Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 April 2026

Showing 301-350 of 1,900 articles

TNI Falls in Lebanon, Persis: Consider Withdrawing from BoP, Israel-US Cannot Be Trusted

Following the deaths of several Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel in Lebanon due to an Israeli Zionist attack, KH Jeje Zaenudin, Chairman of the Central Board of Persatuan Islam (PP Persis), has urged the Indonesian government to consider exiting the Board of Peace (BoP), citing the untrustworthiness of Israel and the United States in pursuing genuine peace in the Middle East and beyond. He expressed deep condolences to the families and the TNI community, praying for the fallen as heroes safeguarding world peace. Persis also calls on Indonesia to press the UN for an independent fact-finding mission, strengthen its diplomatic stance, lodge a strong protest at the UN Security Council, and demand legal accountability from Israel.

Minister urges villages to utilise digitalisation to promote local products

Indonesia's Minister for Villages and Underdeveloped Regions, Yandri Susanto, has encouraged villages to maximise digital tools, such as social media, to promote local products and reach national and international markets. He emphasised the role of creative digital content in building brand trust for small-scale businesses and highlighted the importance of synergy between central and local governments to accelerate strategic projects and economic targets. Additionally, the Minister called for accurate data collection on village potentials in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries to inform targeted development policies and programmes like export-oriented village enterprises.

Indonesia and South Korea Agree on 10 Strategic Cooperations, Focusing on Minerals to AI

Indonesia and South Korea have agreed on 10 strategic cross-sector cooperations, ranging from critical minerals to finance, marked by the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding witnessed by President Prabowo Subianto during his visit to Seoul. The partnerships emphasise complementary strengths, with Indonesia's abundant natural resources and large market aligning with South Korea's advanced industries and technologies, amid global uncertainties. Key areas include a special comprehensive strategic dialogue, Economic Cooperation 2.0, critical minerals partnership, digital development, and AI applications in basic healthcare and human development.

BI Views February Trade Surplus as Supporting External Economic Resilience

Bank Indonesia has welcomed the US$1.27 billion trade surplus recorded in February 2026, viewing it as a positive factor in bolstering the country's external economic resilience. This marks an improvement from January's US$0.95 billion surplus, driven by strong non-oil and gas exports of US$21.09 billion, particularly in natural resource-based products and manufactures destined for key markets like China, the US, and India. BI emphasised ongoing policy synergies with the government to enhance external stability and sustainable national economic growth.

Anticipating Forest and Land Fires, South Kalimantan BPBD Prepares to Wet Peatlands

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government is implementing mitigation measures against forest and land fires (karhutla) and drought as an extreme dry season influenced by El Niño is expected from April. The BPBD has coordinated training, activated patrols in vulnerable areas, particularly peatlands near Syamsudin Noor Airport, and is ready to conduct peat wetting operations using irrigation from the Riam Kanan reservoir if needed. This proactive approach, including potential weather modification, aims to minimise fire risks, while authorities urge farmers and corporations to avoid land burning and residents to prepare water reserves.

Sleman Regent Does Not Follow ASN WFH Order Every Friday: It Can't Be Optimal

Sleman Regent Harda Kiswaya has decided against implementing the central government's directive for civil servants to work from home every Friday, citing concerns over suboptimal public service delivery in the district. He emphasised that Sleman's departmental organisations are heavily involved in direct public services, making WFH impractical and prioritising uninterrupted assistance to residents. This stance highlights tensions between national policy and local governance needs in Indonesia's administrative framework.

Ahmad Sahroni Responds to the Transfer of Andrie Yunus Case to TNI

Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ahmad Sahroni, has stated that the transfer of the acid attack case involving KontraS activist Andrie Yunus to the TNI Military Police Centre (Puspom) is in accordance with regulations, due to the involvement of active TNI members. He emphasised that each institution handles its own legal domain, dismissing any claims of procedural flaws and noting that civilian involvement does not alter the military jurisdiction over implicated personnel. This development underscores the jurisdictional boundaries in Indonesia's justice system for cases bridging civilian and military spheres.

PTBA Announces Plans to Revive Ombilin Coal Mine

PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) is targeting the reactivation of the historic Ombilin coal mine in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, by 2027 to boost business activities and stimulate the local economy. The initiative aims to reopen job opportunities and revitalise mining operations in the area, while the company commits to supporting cultural development projects. This move underscores PTBA's efforts to balance economic growth with cultural preservation in the region.

