Indonesia stands to attract significant foreign investment amid the US-China trade war and production shifts from China, positioning it as a key alternative to saturated markets like Vietnam. However, persistent domestic challenges, including bureaucratic delays in permitting and environmental assessments (AMDAL) and interference from mass organisations, are creating legal uncertainties that deter investors. Without swift reforms to ensure legal certainty, Indonesia could permanently lose this golden opportunity as investors turn to competitors like India.

Indonesia has launched a cross-border QRIS payment system with China, enabling Indonesians and Chinese citizens to conduct inbound and outbound transactions by scanning QR codes from platforms like UnionPay, Alipay, and unified codes. Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo highlighted the convenience for travellers, while the Chinese Ambassador praised Indonesia's digital innovation and called for adaptations in banking to global changes like AI. This collaboration, welcomed by the Indonesian Payment Systems Association, is expected to boost tourism and business ties, with further integration of platforms such as WeChat Pay in the pipeline.

Indonesia's property market continues to draw strong investor interest amid global economic dynamics, with JLL Indonesia achieving a dominant 89.9% market share and recording transactions worth US$181 million (approximately Rp3.1 trillion) in 2025. This performance, marking JLL as the top property investment advisor in the country for five consecutive years, is bolstered by robust infrastructure development, digital economy expansion, and Indonesia's strategic regional position. Executives express optimism about sustained foreign and institutional investment, highlighting the sector's resilience and long-term growth potential in Southeast Asia.

PT Pertamina Gas's Operation South Sumatera Area (OSSA) is advancing village economic self-reliance in South Sumatra through innovative programmes like Pesona, which converts waste and cow urine into organic pesticides, and the Pusaka suite, which enhances water management, agriculture, and community engagement. These initiatives have boosted agricultural productivity, reduced environmental pollution, and empowered women and youth, earning the company the highest Gold rating in the 2025 PROPER environmental assessment from Indonesia's Ministry of Environment. The structured approach, involving community mapping and monitoring, underscores a commitment to sustainable development that could be replicated elsewhere to foster broader independence.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, is conducting thorough assessments of all victims from the fatal train collision in Bekasi to deliver targeted social empowerment programmes. The incident on 27 April 2026 claimed 16 lives and injured 81 others, with Minister Saifullah Yusuf emphasising support for families to maintain economic stability, including initial aid like essentials, cash grants, and psychosocial assistance, alongside long-term economic empowerment initiatives. This response underscores the state's commitment to aiding affected families, particularly highlighting the role of victims like Hj. Nuryati, a family economic pillar and social activist.

The Jakarta Health Service has cautioned the public about the severe health risks posed by extreme El Niño conditions, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, including heatstroke, dehydration, and exacerbation of chronic illnesses like heart and lung diseases. Declining air quality during prolonged dry spells could lead to a surge in acute respiratory infections, asthma, and skin conditions. To mitigate these risks, residents are advised to stay hydrated, wear masks outdoors, avoid peak heat hours, use sun protection, and monitor weather updates from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) in Cirebon, West Java, has cautioned job seekers to maintain a good credit record on the Financial Services Information System (SLIK), as it is increasingly used as an indicator in employee recruitment processes across various sectors. OJK highlights that even minor defaults on services like PayLater or online loans can hinder job opportunities, amid rising financial scams affecting credit histories. To boost financial literacy, OJK conducted 59 educational programmes in the first quarter of 2026, reaching over 7,300 participants, while processing nearly 4,800 SLIK requests and handling hundreds of consumer complaints, mostly related to fintech lending.

The Indonesian rupiah closed at a record low of Rp17,305 against the US dollar on Thursday, depreciating 0.17% amid global market reactions to the US Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady. This weakening, influenced by a hawkish Fed signal and surging oil prices due to US-Iran tensions, has intensified pressure on emerging market currencies like the rupiah, pushing it closer to the psychological Rp17,400 level. The Fed's divided 8-4 vote on maintaining rates highlights ongoing inflation concerns, driving investors towards safe-haven dollar assets.

