Nauru, a small Pacific island nation, once enjoyed immense wealth from phosphate mining, boasting one of the highest per capita incomes in the world during the 1970s and 1980s, which led to extravagant lifestyles including luxury car purchases and free public services. However, overreliance on a single depleting resource, unchecked consumption, corruption, and poor financial management precipitated a rapid economic collapse in the 1990s. In desperation, Nauru turned to becoming a tax haven and money laundering hub, attracting illicit funds before receiving Australian aid in exchange for hosting asylum seekers.

Universitas Mercu Buana and Universitas Pelita Bangsa, in collaboration with PT PNM, organised a community service event on 7 May 2026 at RPTRA Matahari Maphar in West Jakarta, focusing on digitalisation and green economy practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of 34 micro-businesses. Experts presented on topics including e-commerce implementation, digital-based green marketing, green products, and enhancing micro-business capacity in green business models, emphasising environmental preservation for enduring profitability. This initiative underscores the vital role of SMEs in Indonesia's economy and highlights ongoing efforts to address challenges like limited access to capital and technology through training and support.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is set to issue derivative regulations for buy now pay later (BNPL) services, restricting users from utilising multiple platforms to curb debt exposure and default risks. This follows a 55.85% year-on-year surge in paylater financing to Rp12.81 trillion in March 2026, driven by heightened demand during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The rules will also mandate improved credit assessments and apply to both conventional and sharia-compliant financing, requiring OJK approval for providers.

Nintendo has announced a price hike for its Switch 2 console and related accessories effective from September 2026 outside Japan, in response to ongoing market changes including global memory shortages driven by AI demand. In Japan, the Switch 2's suggested retail price will rise from 49,980 yen to 59,980 yen starting 25 May, while prices in the US, Canada, and Europe will increase by $50. This adjustment reflects broader industry challenges, with similar price increases implemented by competitors like Sony and Microsoft due to escalated costs of components such as RAM and SSDs.

Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, has declared the waste sorting movement as an initial step to reform the capital's waste management system, launched alongside Jakarta's 499th anniversary celebrations. The initiative will be implemented simultaneously across five administrative cities and the Thousand Islands, with strict supervision on hotels, restaurants, and cafes, where non-compliant businesses will face sanctions. This comprehensive programme aims to reduce the burden on landfills like Bantargebang by promoting sorting at source, marking a significant shift from previous practices of unsegregated waste collection.

The Kutai Timur Regency government in East Kalimantan is committed to nurturing a Quranic generation by providing scholarships to 1,000 children who have memorised the Quran, aiming to help them apply its teachings in daily life for the betterment of society. This initiative forms part of 50 flagship local government programmes, with implementation details to be managed by the Education Department, emphasising the importance of understanding and practising the Quran's guidance. The regent highlighted the need to integrate religious education in both public and private schools to produce academically and spiritually strong youth, as demonstrated during a recent Quran completion ceremony at a local Islamic school.

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency has urged universities to establish and manage independent nutritious free meal kitchens (MBG), with IPB University embracing the initiative despite student opposition, while others like Universitas Islam Indonesia reject it to preserve critical thinking. Amid debates over the program's centralistic-militaristic design, the article yearns for the critical insights of IPB alumni Prof. Sajogyo and Prof. Hariadi Kartodiharjo, particularly Sajogyo's views linking food security and poverty to agrarian structures, questioning whether MBG merely masks deeper inequalities rather than addressing root causes like land distribution and producer rights.

PT Telkom Indonesia has inaugurated the Pukpuk 1 submarine cable system in Jayapura, Papua, marking the first cross-border digital "highway" in the Asia-Pacific region connecting Indonesia directly to Papua New Guinea. This infrastructure enhances digital connectivity in eastern Indonesia, promotes economic growth, and strengthens regional collaboration, as highlighted by officials including Deputy Minister Angga Raka Prabowo and Telkom CEO Dian Siswarini. The project provides an alternative route for resilient digital services, bridging the digital divide and opening new economic opportunities in the border areas.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating the potential involvement of the Director General of Customs, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Djaka Budi Utama, in a Rp 61.3 billion bribery case related to cargo imports at the Ministry of Finance's Customs and Excise Directorate General. The allegations surfaced during the trial of Blueray Cargo owner John Field, where Djaka's name appeared in the indictment alongside meetings with cargo businessmen in July 2025. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has refrained from suspending Djaka pending the ongoing legal proceedings, highlighting tensions between administrative accountability and judicial processes in high-level corruption probes.

