Indonesian police have issued a wanted notice for Frendry Dona, alias Fhoku, suspected of masterminding a clandestine laboratory in East Jakarta that produces vape cartridges containing the narcotic etomidate. The case came to light after an online motorcycle taxi driver grew suspicious of a suspicious package he was delivering, which was later found to contain 13 black cartridges marked with a "Mafia" logo suspected to hold etomidate and one clear packet believed to contain methamphetamine. As a repeat offender in drug cases, Frendry's pursuit underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle underground drug operations in urban areas.

The negotiation process for restructuring the debt of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail, or Whoosh, between Indonesia and China has been finalised, with an official announcement pending. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed the agreement after discussions with his Chinese counterpart, assuring that Indonesia will honour its repayment obligations. This development addresses the project's significant cost overruns and losses shared by entities in both nations, marking a key step in resolving the US$7.2 billion infrastructure initiative's financial challenges.

The Ministry of Tourism has organised a training programme on Policy Brief Preparation to enhance the skills of civil servants in developing evidence-based policy recommendations for the tourism sector. Held from 8 to 16 April 2026 in Jakarta, the hybrid event focused on key techniques such as problem identification, multi-criteria analysis, and drafting policy briefs aligned with the National Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARNAS) 2026–2045. This initiative aims to produce targeted, data-driven policies that support national development, with participants demonstrating improved capabilities through practical exercises and collaborative work.

The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has severely disrupted global energy trade, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil shipments. The International Energy Agency warns that this supply disruption surpasses the 1970s oil crisis and the loss of Russian pipeline gas following the Ukraine invasion, highlighting the region's limited alternative export routes. Key alternatives like Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline and the UAE's Habshan-Fujairah Pipeline offer some capacity but face operational constraints and recent attacks, underscoring global vulnerabilities in energy supply chains.

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo forecasts that the US Federal Reserve will maintain the Fed Funds Rate at 3.5%-3.75% until the end of 2026, with any potential cut delayed due to rising global inflation and US fiscal pressures. This outlook aligns with the Fed's March signals and contributes to a strengthening US dollar, pressuring emerging market currencies like the rupiah amid increased capital flows to safe havens. The prediction highlights challenges for monetary easing in Indonesia and underscores the interconnected impacts of US policy on global markets.

This opinion piece highlights the irony of universities, meant to be safe spaces for intellectual growth, becoming silent on sexual violence due to over-reliance on administrative measures without addressing cultural roots. It advocates for an anti-sexual violence curriculum as a foundational change, building on recent regulations like Permendikbudristek No. 55 of 2024, which mandate prevention and victim support but fail to bridge the gap to collective awareness. Data from sources like Komnas Perempuan reveal underreporting driven by victim-blaming, stigma, and power imbalances in campus hierarchies, underscoring the need for systemic cultural reform in Indonesian higher education.

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources projects savings of IDR 157.28 trillion in foreign exchange through the mandatory implementation of 50% biodiesel (B50) starting from 1 July 2026. This initiative, which builds on the B40 programme, is expected to create over 2.2 million jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46.72 million tonnes of CO2, while ongoing road tests confirm the fuel's reliability with low water content ensuring optimal engine performance. The move strengthens national energy independence by boosting domestic biodiesel production and reducing reliance on imports.

Indonesia is set to launch a biometanol plant with an initial capacity of 50 tons per year, developed by Pertamina New & Renewable Energy using palm oil mill effluent, marking a key step in advancing green energy and decarbonisation efforts. The project, in collaboration with Singapore's cRecTech Pte. Ltd., is targeted to begin production by late 2026 or early 2027 at the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone in North Sumatra, with long-term plans to scale up to 35 million tons per year by 2035. This initiative addresses the growing global demand for low-carbon fuels, which can serve as alternatives in maritime and power generation sectors.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has disclosed ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure passage for Pertamina's detained ships in the Strait of Hormuz, hampered by internal dynamics in Iran and discrepancies between policy and implementation. Iran has introduced new conditions for vessels transiting the strait amid threats of blockade, complicating negotiations led by Indonesia's embassy in Tehran alongside Pertamina's team. The situation underscores the vulnerabilities in global energy trade routes, with two Pertamina vessels, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, currently anchored in the Arabian Gulf.

