Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 April 2026

Showing 351-400 of 1,509 articles

Government strengthens outsourcing protection through Labour Minister Regulation 7/2026

The Indonesian government has introduced Labour Minister Regulation No. 7/2026 on Outsourcing Work to enhance legal certainty and protect workers' rights while ensuring business continuity, in response to a 2023 Constitutional Court ruling limiting outsourcing practices. The regulation mandates written agreements between user companies and outsourcing firms, covering details like job types, duration, and worker protections, and requires outsourcing companies to provide full entitlements such as wages, overtime, leave, health and safety, social security, and severance rights. Sanctions are imposed for non-compliance, with the Minister urging all stakeholders to adhere to the rules for fair labour practices.

JCI Closes Weaker by 144.43 Points in Thursday's Trading

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) closed sharply lower on Thursday, 30 April 2026, dropping 144.43 points or 2.03% to 6,956.80, amid dominant selling pressure that saw 600 stocks weaken against just 146 that strengthened. All sectors ended in the red, with industrial and infrastructure sectors leading the declines, influenced by global risk-off sentiment including a stronger US dollar and domestic issues like free float regulations and index rebalancing. Market observers anticipate short-term sideways movement with a downward bias but potential for a technical rebound pending clarity on global interest rates and rupiah stabilisation.

Anindya and Trade Minister Frank on Reasons for Indonesia's Insistence on Close Trade Ties with the US

Indonesia's government and business leaders are steadfast in maintaining strong trade relations with the United States, driven by a significant trade surplus of US$18.11 billion and the importance of the US market for labour-intensive manufacturing exports like textiles and footwear. Trade Minister Budi Santoso highlighted ongoing negotiations since 1996, including the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, and defended the process against constitutional concerns, emphasising compliance with laws such as UU No. 7/2014. Kadin Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie echoed this, noting the US as the top surplus partner despite China being the largest export destination, and urged inclusive market access for smaller exporters.

Prospective Hajj Pilgrim from Lombok Rejected Entry to Saudi Arabia

Indonesian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, revealed that a prospective pilgrim from Lombok was denied entry to Saudi Arabia due to a 10-year immigration blacklist, likely stemming from prior Umrah violations. During his inspection of the Solo embarkation point, the minister emphasised stricter health checks mandated by Saudi authorities to ensure pilgrims' fitness, potentially delaying some departures while aiming to safeguard lives and bilateral relations. He also reviewed facilities, confirming overall food quality improvements and the smooth progress of Hajj operations, with over 54,000 pilgrims already arriving in Madinah.

DPR's Legislation Body to Form Omnibus Law on Employment

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Legislation Body (Baleg) plans to draft an omnibus law for the employment cluster in response to a Constitutional Court ruling calling for comprehensive improvements to labour regulations. This new law will cover aspects such as occupational safety, contracts, the viability of outsourcing systems, and the integration of domestic worker protections following the recent enactment of the Domestic Workers Protection Act. The initiative aims to create a unified framework addressing the broad dynamics of employment relations, including employer-employee mechanisms and government rules, with discussions pending directives from parliamentary leadership.

Roblox Complies with PP Tunas by Implementing Age Verification and Removing Communication Features

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, has commended Roblox for introducing age verification and restricting communication features for users under 16, in line with Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on electronic system governance for child protection, known as PP Tunas. With 23 million of Roblox's 45 million Indonesian users being children under 16, these measures aim to limit interactions with strangers and control content exposure, alongside parental screen time controls. The regulation has secured commitments from eight major digital platforms, supported by local government policies restricting devices in schools, and praised by the National Counter-Terrorism Agency for safeguarding youth from online radicalism, having prevented 112 child exposures to terrorism via social media.

Road Points Expected to be Crowded with Labour Masses on May Day 1st at Monas

Around 200,000 workers from various regions are expected to converge on Jakarta's Monas for the International Labour Day commemoration on 1 May 2026, potentially causing heavy traffic congestion on surrounding roads. Authorities, including the Metro Jaya Police Traffic Directorate and the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, have prepared parking areas such as JIExpo, Jalan Benyamin Sueb, and Ancol to manage the influx of 4,000 buses and 20,000 motorcycles. Motorists are advised to avoid the Monas area, seek alternative routes, and reconsider travel plans to prevent severe traffic jams in the capital.

