Central Java leads the nation in housing credit distribution under the KUR programme, achieving Rp 2.3 trillion from 1 January to 1 April 2026, with Minister Maruarar praising Governor Ahmad Luthfi for driving President Prabowo Subianto's economic initiative. The province also ranks second in the subsidised FLPP housing programme, with 24,470 units financed in 2025, and aims for 40,000 units in 2026, alongside efforts to address housing backlogs and empower local UMKM through initiatives like roof tile production. Discussions highlighted accelerated programmes including self-help housing aid, slum area improvements, and apartment developments, underscoring Central Java's role in national housing policy.

Grab Indonesia has introduced the GrabMerchant AI Assistant, a virtual business aide that empowers female UMKM entrepreneurs by analysing business performance, crafting promotional strategies, and facilitating data-driven operational decisions. This innovation allows merchants to gain insights into sales trends, popular menu items, and optimal promotion timings, effectively acting as a discussion partner for business management. By integrating such digital tools and community support like the SERABI network, these entrepreneurs can expand their operations from home, reach wider customer bases, and secure brighter futures for their families.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health is finalising plans to vaccinate healthcare workers against measles as an additional safeguard amid rising transmission risks to adults. Implementation awaits approval from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to confirm the vaccine's efficacy for adults, with the initial rollout targeting 10 regions with the highest case numbers. This initiative addresses the vulnerability of medical personnel and those with low immunity, complementing standard childhood immunisation and hygiene practices in healthcare settings.

Indonesian immigration authorities have deported a Belgian national, SD, following his attempt to flee the country to avoid compensating for a severely damaged rented motorbike after performing a reckless viral stunt by jumping off a 100-metre cliff into the sea in Bali. Despite initially refusing payment due to lack of funds, SD settled the damages after being apprehended while trying to escape to Malaysia via a convoluted flight route, highlighting the strict enforcement of immigration laws against foreigners evading legal responsibilities. The incident underscores the risks of tourism-related antics and the swift action by officials to uphold accountability, with SD now banned from returning to Indonesia for a specified period under immigration regulations.

Antam gold prices in Jakarta fell by Rp65,000 to Rp2,857,000 per gram on Friday morning, with the buyback price dropping to Rp2,577,000 per gram. This decline reflects ongoing volatility in the precious metals market, impacting investors and buyers. Transactions are subject to specific tax deductions under Indonesian regulations, including PPh Pasal 22 rates varying by NPWP status.

Prof Esti Handayani Hardim from Universitas Mulawarman has proposed a Field School programme to support shrimp farmers in East Kalimantan by adopting adaptive aquaculture techniques amid climate change challenges, particularly in the declining productivity of traditional ponds in the Mahakam Delta. The initiative promotes silvofishery methods integrating mangrove trees to restore water quality, filter pollutants, and enhance product quality for international markets. This approach fosters a circular economy in polyculture systems, reducing reliance on chemical inputs and ensuring sustainable exports free from environmental contamination concerns.

The Indonesian government has signed a Presidential Regulation establishing the Directorate General of Pesantren under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which is now undergoing final review for promulgation in the State Gazette. This new directorate will feature five strategic directorates focused on various aspects of pesantren education, empowerment, and dakwah development, aiming to strengthen the role of these Islamic boarding schools with their large number of students. Officials emphasise the importance of appointing personnel who understand the spiritual essence of pesantren, expressing optimism that it will produce intellectually superior and spiritually robust generations.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as the world's most vital energy corridor, transporting nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies, and escalating tensions with Iran attacking commercial vessels there could trigger sharp rises in oil prices and disrupt the world economy. Amid market panic and supply chain interruptions, the article questions why the United States, with the world's largest military, does not directly intervene to secure the strait, highlighting its profound impact on global stability. Further details are explored in CNBC Indonesia's Big Stories of The Week programme.

The United States, through its Treasury Department's OFAC, has identified five specialised Iranian front companies as key conduits for funding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), aiming to disrupt their supply chains for military components disguised as civilian goods. Despite challenges posed by the fluid nature of these entities, which quickly reform under new names, the US is imposing sanctions while granting waivers for Iranian oil shipments to prevent global price spikes. This strategy also targets shadow financial networks in Asia, pressuring banks to sever ties with Iran or risk losing access to the US dollar clearing system, highlighting the complex balance between economic pressure and global energy stability.

