Southeast Asian nations, including Indonesia, are increasingly turning to Russia for energy supplies amid Middle East conflicts, prompting warnings from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas that such deals prolong the Ukraine war. Indonesia plans to import up to 150 million barrels of Russian crude following a meeting between Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Vladimir Putin, while the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam pursue similar cooperations in oil, fertiliser, and nuclear power. This shift highlights Russia's growing influence in the region, bolstered by positive public perceptions and temporary US sanctions relief, raising questions about the West's isolation efforts and Asia's energy diversification strategies.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has commenced a phased recovery of its long-distance train operations starting today, prioritising safety amid ongoing adjustments that may cause delays. The company has processed refunds for over 13,000 affected tickets and offers full refunds or alternative travel options without additional costs to ensure customer rights are upheld. This restoration effort follows recent disruptions and aims to normalise services while apologising for any inconvenience caused.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) rose 0.41% to close at 7,101.226 on Wednesday, despite net selling by foreign investors amounting to Rp 1.19 trillion across the market. Major banking stocks like BMRI, BBCA, and BBRI faced downward pressure, with BBCA declining 0.42% and ANTM in the commodities sector dropping 3.96%, while foreign buying was observed in select energy and commodities stocks such as AADI and BBNI. This mixed activity highlights ongoing volatility in Indonesia's equity market amid foreign investor sentiment.

Meta Platforms Inc's Reality Labs division reported an operational loss of US$4.03 billion (approximately Rp69.4 trillion) in the first quarter of 2026, despite generating US$402 million in revenue, as the company shifts focus from metaverse ambitions to AI development. This marks a slight improvement over Wall Street projections, but the unit has accumulated over US$80 billion in losses since late 2020 amid Zuckerberg's pivot to virtual reality technologies. In response to competitive pressures in AI from rivals like OpenAI and Google, Meta has implemented significant cost-cutting measures, including layoffs of around 1,000 Reality Labs employees in January 2026 and broader workforce reductions affecting up to 8,000 positions company-wide.

The Central Board of the Young Generation of Golkar Party (AMPG) has praised the Indonesian government's rapid response to a fatal train accident in Bekasi, including President Prabowo Subianto's personal visit to the victims and orders for a thorough investigation. While expressing condolences for the 16 deaths and numerous injuries, AMPG calls for a systemic evaluation of national railway safety, highlighting structural issues like unguarded level crossings and the need for accelerated infrastructure improvements such as flyovers and underpasses. This incident underscores the urgency of investing in transportation safety to prevent future tragedies in densely populated areas.

The Saudi Arabian government has reiterated its strict ban on performing Hajj without an official visa, imposing severe penalties including fines up to 20,000 riyals, imprisonment, deportation, and re-entry bans of five to ten years on violators, as well as harsher fines on facilitators and accommodations aiding illegal pilgrims. Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged citizens to adhere to official procedures, warning against quick but unlawful routes, and established a special task force in collaboration with immigration and law enforcement to prevent illegal departures from the country. This enforcement aims to ensure the orderly conduct of Hajj, with Saudi authorities tightening access controls to Mecca during the pilgrimage season.

The number of fishermen in Kusamba Beach, Klungkung, Bali, is steadily decreasing as the younger generation opts for more stable jobs in tourism due to unpredictable weather, high risks, and fluctuating incomes. Local fishermen report that active participants have dwindled from hundreds to just a handful, with one village now entirely devoid of fishermen since the 2000s. This trend highlights challenges in the fishing industry, including inadequate government aid distribution, which exacerbates the lack of regeneration and threatens the sustainability of coastal communities.

Jakarta's news highlights from 29 April include calls from Deputy Governor Rano Karno for evaluating railway level crossings to prevent accidents like the recent one in East Bekasi, alongside police providing psychological support to victims and over 4,447 passengers cancelling train tickets due to disruptions. Transportation expert Deddy Herlambang criticised the proposal to relocate women's carriages on KRL trains as an inadequate solution, emphasising equal protection of all lives. Meanwhile, legislator Jhonny Simanjuntak urged the expansion of free school programmes in the capital to address the over 22,000 out-of-school children in North Jakarta, underscoring the need for accessible education.

