Indonesia faces escalating food security challenges due to prolonged droughts exacerbated by phenomena like El Niño, which threaten agricultural production and highlight the need for adaptive strategies beyond mere output. The country's heavy reliance on importing 10-11 million tons of wheat annually exposes vulnerabilities in its food system, particularly as domestic staples like rice suffer from water shortages. Reviving crops such as sorghum, which are resilient to dry conditions and nutritionally valuable, is increasingly urgent to diversify the food supply and reduce dependence on global markets.

Indonesia's Constitutional Court has begun preliminary hearings on a lawsuit filed by groups including the Indonesian Consumer Foundation (YLKI) and former KPK Deputy Chairman Muhammad Busyro Muqoddas against provisions in the 2026 State Budget Law (UU 17/2025), focusing on the management of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. The petitioners, represented by MBG Watch, argue that the government has abused its authority by incorporating the costly MBG initiative into the budget without adequate public participation or transparency, thereby undermining fiscal rights and impacting allocations for education and health sectors. The court noted the absence of a clear explanation of the petitioners' constitutional harm, raising questions about procedural and substantive compliance in budget reallocations that bypass sectoral law revisions.

The Head of the State-Owned Enterprises Regulatory Agency (BP BUMN) and COO of Danantara, Dony Oskaria, held a meeting with senior officials to bolster the foundational role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in supporting Indonesia's economic and social development. He emphasised that SOEs should not only generate economic value but also deliver tangible impacts on social sustainability and the environment, with BP BUMN acting as an enabler for talent development, innovation, and professional governance. This initiative aims to make SOEs more adaptive, competitive, and responsive to societal needs and global dynamics, ultimately positioning them as optimal catalysts for economic and social progress.

Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, has transformed the Lembaga Pengelola Dana dan Usaha Keolahragaan (LPDUK) into the Lembaga Pengelola Usaha Keolahragaan (LPUK) through a new ministerial regulation, aiming to enhance professionalism in managing national sports assets and businesses. As a Public Service Agency (BLU), LPUK will focus on efficient, non-profit delivery of sports-related goods and services while adopting a business-to-business approach to prevent asset underutilisation. The appointment of Muhammad Gustri Oktaviandi as the new CEO is expected to drive performance accountability, risk management, and digital transformation in the sports sector.

During the 2026 Eid transportation period, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Daerah Operasi 6 Yogyakarta recovered 133 lost passenger items valued at approximately Rp 129.58 million, primarily at high-traffic stations like Yogyakarta, Solo Balapan, and Lempuyangan. The company follows a transparent procedure for handling and returning these items, urging passengers to remain vigilant to prevent losses amid the surge in travel volume. This incident highlights KAI's effective lost-and-found system, which remained unimpacted by the holiday rush, underscoring the importance of passenger awareness in ensuring smooth journeys.

Iran’s ambassador to Indonesia has praised the Indonesian government's readiness to act as a peace facilitator in the Middle East, highlighting its commitment to easing regional tensions and fostering lasting stability. During a meeting with Indonesian Islamic figures in Jakarta, the envoy urged Muslims worldwide to unite against US and Israeli military actions, emphasising that Zionism poses threats beyond Islam, including to Christianity and non-aligned Jewish groups. Indonesian scholar Din Syamsuddin supported this call, advocating for unity among Muslims regardless of sectarian or ethnic differences to address the ongoing conflicts.

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) has launched the wondr earth feature on its wondr by BNI app, enabling customers to calculate their carbon footprint from daily activities and offset it by planting trees. This initiative allows users to monitor their contributions transparently, from tree locations to growth progress, integrating digital banking with environmental conservation efforts. By promoting sustainable finance practices, BNI aims to boost customer awareness and participation in reducing carbon emissions collectively.

Essential food commodity prices in Indonesia have risen significantly on 3 April 2026, according to data from the National Strategic Food Price Information Centre managed by Bank Indonesia, with shallots experiencing the sharpest increase to Rp48,500 per kg. Chicken meat and beef prices have also climbed, alongside various rice and sugar varieties, exacerbating inflationary pressures on household budgets. While some items like eggs, garlic, and certain chillies saw declines, the overall trend highlights ongoing volatility in the food market, potentially impacting economic stability and consumer spending.

