Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, has inspected the tent facilities in Mina ahead of the 2026 Hajj season to evaluate service standards. Preparations include early enhancements to tent readiness and operational efficiency through inter-agency coordination, alongside the introduction of a new electronic system for monitoring pilgrim movements and regulating access. These measures aim to improve crowd management and pilgrim safety, aligning with the kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Programme.

President Prabowo Subianto held separate meetings at the State Palace with National Defence Special Advisor Dudung Abdurahman and National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan to discuss strategic national and international issues, including geopolitical dynamics and defence cooperation with the United States. The session with Luhut focused on the stable domestic economy amid global uncertainties, policy scenarios to maintain public purchasing power, and the state budget through enhanced government digitalisation. Discussions also covered trialling digital social assistance in select regions to improve transparency and targeted delivery, alongside opportunities to attract investments from the Middle East via the accelerated establishment of an Indonesia Financial Center.

Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has revealed various cheating methods during the 2026 UTBK for SNBT, including hidden ear devices detected by metal detectors and photo manipulations identified through face recognition and AI. Authorities have uncovered proxy test-taking schemes where individuals used multiple identities across years, with incidents reported at universities like Unsulbar, Unesa, UM, and Undip. The ministry is committed to investigating all violations while urging students to trust their own abilities for a fair process.

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is bolstering the national digital ecosystem via a strategic partnership with Apple, inaugurating the fifth Apple Developer Academy and five Apple Developer Institutes across the country. This initiative, highlighted by Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, aims to cultivate digital talent and innovation in sectors like mobile and tablet manufacturing, with the facilities set to train nearly 1,000 students annually from 2026 in advanced skills such as coding, AI, and game development. The collaboration underscores Apple's commitment to Indonesia's market and supports the growth of a competitive digital industry by nurturing high-potential alumni who can drive adaptive, market-oriented solutions.

Authorities in Lombok Timur, NTB, conducted a sting operation arresting two itinerant toy vendors for selling hundreds of illegal tramadol tablets via social media, disguised as toys and shipped through courier services. Tramadol, a controlled prescription drug, poses severe health risks including addiction, neurological issues, respiratory problems, and death, with the incident highlighting growing concerns over misuse among the youth. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison or a Rp 15 billion fine under Indonesia's 2023 Health Law, underscoring the importance of purchasing medications from authorised sources with proper prescriptions.

The Indonesian government has commenced the departure of the first batch of Hajj pilgrims for 2026 on 22 April, marking the start of the pilgrimage season with comprehensive preparations including 16 embarkation points and fast-track immigration services at major airports. Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Moch. Irfan Yusuf, assured that all operational stages are proceeding on schedule, from pilgrims entering hostels on 21 April to the peak rituals on Arafah on 25-26 May and repatriation concluding by 1 July. This organised rollout underscores Indonesia's commitment to facilitating the annual religious obligation for its Muslim population amid logistical enhancements like new embarkation sites in Cipondoh and Yogyakarta.

Indonesia's House of Representatives has officially passed the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) into law after over two decades of advocacy and delays, marking a significant milestone in safeguarding the rights of millions of domestic workers. Initially proposed in 2004 by the National Domestic Workers Advocacy Network (JALA PRT), the bill faced numerous setbacks but gained momentum under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, who pledged to finalise it within three months. The law will take effect one year after enactment, ushering in a new era of legal protections for this vulnerable workforce.

In China, the shift towards electric vehicles is driven by government policies that facilitate easy access to number plates for new energy vehicles while imposing lengthy waits of up to 10 years for petrol cars through lotteries or auctions. This regulatory approach, combined with substantial subsidies, has propelled China to become the world's largest electric vehicle market, dominating urban transport in cities like Guangzhou where taxis are now entirely electric. The policy underscores China's leadership in automotive electrification, influencing global industry trends.

Saudi Arabia has imposed a fine of 20,000 riyals (approximately Rp 91 million) on illegal Hajj pilgrims who enter, attempt to enter, or remain in Mecca and holy sites without proper visas during the Hajj season. Offenders using tourist, personal, or business visas will face deportation and a 10-year entry ban. This measure aims to ensure only authorised pilgrims participate, with restrictions on Umrah visas suspended until 31 May and access to Mecca limited to those with official permits from 13 April.

