Eddy Pratomo, Indonesia's ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2013 and a prominent international law expert, has died at the age of 72. He played a key role in strengthening bilateral ties between Indonesia and Germany, negotiating maritime boundaries, and was nominated by the Indonesian government to serve as a judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term. His untimely death before the upcoming election in June dashes Indonesia's hopes of representing developing nations, particularly in Southeast Asia, on this vital global body.

Deputy Minister Stella Christie has stressed the critical need for civil servants (ASN) to develop deep thinking and systemic thinking skills to tackle global challenges in the digital era. She advocates shifting educational focus from mere information accumulation to effective processing and interpretation, addressing issues like declining attention spans that impair decision-making on complex problems. Christie also calls for balancing general skills with technical expertise, and measuring policy success by outcomes rather than inputs, to foster adaptive and effective governance.

President Prabowo Subianto has staunchly defended his administration's flagship programmes, including the free nutritious meals initiative (MBG), the Red and White Village Cooperatives, and people's housing, asserting that directing state funds to citizens is entirely justified and funded through anti-corruption efficiencies. Speaking at the groundbreaking of 13 national downstreaming projects in Cilacap, Central Java, he dismissed critics by emphasising that these initiatives aim to retain Indonesia's wealth domestically for the benefit of its people. The government is accelerating MBG implementation for 82 million beneficiaries, with the National Nutrition Agency urging universities to establish and manage meal provision units to support the programme's success.

Indonesia's Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) opened lower on Thursday, declining 0.4% to 7,072.62, amid anticipation of key international economic indicators including the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, China's manufacturing PMI, and US PCE inflation data. The Fed maintained rates at 3.50-3.75% in a highly divided 8-4 vote, the most dissenting since 1992, with debates over future rate cuts and dovish language in statements. Additionally, discussions between President Trump and oil executives addressed strategies to mitigate the impact of a potential prolonged Iranian port blockade on global oil markets, highlighting geopolitical tensions in the region.

President Prabowo Subianto expressed strong optimism about Indonesia's future as a global powerhouse, emphasising the critical role of downstream industrialisation in boosting the economy. During the groundbreaking ceremony for 13 Phase II National Downstreaming Projects in Cilacap, Central Java, valued at Rp 116 trillion, he urged the nation to awaken as a vigilant giant and vowed to live long enough to witness Indonesia's prosperity and international respect. Prabowo highlighted that downstream processing is the sole pathway to greater national prosperity, with projects including gas refineries, fuel tanks, and palm oil processing spread across various regions.

The Ministry of Trade has launched the 'JEDA' campaign to combat impulsive online shopping behaviours that lead to scams, urging consumers to pause for 10 seconds before making decisions. This initiative, meaning 'Don't react, Evaluate information, Double check, and Decide calmly', addresses the high incidence of online fraud, with 99% of 2023 consumer complaints related to digital transactions. Amidst data showing 22.12% of Indonesian internet users have fallen victim to online scams, the campaign underscores the government's commitment to enhancing consumer protection in the digital economy.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, aged 76, is set to be released from prison on 11 May after serving less than a year of his one-year sentence, due to his age and remaining time, under conditions including wearing an electronic monitoring device. Thaksin, ousted in a 2006 military coup and convicted on corruption charges he claims are politically motivated, returned from exile in 2023, sparking speculation of a deal with sympathetic authorities after the king reduced his eight-year sentence. Despite recent electoral setbacks for his Pheu Thai party, Thaksin's family network continues to wield significant influence in Thai politics, including through coalition roles and cabinet positions.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) opened slightly higher at 7,103, up 0.03%, but analysts predict a potential correction today amid mixed Asian market performances and a subdued Wall Street. Key influences include varying regional indices, Australia's rising consumer prices, and anticipation of major tech earnings and Federal Reserve signals on interest rates. Escalating US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz have driven sharp increases in global oil prices, with WTI surging 7.17% to $107.16 per barrel and Brent rising 6.78% to $118.80 per barrel, adding pressure to equity markets.

The first wave of Indonesian hajj pilgrims in Madinah will start moving to Makkah on 30 April 2026 to prepare for the peak of the hajj rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. Officials have confirmed that all infrastructure, including accommodation and transportation, is ready, with 12 groups scheduled to depart via intercity buses between 07:00 and 18:00 local time for safety and comfort. The initial group from Yogyakarta's Kulonprogo district will lead, stopping at Bir Ali or Dzulhulaifah to assume ihram before arriving in Makkah around 13:00.

