The Indonesian government has initiated land clearance for the Hajj Village project in Saudi Arabia's Jabal Hindawiyah area, located 2 to 2.5 kilometres from the Grand Mosque, aiming to provide dedicated accommodation for up to 1,600 pilgrims in the initial phase with three towers operational by next year's Hajj season. This long-term vision, originally from President Joko Widodo and continued under President Prabowo Subianto, will be financed through investments managed by the sovereign wealth fund Danantara, including Saudi partners, without relying on the state budget, and includes an additional Rp1.7 trillion for operations. The project also features a Bulog warehouse to bolster food supply chains for Hajj, Umrah, and local markets, fulfilling a 40-year aspiration for better pilgrim facilities.

On World Tuberculosis Day 2026, the South Jakarta City Government urged residents to overcome stigma and seek timely diagnosis and treatment for TB, emphasising that the disease is curable and not a source of shame. Officials highlighted ongoing efforts including active screening, community education, and innovations like TB alert villages, while noting challenges such as delayed detection and treatment adherence in the area, which ranks third in TB cases in Jakarta. The initiative aims to eliminate TB by 2030 through cross-sector collaboration, aligning with national and global themes promoting unified action against the disease.

Indonesia's decision not to attend the Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels (TAFF) forum in Colombia has drawn sharp criticism, highlighting potential weaknesses in its commitment to global decarbonisation efforts amid heavy reliance on fossil fuels. This absence raises concerns for investors, as it signals policy uncertainty that could deter green investments and damage the country's ESG reputation, while exacerbating risks of stranded assets in the energy sector. The dilemma underscores the tension between maintaining domestic economic stability through fossil fuel subsidies and accelerating the shift to renewables to align with international pressures.

The Riau Islands Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights is collaborating with RSUD Natuna hospital to harmonise a draft regent's regulation on health service tariffs, aiming to establish a solid legal framework for the public service unit. This initiative ensures compliance with national laws on financial relations between central and local governments, as well as regional tax and levy provisions, while involving academics and professional bodies to keep costs affordable for the public. The adjustment addresses advancements in medical services and equipment, enhancing accessibility and quality of healthcare for Natuna residents.

Former Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said argues that Indonesia's energy security challenges stem primarily from entrenched short-term thinking in policymaking, rather than global oil price fluctuations. He highlights three fundamental issues: short-termism, dominant populist politics and policies, and conflicts of interest between policymakers and business actors, which lead to inconsistent management of long-term concerns like oil and gas exploration, research, and energy transitions. Sudirman criticises the cyclical pattern where renewable energy transitions gain urgency only during high oil prices and are abandoned when markets stabilise, underscoring the need for more consistent and forward-looking strategies.

The Indonesian government has issued Ministerial Regulation No. 7 of 2026 on Outsourcing Work, mandating that companies must include specific rights for outsourcing workers in their contracts, such as wages, overtime pay, working hours, safety protections, annual leave, social security, religious holiday allowances, and termination rights. This regulation, released just before Labour Day 2026, also restricts outsourcing contracts to designated sectors including cleaning, catering, security, transportation, operational support, and auxiliary roles in mining, oil, gas, and electricity. The move aims to enhance worker protections and ensure compliance with labour laws by holding principal employers accountable.

The Indonesian Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) is developing a scheme to utilise state assets, including university campuses, for building flats to enhance housing access for the public. Minister Maruarar Sirait plans to involve students and universities from the planning stage, incorporating expertise in law, engineering, and finance to create an innovative approach that integrates education with housing development. This initiative complements ongoing projects, such as 141,000 subsidised flats in Meikarta, Bekasi, and 1,000 units in Tanah Abang, Jakarta, addressing urban housing needs.

Deputy Interior Minister Akhmad Wiyagus has emphasised the critical need to bolster the roles of Fire and Rescue Services, Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), and Community Protection Unit (Satlinmas) as frontline defenders in safeguarding public safety and order. Speaking at the anniversary ceremonies in Palembang, he urged local governments to enhance institutional capacities, accelerate the establishment of independent fire departments, and improve human resources to meet minimum service standards. This initiative aims to foster a collaborative approach involving stakeholders, military, police, and communities to ensure citizens can live securely without threats from fires or disruptions to public tranquillity.

