PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is intensifying its support for customers and families affected by the incident at East Bekasi Station, offering continued healthcare services and trauma healing programmes. The company's CEO, Bobby Rasyidin, expressed deep condolences and emphasised coordinated efforts to ensure proper physical and psychological recovery, including verification processes for medical referrals and reimbursement claims. This response highlights KAI's commitment to comprehensive victim assistance amid the tragedy.

Indonesian police have urged the public to strictly adhere to traffic rules at railway crossings, regardless of the presence of officers, following recent accidents such as the one at Bekasi Timur station. Brigadier General Faizal of the National Police Traffic Corps highlighted the dangers of bypassing closed barriers and emphasised the need for personal responsibility to prevent fatalities, noting that modern systems alone are insufficient without public awareness. He stressed that trains remain one of the safest transport modes, calling for ongoing education to avoid recurrence of such incidents.

On the tenth day of the 2026 Hajj operations, Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that 54,604 pilgrims have been sent to the Holy Land, with 52,343 having arrived in Madinah and accommodated in prepared hotels. The process has proceeded smoothly, though five pilgrims were referred to Indonesian Hajj Health Clinics and 89 to Saudi hospitals, with 49 still under treatment. The ministry expressed condolences for the deaths of two pilgrims, highlighting the ongoing commitment to the welfare of Indonesian hajj participants.

Eight major digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and now Roblox, have committed to implementing Indonesia's Government Regulation (PP) Tunas, which restricts access for users under 16 years old to protect children online. Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announced this milestone, emphasising that the risk-based approach allows some low-risk platforms to be accessible to younger users aged 13 and below, while the rules will apply universally to all operating platforms in Indonesia. This development underscores the government's proactive stance on digital governance and child safety, setting a precedent for broader compliance across the sector.

The National Civil Service Agency (BKN) has granted a posthumous promotion to Nurlaela, a civil servant teacher who perished in a train collision between the KRL Commuter Line and the Argo Bromo Anggrek in Bekasi on 27 April 2026. BKN Head Zudan Arif Fakrulloh expressed condolences and assured that the state will provide full recognition and benefits, including widow's pension, death benefits, funeral expenses, and scholarships for heirs. This action underscores the government's commitment to honouring the dedication of public servants and ensuring their families receive comprehensive support in line with civil service regulations.

The Teras Lenteng Agung (Teras LA) business location in South Jakarta has reached full occupancy with 125 traders, primarily from the general public, following its handover from developers to the government. Currently, rental fees remain free as authorities prepare the retribution tariffs, while promotions are underway to boost activity in the 7,500-square-metre site, which includes zones for culinary, bird traders, animal feed, and parcels. The South Jakarta Administration is encouraging civil servants to support the advancement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in this fauna centre, relocated from temporary sites.

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education reported that over 95% of primary and junior secondary students participated in the inaugural Academic Ability Test (TKA) this year, with junior secondary reaching 97.22% and primary at 98.51%. This high turnout indicates positive engagement in the national education assessment, though evaluations highlight the need for more adaptive testing approaches for non-formal education participants. The results underscore the government's commitment to evaluating academic standards across Indonesia's education system.

The land publication system in Indonesia operates as a negative system with positive tendencies, as outlined in Government Regulation No. 24 of 1997, balancing legal certainty and justice in property rights. While certificates serve as strong evidence that can be challenged in court, good faith holders receive protection after five years without objections, enhancing stability in land transactions. This hybrid approach aims to prevent absolute guarantees that could harm rightful owners while providing security for legitimate possessors, though it may weaken overall legal certainty in land matters.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has identified 1,089 illegal level crossings among 3,888 total crossings in Java and Sumatra, highlighting significant safety concerns that require collaborative attention. In the first quarter of 2026, KAI, in partnership with ministries and local governments, addressed 564 crossings by closing them or upgrading to flyovers and underpasses to enhance safety. The company is promoting public education on the importance of stopping, looking, and ensuring safe passage at crossings, emphasising the inability of trains to stop abruptly due to their mass and speed.

