The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has initiated close monitoring of unusual market activity (UMA) for shares of PT Minahasa Membangun Hebat Tbk (HBAT) and PT Multisarana Intan Eduka Tbk (MSIE) starting 30 April 2026, due to unwarranted price surges. HBAT, a property issuer, saw its shares drop 1.78% to Rp496 yesterday but rise 62.09% over the past month, while MSIE, an education company, climbed 9.80% to Rp112, with a 154.55% monthly gain. This vigilance aims to safeguard investors, urging them to review company disclosures and performance before investment decisions.

The South Kalimantan provincial government is integrating data based on the Population Identification Number (NIK) to support more targeted welfare programmes. Through the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) system, involving the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the initiative aims to connect cross-sectoral data needs, including health services, for greater efficiency similar to the tax sector. Challenges such as unconnected sectoral data and limited technical understanding are being addressed via coordination meetings and the South Kalimantan Data Portal to enhance inter-agency synchronisation and programme effectiveness.

Senator Bamsoet has called on young Indonesian lawyers to tackle the disparities in access to justice, particularly for underprivileged communities facing complex legal battles against powerful corporations in cases like agrarian conflicts and minor criminal matters. He emphasised the moral duty of young advocates to maintain integrity amid economic pressures and to leverage digital platforms for broader legal education, online consultations, and advocacy to bridge these gaps. This appeal was made during a meeting with the Indonesian Young Lawyers Committee in Jakarta, highlighting the role of collaboration with civil society and media in advancing equitable justice.

Bank Indonesia (BI) has officially launched the Indonesia Digital Innovation Centre (PIDI) and the cross-border Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) payment system with China, aiming to foster a national digital innovation ecosystem that creates jobs and drives sustainable economic growth. PIDI serves as a policy enabler, bridging public policy with industry needs through integrated support for young talents, from idea generation to product development, structured around three pillars: Market Intelligence, Innovation Experimentation via hackathons, and Digital Talent Development. The QRIS expansion follows successful trials in China, with transactions reaching Rp 556 billion, and builds on prior implementations in countries like South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan, enhancing cashless transaction access for Indonesians abroad.

PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) has inaugurated the Daihatsu DOJO industrial class at SMK Islam 1 Blitar in East Java, as part of its commitment to sustainable human resource development and support for vocational education in Indonesia. The DOJO facility provides hands-on training in a standardised environment tailored to the automotive industry's needs, equipping students with technical skills, discipline, precision, responsibility, and professional work ethic to better prepare them for real-world employment. The initiative, under the "Gebyar Pintar Bersama Daihatsu 2026" programme, also includes curriculum synchronisation agreements for vocational schools in East Java, NTB, and Bali to align with industry requirements, emphasising quality impact for schools, teachers, students, and the automotive sector from 2026 to 2027.

Indonesia's Ministry of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) is introducing artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate the accountability of government agency performance, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and foster a more adaptive, responsive, and data-driven bureaucracy. A recent online socialization event marked the start of this initiative, focusing on surveying the readiness of human resources, digital infrastructure, and understanding of AI-based mechanisms for the Government Agency Performance Accountability System (SAKIP). This approach is expected to enhance objectivity, speed, transparency, and efficiency in evaluations, ultimately improving public service governance and reducing subjectivity.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has emphasised that President Prabowo has banned the export of raw natural resources, mandating downstream processing to enhance their economic value and bolster national energy sovereignty. He highlighted that downstreaming serves as a strategic tool to reduce import dependency, expand state revenues, create jobs, and ensure Indonesians benefit from their natural wealth, with recent groundbreaking ceremonies marking the transition from feasibility studies to real-world implementation. Projects in the first phase include alumina smelters in Mempawah, bioavtur production from used cooking oil in Cilacap, and bioethanol facilities in Banyuwangi, executed through strong planning by the Downstreaming Task Force and investment by Danantara.

The Banda Aceh Customs Office has seized 101,520 illegal cigarettes of various brands over March and April 2026, through operations at strategic points including airports and markets. These cigarettes violated excise regulations by lacking proper tax stamps or exceeding passenger allowances. The action underscores the agency's commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding state revenue, and curbing illegal trade in Aceh, with calls for public cooperation in reporting violations.

