Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono has affirmed the country's commitment to bolstering its international standing through its longstanding free and active foreign policy principles, amid unpredictable global geopolitical shifts marked by rapid changes, economic pressures, and humanitarian crises. Under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, Indonesia has intensified diplomatic engagements, including high-level visits to Russia, France, Japan, and South Korea, yielding significant bilateral agreements in trade, energy, defence, and investment worth billions of dollars. This proactive diplomacy focuses on economic partnerships and sustainable investments to advance national interests while contributing to global stability and order.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono has disclosed internal challenges in Iran as major hurdles in negotiating the passage of two Pertamina ships detained in the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed tensions. The ministry, through its embassy in Tehran, is actively pursuing talks to resolve the blockade, while international conferences reject any fees or tolls for navigation, upholding the principle of freedom of navigation. Pertamina's shipping arm is coordinating closely with authorities to ensure safe passage plans for the vessels Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro.

Indonesia's Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has warned regional leaders that corruption and budgetary inefficiencies could severely damage public trust and the reputation of local governments. Speaking at a forum of the All-Indonesia City Government Association (APEKSI), he highlighted how such scandals, amplified by media coverage and anti-corruption raids, not only affect individuals but also strain relations between local and central authorities, potentially hindering budget allocations like DAU, DAK, and DBH. Karnavian urged proactive efforts to promote positive narratives about regional achievements and maintain transparent communication to counter negative perceptions.

The Indonesian government, through Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, has announced an increase in the reference price for live cattle to Rp59,000 per kilogram, up Rp1,000 from the previous Rp58,000, citing geopolitical conflicts impacting transportation and imports. While producer-level prices for beef have risen, consumer retail prices remain stable at Rp130,000–140,000 per kilogram; however, buffalo meat retail prices have surged to Rp90,000 per kilogram from Rp80,000 due to heightened demand. This adjustment, the first in two years since the National Food Agency's regulation in September 2024, aims to balance market dynamics amid global pressures.

Universitas Mercu Buana (UMB) has appointed two female professors in a ceremony coinciding with Kartini Day, highlighting the evolving role of women as key influencers in academia and policy. The appointees, Nurhayani Saragih in media and communication and Augustina Kurniasih in financial management, delivered scientific orations addressing digital transformation and sustainable financial practices, respectively. This milestone underscores the importance of female leadership in bridging knowledge, ethics, and societal progress amid rapid technological changes.

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled for another state visit to France soon, following his recent meeting with President Emmanuel Macron to discuss bilateral cooperation in defence, education, infrastructure, and critical minerals. Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted Prabowo's close personal ties with Macron as a key asset for enhancing Indonesia-France relations, noting that this will be Prabowo's fourth such visit in 18 months. The recurring engagements underscore Indonesia's strategic focus on strengthening ties with France, particularly in defence procurement and energy transitions.

The Online Scholarship Competition (OSC) Medcom.id 2026 has officially launched, offering 140 full undergraduate scholarships in collaboration with nine prominent private universities across Indonesia. This programme, supported by the Surya Edukasi Bangsa Foundation, provides not only tuition coverage but also living cost assistance to selected recipients, targeting class 12 high school students and recent graduates. By adjusting the registration timeline to align with the end of the academic year, OSC aims to facilitate smoother transitions to higher education, emphasising accessibility and merit-based selection to promote educational equity.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned two commitment-making officials (PPK) as witnesses in an alleged bribery case involving the construction and maintenance of railway lines under the Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) of the Ministry of Transportation. The examination took place at the East Java Provincial Financial and Development Supervisory Agency's office, targeting officials involved in projects from 2021-2023, alongside the director of PT Giri Bangun Sentosa. This case, which emerged from a 2023 sting operation, has led to 21 individuals and two corporations being named as suspects, highlighting systemic rigging in tender processes for railway projects across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi.

Samsung Electronics Indonesia's President Harry Lee emphasises that the best AI technology is the most relevant to users' daily lives, introducing this philosophy through the "Awesome Intelligence" features in the new mid-range Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G smartphones. The Galaxy A57 5G targets users with high work mobility, offering practical productivity tools like offline Voice Transcription, Circle to Search, AI Select, and Read Aloud, supported by seamless app integration. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A37 5G caters to visually creative users, aligning with the trend of "extended creativity" among the youth for quick idea capture and processing.

