Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions in Moscow on bilateral cooperation, including science, technology, and space exploration, with Prabowo proposing the participation of selected Indonesian individuals in Russia's cosmonaut training programme to bolster the nation's technological capabilities. The talks also addressed global issues such as the Middle East situation impacting energy supplies, energy transition initiatives like biodiesel and bioethanol, and Indonesia's stable fertilizer policies. As strategic partners with an elevated partnership status in 2025, Putin invited Prabowo to future industrial exhibitions in Russia in 2026, underscoring strengthening ties amid geopolitical challenges.

The Indonesian Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas has allocated approximately 11,000 units of home renovation assistance under the Self-Help Housing Stimulus Programme (BSPS) to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) for 2026, with each of the province's 22 regencies and cities receiving at least 500 units. This initiative, discussed in a strategic meeting involving Minister Maruarar Sirait, Taspen's Chairman Fary Djemy Francis, and NTT Deputy Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, aims to accelerate the provision of decent housing for civil servants and low-income communities while boosting local economic growth. The collaboration underscores the government's commitment to addressing substandard housing in remote areas through cross-sector partnerships and enhanced financing access.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has embarked on a diplomatic tour of Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar to bolster Beijing's influence in Southeast Asia amid global energy security crises and trade disruptions. This move positions China as a stable alternative partner to the United States, offering economic aid and energy projects to countries facing pressures from Western tariffs and alliances. The visits also touch on defence cooperation, highlighting China's strategic exploitation of regional tensions to deepen bilateral ties.

Bank Syariah Nasional (BSN) has strengthened its SiPA services through collaborations with BCA Syariah and Bank Aladin Syariah to enhance efficiency and stability in the sharia financial market. The agreement, signed in Jakarta, underscores the strategic importance of interbank liquidity instruments amid challenges like low market share and financial literacy in the sharia sector. With assets reaching Rp72.9 trillion, BSN aims to leverage this partnership to expand sharia finance opportunities and boost competitiveness both nationally and globally.

In response to a viral social media incident where students in Purwakarta insulted a teacher, the Cimahi City Education Office has issued a circular banning students from bringing mobile phones to school premises. The policy, aligned with provincial directives, aims to minimise the degradation of student manners and prevent uncontrolled device usage from harming character development. Schools are equipped with computers and interactive digital boards to support learning, while parents can communicate via class WhatsApp groups with homeroom teachers.

Juanda International Airport in Sidoarjo, East Java, has introduced Mecca Route services to streamline document checks for prospective Hajj pilgrims by Saudi authorities ahead of the 2026 season. The fast-track facility, located in the waiting area of gates 13-15 at Terminal 1, allows pre-departure immigration verification, eliminating the need for such processes upon arrival in the Holy Land. On the first departure day, 380 pilgrims from the first batch of Surabaya's embarkation point, originating from Probolinggo Regency, flew to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah via Saudia Airlines flight SV5347 at 09:30 WIB.

The Jakarta Provincial Government plans to expand its operations to capture invasive plecostomus fish by involving surrounding regional governments, particularly upstream river areas, to address the species' spread more effectively. This initiative includes coordination with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries to revise regulations for better field applicability, following a recent mass capture yielding nearly 7 tons in Jakarta. Experts emphasise the need for a holistic approach across the entire Ciliwung River watershed to prevent reinfestation during rainy seasons.