Bambang Soesatyo, a member of Indonesia's House of Representatives, has called on young Indonesian advocates to actively support vulnerable and low-income communities in addressing inequalities in access to justice, viewing it as both a professional duty and a moral imperative. He highlighted challenges such as unaffordable legal processes in cases like agrarian conflicts, minor criminal matters, and violence against women and children, emphasising the need for young lawyers to maintain integrity amid economic pressures and to collaborate with legal aid organisations, civil society, and media. Additionally, he stressed the importance of leveraging technology to broaden access to justice without widening disparities.

The Indonesian government has begun distributing the second phase of social assistance under the Family Hope Programme (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) for 2026 from the second week of April, with updated recipient data leading to the removal of some names due to inclusion errors. Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf noted that data updates occur routinely on the 10th of each month to ensure faster verification and distribution to eligible families. While approximately 25,000 new beneficiary families have been added based on recent verifications, the dynamic nature of the data reflects changing economic conditions among the population.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has warned of a looming global debt crisis, particularly in bond markets, driven by rising government deficits and the end of low-interest eras, urging policymakers to implement structural and fiscal adjustments to avert severe liquidity shocks. He highlighted the interplay of geopolitical volatility and persistent inflation, with bond yields surging in major economies like Japan, the US, and Europe, while Indonesia shows relative resilience with a slight annual decline. The risks extend to private sector credit, potentially leading to widespread defaults and a sharp economic ripple effect if not mitigated.

TikTok has officially launched TikTok Go in partnership with Tokopedia in Indonesia, transforming the platform into an interactive catalogue for food and dining recommendations. Users can discover locations, menus, and discounts directly from videos, while creators earn commissions by tagging merchants in their content, provided they meet eligibility criteria such as having at least 1,000 followers and a professional account. This new monetisation model enhances e-commerce integration and supports local businesses by connecting creators, diners, and merchants more seamlessly.

TikTok has officially launched TikTok Go by Tokopedia in Indonesia, transforming the platform into a dynamic catalogue for discovering dining spots through engaging videos, complete with location details, menus, and discount vouchers. This service, integrated with Tokopedia, offers creators a new monetisation avenue by allowing them to tag locations in their content and earn commissions from viewer purchases. The launch coincides with TikTok's inaugural Partner Summit, emphasising commitments to local businesses and creators, potentially boosting Indonesia's digital economy by bridging social media with e-commerce.

Economic crises often deter investors due to market volatility and uncertainty, but they can present opportunities to buy undervalued assets for those with a long-term perspective. However, success requires a thorough understanding of personal financial stability, risk tolerance, and avoiding emotional decisions. Key advice includes recognising that not all recessions are bad for investing, as markets historically recover, and prioritising emergency funds before committing capital.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has declared the closure announcement signs for Diponegoro Road in Bandung invalid, as they lack official provincial approval, ensuring no full closure will occur on 30 April 2026. He addressed public confusion over the planned shutdown from 30 April to 7 August 2026, stressing that procedures were bypassed and mobility near the iconic Gedung Sate building must remain unobstructed. While landscaping work at Gedung Sate is underway, Dedi assured that it will proceed alongside uninterrupted public access, with ongoing coordination to avoid disruptions in the city.

The Indonesian government has designated 1 May 2026 as a national holiday to commemorate International Labour Day, creating a long weekend that extends into the following Saturday and Sunday. This decision stems from a presidential decree signed in 2013, affirming Labour Day as a public holiday. Additionally, the article outlines the remaining national holidays and collective leave days for 2026, noting that collective leave does not deduct from annual leave entitlements for civil servants but may do so for private sector employees depending on company policies.

Police in Semarang have arrested HU, the owner of the Al Amanah Umrah Bureau, on charges of fraud and embezzlement after he allegedly deceived three prospective pilgrims, leading to losses of up to Rp50 million each. Two victims had previously reported partial refunds of Rp30 million and Rp20 million, while investigations involved examining around 15 witnesses. This case underscores the risks of fraudulent practices in Indonesia's religious travel sector, prompting heightened police vigilance to protect devotees.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp17,349 per US dollar on Thursday morning, influenced by investor caution ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, where the US Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 3.50-3.75 per cent despite four dissenting votes. The Fed's hawkish statement, coupled with ongoing Middle East tensions and rising oil prices, led to higher US Treasury yields and a stronger dollar, prompting a similar rise in Indonesian government bond yields. Analysts forecast the rupiah to fluctuate between Rp17,275 and Rp17,400 per dollar amid heightened inflation concerns.

