The National Human Rights Commission has documented 97 incidents of violence and armed conflict in Papua throughout 2025, with an additional 26 cases up to April 2026, prompting calls for urgent action. Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai emphasised the need for a comprehensive national political decision involving all branches of government, political parties, and national figures to address the root causes of the conflict. He highlighted the rapid spread of information via technology, which amplifies global scrutiny on Indonesia's human rights situation, underscoring the government's responsibility to protect citizens and pursue sustainable peaceful solutions.

Indonesia is transforming the KEK Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone into an international financial center to capture more value from global capital flows, moving beyond its role as a mere investment destination. With an investment target of US$6 billion, the initiative leverages Bali's tourism appeal and aims to attract fund management, family offices, and modern financial services, drawing inspiration from hubs like Dubai. This development seeks to boost the financial sector's contribution to the economy, fostering high-skilled jobs and supporting growth in digital, green, and Islamic finance amid global competition.

Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency has arrested 321 foreign nationals operating an international online gambling network from a building in Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta, which had been active for just two months. The suspects, mostly aware of their role in the illicit activities, lived nearby to facilitate operations, facing charges under Indonesia's Criminal Code and related laws. This raid, prompted by public tips and presidential directives, underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle organised cross-border gambling syndicates in the country.

Indonesian police are probing the sponsors and office renters linked to an international online gambling operation uncovered in an office building in Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta, where 321 suspects—mostly foreigners—were arrested. The investigation focuses on tracing financial flows, network structures, and the roles of those involved, including telemarketers and administrators, amid suspicions of ties to global syndicates. This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle sophisticated online gambling rings that evade blocks through structured operations, with immigration authorities also examining potential visa violations.

Indonesia's Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, has announced that the People's School under construction in Sampang Regency, East Java, is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students and is expected to be operational by July 2026. Sampang is the only regency on Madura Island with a permanent building for the school, spanning 10.4 hectares, while the other three regencies—Bangkalan, Pamekasan, and Sumenep—remain in the pioneer school phase. For the 2026-2027 academic year, students from these regencies will temporarily use the Sampang facility until their own buildings are completed, highlighting the government's efforts to expand educational access in underserved areas.

Iranian parliamentary spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei has declared an end to Iran's restraint amid escalating tensions with the United States, warning of a strong response to any attacks on Iranian vessels. He urged the US to surrender and make concessions to adapt to the new regional order. This statement follows a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and an indefinite ceasefire extension mediated by Pakistan, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts toward a permanent resolution.

Andre Rosiade, a member of the House of Representatives, inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Malalak road in West Sumatra, assuring locals that the central government under President Prabowo is committed to completing the project using Rp670 billion from the state budget despite disaster-related funding concerns. The work is proceeding in phases, with emergency repairs underway and permanent construction, including a bridge, to follow, ensuring connectivity in the disaster-affected area. Local officials and community leaders expressed gratitude for the central government's support, highlighting the need for continued assistance in infrastructure and post-disaster recovery in vulnerable regions like Agam Regency.

Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, dubbed the 'Warren Buffett of India', began his investment journey with just Rp975,000 in 1985 and amassed a net worth exceeding Rp95 trillion by the time of his death in 2022. His success stemmed from early stock market gains, such as tripling his investment in Tata Tea shares within three months, and later strategic bets on startups like Metro Brands, Nazara Technologies, and the airline Akasa. Beyond finance, Jhunjhunwala was a noted philanthropist, supporting education initiatives and pledging 25% of his wealth to charity, highlighting the transformative power of disciplined investing.

The Singaporean government has expressed profound appreciation to Indonesian authorities for their efforts in searching for victims of the Mount Dukono eruption under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, particularly in locating the bodies of two missing Singaporean nationals. All victims have been accounted for, including three fatalities—one Indonesian and two foreigners—while 15 others, comprising seven Singaporeans and eight Indonesians, were rescued safely. In response, North Halmahera Regency has imposed a permanent ban on climbing activities on the volcano and restricted access to a four-kilometre radius around the crater, underscoring enhanced disaster mitigation measures.

