Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 April 2026

Showing 151-200 of 1,736 articles

Banking resilience strong to mitigate impact of war: BI

Bank Indonesia reports that the banking sector maintains strong resilience amid global risks, including the Middle East war, with a high capital adequacy ratio of 25.83 percent and a low non-performing loan ratio of 2.17 percent in February 2026. Credit growth accelerated to 9.49 percent year-on-year in March 2026, driven by investment, working capital, and consumer credits, with BI projecting stable growth of 8-12 percent for the year supported by ample liquidity and funding capacity. To ensure financial stability, BI will enhance macro-prudential policies and develop non-traditional funding instruments.

Foreign National Detainee at Depok Immigration Office Found Dead in Toilet

A foreign national named Duncan James Rance, detained at the Depok Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office for suspected misuse of residence permit, was found dead in the toilet on Tuesday after hanging himself. The incident followed his detention on Monday, with immigration officers discovering him unresponsive and breaking down the locked door to find no signs of violence, only stress noted in his behaviour. Police are investigating the matter, highlighting potential mental health concerns in immigration detention facilities.

No Need to Go Abroad: Surabaya's Medical Tourism Programme Ready to Serve Domestic and International Patients

The Surabaya City Government has launched a medical tourism programme integrating certified healthcare services from eight hospitals with tourism packages, aiming to provide comprehensive treatment options without the need for overseas travel. This initiative, unveiled during the city's 733rd anniversary celebrations, collaborates with travel agencies to offer airport pickups, medical procedures, and recovery excursions, targeting 500 to 1,000 patients in the initial months. By promoting affordable, high-quality care that is 25% cheaper than in Malaysia or Singapore, the programme seeks to boost domestic confidence in local medical facilities and attract international visitors, enhancing Surabaya's role in Indonesia's health and tourism sectors.

Blusukan in Papua, Gibran Pushes for Equitable Development

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming conducted a working visit to Raja Ampat, Papua, where he addressed key issues in education, health, people's economy, and infrastructure. He highlighted deficiencies in the Free Nutritious Meals programme at a local school, urging improvements in food safety procedures, and engaged with fishermen to enhance the Merah Putih Fishermen's Village initiative by tackling challenges like fuel access, cold storage, and distribution chains. Additionally, he inspected the Raja Ampat Regional Hospital, noting the need for upgrades to reduce referrals to Bali, emphasising the government's commitment to impactful development programmes in Papua.

Japan to tighten social media usage for teenagers

Japan's Ministry of Communications plans to enforce stricter age verification on social media platforms to address addiction and bullying among teenagers, without imposing age restrictions as seen in other countries. The policy, presented in a draft to experts, requires platforms to assess and disclose risks to young users and protective measures, with finalisation expected by the end of summer. This comes amid global trends, including Australia's ban for under-16s and Indonesia's recent prohibition for children under 16, highlighting growing concerns over youth mental and physical health.

479th Anniversary of Semarang City: City Government Launches Plastic Bottle Exchange Programme for Lumpia

On the occasion of Semarang City's 479th anniversary, the local government has introduced an innovative programme allowing residents to exchange used plastic bottles for free lumpia vouchers, blending environmental care with the promotion of the city's iconic culinary heritage. Mayor Agustina Wilujeng highlighted the initiative as a commitment to fostering a green culture and reinforcing Semarang's identity as a creative, eco-friendly city rich in gastronomic traditions. The event, which aims to distribute 5,000 portions of lumpia and break a MURI record for the largest environmentally themed lumpia giveaway, encourages sustainable waste management through community participation.

Legislator: Coal DMO Transactions Using Rupiah to Mitigate Fiscal Risks

Indonesian House of Representatives member Rokhmat Ardiyan has advocated for using the rupiah in Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) coal transactions for national electricity generation to reduce fiscal risks from global energy price fluctuations and foreign exchange volatility. He argues that this approach would stabilise electricity production costs and lessen budgetary pressures, especially given the current US$70 per tonne price and large volumes involved. This initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to phase out diesel-fired power plants, enhancing national energy independence and supporting a more efficient, sustainable energy transition.

Sluggish Domestic Market, Indonesia's Car Exports Surge to Break 500,000 Units

Indonesia's automotive industry has demonstrated resilience by achieving over 1.1 million vehicle productions last year, with domestic sales at around 804,000 units offset by a remarkable export figure exceeding 500,000 units. This surge, up from 300,000 units previously, underscores Indonesia's growing role as a global production hub amid a slowing local market, supported by aggressive export strategies and government initiatives. The low vehicle ownership ratio of 99 per 1,000 people signals substantial future growth potential, attracting continued investment from international automakers.