The AC angkot service in Depok, operated by private company PT Comuter Anak Bangsa, is set to cease operations on 2 May 2026 due to financial challenges without government support. The service, which runs a modern cashless route between Depok and Jatijajar terminals with fares rising from Rp1,000 to Rp9,000, has been popular among passengers seeking affordable public transport. The field coordinator has urged the Depok city government to provide subsidies or policy assistance, such as tax relief or KIR exemptions, to sustain the route and protect drivers' livelihoods.

International Labour Day, observed on 1 May, will fall on a Friday in 2026, prompting questions among workers about whether it qualifies as a public holiday. This positioning could create a long weekend when combined with the subsequent Saturday and Sunday. Overall, May 2026 features six red dates and joint leave days, including long weekends for Labour Day and the Ascension of Jesus Christ, highlighting the significance of labour rights and public observances in Indonesia.

The ultramicro holding, comprising Pegadaian and PNM, has significantly boosted PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI)'s profitability, with Pegadaian's net profit surging 244.3% to Rp8.4 trillion and PNM's rising 34.8% to Rp1.1 trillion in the first quarter of 2026. This synergy contributes 28.49% to BRI's consolidated earnings while supporting national financial inclusion through Rp47.09 trillion in KUR disbursements, dominated by agriculture, and financing for 3 million subsidised homes. BRI's initiatives also emphasise social and environmental impact, with 53% of its portfolio focused on social lending and Rp96.6 trillion in environmentally conscious financing.

Malaysia has ordered all federal ministries to cut their 2026 operating budgets by a potential RM10 billion in response to surging energy prices and subsidy costs triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has inflated the government's public subsidy bill to RM58.4 billion this year. The finance ministry proposes specific cuts including RM3.06 billion from health and RM2.39 billion from higher education, alongside measures like restricting salaries for unfilled vacancies and reducing expenditures on services and assets by 10-20 per cent. This directive aims to streamline government spending and sustain assistance to citizens amid the global supply crisis, without impacting critical public services or economic stability.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has renewed calls for the Cash Restriction Bill (RUU Pembatasan Uang Kartal) to curb cash transactions during elections, citing its dominance in electoral processes and role in facilitating political corruption. This push follows a 2025 study presented to President Prabowo Subianto and DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, highlighting the need for strategic prevention measures. In 2023, former President Jokowi urged the DPR to prioritise discussions on this bill alongside the Asset Confiscation Bill during the World Anti-Corruption Day event, emphasising their importance in strengthening anti-corruption efforts.

The Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy, through Deputy Minister Irene Umar, is promoting the enhancement of local product competitiveness by strengthening the Jepara wood carving craft subsector to access global markets. Highlighting its cultural significance and high economic value, the initiative includes intellectual property protection, digital market expansion, and collaborations to attract international investors and boost furniture exports. The "TATAH" exhibition, featuring 35 thematic wood carving works, underscores this effort by showcasing contemporary and historical pieces from Jepara artisans at the National Museum of Indonesia from 29 April to 5 July 2026.

The recent abuse scandal at Little Aresha daycare in Yogyakarta has exposed deep flaws in Indonesia's childcare system, where many facilities operate without proper licensing or trained staff, endangering children's safety despite government mandates like the TARA standards. This incident highlights a broader crisis in human resources, institutional oversight, and regulatory enforcement, forcing working mothers into a dilemma between economic productivity and child welfare. Addressing this requires stringent national standards, mandatory certifications for caregivers, and robust monitoring to prevent silent traumas that could have lifelong psychological impacts on children.

The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has predicted a longer and drier dry season in 2026, prompting discussions on the distinctions between the routine dry season and the global El Niño phenomenon. While the dry season is an annual weather pattern, El Niño involves anomalous warming of Pacific Ocean surface temperatures every 3-7 years, leading to global climate disruptions that can intensify drought in Indonesia. Combined with a forecasted positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) from May 2026, these events could drastically reduce rainfall, raise temperatures, increase risks of forest fires and drought, and worsen air quality, posing significant threats to public health and agriculture.

