The US military has announced a strike on a vessel suspected of drug trafficking in the eastern Pacific, reviving its controversial "war on drugs" campaign against Latin American countries following a pause due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The attack resulted in four deaths, bringing the total fatalities from these operations to at least 174, amid fierce debates over their legality and lack of international verification. International law experts and human rights groups have condemned the strikes as likely extrajudicial killings targeting civilians who pose no direct threat to the US.

The Indonesian rupiah strengthened slightly to Rp 17,123 per US dollar in early trading on Wednesday, following a weakening close at Rp 17,135 the previous day, amid ongoing fluctuations driven by global uncertainties. Economists note that businesses are adopting a cautious 'wait and see' approach, delaying major expansions due to escalating Middle East conflicts and stalled US-Iran negotiations, shifting focus instead to efficiency and resilient sectors like food, energy, and digital. To bolster growth, experts call for policy stability, fiscal incentives, and accelerated government spending to enhance competitiveness and support domestic consumption.

Indonesia's Securities Investor Protection Fund (SIPF) has proposed strengthening investor protection in the capital market by incorporating it into legislation through a consultation paper, aiming to enhance legal certainty similar to the Deposit Insurance Corporation in banking. Currently, SIPF can only cover losses up to Rp200 million per investor, far below the average investor funds of Rp600 million to Rp1.4 billion, and this upgrade would allow for greater government support and increased protection amid growing retail investor participation. The move addresses gaps in the existing sectoral regulations by OJK and aligns with global standards from IOSCO, potentially boosting SIPF's managed funds currently at Rp403 billion.

Indonesia's Culture Minister Fadli Zon has highlighted the urgent need for disaster mitigation strategies to safeguard cultural heritage sites, given the country's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire and recent damages to 43 sites in Sumatra. Speaking at a seminar and exhibition titled 'Resilient and Sustainable Disaster-Proof Cultural Heritage' organised by the Ministry of Culture, he called for accelerated designation of national cultural assets and enhanced public awareness to foster harmony between culture and nature. The event, involving experts and stakeholders, aims to generate concrete solutions and strengthen collaborations for long-term preservation amid growing threats from both natural and human-induced disasters.

The price of Antam gold has risen sharply to Rp 2,893,000 per gram as of Wednesday morning, marking an increase of Rp 30,000 from the previous session and Rp 45,000 from two days ago. Buyback prices have also climbed to Rp 2,674,000 per gram, amid ongoing tax regulations for transactions including PPh deductions for NPWP holders and non-holders. This surge extends to other gold products like UBS and Galeri24, reflecting broader market dynamics in Indonesia's precious metals sector.

Experts Prof Zainal Arifin Mochtar (Uceng) and Al-Araf have urged the revision of Indonesia's 1997 Military Judiciary Law during a Constitutional Court hearing, highlighting its origins in the authoritarian New Order era and its failure to align with post-reformasi principles of judicial independence and human rights. They argue that the law's broad jurisdiction risks overlapping with general criminal matters, violating equality before the law and constitutional guarantees, and call for a new law to address longstanding issues of dualism, accountability, and legal exceptionalism. This case underscores the ongoing challenge of reforming military justice to ensure transparency and protect citizens' rights, potentially influencing broader judicial reforms in Indonesia.

Two demonstrations are scheduled in Central Jakarta today, including one by the BEM Alliance at the DPR building and another by the Bekasi Workers and People's Union at Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan starting at 10:00 WIB. Police have deployed 512 personnel for security, with situational traffic management to handle potential disruptions based on crowd size. Authorities urge the public to avoid the areas and use alternative routes to prevent traffic congestion.