After fully repaying a home ownership credit (KPR), homeowners must process roya at the Land Office to officially remove the bank's mortgage notation from their land certificate, ensuring it is free from liens. The fee for this process is Rp50,000 per land certificate, as confirmed by the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN). The procedure involves submitting required documents and typically takes about five working days, highlighting the importance of administrative clearance for property ownership security.

Indonesia's Ministry of Law and Human Rights reaffirmed the prohibition on sports broadcast piracy, emphasising its role in protecting intellectual property to sustain a competitive sports industry. The Corruption Eradication Commission examined Ashraff Abu, husband of a suspended regent and DPR member, as a witness in an ongoing case, while a Bandung court sentenced YouTuber Resbob to 2.5 years in prison for hate speech against the Sundanese ethnic group. In a military court, four TNI personnel were charged with acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus to deter criticism of the institution, with the judge ordering his compulsory attendance for testimony in the first hearing.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have unanimously rejected Iran's imposition of tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for one-fifth of global oil supplies, amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel that has disrupted energy markets. The GCC leaders, meeting in Jeddah, condemned the move as illegal and called for swift development of alternative oil and gas pipelines and early warning systems against ballistic missiles to safeguard regional navigation and economic stability. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps is enforcing the levies in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan, while the US maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports, with no resolution in sight from stalled talks.

One week after Somali pirates hijacked the UAE-flagged tanker Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia, four Indonesian crew members remain in captivity, including Captain Ashari Samadikun from South Sulawesi. The Indonesian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nairobi embassy, is intensively coordinating with relevant parties in Somalia to ensure the safety of the hostages and monitor the situation closely. Political expert Yon Machmudi from the University of Indonesia describes the case as particularly complex, highlighting the challenges in resolving such international maritime incidents involving Indonesian nationals.

Australian researchers at the University of Adelaide have pioneered a solar-powered technology called photoreforming to convert plastic waste into clean fuels like hydrogen and syngas, offering a sustainable solution to both plastic pollution and energy demands. This process, which operates at relatively low temperatures using sunlight-activated photocatalysts, is more energy-efficient than traditional methods and supports a circular economy by repurposing over 460 million tonnes of annual global plastic production. While challenges such as handling mixed waste and catalyst durability remain, the innovation holds promise for a low-carbon future.

The US Federal Reserve maintained its key interest rate in the 3.5-3.75% range during its latest FOMC meeting, amid expectations of no change, but the decision revealed the deepest internal divisions since 1992 with an 8-4 vote. This comes as Chair Jerome Powell prepares to step down from his leadership role in mid-May 2026, while the committee grapples with persistent inflation pressures and the upcoming leadership transition. Officials like Stephen Miran pushed for a rate cut, while others, including regional presidents Beth Hammack, Neel Kashkari, and Lorie Logan, opposed including easing bias in the statement, highlighting ongoing debates over monetary policy direction.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto issued a stern ultimatum to unpatriotic officials and intellectuals, urging them to resign or align with national interests, while highlighting the global interest in Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals programme that serves over 60 million beneficiaries. Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra proposed using the number of DPR commissions as a threshold for parliamentary representation, requiring parties to secure at least 13 seats. Additionally, a DPR member called for strict action against Green SM taxis following a fatal train accident in Bekasi, and the government aims to establish over 25,000 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives within three months to bolster the people's economy.

Minister Maruarar Sirait has appointed Roberia as Acting Director General of Governance and Risk Control at the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas, following the resignation of Azis Andriansyah, who returned to the National Police. Roberia, on loan from the Ministry of Law, expressed surprise at the decision and noted the strong performance of the previous officials. This reshuffle also involves the return of three other ministry officials to the police, highlighting regulatory constraints on inter-agency assignments.

This article explores the evolution of Hangzhou, a key industrial and technological hub in China's Zhejiang Province, highlighting its historical significance as an endpoint of the Grand Canal and its modern advancements in transportation and digital infrastructure. It details the city's efficient public transport system, including high-speed rail connections to major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, and the presence of global tech giants like Alibaba founded by local entrepreneur Jack Ma. The piece underscores Hangzhou's seamless integration of wireless transactions and eco-friendly electric buses, positioning it as a model of bureaucratic efficiency and urban modernity that could inspire similar developments in Indonesia, especially with incoming investments from Chinese firms like Leapmotor.