Strengthening circular economy, West Jakarta increases capacity of main waste bank

The West Jakarta city government is enhancing the capacity of the Satu Hati Main Waste Bank in Cengkareng to bolster the circular economy ecosystem by upgrading machinery and improving services for collecting supplies from unit waste banks. Officials have instructed the bank to accept all waste without sorting, leaving that task to communities, which aims to build trust and encourage participation, ultimately reducing waste and fostering sustainable economic practices. Currently handling up to 13 tonnes of waste daily, the initiative supports 587 unit waste banks, though 172 remain inactive as of March 2025.

Easter Holiday: KAI Yogyakarta Deploys 7 Additional Trains

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Daerah Operasi 6 Yogyakarta is deploying seven additional train services from 2-5 April 2026 to accommodate the surge in passengers during the extended Easter holiday weekend. Popular routes such as Yogyakarta-Gambir and Solo Balapan-Bandung will see extra trains in economy and executive classes, highlighting the railway's role in providing safe and reliable transport for family reunions and tourism. The initiative underscores ongoing high travel volumes, with over 41,000 passengers recorded on the final day of Lebaran transportation, compared to typical daily figures of 25,000-30,000.

Coal Reference Price for April Period I at 99.87 US Dollars per Tonne

Indonesia's coal reference price (HBA) for the first half of April 2026 has decreased to 99.87 US dollars per tonne from 103.01 US dollars per tonne in the second half of March, influenced by global supply-demand imbalances. Specific category prices show mixed movements: HBA I rose to 72.28 dollars, HBA II fell to 49.99 dollars, and HBA III increased to 35.23 dollars. The price surge earlier in March due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict prompted Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to consider measured relaxations in coal production quotas.

Origins of the Unmasking of a Fake Shaman Counterfeiting Over Half a Billion in Currency

Jakarta Metropolitan Police have uncovered a scam involving a fake shaman named Mahfud or MP, aged 39, who was producing counterfeit money exceeding half a billion rupiah in Kemang, Bogor, West Java, to deceive victims in a money-doubling scheme. The operation, exposed through public tips, led to a raid where police seized a box containing 12,191 fake notes, and the suspect now faces charges under several Criminal Code articles for counterfeiting and distribution. Authorities are urging the public to use verification methods like the 3D check (look, feel, tilt) and UV light to spot fakes, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud in Indonesia.

APL Drives Indonesia's Health Transformation to Expand Access to Innovative Services

PT Anugerah Pharmindo Lestari (APL), part of Zuellig Pharma, is enhancing Indonesia's healthcare system by leveraging global expertise and local operations to support the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, focusing on inclusive and sustainable health services. Amid challenges like shifting disease patterns and the need for resilient supply chains, APL is expanding access to innovative therapies through advanced distribution technologies, clinical trial support, and educational programmes for over 22,000 healthcare professionals. This collaborative effort with government and stakeholders aims to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes and workforce quality across the archipelago.

Prasetyo and Purbaya Meet at Danantara: Topics Discussed!

The Investment Management Agency Daya Anagata Nusantara (Danantara) held a meeting with State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi and Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to discuss accelerating key strategic projects, particularly downstreaming initiatives and waste-to-energy efforts. Prasetyo highlighted that six downstreaming projects have already been upgraded, with the government aiming to advance more in the near term, while waste-to-energy projects have been consolidated from 33 to about 29 sites for greater efficiency. This meeting underscores the Indonesian government's push to fast-track these projects in April to bolster economic development through industrial and environmental advancements.

Indonesia Anticipates Plastic Raw Material Crisis, Targets India to Africa

Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has announced efforts to secure alternative sources for plastic raw materials, particularly naphtha, amid supply disruptions from the Middle East due to geopolitical tensions. The government is targeting suppliers in India and Africa, while coordinating with industry associations and overseas representatives to maintain domestic production and stabilise prices. This move aligns with global responses, such as South Korea's naphtha export ban, highlighting the vulnerability of international supply chains to regional conflicts.