Indonesia's first-quarter 2026 investment realisation reached Rp 498.79 trillion, exceeding the target by 0.36% and growing 7.22% year-on-year, with five countries—Singapore, Hong Kong, China, the United States, and Japan—accounting for 29% of the total. Singapore led with US$4.6 billion, followed by Hong Kong at US$2.7 billion, China at US$2.2 billion, the US at US$1.7 billion, and Japan at US$1 billion, reflecting strong economic ties with key global partners. The investment composition was balanced between domestic (49.89%) and foreign sources, with basic metal industries, including smelters, as the largest sectoral contributor.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has asserted that the increase in non-subsidised fuel prices will not drive inflation, as subsidised fuel prices—widely used by lower-income groups and for logistics—remain stable, thereby preserving consumer purchasing power and curbing potential price surges in goods. He emphasised that this policy avoids excessive subsidy burdens by excluding affluent segments of society, who account for nearly 30% of current energy subsidies despite their economic capacity to afford non-subsidised fuel. This approach aims to manage fiscal resources efficiently while maintaining economic stability.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has urged the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) to collaborate in ensuring security in Yahukimo Regency, Papua Pegunungan, to facilitate the rollout of President Prabowo Subianto's key initiatives, such as free nutritious meals, health checks, subsidised housing, and the Red and White Village Cooperatives. During his visit, Gibran emphasised that his presence carries no ulterior motives, focusing solely on delivering these programmes to local residents amid the area's vulnerability to armed criminal groups. This move aligns with Prabowo's directive to prioritise security as the foundation for accelerating development and equitable distribution of government benefits to remote regions.

OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Images 2.0, a groundbreaking image generation model that significantly improves text accuracy and visual detail, overcoming longstanding issues with spelling errors in AI-generated content. Shifting from diffusion models to autoregressive ones, the new system excels in handling non-Latin scripts like Japanese, Korean, Hindi, and Bengali, while supporting up to 2K resolution for intricate designs. This advancement, including an API for developers with pricing based on output quality, marks a major evolution in generative AI, though its knowledge cutoff is set to December 2025.

Anthropic's latest AI model, Mythos, is raising alarms in the global financial sector due to its ability to uncover thousands of vulnerabilities in major operating systems and web browsers, potentially enabling rapid cyber attacks on banks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Fed Chair Jerome Powell have discussed these risks with major bank leaders, while similar concerns have prompted discussions in the UK and Germany involving regulators and cybersecurity officials. Access to Mythos remains restricted to select tech giants and organisations maintaining critical software infrastructure to mitigate threats to the economy, public safety, and national security.

Indonesian police's Bareskrim unit has uncovered a major smuggling operation involving over 76,000 illegal mobile phones imported from China, valued at Rp 235 billion, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the raid on a holding company's office suspected of using shell companies for fraudulent documentation. The operation, which involved non-new devices lacking Indonesian National Standards (SNI) certification, violates multiple laws on trade, industry, telecommunications, and consumer protection, potentially including money laundering. This bust aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita programme, particularly in combating smuggling to safeguard national finances and economic resilience.

Indonesia faces a concerning maternal mortality rate of 189 per 100,000 live births, with over 36,000 cumulative cases and an estimated one mother dying every hour from complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. Shockingly, 80% of these deaths occur in healthcare facilities, primarily due to severe postpartum haemorrhage that demands rapid emergency obstetric interventions, including surgical responses within 30 minutes and access to blood banks and anaesthesia experts. The issue stems largely from delayed early detection at primary care levels, underscoring the urgent need to bolster the capacity of grassroots health workers to identify danger signs promptly and improve overall maternal healthcare infrastructure.

Ludruk, a traditional performing art from East Java, has long served as a vibrant mirror of society in Surabaya, blending humour with sharp social critiques that resonate with everyday life. Once a nightly staple of urban entertainment in the 1970s to 1990s, featuring timeless plays like "Sarip Tambak Oso," ludruk now faces challenges from modernisation, with digital media and instant entertainment eroding its traditional format. The key question is whether this folk art can adapt to contemporary tastes without losing its authentic spirit, preserving its role as a voice for the people.

