BytePlus is promoting the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian companies, launching various AI-based solutions at the BytePlus Indonesia AI Day 2026 event. The initiative aims to accelerate digital transformation across sectors including e-commerce, digital firms, media, and the public sector, with AI serving as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth. While integrations like the AI chatbot in the Transjakarta app have reduced customer query handling times by 93.82 percent, the overall impact of AI in Indonesia remains limited to just 12 percent.

A confrontation erupted between residents and the Mata Elang debt collection group in Klender, East Jakarta, after the group allegedly repossessed a resident's motorcycle, leading to a crowd gathering at their office and causing damage. Police from Cakung precinct swiftly intervened to de-escalate the situation, confirming no injuries or arrests occurred, and the area has since returned to calm. The incident highlights ongoing tensions with aggressive debt collection practices in urban areas.

Pelindo Group, in collaboration with its subsidiary Pelindo Solusi Digital, launched the "Her Impact" programme to empower women entrepreneurs in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on the occasion of Kartini Day, focusing on enhancing their digital skills to adapt to technological advancements. The initiative equips participants with knowledge on digital platforms, marketing communication strategies, and creative content creation to expand their business reach, aligning with Pelindo's commitment to ESG principles, particularly social empowerment and gender equality. By fostering digital literacy among women-led MSMEs, the programme aims to boost economic independence and global market access, underscoring the strategic role of women in Indonesia's economic growth.

Finance Minister Purbaya has appointed Herman Saheruddin as Acting Director General of Financial Sector Stability and Development (DJSPSK) to replace Masyita Crystallin, who has transitioned to PT Danantara Investment Management to enhance policy synergy and accelerate national financial sector deepening. Saheruddin's appointment awaits only the presidential decree, reflecting Purbaya's ongoing efforts to rotate officials within the Ministry of Finance, including five Eselon II positions the previous day. This move underscores the government's focus on strengthening financial stability and investment coordination.

The Indonesian government has outlined the disbursement of the 13th-month salary for civil servants (PNS) in 2026, scheduled to begin as early as June, as per Government Regulation No. 9 of 2026, providing financial support to state apparatus, pensioners, and others as recognition of their service. Eligible recipients include PNS, PPPK, TNI soldiers, Polri members, and certain non-ASN employees meeting specific criteria, with amounts calculated based on base salary, family allowances, food allowances, position allowances, and performance allowances, prorated for partial service. This policy underscores the government's commitment to appreciating public sector contributions amid fiscal considerations, distinguishing it from the 14th salary by its broader eligibility and components.

Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology is reinforcing its commitment to developing green technology to support environmental sustainability and enhance the national industry's global competitiveness. At the Indonesia-EU Science and Technology Collaboration Forum, Minister Brian Yuliarto emphasised that eco-friendly technologies are essential for the nation's future, with initiatives like the Suryakanta platform assessing innovations' environmental impacts alongside economic and social benefits. Through international collaborations and heightened ecological awareness, the government aims to enable Indonesian engineers to adapt advanced foreign technologies for domestic industrial advancement and planetary preservation.

A delegation from PT Neusoft China visited the Yogyakarta campus of Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) to enhance student internship opportunities and foster closer ties between industry and academia. The meeting, attended by key representatives from both sides, focused on discussing internship prospects, improving industry-oriented education, and exploring long-term collaborations to develop technical skills and prepare students for the real-world job market. This initiative underscores UBSI's commitment as a Creative Digital Campus to building synergies with the industrial sector and elevating education quality through relevant work experiences.

Indonesian police have uncovered a sophisticated drug trafficking network involving methamphetamine and illegal vapes laced with the dangerous substance etomidate, designating Frendy Dona as the main fugitive and leader of the 'Clan Lab Etomidate' operation in Jakarta. The case began with a suspicious package handled by an online motorcycle taxi driver, leading to the arrest of key operative Ananda Wiratama and the seizure of 13 etomidate cartridges and methamphetamine. This bust highlights the evolving tactics of drug syndicates using everyday delivery services, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance in combating narcotics distribution.

Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng highlighted the crucial role of women as agents of change in urban development during Kartini Day celebrations, emphasising courage and decisiveness as key to progress. She shared her personal journey to the mayoral position and outlined the city's commitments, including empowerment programmes like Waras Ekonomi to support women-led SMEs and community health initiatives. The event, themed around intergenerational inspiration, underscores ongoing efforts to create safe, equitable spaces for women amid budget efficiency measures.

The Top Women Fest 2026, organised by CNBC Indonesia, aims to honour the pivotal contributions of Indonesian women to the national economy and development across government, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector. Under the theme "A Celebration of Powerful Women: Strong Women, Strong Economy," the event will feature inspirational talkshows, discussions on strategic decision-making and business growth, and educational sessions on beauty and finance to empower participants. Scheduled for 25 April 2026, it seeks to foster inclusivity and sustainability, building on the legacy of RA Kartini to enhance women's leadership and economic competitiveness.

The Head of the State-Owned Enterprises Oversight Body (BP BUMN), Dony Oskaria, has called on PT Telkom Indonesia Tbk to enhance operational efficiency, sharpen its business focus, and ensure clean financial records in line with presidential directives. During a working visit to Bandung, alongside BP BUMN leaders and PT Danantara Asset Management, emphasis was placed on accelerating Telkom's digital transformation to meet societal needs and boost competitiveness through streamlined subsidiaries and robust governance. Strong leadership and legal enforcement are highlighted as essential for fostering transparency, integrity, and sustainable growth in the state-owned telecommunications firm.

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has addressed pessimistic views on achieving the 8% economic growth target amid global pressures and tight state budget constraints, emphasising efficient APBN management to keep the deficit below 3% of GDP. To boost growth without excessive spending, the government plans to ensure liquidity in the real sector, effectively taking on some responsibilities typically handled by Bank Indonesia. Additionally, Purbaya committed to tackling high logistics costs, which currently stand at around a tenth of GDP, to enhance competitiveness and revive efforts neglected in recent years.

The Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) has been rumoured to receive a special allocation of 1,000 subsidised housing units, but BP Tapera Commissioner Heru Pudyo Nugroho has clarified that no such allocation exists, with access depending solely on employee interest like any other group. He suggested that developing rental apartments integrated with SPPG facilities would be more suitable given the mobile nature of SPPG workers' jobs. Heru criticised the government's fixation on home ownership schemes, which limit progress towards President Prabowo Subianto's target of 3 million houses annually, advocating instead for systematic and sustainable urban development.

The Jakarta High Court has increased the prison sentence of M Syafei, former Head of Social Security and License at Wilmar Group, from 6 to 8 years in a bribery case related to securing an acquittal for a corporation in the cooking oil (migor) matter. Syafei was found guilty of aiding in the bribery of judges but not of money laundering, and he must also pay a fine of Rp 500 million, with additional penalties if unpaid. This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to combating corruption in high-profile corporate cases involving essential commodities.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that he is unaware of the specifics regarding the proposal to impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on toll road users, which has resurfaced in the Directorate General of Taxes' Strategic Plan for 2025-2029. He emphasised that any new tax measures, including this one, must undergo thorough analysis by the Fiscal Policy Agency to avoid burdening the public, and reaffirmed the government's commitment not to introduce new taxes or raise rates until significant improvements in consumer purchasing power and overall economic conditions are observed. This stance aims to support economic recovery, with growth nearing 6% as a potential benchmark.

Juanda International Airport in Sidoarjo, East Java, has introduced the Mecca Route service to streamline document checks for prospective Hajj pilgrims by Saudi authorities ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage season. This fast-track facility, located in gates 13-15 of Terminal 1, allows pre-departure immigration processing, enabling smoother arrivals in the Holy Land. The airport will handle 43,623 pilgrims from East Java, Bali, and East Nusa Tenggara across 116 batches until 21 May 2026, with enhanced facilities and security measures in place to ensure operational efficiency.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are disrupting the global petrochemical industry, causing supply uncertainties and cost surges for Indonesia's plastic sector, which faces rising domestic demand amid production expansions. Industry leaders are entering 'survival mode' by diversifying feedstock sources like condensate and LPG to reduce reliance on naphtha imports, though regulatory hurdles persist. This situation risks broader economic impacts, including up to 30% price hikes in downstream services affecting SMEs and consumers, underscoring the need for domestic supply enhancements.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa plans to meet with the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) soon to expedite the approval of a new excise tax layer on cigarettes, aiming to expand the tax base and curb illegal cigarette circulation. He estimates that this policy could recover up to Rp 30 trillion in lost revenue, representing about 30% leakage from the current Rp 200 trillion cigarette excise total. Purbaya emphasised that the measure would encourage illegal producers to shift to legal operations, with non-compliant entities facing closure to ensure a fully legal market.

