Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Chief General Agus Subiyanto visited the mourning hall of Captain Inf Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, one of three TNI personnel killed in attacks during a UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon. He announced posthumous promotions, financial compensation including Rp350 million from Asabri, full salary for 12 months, old-age savings, and scholarships for the soldiers' children until adulthood. The incidents, suspected to involve Israeli forces, also injured two others who are receiving medical treatment, as TNI continues to prioritise personnel safety and monitor the escalating conflict.

Actor Derby Romero has endorsed the implementation of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 (PP Tunas), which mandates digital platforms to protect children through age-appropriate access restrictions, data verification, and harmful content filtering. As a father to a four-year-old, Romero highlighted the limitations of existing app features like parental controls and stressed the need for stronger safeguards in the digital space. He balances this by supervising his child's digital exposure, recognising the importance of digital literacy for the future while enforcing age-suitable boundaries.

This article provides an overview of nine major cement factories in Indonesia, highlighting their locations, brands, and ownership structures, which include state-owned enterprises and private firms with significant foreign investments. Key players such as PT Semen Indonesia Group subsidiaries, PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk (majority-owned by Heidelberg Materials AG), and Chinese firms like PT Conch Cement Indonesia and PT Jui Shin Indonesia underscore the industry's mix of domestic and international capital. As a backbone of Indonesia's infrastructure development, the cement sector's operations across various regions reflect the growing construction demands and the strategic importance of foreign direct investment in the economy.

Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, Chairman of Indonesia's Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Korea Maritime and Ocean University in recognition of his consistent advocacy for the development of archipelagic regions and coastal communities through parliamentary diplomacy. In his speech, Sultan emphasised the sea's role as a unifier of civilisations, bridging nations via collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, while stressing the need for international cooperation that balances economic growth with environmental and social justice. The honour, the second bestowed on an Indonesian figure after Megawati Soekarnoputri, is expected to bolster bilateral ties between Indonesia and South Korea in maritime and regional development sectors.

Two beverage companies under the supervision of the Denpasar Customs Office have successfully completed their inaugural exports of ethyl alcohol-containing beverages (MMEA) to international markets at the end of the first quarter of 2026. PT Inspirasi Karya Sejahtera exported 300 bottles of wine to Timor Leste on 27 March, followed by PT Lovina Industri Sukses shipping 4,320 bottles of whisky to Singapore on 30 March. This milestone, supported by collaborative efforts from customs authorities, signals growing confidence in Indonesia's domestic MMEA industry and is expected to encourage further exports and enhance the competitiveness of local products.

The Indonesian government has introduced a mandatory work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN), requiring them to work remotely every Friday starting from 1 April 2026, as part of efforts to reduce energy consumption and enhance work efficiency. This initiative, applicable to both central and regional government agencies, aims to cut official vehicle usage by up to 50%, promote public transport, and slash domestic and international travel by 50% and 70% respectively, projecting savings of Rp62 trillion in fuel compensation and Rp59 trillion in public fuel use. Beyond energy savings, the policy seeks to foster a modern, digital, and sustainable work culture, with encouragement for private sector adoption tailored to industry needs.

The Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, visited President Joko Widodo's residence in Solo, Central Java, where he extended Eid al-Fitr greetings and enjoyed a traditional Indonesian lunch hosted by the president. The meal featured dishes such as fried chicken with crispy batter, Aceh noodles, sunny-side-up eggs, lontong sayur, goat curry, nasi goreng, and sambal, highlighting the warmth of the diplomatic encounter. Boroujerdi reciprocated by inviting Jokowi to his Jakarta residence to sample Iranian cuisine, underscoring ongoing bilateral relations between the two nations.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi (KDM) has highlighted bureaucratic hurdles in the house renovation programme, where applications must pass through multiple levels from village to provincial authorities, complicating access for the poor. To address this, the provincial government and the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) plan to launch a dedicated app allowing direct submissions from residents, neighbours, or activists, streamlining verification and prioritisation. The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directives, including a major launch on 13 April 2026 in Bandung, alongside discussions on accelerating subsidised flats, utilising sites like Meikarta, and introducing new regulations for affordability such as extended financing and size flexibility.

