Bank NTB Syariah has introduced QRIS Cross Border payments to 34 tourist motorcycle operators in the Mount Rinjani area, Lombok Timur, enabling cashless transactions for both local and international visitors from countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and China. This initiative supports the expansion of digital payment ecosystems in West Nusa Tenggara's premier tourism destination, enhancing convenience for tourists and promoting inclusive digital economic growth among local communities. By aligning with national banking standards, the bank aims to accelerate digitalisation in the tourism sector and boost local economies around Gunung Rinjani National Park.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya has declared assets worth Rp 20.1 billion in his periodic LHKPN report submitted on 30 March 2026, marking an increase of Rp 4.7 billion from the previous year's Rp 15.3 billion. The bulk of his wealth consists of land and buildings valued at Rp 9.045 billion, supplemented by transportation assets including three vehicles worth Rp 1.21 billion, with no reported securities, debts, or other assets. This disclosure underscores transparency requirements for high-ranking Indonesian officials amid ongoing public scrutiny of government wealth declarations.

Indonesia and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their strategic partnership during the 2nd Meeting of the Indonesia-Ethiopia Bilateral Consultation Forum in Jakarta, emphasising enhanced trade and investment ties amid a complex global landscape. Bilateral trade reached US$138.6 million in 2025, marking a 40% increase from the previous year, with five Indonesian companies already operating in Ethiopia and plans to explore a Preferential Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty. The countries also agreed to boost cooperation in agriculture, connectivity, political dialogue, and sectors like education, health, and tourism to foster broader people-to-people exchanges.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed no tax increases this year to safeguard public purchasing power, a move welcomed by the Indonesian White Cigarette Producers Association (Gaprindo) as it could ease pressures on the tobacco industry amid economic turbulence. Gaprindo hopes this extends to a moratorium on excise duty and retail price hikes for three years, citing a 65% excise rise from 2020-2024 that has driven legal production down and boosted illegal cigarettes to 14-15% of the market. Legal producers, contributing Rp 215 trillion in excise, face unfair competition from untaxed illicit products, underscoring the need for policy stability to support the sector and public welfare.

The escalating Middle East conflict is exerting pressure on Indonesia's industrial sector through surging energy prices and global supply chain disruptions, driving manufacturing activity into contraction as indicated by the April PMI dropping to 49.1. Sectors reliant on oil-derived raw materials, such as petrochemicals, automotive, and transportation, are particularly vulnerable, with experts warning of potential productivity declines and job cuts if unaddressed. While non-cyclical domestic sectors like food and beverages remain resilient, the government is urged to anticipate the dual challenges of rising production costs and weakening export demand amid global economic uncertainties.

Military prosecutors from Oditurat Militer II-07 Jakarta visited RSCM in Central Jakarta to assess the condition of Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of KontraS, who was attacked with sulphuric acid, before finalising charges against the four military defendants. Andrie, through his legal representatives, refused the visit, leading the team to meet instead with hospital management, doctors, and his legal team to gather necessary medical insights. The upcoming court session will examine the defendants, with the prosecution considering whether to summon Andrie's doctor as a witness based on this visit, highlighting tensions in military oversight of human rights cases.

The Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) has emphasised the need to bolster Indonesia's upstream oil and gas sector to counter global geopolitical risks, particularly those stemming from the Middle East conflict, which are causing energy price volatility and threatening national energy security. With over 50% of Indonesia's oil and gas basins unexplored, especially in eastern regions and deep seas requiring advanced technology and significant investment, the IPA calls for aggressive exploration and close government-industry collaboration. Key enablers include consistent government policies, legal certainty, expedited permitting, and competitive fiscal schemes to attract investors and reduce reliance on energy imports.

Head of the Presidential Staff Office, Dudung Abdurrahman, announced that the Indonesian government has revitalised 16,167 schools since 2025 under President Prabowo's initiative. The funding, sourced from budget efficiencies and seized assets from corrupt officials, is directly allocated to school principals for self-managed projects, ensuring transparency and minimising corruption risks. This programme aims to enhance educational infrastructure for the benefit of schoolchildren across the nation.