The Central Executive Board of the Indonesian National Student Movement (GMNI) has praised the government's policy to keep fuel prices stable amid global economic pressures, viewing it as a commitment to protecting the public, especially lower-income groups, from rising costs. This decision is seen as crucial for maintaining purchasing power, curbing inflation, and supporting key sectors like transportation, logistics, and SMEs. GMNI hopes this forms part of a long-term strategy for national energy sovereignty and economic independence, aligning with Sukarno's Trisakti principles, while pledging to monitor public policies constructively.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is probing allegations that former Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo extorted officials for positions such as school principals and sub-district heads following a recent sting operation. The investigation focuses on a scheme where Gatut allegedly demanded bribes in exchange for appointments, with evidence pointing to pre-signed resignation letters used as leverage to collect up to Rp 2.7 billion from local government device heads. KPK has named Gatut and his aide as suspects and is seeking public support to uncover further details of the corruption spanning the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim) has signed a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Serikat Pekerja Korps Karyawan Pupuk Kaltim (SP KKPKT) for the period 2026–2028, witnessed by the Indonesian Minister of Manpower Yassierli and representatives from Danantara and Pupuk Indonesia. The agreement aims to balance company sustainability with employee welfare amid the national fertiliser industry's transformation, fostering harmonious and equitable industrial relations through intensive bipartite negotiations. This pact provides legal certainty and protects workers' rights without diminishing their welfare, highlighting constructive dialogue between management and the union.

Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to remain neutral in national affairs and avoid involvement in practical politics, emphasising their constitutional duties and adherence to democracy. Speaking at a leadership event in Jakarta, SBY, a key figure in the ABRI reforms, highlighted the TNI's past successes, such as operations against Somali pirates, while stressing the importance of the military, police, and intelligence agencies belonging to the people and upholding the rule of law. He also advised young leaders to build strong character, resilience, and optimism to become effective problem-solvers in the future.

The Semarang-Demak toll road project, a key infrastructure initiative spanning 26.95 kilometres, is advancing with innovative use of bamboo matras and piles to stabilise soft coastal soil, addressing subsidence and tidal flooding in northern Central Java. Section II on land has been operational since February 2023, while Section I employs these eco-friendly techniques tested rigorously for tensile and flexural strength. This approach not only enhances regional connectivity but also serves as a sea wall to mitigate environmental challenges in the vulnerable Demak area.

Severe flooding in Solo Baru, Sukoharjo, has caused significant traffic jams on major roads, with vehicles queuing from the Pandawa Statue intersection to the Soekarno Statue, a distance of about two kilometres. The road from Soekarno Statue towards Solo city was closed by locals due to high water levels, forcing two-way traffic on alternative routes and halting movement almost entirely. The flooding, resulting from the overflow of tributaries of the Bengawan Solo River, affected several villages in Grogol and Baki sub-districts, highlighting ongoing infrastructure challenges in managing water flow during heavy rains.

President Prabowo Subianto sent birthday wishes to his ex-wife Titiek Soeharto on her 67th birthday while in Paris, France, via a video posted on his official Instagram account. Titiek, daughter of former President Soeharto and current Chair of Commission IV in the Indonesian House of Representatives, received heartfelt messages of good health, longevity, and divine blessings from Prabowo. This gesture underscores the ongoing amicable relationship between the former couple, who frequently reunite with their son Didit Hediprasetyo for family occasions despite their 1998 divorce.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to attend key events in Russia, including the KazanForum in May and a major industry exhibition in July, as announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono following bilateral talks in Moscow. The invitation follows a five-hour meeting between the leaders, where they discussed geopolitical developments and agreed to strengthen ties in energy, minerals, trade, education, technology, agriculture, and investment. This underscores Indonesia's strategic partnership with Russia amid global uncertainties, focusing on economic security and downstreaming initiatives.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has declared zero tolerance for all forms of violence in universities, particularly addressing the alleged sexual violence case at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia (UI). Minister Brian Yuliarto emphasised objective and victim-centred handling, referencing Ministerial Regulation No. 55 of 2024 and the Sexual Violence Crime Law, while coordinating with UI's rector to ensure proper investigation and potential sanctions. The incident involves 16 suspected male students engaging in explicit discussions about 20 female students and 7 lecturers, highlighting the need for safe and inclusive campus environments.

