Indonesia's Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf has removed over 11,000 social aid recipient families suspected of using funds for online gambling in the first quarter of 2026, with an additional 75 removals in the second quarter. This action follows data cross-checking that reduced suspected cases from 600,000 to just 75, emphasising permanent exclusion for repeat offenders to ensure aid reaches those truly in need. The ministry is enhancing oversight through local companions and regional governments, while appreciating PPATK's role in identifying misuse, primarily among the poorest deciles.

Ibrahim Arief, known as Ibam and a former consultant to ex-Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management during the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The court highlighted aggravating factors such as significant financial losses to the state, hindrance to educational quality mapping amid the pandemic, and undermining anti-corruption efforts, while mitigating factors included his lack of prior convictions and no direct receipt of funds. This verdict, substantially lighter than the prosecutors' 15-year demand, underscores the judiciary's consideration of Ibam's technical advisory role over policy-making authority in the scandal.

The Indonesian Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, highlighted the achievements of the Debottlenecking Task Force after six months of operation during an international seminar attended by investors and foreign ambassadors. The task force has addressed 83 out of 142 complaints transparently, resolving 45 cases related to investment barriers such as extortion, slow permitting, regulatory overlaps, and legal uncertainties. Officials emphasised that this initiative fosters transparency, accelerates investments worth US$30 billion, and is crucial for achieving over 6% economic growth through enhanced private sector participation.

Former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) has expressed concern over the unencouraging developments in Indonesia's capital and money markets while painting in Magelang. He believes that heavier economic pressures can still be averted through the utilisation of available political and economic resources, urging the government, business world, economists, and stakeholders to unite in building mutual trust under President Prabowo's leadership. SBY calls on the public to support the government, expressing optimism that Indonesia can overcome the challenges.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission II is scheduling a Hearing of General Opinions with academics from leading universities and democracy research institutions during the fifth session of the 2025-2026 parliamentary year to gather inputs on the Election Bill. Key issues include Constitutional Court decisions on parliamentary and presidential thresholds, as well as central and regional elections, with aspirations already forwarded to the House's expert body for drafting. While awaiting approval to form a working committee, Commission II notes diverse views on the electoral system but remains committed to implementing court rulings and producing the best possible legislation.

Despite a 25.67% year-on-year decline in primary residential property sales in the first quarter of 2026, as reported by Bank Indonesia, ultra-premium homes priced at up to Rp80 billion in elite areas like BSD and Gading Serpong are selling out rapidly. Experts attribute this anomaly to the flexibility of high-net-worth buyers, who are less affected by weakening purchasing power, and their focus on developer reputation and construction quality as sound investments. This trend highlights a stark divide in the property market, where exclusivity and trust continue to drive demand in the luxury segment even amid broader economic slowdowns.

The West Jakarta Health Sub-District Office has revealed that the Nutrition Programme Service Unit (SPPG) or kitchen for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Wijaya Kusuma, Grogol Petamburan, lacks a Hygiene and Sanitation Certificate (SLHS), having only been operational for about two months. During an inspection by the Chief of Presidential Staff, retired General Dudung Abdurachman, the facility was found to be dirty with numerous maggots, though these were confirmed to be in the waste area and not in the food prepared for children. While another inspected SPPG in Sukabumi Utara, Kebon Jeruk, has obtained the certificate, the health office is coordinating further checks and emphasises that facility cleanliness is the managers' responsibility, with their oversight focused on food handlers and hygiene.

The Indonesian government, led by Task Force Chairman Tito Karnavian, is preparing a comprehensive recovery roadmap for the disaster-affected regions of West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh, set to be formalised through a presidential regulation and extending until 2028. This plan, developed with input from Bappenas, follows the completion of emergency and transitional phases, focusing on prioritising infrastructure rehabilitation such as rivers, roads, bridges, trade, agriculture, aquaculture, and the provision of permanent housing to expedite community recovery. Once approved, the roadmap will accelerate funding allocation to relevant ministries, enhancing the pace of reconstruction efforts.

President Prabowo Subianto has purchased a 1.1-tonne Brangus bull named Sambo Hitam, valued at Rp122 million, for sacrifice during Eid al-Adha 1446 Hijriah to benefit the residents of Tangerang City, Banten. The five-year-old cow, intensively raised over three years with special feed, vitamins, and vaccinations from the Tangerang City Food Security Agency, underwent thorough health checks confirming it is free from anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease. This gesture highlights the President's engagement with local communities and support for regional livestock farming initiatives.