Bogor Mayor Dedie A. Rachim is considering constructing a market in the border area between Bogor City and Bogor Regency to bring buyers closer to traders, following discussions with local merchants in areas like Jalan Pedati and Suryakencana. This initiative addresses the concentration of existing markets in central and eastern Bogor, which disadvantages buyers from peripheral districts such as Ciapus and Cihideung. The plan, while promising for improving accessibility, requires further study, particularly regarding land availability.

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan has attributed the recent price surge of Minyakita cooking oil to the government's food assistance programme, which allocated supplies to 33 million beneficiary families, leading to reduced availability in traditional markets. To address this, future aid distributions will utilise alternative brands at the same price to stabilise Minyakita stocks. The National Food Agency (Bapanas), along with police and agricultural authorities, vows strict action against distributors manipulating prices, deeming the hikes unjustifiable given ample domestic crude palm oil supplies.

The rise of digital banking in Indonesia, driven by the shift towards cashless transactions and widespread adoption of QRIS, has led several banks to list their shares on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI). This article profiles seven key digital bank stocks—ARTO, BBYB, BBHI, AGRO, BANK, AMAR, and SUPA—detailing their histories, transformations, major shareholders, and current share prices as of April 2026. Regulated by OJK under POJK No. 21/2023, these banks offer significant investment opportunities amid growing financial digitalisation, though they come with notable risks.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has clarified that he received no instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to allocate funds from Indonesia's State Budget (APBN) for contributions to the Board of Peace (BoP). Indonesia's involvement in the BoP, proposed by US President Donald Trump, is limited to providing peacekeeping troops to protect Palestinian interests in Gaza, with no financial commitments, especially regarding support for Israel. President Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia was absent from founding donor meetings and will monitor future developments for potential non-monetary contributions during Gaza's reconstruction.

A legal expert has emphasised that digital evidence, such as forensic chat logs, from the alleged corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops at Indonesia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology could prove the defendants' criminal intent (mens rea), potentially undermining claims of mere administrative errors. The case, which involves state losses of Rp2.1 trillion and suspected fund flows of Rp809 billion to a company affiliated with Nadiem Makarim, highlights manipulations in pricing and specifications without proper market surveys, fulfilling elements of corruption under Indonesia's anti-corruption law. This development underscores a possible conspiracy between policy-makers and technical consultants, focusing on unlawful processes rather than the delivery of goods.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has warned that poorly managed infrastructure projects, such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (Whoosh), are deterring global investors due to significant cost overruns and delays. President Prabowo Subianto has directed ministers to ensure robust project planning, coordination, and real-time monitoring to avoid such issues, which have inflated Whoosh's costs by nearly US$1.21 billion to a total of US$7.26 billion. This emphasis aims to restore investor confidence in Indonesia's infrastructure development amid concerns over escalating expenses from projects like Whoosh and the Jabodetabek LRT.

Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian shared a simple and warm lunch with IPDN cadets in Aceh Tamiang on 21 April 2026, as part of efforts to accelerate rehabilitation following a disaster in Sumatra. The cadets, in their third deployment wave, have been instrumental in cleaning flood mud from offices and residential areas, earning praise for their dedication and discipline. Accompanied by Coordinating Minister Pratikno and local officials, the event highlighted government appreciation for the cadets' contributions to national recovery and community service.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Riswadi, the former Deputy Regent of Pekalongan, as a witness in the ongoing corruption investigation involving suspended Regent Fadia Arafiq. This examination, conducted at the Pekalongan City Police Resort, is part of a broader probe that includes nine other witnesses from various local government departments. The case centres on allegations of conflict of interest in procurement contracts awarded to a family-owned company, PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya, resulting in approximately Rp19 billion being received by Arafiq and her relatives.

