Indonesia's Health Ministry has recorded 412 malaria-free regions as part of its commitment to eliminate the disease nationwide by 2030, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Acting Director General Andi Saguni highlighted that 95 percent of cases originate from Papua, urging joint efforts from central and regional governments and the public to sustain progress, as exemplified by Maybrat District in Southwest Papua becoming the first malaria-free area there in 2025. He emphasised the need for consistent, tailored strategies to prevent re-emergence, with certificates to be issued to qualifying districts and mayors by 2025.

The Indonesian E-commerce Association (idEA) advocates for proportional and transparent measures to protect micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the digital marketplace, emphasising the need to consider industry financing structures and ensure fair platform fees. idEA's Secretary General, Budi Primawan, highlights the importance of cost transparency, flexible service options, and ongoing education for sellers to foster MSME growth while sustaining digital platform businesses. The association is engaging with relevant ministries to balance MSME protection with business certainty and a healthy digital ecosystem, addressing complaints about rising platform usage costs in the absence of specific regulations.

The Indonesian government's ambitious plan to build and reactivate 12,000 kilometres of railway network raises critical questions about who will fund the construction, operations, and maintenance of this infrastructure, amid concerns over increasing national debt without commensurate benefits. The article examines the perspectives of railway operators, the government, and the public, highlighting conflicts in cost allocation and the blurring lines between public and business functions in state-owned enterprises. It proposes three financing models, weighing their advantages and risks, such as efficiency gains versus potential neglect of less profitable routes, to ensure sustainable development and affordable services.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, announced plans to request additional Indonesian National Police (Polri) personnel in Saudi Arabia to improve Hajj operations, enhance coordination with Saudi authorities, and better protect pilgrims. The initiative includes forming a Hajj Task Force with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal Hajj practices and address crimes involving Indonesian citizens, such as recent arrests of three Indonesians for fraud with fake Hajj documents. This move underscores the government's commitment to tightening regulations and recruitment procedures to ensure safer and more secure pilgrimages.

In response to a fatal train accident in Bekasi that killed 15 people, the Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps plans to install electronic traffic enforcement cameras (ETLE) and station personnel at railway level crossings to prevent violations that lead to such incidents. The measures, which include selective placement based on risk assessments and collaboration with local police, are temporary until safer infrastructure like automatic gates, flyovers, and underpasses can be built. This initiative aims to enhance public discipline and avert future tragedies at these high-risk points.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, has emphasised the need for regulating children's access to digital spaces to shield them from risks such as online scams and harmful content, as highlighted during an event at SMPN 1 Jakarta. Through Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection (PP TUNAS), the government is enforcing strict measures, including delaying social media account creation until age 16, amid rising online sexual violence cases. This initiative, supported by collaborations between government, schools, and families, aims to foster focused learning, social development, and a resilient future generation.

The Jakarta Barat Police Chief, Kombes Pol Twedi Aditya Bennyahdi, has denied claims that any residential units were directly impacted by a fire that broke out in the basement of the Mediterania Apartment in Tanjung Duren Selatan on Thursday morning, attributing misleading social media images to misinformation. Although smoke reached up to the 33rd floor, prompting an ongoing evacuation that has successfully rescued 89 residents so far, with around 20 suffering respiratory issues and requiring hospital treatment, the air quality is improving and no units were touched by flames. This incident underscores the importance of accurate information during emergencies in high-rise residential buildings in urban Jakarta.

Acting Regent of Bekasi, Asep, visited 11 local residents injured in a train accident who are receiving treatment at Bekasi District Hospital, providing them with compensation and noting that some are recovering and may soon be discharged. The district is offering Rp 20 million death benefits to the families of the 12 deceased Bekasi residents out of 16 total fatalities. This support extends to post-recovery check-ups at the hospital to ensure accessibility for victims.

The Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Asep Saepudin Jahar, urges a constructive and balanced approach to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology's proposals to regulate and close university programmes deemed irrelevant to industry needs. He emphasises that UIN's Islamic-based education extends beyond market demands to include knowledge development, character building, and contributions to civilisation, advocating for evaluations through tracer studies and curriculum updates to enhance graduate competitiveness while preserving Islamic and national values. This stance aligns with the Minister's clarification that programmes will be developed based on relevance rather than closed, highlighting the need for synergy between education, industry, and policy to boost Indonesia's global competitiveness.

