Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has announced a new regulation, effective from 8 May 2026, that restricts imports of several agricultural commodities including feed wheat, soybean meal, mung beans, peanuts, feed rice, and pears to stabilise domestic prices, protect local producers, and enhance national food security. Importers must now obtain approvals from the Ministry of Trade, supported by technical recommendations from the Ministry of Agriculture, to address issues like declining farmer interest due to unrestricted imports. This policy, developed with stakeholder input and aligned with existing trade laws, aims to reduce import dependency while balancing industrial needs and domestic production interests.

Provinces of North Sumatra and West Sumatra have collectively donated Rp287 billion through inter-regional grants to aid the recovery efforts in Aceh following hydro-meteorological disasters. This contribution, sourced from returned regional transfer funds, underscores national solidarity and is expected to accelerate rehabilitation in severely affected areas. The Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction ensures direct and accountable distribution to enhance regional resilience against future calamities.

Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD has criticised the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) for a decline in its performance, particularly in handling high-profile cases such as the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus by TNI intelligence personnel. He contrasted the current body's apparent lack of visibility and coordination with the government against the proactive approach during Ahmad Taufan Damanik's tenure, when Komnas HAM actively engaged in debates and public advocacy despite differences. This assessment highlights ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of Indonesia's human rights institutions in addressing violations amid political and security sensitivities.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa met with the Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen trade and educational cooperation between the province and Malaysia. The discussions focused on expanding economic ties through business matching events, highlighting East Java's export surplus of $967.06 million with Malaysia in 2023, driven by commodities such as copper, animal fats and oils, chemicals, cocoa, and wood products. Khofifah emphasised East Java's readiness to serve as a national trade powerhouse, bolstered by innovations in food security and livestock sectors, while the ambassador praised the province's strategic economic role.

Indonesia's Human Development Index (HDI) reached 75.90 in 2025, marking a 0.83-point increase from the previous year, driven by enhanced purchasing power and sustained improvements in education and health sectors. However, stark disparities persist between Western and Eastern Indonesia, with Jakarta boasting a very high HDI of 85.05, while Papua Pegunungan lags at 54.91, highlighting challenges in infrastructure, access to basic services, and concentrated development policies in the west. This regional imbalance underscores the need for targeted investments in eastern provinces, particularly the new autonomous regions, to achieve more equitable human development nationwide.

Bogor Mayor Dedie A. Rachim has instructed village heads and sub-district chiefs to build mental resilience akin to his own in facing potential disasters, particularly those exacerbated by extreme weather phenomena like the "El Nino Godzilla." He highlighted the shift from climate change to climate disaster, noting 372 incidents recorded in 2026 so far—far exceeding typical annual figures—and emphasised collective efforts to mitigate risks such as landslides, floods, and severe weather. While underscoring the need for public awareness, especially regarding waste disposal contributing to flash floods, the mayor stressed that disaster management is a shared responsibility beyond just government duties.

The Southeast Sulawesi Health Office has partnered with the Quarantine Agency to enhance HIV/AIDS screening at entry points following the detection of 123 new cases in the first quarter of 2026, attributed largely to high population mobility in industrial and mining sectors. Kendari and Baubau cities report the highest concentrations, exacerbated by port activities and economic hubs. The initiative includes intensified educational campaigns targeting at-risk groups, involving community and religious leaders to promote early detection and healthy lifestyles, aiming to significantly reduce transmission rates.

In a military court session in Jakarta, presiding judge Fredy Ferdian Isnartanto reprimanded TNI Sergeant Edi Sudarko during the reading of charges in the acid attack case against KontraS deputy coordinator Andrie Yunus. The four accused TNI intelligence personnel allegedly targeted Yunus due to his interruption at a Fairmont Jakarta hotel event on 16 March 2025, which they perceived as an insult to the TNI institution. They face multiple charges under Indonesian criminal law, highlighting tensions between military personnel and human rights activists.

DPR Commission IX member Netty Prasetiyani Aher has expressed profound condolences for the train collision at Bekasi Timur Station involving the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek and a KRL Commuter Line, which claimed over a dozen lives and injured dozens more. She stressed the need for comprehensive support, including psychological counselling and social protections for survivors and families, urging the state to swiftly ensure all rights are fulfilled without obstacles. Netty also backed a thorough investigation by authorities to uncover causes and enhance national transport safety measures, viewing the incident as a critical opportunity to prioritise passenger safety.