In the ongoing election for the Chairman of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), candidates are actively consolidating support from various regions while absorbing local business aspirations to shape future leadership agendas. Ade Jona Prasetyo has secured endorsements from HIPMI's regional bodies in Papua Pegunungan and Aceh, highlighting the need for inclusive leadership that addresses challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in eastern Indonesia and empowers regional players as key actors in the national economy. This regional consolidation is expected to significantly influence the competitive landscape and the organisation's direction moving forward.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has praised former Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) as his idol, mentor, and role model in politics, responding to JK's recent comments on the 2014 presidential election victory. Gibran highlighted JK's extensive experience and contributions to the nation, particularly in handling conflict-affected regions, and expressed gratitude for JK's feedback on his father President Jokowi's achievements. This exchange underscores the respect and continuity between generations of Indonesian political leaders.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has adjusted the universe criteria for its IDX30, LQ45, and IDX80 indices, effective from 4 May 2026, to ensure they remain relevant amid current capital market dynamics. Key changes include requirements for a minimum free float ratio of 10 per cent or as per the latest IDX regulations, consistent trading with no more than one non-trading day in the last six months, and exclusion of shares with high shareholding concentration. Other selection criteria for index constituents remain unchanged.

Foreign capital outflows from Indonesia reached US$1.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026, triggered by the escalating conflict between the US, Iran, and Israel in the Middle East, according to Bank Indonesia data. Governor Perry Warjiyo highlighted this net portfolio investment outflow during a press conference. However, inflows rebounded strongly in April 2026, amounting to US$1.9 billion, driven by attractive yields on government bonds (SBN) and BI's monetary instruments (SRBI), underscoring the resilience of Indonesia's financial markets amid global tensions.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono has clarified that the recent passage of a US warship through the Malacca Strait is a routine freedom of navigation patrol, not an unprecedented event. The Indonesian Navy confirmed the transit complies with UNCLOS 1982 provisions on transit passage in international straits, which Indonesia has ratified. Officials emphasised that foreign vessels must adhere to international regulations like COLREG 1972 and MARPOL to prevent collisions and pollution, dismissing rumours of aggressive pursuits.

A recent dispute in South Tangerang has highlighted the severe risks of purchasing property through verbal agreements without a formal Deed of Sale (AJB), as a family who paid Rp 840 million for a Rp 1 billion house found themselves facing eviction and claims that their payments were merely rent. The case underscores the legal requirement under Government Regulation No. 24 of 1997 that AJB must be executed by a Land Deed Official (PPAT) for ownership transfer to be valid, leaving buyers without strong legal recourse if omitted. This incident serves as a critical warning for prospective homebuyers in Indonesia to ensure proper documentation to avoid costly disputes and potential loss of investments.

The Golkar Party has proposed a tiered parliamentary threshold starting at 5 percent for the DPR RI as part of revisions to the Election Law, with lower thresholds for provincial and regency/city councils to balance voter representation and political stability. Party officials argue that this approach, combined with a factional threshold, would ensure effective governance in Indonesia's presidential system by promoting a simplified multi-party parliament. The proposal follows Gerindra's ongoing review of threshold levels, amid assurances that discussions on the bill are not stalled.

Bank Indonesia forecasts national economic growth of 4.9-5.7% in 2026 amid high global uncertainties, particularly from the Middle East conflict. In the first quarter of 2026, robust growth was driven by strong domestic demand, including household consumption bolstered by stable incomes and increased spending during Eid al-Fitr, alongside higher government spending on THR bonuses, social assistance, and regional transfers. Investments in construction also rose due to accelerated priority programmes under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, with ongoing synergy between the government and BI to address global volatility.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti, has called for cross-ministerial collaboration to address the rising prices of plastic packaging, driven by the Iran-US-Israel conflict disrupting naphtha supplies from the Middle East. The government is exploring alternative suppliers to stabilise domestic supply and prices amid global supply chain pressures, while also promoting substitutes for plastic packaging. This geopolitical turmoil is also affecting other commodities like energy, but the administration assures that subsidised fuel remains unaffected, highlighting broader economic resilience efforts.

