Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) examined BD, the Deputy Chairman of the PAN Rejang Lebong branch, on Tuesday to investigate project arrangements and alleged bribe receipts involving former Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari in Bengkulu's Rejang Lebong Regency. This inquiry stems from a March 2026 sting operation that apprehended Thobari, his deputy, and several others for suspected corruption in public works projects, where Thobari allegedly demanded 10-15% kickbacks from private firms for project advancements and holiday allowances. The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat graft in local government procurement, potentially implicating political figures in the bribery scheme.

The legal team of Muhammad Kerry Adrianto Riza, beneficial owner of PT Orbit Terminal Merak, has accused the Jakarta High Court of overlooking crucial evidence in the appeal of his corruption case involving oil management at Pertamina. Lawyer Hamdan Zoelva highlighted the court's refusal to summon key witness Irawan Prakoso, who allegedly linked Riza Chalid to Pertamina executives in pressuring leasing deals, and also denied a shipping expert's testimony. This decision raises concerns about the fairness of the proceedings in a high-stakes corruption trial tied to state-owned energy operations.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, has stated that the government is intensifying efforts to reduce extreme poverty to 0% by the end of 2026. Following a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, he highlighted the dual approach of expanding social assistance programmes alongside strengthening economic empowerment initiatives to prevent long-term dependency among the poor. This strategy emphasises the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering sustainable livelihoods.

PT Hutama Karya has achieved 99.04% progress in constructing the Senen Housing project as of 28 April 2026, nearing completion ahead of the 15 June target, in response to President Prabowo Subianto's directive to provide decent homes for residents along railway tracks in central Jakarta. The initiative, involving 324 temporary units and communal facilities on 1.61 hectares, is a collaboration between the government and state-owned enterprises to offer safe and structured housing for low-income families. This acceleration underscores the commitment to rapid social infrastructure development, potentially serving as a model for urban renewal efforts.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Indonesian Ombudsman held a meeting to explore collaborative efforts in preventing corruption, particularly in the public services sector, which is vulnerable to practices like gratification and bribery. The discussion focused on exchanging data and information, as well as joint programmes to enhance public service quality and accelerate anti-corruption measures for tangible societal benefits. This collaboration underscores the importance of inter-institutional partnerships in strengthening governance and reducing transactional spaces for corruption in Indonesia.

PT Arsari Tambang plans to establish a research centre for tin and rare earth elements (REE) in Bangka as part of Indonesia's mineral downstreaming strategy and to bolster national technological capabilities. The initiative addresses the surprising lack of a dedicated tin research facility in Indonesia despite 150 years of industry presence, aiming to enhance competitiveness amid global tech demands and support energy transition through high-value byproducts like neodymium and dysprosium. The company seeks collaborations with academia, private firms, and state-owned enterprises to develop domestic technologies for tin-based alloys, ensuring economic value remains in Indonesia.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing weather modification techniques to induce rainfall in anticipation of a prolonged dry season caused by El Niño, which could lead to a clean water crisis. Additional measures include optimising water bodies like rivers and reservoirs, tightening groundwater usage regulations, and promoting piped water networks, though challenges remain in areas without existing infrastructure. Environmental groups highlight that 40% of Jakarta residents still rely on groundwater, contributing to land subsidence, and are planning educational outreach to accelerate the shift to piped water.

Indonesia's Danantara investment agency is in discussions to acquire the French company Eramet's 37.8% stake in PT Weda Bay Nickel, a key nickel project in North Maluku, as part of efforts to boost local involvement in managing strategic national resources. This move aligns with government commitments to strengthen the electric vehicle battery ecosystem and follows agreements between Presidents Joko Widodo and Emmanuel Macron for joint investment platforms. The collaboration aims to integrate Eramet's technical expertise with Danantara's financial support to enhance Indonesia's global competitiveness in sustainable nickel downstream industries.

Arief Sukmara, former Director of Gas Petrokimia and New Business at PT Pertamina International Shipping, has been sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in a corruption case related to crude oil management, causing state losses of US$2.73 billion and Rp25.44 trillion. The court found him and five other executives guilty of colluding in unlawful practices across three stages of oil procurement and sales, including direct appointments and improper compensations, though they were not required to pay restitution as they did not personally profit. This verdict, lighter than prosecutors' demands, underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Indonesia's state-owned energy sector.

