The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission III held a public hearing to examine the case of videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu, accused of budget inflation in a village video project, questioning the legal basis for his suspect status, detention reasons, and the use of the old Criminal Procedure Code. Lawmakers highlighted allegations of prosecutorial intimidation and propaganda, including narratives suggesting parliamentary interference upon his release, amid concerns over overlapping budgets and procedural irregularities. This scrutiny underscores broader issues in prosecutorial practices and the transition to the new KUHAP effective from January 2026.

The price of Antam gold fell by Rp65,000 to Rp2.857 million per gram on Friday morning, with the buyback price also declining to Rp2.577 million per gram. This update, monitored from the Logam Mulia website, includes detailed prices for various denominations ranging from 0.5 grams to 1 kilogram. Transactions are subject to specific tax deductions under PMK No. 34/PMK.10/2017, including 0.45% PPh 22 for NPWP holders on purchases and 1.5% on buybacks exceeding Rp10 million, highlighting the regulatory framework for gold trading in Indonesia.

PT PP (Persero) Tbk is enhancing its financial foundations by refining its 2024 financial statements and implementing impairment recognitions and reserves in 2025 to align with accounting standards and good corporate governance principles. These prudent measures, which may pressure short-term consolidated financial performance, are part of a broader strategy to improve asset quality, manage risks, and support long-term sustainability amid industry dynamics. The initiatives align with Danantara's efforts to rationalise state-owned enterprises and integrate construction SOEs, positioning PTPP for healthier growth while maintaining transparency in reporting.

Following its successful debut in Vietnam in 2025, the China Machine Tool Exhibition (CMES), China's largest private organiser, is expanding to Indonesia with its inaugural CMES Indonesia International Machine Tool Exhibition scheduled for 2–4 July 2026 at the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition in Jakarta. The event aligns with Indonesia's "Making Indonesia 4.0" initiative, focusing on transitioning the metal processing industry from conventional casting to high-precision component manufacturing, amid rising demand for precision machinery in sectors like automotive, electronics, infrastructure, and new energy. With 75% of premium equipment imported, the exhibition offers strategic opportunities for international suppliers to support Indonesia's rapidly growing local industry through product displays, high-level forums, and buyer matchmaking.

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) has confirmed that the majority of its branch offices and banking services in the areas affected by the magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Bitung, North Sulawesi, on 2 April 2026, are operating normally. Only one auxiliary branch in South Sulawesi experienced issues and has been redirected to another location, while most ATMs remain functional with no reported casualties among staff or customers. This incident highlights the effectiveness of BSI's business continuity management amid the disaster, which also raised tsunami alerts in several regions.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has handed over a vehicle seized from the home of former Hulu Sungai Utara District Prosecutor Albertinus Parlinggoman Napitupulu to the Tolitoli Regency Government in Central Sulawesi for operational use, aiming to optimise the asset's utility and prevent it from becoming idle. The vehicle, originally belonging to Tolitoli Regency, was discovered during raids linked to a December 2025 sting operation that resulted in the arrest of Napitupulu and two other prosecutors on extortion charges related to law enforcement processes. This move underscores KPK's efforts to coordinate with local governments in managing confiscated state assets amid ongoing anti-corruption probes.

Indonesian vehicle owners can now pay motor vehicle taxes and validate annual STNK online, even for vehicles registered under another family member's name within the same Family Card (KK), thanks to the SIGNAL app. This digital service, authorised by a 2021 Police Traffic Corps decision, streamlines the process and eliminates the need to visit Samsat offices for annual renewals. The initiative enhances convenience for taxpayers while limiting online validation to annual taxes, excluding five-yearly plate replacements.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has published a list of nine stocks exhibiting high shareholding concentration (HSC), where a small group of shareholders control over 95% of the ownership, as part of efforts to enhance market transparency for investors. This disclosure, supported by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), does not indicate any violations but provides additional information to help investors assess risks associated with concentrated ownership. The regulators aim to align these measures with international standards to bolster confidence in Indonesia's capital markets.