Suspected Extortion Scheme by Tulungagung Regent Involves Resignation Letter

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) suspects dismissed Tulungagung Regent Gatut Sunu Wibowo of using a signed but undated resignation letter to extort local government officials in East Java's Tulungagung Regency. The agency is investigating the letter's creation by questioning nine witnesses, including heads of various district departments, following an earlier sting operation that arrested Gatut and 17 others, naming him and his aide as suspects in a scheme allegedly netting Rp2.7 billion from targeted officials. This case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting high-level local government figures amid broader concerns over graft in Indonesia's regional administrations.

BPJS Kesehatan in Riau Islands Pays Out IDR 1.7 Trillion in Claims Throughout 2025

BPJS Kesehatan has disbursed IDR 1.7 trillion in JKN claims for the Riau Islands province in 2025, with the largest portions allocated to outpatient (IDR 147 billion) and inpatient care (IDR 230 billion), alongside significant funding for childbirth operations (IDR 85 billion) and treatments like respiratory issues, dialysis, and cataracts (IDR 128 billion combined). The province has achieved a 98% JKN coverage rate, the highest among four provinces in the region, nearing full Universal Health Coverage, with only Batam and Tanjungpinang cities needing a final 1% push. BPJS Kesehatan is collaborating with local authorities to register the remaining 24,710 residents, reactivate inactive participants, and enhance preventive measures to reduce the high burden of catastrophic illnesses.

Why the Trade Minister Finally Signals Changes to Minyakita's HET

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has indicated plans to adjust the maximum retail price (HET) for Minyakita cooking oil, currently set at Rp 15,700 per litre since 2024, following a coordination meeting with the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan. The adjustment will consider factors such as current crude palm oil (CPO) prices, packaging costs, and distribution, potentially leading to either an increase or decrease in the HET to align with market conditions. This move comes as market prices for Minyakita slightly exceed the HET, highlighting the need for regulatory updates to ensure fair pricing and supply chain margins.

Trade Minister's Comments on the Increase in Minyakita's Maximum Retail Price

Trade Minister Budi Santoso has indicated plans to raise the maximum retail price (HET) of Minyakita cooking oil, currently set at Rp15,700 per litre since 2024, noting that it has remained unchanged for over three years. This follows a coordination meeting with the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, who has tasked relevant agencies including the Ministry of Trade and BPKP to calculate price adjustments based on factors like crude palm oil prices, packaging, and distribution. The adjustment could potentially lower the price depending on current conditions, aiming to align it with market realities while maintaining margins along the supply chain.

BMT UMY Clears Interest-Based Debts for 18 Residents, Warned Against Falling into the Same Pit Again

Lazismu BMT UMY has reinforced its commitment to a riba-free ecosystem by clearing interest-based debts for 18 sanitation workers and security personnel in Yogyakarta, disbursing over Rp 225 million through grants and interest-free loans. The initiative addresses the growing issue of online lending and usury, aiming to prevent recurrence by educating beneficiaries on the profound social, emotional, and spiritual impacts of such debts. Officials hope to expand the programme nationally, fostering broader social and economic recovery in vulnerable communities.

Peeking into the Potential and Opportunities of Sustainable Business - Bisnis Indonesia Premium

Shifting business trends and market orientations are compelling enterprises to transform towards greater responsibility, with environmental and social issues now central to decision-making. Sustainability has evolved from an optional strategy into a fundamental necessity for businesses. This presents opportunities for innovation and creating broader value, as companies are urged to balance economic, environmental, and social interests beyond mere profit.

Iconic Dubai Hotel to Close for 18 Months After Being Hit by Iranian Drone Debris

The luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is set to close temporarily for 18 months for major renovations, marking its first shutdown since opening in 1999. The decision comes amid a slowdown in Middle Eastern tourism due to regional conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran, though the hotel insists the project is unrelated to minor damage from Iranian drone debris in March. As a flagship property of Jumeirah, the closure highlights broader pressures on luxury hospitality from flight disruptions and declining visitor demand in the UAE.

Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Emphasises Women's Empowerment as Key to Literacy

The Language Agency under Indonesia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has highlighted the crucial role of women, particularly mothers and educators, in building children's literacy foundations through a lecture on empowering women via education to enhance literacy. The event featured inspiring stories from literacy advocates in East Nusa Tenggara province under the Indonesia School Innovation (INOVASI) programme, a collaboration between the Indonesian and Australian governments, demonstrating successful community involvement in improving reading and writing skills among primary school students. Head of the Language Agency, Hafidz Muksin, stressed that literacy enhancement is a shared responsibility across schools, communities, and families, with women's contributions vital in fostering a culture of reading and storytelling at home, and expressed hopes to replicate these practices elsewhere.

BPJS Kesehatan Supervisory Board Urges Riau Islands to Strengthen Promotive and Preventive Efforts

The Supervisory Board of BPJS Kesehatan has called on the Riau Islands Provincial Government to enhance promotive and preventive health measures to curb the high costs of catastrophic illnesses in the region, which include childbirth, respiratory disorders, heart conditions, haemodialysis, and cataracts, amounting to billions of rupiah in 2025. Initiatives such as free health check-ups promoted by President Prabowo Subianto and data integration between local health programmes and national coverage aim to achieve 100% JKN participation and ensure efficient handling of high-risk cases. This collaboration could alleviate the burden on regional budgets by streamlining coverage under the national health insurance scheme.

Coordinating Minister Yusril: Performing Hajj Unofficially Harms Oneself

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Services, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has urged Indonesian Muslims to adhere strictly to official procedures for performing the Hajj pilgrimage, warning that unofficial methods, such as using non-Hajj visas, can lead to personal harm and complications in Saudi Arabia. He emphasised that the government fully regulates Hajj to ensure the safety and responsibility towards pilgrims, distinguishing it from the privately managed Umrah. This comes amid recent immigration checks at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, where 13 Indonesians were prevented from departing on unofficial Hajj attempts, highlighting the enforcement of these regulations.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Turbulent, Global Oil Stocks Approach Record Low

Global crude oil inventories are nearing historic lows due to ongoing Middle East conflicts disrupting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with Goldman Sachs analysts warning of continued stock declines even if flows improve by month's end. The war has led to production losses of up to 13 million barrels per day in the region, with combined exports of crude and refined products dropping by around 20 million barrels daily, exacerbating supply pressures. Full recovery of production could take months to two years, varying by country, as highlighted by IEA head Fatih Birol, posing significant risks to global energy markets.

Minister of Immigration and Community Affairs urges public not to force illegal Hajj pilgrimage

Indonesia's Minister of Immigration and Community Affairs, Agus Andrianto, has warned citizens against attempting to perform the Hajj pilgrimage through illegal means, highlighting the risks of scams involving fake visas from illicit travel agents. The government has shortened the Hajj waiting period from 40 to a maximum of 26 years, providing more accessible opportunities for eligible pilgrims to follow official procedures. Immigration authorities at Soekarno-Hatta Airport recently intercepted 13 Indonesians attempting to travel to Jeddah on work visas for unauthorised Hajj, underscoring efforts to protect citizens from legal and safety risks abroad.

BI: Bank Credit Grows 9.49 Percent as of March 2026, Public Access to Financing Increases

Bank Indonesia (BI) reported a year-on-year growth in national banking credit of 9.49 percent in March 2026, surpassing the previous month's 9.37 percent and the same period last year's 9.16 percent, though still below January's 9.96 percent. Governor Perry Warjiyo expressed optimism about sustained credit distribution, supported by untapped loan facilities worth Rp 2,527.46 trillion and strong bank funding capacity with a liquidity ratio of 27.85 percent and third-party funds growth of 13.55 percent. BI aims to bolster banking funding capacity, including non-traditional instruments, to achieve the annual credit growth target of 8-12 percent and support economic expansion.

Dony Oskaria Affirms SOEs' Commitment to Succeeding Prabowo's Government Programmes

Dony Oskaria, Head of the SOE Agency, has emphasised the strategic role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in supporting President Prabowo Subianto's policies, urging SOE personnel to act as state employees responsible for implementing and communicating government initiatives. He highlighted the need for SOEs to counter negative sentiments by providing clear explanations of policies aimed at transforming Indonesia's economy from superficial growth to fundamental and equitable development, focusing on food security, energy, and human resources. This commitment positions SOEs as a vital bridge between the government and the public to enhance economic sovereignty and national welfare.