The Phase 2 coal downstreaming project to produce Dimethyl Ether (DME) by PT Bukit Asam Tbk in Tanjung Enim, South Sumatra, is targeted for completion within three years, aiming to replace LPG and enhance national energy security. Utilising clean coal technology, the initiative will reduce emissions by 30-40% compared to direct coal burning and process low-rank coal into 1.4 million tonnes of DME annually, equivalent to one million tonnes of LPG, with Pertamina set to absorb the output. As a National Strategic Project led by MIND ID and partners, it underscores Indonesia's push towards sustainable energy diversification and optimal utilisation of abundant low-grade coal resources.

Golkar Party has criticised lawyer Yusril Ihza Mahendra's suggestion to set the parliamentary threshold at the number of DPR commissions (13 seats), arguing it is more suitable as a requirement for forming factions rather than a legislative threshold. Golkar proposes a moderate 5% parliamentary threshold and a faction formation threshold of twice the number of House tools, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of Indonesia's presidential system while ensuring smaller parties can still participate. This debate arises amid ongoing discussions on revising the Election Law, where the threshold remains a sensitive issue.

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin), has emphasised that People's Schools must serve as a transformative force in enhancing societal welfare and severing the cycle of poverty from its core. Launched as a direct initiative by President Prabowo Subianto under Presidential Regulation No. 120 of 2025, the programme has established 166 schools across 34 provinces, reaching over 15,820 students from impoverished families and providing adaptive, competitive education alongside essential learning facilities. Cak Imin highlighted the need for sustainable governance to prepare graduates for employment, business opportunities, and strategic professions, while expressing appreciation for contributions from various stakeholders, including Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul).

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has pledged a comprehensive assessment of all victims, both deceased and injured, from the fatal train collision between KA Argo Bromo Anggrek and a KRL in Bekasi, which claimed 16 lives and injured 81 others. The government, under direct presidential instructions, will provide tailored social empowerment programmes, including initial aid such as essential goods, cash assistance, and psychosocial support, alongside long-term economic empowerment to sustain families' livelihoods. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to preventing economic disruption for affected families, particularly through assessments to match needs with existing government programmes.

As Indonesia approaches Labour Day on 1 May 2026, hundreds of thousands of workers are expected to rally for job security, fair wages, and equitable protection, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in the national job market. Despite a downward trend, over 8,000 layoffs occurred in the first three months of 2026, primarily in West Java, amid economic pressures and global dynamics threatening further job losses. This occasion presents an opportunity for proactive policy reforms through government-union dialogue to foster a fair, inclusive, and sustainable work system beyond mere compliance.

Amid threats of economic and ecological crises, lawyer Haris Azhar emphasises the necessity for corporations to integrate human rights principles into business operations, highlighting it as a mandatory global standard enforced by advanced nations like France, Japan, South Korea, and Germany. The Indonesia Business and Human Rights Outlook 2026 advocates shifting from voluntary to obligatory compliance, urging companies to identify, mitigate, and account for business impacts on human rights and the environment, while treating disasters as core risk variables to prevent exacerbating environmental and community vulnerabilities. DPR RI's Willy Aditya points to the 'resource curse' phenomenon in mineral-rich areas like Morowali, North Maluku, and Manado, where rapid economic growth from mining, such as 35% in North Maluku driven by nickel, often harms local communities.

A recent study reveals that Moringa oleifera, known as the 'miracle tree' and abundant in Indonesia, can effectively remove microplastics from drinking water using seed extracts, offering a natural alternative to chemical coagulants like aluminium sulphate. With 98.5% efficiency in filtering harmful PVC microplastics, this sustainable method reduces environmental risks and toxicity concerns associated with traditional treatments. In Indonesia, Moringa cultivation supports a growing export economy, valued at US$13.75 million from January to September 2024, highlighting its potential for both environmental and economic benefits.

The case of activist Andri Yunus, who was assaulted with acid on 12 March 2026, has highlighted concerns over the equality principle in Indonesia's legal system, as the four suspects—active members of TNI's Strategic Intelligence Agency—are being tried in military court despite the incident being a general criminal offence. Legal expert Sri Warjiyati from UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya argues that this practice contravenes the constitution by creating legal exclusivity and potential discrimination based on status, urging a revision of the 1997 Military Justice Law to ensure all citizens, including military personnel, are subject to the same jurisdiction for common crimes. This controversy underscores the blurring lines between military and public interests in a democratic rule-of-law state, emphasising the need for independent and transparent due process.