Regent Jeje Ritchie Ismail of West Bandung Regency visited SDN Giriasih, a remote mountain school in Cililin District, where 116 students from three villages endure arduous daily treks over extreme terrain to attend classes. The visit, the first by a regent according to one student, prompted the local government to pledge immediate improvements, including rehabilitating damaged classrooms, constructing new sanitation facilities, and potentially building a library, with a budget of approximately Rp 400 million allocated for this year. This initiative highlights the regency's commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and supporting the resilience of students in underserved areas, fostering greater access to learning opportunities.

The Special Committee on Parking of the DKI Jakarta DPRD plans to involve the DKI Jakarta High Prosecutor's Office and the Financial Audit Board (BPK) to investigate the alleged diversion of around 40 percent of Blok M parking revenues that have not been entering the Regional Original Revenue (PAD). The committee's chair, Ahmad Lukman Jupiter, cited the parking managers' uncooperative stance in providing financial data as a reason for escalating the matter, suspecting deviations, data manipulation, and tax embezzlement in the management of this government-owned asset. This probe addresses an estimated Rp 50 billion loss to the state over 15 years, highlighting significant governance issues in public revenue collection in Jakarta.

Minister of State for People's Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar has proposed an additional special budget of less than Rp1 trillion for this year to bolster the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector and the creative economy. He emphasised that the government will continue existing empowerment programmes, simplify access to financing such as People's Business Credit (KUR), and encourage ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to actively facilitate MSMEs through market access and utilisation of idle assets for promotional activities. This initiative aims to drive the growth and development of MSMEs, which are vital to Indonesia's economic fabric.

Indonesia's economy grew by 5.61 percent in the first quarter of 2026, reducing the open unemployment rate to 4.68 percent in February, demonstrating resilience against global slowdowns. However, economist Yusuf Rendy Manilet from CORE Indonesia warns that the growth's ability to absorb labour is weakening, with lower elasticity in job creation and a heavy reliance on the informal sector, which comprises 59 percent of the workforce and offers low productivity and minimal social protection. He urges the government to accelerate structural reforms, including vocational education, SME formalisation, and manufacturing revitalisation, to ensure higher-quality, formal employment.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, known as Cak Imin or Gus Ipul, met with President Prabowo Subianto to report on key ministry initiatives, including data updates, targeted social assistance, and the expansion of the People's School programme. The programme will commence teaching in July 2026 with 32,000 students enrolled this year, bringing the total to over 46,000 when combined with last year's 15,000 participants. This initiative aims to empower productive-age citizens and contribute to poverty alleviation efforts through government empowerment programmes.

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin) has set an ambitious goal to eradicate extreme poverty in Indonesia by 2026, targeting 0% that year following reductions to 0.99% in 2024 and 0.78% in 2025. The government has prioritised 88 districts and cities for poverty alleviation efforts, with national poverty rates projected to drop from 8.57% in 2024 to 7.36% in 2026 and further to 5% by 2029. Cak Imin expressed optimism about achieving these targets, noting that specific policies will be announced by the President to support this agenda.

US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing on 14-15 May marks the first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping since a painful trade war truce in October 2025, amid low expectations for breakthroughs due to Trump's faltering approach. Key tensions revolve around US arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing views sensitively, and China's role in the ongoing Iran conflict, where Trump seeks greater pressure on Tehran but faces domestic backlash from the unpopular war. The summit highlights broader US strategic concerns, including trade negotiations and preventing fentanyl exports, underscoring the fragile balance in US-China relations with potential ripple effects for Asian allies.

Volvo Trucks International, a Swedish heavy-duty truck manufacturer, has been operating in Indonesia for over 40 years, contributing to infrastructure development and the mining sector, particularly coal, nickel, and cobalt. The company views the strengthening of Indonesia-EU trade ties through the IEU-CEPA agreement as an opportunity to enhance competition for European products in Indonesia, including sustainable transport solutions ranging from fuel-efficient combustion technology to electric vehicles. This development aligns with broader efforts to support Indonesia's mining industry amid ongoing negotiations of the comprehensive economic partnership.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the 11 sectors under the IDX Industrial Classification (IDX-IC), introduced in early 2021, to aid investors in asset allocation and top-down analysis within Indonesia's evolving capital market. It details each sector's characteristics, economic sensitivities, and key stock examples, emphasising the importance of diversification and understanding inter-sector correlations for effective investment strategies. By grasping these sectors, investors can better identify defensive plays during crises and growth opportunities in expansive economic conditions.