Indonesian consumers are shifting towards purchasing cheaper products, prioritising affordability over brand loyalty, a trend that began late last year. According to Aprindo's Chairman, this change has not significantly impacted modern retail turnover as consumption volumes remain steady, though expected festive growth of 10% during Ramadan-Eid 2026 was not met. Retailers are now preparing for a challenging post-festive period from May to September, highlighting broader economic pressures influencing spending habits.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed confidence that the public will increasingly use public transportation if it is safe, comfortable, modern, and integrated, highlighting it as a presidential priority during a visit to the Jakarta MRT Phase 2A project. The project, spanning from Harmoni to Sawah Besar, has reached 59.76% completion, with ongoing underground construction including tunnel connectivity. Gibran emphasised the need for enhanced services catering to vulnerable groups such as children, women, pregnant mothers, the elderly, and people with disabilities, while noting expansions in Transjakarta services to agglomeration areas.

Leading Japanese snack maker Calbee is switching to simpler black-and-white packaging for some products due to shortages of naphtha, a key petrochemical derived from crude oil, exacerbated by Middle East conflicts. This change affects popular items like potato crisps and stems from unstable supplies of printing inks and resins, impacting the downstream chemical industry. A survey indicates over 70% of surveyed companies may pass on cost increases to consumers if supply concerns persist, highlighting broader economic pressures on manufacturing.

Indonesia's Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, has announced that 107 educational institutions across the Riau Islands province will receive Rp97 billion in revitalisation funding in 2026, targeting schools from kindergarten to upper secondary level, with priority given to heavily damaged facilities and those in remote 3T (disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost) areas. The initiative aims to create safe and comfortable learning environments, including additions like new classrooms at SD Negeri 001 in Batam, and supports broader programmes such as digital education and free nutritious meals. Local officials and school leaders express optimism that the upgrades will enhance infrastructure, enable single-shift learning, and ultimately produce more capable and character-driven graduates.

The Indonesian DPR's Legislation Body (Baleg), chaired by Bob Hasan, has prioritised the acceleration of discussions on the Indonesia One Data Bill, essential for centralising national development planning, with meetings scheduled to begin on 13 May 2026. Baleg also plans to expedite the Drinking Water and Sanitation Management Bill amid public interest, while temporarily postponing the Oil and Gas Bill for further harmonisation considerations. This move underscores the body's focus on key legislative priorities during the fifth session of the 2025-2026 period, aiming to address pressing national needs in data management and public utilities.

The Indonesian rupiah has weakened against the US dollar, reaching Rp 17,500, primarily due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East driving up oil prices and global uncertainty, alongside seasonal domestic demand for dollars from debt payments, dividends, and Hajj pilgrimage needs. Bank Indonesia's Senior Deputy Governor Destry Damayanti affirmed the central bank's commitment to smart interventions in various markets and monetary tools to alleviate pressure on the currency, noting improving foreign investor confidence with inflows of Rp 61.6 trillion into government bonds and securities in April. BI anticipates that these seasonal pressures will subside, allowing the rupiah to return to its fundamental levels, supported by strong foreign currency liquidity growth.

Saudi Arabia's Hajj Organising Officers (PPIH) are utilising a 24-hour digital transport control room in Makkah to monitor the movement of hundreds of buses carrying Indonesian prospective Hajj pilgrims, ensuring their safety and smooth mobility between Madinah and Makkah. Equipped with GPS technology and large monitors, the system allows precise tracking and dynamic scheduling adjustments, coordinating with airport offices and bus operators via radio communication to anticipate road challenges and prepare hotel arrivals. On 10 May alone, the control room successfully oversaw the safe migration of 7,838 pilgrims in 132 buses, highlighting the critical role of digitalisation in maximising Hajj services for Indonesia's largest Muslim population.

The Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) is bolstering its bank resolution functions to maintain national financial system stability, as stated by Commissioner Doddy Zelverdi during a CNBC Indonesia interview. Working within the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) alongside the Ministry of Finance, Bank Indonesia, and the Financial Services Authority, LPS focuses on early detection of banking risks through enhanced surveillance covering liquidity, solvency, and public fund withdrawals. Under the law, LPS intervenes from the stage when a bank is designated for recovery by OJK, conducting due diligence, seeking investors, or injecting funds to prevent failures.