President Prabowo Subianto's attendance at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on 7-8 May 2026, highlights Indonesia's strategic diplomatic direction amid global geopolitical tensions, focusing on ASEAN cooperation, BIMP-EAGA economic connectivity, and energy resilience. The summit addresses critical issues like energy crises and food security, influenced by Middle East conflicts, positioning Prabowo's diplomacy as a blend of hard and soft power to advance national interests and regional stability. This approach underscores Indonesia's ambition to shape global dynamics rather than merely react, leveraging its strategic geography in the Indo-Pacific for enhanced political leverage in trade, energy, and defence.

Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Donald Trump's Truth Social platform, recorded a substantial loss of nearly $406 million (approximately Rp 7.05 trillion) in the first quarter of 2026, primarily due to declines in its digital asset investments, including Bitcoin, which has since dropped by about a third. Despite a modest 6% year-on-year increase in net sales to just over $870,000, the company faces additional burdens from accrued interest and stock-based compensation. CEO Kevin McGurn emphasised the firm's strong balance sheet and positive operational cash flow to support platform development, while pursuing a merger with TAE Technologies for AI data centres powered by nuclear fusion, though the technology remains unviable for net energy production.

Fishermen's wives in Gorontalo have expressed joy over the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) initiative, which introduces vital support facilities such as ice factories, culinary spaces, generator rooms, and workshops to enhance coastal communities' livelihoods. During President Prabowo Subianto's visit to KNMP Leato Selatan on 9 May, the women highlighted the tangible improvements and hoped for greater opportunities for women's productive activities. Prabowo reaffirmed the government's commitment to uplifting fishermen's welfare and recognising their vital role in national food security.

The East Java Provincial Government has endorsed the Ministry of Social Affairs' initiatives to enhance the standardisation and participation of Social Welfare Institutions (LKS) through revitalisation, data collection, and accreditation, aiming to elevate the quality of community-based social services rooted in mutual cooperation. Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa highlighted the role of LKS as frontline providers for vulnerable groups, noting over 2,500 such institutions in the province, with about 1,600 already accredited, and stressed the need for professional and accountable services. Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf praised East Java as the first region to initiate LKS revitalisation, underscoring their vital partnership in delivering effective social welfare.

Indonesia's Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, has emphasised the crucial role consumers play in enhancing the competitiveness of local products during the National Consumer Day celebration. He stated that informed consumers can drive producers to improve quality, thereby curbing the influx of imports and fostering a balanced trade ecosystem. The minister called for collaboration among government, businesses, and society to protect both consumers and local producers.

US stock markets hit new records on Friday, driven by stronger-than-expected employment data, despite ongoing uncertainties from the Iran conflict. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to an all-time high, marking its longest winning streak since 2024, while the Nasdaq surged 1.7%. Investors remain hopeful that the situation will not escalate into a broader global economic crisis, with markets eyeing the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to normalise oil distribution.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has highlighted the role of traditional physical games like egrang in providing children with a necessary break from the intense digital world, promoting emotional balance, social interaction, and mental health. Amid Indonesia's high internet penetration rate of 80.26% affecting 230 million people, he emphasises the importance of balancing digital life with real-world activities to foster character-building values such as cooperation and resilience. Nezar also links this to Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on child protection in electronic systems, underscoring the need for strong family and community support alongside digital regulations to ensure healthy child development.

The Indonesian government is preparing revisions to Minister of Trade Regulation No. 31 of 2023 on the e-commerce ecosystem and marketplaces in response to complaints from micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) about high administrative and logistics costs imposed by digital platforms. Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the revisions aim to enhance protection for local products, consumer rights, and prioritise the promotion of domestic goods on e-commerce sites. The process involves collaboration with stakeholders including platform owners and sellers to ensure a mutually beneficial ecosystem.

