Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka was warmly welcomed with the Gale-Gale dance and the traditional Mansorandak ceremony during his inaugural visit to Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua. The Mansorandak ritual, reserved for first-time visitors of significance, symbolised the community's respect and acceptance, led by a customary elder who offered prayers for protection. Accompanied by senior officials, Gibran's trip focused on reviewing key presidential programmes such as the Free Nutritious Meals initiative and the Red and White Fishermen's Village, underscoring the government's commitment to development in Papua.

Universitas Indonesia's Faculty of Engineering has acquired an advanced X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) instrument, making it one of only three institutions in the country to possess this technology, alongside Universitas Diponegoro and BRIN. Supported by a grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the XPS will enhance research in materials and energy, fostering collaborations with industry and academia while enabling precise analysis for innovations in renewable energy, electronics, and environmentally friendly materials. This development positions UI as a leader in engineering research, contributing to Indonesia's global competitiveness in energy transformation and advanced materials.

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has reaffirmed the credibility of the country's 5.12 percent economic growth in Q3 2025, responding to public scepticism by detailing its rigorous, internationally standardised methodologies. Officials explained the use of production, expenditure, and income approaches to calculate GDP, involving comprehensive data from 17 economic sectors and various components to ensure accuracy and comparability. This growth marks an improvement over the 4.87 percent in Q1 2025 and 5.05 percent in Q2 2024, underscoring the robustness of official statistics amid ongoing economic monitoring.

Indonesia's new vehicle tax scheme under Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 11 of 2026 introduces flexibility for regions to adjust taxes based on emissions, offering significant discounts of up to 70-90% for electric vehicles used in public transport. This policy aims to balance environmental protection with the promotion of sustainable transport, potentially redirecting revenues from fossil fuel vehicles towards infrastructure like charging stations. Experts view it as a strategic shift to foster greener, more efficient public transportation systems nationwide.

A viral social media video falsely claims that civil servant (ASN) teachers in Indonesia must pay BPJS Kesehatan contributions up to 26 times annually, including deductions from monthly salaries, professional allowances, THR, and the 13th-month salary. BPJS Kesehatan has clarified that contributions for salaried workers like ASN teachers are calculated at 1% of their fixed income base, with most covered by the government, and neither THR nor the 13th-month pay are subject to deductions, debunking the misleading impression of multiple payments. This hoax highlights ongoing misinformation about public sector benefits and social security in Indonesia.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has welcomed MSCI's recognition of Indonesia's strategic initiatives to enhance transparency and integrity in its capital market, despite the continued temporary freeze on the Indonesian stock index. Key reforms include improved share ownership disclosure above 1%, stronger investor classification granularity, high ownership concentration frameworks, and higher minimum free float requirements, which MSCI is assessing for effectiveness. OJK views this as a positive signal for Indonesia's policy direction, committing to consistent implementation and global stakeholder coordination to boost market credibility and competitiveness.

In the face of global economic fragmentation and geopolitical uncertainties, Indonesia is urged to evolve from a mere market into a key connector of cross-border capital flows within the Islamic economic ecosystem, with the Business 57 Plus (B57+) initiative serving as the primary vehicle. At the Halal Bihalal forum of B57+'s Asia-Pacific chapter, Chairman Arsjad Rasjid emphasised Indonesia's strategic positioning to link OIC member states' economic potentials with broader global partners, shifting focus from government-led to business-to-business collaborations in trade and investment. While ambitious, success hinges on executing bankable projects and building financial independence through technologies like blockchain and sharia fintech to reduce reliance on Western-dominated systems, amid stagnant intra-OIC trade at around 19% of total.

As the first batch of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims arrives in Saudi Arabia today, health expert Prof Tjandra Yoga Aditama has issued nine crucial health recommendations tailored for elderly pilgrims and those with chronic conditions, emphasising the challenges of extreme weather, crowds, and physical demands. Drawing from his extensive experience, including roles at WHO and as head of the Indonesian Hajj Health Clinic in Mecca, Prof Tjandra urges honest pre-departure health consultations to assess physical readiness and manage conditions like cancer, heart disease, and dementia. These guidelines, aligned with the latest Nusuk Hajj advisories, aim to ensure safer and more fulfilling pilgrimages for vulnerable groups.