Jeni Rahmadial Fitri, the 2024 Putri Indonesia Riau representative, has been arrested by Riau Police for alleged medical malpractice after performing illegal facelifts that left patients with permanent facial scars and infections. One victim paid Rp16 million for the procedure at her Arauna Beauty Clinic in Pekanbaru but suffered severe bleeding, pus-filled wounds, and required further surgery in Batam. The case highlights risks of unregulated beauty practices, leading to Jeni's title revocation by the Putri Indonesia Foundation and charges under Indonesia's Health Law.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has dismissed rumours of a closure on Diponegoro Road in Bandung, clarifying that a sign announcing a shutdown from 30 April to 7 August 2026 is invalid and lacks provincial approval. He assured residents that daily activities can proceed normally during the ongoing renovation of the Gedung Sate grounds, urging the public to maintain order, cleanliness, and the city's beauty. The provincial government is coordinating to ensure infrastructure projects proceed smoothly without causing public confusion.

Reda Manthovani, Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence, introduced the 'Jagain' programme at the National NPC Indonesia Working Meeting in Solo, aiming to enhance data sharing and coordination between NPC branches, local governments, and the Attorney General's Office to ensure fair and inclusive treatment for people with disabilities as per national policies. The initiative facilitates reporting of issues faced by disabled athletes, enabling interventions to address discrimination and promote better development, building on Indonesia's strong performance at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games where it secured 135 gold medals. Provincial NPC leaders have praised the programme, proposing Manthovani's integration into NPC's structure to boost structured and widespread advancement of disability sports.

US President Donald Trump has ordered an extension of the naval blockade on Iranian ports, including the vital Strait of Hormuz, to exert maximum economic pressure and force Tehran back to nuclear negotiations without resuming military strikes. The prolonged conflict, now in its ninth week, has driven oil prices to surge over 6%, with Brent crude closing at US$118.03 per barrel, amid warnings of imminent collapse in Iran's economy due to unsold oil stockpiles and infrastructure risks. Trump's aggressive rhetoric and social media posts underscore a hardline stance, rejecting Iranian proposals and hinting at a protracted war similar to the Ukraine conflict.

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry is accelerating the enhancement of industrial support infrastructure, particularly in water and waste management, to foster a competitive and sustainable national industry. A strategic partnership between PT CITIC Envirotech Indonesia, PT Indonesia Water Solutions, and Yantai Jinzheng Eco-Technology Co., Ltd. aims to introduce advanced solutions for water treatment, wastewater processing, and seawater desalination in industrial areas, supporting net zero emission targets by 2050. This collaboration is expected to boost self-reliance, reduce import dependency, and integrate circular economy principles, contributing to Indonesia's economic growth through expanded industrial zones.

The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) has filed a pre-trial motion against the Metro Jaya Police Chief and the Director of General Criminal Investigation at the South Jakarta District Court, challenging the stalled investigation into the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. The motion questions the legitimacy of transferring the case from civilian police to the TNI's Military Police Centre without notification, arguing that the investigation should proceed in the general court rather than a military one. This legal action highlights concerns over inter-agency case handling and the protection of human rights activists amid ongoing military trials of four TNI members accused in the attack.

Indonesia's mining holding MIND ID, through PT Freeport Indonesia, is collaborating with the defence industry holding DEFEND ID to develop copper processing facilities in Gresik, including brass mills with a capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year to support the defence sector's ammunition supply chain. Further plans include expanding copper rod and wire production to 300,000 tonnes per annum and copper pipe to 100,000 tonnes, while ANTAM will build a gold bar facility with a 30-tonne annual capacity, equivalent to 5 million pieces, to meet domestic investment needs. President Prabowo Subianto emphasised during the groundbreaking that downstream processing is essential for Indonesia to control its natural resources and drive national prosperity, aligning with government mandates for industrialisation.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has drawn public attention for its policy on incentives for Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), or free nutritious meal kitchens, setting a daily rate of Rp 6 million for facility providers under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for the 2026 fiscal year. Despite temporary closures of 1,720 SPPGs due to sanitation issues like lacking wastewater treatment systems and hygiene certificates, BGN head Dadan Hindayana confirmed that incentives continue to be paid to cover ongoing obligations such as staff training and compliance preparations. This approach underscores the government's commitment to sustaining the programme's infrastructure amid operational challenges, with closures lifted upon meeting all requirements.