East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas'ud thanked participants in the 21 April protests for their valuable input on improving government performance, emphasising the role of civil society in social control and evaluation. The demonstrations, involving around 3,000 people from various groups, demanded a full audit of provincial policies, an end to corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN), and stronger oversight by the regional legislature (DPRD). While the deputy DPRD chair signed a proposed integrity pact, both the governor and DPRD chair—brothers—did not meet the protesters, prompting threats of further actions if commitments are not fulfilled.

US President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran without a specified time limit, pending the submission of proposals and resolution of discussions. However, he directed the US military to maintain the blockade on Iranian ports and remain fully prepared. This decision comes amid reports of deep divisions within the Iranian government, with the US awaiting unified proposals from Iranian leaders in ongoing negotiations hosted in Pakistan at the request of Pakistani officials.

Indonesia's Statistics Agency (BPS) has reported a national poverty rate of 8.25% or 23.36 million people as of September 2025, starkly contrasting the World Bank's figure of over 60.3% or 171.8 million people living below the poverty line. The discrepancy arises from differing methodologies: BPS uses a domestic basic needs approach, while the World Bank applies international poverty lines based on purchasing power parity (PPP) for upper-middle-income countries like Indonesia, which BPS argues places the nation at the lower end of that category despite its GNI of US$4,580 in 2023. This highlights the challenges in cross-country poverty comparisons and underscores the need for media to contextualise Indonesia's upper-middle-income status accurately when reporting on poverty alleviation efforts.

The Medan District Court has rejected a pre-trial motion by MN, the alleged mastermind behind the illegal transportation of timber from North Sumatra, upholding his suspect status due to sufficient evidence including witness statements, expert testimony, and physical evidence. This ruling reinforces the principle of 'in dubio pro natura', prioritising environmental protection in cases of doubt, and validates the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency's procedures under the Criminal Procedure Code. The case stems from the seizure of 44.25 cubic metres of mixed forest timber transported without proper documentation, marking a significant step in combating illegal logging in Sumatra.

The Attorney General's Office has expressed support for the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) decision to summon two prosecutors as witnesses in the bribery case involving the suspended Regent of Rejang Lebong, Muhammad Fikri Thobari. The case centres on alleged "ijon" bribes totalling Rp 980 million paid by three private companies to secure direct project appointments in the local Public Works department. This development underscores ongoing inter-agency cooperation in combating corruption within regional government infrastructure projects.

A video of a group of men in black forcibly stopping a car in Jakarta's Daan Mogot area went viral on social media, sparking concerns over aggressive tactics. The men were revealed to be police officers from Polsek Grogol Petamburan investigating a suspected drug transaction, but they released the vehicle without conducting a search after the driver contacted a police acquaintance. This incident highlights potential issues in police procedures during narcotics operations and the role of personal connections in de-escalating encounters.

The recent sharp increase in non-subsidised fuel prices by PT Pertamina, effective 18 April 2026, has led some vehicle owners to mix fuel types or switch to lower octane options in a bid to save costs, but experts warn this could cause severe engine damage including overheating, knocking, and costly repairs. Automotive specialist Yannes Martinus Pasaribu from ITB highlights that such practices lead to carbon deposits, unstable combustion, and higher fuel consumption, potentially costing millions in repairs. This development underscores the broader impact of Middle East geopolitical tensions on Indonesia's energy sector and the need for informed consumer choices amid rising prices.

