A New York Times investigation has reignited speculation that Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream and a prominent cryptographer, is the real identity behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin. The report highlights similarities in writing style, online activity patterns, and Back's early work on Hashcash, a precursor to Bitcoin's proof-of-work system, though Back and his company firmly deny the claims. This ongoing quest to unmask Nakamoto underscores the enduring intrigue surrounding cryptocurrency's origins and its implications for the industry's independence and investor confidence.

The Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) reports that as of 14 April 2026, 11.2 million taxpayers have filed their annual income tax returns (SPT PPh) via the Coretax system, reaching 73.48% of the 15.27 million target for the 2025 tax year. The deadline for individual taxpayers has been extended to 30 April 2026, with the government waiving administrative penalties such as fines and interest for filings during this extension period. This measure aims to encourage compliance and facilitate smoother tax reporting amid the extended timeframe.

Amid escalating Middle East conflicts, Indonesia and Japan, through the AZEC Plus Online Summit Meeting chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, launched an assistance package to address the global energy crisis, focusing on securing oil supplies and strategic energy measures. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, representing President Prabowo Subianto, highlighted Indonesia's initiatives like implementing B50 biodiesel by mid-2026 and completing a 100 GW rooftop solar power roadmap, emphasising the 'One Goal, Various Pathways' principle in AZEC collaboration. This builds on prior agreements, including 21 new MoUs from the 2025 Kuala Lumpur summit and successful projects like the Legok Nangka waste-to-energy plant, reinforcing inclusive energy transitions and decarbonisation efforts.

Indonesia has secured 127.3 hectares of land on Sebatik Island through a peaceful diplomatic agreement with Malaysia, enhancing its territorial sovereignty while ceding only 4.9 hectares in return. The government has allocated Rp86 billion for 2026 to operate 15 cross-border posts, which have already facilitated over 2.4 million crossings and Rp13.5 trillion in trade, transforming border areas into economic growth centres. This initiative underscores Indonesia's commitment to secure, orderly, and competitive border regions, with ongoing monitoring to ensure smooth operations and international agreements.

President Prabowo Subianto has returned to Indonesia with significant strategic agreements from his brief visits to Russia and France, as announced by Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya. The agreements include energy supplies such as crude oil reserves and LPG, with further detailed discussions scheduled involving Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources. These outcomes from meetings with Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron underscore Indonesia's pursuit of concrete benefits in energy resources from major global powers.

The Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) Station is set to commence operations in June 2026, providing services for KRL Commuter Line passengers on the Tanjung Priok–Jakarta Kota route. Currently in its final construction phase, the station is expected to be completed on schedule, allowing for testing prior to its official launch. This development aims to enhance public mobility to the surrounding sports and residential areas, supporting urban connectivity in Jakarta.

Polytron is adopting a cautious approach to expanding its electric vehicle dealer network in 2026, planning to add only two new locations this year rather than pursuing aggressive growth. The company prioritises strengthening its presence in existing markets in Java and Bali, with potential expansion to Medan, amid a competitive landscape. This conservative strategy aims to ensure business sustainability and optimal performance of each dealer.

Kawan Lama Solution is making its debut at Lab Indonesia 2026, presenting a comprehensive range of integrated laboratory solutions to address challenges in data consistency, equipment limitations, and efficiency demands across industries and education. The company, led by Sales Director Ferry Ardiwinata, is highlighting products from over 13 trusted brands, including automation technologies from ABB Robotics, food rheology testers from IMADA, and universal testing machines from GoTech, aimed at enhancing accuracy, productivity, and innovation. This participation underscores Kawan Lama Solution's commitment to supporting reliable and sustainable laboratory operations, inviting industry professionals to explore these offerings at their booth in Hall 6, 6D-11.

The Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) has recorded over 11.2 million annual income tax (PPh) returns submitted by 14 April 2026, with the majority from individual employee taxpayers. Deadlines remain 30 April 2026 for both individuals and entities, and late filers face administrative fines ranging from Rp100,000 to Rp1,000,000 depending on the taxpayer type, plus potential criminal penalties. This update underscores the ongoing push for tax compliance amid Indonesia's fiscal reporting season.