The United States plans to withdraw its troops from Iran within two to three weeks, signalling a potential de-escalation of the ongoing conflict that has disrupted global energy supplies and caused uncertainty in oil prices. President Donald Trump stated that the military operation will conclude once Iran's nuclear weapons production capabilities are neutralised, with Iran's President Pezeshkian expressing willingness to end the conflict if key conditions are met. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasised that the coming days will be decisive, amid preparations for a possible ground assault on Iranian territory.

Agus Listiyono, the acting Secretary of the Blora Regency DPRD, has been removed from his position by Regent Arief Rohman for misusing an official vehicle for personal travel outside the district during Eid al-Fitr. The decision, effective from 1 April 2026, serves as a firm reminder to all civil servants in Blora to avoid abusing state facilities, with Listiyono also receiving a formal reprimand after admitting his mistake and apologising publicly. This action underscores the local government's commitment to enforcing discipline among public officials.

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported a monthly inflation rate of 0.41 percent for March 2026, lower than the 1.65 percent recorded in the same month the previous year, with year-to-date inflation at 0.94 percent. The surge was primarily driven by volatile food items such as rice, chicken meat, eggs, fresh fish, cayenne peppers, cooking oil, and beef, contributing 0.27 percentage points to the inflation. While 34 provinces experienced inflation, with the highest in Papua Pegunungan at 2.57 percent, four provinces saw deflation, led by Maluku at 0.75 percent, highlighting regional variations in price pressures.

Bank Sumsel Babel has strengthened its financing synergy by partnering with SMF, aiming to enhance support for infrastructure and public projects in South Sumatra and Bangka Belitung. This collaboration is expected to improve access to long-term financing for key development initiatives, contributing to regional economic growth. The partnership underscores the role of state-owned banks in bolstering Indonesia's infrastructure sector.

The Riau Islands Provincial Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage are proceeding optimally, covering administrative processes, visa issuance, and dormitory facilities. Serving as the embarkation point for four provinces including Riau Islands, Riau, Jambi, and West Kalimantan, the Batam Hajj Dormitory is being meticulously readied, with 1,085 pilgrims from the region scheduled to depart on 22 April after entering the dormitory on 21 April. This comprehensive readiness, including facility inspections by health authorities, underscores the government's commitment to ensuring a smooth and orderly pilgrimage experience.

US President Donald Trump announced that American forces will conclude operations in Iran within two to three weeks, regardless of any agreement with Tehran. He emphasised that the US will withdraw once Iran is sufficiently weakened and unable to develop nuclear weapons, while urging other nations to secure their own oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz without US assistance. This stance comes amid rising fuel prices and Iran's closure of the strait, highlighting a shift in US foreign policy priorities.

Indonesia is positioned to serve as a model for Global South countries in implementing social media restrictions for children, given its status as home to the world's largest child population of 70 million, protected under the PP Tunas regulation effective from 28 March 2026. Technology expert Ismail Fahmi highlights that successful enforcement on platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok could demonstrate the viability of digital sovereignty in developing nations, with the Ministry of Communication and Digital holding tech giants like Meta and Google accountable for compliance. This initiative empowers parents to shield children from social media's harms while obliging platforms to prioritise user protection alongside business interests.

Indonesia's Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that gold jewellery experienced deflation of 1.17% month-to-month in March 2026, ending a 30-month streak of inflation and contributing 0.03% to the overall deflation. This marked the lowest rate in four years for the personal care and other services group, which saw a 0.21% deflation, while monthly inflation eased to 0.41% driven by food prices. Annually, inflation stood at 3.48%, highlighting a cooling trend in key commodity pressures amid broader economic stability.

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has appointed five research professors from diverse fields during an open session in Jakarta, highlighting their roles in advancing national innovation and societal welfare. The appointees, including experts in public policy, agribusiness transformation, coral reef ecology, and watershed regeneration, are expected to drive impactful research solutions aligned with Indonesia's needs. This milestone brings BRIN's total research professors to 100, strengthening Indonesia's position in global research while emphasising ethical collaboration and public trust.