US President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week to discuss geopolitical dynamics, including US-China trade tensions, accompanied by a high-profile delegation of American business leaders from companies like Tesla, Apple, and Boeing. The talks are expected to yield agreements on investment, trade, and the extension of a trade war truce, with China potentially announcing large-scale purchases of Boeing aircraft and US agricultural and energy products. This meeting underscores efforts to ease trade restrictions, such as on rare earth minerals, amid ongoing economic rivalry between the world's two largest economies.

PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) has reaffirmed its commitment to balancing energy infrastructure development with ecosystem protection, exemplified by planting 2,500 mangrove trees in Lombok's Pantai Induk to combat coastal abrasion. This initiative, part of the 'MenEPI untuk Bumi 2026' programme, involves local government, communities, and stakeholders to sustain the coastal area critical to PLN EPI's biomass supply for a 20% share of Lombok's electricity needs. Local officials highlight the economic benefits, including revitalising tourism and UMKM activities, underscoring the integration of ESG principles in national energy operations for sustainable development.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has stated that the Ministry of Finance will adhere to the formulation prepared by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) regarding planned adjustments to mining and coal royalties and export duties. The government remains optimistic that the new scheme could significantly boost state revenues, potentially exceeding Rp 200 trillion, without disrupting the mining industry or investment climate. A final decision is pending detailed calculations to ensure sustainability and economic benefits.

Indonesia's Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, has stated that any bans on screenings or group viewings of the documentary film "Pesta Babi" must be based on court decisions and legal grounds, not unilateral actions. He emphasised that films represent creative expressions protected under freedom of expression in a democracy, and suggested that any aggrieved parties should seek clarification or produce counter-content rather than suppressing the work. This comes amid reports of disruptions to screenings at universities like Universitas Mataram and UIN Mataram, highlighting tensions over free speech and cultural sensitivities in Indonesia.

In the matrilineal inheritance system of the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra, women primarily inherit family assets like land and gardens, which remain communal and unsellable, while men play crucial roles in their management and preservation. Ilham, a 40-year-old resident of Agam, shares how, despite his three sisters receiving control over the family's agricultural lands and orchards after their parents' death, he and his siblings equally benefit from the produce through family deliberations led by their maternal uncle. This system underscores the cultural emphasis on collective family identity, exemplified by the undivided ancestral home that serves as a gathering place for traditions and festivals.

Two prospective Hajj pilgrims from Jambi, Muhammad Ali and Suradi Kartawiyono, have had their departure delayed due to serious health issues—chronic kidney disease stage five and pneumonia, respectively—as confirmed by medical examinations. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's Jambi office is monitoring their conditions, with optimism that Suradi could recover sufficiently within two days to join another flight group, Kloter 25. This incident highlights the stringent health protocols enforced for Hajj pilgrims to ensure their safety during the pilgrimage.

Asian stock markets exhibited varied performance on Tuesday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 rising 0.6% to 62,828.07 amid optimism from Wall Street, while South Korea's Kospi plunged 2.7% to 7,610.10 due to doubts about the AI-driven rally. Analysts warn that reliance on a few AI leaders is creating a fragile market structure, potentially leading to a major correction in South Korea first, as oil prices surged and US-Iran tensions heightened global uncertainty ahead of President Trump's visit to China.

Entrepreneurship practitioner Gus Lilur advocates for a comprehensive transformation to guide illegal cigarette producers into the legal system, emphasising that enforcement alone is insufficient without realistic transition pathways. He praises the government's plan for a new layered excise tax scheme starting in May 2026, which could differentiate treatment between large industries and small-to-medium enterprises, facilitating legal entry for SMEs burdened by high costs and complex licensing. Additionally, he highlights the Madura Tobacco Special Economic Zone as a long-term solution to build a structured, legal tobacco ecosystem that benefits farmers and boosts state revenue.

