The Indonesian government is targeting 5.5% economic growth by 2026, with the palm oil industry playing a pivotal role, contributing 3.5% to national GDP in 2025 and supporting biodiesel B50 implementation from July 2026. This programme is expected to boost production, save Rp 139.8 trillion in foreign exchange through reduced diesel imports, and enhance CPO value addition to Rp 21.94 trillion, while exports reached US$40 billion in 2025. Industry leaders emphasise the need to increase productivity and rejuvenate smallholder plantations to meet domestic demands and ensure sustainability amid stagnating production.

The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration has postponed the departure of 18 prospective non-procedural Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, an increase of five from the previous count. Director General Hendarsam Marantoko highlighted evidence of involvement by agents and individual attempts, with legal handling transferred to a joint police task force. This measure aims to protect pilgrims from risks, as non-procedural travel prevents them from performing Hajj and may lead to illegal and dangerous routes, noting a significant decline from last year's 1,243 cases due to greater public awareness.

Prof Budi Guntoro from Universitas Gadjah Mada warns that introducing foreign investment into Indonesia's laying hen sector requires careful scrutiny amid a structural surplus in egg production, projected to exceed 6.5 million tonnes by 2026 while national consumption stands at 6.22 million tonnes. He emphasises the vital role of small-scale farmers in sustaining the industry, absorbing labour, and driving local economies, cautioning that foreign capital could lead to market concentration and marginalise small businesses without robust regulations. Instead, strengthening cooperatives, long-term contracts, and distribution support for local producers is recommended to meet needs like the Free Nutritious Meals Programme without compromising food sovereignty.

PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has increased its local spare parts procurement to Rp 809 billion in 2025, marking a 2.79% rise from the previous year and a substantial 164.3% growth from the 2020 baseline, as part of efforts to bolster the national supply chain and operational efficiency amid industry pressures. This initiative aligns with sustainable procurement practices and ESG principles, contributing to a total domestic product spending of Rp 21.79 trillion, or 93.47% of overall expenditures, thereby supporting Indonesia's economic growth objectives. The company is also advancing innovations like low-carbon cement using local resources to enhance competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

The Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) is coordinating security measures to escort thousands of workers from regions like West Java to Jakarta for the 2026 International Labour Day (May Day) celebrations. Preparations include mapping movements, applying colour-coded vehicle stickers for easier monitoring, and collaborating with highway authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow. This effort involves various labour unions, with gathering points at toll exits and company areas in Sukabumi, highlighting the government's commitment to safe public demonstrations.

The National Hajj Commission (Komnas Haji) has called on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) to thoroughly evaluate a bus accident involving Indonesian hajj pilgrims at Jabal Magnet on 28 April 2026, which injured several participants. The incident involved two buses from different hajj guidance groups, with one pilgrim requiring hospital treatment in Madinah. Kemenhaj is urged to enforce stricter discipline on hajj guidance groups (KBIHU) and implement measured actions to prevent recurrences, including adherence to five specific safety rules.

The Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) under the Ministry of Finance is considering a relaxation exempting corporate taxpayers from penalties for late filing of the 2025 annual income tax return (SPT) until the end of May 2026, extending beyond the usual 30 April deadline. This measure aims to provide certainty and additional time for companies to prepare accurate reports amid ongoing adjustments to the Coretax system. The initiative follows a similar exemption granted to individual taxpayers and underscores the tax authority's commitment to supportive services despite system imperfections.

Despite abundant liquidity in Indonesia's banking sector, driven by government injections of over Rp300 trillion into state-owned banks, credit growth has not kept pace, reaching only 9.49% in March 2026 compared to double-digit third-party funds growth. The Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia highlights declining loan-to-deposit ratios and stagnant SME credit as signs that banks are not channeling funds effectively to the real sector, with undisbursed loans remaining high. Bank Indonesia remains optimistic, projecting 8-12% credit growth for 2026 amid low interest rates and efforts to optimize existing credit ceilings.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that the naval blockade imposed by Washington on Tehran's ports could persist for months, a statement that has propelled oil prices to their highest level in four years. Trump emphasised the blockade's effectiveness over bombing in pressuring Iran on its nuclear programme, amid ongoing tensions including Iran's restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz following joint US-Israel strikes in February 2026. The escalation has driven Brent crude prices up 7.6% to $119.69, highlighting the global energy market's vulnerability to geopolitical conflicts.

