Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III plans to summon the Head of the Karo District Prosecutor's Office and the public prosecutor handling the case of videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu, who was recently acquitted of markup charges in a village profile video production case. The commission suspects interference and propaganda from the prosecutor's office following their involvement in suspending Sitepu's detention, viewing it as resistance to their efforts in hearing public aspirations. This development highlights tensions between legislative oversight and judicial processes, with the commission praising the court's decision and advocating for judicial welfare improvements.

Newly appointed Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, has emphasised the unique role of the Immigration Directorate in not only executing technical duties but also aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's perspective on global dynamics to safeguard Indonesia's sovereignty. He committed to implementing seven out of the 15 action programmes derived from the Asta Cita vision, particularly focusing on legal reform. The appointment, officiated by Minister Agus Andrianto, was attended by prominent figures including lawmakers and former anti-corruption officials, underscoring its political significance.

PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk (BDMN) has approved a cash dividend payout of Rp 142.19 per share, amounting to approximately Rp 1.4 trillion, representing 35% of its net profit for the 2025 fiscal year, which totalled Rp 4.0 trillion. This decision was made during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for the 2025 fiscal year, with payment details to be announced later. Additionally, the meeting saw changes in the board, including the non-reappointment of several key executives and the appointment of new members such as Takeo Shimotsu as Commissioner and Nobuya Kawasaki as President Director, reflecting ongoing leadership transitions at the bank.

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has clarified that the work-from-home (WFH) policy for private sector employees is merely advisory, allowing companies flexibility to adapt based on their specific conditions to balance energy efficiency and national economic growth. This approach excludes critical sectors such as energy, health, and public services, where full operations are required, and differs from guidelines for civil servants. The policy aims to foster adaptive work patterns and wise energy use without mandating specific locations or days for WFH.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has indicated that processing refunds for duties imposed under President Donald Trump's tariffs, which were invalidated by the Supreme Court, could take up to 45 days. This follows the court's February ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not authorise the president to impose such tariffs, prompting thousands of companies to seek reimbursements on approximately $166 billion in collected duties. With system components at various stages of completion, 26,664 importers representing 78% of affected imports are set to receive electronic refunds on about $120 billion in principal duties.

President Prabowo Subianto has urged stronger strategic ties between Indonesia and Japan, focusing on economic collaboration, investment, and future industrial development, during the Indonesia-Japan Business Forum in Tokyo. Highlighting Japan's longstanding contributions to Indonesia's economy through investments in sectors like automotive, electronics, and renewable energy, Prabowo seeks to elevate the partnership to foster long-term stability and mutual benefits. The article questions whether this cooperation will drive tangible technology transfers or merely perpetuate dependency, especially as Indonesia leverages its vast nickel reserves and growing market to position itself as a key player in the global electric vehicle industry amid surging demand.

The Lebak DPRD has summoned Regent Hasbi Asyidiki Jayabaya and Deputy Regent Amir Hamzah following a public dispute during a halalbihalal event, where Hasbi mocked Amir's past as a convicted bribe-giver in the 2013 election scandal. While Hasbi attended the meeting and pledged to improve his conduct and reaffirm his commitment to Lebak's progress, Amir was absent, prompting the council to urge both leaders to end the tension and focus on public service. This incident highlights internal conflicts within local government that could undermine effective leadership and service delivery in the region.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has refuted social media claims that the island is experiencing a decline in tourists, asserting that domestic visitor numbers surged by 36% during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday period compared to the previous year. He highlighted that domestic arrivals rose from 251,075 in 2025 to 343,986 in 2026, while international visitors also increased from 490,326 to 504,115, with further growth expected from port entries. This rebuttal underscores Bali's continued appeal as a tourism hotspot amid concerns over visitor numbers.

The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) has urged the Indonesian government to regularly and transparently disclose energy stock data amid threats of oil and LPG supply disruptions due to escalating tensions in the Gulf region. IESR emphasises that such openness is crucial to prevent public panic, curb speculation, and maintain trust in government measures, which should be backed by real data on reserves, supply safeguards, and potential cost impacts. In response to the geopolitical risks, President Prabowo Subianto has instructed initiatives including solar power development, electric vehicle conversions, energy efficiency programmes, and securing alternative fossil fuel supplies, while assuring that national reserves remain above minimum standards.