Indonesia's halal certification has evolved from a religious label to a global lifestyle driver, with the BPJPH issuing over 3.9 million certificates for nearly 13 million products by April 2026, and opening 1.35 million free slots for SMEs under the SEHATI programme ahead of the mandatory certification deadline for food and beverages on 17 October 2026. This certification serves as an international trade passport, boosting halal exports to USD 51.4 billion in 2024 and contributing 4-5% to national GDP, while Islamic banking assets reached Rp1,067.73 trillion by December 2025, with 30% of financing directed to the halal sector. The integration of halal ecosystems with syariah finance and digital innovations is projected to create up to 2 million jobs and enhance financial inclusion for over 70% of the Muslim population, positioning Indonesia as a global halal hub by 2030.

The Majelis Musyawarah Sunda (MMS) has called on Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat, a Sunda native, to take decisive action against environmental issues, particularly the ongoing waste crisis in Greater Bandung and West Java. During a multi-stakeholder forum in Bandung, MMS leaders emphasised the need for moral courage to confront oligarchs and unethical investors, while presenting symbolic gifts to inspire firm governance. Minister Hidayat reaffirmed his commitment, promising to resolve the waste emergency in Bandung within two weeks and highlighting environmental protection as a unifying cause across society and government.

The Press Council of Indonesia has emphasised the indispensable role of the media in upholding information quality amid digital disruptions, as stated by Chairman Komaruddin Hidayat during World Press Freedom Day commemorations in Jakarta. He likened the challenges from new media to navigating rapids, urging journalists to view them as opportunities to enhance professionalism and ensure the public receives reliable information. ANTARA's contributions were highlighted for aiding informed decision-making in society.

PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTM), Indonesia's state-owned mining company, is responding to the government's planned adjustment of royalty rates for key minerals like gold and nickel through revisions to Government Regulation No. 19 of 2025. While supporting policies aimed at improving mining governance and state revenues, ANTM assesses that its strong fundamentals, integrated operations, and cost discipline will help mitigate potential impacts. The company remains focused on operational targets and strategic adaptations to ensure sustainable growth amid regulatory changes.

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has emphasised that resolving the ongoing conflict in Papua demands a national political decision and a comprehensive approach involving all components of the nation, in response to reports of 97 violent incidents in 2025 and 26 cases up to April 2026. He highlighted the escalation of violence, including nearly 20 deaths in recent events across several regions, which has drawn significant domestic and international attention due to advancements in information technology. Pigai stressed the need for an integrated strategy encompassing dialogue and participation from executive, legislative, judicial branches, political parties, and national figures to address the root causes, rather than handling issues on a case-by-case basis, underscoring the government's responsibility to protect citizens and seek sustainable peaceful solutions.

The resurgence of physical keyboards in smartphones, reminiscent of BlackBerry devices, is gaining traction amid dissatisfaction with uniform touchscreen models, as startups like Clicks Technology and Unihertz launch new products targeting niche markets. This trend, nearly two decades after the iPhone's debut, appeals not just to nostalgia but to users seeking better control, reduced screen time, accessibility features, and practical elements like headphone jacks. Despite challenges from rising AI-related component costs, crowdfunding successes indicate strong demand for these retro-inspired gadgets.

Indonesia is transforming the KEK Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone into an international financial centre to attract global capital flows, investment, and financial services, aiming to shift from being a mere market to a management hub like Singapore or Hong Kong. With a targeted investment of US$6 billion in a 498-hectare area on Serangan Island, the initiative leverages Bali's tourism appeal, cultural preservation, and quality of life to build a high-value economic ecosystem including digital, green, and Islamic finance. This move addresses challenges in capturing added value domestically and positions Indonesia competitively in the global financial landscape amid economic slowdowns and trade tensions.

Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing migrant worker protections by fully endorsing the UN's Progress Declaration from the 2026 International Migration Review Forum, adopted in New York last month. The declaration serves as a global migration governance framework for 2026-2030, emphasising cooperation among countries of origin, transit, and destination to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration. This support underscores Indonesia's dedication to safeguarding the rights and dignity of over five million Indonesian migrant workers worldwide through collaborative international efforts.