Japan is easing its export rules on major defence equipment for the first time since World War II, driven by concerns over US President Donald Trump's unpredictable commitments and depleted American stockpiles due to conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. This move, approved by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration, aims to bolster Japan's military industry and support allied nations, with initial deals including frigates to the Philippines and anti-drone technology collaborations with Poland. The policy shift signals Japan's emergence as a key alternative arms supplier, potentially reshaping global power dynamics amid shifting alliances.

Residents in Kapuk, Cengkareng, Jakarta, blocked Jalan Raya Kali Baru Timur on Wednesday to protest the government's failure to pay compensation for land acquired for the Cengkareng Drain project since 2008. Heirs of the original landowner claim ownership of approximately 9,000 square metres documented in a 1981 girik certificate, but have only received payment for 2,475 square metres, with further encroachments in 2008 and 2014 for inspection roads and paving going uncompensated. The blockade, using bamboo and wooden planks, partially allows motorbikes to pass but forces vehicles to detour, highlighting ongoing disputes over land acquisition in Indonesia's infrastructure developments.

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) has partnered with TikTok Indonesia to launch the "BISA (Belajar dan Implementasi Skill Adaptif) Bareng TikTok" digital vocational training programme in a hybrid format in Jakarta, aiming to enhance digital skills among the population. Minister Yassierli emphasised the synergy between government and industry to accelerate the quality of Indonesia's digital talent, providing accessible training in content creation and e-commerce as flexible employment options. The collaboration, attended by 400 in-person and 1,000 online participants, focuses on curriculum development, infrastructure provision, and instructor capacity building to foster an inclusive digital ecosystem.

Nearly 480 chairmen of regional legislative councils (DPRD) from across Indonesia have gathered at the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang for a five-day national retreat under the Local Leadership Enhancement Course (KPPD), organised by the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas). The programme, aimed at instilling patriotism, nationalism, and integrity to support national development agendas set by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, features sessions on national consensus, geopolitical challenges, and government priorities, with contributions from key cabinet members including the Home Minister and KPK Chairman. This initiative, a collaboration with DPRD associations, seeks to forge regional leaders into statesmen capable of advancing Indonesia's governance amid global complexities.

The Batur Farmers Advocacy Coalition is set to appeal a Jakarta State Administrative Court decision dismissing their lawsuit against the tourism business permit granted to PT Tanaya Pesona Batur, arguing that the ruling overlooked key evidence and legal violations. The dispute centres on the improper exemption from environmental impact analysis (AMDAL) by the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, which allegedly exceeded its authority and bypassed public participation. This appeal highlights ongoing concerns over land rights, environmental protection, and community impacts in Bali's tourism development.

Indonesian Minister of Immigration and Community Affairs, Agus Andrianto, has proposed the establishment of an integrated task force to address the issue of Indonesian citizens travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj using non-Hajj visas, such as pilgrimage, Umrah, or work visas, which has caused controversies with Saudi authorities. This initiative aims to enhance coordination among immigration, police, quarantine, customs, health ministry, airlines, and airport officials to prevent irregular travel patterns through comprehensive risk profiling and collective decision-making. The proposal, discussed in a meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, seeks to protect Indonesian pilgrims while avoiding perceptions of policy misalignment and ensuring accountable assessments at departure points.

The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) has confirmed that hundreds of imported livestock from Australia, including dairy cows, camels, and sheep, arrived at Juanda International Airport in healthy condition after comprehensive health checks. The animals underwent physical examinations and laboratory tests to ensure they are free from quarantine animal diseases before proceeding to a 14-day quarantine period in Surabaya. This import is expected to boost national milk production, enhance animal protein availability, and support the government's Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG).

The rising cost of plastic packaging by 30-80% since early 2026 is squeezing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in the food and beverage sector, amid sluggish consumer purchasing power. House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani proposes shifting to natural alternatives like leaf-based packaging, drawing on traditional Indonesian practices to cut costs, enhance environmental sustainability, and align with Sustainable Development Goals. She urges relevant ministries to collaborate on supportive regulations, raw material availability, and public awareness to facilitate this transition for businesses and consumers.