Public interest in switching to public transportation in Indonesia's major cities remains low, with reliance on private vehicles staying high despite developments in systems like Jakarta's. A 2023 ITDP survey of Jabodetabek commuters highlights key barriers including discomfort (37.6% for non-users), longer travel times, unreliable services, and security concerns. These findings underscore the need for improvements in comfort, integration, accessibility, and service reliability beyond just fleet expansion to boost public transport adoption.

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) plans to gradually increase its free float from the current 9.9 percent to meet the Indonesia Stock Exchange's minimum requirement of 15 percent, though this will not occur this year. The decision depends on shareholder approval, with options involving the controlling shareholder BPI Danantara under consideration. This move aims to enhance stock liquidity and better reflect market conditions for retail investors.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has undertaken a diplomatic tour to Moscow and Paris amid ongoing global uncertainties following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron. In Moscow, Prabowo consulted with Putin on rapidly evolving geopolitics, praising Russia's positive role and agreeing to enhance long-term cooperation in energy, including oil and gas resilience and downstream processing, as well as education, technology research, agriculture, and investments in Indonesian industry. These engagements underscore Indonesia's strategic partnerships with major powers to navigate international challenges and bolster national development.

Over one million European citizens have signed a petition under the European Citizens' Initiative calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, marking the fastest initiative to reach this threshold since its inception. This campaign, part of the "Justice for Palestine" movement launched in January 2026, urges the EU to uphold international law by halting involvement in what organisers describe as Israel's genocide, amid growing disparities between public demands and EU leadership on the Palestinian issue. The agreement, in effect since 2000, governs extensive trade relations worth US$50.2 billion in 2024 and includes human rights clauses, with the petition now supported in 10 member states aiming for 1.5 million signatures.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) will delist 18 issuers on 10 November 2026 due to bankruptcy or prolonged trading suspensions exceeding 50 months without significant performance improvements, affecting companies such as PT Cowell Development Tbk and PT Sugih Energy Tbk. To protect retail investors from liquidity loss and potential damages, the IDX mandates share buybacks as a safeguard mechanism. This decision follows extensive coaching efforts, periodic announcements, and coordination with regulators to encourage recovery and warn stakeholders of the risks.

PT Autopedia Sukses Lestari Tbk. (ASLC) plans to repurchase shares valued at Rp 20 billion to enhance trading liquidity and ensure the share price reflects the company's fundamental value. The company will also implement a Management and Employee Stock Option Programme (MESOP) to incentivise management and employees by allowing them to own shares. This corporate action, funded internally, is expected to boost shareholder returns and investor confidence without materially impacting financial performance or operations, pending approval at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 19 May 2026.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to strengthen bilateral ties across key sectors, including defence procurement and industry, energy transition, infrastructure, transportation, education, and the creative economy. The discussions highlight Indonesia's view of France as a vital European strategic partner for sustainable and mutually beneficial collaborations. This meeting forms part of Prabowo's ongoing diplomatic engagements in Europe, following his recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

A modest gold trading stall on the sidewalks of Senen, Central Jakarta, operates without the formalities of modern jewellery stores, accepting gold items even without documentation and providing quick cash transactions. Run by experienced vendors like Limbong, who has guarded the stall for a decade, these informal setups have dwindled from around 30 to just nine in the area amid the rise of digital gold investments. This persistence highlights the enduring appeal of accessible, 24-hour street-level gold trading in Indonesia's informal economy.

The Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, has urged primary school students to approach the upcoming Academic Ability Test (TKA) with honesty and confidence, emphasising that it is not a determinant of graduation but a tool to assess literacy and numeracy skills. During a visit to SD Dwijendra Mataram in West Nusa Tenggara, he inspected preparations for the test scheduled between 20-30 April 2026, while school staff and students reported high readiness through simulations and additional lessons. This initiative highlights the government's focus on educational assessment to support students' progression to secondary school via merit-based pathways.

The Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan, met with the Chairman of the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS), Anggito Abimanyu, to enhance collaboration in developing Indonesia's national halal product assurance ecosystem, particularly by modernising BPJPH's halal laboratories. Haikal emphasised the laboratories' critical role in maintaining the credibility of the halal system, ensuring reliable testing to resolve disputes over product halal status. Anggito pledged LPS's support in coordinating inter-agency efforts to elevate the laboratories' standards, aiming to boost public trust and align Indonesia's halal assurance with international benchmarks.

Dr Erlina, the Regent of Mempawah, has been officially installed as the General Chairman of the Association of Island and Coastal Regional Governments of Indonesia (Aspeksindo) for the 2025-2030 period, with a focus on aligning with national development goals under President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita vision. She emphasised Aspeksindo's role as a strategic bridge between central government, local authorities, businesses, and coastal communities to foster collaborative development. During her tenure, the association will prioritise two key transformations: accelerating marine downstream processing in regions and implementing sustainable blue economy practices to enhance economic independence and local welfare for fishermen, SMEs, and coastal residents.

Malikie Innovations and Key Patent Innovations have filed a lawsuit against Brother Industries, alleging that the company's printers infringe on four old BlackBerry patents originally developed for secure wireless communication, data encoding, and touch-screen interfaces. If successful, the suit could result in damages, additional penalties for willful infringement, and a court injunction forcing Brother to redesign or cease sales of affected products, potentially triggering a domino effect on other printer manufacturers. This case underscores how intellectual property from faded tech giants like BlackBerry remains a valuable asset for litigation-driven revenue.

The Indonesian consumer goods sector displayed varied performance in full-year 2025 financial reports, with Unilever Indonesia achieving over 100% net profit growth despite modest revenue increases, while Gudang Garam reported substantial profit gains amid tobacco industry challenges from excise hikes. Other firms like Indofood subsidiaries and dairy producers showed positive trends, supported by cost efficiencies and stable demand, whereas some faced margin pressures from rising costs. This resilience highlights the sector's role as an economic backbone, offering attractive valuations for undervalued stocks in a fluctuating market.

The death of Bripda Natanael Simanungkalit, a young police officer in Kepulauan Riau, has prompted a thorough investigation, with the suspected main perpetrator set to face both ethical and criminal charges, while three other officers present at the scene are also under examination. Riau Islands Police Chief Inspector General Asep Safrudin has vowed uncompromising action, including potential dishonourable discharge, and has enlisted independent forensic experts to determine the cause of death objectively. This case highlights serious concerns over internal police violence and the commitment to accountability within Indonesia's law enforcement.

The Indonesian Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) has introduced a digital service via the Sentuh Tanahku app, allowing citizens to verify land certificate data easily using their mobile phones without visiting a land office. For analogue certificates, users can share details via email with time-limited access, displaying key information like NIB, certificate type, and owner identity; for electronic ones, scanning a barcode provides instant access if the scanner has a verified account. This initiative aims to boost public engagement in ensuring document validity, with instructions to update data at local offices if not found in the system.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) opened higher on Wednesday, gaining 0.98% to 7,750.90, buoyed by positive sentiments in Asian and global markets amid hopes for a US-Iran agreement that could ease Middle East tensions. Analysts warn of potential short-term profit-taking due to overbought conditions, while the IMF projects slower global growth to 3.1% in 2026, citing risks from oil disruptions and possible recession if the conflict persists; domestically, OJK unveiled strategic roadmaps to deepen financial markets through derivatives and sustainable capital instruments.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is probing the assets of Hery Sudarmanto, the former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Manpower, who is a suspect in an alleged extortion case involving the processing of foreign worker permits (RPTKA). The agency examined two witnesses on 14 April 2026 to trace assets linked to the case, building on prior summons and a search of his home in 2025. This investigation includes the seizure of a vehicle as evidence and an initial step towards state financial recovery.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has announced plans to recruit 380 high school graduates as non-civil service government employees (PPPK) for field roles at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. This initiative addresses long-standing staffing needs in the customs service, with recruitment potentially starting by the end of April 2026, though final execution depends on the Minister of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform. The move highlights efforts to bolster technical personnel in key government agencies amid available budgets for 2026 civil servant candidates.

