The article explores the origins and enduring influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), founded in 1954 by Isaiah Leo Kenen, a Canadian-born journalist and lawyer with deep Zionist roots inherited from his Ukrainian immigrant father. It highlights AIPAC's success in shaping US foreign policy, including securing billions in military aid for Israel under President Biden and vetoing UN resolutions critical of the country through extensive lobbying of bipartisan politicians. This powerful network underscores the lobby's role in bolstering US-Israel relations, amid concerns that criticising Israel's government equates to antisemitism, setting a dangerous precedent.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has warned that it will temporarily suspend operations of nutrition service units (SPPGs) failing to increase the number of beneficiaries from the 3B group—pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers—within the next two weeks. This measure is part of efforts to accelerate stunting reduction through the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme, which currently reaches only about 9 million beneficiaries against a target of 22 to 26 million. The initiative aims to refocus resources on priority groups to enhance nutritional outcomes and lower national stunting prevalence.

Adela Kanasya Adies, daughter of Adies Kadir, was officially sworn in as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) today, replacing her father who has been appointed as a Constitutional Court judge. The inauguration took place during the plenary session opening the fifth session of the 2025-2026 period at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, following a presidential decree. Golkar Party leader Bahlil Lahadalia emphasised that the replacement adheres to procedure based on vote rankings, not familial ties, highlighting the automatic succession for the candidate with the second-highest votes in East Java 1 electoral district.

Head of the Presidential Staff Office, Dudung Abdurachman, has criticised the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, emphasising that they must prioritise nutritional value and health over merely meeting targets. During a surprise inspection in West Jakarta, he identified serious issues including poor hygiene, presence of maggots, and inadequate facilities, declaring two inspected kitchens unworthy. Dudung announced an imminent national audit, potential suspensions for non-compliant units, and coordination with the National Nutrition Agency to enforce standards, underscoring the President's focus on beneficiary health.

Indonesia's Constitutional Court (MK) is set to deliver rulings on 22 judicial review petitions against various laws on Tuesday, including challenges to the new Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Civil Service Law, Election Law, and the 2026 State Budget. Key cases of interest involve concerns over broad interpretations of corruption provisions in the Criminal Code and allocations in the national budget, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of legislative frameworks. These decisions could significantly impact Indonesia's legal, electoral, and fiscal policies, underscoring the MK's pivotal role in constitutional oversight.

Gold prices for PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) products surged to Rp 2,859,000 per gram on 12 May 2026, marking a Rp 40,000 increase from the previous day, while buyback prices reached Rp 2,676,000 per gram. Prices for various sizes, from 0.5 grams to 1,000 grams, were detailed, excluding taxes as per Indonesian regulations, with withholding taxes applied on buyback transactions over Rp 10 million. Globally, spot gold rose 0.5% to US$4,757.59 per ounce amid investor anticipation of US-China presidential talks and Middle East tensions.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is probing the flow of illicit funds in a corruption case involving Fadia Arafiq, the former Regent of Pekalongan, who allegedly directed local government entities to award outsourcing contracts to her family's company, PT Raja Nusantara Berjaya, yielding Rp 46 billion from 2023 to 2026. The funds were distributed among Fadia (Rp 5.5 billion), her husband Ashraff (Rp 1.1 billion), their children, and others, with KPK examining witnesses like businessman Ryan Savero and Ashraff to uncover the purpose of these payments. Fadia has been named a suspect, detained, and charged under anti-corruption laws, with KPK seizing several luxury vehicles linked to the graft; this case underscores ongoing efforts to combat public procurement corruption at the local level.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka conducted an unannounced inspection of the MRT Phase 2A tunnel project in Jakarta, walking from Sawah Besar to Harmoni stations alongside Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung and Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi. During the visit, Gibran praised the governor's commitment to public transport development and emphasised that safe, comfortable, and integrated transport is a key priority for President Prabowo Subianto's administration, aiming to encourage a shift from private vehicles. The Phase 2A project, spanning 5.8 km with seven underground stations from Bundaran HI to Kota, is targeted for completion in stages by 2027 and 2029, enhancing Jakarta's urban connectivity.

