PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is advancing gender inclusivity in the maritime sector by empowering female ship officers, aligning with its ESG commitments on the social front. Through events like the Crew Sharing Session Vol. #2, the company fosters experience-sharing and confidence-building among women in this male-dominated field, where 41 female officers and 56 female cadets currently serve on 78 vessels, representing about 2% of the total crew. This initiative underscores the importance of diversity for building resilient, competitive teams and sustainable operations in Indonesia's energy logistics.

May Day, originally a call for an eight-hour workday, now highlights the complex challenges faced by modern workers amid trade wars, import tariffs, logistics algorithms, and geopolitical tensions. While neoliberal globalisation promised widespread prosperity through free trade, it has disproportionately benefited capital owners over workers, leaving those in developing nations vulnerable to investment shifts and export slowdowns. As illustrated by the US-China trade war, industrial relocations to countries like Indonesia may create jobs but often trap them in low-cost production roles within a global system dominated by core nations, underscoring the need to view workers as the foundation of social and economic stability.

PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR), part of the Astra Group, reported an 80% drop in net profit to Rp643 billion for the first quarter of 2026, primarily due to halted gold mining operations at its Martabe mine. Net revenue fell 17% to Rp28.6 trillion, with significant declines in construction machinery and gold mining segments, though partially offset by higher coal prices boosting thermal and metallurgical coal revenues. The company also incurred Rp1.2 trillion in non-recurring charges related to forest utilisation permits and investment impairments, highlighting challenges from reduced national coal production quotas and operational disruptions in the mining sector.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Transportation and PT Kereta Api Indonesia, has launched an innovative train programme specifically for farmers and traders to ease the burden of transporting agricultural produce and business goods using existing rail networks. The initial operations are focused on the Rangkasbitung Line, with services designed to ensure safe loading and unloading at various stations. This initiative represents a significant step towards social equity by providing affordable and efficient mobility for small-scale economic actors.

Following a deadly train accident at Bekasi Timur Station that killed over a dozen people and involved a taxi, Indonesian police's Traffic Corps will summon all taxi operators to discuss operational standards, particularly for electric vehicles crossing rail lines. The session aims to educate drivers on handling breakdowns on tracks and reinforce safety protocols to prevent similar incidents. The accident is being investigated in two parts: the taxi collision as a traffic incident and the subsequent train derailment for potential negligence.

PT Amman Mineral Internasional Tbk (AMMN), Indonesia's second-largest copper and gold producer, achieved a net profit of US$163 million (approximately Rp 2.83 trillion) in the first quarter of 2026, reversing a net loss of US$138 million from the same period in 2025. This turnaround was driven by the resumption of concentrate exports, higher metal prices, and improved operational performance across mining and smelting facilities, with copper concentrate production surging 173% and gold 321% year-on-year. The results underscore AMMAN's successful transition to fresh ore extraction and ramp-up of smelter capacity, positioning the company for sustained growth in Indonesia's mining sector.

The Bogor City Government is delaying the finalisation of a mayoral regulation on public transport, particularly angkots, to ensure alignment with national and provincial policies aimed at enhancing road safety and urban order. Key aspects include setting vehicle age limits to improve service security, incorporating stakeholder inputs while avoiding conflicts with deregulation efforts, and adjusting routes to balance passenger demand and fleet capacity. This initiative seeks to make Bogor more orderly, beautiful, clean, and traffic-efficient, with ongoing enforcement of driver licensing and vehicle registration checks.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited Pondok Pesantren Tremas in Pacitan, East Java, encouraging thousands of students to embrace artificial intelligence and digital technology to prepare for future challenges. He stressed the positive and productive use of AI in learning and daily life, while warning against misuse and urging educators to lead in technological proficiency. The visit, attended by figures like Raffi Ahmad and East Java's Deputy Governor, highlights the government's push to integrate modern tech with traditional Islamic education in historic pesantren.

