In an anticipated meeting on 14-15 May 2026, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss agricultural cooperation, with markets anticipating a new agreement on China's purchases of US farm products. However, significant additional buys of US soybeans appear limited due to weakened domestic demand in China and cheaper Brazilian alternatives, shifting focus towards other commodities like corn, sorghum, wheat, beef, and poultry. This development highlights the relatively less sensitive nature of agricultural trade in US-China relations compared to technology and geopolitical issues, potentially benefiting US exporters in non-soy sectors.

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has called on the government to progressively appoint honorary teachers as civil servants (PNS) to address the ongoing teacher emergency, as local governments struggle to appoint school principals due to a shortage of eligible civil servants. Deputy Speaker Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal highlighted the need for detailed nationwide data collection to assess budgetary requirements and ensure teachers' rights, including certification and incentives, are not overlooked. This move aims to provide job security and clarity for educators, particularly in remote areas, amid persistent issues with inadequate data and local funding constraints.

PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk reported a net income of Rp17.8 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, maintaining stable performance through its TLKM 30 transformation strategy, with consolidated revenue reaching Rp146.7 trillion and an EBITDA of Rp72.2 trillion. The company's B2C segment, led by Telkomsel, contributed significantly with Rp109.2 trillion in revenue, driven by a 15% annual increase in data traffic, while the B2B infrastructure segment grew 9.2% to Rp8.9 trillion, supported by investments in data centres and fibre expansion. This achievement, including a 35.7% total shareholder return, underscores Telkom's commitment to digital ecosystem development and consistent value return to shareholders via dividends and share buybacks.

Hetifah Sjaifudian, Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives and MPR member, has called for a rematch of the final round of the 2026 MPR RI Four Pillars Quiz Competition at the provincial level in West Kalimantan following a judging controversy that disadvantaged students from SMA Negeri 1 Pontianak. The incident, which involved a disputed answer on the selection process for BPK members and went viral on social media, has prompted Hetifah to urge a thorough evaluation of future competitions to prevent similar errors that could tarnish the MPR's reputation. She expressed regret and apologised to the affected students, emphasising the need for better preparation by all parties involved.

The Bali Provincial Parliament's Special Committee on Spatial Planning, Permits, and Assets (Pansus TRAP) conducted a surprise inspection at the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone on Serangan Island, uncovering evidence of mangrove clearance and land compaction, leading to a temporary sealing of the area by authorities. Officials from PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) claimed the actions were permissible on their private land under a Building Use Rights Certificate (SHGB), but this was firmly rebutted by legislators who emphasised the ecological importance of mangroves and cited laws prohibiting their removal. Local fishermen expressed concerns that the destruction is narrowing their livelihoods and disrupting vital coastal ecosystems, highlighting ongoing issues with permits, marine space utilisation, and land swaps in the zone.

A fire broke out in the Miami Warehousing complex in Kalideres, West Jakarta, on Monday evening, destroying four warehouses primarily used for storage and logistics, including one storing refrigerant that ignited first, followed by those holding plastics, cardboard, and expedition packages. The blaze, suspected to have started from an electrical short circuit in the refrigerant warehouse during overtime work, highlights the risks in Jakarta's key logistics hubs, where most structures are storage facilities rather than manufacturing plants. Local residents and officials confirmed the area's focus on goods distribution, with explosions reported around 8 PM, underscoring the need for enhanced fire safety in such densely packed industrial zones.

Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH) will require the Indonesian halal logo on certified halal meat imports from Brazil starting October 2026, enhancing consumer certainty in the domestic market. This follows a Mutual Recognition Agreement with Brazil's Fambras and joint inspections with the Indonesian Quarantine Agency to ensure compliance before products enter circulation. The policy aligns with the Halal Product Assurance Law, which mandates halal certification for all products traded in Indonesia, with BPJPH accelerating certifications for over 66 million SMEs to meet the upcoming requirements.