This opinion piece highlights the profound trauma experienced by members of failed cooperatives in Indonesia, such as KSPTPI, where vulnerable individuals like widows and retirees have lost savings amounting to billions of rupiah due to institutional failures and inadequate legal protections. It critiques the socio-legal shortcomings of the system, where formal regulations exist but fail to deliver justice or security, leading to a crisis of trust in state institutions and social solidarity. The author calls for urgent reforms, including deposit guarantees, enhanced oversight, and prioritised victim restitution, to honour the state's promise of welfare to ordinary citizens.

Saudi authorities have expanded insurance coverage for Hajj pilgrims during the peak rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina (Armuzna) to include protection against heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke. Indonesian Hajj officials recommend pilgrims maintain hydration by drinking at least 200 millilitres of water hourly and use supportive tools like fans and wet cloths to mitigate extreme heat risks. For 2026, Indonesia will introduce a 24-hour Urgent Care Centre at the Makkah Hajj Health Clinic, staffed by 122 personnel and equipped with advanced facilities, to triage and treat cases efficiently in collaboration with Saudi hospitals.

The proliferation of informal motorcycle parking services near Depok Baru and Depok Lama stations highlights the inadequacy of official transport infrastructure to meet commuters' needs in Depok, West Java. These services, charging as little as Rp5,000 per day, cater primarily to daily workers travelling to Jakarta by KRL train and longer-term parkers, providing a stable income source for locals amid limited space. While operators have adapted systems to prevent mix-ups, the phenomenon underscores broader challenges in urban mobility and the informal economy supporting public transport users.

This compilation of popular news stories highlights the dynamic movements in gold and silver prices in Indonesia, including declines in jewellery gold at major dealers and Antam bullion dropping below Rp 2.8 million on 29 April 2026. It also covers global central banks' continued gold purchases, such as Turkey's reserves reaching 730 tons, and the World Bank's projection that gold and silver prices may stabilise around current levels through 2026 amid geopolitical uncertainties. Additionally, PT Perintis Triniti Properti Tbk signed an MoU with a local water utility to ensure clean water supply for its Holdwell Business Park in Bandar Lampung, enhancing infrastructure for business operations.

PT Pertamina Gas achieved solid performance in 2025, recording revenues of USD 861.51 million and a 21.43% increase in net profit, supported by robust gas and oil transportation volumes exceeding 1,500 MMSCFD and 174,000 BOPD respectively, alongside regasification business surpassing 155 BBTUD. The company's growth aligns with rising national gas demand driven by economic expansion, prompting expansion efforts to meet domestic needs, particularly in the industrial sector. For 2026, Pertagas plans to enhance its midstream oil and gas operations through its four subsidiaries to ensure gas supply reaches even the most remote areas.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) experienced a sharp decline of over 2% in early trading on Thursday, reaching 6,932.50 and marking its lowest point of 2026, with a year-to-date drop of 20%. This downturn, affecting all sectors particularly infrastructure, basic materials, and energy, is influenced by global factors including the US Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates at 3.50-3.75% amid internal divisions, alongside escalating US-Iran tensions over a potential Iranian port blockade impacting global oil markets. Investors are closely monitoring key indicators such as China's manufacturing PMI, US PCE inflation, and unemployment claims for further cues on market direction.

PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk reported a 10.4% year-on-year increase in business revenue to Rp 5.1 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, driven by Rp 4.7 trillion from toll operations and Rp 397.6 billion from other business activities. Despite a slight decline in net profit to Rp 774.7 billion due to higher financing costs from the new Yogya-Solo toll road, the company achieved an EBITDA of Rp 3.4 trillion with a stable 66.1% margin, reflecting effective cost controls and operational efficiency. Jasa Marga continues to expand its network, operating 1,294 km of toll roads—42% of Indonesia's total—and advancing key projects like the Probolinggo-Banyuwangi and Yogyakarta-Bawen toll roads, supported by a Rp 17.92 trillion syndicated loan.