This compilation of top news stories covers a range of events, from the police report against comedian Andre Taulany's ex-wife for alleged assault on a domestic worker, to President Prabowo Subianto's ambitious plan to establish over 25,000 Merah Putih Cooperatives within three months to bolster the people's economy. Other highlights include government assurances of no fatalities in a hajj pilgrim bus accident, the rising death toll to 16 in a commuter train collision in East Bekasi, and the upcoming Labour Day 2026 announcement of gifts for workers by President Prabowo, as revealed by the Minister of Manpower. These stories reflect a mix of social incidents and key government initiatives in economic and labour policy.

Fuel prices for non-subsidised products have seen significant increases at major Indonesian petrol stations, with Pertamina raising Pertamax Turbo to Rp19,400 per litre and Dexlite to Rp23,600 per litre, effective from 18 April 2026, while some subsidised fuels remain unchanged. BP-AKR has hiked its Ultimate Diesel to Rp25,560 per litre, though availability is limited in areas like Jabodetabek, and Vivo Energy only offers Revvo 92 at Rp12,390 per litre amid stock shortages. Shell stations currently do not sell fuel, highlighting ongoing supply challenges in the domestic energy market.

Microsoft is opting for voluntary early retirement packages for 7% of its US workforce, targeting senior directors and below who have a combined age and years of service of 70 or more, instead of mass layoffs to streamline operations and boost AI investments. The standard severance includes 12 weeks of base pay plus two additional weeks per year of service, which is more generous than packages from peers like Meta and Google. This move follows 9,000 job cuts last year and reflects the broader tech industry's restructuring amid the AI boom, with Microsoft having invested US$37.5 billion in data centres and infrastructure recently.

As the deadline approaches on 30 April 2026, the Directorate General of Taxes under the Ministry of Finance reports that 12.639 million taxpayers have filed their annual tax returns, including 10.5 million employee individual taxpayers and 725,000 corporate entities. The tax authority has extended the penalty-free filing period for individuals to this date and launched the Coretax Mobile app to simplify submissions for eligible personal taxpayers with straightforward income from a single employer. This initiative aims to boost compliance and ease the tax reporting process amid ongoing digitalisation efforts.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has clarified that the Basic Military Training (Latsarmil) for Reserve Components (Komcad) from civil servants in ministries and agencies is intended to instil strong national character, discipline, unity, and a spirit of service, rather than to militarise the civil service. He stressed the importance of nationalism, patriotism, and professionalism in strengthening Indonesia's unitary state, with 280 participants from 16 ministries undergoing the training at the 1st Marine Infantry Brigade in Jakarta. This initiative aims to enhance civil servants' integrity and sense of duty as state servants accountable to the public.

The Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), Rachmat Pambudy, visited Boyolali in Central Java to promote the acceleration of downstreaming in the dairy sector, aiming to strengthen local product utilisation and support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. Discussions highlighted challenges such as the need for superior cattle breeds, feed availability, and infrastructure improvements, with proposals for assistance in Friesian Holstein cattle and a feed factory to reduce production costs. This initiative seeks to enhance local milk absorption by nutrition service units, reduce national reliance on imports—which currently meet 80% of demand—and position Boyolali as a model for regionally based dairy industry development.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk reported robust growth in third-party funds (DPK) reaching Rp1.555 trillion in Q1 2026, up 9.4% year-on-year, driven by a 13.2% increase in low-cost CASA deposits to Rp1.0586 trillion. This achievement lowered the cost of funds from 3% to 2.3%, boosting net interest income by 11.9% to Rp40.15 trillion and improving profitability metrics like ROA to 2.8% and ROE to 18.4%. The bank's lending portfolio expanded 13.7% to Rp1.562 trillion, with SMEs remaining the core focus at Rp1.211 trillion, supported by a healthy loan-to-deposit ratio of 87.22%.