The Indonesian rupiah has weakened to above Rp 17,500 per US dollar amid global financial pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, prompting Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to announce government intervention in the bond market starting Wednesday. This measure aims to stabilise yields on government securities (SBN) and prevent sharp increases that could lead to capital losses for foreign investors, thereby mitigating further outflows of foreign capital. The rupiah's decline mirrors broader weakening across Asian currencies against a strengthening dollar, influenced by high US interest rates.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, has called for the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to evaluate the negligence of judges in scoring the MPR's Four Pillars Quiz Competition held in West Kalimantan, following a controversial incident where two teams provided identical answers but received different scores. The controversy arose when a team from SMA Negeri 1 Pontianak was penalised for an answer deemed incomplete, while a team from SMA Negeri 1 Sambas was awarded points for the same response, sparking protests and viral social media backlash. MPR Secretary General Siti Fauziah announced a comprehensive review of the competition's technical aspects to ensure transparency and accountability in future events, emphasising the importance of public input to maintain trust in national education initiatives.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has distributed more than eight billion portions of free nutritious meals (MBG) since the programme's launch in January 2025, benefiting schoolchildren from early childhood education to high school, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Managed by 27,649 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) across 38 provinces, the initiative involves 27,000 nutritionists, accountants, and over 1.1 million volunteers to support President Prabowo Subianto's AstaCita vision. In West Sumatra, particularly Padang, 404 SPPG units have circulated approximately Rp400 billion to ensure the programme's success.

Indonesia's national food security faces a critical challenge in the effective storage of harvested paddy, where poor management can lead to spoilage, mould, and pest infestations, ultimately undermining agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods. As Bulog prepares to handle a government rice reserve of around 5 million tonnes by the end of April 2026—far exceeding previous capacities—the article highlights the need for advanced storage systems to address humidity, temperature fluctuations, and inadequate facilities amid climate change. This underscores the importance of integrating technical, economic, and regulatory improvements to ensure sustainable food reserves and protect vulnerable farmers.

Jakarta police have transported a 24-year-old man suspected of carrying out arson attacks at multiple locations in East Jakarta's Pisangan Baru neighbourhood to the Kramat Jati Police Hospital for a psychological evaluation to determine if he suffers from mental disorders. The examination is crucial to ensure appropriate legal proceedings, as the suspect is described by family as extremely withdrawn and has expressed regret influenced by internal 'whispers'. Authorities are awaiting medical results to guide next steps, balancing public safety with fair treatment.

MPR member Hetifah Sjaifudian has called for a rerun of the Four Pillars of the MPR RI Quiz Competition at the West Kalimantan provincial level to ensure fairness amid ongoing controversies over the judging process. She expressed concern about the polemic that arose during the final in Pontianak, apologised for the issue, and praised the enthusiasm of participating students across regions. Hetifah remains optimistic that the MPR will improve its event management to maintain the competition's credibility as an educational platform for Indonesian students.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) continues to struggle in negative territory as investors adopt a cautious stance ahead of MSCI announcements impacting several stocks. According to BPI Danantara's Chief Investment Officer Pandu Sjahrir, while MSCI concerns have been largely addressed, the real issue lies in Indonesia's lack of innovative sectors like AI and technology, which are driving growth in markets such as Taiwan and South Korea. He highlights the dominance of traditional banking and mining in Indonesia's listed companies and calls for a shift towards emerging industries to boost investor appeal amid global geopolitical pressures.

Indonesia has proposed hosting an ASEAN oil storage hub to enhance regional energy security amid the Middle East conflict, with Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia expressing hopes to collaborate with Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines, though no location agreement has been finalised. This initiative, discussed at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, aims to create a shared fuel stockpile to mitigate disruptions like the Strait of Hormuz closure, complementing broader talks on electricity interconnectivity and energy diversification. Additionally, Indonesia plans a domestic oil storage facility in Sumatra to bolster national reserves, underscoring the urgency of reducing energy dependencies in the region.

Indonesian police have arrested 320 foreign nationals and one Indonesian citizen suspected of involvement in cross-border online gambling operations at a Jakarta office. DPR Commission III member Rudianto Lallo urges authorities to pursue the kingpins, money flows, and backers behind the scenes, emphasising that the state cannot afford to lose against the growing threat of online gambling that harms society across all levels. Politician Abdullah echoes the call for consistent enforcement to eradicate this digital crime, which destroys families and endangers the youth, preventing Indonesia from becoming a haven for gambling mafias.

