Deputy Interior Minister Ribka Haluk has called on local governments in Papua to cap employee spending at 30% of their regional budgets to maintain fiscal health and avoid reductions in central government transfers. Highlighting that current spending in areas like Jayapura Regency reaches up to 47.91%, she emphasised the need for efficient budgeting to prioritise development in infrastructure, education, and health. Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri echoed these efforts, announcing a freeze on new civil servant hires and a comprehensive ASN data audit to curb rising personnel costs and boost economic growth.

Saudi Arabian authorities in Mecca arrested three Indonesian nationals suspected of promoting fake Hajj services via social media, prompting Indonesian police (Polri) to collaborate with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh to handle the case. The suspects are accused of producing and advertising forged documents to deceive potential victims, with seized evidence including cash, computers, and counterfeit Hajj cards; two were reportedly wearing Indonesian Hajj official attire at the time of arrest. Indonesian officials, including the Foreign Ministry, are verifying the identities and providing legal assistance, underscoring the government's duty to support citizens facing prosecution abroad while addressing illegal Hajj practices that undermine pilgrimage regulations.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has appointed Yon Arsal, a tax compliance advisor, as the acting CEO of the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP), replacing Sudarto who has been reassigned as acting Director General of the Budget at the Ministry of Finance. This leadership transition follows the dismissal of previous Budget Director General Luky Alfirman and aims to continue LPDP's transformation into a more coordinated platform for national talent development through integrated scholarship services and strengthened governance. The move underscores ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and impact in Indonesia's education funding amid governmental reshuffles.

The management of Mediterania Apartment in West Jakarta insists that the building's fire alarm and sprinkler systems operated normally during a blaze that struck Tower C on Thursday morning, detecting the fire promptly and allowing for swift response by emergency teams. However, residents on the 28th floor, including Antonius, have complained that they heard no alarms and saw no sprinkler activation despite thick smoke filling their corridors, raising concerns over the efficiency of heat-activated systems in smoke-heavy scenarios. This incident highlights potential gaps in fire safety regulations for high-rise residential buildings in Indonesia, prompting scrutiny of compliance and resident safety protocols.

The Metro Jaya Police Traffic Directorate will conduct situational traffic engineering around the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta for the International Labour Day commemoration on Friday, involving an estimated 200,000 workers and 4,000 buses. Measures include potential diversions or closures on roads like Jalan Merdeka if congestion arises, with hopes to maintain a 'green zone' for smooth circulation of vehicles. A total of 1,793 personnel will be deployed to secure the event, highlighting efforts to balance public safety with the right to assembly during this significant workers' gathering.

PT Kimia Farma (KAEF) has achieved a net profit of Rp123.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a significant turnaround from a Rp126.4 billion loss in the same period of 2025, driven by supply chain efficiencies and financial restructuring. Gross profit rose 11.06% year-on-year to Rp824.8 billion, while EBITDA surged 61.29% to Rp153.8 billion, reflecting stronger operational cash flows. The company attributes this recovery to strategic transformations, including HR optimisation, digitalisation, and support from shareholders like Bio Farma, amid challenges from global uncertainties and rupiah depreciation.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has welcomed the Constitutional Court's (MK) decision that KPK leaders need only be inactive in their previous positions rather than permanently relinquishing them, describing it as proportionate and providing legal certainty. This ruling eliminates ambiguities, preserves the KPK's independence, and minimises potential conflicts of interest while allowing leaders to return to their original roles after their tenure. The decision reinforces the KPK's institutional governance to ensure professionalism and effectiveness in combating corruption.

The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah has confirmed the Saudi Arabian government's firm commitment to eradicating illegal Hajj practices through rigorous inspections and raids, exemplified by the recent arrest of three suspected Indonesian nationals in Mecca. Among the detainees, two are believed to be support staff for Indonesian Hajj officials, whose identities are under verification, with potential severe sanctions including dismissal and blacklisting if confirmed. The consulate is coordinating with Saudi authorities to oversee the legal proceedings and urges all Indonesians to comply with regulations to avoid complications during their pilgrimage.

