The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police are collaborating with community-based security groups, known as Pamswakarsa, to ensure safety during the 2026 Easter celebrations, addressing personnel shortages by coordinating with local church members, youth leaders, and community figures under the supervision of community policing officers. A total of 3,227 personnel, including 1,319 police officers and 1,908 from the military and related agencies, will secure 1,113 churches across NTT, with 432 priority sites receiving direct police protection and the rest covered by Pamswakarsa. This operation, named Semana Santa Turangga 2026, involves 85 posts for security, services, and integrated operations, highlighting a comprehensive approach to public safety during religious events in the region.

Manulife Wealth & Asset Management has finalised its acquisition of PT Schroder Investment Management Indonesia through its subsidiary PT Manulife Aset Manajemen Indonesia (MAMI), following approval from the Financial Services Authority (OJK). This deal, marking the start of a phased integration process, combines MAMI's Rp124.3 trillion in assets under management with Schroders Indonesia's Rp53 trillion, enhancing scale, innovation, and investment services for over 2.5 million clients. The merger strengthens MAMI's leadership in Indonesia's investment management industry by leveraging global expertise and local networks established since 1991.

A fire broke out at the LPG Bulk Filling Station (SPBE) in Cimuning, Mustika Jaya, Bekasi, on the evening of Wednesday, 1 April 2026, at a facility owned by private company PT Indogas Andalan Kita, a partner of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga. Pertamina Patra Niaga's Regional Jawa Bagian Barat has apologised for the incident, coordinated with local fire services for rapid response, and assured that LPG supplies to the public remain unaffected while investigations into the cause proceed. The company emphasised prioritising safety for nearby residents and workers, urging the public to avoid the area.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) is promoting the role of young people in environmental conservation through the growing eco-theology movement, emphasising spiritual values in practical actions. The Directorate General of Community Guidance for Buddhism under Kemenag highlights the need to involve youth at grassroots levels, aligning with Minister Nasaruddin Umar's priorities over the past two years. During a tree-planting event marking 67 years of service by the Indonesian Supreme Sangha, officials urged youth to adopt simple habits like reducing single-use plastics to foster ecological awareness amid modern instant lifestyles.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is offering refunds and compensation to passengers impacted by a landslide on the Maswati-Sasaksaat railway line in West Bandung Regency, which caused train delays and cancellations. The incident involved the Kereta Api 174 Ciremai derailing after its locomotive struck landslide debris, but no injuries were reported. KAI's measures, including provision of food and drinks, underscore efforts to maintain service reliability amid natural disruptions to vital transport infrastructure.

The Lembaga Pengelola Dana Bergulir Koperasi (LPDB Koperasi) is enhancing its role in supporting the development of Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP) by providing accountable, measurable, and sustainable revolving funds, backed by Ministerial Regulation No. 9 of 2025. As KDKMP moves into the operationalisation phase, LPDB is focusing on institutional and infrastructural readiness through intensive field monitoring in provinces like Bali and Kalimantan, while introducing Innovative Credit Scoring integrated with the Simkopdes platform to streamline financing and mitigate risks. This strategic transformation aims to position KDKMP as a key driver of village economies, fostering community welfare and cooperative self-reliance across Indonesia through synergies with local governments and secondary cooperatives.

False information regarding fuel price hikes has spread not only in Indonesia but also in neighbouring Malaysia, prompting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to condemn the dissemination of such hoaxes aimed at sowing discord and undermining stability. Malaysian authorities, including the police and communications commission, have identified 96 hoax contents on social media and are taking firm action against perpetrators, while urging the public to verify information. In Indonesia, similar rumours have circulated but the government has clarified no price adjustments are planned, highlighting the broader regional challenge of misinformation amid economic pressures.

Iran has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump's assertion that Tehran sought a ceasefire, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei labelling the claim as false and unfounded. Trump, posting on Truth Social, stated that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had requested a truce but conditioned any consideration on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening further bombardment otherwise. This denial comes amid escalating regional conflict following Israeli and US strikes on Iran in late February, which killed over 1,340 people and prompted Iranian retaliatory attacks disrupting global markets and aviation.

The Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has responded to audit findings by the Financial Audit Board (BPK) revealing losses of Rp 347 billion from hosting the MotoGP in Mandalika Circuit over 2022-2024, attributing them to routine oversight of state-owned enterprises and government-supported financing. Despite the deficits, ITDC highlights the event's substantial economic impact, estimated at over Rp 4.9 trillion by 2025, including boosts to tourism, local economy, job creation, and Indonesia's global branding. The corporation is collaborating with government levels for ongoing development in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone and awaits recommendations for future financing from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Rifky Assamady, Chairman of the Indonesian Energy Risk Management Association (AMREI), has emphasised the critical need for organisations and companies to cultivate a robust risk management culture amid increasingly complex global dynamics and uncertainties. Speaking at a national training event in Jakarta, he highlighted that effective risk management goes beyond mere documentation or compliance, evolving into a daily mindset, action, and culture that fosters resilience and adaptability. AMREI positions itself as a strategic advisory partner, facilitating cross-sector communication and harmonisation to help Indonesian businesses navigate geopolitical and environmental challenges while prioritising high-impact, low-cost programmes.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) in Papua highlights the capital market as a healthy and transparent financing alternative for local businesses while offering safe investment opportunities to the public. Through educational programmes and partnerships, BEI aims to boost financial literacy among Papuan residents, including students and SMEs, with the number of capital market investors already reaching 136,735 by January 2026. This initiative is expected to enhance financial inclusion and literacy sustainably in the region.

A former head of the Public Works and Public Housing Department (PUPR) in North Sumatra, Topan Obaja Putra Ginting, has been sentenced to 5.5 years in prison for accepting bribes related to road construction projects worth Rp165 billion. His associate, former head of the Gunung Tua UPTD Rasuli Efendi Siregar, received a four-year sentence, with both ordered to repay the Rp300 million in bribes and pay fines. The case underscores ongoing corruption issues in Indonesia's infrastructure sector, highlighting the need for stronger oversight in public procurement processes.

The Sukabumi City Government is seeking financial aid from the West Java Provincial Government to undertake comprehensive repairs on the damaged Merbabu Road in Gunungpuyuh District, as the required costs exceed local budget capacities. Currently, only minor patching has been performed at select points due to limited funds, exacerbated by heavy recent rainfall that has worsened road conditions across the area. Officials emphasise the need for public awareness to prevent drainage blockages from waste, which contribute to flooding and further infrastructure damage, highlighting broader challenges in maintaining vital transport links amid environmental pressures.

Megawati Soekarnoputri, Chair of BRIN's Advisory Board, and Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas presented 126 intellectual property (HKI) certificates to recipients in Bali, predominantly artists, covering copyrights, trademarks, traditional cultural expressions, and geographical indications. Bali Governor Wayan Koster highlighted that this protection not only preserves cultural heritage but also adds economic value, preventing plagiarism and enabling global market access for local creative products. The event underscores rising public trust in the IP system, with over 10,000 applications in 2025 and 5,000 in early 2026, followed by a viewing of an UMKM exhibition showcasing IP-based products to boost Bali's creative economy.

Indonesia and South Korea have launched a cross-border QR code payment system, enabling residents of both countries to make transactions without currency exchange, thereby reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo highlighted its role in facilitating trade, bolstering MSMEs and tourism, and fostering inclusive economic growth, marking a milestone in bilateral economic connectivity under the Joint Vision Statement signed by Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Lee Jae Myung. The initiative, involving collaboration between central banks and financial stakeholders, builds on Indonesia's QRIS expansion to other nations and underscores deepening digital economy ties between the two countries.

The ASEAN Food & Beverage Alliance and Oxford Economics launched a report highlighting the strategic role of Indonesia's agribusiness sector in driving job creation, investment, and trade, amid discussions on optimising it as a key engine for economic growth and ASEAN competitiveness. Key speakers, including ASEAN officials and Indonesian government representatives, emphasised regional collaboration, policy reforms, infrastructure development, and sustainable practices aligned with the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision and the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan. Industry leaders underscored challenges like input cost increases and supply chain disruptions, calling for government support to enhance regulatory efficiency and regional integration for long-term resilience and food security.