VP Gibran ensures smooth hajj pilgrim departure from Surabaya

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has affirmed the effective operation of the Makkah Route Fast Track service at Juanda Airport in Surabaya, which streamlines immigration processes for hajj pilgrims departing for Saudi Arabia. During his visit, he interacted with 380 prospective pilgrims from Lamongan and Tulungagung districts, offering prayers for their safe journey and emphasising the importance of maintaining health. The service, available at key Indonesian airports including Jakarta, Solo, Surabaya, and Makassar, aims to enhance convenience by completing immigration formalities in Indonesia, allowing pilgrims to proceed directly to their hotels upon arrival without queuing.

Alert for Jakarta's Coastal Flooding 1–8 May 2026: These Areas at Risk

The Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD DKI Jakarta) has issued an early warning for coastal flooding (banjir rob) expected between 1 and 8 May 2026 in northern Jakarta's coastal areas, due to maximum high tides coinciding with the new moon and perigee phases. This phenomenon could raise sea levels and cause inundation in vulnerable regions, with peak tides anticipated from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM WIB. Authorities urge residents to enhance vigilance, avoid risky activities, maintain drainage systems, and monitor official updates via bpbd.jakarta.go.id/gelombanglaut, while contacting Jakarta Siaga 112 in emergencies to mitigate impacts.

Analyst: Roblox's Compliance with PP Tunas Regulation Shows Respect for Child Protection

Telecommunications expert Heru Sutadi has praised Roblox's full compliance with Indonesia's PP Tunas regulation as a commendable step towards respecting child protection efforts in the digital space, despite a delay from the March 2026 deadline. He emphasised the importance of consistent government oversight to ensure meaningful implementation, particularly for the estimated 1,600 high-risk digital platforms among the 16,469 registered ones. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid announced that Roblox's commitment includes age verification for all users, marking the completion of compliance for all eight platforms initially targeted by the regulation.

Prabowo briefs 1,500 unit commanders from TNI's three branches

President Prabowo Subianto delivered a closed-door briefing to 1,500 unit commanders from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) across its army, navy, and air force branches during the 2026 TNI Unit Commanders' Roll Call at the National Defence University in Bogor, West Java. The event, attended by top military leaders and several cabinet ministers including Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, underscored the strong synergy between the defence sector and government in maintaining national stability, highlighted by ceremonial songs, prayers, and a shared lunch that fostered unity and esprit de corps. This gathering emphasises Prabowo's focus on military cohesion and national security as he settles into his presidency.

Manual Barriers Installed at Ampera Bekasi Crossing Following Train Collision

The Bekasi City Transportation Agency has installed manual barriers at the Ampera level crossing in West Java after a train-taxi collision at Bekasi Timur Station on 27 April 2026, aiming to enhance safety at the high-risk site. The red-and-white painted barriers are operated by agency staff and local residents from 5:00 to 22:00 daily, regulating vehicle traffic during train passages to minimise accident risks and improve road user discipline. This measure underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen railway crossing security in urban areas.

President Delivers Briefing to 1,500 TNI Unit Commanders, Igniting the Spirit of Struggle

President of Indonesia addressed approximately 1,500 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) unit commanders from the 2026 cohort at the National Defence University in Sentul, Bogor, on Thursday (30/4/2027), emphasising national defence and unity. The event featured patriotic songs such as 'Maju Tak Gentar' and 'Garuda Pancasila', the national anthem, TNI marches, and a collective prayer to bolster the commanders' commitment to the nation. This briefing underscores the government's efforts to reinforce military morale and solidarity amid evolving security challenges.

AISMOLI pushes for subsidies in electric motorcycle purchases

The Indonesian Electric Motorcycle Industry Association (AISMOLI) is urging the government to implement subsidies for electric motorcycle purchases starting in 2026 to accelerate adoption and prevent consumer hesitation. The association highlights the operational cost savings for online ride-hailing, logistics, and corporate fleets, while also advocating for flexible financing and coordination on domestic content requirements and national charging infrastructure. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has indicated plans for a phased subsidy of approximately Rp5 million per unit, supporting broader efforts to promote environmentally friendly transport.