Makassar Customs has facilitated the inaugural export by PT Trimitra Persada Globalindo, releasing 44 tonnes of candlenut shell charcoal valued at US$29,920 to China, marking a significant milestone for local businesses in South Sulawesi. The event, attended by key stakeholders including provincial trade officials and banking representatives, underscores the competitiveness of Indonesian resource-based products on the global stage. Officials highlighted the export's broader economic benefits, such as boosting foreign exchange, supporting SMEs, and creating jobs, while reaffirming Customs' role in providing efficient facilitation and assistance to exporters.

The Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN and the Ministry of Cooperatives have signed a memorandum of understanding to empower the people's economy through family-based cooperatives, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's directives for inter-ministerial synergy. This collaboration aims to integrate BKKBN's family income enhancement groups, such as UPPKA for family planning participants, with the national priority programme of Red and White Village/Urban Village Cooperatives to boost rural and community economies. The agreement covers data sharing, advocacy, education, and institutional development, with future operational details to be outlined in a detailed cooperation pact.

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called on the government to proactively mitigate the spread of hantavirus in Indonesia to prevent it from escalating into a crisis similar to COVID-19. She emphasised the need for early prevention measures, particularly at entry points, and announced that relevant parliamentary commissions will seek explanations from stakeholders on preparedness efforts. This comes amid reports from the Health Ministry confirming 23 cases of the HFRS strain of hantavirus across nine provinces.

An academic from Universitas Krisnadwipayana has called for comprehensive regulations on electric vehicles in Indonesia to prevent recurrences of recent train accidents, such as the one in Bekasi Timur caused by a stalled electric taxi blocking the tracks. She emphasises the need for clear policies addressing emergency management, risk mitigation, and inter-agency coordination under New Public Governance principles to enhance public safety and boost EV adoption. The incident highlights systemic failures in transportation oversight, underscoring the urgency for bureaucratic reforms to ensure reliable and accountable public transport systems.

Residents of Amfoang in East Nusa Tenggara are facing a severe shortage of Pertalite fuel, disrupting agricultural activities such as rice threshing and irrigation, as well as students' access to school due to transportation issues. The single petrol station in the area cannot meet demand, forcing locals to rely on informal supplies from Kupang, often at inflated prices up to Rp20,000 per litre. Compounding the problem are dilapidated roads and bridges that isolate the community, prompting calls for government intervention to build additional fuel stations and improve infrastructure.

The 2026 World Digital Education Conference has officially begun in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, eastern China, under the theme 'AI+Education: Transformation Development Governance'. The event aims to explore how artificial intelligence can drive systemic transformations in education and promote high-quality educational development. A global digital education achievements exhibition is also being held as part of the conference.

Three Singapore-origin banks—UOB Indonesia, DBS Indonesia, and OCBC Indonesia—have collectively noted the rupiah exchange rate approaching Rp 17,700 per US dollar amid domestic and international pressures during midday trading on Tuesday. In contrast, Bank Indonesia's transaction rate remains at Rp 17,502, marking one of the rupiah's deepest historical weakenings this month, while state-owned banks like Mandiri, BNI, and BRI keep rates closer to Rp 17,500–17,600. This divergence highlights the rupiah's vulnerability and potential impacts on Indonesia's import-dependent economy and investor confidence.

