The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs is pushing for reforms in regional-owned enterprises (BUMDs) to improve governance, accountability, and performance, as highlighted by Deputy Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto during a House of Representatives visit to PT Bank Sumut. Data from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency reveals that only 42 percent of BUMDs are healthy, with many in the drinking water and business sectors facing inefficiencies. The government and DPR are drafting a bill to separate financial and public service indicators, clarify roles between regulation and ownership, and enhance asset management flexibility, aiming to boost regional economic productivity and transparency.

PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk (DSSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to Indonesia's energy transition and digital connectivity through sustainable mining practices, renewable energy projects like a 1 GW solar panel factory and geothermal exploration, and AI-driven digital infrastructure expansions. The company is advancing electrification in mining operations, partnering for geothermal development, and enhancing digital ecosystems with over 57,000 km of fibre optic networks and upcoming AI-ready data centres to bridge connectivity gaps for 50 million underserved individuals. This integrated approach positions DSSA as a key enabler of AI adoption in Indonesia, supported by reliable energy and equitable digital infrastructure, amid a projected 10% annual growth in fixed broadband markets.

The Madiun City DPRD and City Government in East Java have agreed on 17 draft regional regulations (raperda) to become local regulations (perda), aimed at advancing and prospering the city, following lengthy discussions from 2023 to 2025 and provincial facilitation in early 2026. These include five DPRD initiatives on digital literacy, regional innovation, trade facilities, smart city management, and public information transparency, alongside 12 executive proposals covering spatial planning, employment, population administration, environmental protection, traffic, and health sector permits. The approval highlights legislative productivity and is expected to strengthen governance, with documents now proceeding to the East Java Governor for final registration and implementation guidelines.

The Indonesian government is pushing for the creation of creative economy departments in regional administrations to bolster the industry ecosystem and enhance support access for creative entrepreneurs. Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya noted that around 22 provinces and 70 regencies/cities are in the process, with these units potentially integrated with sectors like tourism or SMEs. This initiative aims to improve local services such as training, funding, market access, and legal protection, contributing to job creation and regional income growth.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has scheduled examinations of Hajj organisers and special Hajj pilgrimage operators (PIHK) next week as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in the allocation of Hajj quotas. This follows the naming of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his special staff Ishfah Abidal Aziz as suspects in January 2026, with the case resulting in state financial losses of Rp622 billion as determined in March 2026. The probe has seen further developments, including the recent addition of two new suspects and fluctuations in Yaqut's detention status, highlighting the KPK's efforts to address irregularities in Indonesia's Hajj management system.

The Ministry of Coordinating for Community Empowerment (Kemenko PM) is conducting monitoring and evaluation of the Sekolah Rakyat Menengah Atas (SRMA) 22 in Malang, East Java, to follow up on Presidential Instruction No. 8 of 2025, which focuses on optimising efforts to alleviate poverty and eradicate extreme poverty. This initiative underscores the government's strategic use of the Sekolah Rakyat programme to provide free, quality education to children from poor and extremely poor families, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and enhance human resource quality. Officials noted a slight decline in active students from 75 to 69, which is being closely monitored to ensure the programme's sustainability and effectiveness.

The Jakarta Selatan Transport Authority has intensified efforts to eliminate illegal parking practices at Blok M Square following a viral video showing visitors being charged twice, resulting in the apprehension of ten illegal parking attendants and the installation of eight warning banners prohibiting such collections. In collaboration with the Civil Service Police Unit and parking management, authorities issued statements from the offenders and warned of harsher penalties for repeat violations, while also addressing seven street vendors operating out of designated areas. This action underscores ongoing regulatory challenges in managing public parking in high-traffic urban commercial zones under provincial oversight.

Perum Bulog's CEO, Agmad Rizal Ramdhani, has announced plans to build 100 new warehouses and related post-harvest facilities across Indonesia to bolster national food security by enhancing storage capacity. The Rp5 trillion project, spanning 92 districts, involves detailed feasibility studies, technical assessments with the Ministry of Agriculture, and financial evaluations, with implementation prioritised in key production areas like Lampung, Java, and South Sulawesi, as well as remote islands. This strategic initiative underscores Bulog's commitment to a robust, equitable national food logistics system amid varying regional needs.