Jakarta Early Childhood Education Council Chair: Early Childhood Education is an Effort to Forge Indonesia's Golden Generation for the Future

The Chair of the Jakarta Early Childhood Education Organisers Council, Lisniawati Uus Kuswanto, has urged educators to provide maximum education to young students as part of the 13-Year Compulsory Education programme, aimed at cultivating Indonesia's golden generation. During a visit to TK Islam Nuryakin and PAUD Bunga Bangsa in South Jakarta to mark the 69th anniversary of the council, she emphasised the importance of early schooling, environmental awareness, and traditional foods alongside formal education. Accompanied by South Jakarta's Early Childhood Education Coordinator Diah Anwar, the initiative was praised for boosting morale among educators and ensuring smooth transitions to primary school through one year of preschool policy.

Police: 24,980 Combined Personnel to Secure Labour Day 2026 at Monas

Jakarta police have deployed 24,980 combined personnel, including police, military, and local government forces, to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the 2026 International Labour Day celebrations centred at Monas. The event, which includes public expression of workers' aspirations at key government sites, is protected under law, with authorities urging peaceful participation and avoiding provocation. Traffic management and updates will be provided via social media to handle the expected crowds.

Criminal Elements Involved: Train Crash Case in Bekasi Escalates to Investigation Stage

Police have elevated the investigation of the Bekasi train crash, which killed 16 and injured 90, from preliminary inquiry to full investigation after gathering initial evidence, including witness statements and CCTV footage. The probe involves examining 24 witnesses so far, with seven more operational staff under scrutiny, and forensic analysis for technical faults, while also probing the recruitment and training of the involved online taxi driver who had only recently started work. This development underscores potential criminal negligence in rail operations and transport services, with authorities committing to a professional and transparent process to determine accountability.

Beware of the Nusuk Card Scam Modus Operandi, Do Not Click Links Rashly

Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are warned by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to be vigilant against scams claiming issues with their Nusuk cards, which involve clicking suspicious WhatsApp links that could lead to data theft. The Nusuk card serves as an official Saudi-issued identity for pilgrims, granting access to key religious sites like the Masjidil Haram and Raudhah, with entry to the latter being free and strictly through official barcode systems. Recent policy changes have raised the age limit for Raudhah access to 60 years, while authorities emphasise using only verified channels to avoid fraudulent charges and ensure pilgrim safety.

When Zulhas Meets Bengkulu Farmers: From the Fields to National Policy

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan is scheduled to visit Bengkulu Province to inspect food security programmes and directly engage with local farmers' aspirations. The provincial government anticipates that the visit will yield tangible benefits for strengthening the food sector and accelerating national strategic initiatives at the local level. Key activities include a symbolic inauguration of Purwodadi Market in North Bengkulu, highlighting the event's role in fostering open dialogue on real field issues from production to distribution.

Access to Pameu-Geumpang Road Reopened Following Landslide Closure

The Ministry of Public Works has reopened the national road between Pameu in Central Aceh Regency and Geumpang in Pidie Regency for two- and four-wheeled vehicles after a landslide caused by heavy rain closed it on 22 April 2026. Emergency response efforts, including heavy machinery deployment, cleared the debris, while long-term measures such as slope protection are planned to prevent future incidents and ensure safety for logistics and agricultural transport. Authorities urge caution due to the risk of follow-up landslides, especially during rain, highlighting the importance of resilient infrastructure in Aceh's central route.

Not Magic, Taiwan's GDP Surges 13.7% Amid Middle East Conflict

Taiwan's economy achieved a remarkable 13.7% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, the fastest since 1987, driven by surging global demand for AI-related semiconductors despite ongoing Middle East tensions disrupting energy markets. As a leading producer of chips essential for technologies like smartphones and advanced computing, Taiwan benefits from its export-oriented economy, though it faces risks from energy import dependencies on the conflict-ridden region. Government interventions to stabilise fuel prices and secure supplies, combined with optimism from key players like TSMC, underscore the island's resilience amid global uncertainties.

Simultaneous Family Planning Services Target 12,000 New Acceptors in West Sumatra

The National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) in West Sumatra aims to reach 12,000 new family planning acceptors by 2026. To achieve this, BKKBN is collaborating with the Provincial Board of the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI) to conduct simultaneous contraceptive insertion services at various health facilities from 29 April to 22 May, involving local family planning cadres. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing reproductive health and population control efforts in the region.