The Indonesian Finance Ministry assures that the country maintains robust economic resilience amid a weakening global outlook and rising inflation pressures, supported by sustained trade surpluses, solid export performance, and expansive domestic production and investment. Key indicators include a projected first-quarter growth of 5.5%, well-controlled inflation at 3.48%, and stable financial sector resilience, with the government actively managing fiscal buffers through prudent APBN policies and coordination with BI and OJK to sustain inclusive growth. This positive momentum positions Indonesia favourably compared to other emerging markets, as evidenced by competitive SBN yields and investor confidence.

Indonesia's National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has revealed that the gaming platform Roblox is being used to recruit children into terrorism through its chat features, with 112 such attempts prevented recently. The recruitment involves gradual digital grooming in games, building empathy before moving to platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram for indoctrination. In response, Roblox complies with PP Tunas regulations by restricting chat and game access for users under 16, requiring facial verification, a measure that Minister Meutya Hafid says will apply to all games in Indonesia.

The lawyer for Gusti Pisdon has strongly denied claims that his client received funds from contractor Hironimus Sonbay in a corruption case involving alleged extortion by prosecutors in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. Responding to statements made during Sonbay's plea hearing, the legal team has filed a police report against the accuser for defamation, asserting that no such transactions occurred and that the allegations lack evidentiary basis. The case implicates high-ranking prosecutors, including the Medan Chief Prosecutor, highlighting ongoing concerns over corruption within Indonesia's legal system.

PT Bumi Resources Minerals Tbk (BRMS) reported a robust financial performance in 2025, with revenue jumping 54% to US$249.35 million, driven by increased sales volumes and soaring prices of gold and silver. Operating profit soared 118% to US$93.18 million, while net profit nearly doubled to US$50.09 million, reflecting an 11% rise in gold sales to 71,886 ounces and a 45% increase in silver sales to 199,385 ounces, alongside price hikes of 38% for gold and 5% for silver. This strong growth underscores the positive momentum in the global precious metals market, bolstering the company's profitability and margins.

State-owned electricity company PT PLN (Persero) has successfully reclaimed a strategic 20,000 square metre plot of land in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, valued at over Rp380 billion, which had been illegally occupied for decades despite being acquired in 1980. The recovery was achieved through intensive coordination and legal support from the West Jakarta District Prosecutor's Office, culminating in a court victory and the issuance of an official land certificate by the National Land Agency. This development underscores the importance of inter-agency synergy in safeguarding state assets, ensuring they can be optimally utilised for public benefit and enhancing legal certainty in asset management.

The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs is initiating a competitive framework to motivate regional governments to excel in key performance areas, with the reduction in unemployment rate serving as a primary indicator alongside poverty alleviation, stunting reduction, and inflation control. This approach aims to foster healthy rivalry among local leaders, driving tangible improvements in economic and social development through innovative policies and partnerships. By recognising best practices, the initiative seeks to enhance transparency, replicability, and synergy between central and regional authorities in addressing national challenges like unemployment.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has urged the financial services and digital economy sectors to shift from compliance-based to resilience-based cyber security, emphasising that robust protections must integrate into business strategies, risk management, and consumer protection to maintain trust. OJK Executive Head Adi Budiarso highlighted that without sufficient cyber security, rapid innovations could transform into new vulnerabilities affecting society and industry, positioning cyber security as a strategic investment for credibility and competitiveness. Recent collaborations, including a workshop with the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), aim to enhance human resources and institutional synergies to build national cyber resilience in the digital financial sector.

PT Hutama Karya has successfully rehabilitated the Beo Irrigation Area channel in North Sulawesi's Talaud Islands Regency, restoring water flow after over four years of inactivity and enabling more reliable farming for local farmers. This project, initiated by the Ministry of Public Works, aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's national priority on food security and self-sufficiency, optimising unproductive land and boosting agricultural productivity in a region where farming contributes 46% to the local economy. The initiative forms part of a broader programme rehabilitating 28 irrigation sites across North Sulawesi, enhancing regional food resilience and rural economic activity.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industry Association (HIMKI), Abdul Sobur, highlights that Indonesian crafts possess robust functional and philosophical values that can enhance the nation's global competitiveness in the creative economy sector. Citing BPS data, he notes that the fashion and crafts subsector contributed significantly to exports, reaching US$28.4 billion from January to November 2025, and calls for greater integration among artisans, artists, and designers to position these products as globally recognised cultural expressions. Sobur points to the upcoming Tatah Ukir Jepara exhibition at the National Museum in Jakarta as a key platform for showcasing and innovating the high-value cultural heritage of Jepara carvings.