Expert Explains Benefits of Science-Based Infrastructure in North Java Coast

Professor Aprijanto from BRIN advocates for science-based infrastructure to address flooding, abrasion, and land subsidence along Java's North Coast, integrating hybrid engineering, AI, and renewable ocean energy for anticipatory and sustainable adaptation. This approach combines adaptive sea walls, permeable structures, and natural solutions like mangrove rehabilitation to stabilise coastlines and reduce risks to settlements, food security, and port operations. By leveraging AI for predictive monitoring and renewable energy, the strategy could suppress abrasion by 60-70%, enhance ecosystems, boost coastal community incomes, and strengthen Indonesia's national maritime and climate resilience.

CCEP Indonesia Secures Business Stability through New Collective Labour Agreement for 2026–2028

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Indonesia (CCEP Indonesia) has signed a new Collective Labour Agreement (PKB) for the period 2026–2028, aimed at strengthening its business foundation and ensuring operational stability. The agreement, signed by management representatives from PT Coca-Cola Bottling Indonesia and PT Coca-Cola Distribution Indonesia alongside union representatives at the Bekasi 1 Factory in Cikarang Barat, Bekasi Regency, West Java, is seen as crucial for boosting long-term productivity. This move highlights the company's commitment to harmonious industrial relations in Indonesia's competitive beverage sector.

Analyst Doubts Effectiveness of WFH Policy for Energy Savings

Public policy analyst Trubus Rahardiansyah has expressed scepticism about the Indonesian government's work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants one day per week, arguing that it is unlikely to achieve the targeted Rp6.2 trillion savings in fuel oil due to shifts in energy consumption from transportation to households and potential compliance issues. He highlights the lack of evaluation for similar past initiatives like work-from-anywhere and work-from-mall, as well as challenges such as inadequate supervision, housing disparities among employees, and uneven digital infrastructure in regions. While local governments like those in Cirebon and Tasikmalaya prepare to implement the policy, Trubus warns that without strong oversight, it may fail to deliver the intended fiscal and energy efficiencies.

Phapros Turns from Loss to Profit of Rp27.44 Billion in 2025

PT Phapros Tbk, an Indonesian pharmaceutical company, achieved a net profit of Rp27.44 billion in 2025, a dramatic turnaround from a Rp290.63 billion loss in 2024, driven by a 26.34% year-on-year increase in sales to Rp940.88 billion. This success stemmed from five key strategies, including business and marketing transformation, product portfolio optimisation, enhanced sales planning, marketing team competency improvements, distributor partnerships, and strict cost efficiencies, leading to growth across all segments: OTC (43.20%), OGB (13.95%), and ethical drugs (54.94%). The company also reduced operating expenses by 14.64%, liabilities by 7.45%, and improved equity by 8.74%, signalling stronger financial health and value for shareholders.

Chinese Envoy: UN Mandate Reform Must Focus on Achievements

China's UN envoy, Sun Lei, has urged that reforms to the United Nations' mandates prioritise tangible results while avoiding formalism, bureaucracy, and past pitfalls like redundant structures. He emphasised the need for the reforms to align with the UN Charter's principles, address the concerns of developing countries—which form two-thirds of membership—and support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Sun affirmed China's commitment to collaborating with member states and the Secretariat to enhance the UN's efficiency, revitalise its authority, and advance balanced progress across its three pillars amid growing global challenges.

Disaster Victims in North Sumatra No Longer Residing in Refugee Tents

The North Sumatra provincial government has confirmed that all victims of hydrometeorological disasters have been relocated from refugee tents to more suitable accommodations, including temporary housing (huntara), permanent housing (huntap), and government-subsidised rentals. This achievement marks a significant step in the province's disaster response, with ongoing collaborative efforts between government, state institutions, and the private sector accelerating the construction of permanent homes, such as the recent handover of 120 units in Hapesong Village, Tapanuli Selatan. Officials emphasise the importance of rapid data provision by local leaders to ensure swift aid delivery, aiming for full community recovery and normalcy.

Uproar Over Claim That King Charles III Is a Muslim: The Chronology

Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and Donald Trump's personal lawyer, sparked controversy by claiming in a Piers Morgan interview that King Charles III is secretly a Muslim and that Muslims aim to take over the UK within a decade. He linked this to broader geopolitical tensions, including Iran's influence and support for the US-Israel conflict against Iran, while dismissing Sharia law and the Quran as a "death cult." Despite Charles's known admiration for Islam and interfaith dialogue, he remains a devout Anglican, and Giuliani's assertions align with popular online conspiracy theories amid rising Islamophobia in political discourse.