The Central Java Investment Forum (CJIBF) 2026, held in Semarang, has already secured 40 Letters of Intent (LoIs) valued at Rp16 trillion just one day after its opening by Governor Ahmad Luthfi. These commitments stem from one-on-one meetings involving 21 projects across sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, food downstreaming, tourism, and mining, with interest from both domestic and foreign investors from Thailand, China, and India. This event, a collaboration between the Central Java Provincial Government and Bank Indonesia, aims to boost the province's investment targets, building on last year's Rp110 trillion realisation, and supports economic growth exceeding the national average at 5.89% in the first quarter of 2026.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana visited Southwest Papua to monitor and evaluate the Raja Ampat National Tourism Destination Master Plan 2024-2044, emphasising the need to position the area as a high-quality, conservation-based geopark with community empowerment and sustainability at its core. Key discussions focused on aligning central and local government efforts to combat extractive activities, manage environmental carrying capacity, and mitigate risks like overtourism, including the addition of mooring buoys to protect coral reefs. The visit highlighted Raja Ampat's dual UNESCO statuses and its role as a global model for sustainable tourism, while addressing local challenges such as limited human resources and connectivity issues.

A Jakarta legislator has called on the DKI Provincial Government to increase vigilance against the spread of Hantavirus following the reporting of 23 cases in Indonesia since 2024. Highlighting the virus's potential lethality and the presence of a suspected case in Jakarta, the official urges preventive measures including tracking patient interactions and promoting healthy living practices. Health Ministry data indicates that Indonesia's cases involve the HFRS type, distinct from the HPS variant seen on a cruise ship, with no evidence of rodent-to-human transmission since 1991.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has firmly stated that he will not pursue tax amnesty policies during his tenure unless directly instructed by the President, highlighting the complexities and legal risks involved in such measures. During the inauguration of new officials at the Directorate General of Taxes, he emphasised the importance of integrity in tax administration to maintain public trust and avoid legal uncertainties. Purbaya also clarified that previous tax amnesty participants will not face retrospective audits on declared assets and urged them to continue fulfilling ongoing tax obligations based on their business activities.

Police in Jakarta have uncovered a major illegal vehicle trafficking operation, seizing 1,494 motorcycles from a warehouse in South Jakarta, with 537 already dismantled into components for export to Africa. The operation, suspected to involve vehicles under fiduciary guarantees and possible identity theft, is one of the largest vehicle receiving cases in the Metro Jaya Police jurisdiction, highlighting ongoing issues with undocumented vehicle exports since 2022. Authorities are investigating the sources and potential data misuse to dismantle the network that has operated for years.

The Iranian government has strongly condemned the United States' latest attempt to pass a UN Security Council resolution draft concerning the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Washington of distorting facts to shield aggressors. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, criticised the proposal for flipping the narrative to blame Iran, the victim of threats and attacks, while ignoring US and Israeli roles in escalating the crisis through military aggression and illegal blockades. He warned that any resolution failing to address these aggressions and Iran's right to self-defence would be flawed and doomed to fail, underscoring tensions over maritime security in the region.

The Indonesian government's policy of implementing work-from-home (WFH) for civil servants every Friday, effective from early April 2026, has not significantly alleviated traffic congestion on Jakarta's main thoroughfares. While inbound traffic volumes showed minor declines in key corridors like MH Thamrin, Sudirman-Karet, and HR Rasuna Said, outbound traffic on Thamrin increased by nearly 6 percent, primarily due to more motorbikes and cars heading out of the city. Transportation authorities note that the overall impact remains limited and uneven, highlighting challenges in reducing urban congestion through such measures.

Sheikh Ahmad Al Misry, a preacher accused of same-sex sexual harassment against students, has been detained by Egyptian authorities since late April 2026, following allegations reported by victim advocate Muhammad Mahdi Alatas. Indonesian National Police have submitted a Red Notice via Interpol and are coordinating with Egyptian officials to verify his dual citizenship status, aiming to extradite him for legal proceedings in Indonesia. The case involves 13 underage victims who were lured with false promises of scholarships in Egypt, highlighting vulnerabilities in international student recruitment and the pursuit of justice across borders.