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Directorate anticipates around 200,000 workers from various regions will converge on the National Monument (Monas) for International Labour Day on Friday, 1 May 2026, potentially causing significant traffic disruptions in the capital. To manage the influx of approximately 4,000 buses and 20,000 motorcycles, police have designated parking areas near the event site and plan situational traffic diversions, with 1,793 officers deployed for security and smooth operations. Authorities urge the public to avoid the Monas area to minimise congestion, highlighting the event's scale and its impact on urban mobility during this key workers' commemoration.

Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Dudung Abdurachman has vowed to rigorously oversee the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto's priority programmes, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and People's School initiatives, promising to "cut down" any improper practices. Speaking at the VII Congress of the Indonesian Christian Intelligentsia Union (PIKI) in Jakarta, Dudung emphasised his role in bridging the gap between the public and government while monitoring reports of irregularities. He also highlighted the importance of national insight for resilience, urging vigilance against provocative and misleading social media content that could undermine national unity.

Indonesia's vast nickel reserves present a significant opportunity to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EV) in the mining sector, particularly with the EU Battery Passport regulation set to take effect in February 2027. However, challenges such as inadequate energy supply, water resources, infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled human resources in remote mining areas must be addressed to enable adoption, especially outside established special economic zones like the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park. Djoko Widajatno, a supervisor at the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association, stresses the need for consistent government regulations, enhanced workforce training, and safety education to mitigate risks associated with electric heavy machinery and foster investment confidence.

Moeldoko Abdurachman, Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP), has pledged to address any improper practices in President Prabowo Subianto's priority programmes, including the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) initiative and the People's School. Speaking at the VII Congress of the Indonesian Christian Intelligentsia Union (PIKI) in Jakarta, he emphasised his role in bridging the gap between the public and government while overseeing reports of irregularities in national flagship programmes. Additionally, Abdurachman highlighted the importance of national insight as a pillar of national resilience, urging vigilance against misleading information to preserve Indonesia's unity amid global conflicts.

President Prabowo Subianto has urged the advancement of national downstreaming projects that adapt to technological developments and prioritise public benefits, as highlighted during the groundbreaking of Phase II at the Cilacap Refinery Unit IV in Central Java. He instructed the Downstreaming Task Force and the Nusantara Future Investment Management Agency to continuously evaluate the most efficient technologies mathematically, ensuring maximum societal gains and economic independence. Prabowo expressed optimism about Indonesia's future, calling for national unity and stability to overcome global challenges and build a great nation.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has indicated that the expansion of free private schools could be pursued if additional fiscal space is provided by the Jakarta DPRD, emphasizing fairness for all educational institutions. This potential inclusion extends to madrasahs under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, following a proposal from DPRD Commission E Chairman Muhammad Subki during a plenary session. The move addresses concerns over discrimination, as madrasah students are Jakarta residents whose parents pay taxes, highlighting efforts to ensure equitable access to free education across diverse schooling options.

Kediri Regent Hanindhito Himawan Pramana, known as Mas Dhito, personally visited and provided a wheelchair to 105-year-old Mbah Marsiyah, Indonesia's oldest prospective Hajj pilgrim, to aid her mobility during the pilgrimage. Highlighting her excellent physical and cognitive health despite her advanced age, Mas Dhito assured special attention from local Hajj escorts for elderly pilgrims among the over 1,000 from the region. Mbah Marsiyah's decades-long dream of performing Hajj, funded through persistent savings from selling porridge even after setbacks like the 2014 Mount Kelud eruption, underscores themes of resilience and community support in Indonesian social welfare.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has confirmed that all long-distance train services are operating normally as of Thursday, 30 April, following a collision between a long-distance train and a commuter line at Bekasi Timur Station on 27 April, which resulted in 16 deaths and 91 injuries. The company is actively restoring services, apologising for any inconvenience, and handling the recovery of 85 lost passenger items, with 38 already returned. KAI urges affected passengers to contact the Lost and Found service at Bekasi Timur Station to retrieve belongings, emphasising safety in all recovery efforts.