Tensions between Israel and Ukraine have escalated after Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga accused Israel of facilitating the illegal trade of grain from Russian-occupied territories, specifically citing a cargo ship approaching Haifa port. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rebuked the claims on social media, insisting that diplomatic issues should not be aired publicly without solid evidence or formal requests. This dispute highlights broader strains in bilateral relations amid Ukraine's ongoing criticism of Israel's reluctance to impose sanctions on Russia over the invasion.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian convoy aiming to break the Gaza blockade, has been disrupted by Israeli forces in international waters near Greece, with 11 of its 56 ships losing contact after being approached by an Israeli military vessel that threatened activists with automatic weapons and demanded they turn back. Reports indicate that the intercepted ships, including the Greenpeace-owned Arctic Sunrise, were forced to kneel at gunpoint, and radio signals may have been jammed, raising fears of potential hijacking amid the non-violent mission carrying around 110 participants. This incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza blockade, with surveillance drones spotted as early as the flotilla's departure from Barcelona, highlighting international efforts to deliver aid despite military opposition.

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian convoy attempting to breach the Gaza blockade, has encountered interference from Israeli forces in international waters near Greece. On the night of 29 April 2026, 11 out of 56 GSF ships lost contact after being approached by a vessel claiming Israeli affiliation, with crew members reportedly forced to kneel at gunpoint. The incident highlights escalating tensions in the region, with suspicions of signal jamming and prior surveillance by drones since the flotilla's departure from Spain.

A labour law professor has warned that the proposed scheme for sharing the burden of internship allowances between the government and companies may discourage business participation, particularly among medium and large firms, despite initial full government funding. Minister of Manpower Yassierli is reviewing contributions from partner companies, which would cover 20-30% of the allowance, as the second phase of the National Internship Programme aims to accommodate around 150,000 participants following the first phase's success with over 11,900 active interns. This policy shift seeks to promote burden-sharing but requires clearer objectives to maintain engagement and support youth employment initiatives.

Indonesian labour unions, including KSPSI and KSPI, plan to jointly celebrate International Labour Day on May 1, 2026, at the National Monument in Jakarta with President Prabowo Subianto, marking a repeat of previous collaborations. The event, expected to draw hundreds of thousands of workers from across the country, follows a meeting between KSPI leaders and the President to discuss labour issues and Indonesia's future, leading to a shift in the celebration venue. This gathering underscores ongoing dialogue between the government and labour groups on workers' aspirations amid economic and social policy developments.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) and KAI Commuter are offering psychological support services to passengers affected by the train accident in Bekasi on 27 April, accessible via a dedicated call centre or information posts at Bekasi Timur and Gambir stations. The incident began with a collision between a commuter train and a taxi, leading to a subsequent crash involving the Argo Bromo Anggrek train, which has resulted in 16 fatalities. This response underscores the importance of mental health support in the aftermath of transport disasters, highlighting KAI's commitment to victim care amid Indonesia's ongoing rail safety challenges.

Artificial intelligence has evolved from a mere innovation into a critical infrastructure reshaping global decision-making, productivity, and perceptions of truth, positioning it as a new arena for international power contests. While businesses view AI as a productivity booster, nations see it as a sovereignty instrument, and security analysts regard it as a tool in information warfare, though its promised benefits remain partially unrealised amid a gradual workforce transformation. This shift repositions human roles from routine executors to overseers and interpreters of AI outputs, highlighting deeper structural changes in organisations.

The Bengkulu Regional Office of the Ministry of Law has inaugurated 51 paralegals from the LBH Bhakti Alumni Universitas Bengkulu, highlighting their role as social educators and agents of change in bridging communities with the legal system to enhance access to justice. This event culminates a training programme conducted from 12 to 14 September 2025, granting participants the non-academic Certified Paralegal of Legal Aid (CPLA) designation after 18 hours of instruction and three months of field practice. The initiative supports Indonesia's national strategy to establish legal aid posts in every village and sub-district, with Bengkulu's 1,513 such areas being strengthened to promote non-litigious dispute resolution and legal awareness.

Inspector General Komjen Pol Hendro Pandowo visited the Riau Islands Provincial Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to reinforce the integrity zone and evaluate performance, praising achievements such as 100% completion of audit follow-ups and full compliance in wealth reporting. He urged staff to maintain professionalism and avoid violations while preparing for further evaluations to support the ministry's transformation. The regional head expressed optimism about enhancing transparent and accountable public services free from corruption.