The deadline for submitting the Annual Income Tax (PPh) Notification Letter (SPT) for the 2025 tax year falls today, 30 April 2026, applying to all taxpayers, both individuals and entities, with fines of Rp100,000 for individuals and Rp1 million for entities imposed for late or non-submissions under Law No. 28 of 2007 on General Provisions and Tax Procedures. Additional 2% monthly interest applies to underpayments from the due date until payment, and while penalties are billed via official notices from the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP), submission remains mandatory regardless. To accommodate last-minute filers, several Tax Service Offices (KPP), including those in South Jakarta and Cilacap, are extending hours until evening on 29-30 April 2026 to assist with reporting and related services.

Following a fatal train collision in Bekasi that claimed 16 lives and injured 90 others, Deputy Speaker of the House Sufmi Dasco Ahmad promptly contacted President Prabowo Subianto to relay local concerns about inadequate railway infrastructure, including the need for flyovers and better crossing gates. President Prabowo responded swiftly by visiting the victims in hospital and approving a substantial Rp 4 trillion budget to upgrade 1,800 railway crossings across Java, alongside immediate presidential aid of Rp 200-220 billion to accelerate the construction of a flyover in Bekasi. This incident underscores the government's commitment to addressing long-standing safety issues in Indonesia's railway network, potentially preventing future tragedies through enhanced technological and structural improvements.

Asian-Pacific stock markets predominantly weakened at the opening of trading on Thursday, 30 April 2026, following a decline in US benchmark indices on Wall Street. Market pressures were driven by a surge in global oil prices due to the US extending its blockade on Iranian ports, with Brent crude rising 1.96% to around US$120 per barrel and WTI up 0.2% to US$107.09 per barrel, amid reports of President Donald Trump's conditions for lifting the naval blockade tied to Iran's nuclear programme. Additionally, the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 3.5% to 3.75% during the latest FOMC meeting under Jerome Powell added to investor uncertainty, impacting indices like Japan's Nikkei 225 (down 0.91%) and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 (down 0.43%), while US indices showed mixed results with the Dow Jones falling 0.57%.

PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk, through its subsidiary Jasamarga Related Business (JMRB), is transforming the Travoy Rest area on the Cipularang Toll Road into a sustainable and recreational hub that goes beyond basic amenities. Located at KM 88A towards Bandung and KM 88B towards Jakarta, the rest area emphasises comfort and joy with diverse tenants including international brands, local businesses, and UMKM offering Purwakarta specialities alongside other Indonesian cuisines. Facilities include spotless free toilets, dedicated lactation rooms, and a mosque accommodating up to 1,300 worshippers, which also serves as a community Qur'an education centre during Ramadan, enhancing its role in sustainable infrastructure development.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has clarified that incentives for Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) are not automatically suspended during a unit's temporary halt, with decisions based on the severity and cause of violations. This approach distinguishes between fixable technical errors and systemic issues like supplier monopolies, ensuring incentives continue for minor, correctable problems while withholding them for major or negligent cases. Out of 1,720 currently suspended SPPGs, 1,356 fall into the major category and thus receive no incentives, supporting the integrity of Indonesia's national nutrition programmes.

PT Phapros Tbk, a subsidiary of state-owned enterprise PT Kimia Farma Tbk, has approved the dismissal of several key board members and the appointment of new leadership during its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders. The new President Commissioner is Alfi Novtriansyah Rustam, with Nurjayanto Kusumawardhono as Independent Commissioner, Intan Abdams Katoppo as President Director, and Ferdinand Troedu as Director of Finance, Risk Management, and Human Resources. This reshuffle aims to refresh the management team, building on recent financial growth in 2025 and supporting ongoing business transformation for sustainable performance.

The South Sumatra Police Chief has inaugurated a house renovation programme in Musi Rawas, handing over keys to grateful residents as part of efforts to alleviate hardships during difficult times. Beneficiary Juwono expressed profound thanks and presented a homemade gethuk as a token of appreciation, which deeply moved the police chief and symbolised the strong bond between the police and the community. The event also included the opening of a public service building and a community security briefing, underscoring the police's commitment to tangible support and maintaining regional stability.

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has addressed a bus accident in Madinah on 28 April 2026 that injured nine Indonesian hajj pilgrims and one official with minor wounds, ensuring all received prompt medical attention and ongoing support. One pilgrim, Sri Sugi Hartini, remains under treatment at Al Hayyat Hospital, while the ministry emphasises strict coordination with guidance groups and prohibits unauthorised activities or additional fees to safeguard pilgrim safety. This incident underscores Kemenhaj's commitment to secure and well-regulated hajj services, including coordinated visits to key religious sites.

