PT Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok (PTP Nonpetikemas) Bengkulu branch has introduced its first drop tank service for handling liquid bulk cargo at Pulau Baai Port, marking the loading of PFAD (Palm Fatty Acid Distillate) onto the MT SILKROAD 06 bound for Jakarta. This innovation, previously implemented at Pangkal Balam Port, enhances operational efficiency by enabling simultaneous transfer from trucks to a transit tank before pumping to the vessel, reducing turnaround times and improving safety. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to modernising port logistics in Bengkulu, supporting national supply chains for palm oil derivatives amid growing distribution demands.

Jakarta's air quality reached an unhealthy level on Tuesday morning, with an AQI of 134 due to PM2.5 pollution at 49 micrograms per cubic metre, placing it fourth among the world's most polluted cities behind Dhaka, Kinshasa, and Delhi. The provincial government is preparing rapid responses for the dry season, including enhanced air monitoring, vehicle emission tests, and evaluating the Air Pollution Control Strategy to address emissions and health impacts. Effective control requires integrated actions across local agencies and collaboration with surrounding regions.

In Surabaya, soaring property prices are making homeownership increasingly difficult for Generation Z, turning the city into a mere workplace rather than a place to settle. The Surabaya City Government is addressing this by planning affordable rusunami (simple ownership apartments) in areas like Rungkut, Tambak Wedi, and Ngagel, priced from Rp100 million to under Rp500 million, featuring modern amenities such as two-bedroom units, lifts, integrated transport, and easy financing options. This initiative highlights the need for urban housing to support social mobility, mental health, and productivity, preventing long-term social issues in a city aspiring to global status.

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on 12 companies and individuals accused of facilitating the sale and shipment of Iranian oil to China, announced just days before President Trump's scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that these measures aim to sever Tehran's financial access used for terrorism and destabilising the global economy, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The sanctions are seen as a strategy to bolster US negotiating leverage with China and pressure Iran's oil export revenues, which form the backbone of its economy.

Crude oil prices rose sharply on Monday following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's warning that the conflict with Iran is far from over, heightening tensions in the Middle East and threatening energy supplies. US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran's counter-offer to end the war with the US and Israel, calling it unacceptable, which contributed to Brent crude futures climbing over 2% to $103.93 per barrel. Analysts at Citi note that risks to oil prices remain skewed upwards due to Iran's control over reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, potentially prolonging disruptions despite high stockpiles and weaker demand mitigating some pressures.

The Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Anindya Bakrie, has commended the increasingly conducive investment climate in Central Java, attributing it to supportive policies from Governor Ahmad Luthfi that have boosted business confidence and attracted significant capital inflows. Highlighting the province's robust economic growth of 5.89%, abundant productive workforce, and strategic industrial zones like those in Batang and Kendal, the forum showcased 21 investment projects worth Rp30 trillion, building on previous successes that secured Rp75 trillion in letters of intent. Governor Luthfi emphasised incentives for renewable energy and green industries, alongside plans to electrify public transport, underscoring Central Java's potential as a national investment hub.

Russian-backed mercenaries from the Africa Corps have been forced to retreat from the strategic city of Kidal in northern Mali, marking a significant setback for President Vladimir Putin's ambitions in Africa's Sahel region. The defeat, following a bold alliance between Tuareg separatists and Al Qaeda-linked militants, underscores the fragility of Moscow's influence amid rising insecurity and questions over its stabilisation efforts. This development comes as Mali's junta seeks new defence partnerships with countries like China and Turkey, highlighting the limitations of Russia's resource-for-security model in addressing deep-rooted issues like governance failures and ethnic tensions.

Indonesia's policy mandating work-from-home (WFH) for civil servants every Friday, effective from 10 April 2026, has led to a modest reduction in vehicle volumes on Jakarta's roads but falls short of alleviating the city's chronic congestion. Experts from ITDP emphasise that while the initiative aligns with the 'avoid' strategy in sustainable transport frameworks by curbing daily commutes—potentially impacting 1.5 million civil servants—its effects are limited without complementary 'shift' measures to promote public transport usage. Broader solutions, including enhanced public transit coverage in satellite areas, integrated services, and 'push' policies like Electronic Road Pricing to discourage private vehicle use, are deemed essential for lasting improvements in Jakarta's mobility system.