Foreign Capital Outflow of Rp 28 Trillion in Q1 2026, BI Focuses on Safeguarding Rupiah and Market Liquidity

Bank Indonesia recorded a net outflow of foreign portfolio investment amounting to US$1.7 billion (approximately Rp 28 trillion) in the first quarter of 2026, driven by global financial uncertainties stemming from the Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. This shift towards safe-haven assets like US money markets has prompted BI to optimise monetary instruments, including strengthening interest rate structures on tools like SRBI and SBN, to attract inflows and stabilise the rupiah exchange rate. Additionally, BI has purchased Rp 111.54 trillion in government securities up to 21 April 2026 to ensure market liquidity and support fiscal-monetary synergy, with secondary market buys conducted transparently to maintain economic stability.

Social Minister: 29 Prospective Students for People's School in Jakarta Found While Busking

Indonesia's Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf revealed that 29 out of 77 prospective students for the People's School programme in Jakarta were discovered busking on the streets or assisting their parents in work, as part of proactive outreach efforts by the Ministry of Social Affairs. These school-age children, who are either out of school or at risk of dropping out, are identified through field visits to high-risk areas and the national integrated social welfare database, with parental consent required for enrolment. The initiative, backed by the President, provides not only education but also essential needs like housing, nutritious meals, and healthcare to reintegrate marginalised children into the formal education system.

Jaecoo inaugurates latest dealer network in Kalimantan

Chinese automaker Jaecoo has expanded its presence in Indonesia by opening its newest dealer, Jaecoo Boss, in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, offering comprehensive sales, service, and spare parts facilities to enhance customer experience with premium electrified vehicle technology. The dealer, spanning 1,260 square metres of land and 1,280 square metres of building space, features modern amenities including four service bays capable of handling up to 24 vehicles daily, reflecting Jaecoo's strategic push to bring advanced mobility solutions closer to consumers in the region. This expansion supports Jaecoo's strong performance, with 7,927 retail sales of New Energy Vehicles in 2026 and a position as Indonesia's top-selling electric vehicle model in March 2026, as the company aims to grow its network to 80 dealers nationwide by year-end.

BKKBN Central Java: MBG 3B Programme Distributed to 625,113 Beneficiaries

The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) in Central Java has distributed the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for the 3B group—pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers—to 625,113 beneficiaries, covering 79.24% of the targeted 788,920 individuals. This initiative, unique to Indonesia, targets stunting intervention in the first 1,000 days of life through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), with distribution handled via 1,745 service units out of 4,000 available. Officials emphasise the need for broader support to expand coverage to all units, including daily distributions at posyandu and other points managed by community health cadres.

President Prabowo Instructs Regulatory Cuts

President Prabowo Subianto has directed the simplification of regulations to boost investment in Indonesia, including the elimination of technical approvals deemed obstructive to investors. This directive, given to the Minister of Investment, aims to align national regulations with OECD standards as Indonesia targets full membership by 2027, while benchmarking against ASEAN and OECD countries to enhance competitiveness. Amid a first-quarter 2026 investment realisation exceeding targets at Rp498.79 trillion, these reforms are crucial for achieving the government's Rp13,000 trillion investment goal for 2025–2029 and fostering quality job creation.

Purbaya's Statement on Salaries for Merah Putih Cooperative Managers

The Indonesian government is recruiting 30,000 employees for the positions of Merah Putih Village Cooperative Managers, with an additional 5,476 for Fishermen's Village Managers, as part of President Prabowo Subianto's priority programme. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that he is unaware of the salary payment scheme for these contract workers under state-owned enterprises PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara and PT Agrinas Jaladri Nusantara, noting that the national budget allocation for cooperatives is only around Rp 40 trillion annually. Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono confirmed that funding will not come from the initial Rp 3 billion capital per cooperative but from a separate scheme yet to be finalised.

Trump Repeats America's Old Sin: Fails to Understand and Miscalculates on Iran

The article critiques the United States' recurring failure to grasp the cultural, value-based perspectives of its adversaries, a flaw evident in Donald Trump's strategy against Iran, mirroring past miscalculations under presidents like Bill Clinton in Kosovo, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson in Vietnam. Drawing from historical analyses, it highlights how American policymakers often underestimate cultural factors, leading to prolonged conflicts in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, and warns that Trump's approach risks repeating these errors by pushing for fundamental shifts in Iran's ideological foundations without adequate realism. This pattern underscores a broader blind spot in US foreign policy, where military strength overshadows necessary cultural intelligence.

