Police in Bogor raided eight locations involved in the illegal mixing of subsidised 3kg LPG cylinders into larger non-subsidised ones, seizing 793 gas cylinders, mixing equipment, and a pickup truck. A couple identified as S and H were arrested in Cileungsi, while another suspect fled in Sukaraja and is now a fugitive. The operation, directed by the National Police Chief amid Middle East conflicts affecting energy security, aims to prevent billions in state losses and ensure subsidies reach the intended low-income recipients.

Authorities in Riau Province are intensifying monitoring and fire suppression efforts amid the looming threat of a Super El Niño phenomenon, which could exacerbate drought and forest fires similar to the devastating 1997-1998 blazes. Riau Police Chief Herry Heryawan inspected affected areas in Bengkalis, emphasising early detection, collaborative extinguishing operations, and strict enforcement against arsonists, with 74 cases handled in 2025 so far. Experts warn of extreme dryness and rising peat fire risks, advocating for comprehensive mitigation including early warning systems, green policing initiatives like tree planting, and integrated ecological approaches to prevent widespread environmental and economic damage.

The ADB Institute has found that optimal utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human jobs and productivity, potentially leading to increased employment opportunities. While AI may automate routine tasks, particularly in entry-level roles, it also boosts worker performance, especially for those with lower skills, though long-term disruptions require proactive policies. In Asia, readiness for AI adoption varies due to differences in digital infrastructure and education, with advanced economies like South Korea and Singapore better positioned, and ADBI recommends reskilling programmes, adaptive AI governance, and strong social safety nets to ensure inclusive growth.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are exacerbating global supply chain disruptions, leading to soaring energy prices and threats to fertiliser raw materials, while also pressuring currency values including the Indonesian Rupiah. For Indonesia's medical equipment industry, which relies heavily on imported raw materials, the weakening Rupiah is inflating production costs, yet price hikes are challenging due to the government's dominance in the local market, comprising 70% of demand. Industry representatives are urging government support to allow adjustments in selling prices while firms mitigate risks by cutting costs and margins.

Monitoring by the Directorate of Food Crop Seeds under the Directorate General of Food Crops revealed 1,895 violations of online seed distribution on five major marketplaces from January to November 2025. The article highlights the critical role of seeds in agricultural productivity and national food security, emphasising the need for certified, high-quality seeds as mandated by Law No. 22 of 2019 on Sustainable Agricultural Cultivation Systems. It discusses the benefits and risks of online seed trading, calling for enhanced oversight to protect farmers and ensure market order amid digitalisation.

Myanmar's parliament has elected junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing as president in the new military-backed government, confirming long-anticipated plans for him to retain power following the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian administration. The vote, which secured 429 out of 586 seats dominated by military-aligned representatives, marks the final step in transitioning from direct junta rule to a semi-civilian setup under the 2008 military-drafted constitution. This development solidifies military control amid ongoing civil war, international criticism, and calls for Min Aung Hlaing's arrest by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity.

Indonesian Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti has clarified that the government's Work From Home (WFH) policy does not extend to schools, ensuring that teaching and learning activities continue as usual with both students and teachers required to attend physically. He emphasised that WFH is aimed at promoting energy efficiency and frugal living rather than responding to any economic crisis, and it applies primarily to office-based civil servants on specific days like Fridays. Additionally, the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for students will only operate on active school days, aligning with the unchanged educational schedule.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is intensifying its supervision of buy now pay later (BNPL) services due to rising risks of over-indebtedness among consumers, particularly young people. OJK Chair Friderica Widyasari Dewi highlighted the surge in non-performing financing ratios to 2.77% and outstanding paylater credit balances reaching Rp27.1 trillion, emphasising the need to balance the convenience of these products with their potential to fuel unproductive debt. This regulatory focus aims to prevent broader impacts on the financial sector and consumer welfare, aligning with international concerns discussed in forums like the OECD/INFE.