Chia Hock Lai, co-founder and CEO Asia of Singapore-based Embed Financial Group Holdings (EFGH), has been awarded the prestigious Fellow status by the British Blockchain Association, recognising his contributions to blockchain and digital asset infrastructure. This honour, one of the highest in the global ecosystem, was conferred alongside two other notable figures at a conference in London, highlighting Singapore's role in shaping international digital finance standards. The recognition bolsters EFGH's position as it prepares for a US$425 million merger and NYSE listing, focusing on integrating payment, insurance, and digital finance services across Asia and Africa.

The Indonesian government is preparing a supplementary budget allocation (ABT) to support interventions in 11 priority pesantren for 2026, following an audit that identified safety risks in 48 out of 80 pesantren. Coordinating ministries are drafting an urgency document for a presidential instruction on pesantren revitalisation, while integrating the programme into the Quick Best Results Programme (PHTC) across educational units. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and regulatory framework for Islamic boarding schools amid recent incidents, such as the collapse at Pondok Pesantren Al-Adalah in Tegal.

Osram has officially returned to the Indonesian market for general lighting through its global licensee Ledvance, which has established Ledvance Trading Indonesia to expand its business reach. Ledvance's Managing Director for Southeast Asia, Leven Cao, highlighted Indonesia's significant growth potential in the region and committed to offering energy-efficient, modern lighting solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial needs. This re-entry aims to meet the rising domestic demand for sustainable lighting, strengthen national distribution networks, and forge broader partnerships to reassert Osram's dominance in the industry.

Illegal parking fee collection has resurfaced in Jakarta's Blok M area, prompting public complaints and a swift response from authorities. Officials from the South Jakarta Transportation Sub-Department and Civil Service Police Unit documented 10 such attendants and issued them statements prohibiting further illegal activities. This enforcement aims to curb recurring violations in the bustling commercial district, with promises of stricter measures if the practice persists.

Manulife Wealth & Asset Management has finalised its acquisition of PT Schroder Investment Management Indonesia through PT Manulife Aset Manajemen Indonesia, following regulatory approval from the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The deal initiates a structured integration process, with both entities operating in parallel during the transition to ensure continuity for clients, partners, and employees. This merger aims to create a stronger platform with enhanced scale, innovation, and global insights, bolstering Manulife's leadership in Indonesia's growing investment management industry.

OpenAI has closed its latest funding round with a valuation of US$852 billion (approximately Rp13,500 trillion), securing US$122 billion (Rp 2.073 trillion) in commitments led by SoftBank, Andreessen Horowitz, and D.E. Shaw Ventures, marking one of the largest financings in global tech history. The surge aligns with the explosive growth of ChatGPT, now boasting over 900 million weekly active users and US$13.1 billion in 2025 revenue, though the company remains unprofitable amid aggressive expansion. This influx will bolster global AI infrastructure, supporting OpenAI's path toward an IPO while addressing sustainability pressures on CEO Sam Altman.

Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR, Ahmad Sahroni, has stated that there is no need to establish a Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) for the acid attack case involving human rights activist Andrie Yunus, as the investigation has already been transferred to the TNI's Pushpom. Advocacy groups, including the Team for Democracy Advocacy (TAUD), are urging President Prabowo Subianto to form an independent TGPF to uncover the intellectual perpetrators and command chain behind the attack, citing historical precedents like the Munir murder and Kanjuruhan incident. They argue that such a team, comprising civil society and integrity figures, would ensure comprehensive justice and prevent future human rights violations, amid concerns over stalled police progress and potential political interference.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III Deputy Chairman Ahmad Sahroni has praised the Medan District Court's acquittal of videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu in a suspected corruption case involving village profile videos, viewing it as a sign that law enforcement authorities are finally heeding public concerns over irregularities in the prosecution. The court ruled that the allegations, including both primary and subsidiary charges by the Karo District Prosecutor's Office, were unproven, restoring Sitepu's rights, dignity, and reputation after prosecutors had sought a two-year prison sentence and substantial fines. This verdict underscores the importance of aligning legal enforcement with creative industry nuances and remaining open to public and expert input to ensure fair justice.