The UK government has banned American anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez from entering the country ahead of a far-right rally in London, revoking her Electronic Travel Authorisation due to her presence being deemed not conducive to public interests. This decision echoes previous bans, such as that of Kanye West, and follows widespread condemnation of Gomez's inflammatory rhetoric against Muslims, which has been accused of promoting hate speech. The move comes amid public pressure and highlights tensions over free speech, extremism, and public safety in the context of large-scale right-wing demonstrations.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has introduced new criteria for evaluating constituents of its main indices, IDX30, LQ45, and IDX80, by excluding stocks with high shareholding concentration (HSC) where a small group of shareholders controls over 95% of ownership. Additional requirements include a minimum free float market capitalisation, no more than one day without trading in the last six months, and a minimum free float ratio of 10%. These adjustments, effective from May 2026, aim to enhance index liquidity and could lead to significant outflows from passive funds if affected stocks are removed.

More than 7,000 industry professionals from over 80 countries are preparing to convene in Bangkok for the 15th edition of TyreXpo Asia and the debut of AutoMROtive 2026, scheduled for 13-15 May at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre. This integrated platform, co-located with events like INTERMACH and Future Mobility Thailand, spans the entire automotive value chain, fostering cross-sector collaboration amid shifting supply chains and technological advancements. Supported by key associations such as the Thailand Automotive Parts Aftermarket Association, the events aim to drive business growth through dedicated buyer programmes, summits, and networking opportunities, reinforcing Thailand's role as a regional automotive hub.

PT Hyundai Motors Indonesia (HMID) has emphasised the need for clear regulations on electric vehicle taxes at the regional level following a new ministerial regulation that removes exemptions and allows local governments to set their own rates. The company's Chief Operating Officer, Fransiscus Soerjopranoto, highlighted that regulatory certainty and incentives are crucial for building consumer confidence and accelerating the transition to environmentally friendly vehicles. While acknowledging regional variations, HMID advocates for supportive policies, including non-fiscal measures like charging infrastructure development, to maintain the competitiveness of electric vehicles.

A participant in the 2026 UTBK exam at Diponegoro University was caught cheating with a metal device implanted in their ear, prompting concern from DPR Commission X Deputy Chairman Lalu Hadrian Irfani. He emphasised that such actions undermine integrity and urged stricter pre-exam screening to ensure fair testing conditions, stressing that the exam assesses not just knowledge but also character. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining honesty in Indonesia's national university entrance selection process.

Protesters from the East Kalimantan People's Alliance rallied at the provincial DPRD building and the governor's office on 21 April, demanding a full audit of the provincial government's policies, an end to corruption, collusion, and nepotism practices, and stronger oversight by the DPRD. The demonstration featured students climbing billboards to replace them with banners outlining their demands, followed by a march to the governor's office. Governor Rudy Mas'ud, who did not appear in person, responded via video on social media, expressing appreciation for the peaceful action and urging students and the public to continue serving as social controls to improve government performance.

China's humanoid robots are advancing rapidly, as evidenced by the "Flash" robot completing a half-marathon in Beijing in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, surpassing human world records and highlighting significant improvements in performance over the past year. This progress is supported by government policies in the 15th Five-Year Plan, fostering an industrial ecosystem from R&D to real-world applications, with projections of global shipments exceeding 510,000 units by 2030. The competitions not only drive innovation in robotics but also engage universities and major industries, accelerating China's push for technological self-reliance and industrial leadership.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, through its Hajj Organising Officers in Saudi Arabia, has advised Indonesian hajj pilgrims to stay calm and vigilant in response to potential severe weather changes, including moderate to heavy rain across regions like Mecca, Medina, and Riyadh. Services such as accommodation, meals, and transportation will continue normally, with enhanced education and preparedness for officers to support pilgrims, particularly in health matters. Pilgrims are encouraged to adjust worship activities to indoor settings at hotels if extreme conditions like heavy rain or intense heat arise, prioritising safety and well-being during the pilgrimage.

