The Head of the Batam Authority, Amsakar Achmad, praised the consolidation meeting of the Batam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) as a strategic opportunity to unify business visions and enhance synergy for a conducive investment climate. Under his leadership, Batam's economy grew from 6.69% in 2024 to 6.76% in 2025, surpassing the national average, with investment realisation exceeding targets at Rp69.3 trillion against a Rp60 trillion goal, and a 103% surge in the first quarter of 2026. Amsakar expressed optimism for nearing 7% growth in early 2026, emphasising Kadin's vital role in accelerating regional and national economic development through active collaboration.

The discussion of the Revision to the General Elections Law (RUU Pemilu) remains stalled in Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR), prompting suggestions that the government should take over the drafting initiative. Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra has indicated the government's readiness to propose a draft if parliamentary progress continues to falter, amid ongoing political negotiations. This potential shift highlights tensions between legislative and executive branches in advancing electoral reforms, which could impact future democratic processes.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya disclosed that President Prabowo Subianto, during a closed briefing at the 2026 TNI Unit Commanders' Roll Call at the National Defence University in Bogor, emphasised the role of military commanders as the nation's frontline guardians who must deliver tangible benefits to the public. The three-hour session covered key government programmes including food security, water and energy resilience, inflation control, and initiatives like the Merah Putih Fishermen Villages and Free Nutritious Meals. Attended by senior ministers and officials, the event concluded with a question-and-answer session, group photos, and a shared lunch to foster unity and cohesion among leaders and field commanders.

South Sulawesi is advancing its economic transformation by focusing on industrial downstreaming and sustainable investment development, in line with national priorities. A Dedicated Team Meeting (DTM) emphasised the need for inter-agency synergy to prepare Investment Project Ready to Offer (IPRO) initiatives, with discussions on strategies for national development-aligned investments, sustainable practices, and de-carbonisation-based industrial downstreaming. While the province has over 90 IPROs, many clean and clear, challenges persist in project readiness, alternative financing, and alignment with national goals, alongside efforts to improve investment efficiency as indicated by a declining Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICOR).

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the United States to preserve the hard-earned stability in bilateral relations during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing. Wang highlighted Taiwan as the greatest risk in China-US ties, emphasising Beijing's core interests and calling on Washington to honour its commitments. The discussion also touched on the Middle East situation, amid ongoing efforts to manage trade disputes and expand cooperation between the two superpowers.

The article draws on Al-Ghazali's philosophy to highlight humanity's unique capacity for rational choice and ethical responsibility towards the environment, contrasting it with the instinctive survival of species like the plecostomus fish. It examines how this invasive fish, introduced via the ornamental trade from South America, has become a scapegoat for urban waterway degradation in Indonesia, particularly around Jakarta, despite its role stemming from human actions such as irresponsible releases. This serves as a broader reminder for humans to repair their relationship with nature rather than deflect blame.

Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, has accused the United States and Zionist Israel of targeting Iranian scientists, academics, universities, and technological infrastructure amid ongoing conflicts, driven by fears of Iran's advancements in fields like space, nanotechnology, biotechnology, nuclear science, agriculture, and AI. He emphasised that without external pressures and threats, Iran would not divert its scientific progress towards military applications, instead utilising technologies such as satellites and drones for civilian sectors like agriculture and health. Boroujerdi highlighted that these attacks focus on civilian and scientific sites rather than military ones, underscoring the adversaries' concern over Iran's resilience and potential to become a leading Islamic nation despite 46 years of embargoes.

The Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has urged Indonesian Hajj pilgrims to prioritise their religious obligations upon arriving in the Holy Land and avoid exhausting activities such as city tours and excessive shopping, which could deplete their energy for the peak of the Hajj. He emphasised that while tourism is not entirely prohibited, unauthorised excursions by two Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU) without informing the Saudi Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH) will face strict action, serving as a reminder for all groups to comply with regulations. Additionally, a recent bus accident during a tourist activity at Jabal Magnet injured 10 pilgrims, with one requiring hospital treatment, highlighting the risks of such unauthorised outings.

A bus carrying Indonesian Hajj pilgrims crashed in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, during an unauthorised city tour at Jabal Magnet, injuring 10 pilgrims and one KBIHU official, with one pilgrim still under intensive care. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that all victims are receiving medical attention and support, while investigating the two involved KBIHU groups—Nurul Haramain Probolinggo and Al Azhar Jakarta—for organising the activity without permission or coordination. The ministry vows strict sanctions against violators to ensure pilgrim safety and compliance with regulations, highlighting the risks of unofficial excursions.