The Indonesian government has achieved a significant reduction in illegal Hajj pilgrims for the 2026 season, with only 80 suspected cases prevented so far compared to 1,200 at the same point last year, thanks to stringent legal enforcement and widespread surveillance. Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak praised the support from immigration authorities and police, while emphasising strict measures against Hajj Guidance Groups (KBIH) engaging in unauthorised practices like illicit fees or unofficial tours. This crackdown aims to protect pilgrims from exploitative activities and ensure compliance with regulations.

Honda is significantly adjusting its product line in China by phasing out production of several models, including the ZR-V, Fit, Accord e:PHEV, and e:NS1, amid a sharp decline in sales. April 2026 sales dropped 48.3% year-on-year to 22,595 units, with cumulative January-April sales down 28% to 145,065 units, prompting deep discounts and halted new orders at dealerships. This move reflects intensifying competition in China's automotive market, particularly in electric and hybrid segments, and underscores challenges for foreign manufacturers operating through joint ventures like GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda.

The Indonesian rupiah has weakened to a historic low of Rp17,500 against the US dollar, raising serious concerns among business leaders, yet Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Livestock Sector, Cecep M. Wahyudi, highlights that the real economy remains resilient without tipping into recession. He attributes this stability to President Prabowo Subianto's people-centric economic programmes, particularly the Free Nutritious Meals initiative, which is bolstering purchasing power among lower and middle-income groups. While higher-income segments feel the pinch from the strong dollar, essential consumption patterns hold steady, with adjustments mainly in discretionary spending.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia has sold over 504,655 train tickets for the long Ascension Day holiday period from 13 to 17 May 2026, with the highest sales on departure day at 126,831 tickets. Yogyakarta emerges as the most popular destination, attracting tens of thousands of passengers for its cultural sites, culinary offerings, and easy accessibility by rail, underscoring the train's role as a preferred mode for relaxed holiday travel. This surge highlights the enduring appeal of domestic tourism during national holidays and the efficiency of Indonesia's rail network in supporting short getaways.

PT Medela Potentia Tbk (MDLA) has approved a cash dividend payout of Rp176.56 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, equivalent to Rp12.6 per share, marking a 28.5% increase from the previous year with a raised payout ratio of 45% of net profit. The annual shareholders' meeting also accepted the resignation of CEO Krestijanto Pandji and appointed Juliwaty, formerly CEO of subsidiary PT Anugrah Argon Medica, as the new CEO to drive sustained business growth in the healthcare sector. Additionally, the company outlined strategies for 2026, including expanding distribution infrastructure with a new facility in Medan to enhance pharmaceutical services in western Indonesia.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health is enhancing preventive tuberculosis therapy for household contacts of identified patients to curb the spread of the disease, particularly addressing latent TB cases that fuel ongoing infections. The Deputy Minister highlighted government funding for diagnostics like portable X-rays and PCR tests, with 11 provinces already equipped, while West Sumatra aims for 80% coverage by 2026 after falling short of the 72% target in 2025 with only 8.4% realised. This initiative is crucial as the province estimates 25,037 TB cases in 2025, underscoring the need to treat thousands of at-risk individuals to prevent active disease onset.

vOffice, a provider of flexible office services, participated in the Indonesia-China Business Dialogue forum in Changsha, China, to strengthen economic partnerships and facilitate investments into Indonesia. Key figures from the Indonesian Embassy and Ministry of Investment/BKPM highlighted Indonesia's vast market potential and the importance of understanding local regulations, with vOffice offering integrated services for business legality, addresses, and physical offices. This collaboration underscores the growing synergy between Indonesia and China in accelerating industrial downstreaming and regional expansion.

