The new Ministry of Home Affairs Regulation No. 11 of 2026 has removed exemptions from motor vehicle tax (PKB) and motor vehicle transfer tax (BBNKB) for battery electric vehicles in Indonesia, significantly increasing their annual tax burden. For the Denza D9, a premium electric MPV priced around Rp 900 million, the annual tax now rises from approximately Rp 143,000 to between Rp 16.2 million and Rp 19.7 million depending on the variant, bringing it closer to the Toyota Alphard's tax of Rp 15-16 million. While this change aims to level the playing field between electric and conventional vehicles, actual implementation may vary by local government policies, potentially affecting the adoption of electric vehicles in the premium segment.

Experts argue that Indonesia's education challenges stem not from schools or access to learning, but from societal perceptions that equate education solely with formal schooling, overlooking broader learning opportunities in communities and digital platforms. Government officials and educators emphasise the need for cross-sector collaboration to address inequalities, skill gaps in the digital era, and to foster lifelong learning. Initiatives like the Semua Murid Semua Guru network and the upcoming Belajaraya Jakarta 2026 festival highlight growing inclusive efforts to redefine education beyond traditional classrooms.

Cybersecurity experts are warning that hackers are using an advanced AI tool called Claude Mythos, developed by Silicon Valley startup Anthropic, to exploit vulnerabilities in banking systems and drain cash from ATMs. The Bank of England is preparing urgent discussions with major creditors amid rising concerns over AI-driven cyber threats to the global financial system, with UK banks gaining early access to test their resilience against this AI bot. Legacy software like COBOL, still widely used in banking despite its origins in the 1960s, heightens vulnerabilities, contributing to significant market reactions such as a sharp drop in IBM's shares.

The Southeast Sulawesi provincial government has secured an allocation of 24,700 hectares for new paddy field development from the Ministry of Agriculture for the 2026 fiscal year, marking a significant increase from the initial 14,700 hectares to bolster national food security. This expansion resulted from coordination between Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman and Governor Andi Sumangerukka during a strategic meeting in Makassar. The project, targeting multiple districts and cities in the province, is currently in the survey, investigation, and design phase led by experts from Halu Oleo University, with completion targeted for 27 April 2026 ahead of on-site implementation.

BNI's President Director Putrama Wahju Setyawan met with Sister Natalia Situmorang, treasurer of the Credit Union at Aek Nabara Parish, to confirm the full repayment of Rp28 billion in misappropriated church cooperative funds by a former BNI branch head, scheduled for as early as 22 April 2026. The resolution underscores BNI's commitment to customer protection and highlights the need for enhanced financial literacy to prevent future incidents. Sister Natalia expressed gratitude to BNI and Deputy Speaker of the DPR Sufmi Dasco Ahmad for facilitating the meeting, expressing hope for a smooth process that benefits the community.

Asian currencies showed mixed movements on Wednesday morning as markets reacted to Kevin Warsh's confirmation hearing for the Federal Reserve chairmanship, where he advocated for major reforms in inflation control and communication strategies. The Indonesian rupiah weakened by 0.15% to Rp17,165 per US dollar, diverging from strengthening currencies like the South Korean won, which rose 0.36%, amid a slightly softer US dollar index. This volatility is compounded by anticipation of Bank Indonesia's interest rate decision and escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions boosting the dollar as a safe-haven asset, highlighting the rupiah's vulnerability in the regional context.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has urged Europe to resume purchasing energy from Russia to avert an energy crisis, warning that continued restrictions could cripple the continent's industries and households. He highlighted the impracticality of the current sanctions amid Europe's heavy reliance on stable energy supplies, noting that alternative sources have not yet fully replaced Russian imports. Salvini pointed to the US's flexibility on Russian energy sanctions as a model, emphasising a realistic approach to energy procurement without escalating political tensions.

Adi Soemarmo Airport in Solo has commenced 24-hour operations to facilitate the departure of Hajj pilgrims for 2026, starting with the first group from Tegal, Central Java, on a Garuda Indonesia flight. The airport has prepared extensive facilities, including security equipment at the Hajj dormitory and dedicated parking stands, in coordination with various government agencies and stakeholders to ensure smooth embarkation for 29,121 pilgrims across 81 groups from Phase I on 22 April to 21 May. This initiative underscores Indonesia's logistical support for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, enhancing efficiency in international departures.