Indonesia's Social Minister, Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), has stated that the Ministry of Social Affairs is prepared to expand the number of social aid (bansos) recipients if directed by President Prabowo, drawing from similar policies implemented last year. The ministry is also advancing the digitalisation of bansos to ensure targeted distribution through regular data updates, involving 18 million beneficiaries for the second quarter. This dynamic data management, including updates for life events like births, deaths, and relocations, aligns with presidential mandates to support those truly in need and enhance accuracy via collaboration with the Central Bureau of Statistics.

Researchers from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have identified the snakehead fish (ikan gabus) as a promising local superfood due to its high-quality, easily digestible protein, complete amino acid profile, and bioactive compounds that support health, particularly wound healing and recovery in children and post-surgery patients. The fish's rich albumin content and other nutrients could drive innovation in functional foods, enhancing the local food industry and national food self-sufficiency by reducing import reliance. However, optimal nutritional benefits depend on proper post-harvest handling and ongoing research for processing technologies and quality standards.

In Tasikmalaya, a bakso vendor has filed a counter-report against a customer who accused him of sexual harassment, claiming instead that he was assaulted and kidnapped by a group including the accuser. The incident began with an altercation at the vendor's stall, escalating to violence and abduction, with police now investigating both allegations impartially. While no strong evidence has been found yet for the harassment claim involving inappropriate touching through a partition, authorities are examining witnesses and processing crime scenes to determine the facts.

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has intensified trials of 50% biodiesel (B50) fuel across six key sectors, including automotive, mining, agriculture, maritime, power generation, and railways, involving vehicles from Japanese and European manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and UD Trucks. These tests, which began on 9 December, aim to ensure technical readiness ahead of the mandatory nationwide implementation on 1 July 2026. The B50 programme is projected to save the country Rp 157.28 trillion in foreign exchange, absorb over 2.2 million jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46.72 million tonnes of CO2 this year.

Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that the next round of US-Iran negotiations would proceed immediately after Washington lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, potentially in Islamabad. Iran has withdrawn from scheduled talks on 22 April, citing the blockade imposed by the US Navy on 13 April, which restricts maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for 20% of global oil and gas supplies—unless vessels pay fees to Tehran. This escalation underscores the ongoing tensions between the two nations, with Iran receiving signals that the US may be willing to remove the blockade to resume diplomacy.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened slightly to Rp17,156 per US dollar on Wednesday morning, driven by uncertainties in the ongoing US-Iran negotiations scheduled for Islamabad. Despite some optimism from potential Middle East peace deals and positive US retail sales data, the lack of progress, including Iran's delayed delegation and US Vice President JD Vance's cancelled visit, tempered gains. Domestically, markets await Bank Indonesia's interest rate decision, expected to remain at 4.75%, with the rupiah projected to fluctuate between Rp17,125 and Rp17,225 in the short term.

Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf officially released the first batch of Indonesian hajj pilgrims for 1447 H/2026 M from the Jakarta-Pondok Gede embarkation point, marking the start of hajj operations for the year. The 391 pilgrims from East Jakarta have met all administrative requirements, including official hajj visas, to ensure smooth entry into Saudi Arabia and optimal use of the quota through contingency plans. This coordinated effort involving multiple government agencies aims to facilitate a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage, with hopes for all pilgrims to return having performed hajj mabrur.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has responded to concerns over Indonesia's rising debt interest ratio to state revenue, which has exceeded 15% and reached 19% this year, drawing attention from S&P Global Ratings. He assured that the government plans to boost tax revenues to significantly reduce the ratio, with interest payments targeted at Rp 599.5 trillion out of Rp 3,153.9 trillion in state income. Economists attribute the escalation to global energy price hikes, rupiah weakening, and 25% of debt in foreign currencies, potentially pushing the debt service ratio to 51% if the dollar hits 17,000.

Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has proposed levying tolls on ships passing through the Malacca Strait, drawing inspiration from Iran's plans for the Strait of Hormuz, to capitalise on Indonesia's strategic position in global trade and energy routes. He suggested collaborative implementation with Malaysia and Singapore, noting Indonesia's largest share of the waterway, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto. While acknowledging potential challenges, Purbaya emphasised the need for an offensive yet measured approach to leverage Indonesia's maritime wealth.