Tim Cook has officially resigned as CEO of Apple after 15 years at the helm, during which he transformed the company into one of the world's most valuable and profitable public entities, with its market value surging to approximately US$4 trillion by 2026. John Ternus, formerly Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will succeed him as CEO, while Cook remains as chairman of the board. This leadership transition highlights Cook's enduring legacy in expanding Apple's product lines and services, solidifying its financial strength amid the challenges of succeeding visionaries like Steve Jobs.

China's third-generation independently developed superconducting quantum computer, Origin Wukong, has been integrated with artificial intelligence computing capabilities, marking a significant advancement from usable to user-friendly quantum computing. This breakthrough, announced by the Anhui Province Quantum Computing Chip Key Laboratory, enables systematic integration of quantum computing into AI ecosystems for the first time, with new tools like the Origin Brain knowledge model and QPanda3 Runtime MCP facilitating easier access for researchers and developers. Looking ahead, the team is exploring hybrid quantum-AI algorithms for sectors including energy, finance, and industry to enhance decision-making efficiency.

Four Chinese nationals were deported from Indonesia after being caught taking soil samples from a mining area in Buol Regency, Gorontalo Province, in violation of their visit and business visas. Immigration officials in Gorontalo conducted a raid at a local inn, discovering the samples during document checks, highlighting the importance of adhering to visa purposes for foreign activities. The incident has prompted stricter oversight of foreigners in the region, with warnings issued to companies against facilitating unauthorised operations.

Mufti Anam, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission VI, has urged the government to ensure that the recruitment of 30,000 managers for Village/Urban Village Cooperatives Merah Putih (Kopdes/KDMP) remains free from political interference, emphasising the need for a professional, transparent, and competency-based selection process. He highlighted the importance of prioritising those already involved in the programme's initial stages, who have worked without clear incentives to build village economies, to avoid undermining the cooperatives' role as tools for public economic empowerment rather than power distribution. This initiative is seen as a positive step towards job creation and strengthening rural economies, but only if accountability and fairness are upheld to prevent past village programme failures due to lack of community ties.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudha has confirmed that the restructuring process for the Whoosh high-speed rail project has been finalised and will be announced shortly, reassuring the Chinese Finance Minister that there is no cause for concern. He highlighted past challenges, including cost overruns and delays in land acquisition, but emphasised that major projects like this will now be closely monitored to ensure smooth implementation. The minister stressed that the project underscores Indonesia's international credibility, as the country has never deviated from its commitments.

Ade Jona Prasetyo, a candidate for the position of General Chairman of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), has garnered endorsement from the regional board in Papua Pegunungan, strengthening his nationwide support base among young business leaders. The support, delivered by BPD HIPMI Papua Pegunungan Chairman Anthonius Wetipo, highlights Jona's potential to address challenges faced by entrepreneurs in eastern Indonesia and promote inclusive economic development. Jona emphasised that this backing underscores the need for regional business figures to play a central role in national economic growth, committing to absorb aspirations from various regions to build a robust economic network within HIPMI.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has assured that the country's energy supply remains stable despite two Pertamina vessels being detained in the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, noting that not all oil imports pass through this route. He emphasised that the 2 million barrels of crude oil on these ships represent a minor portion of national needs, urging a proportional perspective on the issue. The government is exploring alternatives, including sourcing from Russia and leveraging Pertamina's overseas oil fields, to safeguard fuel supplies.

The National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) is examining bundled packaging of foreign leading bottled water (AMDK) that features images of children under five, as it may mislead consumers into believing the product is specially formulated for toddlers. This practice potentially violates labelling regulations and consumer protection laws, prompting BPKN to prepare follow-up actions and sanctions via the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). Experts highlight the exploitative nature of using child imagery for emotional manipulation in advertising, which is explicitly prohibited under BPOM Regulation No. 6 of 2021 for general food products.

Chinese battery giant CATL has unveiled an innovative integrated "Supercharging & Swap" station that combines rapid charging and battery swapping, enabling electric vehicles to achieve a full charge in approximately six minutes using its Shenxing supercharging technology. This upgrade, applied to its Chocolate stations for passenger cars and Qiji for commercial vehicles, offers higher energy efficiency with minimal power loss and allows users to select battery capacities flexibly, supported by the new 800-volt Chocolate 26# battery. Major automakers including Changan, Chery, GAC Group, SAIC-GM-Wuling, and BAIC Group are early partners, potentially accelerating EV adoption through a new business model that reduces ownership costs.

