Pandu Patria Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer of Danantara Indonesia, has criticised the Indonesian capital market for lagging behind global trends in artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI), remaining overly dependent on traditional sectors like banking and mining. While markets in Taiwan and South Korea surge due to robust AI ecosystems, Indonesia's stock market has declined 20% year-to-date, missing opportunities in the AI supply chain, particularly in energy. Sjahrir highlights Indonesia's potential in energy to support global AI infrastructure but notes the absence of listed companies capitalising on this trend.

The East Flores Regency government mediated a meeting between the heads of Narasaosina and Waiburak villages to resolve a violent conflict over customary land rights in Adonara, emphasising that peace efforts will proceed alongside legal enforcement. An initial agreement was reached under the supervision of the Deputy Regent, who warned against future inter-village clashes that only breed destruction and social wounds. The Regent firmly stated that the government will not cover medical costs for conflict victims, potentially deducting from village fund allocations to hold local leaders accountable for maintaining security.

Alfian Nasution, former CEO of PT Pertamina Patra Niaga from 2021 to 2023, along with seven other executives, is set to receive verdicts in a major corruption trial at the Jakarta Corruption Court, involving alleged mismanagement of crude oil and refinery products that caused state losses of Rp285.18 trillion. The case encompasses irregularities in fuel terminal leasing, compensation for special assignment fuels, and non-subsidised diesel sales, enriching private entities and impacting Indonesia's economy through inflated procurement costs and illegal profits. This high-profile proceeding underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in state-owned energy enterprises, with prosecutors seeking lengthy prison terms and substantial restitution for the accused.

Indonesia has taken delivery of a third Falcon 8X VIP transport aircraft from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation, arriving at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta. This addition to the Indonesian Air Force fleet, marked A-0804, is separate from the previous contract under former Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, which delivered two units in 2022 and 2024 for VIP operations by Air Squadron 17. The expansion enhances the military's VIP transport capabilities, reflecting ongoing investments in defence infrastructure.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has proposed eliminating motor vehicle taxes in the province, replacing them with a pay-per-use toll road system to ensure fairness and fund high-quality infrastructure. He argues that this approach would only charge users who actually use the roads, promoting efficient usage and enabling investments in smooth roads, adequate drainage, CCTV security, lighting, and emergency services. While still in the ideation stage, Mulyadi has assembled a team of experts to study the feasibility of this policy.

Ibrahim Arief, known as Ibam, a technology consultant at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, is set to receive his verdict in a corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebooks for educational digitalisation, which allegedly caused a state loss of Rp2.18 trillion. The case implicates former Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim, who faces prosecution next, and fugitive Jurist Tan, alongside previously convicted directors Sri Wahyuningsih and Mulyatsyah. This high-profile trial underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Indonesia's public sector procurement processes.

Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has clarified that the Bond Stabilization Fund (BSF) will not be activated at present, reserving it solely for crisis situations, and instead opting for cash flow management to stabilise government bond prices amid capital outflows affecting the rupiah. This decision follows an initial announcement of imminent BSF deployment, now deferred as economic conditions do not warrant it, distinguishing it from the broader Bond Stabilization Framework coordinated via the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK). The move aims to maintain stability in Surat Berharga Negara (SBN) prices and support rupiah strength without escalating to emergency measures.

Residents of Pisangan Baru in Matraman's East Jakarta were gripped by fear following a series of arson attacks early on Sunday, which were captured on CCTV showing a 24-year-old man, identified as A, igniting fires in the neighbourhood. The suspect, a recent university graduate known for his reclusive nature, was apprehended by police before an angry mob could take vigilante action, with suspicions pointing to possible psychological issues based on his unusual behaviour during the acts. Authorities are investigating the motive and conducting a mental health evaluation to determine subsequent legal steps, highlighting ongoing community concerns over public safety in the area.

The Argo Manunggal Group is developing a 4,463 kWp rooftop solar power plant (PLTS) across four of its textile factories—Argo Pantes, Timatex, Damatex, and Kamalatex—to enhance operational cost efficiency and transition to renewable energy. Partnering with PT Investasi Hijau Selaras (HIJAU), the project is targeted for commercial operation by August 2026 and is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 110,201 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to planting 293,869 trees over the contract period. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to sustainability in Indonesia's energy-intensive textile sector, supported by comprehensive planning, high-quality materials, and real-time monitoring for optimal performance.