Indonesia's Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, announced that the government is developing guidelines for creative services to provide certainty for industry players and prevent future legal problems, following a discussion with Amsal Sitepu who faced legal challenges. The guidelines aim to clarify that creativity has variable value influenced by factors such as location, experience, and job type, avoiding fixed pricing that could stifle the sector. This initiative seeks to strengthen the growing creative industry ecosystem nationwide while ensuring careful implementation to avoid new issues.

The Ministry of Creative Economy (Kemenekraf) has established a dedicated channel for complaints and public information services to bolster protection for creative economy participants, particularly in addressing legal issues. This initiative, accessible online, by phone, or in person, ensures responses within seven days and is integrated with national services for cross-agency follow-up. The move follows the experience of videographer Amsal Sitepu, who endured 131 days in detention before acquittal, highlighting the need for better information access to prevent prolonged legal troubles.

Perum Bulog has withdrawn all emergency rice stocks previously placed at airports and ports in Sumatra, as distribution of food supplies has normalised after the floods. The state-owned enterprise had stockpiled 30 to 50 tonnes at key transport hubs to ensure rapid aid delivery when land routes were disrupted in areas like Aceh Tengah. With no further panic buying and stable conditions, Bulog confirms that logistical needs for rice, oil, sugar, and other essentials are fully met.

China has called on US President Donald Trump to immediately cease military operations against Iran, arguing that such actions exacerbate conflicts rather than resolve them and threaten global stability in vital trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Trump, however, has defended the escalation, claiming it will pressure Iran more effectively and announcing plans for intensified attacks in the coming weeks, amid ongoing tensions including Iranian threats to US tech firms and blockades disrupting energy markets. The situation has triggered a surge in global oil prices and weakened stock markets, highlighting the broader economic repercussions of the escalating Middle East crisis.

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Mohammed Al Budaiwi, has urged the UN Security Council to take full responsibility for protecting maritime routes and ensuring the safety of international navigation amid the suspension of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade, a consequence of recent US-Israel strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliatory actions, has disrupted oil and gas exports from Gulf countries, leading to a surge in global energy prices. Al Budaiwi also called for the inclusion of Gulf states in any discussions or agreements with Iran to bolster regional security and prevent further escalation.

Indonesia's Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, welcomed the Saudi Arabian Ambassador in Jakarta to discuss enhancing bilateral cultural cooperation, building on their 76-year friendship and Indonesia's diverse cultural assets. Key initiatives include the upcoming renewal of the cultural MoU in 2027, Indonesia's bid for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee with Saudi support, and joint efforts to extend UNESCO listings for elements like Arabic Calligraphy and Majlis. The two nations are also exploring collaborations in the cultural industry, particularly film co-productions and festivals, to foster mutual benefits in cultural preservation and global heritage governance.

Israel's Knesset has passed a law imposing the death penalty on Palestinians in the West Bank convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis, a measure that does not apply to Israelis who kill Palestinians and has been widely condemned for violating international law and human rights. Indonesia, Palestine, Gulf states, the Arab League, the European Union, several European nations including the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, and UNRWA have all criticised the legislation as discriminatory, a war crime, and contrary to humanitarian norms, urging its immediate repeal. This development escalates tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting global concerns over Israel's policies in occupied territories.

Digital forensics expert Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar has denied receiving Rp50 billion for his research on Jokowi’s White Paper, insisting it was self-funded amid controversy surrounding President Joko Widodo's diploma. Following a restorative justice agreement, Rismon acknowledged flaws in his previous research methodology, particularly technical variables like resolution and lighting angles, and plans to revise the 700-page document. He suspects political motives behind the accusations, highlighting independent work by contributors without coordination.