President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the significant risks and challenges faced by Indonesian fishermen, pledging greater government attention to improve their welfare and recognition. During a visit to the Merah Putih Fishermen's Village in Gorontalo, he acknowledged the dangers of sea work and committed to enhancing facilities like ice makers and cold storage to boost their livelihoods. This initiative underscores the vital role of fishermen in the nation's economy and society, aiming to ensure better incomes and living standards across Indonesia.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has highlighted the crucial role of journalists as the frontline defence against hoaxes and disinformation during World Press Freedom Day celebrations on 3 May. Director General Fifi Aleyda Yahya stressed the need for accuracy over speed in reporting amid rapid information flows, urging media professionals to prioritise public interest. The event, including a fun walk organised by the Press Council, symbolises the collaborative effort required to maintain a healthy public sphere and support independent, professional journalism in the face of information disruptions.

Indonesian police arrested 321 foreign nationals operating an online gambling network in West Jakarta, with the majority originating from Vietnam, China, and other Southeast Asian countries. The suspects, who entered Indonesia on tourist visas, face both criminal charges and immigration sanctions as part of the government's crackdown on international gambling syndicates relocating operations to the country. This operation highlights the structured, cross-border nature of illegal online gambling and the authorities' commitment to dismantling such networks.

The Indonesian government is preparing revisions to the e-commerce regulations in response to complaints from micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) regarding high administrative and logistical costs on digital platforms. Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the amendments to Ministerial Regulation No. 31 of 2023 aim to enhance consumer protection, prioritise local products in promotions, and foster a more balanced ecosystem between platforms and sellers. The revisions are under discussion with all stakeholders to ensure mutual benefits and a robust digital trade environment.

This opinion column argues that Indonesia must awaken to its sovereignty over marine knowledge amid geopolitical tensions and climate crises, as the Indonesian Throughflow (Arlindo) serves as a critical global heat conveyor. Recent scientific reports indicate that rising greenhouse gas concentrations are weakening this vital current, leading to more extreme weather patterns, threats to marine biodiversity, and risks to the livelihoods of millions of fishermen. The piece underscores the systemic impacts on food security, disaster risks, and Indo-Pacific geopolitics, urging a national revival to protect this oceanic lifeline.

Indonesian police have arrested 321 foreign nationals operating an international online gambling network from an office in Jakarta's Hayam Wuruk area, with the suspects facing charges under the new Criminal Code for immigration violations and gambling activities. The group, comprising individuals from China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia, had overstayed their visas after entering the country just two months prior to the raid. Authorities seized cash worth approximately Rp 1.9 billion, along with Vietnamese dong and US dollars, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat transnational cybercrime in Indonesia.

Indonesian police have arrested 321 foreign nationals, primarily from Vietnam, in a major raid on an online gambling hub in Jakarta, uncovering operations for over 70 illegal betting websites targeting international players. The suspects, involved in roles like customer service and financial administration, face charges of gambling, money laundering, and immigration violations, with potential penalties of up to nine years in prison and fines of 2 billion rupiah. This crackdown highlights Indonesia's intensified efforts against transnational cybercrime, as gambling syndicates relocate from countries like Cambodia, underscoring the need for enhanced law enforcement coordination.

Freeport Indonesia has postponed the full restart of its Grasberg copper mine in Central Papua by a year, until early 2028, due to ongoing recovery from a fatal landslide in September 2025 that killed seven workers and reduced operations to 40-50% capacity. This delay is expected to exacerbate global copper supply constraints, contributing to sustained high prices amid speculative buying and potential shortages of processing reagents like sulfuric acid. The decision underscores challenges in Indonesia's key mining sector, with the company reaffirming its commitment to transparency and obligations to state and regional governments.