1,530 Part-Time PPPK Health Workers in Central Lombok Agree to Strike on 27 April, Demanding Pay Rise

A total of 1,530 part-time PPPK health workers in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, have agreed to stage a strike on 27 April 2026 unless their demands for a salary increase from Rp 200,000 to the regional minimum wage and conversion to full-time status are met. The workers, placed across 29 community health centres and one district hospital, argue that their current pay is insufficient, while the local health department head warns that such action violates civil servant norms, potentially leading to service disruptions and disciplinary sanctions. This standoff highlights ongoing tensions over fair compensation and employment conditions for public health workers in Indonesia's regions.

On Waste Management, Legislator: Jakarta Must Undergo Total Transformation

Nabilah Aboebakar Alhabsyi, a member of Commission D of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, has called for a comprehensive transformation in the capital's waste management amid a declared waste emergency, exacerbated by a Ministry of Environment letter mandating the cessation of open dumping by August 2026 and limiting waste distribution to Bantargebang to 50%. She emphasises the need for upstream approaches, such as changing public behaviour to sort waste at home, alongside strengthening regulations and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration involving the DPRD, provincial and central governments, and environmental organisations. This push for reform, including institutional changes, financing, and business models, aims to address the growing waste volume that current systems cannot handle effectively.

Women in West Jakarta Urged to Be Empowered, Not Limited to Household Affairs

The West Jakarta Administration is promoting the empowerment of women beyond domestic roles, encouraging them to actively contribute in various aspects of life during the Kartini Day commemoration at Walkot Farm 4.0. Mayor Iin Mutmainah highlighted the need for multi-talented women who can manage households while supporting family food security and engaging in direct interactions with children for better education. Deputy Speaker of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Rany Mauliani, emphasised women's expanded roles in the workforce and society, viewing the event as a platform for solidarity and positive societal impact.

AM Hendropriyono Welcomes Air Force Chief to Majapahit Palace in Jakarta

The Chief of the Indonesian Air Force, Marshal TNI Mohamad Tonny Harjono, visited the Majapahit Palace in Jakarta, where he was welcomed by its founder, AM Hendropriyono, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Air Force. Hendropriyono, a former military figure, emphasised the importance of remembering the military's history and expressed pride in Indonesia's great heritage, while Harjono praised Hendropriyono's ongoing support for the Air Force and called for posthumous national hero status for the first Air Force chief, Suryadi Suryadarma. The event highlighted national pride, historical reflection, and the role of cultural institutions in fostering awareness of Indonesia's majestic past.

DKI DPRD Requests Sanctions for Private Free Schools Imposing Fees

The Commission E of the DKI Jakarta DPRD has urged the DKI Education Office to promptly investigate and impose administrative sanctions on private schools participating in the free school programme if they levy additional fees on students, violating the terms of their memorandum of understanding (MoU). Chairman Muhammad Subki highlighted that such fees undermine the programme's objectives and burden parents, while emphasising that the allocated budget sufficiently covers school needs like teacher training and libraries. He welcomed the planned expansion to 103 schools by June 2026 but expressed hopes that budget efficiency measures will not disrupt this vital initiative supporting Jakarta's communities.

Bank Indonesia Holds Rates as Fed Pivot Delays and Middle East Tensions Threaten Rupiah

Bank Indonesia has maintained its benchmark BI Rate at 4.75% to safeguard the rupiah and control inflation amid delayed US Federal Reserve rate cuts until late 2026 and escalating Middle East tensions that bolster the US dollar. Governor Perry Warjiyo highlighted the central bank's preparedness to tighten policy if required, while underscoring the robustness of Indonesia's banking sector with ample undisbursed loans and strong capital adequacy. Despite global headwinds, domestic consumption and investment, particularly in government priority programmes, continue to drive economic resilience.

Strengthening Sharia Investment Literacy, UIN STS Jambi Receives Audience from Indonesia Stock Exchange

The Rector of UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, Prof. Kasful Anwar, hosted a meeting with representatives from the Indonesia Stock Exchange's Jambi office to enhance collaboration between academia and the capital markets sector. The discussion focused on bolstering the role of the Sharia Investment Gallery as an educational hub for students and developing innovative, sustainable capital market education programmes aligned with Sharia principles. This partnership aims to boost financial literacy among the youth, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications to support Indonesia's Sharia-based economy.