Indonesia's Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Choiri Fauzi, has apologised for suggesting that women-only train carriages be moved to the middle of trains following a fatal collision near Jakarta that killed 16 women in such a carriage, a remark that implied men's lives were less valuable and drew widespread online criticism. The incident involved a train crashing into a stationary one after an electric taxi broke down on the tracks, injuring 90 others. Arifah emphasised that safety is paramount for all passengers and her ministry will provide psychological support to affected families.

BYD has unveiled its ultra-luxury Yangwang U9 Xtreme electric supercar at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, priced at over 20 million yuan (approximately Rp 44.5 billion) per unit, marking it as the Chinese automaker's most expensive model. Limited to just 30 units worldwide, the vehicle features advanced 1200V electrical architecture, DiSus-X active suspension, and carbon-ceramic brakes, with one unit already delivered by BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu. The U9 Xtreme set a record lap time of 6 minutes 59.157 seconds at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, topping the category for mass-produced electric vehicles and highlighting BYD's push into high-performance luxury EVs.

In the bustling area around Depok Baru Station, entrepreneur Bambang has operated a motorcycle parking service for 15 years, capitalising on limited station parking by offering affordable daily rates of Rp 5,000 and overnight fees of Rp 15,000. Despite growing competition from similar services in narrow alleys, his business thrives through loyal commuters who rely on Jakarta's trains, with Bambang memorising customers' vehicles and routines to build trust without needing tickets. This grassroots venture highlights the entrepreneurial spirit in Indonesia's urban transport hubs, quietly generating substantial monthly revenue from everyday needs.

PT Summarecon Agung Tbk has launched Diamond Commercial, an exclusive row of shophouses in the expanding eastern Bandung area, responding to surging demand driven by improved connectivity via the Whoosh high-speed train and robust ecosystem development. Strategically located along Jalan Gedebage Utama near educational institutions and key infrastructure like the Gedebage Toll Road and ITB Innovation Park, the two-storey units feature high ceilings, spacious terraces, and balconies tailored for food and beverage and creative businesses. With limited units priced from Rp 2.6 billion, online bookings began on 20 April 2024, underscoring Summarecon Bandung's focus on Transit Oriented Development to enhance business accessibility and quality of life in this economic growth corridor.

An expert from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reassures that robots and AI will not completely replace human workers, as they require maintenance, repairs, and human oversight for decision-making and sensor checks, particularly in industrial settings. While studies from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey predict the loss of up to 92 million global jobs by 2030 due to automation, affecting roles like bank tellers, data entry staff, and production line workers, the expert highlights how mass production in countries like China could lower costs without eliminating human involvement. This perspective underscores the evolving role of technology in the workforce, emphasising the need for adaptation in Indonesia's economy amid rising automation concerns.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission VIII, Mahdalena, has urged the government to conduct a nationwide raid on unlicensed daycare centres to ensure child safety and compliance with standards. Citing data from the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, she highlighted that 43% of daycares operate without permits, 66.7% lack certified staff, and 20% have no operational procedures, posing risks of violence and trauma to children. The proposal aligns with the 2024 Child and Maternal Welfare Law and calls for stricter licensing and training to protect children's rights.

LPPOM, the Indonesian Halal Certification Body, plans to develop a pilot project for halal raw material stores in Bengkulu, East Java, and East Nusa Tenggara to strengthen the halal supply chain for micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM). This initiative, building on existing outlets in Bogor and halal certification facilitation during the 2026 Syawal Festival, aims to ensure product authenticity and simplify certification processes through cross-sector collaboration. By guaranteeing halal integrity from producers to UMKM, the project addresses common issues like unclear supplier information, enhancing efficiency in Indonesia's growing halal economy.

Jakarta's Metro Jaya Police are set to initiate a formal investigation into the alleged terror incident involving defamatory flower arrangements reported by doctor Oky Pratama, following a case review that confirmed criminal elements. The complaint, filed in August 2025, had drawn public attention due to perceived delays in handling, but the escalation to investigation stage now empowers police to gather evidence, examine witnesses, and potentially identify suspects. This development underscores efforts to address online and physical intimidation against public figures, ensuring legal accountability.

Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) has become the first university in Indonesia to build and manage a nutritious free meal kitchen (MBG), integrating research, education, and community service to ensure direct societal impact. Rector Jamaluddin Jompa emphasised that the initiative transforms the MBG programme into a living laboratory for students and faculty, involving the full supply chain from raw materials to distribution, while fostering applied research in nutrition and food innovation. The facility, inaugurated by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto, serves as a model for other universities to actively support government social priorities.