The Jogja Financial Festival 2026, organised by the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) and CNBC Indonesia, aims to boost financial literacy in Indonesia amid a surge in capital market investors to 20.36 million in 2025. Scheduled for 22-23 May at Jogja Expo Center, the event features educational classes with prominent figures like BRI CEO Hery Gunardi and CT Corp's Chairul Tanjung, alongside business talks opened by UGM Rector Prof. Ova Emilia and attended by Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X. Beyond talks and classes, the festival includes entertainment like stand-up comedy, music performances, and a running event, making it a comprehensive platform for financial education and engagement.

The Attorney General's Office has filed an appeal against the acquittal of eight bank officials in the corruption case involving loans to PT Sri Rejeki Isman (Sritex), which allegedly caused state losses of around Rp1.3 trillion. The appeal is possible under the old Criminal Procedure Code, as the case was handled before the new code's implementation. Additionally, both the prosecution and defence have appealed the prison sentences handed down to Sritex's top executives, Iwan Setiawan Lukminto (14 years) and Iwan Kurniawan Lukminto (12 years), which were lighter than the demanded 16 years.

Muhaimin Iskandar, Coordinating Minister for Human Development, has requested an additional Rp 1 trillion budget from President Prabowo Subianto to boost small and medium enterprises (UMKM) and the creative economy sector, following a recent meeting. The initiative includes facilitating UMKM access to idle state-owned enterprise spaces for marketing and festivals, alongside simplified credit access like KUR for small and medium businesses. This aligns with broader government efforts to eradicate extreme poverty to 0% by year-end and reduce overall poverty to 5% by 2029, with social assistance realisation already reaching Rp 508.2 trillion.

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI) reported a 22.3% year-on-year increase in fee-based income, with its gold business emerging as a key growth driver alongside the hajj and umrah ecosystem. As Indonesia's first bullion bank, inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto in February 2025, BSI has surpassed one million gold savings customers in just one year, offering accessible digital purchases starting from Rp50,000 via the BYOND app to promote long-term saving habits. The segment boasts healthy financing with a 10% return rate and a mere 0.01% non-performing financing ratio, contributing to BSI's Q1 2026 net profit of Rp2.2 trillion and total assets of Rp460 trillion amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Gianyar Regency in Bali is emerging as a candidate for a model smoke-free zone, supported by strong local commitments to create a healthy, tobacco-free environment that enhances its appeal as a tourism destination. Local officials are collaborating across departments, backed by regulations such as the Regent's Regulation No. 51 of 2015 and a circular from the Regent, while receiving guidance from the Ministry of Health's Directorate for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control. This initiative aligns with Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, focusing on protecting the public from second-hand smoke, preventing new smokers, and promoting education and socialization efforts, with site visits to key public areas like schools, markets, and hospitals.

The Jakarta Central Business District (CBD) office market maintained a stable occupancy rate of 72 percent in early 2026, with demand more than doubling compared to the previous year, reflecting sustained confidence in the leasing sector. Financial services and technology sectors drove positive absorption, particularly for furnished Grade A spaces, while non-CBD areas saw mixed results due to new projects and tenant relocations. Rental rates for Grade A offices rose by 0.95 percent quarter-on-quarter, bolstering landlords' bargaining power amid limited supply and rising demand.

A Jakarta court has sentenced former technology consultant Ibrahim Arief, known as Ibam, to four years in prison and a fine of Rp500 million for his role in a corruption case involving the procurement of Chromebook laptops. Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence and Rp1 billion fine, along with restitution of over Rp16.9 billion, highlighting Ibam's alleged technical studies and presentations that favoured Chromebook selection, leading to a significant unexplained increase in his wealth. The ruling underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption in government procurement processes.

In Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, 3kg subsidised LPG cylinders are in short supply, with suspicions that they are being diverted for use in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme kitchens. Local trade authorities have been instructed to investigate to ensure the subsidised gas is prioritised for low-income households rather than higher-capacity entities like MBG. While no violations have been confirmed yet, officials warn of strict sanctions if misuse is found, highlighting distribution imbalances where stocks are available at depots but scarce at retailers.

Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has issued a stark ultimatum to the United States, demanding acceptance of Tehran's 14-point proposal to end the ongoing conflict, warning that any other approach will lead only to repeated failures. This comes after US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran's counter-proposal as "stupid" and "rubbish," amid a fragile ceasefire and stalled peace talks that have dragged on for over two months. The escalation highlights deepening tensions, with Iran restricting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to leverage global energy markets, while the US maintains a naval blockade on Tehran's ports, underscoring the high stakes for international stability and economics.