The Indonesian government is broadening the digitalisation of social assistance (bansos) not only to enhance service coverage but also to foster an ecosystem that promotes economic self-reliance through artificial intelligence integration. Key figures including Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Rachmat Pambudy emphasise that the Pro-Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Pro-Kesra) programme aims to reduce poverty by improving governance efficiency, providing integrated public services, and offering training, mentorship, and job opportunities to vulnerable groups. This initiative, supported by real-time data verification and systems like SIKS and Sapa UMKM, seeks to create sustainable empowerment and accelerate poverty graduation on a national scale.

The Ministry of Creative Economy has pledged to bolster the capacity of photographers and expand the market for Indonesian photography products, viewing the sector as a key subsector in the creative economy. During a meeting with representatives from PT Benih Kreasi Indonesia, Deputy Minister Irene Umar highlighted the need for collaboration, copyright protection amid technological advancements like AI, and international promotion to strengthen the ecosystem. The initiative includes the upcoming Indonesia Photography Summit, aimed at fostering discussions, workshops, and business opportunities to create a healthier and more sustainable photography industry.

The Indonesian government has set regulations via Government Regulation (PP) Number 9 of 2026 for the disbursement of the 13th month salary and holiday allowances to active civil servants (ASN) and retirees, with payments scheduled no earlier than June 2026. Retirees are eagerly seeking details on the exact amounts they will receive based on their pay grades to cover mid-year expenses such as education costs and household needs. While the precise disbursement date remains unannounced, this additional income serves as a crucial financial boost for pensioners amid ongoing economic pressures.

Mandiri Sekuritas forecasts the Indonesian Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) to potentially reach 9,050 points by 2026, though it warns of possible downward revisions due to increasing macroeconomic volatility and impending energy cost pressures. The Indonesian stock market has underperformed with a year-to-date decline of 17-18%, exacerbated by global geopolitical conflicts, surging energy prices, and capital outflows to developed markets focused on AI and technology sectors. This analysis underscores the challenges facing emerging markets like Indonesia amid investor risk aversion and the need to address domestic factors to bolster market resilience.

The NTB Provincial Government and university authorities have dissolved screenings of the documentary film 'Pig Feast' on several campuses in West Nusa Tenggara, citing concerns over potential social impacts and the film's provocative title. While no formal ban has been issued, officials recommend postponing public viewings to avoid unrest, and they are coordinating with military and police to assess the film's content. The incidents highlight tensions between freedom of expression in academic settings and efforts to maintain public order, with the film addressing deforestation and indigenous land rights in Papua.

Three Indonesian provinces—Bali, Central Java, and others—are implementing vehicle tax amnesty programmes and discounts on motor vehicle tax (PKB) until May 2026 to encourage compliance and boost regional revenues. These initiatives include 5% reductions on PKB principal, 50% discounts on mutation fees, and simplified STNK renewals without penalties for late payments. The policies aim to alleviate public burdens while increasing tax collection, with potential national rollout planned in phases to six provinces.

Kepala Staf Kepresidenan Dudung Abdurrahman conducted a surprise inspection of two Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) facilities in Petamburan and Kebon Jeruk, Jakarta Barat, declaring both kitchens unfit due to severe sanitation issues including maggots, inadequate separation of wet and dry storage, and combined washing areas for animal and vegetable products. He ordered the SPPG heads to request their foundation leaders to make immediate improvements in line with standards, threatening closure by the Badan Gizi Nasional (BGN) if no action is taken promptly. This inspection underscores the government's commitment to upholding nutritional service quality and public health standards in welfare programmes.