Despite a significant rise in layoffs, reaching 88,519 in 2025 compared to 77,965 in 2024, Indonesia's poverty rate has continued to decline, dropping to 8.25% or 23.36 million people in September 2025 from 9.71% in 2021. BPS Director of Social Resilience Statistics Nurma Midayanti explains that while layoffs pose a risk to poverty levels, their immediate impact is minimal if affected workers have alternative income sources like savings or severance pay, which help sustain consumption in the short term. However, prolonged unemployment without such buffers could lead to increased poverty risks over time.

Indonesia's National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has urged Ready Villages to back the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Cirebon, West Java, through a collaboration signing event that aligns with national development priorities in the 2025-2029 Medium-Term Plan. The initiative involves developing biofloc catfish farming systems in 24 ponds across eight villages in Jamblang sub-district to enhance community resilience against radicalism via sustainable local economic growth, supplying 2,000 catfish per pond to MBG kitchens. This synergy between BNPT, local government, and partners aims to bolster social resilience and economic welfare as a preventive measure against terrorism.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has disclosed that President Prabowo Subianto is directing the government to adopt a survival mode approach amid escalating global economic pressures from geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, which are driving up energy commodity prices and disrupting world trade. To build economic resilience, the administration is prioritising targeted subsidies, efficient resource use, and special task forces to secure state revenues and address resource mismanagement, all aimed at achieving an 8% economic growth target. This strategic shift underscores a departure from business as usual, focusing on optimal economic performance in uncertain times.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has set a target to raise the country's rule of law development index from 0.68 to 0.69 this year, emphasising its significance for national legal progress. The ministry organised a coordination meeting with law enforcement representatives and government officials to synchronise national and regional regulations, prevent overlaps, and align perceptions on the new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). This initiative aims to bolster legal certainty and justice, which are essential for supporting national economic development.

Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has outlined the government's push to expand the national railway network, particularly in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi, as a key strategy to lower logistics costs, reduce regional disparities, and boost national connectivity under President Prabowo Subianto's priorities. Highlighting the current low contribution of railways to passenger transport (4%) and logistics (1%), AHY emphasised the need for strategic investments estimated at Rp1,100 to Rp1,200 trillion by 2045, involving creative financing and collaboration across ministries, local governments, and the private sector. This integrated approach aims to leverage railways' efficiency and low emissions to support sustainable economic growth and achieve net-zero emission goals.

The Indonesian government is considering adjusting the maximum retail price (HET) for Minyakita cooking oil, which has remained at Rp15,700 per litre since August 2024, following a proposal from Trade Minister Budi Santoso. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan has urged a thorough calculation involving the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) and other institutions before any decision, emphasising that the current price remains unchanged. This review accounts for factors like crude palm oil prices, packaging costs, and distribution, with potential for adjustments in either direction to align with market conditions and ensure supply stability amid rising demand from food aid programmes.

The Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry is deploying Weather Modification Operations (OMC) and peatland water management strategies to mitigate the impacts of an anticipated severe El Niño phenomenon, which could bring extreme drought and minimal rainfall from April to November 2026. These measures include extending rainfall through OMC protocols and implementing canal blocking techniques across the country's extensive 600,000 km network of canals to preserve water reserves and prevent land and forest fires. The initiative addresses critical risks such as prolonged dry spells, the lowest rainfall in 30 years, and widespread land desiccation, underscoring the government's proactive approach to environmental resilience amid climate challenges.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has expressed deep admiration for former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, describing him as his senior, mentor, and idol for his extensive political experience and contributions to conflict resolution in Indonesia. Gibran's comments respond to Kalla's recent statements claiming a pivotal role in elevating Joko Widodo from Jakarta governor to the nation's seventh president, including recommending him to PDI-P leader Megawati Soekarnoputri. This exchange highlights the intergenerational respect and historical ties within Indonesia's political leadership.