A total of 1,773 civil servants from various ministries and agencies have commenced the first wave of Basic Military Training (Latmilsar) for the Reserve Component (Komcad) at their respective locations on 22 April 2026. The training, inaugurated by the Ministry of Defence in a ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma Baseops in East Jakarta, aims to enhance national preparedness and foster professional, integrity-driven human resources committed to defence values. This initiative follows administrative and health screenings, underscoring the government's efforts to bolster civil-military integration and national defence capabilities.

The Jakarta Provincial Government is on high alert following the price increase of non-subsidised 12 kg LPG cylinders, fearing a covert switch by businesses and affluent residents to the subsidised 3 kg version. To prevent this, they are intensifying monitoring of distribution and usage across sectors like restaurants, cafes, and hotels, in coordination with Pertamina and other stakeholders, while urging civil servants and capable citizens to stick with non-subsidised options. Officials confirm ample stocks and normal distribution of non-subsidised LPG, attributing the price rise to global factors, and vow continued oversight to maintain essential supply stability.

PT Raharja Energi Cepu Tbk (RATU), an oil and gas investment management issuer, reported a 10.1% year-on-year increase in net profit to USD 15.26 million for 2025, driven by revenue of USD 49.3 million from operations in the Jabung and Cepu blocks, despite declining production offset by cost efficiencies. Looking ahead to 2026, the company aims for improved performance amid rising oil prices due to global conflicts, focusing on well maintenance, compressor replacements, and a recent asset acquisition in Madura to sustain output. This reflects broader strategies in Indonesia's energy sector to navigate production challenges and capitalise on market volatility.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka conducted a working visit to Southwest Papua, where he engaged with fishermen and traders at the Jembatan Puri traditional market in Sorong City on 22 April 2026. During the blusukan, he dialogued with local vendors and greeted a trader's child named Gibran, highlighting his direct interaction with grassroots communities. This visit underscores the government's commitment to supporting local economies and traditional markets in remote regions.

PT PLN has inaugurated its fourth SPKLU Center in Jakarta at Sakura Garden City, featuring multiple high-capacity chargers to bolster the electric vehicle ecosystem amid rising adoption in the capital. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has expressed full support for these initiatives, viewing them as crucial for reducing emissions and enhancing air quality through clean energy transition. This development aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's mandate for national electrification and achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060, with transaction data indicating a fivefold surge in EV charging usage.

The Indonesian government has raised prices of non-subsidised fuels in response to surging global oil prices triggered by geopolitical tensions in Iran, prompting concerns over the economic impact on Papua. Coordinating Minister Djamari Chaniago stated that the price hike will have minimal effect on Papua's economy, as consumption there is dominated by subsidised fuels, with the government committing to maintain supplies to support development in eastern Indonesia. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahdalia indicated ongoing evaluations of fuel prices based on international oil market fluctuations, with potential further adjustments if prices remain elevated.

Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) has identified East Java and Central Java as the provinces with the highest number of cases involving the misuse of subsidised fuel (BBM) and LPG, with 41 and 44 incidents respectively over the past two weeks. Authorities seized over 403,000 litres of diesel and 58,000 litres of Pertalite, arresting 330 suspects across 223 cases and estimating state losses at Rp243 billion, primarily through illegal sales to industries. The police emphasise zero tolerance, pursuing charges including money laundering and potential referrals to the anti-corruption unit if civil servants are implicated, underscoring efforts to curb fuel subsidy fraud amid dense networks of petrol stations in these regions.

The Indonesian Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has launched two digital innovations, the Rumah Pendidikan super application and the Anugerah Bug Bounty programme, which have been nominated for the prestigious ITU World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2026 organised by the United Nations. These initiatives are competing in the e-Government and ICT security categories, and the ministry is urging the public to vote for them online until 4 May 2026 to help secure top spots. This recognition highlights Indonesia's progress in digital education transformation, aligning with goals for responsive, accountable, and inclusive educational services.