A new regulation, Permendagri Number 11 of 2026, has shifted the authority for electric vehicle tax incentives from national to regional governments, leading to varying exemptions or discounts across Indonesia. This change means consumers may face additional costs, such as a one-time vehicle ownership transfer fee of Rp 28-33 million and annual taxes up to Rp 5 million in areas without full incentives, potentially undermining the long-term cost efficiency that attracts buyers to electric cars. The policy could create an uneven market for electric vehicles, complicating manufacturers' strategies despite the government's push to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Major Inf Windra Sanur, who has served as an escort to President Joko Widodo for the past eight years, has been appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Tigaraksa Military District Command in Tangerang Regency. Previously serving as Deputy Commander of Detachment 4, Group D, Presidential Security Force, Windra bid an emotional farewell to the President, expressing mixed feelings about leaving after gaining invaluable experiences and life lessons. Jokowi advised him to continue his military career in territorial roles, marking a significant transition from combat to administrative duties within the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

MSCI has decided to freeze the rebalancing of Indonesian stocks until May 2026, indicating that the domestic capital market's rally lacks strong underlying foundations, according to market observers. Key issues highlighted include insufficient free float, high shareholding concentration, and investability concerns, with MSCI continuing to assess the impact of ongoing market reforms on investment accessibility. This cautious stance is limiting upward momentum in the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG), as global investors remain in a wait-and-see mode rather than aggressively re-entering the market.

Heikal Safar SH, Secretary General of the Indonesian Lawyers' Professional Association (Propindo), has expressed strong support for Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in opening wide opportunities for input from various advocate organisations on the draft academic paper for the Advocates Bill revision. He emphasised that advocate organisations in Indonesia should not operate as a single bar but as equal entities, advocating for the ability to conduct professional education and examinations to better serve the interests of ordinary citizens. This involvement is crucial to expedite the bill's completion, following the recent successes in passing the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk reported a robust first-quarter 2026 performance, achieving a consolidated net profit of Rp15.4 trillion, up 16.6% year-on-year, despite global pressures from geopolitical tensions and market volatility. The bank's credit disbursements reached Rp1,530 trillion, growing 17.4% YoY, surpassing industry averages, while third-party funds hit Rp1,675 trillion, increasing 21.1% YoY; it also advanced sustainable financing with Rp3.6 trillion for green buildings and Rp5.2 trillion for biodiversity management. This solid result, supported by a strong ROE of 22.1% and CAR of 19.7%, underscores Mandiri's commitment to sustainable business expansion and its pivotal role in driving Indonesia's national economy.

Former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla has clarified the content of a viral video from his lecture at Universitas Gadjah Mada, which has been accused of religious blasphemy, emphasising that it focused on his mediation efforts in resolving religious conflicts in Poso and Ambon. He met with key figures from the Malino I and II peace negotiations to contextualise the issue, expressing concern over potential misunderstandings that could spark unrest in other regions. Kalla's historical role in facilitating the 2001 and 2002 Malino Declarations, which ended violence, enforced law, and promoted reconciliation, underscores his significant contributions to national peacebuilding.

Coal prices have surged to US$123.75 per tonne, driven by heightened global demand amid rising oil prices, Europe's increased thermal coal imports as a hedge against volatile gas markets due to Middle East conflicts, and production declines in India. In China, tight metallurgical coke fundamentals support further price gains, while US President Trump has invoked wartime powers to boost coal production, emphasising its role in powering AI and national security needs. This competition for supplies, particularly from major exporters like Australia and the US, risks tightening the seaborne market and elevating prices further, underscoring coal's persistent centrality in global energy security.

President Prabowo Subianto has directed the Minister of Investment to streamline regulations hindering investment, aligning Indonesia's framework with OECD standards to enhance its investment-friendliness. This includes evaluating and potentially eliminating technical approvals that impede progress, while emphasising investments that create quality jobs and deliver tangible societal benefits. With significant commitments from countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, the government aims to boost national investment realisation from Rp9,100 trillion in 2014–2024 to over Rp13,000 trillion in 2025–2029.

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has issued a decree replacing Khoirudin with Suhud Alynudin as the Chairman of the Jakarta Regional Representative Council (DPRD DKI) for the 2024–2029 period, revoking the previous appointment. PKS regional leader Taufik Hidayat confirmed that the change is solely for internal consolidation and the benefit of the public, denying any internal conflicts. This move is part of the party's ongoing internal restructuring of its leadership and faction.