The Indonesian Plastic Olefin Aromatic Industry Association (Inaplas) reports that manufacturers are operating in "survival mode" due to shortages and soaring prices of plastic raw material naphtha, caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Israel-US war against Iran. This disruption affects 70% of global naphtha supplies from Gulf countries, forcing Indonesian producers to run at minimum economically viable capacity and seek alternatives like propane from LPG. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Indonesia's plastics industry to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, potentially impacting production and market supply.

PLN CEO Darmawan Prasodjo has encouraged the Institut Teknologi PLN (ITPLN) to strengthen its role as a globally competitive centre for energy transition education and electrical power technology development, aligning with the vision of sustainable energy advancement. Speaking at ITPLN's 28th anniversary celebration and Eid al-Fitr gathering, he emphasised the need to produce talented graduates to address future energy sector challenges. ITPLN Rector Iwa Garniwa expressed optimism about elevating the institution to international standards within the next year, accelerating its transformation in support of Indonesia's national energy transition agenda.

The DKI Jakarta Environmental Agency (DLH) is addressing waste accumulation caused by a landslide at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST) by implementing shift schedules for waste transport trucks to prevent queues and ensure safety. Operations have been adjusted post-Eid al-Fitr, with several temporary waste sites cleared or permanently closed, targeting a return to normalcy this week. This response underscores the agency's commitment to efficient waste management and minimising public inconvenience amid operational challenges.

In West Sumatra, 1,265 Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (Kopdes) have achieved legal status, with 954 already obtaining Business Identification Numbers (NIB), while the remainder are in process. This initiative, a flagship programme of President Prabowo Subianto to boost the people's economy, will focus on human resource formation and training in 2025, aiming for full NIB completion by 2026, alongside office construction and business unit development. The cooperatives are encouraged to leverage local potentials, such as agriculture and fisheries, to drive regional economic growth.

Republican Senator Bernie Moreno plans to introduce a new bill to tighten restrictions on Chinese car manufacturers entering the US market, aiming to block vehicles with any ties to China in components, software, or business partnerships. He compared the proposal to the existing ban on Huawei in telecommunications, vowing that no Chinese cars will enter the US market, and hopes for similar policies in Latin America, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. The initiative has garnered support from the US automotive industry, which seeks to protect local markets from Chinese competition.

Google has launched Veo 3.1 Lite, a more affordable version of its Veo 3.1 AI model designed for video generation from text or images, aimed at developers seeking to optimise operational costs without sacrificing core features or processing speed. Priced at $0.05 per second compared to $0.15 for the standard model, it supports resolutions up to 1080p and video durations of 4 to 8 seconds, and is accessible via Gemini API, Google AI Studio, and the Flow platform. This release enhances accessibility to advanced AI tools for content creation, potentially accelerating innovation in digital media production.

The Bantaragung Hanging Bridge in Pemalang Regency, Central Java, has been rehabilitated and is now fully operational following severe flooding in January 2026 that severed connectivity for local residents. The Ministry of Public Works, in collaboration with the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the local government, completed the repairs swiftly, restoring the 162-metre bridge that links key hamlets in Sokawati Village. This restoration enhances regional connectivity and supports the revival of social and economic activities in the area, underscoring the government's commitment to rapid infrastructure recovery in disaster-affected regions.

Three weeks after the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, the motive behind the assault by military personnel remains undisclosed, raising concerns over accountability within the armed forces. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has taken over the investigation from Metro Jaya Police, detaining four suspects under assault charges, while efforts to question the victim have been delayed due to his health and witness protection status. This incident highlights ongoing tensions around human rights advocacy and the military's role in civilian attacks, underscoring the need for transparent justice processes in Indonesia.