Iran has issued a stern warning to the UK and France against deploying naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz, labelling the move as an escalation of the crisis amid heightened tensions with the US over control of this vital global oil and gas shipping route. French President Emmanuel Macron clarified that no French troop deployment has been considered without coordination with Iran, though France remains ready to assist in restoring maritime traffic in coordination with Tehran. The dispute underscores the strategic importance of the strait and potential risks to international energy supplies.

In the face of economic uncertainty, financial consultant Aidil Akbar advises prioritising liquidity by saving as much as possible to build emergency funds against risks like job losses and inflation, while still investing for long-term goals. He stresses the importance of allocating at least 10-15% of monthly income to savings and investments, using separate accounts or digital features to maintain discipline and prevent impulsive spending. This balanced approach, described as an 'art' of money management, ensures financial security without sacrificing growth potential.

The transportation control room in Mecca monitors the movement of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims in real-time using GPS and large screens, ensuring safe and timely travel from Medina to Mecca for the 2026 pilgrimage. With 132 buses transporting 7,838 pilgrims on a single day, staff coordinate via radio to prepare hotels and meals, adapting to varying bus speeds and unexpected delays like security checks. This digital system enhances service quality, prioritising the physical well-being and safety of pilgrims amid extreme weather and health challenges in Saudi Arabia.

The wife of a bank branch head in Jakarta has rejected an apology from three Kopassus members accused of kidnapping and murdering her husband, describing the act as causing lifelong pain to her and her young children. During the military court proceedings, she detailed the emotional and financial burdens she now faces alone, including her children's ongoing grief and prayers for their father's return. The defendants' legal team sought forgiveness on humanitarian grounds to bring peace to the deceased's soul, but the widow firmly declined at this time.

Central Java's investment surge is driving accelerated efforts by central and regional governments to strengthen sea-based logistics systems, focusing on developments at Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang, Kendal Port, and the Batang dry port. Governor Ahmad Luthfi highlighted the importance of these initiatives in a coordination meeting, aiming to enhance connectivity and economic efficiency. This push is poised to bolster the province's role in national trade and logistics networks.

Central Java Governor Luthfi has launched the Central Java Business Investment Forum (CJIBF) 2026 to accelerate green investments and the development of 12 new industrial zones in the province. This initiative aims to strengthen sustainable industrial growth and attract eco-friendly businesses, aligning with broader economic strategies to boost regional development and employment. The forum underscores Central Java's commitment to transitioning towards a greener economy amid national pushes for environmental sustainability.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and Bank Indonesia (BI) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in promoting regional financial stability and sustainable economic growth. The agreement covers comprehensive collaboration in areas such as monetary policy, financial stability, macroprudential policy, payment systems and digitalisation, financial sector development, capacity-building initiatives, and information exchange. This partnership underscores the long-standing ties between the two central banks and aims to address emerging challenges in a complex geopolitical landscape, fostering greater prosperity for both economies.

A major police raid on an international online gambling network in West Jakarta has raised alarms about Indonesia potentially transforming into a hub for cross-border cybercrime. The operation, which apprehended 321 mostly foreign nationals from countries like Vietnam and China, highlights vulnerabilities such as improved internet infrastructure, easy visa policies, and a welcoming society that syndicates are exploiting. Cybersecurity experts urge stronger coordination between police and immigration to prevent recurrence, underscoring the need for enhanced vigilance against such illicit activities.

The European Union has approved new sanctions targeting seven Israeli individuals and organisations involved in extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, marking a shift from previous diplomatic stalemates following Hungary's government change. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasised the urgency of addressing rising extremism, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the measures as arbitrary and morally equivalent to equating Israeli citizens with Hamas terrorists. This development comes amid a surge in settler attacks, with over 1,800 incidents recorded in 2025 alone, highlighting ongoing tensions in a region where approximately 700,000 Jewish settlers live in settlements deemed illegal under international law.