The South Sulawesi provincial government has identified approximately 26,000 uncertified land plots facing various issues, which were discussed in a coordination meeting involving the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), and local authorities. The collaboration aims to optimise nine strategic programmes, including land certification acceleration and integration of land services with public service malls, to enhance public service delivery, regional asset management, and revenue potential, which accounts for 70% of the province's income. This initiative marks the first such effort in South Sulawesi, focusing on ensuring secure physical, legal, and administrative control over government assets to prevent corruption and support regional development.

The case file for Indonesian Idol contestant Petrus Yohannes Debrito Armando Jaga Kota, known as Piche, in the alleged rape of a 16-year-old high school student in Belu Regency, NTT, remains incomplete according to the Belu District Prosecutor's Office. Meanwhile, the files for the other two suspects, Roy Mali and Rifal Sila, have been deemed complete and advanced to stage two of prosecution. Belu Police Chief AKBP I Gede Putra Astawa stated that the police are still supplementing Piche's file as per prosecutorial guidance, with over eight witnesses examined and the victim receiving support from child protection and witness safety teams.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is considering expanding its free school programme by adding more private schools and potentially including madrasah-based institutions to ensure equitable access to education for all residents, particularly vulnerable economic groups. Currently, the programme covers 103 private schools across five administrative regions, supported by a budget of Rp 253.6 billion, while all public schools in Jakarta are already tuition-free. This initiative, alongside programmes like the Jakarta Smart Card, aims to reduce barriers to education due to financial constraints.

PT Jakpro has initiated the testing and commissioning phase for the Jakarta LRT Phase 1B rail system along the Velodrome-Manggarai route, ensuring all technical aspects are safe and ready for public use. This critical stage involves systematic checks of tracks, signalling, electrical systems, and operational integration to uphold the highest standards of safety and reliability. The project aligns with Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo's vision for a modern, sustainable global city, promising to reduce traffic congestion, enhance connectivity, and improve urban mobility for tens of thousands of daily passengers.

The Indonesian government has introduced a policy under Minister of Finance Regulation No. 24 of 2026 to cover 100% of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on domestic economy-class air transport services, effective for ticket purchases and flights between 25 April and 23 June 2026. This measure responds to rising aviation fuel prices, aiming to ease the financial burden on passengers by reducing ticket costs through subsidies on base fares and fuel surcharges, while excluding additional fees like baggage or seat selection. The initiative seeks to maintain public purchasing power and support stable domestic air travel mobility amid economic pressures.

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk reported a 14.1% increase in net profit from continuing operations, reaching Rp 1.3 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, driven by rising sales performance. Domestic sales grew by 3.5%, with underlying volume up 2.1%, leading to net sales of Rp 8.4 trillion, a 2.8% rise, while gross margin held steady at 48.8% excluding transformation costs. President Director Benjie Yap highlighted the company's positive trajectory, bolstered by improved fundamentals and resilient financial execution amid challenging external conditions.

The Indonesian Electric Motorcycle Industry Association (AISMOLI) has noted a significant rise in consumer interest in electric motorcycles, driven by surging fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions affecting oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz. Issuance of vehicle type approval certificates jumped by 56% in January and February 2026 compared to the previous year, indicating stronger supply readiness amid growing demand. While this trend is positive, challenges such as high initial costs, financing access, and infrastructure limitations persist, particularly for lower-middle-income buyers, underscoring the need for collaborative policies to promote long-term adoption of eco-friendly transport.

PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk reported a robust start to 2026, achieving pre-tax profits of Rp2.3 trillion and earnings per share of Rp70.20 in the first quarter, driven by stable revenue growth, solid fee-based income, and disciplined cost management. The bank strengthened its position with a CASA ratio of 73.9%, low NPL below industry average, and expanded sustainable financing to Rp60.2 trillion, emphasising inclusive growth in sectors like renewables and UMKM. This performance underscores CIMB Niaga's commitment to its Forward30 strategy, digital innovation, and contributing to Indonesia's economic resilience.