Indonesia's Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono has clarified that the 23 cases of hantavirus detected in the country since 2023 are all mild forms of Hantavirus Fever Renal Syndrome (HFRS), contrasting with the more lethal Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) suspected in recent cruise ship deaths abroad. He emphasised that transmission occurs via rodent reservoirs in contaminated environments, similar to leptospirosis, and urged the public not to panic given the low fatality rate of 15% for local cases. The Health Ministry is enhancing early detection by screening leptospirosis patients for hantavirus to bolster public health vigilance.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has pledged to evaluate the city's waste sorting programme every two weeks to ensure it is implemented seriously, rather than as a mere ceremonial effort. The initiative addresses the overwhelming burden on the Bantar Gebang Integrated Waste Processing Site, which can no longer handle Jakarta's growing waste volume. The programme divides waste into organic and inorganic categories for uses such as fertiliser production, with mandatory separation facilities required for hotels, restaurants, and cafes, which generate the largest share of organic waste.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming inspected the MRT Phase 2A construction project in Jakarta, which extends the line from Bundaran HI to Kota station over 6 km with seven stations, currently at 59% progress and targeted for full operation in 2029. He highlighted that the HI-Monas segment will be operational by the end of 2027, praising the central-local government collaboration to enhance public transport, reduce traffic congestion, and ensure safety and comfort for vulnerable groups. The project faces challenges like deeper tunnels and soft soil but is expected to boost annual ridership from 47 million to 70 million passengers.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has inaugurated eight new high-ranking officials at the Directorate General of Taxation (DJP), including six Eselon II and two Eselon III positions, to strengthen the ministry's functions. The appointments emphasise the need for more organised and professional operations to optimise tax policy implementation and maintain public trust. Key appointees include Lindawaty as Director of Extensification and Assessment, and regional heads for Jakarta and East Java.

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has assured that the draft amendment to Law No. 7 of 2017 on General Elections will prioritise honesty, justice, and the interests of the people, aiming for a fair electoral process that benefits the nation ahead of the 2029 polls. She noted that discussions among political parties, both formal and informal, are ongoing to refine the bill. This comes amid calls from a civil society coalition, including Perludem researcher Kahfi Adlan Hafiz, urging swift action based on evaluations revealing structural issues in past elections, especially as preparations for the upcoming selection of election organisers begin.

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called on the government and Bank Indonesia to promptly address the rupiah's weakening, which nearly reached Rp 17,500 per US dollar, to safeguard the national economy from adverse impacts. She highlighted that the issue is linked to global pressures affecting Asian currencies and stressed the need for anticipation in fiscal planning, including the 2027 state budget discussions. This intervention underscores concerns over prolonged currency depreciation potentially leading to economic downturn through 2025.

R.M. Soerjopranoto, born into Javanese nobility as the son of Pangeran Haryo Soerjaningrat and brother to Ki Hajar Dewantara, was deeply moved to tears by the stark social inequalities and poverty endured by ordinary Indonesians under Dutch colonial rule. Rejecting his privileged life, he quit his colonial government job, led major labour strikes earning him the title "Raja Mogok," and actively participated in national movements like Boedi Oetomo and Sarekat Islam. Recognised as a National Hero by President Soekarno after his death in 1959, Soerjopranoto's story exemplifies a profound commitment to social justice and empathy for the underprivileged.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has urged residents and organisers of sacrificial animal slaughter to avoid using single-use plastic, particularly black plastic, for wrapping sacrificial meat due to its environmental unfriendliness. Alternatives such as bamboo baskets, banana leaves, or reusable containers are recommended to reduce waste and pollution. This initiative aligns with the Eco Qurban principles promoted by the government for two years, emphasising on-site environmental protection during Eid al-Adha celebrations.

The National Central General Hospital Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) has reported that Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the External Division of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), remains under medical supervision following acid burns inflicted by TNI personnel, with his activities restricted to aid recovery. Yunus, who sustained injuries to his face, neck, chest, back, and arms after interrupting a parliamentary meeting on TNI law revisions, underwent recent skin graft surgery and shows stable physical and psychological conditions, though ongoing evaluations are necessary. The four accused soldiers are currently on trial in a military court for the attack motivated by perceived insults to the TNI institution, highlighting tensions around human rights activism and military sensitivities in Indonesia.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has commended Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung for a new policy granting free access to Transjakarta, MRT, and LRT services for 15 specific groups, including the elderly, disabled individuals, students, and social welfare recipients. Announced via Governor's Regulation Number 33 of 2025, the initiative aims to enhance accessibility, safety, and environmental sustainability by encouraging a shift from private vehicles to public transport. This aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's priorities for integrated, comfortable public transportation systems that cater to vulnerable populations.