Polri Assures Stern Action Against Perpetrators in Phishing Tools Case

Indonesian National Police (Polri) has vowed to crack down harshly on cybercrime perpetrators, particularly those involved in the production and sale of phishing tools, following the arrest of two suspects in a cross-border case uncovered with FBI assistance. The primary suspect, a self-taught programmer, developed and sold these tools since 2018, enabling scams, data theft, and Business Email Compromise schemes, while his partner managed the proceeds via cryptocurrency wallets. This operation underscores Polri's commitment to disrupting cybercriminal networks and safeguarding Indonesian citizens in the digital space, with the suspects facing up to 15 years in prison under recent electronic information and criminal codes.

Hary Tanoe Can Appeal Sentence to Pay Rp 531 Billion to Jusuf Hamka

The Central Jakarta District Court has ruled that media tycoon Hary Tanoe and his company, PT MNC Asia Holding Tbk, must pay Rp 531 billion in damages plus interest to toll road firm PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada Tbk (CMNP) owned by Jusuf Hamka, stemming from an invalid 1999 financial swap transaction. The court found the exchange of a Negotiable Certificate of Deposit for Medium Term Notes and bonds violated Bank Indonesia regulations, awarding material damages equivalent to US$28 million and immaterial damages of Rp 50 billion. Both parties have the right to appeal to the Jakarta High Court, with the ruling affirmed as independent and based on trial evidence.

Banking Credit Grows 9.49 Percent in March

Bank Indonesia reported a year-on-year growth in banking credit of 9.49 percent for March 2026, slightly up from 9.37 percent the previous month, with investment credit leading at 20.85 percent growth. Governor Perry Warjiyo anticipates credit growth to remain stable between 8 and 12 percent for the year, supported by adequate bank funding capacity and potential for increased loan utilisation. The central bank plans to enhance banking funding capabilities, including non-traditional instruments, to bolster credit distribution amid varying risks across segments.

South Jakarta prepares oversight team for siomay vendors using sailfin catfish

The South Jakarta Administration is forming a specialised oversight team involving the Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Office (KPKP) and the Drug and Food Supervisory Agency (BBPOM) to monitor siomay vendors suspected of using sailfin catfish, an invasive species, ensuring integrated food safety measures. Officials plan to conduct mapping, provide education to vendors without sudden raids, and distribute fishing equipment to districts for intensified capture operations, with a scheduled cull on 5 May following MUI recommendations for humane disposal. Additionally, the administration is exploring ways to repurpose captured sailfin catfish as livestock feed and organic fertiliser to maximise benefits.

North Sumatra Musrenbang: Tito Emphasises the Importance of Thorough Planning

Indonesia's Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, highlighted the critical role of meticulous planning in developing the Regional Government Work Plan (RKPD) during the opening of the 2027 Musrenbang for North Sumatra province in Medan. He stressed that quality planning, informed by bottom-up aspirations and aligned with national priorities, determines 60% of a programme's success and forms the foundation for effective regional development. Additionally, eight North Sumatran districts committed to providing inter-regional grants totalling over Rp265 billion to disaster-affected areas in Aceh, supporting reconstruction efforts such as permanent housing and restoring government functions, in response to a ministerial circular.

BPBD Ponorogo Enhances Vigilance and Disaster Mitigation

The Ponorogo Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in East Java has ramped up vigilance and mitigation efforts in disaster-prone areas following a surge in landslides up to mid-April 2026, recording at least 50 incidents this year, predominantly landslides triggered by high rainfall and seasonal transitions. Measures include mapping vulnerable zones, intensifying patrols during heavy rain, pre-positioning personnel and equipment, and coordinating with local governments and volunteers for swift responses. The recent landslides in Slahung sub-district disrupted a provincial road but were quickly cleared, underscoring the ongoing high risk that calls for heightened public awareness in at-risk communities.

West Jakarta City Government Declares Commitment to Empowered Women

The West Jakarta City Government has declared its commitment to empowering women in line with Kartini Day celebrations, emphasising the need for women to be resilient and multi-talented in supporting family food security and educating children amid digitalisation. Mayor Iin Mutmainah highlighted women's roles beyond household duties to include productive contributions, while Deputy Chairman of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Rany Mauliani, stressed the importance of women impacting society and each other through real-world actions. The event, attended by key figures including representatives from the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, symbolises strengthened solidarity among women in Jakarta Barat.