Kaspersky's latest report reveals a 56% increase in Android banking Trojan attacks in 2025, with these malware variants stealing financial credentials via messaging apps and malicious websites. The report also highlights the rise of pre-installed backdoors like Triada and Keenadu in new devices, allowing cybercriminals unlimited control that is hard to remove. Users are urged to update firmware and scan devices to protect against these evolving threats in mobile banking.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is optimistic that Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) will maintain Indonesia's capital market status as an emerging market, following the completion of four key transparency reform agendas. OJK's Executive Head of Capital Market Supervision, Financial Derivatives, and Carbon Exchange, Hasan Fawzi, highlighted improvements in transparency, integrity, information disclosure, and regulatory enforcement, positioning Indonesia ahead of many regional and global peers. These enhancements, implemented by early 2026, include monthly reporting of share ownership exceeding 1% for each issuer, ensuring ongoing commitment to better market governance.

Russia is preparing to dispatch a second oil tanker to Cuba following the successful delivery of 100,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid via the first vessel, amid a US-imposed blockade that has severely disrupted Cuba's oil supplies after the American attack on Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov affirmed that Moscow will not abandon Havana, highlighting the breakthrough of the initial shipment despite total blockades. This intervention underscores escalating geopolitical tensions, with Cuba facing widespread blackouts due to the loss of its primary supplier, Venezuela, and subsequent US tariffs on nations aiding Cuba's energy needs.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III, represented by Golkar Party member Rikwanto, has pledged to address student aspirations from South Kalimantan, conveyed via the provincial DPRD, focusing on environmental issues tied to illegal mining activities. Rikwanto emphasised the need to investigate whether such operations involve companies or small-scale community efforts, while praising the DPRD's role in facilitating dialogue between local and central levels to enhance security and order. He proposed establishing dedicated forums in regional parliaments to streamline aspiration handling and prevent unnecessary protests.

Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has received complaints from 12 individuals who claim to have been threatened following the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. The commission is investigating these allegations, bringing the total affected individuals to 13 including Yunus himself. Meanwhile, the Military Police have arrested four suspects from the TNI's Denma Bais unit, highlighting ongoing concerns over accountability in cases involving activists.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, has secured significant investment commitments from his working visit to South Korea, including 10 Memorandums of Understanding worth US$10.2 billion (approximately Rp 173 trillion) across strategic sectors such as energy, green transition, manufacturing, batteries, clean energy transport, digital technology, AI, property, and infrastructure. This builds on prior Japanese investments, bringing the total commitments from Korea and Japan to Rp 574 trillion, with strengthened business collaborations involving Kadin Indonesia, KCCI, POSCO, Lotte Group, and Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara. These deals underscore Indonesia's push for resilient economic growth through international partnerships in high-tech and sustainable industries.

The Indonesian government has introduced Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, known as PP TUNAS, to regulate electronic systems for child protection, limiting children's access to digital platforms based on age groups under 13, 13-15, and 16-17, with parental consent required. This foundational regulation awaits ministerial rules and technical implementations set for March 2026, targeting major tech companies like Meta, Google, TikTok, and others to ensure compliance. Drawing comparisons with stricter frameworks in Australia, Europe, and the US, the policy aims to safeguard children amid bureaucratic challenges and varying regional adaptations, such as in Jakarta.

HID's Security and Identity Report 2026 highlights major shifts in identity management, emphasising its role as a core business strategy rather than mere technical support, based on research involving 1,500 global security practitioners and IT experts. The report identifies seven key pillars shaping global security landscapes through 2026, stressing the need to balance flexible access with robust infrastructure while addressing rising privacy concerns, particularly around biometric data ethics where user worries have surged to 67%. This guide is crucial for IT leaders in sectors like healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure to mitigate future risks and build user trust through transparency and data protection.

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the National Easter Celebration 2026 in Manado, North Sulawesi, from 7-9 April, with the peak event on 8 April. Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar expressed hopes for a smooth and successful event that fosters interfaith unity and harmony among Indonesia's diverse population. He emphasised the role of religious leaders in promoting peace and brotherhood during overlapping major religious holidays like Nyepi, Eid al-Fitr, and Easter, highlighting their universal values for societal improvement.

In April 2026, many Indonesians are seeking ways to verify their eligibility for government social assistance using their ID card's NIK, as recipient data can change frequently. The Ministry of Social Affairs provides an official "Cek Bansos" app that allows users to check their status easily on their mobile phones by entering their NIK. This tool displays details such as the type of aid, recipient status, and disbursement periods, helping citizens stay informed about the latest payouts.