Saudi Aramco warns that the global oil market may not stabilise until next year unless shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resumes within a month, with prolonged disruptions potentially extending the crisis to 2027 if the closure persists beyond mid-June. The company highlights that the market has already lost one billion barrels due to halted production and transport, and continues to lose 100 million barrels weekly while the strait is closed. This situation stems from attacks on oil-producing nations in the Persian Gulf and Iran's effective blockade of the strait, which handles one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply, drastically reducing daily oil flows from 20 million barrels pre-conflict.

The Indonesian Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is mapping a national redistribution of teachers to address a shortage of 498,000 positions, following directives from the Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (Menpan-RB). This involves reallocating excess teachers from some schools to those in need before determining the exact number of new recruitments for non-civil servant (non-ASN) teachers, with 237,196 honorary teachers already registered in the system. The process aims to ensure fair selection and legal certainty for career progression, with mechanisms to be finalised by the relevant ministries.

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation's Directorate General of Land Transportation is enforcing stricter sanctions on buses that bypass designated terminals, including administrative penalties up to the suspension and revocation of route and operating licences. This measure, grounded in Law No. 22 of 2009 and Ministerial Regulation No. PM 15 of 2019, aims to ensure vehicle roadworthiness, driver health, and proper passenger data recording, while enhancing safety inspections at Type A terminals. The initiative seeks to boost overall traffic safety, reduce fatal accidents in public transport, and promote a culture of transportation safety among drivers, bus companies, and the public.

SMAN 1 Pontianak has issued a statement highlighting concerns over the judging in the viral MPR's 4 Pillars of Democracy quiz competition in West Kalimantan, where their students received a negative score for an answer identical in substance to one awarded full marks by the same judge. The school demands transparent clarification from the organisers regarding the lack of focus in assessments, potential bias, and one-sided validation, while the MPR's Secretary General has announced a comprehensive internal evaluation to improve future events' transparency and accountability. This incident underscores the need for impartiality in educational competitions tied to national institutions.

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has officially opened its Fifth Session of the 2025-2026 Sitting Period, led by Speaker Puan Maharani, who emphasised the importance of addressing constituents' aspirations gathered during the recess. Key agendas include deliberations on revisions to the Financial Sector Development and Strengthening Law, the International Civil Law Bill, the Statistics Law revision, and the Industrial Design Bill, alongside critical issues such as optimising e-KTP integration, tackling illegal mining in agrarian conflicts, ensuring ethical enforcement in law, balancing essential goods affordability, promoting sustainability in state-owned enterprises, evaluating computer-based national selection exams, increasing fuel quotas to prevent shortages, and strengthening the Rupiah amid global oil price uncertainties. This session, running from 12 May to 21 July 2026, underscores the DPR's commitment to legislative progress and responsive governance on economic, social, and regulatory fronts.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono has warned the 744 personnel of the Garuda Contingent UNIFIL about the high security risks in conflict-prone Lebanon ahead of their peacekeeping deployment at the end of May 2026. He emphasised the need for maximum preparation of skills and coordination across ministries to ensure the safety and success of the mission, viewing it as a reflection of Indonesia's professionalism under the UN banner. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago also stressed the importance of discipline to safeguard both personnel and the nation's reputation.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has assured that the rupiah's depreciation to Rp17,500 per US dollar poses no significant threat to Indonesia's 2026 state budget (APBN), as the government incorporated assumptions exceeding the official Rp16,500 level during planning. Despite this, Purbaya stated that the government will actively support Bank Indonesia in managing exchange rate pressures through interventions in the bond market to prevent rising yields that could trigger foreign capital outflows. This intervention, set to begin soon, aims to stabilise the rupiah by maintaining attractive bond yields for investors.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to a new psychological level above 17,500 per US dollar on Tuesday morning, 12 May 2026, amid escalating Middle East tensions and rising global oil prices. Analysts attribute the depreciation to external factors like the US rejection of an Iran-mediated peace proposal and attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside domestic concerns that first-quarter economic growth of 5.61% was driven by government spending and consumption rather than investment. This volatility poses risks to the domestic industry, including potential job cuts.