Said Highlights Coretax Disruptions, Proposes Extension for Personal SPT Reporting

DPR RI Commission XI member Said Abdullah has criticised the technical disruptions in the Direktorat Jenderal Pajak's Coretax system, urging comprehensive testing and nighttime maintenance to prevent declines in taxpayer compliance. He warns that such issues could undermine national revenue, which is crucial for government programmes amid global economic challenges, and calls for a one-day extension of the 30 April 2026 deadline for personal annual tax returns, given that around 3.3 million taxpayers remain unfiled despite an earlier extension. This proposal aims to ensure over 15 million filings to support state revenues without affecting corporate deadlines on 31 May 2026.

16 Foreign Nationals in Sukabumi Suspected of Love Scamming

Indonesian immigration authorities have arrested 16 foreign nationals, primarily from China, in Sukabumi, West Java, for allegedly engaging in organised love scamming operations targeting victims in the United States and Mexico. The suspects, who misused their residency permits, were operating from the area using electronic devices to conduct emotional manipulation via social media, leading to fictitious investment schemes in cryptocurrency and forex trading. This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to combat transnational cybercrime and immigration violations within Indonesia.

QRIS can now be used in China

Bank Indonesia has soft-launched cross-border QRIS payment services between Indonesia and China, enabling seamless transactions for users in both countries using domestic mobile apps. During the testing phase since 17 August 2025, inbound transactions reached 1.64 million with a value of Rp556 billion, while outbound transactions totalled around 8,000 worth Rp6.4 billion, with expectations of further growth. This initiative enhances financial connectivity, supports tourism and SME cross-border trade, and reduces reliance on third-party currencies through the Local Currency Transaction Framework.

Central Java Investment Business Forum (CJIBF) 2026 to Be Held in Semarang, Featuring 75 Leading SMEs

The Central Java Investment Business Forum (CJIBF) 2026 is scheduled for 11-12 May in Semarang, aiming to secure initial investment commitments from 30 verified investors through one-on-one meetings, as announced by the Central Java government's investment agency head. The event will also feature 75 curated superior SMEs showcasing diverse products like fashion, crafts, and coffee, selected for their potential to expand into export markets. Synergised with the Governor's key coordination meeting, the forum seeks to promote regional investment opportunities and foster inter-regional collaborations under Governor Ahmad Luthfi's directive.

Judge Requests Andrie Yunus's Attendance at Trial, TAUD: Victim Never Examined

The Military Court II-08 in Jakarta has requested the presence of Andrie Yunus, a victim of an acid attack by four TNI personnel, as a key witness in the ongoing trial, even considering forced attendance if necessary. The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) has urged the court to respect Yunus's refusal to participate, citing procedural irregularities and his ongoing medical recovery, as he has never been examined by authorities. This case highlights tensions in military justice processes involving civilian victims and potential human rights concerns in Indonesia's legal system.

Ministry of Health: 1,000 First Days of Life Consortium Ensures the Best Start for Children

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has launched the 1,000 First Days of Life Consortium to guarantee optimal early development for children from conception to age two, targeting a dramatic reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates—aiming to cut maternal deaths from 4,000 to under 400 annually and infant deaths from 30,000 to under 3,000—while lowering stunting below 7%. The initiative emphasises data-driven interventions to prevent pregnancy and newborn complications like pre-eclampsia and sepsis, alongside domestic production of multivitamin supplements and trials in select hospitals and clinics. This effort builds on progress in stunting reduction, with health indicators improving from three in 2024 to eight in 2025, underscoring the government's commitment to not just survival but thriving child development.

TP PKK Distributes Social Assistance and Holds Healthy Exercise in North Aceh's Temporary Shelters

The Family Welfare Education Team (TP PKK) has delivered various social aid packages and organised healthy exercise sessions in temporary shelters (huntara) in North Aceh, aimed at supporting post-disaster recovery and uplifting community spirits. Led by government officials including Tri Tito, the event coincides with the National Posyandu Day commemoration, highlighting the expanded role of Posyandu centres in providing integrated village-level services across six Minimum Service Standards, including health, education, and social welfare. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to ensuring access to essential services for disaster-affected residents, particularly in health and child welfare.