Property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) states that the government's VAT Ditanggung Pemerintah (DTP) incentive for housing has positively influenced the condominium market, primarily boosting demand for completed and ready-to-occupy units among end-users rather than investors. JLL hopes for an extension of this tax relief until 2027 to further enhance residential property sales activity, which could benefit around 40,000 units annually and support the middle class's purchasing power. The incentive applies fully to new ready-to-occupy properties priced up to Rp2 billion, available to both Indonesian and foreign citizens for a single unit under specific conditions.

The Permata Institute for Economic Research (PIER) has revised its forecast, projecting that Bank Indonesia (BI) may raise its benchmark interest rate, or BI-Rate, to 5 percent in the first half of 2026, amid ongoing rupiah depreciation exceeding 4 percent year-to-date. This potential hike of 25 basis points is driven by risks including domestic inflation pressures, widening current account deficits, and the limited scope for US Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, which could sustain external pressures on Indonesia's exchange rate and financial markets. The analysis underscores BI's historical tendency to tighten policy when the rupiah weakens beyond 3 percent, highlighting the need for vigilance in the coming months.

Applicants Ratih Mutiara Louk Fanggi and Titi Tantri in Constitutional Court case 154/PUU-XXIV/2026 have responded to plagiarism allegations made by Judge Saldi Isra, asserting that their submission is not plagiarised as it was prepared by the same team. They clarified that the original petition 119, filed by Syamsul Jahidin and others testing specific articles of the 2025 Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), was withdrawn due to multiple ongoing cases and resubmitted under petition 154 with a different scope, focusing on Articles 1(22) and 151(2)(b). This response highlights procedural nuances in judicial reviews of legal reforms, potentially impacting the definition and qualifications of advocates in Indonesia.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to around Rp17,500 per US dollar on 12 May 2026, prompting Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to announce government support for Bank Indonesia in stabilising the currency. Purbaya outlined plans to intervene in the bond market using available funds, including the Bond Stabilization Fund, to prevent yields from rising too sharply and encourage foreign capital inflows. He assured that the 2026 state budget remains secure, with internal exchange rate assumptions exceeding the official Rp16,500 figure.

This opinion piece outlines a pragmatic framework for indirect Iran-US negotiations mediated by Pakistan, categorising issues into immediately agreeable, negotiable, and non-starters to avoid total capitulation by either side. It proposes starting with IAEA verification and sanctions relief to build trust, while acknowledging Iran's sovereignty concerns over its nuclear facilities and missile capabilities. Such an approach could prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, provide economic incentives, and restore regional stability without forcing humiliating concessions.

Traders at Jakarta's Tanah Abang market are facing unprecedented challenges this year, with sales plummeting due to the global impacts of the Middle East conflict driving up prices of essential goods like plastics used for packaging. Regular customers are buying significantly less, forcing merchants to rely on live selling platforms such as TikTok and Shopee, yet even these efforts are yielding fewer purchases amid declining consumer purchasing power. This downturn signals a broader erosion of the market's former glory, particularly post-Eid, highlighting vulnerabilities in Indonesia's retail sector to international economic pressures.

Wings Air will introduce a return flight route from Pekanbaru to Melaka, Malaysia, commencing on 10 June 2026, enhancing regional connectivity for Indonesian travellers from Sumatra and Java. This development is expected to facilitate family tourism, community travel, and short getaways, while also bolstering business mobility and economic ties between the regions through improved cross-border trade and investment opportunities. The route utilises modern turboprop aircraft for optimal comfort and efficiency on this geographically proximate link.

Recent misinformation has sparked widespread panic among Indonesia's honorary teachers over fears of mass layoffs by 2027, stemming from misunderstandings of the Non-Civil Servant Personnel Regulation policy in the 2023 ASN Law. The government has clarified that it is not eliminating honorary teaching positions but rather restructuring the system to enhance professionalism, welfare, and integration, with over 200,000 non-ASN teachers still vital to addressing shortages, particularly in remote areas, supported by Rp12.1 trillion in professional allowances and competency programs. This initiative underscores a commitment to investing in human capital for national development, advocating for gradual transitions via schemes like PPPK to ensure educational continuity and teacher security.