Citibank N.A. Indonesia reported a net profit of Rp2.8 trillion for 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, driven by a 7% rise in net interest income and operational efficiency. The bank's strong profitability is evidenced by a 14.4% Return on Equity and 3.8% Return on Assets, alongside robust liquidity and capital ratios. This performance underscores Citi Indonesia's disciplined strategy across its core business lines, including significant financing deals and digital platform expansions, contributing to the national economy and earning international accolades.

The Roblox gaming platform has become the eighth major digital service to commit to implementing Indonesia's Tunas Government Regulation, which restricts access for users under 16 years old, as announced by Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid. The regulation adopts a risk-based approach, allowing platforms until June 2026 to conduct self-assessments on their service risks, which will be verified by the government, potentially permitting access for children as young as 13 on low-risk platforms. This framework sets Indonesia apart from other countries by not imposing a blanket ban on under-16 access, aiming to balance safety and usability in the digital space.

Renowned Indonesian investor Lo Kheng Hong views the ongoing sell-off by foreign investors in the stock market as the ideal opportunity for domestic investors to accumulate shares in fundamentally strong companies at discounted prices. He advises against panic selling or cutting losses during market downturns, instead recommending buying quality stocks in sectors like banking and commodities, particularly coal and palm oil, to capitalise on long-term gains. This strategy comes amid a year-to-date decline in the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) of 17.88%, with foreign net selling reaching Rp48.38 trillion.

Professor Budi Guntoro from Universitas Gadjah Mada has urged a careful review of plans to allow foreign investment in Indonesia's layer chicken sector, highlighting the country's structural surplus in egg production projected to exceed 6.5 million tonnes by 2026, far surpassing national consumption needs. He identifies key challenges as market imbalances, price fluctuations, and the weak bargaining power of small-scale farmers, who form the backbone of the industry and drive local economies. Rather than expanding production through foreign capital, Budi advocates strengthening local cooperatives, securing medium-term purchase contracts, and enhancing distribution to stabilise prices and support food sovereignty for small producers, especially in light of the modest egg requirements for the Free Nutritious Meals Programme.

The Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, has pledged firm action against two Hajj and Umrah Guidance Groups (KBIHU)—Nurul Haramain Probolinggo and Al Azhar Jakarta—following a bus accident during an unauthorised city tour at Jabal Magnet that injured 10 pilgrims. The incident, which occurred on 28 April 2026, serves as a reminder for all KBIHU to strictly adhere to Saudi regulations and Ministry directives, with non-compliant groups facing licence revocation. This enforcement aims to safeguard pilgrims' safety during their sacred journey in the Holy Land.

President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to attend the national Labour Day commemoration on 1 May 2026 at Monas in Jakarta, an event expected to draw around 400,000 workers from various unions including KSPSI and KSPI. The gathering will also feature international labour leaders and performances by artists such as Tipe X, highlighting the significance of workers' rights and solidarity in Indonesia. This presidential participation underscores the government's engagement with labour issues amid ongoing social and economic policies.

Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower has issued Regulation No. 7 of 2026 on Outsourcing Work, which strictly limits outsourcing to supporting activities such as cleaning, catering, security, and transportation, while prohibiting its use for core business functions. Companies breaching these restrictions will face graduated administrative sanctions, including written warnings and business activity limitations, enforced by relevant authorities upon recommendation from labour inspectors. This regulation also outlines obligations and penalties for outsourcing companies, aiming to enhance worker protections and regulate labour practices in the country.

The United States is deepening economic ties with the Philippines through initiatives like the Luzon Economic Corridor and Pax Silica, committing US$60 million in aid and announcing a high-tech industrial hub in New Clark City to bolster supply chains in clean energy, semiconductors, and AI, reducing reliance on China. This shift from a defence-heavy focus to economic engagement offers Manila opportunities for investment and industrial growth, with involvement from Japan in projects like the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas railway. However, Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, face a dilemma in aligning with a volatile US under President Trump, whose trade weaponisation and Middle East actions exacerbate regional energy vulnerabilities and economic disruptions.

