The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with authorities in Somalia to rescue four Indonesian crew members aboard the tanker MT Honour 25, which was hijacked by pirates near Hafun on 22 April. The crew, including a captain from Gowa and officers from various regions, are reported to be in good health, with efforts involving local government, community leaders, and businesses. The ministry urges Indonesian seafarers to work through official channels to ensure their safety abroad.

Wakil Ketua Komisi X DPR RI Esti Wijayanti has called for the suspension of a state university lecturer, identified as CD, who served as an advisor to the Yogyakarta-based Daycare Little Aresha where child abuse occurred, pending legal proceedings. She emphasised that educators and influential figures involved should face triple the penalties compared to ordinary individuals, underscoring that the law must apply equally regardless of social status or position. Beyond punishment, Wijayanti stressed the need for comprehensive victim recovery support from the state, highlighting the broader responsibilities of academics and law enforcement officials.

Muhammad Subki, Chairman of Commission E of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, has proposed extending the free private school programme to include madrasahs under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, arguing that their students are Jakarta residents who pay taxes and should not face discrimination. The current programme, set to cover 103 private schools in the 2026/2027 academic year, prioritises areas without public schools, but madrasahs remain excluded despite serving local children. This push highlights ongoing efforts to broaden access to free education in the capital, building on the initial inclusion of 40 schools with an additional 63 planned.

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk reported nickel matte production of 13,620 metric tonnes in the first quarter of 2026, a decline from the previous quarter due to planned maintenance and the rebuilding of Furnace 3, yet it aligns with the company's operational plans and government-approved work budget. Despite the quarterly dip, net profit surged to US$43.6 million, driven by a 22.3% revenue increase and higher global nickel prices, positioning Vale optimistically for the full-year target of 67,645 tonnes amid rising LME prices and the start of operations at three mining blocks. This performance underscores Vale's strategic diversification and cost management in Indonesia's key nickel sector, vital for the nation's export-driven economy.

A sinkhole measuring 10 metres wide and 4 metres deep has emerged in a farmer's field in Banagung, Tileng, Girisubo, Gunungkidul, likely triggered by heavy rainfall on 4 March, which caused the ground to collapse and expand over time. Local disaster response team member Ngatijan has cordoned off the area with bamboo stakes to prevent accidents, noting surrounding ground cracks that could lead to further collapses. Gunungkidul's BPBD disaster agency is assessing the site and plans to collaborate with universities for research to identify causes and recommend mitigation measures.

The National Committee for Transportation Safety (NTSC) is conducting a thorough investigation into the fatal collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a commuter train in East Bekasi, focusing on multiple factors including signalling issues. While eyewitness accounts from the assistant driver suggest possible signal errors and communication breakdowns, the NTSC emphasises a holistic approach examining equipment, operations, human resources, procedures, and other infrastructure elements. The findings, intended to provide safety recommendations, will be published on official channels to improve future rail safety in Indonesia.

The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) is investigating potential signalling problems as a key factor in the fatal collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a KRL commuter train at Bekasi Timur Station. An assistant driver has reported irregularities in the signal lights, including an unexpected change to red while the train was travelling at 110 km/h, amid claims of communication errors with the control centre. The investigation's findings will be published online and used to provide safety recommendations to relevant parties to prevent future incidents.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is pressing forward with its investigation into the alleged corruption surrounding the 2023-2024 haj quota allocation, summoning three directors from haj and umrah travel agencies as witnesses. This probe centres on suspected trading of additional haj quotas among travel organisers and associations, implicating former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who faces charges alongside three other suspects for receiving bribes via intermediaries. The case highlights systemic irregularities in quota distribution, including how non-affiliated agencies obtained slots and facilitated pilgrimages, underscoring ongoing efforts to curb graft in Indonesia's religious affairs administration.

In Indramayu, West Java, a newly operational kitchen at the Haji Dormitory ensures that prospective pilgrims receive nutritious meals as they prepare for their journey to Mecca via Kertajati Embarkation. The facility prepares around 445 portions daily, including buffet meals, boxed rice for travel, and snacks, all cooked on-site with strict health and security checks such as X-ray scans and tastings by health teams. This initiative by the Ministry of Religious Affairs strengthens support services for hajj participants, highlighting the government's commitment to their well-being during this sacred pilgrimage.