Belitung Regent Djoni Alamsyah Hidayat has urged the 42 local prospective Hajj pilgrims departing for the Holy Land to pray for the advancement, security, and prosperity of the district and its people. He also requested prayers for his strength in fulfilling his duties as the top local government official. The regent emphasised the spiritual significance of the Hajj pilgrimage, advised pilgrims to maintain their health amid the harsh weather, and encouraged them to uphold Belitung's image of courtesy and humility.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is currently determining the exact number of outsourced workers connected to PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya, a company owned by the family of suspended Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq, amid an ongoing corruption investigation. Fadia Arafiq, a former singer, was arrested in March 2026 for alleged conflicts of interest in awarding procurement contracts worth billions of rupiah to her family's firm across multiple district departments, with KPK estimating that she and her family pocketed Rp13.7 billion from these deals. This case highlights persistent issues of nepotism and graft in local government procurement processes, as evidenced by the examination of 55 outsourced workers from various agencies.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) is revising the criteria for accelerated tax refunds to address misuse and align with current economic conditions, as announced by Director General Bimo Wijayanto. The evaluation stems from findings of moral hazard during audits, where some low-risk taxpayers were later investigated for irregularities, prompting a planned harmonisation of the Ministerial Regulation starting 1 May 2026. This adjustment aims to enhance taxpayer compliance and ensure refunds are granted only to eligible parties without diminishing legitimate rights.

iCar Indonesia has confirmed that all products marketed in the country, including the V23 model, will be assembled locally using a completely knocked down (CKD) scheme at a manufacturing facility partnered with Chery Group Indonesia, extending this approach to accessories as well. By combining imported and domestically produced components, the company aims to enhance cost efficiency, adapt to local market needs, and improve after-sales service, with the current domestic content level at around 20% targeted to rise to at least 40% through focus on major parts like batteries. This localisation effort is expected to yield significant savings due to differing tax structures and bolster product quality and consumer satisfaction.

Indonesian House of Representatives Commission V member Sudjatmiko has criticised the government's Rp 4 trillion budget for level railway crossings, stating it is adequate only for installing automatic barriers but insufficient for constructing flyovers or underpasses in high-traffic areas. He urged short-term measures like presidential aid for 1,800 crossings to be completed within six months, and long-term solutions involving elevated or underground crossings on major national roads, following a fatal train accident in Bekasi that killed 15 people. Sudjatmiko called for coordinated agreements between the Ministries of Home Affairs, Transportation, and Public Works and Housing to clarify responsibilities between central and local governments.

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid attended the Telkom University graduation ceremony, emphasising the importance of digital literacy, technology ethics, and collaboration to build a safe digital environment for the youth, in line with Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection (PP TUNAS). TelkomGroup, as Indonesia's leading digital telco company, fully supports these policies through enhanced digital security, data protection, and educational programmes on cyber ethics and safe technology use. The event highlighted commitments to developing human-centric Safe AI and producing globally competitive digital talents to advance Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045.

The El Niño phenomenon is exacerbating climate change in Indonesia, leading to severe droughts that deplete food and water sources for wildlife, forcing animals out of forests into human settlements and plantations, thereby heightening conflict risks. Experts from IPB University warn that this crisis, compounded by forest fires, disrupts ecosystems, hinders forest regeneration, and threatens long-term biodiversity. Solutions include safe wildlife deterrence methods and collaborative efforts between government and local communities to preserve forests and maintain ecological balance.

The Indonesian government has inaugurated the construction of three new fuel oil (BBM) tanks in Palaran (East Kalimantan), Biak (Papua), and Maumere (East Nusa Tenggara), with a total capacity of 153,000 kilolitres, managed by PT Pertamina Patra Niaga and BPI Danantara. This project, set to come online between 2027 and 2028, will increase the national BBM storage capacity by 3.1%, enhancing energy distribution reliability, particularly in eastern Indonesia, and promoting equitable development. It aligns with broader downstream industrialisation efforts to reduce import dependency, strengthen domestic supply chains, boost added value from natural resources, and create economic opportunities.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, announced that Roblox has committed to complying with Government Regulation (PP) Tunas by introducing age verification for users under 16, restricting communication features for unverified accounts, and limiting content access based on age groups. With approximately 45 million users in Indonesia, including 23 million children, Roblox is also adding parental controls for screen time to mitigate addiction risks. This marks the completion of initial compliance among eight major digital platforms, as the government prepares to monitor implementation under PP No. 17 of 2025 on electronic system governance for child protection.