International Labour Day falls on Friday, 1 May 2026, and has been officially designated as a national public holiday in Indonesia under the Joint Ministerial Decree for 2026, allowing workers across public and private sectors to take a break. This longstanding recognition stems from Presidential Decrees dating back to 1950, underscoring its importance in the national calendar alongside other religious and national observances in May. The article also lists additional national and international significant dates for the month, providing a comprehensive planning guide for citizens and workers.

US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade, emphasising that the blockade will persist until a nuclear agreement is reached to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump described the blockade as an effective tool more potent than bombing, claiming it is choking Iran's oil exports and storage, though some analysts question the immediate threat to Tehran's sector. While negotiations continue with Iran showing significant progress according to Trump, Iranian sources warn of unprecedented responses to the blockade, amid US preparations for potential air strikes if diplomacy fails.

The Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia forecasts that tax revenue for 2026 could fall short of the target by Rp 171 trillion to Rp 484 trillion, attributing this to high uncertainty and temporary growth driven by seasonal factors like Ramadan rather than structural improvements. Q1 2026 saw tax realisation at 16.7% of the annual target, with consumption taxes surging 57.7% while corporate and final income taxes grew only modestly at 5.4% and 5.1%, respectively. To mitigate the shortfall, CORE recommends accelerating the Coretax system implementation and expanding windfall taxes on energy and mining sectors amid global commodity price surges.

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is considering reducing its military presence in Germany amid a dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the US-Israel war against Iran. Trump cited Merz's criticism of the conflict as a factor, threatening troop cuts as punishment for allies not supporting US efforts, including peacekeeping in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation highlights tensions within NATO, with potential further retaliatory measures against non-supportive Western allies, such as suspending Spain's membership.

Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) and Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), subsidiaries of the Pertamina Group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop and utilise low-carbon fuel infrastructure and maritime transport for products such as LNG, ammonia, and hydrogen. This collaboration aims to optimise value for the Pertamina Group by investing in gas transportation infrastructure, including floating options, to mitigate market price fluctuations and enhance national energy resilience. Building on prior LNG transport operations, the partnership will escalate into midstream and downstream gas sector developments, positioning Indonesia as a proactive player in the growing LNG era through integrated and sustainable energy solutions.

The digital transformation is revolutionising the hospitality sector, shifting the focus from traditional services to technology-driven strategies like online reservations, digital marketing, and data analytics to enhance customer experiences and competitiveness. Universities such as Nusa Mandiri are preparing graduates through specialised digital business programmes to fill emerging roles like digital hospitality strategists and CRM specialists, addressing the growing demand for tech-savvy talent in this evolving industry. This shift underscores the need for young professionals to view hospitality not as an outdated field but as a dynamic digital ecosystem brimming with innovation opportunities.

An Indonesian civil society group, Amanah Rakyat Indonesia (Amatir), has called on the Forest Area Control Task Force (Satgas PKH) to decisively enforce sanctions against PT Berkat Satu for illegally clearing 1,383.92 hectares of state forest land in Riau to establish a palm oil plantation since 2018. The company has failed to pay an administrative fine exceeding Rp88.6 billion and is suspected of money laundering linked to profits from the illegal operations, potentially harming the national economy. Amatir demands the seizure of the land, the company's palm oil mill, assets, and bank accounts, along with criminal proceedings against its top executives.

A series of train accidents in East Bekasi, triggered by a collision between an electric taxi and a commuter train at a level crossing, led to a subsequent crash involving a long-distance train, prompting sharp criticism from DPR RI Commission V member Mori Hanafi. He expressed deep concern and urged the government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all involved parties, including transport operators like Green SM, and to enhance safety oversight at risky level crossings. While appreciating the swift emergency response from authorities, Hanafi emphasised that this incident should serve as a catalyst for serious reforms in Indonesia's national transport safety system, particularly in rail operations.

Yosia Yodan has been officially installed as the General Chairman of the Indonesian Coffee Association (ASKI) in Bengkulu Province, alongside key officials including Secretary General Fernando Sijabat and Treasurer General Muhamad Zaki, during a ceremony led by national ASKI leaders. Yodan pledged to enhance Bengkulu's coffee production quality, strengthen branding, and expand market access to compete nationally and globally, leveraging the region's strong coffee identity and local wisdom. This appointment is seen as a pivotal moment for revitalising Bengkulu's coffee sector, positioning it as a leading producer in Indonesia with support from national figures and policymakers.

