Gold prices at Pegadaian rose on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, with UBS gold increasing to Rp 2,934,000 per gram, up Rp 47,000 from Rp 2,887,000 per gram on Monday, 6 April 2026. Both UBS and Galeri 24 gold products are available in various sizes starting from 0.5 grams, catering to diverse investment needs. This upward trend reflects ongoing market dynamics in precious metals investment in Indonesia.

Three families of victims from the deadly fire at PT Terra Drone Indonesia's office have refused to testify in the trial of the company's CEO, Michael Wisnu Wardhana, citing their desire to move on from the traumatic event and having settled the matter amicably with the company. The fire, which killed 22 employees on 9 December 2025, was allegedly caused by negligence including the absence of fire detection sensors, emergency stairs, evacuation routes, and adequate fire extinguishers. Michael Wisnu is charged under Articles 474(3) and 188 of Indonesia's Criminal Code for failing to prevent and mitigate the blaze, highlighting critical lapses in workplace safety regulations.

Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has responded to Perum Bulog's proposal to raise the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) for the affordable cooking oil brand Minyakita from 35% to 65%, stating that the current level serves as a minimum threshold but increases are possible if supply readiness from businesses is ensured. This adjustment aims to bolster domestic supplies, particularly for food aid programmes reaching 33 million beneficiaries, potentially increasing Bulog's monthly allocation from 40,000-45,000 kilolitres to 60,000-70,000 kilolitres. The government is facilitating coordination between producers and state-owned food enterprises to optimise distribution and maintain cooking oil price stability, though no final decision has been made as inter-ministerial discussions continue.

The Indonesian government under President Prabowo Subianto has successfully reduced the cost of Hajj pilgrimage for 2026 by Rp 7 million compared to the previous period, with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah aiming to make it as affordable as possible. For 2025, the cost has been lowered from Rp 94 million to Rp 89 million, with pilgrims paying Rp 54 million directly and the remaining Rp 33 million managed as benefits by BPKH. Officials highlighted the Rp 18 trillion Hajj budget, noting the need to mitigate rupiah depreciation impacts given payments in riyal, dollars, and rupiah.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior political figures have voiced strong support for Pope Leo XIV following sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump over the Pope's opposition to US policies towards Iran. Pezeshkian condemned Trump's remarks as disrespectful to the Pope and Jesus, emphasising the unacceptability of such insults to figures of peace and brotherhood. Pope Leo, while avoiding public confrontation, reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for peace and de-escalation amid rising tensions, highlighting the global significance of religious leaders challenging aggressive foreign policies.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives, My Esti Wijayanti, has called on Universitas Indonesia to impose severe sanctions on 16 law faculty students accused of sexual harassment in a private chat group and to pursue criminal charges under the 2022 Sexual Violence Crime Law (UU TPKS). The case, which has affected over 20 female students and seven lecturers since 2025, involves electronic-based sexual violence that could result in up to six years in prison and fines of up to Rp300 million. This push for legal intervention aims to deter future incidents and ensure justice in academic environments, highlighting the irony of law students perpetrating such acts.

The UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri, disclosed that the UAE has faced approximately 2,850 missile and drone attacks from Iran since late February 2026, with 96% successfully intercepted by its air defence systems, allowing normal activities to continue amid the escalating Middle East conflict. He emphasised that the UAE did not initiate the aggression and has worked to prevent war, but Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz threatens global food security and oil supplies, as 20% of the world's oil and 70% of regional fertiliser pass through it. This situation underscores the vulnerability of the global economy to regional tensions, impacting energy prices and trade worldwide.

Former PT Pertamina Patra Niaga director Maya Kusmaya has submitted an appeal memorandum against the district court ruling in the oil governance case, alleging procedural errors and improper consideration of evidence. Her legal team argues there was no malicious intent, no special treatment in procurement, and no actual state financial loss, highlighting that non-subsidised diesel sales generated significant profits for the company in 2022 and 2023. Maya was sentenced to nine years in prison and a Rp1 billion fine on 26 February, and this appeal underscores ongoing disputes over corporate governance in Indonesia's energy sector.