The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) closed down 0.92% at 6,905.62 amid foreign investor sell-offs and market concerns over the upcoming MSCI index evaluation, with most sectors in the red except infrastructure. Key developments include potential MSCI exits for stocks like BREN and DSSA due to high shareholding concentration, an acquisition by RATU in the Kasuri Block gas field, business diversification plans by KKGI, and Bank Jatim's announcement of a substantial dividend payout reflecting strong 2025 performance. Market participants are monitoring global gains in US indices and eyeing recommended buys in select stocks for potential gains.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission X has called on the government to accurately recalculate the needs and availability of teachers nationwide in response to a ministry circular on non-civil servant teachers. He proposes eliminating status categorisations among educators by establishing a single national teacher status as civil servants (PNS) to ensure equality in welfare, career development, and recruitment. This move aims to address inequalities and provide certainty for teachers, who are seen as the foundation of Indonesia's human resource development, amid assurances that no mass layoffs of non-ASN teachers will occur after 2026.

The Jakarta Transportation Agency has sealed the parking operator in the Blok M area due to long-standing allegations of illegal levies and revenue leakage, with potential daily earnings exceeding Rp 100 million. DPRD Jakarta estimates that over 15 years, the mismanagement has caused state losses of up to Rp 50 billion, as the operator Best Parking failed to report accurate financials, depositing only 60% of its turnover. Authorities are now investigating the financial reports and implementing non-cash payment systems to prevent future irregularities and extortion practices.

Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has signed a Grant Agreement and Joint Work Plan (JWP) for 2026-2027 with WHO Indonesia, valued at USD 997,853 (approximately Rp17 billion), to bolster the national health system through 63 cross-unit activities including standardisation, oversight, and laboratory enhancements. This partnership, ongoing since 2020, focuses on capacity building, policy harmonisation with global standards, and areas such as population health improvement, infectious disease control, immunisation, and emergency preparedness. The collaboration underscores BPOM's commitment to effective drug and food regulation, maintaining its status as a WHO-Listed Authority for vaccines, and ultimately safeguarding public health in Indonesia.

The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture has emphasised that people's farmers must remain the top priority in the development of the national poultry industry, ensuring that investments benefit local producers, strengthen domestic production, create jobs, and safeguard food security. Officials stressed the importance of building a fair ecosystem involving state-owned enterprises, cooperatives, and local partners to prevent local farmers from being marginalised by foreign investments. Economists and experts support this approach, highlighting its role in sustaining the industry, supporting government nutrition programmes, and avoiding increased imports that could harm the national economy amid current egg production surpluses.

Indonesian Police suspect Sheikh Ahmad Al Misry, a suspect in a sexual harassment case involving students, of concealing his Egyptian citizenship while holding Indonesian nationality through naturalisation. The International Relations Division is coordinating with Egyptian authorities and has requested a red notice from Interpol after he allegedly fled the country. The case, which involves multiple traumatised victims, highlights potential issues with dual nationality and international cooperation in pursuing fugitives.

Education practitioners and Banten provincial authorities are advocating for aligning vocational school majors with local industry demands, particularly in technology-driven fields like AI and automotive, to reduce youth unemployment and enhance graduate employability. This involves evaluating and potentially eliminating underperforming programmes such as secretarial and accounting, replacing them with relevant skills in manufacturing and welding, while emphasising internships and partnerships between schools and industries. Such measures aim to bridge the gap between vocational education and the workforce, ensuring graduates are job-ready and responsive to regional economic needs.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that Mexico has dispatched its fifth ship loaded with humanitarian aid to Cuba in response to the escalating shortages faced by the Cuban people. She reaffirmed Mexico's opposition to the US-imposed economic, trade, and financial blockade on Cuba since 1962, emphasising solidarity and the provision of essential goods excluding oil, which is supplied by Russia. This move comes amid recent US executive orders intensifying sanctions, including fuel access restrictions and penalties on Cuban companies, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions in international trade and aid.

Indonesian police arrested 321 individuals, including 320 foreign nationals from countries such as Vietnam, China, and Myanmar, in a major crackdown on an international online gambling network operating from Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower in Jakarta. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi), led by Minister Meutya Hafid, is coordinating closely with police on the ongoing investigation, while having already addressed around 3 million negative contents related to online gambling. This inter-agency collaboration underscores the government's commitment to eradicating the widespread international online gambling operations within Indonesia.