PT Semen Indonesia Tbk (SIG) plans to increase its spending on local spare parts to Rp809 billion in 2026, marking a 2.79 percent rise from Rp787 billion in 2025 and a significant 164.3 percent jump from the 2020 baseline of Rp306 billion. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to enhancing the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) through strategic R&D collaborations with local industries and SMEs, aligning with its Sustainability Road Map 2030 and ESG principles to bolster domestic supply chains and operational efficiency. Overall, SIG's total domestic product spending reached Rp21.79 trillion in 2025, comprising 93.47 percent of its Rp23.32 trillion procurement budget, contributing to national economic growth amid global challenges.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industries Association (HIMKI), Abdul Sobur, has warned that Indonesia's labour policies must balance worker protection with industrial productivity and flexibility to maintain global competitiveness in manufacturing. He argues against a one-size-fits-all approach to flexible work arrangements like work-from-home (WFH), which are unsuitable for labour-intensive sectors reliant on physical presence, and points to Vietnam's success in attracting investments through more adaptable policies. This call comes amid domestic challenges such as rigid regulations, suboptimal worker productivity, and rising production costs, emphasising the need for a fair and competitive ecosystem to prevent job losses and business stagnation.

The ongoing US-Iran conflict has driven oil prices to a four-year high, with Brent crude reaching US$122.53 per barrel amid threats of a prolonged blockade in the Strait of Hormuz by President Trump, escalating global energy market tensions. Key updates include US military diversions of commercial ships, warnings from Russian President Putin against resuming attacks, and significant financial strains on the Pentagon, while oil giants like TotalEnergies report record profits from the surge in prices. These developments underscore the war's profound impact on international trade, alliances, and energy security, potentially leading to broader economic repercussions.

PT Nindya Karya has completed comprehensive repairs to the temporary housing (Huntara) facilities in Tamiang, Aceh, ensuring they are safe and comfortable for residents following an evaluation on 21 April 2026. The works included site improvements, structural reinforcements, and access pathway repairs, with ongoing monitoring to maintain quality. This restoration is vital for restoring normal daily activities and mobility in the community, earning appreciation from locals for the swift response by government and project teams.

Japan's industrial production dipped by 0.5% in March compared to the previous month, primarily due to disruptions in chemical production caused by the Middle East conflict affecting naphtha imports following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. While sectors like inorganic and organic chemicals contracted sharply by 8.6%, shipments of key petrochemical products remained stable through inventory utilisation, and the automotive sector saw a slight decline from reduced exports to the region. Despite the quarterly average showing growth, economists anticipate ongoing pressures from supply chain issues, with the government relying on domestic reserves and alternative sources to maintain crude oil supplies.

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk reported a significant 72.99% year-on-year increase in net profit to Rp 2.14 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, driven by robust sales growth and contributions from discontinued operations. Net sales rose 2.82% to Rp 8.44 trillion, supported by household and body care segments, while operating profit climbed to Rp 1.57 trillion amid controlled costs. This performance underscores Unilever Indonesia's resilience in a competitive consumer goods market, with total assets remaining stable at Rp 20.01 trillion.

Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, has issued an apology for her controversial suggestion to move women's carriages on the KRL commuter train to the middle following a train accident in East Bekasi. She acknowledged that her statement was inappropriate and clarified that it was not intended to compare the safety of different groups, emphasising that the safety of both women and men must be prioritised. This incident highlights ongoing debates about gender-specific public transport measures in Indonesia.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) has refuted circulating social media claims that Minister Nasaruddin Umar intends to ban the traditional animal sacrifice (qurban) during Eid al-Adha and replace it with monetary contributions. The ministry clarified that the minister's statements, taken out of context from an OJK event, were aimed at proposing more organised management of qurban through professional institutions like Baznas to enhance benefits and distribution efficiency, while affirming that independent practices remain fully permitted. This response underscores Kemenag's commitment to preserving religious observances while exploring modern facilitations for broader societal impact.

The Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology has released official guidelines for the 2026 National Education Day (Hardiknas) ceremony, outlining a detailed sequence of events including flag-raising, Pancasila recitation, and the minister's address to ensure a solemn and orderly commemoration. Scheduled for Saturday, 2 May 2026 at 07:30 local time, the in-person event will take place across government offices, educational institutions, and Indonesian representations abroad, with participants encouraged to wear traditional attire to foster nationalism and cultural preservation. This annual observance serves as both a ceremonial tradition and a moment for national reflection on the importance of education in nation-building.

PT Pakuwon Jati Tbk reported stable performance in the first quarter of 2026, with net revenue rising 6% to Rp 1.65 trillion, driven by resilient recurring income from retail and hospitality segments despite global economic uncertainties. The company's net profit jumped 29% to Rp 512 billion, boosted by reduced foreign exchange losses and improved EBITDA margins, though office leasing revenues declined. This growth highlights the strength of Pakuwon's diversified property portfolio, with retail contributing 63% of total revenue.

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, through its Hajj Organising Officials in Saudi Arabia, has enforced strict standard operating procedures requiring all catering providers to test food samples before distribution to Indonesian Hajj pilgrims, aiming to mitigate food poisoning risks amid the arrival of the first wave of pilgrims. Daily inspections focus on taste, ripeness, and hygiene, with nutritional menus tailored for extreme weather conditions to support pilgrims' physical endurance during worship. Officials urge pilgrims not to bring staple foods like rice, assuring that all provisions are adequately prepared and available on-site.

Indonesia's Minister for Population and Family Development, Wihaji, emphasised the need for an integrated approach to tackle stunting by directly targeting at-risk families, warning against partial measures during the handover of aid to two Stunting Risk Families in Lebak, Banten. He highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, including nutrition interventions, family education, and basic health services, to accelerate the decline in stunting rates and ensure healthy child development. Local officials, including Banten's Deputy Governor and Lebak's Deputy Regent, expressed full support for the central government's initiatives, which also incorporate monitoring of free nutritious meal programmes and family planning services.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is continuing its investigation into the 2018 construction of a flyover at the Tuanku Tambusai-Soekarno-Hatta (SKA) intersection in Riau Province, summoning Sofiah Balfas, Director of PT Bukaka, as a witness alongside four other individuals from related companies. Previously, KPK investigators, along with BPK auditors and experts, inspected the site in Pekanbaru to assess state financial losses, with the project originally estimated at Rp 159 billion but lacking detailed calculations. Five suspects have already been named in the case, highlighting ongoing efforts to address corruption in public infrastructure projects.

The Aliansi Gerakan Buruh Bersama Rakyat (Gebrak) plans to stage an independent May Day demonstration on 1 May 2026 in front of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta, rejecting the KSPSI's event at the National Monument with President Prabowo Subianto, which they view as co-opted by mainstream narratives. Comprising unions like KASBI and FPBI, the alliance expects around 10,000 participants and is demanding pro-labour labour law reforms, fair national wages, job security, ratification of ILO conventions, welfare for educators and healthcare workers, an end to mass layoffs, free education and healthcare, civil supremacy, genuine agrarian reform, and global peace efforts. This action underscores ongoing tensions between independent labour groups and government-aligned unions, highlighting critical issues in workers' rights and social welfare amid Indonesia's evolving political landscape.

The South Jakarta Environmental Agency (Sudin LH Jaksel) has introduced innovative strategies for managing organic waste, including the Biopori Jumbo and Teba Modern methods, aimed at reducing landfill burdens and promoting sustainability. These techniques involve large-scale composting in buried plastic drums and community-based composting pits inspired by local wisdom, respectively, to process kitchen waste and dry leaves directly at the source. By educating residents on waste sorting and processing, the agency seeks to transform organic waste into valuable resources, contributing to a cleaner and more economically beneficial environment in South Jakarta.

President Prabowo Subianto has initiated the groundbreaking for 13 strategic national downstream projects in Phase II, valued at approximately Rp 116 trillion, spanning energy, minerals, and agriculture sectors. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to accelerating industrial transformation by enhancing the value of Indonesia's natural resources and bolstering economic sovereignty. Officials highlighted the projects as a catalyst for turning national assets into drivers of prosperity, building on Phase I efforts to strengthen the domestic industrial ecosystem.