The Indonesian Navy's latest Hydro-Oceanographic Survey Ship, KRI Canopus-936, has successfully traversed the South Atlantic Ocean, covering 2,600 nautical miles from Nigeria to Cape Town, South Africa, without significant issues. The vessel docked in Cape Town on Monday for a three-day maritime diplomacy mission, warmly welcomed by Indonesian consular officials, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties between Indonesia and South Africa. This achievement highlights the Indonesian Navy's active role in international diplomacy and its operational capabilities during the ship's journey back to Indonesia from Germany.

A video has gone viral showing Supriadi, a convict in an illegal mining corruption case, at a coffee shop in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, accompanied by detention officers after attending a judicial review hearing. The Kendari Detention Centre has clarified that the outing followed standard procedures for escorted court appearances but is investigating the officers for potential procedural violations, vowing strict sanctions if any are found. This incident highlights concerns over the supervision of high-profile inmates in Indonesia's correctional system.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), PT Solusi Sinergi Digital (Surge), and Huawei have signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate the adoption of 5G and AI technologies across Indonesia's railway system. The collaboration focuses on ICT infrastructure, 5G FRMCS networks for enhanced safety and efficiency, and AI-based detection for freight wagons, with a pilot project on the Rangkasbitung–Tanah Abang line. This partnership is poised to transform railway operations through real-time communication, intelligent scheduling, and predictive maintenance, marking a significant leap in Indonesia's transportation infrastructure.

In the first quarter of 2026, corporate debt issuance in Indonesia reached Rp59.4 trillion, a 26.97% increase from the previous year, with sukuk contributing Rp11.4 trillion amid global uncertainties. Pefindo's Head of Economic Research highlights that favourable interest rates make sukuk and other bonds a more cost-effective alternative to bank financing, offering stable returns that attract investors seeking measured risks. Despite potential rises in yields due to geopolitical tensions, strong financing needs and investor interest are expected to sustain sukuk's appeal throughout the year.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has relieved Kalisari Sub-District Head Siti Nurhasanah of her duties following a complaint where an AI-generated image was used in the response via the JAKI app, but emphasised that this is a disciplinary measure rather than dismissal to preserve her career. Three PPSU field officers involved received written warnings and were summoned for the incident, which stemmed from a report on illegal parking and has drawn criticism for undermining public trust in government services. Pramono hopes the training will enable her to return to work more effectively, highlighting the intolerance for actions that tarnish public service integrity.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has urged Public Facilities and Infrastructure Handling Officers (PPSU) to perform their duties professionally in the field rather than merely pleasing superiors, following a townhall meeting aimed at improving their performance. He specifically addressed the issue of falsified complaint resolutions in the JAKI system using AI-generated images, vowing that such incidents will not recur and calling for enhanced transparency in complaint handling. Pramono also expressed appreciation for overall improvements in Jakarta's global city index, safety, and transportation infrastructure over the past year.

A case involving 16 students from the Faculty of Law at Universitas Indonesia (UI) who admitted to online sexual harassment of 27 victims via WhatsApp and LINE groups has drawn public attention, with the perpetrators facing penalties under Indonesia's Sexual Violence Crime Law (UU TPKS), including up to nine months' imprisonment and fines of Rp10 million for non-physical harassment, and up to four years' jail and Rp200 million fines for electronic-based sexual violence. The Minister of Education, Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has coordinated with UI to ensure victim protection and monitoring of the case, emphasising that universities must be safe and dignified spaces. This incident underscores the enforcement of regulations like Ministerial Regulation No. 55 of 2024 on preventing violence in higher education institutions, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing sexual violence through legal and institutional measures.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Irfan Yusuf has received reports that visas for several dozen hajj officials, numbering around 325, have not been issued or have been cancelled ahead of the late April departure. He described the issue as purely technical, stemming from unclear data entry or non-standard passport photos during processing. The ministry is actively investigating and working to resolve the problem to ensure the officials can depart on schedule.

The Solo City Government has identified the lack of embankments along the Jenes River as a primary cause of flooding that affected nine neighbourhoods, including Tipes in Serengan. Secretary Budi Murtono noted that homes in these low-lying areas were inundated up to knee or chest height, though the waters have begun to recede. The administration plans to coordinate with the Bengawan Solo River Basin Authority to address ongoing flood mitigation efforts in these tributaries.