Prabowo Delivers Briefing to 1,500 TNI Unit Commanders, Igniting the Spirit of Struggle and Solidarity

President Prabowo Subianto addressed approximately 1,500 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) unit commanders at the National Defence University in Bogor, West Java, emphasising the importance of fighting spirit and unity in safeguarding the nation. The event, attended by top military leaders, ministers, and other officials, featured patriotic songs, the national anthem, TNI marches, and a collective prayer, underscoring strong synergy between the defence sector and government. This gathering highlights Prabowo's focus on bolstering military morale and national stability amid his administration's priorities.

KKP to Recruit 20,000 Modern Fishing Vessel Crew Members This Year

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) plans to recruit 20,000 skilled crew members to operate 1,582 modern fishing vessels currently under construction across Indonesia's shipyards. These vessels include 1,000 units of 30 GT to be integrated with government-built Red and White Fishermen's Villages, 557 units of 200 GT for offshore operations, and 25 larger vessels for logistics support managed by state-owned PT Agrinas Jaladri. The recruitment process will involve online applications, health screenings, interviews, psychological tests, competency development, and familiarisation training to ensure a competent workforce from maritime and fisheries polytechnics.

Health Ministry applies TOKEN strategy to curb malaria in Papua

The Indonesian Health Ministry is intensifying efforts to eliminate malaria in Papua, where 95 percent of the country's cases occur, through the TOKEN strategy that includes expanding case detection to 800,000 this year, strengthening community involvement, delegating screening to trained cadres in remote areas, forming village malaria teams, and implementing forest intervention packages for migrant groups. These measures address challenges such as funding shortages, low detection rates, and geographical difficulties, aiming to prevent outbreaks from low-transmission to high-transmission areas. Indonesia ranks second in the Western Pacific region for malaria cases, highlighting the urgency of these initiatives for national public health.

Indonesian Police to Be Involved in Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia Starting 2027

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that Indonesian National Police (Polri) personnel will be officially involved in Indonesia's Hajj mission, or Amirul Hajj, in Saudi Arabia from next year to enhance security, pilgrim safety, and the handling of cross-border illegal Hajj cases. This policy aims to strengthen coordination with Saudi security authorities, particularly in addressing illegal Hajj practices and crimes involving Indonesian citizens, with Deputy Chief of Police Komjen Dedi Prasetyo already tasked this year to facilitate discussions on Hajj management and security. The involvement underscores the need for direct Indonesian law enforcement support in ensuring fair legal processes and protection for Indonesians, amid recent arrests of suspects producing fake Hajj documents, while Polri's Hajj Task Force emphasises proactive prevention, education, and strict enforcement against repeat offenders.

Krakatau Steel and China to Build Stainless Steel Plant in Morowali

President Prabowo Subianto has inaugurated the groundbreaking of a nickel-based stainless steel plant in the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park, Central Sulawesi, developed by PT Krakatau Steel in partnership with China's Tsingshan Group, with an annual capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of steel slabs. This project forms part of the second phase of downstreaming initiatives comprising 13 projects worth Rp116 trillion across energy, minerals, and agriculture sectors, aimed at enhancing domestic value addition, reducing import dependency, and fostering sustainable economic growth through job creation and strengthened national supply chains. The ongoing expansion of such efforts underscores Indonesia's strategic push towards industrial self-reliance amid global uncertainties.

DKI Information Commission Views Information Openness as Foundation of Public Trust

The Deputy Head of the DKI Jakarta Information Commission, Luqman Hakim Arifin, has emphasised that public information openness in Jakarta must serve as the bedrock for building trust between the government and the public, rather than merely an administrative duty. He highlighted the significance of National Information Openness Day on 30 April, commemorating the 2008 Public Information Disclosure Law, which underpins good governance, transparency, and accountable public services. As Jakarta approaches its 500th anniversary, Luqman urged stakeholders to enhance information management in the digital era, particularly amid AI disruptions, to foster a more adaptive and open bureaucracy.

Trade Ministry Targets Adjustment to MinyaKita Retail Price Ceiling in the Near Future

The Indonesian Ministry of Trade plans to soon raise the Maximum Retail Price (HET) for MinyaKita cooking oil, currently set at Rp 15,700 per litre, in response to rising global crude palm oil (CPO) prices driven by Middle East conflicts. Officials note that businesses have borne significant burdens under the existing price cap, and adjustments are needed for supporting costs as well, with a meeting scheduled next week to finalise the increase. This move aims to align domestic prices with international market pressures, potentially impacting food affordability amid projections of CPO prices reaching $1,440 per tonne in Q2 2026.