The Indonesian government has decided to maintain fuel prices amid global oil market volatility, ensuring subsidised fuels like Pertalite remain at Rp 10,000 per litre and Biosolar at Rp 6,800 per litre, with non-subsidised prices also unchanged as of 1 April 2026. To achieve this, the state budget is set to absorb up to Rp 100 trillion in subsidies and compensations, prioritising the protection of vulnerable populations' purchasing power. Officials emphasise that this approach keeps the budget deficit under control at around 2.9% even with oil prices averaging $100 per barrel.

Rachmat Gobel, Chairman of the Indonesia-Japan Friendship Association, has affirmed that Japan's commitments to invest in Indonesia are genuine and not just diplomatic formalities, following the signing of 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth $22.6 billion during President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Tokyo. These MoUs span sectors including methanol production, gas field development, semiconductors, geothermal power, gold ecosystems, beauty partnerships, aviation leasing, and trade cooperation, though critics note most are revivals of stalled projects. Gobel emphasised the need for government facilitation at all levels to overcome on-the-ground obstacles, highlighting President Prabowo's assurances of investment certainty that were well-received by Japanese business leaders.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is coordinating with the United Nations to repatriate the bodies of three Indonesian peacekeepers killed in an attack in southern Lebanon on 29 and 30 March 2026, amid ongoing conflict that complicates logistics. A farewell ceremony was held at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport on 2 April, honouring their service to global peace, with the government expressing deep condolences and committing to swift, safe transport despite heightened risks from Israeli attacks. This incident underscores Indonesia's dedication to UN peacekeeping missions, as reflected in its constitutional mandate, and has drawn international condolences while prompting calls for UN investigations and restraint in the region.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has abruptly dismissed Army Chief of Staff Randy George, along with several other high-ranking officials, as military tensions escalate in the Middle East. This rare mid-conflict removal, occurring while George still had over a year left in his term, highlights ongoing turmoil at the Pentagon, with no official reasons provided despite his extensive service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The shake-up, including temporary replacement by General Christopher LaNeve, underscores Hegseth's aggressive restructuring efforts, potentially linked to his Trump affiliations, amid a series of recent leadership changes.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) conducted a tribute ceremony for three Indonesian National Army (TNI) soldiers who perished during a peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, prior to their bodies being repatriated to Indonesia. The ceremony, led by UNIFIL's Force Commander, honoured their service amid heightened conflict involving Israeli attacks, with the Indonesian government coordinating with the UN to expedite the process despite logistical challenges. President Prabowo Subianto expressed deep condolences, emphasising the soldiers' dedication to global peace and Indonesia's international standing.

The Indonesian government is accelerating the finalisation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Georgia to enhance higher education cooperation, focusing on student exchanges, joint research, and human resource development. This initiative, discussed during a meeting between Deputy Minister Stella Christie and Georgian Ambassador Tornike Nozadze, aims to shift international collaborations towards substantive outcomes under the impactful education policy framework. Such exchanges are expected to foster long-term mutual understanding and expand access to international educational opportunities between the two nations.

Two Indian nationals, R (24) and HD (34), were deported from Bali on Thursday after violating Indonesian immigration laws. R was imprisoned for five months for using a forged Mexican passport, while HD overstayed his visa by 74 days after his restaurant business closed. The Immigration Detention House in Denpasar enforced the deportations, with potential lifetime re-entry bans under immigration regulations, highlighting Indonesia's strict enforcement of entry rules.

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) plans to question four Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) members accused of throwing acid on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), as part of evidence deepening. Komnas HAM has already sought information from TNI officials and is pushing for transparency in the investigation, which is reportedly 80% complete pending medical examination results and victim testimony. This case underscores concerns over accountability for military personnel in human rights violations and the need for external oversight in legal processes.