The Indonesian Ministry of Finance has introduced revisions to its regulations allowing the government to directly utilise seized assets from state debtors without auction, aiming to optimise the recovery of state receivables while preventing conflicts of interest through strict, multi-layered mechanisms. This new framework, outlined in Ministerial Regulation No. 23 of 2026, includes rigorous checks such as notifications to debtors, independent valuations, and reviews by the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), with utilisation limited to two years and applicable to various entities including SOEs and private firms. The policy targets movable, financial, and certified immovable assets, reducing only the principal debt without waiving administrative fees, thereby enhancing efficiency in managing national debts.

Following a tragic train collision in East Bekasi that killed 16 people and injured 90 others, including several Jakarta residents, DKI Jakarta DPRD member Hardiyanto Kenneth has called for enhanced collaboration between the provincial government, central authorities, and train operators to bolster rail transport safety. He emphasised the need for technological upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and comprehensive operational evaluations to prevent future incidents. Deputy Governor Rano Karno echoed the call for thorough reviews while pledging support for victims' families, highlighting the incident's impact on the capital's commuters.

Malaysia has appointed retired High Court judge Abdul Halim Aman as the new chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to restore public trust and signal institutional independence amid allegations against his predecessor, Azam Baki. Analysts view this as a strategic move to introduce an outsider's perspective free from internal biases, potentially enabling bolder reforms and a fresh start for the agency, though challenges from internal resistance and the need for deeper accountability measures remain. This unprecedented judicial appointment underscores the government's intent to enhance legal rigour and impartiality in anti-corruption efforts, especially following public protests demanding investigations into past leadership.

The DKI Jakarta DPRD has raised concerns over several high-risk railway crossings in the capital that require urgent attention, prompted by a recent collision between the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a KRL Commuter Line at Bekasi Timur Station. PDI Perjuangan faction member Hardiyanto Kenneth called for comprehensive evaluations focusing on prevention, including upgraded signalling technology, improved infrastructure, and stronger operational oversight, while urging transparent investigations and better coordination among central government, local authorities, and rail operators. Deputy Governor Rano Karno acknowledged the existence of unguarded level crossings in Jakarta, emphasising the need for proper guarding and signalling to enhance passenger safety.

Analysts from Binaartha Sekuritas forecast a limited upward movement for the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) on Thursday, potentially reaching 7,277, following a 0.41% gain to 7,101.22 the previous day, though investors are cautioned against possible reversals if it closes below key support levels. The firm recommends monitoring five stocks with buy or hold ratings, including PT Vale Indonesia (INCO), PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGEO), PT Bukit Asam (PTBA), PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (TLKM), and PT Unilever Indonesia (UNVR), highlighting their potential for gains amid consolidation trends.

The Seruyan Regency Government has signed a strategic agreement with the Kaleka Indonesia Research Foundation to modernise the community palm oil sector through technology investments and global network strengthening, aiming to enhance international market competitiveness. With palm oil plantations forming the economic backbone of the region after 20-25 years of management, the initiative focuses on infrastructure improvements, production management systems, and human resource development to attract investors and ensure sustainable practices. This collaboration builds on long-standing environmental protection efforts and addresses key challenges like policy alignment and land certification to meet global sustainability standards.

Chinese smartphone vendors, particularly Oppo, are reportedly adopting the futuristic "Liquid Glass Display" concept ahead of Apple's planned 2027 special edition iPhone, which aims to create a seamless, bezel-less screen using advanced OLED technology from Samsung. This move could allow Chinese firms to preempt Apple in delivering next-generation display experiences, though high production costs and fluctuating component markets pose challenges. The imitation extends to software interfaces, with Android systems mimicking iOS's visual effects, highlighting intensifying competition in the global tech sector.

The US Federal Reserve has decided to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 3.50-3.75%, marking the largest split in Federal Open Market Committee votes since 1992 with an 8-4 decision amid concerns over persistent inflation and economic uncertainty. This outcome coincides with the final meeting under Chair Jerome Powell, who faces opposition to dovish signals in the statement, while the Senate Banking Committee advances the nomination of Kevin Warsh as his successor. US stock markets reacted negatively, with the Dow Jones declining, highlighting broader apprehensions about conflicting labour market signals and rising energy prices.