The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs has enabled an online platform for citizens to verify their status as recipients of the Conditional Cash Transfer (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) programmes, targeting poor and vulnerable families. PKH, classified as a social transfer model, provides conditional cash aid distributed through Bank HIMBARA and PT Pos Indonesia. This service ensures transparency and accessibility in accessing government social welfare benefits amid ongoing economic support efforts.

PT Saka Energi Indonesia (SAKA), a Pertamina gas subholding, has successfully completed drilling the development well UPA-17ST in the Ujung Pangkah field, East Java, yielding 2,443 barrels of oil per day and 3.72 million standard cubic feet of associated gas per day. SKK Migas Head Djoko Siswanto praised the achievement, noting its positive impact on national oil and gas production. This success underscores the field's ongoing potential and SAKA's efforts to meet Indonesia's energy needs through effective technical planning and collaboration.

A fire at the Cimuning Bulk LPG Filling Station (SPBE) in Mustika Jaya, Bekasi City, injured 17 people, with some suffering burns exceeding 50% of their bodies, requiring referral to specialized hospitals for intensive care. Among the victims is a toddler who escaped serious injury but was brought to the hospital alongside their mother. Police are prioritizing victim recovery while investigating the incident, which started on Wednesday evening and was extinguished early Thursday morning.

An auditor from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) has uncovered that schools in Sumatra were instructed to directly transfer government aid funds for Chromebook procurement to specific parties, bypassing the official SIPlah system. This irregularity, occurring in 2020, involved directives from individuals claiming affiliation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), with IP addresses traced to Jakarta despite the schools' locations. The findings, presented in an ongoing corruption trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court, highlight potential misuse of funds in the ministry's laptop distribution programme, though the identities of those involved remain unidentified.

US President Donald Trump has escalated threats against Iran, vowing to destroy remaining infrastructure such as bridges and power plants unless Tehran agrees to negotiations to end the five-week war. He called for an immediate regime change in Iran, stating that new leadership must act swiftly. The remarks follow a recent US strike on the B1 Bridge in Karaj, the tallest in the Middle East, which Trump highlighted in a social media video showing its destruction.

PT BSA Logistics Indonesia, a leading integrated logistics provider, emphasises corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a core component of its business ethics during the TOP CSR Awards 2026 judging session. The company outlines its vision to lead in logistics through technology, professional workforce, and transparent operations across key Indonesian regions, while implementing CSR across social, environmental, and economic pillars, including tree planting, community aid, and sustainable practices. By adopting ISO 26000 standards and initiatives like green operations and local workforce development, BSA Logistics positions CSR as a long-term investment for growth, governance, and risk mitigation in the supply chain sector.

The Indonesian government is coordinating with the United Nations to ensure the swift and safe repatriation of the remains of three Indonesian peacekeepers killed during their mission in Lebanon, following a farewell ceremony at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport on 2 April 2026. The process faces challenges due to ongoing armed conflicts and intensified Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, which complicate movements and endanger safety. This repatriation serves as a final tribute to Captain Infantry Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Sergeant Major Muhammad Nur, and Private First Class Farizal Rhomadhon, whose sacrifices underscore Indonesia's commitment to global peace as enshrined in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution, earning international condolences and enhancing the nation's dignity.

The Acting Head of the Banyumas District Education Office has highlighted a rise in out-of-school children (ATS) from 13,000 to 15,000, urging serious intervention amid various societal challenges. While poverty and access issues persist, many cases involve capable families where parental support is lacking, often due to excessive smartphone use and lax parenting. The Banyumas Regent calls for collaborative efforts, including awareness campaigns and outreach to remote areas, to ensure all school-age children receive education.

To manage heavy traffic during the Good Friday long weekend, contraflow traffic measures have been introduced on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road from kilometre 47 to 66 towards Cikampek, starting at 09:18 WIB. PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol is supporting police discretion in this situational adjustment to ensure smooth flow and safety for vehicles heading to eastern Trans-Java regions. Authorities urge drivers to prioritise safety, follow on-site instructions, prepare for weather changes, and plan their journeys adequately.