Indonesia's Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reports that intercity bus fares and petrol prices were the primary drivers of transport sector inflation during Eid al-Fitr 2026, with bus fares surging by 12.46% month-to-month in March. This contributed to an overall transport inflation of 0.41% mtm, reversing February's deflation, while government stimuli like transport discounts led to deflation in airfares and other modes. The broader economy saw annual inflation of 3.48% yoy in March 2026, highlighting the seasonal pressures on prices during festive periods except in 2025.

Minister Agus Andrianto has officially inaugurated Hendarsam Marantoko as the new Director General of Immigration, replacing acting official Yuldi Yusman, and appointed Iwan Santoso as Ministerial Advisor on Public Services and Legal Reform. During the ceremony, the Minister urged the appointees to embody professionalism and ethics, viewing their roles as opportunities for meaningful contributions to the institution and society, while guiding immigration policies through the Ministry's 15 Action Programmes. He emphasised the need for internal solidarity and cross-functional collaboration amid global changes, and expressed appreciation for Yuldi Yusman's dedicated service and achievements.

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that the National Farmers' Exchange Rate (NTP) reached 125.35 in March 2026, marking a slight decline of 0.08 percent from February due to slower growth in prices received by farmers compared to those paid. Rice prices rose across milling, wholesale, and retail levels, while harvested area and production of paddy increased significantly in February 2026 year-on-year, though projections for March-May indicate declines in both harvested area and output for paddy, rice, and corn. These figures highlight ongoing volatility in agricultural production and pricing, which could impact food security and farmer incomes amid economic pressures.

Vice Chairman of DPR Commission VI Andre Rosiade has assured the public that PT Pertamina Patra Niaga guarantees the availability of fuel stocks across Indonesia, with no price adjustments planned for either subsidised or non-subsidised fuels. This assurance follows coordination between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Pertamina, and directives from President Prabowo Subianto, as confirmed by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, who urged citizens not to panic. The discovery of new oil sources further bolsters the security of domestic fuel supplies, aiming to provide clear and accurate information to prevent unrest.

Police in West Lombok have inspected a suspected reactivated illegal gold mining site in Sekotong, but found no recent activity, only abandoned infrastructure remnants in a limited production forest area under a licensed mining concession. Despite the lack of evidence, authorities have reinstalled police lines as a precautionary measure amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the KPK and environmental enforcement bodies. Provincial officials emphasise coordination with law enforcement to monitor and prevent the spread of such illegal operations, highlighting the challenges in curbing unauthorised mining in protected zones.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has launched the Month of Women's Empowerment through Education, involving key ministries to promote gender equality and address barriers to women's advancement. Minister Abdul Mu’ti highlighted the need to dismantle theological, cultural, and psychological myths that subordinate women, emphasising their inherent strengths and the constitutional right to develop their potential. Minister Arifah Fauzi underscored the strategic role of women and children in realising Indonesia's Golden 2045 vision, advocating for gender-responsive education policies to overcome challenges like school dropouts and violence, while Minister Pratikno stressed empowerment as key to building a great generation.

The Chairman of House Commission III, Habiburokhman, has expressed high appreciation for the Medan District Court's decision to acquit videographer Amsal Sitepu, who was accused of budget inflation in a village project in North Sumatra's Karo Regency. He highlighted the ruling's alignment with substantive justice principles under the Judiciary Power Law, emphasising the subjective nature of costs in creative industries and the importance of mutual agreements. The Commission's active involvement, including securing a detention suspension and close monitoring by members, underscores parliamentary oversight in ensuring fair legal processes for creative workers.

The Indonesian government has decided to maintain fuel prices as of 1 April 2026, a strategic move to safeguard public purchasing power despite elevated global oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel. Lawmakers from the Golkar Party have endorsed this policy, highlighting the government's adaptive management of energy subsidies and compensation to shield the domestic economy from international volatility. Officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Pertamina, and the State Secretariat assure ample fuel supplies and urge the public not to panic, ensuring economic stability through balanced market mechanisms.