The Head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), Babe Haikal, praised Central Java's collaboration with the provincial government as an exemplary model for building a comprehensive halal ecosystem, including strengthened slaughterhouses and oversight of businesses. Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen highlighted plans to boost Muslim-friendly tourism, sharia economy, and halal certifications for UMKM by 2027, with support from private sector partnerships if needed. This initiative aligns with national directives from President Prabowo, positioning Central Java as a replicable example for other regions.

Swedish fashion retailer H&M plans to close 160 stores worldwide this year as part of a strategic shift towards e-commerce and more profitable locations, amid declining profits and changing consumer behaviours. Indonesian retail leaders view this as a normal industry dynamic, noting that closed H&M outlets in the country will be quickly filled by other brands, while global challenges are impacting local performance. The move reflects broader economic pressures and a pivot to online sales, with H&M offering aggressive digital promotions to attract shoppers.

PT Kimia Farma (Persero) Tbk, a state-owned pharmaceutical company, achieved a remarkable turnaround in the first quarter of 2026, posting a net profit of Rp 123.6 billion compared to a net loss of Rp 126.4 billion in the same period the previous year, marking a 197.79% year-on-year growth. This recovery is attributed to financial restructuring, business model transformation, and efficiency measures, including human resource optimisation and support from shareholders like Danantara Asset Management and Bio Farma. Despite challenges from rupiah depreciation affecting import costs, the company remains optimistic about sustaining growth through strategic initiatives focused on operational efficiency, digitalisation, and product innovation.

Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has endorsed the implementation of the 2025 Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI 2025), established by the Central Statistics Agency, to bolster the national trade framework by accommodating emerging business activities and refining previous classifications. This update addresses advancements in digital economy, artificial intelligence, new energy models, and e-commerce, simplifying classifications to enhance business competitiveness and policy relevance without disrupting ongoing operations during a six-month transition period. The collaborative effort with industry associations ensures the classification reflects real-world conditions, facilitating better risk mapping, licensing, and sectoral oversight.

The Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) is partnering with the House of Representatives (DPR) and local governments to bolster the national halal ecosystem, ensuring coordinated and integrated halal certification across regions. This collaboration provides micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMK) with guidance, free certification access, and solutions to challenges ahead of the mandatory halal implementation in October 2026. By enhancing product quality, market access, and competitiveness, the initiative aims to drive sustainable economic benefits for Indonesia.

Deputy Interior Minister Bima Arya closed the third wave of field practice for IPDN cadets in Aceh Tamiang, praising their contributions to regional recovery efforts following disasters, including restoration of government offices, settlements, and public facilities. He emphasised that the month-long assignment serves as a crucial simulation, testing their physical and mental resilience, leadership skills, and ability to foster collaboration amid diverse backgrounds, preparing them for future roles in Indonesian bureaucracy. Bima expressed pride in their tangible impacts on the local community and thanked the Aceh Tamiang regency government for their support, underscoring the programme's role in developing capable public servants.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has stated that the United Arab Emirates' decision to leave OPEC and OPEC+ effective 1 May will not affect the strong bilateral relations and strategic cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE. The government hopes this development supports global energy market stability and supply security, while closely monitoring its implications for the national economy and energy resilience. Experts view the UAE's move as a significant signal of diplomatic rifts in the Gulf region, particularly with Saudi Arabia, driven by geopolitical tensions in Yemen and disagreements over oil production quotas.

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Indonesia's natural resources are managed and utilised maximally for the benefit of the people, criticising past practices where national wealth was not retained domestically. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the national downstreaming project phase II at Refinery Unit IV in Cilacap, Central Java, he praised the contributions of industry players, state-owned enterprises, and professionals in driving economic transformation. Prabowo urged technocrats, scientists, and engineers to use their expertise to build national welfare rather than enabling corruption or enriching foreign interests, as part of broader efforts to achieve equitable wealth distribution through downstreaming and improved resource governance.