The Kediri Regency Government celebrated its 1222nd anniversary with a thanksgiving ceremony themed 'Cultured Kediri, Empowered Kediri', held at the regency office complex to showcase the rebuilt structures following a destructive fire in August 2025. The event included aid distribution to the disabled and orphans, the reading of the founding Prasasti Harinjing, and symbolic handover of harvest offerings, emphasising community harmony and resilience. Regent Hanindhito Himawan Pramana expressed hopes for the regency to remain peaceful, prosperous, and united in its cultural identity.

The Director General of Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities at the Ministry of Agriculture, Andi Nur Alamsyah, has emphasised that fertiliser serves as the cornerstone of Indonesia's food security, particularly amid geopolitical pressures, assuring that the agricultural sector is well-prepared to maintain self-sufficiency. Significant governance changes for subsidised fertiliser distribution in 2025, outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 6/2025 and Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 15/2025, will allocate 9.58 million tonnes with stable subsidies regardless of currency fluctuations, aiming to ensure targeted and accessible supply to farmers. Additionally, the government is balancing maximum retail prices and production costs at Rp6,500 per unit, while optimising swampy lands has increased the planting index by 2.5%, enabling two to three cropping cycles annually on previously underutilised areas, thereby boosting harvested areas from 480,000 hectares in 2024 to 500,000 hectares in 2025.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi attended a halalbihalal event organised by the Pasbata group in Solo, emphasising the importance of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) in regional development and using the gathering to strengthen government-society synergy. The event, held post-Eid al-Fitr, served as a platform to foster solidarity and collaboration amid development challenges. Pasbata's Secretary General, Sri Kuntoro Budianto, highlighted the commitment to honesty and truth, calling on members to combat hoaxes by reporting false information to authorities rather than engaging negatively.

US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration is reviewing the possibility of reducing US troops stationed in Germany, in response to criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US's handling of the war against Iran. Merz stated that the US is being humiliated by Iran's leadership, particularly in failed negotiations and the lack of an exit strategy, prompting Trump's backlash and threats to withdraw forces from one of the largest US overseas bases, where around 33,900 troops are deployed. This escalation highlights deepening tensions between the US and its NATO allies, including Germany, amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The Language Development and Cultivation Agency of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has partnered with the Kendari City Government in Southeast Sulawesi to boost literacy culture and strengthen language protection in the region, addressing the low national literacy index. The collaboration focuses on utilising high-quality books in educational institutions, empowering literacy communities, and supporting public reading gardens, while also enhancing language proficiency through tests like the Indonesian Language Proficiency Examination. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to fostering active community participation in preserving reading habits and local languages through public spaces dedicated to literacy activities.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has announced an internal evaluation of the candidacy for an International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) judge following the death of former Ambassador Eddy Pratomo, who was nominated for the 2026-2035 term. The nomination aimed to advance Indonesia's interests as an archipelagic state and represent developing nations in Southeast Asia, marking the first potential Indonesian judge at ITLOS since the UNCLOS's establishment in 1982. This development underscores Indonesia's ongoing efforts to strengthen its role in international maritime law amid unresolved boundary negotiations and resource disputes.

The Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) has warned taxpayers against delaying the filing of their Annual Income Tax Return (SPT PPh), as late submissions can result in administrative fines of up to Rp 1 million or even criminal penalties under Law No. 28 of 2007 on General Provisions and Tax Procedures. As the reporting period for the 2025 tax year approaches its end, DJP recorded 12.63 million filings by late April, predominantly from individual employee taxpayers, with corporate filings also showing steady progress. This emphasis on timely compliance underscores the government's efforts to enhance tax administration efficiency and revenue collection in Indonesia.

The Chairman of the DPR's Legislation Body, Bob Hasan, has affirmed that the revision to the General Elections Law (RUU Pemilu) will remain an initiative proposed by the DPR, despite ongoing political dynamics. This stance comes amid suggestions from PAN's Deputy Chairman Saleh Partaonan Daulay for the government to take over the initiative to avoid partisan tug-of-war, and indications from Yusril that the government is open to negotiating if the DPR process stalls. The development underscores the challenges in aligning diverse party interests on critical electoral reforms in Indonesia.