Prosecutor Wira Arizona from the Karo District Prosecutor's Office has denied intimidating videographer Amsal Cristy Sitepu by giving him brownies containing a threatening note, claiming the gesture was purely out of humanitarian concern and part of local culture in Tanah Karo. Sitepu, accused of inflating budgets for video production services in 20 Karo villages, alleged during a DPR Commission III meeting that the prosecutor directly warned him in prison to stop publicising content on social media and follow the legal process quietly. This incident highlights tensions in the ongoing legal proceedings and raises questions about potential witness intimidation within Indonesia's judicial system.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has reported that 96.24 percent of state officials submitted their periodic State Organiser Wealth Reports (LHKPN) for the 2025 reporting period between 1 January and 31 March 2026. This high compliance rate, particularly 99.99 percent in the judiciary and 96.75 percent in the executive, reflects growing collective adherence to transparency measures aimed at preventing corruption. The KPK views this as evidence of the LHKPN system's effectiveness and will verify the reports before publishing them on elhkpn.kpk.go.id for public access.

The West Jakarta Metropolitan Police have confirmed that Maundy Thursday masses for Easter were conducted safely and smoothly at 33 churches, attended by 18,570 worshippers. With 147 personnel deployed for security tailored to crowd sizes and risk levels, including pre-service sterilisations by the Brimob unit, the event highlighted Indonesia's commitment to religious tolerance and communal harmony. This peaceful observance serves as a symbol of peace and mutual respect amid diversity in Jakarta's society.

Residents of City Park Apartment in West Jakarta are preparing to send a letter to the Mayor requesting the developer, PT RRAA, be summoned again over the delayed handover of ownership documents, including the Building Use Rights Certificate (SHGB), after the developer failed to attend a scheduled meeting. The residents, represented by PPPSRS, highlight that this inaction violates legal obligations and endangers the extension of the SHGB expiring in 2028, affecting over 3,600 subsidised units for middle to low-income families. While pursuing mediation, they warn of potential legal action if the developer continues to withhold the documents and social facilities.

Apple's 50-year journey in Indonesia highlights its evolution from a failed online store launch in 2008 due to local ownership regulations to overcoming recent TKDN compliance hurdles for the iPhone 16 series in 2024, demonstrating the company's growing adaptation to Indonesia's market dynamics. Through initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy and intensified local marketing efforts, Apple has boosted its brand relevance without a physical store, catering to both aspirational and pragmatic consumers in a market where iPhones symbolise social status. This engagement underscores Apple's potential for deeper involvement in Indonesia's burgeoning digital economy, far from its initial setbacks.

MNC Bank reported a 9.26% year-on-year increase in net profit to Rp81.78 billion for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2025, bolstered by rising net interest income, operational efficiencies, and diversified revenue streams amid macroeconomic challenges. The bank's total equity strengthened to Rp3.75 trillion, while third-party funds grew to Rp14.69 trillion, reflecting sustained customer confidence and a solid capital structure. Looking ahead to 2026, MNC Bank plans to accelerate digitalisation through its MotionBank platform, maintain credit quality, and leverage synergies within the MNC Group ecosystem to drive further growth and value for investors.

Creative economy activist Amsal Sitepu attributes the prolongation of his legal troubles to his initial ignorance of available support and protection services, having spent 131 days in detention over a corruption allegation in a village profile video project in North Sumatra's Karo Regency before being acquitted. He urges fellow creative industry practitioners to actively seek information on ecosystem support beyond just production, viewing his experience as a lesson for industry growth in Indonesia. The Minister of Creative Economy affirmed ongoing efforts to enhance outreach on services and mentoring to prevent similar incidents.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has clarified that it has no contracts or commitments with any producers for the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG) milk, following viral social media discussions about such products being sold in minimarkets despite labels stating they are not for sale. BGN officials emphasised that service units must purchase the milk from local minimarkets or SMEs to empower local farmers, and the agency does not produce any milk itself. They urged the public to report any products falsely claiming affiliation with BGN or MBG to the agency's hotline at 127, highlighting efforts to prevent misuse of the government programme aimed at improving child nutrition.