The article advocates for transforming public libraries in Indonesia into dynamic centres of community literacy and economic empowerment, particularly in rural areas, to counter urban-centric education and preserve local knowledge. By integrating digital tools and documenting indigenous practices in agriculture, livestock, and culture, libraries can bridge the gap between traditional potentials and modern development, reducing reliance on imports and fostering sustainable growth. This shift requires robust government policies, increased funding for productive programmes, and collaborations to ensure libraries serve as lifelong learning hubs, ultimately strengthening national identity and economic opportunities.

Amidst the release of annual reports and shareholders' meetings, several Indonesian companies are proceeding with dividend distributions this week, with key cum dividend dates on 12 and 13 May 2026. PT Sawit Sumbermas Sarana Tbk. (SSMS) and PT Multi Spunindo Jaya Tbk. (MSJA) have their cum dates on 12 May, while PT Indosat Tbk. (ISAT) and PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk. (BRIS) follow on 13 May, allowing investors to secure rights to cash dividends by holding shares until market close on those days. This schedule is crucial for shareholders navigating domestic and international market sentiments to ensure eligibility for corporate payouts.

The flow of Kali Anak Blencong in Marunda, North Jakarta, has been blocked in recent weeks by mud from the nearby Rusunawa Marunda housing project, causing confusion among local residents. RT 07/RW 07 chairman Nesar reported no prior notification or socialisation about the landfilling activities near the river and bridge, despite his attempts to communicate with project officials. This incident highlights potential oversight issues in public housing developments affecting community access and local waterways.

Indonesia's proposed overhaul of mining royalty structures under Government Regulation No. 19/2025 introduces a progressive tariff system tied to global commodity prices, potentially doubling tin royalties to 20% and slashing PT Timah Tbk's net profit by 42% if prices exceed $50,000 per ton, while nickel producers like Aneka Tambang face minimal impact. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has delayed implementation to refine a mutually beneficial formula, providing temporary relief amid investor concerns over windfall taxes and rising costs. This regulatory shift highlights the government's aim to capture windfall gains but risks disrupting the tin sector, positioning diversified nickel firms as safer investment options.

Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration Yandri Susanto has urged the Indonesian Village Head Forum (PAPDESI) to collaborate in ensuring the success of President Prabowo Subianto's key initiatives, particularly those benefiting rural communities. Speaking at PAPDESI's second national congress, he highlighted programmes such as the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP), Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), and People's Schools, encouraging villages to become thematic producers like egg-laying chicken or tilapia farming villages to supply the MBG scheme. This approach aims to optimise local potentials, boost rural economies, and realise the president's Asta Cita vision for national prosperity.

Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry remains optimistic about meeting its Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target to reduce deforestation by 2030, aiming to lower the annual rate from a baseline of 0.31 million hectares to 0.2 or 0.3 million hectares. Despite a slight increase to 0.37 million hectares in the first quarter of 2026 due to forest fires and natural factors rather than land clearing, the government is deploying all instruments for forest restoration and maintenance. The implementation of the net deforestation concept, which excludes replanting in plantation forests, integrates the FOLU Net Sink target into all state-funded activities, underscoring its significance for national environmental policy.

The Indonesian government has issued a circular allowing non-civil servant (non-ASN) teachers to continue their duties in state schools until 31 December 2026, aiming to ensure the continuity of education services amid 237,196 such teachers active as of late 2024. This transitional policy has raised concerns from the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI), which argues it prioritises ASN teachers and systematically sidelines non-ASN educators without clear solutions for their status and welfare. JPPI highlights that these honorary teachers have long filled gaps in the education system due to the state's shortcomings in providing sufficient ASN staff.

Ibrahim Arief, a technology consultant at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, is scheduled to receive the verdict in his corruption trial related to the procurement of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management (CDM) for educational digitalisation between 2019 and 2022, which caused state losses of Rp2.18 trillion. He faces a potential 15-year prison sentence, a Rp1 billion fine, and restitution of Rp16.92 billion, following earlier convictions of co-defendants Sri Wahyuningsih and Mulyatsyah. The case also involves former Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim, whose prosecution hearing is set for tomorrow, and fugitive Jurist Tan, highlighting ongoing accountability efforts in high-level government procurement scandals.