Indonesia's Ambassador to Thailand and UNESCAP, Hari Prabowo, has called on Asia-Pacific nations to lead global sustainable development efforts by ensuring the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs, while formulating post-2030 strategies. Speaking at the 82nd UNESCAP session in Bangkok, he emphasised the need for inclusive policies that leave no one behind amid evolving global challenges, highlighting the region's role as both an economic driver and a guiding compass for future development. Indonesia's active participation underscores its commitment to strengthening multilateralism and fostering resilient, inclusive regional cooperation.

The Bogor City Government is considering making the policy of parking on the right side of Jalan Suryakencana permanent after a trial demonstrated its effectiveness in improving traffic flow and order. Previously, left-side parking caused disruptions, particularly when public transport stopped, but the new arrangement provides better space and organisation. Mayor Dedie A Rachim plans to add traffic signs soon to support the policy, though some drivers are still adapting to the change.

The XPORIA 2026 event, held at Jakarta City Hall as part of Bank Jakarta's 65th anniversary, has significantly boosted sales for small and medium enterprises (UMKM) while facilitating digital financial services for civil servants (ASN). Attendees and vendors alike praised the ease of transactions via tools like JakOne and QRIS, alongside the diverse range of products on offer from food to automobiles. Bank Jakarta's Director General emphasised the event's role in creating an integrated digital economic ecosystem that directly stimulates Jakarta's economy by connecting merchants and customers.

The article explores the rise of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), where connected devices gain autonomy through AI integration, enhancing efficiency in industries by 30-40% but raising profound questions about human control and ethical implications. It highlights how edge computing enables real-time decision-making and distributed intelligence, transforming human-technology relations from passive use to interactive partnerships. While emphasising the need for education to foster critical thinking on AIoT's social and ethical dimensions, particularly in regions like West Kalimantan for applications in precision agriculture and environmental monitoring, it warns against the illusion of control and advocates for proactive management to ensure technology augments rather than supplants human capabilities.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM, is advancing the Lampung Bioethanol Project as part of the national energy transition, with construction slated to begin in the third quarter of 2026 involving partners like Toyota, PT Pertamina New & Renewable Energy, and Danantara Investment Management. Lampung was selected for its strong supply of feedstocks such as sugarcane, cassava, and sorghum, with cultivation plans scaling from a 10-hectare pilot in 2026 to 6,000 hectares commercially in 2027, supported by policy mandates for biofuel blending starting at E5 in 2026-2027 and rising to E10 by 2028-2030. This initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's focus on energy self-sufficiency, food security, and resource downstreaming, leveraging Indonesia's advantages in nickel, palm oil, and coconut production for bioenergy development.

PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk (TPIA) has transferred all 66,999 shares in PT Chandra Capital Indonesia to PT Chandra Environmental Solution, a subsidiary of another affiliate, to enhance business synergies, optimise assets, and support sustainable expansion. The company anticipates strong prospects in 2026, aligned with Indonesia's projected 5.4% economic growth as per the 2025 state budget, while focusing on operational excellence through human resource development and production governance. Additionally, TPIA plans to operationalise a 12,000 m³ bitumen tank to boost infrastructure capabilities, reduce import reliance, and contribute to the national ecosystem.

Indonesia's mining holding company MIND ID is steadfast in applying sustainability principles across its operations, going beyond regulatory requirements to responsibly manage natural resources while preserving environmental and social balance. Subsidiaries such as PT Timah and PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium have introduced innovative community programmes, including repurposing illegal mining sites for food security initiatives and holistic economic empowerment in local villages, which have generated significant economic benefits and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts earned PROPER Emas 2025 awards from the Ministry of Environment, underscoring MIND ID's commitment to comprehensive environmental restoration and social innovation in the mining sector.