The Jakarta Civil Registry and Population Agency (Dukcapil) reports that 34.97 percent of migrants arriving in Jakarta after last year's Eid al-Fitr holidays are seeking jobs, with the majority being of working age and low-income individuals relying on informal sector skills. Public services such as transportation, healthcare, and education continue to attract migrants to the capital, despite a declining trend in post-Eid arrivals from 27,478 in 2022 to 16,049 in 2025. This data underscores the need for targeted programmes to formalise the informal economy and support small and medium enterprises (UMKM) to manage urban influx effectively.

The Chairman of the PDI-P Central Executive Board, Said Abdullah, has expressed condolences for the deaths of three Indonesian National Army (TNI) soldiers and injuries to five others while serving as UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, attributing the incident to repeated Israeli attacks on UN personnel. He condemns these actions as violations of international law and the UN Charter, calling for the UN Human Rights Council and sovereign nations to refer Israel to the International Criminal Court for potential genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression. Additionally, Said demands direct accountability from Israel, urges a review of diplomatic relations with the country, and emphasises the need to realise the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state supported by 142 UN General Assembly members.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is set to begin examinations of Hajj Special Worship Organisers (PIHK) next week as part of its ongoing investigation into the corruption case involving Hajj quotas at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Having already named four suspects, including former Minister Yaqut and ex-staff member Isfan Abidal Aziz, the KPK has not ruled out additional arrests and will conduct examinations both at its headquarters and at the locations of the organisers to ensure efficiency. This development underscores the KPK's commitment to rooting out corruption in the allocation of Hajj quotas, which has implicated both government officials and private travel entities.

Said Abdullah, Chairman of the PDI Perjuangan Central Executive Board, has expressed profound grief over the deaths of three Indonesian National Army (TNI) soldiers serving in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon and called for decisive international action against Israel. He highlighted repeated attacks on UN peacekeepers as serious violations of international law, urging the UN Security Council, International Court of Justice, and member states to hold Israel accountable through mechanisms like the International Criminal Court for crimes including genocide and war crimes. This incident underscores the need for the UN to reaffirm its role in global peace and to implement the recent General Assembly resolution recognising Palestine as a sovereign state to counter Israel's expansionist policies.

Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission VIII, Abidin Fikri, has proposed a special incentive scheme through the Ministry of Religious Affairs to improve the welfare of 638,000 private madrasah teachers who cannot be appointed as PPPK or civil servants due to legal restrictions under Law No. 20 of 2023. The scheme would calculate incentives based on the ratio of students to teachers across madrasah levels and the teachers' length of service, aiming to prevent these educators from being left in limbo. This initiative seeks to provide a breakthrough for a significant number of educators in Indonesia's private Islamic schools, addressing a key gap in public service integration.

Indonesian police have questioned celebrity couple Dude Harlino and Alyssa Soebandono as witnesses in the alleged Rp2.4 trillion investment fraud case involving PT Dana Syariah Indonesia (DSI), where they served as brand ambassadors. The examination focused on their promotional roles and potential links to public fund inflows, though they maintain they were only fulfilling professional contracts without involvement in company operations. This case underscores the risks of celebrities endorsing financial products, highlighting regulatory concerns over public influence in investment schemes.

The UN Security Council has postponed its vote on a Bahrain-proposed resolution aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies, until Saturday. The proposal seeks authorisation for defensive measures against threats, but faces opposition from China, which opposes any mention of force and holds veto power. This comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have led to Iranian retaliatory attacks on commercial vessels and neighbouring states, posing serious risks to international peace and global trade.

