The Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN plans to empower Family Assistance Teams (TPK) to educate Indonesian families about Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection, known as PP Tunas. Unlike other institutions that may use schools for dissemination, the ministry opts for a non-formal approach by deploying TPK directly to households to highlight digital risks affecting children's social development and communication skills. The initiative aims to foster family awareness and responsible management of children's online access, drawing from international cases of child data exploitation on social media platforms.

Manulife Wealth & Asset Management has finalised its acquisition of PT Schroder Investment Management Indonesia through PT Manulife Aset Manajemen Indonesia, following approval from the Financial Services Authority (OJK). This merger combines the strengths of two leading investment managers to create a stronger platform with greater scale, enhanced innovation, and global insights, reinforcing Manulife's long-term commitment to Indonesia's growing investment management industry. The integration process will occur gradually, with parallel operations maintained to ensure a smooth transition for clients, partners, and employees.

Perum Bulog's CEO, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has assured that the state-owned enterprise's post-harvest infrastructure in key production centres will meet the standards of private factories, such as those operated by Wilmar. This initiative involves constructing 100 facilities, including 94 warehouses, six rice silos, and eight corn silos, across 92 regencies at a cost of Rp 5 trillion, in line with Presidential Regulation No. 14 of 2026. The development process includes feasibility studies, technical assessments with the Ministry of Agriculture, and financial evaluations to ensure suitability for regional typologies and efficient logistics.

Golkar Party Deputy Chairman Ahmad Doli Kurnia has called on the Indonesian government to rethink its involvement in the Board of Peace following the deaths of three TNI soldiers in an Israeli attack while serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon. He highlighted Israel's violations of international humanitarian law, including over 8,300 attacks on Palestine in 2025, and urged a firmer stance against such aggressions. The incident, part of an escalation resulting in eight TNI casualties over two days, underscores the need for national unity, support for the victims' families, and a reevaluation of Indonesia's peacekeeping commitments amid ongoing Middle East conflicts.

PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) remains confident in the face of aggressive competition from Chinese car manufacturers in Indonesia's automotive market, relying on added value for consumers and continuous market monitoring. The company has refreshed its popular LCGC model, the Honda Brio Satya, with more attractive exterior features and an enlarged head unit to maintain its edge. This approach underscores Honda's optimism in sustaining consumer trust amid the influx of new players in the domestic industry.

A DPR member has cautioned that the new policy requiring civil servants to work from home every Friday should not be exploited as an extended holiday, urging the government to impose strict sanctions on violators. The policy, aimed at saving fuel amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict, was announced by Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto, who assured that public services and productive activities like banking and capital markets will continue uninterrupted. This measure revives a four-day workweek approach previously used during the COVID-19 pandemic, with ongoing evaluations planned to assess its effectiveness in reducing fuel consumption.

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) has raised alarms over apparent non-compliance with wealth reporting requirements, alleging that President Prabowo Subianto and 26 members of the Merah Putih Cabinet, including 14 ministers and 12 deputy ministers, have either not submitted or delayed their 2025 State Organisers' Wealth Reports (LHKPN) as of 1 April 2026. The findings stem from an examination of the KPK's official e-LHKPN website, highlighting potential violations of anti-corruption laws and underscoring the need for transparency among public officials. ICW is pressing the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to promptly clarify the status and publicly disclose the names of non-compliant officials to uphold public trust and prevent the reporting process from becoming a mere formality.

The Tasikmalaya City Government in West Java will implement a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN) every Friday starting from 10 April 2026, following central government instructions to enhance energy efficiency amid global geopolitical impacts. Exceptions apply to essential public services such as health, civil registry, and emergency units to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. The policy is expected to yield significant fiscal savings in electricity, fuel, and operational costs, while potentially expanding initiatives like Car Free Day to reduce pollution.

Chinese tech firm Zhipu AI has significantly reduced its reliance on US technology by optimising the use of domestic chips, achieving performance levels comparable to global leaders amid surging demand. The company reported a 132% revenue surge in 2025, with API service usage jumping 400% despite a price hike, though it still posted substantial losses. This development intensifies competition in China's AI sector and supports Beijing's push for technological self-sufficiency, potentially reshaping global AI dynamics.