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has announced a postponement of the planned royalty rate hikes for key mining commodities including gold, copper, silver, nickel ore, and tin, originally set to take effect in June 2026. This decision follows public consultations and feedback from industry stakeholders, aiming to formulate a balanced policy that benefits both the state and businesses without imposing undue burdens. The move highlights the government's effort to optimise national revenue while supporting the mining sector's competitiveness amid fluctuating global prices.

Fifteen Chinese nationals working at the gold mining site in Mount Botak, Buru Regency, Maluku, face deportation after being found to hold only visit permits instead of proper work authorisations. Immigration authorities are conducting intensive checks on a total of 24 Chinese workers, with nine possessing valid limited stay permits, while the others' activities are under scrutiny in coordination with military, police, prosecution, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The case highlights ongoing efforts to regulate foreign labour in sensitive mining areas, ensuring compliance with local employment needs and legal requirements.

PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) has hailed the development of a spaceport in Biak, Papua, as a strategic initiative to bolster Indonesia's national space independence amid escalating global geopolitical dynamics and technological competition. PSN's CEO, Adi Rahman Adiwoso, emphasised that access to space is now essential for sovereignty and resilience, highlighting Indonesia's equatorial position as an advantageous launch site that could save fuel and increase payload capacity. He called for cross-sector collaboration involving government, industry, and international partners, noting PSN's substantial investments exceeding Rp 23 trillion in geostationary satellite programmes over the past decade to transition Indonesia from user to active player in space.

PT Pegadaian, a state-owned enterprise, has swept multiple categories at the 2026 BUMN Entrepreneurial Marketing Awards, clinching the top "Best of the Best" honour for its innovative marketing strategies amid industry disruptions. The awards recognise Pegadaian's agility in digital transformation, exemplified by its Tring! app as Indonesia's first gold-based financial literacy platform, alongside a human-centric approach that fosters customer trust and emotional connections. This achievement, coupled with recognition for female leadership, underscores Pegadaian's commitment to inclusive financial services, enhancing accessibility and satisfaction for diverse Indonesian demographics.

Asian stock markets opened higher on Tuesday amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East, with South Korea's Kospi index surging over 2% to a new record high following its previous session's peak. Investors largely dismissed US President Donald Trump's warnings about the fragility of a potential ceasefire deal with Iran, focusing instead on resilient economic fundamentals and structural market supports like leveraged ETF inflows. This bullish sentiment extended to US futures, reflecting a broader global equity rally despite rising oil prices and inflation concerns.

Authorities in Sleman, Yogyakarta, rescued 11 babies from an unlicensed shelter operated by a midwife in a house in Dusun Wonokerso, following reports of suspicious activities. The infants, some showing health issues, are now under care, with police coordinating with social services and local government for their welfare and ongoing investigation into the origins and operators. This incident underscores the need for stricter oversight of child welfare facilities to prevent exploitation and ensure child safety in Indonesia.

PT Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok (PTP Nonpetikemas) Bengkulu Branch has launched its inaugural drop tank service for loading liquid bulk cargo at Pulau Baai Port, marking a significant operational innovation by handling Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) onto the MT SILKROAD 06 bound for Jakarta. This method, previously implemented at Pangkal Balam Port, enables simultaneous transfer from trucks to a transit tank before pumping to the vessel, enhancing efficiency, speed, and safety while minimising environmental risks. The initiative underscores PTP Nonpetikemas's commitment to modernising port logistics, boosting national supply chain competitiveness, particularly for palm oil derivatives from Bengkulu.

BYD is reportedly set to launch a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), suspected to be the M6 DM-i model, in Indonesia in mid-May 2026, with an estimated price range of Rp 320 million to Rp 380 million. This model combines a petrol engine with electric power for improved fuel efficiency and flexibility, addressing uncertainties in fuel prices in the Indonesian market. The introduction could position it as one of the more affordable PHEV MPVs available, enhancing BYD's presence in the growing electric and hybrid vehicle segment.