Foreign student enrolment in Chinese universities has rebounded post-pandemic, reaching 380,000 in the 2024-2025 academic year, with significant increases from Asia and Africa driven by affordable programmes, scholarships, and China's growing global influence via initiatives like the Belt and Road. Students from countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan cite lower costs, cultural appeal, and career opportunities as key attractions, while enrolment from Europe and the US has declined due to geopolitical tensions and funding cuts. This shift underscores China's expanding educational soft power in the developing world, potentially fostering stronger economic and diplomatic ties.

Indonesia is aggressively expanding data centres and artificial intelligence to drive its Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, but faces significant challenges in bridging the digital talent gap to fully capitalise on these investments. The government aims to cultivate 9 million digital talents by 2030 through enhanced literacy programmes, upskilling initiatives, and collaborations involving institutions like UNMAHA and LSAF GLOBAL, emphasising the need for global certifications and remote work opportunities. This transformation is poised to boost economic growth and global competitiveness, provided there is aggressive human resource development alongside infrastructure build-out.

Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing, formerly the military junta leader, has ordered the release of 80-year-old Aung San Suu Kyi from prison to serve her remaining sentence under house arrest, five years after her detention in the 2021 coup. This move follows his recent inauguration as civilian president after a tightly controlled election that excluded her National League for Democracy party, amid ongoing civil war that has killed thousands and displaced millions. Analysts view the decision, along with other amnesties, as a superficial attempt to legitimise the military regime internationally, though Suu Kyi remains isolated and her health is a concern for her family.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) in Bali reports that the financial services industry remains stable as of February 2026, amid global and domestic economic dynamics, with positive banking performance in credit disbursement and third-party fund collection. Credit growth reached 6.47% year-on-year to Rp119.75 trillion based on bank location, dominated by micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) at 51.32%, while investment credit surged 17.81% driven by tourism-related sectors. Other financing areas like venture capital and peer-to-peer lending also showed robust growth, though with monitored increases in fintech default rates still below national levels.

The Nusantara Capital Authority (Otorita IKN) has signed cooperation agreements with two pioneer businesses, PT Dian Jaya Indonesia and PT Biru Makmur Abadi, committing a total investment of Rp1.2 trillion to develop commercial projects in the new capital city. PT Dian Jaya Indonesia, a subsidiary of South Korea's Dian Development Co., Ltd., will construct apartments and a hotel in the Education Precinct, while PT Biru Makmur Abadi plans a sports centre and restaurant near educational institutions, both set to begin in late 2026. These investments underscore growing investor confidence in IKN as a smart, green city, enhancing its urban ecosystem and supporting sustainable development.

Unscrupulous individuals are exploiting the name of the Online Single Submission (OSS) system to perpetrate scams in Kotawaringin Timur, Indonesia, by soliciting personal data, demanding money, and offering illegitimate assistance for business licensing. Diana Setiawan, head of the local Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP), has warned the public against these fraudulent activities, emphasising that OSS services are free and do not require payment or data sharing with third parties. This alert underscores the risks to personal information and financial security amid Indonesia's digital business registration push, urging vigilance to protect legitimate economic processes.

The Indonesian National Police are providing mobile SIM renewal services in Badung and Klungkung on 1 May 2026 to facilitate quick and convenient extensions for active SIM A and SIM C without visiting a central office. Services in Badung will operate from 08:30 WITA until completion at Damkar Dalung and Mall Pelayanan Publik, while in Klungkung it runs from 09:00 to 21:00 WITA in front of the Regent's Office. Renewal fees are regulated at Rp 80,000 for SIM A and Rp 75,000 for SIM C, with additional costs for health and psychology tests, and applicants must provide KTP, original SIM, health certificates, psychology report, and a photo, applying 3-14 days before expiry.

On the occasion of May Day 2026, workers in Indonesia are encouraged to avoid anarchic actions that could harm the business climate, emphasising the importance of peaceful demonstrations to maintain economic stability. Economist Surya Vandiantara highlights that the success of labour struggles should be measured by improvements in welfare, such as higher regional minimum wages (UMR), rather than disruptive tactics like strikes or sabotage. He praises the significant contributions of workers to Indonesia's economy, noting how their demands have led to beneficial policies like THR bonuses and BPJS social security, which in turn boost domestic consumption and support UMKM businesses.