The Desa BRILiaN programme by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) is strengthening rural economies across Indonesia by focusing on four key pillars: village institutions, digital financial services, sustainable economic development, and village innovation. In Hendrosari Village, Gresik Regency, the initiative has transformed local lontar palm potential into a vital economic driver, producing traditional legen drinks and boosting tourism via the Edu Lontar Sewu site since 2019. With over 5,200 villages reached, the programme aims to foster independent growth centres based on local resources, highlighting BRI's role in empowering rural communities.

The Metro Jaya Police have questioned senior journalist Karni Ilyas as a witness in the ongoing investigation into allegations of a fake diploma belonging to President Joko Widodo. The examination, conducted on 31 March, also involves scheduling interviews with media executives, including iNews editor-in-chief Aiman Witjaksono, regarding a television programme that discussed the issue. Eight suspects have been named in two clusters, though investigations against some, like Eggi Sudjana and Damai Hari Lubis, have been halted following their requests for case termination, highlighting the complexities of probing high-profile defamation claims.

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission II from the PKB faction, Muhammad Khozin, has suggested that implementing work from home (WFH) every Friday could effectively create long weekends, urging the government to regularly evaluate its rollout to ensure it reduces fuel consumption while maintaining public service productivity. He emphasised the need for consistent oversight by ministries, agencies, and local governments, alongside opportunities to improve public transport, advance digital transformation in bureaucracy, and control air pollution through inter-ministerial coordination. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto previously announced the policy, which also limits official vehicle use to 50 per cent and promotes public transport to enhance efficiency.

Chinese researchers at the Academy of Sciences' Institute of Plasma Physics have achieved a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion by operating plasma in the EAST tokamak reactor at densities 1.3 to 1.65 times above the theoretical Greenwald limit without instability or damage. This success, published in Science Advances, introduces a new 'density-free' operating regime through the Plasma-Wall Self-Organization model, focusing on plasma start-up phase with microwave heating and higher initial gas pressure. The advancement strengthens China's position in the global race for clean, limitless fusion energy, marking a crucial step towards self-sustaining ignition.

The West Jakarta Civil Registry Office is encouraging new arrivals from outside the city following Eid al-Fitr to report their presence and process their administrative documents, aiming to foster orderly administration in the capital. Data indicates 353 new migrants arrived in West Jakarta between 25 and 31 March 2026, primarily in Kalideres and Cengkareng sub-districts, as part of a broader influx of 1,335 to the city. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has stressed the need for newcomers to secure employment or housing guarantees, anticipating 10,000 to 12,000 arrivals post-holiday.

PT Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM) has brought the WPN-7 platform online at the Sisi Nubi Field in East Kalimantan's Mahakam Block, contributing approximately 20 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) to the national gas supply. This development, the third platform in the Sisi Nubi Area of Interest project, supports maintaining production levels in the ageing block, with wells NB-701 and NB-702 achieving initial outputs of 9.8 MMSCFD and 12.5 MMSCFD respectively. The initiative, in collaboration with SKK Migas, underscores efforts to ensure the sustainability of oil and gas production in the region, bolstering Indonesia's energy security.

The Indonesian government has decided to keep fuel prices unchanged for both subsidised and non-subsidised types at all petrol stations starting 1 April 2026, despite global oil price surges triggered by the Israel-US-Iran conflict that erupted on 28 February 2026. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that prices remain flat following presidential directives, urging the public to rely on official information and consume fuel judiciously amid ongoing discussions with Pertamina and private station operators. On-the-ground checks reveal no price adjustments at Pertamina, Shell, Vivo, and BP-AKR stations, with specific prices listed for various fuel grades in Jakarta and surrounding areas.

The lack of accurate national data on autism prevalence in Indonesia poses significant challenges to effective policy-making and service allocation, as highlighted by BRIN researcher Rozana Ika Agustiya during World Autism Awareness Day. Families face economic burdens, limited access to specialists, and social stigma, despite some coverage by BPJS Kesehatan, underscoring the need for integrated data and community-based interventions tailored to local contexts. BRIN promotes family and technology-driven approaches to enhance support, emphasising that interventions should focus on unlocking each child's unique potential rather than standardisation.