Indonesia's Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, has developed mechanisms to monitor the performance of civil servants (ASN) during the implementation of work-from-home (WFH) policies on Fridays, aimed at supporting energy-saving efforts amid the Middle East conflict. Drawing from experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, these mechanisms include performance-based rewards and punishments to ensure accountability, while essential public services and in-person schooling continue uninterrupted. The policy, announced by Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto, takes effect from 1 April 2026 and will be evaluated after two months.

Indonesia's tourism sector showed a stark contrast in early 2026, with foreign tourist arrivals surging 13.37% year-on-year to 1.16 million in February, driven by a 68.89% increase from China and a 21.81% rise from Singapore, despite a 7.17% drop from Malaysia. In comparison, domestic tourist trips grew only marginally by 0.70% to 91.14 million, reflecting seasonal slowdowns post-New Year holidays. This trend underscores the sector's recovery being propelled by international visitors from Asia, while domestic movement remains subdued.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has issued a warning to the public about phishing scams involving fake websites that mimic the bank's official site to steal personal data from customers. BRI's IT Director, Saladin D. Effendi, advised verifying official URLs and avoiding suspicious links shared via SMS, email, or chat apps, which often use social engineering to extract sensitive information like PINs and OTP codes. The bank emphasises using only official channels such as https://bri.co.id and https://ib.bri.co.id, and confirms it never requests sensitive data through unofficial means, highlighting the importance of digital security for its customers.

Chinese automaker BAIC has developed a new sodium-ion battery for electric vehicles that can achieve a full charge in just 11 minutes using 4C fast-charging technology, significantly reducing charging times compared to the typical 30 minutes or more. This battery also performs reliably in extreme temperatures from -40°C to 60°C and remains stable up to 200°C, addressing common issues with lithium-ion batteries in harsh conditions. Although its energy density of 170 Wh/kg is lower than standard lithium batteries, BAIC is advancing prototypes toward mass production, with the first vehicles expected in China by mid-2026, potentially accelerating EV adoption through improved convenience and durability.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital's Government Regulation (PP) Tunas has received praise for its role in establishing a safe and healthy digital environment for Indonesia's youth. GP Ansor, a prominent youth organisation, supports the regulation, viewing it as a crucial state intervention to combat negative online content, disinformation, and child exploitation while promoting digital literacy. The organisation pledges active involvement in its implementation through grassroots efforts to foster responsible digital citizenship and calls for collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector.

Authorities in East Jakarta are set to hand over the management of mounting waste piles at the Kramat Jati Main Market to private companies to expedite collection efforts amid operational restrictions at the Bantargebang landfill. This move involves deploying 20 private trucks and aligns with Jakarta's regulations mandating businesses, including market operator Perumda Pasar Jaya, to handle their own waste independently. The initiative, under supervision from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, aims to alleviate the stench and discomfort affecting traders and visitors in the area.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's state visit and pushed to elevate their bilateral ties to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, the only such relationship South Korea maintains with any country. Highlighting Indonesia's role as a prime investment destination and key collaborator in defence and electric vehicle industries, Lee expressed optimism about future joint projects that benefit both nations amid global uncertainties. This upgrade underscores over 50 years of mutual trust and complementary strengths between the two countries.

DPR Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman has criticised the corruption charges against videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu in a suspected markup case involving a village profile video project, arguing that the legal rationale is unacceptable to the public as it equates creative work with inflated procurement pricing. He highlighted the subjective value in creative services and praised the judges for granting Sitepu's acquittal and earlier suspension of detention following parliamentary intervention. This case underscores the need for fair application of anti-corruption laws to avoid misapplying them to non-standard professional services.