PT Jasa Raharja, a state-owned enterprise, is exploring the transformation of its historic building in Jakarta's Old Town into a cultural museum through multi-stakeholder collaboration, aiming to preserve heritage while creating productive public spaces. The initiative, focused on the Kali Besar area with its rich trading and governance history, seeks to enhance educational and cultural functions, boosting the area's appeal as a historical tourism destination. By repurposing BUMN assets, the project will showcase Indonesia's film and photography journey, adding value for both the company and the community.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has intensified surprise inspections on Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) to standardise food quality nationwide, leading to the temporary suspension of 1,256 units in eastern Indonesia by 1 April 2026. Food Technology Expert Yuyun Anwar praises these efforts but warns that many partners still lack full understanding of large-scale food processing standards, risking programme failure without improvements. She proposes adopting a cold chain catering system for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to ensure food freshness, prevent contamination, and build public trust, highlighting the critical role of temperature management in preventing over 70% of large-scale catering food safety incidents.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has assessed Indonesia's domestic capital market as remaining solid despite high volatility driven by geopolitical pressures and global uncertainties. The executive head of OJK's Capital Market, Financial Derivatives, and Carbon Exchange Supervision, Hasan Fawzi, noted that the Indonesian stock market demonstrates resilience, with a year-to-date correction of 16.91 per cent largely reflecting external dynamics rather than domestic economic fundamentals. Market liquidity remains stable, with bid-ask spreads at 1.54 times, and the mutual fund industry shows positive growth, with net asset value reaching Rp695.71 trillion, up 3.02 per cent year-to-date.

Indonesia's Manpower Minister Yassierli has urged workers to upgrade their skills to become transformative partners with companies amid rapid advancements in AI, automation, and digitalisation, emphasising that no worker should be left behind. Speaking at the National Congress of the Pharmaceutical and Health Workers' Union, he stressed the need for industrial relations to evolve from mere stability to strategic collaboration, fostering productivity and welfare while protecting workers' rights. This approach, rooted in Indonesia's cultural values of mutual cooperation, aims to enhance business competitiveness and prepare the workforce for a progressive future.

A coalition of civil society organisations has criticised President Prabowo Subianto's decision to revoke the licences of 28 companies in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra after the Sumatra disaster, highlighting issues with transparency, governance, and environmental restoration. They argue that the process lacks public access to key documents and data, potentially rendering the revocations mere administrative actions without on-ground improvements, and question the handover of affected lands to state-owned enterprises instead of returning them to local communities through customary forests, social forestry, and agrarian reform. The coalition also points to weaknesses in due process, risking legal challenges, and links these problems to the implementation of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation.

The Public Relations Division of Polda Metro Jaya hosted a visit from Indonesia's Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) to enhance public communication strategies amid the rapid evolution of digital information. Led by Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, the event focused on delivering accurate, balanced, and easily understandable information through effective digital media management and internal synergies. Both parties expressed optimism for ongoing collaboration to better address dynamic public communication challenges.

PT IAS Support Indonesia has successfully integrated 4,441 outsourced workers from PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, marking a significant step in the company's transformation into a more structured and professional entity focused on service excellence. This transition, prepared since February 2026, involved meticulous planning, consolidation, and implementation across 15 branches, ensuring no disruptions to airport operations. The move bolsters IAS Support's workforce to 17,703 personnel, enhancing the aviation sector's operational efficiency and resilience amid dynamic industry challenges.

The school committee, parents, and students of SMK IDN Bogor have filed a report with the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia alleging maladministration in the issuance of a West Java Governor's decree that revoked the school's operational permit. This action affects 568 students, including 160 in their final year, threatening their educational rights and graduation prospects just months before completion. The complainants seek procedural clarity, administrative justice, and protection of students' rights, emphasising that their efforts aim to ensure fair public service oversight rather than oppose government policy.

In Indonesian agricultural villages, farmers face vulnerability during periods of low commodity prices or replanting cycles, such as with palm oil, highlighting the need for a redesigned family farming economy to address inter-production timing needs. Intercropping emerges as a strategic solution, enabling simultaneous cultivation of multiple commodities to improve daily cash flow, spread production risks, and enhance business resilience amid climate uncertainty and market fluctuations. Beyond economic benefits, this practice boosts soil fertility, maintains water management, and supports climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir has implemented a rotation of officials at the Ministry (Kemenpora) to enhance professionalism, resulting in 34% of structural positions held by women and 13% by leaders under 40 years old. This initiative aims to foster integrity, hard work, and a dynamic bureaucracy, with young appointees like 26-year-old Muhammad Jari Badri expressing commitment to their new roles. The transformation emphasises public service orientation and adaptability to accelerate performance by 2026, promoting competitive and character-building youth programmes.