President Prabowo Subianto, during his state visit to South Korea, described both nations as middle powers sharing concerns for stability and peace, emphasising the need for strong security and defence capabilities amid global uncertainties. He highlighted the importance of deepening bilateral relations to enhance economic prosperity, noting complementary strengths such as South Korea's advancements in industry, science, and technology alongside Indonesia's natural resources and large domestic market. This inaugural visit underscores Indonesia's commitment to fostering closer ties with South Korea as trade-oriented Pacific countries.

Authorities in West Nusa Tenggara are engaged in a jurisdictional dispute over monitoring illegal gold mining activities in the Sekotong forest area, with the Lombok Barat Regency Environment Agency insisting that oversight of forest zones falls under provincial responsibility. Police inspections found no recent operations at the site, previously sealed by the Corruption Eradication Commission, but installed police lines as a precaution amid suspicions raised by a viral video. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in curbing illegal mining in protected areas and the need for clearer coordination between local and provincial entities.

A major fire erupted at the Stasiun Pengisian Bulk Elpiji (SPBE) in Cimuning, Mustikajaya, Bekasi, on Wednesday, prompting the deployment of numerous fire trucks and causing multiple explosions that spread to nearby residential areas. Local residents reported evacuations and panic as thick black smoke and large flames were visible from afar, with injured victims rushed to the hospital for treatment. Efforts to extinguish the blaze are ongoing, highlighting potential safety concerns at fuel storage facilities in urban settings.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya's attendance at the People's Bazaar has received widespread positive feedback from the public, highlighting its role in fostering direct interaction between the government and citizens while boosting local economic activity through UMKM involvement. Social observer Agus Widjajanto praised the approach as an effective means to enhance transparent communication and build public trust in government policies under President Prabowo Subianto. Political analyst Arifki Chaniago echoed this sentiment, noting that such engagements address public demands for openness and demonstrate Teddy's suitability in bridging the administration with the populace.

Indonesia's Minister of Law and Human Rights, Supratman Andi Agtas, handed over 146 intellectual property (IP) registration certificates in Bali, highlighting a positive trend in public awareness with 10,692 applications in 2025 and over 5,000 in the first quarter of 2026. The event, attended by prominent figures including Megawati Soekarnoputri, underscores the government's commitment to protecting cultural and economic assets through strong legal frameworks, including certifications for traditional products like Cepuk Tanglad weaving and Dawan sugar. This initiative aims to empower local communities and UMKM to compete globally by safeguarding their innovations and cultural heritage.

Indonesian listed companies are preparing to issue new shares to comply with the gradual implementation of a minimum 15% public float requirement, aimed at enhancing market liquidity and depth. The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) has provided a transition period until 2026, with deadlines varying by company size up to 2029. This policy is expected to stimulate greater participation and efficiency in the domestic capital market.

Rice prices in Cirebon Regency's Sumber Market have begun to rise gradually since late March, with basic staples like rice, sugar, and cooking oil seeing increases, while horticultural products such as onions and chillies have declined due to abundant supply. Traders attribute the rice price hike to post-Eid demand, though supplies remain steady, and the drops in vegetable prices follow peak consumption periods. This fluctuation highlights ongoing volatility in Indonesia's food commodity markets, impacting household budgets amid stable distribution.

Prominent Indonesian figures, including former Vice President Jusuf Kalla and ex-Constitutional Court Chief Justice Hamdan Zoelva, have launched a petition titled "Reject the Seizure of Hotel Sultan" to protest what they see as an unfair legal dispute over the property. The initiative highlights concerns over public trust in law enforcement and the potential negative impact on the business climate if resolved unilaterally. The petition demands clear legal basis for any seizure, ongoing business operations during legal proceedings, and fair compensation through proper mechanisms.

Husen Karim and his wife Ria manage a small Madura stall in South Jakarta's Pasar Minggu area, operating 24 hours a day by alternating shifts to cater to night-time customers like students and drivers. Starting in 2012 with regular hours, they extended to full-time operation in 2016 after noticing demand, which now generates weekly turnovers of Rp5-6 million supported by frequent small transactions and a flexible credit system. This story highlights the dedication and adaptability of small-scale entrepreneurs in meeting round-the-clock community needs in urban Indonesia.