Chinese researchers have developed an innovative DNA-based storage method called 'DNA Cassette Tape', which uses a 100-metre plastic strip integrated with DNA strands to store up to 362,000 terabytes of data—equivalent to 3 billion songs or 60 billion photos. This breakthrough surpasses traditional storage capacities in laptops and smartphones, offering high-density, long-term preservation potential of over 345 years at room temperature or 20,000 years at freezing temperatures. The technology highlights China's advancing role in next-generation data storage innovation, potentially revolutionising information archiving with its durability and scalability.

PT Gagas Energi Indonesia, a subsidiary of PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), has welcomed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' comprehensive study on incorporating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) into Indonesia's national energy mix, viewing it as a key opportunity to expand sustainable domestic gas-based energy options. The company, which has operated CNG services for over a decade across industrial, commercial, SME, and transportation sectors, supplied approximately 4.656 million MMBTU of gas via CNG and LNG in 2025, supported by 14 fuelling stations in seven provinces. PGN Gagas emphasises collaboration with the government to enhance energy resilience and self-sufficiency, positioning CNG as a complementary element in the broader energy ecosystem rather than a replacement for existing sources.

Wakil Ketua Komisi X DPR RI, MY Esti Wijayanti, has called on Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to immediately suspend lecturer CD if proven involved in the child abuse case at Yayasan Daycare Little Aresha, emphasising the heightened responsibility of educators. She highlighted the need for swift institutional action to prevent further harm and ensure accountability, noting that academics should face triple the penalties of ordinary citizens due to their influence. Esti has engaged with victims, local authorities in Yogyakarta, police, and the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection to demand firm legal action for deterrence in this distressing case involving numerous young children.

A train accident at Bekasi Timur Station in West Java has led to the cancellation of 1,246 tickets by passengers in the PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Daop 6 Yogyakarta region as of 29 April 2026, with an additional 335 cancellations on that day alone from 14 affected services. The disruptions, which necessitated operational adjustments and route normalisation, have prompted full refunds for affected passengers, highlighting ongoing challenges in Indonesia's rail infrastructure reliability. KAI has issued apologies and notifications to impacted customers while monitoring recovery efforts to restore normal operations swiftly.

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk reported a robust financial performance in the first quarter of 2026, with net profit surging 85% to US$43.6 million, driven by higher nickel prices and operational efficiencies despite a dip in nickel matte production. The company achieved revenue of US$252.7 million and an EBITDA of US$80.1 million, up 29% from the previous quarter, while advancing business diversification through the initial sales of limonite nickel ore from its Pomalaa block. Looking ahead, PT Vale is optimistic about sustained growth, supported by global nickel price trends, increased production volumes, and a pioneering US$750 million sustainability-linked loan in Southeast Asia's mining sector.

PT Federal International Finance (FIFGROUP), an Astra subsidiary in the financing sector, has appointed 37 outstanding vocational school teachers from across Indonesia as MENYALA Ambassadors at the Teacher Summit 2026 in Jakarta. This initiative culminates the company's appreciation for educators who advanced financial literacy among youth through the MENYALA programme in 2025, reaching 296 SMKs, 5,405 teachers, and 31,746 students with high satisfaction rates. As part of FIFGROUP's CSR efforts, the programme underscores a long-term investment in vocational education to foster inclusive and industry-relevant skills for Indonesia's future.

Indonesia's Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN has launched a complaint and consultation service for problematic child daycares (TPA) through local Family Support Teams (TPK), comprising midwives, PKK cadres, and Family Planning cadres. This initiative follows concerning incidents at unlicensed facilities in Yogyakarta and Banda Aceh, emphasising the need for certified caregivers under the strict Tamasya programme, with over 3,200 such centres already operational nationwide. In line with President Prabowo Subianto's directives, the ministry is strengthening child protection efforts to support workforce participation while preventing daycares from becoming new societal issues.

The US military budget has been exhausted due to the ongoing armed conflict with Iran, with the Pentagon revealing that war costs have now reached a staggering US$25 billion (Rp 431 trillion), equivalent to NASA's entire annual budget. This disclosure comes amid political pressures ahead of midterm elections, where President Trump's Republicans are fighting to retain their House majority, and has sparked debates over the allocation of funds primarily for ammunition and national security. The war, which began on 28 February 2026 and is now in a fragile ceasefire, has not only claimed 13 American lives but also driven up domestic oil and fuel prices, fuelling inflation and eroding public support for the conflict to just 34%.