PT PLN Nusantara Power has expanded its biomass co-firing programme, achieving commercial operations at 25 coal-fired power plants (PLTU) throughout 2025, producing 1,041 GWh of green energy and reducing national carbon emissions by 1.17 million tonnes of CO2e. In the first quarter of 2026, the company exceeded its target by generating 245 GWh of green energy, curbing emissions by 286,000 tonnes of CO2e, demonstrating a gradual shift towards more environmentally friendly energy production. The initiative not only lowers emissions but also fosters the development of a national biomass ecosystem, leveraging local resources and creating economic value in regions.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating the placement of outsourcing workers by PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya within Pekalongan Regency government offices as part of a corruption case involving the district's inactive regent, Fadia Arafiq. The probe focuses on whether the placements met required specifications and involves examining 55 outsourcing workers as witnesses. Fadia Arafiq, a singer known for "Cik Cik Bum Bum," was arrested in March 2026 along with associates, with allegations that her family's company secured contracts worth Rp19 billion, benefiting her family by Rp13.7 billion amid conflict of interest concerns.

Rising global crude oil prices, driven by ongoing US-Iran tensions disrupting supply through the Strait of Hormuz, combined with a weakening Indonesian rupiah against the US dollar, are set to push non-subsidised fuel prices higher starting 1 May 2026. Government calculations based on the Mean of Platts Singapore formula indicate Brent crude averaged US$100.69 per barrel over the relevant period, up significantly from prior months, increasing import costs for Indonesia. While economic pressures favour an adjustment, the government may opt to hold prices steady to safeguard social stability and public purchasing power amid recent mid-month hikes for premium fuels.

The Indonesian government has issued Trade Ministerial Regulation Number 11 of 2026, tightening import controls on several food commodities to support self-sufficiency, maintain domestic market balance, and strengthen national food security. Effective from 8 May 2026, the regulation amends the previous policy by including items such as feed wheat, soybean meal, mung beans, peanuts, feed rice, and pears in the restricted import list, requiring importers to obtain technical recommendations from the Ministry of Agriculture and import approvals via the national single window system. This move, developed through inter-ministerial coordination, aims to protect local producers' prices and refine import policies in line with relevant laws.

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has conducted the inaugural harvest of breeder seeds for superior rice varieties developed through irradiation mutation breeding in Subang, West Java, underscoring the vital role of nuclear technology in accelerating Indonesia's national food self-sufficiency under President Prabowo Subianto's priority programme. This innovation, which enhances genetic diversity without introducing foreign genes, promises significant increases in crop yields and addresses global food security challenges. Through partnerships with the private sector, BRIN aims to scale production and distribution, bridging research with practical farming to bolster agricultural resilience amid climate and land-use pressures.

PT Telkom Indonesia is hosting the Kartini BISA Fest from 20-24 April 2026 in South Jakarta to empower women's micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) through digital technology training, certification facilitation, and branding enhancement, aiming to boost their competitiveness in domestic and global markets. The event features integrated programmes such as a culinary bazaar for 40 women's UMKM, cybersecurity seminars, and AI training, while Telkom has supported over 73,000 female entrepreneurs with digital initiatives and provided free halal certifications and packaging aid to 2,250 UMKM. This initiative underscores Telkom's commitment to inclusive digital ecosystems, aligning with SDGs on gender equality and economic growth, addressing challenges like low halal certification rates among Indonesia's 37 million women-led UMKM.

Amid global geopolitical tensions potentially driving inflation and prompting central bank interest rate hikes, Indonesia's financing industry is on alert. Mandiri Utama Finance's Director, Dapot Sinaga, outlines strategies to bolster internal resilience through enhanced collaborations with parent company Bank Mandiri and Bank Syariah Indonesia. The multifinance sector urges government and regulatory support to boost purchasing power and automotive sales, thereby stimulating economic growth, as discussed in a CNBC Indonesia interview.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has stated that the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) decision to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ is viewed as part of the evolving global energy governance dynamics and is not expected to disrupt bilateral relations or strategic partnerships with Indonesia. Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang emphasised the government's hope for maintained stability in the global oil market and energy supply security, while assuring ongoing monitoring of any implications for the national economy and energy resilience. The UAE justified its exit as a strategic move aligned with long-term economic priorities and national interests, pledging to responsibly increase oil production in line with market demands.

Researchers from Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have outlined a comprehensive strategy to manage the invasive janitor fish population in the country's freshwater rivers and lakes, emphasising integrated approaches of prevention, control, and utilisation. The plan includes short-term measures like routine monitoring and mass capture, alongside long-term efforts such as habitat restoration and strengthened regulations to safeguard biodiversity and community livelihoods. This intervention is crucial to mitigate ecological threats and ensure sustainable aquatic resources amid growing invasions of non-native species.