According to 2025 data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), over seven million people commute daily, primarily from the Jabodetabek agglomeration area, underscoring the need for an efficient and interconnected public transportation system. This article features stories from two public transport users who rely on KRL, MRT, LRT Jabodebek, and Transjakarta modes, illustrating how Jakarta's transport infrastructure is being developed and strengthened through various policies. These experiences highlight the ongoing efforts to enhance urban mobility in Indonesia's capital region.

The United Nations has warned that disruptions to global fertiliser distribution through the Strait of Hormuz, caused by conflicts involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, could push an additional 45 million people into hunger and extreme starvation. UN task force leader Jorge Moreira da Silva emphasised the urgency, stating that only a few weeks remain to prevent a major humanitarian crisis, particularly as planting seasons approach in vulnerable regions like Africa and Asia. He highlighted that allowing just five fertiliser ships per day to pass could avert a global food crisis, but political agreement among key stakeholders is essential to restore supplies of critical materials like ammonia, sulphur, and urea.

Flooding has affected eight districts in Southeast Sulawesi, impacting 8,616 residents, with the worst-hit areas being Kendari City and Konawe Regency. The floods, triggered by heavy rain last week, have begun to recede in Kendari following two days without precipitation, and no fatalities have been reported. Government responses at provincial, local, and central levels, including aid from the Minister of Agriculture, are providing essentials like rice and oil to support the affected communities.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating alleged corruption in the management of capital investments and long-term loans at PPT Energy Trading Co., Ltd (PPT ET), a joint venture between PT Pertamina and Japanese firms, covering the period from 2015 to 2022. The probe involves examining witnesses from Pertamina and has led to travel bans for three individuals, with suspects already identified but not publicly named. This case also links to broader corruption allegations in Pertamina's liquefied natural gas procurement from 2011 to 2021, highlighting risks in state-owned energy investments.

Permata Bank anticipates a potential 25 basis point increase in Bank Indonesia's benchmark rate to 5% in the first half of 2026, driven by the rupiah's over 4% year-to-date depreciation amid global risks like Middle East conflicts and high oil prices. This hike could strain credit demand from households and businesses, with current growth relying heavily on investment loans while consumer and working capital credits remain subdued due to weakening middle-class purchasing power and downtrading trends. Economic activity will ultimately dictate banking sector credit expansion, as improved consumption and business needs could bolster demand.

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) has launched the Beginner Independent Worker Assistance (TKM Pemula) programme for 2026, offering IDR 5 million in business capital grants to eligible citizens aged 18-64 who are not employed or receiving other aid, aiming to reduce unemployment and foster micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Registration is open from 7 to 17 May 2026 via the SIAPKerja and BizHub platforms, requiring documents like ID cards and family cards, and is entirely free with warnings against scams. This initiative supports self-employment in sectors such as agriculture, culinary services, and creative industries, aligning with national employment laws.

Indonesian House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has urged stricter and ongoing monitoring of foreign nationals and online gambling activities to prevent Indonesia from becoming a central hub for international online gambling operations. This statement follows the arrest of 321 foreign nationals from countries including Vietnam, China, and Myanmar in a police raid on an international online gambling network in West Jakarta on 9 May 2026. The crackdown is part of President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita programme aimed at enforcing the law against such illicit activities, highlighting the need for cross-institutional efforts to mitigate social and security impacts.

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has instructed the relevant parliamentary commission to follow up on the controversy surrounding the ban on group screenings of the film 'Pesta Babi', citing its potentially sensitive content. She emphasised the need for explanations from involved parties and proper anticipation if the film's narrative is deemed harmful to society. This comes after Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that such bans cannot be imposed unilaterally without legal basis or court decisions, highlighting the importance of legal mechanisms for restricting film screenings.

The Thousand Islands Health Sub-District Office is encouraging residents to implement Clean and Healthy Living Behaviours (PHBS) to curb the spread of Hantavirus, a serious zoonotic disease transmitted through rodents commonly found in human environments. The virus can cause severe conditions such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) with symptoms including fever, cough, and respiratory distress, or Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) involving fever, bleeding, and acute kidney issues. Preventive measures include securing food in rodent-proof containers, avoiding direct contact with rodents, and early detection through nearby health facilities, supported by ongoing health promotion efforts involving clinics, hospitals, and cross-sector organisations.