The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) visited the Public Relations Division (Bidhumas) of Polda Metro Jaya to enhance its public communication strategies amid the rise of digital information. PPATK's Public Relations Team Leader, Tri Andrianto, praised the insights gained on managing public communication in the digital era and expressed hopes for ongoing collaboration to improve both institutions' capabilities. The session, led by Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, emphasised the importance of accurate, balanced information, digital media management, internal synergy, and single-point communication systems.

Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, has met with prominent Indonesian figures including former Presidents Megawati Soekarnoputri and Joko Widodo, as well as former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, to express gratitude for their condolences over recent events in Iran. These meetings also involved discussions on the impacts of the US-Iran conflict and promoting an anti-war campaign against aggression towards Iran. Additionally, the ambassador highlighted the support from Indonesian Islamic organisations, such as MUI, which have issued prayers for peace without prompting.

The Indonesian government, through the National Food Agency (Bapanas), is bolstering its Government Food Reserves (CPP) to mitigate the anticipated impacts of a strong El Nino phenomenon expected from May 2026, which could lead to drought and reduced production in southern regions. Key measures include enhancing domestic production in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, increasing Bulog's procurement of harvested rice, and expanding stocks of essential commodities like rice, corn, cooking oil, sugar, and meat, with current rice reserves at 4.4 million tonnes targeted to reach 5 million. These proactive steps, supported by ongoing interventions and surplus production in nine strategic commodities, aim to ensure national food security and price stability amid global challenges.

The Kudus Regency government in Central Java has automatically reactivated JKN coverage for 202 residents suffering from catastrophic illnesses, following a BPS survey identifying them among 11,000 PBI JKN participants set to become inactive from 1 February 2026. Local officials conducted field verifications to ensure data accuracy and affirmed readiness to fund shortfalls via the regional budget if needed. This initiative underscores Kudus's commitment to Universal Health Coverage, ensuring medical treatment for the underprivileged through national and local support mechanisms.

Local governments in regions such as Manokwari and Sikka have confirmed their preparations for the non-mandatory Academic Ability Test (TKA) for junior high school students, scheduled for 6-16 April 2026, including student registration, infrastructure checks, and coordination with utilities to ensure smooth execution. Education experts emphasise that the TKA serves as a comprehensive tool to assess learning outcomes and inform policy, without affecting graduation or school admissions, amid challenges like limited devices in some areas. With over 4.2 million students registered, the initiative aims to map student abilities in literacy and numeracy, promoting critical thinking over rote memorisation and supporting national education improvements.

Members of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III, led by Safaruddin, have demanded strict administrative, ethical, and criminal sanctions against prosecutors involved in mishandling the case of videographer Amsal Christy Sitepu, who was recently acquitted of corruption charges related to village profile videos in North Sumatra. The call comes amid concerns over serious procedural violations, including failure to obey court orders, highlighting weaknesses in internal oversight within the Attorney General's Office. This case is seen as a pivotal moment for reforming law enforcement practices to prevent injustice and restore public trust in the judicial system.

Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has accelerated the implementation of five main strategies to counter the potential impacts of El Niño, focusing on the critical period of April to June 2026 to ensure food production stability. These strategies include mapping drought-prone areas, optimising water management through irrigation rehabilitation, accelerating planting in regions with available water, maximising land utilisation, and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. The minister emphasised the importance of swift action to achieve sustainable food self-sufficiency amid global economic challenges and climate uncertainties.

The Asrama Haji Cipondoh in Banten hosted a comprehensive departure simulation for 393 pilgrims in the first group (Kloter 1) from Embarkasi Banten (JKB-01), marking the final preparations before their journey to the Holy Land. For the first time, the Nusuk Cards were distributed directly by Syarikah Al Bait within the dormitory, ensuring pilgrims receive official digital access prior to departure. This initiative, overseen by officials from the Directorate General of Hajj Services under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, underscores the government's commitment to efficient and innovative pilgrimage services, including streamlined health checks, document distribution, and logistical coordination.

Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, has been meeting with prominent Indonesian figures including former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, President Joko Widodo, and Muhammadiyah leader Din Syamsuddin to garner support for an anti-war campaign amid escalating Middle East tensions. He seeks unified voices against attacks on Iran, prayers from Islamic scholars for his nation's sovereignty, and expresses gratitude for condolences received while briefing on recent events and alleged war crimes by the US and Israel. These diplomatic engagements highlight Indonesia's potential role in promoting peace and solidarity in the Muslim world during regional conflicts.