This week's popular news in Bali highlights environmental and law enforcement challenges, including Tabanan turning into a rubbish-strewn city due to unseparated waste not being collected under new local regulations, the arrest of three foreign women for allegedly running an online prostitution ring by misusing their visit permits, and the stranding of a 17-metre sperm whale on a Jembrana beach. These incidents underscore the importance of community compliance with waste management policies, strict immigration enforcement against illegal activities, and prompt wildlife response efforts. The stories reflect broader issues in public health, border security, and marine conservation in Indonesia's tourism hub.

Andre Rosiade, a prominent Gerindra politician, has inspected the planned construction of an alternative road in Koto Baru Market, West Sumatra, to address long-standing traffic congestion issues. Accompanied by local officials, he confirmed the Tanah Datar Regency Government's commitment to securing the necessary 21,000 square metres of land by late 2026 via revised budget allocations, paving the way for the 1.3-kilometre project to enter the 2027 Presidential Instruction for Regional Roads programme. This collaborative effort between central and local authorities highlights effective coordination in advancing vital infrastructure improvements in the region.

The Attorney General's Asset Recovery Agency (BPA Kejagung) is auctioning off confiscated state assets, including luxury cars like Ferraris and Porsches, motorcycles such as Harleys and Ducatis, high-end handbags, jewellery, and paintings, during the Car Free Day event on Jakarta's Sudirman-Thamrin corridor. The initiative aims to raise Rp 100 billion from the sale of around 300 items, contributing to the agency's broader target of Rp 3 trillion in non-tax state revenue. This public exhibition serves as both a sales promotion and a demonstration of the agency's integrity in recovering losses from criminal activities for the state and affected communities.

Indonesian police have uncovered a shift in online gambling operations from countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos to Indonesia, following a raid on a building in West Jakarta that led to the arrest of 321 foreign nationals, 275 of whom are suspects. Brigadier General Untung Widyatmoko of the National Central Bureau (NCB) Hubinter Polri highlighted that these transnational crimes, including scams and online gambling, are increasingly targeting both Indonesian and international victims as Southeast Asian nations intensify crackdowns. In response, Polri is coordinating with immigration authorities to prevent the entry of suspects and has conducted operations across multiple regions to anticipate this migration.

Several Indonesian provincial governments are offering vehicle tax amnesty programmes in May 2026, allowing residents to pay overdue taxes without penalties and facilitating STNK renewals. Provinces including Central Java, Bali, and Bengkulu provide discounts on vehicle taxes, such as 5% in Central Java under the "Gas Jateng 5 Persen" initiative, 8% for small vehicles in Bali, and a 50% reduction on mutation taxes in Bengkulu. These measures aim to boost tax compliance and revenue collection at the local level.

The Faculty of Social Sciences Education (FPIPS) at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) has received a Toyota Hiace operational vehicle from PT Telkom Indonesia to bolster university activities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This donation, handed over at UPI's FPIPS East Lobby, will facilitate community service in remote areas, mangrove planting, and student monitoring across regional campuses, enhancing educational outreach and digital learning synergies. The collaboration underscores the commitment of academia and industry to sustainable development, improving mobility and effectiveness in addressing social and environmental challenges.

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the employment rights of workers with disabilities by fostering inclusive work environments in the industrial sector. Secretary General Cris Kuntadi highlighted ongoing support from recruitment to workplace accommodations, praising companies that exceed the 1% quota mandated by Law No. 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities, including those addressing stigmas around mental and intellectual disabilities. This initiative aims to inspire broader business adoption of inclusive practices to enhance productivity and humanity in the workplace.

Chinese importers, represented by the Tianjin Meat Industry Association, have committed to purchasing 50,000 metric tonnes of deforestation-free Brazilian beef by the end of the year, signalling a shift towards prioritising environmental sustainability in global trade over mere cost savings. This move challenges traditional assumptions among Brazilian ranchers and aligns with Beijing's broader environmental policies, including joint commitments with Brazil to end illegal deforestation driven by trade activities. As Chinese consumer preferences evolve with rising incomes, traceable and eco-friendly beef is poised to gain stronger market traction, despite ongoing price sensitivity amid food inflation.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono met with former President Joko Widodo in Solo to discuss national agricultural developments and report on the achievement of food self-sufficiency in 2025, marked by the cessation of rice imports and improved farmer welfare through higher paddy prices and fertiliser subsidies. Jokowi appreciated the progress, noting that farmers are now in better conditions due to government support in irrigation, fertiliser availability, and fair harvest prices. The meeting underscored the importance of governmental synergy to sustain these advancements for national food security and public prosperity.

