The Medan District Court has sentenced Saiful Bahri alias Pon, a 47-year-old courier caught with 10 kilograms of shabu, to 20 years in prison and a fine of Rp1 billion, with the alternative of 190 additional days in jail if unpaid. The ruling, which is lighter than the prosecutors' demand for the death penalty, highlights the court's consideration of the defendant's remorse and cooperation against aggravating factors like undermining government anti-drug efforts. While the defendant accepted the verdict, prosecutors plan to appeal, underscoring ongoing judicial efforts to combat narcotics trafficking in Indonesia.

President Prabowo Subianto has directed the Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of BKPM, Rosan Roeslani, to eliminate regulations that impede investment inflows into Indonesia, aiming to accelerate policy execution and foster a competitive business climate globally. The government plans to benchmark its regulations against ASEAN neighbours and OECD standards to make Indonesia more investor-friendly and capable of healthy competition with advanced economies. The President emphasised evaluating technical approvals (Pertek) and ensuring investments create quality jobs, underscoring the need to streamline processes without bureaucratic hurdles.

Indonesia's Consul General in Jeddah has advised newly arrived Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Madinah to prioritise their health and adhere to Saudi Arabian regulations during their pilgrimage. This first batch from Yogyakarta is accommodated near Masjid Nabawi, a rare convenience, with emphasis on maintaining stamina amid a high number of elderly pilgrims and over a month until the Hajj peak. The Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) in Madinah operates 24/7 with comprehensive medical support to counter extreme weather risks and ensure pilgrim well-being.

The legal team of Ibrahim Arief, a defendant in the Chromebook procurement corruption case, has criticised the prosecutors' demand for a 15-year prison sentence, arguing that it lacks legal basis and contradicts trial evidence. They highlight inconsistencies between the indictment and the prosecution's statement, including an unproven claim of Rp16.9 billion in personal enrichment, and emphasise that the burden of proof remains with the prosecutors. This case underscores ongoing concerns about fairness in Indonesia's anti-corruption prosecutions, particularly regarding disparities in sentencing demands among defendants.

The Indonesian Embassy in Dili has attracted 1,500 participants from East Timor to its 2026 BIPA (Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers) programme, highlighting strong enthusiasm for learning Indonesian and fostering cultural and educational ties between the two nations. Officials emphasise the programme's role in diplomatic language efforts and strengthening bilateral relations, with participants from various districts supported by dedicated instructors. This initiative is seen as a priority for promoting Indonesian language and culture internationally, potentially encouraging more East Timorese students to pursue studies in Indonesia.

The Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has appointed Syaifuddin Zuhri as the new Chairman of the Surabaya City Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) for the 2024-2029 term, replacing the late Dominikus Adi Sutarwijono. This decision follows internal party consolidation procedures and aims to ensure continuity in local legislative leadership while honouring the deceased's dedicated service. PDIP emphasises that the role demands integrity and a commitment to public interest, urging all cadres to support the appointment for stable governance and responsive representation in Surabaya.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that health services for prospective Hajj pilgrims, including the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic (KKHI) and referral systems with hospitals in Saudi Arabia, will operate 24 hours a day during the Hajj season. This measure aims to safeguard pilgrims' health amid potential extreme weather conditions, with medical teams equipped to handle various ailments and facilities including ambulances and diagnostic equipment. Officials highlighted the common risk of dehydration and advised pilgrims to drink water regularly in small amounts to maintain hydration without discomfort.

The shortage of parking spaces in Senopati's entertainment district in South Jakarta is causing widespread illegal parking on sidewalks and road shoulders, leading to severe traffic congestion along Jalan Gunawarman and Jalan Suryo. Local authorities, including the South Jakarta Transportation Sub-Department, are planning to coordinate with parking management units to regulate valet parking practices and improve oversight. Residents and visitors alike express frustration over the recurring issue, exacerbated by the high volume of vehicles from the area's seven nightclubs, highlighting the need for better urban planning in this busy one-way corridor connecting SCBD and Jalan Kapten Tendean.

Members of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III have expressed concern over the handling of the alleged gratification case involving the NTB Provincial Legislative Council during a working visit to the NTB High Prosecutor's Office in Mataram. Commission member Aboe Bakar Al-Habsyi received written explanations due to time constraints and noted that three defendants have lodged complaints with national institutions seeking oversight and evaluation of the ongoing court proceedings, highlighting issues such as the role of elected DPRD members as bribe recipients. The commission also addressed the death of a student at Nipah Beach and budget limitations in local law enforcement agencies, pledging to escalate the funding concerns to the central government.