Former Sleman Regent Sri Purnomo has been sentenced to six years in prison and fined Rp 400 million by the Yogyakarta Corruption Court for corruption involving 2020 tourism grant funds. The sentence, lighter than the prosecutors' demand of eight years and six months imprisonment plus a Rp 500 million fine, recognises that while the actions constituted corruption, there was no direct financial gain for the defendant, only political benefits, and the funds ultimately benefited local development. The court opted not to impose additional restitution, citing the societal utilisation of the grants.

Gold prices at Pegadaian in Indonesia declined further on 30 April 2026, with Galeri 24 dropping to Rp 2,775,000 per gram from Rp 2,780,000 the previous day, while Antam gold fell to Rp 2,896,000 per gram. This continues a trend of weakening in select precious metal products, including UBS. The availability of gold bars in various sizes from 0.5 to 1,000 grams caters to diverse investment needs amid fluctuating market conditions.

The Head of the Task Force for Accelerating Downstream Processing and National Energy Resilience, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, has affirmed that downstream projects are grounded in robust feasibility studies to ensure they are meticulously calculated, targeted, and maximally beneficial for Indonesia and its people. Following groundbreaking ceremonies for Phases I and II, led by President Prabowo Subianto, these initiatives span various ESDM sector projects including alumina smelters, biofuel facilities, and nickel downstreaming, aimed at enhancing energy security, reducing import dependency, and boosting economic value addition. The Danantara Investment Management Agency will oversee execution, with expectations of significant job creation and national industrial transformation.

The Badan Pengelola Investasi Daya Anagata Nusantara (BPI Danantara) is set to transform PT Danareksa into a central hub for state-owned bank investment managers, consolidating entities like PT Mandiri Manajemen Investasi, PT BRI Manajemen Investasi, PT BNI Asset Manajemen, and PT PNM Investment Manajemen under one roof. This restructuring will refocus Danareksa on its core asset management role, divesting diverse portfolios in projects, state asset management, financial services, and industrial estates, with the merged entity projected to manage approximately Rp85 trillion in assets, positioning it as Indonesia's second-largest investment manager. The move forms part of the government's comprehensive BUMN restructuring, aiming for completion by 2026 to enhance efficiency and alignment in state-owned enterprises.

The price of Antam gold declined further on Thursday, 30 April 2026, dropping Rp 15,000 per gram to Rp 2,769,000, according to the official Logam Mulia website at 08:30 WIB. This follows yesterday's price of Rp 2,784,000, with Antam gold available in weights from 0.5 grams to 1 kilogram to suit various needs. Transactions include PPh 22 tax deductions, and for buybacks over Rp 10 million, taxes are withheld directly from the transaction value, reflecting ongoing market fluctuations in Indonesia's precious metals sector.

PT PLN has scheduled temporary power outages in 21 areas of Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, on 30 April 2026, from 10:00 to 13:00 WIB, as part of routine maintenance to prevent future electrical disruptions. The affected villages include Karangasem, Saptosari, Nglora, and others, with prior announcements made via social media. PLN urges the public to adhere to electrical safety rules, such as maintaining a 2.5-metre distance from power lines and avoiding activities near installations to ensure safety and supply stability.

Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti has stated that the national Academic Ability Test (TKA) for the third wave proceeded orderly despite minor technical disruptions, particularly internet connectivity issues in some regions like Maluku. While monitoring from the Command Center in South Tangerang confirmed smooth operations overall, with full participation in areas such as Yogyakarta, the government is committed to enhancing coordination and evaluation to improve future assessments. This underscores Indonesia's ongoing efforts to ensure credible and transparent national education evaluations amid infrastructural challenges.

During the eighth round of the China-Australia Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged his Australian counterpart Penny Wong to support multilateralism, safeguard the global free trade system, and foster constructive roles in resolving international hotspots. The ministers discussed enhancing bilateral ties, addressing differences, and cooperating on regional issues like Pacific island nations and the Taiwan question, while highlighting the significant economic interdependence between the two countries, with China as Australia's largest trading partner. Amidst global uncertainties, both sides expressed commitment to implementing leaders' consensus, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and contributing to Asia-Pacific community building through forums like APEC, despite tensions over security pacts such as AUKUS.

