Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza has stated that while the national automotive industry still requires incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), their continuation will depend on the country's fiscal situation. This comes amid a new regulation that removes EVs from exemptions on motor vehicle tax (PKB) and motor vehicle transfer tax (BBNKB), allowing regional governments to set varying tax rates or provide reductions. Faisol emphasised the government's commitment to accelerating energy transformation in the automotive sector, urging regional administrations to support presidential directives for cleaner energy adoption.

A criminal law expert from Trisakti University, Abdul Fickar Hadjar, has emphasised that police must possess a valid search warrant before conducting any searches, criticising arbitrary actions based solely on suspicion. This statement arises from a viral incident in Jakarta Barat where plainclothes officers stopped a vehicle on Jalan Daan Mogot over suspected drug transactions, but ultimately did not proceed with the search due to the driver's non-cooperation and the presence of a minor. The case highlights the importance of legal procedures under the Criminal Procedure Code to ensure the legitimacy of police operations and protect public rights.

Muhammad Sarmuji, a member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VI, has praised the government's efforts in positioning the country as relatively resilient against the global energy crisis projected for 2026, ranking second worldwide according to JPMorgan research with a resilience score of 77%. This achievement is particularly notable amid geopolitical tensions from the Iran-US-Israel conflict disrupting global energy supplies, despite Indonesia's status as a net energy importer. Sarmuji urged continued focus on strengthening the national energy mix, accelerating renewable energy development, and enhancing overall efficiency to ensure long-term independence and preparedness for future risks.

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs is proactively reaching out to neglected or out-of-school children in Jakarta by scouring markets and street intersections, aiming to enrol them in the new People's Schools initiative. So far, 77 children have been identified, with 29 found on the streets, and verification processes are underway to prepare them for the new academic year starting mid-July. The government has established 10 pilot school locations across Jakarta and surrounding areas, capable of accommodating over 1,000 students, utilising existing public buildings in collaboration with various ministries and institutions.

In a corruption trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court, the legal team of former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim failed to attend the hearing scheduled for examining witnesses and experts, resulting in an adjournment to 27 April. Nadiem, accused of causing a state loss of Rp2.18 trillion through improper procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management systems during his tenure from 2019 to 2022, was present in custody despite being ill and not brought to the courtroom. The case involves allegations of collusion with other defendants and receiving illicit funds linked to investments from Google via his companies.

The Indonesian government has launched the Indonesian Cooperative Energy Independence Programme (PKEKI), a national renewable energy initiative aimed at reaching over 80,000 village cooperatives across the country, in collaboration with PT Energy Absolute GreenX Indonesia. This programme, described as Asia's largest cooperative-based renewable energy effort, seeks to accelerate national energy independence, empower grassroots economies, and facilitate a transition to low-carbon development through solar microgrids integrated with battery storage systems, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas. By combining cooperative models with scalable infrastructure, PKEKI is poised to attract long-term investments, bolster energy resilience, and support Indonesia's net zero emissions targets, positioning the nation as a key destination for clean energy investments in Asia and ASEAN.

Indonesia's Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation surrounding vaccine safety, halal status, and other misleading narratives that undermine public trust in national immunisation programmes. Highlighting communication as a key pillar in health system transformation, officials emphasise the need for coordinated public relations strategies to address vaccine hesitancy, which has led to uneven coverage rates and a rise in zero-dose children. The initiative, themed around strengthening government PR synergies, aims to enhance grassroots communication and amplify positive messaging to achieve higher immunisation targets by 2025.

The Indonesian government has issued a final ultimatum to the Wikimedia Foundation to register as a Private Electronic System Operator (PSE), threatening potential shutdown of Wikipedia in the country if it fails to comply. This move underscores Indonesia's commitment to enforcing digital sovereignty and ensuring all global platforms operating within its borders adhere to national laws. Experts praise the step as a necessary assertion of regulatory equality, though they advise a balanced approach to maintain positive international relations, citing similar measures in countries like India.

A private-sector alliance, B57+ Asia Pacific Regional Chapter, is intensifying efforts to harness the global halal industry's projected growth to $9.5 trillion by 2030, positioning Indonesia as a central hub for trade and investment among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states. Backed by business leaders and policymakers, including Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar, the initiative seeks to foster economic multilateralism amid geopolitical challenges, expanding beyond OIC countries to markets like Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand. This collaboration aims to integrate supply chains and establish halal standards globally, leveraging Indonesia's largest Muslim population to drive productivity and shared prosperity.

Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Perry Warjiyo has affirmed that the rupiah is currently undervalued relative to Indonesia's strong economic fundamentals, including high growth above 5%, low inflation, and attractive domestic financial yields, expecting the currency to stabilise and strengthen. BI is intensifying interventions through forex transactions and maintaining monetary expansion to ensure liquidity, while supporting government policies to counter global uncertainties like Middle East tensions and rising energy prices. Projections for 2026 include economic growth of 4.9-5.7%, inflation within 2.5% ±1%, and credit growth of 8-12%.

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has expressed concerns over the removal of tax exemptions for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), warning that the elimination of motor vehicle tax (PKB) and motor vehicle ownership transfer tax (BBNKB) waivers could increase ownership costs and hinder the transition to electric mobility. Despite significant growth in electric vehicle sales, reaching 103,931 units in 2025 compared to 43,188 in 2024, officials hope the trend remains stable amid these changes introduced by the new Ministerial Regulation No. 11 of 2026. While taxes on electric vehicles may still be lower than for conventional fuel vehicles depending on local policies, the shift marks a potential setback for incentivising electrification in Indonesia's automotive sector.

The Indonesian rupiah closed at 17,180 per US dollar on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, weakening by 38 points from the previous day, influenced by Bank Indonesia's decision to maintain its benchmark BI Rate at 4.75 percent. This depreciation was exacerbated by a strengthening US dollar amid US President Donald Trump's announcement of an indefinite ceasefire extension with Iran while upholding a naval blockade, alongside potential shifts in Federal Reserve leadership. Domestically, fiscal pressures from debt burdens and global economic disruptions from Middle East conflicts further pressured the currency, as BI aims to stabilise the rupiah through its monetary policy adjustments.

Eight regional governments in North Sumatra have committed to providing inter-regional grants totaling hundreds of billions of rupiah to disaster-affected areas in Aceh, following a circular from the Minister of Home Affairs urging national solidarity. This initiative, spearheaded by the Head of the Task Force for Accelerating Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, aims to address funding shortfalls in Aceh where some areas did not receive refunds of regional transfer funds, while supporting the construction of permanent housing and restoration of government functions. The central government will oversee the grant distribution to ensure transparency and effectiveness as the disaster response transitions from emergency to recovery phase.

Apple has appointed John Ternus as its new CEO, succeeding Tim Cook, highlighting the company's tradition of promoting from within. Ternus, a key figure in hardware engineering who contributed to innovations in iPad, AirPods, and iPhones, shared in a 2024 alumni speech how his first day at Apple in 2001 left him feeling intimidated by the brilliant team but grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow. Under his leadership as Senior VP, Ternus oversaw significant advancements, including the shift to Apple-designed chips, positioning him to drive future innovations at the tech giant.

Manulife Wealth & Asset Management has completed its acquisition of PT Schroder Investment Management Indonesia through PT Manulife Aset Manajemen Indonesia, aiming to enhance investment options for Indonesian investors by combining strengths in fixed-income and equity mutual funds. Paul Lorentz, President and CEO of Global Wealth and Asset Management at Manulife, emphasised that the move is not merely about scaling up but providing diverse offerings, with a focus on long-term perspectives in Asian markets like Indonesia, India, and China over 10-year horizons. This strategic acquisition positions Manulife to build sustainable growth in maturing capital markets, prioritising future development over short-term gains.

Bank Syariah Nasional (BSN) has strengthened its commitment to the national sharia financial ecosystem by enhancing SiPA services through a cooperation agreement with BCA Syariah and Bank Aladin Syariah, signed in Jakarta. As Indonesia's second-largest sharia bank with assets of Rp72.9 trillion, BSN aims to boost efficiency and stability in the industry, addressing challenges like low market share (7-8%) and sharia financial literacy (43%) in the world's largest Muslim population. This collaboration is expected to foster a more modern, liquid, and resilient sharia financial system, enhancing interbank trust and global competitiveness.