Report says China to dominate AI patents in 2025

A report from China's National Data Administration reveals that the country holds 60 percent of global AI patents and that its core digital economy contributes over 10.5 percent to GDP, with the AI industry exceeding 1.2 trillion yuan in scale. The Digital China Development Index reached 170.1 in 2025, up 12.99 percent year-on-year, driven by advancements in regulations, infrastructure, datasets, and skilled human resources. Officials emphasise the growing role of digital engines in industrial upgrades and high-quality development, highlighting China's integration of technology across economy, governance, culture, society, and environment.

Video: Economic Census 2026 Begins, This is What BPS and the Government Are Looking For

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) is gearing up for the 2026 Economic Census (SE2026), scheduled from 1 May to 31 August 2026, to comprehensively map the nation's economic structure and activities across all scales, from micro to digital enterprises. Conducted every decade in years ending with 6 as per the 1997 Statistics Law, the census serves as a vital 'general check-up' for the economy, enabling the government and businesses to identify trends, opportunities, and inform future investments. BPS has been promoting the initiative through outreach to stakeholders since two years ago to ensure its success.

Government Urges Public to Beware of Queue-Free Hajj Offers: Potential for Fraud

The Indonesian government, through Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has warned citizens against falling for advertisements and invitations promising Hajj pilgrimages without queuing, emphasising that such schemes typically involve illegal visas and amount to scams. Following a meeting with Deputy National Police Chief Komjen Dedi Prasetyo, officials reported a rise in fraud complaints to 115 cases since the formation of the Hajj Task Force, with 68 still under investigation for malicious intent. Authorities are committed to strict enforcement, including potential mediation via restorative justice, to deter future occurrences and protect pilgrims.

BRIN Harvests Superior Rice from Nuclear Irradiation Mutation Technology

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has harvested superior rice varieties developed through nuclear irradiation technology, marking a significant step towards achieving national food self-sufficiency as prioritised by President Prabowo Subianto. By using gamma ray irradiation to induce genetic mutations, BRIN has created safe, high-yielding rice strains like Sidenuk, Tropiko, and Bestari, which offer improved resistance to pests and diseases while boosting productivity up to 10.53 tonnes per hectare. Through strategic partnerships with private seed companies, BRIN ensures these innovations reach farmers, enhancing Indonesia's food security and agricultural sustainability.

Kadin Complains to Luhut, Urges Prabowo to Give Businesspeople Breathing Space

The General Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, met with National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan to convey business actors' aspirations amid global economic pressures, likening stressed entrepreneurs to laying hens. Kadin proposed various relaxations, including credit deferrals, fuel tax suspensions, and export tax postponements, to provide relief, alongside calls to remove trade and industry barriers for easier exports and regulatory certainty. This dialogue underscores the need for government signals to boost business confidence, with Kadin emphasising understanding business realities without demanding full accommodation of proposals.

Ministry of Forestry Accelerates Designation of Customary Forests, Now Reaching 368,000 Hectares

The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has designated 174 units of customary forests covering approximately 368,877 hectares as of 2026, building on the previous year's progress of 162 units spanning 354,608 hectares, with an additional 12 units added this year totalling 14,269 hectares. To expedite the process towards a 1.4 million hectare target, the government is strengthening policy frameworks, establishing verification guidelines, and facilitating legal recognition of customary law communities, including plans to issue 34 decrees for 72,522 hectares benefiting over 11,000 families across multiple regions. Challenges such as overlapping land claims are being addressed through mutual recognition and co-management approaches, with phased targets set for recognising 30 communities in 2026 and 31 annually from 2027 to 2029, underscoring efforts to enhance legal certainty and indigenous rights in forest governance.

MP: No Democratic Country Selects Activist Status for Human Rights Defenders

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission XIII, Mafirion, has criticised the Human Rights Minister's proposal to form an assessment team for certifying human rights activists, arguing that no democratic nation engages in such selection processes. He emphasised that the state's role should be to protect, not determine, who qualifies as a human rights defender, citing the 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and warning that this could undermine civil liberties and create unequal legal protections. Mafirion urged the government to adopt more proportionate measures to address any misuse of human rights issues without restricting universal rights.