Indonesia's Director General of Taxation, Bimo Wijayanto, is considering extending a penalty waiver for late corporate income tax return filings, allowing submissions without sanctions until the end of May 2026, following a directive from Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. This mirrors the relief already granted to individual taxpayers under a recent decision, with the tax office currently formulating the legal basis for the extension from the original 30 April 2026 deadline. As of the latest figures, over 2.6 million taxpayers have filed their returns, alongside more than 18.8 million Core Tax account activations, highlighting ongoing efforts to ease compliance amid the 2025 tax year reporting.

PT TBS Energi Utama reported strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2026, with consolidated revenue rising 20.5% and gross profit surging 46.7% year-on-year, following its 2025 portfolio transformation towards green sectors like waste management and renewable energy. Operational cash flow turned positive at $9.9 million, and overall losses narrowed by over 83% to $9.5 million, driven by the waste management segment which contributed 60% of revenue and 93% of adjusted EBITDA. This progress validates the company's strategic shift, positioning TBS as a sustainable business platform with high margins for long-term shareholder value.

Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman has assured that the government is providing rapid and optimal care for victims of a train accident in East Bekasi, including medical treatment and compensation through coordination with BPJS, PT KAI, and Jasa Raharja insurance. During his visit to the hospital, Dudung emphasised the need for seamless inter-ministerial communication and rehabilitation support, while the Presidential Staff Office is pushing for evaluations and improvements to transportation infrastructure in West Java. The government plans a comprehensive review of potential hazards, such as illegal level crossings, to enhance safety measures.

In a plenary session of the Jakarta DPRD, 83 out of 106 members, representing 78% attendance and meeting the quorum, unanimously approved the replacement of Khoirudin with Suhud Alynudin as the council's chairman. Suhud, from the PKS faction, awaits central government ratification to serve until 2029, marking the end of Khoirudin's leadership. This transition underscores the procedural dynamics within Jakarta's regional legislature.

PT PLN's Electrifying Agriculture programme has significantly enhanced productivity and reduced operational costs for onion farmers in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, by replacing diesel pumps with electric alternatives, leading to doubled yields and 74% cost savings. Farmers like Sirajudin report stable irrigation and pest control through lighting, eliminating daily fuel hunts and supporting Indonesia's food self-sufficiency goals. Bone Regent Andi Asman Sulaiman praised the initiative for advancing food security and rural welfare by extending electricity to agricultural fields.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (Komnas Haji), Mustolih Siradj, has urged hajj pilgrims to use their waiting periods for spiritual preparation rather than tourism activities that risk safety, following a bus accident involving two pilgrim groups at Jabal Magnet. The incident, which occurred after a city tour, involved buses from KBIHU Nurul Haramain Probolinggu (kloter SUB-2) and KBIHU Al Azhar (kloter JKS1), prompting calls for evaluation by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to investigate the motives and initiators behind such tours. This highlights the need for stricter guidelines on pilgrim activities to prioritise ibadah and ensure safety during the extended lead-up to key rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) has apologised to passengers for the disruptions caused by a recent train collision at Bekasi Timur Station and announced that 85 lost items from the incident have been recovered, with 38 already returned to owners. The company assures that long-distance train services are operating normally, though minor delays may occur during the operational adjustment period following the accident that resulted in 16 deaths and 91 injuries. This update highlights PT KAI's efforts to restore safety and service reliability while addressing passenger rights and lost property claims.

The Indonesian National Police's Traffic Corps will escort groups of workers travelling from West Java to Jakarta for the 2026 May Day celebrations, with destinations including the National Monument, the House of Representatives building, and the Danantara area. Coordination efforts include traffic management with Jasa Marga and colour-coded stickers on buses to facilitate smooth escorting, particularly for the approximately 4,750 workers from Sukabumi using 95 buses. This measure ensures safety and order during the mass movement, highlighting the significance of labour demonstrations in Indonesia's social and political landscape.