East Flores Regency continues to grapple with five ongoing emergency response statuses due to volcanic eruptions, cold lahar floods, extreme weather, earthquakes, and social conflicts, earning it the moniker of a "disaster regency." The regent emphasised the need for community vigilance and preparedness amid these threats, while announcing plans to construct 244 permanent housing units in Todo sub-district in 2026 to aid affected residents. This initiative involves local administration of land acquisition in May and June, followed by handover to the central government for tender and construction by September, highlighting efforts to build resilience in a disaster-prone area.

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government is enhancing the management and protection of its marine conservation areas, which span over 179,000 hectares across Kotabaru and Tanah Bumbu districts, amid ongoing threats to coral reefs. The recent inauguration of the Angsana Marine Conservation Area Technical Implementation Unit marks the eighth such facility in the province, emphasising sustainable utilisation and community involvement to preserve aquatic ecosystems. Efforts include coral transplantation and mangrove planting to rehabilitate damaged areas, supporting broader environmental regulations and resource management policies.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned three individuals from Hajj organising bureaus— one in North Sumatra and two in Jakarta—as witnesses in its investigation into alleged corruption involving the 2023-2024 Hajj quota. This follows the designation of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and Ishfah Abidal Aziz as suspects, with state losses estimated at Rp622 billion by the Financial Audit Board (BPK). The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat graft in religious pilgrimage allocations, including recent arrests of additional suspects linked to Hajj travel agencies.

The Indonesian government is actively working to expand the number of personnel in the Komcad (reserve component) programme to equip citizens with basic military skills, thereby strengthening the country's total defence and security system (Siskamhanrata). According to the Head of the National Reserve Agency at the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General TNI Gabriel Lema, the initiative also aims to boost nationalism and patriotism among the populace, with around 50,000 members already structured and trained since the programme's inception in 2021. This expansion targets the nearly five million civil servants (ASN) as a major potential force, without intending to militarise civilian institutions, ultimately fostering greater national sovereignty.

A husband-and-wife duo from Tasikmalaya, West Java, who have eked out a living as street vendors selling cilok and chicken porridge, are set to fulfil their lifelong dream of performing the Hajj pilgrimage after diligently saving for 24 years. Starting from humble beginnings in rented accommodations and supplementing their income with domestic work, Karim and Edoh set aside daily earnings to fund the trip, overcoming financial hardships to finally secure their slots earlier than anticipated. Their story highlights the power of perseverance and faith in achieving personal aspirations amid economic challenges faced by small-scale entrepreneurs in Indonesia.

PT Mitra Prodin Site Jembrana has initiated its first export of pre-rolled paper cones to the United States, valued at Rp 4.03 billion and packaged in 12 pallets, marking a strategic expansion into global markets. The company recently received Bonded Zone facilities from the Customs Office on 25 February 2026, following successful exports from its Gianyar site in 2025, which provide significant fiscal benefits such as import duty suspension and tax exemptions to enhance production efficiency and competitiveness. This achievement underscores the Indonesian Customs' role in supporting national industry growth, job creation, and regional economic activity through comprehensive assistance.

In a recent meeting in Moscow, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin explored cooperation in science, technology, and space, including the possibility of sending selected Indonesians to Russia's cosmonaut training programme. The discussions also covered energy transitions, alternative fuels like biodiesel and bioethanol, and fertiliser needs amid Middle East tensions, with Prabowo assuring that Indonesia's policies have mitigated any impacts. This engagement underscores the strengthening strategic partnership between Indonesia and Russia, set to elevate in 2025, and highlights Indonesia's ambitions in advanced technology sectors.