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that preparations for the 2026/1447 Hijriah Hajj services are nearly 100 percent complete, with final checks underway for accommodations, catering, transportation, and healthcare. Key arrangements include 177 hotels in Mecca and 100 in Medina, 40 clinics in Mecca and 5 in Medina supported by Saudi German Hospital, and specialised bus services for inter-city travel, 24-hour access to the Grand Mosque, and routes to Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. Indonesia's Hajj quota stands at 221,000 pilgrims, with the first departure scheduled for 22 April 2026 and the peak of the pilgrimage on 22 May 2026, underscoring the government's commitment to facilitating this significant religious obligation for its Muslim population.

Indonesia's Minister of Investment and Downstreaming, Rosan Roeslani, visited Longi Green Energy Technology's facilities in China to strengthen the solar energy industry as part of the nation's push towards renewable energy. The visit highlights potential collaborations in photovoltaic technology, manufacturing capacity enhancement, and supply chain integration, supporting Indonesia's industrial downstreaming efforts. This initiative aims to transform the national energy landscape and bolster Indonesia's role in the global renewable energy ecosystem.

Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin revealed that 10 percent of the country's wealthiest individuals are still receiving subsidies under the national health insurance programme (JKN) managed by BPJS Kesehatan, based on data synchronised with the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). He highlighted specific inaccuracies, such as 47,000 out of 96.8 million fully subsidised Penerima Bantuan Iuran (PBI) recipients being ineligible, including a former ministry official, and plans to redirect these funds to more deserving groups in the fifth decile of wealth distribution. This initiative aims to enhance fairness in the subsidised healthcare system, which provides Rp42,000 monthly coverage for third-class services to the poor.

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has approved approximately 90% of the 2026 Work Plans and Budgets (RKAB) for mineral and coal commodities by mid-April, with delays for some companies due to incomplete documentation. The government is cutting coal production targets to around 600 million tonnes for 2026, down from 790 million tonnes in 2025, to balance global supply and demand and boost prices, while also reducing nickel output to 250-260 million tonnes to align with domestic downstream industry needs. These measures aim to stabilise commodity prices and preserve resources for future generations amid Indonesia's significant role in global coal trade.

Indonesia is poised to unlock a US$58.33 million export opportunity for durian from Parigi Moutong to China, driven by surging demand in the Chinese market that totals US$6.99 billion annually. Transmigration Minister Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara highlighted the region's vast plantations and initial shipments of frozen durian valued at Rp42 billion, with potential annual exports exceeding Rp1 trillion, underscoring the economic benefits of development in transmigration areas. This collaboration, discussed with Chinese Ambassador Wang Lutong, aims to expand to fresh durian exports, boosting opportunities for Indonesian producers.

Indonesian House Speaker Puan Maharani has seized on the 30-80% surge in plastic prices, triggered by global geopolitical conflicts and heavy import reliance, as an opportunity to shift towards eco-friendly packaging using local materials like banana or teak leaves, particularly for SMEs in the food and beverage sector. She highlights how such organic alternatives can reduce costs, enhance product appeal, and combat plastic pollution, which sees 19-23 million tonnes entering waterways annually according to UNEP. Puan calls for government collaboration across ministries and DPR oversight to facilitate this green transition through regulations, support systems, and public awareness.

PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PPI) has partnered with PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) to strengthen the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) through sharing sessions and mentoring under the Micro and Small Business Funding Programme (PUMK) in Semarang, Central Java. The initiative focuses on monitoring business progress, ensuring effective use of funding, and enhancing business capacity to boost competitiveness and sustainability. This collaboration underscores PPI's commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth by expanding market access for UMKM in Indonesia.

Indonesia's palm oil sector faces significant governance challenges due to fragmented policies across multiple ministries, leading to misaligned targets in fiscal, industrial, energy, and land management aspects. The Ombudsman highlights potential annual losses of Rp 279.1 trillion from maladministration, including overlapping land use with forests, poor certification, and substandard practices affecting productivity and trade. This lack of integration creates business uncertainty, market volatility, and risks for global buyers, underscoring the need for a centralized institution to coordinate palm oil policies.