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to address the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) unit commanders' roll call for 2026 at the National Defence University in Sentul, Bogor, highlighting the military's role in national development. On the preceding day, Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak outlined key TNI Army programmes, including building over 7,000 water sources since 2020, constructing 1,244 bridges to enhance regional connectivity, and innovative waste management initiatives to produce alternative fuels. These efforts underscore the alignment of military contributions with Prabowo's policies on infrastructure, welfare, and environmental sustainability, fostering synergy between the armed forces and local governments.

Indonesia is currently positioned as a consumer rather than a producer of disaster management technology, which is seen as a barrier to national self-reliance in addressing increasingly complex disaster risks. The government, through BNPB and the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, is pushing for a major transformation, including strengthening disaster response systems and accelerating domestic industrialisation of disaster technology. This initiative was highlighted at a national seminar in Jakarta, emphasising the shift to preventive, risk-based approaches and the integration of disaster resilience into development planning to foster national resilience.

Aceh Provincial Police destroyed 20 hectares of cannabis plantations across several locations in Lampanah, Aceh Besar Regency, estimated to yield 50 tonnes, as part of the Antik Seulawah 2026 Operation. The destruction involved local police, military personnel, government officials, and millennial farmers to promote alternative crops like coffee and vegetables, aiming to break the narcotics supply chain and prevent future cultivation. This action underscores a commitment to eradicating drug threats through enforcement, education, and community empowerment in Aceh.

PT Pertamina Gas is reinforcing its commitment to integrated energy infrastructure to support Indonesia's national energy security. The company, led by CEO Indra P. Sembiring, is developing pipelines for fuel distribution, including the Cikampek-Plumpang route to ensure supply in Jakarta, while expanding into new renewable energy sectors such as hydrogen and biometane. This strategy aims to bolster business growth and technological ecosystems by 2026, as discussed in a CNBC Indonesia interview.

In a statement delivered at the 11th NPT Review Conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia's strict adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a responsible depositor, advocating for multilateral efforts to advance towards a nuclear-free world without compromising any party's security. He expressed Russia's readiness to collaborate on peaceful nuclear energy applications with interested NPT parties, emphasising that compliant states deserve unrestricted access to such technology. The conference, held at UN headquarters in New York, is expected to contribute productively to strengthening the global nuclear non-proliferation regime amid challenging international security dynamics.

The Directorate General of Taxes has set 30 April 2026 as the deadline for submitting annual tax returns (SPT Tahunan) for individual and corporate taxpayers, urging compliance to avoid penalties. As of 28 April 2026, over 12.3 million returns have already been filed. Taxpayers must first activate their Coretax account and then generate an authorisation code or electronic certificate to complete the process.

The Indonesian Army (TNI AD), under Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak, has constructed 7,217 clean water points across Indonesia since 2020 to address community access issues in arid areas. Initiated from personal observations of water scarcity, these facilities not only provide daily clean water but also support agricultural needs, demonstrating the military's commitment to enhancing public welfare beyond defence duties. This initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's policy direction on societal prosperity, with commitments to continue the programme.

The National Committee for Sharia Economy and Finance (KNEKS) has underscored the critical need for strengthening the resilience of Islamic banking to navigate complex global dynamics. In an international webinar hosted by CIBAFI and BIBF, KNEKS Director Sutan Emir Hidayat highlighted challenges such as climate risks, geopolitical tensions, global financial disruptions, and cyber threats, advocating for robust governance, risk management, and crisis preparedness. He emphasised that the ethical principles of Sharia finance, rooted in justice and real-sector linkages, provide a unique advantage in fostering stable and sustainable financial systems.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) plunged more than 2% in the first trading session on Thursday, closing at 6,926.55, marking its lowest point of 2026 and a 20% correction since the start of the year. Analysts attribute the downturn to global geopolitical uncertainties, rising oil prices, hawkish US Federal Reserve signals, and the weakening Indonesian rupiah against the dollar, with no positive domestic catalysts in sight. This significant drop highlights ongoing risks in Indonesia's stock market amid broader regional corrections and concerns over budget deficits and index rebalancing.