The Jakarta Provincial Government is broadening its international collaborations with cities in China, South Korea, and Japan through Governor Pramono Anung's working visit from 22-28 April 2026. Key activities include bilateral meetings, MoU signings for metro cooperation, investment forums, and discussions on urban sustainability and green innovations. These efforts aim to position Jakarta as a world-class, livable, and sustainable city while addressing challenges like climate resilience and urban transformation in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia's House of Representatives has passed the Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT) after over 20 years of delays, marking a historic milestone for domestic workers who have long faced discrimination and violence. The law defines domestic workers as paid employees performing household tasks and establishes legal protections, oversight, and promotion of fair working conditions, as highlighted by the Minister of Law and Human Rights. This legislation underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of domestic workers, predominantly women who contribute significantly to the national economy.

Indonesia's Parliament has finally passed the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) into law after over two decades of delays, marking a significant step towards recognising and safeguarding the rights of domestic workers who have long been marginalised. The legislation introduces structural interventions into the exploitative employer-employee dynamics in private households, affirming domestic work as economically and socially valuable labour entitled to social security protections in health and employment. This progressive measure, involving shared responsibilities between the state and employers, challenges cultural norms of subordination and enhances enforcement in a sector previously unregulated.

Vendors at Jakarta's Pasar Santa, once a thriving creative hub for young people in South Jakarta, are experiencing a sharp decline in visitors and sales following the post-pandemic shift in consumer habits and the rise of modern alternatives. Traders like Fathan, Theo, and Warni report daily revenues dropping from hundreds of thousands to mere fractions, attributing the downturn to diluted branding, online shopping trends, and empty stalls that deter foot traffic. They urge a serious rebranding effort, similar to that of Blok M, to revive the market's appeal given its prime location.

In a court hearing for the deadly fire at PT Terra Drone Indonesia's office that claimed 22 lives, building owner Nyauw Gunarto admitted to failing to monitor the building's SLF certificate, which had expired in 2020 before the 2023 lease. Gunarto claimed he instructed staff to handle the renewal but did not follow up, highlighting potential lapses in building safety compliance. The case underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in preventing such tragedies in Jakarta's commercial spaces.

The Rawa Malang City Forest in Cilincing, North Jakarta, spans 5.7 hectares and has been developed gradually since 2012, including tree planting initiated during Joko Widodo's tenure as governor. Despite its lush greenery, small lake, children's playground, and open field, the forest remains underutilised due to inadequate and damaged road access, including medium-sized rocks that force drivers to slow down. Enhancing accessibility could unlock the site's significant potential as vital green open space for the community in the dusty urban area.

An international team of researchers from South Korea, collaborating with CIFOR-ICRAF and local universities in Bali, is gathering precise biophysical data on mangrove ecosystems in Budeng, Jembrana. The effort focuses on sediment and vegetation sampling to assess carbon storage capabilities, which surpass those of tropical forests, aiding in climate change mitigation strategies. This collaborative scientific diplomacy highlights the global importance of mangrove conservation and aims to inform policy for effective coastal protection in Indonesia.

US President Donald Trump has reversed his earlier hardline stance against AI firm Anthropic, which he previously criticised for refusing to allow its technology for military weapons or surveillance, labelling it a 'woke' left-wing company. Following productive meetings at the White House, Trump praised Anthropic's intelligence and openness to collaboration, potentially lifting the Pentagon's blacklist amid discussions on cybersecurity and US AI leadership. This shift coincides with Anthropic's release of its advanced Mythos AI model, which detects system vulnerabilities and is being evaluated by major banks and tech firms through the secure Proyek Glasswing initiative.

The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has hailed the enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Act (UU PPRT) as a historic milestone in advancing human rights in Indonesia, providing long-overdue legal recognition and safeguards for domestic workers after over two decades of advocacy. This legislation addresses the vulnerabilities faced by these workers, predominantly women, who have operated without formal protections in private households prone to exploitation and violence. The approval by the Indonesian Parliament on 21 April, coinciding with Kartini Day, underscores a significant step towards constitutional rights to decent work and highlights the collaborative efforts of civil society, unions, and lawmakers over 22 years.