The South Sumatra Police Chief, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, led a simulation of the Urban Security System (Sispamkota) and forest and land fire (karhutla) response in Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, aiming for zero karhutla incidents in the province by 2026. The event, following a major readiness roll call involving over 1,000 personnel from police, military, local government, and community groups, emphasised cross-sector coordination, early mitigation, public education against slash-and-burn practices, and humane law enforcement. Accompanied by social initiatives like health services, affordable food distribution, and aid to disabled residents, the drill underscores the regional government's commitment to environmental protection and public welfare.

Sampling audits serve as a strategic tool for local governments in Indonesia to address challenges in tax management, such as limited accurate data and inspection resources, by enabling efficient assessments of taxpayer compliance through representative data samples. Grounded in key regulations like PMK No. 15 of 2025 and SE-65/PJ/2013, this method identifies tax gaps, facilitating intensification of existing tax bases and extensification by registering new taxpayers, thereby boosting regional own-source revenue (PAD) and enhancing fiscal stability. Practical implementations, such as in Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, have demonstrated tangible increases in revenue from sectors like mining and food and beverages, while promoting transparency and a data-driven tax system.

The Cimahi District Prosecutor's Office raided the local Labour Office on Tuesday as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in a worker training and productivity programme spanning the 2022-2024 fiscal years, with evidence including documents seized during a five-hour search. Deputy Mayor Adhitia Yudisthira affirmed the city government's commitment to cooperating with authorities and conducting a thorough evaluation to prevent future occurrences, emphasising the importance of eradicating corruption in bureaucracy. No suspects have been named yet, but more witnesses from civil servants and third parties are expected to be examined to clarify the alleged gratuities.

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has addressed concerns over the leakage of refined sugar intended for industrial use into the consumer market, which threatens the domestic sugar industry amid declining demand due to health awareness and product reformulations. While the ministry lacks direct oversight on distribution, it urges industries to enhance internal controls and supports legal enforcement against violations, as proposed shifts in import authority to state-owned enterprises aim to curb leakages and bolster national sugar self-sufficiency. Trade and Agriculture Ministers have highlighted anomalies in sugar trading and are strengthening regulations to ensure stable supply and prevent market distortions.

Students from Universitas Udayana have demonstrated at the Bali DPRD building, demanding that the provincial government prioritise waste management over other initiatives. The protesters, led by BEM chair I Gusti Ngurah Oka Paramahamsa, criticised the misalignment between central government programmes and local needs, particularly highlighting unresolved waste problems and food poisoning incidents linked to the free nutritious meal programme in Bali. This action underscores the need for localised policy adjustments to address urgent environmental and public health concerns before advancing sectors like tourism and economy.

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo has warned that escalating conflict in the Middle East between the US, Israel, and Iran could further weaken global economic growth prospects. He revised the 2026 global GDP growth forecast down to 3% from 3.1%, attributing the downgrade to rising energy commodity prices and disruptions to global supply chains. Additionally, global inflation pressures are expected to increase to 4.2% from 4.1%, highlighting the broader economic risks posed by geopolitical tensions.