Presidential Chief of Staff General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman has ordered an urgent audit and national verification of the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) following unannounced inspections that revealed serious hygiene and management issues in two Jakarta kitchens. He emphasised that unfit facilities must be repaired promptly or suspended to ensure the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, a key initiative under President Prabowo Subianto, delivers safe, accountable, and beneficial nutrition to Indonesian children without compromising health standards. Dudung warned against exploiting the programme for undue profit, stressing that public funds demand strict oversight to support the nation's goal of a golden Indonesia by 2045.

The Satgas PASTI task force has shut down the operations of Magento, an entity suspected of impersonating Adobe Inc.'s e-commerce software to perpetrate investment scams involving fake store accounts and deposit schemes promising commissions and cashbacks. Adobe Inc. does not offer such investments, and Magento lacks legal registration in Indonesia, with its app and website unlisted as an Electronic System Operator by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. Authorities are blocking related access and coordinating with law enforcement, while urging the public to report suspicious activities and remain vigilant against high-return promises from unclear foreign-named entities.

China's General Administration of Customs has issued revised regulations on inspection and quarantine for the import and export of cosmetic products, effective from 1 December 2026, to enhance coordinated oversight across the industry chain and safeguard public health. These measures aim to align international trade supervision with domestic standards, standardise procedures such as declarations and laboratory testing, and facilitate faster market access for qualifying imported samples and exhibition goods. In 2025, China's cosmetics trade reached a value of 171.61 billion yuan (approximately 25.06 billion USD), reflecting a 2.7% year-on-year increase, underscoring the sector's stable growth and importance to foreign trade.

Indonesia's Customs and Excise and Singapore's Police Coast Guard held their third bilateral meeting on 24 April 2026 in Singapore to strengthen maritime surveillance cooperation under a 2020 MoU. The discussions focused on preventing cross-border smuggling, securing sea borders, and planning joint training, information exchanges, coordinated patrols, and port visits to enhance operational effectiveness. This collaboration underscores the importance of adaptive international partnerships in bolstering customs enforcement and protecting regional security against illegal trade activities.

The Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified circulating rumours that the Electronic Identity Card (KTP-el) is no longer required for hotel check-ins or that photocopying it is prohibited. Dukcapil emphasises that the KTP-el remains a valid official identity document for various administrative and public services, while promoting secure digital verification methods through collaborations with over 7,500 institutions using technologies like card readers, web services, and facial recognition. This initiative aims to enhance data security and encourage electronic validation to protect personal information more effectively.

The National Association of Village Consultative Bodies (Abpednas) and PT Sucofindo have initiated a collaborative project to build 70 clean water wells across Indonesia, from Aceh to Merauke, starting in Aceh Besar. This initiative, part of Sucofindo's 70th anniversary celebrations in 2026, aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita vision for national water resilience and supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. The programme is expected to benefit 3,500 to 7,000 rural residents in underserved areas, promoting inclusive and sustainable village development through enhanced access to essential water resources.

Indonesian police are probing allegations that foreign nationals, potentially Japanese, are exploiting children through prostitution in Jakarta and Bekasi, with investigations led by the Cyber Directorate and the Directorate for the Protection of Women and Children and Eradication of Human Trafficking. Authorities have identified social media discussions where suspects share experiences and information in Japanese, highlighting a possible international network targeting vulnerable minors. This case underscores the priority given to protecting children and women from exploitation, amid factors like economic hardship and social environments contributing to such crimes.

Bank Indonesia and the Central Java Provincial Government organised the Central Java Investment Business Forum (CJIBF) and UMKM Grande 2026 in Semarang to strengthen the investment climate and drive new economic growth centres in the province. Central Java achieved a 5.89% economic growth rate in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing the national average of 5.61%, supported by Rp23 trillion in investments that created 95,000 jobs, with full-year 2025 investments reaching Rp110 trillion. The collaboration highlights the importance of inter-governmental partnerships in creating conducive business ecosystems, including preparations for 12 new industrial and special economic zones, alongside discussions on green economic empowerment to attract investments in key sectors.

The Indonesian government plans to deploy 744 TNI soldiers as part of the Garuda Contingent for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission starting in May 2026. Foreign Minister Sugiono urged the troops to prepare diligently for the high-risk environment, emphasising the importance of representing Indonesia positively on the global stage. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago stressed the need for strict discipline and rigorous training, drawing from his own peacekeeping experience, to ensure safety and uphold national honour.