The launch of the book 'History of Islam in East Kalimantan: Four and a Half Centuries of Da'wah Networks, Scholars, and Civilisation from Kingdom to Republic' emphasises the importance of preserving tolerance amid diversity, drawing lessons from historical Islamic figures who promoted harmonious societal living. Authored by historian Muhammad Sarip and supported by local studies centres, the comprehensive work covers 450 years of Islamic propagation in the region since 1575 and is intended as a key reference for the 2026 Borneo Universities Consortium conference. It highlights how Islamic teachings integrated with local cultures to foster social harmony and equality across races, ethnicities, and religions.

Tony Setia Boedi Hoesodo, Chairman of PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), has installed a converter kit on his personal vehicle to enable dual-fuel operation using compressed natural gas (CNG) and petrol, demonstrating a practical approach to energy security and environmental sustainability. He highlights the cost savings, with CNG priced at Rp 4,500 per litre, extended range, and lower emissions, while stressing the importance of licensed installations for safety. This initiative, supported by PGN's subsidiary PT Gagas Energi Indonesia and the Komogas community, aims to promote wider adoption of alternative energy in Indonesia.

The Rector of Universitas Hasanuddin, Prof Dr Jamaluddin Jompa, has emphasised that the increasingly complex nature of cyber threats demands a multidisciplinary approach encompassing legal, technological, social, and public policy aspects. He highlighted the need for strong collaboration between universities and police institutions to develop science-based solutions, exemplified by the establishment of the Police Studies Centre at Unhas, which integrates academics and practitioners across disciplines. This initiative includes training programmes to enhance police competencies in ethics, public communication, and conflict management, alongside joint research to inform evidence-based policies on issues like cybercrime and community security.

The Indonesian government will disburse the 13th-month salary to civil servants (ASN) in June 2026, as stipulated by Government Regulation No. 9 of 2026, encompassing civil servants, military personnel, police, and state officials without deductions for contributions. This additional income, comprising base salary, attached allowances, and performance allowances, serves as recognition of their service to the nation while considering fiscal capacity. Specific provisions apply to contract workers (PPPK) and civil service candidates (CPNS), with proportional payments based on tenure, and detailed amounts are outlined for non-ASN government employees based on rank and education.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, in response to attacks by the US and Israel, is causing the worst-ever disruption to global oil distribution and affecting nine non-oil commodities critical to agriculture, energy transition, and manufacturing. Key impacts include shortages of fertiliser and urea, potentially driving up global food prices; disruptions in sulphur supply essential for battery production, threatening Indonesia's electric vehicle industry; and rising costs for methanol, synthetic graphite, and natural graphite, which could inflate prices of plastics, paints, and EV batteries. This situation underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with ripple effects on sustainable transport and food security worldwide.

Bali's Saber Pangan Task Force, comprising police, agricultural, and trade officials, conducted surprise inspections at traditional markets, a distributor, and a modern supermarket in Denpasar to stabilise prices and ensure the quality of 14 essential food commodities. Preliminary monitoring indicates stable prices and sufficient supply, alleviating concerns over potential price surges. The task force warned businesses against exceeding government price limits, with penalties ranging from written warnings to licence revocations, aiming to guarantee affordability, quality, and availability of staple goods for the public.

PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk has approved a cash dividend of IDR 1.38 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, equivalent to IDR 142.19 per share, representing about 35% of its net profit of IDR 3.97 trillion. The decision was made at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 31 March 2026, with the bank also appointing new executives including Nobuya Kawasaki as President Director. This move underscores the bank's strong financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns amid ongoing leadership transitions.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has published a list of stocks with high shareholding concentration (HSC), featuring conglomerates such as PT Barito Renewables Energy Tbk. (BREN) and PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk. (DSSA), alongside others like RLCO, ROCK, and LUCY, where ownership is dominated by a few shareholders exceeding 95% in most cases. This initiative, signed by IDX and KSEI directors, aims to enhance market transparency without implying any regulatory violations, serving as an early warning tool for investors to inform their decisions. Adopted from best practices in Hong Kong, the disclosure underscores the concentrated ownership structures in these issuers, promoting informed investment choices amid efforts by OJK and self-regulatory organisations to boost public access to such data.