The Riau Provincial Police Chief, Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan, personally monitored forest and land fires in Bengkalis district as part of efforts to anticipate intensified risks from the predicted Super El Niño phenomenon in 2026, which could exacerbate drought conditions similar to the devastating 1997-1998 fires. Accompanied by experts and local authorities, he emphasised the need for cross-sectoral collaboration in firefighting, strict law enforcement against perpetrators, and preventive measures including community education and the Green Policing initiative for tree planting to mitigate emissions and prevent recurrence. In 2025, Riau police handled 74 such cases, arresting 74 suspects, underscoring a commitment to deterrence and environmental protection amid climate threats.

The Iranian Embassy in Indonesia has launched a donation account to aid Iran amid ongoing attacks by the US-Israel coalition, responding to numerous inquiries from Indonesian citizens eager to provide support. Ambassador Mohammad Boroujerdi expressed profound gratitude for the sympathy shown through flowers, letters, and broader solidarity from both the Indonesian public and government, highlighting the significance of even small contributions as symbols of solidarity. This initiative underscores the strong bilateral ties and Indonesia's consistent support for Iran during its struggles.

The Iranian Embassy in Indonesia has opened a bank account to collect donations from the Indonesian public in support of Iran amid ongoing aggression from the US and Israel. Ambassador Mohammad Boroujerdi expressed gratitude for the sympathy shown through flowers, letters, and offers of aid, highlighting the strong solidarity from both Indonesian society and government. This initiative underscores the deepening bilateral ties and mutual support between the two nations during times of conflict.

Indonesia has secured approximately Rp 574 trillion in investment commitments from Japan and South Korea during the President's visits to both nations, signalling strong investor confidence despite global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. These commitments, spread across strategic sectors such as energy, manufacturing, digital technology, and infrastructure, are expected to boost economic growth, create jobs, and address investment bottlenecks through streamlined permitting processes. Experts emphasise that improving the investment climate is crucial for sustainable growth beyond the current stagnant 5% rate, highlighting the need for structural reforms to avoid temporary economic boosts.

Authorities in Tangerang sealed the prayer house of the POUK Thessalonica congregation in Teluknaga following Good Friday services due to the absence of a Building Permit (PBG), amid tensions with local residents from Kampung Tukang Kajak who demanded permanent closure. The sealing process, which involved applying stickers and removing items, escalated when villagers insisted on padlocks to prevent any access, including for upcoming Easter worship, citing violations of Tangerang Regency Regulation No. 13 of 2022 on orderliness and environmental aesthetics. This incident highlights ongoing regulatory enforcement on religious facilities and community disputes over land use in the area.

The US-Iran conflict is disrupting global oil supplies, driving up energy prices, and heightening economic uncertainty worldwide, which could exacerbate Indonesia's domestic conditions. Public concerns suggest the Indonesian economy might collapse within the next two months, prompting debates on whether this is mere perception or a genuine critical juncture. In this episode of Cuap Cuap Cuan, host Ayyi Hidayah and Managing Editor Maikel Jefriando discuss these issues with Fuad Bawazier, former Finance Minister under Soeharto.

The Mayor of Solo, Respati Ardi, has clarified that the central government's work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants on Fridays will not apply to employees directly involved in public services, ensuring normal operating hours for essential services. This adjustment aims to maintain efficiency and energy savings without disrupting public access, while structural officials and remote-capable staff are affected differently. Additionally, face-to-face education and health services remain unaffected, and the city continues its monthly work-from-anywhere scheme to promote productivity and sustainability.

The head of the Batam Immigration Office, Hajar Aswad, has been removed from his position following allegations of illegal levies imposed by a subordinate on foreign tourists at the Batam Centre International Port on 13 March. Aswad is being summoned to the central immigration office in Jakarta for further investigation, effective from 6 April, while the implicated officer, identified by initials JS, remains under internal compliance review. This action underscores the Indonesian authorities' commitment to addressing corruption within immigration services, potentially impacting tourism and border operations in the region.