Residents in Bali's Jembrana Regency were shocked by the discovery of eight sacks of hazardous medical waste, including vaccine bottles and syringes for livestock, dumped along the Denpasar-Gilimanuk roadside, prompting immediate reports to local authorities and police. Officials confirmed the waste does not originate from authorised veterinary services and poses severe environmental and health risks, such as potential virus mutations or new disease outbreaks in livestock. Police are investigating under environmental laws, which could lead to three years' imprisonment, and urge proper waste management to prevent further pollution.

Benny Siga Butarbutar, CEO of Perum LKBN ANTARA, has urged media outlets and public relations professionals to adapt to the challenges of media disruption, particularly the rise of "homeless" media—social media accounts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok that spread news rapidly without formal websites or ethical standards. He emphasised the need for mainstream media to enhance their reporting intensity, capacity, and quality while building collective defences against unregulated content, and called on PR teams to develop proactive communication strategies amid constant crises in a globalised world. ANTARA plays a crucial role in this ecosystem by providing comprehensive fact-checking, investigative journalism, and policy dissemination to serve as a reliable reference.

Pondok Pesantren Lirboyo in Kediri has expressed its willingness to host the 35th Muktamar of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation, following growing proposals from various parties. Spokesperson KH Oing Abdul Muid Shohib, known as Gus Muid, thanked supporters and affirmed the pesantren's readiness, citing its historical experience from hosting the event in 1999 and improved facilities. The final decision awaits the outcome of NU's Grand Conference scheduled for April.

Deputy Minister of Public Works Diana Kusumastuti inspected the construction of Sekolah Rakyat in Madiun Regency, East Java, noting that progress stands at 18% with a positive deviation of two percent, aiming for completion by the end of June 2026 to allow for student intake preparations in July. She urged contractors to accelerate work while maintaining quality, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability, and requested an increase in workforce from around 300 to 500 in April and up to 700-800 in May as the project enters the architectural phase. The initiative, built on a 5.8-hectare former bendok land in Nglames Ward, underscores the government's commitment to educational infrastructure, with local authorities asked to support coordination on labour and other field issues.

The global energy price surge triggered by the Middle East conflict has led to a sharp increase in plastic prices, impacting Indonesia's domestic market and straining traders and businesses. Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has noted complaints from merchants about the dramatic rise, linked to fossil fuel-based raw materials, and plans to discuss the issue further. Oil prices have risen over 40% since late February 2026, exacerbating costs for sectors like agriculture and food distribution, as seen in Bulog's coordination efforts with plastic producers.

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has assured that workers' rights to full salaries and annual leave will not be compromised under the new work-from-home (WFH) policy, which mandates one day of remote work per week for private companies, SOEs, and regional enterprises. This initiative, directed by President Prabowo Subianto and outlined in a ministerial circular, aims to optimise energy use and foster adaptive work cultures while maintaining productivity and service quality. The policy underscores the government's commitment to energy resilience and flexible employment without diminishing employee entitlements.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is pushing to expedite the construction of an integrated shrimp pond complex in Waingapu, East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to enable early operations and deliver economic benefits. Director General of Aquaculture Tb. Haeru Rahayu stated that while progress is under 10%, the government is committed to acceleration measures through coordination with the consortium, targeting completion within two years and partial operations next year. This initiative aims to optimise the project's implementation and ensure timely economic impacts for the region.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia reported that the KA 174 Ciremai train was disrupted by a landslide at kilometre 142+8/9 between Maswati and Sasaksaat on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, but all passengers emerged unharmed with no casualties or injuries. The company issued an apology for the service interruption and is conducting intensive efforts to normalise the rail line while prioritising safety. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining Indonesia's rail infrastructure amid natural hazards, prompting operational adjustments to minimise broader service impacts.