A recent study by researchers from the US and UK has found that even brief use of AI in cognitive tasks can impair intellectual abilities and reduce perseverance, likening the effect to a 'boiled frog' syndrome where long-term reliance erodes motivation and learning. Participants who used AI chatbots for problem-solving showed diminished performance and higher rates of giving up when access was removed, with effects persisting across different tasks. Experts warn that over-dependence on AI risks diminishing human innovation and creativity, potentially leading to a generation less capable of independent thinking.

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has called for the alleged sexual harassment case involving female students and lecturers at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law to be handled through full legal channels rather than being reduced to mere ethical violations. The commission praises the victims' courage in reporting the incidents, which include electronic-based sexual violence, and stresses that universities should be safe spaces free from gender inequality. It references the 2024 Ministerial Regulation on preventing and addressing violence in higher education, advocating for parallel ethical and legal processes to avoid impunity and ensure comprehensive accountability.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has partnered with the University of Indonesia to process mussel waste in the Cilincing coastal area of North Jakarta, transforming it into valuable products such as paving blocks, sanitary facilities, and souvenirs. This initiative addresses a viral waste accumulation problem, reduces environmental pollution, and adds economic value to previously discarded materials. It forms part of the provincial government's broader efforts to manage coastal waste sustainably.

An action by a Public Facilities and Infrastructure Handling Officer (PPSU) dumping rubbish into a river in East Jakarta went viral on social media, prompting an investigation by the Jakarta Environment Agency (DLH). The officer claimed the location was inaccessible to rubbish collection vehicles, intending for the waste to be carried to a nearby barrier accessible by trucks, but DLH deemed the act a violation of standard operating procedures. As a result, the officer received a first written warning (SP1) to enforce discipline and uphold environmental standards.

Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf has confirmed that the construction of the permanent People's School in Tangerang City, Banten, remains in the planning phase as administrative documents are being finalised, with the land owned by the Ministry of Law. The Ministry of Public Works will handle the actual building once paperwork is complete, while the Social Ministry oversees the administrative process. This initiative forms part of a national strategic programme aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty through education, with preparations including asset certification, permits, and environmental impact assessments set for action in this year's revised budget.

The Pekanbaru City Government has launched an innovative integrated programme combining food aid distribution with free health examinations, supporting President Prabowo Subianto's national agenda on food security and public health improvement. In the initial phase, 1,900 residents received food packages worth approximately Rp400,000 each after mandatory health checks, with plans to reach 63,243 beneficiaries by April 2026 through cross-sector collaboration. This initiative not only addresses basic needs but also facilitates direct community engagement and aspiration gathering, earning praise for its efficiency and people-centred approach.

The Bandung City Government is conducting comprehensive socialisation efforts for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) development across 22 affected districts, involving local communities from neighbourhoods to street vendors, to ensure full understanding of the project. The initiative covers both on-corridor and off-corridor routes, spanning about 21 kilometres through areas like Andir, Regol, and Sumur Bandung districts, with designs aimed at minimising disruptions. Scheduled to begin in late April to early May 2026, this outreach is crucial for informing residents about impending changes and mitigation measures, highlighting the city's commitment to inclusive urban transport improvements.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) reported significant improvements in on-time performance (OTP) for both passenger and freight services during the first quarter of 2026, with passenger departure OTP reaching 99.69% and arrival at 97.67%, marking gains from the previous year. Freight services also saw enhancements, with departure OTP at 95.97% and arrival at 91.77%, supporting efficient logistics distribution. This progress, underpinned by robust infrastructure readiness and operational discipline, boosts economic activities while prioritising safety, as evidenced by increased passenger volumes and substantial coal transport for power supply in Java and Bali.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has conducted a significant reshuffle of high-ranking officials in the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, inaugurating 11 top executives to eliminate acting positions and enhance programme effectiveness. Notable appointments include Syafrin Liputo as Mayor of South Jakarta and Budi Awaluddin as Head of the Transportation Agency, with varying effective dates from immediate to August 2026. This move is expected to streamline leadership and align with the governor's vision for better governance in the capital.