The Indonesian National Police's Traffic Corps (Korlantas) plans to convene electric vehicle (EV) taxi operators next week to provide education on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for emergencies, such as vehicles stalling on railway tracks, in response to a fatal accident at Bekasi Timur Station. The incident, which claimed 16 lives and injured dozens, involved an EV taxi blocking the tracks, leading to a collision between a commuter train (KRL) and the long-distance Argo Bromo Anggrek train. This initiative highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on the safety protocols for Indonesia's expanding electric taxi fleet amid rising adoption of green transportation.

The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) has criticised the military court's decision to summon civilian victim Andrie Yunus in the trial over his sulphuric acid attack, arguing that the case should be handled in a civilian court due to the victim's status and lack of prior examination. YLBHI Chairman Muhamad Isnur called for the case to be declared inadmissible (Niet Ontvankelijke Verklaard), highlighting the improbability of four TNI intelligence members acting without higher orders in what appears to be a structured operation. The incident stems from alleged offence taken by the defendants against Yunus's criticism of the TNI institution.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the Bagong Dam construction site in Trenggalek, East Java, to assess progress and urge faster completion of the project, emphasising its role in irrigation and bolstering national food security. Accompanied by local officials including Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak and Regent Mochamad Nur Arifin, he engaged with village heads to address community aspirations on infrastructure, food resilience, and social services. The visit underscores the government's commitment to advancing water infrastructure to support agricultural productivity and regional development.

PT Techno9 Indonesia Tbk (NINE), originally an IT firm, is planning a rights issue to fund its expansion into mining and energy sectors, including the acquisition of a mine asset in Mongolia without cash outlay. The proposal, to be discussed at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on 7 May 2026, also involves board changes and aligns with government energy resilience programmes through proprietary waste-to-energy and biomass technologies. This strategic shift follows Poh Group's takeover, aiming to leverage high-value IT services in sustainable operations.

The Central Jakarta Corruption Court has sentenced Sri Wahyuningsih, the former Director of Primary Schools at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdikbudristek) from 2020 to 2021, to four years in prison for her role in a corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops. The court also imposed a fine of Rp 500 million, with subsidiary imprisonment if unpaid, and ordered her to cover court costs. This verdict, which is lighter than the prosecutors' six-year demand, underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in government procurement processes within Indonesia's education sector.

India’s pharmaceutical companies are rapidly entering the global weight loss drug market by producing generic versions of semaglutide, the key ingredient in popular treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy, following the end of local patent protection, which has reduced costs by up to 70 per cent. This development is poised to enhance accessibility for millions, particularly in addressing India’s “diabesity” crisis affecting over 300 million overweight or obese individuals and 90 million with diabetes, while potentially pressuring worldwide prices and positioning Indian firms as major global suppliers in a market expected to surpass US$100 billion by decade’s end. However, concerns persist regarding long-term safety, appropriate usage, and regulatory oversight to prevent unauthorised sales and health risks.

This opinion piece critiques Indonesia's approach to land reform, highlighting the irony of a resource-rich nation where vast lands fail to equitably uplift rural communities due to disputes, legal uncertainties, and inadequate support systems. It argues that true agrarian reform extends beyond land redistribution and certification to encompass economic access, market linkages, and recognition of customary rights, enabling productive and sustainable use of land. By revitalising villages and preventing conflicts through transparent mapping and community involvement, the state can fulfil its constitutional mandate to maximise prosperity for the people, transforming idle land into a source of hope and growth.

Malaysia's Immigration Directorate has extended the Migrant Repatriation Programme (PRM) 2.0 until 31 May 2027, allowing undocumented foreign workers to return home voluntarily without legal prosecution upon payment of fines. The programme, which has already registered over 254,000 participants from 112 countries and collected 127 million ringgit in fines since May 2025, aims to manage migration effectively while authorities plan to intensify enforcement against violators and employers. The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur urges Indonesian migrant workers to utilise the scheme and offers assistance with documentation to facilitate their return.