The Pangkalpinang city government in Bangka Belitung province has introduced a policy requiring all junior high school students to attend Quran reading and Arabic language classes at mosques after Maghrib prayer until Isha, aiming to prevent juvenile delinquency and foster moral character. This initiative, set to be implemented from early 2027, seeks to engage youth in positive religious activities, reducing exposure to negative influences and revitalising mosque communities. Local religious organisations are expected to support the programme to ensure its success in building a well-mannered younger generation.

Klungkung's Satpol PP Damkar is addressing the rise of 'warung malam' or night entertainment cafes along Jalan Bypass IB Mantra through data collection to verify permits and entertainment types. Led by Kasatpol PP Dewa Putu Suwarbawa, the authority plans a persuasive approach, coordinating with relevant offices for licensing via the OSS system, while emphasising the potential contribution of these establishments to regional revenue. This initiative aims to ensure compliance without immediate penalties, educating owners on proper procedures amid the rapid growth of such venues.

In Fujisawa, south of Tokyo, a heated debate is unfolding over plans to construct a mosque, highlighting Japan's growing tensions between its need for foreign labour and rising nationalist sentiments against immigration. This comes amid a population decline crisis that has prompted the government to open more opportunities for Asian workers, with the Muslim population surging to around 360,000 from just a few thousand in the 1980s. The project, initiated in 2021 by the local Muslim community, faces opposition from conservative groups like the Sanseito Party, whose anti-foreign rhetoric has gained traction following the 2025 elections and the rise of nationalist figure Sanae Takaichi.

SMART 171, an Indonesian organisation dedicated to humanitarian and educational efforts for Palestine, commemorated its tenth anniversary with a public event at the National Library, featuring talks, monologues, exhibitions, and the launch of a book on Palestinian faith, history, and resistance. The event included speeches from the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia and activists, highlighting Indonesia's solidarity and the ongoing struggle for Palestinian independence, alongside educational displays critiquing Zionism and Israeli actions. This initiative underscores Indonesia's active role in global advocacy for Palestine through grassroots movements and public education.

The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Kemenimipas) is investigating the sponsors or guarantors of 320 foreign nationals arrested in connection with an international online gambling operation at Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower in Jakarta. The suspects, comprising nationals from Vietnam, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia, are being held in immigration detention facilities in West and South Jakarta while police continue their probe into immigration violations. This case highlights ongoing efforts to curb transnational crime and enforce immigration laws in Indonesia.

Indonesian police have transferred 320 foreign nationals arrested in a raid on an international online gambling syndicate in Jakarta's Hayam Wuruk area to immigration detention facilities for further investigation into potential immigration violations. One Indonesian national remains in custody at Bareskrim for ongoing inquiries into their roles, which include telemarketing, customer service, administration, and debt collection. The operation uncovered 75 gambling websites and links to international networks, highlighting the structured efforts to evade detection and the tracing of financial flows to sponsors.

Indonesian police have revealed that one of the 321 individuals arrested in an international online gambling operation at Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower in Jakarta is an Indonesian national who previously worked in Cambodia and served as a customer service representative in the syndicate. The majority of the detainees—320 foreign nationals from countries including Vietnam, China, and Myanmar—held various roles such as telemarketers, admins, and money collectors, with police now tracing financial flows and analysing seized devices to dismantle the network. This bust underscores Indonesia's commitment to preventing the country from becoming a hub for international online gambling syndicates, with the foreign suspects handed over to immigration authorities.

This week marks a critical period for markets as key economic data releases, including inflation figures from China and the US, Indonesia's consumer confidence index, and retail sales, are set to influence stock market directions amid potential volatility. Investors must closely monitor these indicators, such as China's projected softening inflation to 0.8-0.9%, Indonesia's declining consumer sentiment to 122, and the US's persistent high inflation around 3.4-3.6% driven by energy costs. These releases, alongside global index adjustments and holidays, underscore the interconnected global economic pressures affecting investment strategies.