The South Jakarta Administration has reported that proposals from the City-Level Development Planning Consultation (Musrenbang) are facing delays due to the authority over rivers managed by the Ciliwung Cisadane River Basin Organization (BBWSCC), requiring technical recommendations before any action can be taken. Out of 2,535 proposals gathered from 571 neighbourhoods, 84% are physical projects focusing on issues like traffic congestion, flooding, and education, with 1,417 set for realisation next year and 304 for 2026. Local officials and legislators emphasise ongoing monitoring to ensure these community-driven initiatives, aligned with Jakarta's gubernatorial vision, are effectively implemented beyond mere discussion.

Bank Indonesia has allocated 270 scholarships under its 2026 central banking education programme to students at three state universities in South Sulawesi, marking an increase from the previous year's 255. The scholarships, targeted at undergraduate and diploma students from low-income backgrounds with strong academic records, offer Rp1 million per month until completion of studies and emphasise enhancing central banking literacy, research support, and educational aid. This initiative, formalised through MoUs with Universitas Hasanuddin, UIN Alauddin, and Universitas Negeri Makassar, underscores BI's commitment to fostering financial education and talent development in the region.

The National Strategic Food Price Information Centre has recorded significant price movements in various food commodities at the retail level, with bird's eye chilli reaching Rp119,400 per kg and chicken meat at Rp52,150 per kg, highlighting ongoing inflationary pressures in essential goods. Other staples such as shallots, garlic, rice varieties, beef, eggs, sugar, and cooking oil also show varied pricing, providing critical insights for government monitoring of supply stability and consumer purchasing power. This update underscores the importance of these indicators for policymakers and market players in addressing food security challenges in Indonesia.

Indonesia has secured substantial investment commitments worth approximately Rp 574 trillion from Japan and South Korea, primarily in high-tech manufacturing, energy, and digital sectors, highlighting the country's appeal amid global uncertainties. However, economists caution that the real challenge lies in implementation, as these MoUs may falter due to economic volatility, suboptimal investment climates, and past policy inconsistencies that have disappointed investors like Hyundai. The government is urged to actively oversee project realisation, leveraging initiatives like the sovereign wealth fund Danantara to ensure these pledges translate into tangible economic benefits.

In an ongoing corruption trial involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops by Indonesia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, BPKP auditor Dedy Nurmawan Susilo recounted visiting remote schools in Lampung and South Sumatra that lacked electricity and relied on truck batteries for lighting. He expressed personal dismay at the conditions, highlighting the stark infrastructure disparities in rural Indonesia, even as the government distributed the devices. Former Minister Nadiem Makarim faces charges of causing a Rp 2.1 trillion state loss in the procurement scandal, underscoring broader issues in educational technology deployment.

Indonesia's National Food Agency (Bapanas) is bolstering government food reserves, particularly rice, corn, and cooking oil, in preparation for the potential El Niño phenomenon expected to bring drought starting in May, affecting southern regions like Java and Nusa Tenggara. Deputy I Gusti Ketut Astawa emphasised that this mitigation strategy, directed by Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, involves intensive procurement through Perum Bulog to ensure domestic production stability. Current reserves stand at 4.4 million tonnes of rice, with targets to reach 5 million tonnes this month, providing a robust buffer against production disruptions.

President Prabowo Subianto's official visit to Japan and state visit to South Korea have secured business cooperation commitments totalling US$33.89 billion (Rp575 trillion), with US$23.63 billion from Japan and US$10.26 billion from South Korea. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya highlighted that these achievements reflect strong global investor confidence in Indonesia's economic policies under Prabowo's leadership, particularly in industrial downstreaming, energy resilience, and strategic national sectors. The government pledges to oversee the realisation of these commitments to boost national economic growth, job creation, and public welfare, amid positive responses from investors addressing bureaucratic hurdles.

The Mobile Brigade (Brimob) of North Sumatra Regional Police conducted security checks at several churches in Medan to ensure the safety of Christian worshippers during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. The sterilisation operations, involving bomb disposal and hazardous materials units, thoroughly inspected church premises using advanced detection equipment, finding no suspicious items or threats. This proactive measure underscores the Indonesian National Police's commitment to maintaining public security during major religious observances.