An elderly couple from Tangerang, Saanih Sitak Rowah (65) and Suhe Gani Keneng (82), are embarking on their Hajj pilgrimage this year after a seven-year wait, ahead of their scheduled 2027 departure, thanks to prioritisation for their advanced age and divine favour. Funded entirely by their eldest child, Saanih, who is wheelchair-bound due to a recent fall, expresses profound gratitude amid the challenges, while Suhe, the oldest in their group with prior Umrah experience, remains optimistic about supporting her. This personal story highlights Indonesia's Hajj quota of 221,000 for 2026, managed in two waves by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, underscoring the significance of religious travel for the elderly within national policy frameworks.

A group of Indonesian citizens has filed a lawsuit at the Constitutional Court challenging provisions in the 2009 Aviation Law that they argue create information asymmetry between airlines and passengers, particularly regarding transparency in explaining flight delays. The petitioners claim that airlines often provide unsubstantiated reasons for delays, such as weather or technical issues, without verifiable evidence, weakening passengers' legal recourse and bargaining power. They seek a ruling to declare certain articles unconstitutional unless interpreted to mandate greater transparency and allow passengers to sue for compensation in district courts.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, accompanied by Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf and Head of the National Institute of Public Administration Muhammad Taufik, visited the People's School site in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, to assess its readiness and interact with over 70 prospective students from extremely poor families. The initiative targets school dropouts and those who have never attended school, with the Ministry of Social Affairs having established 166 pilot schools across 38 provinces, accommodating 15,900 students, and planning 101 permanent schools by 2026 as part of a broader goal to build 500 by 2029. This government programme underscores efforts to provide equitable education access to vulnerable children, addressing social inequality through direct outreach and data matching with the National Socio-Economic Single Data.

The Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation (Komdigi) has emphasised the need for repeated and multi-stakeholder socialisation efforts regarding Government Regulation Number 17 of 2026 on the Protection of Children and Adolescents in the Digital Space (PP Tunas) to effectively raise awareness among young people. The City Government of Tangerang's strategy of collaborating with various regional agencies, such as the Communication and Informatics Office, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Office, and Education Office, is praised for enhancing the initiative's impact by leveraging complementary roles in digital child protection. This approach aims to ensure that children view the regulations not as restrictions but as protective measures, aligning digital activities with age-appropriate boundaries.

The Indonesian government has announced a firm step in tightening child protection in the digital space, with YouTube complying by restricting access for users under 16 years old. This policy follows Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Child Protection in Electronic Systems, known as PP Tunas, and includes deactivating underage accounts, halting ads targeting children, and adjusting community guidelines. The move signifies a significant shift in regulating global digital platforms in Indonesia, enhancing the country's leverage over major tech companies while safeguarding children from harmful content and exploitation.

The Jakarta Provincial Government is expanding its free private school programme, increasing the number of participating schools from 40 in the 2025-2026 academic year to 103 in 2026-2027, with an additional 63 schools added. This initiative, governed by Jakarta Governor Regulation No. 34 of 2025, targets private schools in areas lacking public institutions, which must meet criteria such as continuous operation, accreditation, and receipt of government funding without levying fees on students. The budget for the programme has more than doubled to Rp 282.4 billion, supporting improvements in facilities, teacher salaries, and student outcomes, particularly for vocational and special needs education.

Indonesia's horticulture sector is under significant pressure from climate change and escalating production costs, including fertiliser, pesticide, and plastic prices that have surged by 40% to over 100%. PT East West Seed Indonesia (Ewindo) is addressing these issues by developing adaptive, high-quality seed varieties that can boost yields by 20-50% and ensure continuous supply of fresh vegetables. The company also promotes urban farming and agricultural education to enhance sustainable practices and healthy food consumption.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, has revealed that ongoing discussions with Roblox aim to secure the platform's full compliance with PP Tunas, a regulation designed to protect children's digital spaces. While Roblox has introduced age-specific features like Roblox Kids and Roblox Select, the ministry deems these adjustments insufficient for full adherence. In contrast, YouTube has already updated its policies to disable accounts for users under 16 in Indonesia, highlighting varying levels of platform responsiveness to national safeguards.