A McAfee report has identified 15 malicious apps on Google Play Store that have been downloaded over 8 million times globally, including by 2 million users in Indonesia, serving as entry points for cybercriminals to steal personal data and access mobile banking accounts. These apps, often disguised as fake online loan providers using "Spy Loan" tactics, lure users with promises of quick, easy loans and demand broad permissions to access sensitive information like contacts and SMS. Indonesian users are urged to immediately uninstall any of these apps and regularly update banking passwords to mitigate risks from this growing cyber threat in the digital finance landscape.

Concerns have been raised over the parking fee system at Gilimanuk Port in Jembrana, Bali, where vehicles transiting through without parking are still charged by the local government, prompting questions about the facilities provided and the authority to collect such fees. Similar issues exist at Ngurah Rai Airport, where drop-off and pick-up vehicles face charges despite not using parking spaces, leading to calls for clearer regulations based on actual service usage. Jembrana Regency has recently trialled an electronic toll gate system for these fees to enhance transparency and reduce revenue leakage, in collaboration with a local bank, though challenges remain with public adoption of e-money.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp 17,515 per US dollar amid limited economic stimulus from the first-quarter growth of 5.61 per cent, which was driven mainly by household consumption and government spending rather than investment. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, have exacerbated the situation by threatening jobs in export-oriented sectors, with 40,000 layoffs already recorded in manufacturing, textiles, garments, and electronics from January to April 2026. Analysts predict further depreciation to Rp 17,550 this week, highlighting vulnerabilities in Indonesia's economy reliant on informal employment.

PT Sillo Maritime Perdana Tbk (SHIP), a shipping company, is bolstering Indonesia's energy supply chain by providing vessels for importing LPG and exporting LNG, thereby enhancing national energy resilience. The company's operational director, Sofwan Farisyi, highlighted SHIP's role in supporting domestic LPG distribution across the country. This contribution underscores the vital role of maritime services in Indonesia's energy security amid ongoing production and exploration activities in oil and gas.

The DKI Jakarta Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Agency (KPKP) is coordinating with supplier regions such as West Java, Central Java, East Java, NTT, NTB, Bali, and Lampung to guarantee that sacrificial animals entering the capital are healthy and free from diseases like anthrax. In preparation for 2025, the agency requires veterinary certificates and health statements in line with Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 17 of 2023, while sampling from 106 locations and soil tests yielded negative results for anthrax. Officials urge sacrificial committees to maintain hygienic sanitation during slaughtering and meat handling to prevent transmission to humans.

Batam's investment realisation in the first quarter of 2026 reached Rp17.4 trillion, marking a 102.85% year-on-year increase and demonstrating heightened confidence among both domestic and foreign investors in the city's conducive business climate. Domestic investment (PMDN) surged by 216% to Rp8.5 trillion, while foreign investment (PMA) amounted to Rp8.8 trillion, with key sectors including machinery and electronics (23.65%) and chemicals and pharmaceuticals (21.18%). This achievement positions Batam as a major economic growth hub in western Indonesia, contributing 73.5% of Riau Islands province's total investment and supporting job creation and regional development.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung expressed pride in the MRT Jakarta Phase 2A project, highlighting that all 3,800 workers are Indonesian nationals, demonstrating the nation's capability in handling major infrastructure developments. During a site visit with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, they inspected progress in central Jakarta, where construction faces challenges due to stations located 28 metres underground in areas like Sawah Besar and Mangga Besar. The project has reached 59.7% completion, with trial operations slated for mid-2027 and full connectivity of the 22.2-kilometre North-South line expected by 2029, underscoring Indonesia's push towards enhanced urban transport infrastructure.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Muhammad Syafii, has announced that pesantrens with over 1,000 students can independently establish Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) units to accelerate the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. These institutions may apply to the National Nutrition Agency for permission to set up their own kitchens, adapting meal service methods to pesantren traditions while adhering to sanitation standards. This flexible approach allows for practices like communal eating (prasmanan) or traditional tools (omprengan) and accommodates religious fasting schedules by preparing meals in advance.