The construction of new gasoline refineries in Cilacap, Central Java, and Dumai, Riau, has officially commenced under PT Pertamina, with President Prabowo Subianto laying the foundation stones. These projects are expected to add 62,000 barrels per day to domestic fuel production capacity by the fourth quarter of 2030, substituting imports of around 2 million kilolitres annually and saving approximately US$1.25 billion (Rp 21 trillion) in import costs. As part of the second phase of 13 national downstreaming initiatives, they will also enhance storage infrastructure and support economic growth through job creation and industrial value addition.

The Deputy Minister of Cooperatives, Farida Farichah, has highlighted that many in Generation Z are unfamiliar with cooperatives, viewing them as outdated, even though they play a crucial role in Indonesia's national economy as enshrined in the 1945 Constitution. She noted that cooperatives have faded from public discourse over the past decades but are now gaining renewed attention through government initiatives like the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives programme, aimed at strengthening grassroots economies. However, challenges persist, including outdated 1992 regulations that fail to accommodate digital advancements, prompting calls for regulatory updates to make cooperatives more adaptive and relevant to modern needs.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Transportation, plans to collaborate with PT KAI on building a four-track railway (double-double track) to enhance capacity on vital routes like Manggarai-Cikarang, following recent accidents highlighting operational risks. Future management of railway infrastructure will be transferred to PT KAI, with the ministry acting as regulator, aiming to separate long-distance, commuter, and freight services to reduce bottlenecks and improve safety. However, the project faces delays due to funding constraints despite completed designs, underscoring the need for prioritised investment in rail infrastructure to mitigate ongoing hazards.

Indonesia's Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services (Kemenimipas) has launched a pioneering programme by sending 365 employees facing disciplinary sanctions to Nusakambangan Island for mental and behavioural rehabilitation, aiming to enhance discipline, integrity, and performance. This initiative follows the handling of 774 disciplinary cases from October 2024 to April 2026, primarily among frontline public service staff aged 30-40, with sanctions imposed in line with Government Regulation No. 94 of 2021. Kemenimipas emphasises zero tolerance for violations, transparent enforcement, and preventive measures like risk management and employee profiling to uphold civil servant standards.

PT Bank Syariah Nasional (BSN) is intensifying its business expansion to broaden access to sharia-compliant financial services, including the recent relocation of its branch in the strategic Serpong area of South Tangerang, Banten. With national assets reaching Rp76.2 trillion and over 1.34 million customers, BSN is targeting subsidized mortgage disbursements of 73,700 units nationwide, emphasizing UMKM development through digital integration, and advancing full digital services via its Bale Syariah app, which already has 1.4 million users and Rp2.7 trillion in transaction volume. This strategy underscores BSN's commitment to financial inclusion and capturing growth opportunities in the rapidly expanding Jabodetabek economic hub.

Bank Mandiri has approved a massive dividend payout of Rp 44.47 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, representing 79% of its consolidated net profit of Rp 56.3 trillion, with shareholders receiving Rp 477 per share and a dividend yield of 8.51% based on recent share prices. This decision leaves Rp 11.82 trillion as retained earnings to support future business growth, amid strong financial performance including a 13.4% increase in credit disbursements to Rp 1,894.98 trillion and total assets rising 16.6% to Rp 2,829.94 trillion. The announcement underscores the bank's robust profitability and asset quality, positioning it as an attractive option for investors in Indonesia's banking sector.

Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Stella Christie, urged women in leadership positions to stop being "nice girls" by always seeking to please others and avoiding conflict, drawing from a quote by Maya Angelou. She highlighted how this behaviour leads to a loss of voice and direction, ultimately silencing important perspectives that need advocacy. Stella, an acclaimed cognitive scientist and Harvard alumna, received the Top Woman Advancing Research & Innovation award at the Top Women Fest 2026 for her contributions to education and science.

WhatsApp will cease support for Android devices running versions 5.0 and 5.1 starting 8 September 2026, rendering the app unusable on those older phones. Users affected by this policy will receive notifications and are advised to back up chats via Google Drive or local storage to preserve important conversations before the deadline. While the change impacts only a small number of users with outdated Android devices, iOS and iPadOS users remain unaffected as WhatsApp continues to support iOS 15.1 and later versions.