The price of Antam gold rose by Rp 30,000 on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, reaching Rp 2,893,000 per gram from an opening of Rp 2,863,000. Antam gold bars are available in weights ranging from 0.5 grams to 1 kilogram, catering to various investor needs. Transactions include PPh 22 tax deductions, with buyback taxes applied directly for sales exceeding Rp 10 million, as prices are updated daily on the official Logam Mulia website.

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) has expressed keen interest in the ongoing development of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara (IKN), in East Kalimantan, highlighting potential collaborations with the international community. During a visit to the site, UNDSS representative Allan Mendoza praised the openness of IKN authorities to global partnerships and plans to follow up on a previous diplomatic survey. This engagement marks an initial step in fostering dialogue between IKN authorities and the UN, strengthening Indonesia's position as a hub for international collaboration, amid plans to advance construction phases focusing on judicial and legislative districts by next year.

Indonesia's National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has expressed deep concern over alleged digital sexual violence by 16 law students at the University of Indonesia, viewing it as a serious threat to women's safety and dignity. The commission highlights the rising incidence of online gender-based violence, with 977 out of 1,091 sexual violence complaints in 2025 involving digital elements, particularly from social media circles, and urges prioritising victim protection and accountability for perpetrators. It emphasises that even seemingly trivial sexist jokes in private groups qualify as sexual violence and calls on society to reject such behaviour entirely.

Bali Provincial Police have ordered the closure of two popular nightlife venues, Delona Bar and N Co Living Bali, due to suspicions of their involvement in drug distribution as part of a nationwide anti-narcotics operation. The establishments have been sealed off with police lines, and investigations are ongoing, with authorities alleging that management may have facilitated the illicit trade. This action underscores Indonesia's intensified efforts to combat drug-related activities in tourist hotspots like Bali.

Two women in Lebak, Banten, have been designated as suspects and detained by police for allegedly committing blasphemy by swearing while stepping on the Qur'an during a dispute over missing makeup items. The suspects, NT and MT, have apologised, claiming they were coerced under pressure from accusers who suspected them of theft. Authorities emphasise that such religious oaths must be conducted properly and urge the public to resolve disputes through legal channels rather than vigilante actions to prevent similar incidents.

The PRR Task Force is intensifying efforts to build permanent housing (huntap) and temporary housing (huntara) in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following the hydro-meteorological disaster, with 247 out of 39,024 permanent units completed and 92% of temporary units finished as of 13 April 2026. Alongside construction, the task force is distributing housing waiting funds (DTH) of Rp1.8 million per family to survivors not residing in temporary units. Task Force Chair Muhammad Tito Karnavian emphasised that accelerating permanent housing is paramount to minimise prolonged stays in temporary accommodations, though progress hinges on timely data validation from local governments.

PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) has ceased distribution of its petrol-powered Veloz model in the domestic market, redirecting efforts towards the hybrid variant amid the growing trend towards vehicle electrification. Sales data from the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association (Gaikindo) show a sharp decline in petrol Veloz wholesales to just 14 units in February 2026 and none in March, while the hybrid model achieved 2,325 units in March, making it Indonesia's top-selling hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Production of the petrol version continues for export purposes, underscoring Toyota's strategy to balance local sustainability goals with international demand.