Children of the Saung Taraju Jumantara community in Tasikmalaya, West Java, are facing severe bullying at school, including isolation, stigma of heresy, and death threats, following the arson attack on their communal hall two weeks prior. Legal aid representatives have reported police coercion to recite Islamic declarations and sign statements waiving claims, while local authorities' slow response has exacerbated human rights violations against this minority group adhering to Sunda cultural philosophies. The incident stems from accusations of spreading deviant teachings, highlighting tensions between local wisdom practices and orthodox religious groups, with broader implications for minority rights and religious freedom in Indonesia.

Prospective property buyers in Indonesia often inquire about the differences between "ready stock" houses, which are completed and immediately habitable, and "indent" houses, which are sold off-plan before construction begins. According to real estate experts, ready stock units allow buyers to inspect the physical condition and take possession right after payment, either in cash or via mortgage, whereas indent units are built only after a down payment is made, offering potential advantages in design preferences and lower initial prices. This distinction influences consumer choices, with indent appealing to those prioritising customisation and affordability, while ready stock suits buyers seeking quick occupancy and verified quality.

Russia and North Korea have completed the construction of a highway bridge over the Tumen River, linking the two nations, with operations set to begin in June 2026 to enhance the mobility of goods and people across the border. Announced by Primorsky Krai Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, the project symbolises strengthening bilateral ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, underscored by the bridge's groundbreaking ceremony led by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and its strategic economic and geopolitical value. This infrastructure development aligns with broader cooperation, including military support where North Korea reportedly sent 14,000 troops to aid Russia in the Ukraine conflict in 2024.

The Indonesian government is accelerating the construction of 100 new warehouses equipped with modern storage technology from BRIN to handle a national rice stock surge of 4.9 million tonnes, enabling rice preservation for up to two years. With a budget of approximately Rp5 trillion, the project prioritises remote (3T) areas, production centres, and regions lacking adequate facilities, adding 900,000 tonnes of storage capacity through Perum Bulog. This initiative, supported by presidential instructions, also includes post-harvest facilities like dryers and milling units to bolster food security amid rising production.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health emphasises the importance of a holistic approach to managing psychological challenges during the Hajj pilgrimage, particularly for the 221,000 Indonesian pilgrims expected in 2026, including 11,000 elderly participants. Officials highlight risks such as stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances exacerbated by environmental factors, new Saudi regulations, and the pilgrimage's physical demands, with 10-15% of pilgrims requiring special mental health attention. To address these, pre-departure counselling, stress management training, and dedicated health teams are being implemented to ensure a calmer and more spiritually fulfilling experience.

Eight local governments in North Sumatra have committed to providing inter-regional grants totaling over Rp 240 billion to support recovery efforts in disaster-affected areas of Aceh, following a directive from the Minister of Home Affairs. This initiative, prompted by Aceh's exclusion from central government fund refunds while North Sumatra received significant returns despite minor impacts, exemplifies national solidarity and aims to accelerate rehabilitation, including permanent housing and government function restoration. The move highlights collaborative governance in addressing post-disaster challenges across provinces.

The Depok City Government has initiated the construction of a new five-storey building for the Metro Depok Police Resort, with a contract signed on 20 April 2026 and an expected completion by the end of the year, costing Rp 40 billion. The project, managed by the Housing and Settlement Agency, aims to enhance police services through improved facilities spanning nearly 8,000 square metres, including operational support spaces. This development underscores the synergy between local government and vertical institutions to bolster public security and administrative efficiency in the region.

Indonesia's vegetable consumption currently stands at just 38.5 kilocalories per day, far below the WHO's recommended minimum of 62.5 kilocalories, necessitating a doubling to support the success of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Agriculture expert Bayu Krisnamurthi emphasises the need to strengthen the vegetable food system from production to distribution, highlighting the programme's long-term benefits for human resource quality, economic productivity, and nutrition among vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, and school pupils. By February 2026, the MBG initiative has reached over 61 million beneficiaries through thousands of operational units, aiming to reduce stunting and enhance overall public health.

Boeing reported a significant improvement in its financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, with revenue increasing 18 percent to $22.2 billion and net losses shrinking sharply to just $7 million. This progress, driven by higher commercial aircraft deliveries, underscores the company's ongoing efforts to stabilise operations and recover in its commercial and defence segments amid persistent production and supply chain challenges. The backlog nearing $700 billion signals strong future demand, while expansions and certifications for the 737 MAX variants are on track for 2026 and 2027.

The Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) has questioned over 15 witnesses, including internal and external parties from the Ombudsman, in the ongoing corruption investigation concerning nickel mining operations in Southeast Sulawesi that implicates former Ombudsman Chairman Hery Susanto. Hery, now a suspect, is accused of receiving Rp 1.5 billion from a company director to influence policy corrections favouring the firm PT TSHI. This case underscores the challenges in combating corruption within public oversight institutions and the mining sector's governance in Indonesia.

The Bekasi City Spatial Planning Department demolished 72 illegal buildings along the secondary channel of Kali Baru Canal on land owned by Perum Jasa Tirta II, intended for future road and drainage infrastructure development. The operation, which some residents partially undertook voluntarily, targeted structures in several neighbourhood units lacking legal ownership documents, following administrative warnings and negotiations. Affected residents, including one who has lived there for 15 years with her family, expressed disappointment at receiving no compensation and plan to repurpose salvaged materials elsewhere.

PT Telkom Indonesia has launched the Kartini BISA Fest from 20 to 24 April 2026 in Jakarta to commemorate Hari Kartini, offering AI training, UMKM certification, and digital security education to empower women in the digital era. With women leading 64.5% of Indonesia's 37 million UMKM according to 2024 BPS data, the initiative addresses economic opportunities alongside challenges like online gender-based violence and cyberbullying. By reinterpreting R.A. Kartini's philosophy, Telkom aims to foster inclusive technological growth, including sessions for 350 young participants on creating safe digital spaces.

The legal team representing Nadiem Makarim, former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, boycotted the latest hearing in his ongoing corruption trial over the procurement of Chromebook laptops for Indonesia's education digitalisation programme, leading to a postponement. The case alleges that Nadiem, along with other defendants, engaged in corrupt practices that caused a state loss of Rp2.18 trillion through irregular procurement processes between 2019 and 2022. This development highlights potential procedural challenges in one of Indonesia's high-profile corruption cases involving public officials.

The Indonesian government plans to revise the food assistance programme by no longer relying on Minyakita cooking oil, aiming to preserve its supply in traditional markets. Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan explained that the high demand from the programme, which provides two litres to 33 million beneficiary families, has depleted stocks and driven up prices. Trade Minister Budi Santoso noted that discussions with producers are underway to allow various brands at the same price, ensuring balanced distribution without disrupting public supply.

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has stressed that all Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) must adhere to the technical guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the agency to ensure the quality of providers and services. Speaking in Padang, West Sumatra, on Wednesday (22/4), he revealed that operations of at least over a thousand SPPG have been temporarily suspended due to non-compliance with these SOPs. This enforcement underscores BGN's commitment to maintaining high standards in national nutrition programmes amid ongoing efforts to address public health challenges.

Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian shared a simple yet warm lunch with IPDN cadets in Aceh Tamiang as part of efforts to accelerate post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction in Sumatra following severe flooding. The cadets, part of the third wave deployment comprising 731 first-level trainees, have been instrumental in cleaning mud deposits from office complexes and residential areas without any violations, earning praise from the minister. This event, attended by Coordinating Minister Pratikno, Aceh's Deputy Governor Fadhlullah, and the local regent, underscores the collaborative government response to disaster recovery and the positive contributions of public administration trainees.

The Indonesian government aims to commence construction of five Waste-to-Energy (WtE) facilities in June 2026, marking a significant step in addressing urban waste management through renewable energy production. These sites in Bekasi, Yogyakarta, Greater Bogor, and Greater Denpasar will implement presidential regulations focused on environmentally friendly technologies, with plans to expand to 30 locations across 61 districts and cities. The initiative, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, is expected to process over 33,000 tonnes of waste daily, promote technology transfer from fossil fuels, and enhance public health by reducing environmental risks near landfills.

Pertamina Commissioner Nanik S. Deyang and former Presidential Office Head Hasan Nasbi have confirmed the smooth availability and distribution of fuel oil (BBM) and LPG in Sorong, Southwest Papua, highlighting the success of the single-price fuel programme in maintaining social and economic stability in eastern regions. Stock levels in Sorong exceed those in Java, providing up to 20 days of supply and ensuring public confidence, with no shortages or disruptions observed during inspections at a local fuel station and LPG agent. This effort underscores Pertamina's role as an agent of development, particularly amid global fuel price hikes, and optimises energy access in remote areas.

