Indonesia and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering their strategic partnership during the second Bilateral Consultation Forum in Jakarta, emphasising collaboration as fellow Global South nations amid a complex global landscape. The discussions highlighted economic priorities such as trade, investment, and potential agreements like a Preferential Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty, alongside enhancements in connectivity, political dialogue, and social-cultural exchanges including education, health, and tourism. This meeting underscores the growing ties between the two countries, with five Indonesian companies already operating or investing in Ethiopia, and concludes with signed minutes to guide future cooperation.

The Indonesian rupiah has hit a historic low of Rp 17,500 against the US dollar, prompting Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to announce plans to support Bank Indonesia's efforts in stabilising the currency starting tomorrow. Purbaya intends to intervene in the bond market using the Bond Stabilization Fund to counter the pressures. He expressed full confidence in BI's primary role in maintaining exchange rate stability amid the ongoing weakening trend.

Four military auditors from Oditurat Militer II-07 Jakarta visited Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) in central Jakarta on Tuesday to potentially check on Andrie Yunus, the deputy coordinator of KontraS, who is recovering from an acid attack. The visit follows earlier arrivals by former KPK investigator Novel Baswedan and members of TAUD, who offered support and motivation to Yunus amid his physical and psychological recovery. This incident highlights ongoing concerns over the safety of human rights activists in Indonesia, drawing attention to potential military involvement in the case.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka inspected the construction progress of the MRT Phase 2A Harmoni-Sawah Besar station in Jakarta, confirming that the Bundaran HI-Monas route will be operational by the end of 2027 with 59% completion. He highlighted the project's collaboration between central and regional governments, noting that the full Monas-Kota extension is targeted for 2029, connecting the line from Lebak Bulus to Kota. Gibran praised the MRT as a key initiative for modern, safe, and integrated public transportation, aligning with the President's priorities, and noted that Phase 1 already serves 47 million passengers annually.

A lecturer at PNUP Makassar, identified as IS, has been found guilty of sexually harassing three female students during remedial exams, following complaints reported by the Student Executive Board to the university's Sexual Violence Prevention and Handling Task Force. The task force's investigation, based on Ministry of Education Regulation No. 55/2024, confirmed the violations impacting the victims' psychological well-being, safety, and dignity. University leadership has imposed multiple administrative sanctions, including temporary suspension from all academic activities, highlighting the institution's commitment to addressing sexual violence in higher education.

The Jakarta Provincial Government is fully supporting the DPRD's special committee in probing alleged illegal parking operations at Blok M Square, which was recently sealed after years of suspected illicit collections. Departments such as Transportation and Regional Revenue are delving into the operator's permits and tax compliance, vowing no tolerance for illegal activities while pushing for improved parking infrastructure and digital systems. This action aims to protect public rights, safeguard local revenues, and ensure transparency in the process.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has mandated that hotels, restaurants, and cafes in the capital city independently conduct waste sorting efforts, particularly for organic waste, to address the city's growing rubbish problem. He emphasised that this initiative must be sustainable and non-ceremonial, with markets already processing organic waste into fertiliser, and the entire provincial government apparatus instructed to participate. Evaluations will occur biweekly to ensure progress, especially as the Bantargebang landfill reaches capacity.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka inspected the progress of the MRT Jakarta Phase 2A North-South Line project in Harmoni, Jakarta, noting that construction has advanced to 59 percent completion. The project, a collaboration between central and local governments, aims to connect Bundaran HI to Monas by the end of 2027 and extend to Jakarta Kota Station by the end of 2029, enhancing integrated public transportation. Gibran expressed appreciation for the 3,800 construction workers and emphasised the importance of synergy between central and regional authorities to ensure safe, comfortable, and reliable transit systems.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka inspected the progress of the Jakarta MRT Phase 2A North-South Line at the Harmoni area, which has reached 59% completion, highlighting the collaborative efforts between central and regional governments. The project aims to connect Bundaran HI to Monas by the end of 2027 and extend to Jakarta Kota Station by the end of 2029, enhancing integrated public transportation. Gibran expressed appreciation to the 3,800 construction workers and emphasised the importance of synergy among stakeholders for safe and comfortable transport infrastructure.