Police State Case of Green SM Taxi Hit by KRL Elevated to Investigation Stage

The Indonesian National Police have elevated the case of an electric Green SM taxi colliding with a Cikarang-Jakarta KRL train to the investigation stage, with the Subdit Kamneg of Polda Metro Jaya's Ditreskrimum taking over. Investigators have conducted scene processing, CCTV analysis, witness examinations including the taxi driver, and secured the vehicle as evidence, while forensic assistance from Mabes Polri is aiding in determining if electrical or communication failures contributed to the accident. This development indicates the identification of potential criminal violations, with ongoing deepenings to clarify the matter's direction.

Shophouses to Cars: List of Family Assets Worth Rp15.3 Billion Seized from Ko Erwin's Family by Bareskrim

Indonesian police have seized assets worth Rp15.3 billion from the wife and two children of drug lord Erwin Iskandar, alias Koko Erwin, on suspicion of money laundering linked to narcotics trafficking. The confiscated items include vehicles, shophouses, warehouses, and land certificates, with initial investigations revealing that the funds originated from Erwin's illicit activities transferred through family accounts. This action underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle financial networks supporting drug syndicates in Indonesia.

Labour Day, the Presence of the State, and 3 Revolutionary Steps to Realise Prosperity

On International Labour Day, Dr I Wayan Sudirta, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, critiques the Indonesian government's role as a welfare state, highlighting that despite a nominal 70% increase in minimum wages from Rp 3.1 million in 2016 to Rp 5.3 million in 2026, workers' real purchasing power has declined when measured against the value of gold, dropping from 5.6 grams to 3.5 grams per month. This erosion underscores the failure to provide true economic sovereignty for families, reducing wages to mere cheap labour for global markets. The article calls for revolutionary steps to restore genuine worker welfare, though specifics are not detailed in the provided excerpt.

Deputy Interior Minister: Fire Services, Civil Service Police, and Community Protection Units Strategically Maintain Stability

Deputy Interior Minister Akhmad Wiyagus has highlighted the crucial role of fire and rescue services, civil service police, and community protection units in preserving regional peace and stability amid global challenges like climate change and technological disruptions. Speaking at commemorative events in Palembang, he praised their achievements, including handling over 20,000 fire incidents in 2025, and stressed the need for enhanced prevention, capacity building, and inter-agency synergy to support sustainable development and Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045. This underscores the government's commitment to public safety as a foundation for social and economic activities.

Roll Call Ahead of Labour Day: 24,980 Combined Personnel on Alert at Monas and DPR

Indonesian authorities have mobilised 24,980 personnel from police, military, local government, and other security units to secure Labour Day commemorations in Jakarta on 1 May 2026, focusing on the May Day Fiesta at Monas and workers' aspirations at the DPR/MPR complex and DKI Labour Office. Brigadier General Dekantono emphasised the need for humane crowd management, early detection of threats like pickpocketing and provocateurs, and prioritising public safety to ensure events proceed safely and orderly. This extensive security deployment underscores the government's commitment to protecting constitutional rights to expression while maintaining public order amid potential large gatherings.

Two Time Horizons for Strategies to Control the Janitor Fish Population According to BRIN

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has outlined integrated strategies to manage the invasive janitor fish population in Indonesia's freshwater ecosystems, emphasising prevention, control, and utilisation over short-term (1-2 years) and long-term (3-10 years) horizons. Short-term measures include routine monitoring, mass capture, and public education, while long-term efforts focus on habitat restoration, regulatory strengthening, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to safeguard biodiversity and community livelihoods. Experts stress the precautionary principle in species introductions to mitigate ecological risks, highlighting that not all alien species are harmful but require comprehensive assessments.

Workers Demand Formation of Labour Task Force, Bali DPRD Chairman: Still Under Review

Labour unions and students in Bali have demanded the establishment of an independent labour oversight task force amid concerns over job insecurity and rights violations in the tourism sector, presenting ten specific demands during a public discussion on International Labour Day. Bali DPRD Chairman Dewa Made Mahayadnya acknowledged the proposal as promising but stated it requires further discussion on competencies, suggesting enhancements to existing complaint systems via technology rather than a new task force. This initiative highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen worker protections in Bali's vital tourism industry, involving coordination between the regional parliament, labour department, and civil society.