Two officers from Badung Police Resort's Traffic Unit, Aiptu NA and Aiptu IGNAA, are facing an intensive internal probe by the Professional and Security Division (Propam) after a viral video showed them nearly demanding Rp 500,000 from a foreign tourist couple under the guise of a traffic fine. The incident, recorded secretly by the male foreign tourist—a content creator using camera glasses—occurred in March 2026 at a police post in North Kuta, prompting police to investigate both the officers' procedural compliance and potential legal issues with the video's dissemination. Chief of Badung Police, AKBP Joseph Edward Purba, has vowed firm action if violations are confirmed, emphasising this as a lesson in enhancing public service integrity amid widespread surveillance.

In an increasingly digital financial landscape, the ability to convert digital gold investments into physical forms addresses persistent consumer concerns about trust and tangibility, bridging the gap between virtual convenience and real-world security. This hybrid approach enhances investor confidence by allowing seamless transactions via apps while offering the option to hold certified gold bars, mitigating risks associated with storage and liquidity in traditional physical gold ownership. As interest in gold as a stable asset grows amid economic uncertainties, such innovations are transforming how Indonesians perceive and engage with investments, combining practicality and peace of mind.

The Indonesian Ombudsman (ORI) has partnered with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkum) to enhance oversight of public services in areas such as legal administration, intellectual property, and legal aid, building on a previous memorandum of understanding. This collaboration aims to ensure optimal service delivery in compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures, potentially extending supervision to village levels. The initiative is expected to foster better institutional relations and deliver tangible benefits to the public by preventing maladministration and improving service quality across key aspects like policy, human resources, and innovation.

A former director at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Mulyatsah, has been sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison by the Jakarta Corruption Court for corruption in the procurement of Chromebook laptops, causing a state loss of Rp 2.1 trillion. The court also imposed a fine of Rp 500 million and restitution of Rp 2.28 billion, with additional penalties if unpaid. This case highlights ongoing issues of graft in Indonesia's education sector, particularly under former Minister Nadiem Makarim's tenure.

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar has urged all companies to strengthen social protection for their employees through participation in BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, highlighting its role in safeguarding workers against risks such as accidents, death, and retirement. During a visit to the family of the late Nur Ainia Eka Rahmadhyna, a victim of a recent train accident in Bekasi, he and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan Director Saiful Hidayat presented over Rp340 million in benefits, including death compensation and pension entitlements. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to social security as an untouchable national effort and praises companies like Kompas TV for fulfilling their moral obligations.

PT Asuransi Tugu Pratama Indonesia Tbk has reported a net profit of Rp762 billion for 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year, driven by improved operational performance and robust risk management. The company's Risk Based Capital ratio stood at 410.90 per cent, well above the regulatory minimum, while insurance service revenue rose to Rp9.11 trillion and investment returns reached Rp723 billion. This strong financial position, supported by positive cash flows and equity of Rp10.17 trillion, underscores the resilience of the insurance sector amid economic challenges, with recent board changes aimed at enhancing governance for future growth.

Researcher from INDEF's Center of Macroeconomics and Finance, Riza Annisa, has criticised the Indonesian government's management of social assistance and subsidies, pointing to persistent inaccuracies in beneficiary data that hinder effective targeting. She emphasised the need to address the vulnerabilities of the middle class and redirect programmes like the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative away from affluent schools towards impoverished and remote areas, including extreme poverty pockets on Java and 3T regions. This realignment, integrated with existing nutrition efforts, is crucial for optimising limited budgets and supporting vulnerable children and families amid economic pressures.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned Ruben R. Prabu Faza, the Deputy Chairman of the Pekalongan Regency DPRD, as a witness in the ongoing corruption investigation involving former Regent Fadia Arafiq, focusing on his role at PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya (RNB), a family-owned company. The probe centres on alleged corrupt practices in outsourcing service procurements within the Pekalongan Regency Government, where PT RNB, staffed by Arafiq's family and trusted associates, secured contracts worth billions of rupiah. This case highlights conflicts of interest in local government procurement, with Arafiq and her family allegedly receiving Rp19 billion from the deals, underscoring the KPK's efforts to combat corruption during Ramadan.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its withdrawal from OPEC+ effective 1 May 2026, driven by long-term economic strategies to monetise its oil reserves amid the global energy transition and geopolitical frictions with Saudi Arabia. This move undermines OPEC's ability to stabilise oil markets, especially amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions threatening the Strait of Hormuz, leaving Saudi Arabia with the bulk of spare capacity responsibilities. For Indonesia, a net oil importer, the exit serves as a critical wake-up call, potentially impacting its macroeconomic stability, fiscal policies, and future energy strategies in an increasingly volatile global energy landscape.