Professor Harun Al-Rasyid Lubis from ITB's Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering has called for a fundamental reform of the Ministry of Public Works, citing ongoing corruption cases as evidence of deep structural weaknesses. He criticises the current administrative transparency as superficial and warns of a gatekeeping culture that prioritises private interests over public service, urging a clear separation of policy-making and implementation functions to enhance accountability. Lubis emphasises the need for professional autonomy in service delivery under strict public oversight, alongside a shift in administrative mindset to focus on the long-term strategic value of infrastructure projects rather than mere documentation.

Banyu Biru Djarot, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission VII, has hailed the approval of the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) as a pivotal step towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of domestic workers (PRT), addressing long-standing issues of discrimination, exploitation, and violence in the informal sector. The bill, rooted in Article 27(2) of the 1945 Constitution, aims to formalise work relations, ensure reasonable working hours, rest rights, social security integration, vocational training, and fair dispute resolution mechanisms. After 22 years of advocacy, this legislative progress underscores the state's commitment to social justice and elevating the professional status of domestic workers.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the government does not plan to extend the deadline for corporate taxpayers to submit their Annual Income Tax Returns (SPT Tahunan PPh), urging businesses to meet the 30 April 2026 cutoff promptly. While the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) is considering potential relaxations based on submission progress, no such measures have been finalised, contrasting with the one-month amnesty already granted to individual taxpayers. This stance aims to ensure timely compliance amid ongoing tax policy discussions following the ratification of the Income Tax Bill.

Indonesia has achieved a remarkable surge in investment realisation, reaching Rp 498.79 trillion ($31.37 billion) in the first quarter, surpassing targets amid global geopolitical tensions. President Prabowo Subianto is spearheading efforts to cut regulatory red tape and align with OECD standards, boosting both domestic and foreign investor confidence, with domestic investment now matching foreign inflows at 50-50. This strong start supports the administration's ambitious five-year target of Rp 13,000 trillion ($817 billion), led by sectors like mining, basic metals, and manufacturing, and with significant investments flowing from Singapore, Hong Kong, and China.

Social media fatigue among young Indonesians, who spend over three hours daily on platforms, is opening doors for innovative businesses like PhotoBebaz, which offers interactive photobooths focused on 'designed experiences' to create meaningful, shareable moments. The company has achieved a 57% revenue growth in Q1 2026 through collaborations with brands, digital out-of-home media placements, and integrated payment systems with digital wallets. This trend highlights a shift from generic smartphone photography to curated, aesthetic content production, differentiating PhotoBebaz in a saturated digital market.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the Kawal Haji application through its Data and Information Technology Centre to enhance service quality and ensure swift resolution of issues faced by pilgrims in the Holy Land. The app allows real-time reporting of problems with location coordinates and visual evidence, bypassing bureaucratic delays and enabling transparent follow-up. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to making Hajj operations more effective, participatory, and accountable.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp17,158 against the US dollar on Wednesday, despite closing stronger the previous day, amid predictions of ongoing fluctuations in the forex market. Economic observers highlight Indonesia's resilient economy amid global geopolitical pressures, driven by government initiatives to enhance investment, align fiscal policies, and shift focus towards productive growth through investment, industrialisation, and productivity. This resilience is supported by solid growth, low inflation, controlled deficits, and structural reforms that bolster energy security, particularly in response to ongoing Middle East conflicts.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has partnered with Perum Peruri to guarantee transparency in procuring IT solutions worth Rp1.2 trillion for the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG), addressing public concerns over the budget allocation. This collaboration emphasises strict oversight and adherence to regulations to safeguard national data sovereignty, with funds directed towards developing the National Nutrition Fulfilment Information System (SIPGN) and IoT managed services. Peruri's established role in digital governance and electronic certification underpins its selection, aiming for real-time monitoring to ensure targeted nutrition distribution.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, announced that the country has secured investments worth nearly Rp1,400 trillion over the past three months, representing almost 60% of the annual target, largely through efforts led by Kadin Chairman Anindya Bakrie. These investments stem from memorandums signed with Korea, Japan, and the United States during state visits by President Prabowo Subianto. The announcement coincides with discussions on Indonesia's ongoing OECD accession process, which is expected to enhance trade and investment ties amid global uncertainties, with technical reviews set for July in sectors like environment, trade, and digital policies.

Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission XIII, has criticised the rising cases of sexual violence in higher education institutions, warning that normalising such acts renders universities hypocritical despite their intellectual aspirations. She urged universities to take decisive actions beyond administrative sanctions, including recommending suspensions, dismissals, or legal proceedings with victims' consent, and to provide moral support and legal aid to survivors. This stance highlights the broader societal risks of normalising sexual violence, potentially leading to the trivialisation of other crimes like corruption.

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has praised the enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Act (UU PPRT) as a crucial step towards fulfilling Indonesia's constitutional and human rights obligations, particularly for the vulnerable group of approximately 4.2 million domestic workers, mostly women, who have long faced inadequate protection. The law introduces key provisions such as recognition of domestic workers' legal status, social security guarantees, fair wages, protection from violence, a minimum age of 18, clear employment contracts, and mechanisms for dispute resolution and oversight. Komnas HAM stresses the need for effective implementation through monitoring, public education, and inter-sectoral coordination to ensure fair and humane working relations and prevent discriminatory practices in the domestic sector.

Suhendra Yusuf Ratuprawira has resigned as Director of Business Development at PT Timah (Persero) Tbk. (TINS) after being appointed as Director at PT Pelindo Jasa Maritim on 20 April 2026, in line with regulations prohibiting dual directorships in state-owned enterprises. The management change is stated to have no impact on TINS's operations, finances, or business continuity.

South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman met with Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo in Jakarta to propose priority infrastructure projects, including strategic roads in areas like Seko Luwu Utara and Toraja, the Barombong Bridge to ease traffic congestion between Makassar, Gowa, and Takalar, and enhancements to irrigation networks for agriculture. He expressed appreciation for the central government's support, which has funded multi-trillion rupiah projects such as stadiums and people's schools, and hopes the collaboration will accelerate connectivity and equitable economic growth in eastern Indonesia. This initiative underscores efforts to position Sulawesi as a regional hub through improved infrastructure.

In Manggarai, South Jakarta, limited land has forced the use of bicycle lanes on Jalan Dr. Saharjo as temporary rubbish collection points each night, as stated by local ward head Muhamad Arafat. Narrow access roads prevent DLH trucks from entering residential areas, leading residents to transport waste via carts to designated spots on the lanes, where it often piles up due to manual unloading practices. This issue intensified after traffic rerouting for MRT construction shifted collection times from daytime to evenings around 8 PM.

An investigation by six Indonesian state-formed human rights bodies has revealed widespread violations by security forces during the deadly anti-government protests last August, including arbitrary arrests, torture, beatings, electric shocks, and sexual abuse against minor female protesters. The protests, sparked by anger over state spending policies and exacerbated by the death of a 21-year-old delivery rider run over by police, resulted in over 5,000 detentions and 11 deaths, marking Indonesia's worst violence in two decades. The report urges President Prabowo Subianto to evaluate police handling of demonstrations, amid concessions like revoking parliamentary perks and dismissing five ministers in response to the unrest.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga's Balikpapan Refinery in East Kalimantan hosted the "Universitas Pertamina Goes to Kilang RU V" programme, educating 130 senior high school students on energy sector operations, career opportunities, and higher education programmes tailored to the industry's needs. The initiative underscores the importance of early exposure to industrial practices to develop adaptable, competent young talent capable of navigating technological changes in the energy field. By bridging academic theory with real-world applications, Pertamina aims to cultivate professionals who can contribute to Indonesia's national energy development and broader economic growth.