Bali has seen a 10% increase in international tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year, exceeding 4.5 million passengers at Ngurah Rai International Airport, demonstrating resilience against global geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Officials attribute this growth to enhanced immigration services, technological improvements like autogates and e-visas, and supportive policies such as waived overstay fees for affected foreigners. Despite the uptick in tourism, authorities have intensified enforcement, issuing 334 administrative actions against immigration violators, including deportations, to maintain regulatory compliance.

Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) and the Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) Authority are collaborating to implement electric vehicle innovations developed by Unhas researchers, aligning with IKN's vision as a green and smart city. The IKN team has inspected Unhas's prototypes, including shuttle cars, executive cars, and waste transport vehicles, to assess their readiness for deployment. This partnership builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in April 2026, focusing on education, research, and community service to support sustainable development in the new capital.

Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) has uncovered an international online gambling operation in a Jakarta building, arresting 321 foreign nationals who had been active for just two months. The victims are predominantly foreigners targeted through telemarketing and customer service efforts by the perpetrators, who served in roles such as coordinators, marketers, and accountants. Authorities are committed to pursuing higher-level bosses to dismantle the network completely, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat transnational cybercrime in Indonesia.

Kenneth, a member of the DKI Jakarta DPRD Commission C, has criticised the weak oversight of the Parking Management Unit, rampant illegal parking, and revenue leakages stemming from the cash-based payment system, declaring the parking chaos in Jakarta a state of emergency. He urges the provincial government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of parking operators, implement fully cashless payments via digital methods like QRIS to curb leakages, and learn from successful models in countries such as Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. Additionally, Kenneth calls for halting building permits for structures lacking adequate parking and tying parking reforms to urban planning to enhance Jakarta's global image and public trust.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has acknowledged that the gap between the retail price and the economic price of non-subsidised Pertamax fuel is widening, potentially surpassing Rp 17,000 per litre amid a weakening rupiah and global geopolitical tensions. Currently, Pertalite is sold at Rp 10,000 per litre while its economic price stands at Rp 16,088 per litre, with Pertamina absorbing losses on Pertamax to be reimbursed by the government. The company remains committed to following government directives on fuel pricing policies, as calculations based on MOPS prices, exchange rates, and ministerial formulas indicate further increases.

The Badung Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and the Denpasar District Court have begun implementing on-site trials for regional regulation violators, with nine offenders—comprising street vendors and litterbugs in Kuta subdistrict—already processed. This initiative, targeting breaches of Local Regulation No. 7 of 2016 on Public Order and Community Tranquillity, imposes fines ranging from Rp150,000 to Rp300,000 and aims to streamline enforcement by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. The approach is expected to deter violations more effectively while targeting issues like illegal vending, littering, and parking on pavements, with potential penalties up to Rp25 million or three months' imprisonment.

Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has launched a major recruitment drive for statistical partners to support the 2026 Economic Census, aiming to ensure accurate data collection through field personnel. The online registration, open since 8 May 2026, targets civilians aged 18-50 with at least high school education, local residency in the assigned area, and smartphone proficiency for digital surveying. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to robust economic data for policy-making and development planning.

InJourney Airports has successfully departed 126,097 prospective Hajj pilgrims from 14 managed airports since 21 April 2026, achieving an impressive on-time performance rate of 96 percent across 322 flights. The company credits this efficiency to strong coordination among key stakeholders, including the Hajj Organising Committee, airlines, air navigation services, ground handlers, and relevant ministries. Special facilities, such as the dedicated Hajj and Umrah Terminal 2F at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, have further streamlined operations, departing over 20,000 pilgrims from that hub alone.

Edy Wuryanto, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission IX from PDIP, has called on the government and society to adopt early vigilance against the potential spread of hantavirus in Indonesia by implementing the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. He emphasised key measures including expanded surveillance for acute fevers, enhanced laboratory diagnostics, rodent control, community-based sanitation, and public education on prevention. This urgency stems from Indonesia's high-risk factors like dense populations, urbanisation, poor sanitation, and rodent prevalence, especially given recent global cases monitored by the WHO.

The assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1981, shortly after signing the Camp David Peace Accords with Israel, highlights the deep domestic divisions sparked by Arab-Israeli peace initiatives. During a military parade commemorating the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Sadat was killed by radical Islamist militants from the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, who viewed the treaty as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. This tragic event underscores the high political costs of pursuing peace in the Middle East and the enduring tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Gus Ipul, a key figure in the Ministry of Social Affairs, inspected the construction of the permanent People's School in Sampang, Madura, which has reached over 54% completion and is targeted to finish by the end of June 2026, enabling use for the new academic year. The school, designed to accommodate 1,000 students from primary to high school levels, targets the most economically disadvantaged families based on national data, with admissions through outreach rather than open registration to ensure transparency and prevent corruption. This initiative extends to three other Madura districts with pilot schools, aiming for permanent buildings across all by next year, aligning with presidential directives for equitable education access.

Several Indonesian listed companies across sectors like telecommunications, banking, construction, shipping, and mining are set to distribute dividends from their 2025 fiscal year profits, with payouts ranging from billions to trillions of rupiah. Leading the pack, PT Indosat Tbk (ISAT) will pay out Rp 3.57 trillion, supported by a net profit of Rp 5.5 trillion, while PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BRIS) and Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk (BJTM) follow with Rp 1.51 trillion and Rp 850.17 billion respectively. This distribution underscores the robust financial performance of these firms amid ongoing stock market pressures since early 2026, offering investors attractive returns.

Indonesian police have announced further steps following the arrest of 320 foreign nationals and one Indonesian citizen involved in an international online gambling operation at Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower in Jakarta. Authorities plan to trace financial flows, identify sponsors and property lessors, and analyse computers and devices used in the syndicate. The operation underscores Polri's commitment to preventing Indonesia from becoming a hub for international online gambling networks, with the foreign suspects handed over to immigration authorities for processing.

Indonesia's Environment Ministry is expediting the development of the Oxbow Cicukang waste-to-energy (WtE) plant in Margaasih Sub-district, Bandung District, to tackle the escalating waste crisis in Greater Bandung. The site, deemed suitable for its distance from residential areas and proximity to water sources, will see tendering commence immediately upon decision, with operations targeted within 1.5 to 2 years, supported by interim incineration and RDF technologies. Local officials emphasise the project's urgency, given Bandung Regency's daily waste generation of 1,800 tons against a mere 280-ton landfill quota, positioning it as a vital solution to longstanding metropolitan waste management issues.

The Central Sulawesi Provincial Government is advancing the equitable distribution of specialist doctors by implementing affirmative education policies for local children and doctors from remote areas, encouraging them to serve their regions after graduation. Deputy Governor Reny A. Lamadjido highlighted this initiative during the inauguration of the Indonesian Society of Anesthesiologists and Intensive Care (Perdatin) for 2025–2028, citing challenges in areas like Banggai Laut and emphasising the need for quality healthcare access beyond urban centres like Palu. She also urged specialist anaesthesiologists to enhance their sub-specialty skills through the province's Beasiswa Berani Cerdas scholarship programme to meet essential hospital standards.

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed deep concern over Indonesia's persistent waste management crisis, highlighting it as a fundamental failure amid the nation's aspirations to become a developed country. Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan revealed that in the past 11 years, only two modern waste processing projects have been permitted, with one failing to operate and the other running unstably due to bureaucratic hurdles. To address this, the government has issued Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025 to streamline permitting processes, aiming to accelerate waste management initiatives across 71 cities.

Indonesian military personnel disbanded a screening of the documentary film 'Pig Feast' in Ternate due to its provocative title and content addressing indigenous land conflicts in Papua, prompting criticism from Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah. She argued that the event, involving free expression and discussion, falls under constitutional protections and is outside the TNI's mandate, viewing the action as an affront to democracy. The incident highlights tensions between security measures and artistic freedoms in Indonesia, particularly regarding indigenous rights and government projects.