Indonesia's Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas, Maruarar Sirait, has set a target for the sales agreement of subsidised flats in the Meikarta development, Cikarang, West Java, to be completed by the end of 2026, following groundbreaking and land clearing activities. The project, built on land donated by Lippo Group to the government and developed by the Badan Pengelola Investasi Daya Anagata Nusantara (BPI Danantara), aims to provide up to 141,000 vertical housing units for low-income residents as part of President Prabowo Subianto's 3 Million Houses Programme. This public-private collaboration addresses land constraints in the capital's buffer zones and accelerates affordable, safe housing access for the wider population.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed sharply down by 144.42 points or 2.03% at 6,956.80 on Thursday, 30 April 2026, amid a broad sell-off across all sectors led by industrials, infrastructure, and basic materials. Analysts from Phintraco Sekuritas attribute the decline to persistent rises in global oil prices, driven by uncertainties in US-Iran negotiations and threats from President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over inflation and a widening 2026 state budget deficit. Despite the market downturn, select coal mining stocks like BUMI, ADRO, and AADI posted gains, offering some resilience in the LQ45 index.

Citi Indonesia achieved a 10% increase in net profit to Rp 2.8 trillion in 2025, driven by a 7% rise in net interest income and stable operational expenses, reflecting disciplined execution across its core banking, markets, and services businesses. The bank demonstrated strong financial metrics, including a 14.4% return on equity and robust liquidity ratios exceeding regulatory requirements, while supporting key transactions such as loans to major Indonesian firms and advising on the XL Axiata-Smartfren merger. This performance underscores Citi's commitment to sustainable growth and alignment with Indonesia's economic priorities, including expansions in treasury solutions and supply chain financing for local suppliers.

Researchers from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have confirmed that burying captured janitor fish, an invasive species, poses no risk of soil contamination if done properly, as heavy metals accumulated in the fish remain contained in deep burial sites. The method avoids the pitfalls of introducing natural predators like arapaima or piranha, which could create new ecological issues. Experts emphasise improving water quality and protecting native predators to naturally control the janitor fish population, highlighting the importance of sustainable environmental management in affected waterways.

The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) has experienced consecutive negative performance over the first four months of 2026, resulting in a cumulative year-to-date decline of 19.55%, closing at 6,956.80 in April, marking one of the weakest openings in Indonesia's capital market history, surpassing even the 1998 crisis pressures. This downturn is attributed to a combination of domestic factors, including massive sell-offs triggered by MSCI warnings, temporary trading suspensions, and a weakening rupiah at Rp17,340 per US dollar, alongside global pressures from Middle East geopolitical tensions and tightening US macroeconomic policies. The anomaly breaks the historical positive trend for April, with investors recalibrating risk profiles amid heightened macroeconomic uncertainty.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) dropped over 2% on Thursday, closing at 6,956.80, its lowest point of 2026, amid global economic uncertainties from Middle East tensions driving up oil prices and weakening the rupiah. Analysts predict higher inflation and potential interest rate hikes by Bank Indonesia, exacerbating fiscal pressures, while regional Asian markets also faced declines except for Singapore. This downturn highlights Indonesia's vulnerability to geopolitical risks and commodity price fluctuations, with no immediate domestic catalysts for recovery.

Public prosecutors in Indonesia are examining the court's decision to sentence Sri Wahyuningsih, the former Director of Elementary Schools at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) from 2020-2021, to four years in prison and a fine of Rp500 million for her role in a corruption case involving Chromebook procurement. The ruling, based on anti-corruption laws, found her guilty of joint corruption, with prosecutors having seven days under the Criminal Procedure Code to decide whether to accept or appeal the verdict. This case underscores ongoing efforts to combat graft in government education projects, potentially influencing accountability in public spending.

Indonesian authorities are investigating three Indonesian citizens arrested in Mecca for alleged fraud involving the production and advertisement of fake Hajj documents, with the National Police collaborating with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Indonesian Embassy to liaise with Saudi Arabian police. The suspects were found with counterfeit Hajj cards, money, and computer equipment, and two were dressed as Indonesian Hajj officials at the time of arrest. This case underscores the Indonesian government's commitment to providing legal assistance to its citizens abroad and addressing illegal Hajj services that exploit pilgrims.