In Bogor Regency's Desa Tugu Selatan, the Kampung Koboi initiative exemplifies economic transformation through the Desa BRILiaN programme, leveraging local horse-riding traditions and natural landscapes to create a sustainable tourism attraction. Supported by BRI, the village has integrated agriculture, livestock, and eco-tourism via its Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes), enhancing financial access through BRILink agents and KUR loans, which have boosted local incomes and social cohesion. This model highlights how community-driven innovation and banking partnerships can drive rural development and empower residents with new job opportunities.

The price of fresh fruit bunches (TBS) of palm oil for independent farmers in Riau Province has risen significantly by Rp125.13 per kg to Rp3,967.83 per kg, driven by increases in crude palm oil (CPO) and kernel prices. This upward trend, which also affects plasma partner farmers with a 1.65% increase to Rp3,950.63 per kg, reflects improved governance in price determination supported by provincial authorities and the high prosecutor's office. The development aims to enhance farmers' incomes and overall community welfare in the palm oil sector.

PT Sawit Sumbermas Sarana Tbk (SSMS), an Indonesian palm oil producer, reported a significant 41.6% increase in net profit attributable to owners, reaching Rp 1.16 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, driven by robust operational performance and revenue growth of 42.9% to Rp 14.81 trillion. Gross profit surged by 57.8% to Rp 5.17 trillion, while total assets grew 14.4% to Rp 13.58 trillion, though cash reserves declined 25.9% due to investments including subsidiary acquisitions. This strong financial performance underscores SSMS's expanding role in Indonesia's palm oil sector amid favourable market conditions.

The Metro Jaya Police's Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation has uncovered a counterfeit currency operation worth over Rp 620 million in a hotel room in Kemang, Bogor, arresting a suspect identified as MP and seizing printing equipment along with stacks of fake Rp 100,000 notes stored in a silver crate. Authorities displayed the evidence during a press conference, emphasising ongoing investigations into potential accomplices and distribution networks. The public has been urged to exercise caution with large denomination notes and report suspicions to the police.

Diesel prices in California reached a new record high of $7.455 per gallon on Tuesday, surpassing the previous peak from June 2022, amid the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran entering its second month. This escalation outpaces the national average of $5.454 per gallon and is attributed to high taxes, stringent environmental regulations, and limited refinery capacity, with diesel accounting for 17% of the state's transportation fuel sales after petrol. The surge also affects petrol prices, which jumped to $5.887 per gallon from $4.643 a month earlier, highlighting California's position with the highest fuel costs in the US.

Members of the DKI Jakarta DPRD have raised concerns over the insufficient availability of educational aids for early childhood education (PAUD) in the capital, arguing that this shortage hampers the quality of learning and children's early development. Councillor Mirza Riadiani Kesuma, known as Chicha Koeswoyo, highlighted findings from her constituency visits in South Jakarta, emphasising the critical role of PAUD in building foundational skills. She urged the Jakarta Education Office to innovate financing through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes to enhance facilities without overburdening the regional budget, while ensuring strict oversight.

Deputy Chairman of DPR RI's Commission VI, Andre Rosiade, has praised President Prabowo Subianto's decision not to increase fuel prices as evidence of the government's preparedness for global geopolitical challenges. He highlighted that while 85 countries worldwide, including six to seven Southeast Asian neighbours, have raised energy prices, Indonesia has maintained stability to protect its citizens, ensuring no shortages or queues at fuel stations. Pertamina has confirmed no adjustments for either subsidised or non-subsidised fuel effective 1 April 2026, with ample domestic supplies guaranteed to prevent public panic.

Indonesia's annual inflation rate surged to 3.48% in March 2026, significantly higher than the 1.03% recorded the previous year, driven by fluctuations in food prices and seasonal demand during Ramadan and Eid. Economist Hosianna Evalita Situmorang from Bank Danamon warns that adjusting non-subsidised fuel prices could add up to 0.23% to year-on-year inflation for every 10% increase, while core inflation remains stable at 2.52%. This comes amid global economic uncertainties from the Israel-Iran conflict, highlighting the need for careful policy management to mitigate inflationary pressures.