Indonesian House Speaker Puan Maharani has confirmed that discussions among political parties on the Election Bill (RUU Pemilu) have been ongoing both formally and informally to ensure the upcoming 2029 elections are conducted honestly and fairly without harming the public. She acknowledged that the timeline for deliberation is tight but emphasised that prioritising the best outcomes for the people remains paramount. Puan stated that efforts will continue to refine the bill for the benefit of the nation and state.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has directed all Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) to boost the number of beneficiaries from the 3B category—pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers—within the next two weeks as part of the government's Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG) to accelerate improvements in child nutrition and reduce national stunting rates. Currently, only about 9 million beneficiaries have been reached, far short of the Health Ministry's estimate of 22 to 26 million, prompting a refocusing of efforts on priority groups through enhanced data collection and service optimisation. SPPG units failing to meet these targets face temporary suspension to ensure programme focus on core goals of equitable nutrition services and stunting reduction.

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has confirmed that the mandatory B50 biodiesel policy for diesel fuel will be implemented starting 1 July 2026, following ongoing tests on ships, heavy equipment, and trains to ensure no technical issues arise. The pricing will follow existing regulations with a monthly formula to provide certainty for businesses and consumers, while the policy is projected to save up to Rp157.28 trillion in foreign exchange through enhanced value addition to crude palm oil. This initiative aims to bolster national energy resilience amid global dynamics and reduce import dependency by increasing biodiesel absorption to 50%.

North Kolaka in Southeast Sulawesi is emerging as a prime destination for global investors, shifting from a raw commodity producer to a hub for downstream processing in sectors like nickel, cocoa, coconut, and fisheries. The Kolaka Utara Industry, Trade and Investment Forum 2026, held in Surabaya, drew delegates from 10 countries and highlighted the region's strategic position in Indonesia's economic development, with investments already reaching Rp1.58 trillion from 2021-2026. This event underscores the government's push for value-added industries, supported by incentives under the Job Creation Law, positioning North Kolaka as a new industrial centre in eastern Indonesia.

Samsung has unveiled its innovative Sensor OLED Display technology at the Society for Information Display (SID) 2026 Expo in the United States, transforming smartphone screens into multifunctional health monitoring tools. The display integrates organic photodiodes to detect heart rate and blood pressure simply by touching the screen, similar to optical sensors in smartwatches, while also potentially supporting advanced fingerprint recognition. Achieving a pixel density of 500 ppi, this 6.8-inch panel matches the sharpness of modern flagship smartphone displays, marking a significant advancement in display technology despite structural challenges in combining RGB pixels with health sensors.

Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje, a Dutch orientalist born in 1857 to a Protestant family with a scandalous origin, rose to prominence through his theological and Semitic studies at Leiden University, graduating with a doctorate in 1880 on Meccan festivals. Influenced by modernist and liberal thought that viewed Islam as a deviation requiring Western civilisation, he transitioned from theology to orientalism, eventually serving as an advisor to Dutch colonial authorities in the East Indies. His work laid foundational policies for countering Islamic resistance against Dutch rule, particularly by targeting hajj pilgrims and scholars who inspired jihad movements like those in Aceh, highlighting the intersection of colonial strategy and cultural imperialism in Indonesia's history.

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) convened its 18th plenary session to open the fifth sitting period of 2025-2026, with only 292 out of 579 members in attendance despite 287 absences, yet meeting the quorum requirement. Speaker Puan Maharani highlighted key issues for the two-month session, including global pressures on the national economy such as rupiah depreciation, rising fuel and energy prices, increased logistics costs, and threats to energy security from disrupted supply chains. The session also included expressions of condolences for recent accidents, the death of a TNI soldier on UN peacekeeping duty in Lebanon, and a BPK RI member in a house fire.

The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) and the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) have agreed to collaborate on renovating 10,000 homes of parents of students from the People's School programme, which aims to alleviate poverty as outlined in Presidential Instruction Number 8 of 2025. Of these, 5,000 homes have already been verified as eligible based on clear ownership status, with the renovations to be carried out in phases using PKP's budget. This initiative builds on last year's renovation of 1,000 such homes and underscores the government's commitment to empowering families through integrated social and housing programmes.