President Prabowo Subianto's latest periodic LHKPN report for 2025, submitted on 31 March 2026, reveals his net worth at Rp 2.066 trillion, marking an increase of Rp 4.5 billion from the previous year's figure. The assets include Rp 323 billion in land and buildings across 10 properties in South Jakarta and Bogor, eight luxury vehicles, a motorcycle, and substantial cash holdings, with no recorded debts. This disclosure underscores transparency in the president's finances amid public interest in the wealth of national leaders.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reports that eight out of 144 financing companies have not met the minimum equity requirement of Rp 100 billion as of March 2026. CIMB Niaga Finance's President Director, Ristiawan Suherman, views this policy positively, stating it aims to strengthen the multifinance industry by bolstering capital to support business operations and manage risks, thereby maintaining Indonesia's financial stability. The increased paid-up capital is expected to enhance investor and banking confidence, ultimately boosting financing distribution in the sector.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has launched the Nutri-Level nutrition labelling initiative for beverages in collaboration with private entities including PT Lippo Malls Indonesia, Universitas Pelita Harapan, and Siloam International Hospitals. This cross-sector effort aims to raise public awareness about balanced consumption to combat non-communicable diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes caused by excessive sugar, salt, and fat intake. The labelling is designed to enable quicker and more informed consumer choices, fostering healthier lifestyles across society.

The Indonesian government has assured that there will be no mass layoffs of non-ASN teachers by the end of 2026, allowing them to continue their duties while future needs are assessed. Officials emphasise the ongoing shortage of educators nationwide and are formulating pathways for these teachers to transition to permanent civil servant status through selection processes. This policy aims to eliminate status disparities among teachers, ensuring equal welfare and career opportunities, with calls for a unified national teacher status as PNS to strengthen human resource development.

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is advancing plans to reform the revenue-sharing scheme in the mineral and coal mining sector, adopting a model akin to the gross split and cost recovery system used in upstream oil and gas. This initiative, rooted in Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, aims to ensure that natural resources are controlled by the state for the prosperity of the people, while seeking a balanced approach between government and business interests. Industry stakeholders caution that the unique characteristics of mining, including diverse permitting and commodity types, necessitate careful evaluation to avoid deterring investors amid global economic challenges.

PT Prudential Sharia Life Assurance paid out Rp 2.2 trillion in claims and benefits in 2025, equivalent to Rp 6 billion daily, covering nearly 98,000 cases and reaching over 68,000 participants. This achievement underscores the mutual support (ta'awun) principle in Sharia insurance, demonstrating resilience amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. The company maintained its position as Indonesia's leading Sharia life insurance provider, with a 22% market share in Annualized Premium Equivalent, Rp 1 trillion in new business contributions, and total assets of approximately Rp 8 trillion.

PT Telkom Indonesia closed the 2025 fiscal year with a net income of Rp17.8 trillion and consolidated revenue of Rp146.7 trillion, reflecting sustained value creation for shareholders amid its transformation agenda. The company achieved a Total Shareholder Return of 35.7 percent, supported by strategic initiatives under the TLKM 30 plan, including divestments, business streamlining, and a shift to a strategic holding model to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness in telecommunications and digital services. These efforts, alongside governance improvements and accounting policy alignments, underscore Telkom's commitment to long-term value generation and national digital ecosystem leadership.

Local governments in Kalimantan have raised concerns over declining revenue-sharing funds (DBH) amid heavy fiscal reliance on natural resources, highlighting challenges in sustaining economic growth and addressing social issues like inflation and stunting. Deputy Interior Minister Bima Arya acknowledged ongoing issues with DBH implementation, including distribution formulas and delays, while the central government is refining schemes through the Financial Relations Law to include affected and processing regions. Officials urged regional creativity in financing and leveraging social media for job matching to mitigate fiscal pressures.

Authorities in Jakarta's Thousand Islands released 183 protected Napoleon wrasse fish, seized from local fishermen, into the marine protection area of Pulau Panggang to preserve marine ecosystems. The initiative, a collaboration between the local Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Office and the police, underscores the commitment to protecting endangered species and educating communities on sustainable fishing practices. Officials hope this action will enhance awareness and contribute to the long-term balance of coral reef ecosystems in the region.

Bekasi Regency in West Java is mobilising all stakeholders through task forces to support the national Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, with instructions for sub-district heads to establish monitoring posts, validate beneficiary data, and ensure local economic involvement by prioritising community suppliers. Key performance indicators include issuing a regental regulation, budget allocation, integrated monitoring, training for nutrition service units, sanitation guidance, and digital reporting innovations. As of late April 2026, the programme has reached 548,248 beneficiaries, including over 453,000 schoolchildren and vulnerable groups like pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and toddlers, supported by 318 operational kitchens across the regency.