The Jakarta DPRD held a plenary session on Thursday, where 83 out of 106 members agreed to nominate Suhud Alynudin to replace Khoirudin as the council's chairman. Suhud expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to accelerate Jakarta's development in collaboration with Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo. While the nomination was approved in the session, the formal process awaits approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Three Indonesian nationals were arrested by Saudi Arabian security forces in Mecca on 28 April 2026, suspected of involvement in fraudulent practices related to illegal Hajj services, including spreading fake advertisements on social media and possessing counterfeit Hajj cards. The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah is verifying their identities and coordinating with local authorities on the legal proceedings. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has urged citizens to adhere strictly to official Hajj regulations and avoid unofficial services to prevent such violations amid Saudi Arabia's tightened enforcement.

In a plenary session held on Thursday, the Jakarta DPRD approved the dismissal of its Chairman, Khoirudin, despite his absence, with 83 out of 106 members present representing 78% quorum. Deputy Chairman Ima Mahdiah led the meeting at Khoirudin's request and announced Suhud Alynudin from the PKS Faction as the candidate to replace him for the remaining 2024–2029 term. The appointment awaits approval from the Governor of DKI and the Ministry of Home Affairs, marking the end of Khoirudin's leadership amid ongoing political shifts in the regional legislature.

Deputy Interior Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto advocates strengthening sectoral-based agglomeration concepts to accelerate solutions for urban issues such as flooding, traffic congestion, and waste management in Indonesia. He highlights the need to shift from institutional to sectoral approaches, drawing lessons from China's successful centralised agglomeration models, and emphasises the role of central government interventions like waste-to-energy programmes and improved local service delivery. This integrated strategy, supported by synchronisation among stakeholders, promises effective long-term resolution of cross-regional urban challenges.

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has assured that the child of Nurlaela, a civil servant teacher killed in a train accident in Bekasi, will receive an education scholarship through the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government's Education Office programme. The government has also provided substantial financial aid to the victim's family, amounting to approximately Rp283 million, and similar support to another victim's family. This response underscores the administration's commitment to supporting the families of public servants affected by such tragedies, ensuring continuity in education and immediate financial needs are met.

North Jakarta Mayor Hendra Hidayat has called on residents to make use of empty spaces around their homes for planting crops as part of the Gerakan Menanam Jakarta Utara 2026 initiative, aimed at bolstering family-level food resilience amid fluctuating commodity prices and local inflation. The programme, launched across 143 locations including government offices and community centres, encourages simultaneous cultivation of items like chillies, edamame, and watermelons to stabilise supply and prices, while promoting active community participation in productive urban farming and sustainable green environments. Supported by government-provided seeds, fertilisers, and polybags—along with watermelon seeds from private collaborator PT East West Seed—the effort seeks to reduce market dependency and enhance nutritional self-sufficiency.

Dompet Dhuafa highlights the potential of qurbani rituals to contribute to climate solutions by integrating sustainable practices into its economic cycle, including waste management and eco-friendly distribution methods. Through initiatives like Tebar Hewan Kurban since 1994, the organisation supports small-scale farmers, converts livestock waste into organic fertiliser to reduce methane emissions, and empowers local artisans with biodegradable packaging alternatives. This approach not only aids grassroots economies but also promotes long-term independence for beneficiaries, emphasising the role of soft skills in green jobs for sustainable transitions.

Sales of air conditioners in Jakarta have risen by up to 20% amid a prolonged dry season and soaring temperatures, with residents undeterred by price increases of Rp200,000 driven by a strengthening US dollar. Traders in Glodok report a surge in demand for energy-efficient models, as the heat index makes the city feel as hot as 36 degrees Celsius despite actual temperatures around 30 degrees. This trend highlights the growing impact of climate patterns on consumer behaviour and local retail in Indonesia's capital.