The South Kalimantan Public Works and Spatial Planning Department (PUPR) has established a Water Resources Council team to tackle issues such as flooding, drought, environmental degradation, land use conversion, and river pollution, which affect multiple regions across districts, cities, and even provinces. This initiative aligns with Law No. 17 of 2019 on Water Resources, aiming to enhance cross-sectoral coordination and form an active council membership for more effective management. Although originally formed in 2014, the council faced a vacancy, prompting this revival with representatives from various provincial agencies to ensure integrated and sustainable water resource governance, including the development of a Water Resilience Index.

Indonesia's MPR Deputy Chairman Eddy Soeparno has expressed optimism that the country's energy challenges are entering a safer phase following President Prabowo Subianto's diplomatic meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which paved the way for securing supplies of crude oil and gas. This development is seen as a positive step amid global energy disruptions that have created a sellers' market, reducing risks to domestic fuel availability for transportation and households. The government's commitment to maintaining affordable subsidised fuel prices further supports public purchasing power, while the bilateral agreements aim to enhance cooperation in energy, economy, agriculture, and other sectors.

A viral Facebook post by a user named Amel Fitria accused the Tarumajaya Health Centre in Bekasi of providing inappropriate eye medication for her shortness of breath and using Google for diagnosis instead of proper medical examination. The health centre's head, Salim Jindan, denied the claims, stating that no patient records exist for Amel Fitria and she has never visited the facility. He emphasised the availability of official complaint channels and clarified that computer use is part of the mandatory electronic medical records system, highlighting ongoing challenges in public health service accountability in Indonesia.

Goldman Sachs analysis reveals that workers displaced by artificial intelligence (AI) face significant long-term economic hardships, including a 3% average wage reduction upon re-employment and slower real income growth over the subsequent decade compared to those unaffected by technological displacement. The study, based on 40 years of labour market data, indicates that these workers also endure prolonged unemployment periods—about one month longer to find new jobs—and a higher risk of shifting to lower-skilled roles with diminished analytical and interpersonal demands. This underscores the broader implications of AI adoption for workforce productivity and inequality, potentially exacerbating challenges during economic downturns.

The Indonesian government has introduced a new formula for the Mineral Reference Price (HPM) for nickel ore, effective from 15 April 2026, which could increase the reference price by up to 140% by incorporating factors like cobalt, iron, and chromium alongside nickel content. This reform, amid global market pressures from oversupply and weak battery demand, signals Indonesia's active role in balancing supply and pricing, leading to an immediate uptick in London Metal Exchange nickel prices. However, the industry faces challenges including rising production costs from higher sulphur prices, imbalanced demand between stainless steel and batteries, and supply chain risks due to sulphur imports.

Indonesia and France have agreed to enhance defence industry cooperation, including procurement of equipment, following a meeting between Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The leaders also committed to collaboration on energy transition and renewable energy development, amid Indonesia's broader diplomatic engagements with powers like the US, Russia, and others to secure oil supplies and modernise its military. This move underscores Indonesia's non-aligned yet proactive foreign policy, balancing ties with major global players while addressing strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a military court hearing in Jakarta, Major (Chk) Wasinton Marpaung, the military prosecutor from Oditurat Militer II-07, rejected the defence's request to split the case files of three defendants accused in the alleged kidnapping and murder of a bank branch head, MIP. He argued that splitting is a discretionary power of the prosecutor solely for proof purposes and not a right of the defendants, and that combining the files ensures efficient, comprehensive evidence presentation while upholding principles of simple, swift, and cost-effective justice. This decision underscores the military justice system's emphasis on procedural consistency to avoid conflicting verdicts and maintain legal certainty in complex criminal cases.

Gold prices in Indonesia experienced an uptick on 15 April 2026, with Antam gold recording increases of up to Rp30,000 per gram across various weights, as reported on the official Logam Mulia website. Similarly, Pegadaian's gold products, including Galeri24, Antam, and UBS, saw rises of 1% to 1.58%, reflecting broader market fluctuations that investors and the public closely monitor for investment decisions. These movements underscore gold's role as a stable asset in the economy, though prices exclude a 0.25% PPh tax.