The appointment of long-time labour activist Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat as Minister of Environment by President Prabowo Subianto has sparked both cynicism and concern among observers, likening it to wild bears being tamed into circus performers within the corridors of power. Jumhur's history of protests, including his imprisonment for opposing the controversial Omnibus Law on Job Creation—which was later ruled unconstitutional—highlights his commitment to challenging the status quo. The column warns that the comfortable environment of government might dull the activist's edge, urging him to remain fierce in protecting the environment against powerful mining, plantation, and strategic project interests.

Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has highlighted the immense potential of the nation's rich cultural heritage to drive culture-based tourism, citing examples from ancient cave paintings to UNESCO-recognised intangible heritage. He emphasised the economic benefits, drawing parallels with sites like Versailles, and called for multi-sectoral collaboration involving government, private entities, and communities to develop a cultural economy and revitalise heritage sites. Zon received the 2026 Cultural Figure Award from PEWIBI in recognition of his contributions to the field.

Pertamina Patra Niaga is reinforcing its commitment to reliable energy supply by regularly updating consumer data to ensure targeted distribution of subsidised fuels like Biosolar and Pertalite. In a meeting with truck drivers in East Java, the company addressed concerns about the QR Code implementation in the Targeted Subsidy programme, promising to follow up on feedback and providing 147 helpdesks to resolve transaction issues. This initiative aims to prevent misuse, facilitate quick verifications, and promote fair access to subsidised fuels, with 73.1% of re-registrations already successful.

Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, visited the family of Nuryati, a 62-year-old victim of the fatal collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a KRL commuter train in East Bekasi, to express condolences and assess their future needs. During the visit in central Jakarta, he highlighted the deceased's role as an economic hero who ran a small shop while serving her community, assuring the family of ongoing government support and assistance. This gesture underscores the government's commitment to supporting families affected by public transportation tragedies.

Global gold prices strengthened on Thursday, rebounding from a one-month low, with spot prices rising 0.6% to $4,566.73 per ounce amid a weakening US dollar that boosted demand from foreign currency holders. This uptick occurs against a backdrop of internal divisions at the US Federal Reserve over interest rates and persistent high inflation, while first-quarter global gold demand increased 2% year-on-year to 1,230.9 metric tonnes, driven by bar and coin purchases and central bank accumulations. The movement highlights gold's role as a hedge against economic uncertainties, with other precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium also advancing.

The Indonesian Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Jakarta to integrate university research and innovation into rural development initiatives. The partnership emphasises three key areas: enhancing village human resources through capacity-building, applying appropriate technologies in agriculture, education, food, and local economies, and transforming villages into living laboratories for practical research application. This collaboration aims to empower rural communities, drive sustainable economic growth, and position villages as central to national development amid global uncertainties.

A significant transaction worth Rp1.76 trillion occurred in the shares of telecom company PT Ekamas Mora Republik Tbk (MORA), involving 4.15 million lots at Rp4,250 per share, facilitated by Supra Sekuritas Indonesia. This comes shortly after MORA's merger announcement with Eka Mas Republik, a strategic move by its parent company DSSA to advance Indonesia's digital transformation agenda. The stock dipped 1.89% following the news, highlighting ongoing market volatility in the sector.

A significant negotiated transaction worth Rp17.64 billion involving 4.15 million shares of PT Mora Telematika Indonesia Tbk (MORA) at Rp4,250 per share was observed on the negotiation market, though the facilitating broker and purpose remain unknown. This activity coincides with MORA's planned merger with PT Eka Mas Republik (MyRepublic) from the Sinar Mas Group, where MORA will absorb the entity, diluting existing shareholders by 50.5% through capital increase. The merger follows MyRepublic's success in securing spectrum auctions for 1.4 GHz frequencies in two regions, potentially strengthening MORA's position in Indonesia's telecommunications sector amid a slight share price dip.

Indonesia's Minister of Environment Jumhur Hidayat aims to resolve the national waste problem by 2028 through government interventions and community-based innovations, prioritising 36 high-waste agglomeration areas. The government is also enhancing mitigation efforts against El Niño, which could trigger forest and land fires. This integrated approach, including technologies like refuse-derived fuel (RDF), is expected to create jobs and foster economic opportunities while ensuring cross-sectoral coordination.