Indonesian National Police (Polri) have dismantled an international online gambling syndicate operating from an office building in West Jakarta, arresting 321 foreign nationals from countries including China, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The operation uncovered 75 gambling websites, seized evidence such as computers, passports, and cash, and revealed that the suspects entered Indonesia on tourist visas but overstayed to run the illegal network. Authorities are tracing fund flows, servers located abroad, and examining building owners and sponsors to fully dismantle the syndicate, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat cross-border cybercrime.

Ahmad Dedi, an employee of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, has denied media reports claiming he fled from journalists after being questioned by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as a witness in a bribery case involving the importation of goods. His lawyer, T.S. Hamonangan Daulay, explained that Dedi's decision to run away was to respect the ongoing legal process and avoid making comments that could hinder the investigation, emphasising that Dedi is a witness, not a suspect. The lawyer urged the media to uphold the presumption of innocence and avoid negative framing to ensure the case is handled smoothly.

The rise of generative AI, led by ChatGPT, has triggered widespread layoffs across industries, raising public concerns about job displacement. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has responded by pledging that his company aims to create tools that enhance human capabilities rather than replace them, countering fears amplified by other AI leaders' predictions of rapid automation in coding. This reassurance comes amid a brutal wave of tech sector redundancies in the US, exemplified by engineers at King being dismissed after developing their own AI replacement.

President Prabowo Subianto expressed deep respect and appreciation for Indonesian fishermen who risk their lives daily at sea to support their families and ensure national food security. During a visit to the Merah Putih Fishermen's Village in Gorontalo, he acknowledged the immense dangers they face, drawing from his military background, and pledged that the government would no longer neglect fishermen and farmers across Indonesia. Prabowo emphasised his commitment to improving the welfare and prosperity of fishermen, aiming for them to enjoy stable incomes and happier lives.

The United States has imposed sanctions on 11 entities and three individuals based in the Middle East, China, Belarus, and the UAE for their alleged involvement in supporting Iran's ballistic missile and drone programmes. This action targets suppliers of satellite imagery, weapons, and raw materials to Iran's military, amid ongoing escalations in the region, including tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The sanctions are part of broader US efforts to curb Iran's military capabilities while awaiting Iran's response to a proposed 14-point agreement aimed at ending the conflict and resuming nuclear talks, with global energy markets under strain due to the strategic chokepoint's disruptions.

The Indonesian government's efforts to rehabilitate rice fields damaged by hydrometeorological disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have made significant strides, with thousands of hectares now under construction, rehabilitation, tillage, and replanting. As of 7 May 2026, out of a total target of 42,702 hectares supported by a Rp 337.97 billion budget, 16,670 hectares are in the construction phase, 4,098 hectares have been fully rehabilitated, 2,212 hectares tilled, and 2,110 hectares replanted. This initiative, prioritised by the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force, aims to restore community livelihoods and food security in the affected regions, particularly for thousands of farming families reliant on agriculture.

In a diverse society like Indonesia, tolerance must be actively practised rather than merely proclaimed, as exemplified by the interfaith casual walk attended by thousands at Jakarta's Cathedral Church to mark the 219th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Jakarta. Such grassroots initiatives, including community cooperation in areas like Kampung Sawah in Bekasi where residents of different faiths jointly maintain security during religious holidays and share parking spaces, underscore the importance of everyday actions in fostering social harmony amid rising identity conflicts. This approach highlights that true tolerance emerges from personal and communal efforts, not just formal declarations or state appeals.

The Indonesian government is revising Trade Ministerial Regulation No. 31 of 2023 to address complaints from SMEs about high administrative and logistics costs imposed by digital trading platforms. Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated that the revisions aim to strengthen protections for local products, enhance consumer safeguards, and prioritise the promotion of domestic goods on e-commerce and marketplaces. The process involves consultations with all stakeholders, including platform owners and sellers, to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem.