Muhammad Qodari, Head of the Government Communication Agency, clarified that President Prabowo Subianto's statement about disciplining unpatriotic observers actually targets mafias and corruptors, not legitimate experts. He emphasised that Prabowo engages with economists like Chatib Basri and Muhammad Faisal on economic issues, demonstrating openness to advice. The clarification addresses misconceptions from Prabowo's cabinet speech, where he referenced intelligence data on those feeling disadvantaged by his anti-corruption efforts.

Prudential Syariah has solidified its leadership in Indonesia's sharia life insurance sector by achieving an Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) of approximately Rp 1 trillion in 2025, capturing a 22% market share amid double-digit industry growth. The overall sharia life insurance market recorded an APE of Rp 4.7 trillion, a 13% increase, with insured participants reaching 24.5 million, driven by rising sharia financial literacy from 9% in 2023 to 43% in 2025. Despite this progress, penetration remains below 1%, presenting significant growth opportunities, and Prudential Syariah is committed to enhancing access, literacy, and protection in line with sharia principles.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed sharply lower on Thursday, dropping 144.43 points or 2.03% to 6,956.80, with all sectors recording declines amid broad market weakness. Trading volume was robust at 46.35 billion shares worth Rp21.85 trillion, while major banking stocks and indices like LQ45 and JII also fell significantly. This downturn, led by infrastructure and industrial sectors, underscores ongoing volatility in Indonesia's equity markets.

PT Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk reported a revenue of Rp 1.7 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, driven primarily by infrastructure projects such as the Jogja Bawen Toll Road Package 1 and Solo Jogja Toll Road 1.1. The company achieved a net profit of Rp 154 billion, a significant increase from the previous year's Rp 317 million, alongside new contracts worth Rp 4.72 trillion, reflecting robust growth and recovery in performance. With total assets at Rp 28.1 trillion and financial ratios meeting bond covenants, ADHI continues to prioritise operational excellence and sustainable project selection amid challenging construction industry conditions.

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has welcomed the government's decision to expand the National Internship Programme quota to 150,000 participants, seeing it as a vital step to broaden employment prospects for young graduates amid tight job markets influenced by global geopolitical pressures. This initiative not only provides temporary work experience and skill enhancement but also sustains public purchasing power through stipends equivalent to the minimum wage, potentially aiding those unemployed for years. Kadin suggests mechanisms for replacing participants who secure permanent jobs during the programme, noting that active participation has dropped from 16,112 selected to 11,949 due to such opportunities.

WhatsApp has begun displaying ads in users' status updates, similar to those in Facebook and Instagram Stories, marking a shift from previous plans abandoned in 2020. This move is aimed at boosting Meta's advertising revenue, which exceeded $160 billion last year, while the company assures that end-to-end encryption protects message privacy and no phone numbers will be shared with advertisers. Users can control ad personalisation through linked Meta accounts, though the feature has sparked privacy concerns among its global user base, including in Indonesia.

Israeli naval forces hijacked 22 ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Greece, detaining around 200 activists from dozens of countries attempting to break the Gaza blockade with humanitarian aid. Two Indonesian volunteers, Maimon Herawati and Chiki Fawzi, who had initially joined the flotilla from Spain, avoided interception by flying to Turkey to coordinate further participation. This incident underscores ongoing international tensions over the Gaza blockade and the risks faced by global activists challenging it.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to leave OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance on 1 May, citing frustrations with production quotas that have limited its ability to expand output despite significant investments in its oil sector. This departure, which removes a key member with substantial spare capacity, weakens Saudi Arabia's leadership within the organisation and could strain its efforts to stabilise high oil prices needed to fund ambitious projects like Vision 2030. While short-term global oil prices remain unaffected due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the move highlights deepening fractures in OPEC and may encourage other producers to reconsider their membership, potentially leading to lower and more volatile prices in the long term.

The chair of the Little Aresha Daycare Foundation in Yogyakarta, Diyah Kusumastuti, has come under further scrutiny in an ongoing child abuse case after revelations that she was previously convicted of corruption involving state losses of Rp 1.1 billion at a rural bank in Purworejo. Thirteen women, including Diyah and the school principal, have been named suspects and detained for allegedly ordering or witnessing the abuse of children at the facility, with police confirming the corruption history and continuing their investigation. This case highlights potential lapses in oversight for childcare institutions and raises questions about the suitability of individuals with criminal backgrounds in such roles.