The Indonesian government aims to construct Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) plants capable of processing 33,000 tonnes of waste daily by 2029, equivalent to 22.48% of the national total, to address the ongoing waste management crisis amid daily production of 140,000 tonnes. These facilities, focused on urban areas generating over 1,000 tonnes of waste per day, will utilise thermal technologies like incineration to significantly reduce waste volume while generating electricity, with each plant processing 1,000 tonnes capable of producing 25 MW of power. The initiative is expected to enhance living standards, promote circular economy transitions, create jobs, and foster technology transfer, with groundbreaking planned for five key locations in June 2026.

Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has finalised the refund of Rp21.26 billion ($1.65 million) to victims in an embezzlement case involving the Aek Nabara Parish Credit Union, following an initial reimbursement of Rp7 billion. The bank's Director of Human Capital and Compliance, Munadi Herlambang, apologised to the public, especially the Catholic community, and emphasised the importance of maintaining trust through this resolution. The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has overseen the process, urging a thorough internal investigation into compliance and governance to prevent future incidents.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned nine officials from Tulungagung Regency in East Java as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged extortion involving the inactive Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo. The examination focuses on the preparation and creation of resignation statements signed by 16 heads of regional device organisations (OPDs), which were purportedly used as leverage when demands were unmet, alongside suspicions of monetary requests tied to operational needs. This probe underscores KPK's efforts to combat corruption at the local government level, with investigators gathering further evidence and urging cooperation from witnesses.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) plans to expand its Internet Village programme by adding 1,000 new fixed broadband access points in 2026, bringing the total to 2,282 sites following the 1,282 built in 2025. These new sites will target underserved areas in provinces such as West Sumatra, North Sumatra, Kupang Regency, North Maluku, and Gorontalo, with initial explorations in West Kalimantan. The initiative aims to promote equitable internet connectivity to rural villages through incentives for telecom operators, ensuring sustainable service provision beyond the initial subsidised year.

The Coordination Meeting for Samsat Supervisors for the 2026 Fiscal Year, held in Semarang, emphasised the role of digital transformation in accelerating and improving public services at Samsat offices across Indonesia. Jasa Raharja, a state-owned enterprise, reaffirmed its commitment to integrated, efficient, and user-friendly services through data integration, proactive approaches, and seamless delivery, as highlighted by its CEO Muhammad Awaluddin. The event, attended by representatives from police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and regional teams, underscored the need for synergy among the three Samsat pillars to meet modern societal demands without conflicts or difficulties in tax payments.

Investment Minister Rosan Perkasa Roeslani has informed President Prabowo Subianto that foreign investor interest in Indonesia remains robust despite global geopolitical and economic turbulence stemming from the Iran conflict. Recent presidential visits to Japan and South Korea have secured potential investments of nearly USD30 billion and USD10 billion respectively, with strong inflows also expected from Singapore and China. President Prabowo has directed the minister to ensure domestic regulations do not impede this positive momentum, benchmarking against ASEAN and OECD standards to maintain a conducive investment climate.

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar has emphasised that social security for domestic workers (PRT) is a fundamental right that the state must guarantee, including health and employment protections. The recent enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT) marks a significant milestone in providing comprehensive legal safeguards against discrimination, exploitation, and violence faced by this vulnerable group. The government plans to integrate PRT into BPJS Kesehatan and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan programmes, with state funding ensuring access to old-age benefits and pensions, coinciding with Kartini Day celebrations.

President Prabowo Subianto has issued firm instructions to ministries and agencies to simplify or eliminate regulations that impede national investment flows, aiming to accelerate economic growth through streamlined permitting processes. The directive follows a report on first-quarter 2026 investment realisation by Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Roeslani, who emphasised the need to remove inefficient rules and adopt international best practices. This move seeks to enhance Indonesia's investment climate by benchmarking against ASEAN countries and OECD standards, boosting global competitiveness.

In commemoration of Earth Day, the Gianyar Regency administration planted 300 tree seedlings of various varieties in the Desa Adat Bukit Jangkrik area, emphasising collective efforts to combat climate change threats like forest fires and droughts. The event, themed "Our Power, Our Planet," calls for active community involvement in environmental preservation and marks the start of ongoing reforestation initiatives, including seedling cultivation and the development of an urban forest with contributions from all regional government agencies. This initiative underscores the importance of sustained environmental awareness and protection in Bali's Gianyar district.