China's Changying-8 unmanned cargo aircraft, developed by Beijing Beifang Changying UAV Technology Co., Ltd., has successfully completed its first flight at Zhengzhou Airport in central China's Henan Province. This 7-ton class UAV features an ultra-large cargo compartment of 18 cubic metres, a maximum take-off weight of 7 tons, and a payload capacity of 3.5 tons, with a range exceeding 3,000 kilometres, enabling versatile transport of conventional goods, fresh produce, cold-chain items, and emergency equipment. The breakthrough supports efficient logistics, remote and complex terrain operations, emergency responses, and the development of low-altitude economy initiatives.

Local bottled water brands continue to dominate markets across Asia and Southeast Asia, reflecting strong consumer preference for domestic products in essential goods like drinking water. In Indonesia, AQUA stands as the top brand and the only Indonesian entry in Asia's most popular list, supported by affordable pricing, wide availability, and high consumer trust. This trend highlights the importance of cultural proximity, robust distribution, and public confidence in competing within the packaged beverage industry, though exceptions exist in countries like Japan and Pakistan where global or alternative beverages prevail.

Forest and land fires continue to affect three districts in Riau Province, burning an estimated 900 hectares across clusters in Bengkalis, Pelalawan, and Dumai. Authorities are actively engaged in suppression efforts, supported by multiple firefighting teams and ongoing weather modification operations to induce rain and aid extinguishing. This incident underscores persistent environmental challenges in Indonesia, potentially linked to seasonal dryness and land management issues, with precise damage assessments pending satellite imagery.

The Yogyakarta Special Region Police (Polda DIY) has announced selective traffic rerouting and closures around Malioboro and the Keraton areas starting from 6:00 AM on Thursday, 2 April, to ensure smooth proceedings for the cultural procession marking the 80th birthday of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. Specific diversions include closures from the north on Jalan Malioboro, from the west at the PKU intersection to Jalan Bhayangkara, and from the east at Simpang Empat Gondomanan towards Jalan P Senopati, with designated parking zones provided for participants from various districts. Approximately 900 combined personnel will secure the event, and the public is urged to adjust their routes and utilise the provided parking to support this significant cultural commemoration.

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) aims for its integrated shrimp farming area in Waingapu, East Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to produce up to 52,000 tonnes of shrimp annually, based on best aquaculture practices yielding 40 tonnes per hectare. This Rp 7.2 trillion project, spanning 1,361 hectares of developed land, is designed to boost national production and strengthen fisheries exports to markets like the US and China, while also supporting domestic consumption. It represents a key government initiative to enhance Indonesia's aquaculture sector and economic output from the region.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has conveyed his deepest condolences to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for the deaths of three Indonesian National Army (TNI) soldiers in a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. During their bilateral meeting at the Blue House, Lee emphasised the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea amid global uncertainties, particularly in energy security and minimising the impacts of Middle Eastern conflicts. He highlighted shared values in democracy, free trade, and rule-based order as a foundation for joint contributions to the international community.

Indonesian police have extended the detention of doctor Richard Lee, the suspect in a case involving alleged violations of consumer protection laws related to beauty products and treatments, by 40 days until 5 May 2026. The case file has been submitted to the Banten High Prosecutor's Office, with authorities awaiting confirmation of completeness before proceeding to the next stage of handover. This development follows Lee's initial arrest in December 2024 after a complaint from a detective doctor, highlighting ongoing efforts to address potential consumer safety issues in the beauty industry.

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), Pertamina's gas subholding, is committed to enhancing national energy resilience by promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for land transportation as an independent, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution amid global geopolitical fluctuations. With CNG priced stably at Rp4,500 per litre equivalent to Pertalite across all filling stations, it offers significant cost savings compared to non-subsidised fuels, reduces carbon emissions by up to 20%, and improves vehicle engine performance. Through its subsidiary PT Gagas Energi Indonesia, PGN operates 14 CNG stations and seeks stronger government and stakeholder synergies to expand infrastructure and boost adoption, supporting Indonesia's net zero emission targets and energy independence.

Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung, Deputy General Chairman of Golkar Party, has urged the Indonesian government to adopt a firmer stance following the deaths of three TNI soldiers in an Israeli attack on the UNIFIL headquarters in Lebanon. He emphasised the need to condemn violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, and called for stronger pressure through coordination with the United Nations to end the conflict. Additionally, Doli advocated for reconsidering Indonesia's participation in the Board of Peace and ensuring proper recognition and support for the families of the fallen soldiers.

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of DKI Jakarta has observed that monthly inflation in the capital consistently rises during Eid al-Fitr months over the past five years, driven by heightened demand for goods and services. Key contributors include commodities like chicken eggs, air transport, red onions, garlic, and rice with side dishes in 2022 (0.06%), air transport, chicken meat, gold jewellery, and intercity transport in 2023 (0.40%), and gold jewellery, red onions, air transport, and intercity transport in 2024 (0.26%). For the upcoming Eid in March 2026, projections highlight potential inflation from chicken meat, petrol, intercity transport, rice, and red chillies, with March 2026 inflation estimated at 0.51%, underscoring the need for proactive measures to control price surges during festive periods.

A legal challenge has been filed at Indonesia's Constitutional Court (MK) against specific phrases in the new Criminal Code's (KUHP) corruption articles, namely "enriching oneself," "benefiting oneself," and "harming state finances," which petitioners argue render Articles 603 and 604 overly broad "sweeping clauses" prone to abuse. The petitioners, represented by Yani Rambe, contend that these provisions could lead to normative conflicts and misuse by law enforcement, potentially undermining fair application of anti-corruption laws. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the balance between robust anti-corruption measures and the risk of vague legislation in Indonesia's evolving legal framework.

During the Eid al-Fitr 2026 return period from H to H+9 (21-30 March), PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol recorded 670,470 vehicles heading to Jakarta via Cikampek Utama Toll Gate, marking a 135.77% increase from normal traffic of 284,375 vehicles. This surge underscores the ongoing high volume of return travel from eastern Trans-Java regions, with a 36.18% rise noted on 31 March, while the company maintains optimised services including a 23% toll discount on the Batang-Semarang section until that date. The data highlights significant traffic increases across multiple toll gates in Central and East Java, prompting safety advisories for motorists to ensure vehicle condition and planning.

Oracle, owned by billionaire Larry Ellison—the world's sixth-richest person—is reportedly planning to lay off thousands of employees due to advancements in artificial intelligence technology. The company has been heavily investing in AI infrastructure, funded largely through debt, which has raised concerns among investors about its cash flow and mounting liabilities. Despite the potential job cuts, Oracle's executives remain optimistic about the long-term returns from these investments amid surging demand for AI capabilities.

A housewife in Surabaya has reported a Navy sergeant to the police over an alleged fraud involving a Rp134 million loan secured by a vehicle's BPKB, which was later borrowed under false pretenses and never returned. The incident, originating from a February 2024 loan agreement, escalated when the sergeant failed to repay the debt or provide evidence of the BPKB's loss, forcing the victim to cover the outstanding amount. Despite attempts at family mediation and involvement from local community leaders, the matter remains unresolved, highlighting issues of accountability within military personnel.

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports a significant surge in rice production for February 2026, reaching 5.05 million tonnes of dried milled unhulled rice (GKG), marking a 27.41% increase from the previous year, driven by a 23.62% expansion in harvested area to 0.94 million hectares. However, projections for March-May 2026 indicate a decline, with potential harvested area dropping 10.60% to 3.85 million hectares and rice production falling 11.11% to 11.91 million tonnes. Maize production also decreased in February, by 4.91% to 1.77 million tonnes, highlighting potential challenges in sustaining agricultural output amid varying seasonal factors.

The Indonesian government, led by Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, is implementing mitigation measures to counter the effects of global geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts in the Middle East, on the national tourism sector. These efforts include diversifying markets towards Southeast and East Asia, enhancing international promotions, and optimising domestic tourism to maintain targets of 16 to 17.6 million foreign visitors by 2026 despite flight disruptions and rising energy costs. The initiatives also emphasise sustainable, safe tourism through training, certifications, and programmes like Wonderful Indonesia, underscoring tourism's role as a key driver of national economic growth with cross-ministerial support.