Academic: Blacklist money politics perpetrators from election selection committees

Dr Hurriyah from the University of Indonesia's Centre for Political Studies has called for a blacklist mechanism to prevent former members of election selection committees (Pansel) proven to have engaged in money politics from being reselected. She emphasised the need for zero tolerance towards such practices and advocated for a comprehensive database of integrity-tested individuals with deep knowledge of Indonesia's electoral system. Additionally, Hurriyah proposed adopting a talent scouting approach for Pansel recruitment to ensure the selection of the most qualified and ethical candidates, thereby enhancing the integrity of national and regional election bodies.

Forestry Minister Warns of Higher Risk of Forest and Land Fires in 2026, Prevention Efforts Must Be Strengthened

Indonesia's Forestry Minister, Raja Juli Antoni, has warned that the risk of forest and land fires in 2026 could be greater than in 2025 due to an earlier and more prolonged dry season influenced by a weak to moderate El Niño. He described the year as a training period to anticipate rising fire incidents, noting a historical decline in affected areas from 2.6 million hectares in 2015 to 1.1 million in 2023. To bolster prevention, the ministry signed an MoU with the BMKG for integrated data sharing, capacity building, weather modification operations, and science-based risk analysis, underscoring the importance of precise weather predictions in mitigating environmental threats.

Heavy Rain Triggers Floods in Several Points in Denpasar and Landslide in Tabanan

Heavy rainfall on Wednesday caused flooding in multiple locations in Denpasar, Bali, including Jalan Gunung Rinjani and Jalan Pondok Indah IV, where residents reported recurring issues with water levels reaching up to 30 cm. In Tabanan, a landslide occurred along the road connecting Desa Peken Belayu and Desa Kukuh, triggered by the downpour, leading to debris falling into the Yeh Ge River and prompting warnings against heavy vehicles and local activities. Local authorities have reported the incidents to the Bali Public Works Department, highlighting the need for urgent attention to prevent further risks to infrastructure and public safety.

Bogowonto Train Collides with Motorcycle in East Jakarta, Disrupting Jakarta-Cikarang KRL Services

A collision between the Bogowonto train and a motorcycle between Jatinegara and Pasar Senen stations caused a brief disruption to the Jakarta-Cikarang KRL line, leading to passenger overcrowding at Manggarai Station during rush hour on Wednesday. The delay, starting around 3:55 PM, lasted approximately seven minutes before services returned to normal. PT KAI Commuter apologised for the inconvenience and urged passengers to monitor updates via official social media channels.

Neighbouring Countries' Fuel Prices Equivalent to Pertalite Reach Rp33,000 per Litre

Fuel prices equivalent to Indonesia's subsidised Pertalite have surged to around Rp33,000 per litre in neighbouring countries like New Zealand and Australia, driven by global crude oil price spikes due to supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In contrast, Indonesia maintains stable prices for subsidised fuels at Rp10,000 per litre for Pertalite, supported by government subsidies that shield consumers from international volatility. The article also highlights that countries such as Egypt, Thailand, and the Philippines continue to offer low-octane fuels below RON 92 to cater to affordability and older vehicle needs, underscoring Indonesia's relatively fortunate position amid rising global energy costs.

Frequently Raided, Here’s Why Masseurs Are Banned on Malioboro

Yogyakarta City authorities are enforcing rules in the Malioboro pedestrian area by regularly raiding masseurs who offer services there, citing violations of pedestrian regulations, visitor complaints about unpleasant smells from massage oils, and unsightly practices like scraping. Officials can only warn and educate the masseurs and visitors, lacking authority for arrests, but encourage certified masseurs to operate in nearby side areas or establish proper businesses to maintain the area's public space integrity. This ongoing effort aims to preserve Malioboro as a cultural heritage zone free from unregulated activities, promoting appropriate use of public facilities.

BI Governor Affirms Indonesia's Economy is Resilient Against Global Turbulence, Here is the Reason

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo has reaffirmed the strength of Indonesia's economic fundamentals, which he says make the country resilient to global geopolitical uncertainties, including the Middle East conflict. Key indicators include low inflation around 2.5±1 percent, economic growth above 5 percent, stable rupiah exchange rates, sustained banking credit growth, low current account deficit, and robust foreign exchange reserves. He highlighted ongoing coordination with the government on measures such as energy transition acceleration, biofuel programmes, and cultural work transformations to maintain stability and support positive growth.