Inflation in March 2026 Projected at 3.5-3.6 Percent: Economic Think Tank

The Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia forecasts March 2026 inflation at 0.6 percent month-to-month and 3.5-3.6 percent year-on-year, attributing the monthly rise to heightened demand during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, rising food and transportation costs, and adjustments to non-subsidized fuel prices. This projection reflects a decline from February's 4.76 percent year-on-year rate, influenced by the low-base effect of prior electricity tariff discounts. The government's commitment to stable fuel prices and social assistance aims to preserve public purchasing power amid global economic challenges, with official data expected from the Central Bureau of Statistics.

Journey of Train KA 174 Ciremai Disrupted After Locomotive Hits Landslide Debris

The KA 174 Ciremai train en route from Semarang Tawang to Bandung encountered a disruption when its locomotive struck landslide material blocking the tracks at kilometre 142+8/9 in Kampung Galudra, Desa Mandalasari, Cikalongwetan District, West Bandung Regency, on Wednesday (1/4) around 14:48 WIB. PT KAI confirmed that all passengers are safe, though the train cannot proceed and the track remains impassable pending repairs prioritising safety. The landslide, likely triggered by heavy rain, also affected other areas in Cikalongwetan, highlighting vulnerabilities in Indonesia's rail infrastructure amid adverse weather conditions.

Jewellery Gold Prices in Palu Drop, Buyer Interest Begins to Rise

Gold jewellery prices in Palu, Central Sulawesi, have fallen in recent days, with 22-karat gold selling for around Rp2,300,000 per gram and 23-karat at Rp2,500,000 per gram, influenced by a decline in Antam bullion prices to Rp2,837,000 per gram. This drop has sparked increased buyer interest and more bustling market activity, though purchasing power remains fluctuating. Traders hope for price stability to further boost transactions in traditional markets, highlighting the sensitivity of local economies to national gold price trends.

Rising Plastic Prices Cause Concern for Fried Rice and Grilled Catfish Vendors

Street food vendors in Jakarta are facing increased costs due to a sharp rise in plastic prices, linked to global energy price surges from Middle East conflicts, affecting their slim profit margins of Rp500 to Rp1,000 per portion. Vendors like Raden Arka and Parti report difficulties in finding alternatives to plastic packaging and are reluctant to raise food prices amid sluggish sales. Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan has acknowledged the issue, noting its connection to fossil fuel-based raw materials, and plans to discuss targeted measures.

National Human Rights Commission urges transparency in investigation of Andrie Yunus case

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) is pushing for greater transparency in the military investigation into the violent assault on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, including public disclosure of the perpetrators' identities and access to interview the four suspects. Komnas HAM notes significant progress in the probe, which is about 80% complete, but stresses the need for external oversight to ensure objectivity and comprehensiveness. This initiative aims to uphold accountability in human rights enforcement and fully uncover the incident's details.

Ministry of Social Affairs redesigns efficient and productive digital work patterns

Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs is overhauling its work patterns to enhance productivity through digital means, distinguishing between online and in-person tasks as part of a national cultural transformation emphasising efficiency. Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf stressed that this efficiency drive must not compromise public service quality, introducing initiatives like "Digital Productive Fridays" to optimise remote work while maintaining robust service delivery. The ministry is implementing stricter monitoring mechanisms, including location-based attendance and midday checkpoints, to ensure accountability and demonstrate tangible savings in evaluations.

Fuel Prices Remain Stable: Government Maintains Purchasing Power Amid Global Pressures

The Indonesian government, in collaboration with Pertamina, has decided to keep fuel prices unchanged starting 1 April 2026, as a strategic measure to preserve public purchasing power amid fluctuating global oil prices. This policy aims to control inflation, stabilise logistics costs, and provide certainty for businesses, particularly in logistics and manufacturing sectors. Business leaders have welcomed the decision, emphasising its role in maintaining supply chains and economic competitiveness, while the government urges the public to avoid panic buying based on unverified rumours.