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower has urged state-owned enterprises, regional enterprises, and private companies to implement work from home (WFH) for one day per week, excluding essential sectors such as healthcare, energy, infrastructure, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, food and beverage, transportation, logistics, and finance. Minister Yassierli emphasised that the implementation details are left to individual companies, with agreements involving workers or unions, and assured that wages and other rights remain unchanged during WFH. This policy, outlined in a ministerial circular, aims to optimise energy use amid rising global oil prices due to Middle East geopolitical tensions.

The Aceh Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections has distributed 10,235 hijabs to female victims of floods and landslides in Aceh, fulfilling a mandate from Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto. The hijabs, along with 5,000 adult garments, were produced at the Cirebon Class I Prison's vocational sewing workshop following the minister's visit and order in January 2026, aimed at addressing the specific needs of young girls in affected areas. This initiative seeks to foster solidarity between the corrections system and local communities while providing essential aid during recovery efforts.

The Bekasi City DPRD is pressing relevant agencies to promptly assess victims of the recent fire at the SPBE in Cimuning, Mustika Jaya District, to ensure swift aid delivery to the 18 affected residents suffering severe burns. Members of the council plan to evaluate the operational fitness of all SPBE facilities in the city, potentially recommending closures for non-compliant sites, while criticising the placement of such installations amid densely populated areas that exacerbated the blaze's impact. The incident, sparked by an electrical short circuit, destroyed 2,000 square metres and underscored risks from operating gas facilities near residential zones.

PT Hutama Karya has expressed openness to incorporating Buton Asphalt (Asbuton) into its projects as a means to reduce reliance on imported asphalt, aligning with initiatives from the Ministry of Public Works. Minister Dody Hanggodo is pushing for mandatory use of processed Asbuton to substitute at least 30% in asphalt mixtures, aiming to cut import dependency by 50%, save up to Rp4.08 trillion in foreign exchange annually, and bolster domestic industry through SNI compliance and 40% TKDN requirements. This policy supports President Prabowo's directive for greater self-reliance amid global uncertainties, leveraging Indonesia's abundant high-quality Asbuton reserves to mitigate risks from oil price fluctuations.

The Tangerang City Communication and Informatics Office is conducting widespread dissemination of information on PP Tunas, a regulation restricting children's access to social media platforms like Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, and online games such as Roblox, to protect the younger generation from the negative impacts of the digital world. Mayor Sachrudin has expressed full support for the policy, set to take effect on 28 March 2026, and plans to discuss local implementation measures with relevant agencies. The initiative emphasises the crucial role of parents in supervising children's device usage and providing positive alternatives, aiming for a collaborative effort between government and families to ensure healthy development.

Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno has emphasised the crucial role of young talents in advancing the creative industry, particularly filmmaking, via the Road to Jakarta Youth Film Festival (JYFF) 2026, an initiative co-organised with Bank Indonesia to bolster the capital's film ecosystem. The event, part of the Jakarta Kreatif Festival and coinciding with National Film Day, highlights the creative economy's 9.42% annual growth in early 2025 and its multiplier effects on sectors like tourism and fashion, with Jakarta's millennial and Gen Z population driving innovation. Rano called for stronger collaboration among government, Bank Indonesia, and stakeholders to foster sustainable creative growth, aiming to produce competitive young creators that enhance Jakarta's global image as a cinematic city.

Yadea has officially launched its new Osta electric motorcycle in Indonesia via live streaming, featuring advanced technologies like the "150+155" core advantages, intelligent security systems, and a 5-year warranty on key components. The model comes in two variants priced at Rp 24.8 million and Rp 19.9 million for the Jakarta region, integrating features such as GPS tracking, traction control, and modular AI systems to enhance user experience and safety. This launch underscores Yadea's commitment to providing high-end, smart electric mobility solutions tailored to everyday Indonesian needs, contributing to the growing adoption of electric vehicles in the country.