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the need for Indonesia's national downstreaming projects to adapt to technological advancements and prioritise public interests, as highlighted during the groundbreaking of phase II at the Cilacap Refinery Unit IV in Central Java. He instructed relevant task forces to continuously evaluate and select the most efficient technologies that benefit the people, underscoring a scientific and objective approach to project planning. This initiative aims to position downstreaming as a key pillar for economic independence, fostering national unity and stability amid global challenges.

Three Indonesian geoparks—Rinjani UGGp, Toba Caldera UGGp, and Ciletuh-Pelabuhanratu UGGp—have been awarded the UNESCO Green Card for their sustainable management and protection of natural heritage. This recognition, received by Indonesia's ambassador to UNESCO, highlights the country's third-highest number of UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide and underscores efforts towards community development. The award addresses key challenges like funding, human resources, and infrastructure while providing support through training, international collaboration, and enhanced visibility.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that three suspected Indonesian nationals were arrested by Saudi security forces in Mecca on Tuesday for involvement in fraudulent and embezzlement activities related to illegal Hajj services, including the dissemination of fake advertisements on social media. Evidence seized includes cash, computer devices, and counterfeit Hajj cards, with two of the suspects reportedly wearing Indonesian Hajj official attire at the time of arrest. The Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah is verifying their identities and coordinating with local authorities to ensure due legal process, amid Saudi Arabia's intensified crackdown on Hajj violations, while the ministry urges Indonesians to use only official channels for Hajj arrangements.

Professor Dalhar Susanto from the University of Indonesia's Department of Architecture emphasises that future architecture must tackle major challenges such as climate change, resource limitations, and the need for adaptive built environments. He advocates for integrating technological advancements with sustainability values to ensure architecture is not only technically efficient but also ecologically and socially responsible, drawing from his extensive research on eco-friendly materials and urban housing standards in Indonesia. Furthermore, he highlights the growing influence of digital technologies like artificial intelligence and sensor-based systems on architectural practices.

Bank Indonesia (BI) has officially launched the cross-border Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) implementation with China, enabling seamless inbound and outbound transactions between Indonesian and Chinese citizens via QR code scanning. The launch event in Jakarta on 30 April 2026 was attended by key figures including BI Governor Perry Warjiyo, OJK Commissioner Chairman Friderica Widyasari, Coordinating Minister Pratikno, and Chinese Ambassador Wang Lutong. This development is poised to enhance financial connectivity and trade facilitation between the two nations.

Bamsoet has urged the adoption of collective branding to bolster Indonesia's cooperatives, highlighting that while there are around 220,000 cooperatives, many remain inactive and contribute only 5% to GDP. Speaking at the launch of a book on strengthening the Red and White Cooperative through locally-based collective brand products, he emphasised how this approach could standardise quality, enhance distribution efficiency, and boost competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. He stressed the need for synergy between central government, local authorities, and the private sector to integrate cooperatives into the national economic ecosystem, fostering local economic independence.

PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk has launched the Travoy digital travel assistant app to enhance user experience on Indonesian toll roads, offering real-time traffic monitoring, toll fare information, and route optimisation features. With over 500,000 downloads and popular features like live CCTV access viewed 3.59 million times, the app has been updated to include Travoy Pay for multi-biller transactions and safety tools such as Red Zone for accident-prone areas. Users from young professionals to the elderly report improved convenience, particularly during peak travel periods like Eid holidays, underscoring Travoy's role in modernising infrastructure for safer and more efficient journeys.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has confirmed that all long-distance train services are operating normally as of Thursday, 30 April 2026, following a recovery process after a collision incident between a KRL Commuter and the Argo Bromo Anggrek train. While minor delays may still occur during operational adjustments, KAI prioritises safety and passenger rights, apologising for any inconvenience and ensuring full refunds for affected tickets. Over 13,000 tickets impacted by the 27-28 April disruptions have been successfully refunded, with policies covering cancellations, delays, and alternative transport options.

PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk reported a consolidated net profit of Rp 1.1 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 35% year-on-year increase, driven by robust credit growth and improved cost of credit. The bank's operational profit hit Rp 1.6 trillion, supported by a 9% rise in total loans to Rp 216.2 trillion and a 16% expansion in third-party funds to Rp 176.1 trillion, while maintaining strong asset quality with a gross NPL ratio of 1.6%. This performance underscores Danamon's strategic focus on financial intermediation, digital banking, and synergies in the automotive ecosystem, positioning it well for sustained profitability in Indonesia's banking sector.