This opinion column critiques the shift towards militarisation in Indonesia's natural resource management, highlighting how it has moved from civilian democratic processes to military-led approaches under Presidents Jokowi and Prabowo. It points to examples like the failed food estate project led by the Defence Minister and the recent establishment of military brigades for food security as symptoms of this trend, which treats resources as national defence assets rather than communal goods. The author urges a return to multi-stakeholder dialogue to ensure sustainable and inclusive governance of resources vital for food and energy self-sufficiency.

Global oil prices surged over 6% on Wednesday (29/4/2026) local time, driven by market fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East amid stalled US-Iran negotiations and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude for June delivery rose to 118.03 US dollars per barrel, touching 120 dollars after hours, the highest since March 2026, exacerbated by significant US inventory drawdowns and the estimated 50 billion US dollars in lost crude supply since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began in late February. While the UAE's exit from OPEC is seen as having minimal short-term impact, analysts warn of potential long-term oversupply risks, further pressuring the volatile energy market.

Jasa Raharja has finalised and distributed compensation to the heirs of victims who died in the KRL-KA accident in Bekasi, with each receiving Rp50 million as per regulations, plus an additional Rp40 million through partnerships with Jasaraharja Putera and PT KAI. For injured victims, the company guarantees up to Rp20 million in treatment costs, supplemented by Rp30 million from Jasaraharja Putera. This swift and transparent process underscores the state's commitment to providing essential protection and support to affected families.

Mark Zuckerberg's net worth has dropped by approximately US$752.7 million (Rp13 trillion) after Meta's Reality Labs division reported a US$4.03 billion operational loss in the first quarter of 2026, despite generating US$402 million in revenue. This setback occurs amid Meta's heavy investments in the metaverse, which have accumulated over US$80 billion in losses since 2020, compounded by the shift towards AI technologies where the company lags behind competitors like OpenAI and Google. In response, Meta is redirecting resources to AI infrastructure and tightening budgets in Reality Labs to balance innovation with profitability pressures.

Social Affairs Minister Gus Ipul has stressed the critical role of data operators, village officials, and field staff in refining the DTSEN system to ensure state interventions reach the intended beneficiaries accurately. He urged local leaders to actively update dynamic data, which will now be managed by the Central Statistics Agency to prevent manipulation, and to participate in outreach for the People's School programme, starting with verification of low-income families. Additionally, the minister highlighted the multi-entry multi-exit system for People's School students, including initial assessments to place them in appropriate class levels, and noted that 453 students graduated from the programme this year, with permanent school constructions in Sampang and Deli Serdang set to be operational by June 2026.

Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, addressed the PEWIBI National Congress, emphasising the need for cross-sector collaboration to develop cultural tourism as a key driver of the nation's economy. Highlighting Indonesia's vast cultural heritage, including ancient paintings, intangible assets, and UNESCO-recognised sites, he cited the example of France's Versailles Palace generating substantial daily revenue to illustrate the potential of cultural economy and creative industries. The minister advocated for public-private partnerships to revitalise cultural sites into living heritage, while PEWIBI, a nationwide network committed to advancing culture-based tourism, awarded him the 2026 Cultural Figure accolade for his contributions.

President Prabowo Subianto has inaugurated the groundbreaking of 13 downstreaming projects valued at Rp116 trillion, marking the second phase of efforts to enhance value addition in Indonesia's natural resources across energy, minerals, and agriculture sectors. These initiatives, primarily led by state-owned enterprises (BUMNs) and their partners, aim to reduce import dependency, bolster energy security, and drive economic growth through projects like coal-to-DME conversion and stainless steel production. By continuing this strategy, the government seeks to foster national prosperity and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Indonesian police have seized assets valued at Rp 15.3 billion from the wife and two children of notorious drug lord Ko Erwin, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to narcotics trafficking. The assets, including properties, vehicles, and land documents in West Nusa Tenggara, were acquired using proceeds from criminal activities disguised through bank accounts and purchases. This action follows Ko Erwin's arrest in February 2026 and underscores intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks and their financial underpinnings in the region.

The Bandung Zoo has received a donation of Rp 145 million from PDI Perjuangan cadres and regional leaders in West Java to support employee needs and animal feed, amid the zoo's closure and the revocation of the conservation licence for the Tamansari Wildlife Foundation. PDI Perjuangan politician Bambang Mujiarto, Chairman of Commission II of the West Java DPRD, emphasised the party's commitment to ensuring the animals' welfare until an official manager is appointed, with the initiative directed by party leader Megawati Soekarnoputri. This act underscores the party's spirit of mutual cooperation in addressing the zoo's operational challenges.