The Indonesian government, under Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, has launched a major recruitment drive for 35,476 professional managers to lead the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) programme, a key priority of President Prabowo Subianto aimed at revitalising rural and fishing village economies. The initiative involves placing 30,000 managers under PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara and 5,476 under PT Agrinas Jaladri Nusantara on two-year fixed-term contracts via SOEs, with applications open until 24 April 2026 for D3 to S1 graduates under 35 years old. While salary details remain unspecified, they will be adjusted based on educational background, underscoring the programme's role in building sustainable local economic hubs across Indonesia.

The Jakarta Provincial Government plans to clean rivers, waterways, and invasive plecostomus fish in the capital on Friday to address environmental damage and health risks. Governor Pramono Anung highlighted that the fish exceed safe toxin levels, destroy local ecosystems by preying on native species and eroding embankments, and are a known invasive problem originating from South America. This initiative also includes dredging and waterway repairs to prepare for the upcoming rainy season in September.

The Indonesian government, via Ministry of Finance Regulation No. 34 of 2025, has updated customs rules to ease the process for returning Hajj pilgrims by exempting personal baggage from import duties and taxes. Regular pilgrims enjoy unlimited exemptions for personal items, while special pilgrims are capped at USD 2,500 FOB value per person, provided items are for personal use and meet registration criteria like SISKOHAT. This policy aims to facilitate smoother repatriation and prevent misuse, allowing pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey without customs hurdles.

Midea Building Technologies and Keppel's Infrastructure Division have formed a strategic partnership to develop energy-efficient, AI-based modular cooling solutions across Asia, combining Midea's HVAC manufacturing expertise with Keppel's Cooling-as-a-Service model and digital optimisation capabilities. The collaboration aims to create standardised, pre-engineered systems that reduce capital expenditure, enhance energy efficiency, and lower carbon emissions, targeting sectors such as data centres, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare facilities. By integrating AI and IoT technologies with Keppel's Operations Nerve Centre, the partnership establishes a Centre of Excellence to standardise and replicate these sustainable cooling solutions on a large scale.

The Indonesian government, under President Prabowo Subianto, is advancing plans to establish a financial centre for family offices in Bali by April 2026, adopting the successful model from Abu Dhabi to attract foreign capital amid global geopolitical tensions. The initiative involves detailed operational rules being developed with the National Economic Council, including adaptations to common law, taxation, and immigration policies, building on the 2023 Financial Sector Development and Strengthening Law. This move aims to deepen the domestic financial market and tap into the trillion-dollar global asset management industry, with significant potential from Middle Eastern investors drawn to Indonesia's stability.

Sixteen law students at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Law (FH UI) are accused of sexual harassment following the leak of a group chat containing derogatory content about female students and lecturers, prompting widespread public attention and a trial at the faculty's auditorium. Alumni working in the legal field, including several law firms and major companies, have blacklisted the perpetrators' names, anticipating their future careers in law. University officials and student representatives emphasise the need for severe administrative sanctions under regulations, condemning the students' claims of impunity and vowing to see the case through to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.

China's annual demand for durian is estimated at Rp120 trillion, presenting a significant opportunity for Indonesia to expand its exports, particularly from the Parigi Moutong regency in Central Sulawesi. Government officials, including Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono and Transmigration Minister Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, have highlighted the potential for over Rp1 trillion in annual exports from this region, supported by improved infrastructure and bilateral discussions with China. While initial exports of frozen durian are planned at around Rp42 billion for tens of thousands of tonnes, challenges such as quality standards and supply consistency must be addressed to fully capitalise on this market.

The Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) following the Sumatra disaster is expediting the rehabilitation of damaged paddy fields in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra to restore the agricultural sector and ensure food security. Led by Muhammad Tito Karnavian, the initiative not only focuses on physical recovery but also on updating land data for legal certainty, with coordination urged between local governments and the National Land Agency. As of 13 April, 1,301 hectares out of 42,702 targeted have been rehabilitated, alongside significant progress in mud removal across the affected areas.