Malaysia's semiconductor industry demonstrates resilience against geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly disruptions in critical material supplies like helium, due to its limited reliance on such resources in assembly and packaging processes. The sector benefits from a mature ecosystem and is poised to advance into higher-value areas such as integrated circuit design, supported by government plans to train 60,000 engineers and attract US$125 billion in investments. This positions Malaysia as an attractive hub for global supply chain diversification amid US-China tensions and regional uncertainties, bolstering its role in Southeast Asia's economic landscape.

Cocoa prices have fallen to their lowest level in two years, closing at US$2,472 per tonne, driven by improved supply prospects from West Africa and weakening global chocolate demand, particularly a 5% drop in Easter confectionery sales. While grinding activity in Europe and North America has declined, signalling reduced consumption, favourable rainfall in major producers like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana raises the potential for a global surplus in the 2026/2027 season. This normalisation follows a historic price peak of US$12,906 per tonne in December 2024, with ongoing geopolitical risks in the Strait of Hormuz adding uncertainty to logistics costs.

The article explores the emergence of ekofeminism in Moloku Kie Raha (MKR), North Maluku, highlighting the election of Sherly Tjoanda as the province's first female governor and the broader rise of women leaders in politics, academia, and NGOs. It frames this development as a 'Kabinet Ekoteologi II', blending environmental stewardship, religious figures, and business leaders, drawing on sociological and feminist theories to link women's leadership with the preservation of natural resources. The piece emphasises the potential for these women to address ecological crises, social harmony, and gender biases, positioning them as agents of change in Indonesian society.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has introduced a mandatory Nutri Level labelling system for ready-to-eat foods, particularly sweetened beverages, to promote healthier consumption patterns and educate the public on reducing excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fat (GGL). This policy addresses the rising burden of GGL-related diseases such as obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, which significantly increase healthcare costs, with kidney failure treatment expenses surging over 400% to Rp13.38 trillion in 2025 from Rp2.32 trillion in 2019. The regulation, outlined in a Ministerial Decree, aligns with the Health Law to ensure cross-sectoral disease prevention efforts.

Indonesian MP Rieke Diah Pitaloka, known as “Oneng,” has criticised the handling of a sexual harassment case involving 16 students at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Law, where the university temporarily suspended the perpetrators without further action. She highlighted flaws in institutional responses to sexual violence, urging adherence to the Sexual Violence Crimes Law (TPKS) and proper procedures through campus sexual violence committees. This case underscores the need for stronger protections and transparency in addressing sexual misconduct in educational institutions.

The Indonesian Directorate General of Corrections is advancing plans to relocate the overcrowded Kerobokan Class II-A Prison from Badung to Jembrana on Bali, with a site inspection of an 11-hectare plot in Melaya conducted last week alongside provincial authorities. This move aims to alleviate overcrowding, while a new 4-hectare detention centre is also planned for Mengwi in Badung to streamline legal processes for detainees in the Denpasar area. Officials emphasise that the new prison will complement rather than replace the existing Negara Detention Centre, though the projects remain in early feasibility stages and will take considerable time to materialise.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has clarified that it summoned a Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) staff member, identified as SB, as a witness in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in Indonesia's 2023-2024 Hajj quota allocation, stating that his testimony is essential to strengthen existing evidence and clarify the case. This follows previous developments including the arrest of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and others, with state financial losses estimated at Rp622 billion by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK). The summoning underscores KPK's efforts to unravel the graft scandal involving Hajj organisers and officials, highlighting accountability in religious pilgrimage management.