Adela Kanasya Adies, a Golkar Party candidate, has been officially sworn in as a member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) for the remaining 2024–2029 term, succeeding Adies Kadir who has transitioned to the role of Constitutional Court judge. The inauguration, guided by DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, took place during a plenary session in Jakarta, where Adela pledged to uphold Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, and prioritise national interests in her legislative duties. This change follows a presidential decree and highlights ongoing reshuffles in Indonesia's key political institutions.

The Indonesian used car market offers affordable options but direct transactions between individuals carry significant risks, particularly from the "triangle scheme" where vehicles are passed through multiple unofficial parties, distorting information on ownership, usage history, and legal status. This often leaves final buyers unaware of outstanding loans or mismatched documents like BPKB and STNK, potentially leading to legal disputes. To mitigate these dangers, experts recommend thorough verification of documents, credit status, and ownership history, along with using independent inspections or trusted platforms, while cautioning against deals far below market prices.

Saudi Arabia's Hajj Organising Officers (PPIH) have introduced significant digital innovations and menu variations to improve food services for Indonesian pilgrims this year, including fully integrated digital systems for tracking distribution and monitoring portions. These enhancements, managed through 51 compliant catering kitchens supplying 177 hotels across 527 flight groups, ensure nutritional balance and cater to Indonesian tastes while meeting strict standards from Indonesian and Saudi authorities. The services are particularly intensive during peak Hajj phases, with up to five meals in Arafah and ten in Mina, underscoring efforts to streamline coordination and enhance pilgrim welfare amid the pilgrimage's logistical demands.

Bank Indonesia's consumer confidence survey for April 2026 shows a slight increase in the overall Consumer Confidence Index to 123.0, driven by improved perceptions of the current economic situation, but expectations for the future have weakened further. Key components like income, job availability, and business activity expectations all declined, signaling growing caution among consumers amid uncertainties such as inflation pressures, a weak rupiah, and global economic risks. This trend of declining future outlooks since early 2026 highlights a shift towards more prudent optimism in Indonesia's economic sentiment, which could impact consumption and growth prospects.

The Ministry of Protection for Indonesian Migrant Workers (Kemen-P2MI) has confirmed that the family of Reza Valentino Simamora, an Indonesian migrant worker from Medan who died in a workplace accident in South Korea, has received approximately Rp1.04 billion in death insurance benefits and his remaining wages. The ministry coordinated with the family, the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, and the Labour Attaché in South Korea to ensure all rights were met transparently in line with regulations. This case underscores the government's commitment to protecting migrant workers' rights abroad and serves as a reminder for citizens to use official channels when seeking overseas employment.

Ibrahim Arief, known as Ibam and a former consultant to Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim, is set to face a verdict hearing in a corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management for the Ministry of Education. Ibam maintains his innocence, stating he derived no personal benefits from his advisory role and provided input solely for Indonesia's benefit, while expressing hope for acquittal despite prosecutors' demand of 15 years imprisonment and substantial fines. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption in government programmes, with Ibam under city detention due to chronic heart issues and monitored electronically.

Adela Kanasya Adies has been officially inaugurated as a member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) for the 2026-2029 period, replacing her father Adies Kadir, who was appointed as a Constitutional Court (MK) justice. The Golkar Party member from East Java Electoral District I garnered 12,792 votes in the 2024 legislative elections and holds a medical degree from Universitas Airlangga, with prior experience as an aesthetic medical practitioner. This succession highlights ongoing political dynasties within Indonesian parties and the mechanisms for interim appointments in legislative bodies.

PT Telkomsel has enhanced 4G network capacity on Miangas Island in North Sulawesi to provide stable and high-quality connectivity in this remote border region, aligning with government efforts through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and BAKTI since 2018. The upgrade facilitates access to digital services for education, healthcare, and local economic activities, including support for UMKM, while also donating 50 smartphones to promote digital inclusion as highlighted during a recent presidential visit. This initiative is expected to boost digital literacy, promote tourism, and enhance marketing of local products like fisheries, contributing to national digital ecosystem development.

A technical glitch with the speaker directed at the jury during the final round of the MPR's Four Pillars Quiz Competition in West Kalimantan led to participants' answers being unclear, sparking protests from students at SMAN 1 Pontianak. Inconsistencies in scoring the same answer by the same judge further fueled complaints, prompting the local Education Department to call for a review and the MPR Secretariat to initiate a comprehensive evaluation of the event's technical aspects. This incident highlights the need for improved transparency and accountability in educational competitions tied to national institutions.