In a disturbing incident at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law (FH UI), 16 male students apologised directly to 27 victims, including fellow students and female lecturers, after alleged sexual harassment in a group chat featuring degrading comments. Dean Parulian Paidi Aritonang affirmed that the faculty is thoroughly investigating the matter with caution and fairness. Deputy Chairman of DPR RI Commission III Ahmad Sahroni expressed dismay, urging severe sanctions and highlighting the peril to Indonesia's legal profession if future lawyers exhibit such behaviour, potentially undermining the implementation of sexual violence laws.

The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) rose 0.44% to 7,709.57 in the morning session on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, rebounding from earlier dips despite fluctuations between 7,645 and 7,765. The transportation sector led gains at 3.43%, followed by industrials and basic materials, while financials and cyclical consumer sectors lagged; analysts project the index to trade between 7,700 and 7,800. Top performers in the LQ45 included AADI up 6.31% to 10,950, MDKA up 6.23% to 3,410, and INCO up 6.23% to 6,825, with trading volume reaching Rp13.64 trillion.

Indonesia has entered a 'safe zone' for energy security following the government's success in securing crude oil and LPG supplies from Russia, according to MPR Deputy Chairman Eddy Soeparno. He praised President Prabowo Subianto's energy diplomacy amid global market instability, ensuring that domestic needs for vehicles, ships, and trains are met without disruption. While supplies from traditional importers like Singapore and Malaysia remain stable, the key risk lies in potential shortages in their crude oil processing.

The Ministry of Tourism reports that the significant movement of domestic tourists during this year's Eid holiday has stimulated the economy and tourism sector in various regions, with an estimated 147.55 million people traveling, surpassing predictions by 2.53 percent. Hotel occupancy rates rose notably in key destinations such as East Java, Yogyakarta, Central Java, Bali, and Serang, while average tourist spending per family was estimated at Rp3.78 million, slightly down from the previous year but contributing to an optimistic economic injection of Rp148-190 trillion. This resilience in domestic tourism signals strong potential for inclusive growth, prompting the ministry to enhance synergies with stakeholders to improve services and accessibility year-round.

Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarti, has emphasised the strategic importance of vocational education in producing skilled and adaptable graduates ready to meet industrial transformation challenges. Speaking at the Open House event for Jakarta State Polytechnic (PNJ), she highlighted the need for balanced theoretical and practical training, alongside stronger collaborations between universities and industries to enhance graduate competitiveness. The event featured insights from alumni and professionals, MoU signings with strategic partners, and introductions to industry-linked classes, underscoring PNJ's commitment to aligning education with workforce needs.

Pope Leo XIV has issued a powerful condemnation of the ongoing US and Israel-led war against Iran, urging global leaders to end the conflict that lacks UN consensus, US congressional approval, and clear justification. He rejects attempts to frame the war as a holy crusade, emphasising that God opposes violence and that such aggression threatens innocent lives and entire civilisations, drawing parallels to historical atrocities like the Mongol invasions. In response to Trump's threats to eradicate Iranian civilisation and personal attacks on the Pope, Leo XIV calls on the world's 1.4 billion Catholics and humanity at large to advocate for peace, highlighting his role as a moral beacon transcending religious and national boundaries.

Indonesian National Police (Polri) has formed a Hajj Task Force in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to combat illegal Hajj practices and fraudulent travel agencies, aiming to protect prospective pilgrims from scams. The task force will coordinate with relevant agencies including the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Immigration, and Saudi authorities to enforce laws against violations such as unauthorised departures, misuse of visas, and fund misappropriation. This initiative, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, underscores efforts to ensure the safety and orderliness of Hajj worship through layered supervision and stringent penalties for offenders.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Services Yusril Ihza Mahendra has highlighted the revision of the Election Law, included in the 2026 National Legislation Priority Programme, as a crucial chance for comprehensive electoral reform. Speaking at a public lecture at Udayana University in Bali, he advocated for a coherent, long-term legal framework that upholds principles such as popular sovereignty, legal certainty, meaningful public participation, human rights respect, and adaptation to digital democracy challenges, while balancing political representation with governmental effectiveness. Yusril emphasised that elections are fundamental to state life, addressing issues of power legitimacy and restraint, and urged academics and students to actively safeguard Indonesia's democratic quality for future generations.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) advises central banks, including Bank Indonesia and the US Federal Reserve, against hastily raising interest rates in response to potential inflationary pressures from the US-Iran conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz. IMF Economic Counsellor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas suggests alternative measures like preventing wage-price spirals and diversifying energy sources to mitigate risks, drawing lessons from the 1970s stagflation era. In worst-case scenarios, global growth could drop to 2% with inflation exceeding 6%, underscoring the importance of vigilant but measured monetary policy actions.