Hundreds of University of Udayana students, coordinated by the Student Executive Board, protested outside the Bali Provincial Legislative Council building on Wednesday (22/4/2026), demanding concrete solutions to the island's waste crisis and criticising the lack of coordination among district, city, and provincial governments. The demonstrators displayed banners highlighting the emergency, including ironic references to the council as a waste site and seeking permission to resist authorities. After a 30-minute oration, the students engaged in an open dialogue with key officials, led by Governor Wayan Koster, underscoring the urgency of addressing Bali's environmental challenges through collaborative governance.

Amid global fertiliser market volatility projected through 2026, driven by Middle East conflicts and energy price surges, China maintains stability through its coal-based urea production, which constitutes 78% of its output and relies on abundant domestic resources rather than imported natural gas. This approach insulates China's domestic agriculture from external pressures, enabling record production of 76.5 million tonnes—exceeding needs by 10.5 million tonnes—and allowing flexible supply management, including delayed export decisions and early release of national reserves to meet planting season demands. The strategy highlights China's energy self-sufficiency as a key advantage in global commodity disruptions, potentially influencing international trade dynamics in agriculture and energy sectors.

Germany is accelerating the development of unmanned maritime military systems as part of its defence strategy transformation, aiming to enhance Europe's defence autonomy amid global geopolitical dynamics. Rheinmetall has begun producing drone ships in Hamburg in collaboration with Britain's Kraken Technology Group, targeting an initial output of 200 units annually, scalable to 1,000 based on demand. The K3 Scout platform, designed for high-speed operations with modular payloads, maintains human oversight even as autonomy is developed, underscoring a push towards flexible, modern naval capabilities.

The Ministry of Public Works (Kemen PU) and state-owned construction firm PT PP (PTPP) have successfully completed the construction of 69 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) buildings across 15 provinces in Indonesia within just 37 days, with a contract value of Rp507.80 billion. This project, part of the government's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme funded through the state budget, aims to provide hygienic and efficient food production facilities to combat malnutrition, stunting, and improve educational outcomes for children and vulnerable groups. The rapid completion, achieved through modular construction and digital monitoring innovations, highlights PTPP's capability in large-scale projects and is expected to generate local economic benefits including job creation and support for SMEs and farmers.

The Indonesian government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), is expediting the construction of 28,972 permanent housing units for disaster-affected residents in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra who have lost their homes. These houses are prioritised for those with severely damaged properties or in high-risk disaster zones, designed to be flood- and landslide-proof, earthquake-resistant, and built with high-quality materials to ensure safety and comfort. In parallel, BNPB is collaborating with the military, police, and Public Works Ministry to repair vital infrastructure, including river normalisation and bridge repairs, to mitigate future disaster risks.

Harbin Electric Machinery Company Limited has been expanding into rapidly growing emerging industries while strengthening its traditional business lines over recent years. The company has advanced its production and management through digital transformation, cost reduction, and efficiency improvements. In the first quarter of this year, its output value rose 7.38 percent year-on-year, production increased by 39.28 percent, and the value of new contracts signed grew by 26.81 percent.

EU foreign ministers agreed on Tuesday to expand sanctions against Iran to target those responsible for violating freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and a subsequent US naval blockade. The sanctions are set to be formally adopted at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting in May, as mediators push for new talks after failed negotiations in Islamabad. This move underscores the EU's commitment to upholding international maritime freedoms in a critical global trade route.

Eight personnel from the Narcotics Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya have been awarded Gold Pins by the National Police Chief for their exceptional work in dismantling an international methamphetamine network, seizing approximately 516 kilograms of the drug. The Jakarta Police Chief, Irjen Pol Asep Edi Suheri, praised the team's synergy and emphasised that this achievement underscores Polda Metro Jaya's commitment to eradicating drug trafficking, thereby protecting the nation's youth from narcotics threats. The recognition is expected to motivate continued professional and integrity-driven efforts across the force to serve society, the nation, and the state.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has clarified that the new regulation on electric vehicle taxes, introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, does not alter the total tax burden but merely shifts the collection mechanism. Under the new Permendagri No. 11 of 2026, effective mid-April, battery electric vehicles will now be subject to motor vehicle tax (PKB) and mandatory traffic accident fund contribution (SWKLJJ), replacing previous incentives like import subsidies. This adjustment ensures the net tax paid by consumers remains the same, reflecting a fiscal scheme realignment rather than an increase or decrease in overall levies.