US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Iran's response to a US peace proposal, placing the fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict at risk of collapse amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's demands for comprehensive cessation of hostilities, compensation, and the lifting of blockades have widened the diplomatic gap, exacerbating global energy market volatility with Brent crude prices surging to $104 per barrel due to restricted shipping lanes. As sporadic clashes persist and international actors like Turkey and China engage in mediation efforts, the situation underscores the precarious balance between diplomacy and renewed conflict, with significant implications for regional stability and the world economy.

Pandu Patria Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer of Danantara Indonesia, has described the valuation of blue chip stocks on the Indonesia Stock Exchange as very cheap, particularly in the banking sector where dividend yields range from 8 to 11 per cent, offering investors a way to offset costs while awaiting price appreciation. However, he notes that the domestic market is suffering from a lack of catalysts, investor confidence, and a compelling growth narrative to lure back foreign capital flows, which remain crucial for blue chips. Looking ahead to the second quarter of 2026, technical pressures may intensify due to US dollar weakness coinciding with major dividend distributions, prompting foreign investors to sell shares for currency conversions and portfolio adjustments.

PT Indonesian Paradise Property Tbk (INPP) has postponed the launch of Tower 2 at Antasari Place in South Jakarta due to declining middle-class purchasing power, despite national economic growth of 5.61%. The company is shifting focus to a more promising project in Balikpapan and considering repurposing the tower into a hotel or SOHO to optimise asset efficiency. INPP reported solid Q1-2026 financials with revenue up 14% to Rp 326.90 billion and a return to positive net profit, underscoring a cautious approach to expansion amid market uncertainties.

The Governor of Madinah, Prince Salman bin Sultan, has inspected the reception centre for Hajj pilgrims at Hijrah Road, affirming Saudi Arabia's full commitment to providing seamless services for worshippers. Accompanied by senior officials, he reviewed facilities including arrival procedures and transportation to accommodations, highlighting the kingdom's ongoing efforts under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to enhance the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. This inspection aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Programme, ensuring high-quality services for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.

The technology sector has seen over 92,000 layoffs in 2026 alone, with the total nearing 900,000 since 2020, primarily driven by AI advancements and post-pandemic over-hiring. Major firms like Meta, Microsoft, and Nike are cutting thousands of jobs to enhance efficiency through AI automation, sparking widespread anxiety among workers and a drop in employee confidence to 47.2 percent. This trend signals a permanent transformation in how work is organised across industries, prompting companies to become more aggressive in performance evaluations and redundancies.

Kresna Hutabarat from Mandiri Sekuritas projects the Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) to reach 9,050 points by 2026, though with potential downward revisions due to rising macroeconomic volatility and energy cost pressures. Indonesia's stock market has underperformed year-to-date with a 17-18% correction, exacerbated by global geopolitical conflicts, energy price surges, and capital outflows to developed markets focused on AI and technology sectors. Domestic improvements and monitoring of earnings pressures from energy and petrochemical costs are crucial for future market resilience.

The United States has announced a reward of up to US$15 million (approximately Rp230 billion) for information that could halt the financial mechanisms of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as part of its strategy to pressure Tehran into a new agreement. This initiative targets details on IRGC revenue sources, including its elite Qods Force, and aims to expose funding and logistics networks supporting proxy militias. Amid escalating tensions, recent US sanctions on entities facilitating Iranian oil sales to China underscore Washington's commitment to isolating Iran's economy and weakening IRGC's military and political influence.

The Central Java Business Investment Forum (CJIBF) 2026 was officially launched in Semarang, where Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi presented investment opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture and food downstreaming, tourism, and mining to attract international investors. The event, attended by high-level officials including Deputy Minister Todotua Pasaribu and Bank Indonesia's Deputy Governor Aida S Budiman, highlighted the province's strong investment performance, with Rp23.02 trillion realised in the first quarter of 2026, contributing to a 5.89% economic growth rate exceeding the national average. Central Java is preparing 12 new industrial and special economic zones to bolster collaborative governance and streamline investments, underscoring the forum's role in fostering business matching and sustainable economic development.

Indonesia's push for downstreaming in commodities like nickel, palm oil, and strategic foods aims to create sustainable economic value, but universities must play a more integral role beyond just producing skilled labour. The article argues that higher education institutions should bridge institutional gaps by fostering innovation ecosystems that connect research to industry needs, spanning the entire value chain from upstream sustainability to downstream market access. Drawing on successful models from Thailand, the Netherlands, and Vietnam, as well as IPB University's initiatives, it emphasises placing campuses at the core of this strategy to ensure robust, equitable economic transformation.