Indonesia's betel leaves, valued for their natural antiseptic properties and use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and traditional medicine, are increasingly exported to major markets like India and China despite a recent decline in demand. Export values reached US$4.605 million from October 2024 to October 2025, down 61% year-on-year, primarily due to weakened demand from key importers and stricter quality standards. However, opportunities remain strong in the global shift towards natural ingredients, with potential for higher-value processed products to boost the sector.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Daop 3 Cirebon served 371,044 passengers over 22 days during the 2026 Lebaran transport period, marking a 9% rise from the previous year's 338,855. The operation involved 171 daily passenger trains, including 42 additional Lebaran services, achieving perfect on-time performance with no accidents. This surge underscores the critical role of rail infrastructure in managing peak holiday travel in Indonesia.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking ways to withdraw from the conflict with Iran, driven by concerns that prolonged military operations could undermine the Republican Party's position in the upcoming midterm congressional elections on 3 November. According to Time magazine, citing sources, Trump aims to declare victory and end hostilities before political damage becomes irreversible, with a senior US official noting that opportunities for this are very narrow. The report details Trump's frustration over security leaks, leading him to cancel and then partially reinstate plans for operations against Iran during a meeting at his Mar-a-Lago residence on 27 February.

The XI Regional Deliberation (Musda) of the Golkar Party in West Java has officially appointed Daniel Muttaqien Syaifuddin as the Chairman of the West Java Golkar DPD for the 2025–2030 term, succeeding Ace Hasan Syadzily. Party figure Ade Ruhandi praised the previous leadership for strengthening Golkar's position in society and urged the new leadership to be more attuned to public aspirations, collaborate with the provincial government under Governor Dedi Mulyadi, and support President Prabowo Subianto's national programmes. He emphasised the need for rapid consolidation at district and city levels to bolster the party's legislative seats ahead of future elections.

Bulog Cianjur in West Java is gearing up to distribute food aid for February and March 2026, with the number of recipients nearly doubling to 403,673 compared to previous allocations, providing each with 20 kg of rice and 4 litres of cooking oil over the two months. The agency has conducted outreach to various stakeholders to ensure smooth coordination and administrative readiness, emphasising the need for strong inter-agency collaboration. Officials stress the importance of accurate data validation and field supervision to prevent deviations and ensure the programme reaches its intended beneficiaries effectively.

The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) at Sultan Thaha station forecasts that the Godzilla El Niño phenomenon could lead to an extended dry season in Jambi Province in 2026, with the onset shifting earlier to late May and peaking from June to July, potentially lasting until September. Current weather patterns show a transition from rainy to dry conditions with fluctuating cloud cover and sporadic rain, influenced by a decline in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean that reduces rainfall below normal levels. This prolonged dryness raises the risk of drought, particularly in forested and peatland areas, increasing vulnerability to forest and land fires.

The South Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumsel) has mobilised 2,671 combined personnel, including 2,425 police officers and 246 military personnel, to secure 404 church locations across 17 districts and cities during Good Friday celebrations. This comprehensive operation, part of a four-day Easter security initiative, emphasises preemptive and preventive measures, thorough site sterilisations, and a humane approach to maintain public order and religious harmony. By ensuring zero conflicts and providing additional public services like traffic management and medical support, Polda Sumsel underscores the state's commitment to fostering tolerance and peace in the region.

Indonesia has hosted the Indonesia-China Investment Forum in Beijing as part of a trade mission to bolster economic ties with China, focusing on enhancing investments, market access, and bilateral relations. The event, opened by Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Maman Abdurrahman and Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun, featured panel discussions, business matching sessions, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ATTEC and the China International Council for the Promotion of Multinational Corporations. This initiative underscores Indonesia's commitment to integrating SMEs into global value chains, fostering sustainable partnerships in industry, technology, and trade, thereby positioning the country as a prime investment destination in Asia.

To secure the long holiday and collective leave period, Karawang Police are deploying 174 personnel across strategic locations to manage increased public activity and traffic congestion, particularly on the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road (Japek). A situational contraflow scheme will be implemented from KM 47 to KM 66 towards Cikampek in coordination with PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol (JTT), based on real-time monitoring of vehicle volumes. The police urge motorists to maintain safe distances and plan journeys carefully for smoother travel.

Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir has initiated a rotation of officials within the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) to refresh the work culture, emphasising the roles of women and young leaders as agents of change. The new composition features 34% female involvement and 13% leaders under 40 years old, aiming to enhance professionalism, bureaucratic transformation, and public service orientation. This move is intended to foster integrity, hard work, and measurable results, ultimately contributing to the development of competitive youth and elevating Indonesia's national sports achievements.

Maritime intelligence firm Windward reports an increase in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with 16 vessels passing on 1 April compared to 11 the previous day, though volumes remain far below pre-conflict levels following the US-Israel attacks on Iran in February 2026. The strait, vital for a quarter of global seaborne oil trade, has seen a 95% drop in transits, from 130 ships daily to just six, highlighting severe disruptions to energy supplies. This trend suggests growing negotiations between countries and Iran to secure passages, potentially boosting future volumes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The Natuna District Health Office has reported no measles cases from community health centres, with ongoing surveillance maintaining a nil count as of early April. Despite the stable situation, authorities are emphasising heightened vigilance, enhanced early detection systems, and increased measles-rubella immunisation coverage to build herd immunity and protect vulnerable children. This proactive approach underscores the importance of public participation in immunisation and prompt reporting of symptoms to prevent potential outbreaks in the region.

Azka Aufary Ramli, Chairman of HIPPI South Jakarta, warns that geopolitical factors have become core drivers of the global economy, driving energy price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and slowing inflation decline. He highlights the challenges posed by high interest rates from global central banks, leading to limited liquidity and costly capital, particularly for businesses in developing nations like Indonesia, amid a multi-speed global economy. Ramli urges entrepreneurs to adopt adaptive and defensive strategies, integrating geopolitical analysis, strengthening cash flows, and targeting resilient sectors such as digital, energy, and community-based economies to navigate these uncertainties.

Indonesia is leading efforts to regulate global digital platforms like Meta and Google for non-compliance with child protection laws banning social media for under-16s, a stance now echoed by Australia according to observers. President Prabowo Subianto secured Rp574 trillion in investment commitments from Japan and South Korea during state visits, focusing on energy, green transition, solar power, CCS, and renewables, bolstering Indonesia's economy amid global uncertainties. At the Tokyo Business Forum, Prabowo admitted to being a micromanager, highlighting his hands-on leadership style by sharing anecdotes of calling ministers at odd hours for minute details like egg prices.

The Malaysian government has strongly condemned Israel's approval of a law mandating the death penalty in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, describing it as discriminatory and a violation of international humanitarian law. The Foreign Ministry highlighted the law's role in entrenching an apartheid system and urged the international community to take firm action to ensure accountability and end oppressive practices against Palestinians. This statement comes amid ongoing concerns over the treatment of Palestinian detainees, including reports of torture and denial of basic rights.

The Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) post the Sumatra disaster is expediting the construction of permanent housing (huntap) and temporary housing (huntara) for survivors in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, with 230 huntap units completed and 1,240 under construction as of 3 April. Temporary housing has reached 89% completion with 17,084 units built out of 19,135 targeted, while full disbursement of Rp1.8 million per family in housing waiting funds (DTH) has been achieved for 14,021 recipients. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to restoring dignified living conditions for those affected by the hydrometeorological disaster.

Tesla, Elon Musk's electric vehicle company, is facing a significant downturn, with approximately 50,000 vehicles produced in the first quarter of 2026 remaining unsold, marking the largest production-sales gap in its history. This slump is largely attributed to a 28% drop in US electric vehicle sales following President Donald Trump's decision to eliminate a US$7,500 tax credit for new EV purchases. In response, Tesla is pivoting towards new ventures, including the launch of its Cybercab robotaxi service and production of the Optimus humanoid robot, though it lags behind competitors like Alphabet's Waymo in autonomous taxi operations.

The number of villages affected by flooding in Indramayu Regency has risen significantly from 17 in 2024 to 23 in 2025, according to Central Statistics Agency data, contradicting the regency government's claim of 108.21% achievement in flood prevention and mitigation in its 2025 performance report. PDIP faction chairman in the Indramayu DPRD, Edi Fauzi, criticised the local administration for failing in disaster mitigation, with the increase even affecting urban areas including the government centre in Indramayu subdistrict, where affected villages doubled from four to six. This discrepancy highlights ongoing challenges in local governance and infrastructure resilience amid rising flood risks.