Experts predict the end of the smartphone era as sales decline and innovative devices like AI pins and smart glasses begin to emerge as alternatives. Amy Webb, CEO of Future Today Institute, foresees a shift where users will rely more on advanced wearables that integrate AI for voice commands and projections, reducing the need for screen-based interactions. This technological evolution signals a broader transformation in how people engage with digital tools, potentially reshaping the gadget market.

PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) has inaugurated the operations of the Nusantara Five (N5) satellite, a key initiative to bolster Indonesia's national digital sovereignty and satellite capacity amid global geopolitical tensions. Covering Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the satellite enhances ASEAN connectivity and positions Indonesia as a leading player in the Asia-Pacific satellite industry with a total capacity of 400 Gbps. PSN's CEO emphasised the strategic importance of developing indigenous space technology, supported by over Rp 23 trillion in investments over the past decade, to foster a sustainable national space ecosystem.

PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA), a state-owned construction firm, is advancing its restructuring efforts to bolster its financial structure amid a challenging national construction market projected through 2025. The company reported improved gross profit margins, significant reductions in trade and interest-bearing debts, and secured new contracts worth Rp17.46 trillion during the 2025 fiscal year, while focusing on capital strengthening, debt management, and selective asset divestitures. These measures, approved at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, aim to ensure financial stability and sustainable performance.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) expresses confidence that ongoing reforms to enhance market integrity in Indonesia's capital markets will yield long-term benefits, despite potential short-term adjustments in the MSCI index composition announced on Tuesday. OJK Chair Friderica Widyasari Dewi describes any immediate impacts as "short-term pain" for eventual "long-term gain," urging market participants not to overreact. While MSCI has frozen new stock inclusions, existing ones may be removed, but Indonesia's emerging market status review is scheduled for June 2026.

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo has reportedly recovered 99% from his health issues and plans to tour Indonesia in June 2026 to engage with the public and absorb their aspirations, according to Projo Secretary General Freddy Alex Damanik following a meeting with Jokowi. The discussions, held privately with Projo Chairman Budi Arie, focused on societal conditions without touching on political party affiliations, underscoring Jokowi's ongoing influence in Indonesian politics. Regular meetings between Jokowi and volunteers are set to occur every three months, highlighting his continued openness to public input from across the archipelago.

Iran has permitted the Iraqi oil tanker Agios Fanourios I to traverse the Strait of Hormuz via a designated route en route to Vietnam's Nghi Son Port, amid ongoing regional tensions. This development follows a ceasefire between the US and Iran after attacks in February, with negotiations stalling and US President Trump extending the truce while pausing a naval operation to facilitate stuck vessels. The move highlights fragile diplomatic efforts to secure maritime trade routes critical for global oil supplies.

Five soldiers from Kodim 1630/Manggarai Barat in Labuan Bajo, Nusa Tenggara Timur, are implicated in a drug case after a mysterious package containing suspected crystal narcotics was received at the military district command. Three of the soldiers tested positive for drug use via urine and blood tests, while the other two are suspected of acting as intermediaries in the delivery. The case originated from a package sent anonymously on 19 April 2026, leading to an investigation that traced the drugs to one of the soldiers in Lembor, with all five now handed over to the military police for further probe, highlighting concerns over drug infiltration in the armed forces.

Diesel fuel prices in Indonesia have surged significantly in May 2026, with Shell V-Power Diesel reaching Rp 30,890 per litre, up from Rp 14,620 in March. This has driven up operational costs for diesel vehicles like the Toyota Kijang Innova Reborn, requiring approximately Rp 1.7 million to fill its 55-litre tank with premium diesel. Other providers such as BP and Pertamina have also adjusted prices, highlighting the broader impact on consumers with high mobility needs.

The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) has reported that online gambling transactions reached Rp 40.3 trillion from January to March 2026, with deposits amounting to Rp 10.6 trillion. In response to the recent bust of an online gambling syndicate in West Jakarta involving 320 foreign nationals and one Indonesian, PPATK head Ivan Yustiavandana denied any oversight, emphasising that their mandate focuses on protecting Indonesian citizens. He outlined five key strategies employed by PPATK to combat online gambling, including detection, transaction halts, law enforcement, regulatory improvements, and public awareness campaigns, highlighting the agency's proactive role in curbing illicit financial flows.