The Ngawi Regency Government in East Java has decided against implementing work-from-home (WFH) policies for civil servants, opting instead to promote cycling to the office as a practical measure to save energy and reduce fuel consumption. Regent Ony Anwar Harsono encourages employees living within a 10-kilometre radius to cycle to work starting this week, pending official guidance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This initiative contrasts with the provincial government's WFH scheme and aligns with broader efforts to address global energy challenges.

A Medan court has acquitted videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu of corruption charges related to a village profile video project in North Sumatra's Karo Regency, ruling that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations. The judge restored Sitepu's rights and reputation, rejecting the prosecutors' demand for a two-year prison sentence, a fine, and restitution of over Rp 202 million. This verdict highlights the judiciary's scrutiny of corruption claims in public projects, potentially impacting ongoing anti-corruption efforts in regional development initiatives.

Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso highlighted a positive trend in motor vehicle sales ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026, driven primarily by public demand for vehicles to travel home for the holidays, reflecting sustained consumer purchasing power during this period. Wholesale sales of cars reached 81,159 units in February 2026, a 22.1% increase from January, while retail sales rose 16.7% to 78,219 units; motorcycle wholesale distribution also grew modestly to 587,354 units. Budi expressed optimism for a further 15-20% sales increase in March, underscoring economic resilience amid festive preparations.

The Deputy Minister of Transportation, Suntana, reported a significant rise in public transportation usage during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming and return period, with total passengers reaching 23.54 million, marking an overall increase from the previous year. Air transport saw a 6.97% uptick to 4.77 million passengers, including higher demand for private jets, while road transport increased by 11.6% to 3.89 million and sea transport surged by 15.36% to 5.52 million. This growth highlights the intensified mobility needs during the festive season and the transportation sector's capacity to handle the surge.

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) and its subsidiary have solidified their dominance in Indonesia's subsidised mortgage market, capturing 72% of the share by the end of March 2026 with 28,811 units financed. This positions BTN well ahead of competitors like Bank Negara Indonesia (8.28%), Bank Rakyat Indonesia (6.95%), and Bank Mandiri (5.36%), underscoring its pivotal role in providing affordable housing to low-income earners. The bank's long-standing efforts, including over 4 million units financed since 1976, highlight its commitment to expanding access through government and developer collaborations.

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has urged leaders of private companies, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and regional owned enterprises (ROEs) to implement work from home (WFH) for employees one day per week, following directives from President Prabowo Subianto. This initiative, outlined in a ministerial circular, aims to enhance national energy resilience by promoting energy-efficient work practices and sustainable productivity, with provisions ensuring full pay, unchanged annual leave, and maintained performance standards. Certain sectors such as healthcare, energy, infrastructure, retail, manufacturing, services, food and beverage, transportation, logistics, and finance are exempt from the WFH requirement due to the necessity of physical presence.

The Chair of House Commission III, Habiburokhman, has expressed high appreciation for the Medan District Court's decision to acquit videographer Amsal Sitepu in a case involving alleged budget inflation on a village project in North Sumatra's Karo Regency. He highlighted that the ruling upholds judicial principles by considering societal values of justice and the subjective nature of creative work costs, which had raised concerns among creative professionals. This acquittal follows prior parliamentary interventions, including a suspension of detention, underscoring the importance of fair legal processes in protecting workers from unwarranted charges.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung announced the elevation of bilateral ties with Indonesia to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, the only such relationship Korea maintains worldwide, during a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Seoul. This upgrade highlights Indonesia's role as a key investment destination for Korean firms, including joint production of electric vehicles and contributions to Korea's defence industry, amid global uncertainties. Both leaders emphasised mutual benefits in energy stability, with Indonesia providing reliable LNG and coal supplies to Korea, underscoring the enduring importance of shared interests in international relations.

The Democrat Party has expressed profound grief over the deaths of three Indonesian TNI soldiers in UN peacekeeping missions in southern Lebanon, describing it as a significant national loss amid escalating security threats. Party leader Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, drawing from his own experience in UNIFIL, condemned attacks on peacekeepers as violations of international humanitarian law and specifically criticised Israel for the incidents. The party calls for a thorough UN investigation, enhanced safety protocols, and adaptive contingency measures to protect Indonesian personnel while upholding the nation's responsible role in global peacekeeping.