Students from Udayana University have criticised Bali Governor Wayan Koster's viral statement telling people to "manage your own rubbish," highlighting it as a symptom of poor public communication by the government. They pointed out failures in policy socialisation, inter-agency coordination, and transparency in waste management budgeting, while urging the formation of a special task force to accelerate solutions amid ongoing confusion over waste disposal. In response, Koster apologised and reaffirmed the 2026 target to end open dumping across Bali's landfills, emphasising the need for source-based waste separation and public support.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka participated in the traditional Mansorandak ritual during his first visit to Raja Ampat as part of his Papua tour, symbolising his acceptance into the local community and protection by ancestral spirits. The event welcomed him with a Gale-Gale dance performed by local children and teenagers, highlighting the community's enthusiasm for the central government's presence. Accompanied by high-ranking officials, Gibran's visit focused on reviewing key President Prabowo Subianto initiatives, including the Free Nutritious Meals and Red and White Fishing Villages programmes, underscoring efforts to strengthen ties between Jakarta and remote regions.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan has attributed the recent price surge of MinyaKita cooking oil to its heavy utilisation in the government's Food Assistance Programme, which distributes 2 litres to each of 33.2 million beneficiary families twice over. This diversion has reduced market supply, leading to shortages and price increases in traditional markets. To address the issue, the government has adjusted the distribution scheme, allowing Perum Bulog to include other brands of cooking oil at the same price to ensure availability and price stability.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) is adjusting the criteria for inclusion in the IDX30, LQ45, and IDX80 indices, effective from 4 May 2026, by incorporating minimum free float requirements and excluding stocks in the High Shareholding Concentration (HSC) category. This aims to ensure the indices remain relevant and reflective of current capital market dynamics, while maintaining other selection criteria unchanged. The changes are expected to support the development of index-based investment products like index mutual funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), providing better references for investors.

The plaintiffs challenging Culture Minister Fadli Zon's denial of the 1998 mass rapes have announced plans to appeal the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN)'s decision to dismiss their lawsuit for lack of jurisdiction. Represented by LBH Jakarta's public defender Daniel Winarta, the group argues that the ministry's official statements constitute administrative actions subject to PTUN oversight, citing evidence from the Joint Fact-Finding Team, former President B.J. Habibie, and Komnas HAM investigations classifying the May 1998 events as gross human rights violations. This appeal underscores ongoing efforts to hold government officials accountable for historical injustices through legal mechanisms.

The Indonesian Attorney General's Office's Asset Recovery Agency (BPA) is launching BPA FAIR 2026, a groundbreaking transparent auction event from 18-22 May 2026, to restore public trust by auctioning over 400 seized state assets valued at more than Rp 100 billion. Featuring movable items like luxury sports cars, designer bags, jewellery, and rare gold paintings, alongside immovable properties such as land, the event addresses longstanding concerns about the fate of confiscated assets from corruption, general crimes, and illegal investment cases. By incorporating public education on asset recovery processes, BPA aims to enhance accountability and prevent value depreciation, marking a significant milestone in Indonesia's asset management history.

PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam), through its North Maluku Nickel Mining Business Unit, has been awarded at the 2026 CSR & Sustainable Village Development Awards for its contributions to combating stunting via the ANTAM G-BEST programme in collaboration with the North Maluku Provincial Government. The award, presented to the province's governor and received by the deputy governor, underscores the importance of cross-sectoral synergies in accelerating Indonesia's stunting reduction efforts, as highlighted by Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono. This recognition affirms Antam's commitment to sustainable community empowerment, integrating health interventions, education, and village capacity building to support national development goals.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad officiated the departure of the first hajj flight group from Banten at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, handing over the Indonesian flag to the group leader. The minister emphasised the government's commitment to providing the best services and prioritising the safety of pilgrims amid Middle East tensions, marking the first hajj under the newly established ministry. Innovations such as fast-track services and reduced costs were highlighted, with hopes for a blessed pilgrimage for all participants.

In anticipation of May Day 2026, the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation of Polda Metro Jaya organised a labour dialogue with trade unions to address workers' issues directly. Kapolda Metro Jaya Irjen Pol Asep Edi Suheri emphasised the need for collective responsibility in resolving employment challenges amid global influences, positioning the police as facilitators to maintain harmonious relations between workers and employers. The initiative aims to foster constructive solutions, ensuring a safe, healthy, and equitable work environment through strengthened cooperation.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has completed a three-day working visit to five districts in Papua, accompanied by key officials, to ensure that President Prabowo Subianto's priority programmes directly benefit local communities. The visit focused on accelerating development in the region through strengthened coordination, including the establishment of special bodies like the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua and the BP3OKP. Gibran emphasised the importance of input from Papuan residents for ongoing programme evaluations, highlighting the government's commitment to collaborative progress in this strategic area.

PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI) has committed Rp275 trillion in financing from 2009 to 2025, supporting projects worth Rp1.183 trillion that have generated approximately 10.9 million jobs and contributed 0.5 per cent to Indonesia's national GDP. The economic impact is distributed across regions, with Java receiving 29 per cent, followed by Sumatra at 21.9 per cent and Kalimantan at 20.2 per cent. Looking ahead, infrastructure investment needs for 2025-2029 are estimated at US$625 billion under the National Medium-Term Development Plan, though government revenues can only cover about 40 per cent, highlighting the ongoing financing gap for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has urged Indonesian Muslims intending to perform Hajj to strictly follow official government procedures, warning against using non-Hajj visas or travelling via third countries, which could lead to personal harm and legal issues in Saudi Arabia. He emphasised that the government is responsible for pilgrims' safety only if they adhere to regulated channels managed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Recently, immigration authorities at Soekarno-Hatta Airport prevented 13 Indonesians from departing on flights to Jeddah after discovering they intended to perform Hajj using work visas without proper documentation, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb irregular pilgrimage attempts.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has successfully established over 27,000 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) across Indonesia in just one year and four months to support President Prabowo Subianto's Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG). This initiative not only aims to build a healthy and superior human resource base but also stimulates sectors like agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and UMKM, with 95% of materials sourced locally and significant economic circulation, such as Rp400 billion in West Sumatra. Reports indicate the programme has reduced poverty and unemployment rates while positively impacting the Gini ratio, encouraging community involvement in farming and related activities.

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo has emphasised the need to bolster Indonesia's Balance of Payments (NPI) performance to counter the ongoing effects of the Middle East conflict on the economy. Despite a trade surplus of USD 2.2 billion in January-February 2026 and a rebound in foreign portfolio investment inflows in early Q2, net outflows of USD 1.7 billion were recorded in Q1 due to global financial uncertainties. BI forecasts the current account deficit for 2026 to narrow to between 0.5% and 1.3% of GDP, with foreign exchange reserves remaining robust at USD 148.2 billion, underscoring the importance of policy synergy for external resilience.

Indonesian House of Representatives Commission XIII member Mafirion has welcomed the enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT), viewing it as a vital safeguard for human rights by ensuring fair wages, humane working hours, and protection from violence and exploitation for domestic workers. The law formalises the previously informal employment relationships, mandating written agreements that include wage details and requiring the government to develop progressive implementing regulations and accessible complaint mechanisms. Mafirion stressed the challenges in implementation due to the private nature of these work arrangements, urging innovative oversight involving local governments and civil society to extend protections to households nationwide.

Bank Indonesia has decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate, the BI Rate, at 4.75 per cent during its April 2026 Board of Governors' Meeting, with deposit and lending facility rates unchanged at 3.75 per cent and 5.5 per cent respectively. Governor Perry Warjiyo stated that this decision aims to safeguard the rupiah's exchange rate stability amid global pressures, while continuing to target inflation between 1.5 and 3.5 per cent for 2026 and 2027. The central bank is also enhancing macroprudential policies to boost real sector credit growth and strengthening payment systems to support sustainable economic expansion.

The Civil Coalition Against Impunity has condemned the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) for dismissing their lawsuit against Culture Minister Fadli Zon, viewing it as a profound failure in delivering justice to victims of the 1998 mass rapes. The coalition's lawyer, Virdinda Achmad, criticised the court's focus on procedural technicalities, which she argues perpetuates a culture of impunity for serious human rights violations in Indonesia. This ruling raises serious questions about accountability mechanisms for public officials and the role of PTUN in addressing administrative actions related to historical atrocities.

PT TASPEN (Persero), a state-owned enterprise, has advanced public service digitalisation through the launch of the Integrated Salary Management Information System (SIMGAJI), which streamlines payroll processes for civil servants (ASN) and non-ASN across Indonesia's provincial, regency, and municipal governments. Implemented since 2012 and now covering 96.52% of local governments with data for over 3.8 million personnel, SIMGAJI enhances accuracy, efficiency, and transparency by integrating with key national systems like those from the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home Affairs. This initiative underscores TASPEN's commitment to adaptive digital solutions, aiming for nationwide standardisation and improved welfare for public sector employees.