Indonesia's Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and state utility PT PLN have signed a cooperation agreement to integrate marine spatial planning with national electricity infrastructure development, ensuring spatial needs for projects like coastal power plants and subsea cables are incorporated into planning. This partnership aims to balance economic growth, social benefits, and ecological preservation, including protection of marine biodiversity and blue carbon ecosystems to support emission reduction targets. The initiative strengthens energy security, legal certainty, and permitting efficiency, aligning with Indonesia's blue economy policy for sustainable marine development and coastal community welfare.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo accompanied Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to inspect the MRT project in the Harmoni area, where the Vice President expressed satisfaction with the positive progress and neat tunnel work. Pramono highlighted the capability of Indonesian workers in executing the project while emphasising the importance of maintaining quality. The MRT Jakarta CEO reported that the Bundaran HI to Kota section is 60% complete, with the HI to Harmoni segment at 92.5% and expected to near 100% by year-end, despite pandemic delays in other parts.

In Indonesia, the Hajj pilgrimage transforms from a deeply personal spiritual aspiration into a bureaucratic process managed through the SISKOHAT system, where millions register and face waiting lists that can span decades due to limited quotas set by Saudi Arabia. In regions like Bantaeng in South Sulawesi, waits exceed 48 years, yet pilgrims persist in making initial deposits of Rp25 million, viewing the wait as an integral part of the devotion itself, with provisions allowing inheritance of registration numbers. This phenomenon underscores the profound faith and patience of Indonesian Muslims, highlighting the challenges of managing mass religious travel in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.

As 2026 approaches, investors face complex asset allocation decisions between maintaining cash for liquidity, penetrating stock markets, or shifting to gold as a hedge, influenced by US protectionist policies, Middle East geopolitical tensions, and divergent monetary policies. The Federal Reserve's high interest rates and US debt refinancing pressures are expected to heighten market volatility and drive capital flows to dollar-based assets, impacting emerging markets like Indonesia through currency depreciation and asset mispricing. This analysis underscores the need for macro-aware strategies to navigate systemic risks rather than chasing high returns.

Indonesian blue-chip stocks faced intensified selling pressure on Tuesday, with the Jakarta Composite Index reversing early gains to drop 0.9%, amid anticipation of MSCI's index review announcement. The IDX placed four companies—Dafam Property Indonesia, Barito Renewables Energy, Hetzer Medical Indonesia, and Ekamas Mora Republik—under Unusual Market Activity monitoring due to sharp price swings, while major LQ45 constituents like Sumber Alfaria Trijaya and Bank Central Asia also declined. The upcoming MSCI review, which maintains Indonesia's market 'freeze' until May 2026, is expected to exclude high shareholding concentration stocks like BREN and DSSA, potentially increasing selling from passive funds and prompting investors to reassess risks.

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry is using Mount Ciremai National Park as a national model for integrating conservation and community-based development to achieve the FOLU Net Sink 2030 emissions reduction target. The park has restored vegetation cover from 50% to nearly 90%, protecting carbon stocks and biodiversity while transitioning surrounding villages from illegal cultivation to ecotourism partners, thus resolving land-use conflicts and promoting green economic growth. This initiative supports Indonesia's commitments under the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce emissions by 1.6 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030 through strengthened national parks and community participation.

The Indonesian government has postponed the planned increase in mining royalty rates for commodities such as coal, nickel, gold, copper, and tin, originally set for June 2026, following a rapid policy reversal. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa was informed of the change just hours after his public announcement, via a direct call from Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, whom he agreed to follow. Bahlil explained that the socialised proposal was merely an initial concept for public input and not yet formal regulation, emphasising the need for a mutually beneficial formulation through further study to ensure gains for both the state and businesses.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed satisfaction during a visit to the MRT Jakarta Phase 2A construction sites, noting the project's overall progress at 59.7 percent and praising the quality of work by Indonesian workers. The Phase 2A line from Bundaran HI to Kota is targeted for trial operations by mid-2027, full operation to Harmoni by the end of 2027, and completion to Kota Tua by the end of 2029, connecting the full 22.2 km North-South MRT route. Pramono highlighted the involvement of 3,800 local workers and inspected the deepest stations at Sawah Besar and Mangga Besar, underscoring the project's significance for urban transport development in Indonesia.