The US Pentagon has announced a historic agreement with Boeing and Lockheed Martin to triple the production capacity of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) seekers, key sensor components for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile defence system. This seven-year deal includes investments in advanced equipment, facility modernisation, and critical testing devices to accelerate deliveries and boost efficiency, highlighting Boeing's crucial role in supplying the missiles. The multi-year contract option awaits US Congressional approval, underscoring efforts to enhance defence capabilities amid ongoing global conflicts.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Djamari Chaniago, has demanded a swift, transparent, and comprehensive UN investigation into the attack in southern Lebanon that killed three Indonesian National Army (TNI) personnel on a peacekeeping mission, insisting that perpetrators be held legally accountable without immunity. The incident, which involved artillery strikes and a vehicle explosion in March 2026, underscores the vulnerability of UN peacekeepers amid escalating conflict and has prompted Indonesia to enhance coordination with defence and foreign affairs ministries to bolster soldier protections. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and parliamentary members have expressed condolences and called for stronger UN action, while Indonesia plans to deploy additional troops to the UNIFIL mission in May 2026.

Western media outlets, including The Times and The Economist, are speculating on the potential for a US ground invasion of Iran around Good Friday, amid escalating military tensions and conflicting statements from President Donald Trump. While The Times suggests Trump's erratic rhetoric may be a deliberate tactic to pressure Iran and stabilise markets during ongoing military preparations, The Economist views it as genuine uncertainty that risks broader confrontation. This reporting highlights the volatile geopolitical situation and its potential regional and international ramifications.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed delight in meeting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto again, marking a new milestone in bilateral relations during a state luncheon at the Blue House. He highlighted the elevation of ties to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasising enhanced cooperation in investments via Danantara, joint fighter jet development, and sectors like maritime and AI. Lee underscored shared visions for public welfare and optimism for a prosperous future of mutual benefit between the two nations.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is expediting the response to a landslide between Maswati and Sasaksaat stations in Bandung, West Java, which disrupted services including the KA 174 Ciremai train. The company estimates the clearance and evacuation process will take about five hours from 4:30 PM WIB, involving coordinated efforts to restore normal operations swiftly. KAI apologises for the inconvenience and emphasises safety as the top priority, advising passengers to check updates via their contact channels.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa hosted the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Dr. Siswo Pramono, along with Australian business representatives and the Indonesian Leather Entrepreneurs Association (APKI) to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the leather industry. The meeting focused on securing halal-certified raw material supplies from Australia, technology transfers, and investments to address challenges like raw material shortages and export standards, positioning East Java as a strategic hub for trade and logistics in eastern Indonesia. This collaboration aims to enhance the productivity of East Java's leather sector, which is a national hub in areas like Sidoarjo and Pasuruan, while fostering complementary trade relations despite current trade deficits.

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) is set to question four TNI BAIS members suspected of orchestrating an acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus next week, amid ongoing investigations into military involvement. Komnas HAM has already gathered statements from TNI officials and plans to consult experts while consolidating evidence, highlighting concerns over the case's handling by both police and military authorities. Civil society groups allege the attack involved at least 16 field operatives in what they describe as an intelligence operation, underscoring tensions around human rights enforcement in Indonesia.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III is set to convene a public hearing and working meeting tomorrow with the Head of the Karo District Prosecutor's Office, the Prosecutorial Commission, and Amsal Christy Sitepu to seek clarity on his corruption case involving village profile videos, from which he was acquitted. The session aims to address the initial suspect designation, allegations of intimidation, and misleading public opinions regarding detention suspension. This follows a Medan court ruling that found Sitepu not guilty, despite prosecutors seeking a two-year prison sentence, fines, and restitution.

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has introduced a policy allowing all civil servants (ASN) to work from home every Friday, in line with the central government's directive, while ensuring essential public services such as Sekolah Rakyat, Poltekesos, sentra, balai, and the command centre continue to operate. Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) encouraged staff to use public transport, bicycles, or electric vehicles on other days, with specific implementation details to be discussed further. This measure, limited to ASN, aims to promote digital-based service governance and is part of a broader weekly WFH initiative announced by Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto.