The Yogyakarta Royal Palace has distributed 52 serat palilah, or land use permits for Sultan Ground, to residents of the previously slum-like Pedak Baru area in Bantul, providing them with one-year validity that can be extended and potentially upgraded to longer-term certificates. This initiative, led by GKR Mangkubumi, aims to formalise residency, ensure legal protection, and allow inheritance to descendants, transforming a flood-prone slum into a safer, more comfortable neighbourhood. Bantul Regent Abdul Halim Muslih praised the effort as a best practice in resolving land issues on palace grounds through collaboration between local government, the palace, and the community, serving as a model for other villages.

The North Maluku provincial government has provided Rp1.5 million in pocket money to each of its 764 departing Hajj pilgrims via the Makassar embarkation point, funded by the regional budget, marking an increase from Rp1 million last year. Governor Sherly Tjoanda Laos welcomed the healthy pilgrims, noting the departure of two groups and a slight reduction in quota due to illnesses and deaths among registrants, many of whom are elderly after waiting over a decade. This initiative underscores the provincial commitment to supporting religious pilgrimages amid Indonesia's annual Hajj allocations.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) executives attribute the 18% year-to-date correction in the bank's shares primarily to external factors such as global sentiment and foreign investor perceptions, despite solid fundamental performance evidenced by maintained asset quality, improved cost of funds, strong capitalisation, and positive profitability. The bank remains committed to shareholder value through a 92% dividend payout from 2025 earnings, equivalent to Rp346 per share, and offers competitive long-term returns of 10-11% annually. CEO Hery Gunardi advises long-term investors to focus on fundamentals rather than short-term fluctuations, expressing optimism for recovery as macroeconomic conditions improve.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo hopes that expanding free private schools, starting with 103 institutions, will significantly reduce the number of children unable to attend school due to economic constraints in the capital. The provincial government prioritises education through initiatives like the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP), Jakarta Outstanding Student Card (KJMU), and certificate waivers, underscoring its commitment to improving access. DPRD member Jhonny Simanjuntak urges further expansion of the programme and proactive outreach by the Education Office to address not only economic but also socio-cultural barriers, emphasising education's role in Jakarta's status as a global city.

US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade, insisting that the blockade will persist until a nuclear deal is reached between Washington and Tehran. Trump emphasised that the blockade is more effective than bombing in pressuring Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, claiming that Iran's oil storage is nearing capacity due to export restrictions. While negotiations show some progress, Trump demands that Iran fully capitulate on nuclear weapons, amid Iranian warnings of unprecedented retaliation if the blockade continues.

PT United Tractors Tbk (UNTR) reported a 17% decline in net revenue to Rp 28.6 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, primarily due to the absence of gold sales from PT Agincourt Resources and weakened performance in construction machinery and mining contracting segments amid reduced national coal RKAB allocations. Despite these pressures, revenue from thermal and metallurgical coal mining rose thanks to higher average coal prices, though net profit fell 44% to Rp 1.8 trillion excluding non-recurring charges. The company also faced Rp 1.2 trillion in one-off expenses related to nickel mining permits and geothermal investment impairments, shifting from a net cash to a net debt position of Rp 5.5 trillion.

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Indonesia's natural resources are managed and enjoyed maximally by the Indonesian people, criticising past practices where national wealth was not retained domestically. Speaking at the groundbreaking of the national downstreaming project phase II at Refinery Unit IV in Cilacap, he praised the contributions of industry players, state-owned enterprises, and professionals in driving economic transformation. Prabowo urged technocrats, scientists, and engineers to dedicate their expertise to national welfare, warning against using intelligence to deceive the people or enrich foreign interests, as part of broader efforts to promote equitable wealth distribution through downstreaming and improved resource governance.

Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman has pledged to rigorously address any irregularities in the implementation of President Prabowo Subianto's flagship initiatives, such as the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) and People's Schools programmes. Speaking at the VII Congress of the Indonesian Christian Intelligentsia Union (PIKI) in Jakarta, he emphasised his role in bridging society and government while overseeing public reports on these efforts. Additionally, he urged the public to remain vigilant against provocative and misleading social media content to safeguard national unity amid global conflicts.