Geopolitical experts Jeffrey Sachs and Sybil Fares argue that the US-Israel war against Iran, initiated on 28 February 2026, is likely to culminate in a US withdrawal due to unsustainable military, political, and economic costs, with Iran maintaining its resilience and regional influence. They highlight Iran's strong nationalism, advanced domestic defence industry, and cost-effective asymmetric warfare capabilities, which undermine US strategies, while criticising the irrational decision-making process in Washington driven by a desire to preserve fading global hegemony. The conflict signals the diminishing era of absolute US dominance, potentially resulting in greater Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz and reduced long-term US military presence in the Gulf region.

PT KCIC is enhancing non-farebox business services across all Whoosh stations for the long weekend holiday from 14 to 17 May 2026, by preparing over 100 retail and non-retail tenants, including UMKM, and providing thousands of parking spaces to meet increased passenger travel demands. This optimisation aims to deliver a more comfortable and integrated travel experience during periods of heightened mobility, with facilities such as ATMs, vending machines, and power bank rentals available alongside diverse retail options. The initiative underscores KCIC's commitment to supporting seamless journeys, particularly at key stations like Halim, Padalarang, Tegalluar Summarecon, and Karawang.

The Semarang City Transport Department conducted another socialisation session on 10 May 2026 at Simpang Jerakah to remind drivers of inter-provincial buses not to enter Prof. Hamka Road for turning around, despite installed prohibition signs and height barriers. Head of the department, Danang Kurniawan, emphasised the importance of complying with traffic rules to ensure road safety and order. The ongoing efforts highlight the role of enforcement and education in managing urban traffic flow and preventing disruptions from oversized vehicles.

Adela Kanasya Adies, daughter of the late former Deputy Speaker of the DPR Adies Kadir, has been officially sworn in as a member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) for the remaining term of 2024-2029, replacing her father in the East Java I electoral district. As a Golkar Party cadre who secured the second-highest votes in her district, Adela took the oath guided by DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, pledging to uphold her duties in line with Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. The inauguration ceremony, attended by key DPR leaders, underscores the continuity of political representation within prominent families in Indonesian politics.

The Greenhouse of the Metro Jaya Police's Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) has harvested approximately 80 kilograms of pesticide-free mustard greens grown hydroponically and 560 pangasius fish to supply nutritious meals at the SPPG Polri Palmerah facility. This initiative supports food security and sustainable supply chains, benefiting 2,529 individuals including schoolchildren, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers across six schools and three community health centres. The production is planned to continue regularly, with intentions to expand to other SPPG units under the Kemala Bhayangkari Foundation.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka expressed appreciation to approximately 3,800 construction workers involved in the Jakarta MRT Phase 2A project from Bundaran HI to Kota, praising their round-the-clock efforts that have kept the development on schedule. During his inspection at the Harmoni site, accompanied by the Minister of Transportation and the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Gibran learned from MRT Jakarta's Director General that the project has reached 59% completion, with the HI-Monas section expected to be operational by the end of 2027 and full connectivity to Kota station by the end of 2029. This visit underscores the government's commitment to advancing Jakarta's public transportation infrastructure, highlighting the collaborative efforts between national and local authorities.

The Director General of Regional Financial Development at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Agus Fatoni, has stated that accumulated funds held by regional governments will diminish in 2026 due to progressively higher monthly expenditure realisations throughout the year. The ministry is pushing for improved APBD realisation targets, aiming for 20% in the first quarter, 50% in the second, 80% in the third, and 100% in the fourth. Current data from the Regional Financial Information System shows regional revenue at Rp225.69 trillion (19.01% of the budget) and expenditure at Rp215.33 trillion (17.22%), indicating a continued surplus but with increasing utilisation rates compared to previous months.

The Chair of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Friderica Widyasari Dewi, has expressed support for the demutualisation of the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI), which would transform it from a membership-based organisation into a publicly owned entity. This policy change is currently under discussion with the government and the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). The development is featured in the CNBC Indonesia Squawk Box programme, highlighting ongoing efforts to modernise Indonesia's financial markets.