In response to a fatal accident at East Bekasi Station, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has closed 29 level crossings and narrowed five others across various regions from 27 April to 9 May 2026 to mitigate safety risks. The closures target high-risk intersections between railway tracks and roads, including unauthorised paths that violate the 2007 Railway Law and 2018 Transport Ministry Regulation. KAI urges the public to support these measures by refraining from reopening or creating new crossings, with the most closures occurring in the Jakarta operational area.

Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, inspected the construction of the permanent People's School in Sampang, East Java, confirming it is on track for completion by the end of June 2026 to accommodate students for the new academic year. The school, aimed at the most impoverished families based on national socio-economic data, is projected to house up to 1,000 students from primary to high school levels and will initially serve students from four Madura districts. Gus Ipul emphasised a transparent outreach-based selection process free from corruption, in line with presidential directives, to ensure equitable access to education for vulnerable communities.

North Morowali's Regent Delis Julkarson Hehi presented the region's strategic investment opportunities to global investors and Xiamen University Executive MBA alumni at a business forum in Jakarta, emphasising its role as a new economic growth centre driven by nickel downstreaming. With a 2025 economic growth rate of 23.94 per cent supported by 487 million tonnes of nickel reserves, the area also offers prospects in palm oil plantations and fisheries, bolstered by National Strategic Projects ensuring infrastructure and permitting efficiencies. The forum promotes collaboration for sustainable industries, particularly in electric vehicle battery ecosystems, to foster inclusive growth and community welfare in eastern Indonesia.

Severe flooding and landslides have struck Kolaka and East Kolaka districts in Southeast Sulawesi, prompting East Kolaka's acting regent to declare a 14-day state of emergency from 8 to 22 May 2026, affecting 12 sub-districts. In Kolaka, the disaster has impacted 587 homes, 10 educational facilities, agricultural lands, and fish ponds, with ongoing coordination for relief efforts amid warnings of extreme weather. This event underscores the vulnerability of Indonesian regions to climate-related disasters, highlighting the need for enhanced local preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Indonesian police have uncovered the operations of an international online gambling network in a Jakarta office building, arresting 320 foreign nationals and one Indonesian citizen with varied roles including telemarketing, customer service, administration, and debt collection. Authorities are investigating the syndicate's structure, pursuing controllers, and coordinating with financial intelligence units to trace fund flows and sponsors. The raid seized evidence of 75 domains linked to the structured operation designed to evade blocks, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat cross-border cybercrime in Indonesia.

Indonesian police have revealed preliminary findings on the roles of 320 foreign nationals arrested in connection with an international online gambling operation at Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower in Jakarta, including telemarketing, customer service, administration, and fund handling. The suspects, primarily from Vietnam, China, Myanmar, and other Southeast Asian countries, were transferred to the Directorate General of Immigration for detention, while one Indonesian national remains under police processing. Authorities have committed to further investigations to uncover the full extent of the syndicate's operations, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat cross-border cybercrime in Indonesia.

Indonesia's Press Council shared its self-regulatory framework and journalistic code of ethics with Malaysian counterparts during a forum organised by Malaysian journalist associations, emphasising how such mechanisms enhance media quality, professional standards, and protection against criminalisation. Malaysia's recently established Media Council is drawing lessons from Indonesia's longer experience, particularly in resolving journalistic disputes through council mediation rather than courts. This exchange underscores the importance of media self-regulation in safeguarding press freedom and addressing challenges in environmental journalism amid local economic and political contexts.

Indonesia's Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has called on pesantren leaders across Madura Raya to collaborate in updating social data and implementing the People's Schools programme, a key initiative of President Prabowo Subianto's administration. Speaking at a dialogue in Pamekasan, he emphasised the critical role of accurate data in ensuring targeted social assistance and sought the involvement of religious scholars in character-building education within boarding school systems. The event, attended by local officials and community figures, underscores the importance of valid data for effective social empowerment programmes.