A UGM agroklimatology professor has highlighted the severe threats posed by the intensifying 'Godzilla El Niño' phenomenon to Indonesia's rice and maize production, warning of prolonged droughts that could lead to failed harvests and undermine national food security. The expert stresses the need for integrated mitigation strategies, including real-time weather information, efficient irrigation systems, and drought-resistant crop varieties, alongside enhanced government warnings from the BMKG. Government initiatives, such as bolstering the National Food Reserve and implementing key agricultural strategies led by the Minister of Agriculture, aim to counteract these risks ahead of the projected onset in 2026.

The lawyer for Ono Surono, Deputy Chairman of the West Java DPRD, has criticised the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for unprofessional conduct during a search of his client's home in Indramayu, alleging that investigators used a large suitcase to seize only irrelevant items like old notebooks, a party book, and a broken mobile phone, thereby attempting to shape public opinion. Sahali, the lawyer, claimed the searches violated the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) by lacking proper warrants and ignoring explanations for seized items, such as cash from a women's savings group. This incident highlights concerns over the integrity and objectivity of anti-corruption probes involving political figures in Indonesia.

The UNCTAD and maritime intelligence firm Windward report that ship traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz is gradually increasing, with 16 vessels passing on 1 April compared to 11 the previous day, though it remains far below pre-conflict levels. This uptick, primarily involving sanctioned tankers from Iran's shadow fleet, suggests ongoing negotiations to secure passages amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict that began with joint strikes on 28 February 2026. As a vital chokepoint for a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and significant LNG and fertiliser volumes, the 95% drop in traffic underscores the severe disruptions to international energy markets and supply chains.

The lawyer for West Java DPRD Deputy Chairman Ono Surono has protested the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) searches of his client's homes in Bandung and Indramayu, claiming they were conducted without proper court warrants and involved the seizure of unrelated items like old notebooks and a broken phone. The raids are part of an ongoing bribery investigation linked to Bekasi Regent-elect Ade Kuswara, a fellow PDIP cadre, involving alleged bribes worth Rp11.4 billion for 2025 construction projects funneled through Kuswara's father. KPK has named suspects including Kuswara, his father, and businessman Sarjan, highlighting persistent corruption issues in regional politics and infrastructure procurement.

Myanmar's parliament has elected junta leader Min Aung Hlaing as president in a new military-backed government, confirming long-anticipated plans for him to retain control following the 2021 coup against Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian administration. The 69-year-old general, who stepped down as supreme commander earlier this week, secured 429 out of 586 votes in a legislature dominated by military representatives and the pro-junta Union Solidarity and Development Party. This transition to a semi-civilian structure occurs amid ongoing civil war, with Suu Kyi and other officials still detained, and the junta facing international criticism for its sham elections.

A lecturer at a university in Serang, Banten, has filed a police report against a student accused of recording her in a campus toilet, under Indonesia's Law Number 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crimes. Banten Police confirmed receipt of the report on 2 April 2026 and stated they will investigate by summoning witnesses and gathering evidence. Authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and allow the police to handle the matter professionally.

Indonesia's Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf has issued a stern warning to civil servants (ASN) misusing work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for holidays, stating that sanctions could range from written reprimands to dismissal depending on the violation's severity. To monitor productivity, ASN must adhere to attendance protocols and complete tasks via the Sasaran Kinerja Pegawai (SKP) application, with a circular on WFH guidelines forthcoming. Meanwhile, Madiun Regency DPRD Chairman Fery Sudarsono opposes WFH, arguing it fosters laziness, reduces efficiency, and risks indiscipline, especially in a sprawling area like his regency, and suggests walking or cycling to work instead to save fuel.