In a corruption case involving alleged extortion related to occupational safety and health (K3) certification at the Ministry of Manpower, defendants Temurila and Miki Mahfud requested a delay in their examination during a hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court, citing insufficient time to review case materials received late the previous night. The panel of judges acknowledged the unpreparedness and rescheduled the session for 4 May 2026, while affirming that the overall trial schedule, including prosecution demands and subsequent proceedings, will proceed as planned to ensure an efficient legal process. This case highlights ongoing efforts to address corruption in government certification processes, with examinations of other defendants also set for early May.

Shilvya, a 20-year-old university student, shares her family's positive experience with Indonesia's National Health Insurance (JKN) programme when her grandmother suffered a stroke in 2023, allowing for seamless medical treatment and referral from Tolitoli to Palu without financial burden. She also benefited personally from JKN coverage during her own treatment for gastritis, highlighting the programme's ease of access and comprehensive support for non-wage workers and local government aid recipients. Shilvya praises the system's efficiency in emergencies and urges more Indonesians to utilise it, underscoring JKN's role in reducing healthcare costs and improving access to quality care nationwide.

President Prabowo Subianto is set to deliver a briefing to Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) unit commanders at the peak event of the 2026 TNI Unit Commanders' Roll Call at the National Defence University in Sentul, Bogor. The two-day event, attended by around 1,500 commanders from all TNI branches, features contributions from several Cabinet Merah Putih ministers and TNI leaders, emphasising the military's role in national stability and economic security. Interior Minister Tito Karnavian highlighted the TNI's crucial involvement in controlling inflation to prevent social disruptions and safeguard national resilience against external pressures.

Acer is expanding its presence in Indonesia by bolstering its enterprise segment via Altos, a subsidiary offering AI-based digital infrastructure solutions, private cloud, and security for corporations, government, and education sectors. This strategic shift moves Acer beyond traditional PC hardware towards comprehensive technology ecosystems that prioritise high performance, scalability, and security. Altos, established in 2017, targets critical workloads in banking, industry, and public institutions, positioning Acer strongly in the B2B market.

PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk (UNVR) reported a net profit of Rp1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, excluding its SariWangi tea business, marking a 14.1% increase from the previous year, driven by 3.5% domestic sales growth and 2.1% underlying volume growth. The company achieved net sales of Rp8.4 trillion, up 2.8%, and highlighted strategic priorities in categories, sales channels, and costs to ensure long-term growth amid challenging external conditions. President Director Benjie Yap emphasised the positive momentum and improving fundamentals, with gross margins holding steady at 48.8% excluding transformation costs and pre-tax profit margins rising to 18.9%.

Former PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Commissioner Riza Primadi has criticised systemic negligence as the underlying cause of the fatal collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a Jabodetabek KRL at Bekasi Timur Station, attributing it to the stalled Double Double Track (DDT) project on the Bekasi-Cikarang route. He highlighted bureaucratic hurdles and poor governance that have delayed critical infrastructure upgrades despite land acquisition and legal foundations being in place, warning that mixing commuter and long-distance trains on single double tracks poses ongoing risks. Riza advocated for implementing DDT or Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems and urged prioritising these over less relevant measures like eliminating level crossings, calling the incident a 'great sin' of sectoral ego and mismanagement.

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that industrial downstreaming is essential for Indonesia's national revival and strengthening its economic foundations, as stated during the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the national downstreaming project at Refinery Unit IV in Cilacap, Central Java. He highlighted the importance of nationalism, patriotism, and national unity in overcoming historical exploitation of natural resources by foreign powers, warning that without the courage to manage resources independently, the nation will remain poor. Through downstreaming, the government aims to position Indonesia as a global economic power based on its resources, supported by industry and rooted in national unity.

Indonesia's House Commission VIII Deputy Chairman Abidin Fikri has responded to the arrest of three Indonesian citizens in Mecca for allegedly offering illegal hajj services via social media, emphasising the need for compliance with official regulations to protect pilgrims and bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia. He supports Saudi authorities' firm actions against fraudulent practices and urges Indonesian ministries to monitor the case, ensure fair legal proceedings, and crack down on any involved official hajj organisers. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to combat illegal hajj schemes that risk severe penalties like deportation or imprisonment for Indonesians.