The Indonesian Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga/BKKBN) has launched the Taman Asuh Sayang Anak (Tamasya) programme to enhance daycare services nationwide, addressing recent cases of child neglect and abuse. This initiative provides mentoring, certification for caregivers, child development monitoring, and parental capacity building, with over 3,366 daycares upgraded since its inception in May last year. Aligned with President Prabowo Subianto's vision and the country's demographic bonus, Tamasya supports higher female workforce participation by offering reliable childcare, supplemented by a dedicated app for real-time feedback and reporting.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has issued guidelines in May 2023 to assist healthcare workers in detecting, preventing, and managing Hantavirus, a zoonotic disease transmitted by rodents, which remains an underreported "tip of the iceberg" phenomenon due to diagnostic limitations. The document outlines global and local case data, clinical manifestations like HFRS and HPS, and comprehensive strategies including surveillance, laboratory testing, infection control, reservoir management, and public education to mitigate outbreak risks. This initiative underscores the government's heightened vigilance following increased domestic detections and an international HPS case alert, with no HPS cases confirmed in Indonesia to date.

The Bali Kura Kura Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has drawn public attention due to allegations of mangrove forest clearance in Pulau Serangan, Denpasar, leading to the sealing of the project site managed by PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) by authorities. The controversy highlights environmental concerns alongside debates on permitting, marine space utilisation, and land management history in the area. Connections trace back to Indonesian businessman Sjamsul Nursalim through affiliated companies like PT Indonesia Prima Property Tbk (OMRE), with shared directors and major shareholders linking to international investors from Hong Kong and Japan.

PT PLN's Yogyakarta unit has reported a four- to fivefold annual increase in both transactions and electricity usage at public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU), signalling robust growth in the region's electric vehicle ecosystem. This surge is driven by public interest in EVs due to operational efficiencies that can save up to 70% in costs compared to conventional vehicles, supported by 32 PLN-managed stations, 73 private ones, and around 750 home charging units. PLN plans to expand charging infrastructure through partnerships with investors and automakers, adding new points at strategic locations like Hotel Ambarrukmo and Kulon Progo to meet rising demand and promote environmentally friendly transport.

The Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Serangan Island, Denpasar, has been temporarily sealed by authorities following allegations of mangrove clearance and unauthorised use of marine space. Spanning 498 hectares and managed by PT Bali Turtle Island Development, the SEZ is designed as an integrated tourism and creative economy hub, incorporating marinas, hotels, and cultural areas under the sustainable 'Tri Hita Karana' philosophy, with projections to attract trillions of rupiah in investments and create over 35,000 jobs. However, the project faces ongoing scrutiny over spatial planning, reclamation, and environmental impacts on local ecosystems and coastal communities.

The Indonesian government has disbursed Rp 559.95 billion in stimulus funds for home repairs in Aceh following the November 2025 flash floods, benefiting over 15,000 households with light damage and enabling residents like Marimin, Mardiansyah, and Suwadi in Aceh Tamiang to rebuild through a transparent mechanism involving direct bank transfers to building material suppliers. This phased disbursement, guided by a Ministry of Home Affairs regulation, ensures accountability and targets accurate aid delivery without political interference, with similar progress reported in North Sumatra and West Sumatra. The initiative underscores the government's focus on accelerating rehabilitation to reduce displacement and restore normalcy in disaster-affected regions.

The Indonesian government is accelerating efforts to attract substantial foreign investment for the Nusantara Capital (IKN) project before President Joko Widodo's term ends in October 2024, with investors from Singapore, Malaysia, and China showing strong interest, particularly in property and supporting infrastructure. The project, designed as an eco-friendly smart city, requires funding of Rp 466-486 trillion by 2024, with 81% expected from private sector investments facilitated through site visits and ASEAN forums. Additionally, market analysts predict growth in cement, automotive, and telecommunications sectors will drive the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) to 7,600 by year-end, boosted by post-pandemic mobility.

Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission II, Aria Bima, has acknowledged that drafting the revision to the Election Law is progressing slowly due to unresolved differences among parliamentary factions on critical issues such as parliamentary and presidential thresholds, as well as the structure of national and regional elections. These debates stem from implementing a recent Constitutional Court ruling, complicating the process as the bill is a DPR initiative requiring unified stance. To address this, Commission II has invited experts and civil society groups for input, aiming to enhance the draft's quality.