Safrizal Zakaria Ali, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Syiah Kuala University (USK) and Director General of Regional Administration Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted that professorship is not the end of a career but the beginning of greater intellectual responsibilities during the inauguration of six new professors at USK. Quoting William Arthur Ward, he stressed the need for academia to inspire change, maintain the highest integrity, and serve as moral exemplars in a pragmatic world, warning that loss of campus integrity erodes public trust in knowledge. The event, attended by university leaders, local officials, and community figures, also recognised the supportive role of families in academic journeys.

Kerry Adrianto Riza, the beneficial owner of PT Orbit Terminal Merak, has written a letter from Salemba Detention Centre claiming unfair treatment in his corruption appeal trial related to oil and refinery product management. In the letter, read out by his lawyer, Riza highlights testimonies from former Pertamina executives denying any intervention in the fuel terminal leasing process, arguing that this nullifies the case due to no state losses. He alleges judicial injustice as key witness Irawan Prakoso was not summoned despite prior approval, and he appeals to President Prabowo Subianto for assistance in securing justice.

The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs has stated that withdrawing TNI troops from Lebanon is a viable option if the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) fails to ensure their protection amid unfavourable conditions. This decision underscores the government's top priority of safeguarding its personnel, while ongoing deployments remain feasible due to regular updates from the military and embassy, potential troop repositioning, and the UN's commitment to accountability and international law enforcement. The ministry recently dispatched 780 TNI personnel in late May 2026 to replace those who had completed a one-year tour.

Ibrahim Arief, known as Ibam and a former consultant to Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, has been sentenced to four years in prison by the Jakarta Corruption Court for his involvement in a corruption case related to the procurement of Chromebooks and CDM devices for the Ministry of Education and Culture. Ibam vehemently denounced the verdict as criminalisation, arguing that the ministry's decision to use Chromebooks was wrongly attributed to him as a mere consultant. The sentence, which includes a Rp500 million fine, is significantly lighter than the prosecutors' demand of 15 years imprisonment and substantial restitution, highlighting potential flaws in the accountability process within government procurement.

Indonesia has recorded 274,000 financial fraud reports resulting in public losses exceeding Rp6 trillion from 2024 to 2025, largely driven by AI-based deepfake attacks targeting vulnerabilities in digital banking onboarding systems. In response, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) mandates real-time liveness verification and anomaly detection as essential operational requirements for all financial institutions. Experts from Advance.AI Indonesia highlight that mature technologies exist to counter these threats, though challenges remain in large-scale implementation and integration.

After police raided an international online gambling headquarters in a Jakarta office building, DPRD member Ahmad Yani has called on the Jakarta Provincial Government to intensify oversight of suspicious office activities, particularly those involving high internet traffic, 24-hour operations, and large numbers of foreign workers. He advocates for inter-agency collaboration, including with investment services, immigration, and local communities, to detect illegal operations swiftly, and suggests forming a joint monitoring team with law enforcement and building managers. Yani also stresses the need for cyber monitoring in the digital era to track suspicious online patterns, viewing the Hayam Wuruk incident as a critical lesson for enhancing Jakarta's regulatory framework.

The Pidie Jaya Regency government in Aceh Province has extended the transitional period for managing and recovering from a hydrometeorological disaster until 10 August 2026, due to unresolved issues such as clean water supply disruptions and incomplete regional rehabilitation following flash floods in late November 2025. Subsequent floods in early 2026 affected over 20,000 homes, prompting the need for continued aid, including the distribution of Rp8.46 billion in housing incentives to 282 families and the construction of 1,342 temporary residences. This extension, evaluated by local authorities, highlights ongoing challenges like shallow rivers, vulnerable embankments, and extensive debris, necessitating further central government support to fully restore community activities and infrastructure.

Gianyar Regency in Bali is emerging as a candidate for a pilot programme for smoke-free zones (KTR), supported by various local policies aimed at creating tobacco-free environments, particularly in tourist areas. Officials highlight collaborations across government agencies and the issuance of key regulations, including Regional Regulation No. 7 of 2014 aligned with Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, along with a Regent's Regulation and circular to enforce smoke-free initiatives. This effort underscores Gianyar's commitment to public health by promoting cleaner, smoke-free public spaces amid growing national anti-smoking measures.