The Indonesian Pavilion at the Food and Hospitality Asia (FHA) 2026 exhibition in Singapore achieved significant success, securing 14 export contracts valued at US$3.17 million (approximately Rp 54.5 billion) for products including honey, organic spices, agricultural goods, and various food and beverages. Supported by the Ministry of Trade, the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, Bank Indonesia, and Bank Rakyat Indonesia, the event featured 40 UMKM producers and exporters, attracting over 6,012 visitors and generating potential transactions worth US$10.3 million (Rp 177 billion). This participation underscores the growing export performance of Indonesia's food and beverage sector, with a 23.35% year-on-year growth in 2025, highlighting the importance of government and stakeholder support for UMKM amid global trade uncertainties.

Rachma Nissa Fadliya, the CEO of Bogor's regional public transport company Perumda Transportasi Pakuan, has resigned from her position, citing family business commitments as the reason, according to a statement from Mayor Dedie A. Rachim. The resignation was voluntary, as confirmed by the city's Secretary Denny Mulyadi, with no specific factors detailed in the letter. Eko Prabowo, Assistant for Government and Public Welfare, has been appointed as acting CEO since April 2026, following Rachma's definitive appointment in December 2022 under the previous mayor Bima Arya Sugiarto.

Indonesia's Ministry of Health is integrating malaria control efforts to achieve elimination by 2030, addressing challenges such as funding constraints, difficult geography, and high case concentrations in Papua. Key strategies include increasing case-finding targets to 800,000 by 2026 through community health centres, enhancing early detection and surveillance via the Malaria Surveillance Information System, and distributing bed nets in high-endemic areas. The ministry is advocating for regional government support and specialised measures for at-risk groups like forest workers, while emphasising personnel commitment and vigilance against resurgences in previously malaria-free regions.

Jakarta police have announced strict measures against illegal parking around the National Monument (Monas) during the International Labour Day celebrations on 1 May, deploying traffic enforcement teams to ensure smooth operations. Coordinated efforts with inter-agency task forces and the DKI Jakarta Transportation Agency include setting up designated parking zones at locations such as JIExpo Kemayoran, Benyamin Sueb road, Pancoran, and Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) for participants arriving from various regions, anticipating up to 200,000 workers, 4,000 buses, and 20,000 motorcycles. The initiative also aims to curb street vendors and illegal parking to prevent disruptions to traffic flow and event proceedings, highlighting the government's commitment to public order during significant social gatherings.

Indonesia's Minister for Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, revealed that 33 out of 70 daycares in Yogyakarta operate without proper permits, highlighting significant regulatory gaps following a child abuse case at Little Aresha daycare. In response, multiple ministries have agreed to form a task force and develop an integrated single portal for daycare data and licensing to ensure compliance with national standards. The ministry's complaint post has already assisted 217 individuals, with many seeking psychological and developmental support for affected children.

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower has issued Regulation No. 7/2026 on Outsourcing Work, limiting such practices to specific support roles like cleaning, catering, security, and operational services in sectors such as mining, oil, gas, and electricity, in response to a 2023 Constitutional Court ruling. This move aims to enhance worker protections, ensure legal certainty, and maintain business continuity by mandating written agreements and full compliance with labour rights including wages, overtime, leave, and social security. Violations by user companies or outsourcing firms will face sanctions, marking a significant step towards fairer employment practices on Labour Day 2026.

The Palu City DPRD has highlighted significant problems with the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, particularly the difficulty in accessing the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (KBLI), which is hindering business operations and licensing services. Local businesses, including hospitals and entrepreneurs, have raised complaints, prompting a joint hearing with regional agencies and plans for direct coordination with the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency in Jakarta. This issue underscores the need for swift resolution to prevent investment delays, as the OSS is a mandatory central government policy, with local RDTR documents and budgets already prepared for compliance.

Muhammad Qodari, head of the Indonesian Government's Communication Agency, has urged the public to focus on the substantive content of President Prabowo Subianto's speech rather than a controversial remark about a "dark Indonesia" and fleeing to Yemen. Delivered during the groundbreaking of 13 national downstreaming projects in Cilacap, Central Java, Prabowo's address highlighted national self-reliance and industrial downstreaming to add value to raw materials, warning against naivety towards external subversion. Qodari emphasised the importance of these policy points over isolated soundbites, underscoring Prabowo's commitment to economic sovereignty amid global challenges.