SMPN 3 Jetis in Bantul has suspended the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme following an incident where 75 students and 30 teachers suffered symptoms of food poisoning, suspected to be from the chicken in the menu. Most affected individuals have recovered and resumed classes, while distribution by the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) has been halted pending laboratory test results on food samples. Local health and government officials are investigating, highlighting concerns over the safety of government-funded school meal initiatives aimed at improving child nutrition.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung is set to inaugurate several officials within the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government on Wednesday, including the replacement of a mayor, though he declined to specify the individuals involved. The Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) has scrutinised bureaucratic challenges in South Jakarta, particularly inter-agency egoism among sub-district offices that hampers government performance, during a fitness test led by DPRD Chairman Khoirudin. Concerns were raised about the new South Jakarta leader Syafrin's ability to coordinate across agencies, control civil servants effectively, and expedite the completion of social and public facilities amid loyalty issues to departmental heads.

Attorney General Sanitiar (ST) Burhanuddin opened the National Congress of the Indonesian Prosecutors' Association (Persaja), urging prosecutors to offer constructive input to the government rather than remaining passive in the face of future challenges. He emphasised the need for the Prosecutor's Office to transform its law enforcement approach into a more humane and dynamic system, aligning with national solidarity and strengthening institutional integrity. The event's theme, 'Persaja as the Epicentre of Strengthening the Prosecution in Safeguarding National Solidarity Sovereignty', underscores the strategic role of the prosecutors' professional organisation in nation-building.

The Bengkulu branch of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Hipmi) has endorsed Ade Jona Prasetyo as a candidate for the national chairman position, citing his vision to strengthen Hipmi as an economic power network to foster growth among young entrepreneurs. This support, gathered from regional aspirations, emphasises enhanced connectivity, access, and collaboration among business actors. As the 2026 National Conference approaches, such regional endorsements highlight the growing focus on strategic directions for young entrepreneurs' role in Indonesia's national economy.

A report by the US PIRG Education Fund ranks smartphone brands on repairability, highlighting that modern devices like iPhones and Samsung Galaxies are difficult and expensive to fix due to integrated designs and restrictive policies, contrasting with durable older models like Nokia. Apple scores the lowest, particularly in software support and component pairing that hinders independent repairs, while European regulations on the "right to repair" are pushing for greater consumer access to technical information and parts. This trend underscores the growing push for policies that extend device lifespans and reduce e-waste amid increasing repair challenges.

The Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy (Kemenekraf) is seeking strategic partnerships with the United States to bolster the national creative economy ecosystem through market access, knowledge transfer, and talent development. Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya highlighted the potential of leveraging Hollywood's influence and innovative applications of Indonesian cultural heritage, while identifying key creative industry special economic zones like KEK Singasari and Nongsa Digital Park as hubs for global collaboration and investment attraction. The initiative, supported by the Indonesian Embassy in the US, aims to culminate in the World Conference on Creative Economy in October 2026, fostering exports in sectors such as applications, crafts, and culinary products to create jobs and elevate Indonesian creatives on the global stage.

The East Kalimantan provincial government is expanding its Sekolah Garuda Transformasi programme to four selected senior high schools to accelerate equitable access to international-standard education across the region. Pioneered by SMA Negeri 10 Samarinda since 2025, the initiative has already boosted student competitiveness, with 30 pupils securing acceptances to overseas universities this year compared to just four previously. Supported by comprehensive teacher training and intensive mentoring, the programme aligns with national policies from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to produce globally competent graduates rooted in national character.