The Tangerang Regency Land Office has launched the LARIS MANIS service, enabling the processing of roya (release of mortgage rights) and inheritance claims to be completed in just five minutes, a significant improvement from the previous multi-day process. Targeted at direct applicants including vulnerable groups like the elderly, disabled individuals, and pregnant women, the service allows online document submission and validation, followed by a single visit for payment and finalisation. This innovation by the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) aims to make land services faster, easier, and more efficient, reducing the need for multiple visits and third-party involvement, with ongoing evaluations to ensure its benefits reach the community.

The West Jakarta City Government is initiating a waste sorting programme by selecting one RW in each of its 56 subdistricts as pilot sites to demonstrate effective waste management practices. Mayor Iin Mutmainnah highlighted current examples in RW 07 Joglo and RW 09 Meruya Utara, which have reduced waste to residues only, aiming for zero-waste outcomes through proper sorting. This effort aligns with three DKI Jakarta provincial policies on waste reduction from the source, emphasising the need for discipline and starting from individual and office levels to combat ongoing waste accumulation.

Indonesian Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, Nusron Wahid, has emphasised that customary lands (tanah ulayat) must be recognised before any Business Use Rights (HGU) are issued over them, advocating for partnership arrangements between companies and indigenous communities to prevent exploitation. He highlighted challenges such as unclear customary boundaries and weak institutional structures, which lead to conflicts like unauthorised land sales and overlapping claims. The Ministry is actively recognising these rights in regions including West Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and Papua, issuing certificates to provide legal protection and ensure that any access requires formal cooperation with customary holders.

In a joint hearing by Bontang City DPRD commissions, legislators warned against mixing national Online Single Submission (OSS) licensing with local regulations, emphasising that business identification numbers (NIB) and KBLI classifications must align independently to enable operations for night entertainment venues (THM) in the Berbas Pantai area. The discussion highlighted spatial planning mismatches under the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) as a key barrier to issuing permits, urging resolution to prevent regulatory conflicts between central, local, and on-ground rules. While stressing strict oversight to protect community safety, public order, and youth from negative impacts, DPRD insisted that THM arrangements should not prioritise investment or revenue at the expense of residents' well-being and future generations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's steadfast commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations during a meeting with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany in Beijing, emphasising UNESCO's vital role in global governance, education, science, and culture. Xi highlighted ongoing collaborations, including his wife's role as a UNESCO special envoy, and called for deeper cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence, digital education, and cultural exchanges to foster a shared future for humanity amid rising challenges from unilateralism. El-Enany expressed gratitude for China's support and outlined UNESCO's goals to enhance global dialogue, implement Xi's global initiatives, and improve human welfare, especially in light of the US's impending withdrawal from the organisation.

The Ombudsman Representative for South Kalimantan has inspected the elderly-friendly Hajj services at the Banjarmasin Embarkation Point, praising the new dedicated building for priority pilgrims including the elderly and those with disabilities, which enhances access to accommodation, healthcare, meals, and staff support. Officials highlighted the well-maintained facilities and the importance of staff attitudes in delivering quality public services, expressing commitment to further improvements for future Hajj seasons. For the 2026 Hajj, the embarkation point will dispatch 19 batches carrying 6,822 pilgrims from South and Central Kalimantan, with over 4,600 already departed as of mid-May.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Brunei's Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah in Beijing, where they agreed to deepen bilateral relations on the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Xi outlined four key areas for cooperation, including strategic partnership, mutual development in emerging fields like AI and digital economy, cultural exchanges, and global governance alongside ASEAN to promote regional peace and prosperity. The meeting underscores China's commitment to building a shared future community with Brunei, highlighting mutual support and economic collaboration amid international uncertainties.