The Regent of Kediri, Hanindhito Himawan Pramana, symbolically handed over 36 six-wheeled trucks to selected Merah Putih Village/Urban Ward Cooperatives (KDKMP) as part of the initial distribution to support their operations across the district, following the completion of 97 cooperative outlets. Emphasising sustainable management and diversification of products based on local potentials, the initiative aligns with the Minister of Cooperatives' 2025 guidelines and aims to empower village-level UMKM, reduce unemployment, and foster economic resilience in all 344 targeted villages and wards. Military support from the local Kodim commander ensures phased provision of additional vehicles and facilities to enhance cooperative functionality.

Geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have heightened concerns over global economic stability, particularly disruptions to energy supply chains and rising oil prices, which are weakening the Indonesian rupiah and increasing government energy subsidies and import costs. In this volatile environment, financial experts recommend building liquid emergency funds and strictly diversifying investment portfolios across assets with varying risk profiles to minimise losses. Additional strategies include allocating funds to safe-haven assets like gold and the US dollar, as well as focusing on defensive stock sectors such as essential consumer goods, healthcare, and utilities that are resilient to economic cycles and political unrest.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Spain's Jose Manuel Albares held a telephone discussion on Thursday, emphasising the need for a unified international stance against Israel's illegal interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off Crete. The flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, was targeted by Israeli forces, who disrupted communications and seized vessels, endangering civilian lives and violating international law. This incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding Israel's blockade of Gaza since 2007, which has displaced around 1.5 million of the territory's 2.4 million residents.

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) Traffic Corps has outlined a comprehensive security plan to escort over 92,000 workers from West Java to Jakarta for the 2026 International Labour Day celebrations, involving coloured stickers on buses to facilitate identification and monitoring. The strategy includes coordination with local police and highway authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow, with the workers heading to sites such as Monas, the DPR RI, and the Danantara area. This proactive approach underscores the authorities' commitment to maintaining public order during large-scale labour demonstrations, preventing potential disruptions amid ongoing social movements.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration is investigating the dissemination of a hoax claiming that 3 million immigration records, including passport numbers and visa details, were hacked from the eVisa system and sold on the dark web. Director General Hendarsam Marantoko dismissed the claims as false, confirming that the agency's multi-layered digital security systems remain intact and the purported leaked data does not originate from their systems. This incident underscores the need to combat misinformation targeting public institutions, with suspicions pointing to a newly created account as the source.

Head of the Presidential Staff Office, Dudung Abdurachman, has announced his intention to attend the 2026 Labour Day peak event to directly listen to workers' aspirations, which will be responded to by President Prabowo Subianto. The government's participation underscores its commitment to addressing workers' voices through concrete policies, positioning itself as a protector of employees and guardian of job sustainability. The event, themed "Collaboration to Realise Industrial Progress and Workers' Welfare," highlights the alignment of business health and worker prosperity for shared national goals.

Russia's Ambassador to Germany, Sergey Nechaev, has accused Berlin of doctrinally preparing for a military confrontation with Moscow in the coming years, while publicly denying involvement in the Ukraine conflict through arms supplies. He claims that despite public reluctance, German government propaganda, military, defence industry lobbies, and mainstream media are drowning out opposition voices. Moscow views Western arms deliveries to Ukraine as legitimate targets that hinder peace negotiations and directly implicate NATO countries in the conflict.

The Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, along with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) President Director Bobby Rasyidin and Director General of Railways Allan Tandiono, visited the families of victims from a fatal train collision at Bekasi Timur Station to express condolences and apologies. The accident on 27 April resulted in 16 deaths and 91 injuries, with KAI committing to a thorough investigation and safety evaluation to prevent future incidents. Families, including that of daily KRL commuter Nur Ainia Eka Rahmadhyna, urged swift determination of the cause, highlighting ongoing concerns over rail safety in Indonesia's public transport infrastructure.