The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a circular exempting essential local government services from the work-from-home (WFH) policy, ensuring that critical public functions continue uninterrupted. Exempted agencies include those handling disaster management, public order, civil registration, investment permits, health, education, regional revenue, and other direct public services, while support units may implement selective WFH to maintain ASN performance targets. The policy, effective from 1 April 2026, aims to redirect cost savings to priority regional programmes and will be evaluated after two months, with governors required to report implementation monthly.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed deep condolences to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for the deaths of three Indonesian soldiers in a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon during their bilateral meeting. The incident involved an explosion that killed Sergeant Major Farizal Rhomadhon, Captain Inf Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, and Sergeant Major Muhammad Nur Ichwan, while injuring several others from the UNIFIL contingent. The meeting underscored both leaders' commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and enhancing the role of middle powers in global peace and stability.

President Prabowo Subianto has appointed Hendarsam Marantoko, a lawyer and Gerindra Party politician, as Director General of Immigration without an open selection process, prompting sensitivity that Hendarsam declined to discuss, focusing instead on his duties. The inauguration took place on 1 April at the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, where Hendarsam took an oath pledging loyalty to the Indonesian Constitution and ethical conduct. This move highlights ongoing debates over political appointments in key government positions.

Tokopedia and TikTok Shop reported a 15-fold surge in transactions during sahur times as part of the 'Ramadhan Ekstra Seru 2026' campaign, driven by live streaming activities on TikTok that attracted 38 billion viewers. This initiative not only boosted sales in categories like Muslim fashion by three times but also highlighted the strategic importance of Ramadan for local brands, contributing significantly to Indonesia's creative economy, which saw fashion accounting for 17.6% of its Rp225 trillion value in 2022. Local brands such as Batik Christo and Fortklass experienced transaction increases of over four and nearly twelve times, respectively, underscoring the power of digital synergies in fostering business growth.

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry reports that ferry services across the Bakauheni-Merak route during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr period have proceeded smoothly, safely, and under control despite significant increases in passenger activity. The company attributes this success to comprehensive operational preparations, fleet optimisation supported by digitalisation, and anticipatory measures such as dynamic scheduling, buffer zones, and fare discounts to ensure even traffic distribution. Strong inter-sectoral collaboration involving multiple government ministries, state-owned enterprises, and user compliance via the Ferizy digital platform has been pivotal in managing the national mobility surge associated with the holiday.

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has urged state-owned enterprises, regional companies, and private firms to implement work-from-home (WFH) one day a week to optimise energy use amid global oil supply disruptions from Middle East conflicts. The policy, outlined in a ministerial circular, emphasises involving workers in planning, promoting energy-efficient practices in offices, and ensuring no reduction in employee rights, with evaluations planned after two months. Workers are encouraged to report any labour violations via the Lapor Menaker channel to safeguard their entitlements during this period.

The National Zakat Agency (Baznas) of Indonesia has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of three Indonesian National Army (TNI) soldiers and injuries to five others during a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Chairman Sodik Mudjahid described the fallen soldiers as martyrs whose sacrifices honour the nation, and announced that Baznas will provide support to their families as a gesture of solidarity. The incident occurred during the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission on 29 and 30 March, highlighting Indonesia's commitment to international peace efforts.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has urged regional-owned enterprises (BUMDs) in the province to serve as key drivers for increasing local revenue and stimulating economic growth, highlighting their positive performance in assets, profits, and employment. During a visit by the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission II, Luthfi emphasised the profitability principle for BUMDs and the pivotal role of Bank Jateng in supporting local finance, SMEs, and productive sectors. Commission members praised the potential of Central Java's BUMDs to become a national model, stressing their broader mandate in regional development, economic equity, and fiscal strengthening beyond mere profits.

PT Lippo Cikarang Tbk has issued an official statement clarifying that its employee, Ruri, was summoned by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) solely as a witness in the investigation into assets owned by former Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara Kunang. The company firmly denies any corporate involvement in the alleged unlawful house purchase, emphasising that the transaction was a standard commercial deal now unrelated to the parties involved, and reaffirms its commitment to good corporate governance. This development underscores ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting public officials' asset acquisitions and their potential ties to property developers in Indonesia.