Sultan Bahtiar Najamudin, Chairman of Indonesia's Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), has been awarded an honorary doctorate in International Regional Studies by Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU), marking him as the second Indonesian recipient after former President Megawati Soekarnoputri. The ceremony, held in Busan, coincided with the launch of the Korea-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation Forum, underscoring KMOU's internationalisation strategy focused on sustainable maritime collaboration between the two nations. In his address, Sultan emphasised the sea's role as a bridge for civilisations and advocated for international partnerships that promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social justice, aligning with Indonesia's vision for a blue and green economy.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has forecasted that Indonesia's energy subsidies could balloon by up to Rp100 trillion due to surging global oil prices and a weakening rupiah exchange rate. Despite this pressure, the government assures that the budget deficit will remain controlled below 3% of GDP, supported by fiscal buffers including a Rp420 trillion excess budget balance and monthly compensation payments to Pertamina. This development underscores the challenges of maintaining energy affordability amid international volatility while safeguarding fiscal health.

Indonesia has called on the United Nations to take decisive steps to ensure accountability and protection for Palestinians following Israel's approval of a law mandating the death penalty in military courts for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis in acts classified as "terrorism". The Indonesian Foreign Ministry condemned the legislation as a serious violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, and urged Israel to repeal it immediately while reaffirming support for Palestinian independence with East Jerusalem as its capital. The law, which does not apply to Israeli Jews who kill Palestinians, has drawn widespread international condemnation and marks a culmination of efforts by Israel's right-wing groups to impose harsher penalties.

Perum Bulog is set to construct 100 modern post-harvest infrastructure facilities, including 94 warehouses, 6 paddy silos, and 8 corn silos, along with processing units such as 17 dryers and 17 rice milling units, to enhance food storage and processing efficiency. This Rp5 trillion initiative aims to reduce agricultural losses, which can reach 30-50% according to BRIN research, and support national food supply stability amid harvest peaks and logistical challenges. The development underscores Bulog's transformation towards a modern food management system, ensuring state facilities compete with private ones in quality and operational efficiency.

The Regent of North Central Timor (TTU) in East Nusa Tenggara has expressed concerns that the government's new work-from-home (WFH) policy every Friday, starting from 1 April 2026, will significantly disrupt public services in his region, despite its aim to reduce fuel consumption. With limited civil servants and the area's status as a border region with Timor Leste, Yosep Falentinus Delasalle Kebo highlighted potential delays in essential services like ID card issuance, though he plans to implement monitoring mechanisms and ensure readiness for emergencies. This policy, coordinated by Economy Minister Airlangga Hartarto, also includes restrictions on official vehicle use to promote efficiency and public transport.

The East Java provincial government has implemented a policy requiring civil servants (ASN) to work from home every Wednesday starting 1 April 2026, aimed at reducing fuel consumption amid global energy conflicts. Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak explained that Wednesday was chosen to avoid the increased travel tendencies on Fridays, with strict monitoring by inspectors and the regional personnel agency to ensure discipline and active communication. Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa emphasised that this pure WFH arrangement excludes the education sector and targets savings of up to 108,000 litres of fuel, alongside reductions in electricity and other energy use, to be evaluated by 1 June.

PT Chery Sales Indonesia (CSI) has responded to the fire involving a Chery Tiggo Cross CSH vehicle on 31 March 2026 on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road, stating that the incident occurred during an internal delivery from dealer to storage, unrelated to customer use. The company is conducting a thorough investigation with global standards, finding no initial links to the battery or electrical system, and is exploring possibilities like external materials or foreign objects. This hybrid SUV, equipped with advanced safety features and eco-friendly technology, underscores Chery's commitment to sustainable vehicles in Indonesia's growing automotive market.

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission III, Hinca Panjaitan, has urged the Karo District Prosecutor's Office to immediately accept the acquittal verdict for Amsal Christy Sitepu in a corruption case involving a village profile video project in North Sumatra's Karo Regency. Hinca emphasised that the new Criminal Procedure Code provides legal certainty, preventing prolonged processes, and allows the acquitted defendant to seek rehabilitation and compensation for damages. The prosecutors, while respecting the court's decision, plan to use their seven-day period to consider further legal steps after demanding a two-year prison sentence and substantial fines.