Indonesia's Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) closed lower on Thursday, declining 2.03% to 6,956.80, amid a mix of global risk-off sentiment and domestic pressures including free float issues, HSC, and index rebalancing. Market analyst Reydi Octa noted that foreign investors are adopting a defensive stance with net selling, awaiting clarity on global interest rates, rupiah stability, and domestic regulations. While short-term sideways movement with potential weakening is expected, opportunities for technical rebounds remain if strong catalysts emerge.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has confirmed that long-distance train operations departing from Pasar Senen and Gambir stations in Jakarta have returned to normal following an accident at Bekasi Timur Station. During the Labour Day holiday period from 30 April to 4 May 2026, KAI is operating 68 regular trains plus eight additional services, providing 196,317 seats with nearly half already sold. The highest departure volume is expected on 30 April, with a significant increase in return traffic anticipated at the end of the holiday.

PT Chery Sales Indonesia has opened its second training centre in Makassar, in collaboration with the Balai Besar Pelatihan Vokasi dan Produktivitas (BBPVP) under the Ministry of Manpower, to enhance technical competencies and after-sales service quality in eastern Indonesia. This initiative supports long-term commitments to human resource development and the national automotive ecosystem, targeting Makassar's role as a gateway to eastern Indonesia amid its 5.39% economic growth in Q3 2025. The centre focuses on technical skills, service, and product knowledge, including Train the Trainer programmes and quality improvement studies to bridge industry needs with sustainable workforce training.

Indodana Fintech, a licensed and OJK-supervised lending platform, allows users to cancel approved loan applications before the funds are disbursed to their accounts, providing an opportunity for more informed decision-making. Cancellation is possible through the app for newly approved loans or those offering less than 50% of the requested amount, while larger approvals require waiting up to 14 days for automatic cancellation if not claimed. Once funds are transferred, the loan becomes binding, and users must repay according to the agreed terms, emphasising the importance of understanding procedures to avoid unnecessary debt.

Indonesia recorded over 700,000 malaria cases in 2025, a significant rise from 543,000 the previous year, with more than 95% concentrated in Papua, highlighting the critical need for targeted interventions in eastern regions to meet the 2030 elimination goal. The Ministry of Health reports progress, with 80% of districts declared malaria-free, but challenges persist due to population mobility and weather conditions favouring mosquito breeding. Emphasising collaboration across government, private sector, and communities, the 2026 World Malaria Day theme underscores the urgency of ending malaria as a national imperative.

Willy Aditya, Chairman of DPR Commission XIII, has emphasised that the Indonesian state is obligated to protect all human rights defenders without restricting or defining who qualifies as an activist, aligning with the President's commitments in this area. He highlighted the vulnerability of non-legal professionals among defenders, such as Mak Saodah, who face revictimisation despite the National Human Rights Commission's role in providing protection through bodies like the Witness and Victim Protection Agency. While critiquing the government's plan for an assessment team to verify activist status, Aditya views it as an opportunity to strengthen a more comprehensive protection system for human rights advocates in Indonesia.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has announced a strategic collaboration with Maybank Islamic Berhad to bolster Bank Jatim's sharia finance unit, emphasising the development of professional human resources in Islamic finance rather than mere conversions from conventional banking. This partnership also aims to expand the halal ecosystem and remittance services for Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia, while enhancing Bank Jatim's role within the Bank Business Group alongside other regional development banks to broaden market reach and economic scale. Through innovations like the third-generation J-Connect digital platform, the initiative seeks to accelerate financial inclusion and transform Bank Jatim into a more adaptive and competitive institution serving a wider population.