Suhud Alynudin, a politician from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), has been officially announced as the candidate to replace Khoirudin as Chairman of the DKI Jakarta Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD). With a robust background in political science, including degrees from the University of Indonesia and Nanyang Technological University, Suhud has extensive experience as a legislative advisor, commission secretary, and current PKS regional chairman in Jakarta. His appointment, pending approval from the Minister of Home Affairs via the Jakarta Governor, is expected to strengthen legislative-executive collaboration during the 2024–2029 term.

The Manggarai TransJakarta stop will be temporarily closed starting 2 May 2026 at 05:00 WIB due to ongoing LRT Jakarta construction in the area. Passengers can continue using TransJakarta services on corridors 4, 4D, 6M, and B25 via temporary stops 1 and 2 located along the roadside. Commuters are advised to check bus positions and route adjustments through the TJ: TransJakarta app, Twitter (@pt_transjakarta), or Instagram (@infotije) for real-time updates.

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 on 27 April. For the Labour Day long holiday from 30 April to 4 May 2026, KAI will operate 68 regular train services plus eight additional ones, providing 196,317 seats with nearly half already sold. The highest departure volume is expected on 30 April with 36,321 passengers, highlighting a significant increase in return traffic at the end of the holiday period, which underscores the importance of rail infrastructure in managing peak travel demands.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Integrated Terminal Surabaya has launched the Lentera Pagesangan programme to address environmental pollution and social issues in the local community by transforming household waste into valuable resources through a community-based circular economy, involving vulnerable groups and partnerships with local government agencies. The initiative has achieved significant environmental benefits, including reductions in water pollution, water savings, and managed waste, while boosting community incomes and earning the company the PROPER Gold award from the Ministry of Environment in 2025 for exemplary sustainability practices. This underscores Pertamina's commitment to ESG principles, integrating operational efficiency with social empowerment to exceed regulatory compliance.

Global oil prices surged to their highest level since 2022, with Brent crude reaching US$120.94 per barrel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving the US and Iran, before closing at US$113. In Indonesia, this has driven up the Indonesian Crude Price (ICP) to US$102.26 per barrel in March 2026, far exceeding the state budget assumption of US$70, posing significant pressure on the national budget through increased energy subsidies potentially costing Rp10.3 trillion per US$1 rise. Economists highlight the government's dilemma between swelling fiscal burdens and inflation risks from potential fuel price hikes.

The article reflects on recent child abuse cases at daycares in Indonesia, such as Little Aresha in Yogyakarta and Wensen School in Depok, highlighting systemic failures in licensing and oversight, with only a fraction of facilities properly permitted. It critiques the current fragmented policy instruments and advocates for a cohesive governance system that integrates childcare with early childhood development, emphasising the need for comprehensive standards beyond mere permissions to ensure child safety and holistic growth. Amid government pushes for expanded daycare access through new laws and circulars to support working women, the piece questions whether these expansions are backed by adequate infrastructure and monitoring to prevent exploitation and guarantee quality care.

The Indonesian Tax Directorate (DJP) is preparing to relax the April deadline for corporate income tax return filings in response to numerous requests from businesses, aiming to boost compliance without compromising state revenue targets. As of 30 April 2026, over 12.7 million tax returns have been filed, with ongoing efforts to refine the tax administration system and ensure data security through the Coretax platform. While extensions are being finalised for corporations, no additional time will be granted to individual taxpayers, reflecting a balanced approach to maintaining fiscal discipline.

Indonesia's Ministry of Health reports that 412 out of 514 districts and cities, representing about 80% in seven provinces, will be malaria-free by 2026, marking significant progress towards the national goal of complete elimination by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goals. The majority of cases, 95%, originate from Papua's six provinces, underscoring the need for focused efforts there, while emphasising that sustained commitment from all stakeholders is essential to prevent resurgences in previously cleared areas. Health Minister certificates will be awarded to qualifying regents and mayors in 2025 under the global theme "Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must".