The Balai Besar Penerapan Modernisasi Pertanian (BRMP) in South Kalimantan has initiated the planting of the Pertanian Modern-Advanced Agriculture System (PM-AAS) in Barito Kuala, marking the start of high-tech farming on swampy lands. Adopted from advanced techniques in Arkansas, USA, and piloted successfully in South Sulawesi with yields up to 10.4 tonnes per hectare, the programme aims to boost productivity through dense planting, increased fertilisation, and precision agriculture. This initiative, supported by local authorities and fertiliser companies, is expected to transform rice farming in similar wetland areas across Indonesia.

Indonesian police have arrested eight members of an illegal Hajj syndicate who allegedly conducted 127 unauthorised pilgrimages since 2024, using fake work visas to bypass long waiting lists and promising immediate departures. The operation was foiled at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on 18 April 2026, with authorities vowing to investigate related companies and witnesses to dismantle the network. This case highlights ongoing challenges in regulating religious travel amid public demand for quicker access to the Hajj.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VI has praised Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia for strengthening the nation's energy resilience amid global volatility, as highlighted in a JP Morgan report ranking Indonesia second worldwide in withstanding energy crises, particularly in oil and gas. Key strategies include boosting domestic oil and gas production, diversifying energy sources through biodiesel and bioethanol programmes, and implementing policies like B50 and E20 to reduce import dependency. The minister's efforts, supported by high domestic coal production and natural gas output, provide a foundation for accelerating the transition to renewable energy for long-term sustainability and global competitiveness.

Tribuana Tunggadewi, Director of Human Capital at PT Pegadaian, has been awarded the prestigious "Top Women in Shaping Future Ready Organization" at the Top Women Fest CNBC Indonesia 2026, recognising her leadership in transforming the company's human resources. Under her guidance, Pegadaian has built an adaptive organisation that upholds humanistic values amid digital business shifts, guided by the "EMAS" philosophy encompassing empowerment, mindfulness, authenticity, and significant impact. This accolade underscores the vital role of female leadership in fostering an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable financial ecosystem in Indonesia.

PT Nusantara Sejahtera Raya Tbk (CNMA), Indonesia's largest cinema operator under the Cinema XXI brand, reported Q1 2026 revenue of Rp1.1 trillion, marking an 18.2% year-on-year increase, driven by strong ticket sales and food & beverage segments. EBITDA jumped 81.2% to Rp226.9 billion, reflecting significant operational efficiencies and boosted by a surge in local film viewership during the Eid holiday, with seven national films each attracting over one million viewers. The company achieved a slim net profit of Rp533 million, reversing prior losses, alongside solid financial positions and a recent dividend payout, underscoring a robust recovery in the entertainment sector worthy of investor attention.

Eddy Pratomo, Indonesia's nominee for a judgeship at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term, has died at the age of 72, prompting the Foreign Ministry to initiate an internal evaluation of the candidacy process. As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia highlighted the nomination as a representation of developing countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, noting that no such country has previously held a judgeship at ITLOS since its establishment in 1982 under the UNCLOS. The passing of Pratomo, a seasoned diplomat and maritime law expert who contributed significantly to Indonesia's bilateral relations and boundary negotiations, occurs just before the upcoming elections for seven ITLOS positions in June in New York.

The appeal hearing for Muhamad Kerry Adrianto Riza, son of Riza Chalid and beneficial owner of PT Orbit Terminal Merak and PT Jenggala Maritim Nusantara, has been postponed to 7 May 2026 at the Central Jakarta High Court. The session will examine four witnesses proposed by Kerry's legal team, including former Pertamina marketing director Hanung Budya and businessman Irawan Prakoso, who is considered a key witness in the case. This appeal follows Kerry's original 15-year prison sentence, a Rp1 billion fine, and a Rp2.9 trillion restitution order for corruption in Pertamina's crude oil and refinery product management.

The Indonesian rupiah closed at a historic low of 17,353 per US dollar on 30 April 2026, weakening by 27 points from the previous day and marking the weakest level since the 1998 monetary crisis. This depreciation is driven by external pressures including escalating US-Iran tensions in the Middle East, a strengthening US dollar, and global oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel, which strain Indonesia's state budget. Domestically, high oil prices are expected to increase subsidy burdens and pressure the 2026 national budget, while uncertainties surround the US Federal Reserve's leadership transition add to market volatility.