Iranian authorities have claimed that 52 of their vessels, including 31 oil tankers and 21 cargo ships, successfully navigated through the US naval blockade of Iranian ports over a 72-hour period, based on satellite tracking data. This development occurs amid ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, which led to the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy markets and exacerbating economic concerns. Iran's recent proposal to reopen the strait in exchange for lifting the blockade was rejected by US President Donald Trump, who insists on a nuclear agreement before easing restrictions.

The Language Development and Cultivation Agency (Badan Bahasa) under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has partnered with Halu Oleo University (UHO) in Kendari to enhance literacy and proficiency in the Indonesian language among students in Southeast Sulawesi. This collaboration includes general lectures and mandatory certification in Indonesian language proficiency for graduation in the Indonesian Language and Literature programme, aiming to counter the declining use of standard Indonesian among youth in formal settings. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to strengthening language skills as a foundation for future careers and cultural preservation.

The Indonesian government has officially launched 13 national downstreaming projects in phase two, valued at Rp 116 trillion, with President Prabowo Subianto performing the groundbreaking in Cilacap, Central Java. These initiatives, spanning energy, minerals and metals, and agroindustry, aim to enhance domestic resource processing, reduce import dependency, strengthen supply chains, and create jobs while promoting economic equity across regions from Sumatra to Papua. Emphasising efficiency and integrity, the projects are projected to absorb 600,000 workers and include key developments like fuel tanks and coal processing to substitute imports.

The article highlights the irony of widespread discussions on Indonesia's Sharia economy amid stagnant progress on legal frameworks, particularly the stalled Sharia Economy Bill (RUU Ekonomi Syariah) as an umbrella act to integrate fragmented regulations. Despite positive growth in Sharia financial services and contributions to national GDP, the lack of political will in prioritising legislation creates bottlenecks that hinder institutional confidence and ecosystem coordination. It urges a shift from seminars to consolidated political action to ensure holistic development of the Sharia economy.

The IMF urges Asian economies to enhance intra-regional trade to buffer against global shocks, particularly energy vulnerabilities from Middle East conflicts, which could shave 1-2 percentage points off growth through 2027 and inflate prices by 1-4 points. Deeper integration within Asia and ASEAN, including reducing non-tariff barriers, could sustain growth, create jobs, and lessen reliance on distant markets like the US and Europe. Policymakers face eroded fiscal buffers post-crises, necessitating targeted support over broad subsidies to mitigate impacts on households and businesses.

Ahmad Luthfi, a key figure in Central Java, has engaged with labour unions to ensure the upcoming May Day celebrations proceed in an orderly and constructive manner, emphasising the importance of maintaining industrial harmony to attract investments. He highlighted that activities such as dialogues, seminars, and health walks will replace traditional protests, fostering positive relations among workers, companies, and the government amid global challenges. The Head of the Central Java Employment and Transmigration Office confirmed intensive coordination for localised events, underscoring the province's commitment to security and stability as key investment draws.

US President Donald Trump is set to receive a briefing on Thursday (30/4) from CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper regarding fresh plans for potential military action against Iran, amid stalled negotiations. The proposed options include short but intense strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure to force a more flexible stance on nuclear issues, as well as seizing parts of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen commercial shipping lanes, potentially involving ground forces. This escalation reflects Trump's preference for a naval blockade as a primary pressure tool, though he remains open to military action if Iran refuses to compromise, with US planners anticipating possible retaliatory responses.

Female commuters on Jakarta's KRL trains have rejected a proposal to relocate dedicated women's carriages from the ends to the middle of the train, arguing that it would reduce safety by allowing more male passengers to pass through. Instead, they suggest adding more women's carriages in the middle while keeping the existing ones at the ends to enhance comfort and protection. This feedback comes amid heightened anxiety following a recent collision between a commuter train and an intercity service at Bekasi Timur station, though many still prefer mixed carriages for daily travel.