The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with local governments, is intensifying efforts to mitigate the prolonged dry season expected from the El Niño phenomenon until October 2026, ensuring national food production remains stable, particularly in rain-fed rice areas. In Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, intensive monitoring has confirmed that thousands of hectares of second-season rice crops in Semin and Ngawen districts are safe and ready for harvest in late May to early June 2026, supported by adequate water availability and the adoption of short-duration, drought-resistant varieties. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasised accelerating irrigation rehabilitation, pump optimisation, and early drought mitigation to safeguard farmers from losses amid extreme climate challenges.

Shell Indonesia petrol stations have resumed operations after a stock shortage since March 2026, with only V-Power Diesel available at a significantly increased price of Rp30,890 per litre, up from Rp14,620. This fuel is now supplied at select strategic locations in Jakarta and West Java, including Bogor, Depok, Bekasi, and Bandung, marking a gradual return to normalcy for diesel vehicle users who faced supply difficulties for months. Shell cautions that availability data is updated periodically and subject to change.

Indonesia's rising demand for gold is driving the expansion of bullion banking, with imports projected to grow at 29.10% annually through 2025, predominantly from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Switzerland. Regulated by the OJK and Bappebti, bullion banking enables secure digital gold trading backed by physical assets, preventing non-physical trading risks and ensuring legal sourcing to combat money laundering. This initiative, supported by banks like BSI managing 23 tons of gold and attracting over one million accounts in 13 months, aligns with government goals to democratise gold ownership starting from Rp50,000, bolstering the national economy and investment access.

Grab Indonesia has disclosed the average earnings of its active driver partners, revealing that those relying on it as their primary income can earn over Rp 10 million monthly by completing around 28 orders per day for motorbike drivers or 11 for car drivers. The data highlights the platform's flexibility, with over 80% of motorbike and 67% of car drivers using it as supplementary income alongside full-time jobs, underscoring the gig economy's role in supporting diverse livelihoods in Indonesia. With 3.7 million registered partners and 700,000 to 800,000 active monthly, this reflects significant participation in ride-hailing services amid economic needs.

PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has declared its entire 2025 book profit of Rp 190.85 billion as cash dividends, a decision approved at the company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGMS) on 8 May 2026. This move underscores the company's commitment to delivering value to shareholders amid successful implementation of transformation strategies that boosted performance in the latter half of 2025 and into the first quarter of 2026. The AGMS also approved the annual report, auditor appointment, and various corporate plans, positioning Semen Indonesia to sustain positive growth and enhance its competitive edge both domestically and internationally.

This photo story highlights the resilience of female workers commuting to Jakarta daily, balancing demanding jobs with family responsibilities amid the city's bustling urban life. It reflects on the recent tragic train accident at Bekasi Timur Station, where 16 women workers lost their lives, underscoring the risks they face in public transportation while pursuing better livelihoods. The narrative emphasises their vital role in the economy and calls attention to the need for safer conditions for these essential contributors to Indonesian society.

North Kolaka Regency in Southeast Sulawesi is actively seeking investments in agribusiness downstreaming through collaborations with East Java's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Jatim), ahead of an investment forum in Surabaya. Key commodities like cocoa and coconut, currently exported raw, are targeted for value-added processing to boost local economy and human resources. The initiative includes international partnerships with countries like South Korea and China, marking a strategic shift from mining dominance to agribusiness promotion with government facilitation.

Residents of Kampung Cihiyang in Lebak, Banten, have transformed discarded palm fronds from PTPN III plantations into traditional woven mats known as krey, providing a sustainable income source that has lifted families out of poverty. Previously reliant on low-paying casual labour, artisans like Nursaad and Mulyadi now earn up to Rp4.5 million monthly, enabling them to build better homes, afford motorcycles and electronics, and ensure their children receive education up to high school and vocational training. This grassroots initiative highlights the potential of local resource utilisation to foster economic resilience and break intergenerational poverty cycles in rural Indonesian communities.