In Jakarta's Ciliwung River, the invasive plecostomus fish, considered a pest that disrupts ecosystems, serves as a vital income source for local fishermen like Ajum, who catch up to 30 kg daily under normal conditions, selling them for processing into food products. While government efforts to eradicate the fish aim to restore environmental balance, they highlight the tension between ecological preservation and economic livelihoods, with the Jakarta administration evaluating humane removal methods and alternative uses like converting the fish into charcoal. Environmental activists support these initiatives but stress the need for comprehensive solutions addressing pollution and education to tackle broader river health issues.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has explained that it summoned a Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) staff member with initials SB as a witness in the alleged hajj quota corruption case because his testimony is essential to strengthen the evidence and clarify the matter. SB failed to attend the summons on 21 April 2026, prompting KPK to reschedule through coordination. This development is part of the ongoing investigation that began in August 2025, involving high-profile suspects like former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and others, with state losses estimated at Rp622 billion.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing war in Iran has resulted in the loss of at least 1 billion barrels of oil, equivalent to about 10 days of global consumption, severely disrupting energy supplies and infrastructure in the Gulf region. Industry leaders warn of broader impacts including global food shocks from reduced fertiliser supplies, slowdowns in copper mining, and heightened energy shortages, with predictions of a potential global recession if the strait remains closed beyond July. While wealthier nations may mitigate physical shortages through higher prices, poorer countries face significant demand reductions, and scepticism persists regarding a quick US-Iran resolution.

Indonesia's first-quarter 2026 investment realisation reached Rp498.79 trillion, surpassing the Rp497 trillion target and marking a 7.22% year-on-year increase, while absorbing 706,569 workers. Domestic investments accounted for nearly 50% of the total, with foreign investments led by Singapore, Hong Kong, and China, primarily in sectors such as basic metals, mining, and telecommunications. Despite global geopolitical tensions, investor interest remains strong, bolstered by presidential overseas trips securing billions in potential investments from Japan, South Korea, and China, underscoring the government's focus on improving the investment climate.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is probing the methods used by PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya, a company owned by the family of suspended Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, to place outsourcing workers in various district government offices in Central Java. The investigation focuses on potential selective placements influenced by the regent and the procurement processes, amid suspicions of intervention and conflicts of interest that allegedly netted the family Rp19 billion from contracts awarded between 2023 and 2026. This case, stemming from a 2026 sting operation during Ramadan, highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption in local government procurement.

Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin Maimoen, sent off the first batch of Hajj pilgrims from the Solo embarkation point, marking the departure of 34,122 pilgrims from the province this year via Solo and Yogyakarta airports. The event highlighted comprehensive health checks and improved services, with Taj Yasin urging pilgrims to maintain health, unity, and Indonesia's good reputation in the Holy Land. This annual pilgrimage underscores the government's role in facilitating religious obligations amid logistical preparations for a smooth 40-day journey.

In a swift resolution to the embezzlement scandal involving Rp 28 billion from the Credit Union of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Aek Nabara, North Sumatra, state-owned bank BNI has agreed to fully reimburse the funds to the Catholic community following high-level intervention. The case, which saw the former branch head apprehended via Interpol's red notice, gained momentum through public pressure from media and netizens, culminating in a mediation session chaired by Deputy Speaker of the House Sufmi Dasco Ahmad on 21 April 2026. This outcome underscores the pivotal role of governmental oversight and regulatory bodies like OJK in restoring justice and protecting public deposits in Indonesia's financial sector.

US President Donald Trump has announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran, originally set to expire on 22 April 2026, while maintaining a military blockade on Iranian ports to ensure readiness. Trump described the Iranian government as deeply divided and stated that the US is awaiting a unified proposal from Iranian leaders before proceeding with further negotiations, which were postponed at the request of Pakistani officials. This development underscores ongoing tensions and the complex diplomatic landscape involving regional powers like Pakistan.

At the Money20/20 Asia event, Singapore-based AI-driven cross-border payment cloud platform EurewaX addressed concerns from financial institutions about potential competition by emphasising its behind-the-scenes support model, allowing partners to maintain full customer ownership and brand separation. The company announced strategic partnerships that enable institutions to build custom payment solutions with lower costs and broader merchant reach, supported by advanced AI risk management. This approach alleviates fears of being sidelined in business ecosystems, positioning EurewaX as a non-competitive enabler in Southeast Asia's fintech landscape.