The United States' national debt has surged to USD 39 trillion as of 17 March 2026, equivalent to approximately Rp 663,000 trillion at an exchange rate of Rp 17,000 per USD, marking a sharp increase during the second term of President Donald Trump. Current tensions involving war in Iran are raising concerns about further escalating this debt burden. The programme explores the factors driving this debt explosion and its implications for the economy.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has transferred the case files and three suspects accused of bribing customs officials to the KPK prosecutors, marking a key step in the ongoing anti-corruption probe. The suspects, including the owner and managers of PT Blueray, allegedly colluded with Directorate General of Customs and Excise officials to bypass import inspections for smoother entry of goods into Indonesia. This development underscores the KPK's commitment to tackling bribery in trade facilitation, with charges under anti-corruption and criminal codes applicable to both givers and receivers.

Central Java has led the nation in housing credit distribution, achieving Rp2.3 trillion in KUR and KPP credits from January to April 2026, earning commendation from Minister Maruarar Sirait for supporting President Prabowo Subianto's economic initiatives. The province also ranks second nationally in subsidised housing units financed through the FLPP programme, with 24,470 units in 2025, and aims for 40,000 units this year alongside efforts to address housing backlogs and empower local UMKM. Discussions in a meeting highlighted accelerated programmes including slum area improvements, self-help housing aid, and utilisation of regional roofing industries to boost economic growth.

PT Medco Energi Internasional Tbk (MEDC) recorded a net profit of US$101 million (Rp 1.72 trillion) for 2025, marking a 72.5% decline from the previous year due to lower contributions from Amman Mineral Internasional, impairments on non-cash assets, dry hole drilling costs in the PSC Beluga block, and weakening commodity prices. Despite the profit drop, operational performance strengthened with oil and gas production rising to 156,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, driven by new fields in South Natuna Sea Block B and strong output in Oman Block 60, while electricity sales reached 4,371 GWh, with 25% from renewables. Looking ahead to 2026, the company targets 165,000–170,000 boepd in oil and gas production and 4,550 GWh in electricity sales, maintaining solid liquidity with US$633 million in cash and a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.0 times.

DPR Speaker Puan Maharani has urged the government to conduct regular evaluations of the work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants every Friday, aimed at saving fuel amid Middle East tensions, to ensure it does not compromise public service productivity. She emphasised that the policy must include clear performance indicators and foster bureaucratic modernisation by shifting focus from physical presence to measurable outcomes, thereby maintaining public trust through efficient and responsive services. The policy, effective from 1 April 2026, is intended to promote digital governance and will be reviewed after two months, with Puan warning against potential negative impacts if implementation lacks proper oversight.

The roof of the Nuramila Early Childhood Education (PAUD) building in Pandeglang, Banten, collapsed on 1 April due to age-related decay and poor construction materials, highlighting ongoing issues with school infrastructure maintenance. No injuries occurred as the incident happened after hours, but the facility, built in 2017 without subsequent repairs despite prior reports to authorities, has forced classes to be held outdoors on carpets. Officials from the local education department and the central Directorate General of Early Childhood Education are scheduled to inspect the site, underscoring the need for urgent revitalisation in Indonesia's public education facilities.

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker has called on alliance members to demonstrate NATO's value to the United States, amid President Trump's serious consideration of withdrawing from the pact following its refusal to support US operations against Iran. Whitaker highlighted differences in approach between the US, which prioritises action, and European allies focused on dialogue, while announcing an upcoming trip to Washington with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to meet Trump. This development underscores tensions within the alliance, with Trump criticising NATO's lack of support as a major mistake and a sign of an unbalanced relationship.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud expressed deep concerns over the escalating military and political situation in the Middle East during a phone call on Thursday, highlighting its severe effects on global energy production and distribution. They emphasised the urgent need to halt hostilities and intensify diplomatic efforts for a long-term resolution that respects all parties' legitimate interests, while also underscoring the importance of joint OPEC+ initiatives to stabilise the global oil market. This dialogue underscores the interconnectedness of regional conflicts and energy security, potentially influencing international oil prices and supply chains.

The ongoing Middle East conflict has triggered global economic uncertainty, particularly in transportation, leading to sharp increases in aviation fuel (avtur) prices that will impact Indonesia's logistics sector. Experts from INACA and transport observers predict avtur prices could rise by up to 70% domestically and 80% internationally starting April 2026, causing operational shocks across industries reliant on air shipping and potentially raising overall costs for digital trade ecosystems. Stakeholders, including government and industry associations, are urged to discuss mitigation strategies to sustain business operations amid these geopolitical pressures.