BRI Life organised the Modi Fun Run 7K event in Jakarta as part of the pre-launch activities for its Modi digital insurance product, aiming to promote a healthy and active lifestyle while introducing the platform's practical and flexible features. The event, attended by hundreds of participants, included supplementary activities such as medical check-ups, group exercises, and entertainment, alongside a Memorandum of Understanding signing with the Gofit platform to enhance health literacy and expand digital protection ecosystems. This collaboration is expected to boost financial inclusion among millennials and sports communities, potentially reaching over 50,000 policyholders in the coming year, paving the way for the grand launch of Modi.

Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has garnered positive feedback from the IMF, World Bank, and international rating agencies during meetings in Washington DC, highlighting the government's balanced approach to economic growth and fiscal sustainability amid global uncertainties. Investors, including major players like Goldman Sachs and Fidelity Investments, expressed interest in Indonesia's financial instruments, particularly portfolio investments in fixed income and equity, which are expected to bolster the domestic capital market. Kristalina Georgieva of the IMF noted ongoing global risks from geopolitical tensions and energy price dynamics, but Purbaya affirmed Indonesia's solid fiscal position and adequate budget buffers.

The development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry in Indonesia holds significant potential to boost national economic growth by up to 8 per cent, but this opportunity risks being undermined by inconsistent government policies. Sripeni Inten Cahyani from the National Energy Council stresses the need for a structured approach, including the creation of a dedicated body to oversee EV development, to ensure integrated implementation rather than sporadic efforts. She highlights that while regulations exist, challenges persist in execution, particularly in aligning incentives with infrastructure readiness to support broader economic components like investment and exports.

The Journalists' Safety Committee (KKJ) has criticised demonstrations by NasDem Party members against the cover of Tempo magazine's 12 April 2026 edition, urging them to use legal mechanisms under the Press Law instead of mass actions that could intimidate press freedom. KKJ highlighted available remedies like the right of correction and reply, noting that NasDem has not yet formally submitted written objections. This incident underscores the importance of respecting press independence as a cornerstone of democracy in Indonesia.

Three defendants in the alleged corruption case involving the procurement of land for the MXGP circuit in Samota, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara—Subhan, Muhammad Jan, and Saifullah Zulkarnaen—have applied to change their detention status during the first hearing at the Corruption Court in Mataram, citing health issues. Subhan suffers from acute GERD and fluid buildup in the lungs, Muhammad Jan requires regular checks for diabetes, and Saifullah Zulkarnaen had a stroke in November needing intensive care. The presiding judge, Lalu Moh. Sandi Iramaya, stated that the panel would objectively review the requests after studying the medical evidence provided.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Jakarta Operations Region 1 has announced adjustments to KRL commuter train services due to the temporary closure of platforms six through eight at Bogor Station for approximately three months, as part of infrastructure development to extend tracks and improve platforms. This work aims to enhance capacity and service quality at one of the busiest stations in the Jabodetabek area, with safety prioritised through strict standards and operational optimisations to minimise disruptions for passengers. The initiative is expected to result in smoother passenger flow and greater comfort upon completion.

PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) is set to significantly boost Indonesia's national aluminium production to 900,000 tonnes per year through the construction of a new smelter in Mempawah, adding 600,000 tonnes to its current 275,000-tonne capacity. The US$2.4 billion project, designated as a Strategic National Project, will be financed with 60% debt and 40% internal equity, aiming to transform Inalum into a global player and achieve domestic self-sufficiency in metals. To support operations, Inalum is finalising a 30-year energy supply agreement with PT Bukit Asam Tbk, enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian aluminium in international markets.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is inviting investor partnerships to develop a charging ecosystem for electric buses, utilising underutilised public lands to accelerate the expansion of electric public transport and meet the 2030 target of 10,000 electric buses. Currently, charging facilities are limited to peripheral depots, complicating operations, but plans include building stations at central locations such as existing terminals like Pulogebang and Rambutan, as well as sites in Ancol and Cawang. This initiative aims to overcome infrastructure barriers, with electric bus numbers expected to rise from around 480 units by 2026 to 500 soon, fostering greater adoption of electric vehicles in the city.