The rupiah's depreciation beyond Rp 17,500 against the US dollar is compelling Indonesian businesses to postpone expansion plans and implement cautious financial measures, as stated by Shinta Kamdani of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo). Industries reliant on imported raw materials, which constitute 70% of manufacturing inputs and 55% of production costs, are facing surged expenses, squeezed margins, and challenges in passing on costs amid weak consumer demand. In response, firms are adopting selective growth strategies, enhancing currency hedging, restructuring debts, and pursuing operational efficiencies, though adaptation remains insufficient against global pressures like rising US Treasury yields and Middle East tensions.

Former Indonesian Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, who served from 2019 to 2024, has been placed under house arrest due to health reasons ahead of scheduled surgery, following his arrest on allegations of graft involving the procurement of Chromebooks and management software. The Jakarta Anti-Corruption Court approved the transition from detention, requiring Nadiem to wear an electronic tracking bracelet, remain under 24-hour surveillance, report to prosecutors twice weekly, and avoid contact with witnesses or co-defendants. This development underscores ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting high-profile figures in Indonesia's public sector procurement processes.

PT Medela Potentia Tbk (MDLA) has approved a cash dividend distribution of Rp176.56 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, equivalent to Rp12.6 per share, representing 45% of net profit—an increase from the previous 40%. This decision, made at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, underscores the company's commitment to delivering consistent value to investors. Additionally, the meeting accepted the resignation of CEO Krestijanto Pandji and appointed Juliwaty, formerly CEO of subsidiary PT Anugrah Argon Medica, as the new CEO to drive sustained business growth in the healthcare sector.

Prosecutors have demanded an eight-year prison sentence for Hendarto, owner of PT Sakti Mait Jaya Langit and PT Mega Alam Sejahtera, in a corruption case involving export financing from Indonesia's Export Financing Agency (LPEI) between 2014 and 2015. The scheme, executed in collusion with several LPEI officials, resulted in state losses exceeding Rp 1.8 trillion through illicit enrichment of involved parties. This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption in state financial institutions and protect national export initiatives.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa is confident that Indonesia's economic growth will exceed 5.5 percent in the third and fourth quarters of 2026, aiming even for 6 percent. To achieve this, he plans to boost the real sector through initiatives like subsidies for 100,000 electric cars and 100,000 electric motorcycles starting in June 2026, focusing on VAT exemptions for EV batteries based on nickel or non-nickel types. Additionally, he intends to engage export-oriented businesses in discussions on financing access and inject funds into banks to ensure optimal private sector performance via coordinated mechanisms like Danantara.

The Jakarta Corruption Court has sentenced Ibrahim Arief, known as Ibam, a consultant for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, to four years in prison and a fine of Rp500 million for his role in the corrupt procurement of Chromebook laptops during the 2020-2022 fiscal years, causing significant losses to state finances. Despite a dissenting opinion from two judges who argued the elements of the corruption charge were not met, the panel found Ibam guilty of providing biased advice that favoured the procurement despite known flaws in the devices, highlighting his strategic position with direct access to the former Minister Nadiem Makarim. This verdict, lighter than the prosecutors' 15-year demand, underscores ongoing scrutiny of educational digitalisation projects amid allegations of overpricing and unnecessary expenditures totalling Rp2.18 trillion.

Indonesia's SMK Go Global programme aims to send at least 70,000 to 80,000 vocational high school graduates from low-income and high-poverty areas abroad for work opportunities, with a long-term target of 500,000 participants by 2029. The initiative, prioritised by President Prabowo Subianto, includes mentoring and training, targeting destinations such as Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, the US, and various European countries. Alongside this, the government is advancing poverty alleviation and job creation through MSME support programmes like the '1,001 community market points' and expanded People's Business Credit (KUR) financing.

Indonesia's Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has highlighted the country's strategic role in mangrove conservation, noting that it hosts 23 percent of the world's mangroves, and invited international collaboration via the World Mangrove Center to advance sustainable management. Speaking at the 21st United Nations Forum on Forests in New York, he emphasised the centre's potential to foster global partnerships, research, and innovation for climate mitigation, coastal resilience, and biodiversity protection. The initiative, supported by the Directorate General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation, aims to accelerate global mangrove restoration through knowledge exchange and international funding.