The push to convert 120 million fuel-powered motorcycles to electric vehicles in Indonesia hinges not only on technology and incentives but crucially on the availability of competent mechanics, according to Hendro Sutono of KOSMIK Indonesia. Without sufficient skilled technicians and clear quality standards, mass conversions risk inconsistent results and safety issues, underscoring the need for a solid ecosystem starting with human resource development. While the government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has initiated training programmes, their current scale remains inadequate for the ambitious target, calling for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate reliable workforce preparation.

A fire broke out at the PT Indogas Andalan Kita Bulk LPG Filling Station in Bekasi on 1 April, which was extinguished the following early morning through coordinated efforts by Pertamina Patra Niaga, local fire services, and security forces. Pertamina has activated an alternative supply scheme using nearby stations to ensure uninterrupted LPG availability in the region, while investigations into the cause continue. The company urges the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying, emphasising the safety of the energy supply chain.

The recent constitutional referendum in Kazakhstan, with a 73.12% participation rate and 87.15% approval, demonstrates the nation's strong commitment to sustainable national development through political and institutional reforms. Key changes include eliminating presidential quotas in parliament, establishing a unicameral parliament and a consultative People's Council, introducing a vice-presidential position, and enhancing protections for human rights and privacy. These reforms aim to boost governance accountability, attract global investment by safeguarding property rights and intellectual property, and accelerate Kazakhstan's transition to a fully digital, innovation-driven economy, positioning it as a leading FDI destination in Central Asia.

In the era of massive digital transformation, IT downtime poses a serious threat to business continuity, disrupting operations, reducing productivity, and causing significant financial losses. Edward, Director of PT Nusa Network Prakarsa, highlights the gap between technology adoption and infrastructure readiness, urging companies to adopt strategic approaches like comprehensive system evaluations and robust monitoring to build stable, integrated IT ecosystems. This shift not only minimises downtime risks but also enhances long-term efficiency and supports business growth.

A massive fire accompanied by an explosion at the Cimuning Bulk LPG Filling Station (SPBE) in Bekasi on Wednesday night devastated nearby residential areas, destroying 19 homes, kiosks, and public facilities across 2,000 square metres and causing material losses worth billions of rupiah. Seventeen people were injured and are receiving treatment, with no fatalities reported, but residents like Ningsih and Martin lost rental properties, vehicles, cash, and essential documents, estimating personal damages at up to Rp1 billion each. The incident has left families homeless and without income sources, highlighting safety concerns at energy infrastructure sites managed by entities like Pertamina, with victims yet to receive any official communication or apologies.

US President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointing Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting head of the Department of Justice, amid reported dissatisfaction with her handling of key issues including the Jeffrey Epstein documents and legal actions against political opponents. This move marks the second cabinet dismissal in recent weeks, following the removal of Interior Secretary Kristi Noem, and highlights ongoing tensions in Trump's administration regarding law enforcement independence. The decision has sparked political uncertainty, with Trump considering candidates like Lee Zeldin for the permanent role, while Bondi's tenure was marred by failed prosecutions and controversies over Epstein-related transparency.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is actively promoting the implementation of its capital market deepening action plan, focusing on enhancing product supply and investor demand. Key initiatives include the issuance of a regulation for gold-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the development of the PINTAR Reksa Dana programme to expand retail investor participation. Additionally, OJK has imposed significant administrative sanctions totalling Rp96.33 billion on 233 parties for violations up to 31 March 2026, underscoring its commitment to robust enforcement in the capital markets sector.

Indonesia has officially launched the Indonesia Crypto Exchange (ICEx), a regulated platform aimed at bolstering the nation's position in the global digital finance ecosystem by providing secure, transparent, and integrated trading infrastructure for crypto assets. Backed by OJK approvals and an initial US$70 million capital, ICEx operates as a Self-Regulatory Organization encompassing exchange, clearing, and custody functions, in collaboration with 11 leading digital asset providers. This development is poised to shift the domestic crypto landscape towards institutional investors, enhancing regulatory compliance and market stability while fostering innovation under clear oversight.