The Indonesian government has adjusted the reference purchase price (HAP) for live cattle from Rp58,000 to Rp59,000 per kilogram at the producer level in response to global dynamics affecting import and distribution costs, while keeping retail beef prices stable within the highest retail price (HET) range of Rp130,000 to Rp140,000 per kilogram. Additionally, the HET for buffalo meat has been revised amid rising consumer demand, potentially serving as a more affordable alternative to beef. This cautious adjustment aims to balance price stability, consumer purchasing power, and supply sustainability amid geopolitical influences on global supply chains.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned former Pekalongan Deputy Regent Riswadi and several other witnesses, including hospital officials, civil servants, and aides to the inactive Regent Fadia Arafiq, for examination in connection with a corruption case involving procurement of goods and services. Fadia Arafiq, who has been named a suspect, is accused of establishing a family company, PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya (RNB), directing subordinates to award projects to it, and channeling billions of rupiah in profits back to her family circle. In 2025, PT RNB dominated outsourcing procurement projects across 17 regional agencies, three public hospitals, and one sub-district in Pekalongan Regency, with many of its employees being part of Fadia's election success team.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed the morning session down 0.20% at 7,544.36 on Tuesday, with foreign investors engaging in net selling worth Rp564.8 billion amid a total transaction value of Rp9.25 trillion. Among the top net foreign buys were shares in Bank Negara Indonesia (BBNI) at Rp59.3 billion and Aneka Tambang (ANTM) at Rp52.3 billion, while heavy net sells included Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI) at Rp163.5 billion and Barito Pacific (BRPT) at Rp107.5 billion. This activity highlights ongoing volatility in the Indonesian stock market and foreign investor sentiment towards key sectors like banking and mining.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has introduced a Nutri Level labelling regulation for ready-to-eat foods, particularly sweetened beverages, targeting large-scale businesses to promote healthier consumption patterns and educate the public on reducing excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fat (GGL). This initiative addresses the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, which have significantly increased healthcare costs, such as kidney failure treatments rising over 400% to Rp13.38 trillion by 2025. The regulation aligns with the Health Law by coordinating cross-sectoral policies, with initial implementation excluding micro, small, and medium enterprises, and relies on self-declarations from businesses based on accredited lab tests.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has affirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with France, particularly in defence through the acquisition of major weapon systems accompanied by deep technology mastery and transfer. This collaboration, building on recent meetings between Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Emmanuel Macron, extends beyond mere purchases to include human resource development and long-term planning for indigenous capabilities. The partnership is expected to bolster Indonesia's defence sovereignty and advance its domestic defence industry technology.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has announced adjustments to the universe criteria for its IDX30, LQ45, and IDX80 indices, effective from 4 May 2026, to ensure they remain relevant amid evolving capital market dynamics. The changes include adding requirements for minimum free float, a minimum number of trading days, and exclusion of stocks with high shareholding concentration, while other selection criteria remain unchanged. This update aims to align index constituents with their intended themes, supporting investor decision-making and the development of index-based investment products like mutual funds and ETFs.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, outlined seven strategic directives during an ASN roll call at the Ministry of Social Affairs in Jakarta to enhance discipline, efficiency, integrity, and public service. These include stricter travel approvals, optimising online meetings, promoting eco-friendly transport, wise energy use, prohibiting unofficial vendor meetings, tightening security, and ensuring leadership accountability, all aimed at fostering a clean and sustainable work environment. He also urged staff to implement the Indonesia Asri movement for cleaner and healthier offices, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's guidance.

PT Hutama Karya is awaiting detailed guidance from the government on the proposed implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) on toll road tariffs, as outlined in the Directorate General of Taxes' 2025-2029 strategic plan targeting 2028. The company, along with the Finance Minister, notes that the policy remains under discussion after a similar 2015 attempt was withdrawn due to public backlash and investment concerns. Consumer advocates warn that the VAT could lead to double taxation, inflate logistics costs, burden consumers, and strain toll operators' finances, potentially undermining efforts to reduce national logistics expenses.

The escalation of conflict in the Middle East has led to a global shortage of fuel, prompting the Indonesian government to adjust non-subsidised fuel prices effective 18 April 2026, which is rippling through the transportation sector. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, and TransNusa plan to raise ticket prices by 10-14% on average, in line with a 38% increase in fuel surcharges mandated by the Ministry of Transportation. Meanwhile, bus operators like Sumber Alam and DAMRI are not yet increasing fares, opting to evaluate the impact first, highlighting varied responses to the economic pressures.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has expressed admiration for former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, calling him his idol and mentor in response to JK's recent claims of playing a pivotal role in elevating Joko Widodo to the presidency. Gibran highlighted JK's extensive experience in politics and his contributions to conflict resolution in various regions, thanking him for his guidance and evaluations. This exchange underscores the intergenerational respect within Indonesia's political landscape and JK's influential legacy in shaping key national figures.