KPK Questions Cigarette Entrepreneurs About Money in 'Safe House' Suspected to Be Proceeds from Excise Handling

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is interrogating cigarette industry entrepreneurs as part of an investigation into alleged bribery in import processes at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. Officials are probing the flow of excise duty handling and cross-checking findings of cash discovered in a Ciputat safe house, believed to stem from these activities involving tobacco companies. The case, originating from a sting operation, has led to seven suspects and the seizure of assets worth over Rp 40 billion, highlighting ongoing corruption concerns in Indonesia's customs sector.

Jakarta-Bandung Rail Line Disrupted by Landslide, Several Trains Delayed and Cancelled

A landslide in West Bandung has severed the Jakarta-Bandung railway line, leading PT Kereta Api Indonesia to cancel and delay multiple train services, including Parahyangan and Serayu routes. Affected passengers are being redirected to buses or the Whoosh high-speed train, with options for ticket cancellations and service recovery provisions like food and water. PT KAI emphasises passenger safety as the top priority while working to restore normal operations swiftly.

Following Bahlil's Directive, Private BP-Vivo Fuel Stations Also Refrain from Increasing Fuel Prices

Private fuel station operators in Indonesia, including BP-AKR and Vivo Energy, have followed Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia's directive by maintaining fuel prices unchanged as of 1 April 2026, mirroring Pertamina's stance amid global uncertainties like the Hormuz Strait closure. This decision holds non-subsidised fuel prices steady despite typical monthly adjustments based on world oil prices, rupiah exchange rates, and Mean of Platts Singapore. The government continues to monitor fluctuations and may review adjustments upon return to Jakarta, underscoring efforts to stabilise domestic energy costs.

Routine Treatment Becomes More Peaceful Thanks to JKN Services

Rita Zahara, a 54-year-old participant in the National Health Insurance (JKN) programme's independent class two segment, shares how the service has eased her regular treatments for nerve disorders by providing swift, professional, and equitable care without financial worries. She praises the friendly medical staff and clear explanations that make her feel secure and understood during hospital visits. Rita hopes for ongoing improvements to the JKN programme to benefit more Indonesians, highlighting its vital role in public health accessibility.

BRIN Researcher Reveals Methods to Restore Watersheds for Public Welfare

Professor Hunggul Yudono Setio Hadinugroho from BRIN's Ecology Research Division has outlined innovative methods for restoring watersheds (DAS) towards regenerative landscapes, emphasising soil and water conservation that reduces erosion while cutting farmers' production costs and preserving soil fertility. These approaches, including high-value crop planting, micro-hydro power development, and community-based technologies like rain gauges and early warning systems, not only enhance environmental sustainability but also boost local incomes, food security, and rural energy access. Integrating these with policies such as Payment for Ecosystem Services and quadruple helix collaborations positions communities as key actors in achieving long-term ecological restoration and socio-economic benefits.

Prabowo quotes Korean proverb: If we go together, we will go far

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto invoked a Korean proverb during a state luncheon at the Blue House in Seoul to underscore the deepening friendship between Indonesia and South Korea, emphasising that joint efforts will lead to greater prosperity. He highlighted the elevation of bilateral ties to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, marked by key agreements that reflect mutual trust and shared vision. Prabowo praised South Korea's discipline and work ethic, drawing parallels in their historical struggles for independence, and expressed confidence that the outcomes of the visit will yield tangible, long-term benefits for both nations.

Sales Decline, Yet Indocement (INTP) Reports 12% Increase in 2025 Net Profit

Despite a 2.7% drop in total sales volume to 19,941 tonnes in 2025, primarily due to a 3.9% decline in domestic sales offset by a 73.9% surge in exports, PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk (INTP) achieved a 12% rise in net profit. This growth was driven by a 4.2% reduction in cost of goods sold to Rp11.96 trillion, operational efficiencies that lowered operating expenses by 1.1% to Rp3.68 trillion, and a Rp670 billion gain from a joint venture divestment. Looking ahead, the company anticipates recovery in cement demand from Q2 2026 amid dry season and increased construction spending, while emphasising cost discipline amid geopolitical risks affecting energy prices.