China has strongly condemned Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine, viewing it as a symbol of wartime militarism and an affront to war victims. The spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry highlighted the shrine's enshrinement of Class-A war criminals convicted by the Tokyo Tribunal, especially poignant as it marks the 80th anniversary of the tribunal's start. This action is seen as an evasion of Japan's war responsibilities and a challenge to the outcomes of World War II, drawing international criticism.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has partnered with PT Kawasan Industri Terpadu Batang, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo), PT Sarana Pembangunan Jawa Tengah, and Perumda Aneka Usaha Kabupaten Batang to develop rail-based logistics transportation at the Dryport in the Batang Industropolis Special Economic Zone (KEK). This initiative aims to strengthen national logistics connectivity, reduce costs, and enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian industries by integrating industrial zones with seaports and global markets. By increasing transport capacity to 4,200 tonnes per trip and developing direct rail lines, the collaboration is expected to significantly lower production costs and improve export capabilities.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has prepared 6,000 buses in collaboration with 15 transport companies to ensure safe and comfortable mobility for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in Madinah starting from 22 April 2026. This includes strict passenger limits, structured data systems for coordination, and contingency plans like reserve minibuses for stragglers, aiming to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience. With 221,000 pilgrims expected, including the first wave departing for Madinah and subsequent ones to Jeddah and Mecca, these measures underscore Indonesia's efforts to facilitate one of the world's largest religious migrations efficiently.

Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi accompanied the Vice President's wife on a pilgrimage to Raden Ajeng Kartini's grave in Rembang, Central Java, to commemorate Kartini Day and honour the legacy of the Indonesian women's rights pioneer. During the event, she reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring equal access, participation, control, and benefits for Indonesian women in national development, drawing inspiration from Kartini's enduring spirit of education and empowerment. The pilgrimage serves as a call to action to address ongoing challenges in gender equality through concrete steps towards a more inclusive and just Indonesia.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has instructed trainers to adopt a humane and educational approach during the Basic Military Training (Latsarmil) for 1,773 civil servants (ASN) in the Reserve Component (Komcad), emphasising the avoidance of arrogance and unnecessary physical contact. The training, which began on 22 April 2026 at Halim Perdanakusuma Base in East Jakarta, aims to foster national pride and dedication to the Republic of Indonesia while upholding professional standards. This initiative underscores the government's efforts to integrate civil servants into the national defence framework, enhancing their role as exemplary public servants with integrity.

PT Pelindo, Indonesia's state-owned port operator, has signed a cooperation agreement for the first phase of developing a Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) facility as part of the government's eco-friendly waste management initiative to produce clean, sustainable electricity. The signing took place at the Coordinating Ministry for Food in Jakarta, accelerating the implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025 on urban waste handling through renewable energy technologies. Pelindo is providing land in the Benoa area of Bali, in collaboration with the Bali Provincial Government and Denpasar City Government, to support national sustainability goals and transform ports into environmentally friendly logistics ecosystems.

China has expressed deep concern over Japan's recent decision to ease restrictions on arms exports, describing it as a dangerous step that contradicts Japan's post-war commitments to peace and defensive policies. The revision allows exports of non-lethal defence equipment without limits and lethal weapons to select allies, marking a significant shift in Japan's military stance amid regional tensions. This move, including a major deal with Australia, is seen by Beijing as accelerating Japan's remilitarisation and prompting international vigilance against neo-militarism.

Bali is grappling with a severe waste crisis, exemplified by the overflowing Suwung landfill in southern Bali, which receives 1,000 to 1,200 tons of waste daily from the Sarbagita metropolitan area and has suffered major fires, including a prolonged blaze in October 2023 that led to an emergency declaration. Despite government efforts to build integrated waste processing facilities like TPST Kesiman Kertalangu and implement controlled landfill systems, the lack of effective source-level waste management continues to exacerbate the chronic problem, threatening the island's renowned environmental harmony. This escalating issue underscores the urgent need for comprehensive waste management reforms to prevent further ecological and public health disasters.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that he will conduct a thorough review of the proposed implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) on toll roads before any decision is made, tasking the Directorate General of Fiscal and Economic Strategy (DJSEF) with the analysis. He emphasised his commitment to avoiding new taxes or rate increases until there is significant improvement in public purchasing power and the economy, aiming to prevent additional burdens on citizens. This proposal is considered one option for expanding the state revenue base amid ongoing discussions on various tax issues.

Universitas Negeri Makassar (UNM) has achieved a significant milestone with seven lecturer proposals approved for funding under the 2026 Kemdiktisaintek Research and Community Service (PkM) Grants Programme, comprising four research projects and three community empowerment initiatives. This success underscores UNM's commitment to the Tridharma of Higher Education, particularly in research and service, and highlights the university's growing competitiveness in securing national funding. The achievement is expected to contribute to scientific advancement and societal welfare through innovative, technology-based solutions aligned with digital business needs.