The Indonesian National Police's Special Economic Crimes Directorate has designated a fourth suspect in the ongoing fraud case involving PT Dana Syariah Indonesia (DSI), which defrauded 15,000 investors of Rp2.4 trillion through fictitious projects and false financial reporting from 2018 to 2025. The latest suspect, former DSI Director AS, joins three others charged with fraud, embezzlement, and related offences under various Criminal Code and financial regulations. Victims discovered the scam in June 2025 when they were unable to withdraw their principal investments or the promised 16-18% returns.

Gold prices for most bullion types sold at Galeri 24 declined on Friday, 3 April 2026, with Galeri 24 1g dropping to Rp2,903,000 from Rp2,908,000, UBS 1g to Rp2,917,000 from Rp2,923,000, and Antam Retro 1g to Rp2,951,000 from Rp2,957,000. In contrast, Antam gold rose to Rp3,039,000 per gram from Rp3,019,000, bucking the downward trend amid fluctuating precious metal markets. This movement reflects ongoing volatility in Indonesia's gold trading sector, influencing investor sentiment in the local economy.

In this opinion piece, the Javanese philosophical principle "ojo dumeh"—meaning not to be arrogant or presumptuous when in power—is presented as a timeless moral critique applicable to global politics. Drawing on historical tensions like those between the US and Iran, as well as theories from C. Wright Mills, Hannah Arendt, and Daniel Kahneman, the author argues that unchecked power often leads to opaque political and economic interests masked as security concerns, urging a reevaluation of how superpowers wield influence. This local wisdom serves as an ethical corrective, reminding leaders to temper authority with humility and moral awareness in international relations.

The CEO of PT Pupuk Indonesia has assured that subsidised fertiliser prices will remain unchanged despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, thanks to the company's substantial domestic urea production capacity of 8.8 million tonnes annually, which meets national needs without reliance on imports. This stability supports the government's recent 20% price reduction on urea and NPK fertilisers, implemented since October 2025 under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, aimed at lowering production costs and boosting farmer welfare. The policy has led to a 31% increase in fertiliser uptake in 2026, enhancing agricultural productivity and positioning Indonesia as a potential stabiliser in the global food ecosystem.

Indonesia's government has decided to provide the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme only on school days following a multi-ministry evaluation, aiming to optimise resource allocation. Pertamina assured stable LPG supplies after a fire at a Bekasi facility, while Apindo called for clearer technical guidelines on subsidised fuel restrictions to support public services and logistics. President Prabowo secured Rp574 trillion in investment commitments from Japan and South Korea, and OJK expressed confidence that completed transparency reforms will prevent MSCI from downgrading Indonesia's market status from emerging to frontier.

Indonesia's national asphalt demand stands at 1 million tonnes annually, projected to rise to 1.5 million tonnes, yet 80% is still imported despite abundant Buton Island reserves (Asbuton) that are only utilised at 4%. Following President Prabowo Subianto's directives, the Ministry of Public Works is promoting self-reliance by optimising Asbuton via a market-driven A30 scheme, aiming for at least 30% integration into the national road construction supply chain, drawing lessons from successful biodiesel blending mandates. Minister Dody highlights the irony that high-quality infrastructure nations like China import Asbuton, underscoring its potential while addressing bureaucratic hurdles to regulatory implementation.

US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO allies, labelling them as cowards and dismissing their support amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, where Iran has seized control of the vital Strait of Hormuz following joint US-Israeli strikes. Trump urged NATO members to send warships to the strait to counter Iran's blockade, which threatens 20 million barrels of daily oil shipments, while expressing frustration over their perceived passivity and hinting at a potential US withdrawal from the alliance. Despite the rhetoric, diplomatic efforts continue, with Trump scheduled to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, though legal hurdles and historical precedents underscore the challenges of any unilateral US exit.

Amid global tensions driving up fuel prices, particularly in West Asia, Indonesians are increasingly viewing electric vehicles (EVs) as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional transport. However, adoption remains uneven due to public misconceptions about range, charging infrastructure, and after-sales service, despite experts asserting that EVs are technically mature for everyday use in the country. With home charging sufficient for most daily needs in major cities and ranges far exceeding typical commutes, EVs could alleviate concerns over fuel supply and costs if perceptions align with real-world experiences.