Indonesian Labour Minister Yassierli has reaffirmed the government's commitment to bolstering the Job Loss Guarantee (JKP) programme, which provides crucial support to workers facing unemployment by offering cash benefits equivalent to 60% of their wages for up to six months, alongside comprehensive employment services and training opportunities. This initiative aims to act as a social safety net amid rapid technological and industrial changes, helping workers transition back into the job market through reskilling and upskilling. The enhancements underscore the need for adaptive labour policies to ensure economic stability for families and compliance from companies in registering employees with social security schemes.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced the seizure of nearly $500 million in Iranian cryptocurrency assets, comprising $350 million initially and an additional $100 million recently obtained. This action is part of the "Economic Fury" operation launched by the US Treasury to intensify economic pressure on Iran, amid escalating tensions following joint US-Israel strikes and failed ceasefire negotiations. The seizures and subsequent blockade of Iranian ports underscore the Trump administration's aggressive strategy to isolate Iran economically in the Middle East conflict.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, along with the Head of the National Nutrition Agency, Dadan Hindayana, inaugurated a free nutritious meal kitchen (SPPG) at Hasanuddin University in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on 28 April 2026. Yuliarto urged other universities to follow suit, highlighting the role of higher education institutions in supporting the government's priority programme for free nutritious meals (MBG) and fostering institutional autonomy through active involvement in policy implementation. The facility is envisioned as a teaching factory for student practice and research, potentially serving as a model for wider replication to enhance nutrition and human resource development in food and nutrition sectors.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) achieved a net profit of Rp 15.5 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 13.7 percent increase from the previous year, driven by higher interest income and lower interest expenses. The bank's lending performance was strong, with Rp 47.09 trillion in KUR loans to nearly 947,000 customers and Rp 17.13 trillion in FLPP housing financing for 125,000 debtors, supporting small businesses and low-to-middle-income housing needs. However, this expansion led to a rise in non-performing loan ratios, indicating increased risk, while third-party funds grew to Rp 1,555 trillion and total assets reached Rp 2,249 trillion.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) through Satgas PASTI has intensified efforts to eradicate illegal online lending (pinjol) and fraudulent investment schemes, successfully closing 951 such entities in the first quarter of 2026. These operations targeted platforms that deceive the public via various digital channels, highlighting the need for heightened public vigilance against sophisticated scams. Authorities urge citizens to verify the legitimacy of financial offers to avoid significant losses from tactics like fake advertising services, impersonation of licensed firms, and unregulated crypto trading.

PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk reported a 10.4% increase in business revenue to Rp 5.1 trillion for the first quarter of 2026, driven by toll revenue growth and other business income, resulting in a net profit of Rp 774.7 billion. Despite a slight annual dip in net profit due to higher financing costs from the operationalisation of the Jogja-Solo Toll Road, the company views this as a strategic move for long-term performance enhancement. As the national toll road market leader with 1,294 km of operational roads, Jasa Marga continues advancing key projects like Probolinggo-Banyuwangi and Jakarta-Cikampek II South, underscoring its solid business fundamentals amid industry dynamics.

Indonesia's Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) opened slightly higher but is expected to weaken modestly on Thursday due to profit-taking by market participants ahead of the long weekend, with technical support at 7,000 and resistance at 7,325. Globally, the US Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 3.5-3.75%, amid internal debates and anticipation of key economic data, while domestically, President Prabowo is accelerating the formation of Red and White Cooperatives to boost grassroots economy, targeting 80,000 units to create jobs and integrate with nutrition programmes. This initiative aims to redirect economic flows for greater domestic benefit, potentially supporting market sentiment despite international uncertainties.

A journey on China's high-speed Fuxing Hao train from Beijing to Hangzhou highlights the remarkable efficiency and technological precision of the country's rail network, reducing a 1,200 km trip to under five hours at speeds up to 350 km/h. While the system excels in punctuality, safety features like elevated tracks, and integrated booking via QR codes, comfort in second-class cabins falls short with limited legroom and inconsistent power outlets. This experience underscores China's transformation of high-speed rail into a vital artery of urban mobility, though it reveals that even advanced infrastructure has human-scale limitations.

In a military court hearing in Jakarta, the presiding judge emphasised the critical need for Andrie Yunus, the victim of an acid attack by four TNI intelligence personnel, to provide testimony to determine the severity of injuries and substantiate the case. The judge questioned the omission of the victim's name from the indictment and offered options like forced attendance, accompaniment by witness protection, or virtual testimony via Zoom if physical presence is not possible due to health issues. The four defendants face multiple charges under Indonesian criminal law for the assault, which they claimed was motivated by perceived insults to the TNI institution.