The Central Java Investment Business Forum (CJIBF) 2026, scheduled for 11-12 May, will see around 30 verified investors participating, as announced by Central Java's Investment and Integrated Services Office. The event, organised by Bank Indonesia's Central Java office and the provincial government, aims to secure initial investment commitments and foster partnerships for local SMEs, with 75 curated businesses showcasing diverse products. Synergised with the Governor's Working Meeting involving 10 governors, the forum is expected to boost investment promotion and SME market expansion in the region.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly praised the suicide actions of his soldiers fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war, marking the first explicit confirmation of Pyongyang's military doctrine that prioritises death over capture. The praise was given during the opening of a new monument complex in the capital's outskirts, which serves as a cemetery and museum honouring the fallen troops, with over 2,000 names inscribed and space for more casualties. This development underscores North Korea's significant involvement in the conflict, with estimates of over 10,000 troops deployed, amid international concerns over the deepening military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

The Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, has stressed that all investors entering the region must prioritise environmental preservation in line with the philosophy of Hamemayu Hayuning Bawana, rejecting any projects that could damage the natural landscape or cause pollution. He highlighted the untapped potential in the southern areas, including marine resources, tourism, and SMEs, but noted structural challenges like economic disparities and disaster vulnerability, advocating for investments aligned with blue and green economy approaches. The Secretary General pointed out historical and geophysical factors contributing to north-south investment imbalances, urging a shift towards sustainable sectors like eco-tourism and modern agriculture to foster balanced regional growth.

In response to a Constitutional Court ruling calling for comprehensive reforms in Indonesia's labour regulations, the House of Representatives' Legislation Body (Baleg) plans to draft an omnibus law specifically for the labour cluster. Led by Chairman Bob Hasan, the proposed legislation will address workplace safety, contracts, the viability of outsourcing systems, and the dynamics following the enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Law. This initiative aims to create a unified parameter for the broad scope of labour issues, including employer-employee relations and government rules, with discussions to be coordinated through parliamentary commissions and leadership.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Chinese Islamic Union (PITI), Dr Serian Wijatno, has commended the visionary initiative by the Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP), retired General TNI Dudung Abdurachman, to operate a 24-hour public complaint service. Serian views this as a significant step towards enhancing state responsiveness and transparency, effectively bridging the gap between citizens and policymakers. He emphasised the importance of precise follow-up mechanisms to ensure the service's effectiveness in transforming Indonesia's bureaucracy.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has announced that all long-distance train services are now operating normally without cancellations as of 30 April 2026, following a recovery period marked by positive developments. While minor delays may still occur during the ongoing operational adjustments prioritising safety, KAI is committed to ensuring smooth travel and fulfilling customer rights, apologising for any inconveniences. Additionally, 85 lost items have been recovered, with 38 already returned to owners, and KAI urges affected passengers to claim their belongings at East Bekasi Station.

Police have elevated the investigation into the collision between a KRL commuter train and the KA Argo Bromo long-distance train involving a Green SM electric taxi in Bekasi East to the formal investigation phase, with examinations of the scene, witnesses, evidence, and CCTV footage underway. Authorities are probing why the taxi stalled on the level crossing, and no suspects have been named yet pending forensic analysis of the vehicle's malfunction. The incident, which occurred near Bekasi Timur Station, highlights potential safety issues in Indonesia's rail infrastructure and public transport integration.

Golkar Party MP Gandung Pardiman has urged the 2026 State Budget to prioritise railway safety enhancements after a deadly collision between a long-distance train and a commuter rail at Bekasi Timur Station, which claimed 16 lives and disrupted logistics nationwide. He emphasised the manufacturing sector's vulnerability to such incidents, warning of potential trillions in economic losses from even brief rail shutdowns, and called for immediate crisis coordination between the Ministry of Industry and KAI Logistics to reroute shipments. Gandung demanded a comprehensive safety audit of the rail system, particularly at level crossings, to prevent future tragedies and ensure national supply chain resilience.

Police from Polda Metro Jaya are conducting a thorough investigation into the collision between the KA Argo Bromo Anggrek intercity train and a commuter KRL at Bekasi Timur Station, which resulted in 16 deaths and 90 injuries on 27 April. The probe, now elevated to the investigation stage with indications of criminal elements, involves forensic analysis by Puslabfor of technical aspects such as signalling, electrical systems, and operational procedures, alongside examinations of 24 witnesses including train operators and signal staff. Authorities aim to determine if the accident stemmed from technical failures, human error, or a combination, highlighting critical safety concerns in Indonesia's rail infrastructure.