Indonesian National Police (Polri) are investigating a suspected illegal Hajj operation that exploited labour visas to bypass long waiting lists, following the interception of eight prospective pilgrims at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on 18 April. Preliminary examinations reveal that the syndicate has facilitated 127 such trips since 2024 by recruiting Indonesians under the guise of employment in Saudi Arabia, only for them to perform Hajj instead. Authorities have warned the public against falling for quick Hajj offers, emphasising Polri's role in the Hajj and Umrah Task Force to curb such fraudulent activities.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating allegations of corruption involving the procurement of hospital food in Pekalongan, Central Java, by former Regent Fadia Arafiq, who is suspected of conflicts of interest through her family's company, PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya (RNB). The probe stems from a broader corruption case on outsourcing services where RNB secured contracts worth billions, with Fadia and her family allegedly receiving Rp19 billion in benefits. KPK has extended her detention until 1 June 2026 to deepen the investigation, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat graft in local government procurement.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Refinery Unit IV Cilacap has successfully bolstered the local economy in Cilacap, Central Java, via its MAMAKU SIGAP programme, a social innovation under corporate social responsibility that empowers coastal communities through integrated environmental management and circular economy principles. The initiative, focusing on waste management, productive coastal activities, eco-tourism, and agriculture, generates Rp 366 million in monthly economic turnover and involves 1,500 households, while achieving significant environmental benefits like managing 7.6 tonnes of waste annually and reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, the refinery's efficiency and emission reduction projects earned it the PROPER Gold award for 2025 from the Ministry of Environment, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices.

Global oil prices have surged sharply amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with Brent crude briefly exceeding US$126 per barrel, the highest level since 2022. The spike follows US President Donald Trump's warnings of a prolonged blockade against Iran, disrupting vital supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz and causing a 13% rise in the last 24 hours. Economic research firm Oxford Economics warns that if the standoff persists for six months, prices could reach US$190 per barrel by August, potentially reducing global supply by up to 20 million barrels per day and exacerbating energy market volatility.

Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jatimbalinus is updating consumer QR code and barcode data for subsidised fuel in East Java to address frequent technical errors reported by truck drivers, ensuring more effective distribution. This initiative responds to government policy on targeted subsidies for Biosolar and Pertalite, with the company monitoring for anomalies and providing 147 helpdesks for re-verification. As a result, 87 out of 119 vehicles have successfully re-registered, aiming to prevent misuse and maintain reliable energy supply.

The Bali Provincial Government, led by Governor Wayan Koster, collaborated with the Attorney General's Office to plant mangroves in Tanjung Benoa, aiming to expand green open spaces from the current 20% to at least 30% within four years. This initiative underscores the vital role of mangroves in protecting Bali's ecosystem, preventing coastal abrasion, and enhancing the island's global tourism competitiveness, rooted in local wisdom like Wana Kerthi. The event also included releasing birds to restore biodiversity and handing over 2,000 mangrove seedlings to local communities, highlighting a commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has postponed the departure of three prospective Hajj pilgrims from Central Lombok due to their ongoing intensive treatment at the Provincial General Hospital in West Nusa Tenggara. They will be sent on the next available flight once their health improves sufficiently. Meanwhile, 786 pilgrims have already departed in two full groups, with administrative requirements fully completed, allowing them to focus solely on their pilgrimage upon arrival in the Holy Land.