China leads the world in EV charging infrastructure with 20.7 million connectors as of late January, marking a 49.6% year-on-year increase, while its government aims for 28 million by 2027 to support over 80 million electric vehicles. In Indonesia, PT PLN has rapidly expanded public charging stations from 1,081 in 2023 to 3,233 in 2024, with plans for 4,655 in 2025, alongside collaborations like the ultra-fast ZORA station with Huawei to bolster the national energy transition and reduce carbon emissions. This growth in both nations highlights a global push towards clean energy in transportation, addressing challenges like regional equity and grid integration.

West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal bid farewell to 393 prospective Hajj pilgrims from East Lombok at Lombok International Airport, urging them to pray for the province's prosperity and well-being during their pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. He praised the establishment of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under President Prabowo as a positive step to enhance Hajj services, separating it from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Iqbal encouraged the pilgrims to act as ambassadors for Indonesia and the province, adhering to guidelines for a successful and blessed journey.

Bank Indonesia is expected to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4.75 percent during the April 2026 Board of Governors Meeting to safeguard rupiah stability amid moderate market pressures. Economist Josua Pardede from Bank Permata notes that the rupiah faces some strain but not extreme conditions, with the US dollar index weakening and government bond yields showing mixed trends. While short-term inflation risks from non-subsidised fuel price hikes remain limited, prolonged global energy price surges and rupiah depreciation could prompt a more hawkish stance from BI, potentially ruling out rate cuts this year.

Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has resolved a high-profile case of alleged embezzlement involving Rp 28 billion in parishioner funds from the Credit Union of Aek Nabara Parish in North Sumatra by returning the full amount today. The scandal came to light after treasurer Sister Natalia Situmorang uncovered fictitious investment practices by former BNI branch head Andi Hakim Febriansyah, who had misled the credit union into fake deposits. This resolution underscores the risks of fraudulent financial schemes and the importance of vigilance in dealings with state-owned banks.

GAC Group, a rapidly growing Chinese automaker, showcases its technological prowess and long-standing strategic partnerships with Toyota and Honda at its Technology Museum in Guangzhou. The museum displays not only GAC's own brands like Aion, Hypertec, and Trumpchi but also iconic Japanese models such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Mirai hydrogen car, and Honda Accord, highlighting the joint ventures that enable production of these vehicles in China. This collaboration, evident on Chinese roads with GAC branding on Japanese cars, allows each brand to maintain its distinct identity while sharing manufacturing facilities.

The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) has pledged to guide the implementation of the newly enacted Domestic Workers Protection Act (UU PPRT), which aims to protect and ensure the rights of domestic workers following two decades of advocacy. Minister Arifah Fauzi outlined strategic steps including widespread socialisation, human rights and gender equality education, and cross-sector coordination to ensure effective enforcement and the prompt drafting of implementing regulations in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower. The law's passage on 21 April 2026, coinciding with Kartini Day, is hailed as a significant milestone in empowering vulnerable female workers and providing responsive support services for victims of violence.

The ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which began in late February, is expected to impact Indonesia's economic growth in the second quarter of 2026, primarily through disruptions to exports, imports, and global commodity prices. Officials from Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) warn that while the first quarter effects will be minimal due to limited exposure period, the second quarter will see more significant influences on GDP, inflation, production costs, and the rupiah's value. This could lead to higher import prices and supply chain interruptions, especially concerning crude oil via the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the vulnerability of Indonesia's economy to international conflicts.

Sustainable financing in Southeast Asia experienced a sharp decline at the start of 2026, with ESG-labelled loans dropping 46.3 percent to $5.9 billion in the first quarter, attributed to companies prioritising short-term financial stability amid volatility from the ongoing Iran conflict. ESG bond issuances also fell 26.5 percent to $4 billion, contrasting with an 11.5 percent global increase, while the broader Asia-Pacific region saw a 40.3 percent drop in ESG loans. This trend highlights potential delays in sustainability initiatives due to energy price shocks impacting ASEAN businesses' costs, liquidity, and capital allocation.