In a corruption trial over a satellite procurement project at the 123° East orbital slot from 2015-2021, witness Jon Kennedy Ginting testified that he was instructed by the then Director General of Defence Strength, Major General Bambang Hartawan, to sign a Certificate of Performance for Navayo International AG in 2016, enabling the company to issue invoices despite lacking budget allocation. This action contributed to an international arbitration loss for Indonesia, resulting in a court-ordered payment of approximately US$21.4 million plus interest, equivalent to Rp306 billion, after Navayo sued over unpaid obligations under a US$495 million contract with Airbus Defence and Space. The case highlights procedural irregularities in defence procurement, including signing commitments without available funds, leading to significant state losses.

Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam's richest individual with a net worth of $25.7 billion, has built a vast business empire through Vingroup, spanning electric vehicles, property, and hospitality, with significant expansions into Indonesia via VinFast's $1 billion investment to boost EV production capacity in Subang to 350,000 units annually and the launch of the Green SM electric taxi service. Despite trailing Chinese rival BYD in sales, VinFast's integrated ecosystem in Indonesia aims to accelerate EV adoption, create 15,000 jobs, and achieve 80% local content by 2030. The company recently expressed condolences following a major accident involving one of its taxis at Bekasi Timur Station, committing to safety and cooperating with investigations.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of 13 national downstreaming projects in Cilacap, Central Java, President Prabowo Subianto lightened the mood by joking with Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, warning him not to faint again and promising not to summon him on weekends. He also teased Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo about appearing thinner due to stress, drawing laughter from attendees, before apologising to absent Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita for overlooking his name on the attendance list. The event highlights Prabowo's informal style amid key industrial development initiatives.

The wife of former Lampung Governor Arinal Djunaidi, Riana Sari, has publicly defended her husband following his designation as a suspect in a corruption case involving a US$17.2 million oil and gas commission, asserting his innocence and denying any personal gain from the funds. She visited the Lampung Attorney General's Office with family to offer support, urged fair media coverage, and called for a thorough investigation into the PT Lampung Energi Berjaya case, including its initial capital injection. Arinal was detained on 28 April after examination, with prosecutors citing sufficient evidence under anti-corruption laws, marking a significant development in the probe into regional oil revenue mismanagement.

According to the 2026 WorldAtlas report, the United States leads globally with over 18 million high-net-worth individuals, followed by China with more than 5.5 million, while France, Japan, the UK, and Germany each boast between 2.3 and 2.6 million. This distribution highlights the dominance of advanced economies with mature financial systems and strong private sectors in fostering wealth, though emerging markets like China are accelerating. Indonesia does not feature in the top six, underscoring the challenges for developing nations in catching up to established powerhouses.

Following a fatal train collision at Bekasi Timur Station that killed 16 and injured 90, Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi controversially suggested relocating women's carriages to the middle of the train and men's to the ends, prompting her public apology for insensitivity. Transport expert Deddy Herlambang clarified that no dedicated men's carriages exist, with remaining ones being mixed gender, and stressed that safety management in rail operations is paramount over carriage positioning. PT Kereta Api Indonesia's CEO Bobby Rasyidin affirmed equal safety priorities for all passengers regardless of gender, noting the proposal does not impact safety standards.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is probing the role of Ashraff Abu, husband of suspended Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq and a commissioner at PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya (RNB), in suspected fund flows linked to the company. Authorities allege that PT RNB, controlled by Fadia's family, secured government procurement projects in Pekalongan Regency through interventions, including outsourcing services for the 2023-2026 budget years. Fadia, already detained as the sole suspect in the corruption case, faces charges under anti-corruption laws, with KPK extending her detention amid ongoing investigations into the firm's financial management.

Melki Gani and Fajri A. Kidjab have been unanimously elected as Chair and Secretary of the Indonesian Cyber Media Association (AMSI) Gorontalo chapter for the 2026-2030 term during the third Regional Conference held at the AMSI secretariat. The event, attended by media leaders and opened by the Eastern Indonesia AMSI Regional Coordinator M. Djufri Rachim, emphasised the need for media evaluation, member recruitment, and combating disinformation on social media. Newly elected Chair Melki Gani expressed hopes for support from fellow media members to enhance the organisation's role and effectiveness.