KPI calls on broadcasting institutions to become bastions of culture on the 93rd National Broadcasting Day

On the 93rd National Broadcasting Day, themed 'Broadcasting Collaboration to Realise National Resilience', KPI Chairman Ubaidillah urged Indonesian broadcasting institutions to serve as fortresses for cultural preservation and public education amid the challenges posed by social media's rapid information flow. He emphasised the need for collaboration among industry players to foster a healthy and equitable ecosystem, alongside regulatory reforms to ensure a level playing field against foreign digital disruptions that may undermine national values. Ubaidillah also highlighted the role of innovative broadcasting in driving the creative economy, strengthening cultural identity, and promoting equitable information distribution to remote areas, thereby enhancing mental and spiritual national resilience.

Landslide in Maswati-Sasaksaat Halts Ciremai Train Journey

Extreme weather in West Java has caused a landslide that blocked the railway tracks between Maswati and Sasaksaat, halting the Ciremai train service from Semarang Tawang to Bandung on Wednesday. PT KAI has deployed emergency teams to clear the debris, prioritising passenger safety and operational normalisation. The incident underscores the vulnerability of Indonesia's rail infrastructure to adverse weather conditions, prompting apologies from authorities to affected passengers.

Bandung Regent Instructs Subordinates to Work Quickly and Prioritise the People

Bandung Regent Dadang Supriatna has inaugurated 56 administrative and supervisory officials in the Bandung Regency government, urging them to swiftly exit their comfort zones and prioritise public service to make the bureaucracy more responsive to societal needs. He emphasised the importance of internal consolidation, professionalism, accountability, and loyalty, while assuring that all promotions and mutations are based purely on competence without any transactional practices. This organisational refresh aims to foster an adaptive, integrity-driven administration that advances the welfare of Bandung's residents.

Lee Jae-myung Hails Indonesia as Top Investment Hub for South Korea

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has praised Indonesia as the primary investment destination for Korean companies and a key partner in the defence industry during a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Seoul. The leaders agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a special comprehensive strategic partnership, building on over 50 years of diplomatic relations and successful collaborations in sectors like electric vehicle production. This move underscores the mutual economic benefits and complementary strengths between the two nations amid global uncertainties, aiming to foster further joint projects for prosperity.

Hotel Room Occupancy Rates in Jakarta Sluggish in February 2026

Hotel room occupancy rates in Jakarta fell to 51.72% for star-rated hotels in February 2026, marking a 0.78 percentage point decline from January and a 7.35 percentage point drop year-on-year, according to Jakarta's Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Non-star-rated hotels saw even lower occupancy at 36.01%, with similar monthly and annual decreases, while average guest stays remained short at under two nights. Domestic guests dominated at 89.42%, preferring three-star hotels, whereas foreign visitors favoured four-star options, highlighting a sluggish tourism sector amid broader economic pressures.

KPK Investigates Chain of Command in Bribery Case Involving Depok District Court Judges

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is examining three witnesses to uncover the chain of command behind the alleged bribery of Depok District Court judges I Wayan Eka Mariarta and Bambang Setyawan in a land dispute case. The witnesses include executives from PT Karabha Digdaya and PT Mitra Bangun Persada, with investigators probing the origins, instructions, and mechanics of the Rp 1 billion bribe. This probe follows a dramatic sting operation that led to the arrests of the judges, a court bailiff, and company directors, highlighting ongoing efforts to address judicial corruption in Indonesia.

Expert Proposes SOP for Civil Servants' WFH to Maintain Optimal Performance

Public policy expert from Gadjah Mada University, Agustinus Subarsono, urges the government to establish standard operating procedures (SOP) and performance monitoring mechanisms for civil servants' Work From Home (WFH) policy on Fridays to ensure productivity remains optimal. He warns that without clear guidelines, KPIs, and output-based evaluations, the policy could undermine public service quality, particularly for physical services, and exacerbate digital access disparities in remote areas. Subarsono suggests implementing measurable oversight tools like daily targets, timesheets, and digital performance systems to balance flexibility with accountability amid economic challenges.

Deputy Governor urges regions in Aceh to activate posts for accelerating permanent housing data collection

Aceh's Deputy Governor, Fadhlullah, has instructed all affected regents and mayors to reactivate posts to speed up data collection for permanent housing (Huntap) construction for flood victims, noting that only 10 out of 18 impacted districts have completed the process. He emphasised the importance of accurate data to avoid past issues where beneficiaries refused communal units, preferring in-situ builds, and outlined three accelerated schemes involving national ministries and BNPB. The government is committed to supporting recovery, with President Prabowo visiting Aceh seven times and the Interior Minister frequently present, urging media to highlight these efforts.