A PDIP lawmaker has condemned the alleged sexual harassment by 16 University of Indonesia law students in a WhatsApp group, urging law enforcement to investigate thoroughly and impose maximum penalties under the Sexual Violence Crime Law, which includes up to nine months' imprisonment or a Rp10 million fine. The university is conducting a victim-centered investigation and has already revoked the active membership of involved students, while the student body facilitated a forum for direct apologies to victims. This case highlights the need for stronger digital literacy and protection against sexual violence in online spaces, with the lawmaker emphasising no compromise on justice for victims.

A scandal has erupted at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law involving 16 male students accused of sexually harassing female students and lecturers through explicit conversations in a group chat, drawing widespread public attention. The university's dean has issued a strong condemnation, and the case is being investigated by a special task force with a victim-centred approach, potentially leading to sanctions or criminal proceedings. Legal expert Abdul Fickar Hadjar from Trisakti University emphasises that even internal group chats can result in criminal liability, advocating for dual handling through educational ethics and strict penal processes to address such misconduct.

The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) opened higher on Wednesday (15/4/2026), rising 77.77 points or 1.01 percent to 7,753.72, reflecting strong market sentiment with 427 stocks advancing against 163 declining. Trading frequency reached 441,300 transactions, with market capitalisation at Rp13,827 trillion, and key indices like KOMPAS100, IDX30, JII, and ISSI also posted gains of over 1 percent each. This upward movement underscores investor confidence in Indonesia's equity market amid broader economic indicators.

The price of Antam gold in Jakarta rose by Rp30,000 to Rp2,893,000 per gram on Wednesday morning, following a Rp45,000 increase the previous day. The buyback price also climbed to Rp2,674,000 per gram, amid ongoing fluctuations in the precious metal market. Transactions are subject to income tax deductions under PMK No. 34/PMK.10/2017, with rates varying based on whether buyers hold an NPWP.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, a downstream subholding of Pertamina, is enhancing the reliability of national energy distribution by implementing an integrated digital monitoring system for its shipping fleet. The system, operated from a central Command Centre, provides real-time visibility into vessel positions, speeds, and routes, enabling quick operational adjustments and early detection of potential delays or deviations. This digitalisation effort, supported by features like CCTV integration, geofencing, and fraud detection, not only improves transparency and efficiency but also ensures sustainable and responsive energy supply across Indonesia.

PT Freeport Indonesia projects its annual contribution to state revenues to surge to US$6 billion (approximately Rp100 trillion) starting from 2028, driven by stabilised mineral prices and the normalisation of underground mining operations at the Grasberg Block Cave. This includes corporate taxes, non-tax state revenues, and dividends, with copper production expected to reach 1.7 billion pounds and gold at 43 tonnes annually by 2028-2029. The forecast underscores the company's commitment to enhancing value for shareholders and the Indonesian government through sustained high-level output.

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission VIII, Selly Andriany Gantina, has called on the University of Indonesia (UI) to prioritise the victims in a sexual harassment case involving 16 law faculty students, rather than focusing solely on safeguarding the institution's reputation. She emphasised the need for safe reporting mechanisms, full coordination with law enforcement, and protection against revictimisation, underscoring the enforcement of the 2022 Sexual Violence Crime Act. The case, which came to light through the perpetrators' public apology, highlights concerns over future legal practitioners engaging in such misconduct.

US Vice President JD Vance has reaffirmed his belief that the United States should cease funding the military conflict in Ukraine, echoing his earlier statements. He praised President Donald Trump's decision to shift from providing free weapons to selling them to Kyiv, describing it as one of the administration's greatest achievements, with European nations now bearing the costs. Russia views these arms supplies as obstacles to peace and potential targets, heightening tensions amid ongoing geopolitical strains.

US Vice President JD Vance is likely to lead the American delegation in a potential second round of talks with Iran, following the failure of initial negotiations in Islamabad that were meant to secure a two-week ceasefire. President Donald Trump has announced that the US will impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, in response to the breakdown, amid escalating tensions after recent US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets and Iran's retaliatory attacks. This development signals a heightened risk of further conflict in the Middle East, with significant implications for global energy supplies and international diplomacy.