The Indonesian government has introduced a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN), and Banyumas Regency in Central Java is preparing to implement a combined work pattern of office-based and remote work, as directed by a circular from the Minister of Home Affairs. The scheme mandates one WFH day per week, typically Fridays, to enhance work efficiency, accelerate digitalisation of public services, and reduce resource consumption and pollution, while ensuring essential public services remain operational through staggered arrangements. This policy underscores a broader push towards flexible working models and electronic governance to optimise public administration.

Fuel prices at various petrol stations in Indonesia remained unchanged on 1 April 2026 compared to the previous month, with Pertamina maintaining competitive rates for its Pertamax range at Rp 12,300 to Rp 13,100 per litre. While BP also held steady prices slightly above Pertamina's, Vivo Energy faced stock shortages limiting options to Revvo 92 at Rp 12,930 per litre, and Shell products were not yet available. This stability in pricing contrasts with availability issues at private stations, highlighting Pertamina and BP as more reliable choices for consumers amid ongoing market dynamics.

The Bogor City Government will introduce a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants every Friday from next week, aligning with national guidelines while exempting essential public service units. Mayor Dedie A Rachim also instructed a 50 per cent cut in fuel budgets for department heads, encouraging the use of electric vehicles or public transport to promote energy efficiency and support central government initiatives. These measures aim to enhance operational flexibility and resource conservation amid broader efficiency drives.

Indonesia's Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has announced agreements with Japanese counterparts to deepen bilateral ties in sustainable forest management, carbon trading, and wildlife conservation, including initiatives like the Carbon Economic Value scheme and voluntary carbon markets. The collaboration involves knowledge exchange, private sector participation, and support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency for mangrove management and the development of the World Mangrove Center. This partnership positions Indonesia as a key player in global climate mitigation efforts, with plans for Komodo dragon breeding programs and sister park collaborations to bolster conservation and innovation.

Former Supreme Court Secretary Nurhadi Abdurrachman has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Jakarta Corruption Court for money laundering and receiving gratuities worth Rp137 billion from litigants between 2013 and 2019. The court also imposed a fine of Rp500 million and ordered him to pay restitution of Rp137.159 billion, a lighter sentence than the prosecutors' demand of seven years. This conviction follows a previous six-year sentence for bribery and gratuities, highlighting ongoing corruption issues within Indonesia's judiciary.

Traders at Jakarta's Kramat Jati Main Market have experienced a 30 percent decline in turnover owing to a massive six-metre-high pile of rubbish at the temporary storage site, deterring customers from entering and parking. The unsanitary conditions, including foul odours and slippery paths, have disrupted operations, prompting complaints to PD Pasar Jaya despite daily collections that fail to keep pace with accumulation. The Jakarta Timur Environment Sub-Department has deployed 13 rubbish trucks to assist in clearing the site, committing to ongoing support until the issue is fully resolved, highlighting broader concerns over waste management and its economic impact on local commerce.

Export Development Canada (EDC) has announced a CAD$360 million financing package for SK ecoplant, marking the first transaction under its Market Leader Partnership with SK Group, South Korea's second-largest conglomerate. The deal, supported by Standard Chartered, will fund semiconductor production and data centre development, strengthening Canada-South Korea trade ties in advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and infrastructure. This initiative underscores growing bilateral trade, valued at CAD$24.36 billion in 2025, and supports Canadian exporters in key sectors like energy and clean technology.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs urges Hajj pilgrims to limit the scale and frequency of walimatus safar gatherings ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage to prevent fatigue and health risks that could jeopardise their journey. A tragic incident from a previous Hajj season, where a pilgrim died on the flight due to extreme exhaustion from seven days of open house events, serves as a stark warning. This guidance aims to ensure pilgrims maintain peak physical condition for the demanding rituals in the Holy Land while still preserving the tradition's essence of seeking blessings and reconciliation.

The Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, expressed condolences to President Joko Widodo following the deaths of three Indonesian soldiers serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, killed in an Israeli attack on 29 March. During their meeting in Solo, Boroujerdi highlighted Jokowi's past advocacy for international peace, including in Palestine, and sought his support to end the Middle East conflict. This incident underscores Indonesia's active role in global peacekeeping and the ongoing tensions in the region, prompting calls from Indonesian officials and experts for stronger diplomatic responses.

Plastic prices in Indonesia have surged dramatically, with increases of up to Rp10,000 per pack reported across various regions ahead of the Lebaran holiday. Traders at Pasar Minggu in Jakarta note that plastic bags now cost Rp28,000 per pack compared to Rp18,000 previously, while containers have risen by around 80% to Rp70,000. This escalation is driving up operational costs for merchants and could lead to higher consumer prices amid rising distribution and raw material expenses.

Bogor Mayor Dedie A Rachim has instructed all civil servants to implement energy-saving measures, including a 50% reduction in fuel budgets for official vehicles to support national energy efficiency efforts. As an alternative, department heads are encouraged to use electric vehicles or public transport for official trips. The mayor also mandates savings on electricity and water usage in offices and leads by example by opting for public transport on his own travels.

A PDI-P politician and member of the House of Representatives Commission II, Deddy Sitorus, has called for clarification from the government on its decision to implement work from home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN) every Friday, questioning its effectiveness in reducing fuel consumption. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto justified the choice of Friday due to its shorter working hours, emphasising that public services and productive activities will continue uninterrupted, with the policy serving as a response to rising global oil prices amid Middle East conflicts. This measure, to be further regulated via circulars from relevant ministries, highlights the government's efforts to balance energy conservation with economic productivity.

Police in Bogor, West Java, have arrested 39-year-old Mahfud for counterfeiting money by printing fake Rp100,000 notes on cardstock and posing as a shaman who could multiply money to lure victims. The suspect planned to distribute the counterfeit currency in his hometown of Cianjur but was apprehended in a Kemang hotel room before executing the scheme. Authorities seized Rp650 million in fake notes, a printer, and other evidence, highlighting the ongoing threat of sophisticated forgery operations disguised as supernatural practices.

The Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) has proposed a comprehensive policy package to support the government's work-from-home (WFH) initiative, aimed at mitigating negative impacts on businesses amid global economic challenges. Key suggestions include stabilising energy prices and fuel supplies to prevent production cost surges, offering energy efficiency incentives such as tax reductions for solar power adoption and electric vehicles, enhancing public transport for hybrid work models, and ensuring accessible financing for SMEs and labour-intensive sectors. This comes as the government mandates WFH for civil servants every Friday starting April 2026 and encourages private sector adoption, while maintaining full in-person schooling.

President Prabowo Subianto's inaugural state visit to South Korea marks a strategic step in bolstering bilateral ties between Indonesia and the country, as highlighted by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya. During the meeting at the Blue House in Seoul, both leaders emphasised shared interests in the Pacific region and trade orientations, with President Lee Jae Myung expressing appreciation for the visit and hopes for deeper cooperation. This engagement underscores Indonesia's commitment to enhancing longstanding partnerships that complement each other in strategic sectors, promising greater benefits for both nations.

The 17th SATU Indonesia Awards 2026, organised by Astra, has been officially launched with the theme 'Connected in Action', aiming to identify and connect inspirational young initiatives for broader societal impact, particularly through integration with the Desa Sejahtera Astra programme. Recipients, limited to individuals or groups led by those under 35, will receive Rp 65 million in development funding, mentoring, and opportunities to expand their original, non-affiliated projects in rural villages, supporting Indonesia's Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative, which has inspired 792 young contributors since 2010, underscores Astra's commitment to fostering sustainable change and youth leadership across health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, and technology sectors.

The Mayor of South Tangerang, Benyamin Davnie, has assured that public services will continue uninterrupted despite the implementation of a weekly work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN) every Friday. Essential service units, including health, education, permitting, and disaster management, are required to maintain office-based operations under direct supervision from department heads. This national policy aims to reduce operational costs such as fuel and electricity while ensuring accountability through geolocation monitoring.