Finance Minister Purbaya says he is due to depart for the Hajj on Thursday, subject to no obstacles, after a limited meeting with President Prabowo. He revealed preparations have been under way for two weeks and, while he has started learning the prayers, he still forgets them. He also spoke of a special prayer for Indonesia’s economy to grow faster, noting that Q1-2026 growth reached 5.61% and expressing optimism about maintaining momentum.

The article highlights a new learning space at Taman Anak Pesisir in Jakarta and examines its role in supporting local education and community activities. It discusses the project’s backing and potential implications for expanding access to learning spaces in urban Indonesia.

Indonesia’s fiscal position remains strong and has surpassed analysts’ expectations, with the April APBN KiTA report due to be released. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa emphasised 5.61% quarterly growth in Q1 2026, supported by multiple sectors and sound fundamentals despite global pressures. He rejected foreign criticisms and attributed stability to structural reforms and a policy mix that encourages private-sector participation.

The mobile driving licence service is available in Badung to facilitate the renewal of A and C class licences without requiring a visit to the main administrative office. Citizens can conveniently renew their licences at designated locations on Monday, 18 May 2026. The service only caters to renewals of active A and C class licences.

The US is reportedly concerned about the potential for drone attacks originating from Cuba, citing the acquisition of attack drones by Havana and the presence of Iranian military advisors. This has led to speculation that the US may be building a case for military action against the communist-led island. Cuban officials have condemned the reports, accusing the US of aggression.

Dango Ouattara scored two goals to earn Brentford a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in their Premier League match. This result keeps Brentford in contention for a European spot next season, while Crystal Palace remains in mid-table.

A motorbike rider's quick thinking went viral after successfully thwarting a robbery attempt in Central Jakarta. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows the rider escaping with their vehicle despite being threatened by three robbers wielding sharp weapons. This highlights ongoing concerns about street crime in urban areas, particularly during late hours.

The Indonesian National Library (Perpusnas) celebrated its 46th anniversary by reaffirming its commitment to literacy as a cornerstone of national development and dignity. With the theme "46 Years of Perpusnas: Preserving Libraries, Upholding National Dignity," the library aims to safeguard knowledge while strengthening literacy in the digital age. The head of Perpusnas emphasized that libraries must adapt to changing times without losing their historical roots and national identity.

The Chinese team DeQing won the FIBA 3x3 Xi'an Challenger 2026, securing a spot in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Amsterdam 2026. They defeated Phoenix from the United States in the final and will join them and Skyliners in the qualifying rounds of the top-tier 3x3 tournament.

The Youth Anti-Corruption Caucus (KAMAKSI) is urging the Attorney General's Office and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to investigate alleged state losses of IDR 4.74 trillion resulting from Telkomsel's investment in GoTo. KAMAKSI also calls for a thorough evaluation of the management of PT Telkom Indonesia and Telkomsel, questioning whether the investment decision was based on sound business calculations or influenced by specific interests.

The US has responded to Iran's peace proposal with a five-point plan of its own, reportedly containing significant demands. This follows President Trump's rejection of Iran's initial 14-point proposal, escalating tensions between the two nations and raising concerns about potential military aggression.

Norwegian police have arrested a Chinese citizen suspected of conducting illegal intelligence activities in the Nordland region. The man was apprehended on Friday and has been detained for four weeks following a court order. This arrest follows another case earlier this month involving a woman accused of spying on Norwegian satellite data, with authorities suspecting a link to a company used as a front by Chinese state actors.

A man in Makassar, South Sulawesi, faces a potential 12-year prison sentence after being charged with kidnapping and raping a female student from Kalimantan. The perpetrator, identified as Feri Bin Dg Rumpa, has been apprehended following an investigation triggered by the discovery of the victim held captive.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi explained that the series of events celebrating Sundanese culture, culminating in a grand musical performance, aims to draw inspiration from the past to shape the future. He emphasized the importance of preserving Sundanese values and using historical lessons to inform present-day policies and societal development.

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is investigating allegations that an illegal tin mining syndicate in Malaysia abused an Indonesian citizen. Polri is coordinating with the International Relations Division and the police attaché at the Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia to evacuate the victim, who allegedly suffered a broken leg and injuries to his hands and head.

The Miami team from the United States won the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Zadar 2026, defeating Amsterdam Rabobank 21-19 in the final held in Zadar, Croatia. This marks their first title of the season in the World Tour.

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning regarding extreme weather potential in the Special Region of Yogyakarta from 18 to 20 May 2026. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) Phase 3 is identified as the main trigger for cloud formation in the region, with potential for light to moderate rain.

The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, has announced that English will become a compulsory subject for primary school students from the academic year 2027, starting in grade 3. The Ministry is currently preparing supporting aspects, including training programmes for primary school teachers, to ensure the successful implementation of this policy, which aims to improve education quality and equip students with 21st-century skills.

The Indonesian National Police's Mobile Criminal Investigation Unit (Satresmob Bareskrim Polri) has arrested two individuals following a report received through their dedicated public reporting channel, “Bang Resmob,” regarding the alleged kidnapping and unlawful detention of a man in Jakarta. The victim, identified as RNA, was found held captive at Wijoyo Showroom Motor in East Jakarta. This swift action demonstrates the police's responsiveness to public complaints.

A former Indonesian soldier who served as a UN peacekeeper has gone viral on social media after claiming that some of her personal belongings went missing upon arrival in Indonesia. She alleges that one of her bags was found open and items were stolen during the import process, prompting public scrutiny of international shipment security and customs oversight. Customs officials have responded by stating that the shipment in question was routed through the 'green lane,' meaning it did not undergo a physical inspection.

During economic crises or market downturns, many investors panic and sell their assets. However, for experienced investors like Warren Buffett, these situations present significant opportunities. By understanding Buffett's investment strategies during crises, investors can make more rational and measured decisions.

The Governor of Jakarta officially inaugurated the Tian Fu Gong Temple in the Riverwalk Island area of Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2, North Jakarta. The temple is intended to be a symbol of harmony and tolerance, reflecting Jakarta's ambition to become a global city, and is projected to become a new religious tourism destination.

An old video of B.J. Habibie, when he was Vice President, discussing the weakening rupiah against the US dollar has resurfaced and gone viral on social media. In the video, Habibie expresses optimism that Indonesia can overcome the crisis and emerge stronger, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and using time wisely to address the economic challenges.