This article explores the ontological foundations of sports empowerment in Indonesia, emphasising its dynamic nature beyond mere achievement sports to encompass education, community, and economic dimensions. It discusses the integration of sports empowerment into regional sports designs (DOD) aligned with the National Sports Master Plan (DBON), urging comprehensive planning to avoid distortions and ensure inclusivity across all scopes. Additionally, it calls for scientific investments through higher education to support evidence-based policies, linking academic programs to industry needs for sustainable sports development.

The ongoing Middle East conflict has disrupted long-haul travel routes and increased costs, prompting Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand to shift their tourism strategies towards short-haul intra-Asian markets to offset declines in visitors from Europe and the Middle East. Tour operators have introduced new regional packages, and governments are expanding routes and campaigns to stable Asian source markets, though challenges persist due to differing travel patterns and historical reliance on Western tourists. While overall arrivals remain positive, tourism authorities anticipate muted demand in the coming months amid global uncertainties, highlighting the sector's vulnerability to geopolitical tensions.

Analysts are divided on the proposed US-China Board of Trade and Board of Investment ahead of the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, with some viewing it as a pragmatic 'lesser evil' for stabilising volatile relations amid tariff escalations, while others see it as a significant victory for Beijing by shifting focus from structural reforms to bilateral negotiations on trade volumes. The mechanism, discussed in recent US-China talks, aims to manage non-sensitive sectors like consumer goods and agriculture, offering predictability and leverage, though uncertainties persist due to fragile past agreements and ongoing economic tensions. This development highlights a departure from multilateral WTO frameworks towards direct bilateral engagement, potentially benefiting China's position in the escalating trade war.

The article explores Europe's precarious position in the escalating US-Iran tensions, highlighting strains in transatlantic relations due to US unilateralism, such as the withdrawal from the JCPOA and territorial ambitions like Greenland. Economically, Europe faces severe risks from potential energy supply disruptions in the Persian Gulf, exacerbating inflation and recovery challenges from previous crises. European nations, including Germany, Spain, and Italy, adopt cautious stances influenced by strategic traumas, migration fears, and the benefits accruing to US energy producers in prolonged conflicts.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is offering free emissions testing at 14 fuel stations across Jabodetabek, aiming to check 7,000 vehicles as part of the "Wise Energy Use" campaign. The initiative, running in two phases on 9-10 May 2026 and 23-24 May 2026, encourages regular vehicle checks to maintain engine performance and promote responsible fuel consumption. Participants receive free certificates, Rp25,000 MyPertamina e-vouchers, and merchandise, highlighting the benefits of quality fuels like Pertamina Dex for better emissions and fuel efficiency.

US President Donald Trump is set to visit China accompanied by 17 top executives from major American corporations, including leaders from Apple, Tesla, and BlackRock, amid escalating economic and technological tensions between the two superpowers. The delegation aims to strengthen business ties in key sectors like technology, finance, and biotechnology, while addressing fragile trade truces and pressing China to help resolve the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which threatens global energy supplies and economic stability. This high-stakes meeting, scheduled for 13-15 May 2026, could mark a turning point for international trade and geopolitical relations.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he will discuss ongoing US arms sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his upcoming trip to Beijing, amid Beijing's opposition to the policy. Trump downplayed the risk of China invading Taiwan, citing his strong relationship with Xi and regional support for the island, while also planning to raise the issue of freeing imprisoned Hong Kong pro-democracy media figure Jimmy Lai. This dialogue highlights persistent tensions in US-China relations over Taiwan's defence and Hong Kong's autonomy.