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has implemented robust systems to ensure accountability and prevent the misappropriation of funds in the School Revitalisation Programme. Director General Tatang Muttaqin highlighted physical verification processes, phased fund disbursements, and automated warnings for suspicious transactions, with the Inspectorate General conducting ongoing monitoring. Schools found violating these rules will be compelled to return the funds, underscoring the ministry's commitment to transparent use of educational resources.

The Indonesian government's plan to mandate B50 biodiesel is viewed as a strategic move to bolster national energy security, but experts warn it will fail without addressing fundamental issues in the upstream palm oil industry. Zainal Arifin from Pustaka Alam emphasises the need for cross-sectoral alignment, particularly accelerating the Palm Oil Rejuvenation Programme for Smallholders (PSR) to boost productivity amid declining yields from ageing trees. With palm oil plantations spanning around 18 million hectares and smallholder areas requiring replanting on 4.8 million hectares, enhancing upstream efficiency is crucial for sustainable CPO production and the success of the B50 initiative.

Permata Bank's Chief Economist Josua Pardede has warned that alerts from MSCI and international rating agencies are emerging as new signals of waning investor confidence in Indonesia's economy. Factors such as transparency in financial markets, government policy credibility, and fiscal space are contributing to capital outflows of approximately $2.2 billion from stocks and $0.7 billion from bonds since the start of 2026, alongside a weakening rupiah hovering around Rp17,500 per US dollar. While global sentiments like rising oil prices and US dollar demand are primary drivers, Indonesia's economic fundamentals remain robust compared to the 1998 crisis.

The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is a key driver for Indonesia's tourism and national economy, attracting local and international tourists, boosting hotel occupancy, and fostering business networks and investments. According to 2025 data from the Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar), supported MICE events peaked in May, followed by June and July with 20 events each, while September and October recorded 12 and 11 events respectively. Venues like Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD, alongside locations in Bali, Solo, and Mandalika, underscore the sector's role in enhancing Indonesia's competitiveness as a global event destination.

The 1998 Reformasi marked a shift from centralisation to broader decentralisation in Indonesia, positioning regional autonomy as a tool for democratisation, equitable development, and enhanced public participation. However, over two decades later, the trajectory of regional autonomy oscillates like a pendulum between decentralising impulses and recentralising pulls, raising questions about its future direction. The article argues for a constitutional balance that strengthens the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia, ensuring autonomy reinforces national integration without veering into federalism or fragmentation.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is set to close several illegal level crossings in the Tebet area of South Jakarta to enhance safety for train operations and the public. The initiative began with the installation of warning banners on Tuesday, prohibiting crossings between Tebet and Cawang stations, with at least 11 such hazardous points identified for imminent closure. Local residents and crossing guards have been informed, though some express concerns about the impact on community mobility, highlighting KAI's prior efforts to facilitate vehicle passage.

The Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Provincial Government is enhancing collaborations within the climate entrepreneurship ecosystem to promote a low-carbon and sustainable economy through cross-sector synergies involving government, businesses, and development partners. Officials emphasised that the transition to clean energy must be inclusive, reaching all societal layers and viewing regions as innovation hubs rather than mere policy recipients. Discussions highlighted support for local innovators, SMEs, and startups, with the Ministry of Finance committing to bolster sustainable financial ecosystems and collaborative projects in NTT.

Retired General Dudung Abdurachman, Head of the Presidential Staff Office, conducted a surprise inspection of two Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) kitchens in West Jakarta, uncovering serious hygiene and food safety violations, including filthy areas, maggots, and inadequate facilities. He has coordinated with the National Nutrition Agency to suspend operations at non-compliant sites and emphasised that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, a presidential priority for enhancing child nutrition towards Indonesia's Golden 2045 vision, must prioritise health standards over mere quantity, with public funds demanding strict accountability. Dudung announced nationwide audits of SPPG facilities and plans for further unannounced checks to ensure the initiative benefits Indonesian children without risks like food poisoning.