The Vice Rector of Universitas Indonesia (UI) has affirmed that the university will not prohibit academic discussions of the documentary film 'Pesta Babi' on campus, emphasising the importance of academic freedom and critical thinking among its community. This stance contrasts with the recent dispersal of a similar screening and discussion in Ternate by military personnel, who cited the film's provocative nature based on social media complaints. The film highlights the struggles of indigenous Papuan communities against land expansion, industrial impacts, and military involvement in national strategic projects, underscoring broader tensions around freedom of expression and environmental rights in Indonesia.

Gerry Utama, a recipient of the Baznas Cendekia Scholarship in Russia, has been awarded the Ki Hajar Dewantara Award 2026 by the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow for his contributions to strengthening Indonesia-Russia relations through Polar-Tropical Sciences research. Currently pursuing a PhD in Geomorphology and Paleogeography at Saint Petersburg State University, Utama's work includes Antarctic expeditions and ice core studies aimed at understanding past climate changes, highlighting the impact of zakat-funded education in producing globally competitive Indonesian scholars. Baznas views this achievement as a testament to the effective management of zakat funds, committing to expand the scholarship programme to foster generations that excel academically and contribute to national progress.

TikTok has launched an ad-free subscription service in the UK for £3.99 per month, allowing users aged 18 and over to enjoy the platform without ads and with their data not used for advertising purposes. This initiative, set to roll out gradually over the coming months, is likely linked to compliance with the UK's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which prohibits collecting personal data for ads without user consent. TikTok's UK Managing Director Kris Boger highlighted that while advertising on the platform supports thousands of UK businesses in reaching customers and creating jobs, the new option empowers users with greater control over their experience.

On 12 May 1998, the tragic shooting of four Trisakti University students in Jakarta sparked widespread public outrage and condolences across Indonesia, marking a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the fall of the Suharto regime. In the absence of social media, citizens expressed their grief and solidarity through faxes, phone calls, and radio broadcasts to media outlets like Republika and various FM stations. This collective response highlighted the deep societal impact of the Trisakti Tragedy, galvanising the reformasi movement and underscoring the public's demand for democratic change.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has pledged full transparency in probing allegations of illegal parking operations in the Blok M area of South Jakarta, following its sealing by the DKI DPRD's parking special committee. Officials from the Transportation Department and Regional Revenue Agency are coordinating to verify permits and tax compliance, emphasising zero tolerance for illegal activities and commitment to safe parking services. This action aims to protect public rights, safeguard local revenue, and prevent potential financial losses amid various public-private parking management schemes in the city.

The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is set to coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) to address concerns over significant groundwater tax (PAT) hikes imposed by various regional governments, which are straining operational costs for businesses, particularly in hospitality, restaurants, and the food and beverage industry. Business associations in areas like Bogor, Bandung, Banyuwangi, and Yogyakarta have protested the sharp increases—up to 250% in some cases—citing inadequate consultation and lack of service improvements. These policy shifts, aligned with new national regulations on regional taxes and environmental conservation, highlight tensions between local revenue needs and industrial competitiveness amid ongoing economic recovery.

Online gambling in Indonesia has escalated into a dangerous international syndicate, with authorities recently arresting 321 foreign employees operating from a Jakarta tower, highlighting the nation's transformation into a hub for such illicit activities. The phenomenon drains trillions of rupiah annually, affecting all demographics and causing severe social and economic damage, including family breakdowns and reduced productivity. A holistic, multi-stakeholder approach, including a new inter-ministerial task force and AI-driven content takedowns, is essential to eradicate this pervasive threat at its roots.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced that the MRT Phase 2A project along the Bundaran HI to Kota Tua route has reached 59.7 percent completion, following an inspection with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi. The line is targeted to operate to Harmoni station by the end of 2027 and fully to Kota Tua by the end of 2029, completing the 22.2-kilometre North-South corridor. Pramono highlighted the challenging deep excavations at Sawah Besar and Mangga Besar stations, reaching 28 metres underground, and praised the involvement of 3,800 local Indonesian workers, with the Vice President expressing satisfaction over the progress.