US President Donald Trump has expressed deep pessimism about the fragile US-Iran ceasefire, likening it to a patient on life support with just a 1% chance of survival, amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear programme and proposals to end the conflict. The standoff has escalated following Trump's dismissal of Iran's counter-proposal as unacceptable, while Israel demands the destruction of Iranian enrichment facilities, exacerbating global energy market volatility due to blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. This situation underscores the precarious state of Middle East peace efforts and their profound impact on international economics.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi opened the Central Java Business Investment Forum (CJIBF) 2026, offering investment projects in renewable energy, agriculture and food downstreaming, tourism, and mining to attract investors from various countries. The event, held in Semarang and attended by key officials including the Deputy Minister of Investment and Bank Indonesia representatives, highlighted the province's strong investment performance, with Rp23.02 trillion realised in the first quarter of 2026, contributing to a 5.89% economic growth rate surpassing the national average. To bolster further growth, the province is preparing 12 new industrial and special economic zones, emphasising collaborative efforts to enhance business ecosystems and infrastructure for sustainable development.

Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof KH Nasaruddin Umar, clarified that not all gifts constitute gratuity, using the story of Prophet Muhammad receiving a deer as an act of sincere kindness rather than corruption. Speaking at an interfaith harmony walk in Jakarta, he highlighted the Prophet's compassionate release of the animal, emphasising respect for genuine offerings and leadership integrity. The Minister also promoted eco-theology and a "curriculum of love" to foster environmental and interpersonal care, urging educational institutions to adopt these initiatives for global harmony.

The Directorate General of Treasury (DJPb) has indicated that the disbursement of regional transfers (TKD) to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) for 2026 needs further acceleration, particularly for Physical Special Allocation Funds (DAK) and Profit-Sharing Funds (DBH), due to allocation changes and delays in meeting disbursement requirements. While allocations for General Allocation Funds (DAU) and Non-Physical DAK show growth in realisation, DBH and Physical DAK have experienced significant contractions year-on-year, with no disbursements yet for Physical DAK pending regulations. DJPb's regional office is actively monitoring and coordinating with local governments to expedite future disbursements and spending.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) is closely monitoring allegations of financial statement fraud at PT Telkom Indonesia Tbk (TLKM) from 2014 to 2021, involving around 140 transactions worth Rp 5 trillion that lacked economic substance during the leadership of Alex J. Sinaga and Ririek Adriansyah. These issues have drawn scrutiny from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Department of Justice (DOJ), prompting IDX to hold a hearing with TLKM on 8 April 2026, where the company detailed steps like establishing a Legal & Compliance Directorate and addressing investigations under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). This case underscores the challenges of dual compliance for Indonesian firms listed in the US and could impact investor confidence in state-owned enterprises.

Komarudin Watubun, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission II, emphasised that optimal governance capacity by local governments is essential for the successful management of Papua's Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds. He highlighted the need for data-based planning, clear priorities, disciplined execution, and thorough evaluation, alongside unwavering integrity to eliminate corruption, mark-ups, fictitious projects, and wasteful ceremonial activities. Additionally, robust public oversight is crucial to ensure funds are effectively allocated for the prosperity of Papua's indigenous people, with success measured by tangible benefits recognised by the local communities.

Indonesia's Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, highlighted the country's commitment to credible and transparent forestry carbon trading at a business forum in New York, emphasising a shift towards sustainable green economy models that include carbon value, biodiversity, and environmental services. The newly issued Ministerial Regulation No. 6 of 2026 provides legal certainty for carbon credit production and trading, integrating with international standards to enhance competitiveness in the global market, while multi-business schemes diversify revenue streams and strengthen ESG principles. This initiative positions Indonesia as a key partner in global climate investment, leveraging its 120 million hectares of tropical forests to achieve FOLU Net Sink 2030 targets.

The corruption trial involving former Minister of Education Nadiem Makarim over the procurement of Chromebook laptops has advanced to the prosecution phase, with the public prosecutor scheduled to present charges at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on 13 May. The court granted house arrest for Nadiem due to health concerns, while maintaining strict conditions, amid allegations of state losses and irregular procurement in the 2019-2022 education digitalisation programme. This case highlights ongoing scrutiny of high-level government spending and potential conflicts of interest in public contracts.

The trial for the alleged Chromebook corruption case involving former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim will proceed to the reading of the prosecutor's demands on 13 May 2026 at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court. The court has granted Nadiem house arrest due to health concerns, changing his status from detention in a state facility, while the case alleges irregularities in the procurement of educational laptops and CDM devices, resulting in state losses of over Rp2.18 trillion. Nadiem is accused of receiving Rp809.59 billion from PT AKAB via PT Gojek Indonesia, linked to Google investments, and faces severe penalties under Indonesia's anti-corruption laws.