Indonesia's property sector is transforming from mere housing to a key investment instrument, driven by massive infrastructure growth and digital economic expansion, attracting foreign investors from countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. Data from MSCI Real Assets indicates JLL Indonesia dominated 89.9% of the market with US$181 million in transactions in 2025, highlighting the sector's robust appeal amid global supply chain diversification. Experts from JLL foresee a dynamic future with joint ventures and improved regulations fostering long-term opportunities in logistics, industrial, and urban peripheral areas.

The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) is launching a five-year programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning (ATR/BPN), the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), and the World Bank to affirm village boundaries in 5,000 villages nationwide, starting with 457 villages across three districts in Sulawesi. This initiative aims to establish legal certainty, target development planning effectively, reduce inter-village conflicts, and enhance local government effectiveness. Currently, only 14.49% of villages have affirmed boundaries, with significant disparities between provinces, underscoring the programme's importance for orderly spatial planning and administrative coordination.

Garuda Indonesia has re-entered the list of the World's Best Airlines 2026 by Airline Ratings, securing the 24th position in the full-service category and becoming the sole Indonesian carrier on the ranking. This achievement highlights the airline's consistent improvements in service and operational performance amid its ongoing transformation and recovery efforts. CEO Glenny Kairupan emphasised that the recognition serves as a positive signal for the company's restructuring programme, with commitments to enhance service standards, operational efficiency, and digitalisation to boost global competitiveness.

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) are accelerating the regulation of level crossings nationwide to enhance railway safety, following President Prabowo Subianto's directive after a recent collision between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a commuter rail in East Bekasi. With 4,046 active level crossings identified, including 1,903 unguarded ones, the government has prioritised 10 short-term and 50 medium-term locations based on accident history, traffic volume, and environmental risks. The initiative involves coordination with local governments and other agencies to improve safety infrastructure, while urging the public to avoid illegal crossings and obey traffic rules.

The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower has conducted an investigation into the unpaid wages and Eid al-Fitr bonuses (THR) of former PT Hillcon Jaya Shakti employees in North Morowali, successfully deactivating their BPJS Ketenagakerjaan status to enable access to Old Age Security (JHT) and Job Loss Security (JKP) benefits. However, the company has yet to realise the payment of outstanding wages and THR as previously agreed, prompting the ministry to coordinate with supervisors for enforcement. This case underscores ongoing labour rights challenges in the region, where workers faced abrupt layoffs, disrupted basic services, and unresolved severance claims following the company's operational halt in late 2025.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission X has called for the immediate suspension of a lecturer from Universitas Gadjah Mada who serves as an advisor to the Little Aresha Daycare Foundation in Yogyakarta, amid allegations of severe child abuse at the facility. The move aims to preempt legal proceedings against the individual if proven involved, with lawmakers advocating for harsher penalties for educators implicated in such cases and comprehensive victim recovery efforts. Parents have reported lasting physical and psychological trauma to the children, including stunting and infections, highlighting broader concerns over childcare standards and online harassment exacerbating the victims' plight.

PT Mitra Pinasthika Mustika Tbk (MPMX) reported an 8% rise in net profit to Rp173 billion for the first quarter of 2026, even as net revenue fell 4% to Rp4.0 trillion, thanks to operational efficiencies and improved revenue quality. Key segments like motorcycle distribution and retail saw revenue dips but were offset by growth in after-sales services and insurance results, while financing adopted a selective credit approach to reduce losses. The company's focus on balancing growth with quality is seen as vital for sustaining performance amid economic slowdowns in the automotive sector.

Members of the Regional Representative Council (DPD), Achmad Azran and Alfiansyah Bustami (Komeng), have expressed support for the National Food Agency (Bapanas) in implementing food price interventions to ensure stability and affordability for communities across Indonesia. They highlighted the importance of synergy between the DPD and Bapanas to enhance food programmes under President Prabowo Subianto's leadership, including aid distribution to 33.2 million beneficiary families and the activation of the Affordable Food Movement. Bapanas reported progress in rice and cooking oil distribution, extensions for aid delivery, and upcoming support for corn feed to stabilise prices for over 5,000 farmers and breeders.