Telkomsel, in partnership with the GSRek Indonesia Jakarta Chapter, has successfully organised the Homecoming Sumba 2026 programme, focusing on humanitarian efforts to improve education and access to clean water for local communities. The initiative involved 81 participants who installed water tanks, supplied clean water, and built distribution networks, while also providing educational supplies and solar panels to three schools lacking adequate electricity. Supported by various sponsors including InJourney and BMW Motorrad, the event underscores corporate social responsibility in addressing essential needs in remote areas.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Hajj, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has warned that the ministry will revoke the permits of any Hajj Guidance Groups (KBIH) that continue to organise unauthorised city tours or impose illicit fees on pilgrims. During an unannounced inspection at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory in East Jakarta, he emphasised zero tolerance for such practices, including charges for wheelchair assistance and improper proxy pilgrimages. This firm stance aims to ensure fair and regulated services for Hajj participants, particularly highlighting issues prevalent in East Jakarta.

The United States has spent nearly $29 billion, equivalent to approximately Rp507 trillion, on military operations against Iran, as revealed by Deputy Undersecretary of Defense Jules W. Hurst III during a congressional hearing. The conflict, which erupted on 28 February with US-Israel airstrikes, has escalated with Iranian counterattacks, nearly halting traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and causing sharp rises in global energy prices. This ongoing operation under President Donald Trump aims to weaken Iran's military and economic capabilities but is straining US fiscal resources amid demands for greater budgetary transparency from Congress.

Airin Rachmi Diany, a prominent women's figure and former Mayor of South Tangerang, has condemned the recent abuse incident at a Yogyakarta daycare as a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate policy action beyond mere criminal statistics. Drawing from her experience in office from 2011 to 2021, she highlights initiatives like providing on-site daycare facilities at city hall to support working mothers and strengthening integrated services for women and children to ensure child protection. Airin stresses the need for strict supervision, caregiver certification, and parental involvement to prevent such tragedies, underscoring the government's role as the primary protector of the vulnerable.

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) reported a 14.39% year-on-year increase in financing to Rp328.54 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing the overall banking industry's growth of 9.37%. This performance boosted BSI's market share to 3.77% of national banking credit, driven primarily by the consumer, gold, and card segment which rose 17.59% to Rp184.28 trillion. The bank's positive results were further supported by improved cash coverage at 254%, a reduced Cost of Credit at 0.73%, and stable Non-Performing Financing ratios of 1.80% gross and 0.38% net, highlighting its strengthening position in Indonesia's sharia banking sector.

A Jakarta anti-corruption court has sentenced eight defendants, including high-ranking Pertamina executives and representatives from trading firms, to prison terms ranging from 4 to 6 years for their involvement in a crude oil corruption scheme. Each was also fined Rp 1 billion, with an alternative of 150 days' imprisonment if unpaid. The verdict underscores ongoing efforts to combat graft in Indonesia's state-owned energy sector, potentially impacting operations at Pertamina and related international partners.

Indodax and other digital finance industry players emphasise that consumer protection is crucial for the sustainable growth of Indonesia's digital asset sector, as user numbers reach 17.17 million with 77.32 million transactions this year. At the AFTECH General Meeting, leaders highlighted the shift towards building public trust, regulatory compliance, and responsible innovation to ensure a healthy ecosystem. OJK's Chair stressed that advancements in technologies like AI and blockchain must align with consumer safeguards to enhance financial inclusion and long-term stability.

In a corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebooks for Indonesia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, the Jakarta Corruption Court has sentenced former consultant Ibrahim Arief, alias Ibam, to four years in prison and a fine of Rp 500 million. The judge highlighted Ibam's consistent involvement in strategic meetings, his role as the sole negotiator with Google, and his monthly honorarium of Rp 163 million, which established his de facto position as an engineer leader under anti-corruption laws, disqualifying claims of neutrality. This verdict, significantly lighter than the prosecutors' 15-year demand, underscores ongoing scrutiny of procurement irregularities during Nadiem Makarim's tenure as minister.

An Indonesian economist attributes the weakening of the rupiah and other Asian currencies against the US dollar to the US's success in shaping global sentiment amid its conflict with Iran, driving investors to favour the dollar as a safe investment and transaction tool. While the rupiah has depreciated by 3.65% since the conflict began—less severely than currencies like the Philippine peso (6.58%) and Thai baht (5.04%)—the economist emphasises that this is due to external factors, not internal economic issues, given Indonesia's stable growth and trade surplus with the US. Bank Indonesia's seven measures to counter the depreciation are seen as strategic steps to boost demand for the rupiah and enhance its competitiveness.