Pertamina Patra Niaga is bolstering the accuracy of subsidised fuel distribution through regular consumer data updates and enhanced QR code services in East Java, following feedback from truck drivers on technical challenges. The initiative, part of the government's Subsidi Tepat programme, ensures that subsidised fuels like Biosolar and Pertalite reach rightful users, with the company establishing 147 helpdesks to resolve QR code issues and prevent misuse. This commitment to listening to customer aspirations aims to improve service reliability and maintain stable energy supply for the public.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) plunged more than 2% in the morning session on Thursday, closing at 6,926.55 points, marking the lowest level of the year and a year-to-date decline of around 20%, driven by heavy net selling from foreign investors amounting to Rp977.1 billion, primarily in big-cap banking and commodity stocks. While limited accumulation occurred in select shares like BBNI and ADRO, all sectors weakened, with infrastructure, basic materials, and energy hit hardest, amid global geopolitical uncertainties, rising oil prices, and domestic concerns over the rupiah's depreciation and budget deficits. Analysts highlight the absence of positive domestic catalysts, despite attractive valuations in some blue-chip stocks, underscoring ongoing market pressures.

The Indonesia Supply Chain Exhibition & Conference, powered by CeMAT and CargoNOW, has been officially launched in Jakarta, marking the return of the renowned international platform for end-to-end supply chain, logistics, and intralogistics technologies to the city. Set to debut on 25–27 November 2026 at the Nusantara International Convention & Exhibition, the event will bring together manufacturers, logistics providers, tech firms, e-commerce businesses, and government stakeholders from Indonesia and ASEAN to showcase solutions in transportation, warehousing, automation, sustainability, and specialised sectors like cold chain and pharmaceuticals. Amid Indonesia's rapid industrial expansion, booming e-commerce market projected to exceed USD 100 billion, and high logistics costs surpassing 20% of GDP, the conference aims to enhance supply chain efficiency, foster global-local partnerships, and support national initiatives like the National Logistics Ecosystem for greater economic resilience and competitiveness.

Indonesian police have halted the investigation into Haksono Santoso and retired Major General Leo JP Siegers due to insufficient evidence, revoking their suspect status through the issuance of an SP3 termination order. The case stemmed from a 2023 fraud and embezzlement report involving a US$2 million (Rp32 billion) disputed debt linked to PT Kartika Selabumi Mining, a company connected to the bankrupt PT Marino Mining International. Despite initial arrest and detention in late 2024, the legal team highlighted factual oversights, including the absence of the debt in company records from 2012 to 2019, underscoring potential flaws in the investigative process.

China has solidified its leadership in global artificial intelligence (AI) development by holding approximately 60 percent of worldwide AI patents, as revealed in the 2025 China Digital Development Report released by the National Data Administration. The report highlights the core digital economy's value-added exceeding 10.5 percent of GDP, with the AI industry scaling to over 1.2 trillion yuan (about $174.9 billion), driven by expanded AI infrastructure including 306 national green computing facilities and over 110,000 high-quality datasets across sectors like health, industry, and education. This digital advancement, integrated into economy, governance, and social spheres, positions technology as a key driver for high-quality economic growth through cross-sector collaborations.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully completed the final phase of evacuating its citizens from Iran, with 13 Indonesians arriving home on 21 April amid escalating Middle East tensions following US and Israeli strikes on 28 February. The evacuations, conducted in three stages through coordination with embassies and airlines, have facilitated the safe return of 2,999 Indonesians via evacuation or self-repatriation by 29 April, with no further stranded citizens reported. While the situation in Gulf countries remains stable with normalising air traffic, the ministry urges Indonesians in the region to stay vigilant and maintain contact with nearest representations.

PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk., an entity owned by conglomerate Prajogo Pangestu, has injected US$15.5 million (approximately Rp267 billion) into Singapore-based Petrosea Services Solutions Pte. Ltd., acquiring 49% ownership through the purchase of new shares. This strategic move aims to strengthen the target company's financial structure, support working capital needs, enhance operational capacity, and facilitate both organic and inorganic business expansion in the regional market. Operational control remains with the Petrosea group, underscoring the investment's role in consolidating affiliations within the conglomerate without requiring shareholder approval.

The DKI Jakarta Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) has approved the replacement of its chair, Khoirudin, with Suhud Alynudin from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) during a plenary session. The decision, attended by 83 of 106 members, follows regulations including Government Regulation No. 12 of 2018 and the DPRD's internal rules, based on a PKS central board decree dated 2 April 2026. Suhud Alynudin's appointment for the remaining 2024-2029 term will be formalised by the Minister of Home Affairs through the Jakarta Governor, marking a key leadership transition in the city's legislative body.