The Nusantara Five satellite has officially commenced operations, marking a significant step towards enhancing national sovereignty and equitable internet access across Indonesia, particularly in remote, outermost, and underdeveloped regions. With a capacity exceeding 160 Gbps and advanced Very High Throughput Satellite technology, it will serve domestic needs while also providing connectivity to neighbouring Philippines and Malaysia, contributing to a total national capacity of over 400 Gbps—the largest in the Asia-Pacific. This development underscores Indonesia's push for reliable, independent digital infrastructure amid global political dynamics.

Indonesia's state investment body, BPI Danantara, plans to boost its stake in PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GOTO) to under 1% currently, driven by a fundamental desire for profitability, as stated by its Chief Investment Officer Pandu Patria Sjahrir. GOTO welcomes the investment as a sign of sustained confidence in its business fundamentals and long-term prospects, while committing to professional governance. Additionally, GOTO pledges compliance with the newly enacted Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026 on Transport Worker Protection, which caps ride-hailing commissions at 8%, though it awaits full details of the regulation.

A Jakarta court has approved the request to transfer former Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim from prison detention to house arrest, citing his health condition, amid an ongoing corruption trial related to a Rp2.18 trillion loss in an education digitalisation programme involving Chromebook laptops. Nadiem faces strict conditions including electronic monitoring, restricted movements for medical treatment and court appearances, and prohibitions on contacting witnesses or other defendants. The case involves allegations of improper procurement and receipt of Rp809.59 billion in funds linked to his company, highlighting significant financial misconduct in government education initiatives.

The Indonesian government, led by Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, has identified 88 districts and cities as priority areas for accelerating the elimination of extreme poverty, aiming for zero per cent by 2026 as mandated by Presidential Instruction No. 8 of 2025. Strategies include refocusing government programmes, enhancing empowerment ecosystems beyond cash social assistance, and providing short-term job training for productive-age residents to integrate into the workforce or start businesses. Success hinges on accurate use of the National Single Socio-Economic Data (DTSEN) and robust digital infrastructure to ensure targeted aid delivery and address information disparities.

Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, has stressed that national connectivity development must promote economic growth while ensuring public safety in the digital realm. Currently, about 80% of the population, or 230 million people, are connected to digital services, but the government aims to extend this to all 280 million citizens across the archipelago, including remote areas. The launch of the Nusantara 5 satellite, one of Asia's largest capacity satellites, is expected to bolster digital connectivity, economic expansion, and Indonesia's digital sovereignty, aligning with President Prabowo's vision for international presence.

Former Indonesian Education Minister Nadiem Makarim testified in court that he personally supplemented the salaries of his special staff members with Rp15-20 million monthly to offset their significant income reductions upon joining the ministry, despite their dedication to national education goals. This admission occurred during his trial for a corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebooks from 2019-2022, where he and 24 others are accused of causing a Rp2.1 trillion state loss, including Rp809 billion attributed to him, which he denies as unrelated to the procurement and stemming from a Google-Gojek corporate transaction. The case highlights tensions between personal financial support in public office and allegations of large-scale graft in government spending.

Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim testified in a corruption trial that he used his personal money to supplement the salaries of his five special staff members, who experienced significant income drops after leaving private sector jobs. He faces charges of corruption causing state losses of Rp2.18 trillion through mismanaged procurement of educational technology devices like Chromebook laptops and CDM for 2020-2022, allegedly receiving Rp809.59 billion from PT AKAB via PT Gojek Indonesia. The case highlights potential conflicts of interest in public procurement and the financial ties between government officials and tech investments, including Google's funding.

Zulkifli Hasan, Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), explained the party's unwavering support for Prabowo Subianto in the last three presidential elections, despite facing electoral defeats, legal repercussions for local leaders, and a decline in the party's rankings. He emphasised PAN's commitment to consistency, loyalty, and shared vision with Prabowo, which ultimately contributed to Prabowo's victory in the 2024 election and Hasan's role as Coordinating Minister for Food. Hasan also shared insights from Prabowo on leadership, stressing the importance of selecting capable personnel, and instructed party members in East Java to aim for a top-three national ranking while prioritising national progress.