Economists and industry leaders have highlighted the critical need for resilient domestic supplies of plastic raw materials to protect Indonesia's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) amid global supply pressures exacerbated by geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. With Indonesia's petrochemical sector relying heavily on imports from the Middle East, officials warn that without swift measures to secure local supplies and affordable alternatives, plastic prices could surge by up to 30 per cent, severely impacting downstream industries like laundry services. The government, through the Ministry of Industry, is committed to stabilising supplies and pricing to mitigate burdens on small and medium industries, while exploring diversification to regions like Africa and Central Asia despite longer shipping times.

Indonesia ranks second globally in energy resilience against the projected 2026 energy crisis, according to JPMorgan research, bolstered by a solid domestic energy mix amid geopolitical tensions like the Iran-US-Israel conflict disrupting global supplies. As a net energy importer, particularly of oil, the country's 77% resilience score highlights effective resource management and risk mitigation strategies. Golkar Party leader M. Sarmuji calls for the government to enhance renewable energy development and overall energy efficiency to maintain and improve this position in an uncertain future.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has confirmed that 1,773 civil servants (ASN) are prepared to participate in training as potential reserve components (komcad) at six TNI educational facilities, marking the first wave of such programmes. The participants, who have undergone rigorous selections including health and ideological tests, will receive one-and-a-half months of basic military training covering shooting and nationalism enhancement, with graduation scheduled for June 2026. This initiative aims to instil a unified spirit of nationalism among civil servants, thereby enhancing their performance in national duties.

Jakarta East Metro Police Chief Kombes Alfian Nurrizal visited Borobudur University to discuss institutional collaboration and plans for joint forums involving police and academics. He emphasised the importance of synergy between the police and higher education institutions to contribute ideas, public education, and solutions to social dynamics. The meeting will be followed by focus group discussions to strengthen ties and generate constructive recommendations for maintaining secure and orderly public conditions, while also involving community leaders and organisations to prevent disturbances like brawls.

The Head of the National Reserve Agency under the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General Gabriel Lema, inaugurated the Basic Military Training for Reserve Component Civil Servants (Latsarmil Komcad) for the 2026 fiscal year, with 1,773 participants from 55 ministries and state institutions selected from an initial 2,000. This first wave forms part of a broader national programme aiming for 4,000 ASN reserve components in 2025, emphasising national defence and the strengthening of national character among civil servants. The initiative underscores collaborative efforts to foster a positive mental and character mindset in public service personnel.

Universitas Brawijaya (UB) has pioneered an industrial-scale innovation in children's sunscreen, Hi-To-Go Sun Protector, using natural extracts from corn silk waste in collaboration with PT Cedefindo under the Martha Tilaar Group. This product, part of the BOUMI line for children aged 4-14, offers SPF 50 PA++ protection with added benefits like skin hydration and a natural lavender scent, while promoting sustainable use of agricultural by-products. The initiative highlights UB's role in transforming low-value waste into high-economic products, fostering environmental sustainability and potential expansions into herbal drinks and anti-cancer applications.

A family in South Tangerang faces a prolonged dispute after paying Rp 840 million in instalments towards a Rp 1 billion house purchase, only for the seller to claim the payments were rent at Rp 50 million per year. The agreement was made orally without official documents, stemming from a close relationship with the previous owner, and included an additional Rp 60 million for certificate transfer that was not credited to the purchase. This case highlights the risks of informal property transactions in Indonesia, potentially leading to legal battles over ownership rights.

Hata, Malaysia's only digital asset exchange with dual licences, has secured USD 8 million in Series A funding led by Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, along with prominent global family offices. This investment builds on Bybit's earlier seed round participation and marks a strategic partnership to foster a responsible and sustainable digital asset ecosystem in Malaysia, leveraging Hata's local regulatory compliance and Bybit's global technological expertise. The funds will enhance platform liquidity, drive user growth through marketing and ecosystem development, and support innovative digital asset products tailored for the Malaysian market.