The Depok Transportation Agency will commence a trial of a one-way system in the Tapos Village Road Tunnel area starting 7 May 2026 to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety at this notorious bottleneck. Vehicles heading to Leuwinanggung, Cikeas, and Cibubur will be redirected via alternative routes including Jalan Raya Tapos and Jalan Boulevard Cimanggis Golf Estate. The initiative, supported by signage, barriers, and 20 personnel in two shifts, aims to address long queues and stuck goods vehicles, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation to optimise traffic flow.

Minister of Housing and Human Settlements Maruarar Sirait has disclosed that one of the two directors general who resigned from the ministry, Azis Andriansyah, has returned to the Indonesian National Police due to regulations prohibiting police officers from holding such positions. The other, Imran, who has a civil servant background from the Ministry of Home Affairs, resigned without further details provided, though both were praised for their strong performance. Acting Director General Roberia has been appointed to replace Azis, emphasising the ministry's commitment to legal compliance and efficient, corruption-free execution of the 3 million houses development programme.

Prof Dr Mundakir, the newly inaugurated Professor of Nursing at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surabaya (Umsura), has drawn attention to the growing but often undetected psychosocial issues in society, such as stress, depression, and loneliness, which can escalate into extreme actions like violence and murder if unaddressed. He urges healthcare professionals to adopt a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions, rather than focusing solely on biomedical aspects. Additionally, his research reveals significant psychological challenges faced by Indonesian migrant nurses in Asia and the Middle East, including unfair treatment and feelings of inferiority due to language and cultural barriers, underscoring the need for greater attention to migrant workers' mental health.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp 17,346 per US dollar on Thursday, with forecasts indicating further depreciation to between Rp 17,350 and Rp 17,400 next week, driven by surging global oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel due to the energy crisis and Iran conflict. This escalation is projected to increase Indonesia's foreign exchange needs for oil imports, strain the current account balance, erode fiscal resilience, and inflate energy subsidy burdens, potentially adding Rp 10-13 trillion to the 2026 state budget for every $1 rise in oil prices. Bank Indonesia is countering the pressure through comprehensive interventions in foreign and domestic markets, including non-deliverable forwards and measured purchases of government securities.

The economy in Aceh Tamiang is gradually recovering following a hydrometeorological disaster in late November last year, with markets and shops reopening and trade activities resuming. Local fish trader Herman reports that the Kuala Simpang market has returned to near-normal operations after government clean-up efforts, though he calls for urgent repairs to damaged infrastructure like the roof to prevent further issues during rain. This revival indicates improving community purchasing power and a positive trend in economic activity, highlighting the resilience of the region amid ongoing recovery needs.

Bogor Police Traffic Unit has scheduled the one-way traffic system from Jakarta to Puncak to begin at 08:00 WIB on May Day, delayed from the usual 07:30 WIB to allow workers from Cianjur and Bandung to travel to Jakarta without disruption. This adjustment accommodates the movement of labourers participating in May Day activities while managing holiday traffic. Officers will be deployed along the Puncak highway to ensure safety and facilitate smooth passage for both commuters and revellers.

Indonesian police have foiled an illegal Hajj operation involving the misuse of work visas, preventing eight prospective pilgrims from departing Soekarno-Hatta Airport on 18 April 2026. The scheme, operational since 2024, has reportedly facilitated 127 unauthorised pilgrimages by luring participants with promises of bypassing long waiting lists. Authorities are collaborating with immigration officials to pursue those responsible for document manipulation, aiming to deter such fraudulent practices that exploit religious aspirations.

The United States is pushing to establish a new international coalition, dubbed the Maritime Freedom Construct, to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled peace talks with Iran following the outbreak of war in late February. Led by the State Department and CENTCOM, the initiative aims to coordinate diplomacy, share intelligence, and enforce sanctions to counter Iran's control over the vital waterway, which handles one-fifth of global oil supplies. President Trump has urged allies to join the effort, rejecting Iran's proposals for reopening the strait in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade, underscoring escalating tensions and risks to the global economy.

Sandiaga Uno, a prominent Indonesian entrepreneur and former politician, shared his early financial journey, recounting how overconfidence led to significant losses from a stock market margin call and a risky loan secured against his in-laws' land, resulting in personal debt. This setback prompted him to pivot into business, founding an investment company and recovering within three years. He emphasised key principles for young people, including balancing cash flow with lifestyle, diversifying investments, leveraging compounding through early starts, creating multiple income streams, and maintaining financial discipline to distinguish thrift from miserliness.