A tragic collision at Bekasi Timur Station on 27 April 2026 claimed 16 lives, involving the KRL Commuter Line and the premium KA Argo Bromo Anggrek train, with initial suspicions pointing to a signal system error and communication mishap. The incident stemmed from an earlier KRL accident with an electric taxi, halting the commuter train on the tracks just as the high-speed Argo Bromo Anggrek approached at 110 km/h without adequate time to brake. Known as the 'King of the Northern Route', this PT Kereta Api Indonesia service covers the 720 km Jakarta-Surabaya journey in under eight hours at speeds up to 120 km/h, highlighting both its prestige and the vulnerabilities in Indonesia's rail infrastructure.

PT Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok (PTP Nonpetikemas) reported strong performance in the first quarter of 2026, with its Tanjung Priok branch contributing 58.82% of revenue and 32.4% of total throughput, bolstering national logistics. The branch achieved an impressive 4.03 million tonnes of throughput, a 12% year-on-year increase, driven by general cargo and various bulk commodities, positioning it as a key player in the SPMT Group's operations. With ongoing enhancements in digital systems, facilities, and certified personnel, the port is set to remain a benchmark in the port industry, supporting Indonesia's economic growth through efficient and competitive services.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel), Sarwoto Atmosutarno, has called on telecom operators in Indonesia to evolve from bandwidth-focused models to algorithm and AI-driven businesses to keep pace with technological advancements. Speaking at the IndoTelko Forum 2026, he emphasised the critical role of integrating AI with 5G networks and viewing Indonesia's connectivity challenges as opportunities for growth. Sarwoto praised the government's regulatory support and highlighted emerging potentials in IoT, robotics, and fixed mobile convergence to drive a national digital transformation towards an AI-driven society.

In response to the exposure of child abuse at the unlicensed Little Aresha Daycare in Yogyakarta, Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X has ordered operations against all illegal childcare facilities in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) and instructed the issuance of a circular to mandate district and city governments to conduct field inspections. He emphasised that illegal operations must be shut down immediately until they obtain proper legal status, criticising the commercialisation that often neglects child protection standards. The governor expressed shock that the abuse was perpetrated by female caregivers, highlighting the need for rigorous licensing and ongoing supervision to ensure quality services.

The Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia forecasts that tax revenue for 2026 could miss the target by between Rp171 trillion and Rp484 trillion, highlighting significant uncertainties in the state's revenue capacity. Despite positive growth in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 16.7% of the annual target, this performance is deemed temporary and driven by seasonal factors like Ramadan rather than structural improvements. To mitigate the shortfall, CORE recommends accelerating the implementation of the Coretax system and expanding windfall taxes on the energy and mining sectors to capitalise on potential gains from global commodity price surges.

The Indonesian House of Representatives has received a presidential letter on the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (RUU KKS), scheduled for March 2026, prompting defence policy expert Aris Sarjito to call for its immediate enactment into law to address critical gaps in national cyber governance. He highlights the bill's role in protecting vital infrastructure across sectors like energy, finance, and healthcare from sophisticated cyber threats that could disrupt national security and endanger lives without direct military action. Aris emphasises that Indonesia, as Southeast Asia's largest democracy and a key trade hub, must integrate cyber defence into its national framework to safeguard digital sovereignty and human rights against escalating geopolitical risks.

Indonesia has initiated construction of an integrated copper and gold downstream processing facility in Gresik, East Java, as part of its national strategy to enhance domestic mineral processing and bolster strategic industries. The project, involving state-owned entities like MIND ID, Freeport Indonesia, Pindad, and Antam, will produce high-value items such as copper cathodes, brass products for defence, and up to 30 tons of gold bullion annually, while creating around 7,500 jobs. This development underscores the government's commitment to value chain advancement, economic resilience, and regional growth in the JIIPE special economic zone, launched under President Prabowo Subianto's oversight.

The government of West Sumatra is accelerating the restoration of agricultural land lightly and moderately damaged by hydrometeorological disasters at the end of November 2025, with 70 percent of the 3,902 hectares already recovered. According to the Head of the Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation Agency, Afniwirman, this effort aims to revive the affected farming areas in the region. The initiative underscores the provincial administration's commitment to mitigating the impacts of natural disasters on local agriculture.