The University of Indonesia's Student Executive Body (BEM UI) has announced plans to join street protests on International Labour Day 2026, marking the occasion as a symbol of workers' struggles against injustice amid rising living costs and precarious employment in Indonesia. Alongside other student groups and the Gebrak alliance of labour unions, they will demonstrate at the House of Representatives, rejecting a government-aligned event at the National Monument and demanding pro-worker labour laws, fair wages, job security, and broader social reforms including free education and healthcare. These actions highlight growing tensions over labour rights under the Prabowo administration, emphasising the role of students and independent unions in advocating for social justice.

Wintermar Offshore Marine Group reported a robust 1Q2026 with owned vessel revenue surging 53.9% year-on-year to US$22.8 million, driving total gross profit up 101.6% to US$13.3 million and net attributable profit doubling to US$4.8 million. The company attributed this growth to higher utilisation of high-tier vessels and a strategic focus on higher-margin services, despite increased operational expenses. Looking ahead, Wintermar plans fleet expansion amid a strong outlook for offshore support vessel demand, bolstered by global energy security initiatives and US$40 billion in accelerated upstream projects, including in Indonesia.

Police in Jakarta have questioned 24 witnesses regarding the fatal collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek intercity train and a commuter rail (KRL) train at East Bekasi Station, with seven more individuals currently under examination. The incident, which resulted in 16 deaths and 90 injuries, occurred when the KRL was halted due to a vehicle obstruction on the tracks, leading to a collision with the oncoming intercity train. Authorities are investigating the matter procedurally and professionally through the Criminal Investigation Directorate, highlighting ongoing efforts to address safety lapses in Indonesia's rail infrastructure.

Jakarta police are preparing for heavy traffic and crowds at tourist sites, particularly around the National Monument (Monas), which will host the May Day Fiesta on Friday, drawing an estimated 200,000 workers, 4,000 buses, and 20,000 motorcycles. Authorities advise the public to reconsider holiday plans due to potential congestion in areas like Ancol and Kota Tua, while Ragunan Zoo is expected to remain unaffected. Over 1,793 personnel will be deployed for situational traffic management, with odd-even restrictions lifted but electronic traffic enforcement continuing.

Former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Sudirman Said, identifies short-term thinking, populist politics, and conflicts of interest as the fundamental issues undermining Indonesia's energy security, leading to repeated systemic failures across administrations. These problems have stalled critical areas like oil and gas research, exploration, and energy transition, leaving the country heavily reliant on imports that drain foreign reserves and weaken the rupiah. He criticises the lack of strategic vision, noting that energy transition efforts only gain traction during oil price spikes, trapping Indonesia in a cycle of unpreparedness for crises.

FWD Group has reported a robust start to 2026, with new business sales rising 4% to US$720 million on an annualised premium equivalent basis and contractual service margin surging 18% to US$556 million year-on-year. Growth was driven by strong performances in Japan, Hong Kong SAR, and expansion markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, amid ongoing middle-class financial anxieties in Asia as revealed by the company's recent survey. This performance underscores FWD's diversified pan-Asian strategy and long-term confidence in the region's insurance sector, particularly in high-net-worth segments.

Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has introduced a new ministerial regulation to enhance protections for outsourced workers, following a Constitutional Court decision that restricts outsourcing practices. The regulation limits outsourcing to specific sectors such as cleaning, security, and support services in mining, oil, and gas, while mandating written agreements that detail work types, durations, and worker rights including wages, safety, and severance pay. This policy aims to ensure legal certainty, uphold workers' rights, and foster fair industrial relations, balancing business needs with employee welfare.

West Bandung Regent Jeje Ritchie Ismail has warned of dismissing employees from the Civil Registry Office if they are found colluding with fixers who offer paid services for population administration tasks that are meant to be free. This comes after a resident, Siti Bariah, faced rejection due to alleged full quotas and turned to a fixer, paying Rp160,000 for her child's birth certificate and ID card after a two-hour journey and long wait. Jeje plans to investigate internal involvement, evaluate public services to eliminate such practices, and ensure accessibility for citizens without extra costs.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is exploring the expansion of a dormitory-free hajj embarkation scheme at Dhoho Kediri Airport in East Java as an alternative to Juanda Airport to enhance service efficiency and reduce congestion for departing pilgrims. Presidential Special Advisor Muhadjir Effendy highlighted the airport's long runway suitable for wide-body aircraft and its location outside a major city to minimise traffic issues, with plans to divide East Java's hajj services between the two sites. Although still under review due to the airport's private ownership requiring regulatory agreements, the initiative is hoped to commence next year following coordination with the East Java Governor.