Indonesian immigration authorities in Bali have deported a Belgian national, SD, who attempted to escape to Malaysia to evade paying compensation for severely damaging a rented motorbike during a reckless cliff-jumping stunt at a Badung beach. After his flight was intercepted in Makassar, SD settled the claim and was forcibly removed to Belgium via Doha, in violation of Indonesia's Immigration Law. This case underscores the Directorate General of Immigration's strict enforcement against foreigners evading legal responsibilities, including blacklisting to prevent future entry.

Food security is positioned as a critical pillar of national resilience amid global challenges like wars, climate crises, and technological disruptions, according to marine expert Rokhmin Dahuri, who emphasises its role in enhancing a nation's strength and competitiveness. President Prabowo Subianto's prioritisation of food self-sufficiency aligns with historical visions and addresses vulnerabilities in import-dependent large populations, as highlighted by FAO research. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman underscores ongoing government efforts to boost production, modernise farming, and strengthen national reserves, viewing food security as a collective national strategy essential for economic, social, and political stability.

Members of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission III have criticised the Indonesian National Police's (Polri) education processes during a meeting with the acting head of the Polri Education and Training Institute, highlighting concerns over the adequacy of training for non-commissioned officers and the integrity of admissions to the Police Academy (Akpol). Former deputy police chief Adang Daradjatun questioned the mere five-month duration of sergeant training, arguing it produces officers skilled only in basic drills and unfit for investigative roles, which he sees as the backbone of Polri. Meanwhile, MP Safaruddin raised suspicions of problematic candidates entering Akpol through irregular channels, linking this to ongoing violence in police training institutions.

The Indonesian government is accelerating the transition from fuel-powered vehicles to electric ones, including through conversions of existing vehicles, as part of its national energy strategy, with Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia appointed to lead the task force. ALVA, an electric motorcycle manufacturer, supports the initiative, emphasising its role in educating the public and establishing electric vehicles as the primary daily mobility solution rather than just an alternative. The company highlights the need for aligned industrial readiness and government policies, backed by its extensive charging network and service infrastructure across Indonesia.

The UN Security Council is poised to vote on a resolution regarding the Strait of Hormuz as early as Friday, 3 April, according to Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. The proposed resolution would authorise member states to employ necessary defensive measures in the strait and surrounding waters to secure international navigation and demand that Iran halt attacks on commercial vessels, amid escalating tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation. This comes as a de facto blockade of the vital oil and LNG shipping route has driven up global energy prices, highlighting the international community's efforts to maintain stability in a key trade chokepoint.

The Indonesian Hindu Dharma Student Union (KMHDI) has awarded Gede Narayana, a commissioner of the Central Information Commission, the title of Inspirational National Hindu Figure for his dedication to the Hindu community and contributions to national development. The recognition highlights his consistent service, including his role as National Chairman of Dharma Santhi in 2025, and his efforts to foster synergy among youth and various elements to enhance their role in nation-building. Presented during the XIV National Congress of KMHDI at Lampung University, the award aims to inspire more influential Hindu figures across Indonesia as role models for the younger generation.

Green SM Indonesia, a provider of all-electric ride-hailing services, has signed a five-year investment loan agreement worth Rp600 billion with Bank Central Asia (BCA) to support its operational readiness and sustainable growth in Indonesia's urban mobility sector. This deal builds on prior collaborations since the company's launch in Jakarta in December 2024, emphasising stable financing for disciplined expansion and consistent service across cities like Jakarta, Makassar, Bekasi, Surabaya, and Bali. The partnership underscores BCA's commitment to long-term economic resilience and environmental responsibility through backing innovative, eco-friendly transportation solutions.

The Indonesian government is promoting a one-day weekly work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants starting April 2026, urging the private sector to follow, as a strategy to curb fuel consumption amid global energy uncertainties without raising subsidised energy prices. While projected to save up to Rp59 trillion in household and state expenditures and reduce emissions, experts question its effectiveness, estimating the impact on national fuel use at less than 1% due to dominant consumption by logistics and industry rather than office commutes. The policy risks creating an illusion of efficiency through behavioural shifts like increased home energy use or recreational travel, positioning it better as a short-term buffer than a core energy-saving measure.