The Indonesian government has decided to increase the Reference Selling Price (HAP) for live cattle at the producer level and frozen buffalo meat at the consumer level, citing rising logistics costs due to conflicts in the Middle East. While producer prices for live cattle have been adjusted upwards by approximately Rp1,000 per kilogram, remaining within the highest retail price limit of Rp58,000 per kilogram, the HAP for cut beef at the consumer level stays at Rp140,000 per kilogram for hind leg cuts, ensuring no change in market prices which range between Rp130,000 and Rp140,000 per kilogram. The adjustment for buffalo meat raises its HAP from Rp80,000 to around Rp90,000 per kilogram, driven by increased consumer demand as a cheaper alternative to beef.

The Indonesian Parliament has passed the Domestic Workers Protection Act (UU PPRT) after 22 years of legislative delays, marking a significant commitment by President Prabowo Subianto's administration to safeguard the rights of marginalised domestic workers. This law enforces legal sovereignty in domestic spaces, transforms feudal employment relations into professional, humane contracts, and provides social security and fair wage standards. Beyond domestic impact, it bolsters Indonesia's moral authority in global diplomacy by eliminating systemic discrimination and embodying the second principle of Pancasila on humanising humanity justly and civilly.

PT Mora Telematika Indonesia Tbk (MORA), a telecommunications tower issuer, reported a modest 23.16% increase in net profit to Rp128.82 billion for the first quarter of 2026, driven by higher revenue from customer contracts and other sources. Despite this underwhelming performance, MORA's share price has skyrocketed by over 1,115% in the past year to Rp5,225 per share, resulting in a lofty price-to-earnings ratio of 275.49 times—far exceeding peers like Telkom and Mitratel. The company is also preparing for a merger with PT Eka Mas Republik from the Sinar Mas Group, which could influence its future trajectory amid high valuations.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti, has urged female entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) sector to enhance their competitiveness and elevate their businesses by leveraging digital trading platforms. Highlighting that women constitute over 60% of the country's MSME drivers and play a crucial role in the national economy, she announced a collaboration with Tokopedia and TikTok Shop under the "Time to Start Selling Comfortably Special Hari Kartini" initiative, which includes training on product design and marketing features. This effort aims to support the Ministry of Trade's programmes in securing domestic markets, expanding to international ones, and boosting the appeal of local products globally, while fostering creativity and innovation among female entrepreneurs.

The recruitment for the manager position at the Village Red White Cooperative (KDMP) 2026 is open from 15 to 24 April 2026, with the declaration letter serving as a key administrative requirement to demonstrate applicants' integrity and commitment. KDMP plays a crucial role in driving rural economic development, modernising local trade governance, and supporting national goals for food and energy sovereignty. This guide provides the structure, templates, and tips for preparing the declaration letter to enhance candidates' chances in the selection process.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has nearly reached 50,000 members in its Komcad reserve component since the first recruitment and training in 2021, with ongoing expansions planned from civil servants (ASN) and private sector entities. Defence Ministry officials highlighted the vast potential of Indonesia's approximately 5 million ASN as a major defence force, noting that 1,773 were selected from 2,115 applicants after rigorous screenings including administrative, health, physical, psychological, and ideological assessments. Basic military training commenced on 22 April 2026 across six locations, with graduates to be officially inducted as Komcad members on 5 June 2026, underscoring the government's commitment to bolstering national defence reserves.

On the occasion of Kartini Day, the article reflects on the ongoing struggle for women's rights in Indonesia, highlighted by recent revelations of sexual violence cases in prominent universities, including verbal harassment at UI's Faculty of Law and a surge in academic violence statistics. Amid these challenges, it spotlights two young women embodying Kartini's spirit through their pursuits in STEM fields, underscoring the need for educational institutions to foster safe, empowering environments as mandated by recent regulations. This juxtaposition emphasises that true progress requires not just commemoration but active protection and equality in education.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono has disclosed that two Pertamina-owned ships remain detained in the Strait of Hormuz amid complex internal dynamics in Iran, with ongoing coordination efforts to secure safe passage through the strategic waterway. He highlighted challenges in implementing high-level Iranian policies on the ground and the impact of a US blockade, while noting international opposition to any toll fees that violate freedom of navigation principles. Indonesia is prioritising diplomatic negotiations to resolve tensions involving Iran, Oman, and the UAE, ensuring national shipping interests are protected.