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a One Stop Service system at embarkation points to ensure seamless and standardised procedures for the initial departure of Hajj pilgrims in 2026, as confirmed by Abdul Haris following the send-off of the first kloter from Surabaya. On 22 April, 11 embarkation centres across Indonesia began dispatching their inaugural groups, with the government anticipating smooth operations free from issues such as non-visa pilgrims, while comprehensive preparations including accommodations, transport, and the Nusuk Card distribution have been secured for services in Saudi Arabia. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to optimal pilgrim care from embarkation through to their stay in Madinah, where around 100 hotels are allocated for Indonesian Hajj participants.

The E-commerce Logistics Business Association (APLE) has accused TikTok Shop of engaging in monopolistic practices in Indonesia's e-commerce sector, including vertical integration, discrimination against certain delivery services, and predatory pricing, and has reported these to the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU). These actions allegedly violate regulations such as Trade Ministerial Regulation No. 31/2023 and Law No. 5/1999 on unfair competition, potentially harming sellers and excluding other logistics providers from the platform. The case highlights growing concerns over social media platforms expanding into e-commerce without proper oversight, which could stifle competition and innovation in the digital marketplace.

The Indonesian government aims to achieve zero waste in national waste management by 2029, but experts stress that this goal hinges on strengthening waste sorting and eliminating open dumping practices. Environment Minister Hanif Nurofiq emphasised that downstream technologies like refuse-derived fuel and waste-to-energy rely on high-quality, separated waste to operate efficiently and cost-effectively. During the transitional period, local governments are urged to reduce organic waste to landfills and prepare inorganic waste for processing, as full-scale facilities may take up to three years to become operational.

In Jakarta's Manggarai area, the designated cycle lane on Jalan Dr. Saharjo has been repurposed as a temporary rubbish collection point every night, blocking access for cyclists and forcing them to share roads with motor vehicles. Local cyclists, including 27-year-old Dani, express frustration over the safety hazards posed by the clutter, scattered waste, and lingering leachate that makes the path slippery. This issue highlights broader challenges in urban infrastructure management, where waste handling disrupts sustainable transport initiatives promoted by city authorities.

ANTARA reported several legal developments on Tuesday, including BNI's CEO handing over the alleged embezzlement case at Aek Nabara parish in North Sumatra to law enforcement authorities. South Kalimantan Police seized 6,726 ecstasy pills from an inter-provincial network linked to international drug lord Fredy Pratama, arresting two suspects, while National Police apprehended 330 individuals for diverting subsidised fuel and LPG over 13 days. The Corruption Eradication Commission noted that 91% of corruption perpetrators handled from 2004 to 2025 were male, and Bandung police arrested six student suspects in the fatal assault of a SMAN 5 student, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes, drug trafficking, corruption, and youth violence in Indonesia.

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has officially enacted the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) into law, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of domestic workers, predominantly women, by ensuring fair wages, social security, and protections against exploitation. The legislation, passed amid enthusiastic celebrations from advocacy groups, prohibits agencies from deducting wages or withholding personal documents and guarantees workers entitlements such as reasonable working hours, religious holidays, healthy meals, and safe accommodations. This development underscores the government's commitment to gender equality and social justice, with further details on social security to be outlined in forthcoming government regulations.

Indonesian police have unveiled the roles of two suspects, DCP alias P and SJ, in a major illegal import scheme involving mobile phones and other products from China, with P acting as the importer bypassing national standards and SJ handling distribution. The operation led to the seizure of over 58,000 phones and accessories worth Rp235 billion, alongside non-compliant baby clothes and toys sold via e-commerce platforms. This crackdown underscores efforts to curb revenue leaks and protect national standards, with further investigations underway to uncover additional accomplices.

PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN) has committed to investing Rp 20 trillion in the country from 2025 to 2029, focusing on the development of electrified vehicles, as announced in a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto. An initial allocation of Rp 1.3 trillion will support hybrid battery production in collaboration with CATL, enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities. TMMIN executives emphasise the investment's multiplier effects, including job creation, tax contributions, skill development, and export potential, advocating for support of existing investors amid economic challenges.