Indonesia's first-quarter investment reached Rp498.79 trillion (US$30.4 billion), surpassing the target of Rp497 trillion and marking a 7.22 percent year-on-year increase, while generating 706,569 jobs, up 18.93 percent from the previous year. Domestic and foreign investments were nearly balanced, with significant contributions from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, the United States, and Japan, focusing on sectors like basic metals, mining, housing, and telecommunications. This performance highlights the government's strategy to boost economic transformation, job creation, and regional development amid ambitious targets for 2025-2029 exceeding Rp13,000 trillion.

The construction of a bypass road parallel to the Pasar Minggu railway tracks in South Jakarta remains incomplete as of 2026, despite starting in 2014 under former Governor Ahok, due to ongoing land acquisition delays. Officials from the DKI Jakarta Public Works Department assert there is no resident opposition, with 59 out of 118 plots acquired by 2025, though the process is hampered by budget constraints and past COVID-19 disruptions. Local residents hope for swift compensation to secure their future housing and business relocations, highlighting the project's importance for urban connectivity.

SPPG Polri Pejaten has launched a trial of buffet-style Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) at SMA Kemala Bhayangkari 1 in South Jakarta, marking the first such implementation to promote discipline and reduce food waste among students. School principal Muryanto highlighted the programme's benefits in fostering camaraderie and aiding pupils who skip breakfast, while SPPG head Muhamad Iqbal Salim noted its alignment with leadership directives and preparation for Bhayangkara Day. The enthusiastic reception by students underscores the initiative's potential to enhance school nutrition programmes under Polri's oversight.

PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG) is hosting the INTERCEM Asia 2026 conference to foster global collaborations in sustainable building materials and supply chains, as part of its shift towards a customer-centric, high-value business model. The Indonesian building materials sector offers vast potential, with cement contributing only 11% to construction costs, prompting SIG to innovate in derivative products leveraging its extensive distribution network. SIG has made significant strides in sustainability, boosting its thermal substitution rate to 9.77% in 2025 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 21% since 2010, supporting the development of low-carbon cement and eco-friendly products.

The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) has welcomed the long-awaited enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Act (UU PPRT) after over two decades of delays, which clearly outlines basic rights for domestic workers including fair wages, reasonable working hours, social security, holidays, and healthy meals. Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi emphasised that the law treats domestic workers as legitimate employees, eliminating derogatory terms like 'employer' and 'maid' in favour of 'domestic worker' and 'domestic worker employer', while also protecting employers through community involvement such as reporting to neighbourhood associations (RT/RW). This significant legislation, passed on Kartini Day 2026, promotes equality and legal safeguards in household employment, addressing a key social issue in Indonesia.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned two private secretaries of the inactive Tulungagung Regent, Gatut Sunu Wibowo, along with two department heads, to provide witness statements in an ongoing investigation into alleged extortion and other corrupt practices within the Tulungagung Regency government. Previously, the KPK named Regent Gatut and his aide Dwi Yoga Ambal as suspects, detaining them for 20 days on charges involving coercion through resignation letters and demands for up to 50% of funds from 16 regional agencies even before budgets were disbursed. This case underscores persistent corruption challenges at the local government level in Indonesia, highlighting pressures on officials to comply with illicit demands under threat of dismissal or resignation.

A 3.4-hectare plot in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, is at the centre of a heated land dispute between PT Kereta Api Indonesia and Sulaiman Effendi, a self-proclaimed heir, who is supported by the community organisation GRIB Jaya, also known as Hercules. The heirs present a 1923 Dutch-era Eigendom Verponding document as proof of ownership, though under Indonesian law (UUPA 1960), it requires conversion to a valid certificate via the National Land Agency. The dispute has stalled plans by the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas to develop the land into 1,000 vertical housing units for low-income residents, highlighting ongoing challenges in resolving colonial-era land claims in urban development projects.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has stated that the presence of a US warship in the Malacca Strait is a routine freedom of navigation patrol and not unprecedented, in response to reports of the vessel transiting the international waterway bordering Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. He emphasised that such passages are lawful under the UNCLOS, which Indonesia has ratified. Additionally, Sugiono noted that discussions on US requests for overflight access are ongoing, with Indonesia's sovereignty and national interests as top priorities.

PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG) is advancing global collaborations to foster innovations in building materials and sustainable supply chains, highlighted at the upcoming INTERCEM Asia 2026 event, as part of its shift towards a customer-centric, high-value business model. The company is leveraging its extensive distribution network to develop derivative products while emphasising energy efficiency and sustainability through alternative fuels, renewable energy, and digitalisation, achieving a thermal substitution rate of 9.77% in 2025 and a 21% reduction in Scope 1 GHG emissions intensity compared to the 2010 baseline. This aligns with the strategic role of Indonesia's cement and non-metallic minerals sector, which grew 6.16% in 2025, attracted Rp25 trillion in investments, and supports over 900,000 jobs, bolstering national economic growth.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) representative in Mataram is assessing the readiness of local companies in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) for initial public offerings (IPOs) to secure additional capital for business expansion. Several companies have shown interest, though challenges such as the lack of local underwriters necessitate engagement with Jakarta-based firms. IDX has classified these companies into tiers based on operational stability and financial readiness, with fewer than 10 in the top tier, and interested parties are currently timing their market entry.

Prosecutors from the Attorney General's Office have uncovered a shadow company allegedly established by former Supreme Court official Zarof Ricar and accomplice Agung Winarno to launder proceeds of crime, marking a significant development in the ongoing money laundering scandal. The raid on the fictitious firm yielded over 1,046 documents, luxury vehicles, gold bars, foreign currency, properties, palm oil plantations, and other high-value assets, highlighting a systematic scheme to conceal illicit wealth. Both individuals have been named as suspects in the money laundering case, with investigations continuing to trace additional hidden assets and potential new parties involved.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed fines for citizens who lose their electronic ID cards (e-KTP) as part of revisions to the Population Administration Law, aiming to encourage greater responsibility in handling personal documents. Ahmad Doli Kurnia Tandjung, a member of the House Commission II from the Golkar Party faction, has questioned the initiative and advocated for a more comprehensive overhaul, including the adoption of a single identity number system integrated with national data frameworks. He suggests transitioning to fully digital identities to eliminate physical losses and the need for fines, aligning with ongoing efforts like the Indonesian Single Data Law.

The Constitutional Court has mandated the creation of a separate new Labour Law, detached from the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, prompting NasDem Party's Irma Suryani Chaniago to urge Commission IX of the DPR to lead its development. Commission IX, as the working partner of the Ministry of Manpower, has already formed a working group and plans to seek DPR leadership approval in the upcoming session to avoid the pitfalls that led to judicial review of the previous law. The party aims for a balanced law that benefits both workers and employers, ensuring it withstands potential legal challenges and fosters job creation.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has dismissed Director General of Economic and Fiscal Strategy Febrio Nathan Kacaribu and Director General of Budgeting Luky Alfirman, appointing acting officials to maintain operations. This move leaves the Director General of Financial Sector Stability and Development also under an acting head, with Purbaya planning to submit three candidates for permanent appointments to President Prabowo Subianto in early to mid-May. The dismissals signal potential restructuring in key financial policy positions amid the new administration's efforts to streamline governance.

The acting CEO of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI), Jeffrey Hendrik, described a recent meeting with MSCI on 16 April 2026 as constructive, despite MSCI's decision to maintain a temporary freeze on Indonesian stocks shortly thereafter. BEI highlighted MSCI's recognition of four implemented proposals aimed at enhancing market transparency, including improved share ownership disclosure above 1 per cent and strengthened investor classification granularity. The exchange plans to continue engaging with global index providers and investors to discuss these reforms and gather feedback, as MSCI assesses the effectiveness of these measures for future index reviews.

Cultural figure Butet Kartaredjasa from Yogyakarta led a group of artists to paint inside the Bantul Police Resort detention facility, aiming to cultivate empathy and sympathy among them by experiencing the detainees' perspectives. She criticised the current regime for betraying democracy and failing to teach democratic practices rooted in human care and sensitivity. The resulting artworks will be curated and exhibited to inspire greater public empathy towards humanity.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Jakarta Operations Region 1 has recorded 1,516 lost items left by passengers on trains from January to March 2026, with an estimated total value of Rp1.64 billion, including food, general goods, and valuables. Of these, 914 items have been returned to owners, achieving a 61.02% resolution rate so far, while the company urges passengers to report losses promptly via conductors, railway police, or the 121 contact centre. This follows an upward trend from 2,864 items worth Rp4.43 billion in 2024 to 3,888 items valued at Rp5.69 billion in 2025, highlighting the importance of KAI's integrated lost and found system in managing public transport logistics.

Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti has encouraged female-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia to expand into international markets by leveraging key trade agreements such as the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) and others with Tunisia, Peru, and the Eurasian Economic Union. Amid challenging geopolitical conditions, the government is focused on securing both domestic and global markets to ensure national economic resilience and growth, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directives. Highlighting that women drive 64.5% of Indonesia's MSMEs, Esti emphasised the importance of enhancing competitiveness through digital trade platforms and government support programmes.

The Indonesian House of Representatives has enacted the Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT), which safeguards the rights of domestic workers while also ensuring security for employers, marking a significant milestone after over two decades of advocacy. Minister Arifah Fauzi highlighted that the law recognises domestic workers as formal employees with entitlements to fair wages, reasonable working hours, healthy food, social security, humane treatment, and legal protection, eliminating outdated terms like 'employer and maid' in favour of 'domestic worker and employer'. Implementation will involve community-based oversight through neighbourhood units like RT and RW, with detailed regulations to be developed by the government to promote transparency and mutual protection.

The Attorney General's Office has revealed the use of shadow companies in the money laundering case involving former Supreme Court official Zarof Ricar, established jointly with Agung Winarno to conceal proceeds of crime through various financial schemes. Investigators seized five containers of key documents related to asset ownership, along with 1,046 documents covering land, buildings, palm oil plantations, companies, and hotels, as well as high-value assets including cash, deposits, luxury vehicles, and gold bars. This development highlights ongoing efforts to uncover asset hiding via shell companies, following Zarof's prior conviction for bribery and gratification exceeding Rp 1 trillion.

Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services is intensifying airport surveillance to prevent illegal Hajj departures, deploying personnel and automated gates across 14 major embarkation airports to handle the 221,000 pilgrims efficiently. So far, 13 individuals have been stopped at Soekarno-Hatta Airport for attempting non-procedural travel without proper visas, with their details entered into the Subject of Interest system to block further attempts. This initiative, supported by inter-agency task forces including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Police, aims to protect pilgrims from document fraud and ensure safe, legal worship, with the second wave of departures scheduled for May 2026.

The NasDem Party has firmly rejected a proposal from Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to cap the tenure of political party leaders at a maximum of two terms, asserting that such decisions are an internal affair for each party. The KPK's suggestions, aimed at improving party governance and cadre development, include standardising reporting systems, revising the Political Parties Law, and ensuring candidates for high offices emerge from party cadre programmes. This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between anti-corruption efforts and political autonomy in Indonesia's democratic framework.

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources aims for the implementation of B50 palm-based fuel to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46.72 million tonnes of CO2 by 2026, surpassing the previous B40 target of 41.53 million tonnes and supporting the nation's Net Zero Emission goal by 2060. This initiative is projected to save foreign exchange reserves up to Rp 157.28 trillion and create over 2.2 million jobs, while ongoing technical tests across sectors like automotive, mining, and railways confirm stable performance and tightened quality specifications. The government plans a nationwide rollout starting 1 July 2026, enhancing energy independence through improved biodiesel blending.

Bank Indonesia has decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate, the BI Rate, at 4.75 percent following the Board of Governors' meeting on 21-22 April 2026, alongside keeping the Deposit Facility rate at 3.75 percent and the Lending Facility rate at 5.50 percent. This decision aims to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy adjustments to stabilise the rupiah amid deteriorating global economic conditions exacerbated by the Middle East conflict, while targeting inflation within 2.5 ±1 percent for 2026 and 2027. Additionally, macroprudential policies will be strengthened to support economic growth through increased credit to the real sector, and payment system enhancements will bolster digital payment acceptance and infrastructure resilience.

Bank Indonesia has decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4.75% for the seventh consecutive time, as announced in the April 2026 Board of Governors' Meeting, alongside keeping deposit and lending facility rates unchanged. Despite a slight strengthening in the dollar index's correction, the rupiah depreciated by 0.18% to close at Rp17,170 per US dollar on Wednesday. BI continues to support rupiah stability through active purchases of government securities totaling Rp111.54 trillion up to April 21, 2026, and market-friendly instruments to attract foreign capital inflows.