Jakarta's DPRD Commission C has urged the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to eliminate several burdensome retribution fees and fines affecting small traders and vulnerable residents. Key recommendations include scrapping school canteen retributions to support student nutrition, waiving fines for temporary and supervised market traders, and removing one percent penalties for overdue payments by rusunawa inhabitants. This move aims to foster a more humane approach to local revenue policies while safeguarding the interests of small-scale entrepreneurs and low-income groups.

The Indonesian Tax Office has recorded 12.7 million annual tax return filings as of 30 April 2026, comprising nearly 12 million individual income tax returns and over 771,000 corporate ones, on the extended deadline day. Tax Director General Bimo Wijayanto urged remaining taxpayers to submit promptly, while the office considers extending the corporate filing deadline to the end of May with sanctions relief, following ministerial directives and similar concessions already granted to individuals. This move aims to boost compliance amid ongoing legal framework development for the extension and payment relaxations.

Following a KRL train collision, the Indonesian government and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) are intensifying efforts to regulate level crossings, including cracking down on illegal ones, and accelerating the double-double track (DDT) project to enhance railway safety. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that management of railway infrastructure will be handed over to KAI, with the ministry shifting to a regulatory role, impacting future DDT planning and investment. KRL services in the Jabodetabek area are set to resume after clearance from the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), while an audit is underway for the involved taxi company, Green SM, to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The distinction in judicial mechanisms between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) stems from Indonesia's judicial system and historical institutional reforms. TNI personnel are tried in military courts due to their role in national defence, while Polri members, separated from the military in 1999 and established as a civilian institution in 2002, are subject to general courts as they focus on public security and order. This separation ended the dual-function era of ABRI and ensures each institution adheres to its distinct legal framework.

LPPOM MUI is intensifying support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) ahead of the mandatory halal certification implementation in October 2026, which applies to the food and beverage sector, slaughtering services, and related products. To address challenges in sourcing halal raw materials, LPPOM hosted the "Halal Raw Materials Store, First Step Towards Resilient MSMEs" festival in Jakarta, attended by hundreds of MSME actors. This initiative aligns with Government Regulation No. 42/2024 and Minister of Religious Affairs Regulation No. 768/2021, emphasising the need for certified halal supply chains to bolster Indonesia's halal industry ecosystem.

A Jakarta court has sentenced two former subordinates of ex-Education Minister Nadiem Makarim to prison terms of four and four-and-a-half years for corruption in the procurement of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management systems, causing a state loss of Rp2.18 trillion. The officials, Sri Wahyuningsih and Mulyatsyah, were found guilty of colluding to overprice devices and procure unnecessary services, undermining government anti-corruption efforts and educational equity. The verdict, lighter than the prosecutors' six-year demand, highlights ongoing scrutiny of high-level procurement irregularities during the Jokowi administration.

Following two serious train accidents on 27 April 2026 involving commuter trains and a taxi in Bekasi, the Ampera level crossing has been upgraded with temporary iron gates replacing simple bamboo barriers, and transport department officials have been deployed to regulate traffic and enhance safety. Local guards, who monitor the busy crossing around the clock, express concerns over its narrowing width but hope it remains open as it serves as a vital community access point and their livelihood source. These improvements address long-standing safety issues at the decades-old crossing, potentially preventing future incidents amid high daily vehicle traffic.

East Java has been allocated the largest regular Hajj quota in Indonesia for 2026, with a total of 42,409 pilgrims, highlighting the province's significant Muslim population and the government's efforts to manage religious pilgrimages. This allocation underscores the importance of Hajj in Indonesian social and religious policy, as the Ministry of Religious Affairs distributes quotas based on provincial needs. The development facilitates smoother preparations for pilgrims departing from facilities like Surabaya's Juanda International Airport.

The Padang Class I A District Court in West Sumatra has sentenced Ari Asman, a drug trafficker caught with 50 kilograms of methamphetamine, to life imprisonment, despite prosecutors seeking the death penalty. The court found him guilty under Indonesia's Narcotics Law for possessing and distributing the substance, which originated from an international network in Malaysia. Both the prosecution and defence have reserved their positions on whether to appeal the verdict, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat large-scale drug trafficking in the region.