Global finance ministers, bankers, and industry leaders are expressing growing concerns about Anthropic's latest AI model, Claude Mythos, due to its potential to disrupt financial system security by easily identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities. The issue dominated discussions at the recent IMF meeting in Washington DC, with Canada's Finance Minister highlighting the unprecedented and poorly understood nature of these AI-driven risks compared to conventional threats. Industry responses, including from Barclays' CEO, underscore the urgency for enhanced safeguards to maintain financial resilience amid these emerging technological challenges.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan has announced that the government is supplying 300.9 tonnes of spices and 1,232,520 ready-to-eat meal packages for the 203,320 Hajj pilgrims in 2026, ensuring their food needs are met during the pilgrimage. These provisions, prepared by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, include fresh ready-to-eat options produced by local SMEs and will serve as snacks during the peak six days of the Hajj from 7 to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. This initiative guarantees food security amid logistical challenges, allowing pilgrims to focus on their religious duties without concern.

East Java Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate has busted an operation repackaging bulk cooking oil into branded Minyakita products without proper permits, using falsified BPOM certificates and non-compliant SNI labels. Authorities sealed evidence at a warehouse in Sidoarjo, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat food fraud in Indonesia. This case underscores the risks to consumer safety and the importance of regulatory enforcement in the food sector.

South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman has provided immediate assistance to victims of a house fire in Parepare's Bacukiki sub-district, which destroyed two homes, including essential items like bedding, kitchenware, food, and tents. The governor also announced plans for follow-up support, such as financial aid for home repairs and daily needs, highlighting the provincial government's commitment to disaster response. The fire, suspected to have been deliberately set by an individual with mental health issues, underscores the need for integrated social services in handling such incidents.

The Jakarta Provincial Government conducted a river and waterway cleaning operation in five administrative areas, capturing 68,800 janitor fish weighing 6.98 tonnes in under four hours, highlighting an ecological imbalance in the city's waterways. However, the method of burying the fish alive has sparked controversy from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), which deems it contrary to Islamic principles of compassion towards all creatures and animal welfare, violating sharia objectives related to environmental protection and sustainability. This debate underscores the tension between effective invasive species control and ethical disposal practices in urban environmental management.

On 21 April, ANTARA reported several political developments, including Kopassus denying a hoax about its commander slapping someone at the State Palace, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka observing schoolchildren in Mimika skipping breakfast during a review of the free nutritious meal programme, and House Speaker Puan Maharani calling for an evaluation of TNI assignments in conflict zones following the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon. Additionally, Gerindra's deputy chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad dismissed rumours of a merger with NasDem, and the DPR approved the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) into law during its plenary session. These events highlight ongoing efforts in military transparency, social welfare, international peacekeeping, party politics, and labour rights in Indonesia.

The Metro Jaya Police have deployed mobile Samsat services across 13 locations in the Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jadetabek) region on Wednesday to facilitate motor vehicle tax (PKB) payments for taxpayers. These services, operating at various parking areas, markets, and malls from 8:00 to 14:00 WIB, require valid documents such as ID cards, vehicle ownership books, and registration certificates, but are limited to annual tax renewals only. Taxpayers are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health protocols, including mask-wearing and social distancing, underscoring the initiative's role in enhancing accessible public administration amid ongoing pandemic measures.

The Medan District Court has rejected a pre-trial motion filed by MN, a suspect in an illegal timber case, paving the way for the criminal proceedings to proceed to trial. The court upheld the validity of the suspect's designation, confirming that investigators met the minimum evidentiary requirements, including witness statements, expert testimony, and physical evidence. This ruling strengthens environmental law enforcement in Indonesia's forestry sector, applying the principle of 'in dubio pro natura' to prioritize nature conservation, and follows the rejection of similar motions by four other suspects in the same case.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia has directed the mobilisation of all resources to ensure the smooth running of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, welcoming pilgrims from around the world on behalf of King Salman. He emphasised national pride in serving worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, instructing the provision of top-quality services at sacred sites and entry points. The cabinet also decided to continue subsidising temporary work visas for seasonal workers involved in Hajj and Umrah services under the Hady and Adahi Utilisation Project for 1447 AH.