Narrow alleys near Depok's train stations have been repurposed into bustling motorcycle parking services, catering to daily commuters and rural visitors using the KRL rail system to travel to Jakarta. These informal operations charge low fees of Rp5,000 per day or Rp15,000 for overnight stays, generating up to Rp8 million in monthly net income during peak times despite lacking formal ticketing or CCTV. The phenomenon underscores the growing demand for affordable parking amid urban transit reliance, though it operates on a trust-based system with occasional minor issues like swapped helmets.

Bank Mandiri, a state-owned lender, has approved a dividend payout of Rp44.47 trillion, equivalent to 79% of its 2025 consolidated net profit of Rp56.3 trillion, resulting in a dividend yield of 10.77% based on the share price at the time of the annual general meeting. This marks an increase from the previous year's dividend per share of Rp466.18 to Rp476.95, reflecting the bank's strong performance with 13.4% credit growth to Rp1,895 trillion and a 23.9% rise in third-party funds to Rp2,106 trillion. The decision underscores Bank Mandiri's commitment to delivering optimal value to shareholders and the state while maintaining robust asset quality and supporting national economic growth.

Following a tragic train collision that claimed the life of Kompas TV employee Nur Ainia among 16 fatalities, Coordinating Minister Muhaimin Iskandar visited her family to express condolences and ensure the delivery of social security benefits through BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. The minister emphasised the state's commitment to protecting workers and their families via mandatory social insurance, appreciating companies like Kompas TV for registering employees and urging broader compliance to prevent additional burdens on grieving families. BPJS Ketenagakerjaan acted swiftly, providing over Rp 340 million in benefits to Nur Ainia's heirs within 48 hours and supporting 25 injured workers with comprehensive care and wage compensation, highlighting the comprehensive coverage from commute to workplace.

The United States and Indonesia are strengthening their partnership through a dedicated US trade mission focused on maritime security, infrastructure, and technology, which visited Jakarta and Surabaya from 27-29 April 2026. The delegation engaged with key Indonesian ministries, state-owned enterprises, and private sector players, including visits to major ports and business matchmaking sessions, involving leading American companies like TMA BlueTech and Moffatt & Nichol. This initiative underscores the US commitment to supporting Indonesia's maritime domain awareness and sustainable economic growth in a strategic sector.

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has called for greater synergy between the government and law enforcement to ensure legal certainty for businesses and preserve the country's investment climate amid global economic uncertainties. He highlighted the government's focus on boosting household consumption, investment, and trade through debottlenecking initiatives via a dedicated task force, while assuring no tax rate hikes or new taxes until economic conditions improve, instead prioritising taxpayer compliance. This collaborative approach aims to foster a supportive business environment, enhance investor confidence, and sustain national economic stability.

The Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), owned by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), has announced a strategic partnership with Indonesia's Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) to bolster the ASEAN trade and exhibition ecosystem through enhanced regional collaboration. Formalised at the Thailand MICE Exchange (TMX), the alliance aims to position Southeast Asia as a connected and competitive market by facilitating cross-border opportunities in trade fairs, conventions, and large-scale business events. This collaboration will involve sharing market insights and business opportunities, fostering deeper industry ties and economic impact across the region.

MP Sudjatmiko from Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives has suggested deploying certified guards at high-risk railway level crossings as an immediate measure to reduce accidents involving trains and vehicles. He highlighted the challenges of enforcing closures on illegal crossings due to potential public resistance and low road user discipline, while advocating for national safety audits, infrastructure repairs, and the construction of flyovers and underpasses as medium- to long-term solutions. This proposal comes amid growing railway usage and persistent safety issues, particularly in densely populated areas like Jabodetabek, emphasising the need for elevated crossings to eliminate level crossing risks.

Kevin Warsh is advancing towards confirmation as the new Chair of the US Federal Reserve, set to replace Jerome Powell amid significant political scrutiny. Critics highlight Warsh's shifting policy stance and limited economic depth, while his biggest challenge will be resisting pressure from President Donald Trump to cut interest rates despite persistent inflation. Warsh's potential success hinges on maintaining the Fed's independence and implementing moderate reforms, which could solidify his legacy if navigated adeptly.