A United Nations report released on Monday reveals that the world is not moving quickly enough to meet the Global Forest Goals by 2030, with only seven out of 26 targets achieved, 17 partially on track, and two off course. Global forest cover has shrunk by over 40 million hectares between 2015 and 2025, exacerbated by inadequate funding for sustainable management, though progress includes policy reforms, restoration programmes, and enhanced international cooperation. The report, launched at the 21st UN Forum on Forests, urges accelerated actions such as halting deforestation, restoring degraded lands, and closing funding gaps to safeguard forests amid ongoing threats like climate change and illegal activities.

A recent raid on an international online gambling hub in Jakarta has highlighted the devastating personal impacts of judi online, as illustrated by stories of addiction leading to financial ruin, marital strife, and near-suicide among ordinary Indonesians. Psychologist Novita Tandri warns that the proliferation of online gambling poses a severe threat to family resilience, mental health, and the nation's future generations, exacerbating issues like household conflicts, debt, and emotional instability. As Indonesia emerges as a base for cross-border gambling crimes, urgent interventions are needed to safeguard vulnerable families and curb this growing social menace.

The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry is committed to preserving the forest cover in Mount Ciremai National Park (TNGC) to maintain its critical role as West Java's "Water Tower," supplying pure, never-ending water sources to four surrounding districts. Spanning 14,841.3 hectares, the park not only ensures clean water availability but also serves as a vital habitat for endangered species like the Javan Hawk-eagle, Leopard Cat, and Surili, indicating a healthy ecosystem. Local communities, empowered through tourism management, recognise the mutual benefits of forest conservation for economic progress and environmental sustainability.

The captain of the MV Hondius cruise ship, impacted by a hantavirus outbreak, praised the patience and unity of passengers and crew as they disembark and prepare for repatriation, highlighting the challenging weeks endured. In Australia, the government anticipates a smaller budget deficit than previously projected, driven by unexpected commodity revenues and reforms aimed at addressing global economic uncertainties without fueling inflation. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces calls for his resignation from over 70 Labour MPs but vows to prove his doubters wrong, while a suspect in a failed shooting attempt on US President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted murder.

Indonesia and Russia are strengthening their industrial, trade, and investment cooperation to enhance strategic collaboration in key sectors such as manufacturing, shipbuilding, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and industrial technology. This partnership, discussed in a bilateral meeting between Indonesian Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza and Russian Deputy Minister Alexey Vladimirovich Gruzdev at the Indonesia-Russia Business and Investment Forum 2026 in Saint Petersburg, follows commitments made by Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The collaboration aims to bolster Indonesia's national industrial structure, expand global market access, and culminate in a Memorandum of Understanding for systematic industrial cooperation, with Indonesia participating as a partner country at the INNOPROM 2026 exhibition.

China's stock market declined on Tuesday following a record high not seen in 11 years, driven by investors cashing in profits amid anticipation of a key US-China meeting this week. While major indices like the CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite fell by 0.3% and 0.4% respectively, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.3%, and state media emphasised the role of trade as a stabiliser in bilateral relations. Analysts from UBS suggest the upward trend could persist in the medium term, supported by corporate profit recovery and liquidity stimulus.

The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) deepened its correction on Tuesday, dropping 2% or 138.18 points to 6,767.44 by 14:03 WIB, amid widespread declines in Asian markets and anticipation of the MSCI review announcement. Market participants are engaging in sell-offs and a wait-and-see approach due to fears of a reduced weighting for Indonesia in the global MSCI index, potentially triggering foreign fund outflows. Regulators and the Indonesia Stock Exchange affirm that ongoing capital market reforms may cause short-term pain but promise long-term gains by enhancing market integrity and global standards.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating permits that were not granted to private entities by the Madiun city administration under former Mayor Maidi, specifically those who failed to provide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds as demanded. This probe involves examining two witnesses as part of the ongoing corruption case against Maidi, who was arrested in a January 2026 sting operation alongside associates Rochim Ruhdiyanto and Thariq Megah. The case encompasses two clusters: alleged extortion related to project kickbacks and CSR demands, and gratification involving city government officials, highlighting systemic corruption risks in local governance.