Malaysia has strongly condemned Israel's enactment of a law imposing the death penalty on Palestinians in the occupied territories, describing it as discriminatory and a violation of international humanitarian law. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry highlighted that the legislation eliminates judicial discretion and reinforces an apartheid system, urging the international community to take firm action to ensure accountability and end such oppressive practices. This stance underscores Malaysia's solidarity with global concerns over the ongoing mistreatment of Palestinian detainees, including reports of torture and denial of basic rights.

The Mayor of Bukittinggi, Ramlan Nurmatias, is bolstering international diplomatic ties with the Netherlands and Germany to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Jam Gadang clock tower in 2026. This includes inviting representatives from Queen Wilhelmina's family and meetings with ambassadors to facilitate city diplomacy, focusing on historical connections, cultural preservation, and tourism promotion. The celebrations will feature the International Minangkabau Literacy Festival, international seminars on diplomacy and architecture, cultural performances, and exhibitions highlighting Bukittinggi's historical role as the centre of the Emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia, aiming to elevate the city's global profile and foster national pride among the youth.

The Asia Pacific Justice and Democracy Forum (JDF) has strongly condemned Israel's passage of a law enabling the death penalty for Palestinian detainees, describing it as a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. JDF President Jazuli Juwaini urged the international community, including the United Nations, to take decisive action to halt its implementation and ensure the protection of Palestinian rights. This development is seen as exacerbating discriminatory practices, threatening regional stability, and undermining global peace efforts.

Following the collapse of an advertisement structure due to heavy rain and strong winds, the Bandung Municipal Police (Satpol PP) have intensified their enforcement and preventive measures against potentially dangerous billboards. Head Bambang Sukardi stated that teams were quickly deployed to handle and regulate affected sites, with no casualties reported, and they are pushing for a verification team involving technical agencies and advertisement business associations to assess structural integrity. This response addresses the risks posed by extreme weather conditions, including fallen trees, and emphasizes the responsibility of billboard owners to ensure safety amid increasing weather volatility.

Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) to enhance bioethanol development in Indonesia through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and adoption of global best practices. The partnership focuses on strengthening the national bioethanol ecosystem, including supply chain improvements, technical training, and support for implementing E10 ethanol-blended fuels. This collaboration underscores Indonesia's commitment to sustainable energy transition by leveraging international expertise in biofuel production and market development.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Forestry, has swiftly activated an emergency command post for forest and land fires (Karhutla) in West Kalimantan to counter the looming threat of the extreme "Godzilla El Niño" phenomenon predicted for 2026, following a surge in hotspots after Eid al-Fitr. With 7,883 hotspots recorded by 31 March 2026 and 479.12 hectares of affected land already extinguished, 195 personnel from 13 Manggala Agni teams have been deployed to high-risk areas. This proactive measure aims to enhance surveillance, early detection, and public participation to mitigate widespread haze disasters, economic losses, and cross-border pollution.

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, officially sent off 200 prospective Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) scheme in the manufacturing sector to Japan, marking the implementation of the SMK Go Global programme. This initiative, a priority under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesian vocational graduates by providing access to international job markets, with initial funding from state-owned enterprise CSR. The programme is expected to transform PMI into agents of economic development upon their return, contributing to domestic industries while ensuring government protection for their safety and professionalism abroad.

The inaugural launch of China's Tianlong-3 heavy-lift rocket, developed by private firm Space Pioneer as a competitor to SpaceX's Falcon 9, ended in failure due to technical issues mid-flight from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The two-stage, liquid-fuelled rocket, capable of carrying over 20 tonnes to low Earth orbit and reusable up to 10 times, represents a significant advancement in China's private space sector. This setback highlights the challenges in China's push to rival US space dominance, amid growing global competition in reusable launch technology.

The Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, has highlighted numerous severe violations by the United States and Israel in their attacks on Iran since February 2026, including strikes during the holy month of Ramadan and targeting civilian infrastructure. He specifically condemned the bombing of a girls' primary school in Minab, which killed 168 girls under 12, and attempts to target Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arguing these actions breach international law and humanitarian norms. These revelations, shared during a meeting with Islamic figures in Jakarta, underscore the escalating disregard for civilian protections in modern warfare.