The Attorney General's Asset Recovery Agency (BPA) has launched the BPA Fair, an innovative auction event scheduled for 18-22 May 2026, aiming to auction over 400 movable assets valued at more than Rp100 billion, including sports cars, luxury jewellery, designer bags, and high-value paintings. This initiative seeks to enhance the national asset recovery system by integrating data and maximising economic and social benefits from law enforcement-seized assets, addressing previous low public response to auctions through a transparent e-catalogue process. By collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and state-owned banks, BPA anticipates this will bolster economic stability and improve government governance.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya met with the CEOs of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) to follow up on President Prabowo Subianto's directives for providing affordable housing, committing to build vertical residences on KAI land, including in Manggarai, Jakarta. In 2025, they constructed around 200,000 units via KPR/FLPP schemes and 40,000 non-KPR units, with plans to increase numbers in 2026, alongside discussions on redesigning Gambir Station and promoting Transit Oriented Development (TOD) to enhance rail services and economic integration. This initiative aims to address housing needs while boosting urban infrastructure and logistics nationwide.

In response to escalating global uncertainties such as geopolitical tensions and financial market volatility, the Indonesian government is committed to maintaining national economic stability by strengthening domestic fundamentals and upholding policy discipline. Bappenas Deputy Eka Chandra Buana highlighted that while risks like inflation and currency depreciation loom, fiscal discipline will be preserved with no plans to widen the budget deficit, and the ambitious 8% growth target for 2029 remains intact. Key measures include accelerating National Strategic Projects, optimising state spending, diversifying energy sources, and building a resilient economic ecosystem to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Indonesian Constitutional Court has requested statements from the House of Representatives and the President regarding a material review of the 2002 Police Law, specifically challenging the police force's direct subordination to the President. The petition, filed by advocate Christian Adrianus Sihite, argues that this structure could lead to unfair treatment, particularly for lawyers opposing government interests, and proposes placing the police under the Ministry of Home Affairs instead. During preliminary hearings, justices highlighted the need to examine potential constitutional harms and benefits, referencing similar past cases.

M Rizal Taufikurahman, Head of Macroeconomic and Finance at INDEF, warns that while Indonesia's fiscal buffers in Q2 are sufficient for short-term shocks, they are inadequate for prolonged global pressures, urging the government to pair its optimism with concrete consolidation efforts. He highlights challenges from rising energy prices, rupiah depreciation, and slowing tax revenues, which are stiffening government spending and limiting fiscal flexibility. This comes after Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed confidence in Indonesia's solid fiscal position and projected 5.4-6% growth in 2026 amid global uncertainties.

Bank Syariah Nasional (BSN) has strengthened its SiPA services through a collaboration agreement with BCA Syariah and Bank Aladin Syariah, aiming to bolster the national sharia financial ecosystem. As Indonesia's second-largest sharia bank with assets of Rp72.9 trillion, BSN highlights the untapped potential in the sector, where the market share remains at 7-8% despite the country's largest Muslim population, low literacy at 43%, and inclusion at 13%. This initiative is expected to enhance industry efficiency, stability, and competitiveness both nationally and globally.

Franka Franklin Makarim, wife of former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, has submitted a request for an audience and legal protection to the DPR's Commission III and Public Aspiration Agency, seeking scrutiny of alleged irregularities in the ongoing corruption trial over Chromebook procurement at the Ministry of Education. Formappi researcher Lucius Karus warns that approving this request and holding hearings or summoning prosecutors could be perceived as legislative intervention in judicial processes, potentially undermining the independence of law enforcement in corruption cases. He cautions that such actions risk politicising the judiciary, allowing powerful political institutions to influence ongoing trials and eroding public trust in fair justice.

The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, through its Papua Natural Resources Conservation Centre, is advancing five priority programmes under the Indonesia's Fulo Net Sink 2030 initiative to transform the forestry and land use sector into a net carbon sink by 2030, with a focus on sustainable forest management, carbon stock enhancement, biodiversity conservation, peatland ecosystem restoration, and law enforcement. A two-day sub-national socialisation event held in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Pegunungan on 21-22 April 2026 aims to enhance stakeholder understanding and foster collaboration among central government, local authorities, indigenous communities, and other parties to support greenhouse gas emission reductions. This effort underscores Papua Pegunungan's strategic role due to its rich forests and biodiversity in achieving national environmental targets.

The Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDP) highlights how palm oil derivatives are integral to everyday activities, from cooking oils and personal care products to biodiesel in public transport, often unnoticed by the public. To raise awareness, BPDP partnered with Olenka to host the interactive 'Sawit on Town' event in Bekasi, West Java, showcasing the commodity's wide-ranging contributions to household, cosmetic, and health products. Experts emphasise palm oil's rich tocotrienol content, offering superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for skin care, underscoring its vital role in Indonesia's economy and modern life.

A member of Cimanggis Police Station, Aiptu Yayat Suderajat, appeared as a witness in the corruption trial of former Bekasi Regent Ade Kuswara at the Bandung Corruption Court, with his testimony reportedly linked to his involvement in the case. The case involves Ade receiving a total of Rp 14.2 billion in bribes and advances from private party Sarjan through intermediaries for local government projects between 2025 and 2026. This testimony highlights ongoing investigations into corruption networks within Bekasi's administration, underscoring the KPK's efforts to combat graft in regional governance.

Emerging work trends from 2025 to early 2026 are pushing job seekers to not only be ready to work but also to enhance their productivity and adaptability to meet evolving industry demands, particularly in the FMCG sector. Staffinc, a workforce solutions provider, highlights the shift from viewing labour as mere operational needs to key drivers of business outcomes, introducing AI-based tools like the AI Interviewer to scale recruitment efficiently. The company plans to launch the Staffinc Industry Center in Q2 2026 to foster industry collaboration, underscoring the importance of performance measurement and technological integration in addressing workforce quality challenges.

Indonesia's Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has highlighted positive development trends in North Sumatra, particularly noting the province's Human Development Index (HDI) of 76.47, which surpasses the national average of 75.90, indicating strong human resource quality in education and health. Governor Bobby Nasution outlined the 2027 regional development plan focusing on six key areas, including accelerating quality growth, boosting productivity and investment, and enhancing regional competitiveness, with special emphasis on expanding development in the Nias Islands to reduce disparities through production, logistics, and tourism clusters. Additionally, the province will implement free education for senior high schools in Nias starting 2026 and provide specialist doctor scholarships prioritising placements there, aiming for sustainable impacts through 2029.

Indonesia's national property sector experienced a 0.4 per cent contraction in property prices at the start of the second quarter of 2026, contrasting sharply with annual consumer price inflation reaching 4.76 per cent, creating a significant value gap for housing assets. Women are increasingly dominating online property searches, accounting for 52 to 58.7 per cent of activity, and have seen their investor numbers surge by 148 per cent since 2021, with total capital market assets hitting Rp 502.29 trillion by February 2025. This shift highlights a more inclusive and analytical approach to real asset investments, bolstered by fundamental market indicators like a 7.8 per cent drop in secondary home supply and a 19.97 per cent rise in construction costs, which could trigger future price surges as purchasing power recovers.

A forestry law expert from Al-Azhar Indonesia University, Dr. Sadino, has criticised regional governments' plans to impose a Surface Water Tax (PAP) of Rp 1,700 per palm tree per month, arguing that it violates legal principles by taxing trees rather than actual water usage. Provinces like Riau, West Sumatra, and Bengkulu are pushing the tax to offset declining central government transfers, with West Sumatra targeting Rp 594 billion from non-smallholder palm plantations, but industry stakeholders warn it could undermine national palm oil competitiveness. Sadino calls for a review of the proposed regulations, highlighting technical issues in implementation and the discriminatory focus on palm trees, which typically rely on natural rainfall rather than pumped surface water.

The Jaga Desa Award short film competition, initiated by Aditya Yusma of the National Village Consultative Body Association (Abpednas), has engaged over 3,300 villages across Indonesia to promote transparency and oversight in village fund management. Collaborating with the Indonesian Attorney General's Office, the programme uses short films to educate communities on the Jaga Desa initiative, aiming to reduce criminal cases involving village heads by fostering social control and public participation. The 2026 edition saw Desa Karangmangu in Central Java win the top prize, highlighting the event's role in enhancing village governance, accountability, and integrity.

Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, has emphasised the critical need to bolster national sovereignty in the face of escalating global geopolitical tensions, while upholding Indonesia's free and active foreign policy. He highlighted the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict as evidence of broader international involvement and warned of risks from foreign nationals, including Indonesians, joining as mercenaries, alongside escalating tensions in the Middle East and potential threats in the South China Sea. Laksono praised the Indonesian government's fiscal policies for mitigating economic impacts and stressed the importance of balanced international relations and active promotion of peaceful solutions through global forums.

Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has affirmed that the government will refrain from introducing new taxes or increasing existing rates until household purchasing power demonstrates significant recovery, aiming to safeguard the ongoing economic rebound. This decision persists despite a robust 20.7 percent year-on-year rise in tax revenues to IDR 394.8 trillion by March 2026, underscoring the administration's focus on monitoring indicators like economic growth and consumer confidence. Proposals such as VAT on toll roads are under review but will not proceed without thorough analysis, reflecting a prudent approach to balancing fiscal needs with public resilience.

A researcher from the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) has cautioned against the potential pitfalls of involving Village Cooperatives (Kopdes) Merah Putih in distributing social assistance, emphasising the need for robust governance to prevent patronage and conflicts of interest. Yusuf Rendy Manilet highlighted that weak oversight could lead to aid being allocated based on personal connections rather than need, and stressed the importance of separating roles between distributors and recipients to maintain accountability. He recommended prerequisites such as integrated and updated recipient data, non-cash distribution mechanisms, independent complaint channels, and pilot testing before nationwide implementation, amid the government's plan to position these cooperatives as key economic infrastructure.

Indonesia's Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Roeslani has announced that Japan and South Korea are committed to investing approximately Rp 570 trillion in the country, a development reported to President Prabowo Subianto. Investment realisation in the first quarter of 2026 reached Rp 498.79 trillion, exceeding targets and showing a 7.22% year-on-year increase, with significant job creation and balanced contributions from domestic and foreign sources. This influx, particularly from top investors like Singapore and Hong Kong, targets key sectors such as basic metals, mining, and telecommunications, bolstering national economic growth and sustainable downstreaming efforts.

Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs has certified 287,162 waqf land plots, covering 276,106,802 square metres, as part of efforts to strengthen national waqf governance by April 2026. This milestone, achieved through collaboration with the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency, underscores the state's commitment to protecting religious assets and highlights waqf's strategic potential in supporting community-based national development in education, health, and economic empowerment. Officials urge the public to register and certify waqf lands promptly to ensure legal certainty and prevent future conflicts, enhancing the security and sustainability of these assets for future generations.

Myanmar's new president, Min Aung Hlaing, has indicated that the junta is considering positive measures for the detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been imprisoned since the 2021 military coup and is serving a 27-year sentence on politically motivated charges. This development was shared during a meeting with Thailand's foreign minister, amid Myanmar's efforts to reintegrate with ASEAN after years of isolation due to the coup and ensuing civil war. Thailand has expressed readiness to support Myanmar in achieving peace, reconciliation, and improved regional ties, highlighting a potential shift towards normalisation in Southeast Asian diplomacy.

PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk reported improved performance in the first quarter of 2026, with consolidated revenue reaching US$762.35 million, a 5.36% increase from the previous year, driven by higher passenger demand and better yields. Operational profit surged to US$49.13 million from US$5.20 million a year earlier, reducing net losses by 45.19% to US$41.62 million, while subsidiary GMF AeroAsia contributed positively with 16.8% revenue growth. The group anticipates a stronger turnaround through consistent transformation efforts, enhancing its role as Indonesia's national flag carrier amid global aviation dynamics.

The Indonesian Tax Office (DJP) has clarified that the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) on toll road services remains in the policy planning phase as part of its strategic document for 2025-2029, aimed at broadening the tax base for a fairer and more sustainable system. This initiative seeks to ensure equitable treatment across service types and support fiscal sustainability for infrastructure development, with formalisation requiring comprehensive review and inter-ministerial coordination. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has indicated further studies will be conducted before any decision, emphasising careful consideration of impacts on society, businesses, and the transportation sector.

The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry and the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) have agreed to collaborate on installing sensors to monitor drought indicators in fire-prone areas as part of preventive measures against forest and land fires (karhutla). This initiative follows BMKG's prediction of a drier dry season in late 2026 due to a weak to moderate El Niño phenomenon, with current fire hotspots already reaching 1,777 points, mainly in Riau and West Kalimantan. The cooperation also includes data integration, weather modification operations to induce rain, and enforcement of laws to curb rising fire risks amid climate challenges.

Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian opened the Musyawarah Perencanaan Pembangunan (Musrenbang) for North Sumatra Province's 2027 Regional Government Work Plan (RKPD) in Medan, emphasising that high-quality, detailed planning is essential for driving significant development changes and accounts for 60% of a programme's success. He urged provincial authorities to incorporate bottom-up aspirations from districts and cities while aligning with national government priorities, highlighting that strong leadership requires not just authority but also clear concepts and roadmaps. The event underscores the need for Musrenbang to serve as a foundational forum for targeted, impactful regional development rather than a routine agenda.

A student at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) in Purwokerto, identified by the initial D, was assaulted by fellow students in mid-April 2026, allegedly due to suspicions of his involvement in sexual violence. The university's spokesperson confirmed the assault and noted that two female students, presumed victims of D's actions, have filed police reports with support from the campus's Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force. Police are investigating the matter through their units for child and women's protection, highlighting growing concerns over campus safety and the handling of sexual assault allegations in Indonesian higher education.

The Mayor of South Jakarta, M. Anwar, is exploring the utilisation of invasive sailfin catfish, which are being culled, by processing them into livestock feed, with the initiative currently under review by the DKI Jakarta Food Security, Maritime Affairs, and Fisheries Agency. This approach aims to provide a more efficient alternative to disposal, while the city conducts twice-weekly capture operations focused on the Setu Babakan connecting channel to control the invasive species, particularly in upstream waters. Officials are also studying the fish's potential as organic fertiliser, highlighting efforts to manage environmental threats sustainably.

The Mataram City Transportation Department is eyeing new parking revenue opportunities from the emerging trendy cafes in the city, as parking fee collections have only reached Rp 3 billion by April 2026 against a yearly target of Rp 18.5 billion. To boost realisations, field coordinators are instructed to conduct three daily supervision shifts and ensure parking attendants deposit fees properly, rather than misappropriating them. This initiative, alongside the city's overall local revenue progress at 19.91% of its Rp 656 billion target, underscores efforts to enhance fiscal performance through stricter regulatory enforcement.

Former Head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), retired Police Commissioner General Boy Rafli Amar, has urged Indonesia to maintain good relations with all parties while safeguarding national dignity and interests through adherence to its free and active foreign policy principle, as frequently emphasised by President Prabowo Subianto. He warns of real threats from foreign interventions, distinguishing positive ones like foreign investments from negative influences that could undermine sovereignty by dictating policies or exploiting Indonesia's diversity to sow division. Boy Rafli stresses the need for critical vigilance in international relations to avoid naivety and dependency, echoing Prabowo's commitment to non-alignment and friendship with all nations without joining military pacts.

Researcher from the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE), Yusuf Rendy Manilet, emphasises the critical need for separating accounting records among business units in the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes) to enhance management transparency and prevent opaque cross-subsidies. He warns that without clear distinctions between distribution, savings and loans, and social assistance units, it becomes impossible to assess which operations are performing well or facing issues, potentially leading to moral hazards in state-backed financing. Yusuf advocates for layered oversight, including financial risk authorities for lending units, strict audits for public funds, and public data transparency to ensure accountability in these multifaceted cooperatives designed to bolster rural economic access.

Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Fajar Riza Ul Haq, has stressed that transforming Indonesia's education system demands collaboration among school principals, teachers, families, and learning communities to enhance learning quality, particularly in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills. He highlighted the crucial role of learning assessments in providing accurate data for targeted improvements and sustainable educational quality enhancements, with school principals positioned as key instructional leaders fostering teacher development and conducive learning environments. Fajar also urged strengthening professional networks like AKSI for sharing best practices and emphasised the involvement of families and society in creating a holistic educational ecosystem.

Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri), in collaboration with the FBI, is mapping the ecosystem of cybercrime involving the sale of phishing tools following the arrest of a couple in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) who developed and sold scripts to over 2,440 buyers worldwide from 2019 to 2024. The suspects, a 24-year-old self-taught developer and his 25-year-old partner who managed finances, provided assistance to buyers and used cryptocurrency for transactions via servers in Dubai and Moldova, affecting at least nine Indonesian companies. This international effort utilises the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center to identify victims and further perpetrators, highlighting the cross-border nature of phishing syndicates.