Sri Wahyuningsih, a former subordinate of ex-Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim, has been sentenced to four years in prison by the Jakarta Corruption Court for her role in a corruption scandal involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops and Chrome Device Management systems, which caused a state loss of Rp 2.1 trillion. The court acquitted her on the primary charge but convicted her on the secondary one, imposing a fine of Rp 500 million or an additional 120 days in jail if unpaid, while considering her long service in education as a mitigating factor against the aggravating impact on the education sector. This verdict follows a prosecution demand of six years for Sri and her co-defendant Mulyatsyah, highlighting ongoing accountability efforts in Indonesia's public education procurement processes.

The Indonesian Ministry of Finance, under Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, has extended the deadline for corporate taxpayers to submit their Annual Income Tax Notification Letter (SPT PPh) from 30 April to 31 May 2026, aiming to provide relief amid ongoing improvements to the Coretax system and taxpayer service needs. This extension offers additional time for businesses to prepare their calculations and documentation, while in-person tax services will remain available seven days a week. In contrast, the deadline for individual taxpayers' SPT remains unchanged at 30 April 2026, following an earlier extension from 31 March.

PT Jakpro has initiated detailed testing and commissioning for the 3.6 km Velodrome-Manggarai section of Jakarta's LRT Phase 1B to ensure technical readiness and safety for public use. This phase is expected to transport tens of thousands of passengers daily, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance public transport integration in line with Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung's vision for a modern, sustainable global city. Local residents express optimism that the electric LRT will promote efficient mobility, shift reliance from private vehicles, and improve urban air quality.

The implementation of mandatory B50 biodiesel is viewed by Jakarta Futures Exchange CEO Yazid Kanca Surya as a positive sentiment for crude palm oil (CPO), stabilising its price through government-backed limits and enhancing its investment appeal. Amid high global market volatility, gold remains the preferred safe-haven asset over foreign exchange transactions. The discussion explores futures trading developments in the context of global turmoil.

The Constitutional Court (MK) has ruled that leaders of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) are not required to relinquish their previous positions, a decision praised by the KPK for providing legal certainty and preserving the institution's independence. The ruling partially grants a judicial review of Articles 29(i) and 29(j) of the KPK Law, replacing ambiguous language with "nonaktif" to allow temporary suspension rather than full resignation, thereby minimising conflicts of interest while upholding proportionality. This strengthens KPK's governance and enhances its effectiveness in combating corruption through collective decision-making.

A senior military adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader has warned that a US blockade of Iranian ports will fail and could lead to confrontation if it persists. Mohsen Rezaei outlined potential war scenarios focusing on southern coastal areas and extending inland, including bombings in Tehran. This statement comes amid a fragile, indefinitely extended ceasefire following US-Israel strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks, mediated by Pakistan.

Ansari, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission VIII from East Java, urged prospective Hajj pilgrims to maintain the reputation of Indonesia by behaving courteously and orderly during their pilgrimage to Mecca. He emphasised the importance of pure intentions, group cohesion, and coordination with kloter leaders, while also calling for improved accommodation and services, particularly for elderly pilgrims. Commission VIII will continue to push for enhanced Hajj services, with 1,384 pilgrims from Pamekasan set to depart in May 2026.

The Mataram Corruption Court has sentenced former Central Lombok Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda Loteng) treasurer Lalu Bahtiar Sukmadinata to four years in prison for corruption involving street lighting tax (PPJ) incentive payments from 2019 to 2023, a lighter penalty than the prosecutors' demand of 5.5 years. The court acquitted him on the primary charge but found him guilty on the subsidiary charge of jointly committing corruption, also imposing a Rp 50 million fine payable within six months or substitutable with 50 days' imprisonment. This case involves other former Bapenda officials and underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in regional tax administration in West Nusa Tenggara.

The Indonesian National Police's Traffic Enforcement Directorate plans to summon electric vehicle taxi operators next week to provide education on emergency standard operating procedures, in response to a fatal train collision at Bekasi Timur Station caused by a stalled EV taxi on the tracks. The incident, which resulted in 16 deaths and 90 injuries, highlighted drivers' lack of knowledge on handling breakdowns near railway lines, prompting involvement from regulators and manufacturers for training. Broader concerns over high accident rates at level crossings, with 66 incidents and 55 fatalities in 2025, underscore the need for improved safety measures to reduce such tragedies.