The Japan Food Machinery Manufacturers' Association (FOOMA) is set to host FOOMA JAPAN 2026, one of the world's largest food processing exhibitions, from 2 to 5 June 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight, under the theme "The Shift is On". Featuring over 1,000 exhibitors and 7,000 products, the event will showcase innovations in automation, digital transformation, and robotics, addressing global challenges in maintaining authentic Japanese culinary quality amid rising international popularity. With participation from leading Asian companies and a focus on precision engineering, FOOMA JAPAN 2026 highlights solutions for efficient, high-quality food production that could revolutionise the industry worldwide, particularly in Asia.

PT Indon Surya Kencana, known as Sanex, has secured halal certification from the Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH) for 60 of its electronic and kitchen appliance products, ensuring consumer peace of mind regarding contamination risks. BPJPH Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan emphasised that halal certification is integral to modern living and prosperity, while Sanex's Marketing Head Randhika Churana highlighted the company's commitment to maintaining halal production standards. This certification follows rigorous verification of materials and processes, underscoring Indonesia's growing emphasis on halal compliance in consumer goods manufacturing.

Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Lestari Moerdijat, has urged the utilisation of research and innovation outcomes to enhance national economic resilience and public welfare. Speaking at a technical guidance session on producing natural cosmetics and skincare from organic materials organised by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in collaboration with the House of Representatives' Commission X in Demak, Central Java, she highlighted how such initiatives can meet daily needs and create business opportunities. With the national cosmetics market valued at Rp146 trillion last year, Moerdijat emphasised the potential for participants to develop home-based enterprises, appreciating BRIN's efforts in disseminating relevant research to foster consistent synergy between the agency and the community.

Samsung Electronics reported a remarkable performance in the first quarter of 2026, with operating profit surging more than eightfold year-on-year to a record 57.2 trillion won, exceeding analyst expectations and driven primarily by its chip business amid the global AI data centre boom. Despite chip shortages impacting the smartphone industry, Samsung's position as a leading memory chip producer shielded it from adverse effects, with revenue reaching 133.9 trillion won, up 70% from the previous year. The company forecasts sustained demand for memory servers into the second half of 2026 as cloud providers ramp up AI adoption, contributing to a 90% rise in its shares over the year despite minor fluctuations post-announcement.

A new initiative called "Jeda 10 Detik" (10-Second Pause) is being promoted in Indonesia to encourage internet users to take a brief moment before reacting impulsively to online information, aiming to curb the spread of hoaxes and cyberbullying. Government efforts, including the CABE framework encompassing digital competence, safety, culture, and ethics, are intensifying digital literacy education to address the wide gap in public understanding and protect vulnerable groups like children and families from misinformation. This approach seeks to establish a new norm in digital life, fostering critical thinking amid rapid information flows.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has expressed respect for Muhammadiyah's decision to permit the slaughtering of dam animals in Indonesia, despite differing views that such rituals should occur only in the Holy Land. MUI emphasises mutual respect and encourages Muslims to follow their beliefs without contention to preserve the sanctity of worship. This stance highlights the importance of tolerance in religious interpretations, particularly regarding the economic benefits to local communities as advocated by Muhammadiyah.

Indonesia's Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, has highlighted how a digital content-based ecosystem can unlock new market opportunities for businesses, fostering economic growth through the integration of creativity and technology. He emphasised that digital content now drives consumer decisions and economic activities beyond mere entertainment. Collaborations with platforms like TikTok and Tokopedia have already empowered over 1,200 beneficiaries across 10 provinces, aligning with the government's vision to position the creative economy as a key driver of national growth.

Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has stated that Middle Eastern countries are keen to enhance trade cooperation with Indonesia, inspired by the successful Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite a 13% drop in exports to the region from January to February 2026, Indonesia maintains a trade surplus of $641 million, with total exports valued at $9.8 billion, representing 3.4% of national exports. The government is pushing for expanded export markets through international trade agreements while focusing on strategies to secure domestic markets and boost the competitiveness of local products globally.