Bekasi Deputy Mayor Inaugurates SPKLU at SMB, Supporting Environmentally Friendly Energy Transition

The Deputy Mayor of Bekasi, Abdul Haris Bobihoe, inaugurated an Ultra Fast Charging Public Electric Vehicle Station (SPKLU) at Summarecon Mall Bekasi, underscoring the city's commitment to promoting sustainable energy. This facility, with a capacity of 2.7 Mega Volt Ampere, aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the region and reduce urban carbon emissions through enhanced infrastructure. The event highlighted strong collaboration between local government, private sector, and state-owned enterprises like PT PLN, aligning with national goals for a cleaner energy ecosystem.

Monitoring Andrie Yunus Case, 12 People Receive Threats on Social Media and Mysterious Phone Calls

Twelve individuals advocating for the acid attack case against KontraS deputy coordinator Andrie Yunus have reported receiving threats, primarily digital via social media, along with mysterious phone calls from unknown parties. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) is assessing their protection requests to ensure safety, with no death threats reported yet. This follows prior requests for protection by activists and legal teams to Komnas HAM and the Witness and Victim Protection Agency amid ongoing intimidation during the legal process.

Responses from Yogyakarta Provincial Government and Jogja City Government to ASN WFH Directive Every Friday

The Indonesian government has mandated work-from-home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN) every Friday, prompting varied responses from the Special Region of Yogyakarta Provincial Government (Pemda DIY) and Jogja City Government (Pemkot Jogja). While Pemda DIY is still planning implementation to ensure public services continue uninterrupted, focusing on percentages and rotations without a fixed timeline, Pemkot Jogja is swiftly enacting measures, exempting essential public service sectors and lower echelons from WFH, alongside cost-saving initiatives like capping fuel reimbursements, auctioning unproductive official vehicles, and slashing official travel by up to 70%. These steps aim to save billions of rupiah in budgets, aligning with national directives for efficiency amid economic pressures.

Oil Prices Surge, Fiscal Discipline Becomes the Last Bastion of the State Budget

Senior economist Didin S. Damanhuri warns that surging global oil prices, potentially driven by geopolitical conflicts such as US-Iran tensions, could pressure Indonesia's 2026 state budget (APBN), widening the deficit beyond 6% of GDP and risking stagflation due to Indonesia's heavy reliance on household consumption and energy imports. He emphasises the critical need for fiscal discipline to maintain a maximum 3% deficit, preserve international credit ratings, and ensure market confidence, while suggesting efficiency improvements in key programmes like free nutritious meals and food self-sufficiency to broaden economic impacts. Fellow economist Yusuf Rendy Manilet highlights the compounded fiscal strain from oil price hikes and rupiah depreciation, estimating additional burdens of Rp6-7 trillion per dollar increase in oil prices, and advocates for gradual subsidy adjustments to safeguard long-term productive spending on infrastructure, education, and health.

Labuan Bajo Tourism: 95 Percent of Tourists Crowd the Seas, Mainland Still Lags Behind

The West Manggarai Regency government in East Nusa Tenggara has highlighted a significant imbalance in tourist visits to the super-priority destination of Labuan Bajo, with 95 percent concentrated on marine activities, particularly in Komodo National Park, while mainland attractions remain underdeveloped. This disparity not only affects economic distribution but also complicates tourism governance due to overlapping jurisdictions between central and local authorities. Efforts to address this include digital integration via the Gendang Mabar app and promoting land-based sites like Cunca Lolos to ensure sustainable growth and broader community benefits without undermining the area's renowned marine appeal.

MPR Deputy: Energy Crisis Threats Must Be Anticipated with Appropriate Policies

The Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Lestari Moerdijat, has urged the government to implement targeted policies to mitigate the risks of a global energy crisis exacerbated by the deteriorating economic conditions and conflicts in the Middle East. Highlighting Indonesia's heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, with daily consumption exceeding production and substantial budget allocations for subsidies, experts at a virtual discussion called for accelerating energy diversification, enhancing exploration, establishing a petroleum fund, and promoting renewable energy sources to achieve energy independence. These measures are seen as essential to cushion the nation against price volatility and supply disruptions, ensuring economic stability and protecting public welfare.