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government is enhancing water management practices to counter the escalating effects of climate change, particularly on agriculture, flood control, and food production sustainability. This multi-sectoral initiative involves agencies like the Regional River Basin Office, Bappeda, Public Works Department, Agriculture Department, and BMKG, focusing on integrated strategies from upstream to downstream to handle fluctuating water flows and ensure availability for farming and communities. Key measures include river normalisation, climate-based planting calendars, drought-resistant varieties, rainwater harvesting, and improved early warning systems, with results to be presented to the Governor for policy implementation amid predictions of a prolonged 2026 dry season.

FICER Technology is showcasing its latest innovations in high-speed optical fibre solutions at the Asia Tech x Singapore - CommunicAsia 2026 event, focusing on scalable connectivity for 5G Advanced and 6G networks. Key offerings include the F520 OTN DWDM system, 400G/800G modules, BiDi transceivers, and XGS-PON/25G-PON technologies designed to optimise urban fibre networks, reduce latency, and support AI-driven data surges without costly infrastructure expansions. These advancements aim to enhance operational efficiency and interoperability for telecom operators across Asia, aligning with the region's push towards robust digital infrastructure.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) is actively assisting corporations by sending staff directly to their premises to help with preparing and submitting annual corporate income tax returns (SPT Badan) amid ongoing adjustments to the Coretax system. DJP head Bimo Wijayanto highlighted the dedication of tax officials, who are providing round-the-clock support, including weekends, and plans to issue an extension for the 2025 tax period reporting deadline until the end of May 2026, along with potential waivers for late filing penalties. This initiative aims to ensure compliance and provide certainty to taxpayers during the transitional phase of the new reporting platform.

A leaked internal telegram from the US State Department, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, urges American diplomats to press foreign governments to join a new US-led international alliance aimed at ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iranian threats. The alliance would focus on sharing intelligence, diplomatic coordination, and imposing sanctions, complementing other maritime security efforts led by allies like the UK and France. This initiative comes shortly after President Trump declared the strait fully open, highlighting ongoing US efforts to counter regional tensions and protect global trade routes.

The Bekasi Timur Station has reopened following a collision between a commuter train and the Argo Bromo Anggrek long-distance train, with the Ministry of Transportation prioritising safety measures to ensure safe operations. Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stressed that safety is the utmost priority, leading to the clearance of debris and verification by the National Transportation Safety Committee, though speed limits of 30 km/h remain in place at the station area. This incident highlights ongoing efforts to maintain high safety standards in Indonesia's rail network without tolerance for violations.

President Prabowo Subianto has reshuffled Muhammad Qodari from his role as Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) to Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) RI, citing Qodari's accumulated experience in managing strategic issues and communication. Qodari highlighted how his time outside government prior to joining the Merah Putih Cabinet provided valuable lessons in communication, which he believes influenced the president's decision. He emphasised the shift in modern communication from traditional media to social media, stressing the need for proactive government engagement to balance information flow in the digital era.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, has emphasised the pivotal role of Generation Z in advancing sustainable tourism through their creativity, environmental awareness, and digital prowess, positioning them not just as consumers but as agents of change. During a webinar, she highlighted the need for synergy between the government and youth to foster responsible, inclusive, and sustainable tourism development, with hopes that the forum will generate innovative ideas for transformation. Experts like Frans Teguh from the Ministry and Jonathan L. Parapak from Universitas Pelita Harapan underscored youth contributions to issues such as waste management and eco-tourism, aligning these efforts with bolstering the tourism sector as a national economic driver.

Bank BJB has appointed former Minister Susi Pudjiastuti as its independent Chairman of the Board of Commissioners during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for the 2025 fiscal year, marking a key step in the bank's business transformation and governance strengthening. West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi emphasised the selection process's focus on integrity and professionalism, with no political influences involved, as the provincial government holds a 36% stake. The bank reported assets of Rp221.3 trillion, solidifying its position as Indonesia's largest regional development bank.