iran back to negotiations, risks disrupting global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of the world's oil. The IMF's downward revision of economic projections has compounded the strain on the rupiah amid these international uncertainties.

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Legislation Body (Baleg) has agreed to the formation of the Indonesia One Data Agency (BSDI) within the draft Single Data Indonesia (SDI) Bill, positioning it as the national data guardian responsible for managing the national data governance system. BSDI will oversee centralised, planned, and integrated data management, ensuring standards for data, metadata, and reference codes while prioritising security, confidentiality, and respect for data producers' authority. This initiative is expected to provide primary references for national development planning, with the agency operating in a coordinative, normative, and facilitative manner.