Denpasar currently operates 459 posyandu integrated health posts, staffed by a total of 4,011 cadres, though distribution remains uneven across areas, with some posts critically understaffed at just five cadres. The Denpasar Community and Village Empowerment Agency (DPMD) highlights challenges in implementing the expanded Posyandu Paripurna 6 SPM model, which covers not only health but also education, social services, housing, and public order, and is addressing this through cadre strengthening, incentives, and regular training. Social issues, including disability aids and BPJS health insurance support, form the bulk of community complaints, with verification and resolution processes in place up to provincial levels to ensure timely handling.

Police raided the B-Fashion karaoke venue in Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta, on Friday, 8 May 2026, over suspicions of drug transactions and abuse, leading to the arrest of several visitors allegedly involved. The head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Industry Section for West Jakarta confirmed the raid and noted that management denies any involvement, claiming the drugs originated from external guests. The site has been cordoned off with police tape for further investigation, and authorities plan to examine the management directly.

The Head of BPJPH, Haikal, has urged members of the Indonesian Health Supplement Entrepreneurs Association (APSKI) to expedite halal certification for their products, emphasising that it is evolving from a mere administrative obligation into a market necessity and symbol of modern industrial progress. During a meeting at the CNI Creative Center in West Jakarta, he highlighted Indonesia's national policy mandating halal certification for various products, including health supplements, starting in October 2026. This initiative aims to enhance national industry competitiveness, expand market access, and boost consumer trust in domestic goods within the growing global halal ecosystem.

In a corruption trial at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court, public prosecutor Roy Riady criticised former Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim for bypassing internal ministry staff in planning the education digitalisation programme and Chromebook procurement, instead relying on external consultants and a close-knit team. Evidence presented includes WhatsApp discussions in a "Mas Menteri Core Team" group formed before Nadiem's appointment, revealing his adoption of a Gojek-style leadership approach that minimised communication with senior officials like directors-general. This case underscores concerns over accountability and proper involvement of organic resources in governmental decision-making processes.

In response to a recent train collision in East Bekasi, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has announced that the government is evaluating the development of double-double track (DDT) lines as part of a comprehensive review of the railway system. This includes expanding existing tracks, building new ones, and reactivating disused rails to enhance capacity and safety. Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission V Andi Iwan Darmawan Aras has urged prioritising the separation of commuter and intercity train operations, addressing level crossings, and conducting thorough safety evaluations to prevent systemic risks.

The Indonesian government is set to launch the operational phase of the Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) programme, starting with 1,061 cooperatives in Central Java and East Java. Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono highlighted that this follows the establishment of legal entities, physical construction, and warehousing, emphasising the need for unity and cross-institutional collaboration to build village economies through a spirit of mutual cooperation. The initiative has garnered support from military officials and local governments, underscoring its national significance in fostering rural economic development.

Qavah Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Xinhua News Agency to facilitate greater foreign direct investment from China into Indonesia, focusing on easing the entry process for investors while ensuring regulatory compliance. The partnership aims to support Chinese businesses with licensing, local partnerships, and operational needs, thereby boosting national economic growth and creating new job opportunities. This collaboration, initiated at the World Brand Moganshan Summit 2026, underscores strengthening business ties between Indonesia and China through international networks and local market insights.

The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) is ensuring that residents of Papua receive habitable homes through the TNI Manunggal Membangun Desa (TMMD) programme, with direct oversight from military leaders in Manokwari. Commander Letkol Inf David Sutrisno Sirait inspected ongoing construction in Kampung Tanah Rubah, praising the quality and urging acceleration to benefit the community promptly. This initiative fosters unity between the military and locals, enhancing social cohesion and improving living standards in Papua through collaborative efforts.

Wakil Ketua Umum Partai Kebangkitan Nusantara (PKN), Gerry Habel Hukubun, has discovered that his personal identity details were misused by unidentified individuals to facilitate a commodity transaction involving coconut sales at a factory in East Java, which he learned through the Coretax system. After unsuccessful attempts to obtain transparency from the factory, Gerry is considering legal action and plans to write to the Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, to address the incident and strengthen data protection in the corporate sector. This case highlights vulnerabilities in personal data handling and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such crimes from affecting other citizens.