Minister Wihaji of the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Mendukbangga) and Head of BKKBN visited the Baduy indigenous community in Lebak, Banten, to extend the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme targeting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers (3B) through a culturally sensitive 'Sapa Budaya' approach. Despite challenges posed by the community's strong adherence to traditional customs, the government is committed to ensuring all citizens, including remote indigenous groups, receive essential services, with plans for direct dialogues in Baduy Dalam and Luar to tailor the national priority programme. The initiative, supported by 597,287 Family Assistance Teams nationwide, aims to improve nutrition for vulnerable groups, fostering health and development from an early age while adapting to unique cultural contexts.

The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has introduced facilitations for small and medium-sized industries (IKM) to obtain Domestic Component Level (TKDN) certification through a free self-declaration mechanism, aiming to enhance market access, particularly in government procurement. This policy, aligned with Presidential Instruction No. 2 of 2022, mandates 40% of government goods and services budget for local SMEs, fostering domestic product promotion via national e-catalogues and supporting economic stability through multiplier effects. Recent activities, including hybrid training sessions and new ministerial regulations effective from December 2025, underscore the government's commitment to boosting local industry growth, job creation, and community welfare.

Indonesian SMEs achieved export contracts worth Rp54.5 billion at the Food and Hospitality (FHA) Asia 2026 exhibition in Singapore, highlighting the success of government-supported participation amid global trade uncertainties. The event, organised with support from the Indonesian Embassy, Ministry of Trade, Bank Indonesia, and Bank Rakyat Indonesia, featured 40 SMEs showcasing products like honey, organic spices, and processed foods, attracting over 6,000 visitors and generating potential follow-up transactions of Rp177 billion. This initiative underscores the strategic importance of promoting UMKM in regional supply chains, with the food and beverage sector driving a 23.35% export growth in 2025.

US President Donald Trump is set to receive a briefing on Thursday (30/4/2026) from CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper regarding new plans for potential military action against Iran, including a short but intense attack on its infrastructure to break negotiation deadlocks, particularly on nuclear issues. Alternative options include seizing parts of the Strait of Hormuz to reopen commercial shipping lanes, potentially involving ground troops, and special forces operations to secure Iran's highly enriched uranium reserves. Trump has indicated that a naval blockade might be more effective than bombing as a pressure tool, though he remains open to military action if Iran refuses to compromise, amid expectations of retaliatory responses from Tehran.

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has expressed support for Saudi authorities' arrest of three Indonesian nationals accused of promoting illegal Hajj services via social media in Mecca, emphasising the need for compliance with official regulations to protect pilgrims and bilateral relations. Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII Abidin Fikri urged the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Foreign Affairs to monitor the case, ensure fair legal processes, and intensify public awareness campaigns against such scams to prevent severe penalties like deportation or imprisonment. The incident, which involved fake Hajj identities and uniforms, highlights ongoing efforts to eradicate fraudulent practices that undermine the safety and integrity of the pilgrimage.

The Metro Jaya Regional Police (Polda Metro Jaya) is deploying nearly 25,000 combined personnel to ensure the May Day 2026 celebrations and protests in Jakarta proceed safely, orderly, and humanely, with a focus on protecting workers' rights to express their aspirations. Key events include the May Day Fiesta at Monas and demonstrations at the DPR/MPR and DKI Jakarta's Labour Office, supported by situational traffic management and appeals for the public to avoid provocation. This approach underscores a commitment to peaceful public participation amid labour-related gatherings.

The Ministry of Trade plans to adjust the maximum retail price (HET) for Minyakita cooking oil following an economic review, driven by rising crude palm oil (CPO) prices and pressures on businesses amid global dynamics. This adjustment aims to align with current market conditions, incorporating stakeholder inputs, while distribution through state-owned enterprises has already achieved 49% of the Domestic Market Obligation target by April 20, 2024, enhancing efficiency and reducing the national average price to around Rp15,800 per litre. The move underscores the government's efforts to balance affordability for consumers with the viability of the domestic oil sector.