The Indonesian Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM projects first-quarter 2026 investment realisation to reach Rp 497 trillion, a 6.9% increase from the previous year, creating 627,000 new jobs amid global uncertainties. Downstreaming programmes and economic diplomacy under President Prabowo Subianto are key drivers, with major contributions from sectors like basic metals and logistics, and regions such as Jakarta and West Java. This growth underscores Indonesia's appeal to foreign investors from Singapore, China, and others, bolstered by political stability and a conducive investment climate.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has interrogated 11 witnesses in the case of alleged extortion and gratification involving suspended Madiun Mayor Maidi, focusing on his methods of coercing businessmen to contribute corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. The examination, conducted at the Madiun City Finance Office, also probed other potential gifts to the mayor, with KPK having seized Rp 550 million in cash. Maidi, along with Madiun Regency Regent Maidi—potentially the same individual—and two others, face charges related to demanding fees from business permits in the area, highlighting ongoing issues of corruption in local governance.

A delegation from Selangor, Malaysia's KDEB Waste Management visited Banyumas Regency in Central Java to study its community-based waste management system, recognised as one of Indonesia's best models for decentralised processing at the village level. The discussions focused on potential collaborations including technology transfer for waste processing machines, drafting an MoU for formal ties, and business-to-business investment opportunities in producing items like waste pallets and recycled plastic products for export to Malaysia. Banyumas Regent Sadewo Tri Lastiono highlighted the regency's transformation from a severe 2018 waste crisis to a 'Zero Waste to Money' approach that generates economic value from waste, emphasising sustainable and profitable management over mere disposal.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has dismissed claims that Indonesia's textile and textile products (TPT) sector is a sunset industry, attributing such narratives to tactics aimed at flooding the domestic market with imports since the Jokowi era. He highlighted the sector's robust performance in 2025, with 3.55% growth, exports of USD12.08 billion, and a USD3.45 billion surplus, alongside attracting Rp20.23 trillion in investments and employing 3.96 million workers. Despite challenges like rising raw material costs and global supply disruptions, the government is committed to adaptive policies and collaborations to ensure the sector's continued vitality as a sunrise industry.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that escalating conflict in the Middle East, including a US-led war with Iran, poses severe risks to the global economy, potentially triggering a recession and renewed inflation. Global growth is now projected to slow to 3.1% in 2026 from 3.4% in 2025, with developing nations facing the brunt of energy price surges that have pushed oil above $100 per barrel. This downturn threatens to erode consumer purchasing power, raise production costs across sectors, and force central banks to hike interest rates amid projections of oil prices rising 21.4% this year.

Avantor India has expanded its strategic collaboration with Parafilm to distribute Parafilm M, a versatile sealing film, through its network, enhancing lab safety and contamination prevention in research and industrial settings. This move strengthens Avantor’s portfolio of laboratory consumables amid India’s growing scientific ecosystem, particularly its pharmaceutical sector, which ranks third globally by volume. The partnership offers customers reliable supply, expert guidance, and streamlined procurement, supporting efficient workflows in the life sciences and advanced technology industries.

The Deputy Chairman of Indonesia's MPR, Eddy Soeparno, met with the UAE Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdullah Salem Al Dhaheri, to discuss Indonesia's zero emissions programmes and ambitious projects aimed at achieving sustainability targets by 2029. The UAE expressed strong support for these initiatives, particularly in renewable energy sectors like the Cirata project, highlighting opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation. The meeting also covered the current stable security situation in the UAE and broader economic ties amid regional developments in the Middle East.

The surge in plastic prices, exceeding 50% due to global energy supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, is threatening agricultural productivity and food security in Indonesia by increasing costs for essential inputs like mulching films and irrigation pipes. While plastics have revolutionised modern farming by enhancing water management, temperature control, and weed suppression, their heavy reliance exposes vulnerabilities in supply chains and ecological harm through microplastic pollution in soil. This crisis presents a green opportunity to rethink sustainable farming practices that align more closely with natural soil functions, potentially reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based materials.

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) aims to elevate its status to KBMI IV by increasing its core capital above Rp70 trillion, a goal embedded in its medium-term plans but facing implementation challenges without a fixed timeline. As of December 2025, BSI's core capital stands at Rp48.10 trillion, necessitating an additional Rp21.9 trillion, which could be pursued through organic means like profit growth or inorganic strategies such as corporate actions, though the latter remains complex due to alignment needs with shareholder structure and parent company PT Bank Mandiri. This aspiration underscores BSI's determination to position a sharia bank at the top tier of Indonesia's banking classification, potentially enhancing its competitive edge in the financial sector.