The founders of the Emergency Kartini School in North Jakarta have expressed disappointment that government education initiatives, including the People's School programme and the Free Nutritious Meals initiative, fail to adequately reach marginalised children lacking birth certificates and other administrative documents. They highlight implementation gaps despite good intentions from the top, leaving these vulnerable students without access to essential support and forcing the school to cover costs like national exam fees out of pocket. This underscores broader challenges in Indonesia's efforts to ensure inclusive education for the poorest and undocumented populations.

President Prabowo Subianto met with his Special Advisor on National Defence, retired General TNI Dudung Abdurachman, at Merdeka Palace to receive updates on current defence and security conditions, including evolving geopolitical dynamics. During the meeting, Prabowo provided strategic guidance on future steps to maintain, strengthen, and enhance the national defence system for the nation's security. The discussion underscores the government's adaptive approach to global geopolitical challenges and its commitment to national stability.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) opened lower on Wednesday, declining 0.11% to 7,551.14, continuing a three-day weakening trend amid active trading with a volume of 2.33 billion shares worth Rp907.30 billion. Investors are closely monitoring domestic factors such as Bank Indonesia's benchmark interest rate decision, expected to remain at 4.75%, and MSCI's suspension of Indonesia's stock review, alongside global geopolitical tensions and US monetary policy developments including the hearing for new Fed Chairman nominee Kevin Warsh.

Economists anticipate that Bank Indonesia will maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4.75% during the April 2026 Board of Governors Meeting, amid persistent external pressures and rising global inflation risks. The rupiah is expected to remain under strain in the short term, trading around Rp17,000 per US dollar, influenced by geopolitical uncertainties, capital outflows, and seasonal factors, though it may strengthen in the second half of the year if economic fundamentals hold firm. This wait-and-see approach aims to safeguard exchange rate stability and external resilience without prematurely easing policy, which could exacerbate currency depreciation.

Eight defendants accused of extorting bribes in connection with the processing of foreign worker employment plans (RPTKA) at the Ministry of Manpower are set to receive their verdicts from the Central Jakarta District Court today. Key figures, including former Director General Suhartono, Haryanto, and Wisnu Pramono, face prison sentences ranging from 4 to 9.5 years for allegedly amassing over Rp 135 billion in illicit gains. This case underscores ongoing corruption issues within Indonesia's labour regulatory framework, highlighting vulnerabilities in the approval processes for foreign labour.

Indonesian tycoon Prajogo Pangestu has divested 57.15 million shares in coal company PT Petrindo Jaya Kreasi Tbk (CUAN), reducing his stake from 82.3888% to 82.3379% and generating approximately Rp 90.07 billion. The transactions, conducted over two days in mid-April, aim to increase the company's free float in line with OJK regulations requiring at least 15% for listed firms to reform Indonesia's capital market amid MSCI scrutiny and recent volatility. Prajogo reaffirms his position as the controlling shareholder.

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR RI) has passed the Domestic Workers Protection Law (UU PPRT), ending a 22-year struggle for legal safeguards for household workers. KSPSI President Andi Gani Nena Wea hailed the move as a historic victory that demonstrates effective dialogue between government, parliament, and unions, emphasising its significance for dignity and justice. The enactment coincides with Kartini Day, underscoring its role in advancing women's rights and emancipation.

The Indonesian Obstetrics and Gynaecology Association (POGI) has launched the national Selamatkan Perempuan Indonesia (SPRIN) initiative to address Indonesia's high maternal mortality rate of 189 per 100,000 live births, where one mother dies every hour during pregnancy or childbirth. The programme focuses on safe pregnancies, secure deliveries, menopause support, and national HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer, while tackling issues like severe bleeding and the uneven distribution of obstetric specialists across regions. Deputy Minister Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka emphasised that protecting women's health is an investment in the future, essential for building quality families and achieving Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045.

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has approved the Domestic Worker Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) into law during its 17th Plenary Session, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of household workers. Other key developments include BNI's assurance to refund embezzled funds from a parish credit union by tomorrow, Gerindra's denial of any merger talks with NasDem, DPR Chair Puan Maharani's call for evaluating TNI deployments in conflict zones following the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon, and the detection of cheating practices on the first day of the 2026 UTBK-SNBT university entrance exam. These stories highlight ongoing legislative, financial, political, and security priorities in Indonesia.