The Director General of Taxation, Bimo Wijayanto, reported that 12.7 million annual income tax returns (SPT PPh) for the 2025 tax year had been submitted by noon on 30 April 2026, the final deadline for corporate filers. This achievement reflects a 67% compliance rate among obligated taxpayers and 83.2% of the 15 million target, contributing to positive growth in tax revenue compared to the previous year. The tax authority is considering extensions and relaxations in filing and payment deadlines to support taxpayers, while maintaining extended service hours including weekends.

In the narrow alleys of Manggarai, South Jakarta, housewives like Yuli Yanti have sustained their families for years by selling traditional iced tea from modest home stalls, often supplementing with snacks amid rising living costs. Despite daily profits hovering around Rp 40,000—boosting during hot weather—the vendors face mounting challenges from soaring plastic packaging prices, which have jumped from Rp 10,000 to Rp 15,000 per pack, squeezing their already thin margins. This micro-level struggle highlights the vulnerabilities of informal urban economies in Indonesia, where small-scale entrepreneurs battle inflation without institutional support.

Bank Indonesia has expanded the use of Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) to China, enabling seamless inbound and outbound transactions via QR code scanning between the two nations starting 30 April 2026. This integration initially supports limited Chinese QR systems like UnionPay and Alipay, with further adaptations underway for others such as WeChat Pay, aiming to reduce reliance on cash for travellers and businesses. The move is hailed as a significant step in digital financial cooperation, potentially boosting tourism, trade, and economic ties amid global digital transformation.

The Badan Pengatur Hilir Minyak dan Gas Bumi (BPH Migas) has confirmed that Tasikmalaya Regency and City in West Java are fully prepared to issue fuel purchase recommendation letters via the XStar application, eliminating manual processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy in subsidised fuel distribution. This digital shift, initiated in February 2024, targets users such as farmers, fishermen, and small businesses, aligning with regulations to ensure targeted and accountable allocation of state-subsidised fuels amid global energy pressures. Local officials highlighted the training's role in streamlining procedures and proposed additional infrastructure like fishing fuel stations to support coastal communities.

The Trump administration is forming a new international coalition, dubbed the Maritime Freedom Construct, to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been halted amid stalled negotiations with Iran. US diplomats are urging host governments to join the alliance, which will coordinate information sharing, diplomatic efforts, and sanctions to reopen the vital waterway. This initiative comes as Iran reportedly mines the strait and attacks tankers without approval, while the US blockades Iranian ports, with Trump preparing for a prolonged blockade until Iran abandons its nuclear programme.

Small and medium-sized convection industry players in Indonesia are urging the government to strengthen domestic market protections amid the influx of cheap imported products that are eroding local competitiveness. While the textile sector faces contractions, domestic-oriented businesses emphasise that safeguarding the local market would enable growth without reliance on subsidies. The Ministry of Industry acknowledges the need to regulate import flows to alleviate pressures on the textile industry.

The Buleleng Regency Government has launched an innovative programme allowing residents to pay their Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax (PBB-P2) non-cash through waste bank savings. By depositing waste, which is economically valued and converted into account balances, the initiative addresses both environmental management and tax compliance, aiming to reduce waste volumes and boost local revenue. Officials emphasise the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure the programme's success, with early responses from the community showing increased tax payment awareness.

Residents of Mediterania Apartment in West Jakarta have criticised the failure of the fire alarm and sprinkler system during a recent blaze that originated from an electrical panel in the basement, despite the alarms functioning properly in previous drills. The incident led to thick smoke trapping several occupants on upper floors, with no direct fire damage to residential units but significant concern over building safety protocols. Police are investigating the alarm malfunction, highlighting potential lapses in fire safety regulations for high-rise properties.

PT Kimia Farma (Persero) Tbk has achieved a significant turnaround in the first quarter of 2026, posting a net profit of Rp 123.6 billion compared to a Rp 126.4 billion loss in the same period of 2025. This recovery is attributed to successful financial restructuring, supply chain transformations, and efficiency measures, including human resource optimisation and debt restructuring supported by Bio Farma. The company is committed to ongoing improvements through strategic pillars like digitalisation and governance enhancement, focusing on high-margin products and supporting government health programmes.