PT Trimegah Karya Pratama Tbk (UVCR), operator of the Ultra Voucher digital shopping voucher platform, reported a net profit of Rp 4.3 billion for the first quarter of 2026, reversing a Rp 1.1 billion loss from the same period in 2025. This turnaround was driven by a 44.3% surge in net sales to Rp 330.1 billion, alongside improvements in asset quality, with total assets rising 25% to Rp 271.3 billion and cash reserves jumping to Rp 49.7 billion. The positive results underscore UVCR's commitment to performance and transparency for shareholders amid growing digital voucher demand.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has expressed concerns over the government's proposal to establish a team to verify the legitimacy of human rights activists, arguing that it could position the government as a protector of rights violators rather than defenders of the people. The Ministry of Human Rights defends the initiative as a necessary mechanism to prevent the misuse of activist status in legal proceedings, ensuring protection is granted only to genuine advocates based on strict criteria. This debate highlights tensions between state authority and civil society in safeguarding human rights in Indonesia.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened by 0.12% to Rp17,346 per US dollar on Thursday, driven by concerns over US President Donald Trump's preparations for a prolonged naval blockade against Iran. This escalation is compounded by reports of US oil executives meeting Trump to mitigate domestic impacts, potentially disrupting global oil supplies if Iran retaliates by blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Trump's calls for international support to reopen the strait and ongoing stalled nuclear talks, the rupiah's depreciation reflects broader market anxieties over geopolitical tensions.

Tribuana Tunggadewi, Director of Human Capital at PT Pegadaian, has been recognised with an award at the Top Women Fest for her successful leadership in transforming the company's human resources, fostering an adaptive organisation that upholds humanitarian values amid digital business shifts. Her 'EMAS' leadership philosophy—encompassing Empowerment, Mindfulness, Authenticity, and Significant Impact—ensures that changes prioritise employee and customer welfare, promoting an inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem. This achievement underscores Pegadaian's commitment to nurturing female leadership and talent development to support Indonesia's economic mission.

Three Indonesian citizens have been arrested by Saudi Arabian police for allegedly engaging in illegal hajj fraud, prompting Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak to report the matter to Deputy National Police Chief Komjen Pol Dedi Prasetyo. The government views the case seriously due to its potential to harm prospective pilgrims and the involvement of Indonesians abroad, leading to agreements for enhanced coordination between Indonesian police, the Hajj Ministry, and the Indonesian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to provide legal assistance and prevent recurrence. This incident underscores the need for cross-border cooperation to protect citizens and enforce the law against fraudulent hajj practices.

Bank Indonesia has expanded the use of the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) to China, enabling seamless inbound and outbound transactions via QR code scanning for citizens of both nations, as announced on 30 April 2026. This initiative, highlighted by BI Governor Perry Warjiyo, aims to promote cashless transactions and boost economic ties, with current compatibility limited to select Chinese QR systems while others like WeChat Pay are under development. Concurrently, the launch of the Indonesian Digital Innovation Centre (PIDI) underscores efforts to foster national digital ecosystems, job creation, and sustainable business growth, receiving praise from the Chinese Ambassador who anticipates broader cross-border payment integrations.

The Student Executive Board of the University of Padjadjaran's Student Family (BEM Kema Unpad) has criticised labour unions for partnering with President Prabowo Subianto in May Day celebrations, viewing it as an attempt by the state to co-opt the labour movement through depoliticisation and class consciousness blurring. They argue that such tactics, including the personalisation of public agendas and misattribution of labour rights achievements to the president, undermine workers' collective identity and solidarity. In response, BEM Kema Unpad plans to hold a demonstration on May Day 2026 to reaffirm the event as a platform for struggle rather than mere ceremony, emphasising the need for labour independence amid government efforts to divide it.

DBS Indonesia's Executive Director, Ello Hanson, emphasised the resilience of the agricultural and food sector amid global uncertainties, noting its historical robustness due to rising demand from Indonesia's growing population. The bank views agriculture as encompassing the entire "farm to fork" value chain and conducts regular stress tests on risks like wars and currency fluctuations, concluding the sector remains solid overall. However, businesses in the sector should prepare for longer inventory periods and price volatility to safeguard profitability.

The Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) has clarified that dividend income is generally subject to Income Tax (PPh) as it represents a share of company profits distributed to shareholders, but exemptions apply under certain conditions. For domestic individual taxpayers, dividends are tax-free if reinvested in Indonesia, while domestic corporate taxpayers typically do not pay tax on dividends received from other Indonesian companies. Foreign taxpayers face PPh under Article 26, though rates may be reduced via double taxation avoidance agreements, as outlined in the Income Tax Law and related regulations, aiming to encourage reinvestment and economic growth.