President Prabowo Subianto held a private meeting with National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan at Merdeka Palace to discuss domestic economic dynamics and global geopolitics. Luhut shared recent simulations indicating stable economic growth over the next three months, while preparing policy scenarios to address potential prolonged global conflicts, including energy price surges and supply chain disruptions for strategic commodities like sulphur essential for nickel downstreaming and EV batteries. He emphasised maintaining the state budget deficit below 3% through spending efficiency and export revenues, accelerating deregulation for business stimulus, and advancing digital transformation and the Indonesia Financial Center to seize opportunities in shifting global capital flows.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the restructuring process for the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail project, known as Whoosh, is complete and ready for official announcement. The decision has been communicated to the Chinese government to maintain Indonesia's international credibility, especially for strategic projects involving foreign investors. Purbaya highlighted past challenges, including delays in land acquisition and lack of clear leadership, which caused confusion among stakeholders and complaints from Chinese partners.

The rapid growth in Indonesia's retail investor base has propelled PT BRI Danareksa Sekuritas (BRIDS) to a 23% revenue increase and over 200% surge in operational profits for 2025, driven by digital retail expansion and robust market conditions. Amid global uncertainties, Indonesia's economy grew by 5.11% annually, boosting the stock market with the IHSG rising over 22% and reaching record highs 24 times, while domestic investor numbers hit 20.32 million, up 37%. BRIDS attributes its success to digital transformation and synergies within the BRI Group, positioning retail segments as key growth drivers despite intensifying competition.

Several districts in South and East Jakarta have been classified as medium-risk zones for landslides, particularly during periods of above-normal rainfall, according to the Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) based on analysis from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). The assessment overlays landslide vulnerability maps with monthly rainfall forecasts from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), highlighting increased risks in areas near river valleys, road embankments, or disturbed slopes. BPBD urges local officials and residents to remain vigilant, especially in these zones, and to report any signs of ground movement promptly to mitigate potential hazards.

The Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, met with Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya to discuss key strategic programmes, including simplifying immigration processes for this season's Hajj pilgrims to make them more practical and comfortable, enhancing services at airports and ports for greater speed, practicality, and efficiency, and improving several State Border Crossing Posts (PLBN) in border areas. This meeting underscores the Immigration directorate's vital role in monitoring passenger movements to ensure the security and comfort of Indonesian citizens and foreigners alike. Hendarsam expressed gratitude for the discussion and pledged to advance the immigration function for the nation's benefit.

The Judicial Commission (KY) has announced 139 candidates for Supreme Court judges and 81 for ad hoc judges who passed the administrative selection, including notable figures like former KPK Oversight Board member Albertina Ho and judge Alimin Ribut Sujono, known for issuing death sentences. The candidates comprise 102 from judicial careers and 37 from non-career paths such as academics and lawyers, with breakdowns across criminal, civil, religious, and administrative chambers. KY invites public input on the candidates' integrity and will proceed with quality assessments in May 2026.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles in Indonesia are significantly more expensive than in other countries primarily due to high luxury taxes applied to vehicles over 500 cc, which nearly double the price, along with additional taxes like income tax and VAT. For instance, models like the Road Glide and Street Glide can cost up to Rp 1.3 billion, while similar bikes in Thailand are sold for about half that amount. Administrative processes for vehicle registration further impact ownership, taking 1-6 months depending on the model.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), led by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who is a close friend of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, has issued an implicit threat to abandon the US dollar in favour of China's yuan for crude oil trade amid escalating economic pressures from the US-Iran conflict. UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama conveyed this during a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, demanding financial aid to avert a dollar liquidity crisis or face a swift currency switch. This development highlights growing frustrations among Gulf states with US policies, potentially reshaping global trade dynamics and challenging the dollar's dominance.