The Ministry of Trade, in collaboration with Tokopedia and TikTok Shop, has launched a training programme on intellectual property and digital marketing for hundreds of female entrepreneurs, timed to coincide with Kartini Day, to empower women-led SMEs in Indonesia. With nearly 65% of the country's 64 million SMEs run by women, the initiative addresses the critical gaps where over 88% lack IP protection and 68% have not embraced digital platforms, aiming to foster sustainable businesses through enhanced visibility and transaction growth. Participants can benefit from exclusive marketing access, with some sellers reporting transaction increases of over 15-fold after joining premium ecosystems like Tokopedia Mall.

Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra has defended the right of academics, including Feri Amsari and Ubedilah Badrun, to criticise the Prabowo Subianto government without fear of criminalisation, following police reports against them. He emphasised that ethical mechanisms should precede any criminal proceedings for civil servants, and opinions do not constitute incitement unless proven otherwise. Yusril advised the academics to cooperate with police clarifications, noting that not all reports lead to investigations.

Police in Bekasi City have uncovered a new method of illegally distributing Schedule G controlled drugs like tramadol and eximer, involving individuals waiting at specific points for buyers, including children, to approach and complete transactions via a discreet "sticker system." This shift from open sales at shops to cash-on-delivery (COD) models, particularly in Rawalumbu and East Bekasi areas, poses detection challenges for law enforcement. Authorities are expanding investigations into broader networks and urging public reports to combat the spread, highlighting risks of excessive boldness leading to crimes.

Three major Indonesian sharia banks—Bank Aladin Syariah, Bank Syariah Nasional, and Bank BCA Syariah—have collaborated to deepen the sharia money market using the Sharia Interbank Fund Management Certificate (SiPA), aiming to enhance transaction efficiency and security while adhering to sharia principles. The initiative, signed on 22 April 2025, boasts a potential transaction volume approaching Rp 1 trillion and utilises collateral such as Sharia State Securities and Bank Indonesia Sukuk for transparency. This partnership is expected to boost the sharia banking market share, currently at 7%, and aligns with Bank Indonesia's efforts to activate the sharia financial market, with SiPA transactions rising significantly from zero in 2020 to 34% of total interbank sharia money market volume in 2024.

Bank Indonesia (BI) has enhanced the interest rate structure of its pro-market monetary instruments, particularly the Indonesian Rupiah Securities (SRBI), to encourage foreign capital inflows and support rupiah stability amid global dynamics. This policy has resulted in significant net inflows of Rp54.3 trillion into SRBI and Rp10-11 trillion into government securities year-to-date, bolstering external sector resilience. BI also continues to purchase government securities and maintain 24-hour market presence to ensure liquidity and economic stability, with the rupiah at Rp17,140 per US dollar as of 21 April 2026.

Former Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mahfud MD has defended political scientist Saiful Mujani against police reports accusing him of treason and incitement following statements perceived as calls to oust President Prabowo Subianto. Mahfud argues that Mujani's expressions are constitutionally protected under Articles 28E of the 1945 Constitution and Law No. 9 of 1998, emphasising that mere opinions do not meet the legal thresholds for treason, which requires actions to dismantle or replace the government structure. He warns that pursuing such charges sets a dangerous precedent for criminalising dissent and stifling free speech in future administrations.

Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has endorsed efforts to curb non-communicable diseases by limiting sugar, salt, and fat (GGL) intake through the introduction of Nutri Level labelling on processed food packaging. The new regulation, recently signed by BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar, mandates a front-of-pack system grading products from A (lowest GGL, dark green) to D (highest, red) to guide consumers towards healthier choices. This initiative aims to heighten public awareness and promote informed dietary decisions amid rising health concerns.

The Saudi Arabian government has inaugurated the fourth terminal under the Makkah Route Initiative at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, Indonesia, coinciding with the departure of the first group of Hajj pilgrims to Madinah. This initiative aims to provide high-quality services to participating countries' pilgrims by allowing them to complete procedures such as electronic visa issuance, biometric data recording, immigration checks, and baggage labelling in their home countries before arriving in Saudi Arabia. The streamlined process enables pilgrims to proceed directly to accommodation in Makkah and Madinah upon arrival, enhancing efficiency and comfort for Indonesian Hajj participants and strengthening bilateral ties in religious tourism.