The Special Committee on Parking Management of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, accompanied by executive officials, inspected the Blok M Square parking area in South Jakarta, sealing off an allegedly illegal operation that has been running without permits since 2023. The inspection revealed potential criminal elements, including tax embezzlement that could harm state finances and local revenue, prompting calls for serious follow-up by oversight agencies and law enforcement. This action underscores the DPRD's commitment to enforcing regulations, protecting public rights, and advancing transparent, digital parking management integrated with the Blok M Hub development initiative.

The Secretary General of Indonesia's Ministry of Home Affairs, Tomsi Tohir, has directed regional governments to implement immediate measures to control the rising prices of red chillies, affecting 242 regions as of early May 2026, amid concerns over impacts on the public. He praised the record-high rice availability of 5.19 million tonnes and urged Bulog to enhance distribution in areas with high prices, while emphasising adherence to the highest retail price (HET) standards to maintain stability in essential goods. Drawing from past experiences with seasonal challenges, Tomsi encouraged regions to leverage weekly coordination meetings to proactively manage price fluctuations.

Authorities evacuated 11 babies, aged one to ten months, from a midwife's home in Sleman, Yogyakarta, amid suspicions of illegal childcare possibly linked to out-of-wedlock births, with some infants requiring medical attention for conditions like congenital heart disease and jaundice. The midwife's independent practice clinic in Banyuraden continues to operate normally, as observed on Tuesday, with police investigating potential child neglect, trafficking, or other crimes without yet naming suspects. This incident highlights regulatory gaps in informal childcare and midwifery services in Indonesia, raising concerns over child welfare and enforcement of social policies.

The Tangerang Regency Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting anti-corruption education from an early age to bolster national character, as stated by Regent Moch Maesyal Rasyid during the launch of a guidebook on anti-corruption education materials in Jakarta. The guidebook, aimed at primary and secondary school educators, provides clear methods for instilling values of honesty, clean culture, and anti-corruption, with full support from the regency for the Ministry of Education's programme. Officials from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasised that this initiative will serve as a national roadmap for building an integrity-driven younger generation, shifting anti-corruption efforts from courtrooms to classrooms.

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has urged the government to anticipate the rupiah's depreciation to Rp 17,503 per US dollar, warning that it could lead to Indonesia's economic downturn if not addressed. She emphasised the need for ongoing vigilance through 2027, considering global factors influencing the currency. During the current session, the DPR will discuss the Macroeconomic Framework and Fiscal Policy Guidelines for the 2027 State Budget to mitigate future fiscal risks.

Bank Indonesia has launched the Green Calculator Version 2, an enhanced tool for more comprehensive and user-friendly measurement of carbon emissions, supporting sustainable finance amid climate challenges. Officials from the Ministry of Finance and OJK emphasised its role in standardising reporting, risk management, and driving green lending, with sustainable vehicle and housing loans showing strong growth and low default rates. This initiative aligns with Indonesia's commitments to reduce emissions and achieve net zero by 2060, involving multiple government bodies and institutions.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has asserted that Iran's 14-point peace proposal offers the only viable path to resolving conflicts in the Middle East, emphasising that alternatives would lead to repeated failures. The proposals include lifting sanctions, granting Iran full control over the Strait of Hormuz, and releasing frozen Iranian assets abroad. US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's response to American proposals as unacceptable, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations.

President Prabowo Subianto has signed Government Regulation No. 6/2026, empowering local governments to oversee and nurture Incubation Microfinance Institutions (LKM Inkubasi) and small-scale Microfinance Institutions to support Indonesia's predominantly UMKM-driven economy. The regulation addresses challenges faced by small businesses in accessing finance without collateral, aiming to provide legal status to these institutions, protect community revolving funds, ensure sustainable microfinance services for the poor, and facilitate their eventual licensing by the Financial Services Authority (OJK). This move is significant for enhancing financial inclusion and reducing misuse in the informal microfinance sector.

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has announced four priority bills for the DPR's fifth session starting 12 May, focusing on financial sector strengthening, international civil law, statistics amendments, and industrial design. Notably absent is the election bill, despite calls for its discussion ahead of the 2026 polls, as inter-faction deliberations continue cautiously to ensure fair and honest elections. This prioritisation underscores the DPR's commitment to careful legislative processes that best serve the public interest.