The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) has launched the Electronic Non-Cash Guarantee Initiative to advance digital transformation in the customs sector, enabling real-time electronic processing of guarantees integrated with the CEISA 4.0 system. This eliminates the need for physical documents, reducing processing times from three working days to instant validation, thereby enhancing efficiency for exporters and importers. The move, introduced at the Tanjung Priok Type A Main Customs Service Office, underscores the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to streamline logistics and bolster Indonesia's business climate.

Jakarta police anticipate around 4,000 buses and 20,000 motorcycles transporting 200,000 workers from various regions to converge on the capital for Labour Day celebrations at Monas on 1 May 2026. To manage traffic, designated parking zones have been set up at JIExpo and Benyamin Sueb Street in Kemayoran for buses from West Java, Wisma Aldiron in Pancoran for those from Central and East Java, and the Gelora Bung Karno area in Senayan for vehicles from Banten and Lampung, with additional spots in North Jakarta if needed. Authorities urge the public to reconsider holiday plans to tourist areas like Ancol and Kota Tua due to expected congestion, highlighting the event's significant impact on urban mobility.

Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) has outlined a balanced strategy combining supply reduction and demand reduction to address narcotics threats, emphasising a humane, human rights-based approach under the War on Drugs for Humanity principle. At the 2026 CPDAP National Secretariat Meeting in Bali, BNN highlighted initiatives like the Ananda Bersinar programme for youth protection and the Desa Bersih Narkotika campaign, while fostering regional cooperation against complex challenges such as synthetic drugs and digital trafficking. The event, attended by delegates from Asia and beyond, aims to produce concrete recommendations for enhanced global responses to narcotics issues.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) reported a robust performance in the first quarter of 2026, achieving a consolidated net profit of Rp15.5 trillion, marking a 13.7% year-on-year increase, bolstered by selective credit growth, efficient fund management, and maintained asset quality. Key drivers included a 13.7% rise in total loans and financing to Rp1,562 trillion, with SMEs contributing Rp1,211 trillion, alongside a 9.4% growth in third-party funds to Rp1,555 trillion and improved CASA ratio. This performance underscores BRI's resilience amid global geopolitical risks, supported by Indonesia's stable economy and prudent banking expansion.

Bank Indonesia has expanded the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) to China, enabling seamless inbound and outbound transactions via QR code scanning between the two nations starting today. This integration initially covers UnionPay QR, Alipay QR, and unified QR with UnionPay and Alipay logos, with further expansions like WeChat Pay in development. The move is poised to enhance cross-border payments, boost tourism and business ties, and advance digital financial innovation amid growing economic collaboration between Indonesia and China.

The Indonesian government under President Prabowo Subianto has initiated the construction of three new fuel storage tanks with a total capacity of 153,000 kilolitres in Palaran (East Kalimantan), Biak (Papua), and Maumere (East Nusa Tenggara), as part of the second phase of downstreaming projects. These tanks, managed by PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, are expected to come online between 2027 and 2028, boosting national fuel storage capacity by 3.1% and enhancing energy distribution reliability, particularly in eastern Indonesia. The broader initiative aims to reduce import dependency, strengthen domestic supply chains, and promote economic independence through resource industrialisation.

Unilever Indonesia reported a 14.1% increase in net profit from continuing operations to Rp 1.3 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, driven by a 3.5% growth in domestic sales and improved execution strategies. The company highlighted strengthened performance across categories, sales channels including digital commerce, and cost discipline, while completing the divestiture of its SariWangi tea business. Management anticipates moderate margin improvements throughout 2026 amid challenging external conditions, underscoring a positive trajectory for sustainable growth.

Aisyah, a student from a modest family in Surakarta, Central Java, has found a transformative opportunity through the Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas 17, where free access to education, uniforms, meals, and a laptop has alleviated financial burdens and boosted her confidence. Excelling in badminton and cultural competitions, she aspires to become a doctor and actively participates in school activities, including the Red Cross youth program. Her mother expresses profound gratitude to the President for enabling this access to education, highlighting the programme's role in empowering underprivileged youth to build brighter futures.