Fuel prices at petrol stations across Indonesia, including in the Jabodetabek area, remain unchanged as of 1 April 2026, according to PT Pertamina and observations at private stations. Pertamina Patra Niaga confirmed adherence to government energy pricing policies, with no adjustments from the previous period ending 31 March 2026. This stability reflects ongoing government oversight of fuel costs amid broader economic considerations.

The Indonesian National Airlines Association (INACA) has urged the government to promptly adjust aviation fuel surcharges and upper domestic flight fare limits in response to Pertamina's announcement of a 70% average increase in domestic avtur prices for April 2026 compared to March. For international routes, prices have risen by 80%, with domestic prices now 295% higher than in 2019 when fare caps were introduced, exacerbating operational costs that account for about 40% of airlines' expenses. This adjustment is crucial to ensure flight safety, business sustainability, and national air connectivity amid global geopolitical influences on fuel prices.

Astra International has launched the 17th edition of the Satu Indonesia Awards, themed "Connected in Action," to encourage young Indonesians to contribute to society through initiatives in health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, and technology. The programme, which has recognised 792 young change-makers by 2025, provides mentoring and integrates winners' projects into Astra's network of 1,533 prosperous villages across 35 provinces. This collaboration aims to amplify sustainable social impact and foster broader positive change in Indonesia.

The Indonesian government has mandated work from home (WFH) once a week for civil servants (ASN) every Friday starting 1 April 2026, with a recommendation extended to private sector employees, state-owned enterprises, and regional companies to mitigate the impact of global geopolitical tensions on energy prices. Apindo Chairwoman Shinta Widjaja Kamdani supports the policy in principle but urges flexibility in implementation to avoid disrupting real sector operations, particularly given the informal economy's dominance and pressures like rising energy costs and rupiah depreciation. She calls for selective budget refocusing, targeted stimulus for supply and demand sides, and accelerated deregulation to sustain economic resilience without harming productivity.

The Medan District Court acquitted videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu of corruption charges involving an alleged Rp202 million markup in village profile video production in Karo Regency from 2020-2022, ordering the restoration of his rights and dignity. Prosecutors from the Karo District Prosecutor's Office expressed respect for the verdict but are considering an appeal, while also investigating the procedural aspects of his pre-verdict detention suspension. The case drew national attention, prompting a House of Representatives Commission III hearing that highlighted concerns over over-criminalisation in Indonesia's creative industry and emphasised substantive justice over formalistic legal certainty.

The Indonesian government has confirmed that electricity tariffs for PT PLN will remain unchanged for the second quarter of 2026 (April to June), aiming to preserve public purchasing power amid global economic uncertainties. This decision, based on evaluations of macroeconomic parameters such as exchange rates, oil prices, inflation, and coal reference prices from late 2025 to early 2026, applies to both subsidised and non-subsidised customers. PLN's CEO praised the policy for providing certainty to households and businesses, reinforcing national economic stability and energy resilience.

The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, known as Whoosh, has seen a 7% increase in passenger numbers during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming period, transporting 311,472 travellers from 13 to 30 March compared to 290,935 the previous year. Operated by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, the service achieved an average of 17,304 passengers daily, peaking at 24,315 on 24 March, with 1,088 trips run at 99.4% punctuality. This surge highlights Whoosh's growing reliability as a preferred transport option amid high mobility, particularly from Halim station which handled 46% of passengers.

Professor Robert Asnawi from BRIN's Agricultural Economics Research highlights the significant potential of cassava as a sustainable source of income and food in Indonesia, noting that over 80% is currently sold fresh, offering opportunities for value addition. He advocates for comprehensive transformation, including boosting productivity from 26 to up to 60 tonnes per hectare through technological innovations, efficient planting systems like intercropping, and inclusive partnerships between farmers and industry to enhance national food security. This development could position cassava as a strategic national commodity, addressing rising demand for alternative foods and strengthening economic and social aspects.