The Indonesian government has assured that the families of three TNI soldiers killed during a UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon will each receive approximately IDR 1.8 billion in compensation, including insurance, death risk allowances, UN aid, and internal TNI funds, along with full salary for 12 months, widow's pension, and scholarships for their children. The soldiers—Captain Inf Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Sergeant First Class Muhammad Nur Ikhwan, and Corporal Farizal Rhomadhon—died in separate explosions on 29 and 30 March 2026 amid escalating Israel-Hezbollah tensions, prompting Indonesia to demand a thorough UN investigation. This incident underscores the profound risks faced by Indonesian peacekeepers and highlights the nation's commitment to international peacekeeping efforts despite regional volatility.

Indonesian police have arrested four individuals involved in assaulting FA, a suspect in a sexual violence case, at the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters, resulting in injuries to two people. The incident was reportedly triggered by FA's denial of his actions, but authorities emphasise that the legal process against him for the original sexual offence continues uninterrupted, with the case file recently returned by prosecutors for further completion including confrontations. This event underscores the challenges in maintaining impartiality and procedural integrity in high-profile criminal investigations.

Malaysia is grappling with a surge in hoaxes about fuel and commodity price hikes, mirroring a recent issue in Indonesia, prompting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to publicly denounce the misinformation as sabotage by political adversaries. The Malaysian government has directed police and the communications commission to act, identifying 96 false social media posts on fuel and electricity prices. Anwar urged the public to verify information to avoid falling victim to such deceitful tactics aimed at undermining national stability for narrow political gains.

Indonesia is actively diversifying its energy imports to mitigate risks from Middle East tensions, where the region currently supplies about 20 percent of the country's fuel needs, as stated by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia. Under President Prabowo Subianto's direction, alternative sources have been secured from countries including the United States and Southeast Asia, while domestic production is being boosted through projects like the Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan. This strategy, supported by a US$15 billion trade deal with the US, aims to enhance national energy resilience without altering import volumes, ensuring stable supply for essential needs like 7 million tons of LPG annually.

President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Japan from 29 to 31 March 2026 has resulted in US$23.1 billion in investment commitments, highlighting strong international confidence in Indonesia amid global tensions. Key pledges include US$20.9 billion for the Abadi Gas Field development by Pertamina and INPEX, US$800 million from SMBC Aviation Capital to the sovereign wealth fund Danantara, and additional funding for financial inclusion, the beauty sector, and geothermal projects. Japan, a top FDI source, invested US$3.1 billion in Indonesia in 2025, underscoring the significance of this partnership for economic growth.

In Jakarta's bustling neighbourhoods, the 24-hour Madura warungs serve as both vital business hubs and cramped living quarters for their migrant workers from Madura, highlighting the harsh realities of urban survival in limited spaces. These small shops, often just 3x4 metres, feature makeshift sleeping areas behind shelves stocked with essentials, where personal lives unfold amid the demands of round-the-clock operations. This phenomenon underscores the challenges faced by low-income migrants in adapting to city life, blending work and home in profoundly confined conditions.

Pertamina has assured the public that fuel prices in Papua remain stable as of 1 April, with Pertalite priced at Rp10,000 per litre and Biosolar at Rp6,800 per litre, while non-subsidised options like Pertamax range from Rp12,600 to Rp13,050 per litre. The company guarantees secure supply and smooth distribution through regular shipments every three to four days, urging residents not to panic buy or be swayed by unverified information. This statement aims to maintain public confidence amid potential concerns over energy availability in the remote region.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has expressed profound condolences over the deaths of three Indonesian National Army (TNI) personnel who were killed while serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. The fallen soldiers—Captain Inf. Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Staff Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan, and Private Farizal Rhomadhon—died in separate incidents involving artillery attacks and convoy escort duties, prompting calls for a thorough UN investigation and maximum efforts to repatriate their remains as directed by President Prabowo Subianto. This tragedy underscores Indonesia's commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and highlights the risks faced by its troops abroad, with the government assuring families of substantial compensation.