Asian equities declined on Wednesday as investors assessed the implications of an indefinite ceasefire extension in the Iran conflict announced by US President Donald Trump, focusing on ongoing crude supply disruptions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz affecting energy-importing economies in the region. The MSCI gauge of emerging Asia stocks fell 0.4 per cent from recent highs, with markets in South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand slipping, while the Indonesian rupiah weakened towards its all-time low amid concerns over inflation and Bank Indonesia's upcoming policy meeting. This prolonged standoff signals continued energy flow disruptions, pressuring regional currencies and economic growth, though Taiwan's stocks bucked the trend by hitting a record high.

The UK Parliament has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will prevent anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever legally purchasing tobacco products, marking a historic generational smoking ban aimed at creating a smoke-free generation. The legislation, now awaiting royal assent from King Charles III, also expands restrictions on vaping, bans advertising for both tobacco and e-cigarettes, and prohibits smoking in additional outdoor public spaces like playgrounds and hospital grounds. While praised by Labour as a major public health intervention that will save lives, the policy faced opposition from Conservatives concerned about its impact on retailers and emphasis on education over prohibition.

BPJS Kesehatan is collaborating with Korpri to tackle its monthly deficit of around Rp2 trillion and arrears in contributions from regional governments, estimated at Rp5 trillion, amid challenges with active JKN participants numbering only about 50 million out of a near-universal coverage of 285 million. Korpri's national leader emphasised the need for joint efforts involving central and local governments, DPR RI, and relevant ministries to enhance regional fiscal capacity, revise regulations, and secure political support to resolve these issues, potentially through a presidential regulation. This partnership aims to ensure continuous public health services while balancing financing in Indonesia's national health insurance programme.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has described former Vice President Jusuf Kalla as his senior, mentor, and idol, praising his experience in resolving regional conflicts and valuing his advice. This comes after Kalla claimed credit for bringing Joko Widodo from Solo to Jakarta for the 2012 DKI Jakarta election, which propelled Jokowi to the presidency. Jokowi responded humbly, downplaying his origins as a "village person," highlighting the personal and political ties among Indonesia's key leaders.

President Prabowo Subianto has announced plans to send selected Indonesian citizens to Russia to join its cosmonaut training programme, following discussions with President Vladimir Putin during a recent visit to Moscow. This initiative forms part of broader bilateral cooperation encompassing agriculture, energy, science and technology, with space exploration highlighted as a key indicator of technological advancement. The move underscores the elevated strategic partnership between Indonesia and Russia, upgraded in 2025, and covers additional sectors such as pharmaceuticals, education, and trade.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has clarified that discussions on overflight access with the United States are not a blanket overflight agreement but a proposal undergoing domestic review processes. He stressed that any decision will prioritise national sovereignty and constitutional principles, aligning with Indonesia's free and active foreign policy tradition. Sugiono dismissed concerns that this could drag Indonesia into global conflicts, noting the country's inevitable indirect impacts from world events while reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting national interests.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has uncovered multiple corruption cases involving regional heads elected in the 2024 Pilkada, naming at least eleven suspects for offences including bribery, procurement irregularities, and extortion. The agency attributes these acts primarily to personal gain and the need to recoup exorbitant political campaign expenses, which has tainted public office as a nexus for vested interests rather than neutral governance. This trend underscores the urgent need for electoral reforms to curb the financial burdens driving such corruption in Indonesia.

A physical altercation between two women at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, stemming from an alleged online arisan scam involving over Rp 448 million, has gone viral on social media. The victim, NWW, reported the assault and fraud to Bali Police, who are investigating the case and probing for additional victims in what appears to be a bogus investment scheme. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution with online investment offers promising quick high returns to avoid similar deceptions.