Many Indonesians are surprised to find themselves removed from the recipients' list for social assistance programmes like PKH and BPNT, often due to changes in their welfare decile classification based on updated socio-economic data linked to their NIK. The article explains the welfare decile system, which prioritises aid for the poorest households (deciles 1-5), and details factors such as asset ownership, income levels, and family connections that can lead to disqualification. It provides step-by-step guidance on checking status via the official Cek Bansos app or website, appealing decisions, and reapplying through local institutions, highlighting the role of the Ministry of Social Affairs in managing these dynamic welfare assessments.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp 17,353 per US dollar on Thursday, influenced by ongoing market volatility and Fitch Rating's concerns regarding the governance and potential political use of the sovereign wealth fund Danantara, which contributed to the agency's downgrade of Indonesia's debt outlook to negative in March 2026. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates' decision to leave OPEC, effective Friday, has raised fears of further disruptions in global oil supplies amid the Iran war and the US's extension of the Iranian port blockade under President Donald Trump. These developments underscore the rupiah's vulnerability to international geopolitical tensions and domestic fiscal policy uncertainties, potentially impacting Indonesia's economic stability.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has temporarily suspended trading of PT Bekasi Asri Pemula Tbk (BAPA) shares following a significant cumulative price increase of over 205% in the past month, reaching Rp 238 per share. This measure aims to protect investors amid the sharp rally, which saw a 35.2% gain in the last five trading days. The suspension applies to both the regular and cash markets from the first session on 30 April 2026 until further notice, with the exchange urging stakeholders to monitor disclosures from the company.

Perumda Dharma Jaya, a regional public company in Jakarta, is set to provide 900 cattle for the Idul Adha sacrificial needs, ensuring all animals meet strict health and safety standards through rigorous selection and verification by provincial authorities. The company has optimised its certified semi-mechanical slaughterhouse in Cakung, capable of processing up to 250 animals per day, and will deploy 100 professional staff including certified halal slaughterers to offer comprehensive services from slaughtering to custom packaging. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to hygiene, waste management compliance, and facilitating smooth distribution for residents performing the sacrificial ritual.

A recent study by LPEM FEB UI highlights the role of online lending platforms like AdaKami in providing a financial safety net for Indonesian households, enabling them to manage economic shocks and sustain consumption, which drives over 54% of the nation's GDP. The research reveals that 24.51% of AdaKami borrowers would otherwise deplete savings or sell assets during crises such as job loss or illness, underscoring how regulated digital financing prevents reliance on high-interest informal lenders. OJK representatives affirm the industry's contribution to inclusive financing, emphasising the need for strong governance to support sustainable growth in this sector.

The National Mandate Party (PAN) has welcomed the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) recommendation for political parties to establish their own autonomous internal oversight bodies for cadre development, viewing it as a positive step to combat corruption. However, PAN strongly opposes the idea of KPK directly forming such a body, arguing that it would violate the constitution, exceed KPK's authority, and infringe on the principle of freedom of association by interfering in parties' internal affairs. PAN suggests alternative measures, including legislative reforms to enhance candidate integrity and KPK's focus on political education, to address root causes of corruption like political funding issues without overstepping boundaries.

Asian currencies exhibited mixed performance against the US dollar on Thursday, with the Indonesian rupiah experiencing the steepest decline of 0.49% to Rp17,360/USD, amid a backdrop of the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady in a sharply divided 8-4 vote. While currencies like the Japanese yen, Philippine peso, and South Korean won strengthened modestly, the broader market remains influenced by US monetary policy uncertainties, escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions, and surging oil prices that have reached a prolonged rally. This volatility underscores ongoing global economic pressures, particularly impacting emerging markets like Indonesia.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he is evaluating a reduction in American troop presence in Germany in response to criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding US operations in Iran. Merz warned that Western countries have underestimated Iran in the Middle East conflict and that the US risks becoming entangled in a prolonged confrontation, while praising Iran's negotiating effectiveness. This development highlights escalating tensions between US and German leadership over foreign policy in the region.