Public prosecutor Roy Riady has contradicted former Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim's assertion that the Chromebook procurement process was properly supervised by state prosecutors (JPN), revealing in court that JPN's recommendations were ignored despite warnings to adhere to legal procedures. The rushed procurement, allegedly directed by Nadiem, failed to align with actual school needs for information and communication technology, potentially constituting serious administrative negligence and risking state financial losses. Public policy expert Yanuar Wijanarko emphasised that disregarding such legal advice undermines governance and could lead to deliberate misconduct if it results in harm to public funds.

Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir officiated the appointment of several high-ranking and administrative officials at the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) as part of a strategic internal overhaul through job rotations. He emphasised that this move aims to foster comprehensive changes, enhancing professionalism and public service orientation, while urging the new appointees to act as agents of change focused on results, honesty, and capability improvement. Erick also stressed the importance of responsible budget use, stakeholder service, and teamwork to elevate the ministry's reputation and accountability.

The Medan Corruption Court has sentenced Topan Obaja Putra Ginting, the former Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Department (PUPR) of North Sumatra Province, to five years and six months in prison for bribery and commitment fees related to road infrastructure projects. His co-defendant, Rasuli Efendi Siregar, a commitment-making official, received a four-year sentence and has already repaid Rp250 million in restitution. The ruling highlights the judiciary's efforts to combat corruption in provincial infrastructure development, underscoring the damage to public trust and project progress caused by such acts.

The High Prosecutor's Office of East Java (Kejati Jatim) has confirmed that its Assistant Public Prosecutor, Joko Budi Darmawan, and another prosecutor are under examination by the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) in Jakarta due to suspected violations in handling a case. The internal probe began in mid-March 2024, with initial checks conducted by Kejati Jatim before escalating to Kejagung, emphasising transparency and accountability in law enforcement. Kejati Jatim has dismissed circulating rumours of broader involvement or financial misconduct as baseless hoaxes, assuring that operations in East Java continue normally.

Indonesia's Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf has confirmed that the regular quarterly social assistance under the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) for the second quarter will begin disbursement in the second week of April 2026. The updated beneficiary data is now received on the 10th of each quarter, facilitating monthly distributions, with new recipients initially receiving aid via PT Pos Indonesia before transitioning to state-owned banks (Himbara) after account setup within three months. The minister urged beneficiaries to use the assistance wisely for family needs, noting the current allocation remains over 18 million recipients pending any new economic stimulus policies from the President.

The Saudi Arabian government has mandated that all umrah pilgrims from various countries must depart the kingdom no later than 18 April 2026 to facilitate sterilisation and technical preparations for the 1447 Hijriah hajj pilgrimage. This policy aims to ensure smooth repatriation flows before authorities redirect facilities in Mecca and Medina exclusively to hajj pilgrims, with strict enforcement against overstaying or misuse of umrah visas, including fines, deportation, and entry bans. Indonesian officials and travel organisers are urging compliance to avoid disruptions, particularly as around 50,000 Indonesian umrah pilgrims remain in the country amid regional tensions.

Residents in Ancol, North Jakarta, have complained about the foul smell resembling human faeces emanating from the canal along Jalan Karang Bolong Raya, prompting immediate action from the Jakarta Environmental Agency (DLH). Field inspections revealed low water levels in connecting channels and drainage, with water samples confirming that the primary pollution source is domestic wastewater from households and business activities, exacerbated by inadequate treatment systems. The agency highlighted the need for proper wastewater management, including conventional septic tanks that fail to process greywater and mandatory treatment for business effluents to meet quality standards, underscoring broader environmental governance challenges in urban areas.

Passengers and crew of the KA Ciremai train from Semarang Tawang to Bandung were safely evacuated by bus after the train halted due to a landslide blocking the tracks at Maswati-Sasaksaat in West Bandung on Wednesday. The incident caused the locomotive to derail, leading to significant operational disruptions including cancellations of several other train services such as KA Harina, KA Papandayan, KA Serayu, and KA Commuter Line Garut. PT KAI Daop 2 Bandung prioritised safety, deployed teams to clear the debris, and apologised to affected customers while urging them to follow instructions for a swift restoration of services.