Danantara Indonesia's CEO Rosan Roeslani has expressed openness to strategic investment opportunities, including the potential acquisition of shares in French company Eramet's PT Weda Bay Nickel in North Maluku. This follows initial discussions aimed at forming a strategic investment platform in the nickel sector, from upstream to downstream, to bolster Indonesia's position in sustainable electric vehicle battery ecosystems. The collaboration involves Danantara and the Indonesia Investment Authority providing long-term financing, while Eramet contributes technical expertise in large-scale mining projects adhering to international sustainability standards.

Indonesia is intensifying efforts to attract Chinese investors through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Qavah Group and Xinhua News Agency at the World Brand Moganshan Summit 2026. This collaboration positions Qavah Group, via its subsidiary PT Samyang Indonesia, as a key facilitator for Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia, offering comprehensive support from permit processing to operational needs while ensuring regulatory compliance. The partnership aims to boost the national economy by creating new job opportunities and strengthening bilateral economic ties between Indonesia and China.

A warehouse in South Jakarta's Kebayoran Lama district, used for storing stolen motorcycles, was initially perceived by local residents as a legitimate motorcycle dealership due to its operations involving large containers at odd hours. Residents like Deni and Santi expressed surprise upon learning of the illegal activities, having been told by warehouse staff that the bikes came directly from factories for export. This case highlights the deceptive nature of illicit operations in urban areas and the challenges in distinguishing them from legal businesses.

The CEO of Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara, Rosan Roeslani, has expressed openness to discussions regarding the potential acquisition of Eramet's 38.7% stake in PT Weda Bay Nickel, positioning Danantara as a strong local partner. This comes amid Eramet's plans to raise €500 million through a rights issue to bolster its finances, following a 71% cut in Indonesia's 2026 production quota that has forced a temporary halt in operations at Weda Bay Nickel from May 2026. The move highlights ongoing negotiations in Indonesia's critical nickel sector, vital for global electric vehicle supply chains.

Bali's tourism industry, which accounts for over 60% of the province's GDP, is urging the government for more support in implementing new waste management policies amid the impending closure of major landfills like Suwung TPA by July 2026. Hoteliers and restaurant owners, represented by the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Badung, highlight the lack of technical guidance, infrastructure readiness, and stakeholder involvement, warning that hasty enforcement could disrupt operations and deter investors still recovering from the pandemic. While businesses are taking initiatives like pooling funds for organic waste incinerators, they call for collaborative efforts with local authorities to transform Bali into a sustainable, world-class green tourism destination.

PT Chandra Shipping International, a subsidiary of the Chandra Asri Group owned by tycoon Prajogo Pangestu, has acquired a majority stake in PT ELPI Trans Cargo from PT Pelayaran Nasional Ekalya Purnamasari Tbk (ELPI) for Rp17.25 billion, representing 57.5% ownership. This transaction, effective from 8 May 2026, supports the ongoing business of ELPI Trans Cargo, particularly in developing offshore services, and is part of a series of previously announced deals including a change in control and the purchase of a Multi Purpose Support Vessel. ELPI confirms the deal is not material under Indonesian regulations and has no impact on its operational activities.

Luxury hotel occupancy in Indonesia has returned to pre-COVID-19 levels at 64 per cent, with heightened resilience, according to STR's Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific, Jesper Palmsqvuit. Bali stands out as a key driver, contributing 25 per cent of the branded residence market, though challenges like waste management and infrastructure need addressing to maximise potential. Experts highlight the importance of improved access to boost tourism and occupancy in new destinations.

The Head of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has dismissed concerns over a report filed by Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) regarding alleged irregularities in the procurement of 2025 halal certifications for the Ministry of Health (MBG). Dadan asserts that no state losses have occurred as the budget is still under review by oversight bodies BPKP and APIP, and the procurement pertains to unexecuted 2025 activities now deferred to 2026. ICW alleges potential state losses of Rp 49.5 billion due to flawed governance, including improper package splitting and BGN's overreach beyond its mandate under Presidential Regulation 115/2025 on SPPG management.