Indonesia and South Korea have signed 10 memoranda of understanding valued at Rp 173 trillion, emphasising economic diplomacy and the energy sector to drive sustainable national growth amid global challenges. President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the importance of this partnership during his state visit to Seoul, with agreements covering renewable energy, hydrogen, nuclear power, smart grids, critical minerals, and AI applications in health and human development. The deals aim to enhance Indonesia's energy resilience, advance its energy transition, and elevate its role in the global battery and electric vehicle supply chains, as supported by the Indonesian parliament.

The West Sumatra Provincial Government has identified the provision of dormitories as a key solution to address educational challenges in the remote Mentawai Islands Regency, where geographical isolation limits access to schools. Officials emphasise that without dormitories, students face significant barriers to education, particularly in vocational schools with low enrolment, and stress the need to bridge gaps between graduate competencies and industry demands through skills training, certification, and language proficiency. Local education authorities commit to prioritising dormitory development to support student needs and enhance overall educational outcomes in the region.

The remains of three Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers killed during a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon are scheduled to arrive at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Saturday, 4 April 2026, following coordination by the Ministry of Defence. A military ceremony will be held at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta before the bodies are transported to their respective hometowns for burial. This repatriation underscores the risks faced by Indonesian peacekeepers amid escalating conflicts in southern Lebanon, including Israeli attacks, and highlights Indonesia's ongoing commitment to UN peacekeeping efforts.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK), along with the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and the Indonesia Central Securities Depository (KSEI), has completed four key agendas to enhance transparency in Indonesia's capital market as part of proposals to global index providers like MSCI. These reforms, drawn from an eight-point action plan launched in February 2026, include public disclosure of share ownership exceeding 1 percent, announcements of high shareholding concentrations, expansion of investor classifications to 39 types, and raising the minimum free float limit to 15 percent. The initiatives align with international standards and are anticipated to improve market liquidity, price discovery, and investor confidence, thereby elevating the global appeal of Indonesia's stock market.

President Prabowo Subianto's working visit to Japan and South Korea has yielded positive signals of growing global investor confidence in Indonesia, as highlighted by Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani. The trip involved productive meetings with around 300 major Japanese business leaders and 11 in South Korea, where investors directly shared expansion plans and feedback. The government plans to follow up on signed memoranda of understanding to realise investments, boosting the economy and job creation amid Indonesia's political and security stability.

The intensified Godzilla El Niño phenomenon poses a severe threat to Indonesia's national agricultural production due to prolonged droughts, potentially leading to crop failures in key staples like rice and maize, as warned by experts from Gadjah Mada University. This could exacerbate food security challenges and cause significant financial losses for farmers, highlighting the need for enhanced mitigation strategies including accurate early warnings, drought-resistant crop varieties, and improved irrigation. The government is bolstering food reserves and implementing key agricultural strategies to counteract these risks, amid reports of drought-affected villages and flood-impacted farmlands across regions.

The Indonesian government has introduced a policy mandating work from home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN) one day a week, specifically Fridays, to promote energy savings, effective from 1 April 2026, as outlined in Circular Letter No. 3 of 2026 from the Minister of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform (MenPAN-RB). This hybrid model combines four days of office work (Monday to Thursday) with one WFH day, aiming to enhance efficiency, adaptability, and digital-based performance without compromising public service quality. Officials emphasise that the policy prioritises outcomes over location, drawing from post-COVID experiences, and requires agencies to ensure essential services remain accessible while monitoring productivity.

The Indonesia Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (ICDX) reported a remarkable 96 percent year-on-year surge in the notional value of commodity futures transactions for the first quarter of 2026, reaching Rp12.48 quadrillion, with trading volume up 19 percent to 2.61 million lots. This growth underscores growing public trust in the exchange as an investment alternative, particularly in multilateral transactions involving gold, currencies, and crude oil, which saw a 233 percent increase in notional value. ICDX anticipates a 20 percent annual growth by year-end, driven by efforts to enhance hedging solutions for businesses.