Indonesia's Industry Ministry is waiving certification fees and introducing a self-declaration mechanism for small and medium industries (IKM) to obtain domestic component level (TKDN) certificates, simplifying access to government procurement. This policy, supported by Presidential Instruction No. 2/2022 mandating 40% procurement allocation to local MSMEs, aims to enhance the competitiveness of domestic products, boost market share, and foster national industrial growth. Industry Ministry Regulation No. 35/2025, effective from 11 December 2025, underpins these measures, with ongoing outreach programmes to assist small industries.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has warned managers of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) to be cautious of fraudulent messages impersonating officials, as Director Harjito's name is often misused by scammers targeting these units. The scams typically involve fake official communications about service suspensions or surprise inspections, sent via unofficial emails mimicking BGN's branding, without directly demanding money. BGN emphasises verifying all communications through official channels and reporting suspicions to authorities to protect the integrity of national nutrition programmes.

Following a train accident in Bekasi, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad promptly contacted President Prabowo Subianto to highlight the need for improved railway infrastructure, particularly the construction of flyovers at dangerous crossings. In response, the President visited the victims and directed the allocation of Rp4 trillion from the state budget to repair and upgrade approximately 1,800 railway crossings across Java, many of which date back to the Dutch colonial era. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing safety and modernising the nation's ageing rail network to prevent future incidents.

The litigation law firm DNT Lawyers has opened a new branch in Kuta, Bali, to provide legal certainty and protection for foreign investors in sectors such as tourism, property, and business, aiming to accelerate the island's economic development and job creation. Managing Partners Pahrur Dalimunthe and Boris Tampubolon emphasise the firm's commitment to fostering a secure business environment, drawing from its experience in handling complex cases involving foreign parties. Officials including the Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs, Maman Abdurrahman, and Director General Daniel Tumpal Simanjuntak from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have praised the initiative for supporting national efforts to improve investment ecosystems and ease of doing business in key tourism areas like Bali.

Indonesian police are focusing their investigation on the collision between a KRL commuter train and an electric taxi at a level crossing in East Bekasi, conducting a Traffic Accident Analysis to identify potential factors such as human error or road conditions. The separate fatal accident between the Argo Bromo Anggrek train and a KRL at Bekasi Timur Station is being investigated by the National Committee for Transportation Safety (KNKT), which aims to uncover causes for safety improvements rather than assigning blame. This division of responsibilities highlights efforts to enhance rail and road safety through targeted inquiries and policy recommendations.

The Indonesia Supply Chain Exhibition & Conference (ISC) 2026 has been launched as an international platform for supply chain technology, logistics, and intralogistics, set to occur from 25–27 November 2026 in Jakarta, marking the return of the renowned CeMAT event to the city. Organised by Deutsche Messe, Debindo Global Expo, and CargoNOW, the event aims to bolster Indonesia's supply chain ecosystem amid rapid industrial growth, e-commerce expansion, and government-led infrastructure initiatives like the National Logistics Ecosystem. With Indonesia's logistics costs exceeding 20% of GDP, ISC 2026 will showcase innovations in automation, AI, and multimodal transport, fostering global-local collaborations to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in Southeast Asia's fastest-growing market.

Germany has expressed readiness to address potential reductions in US military presence following threats from US President Donald Trump amid disputes over the Iran conflict. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasised the importance of reliable transatlantic partnerships and NATO discussions, noting that major bases like Ramstein Air Base are indispensable. Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Berlin's commitment to a united NATO approach and fair burden-sharing, despite Trump's criticisms of Germany's stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions.

A Hajj pilgrim from Lombok, Indonesia, was denied entry to Saudi Arabia upon arrival in Madinah due to a prior legal issue that placed him on a 10-year immigration blacklist, possibly stemming from a violation during a previous Umrah pilgrimage. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed the pilgrim's repatriation and highlighted this incident as a lesson for others to adhere to rules during Umrah to avoid future bans during Hajj. Amidst the smooth operation of the 2026 Hajj, with over 54,000 pilgrims departed and 52,000 arrived, the ministry also reported minor health referrals and the passing of two Indonesian pilgrims.

Indonesia's Minister of Population and Family Development, Wihaji, visited the Baduy indigenous community in Banten to educate them on family planning programmes as part of efforts to improve the nation's generation quality towards Golden Indonesia 2045. The visit included direct dialogues with Baduy Luar and Baduy Dalam residents to understand their needs, collaboration with the Indonesian Midwives Association for contraception services, and emphasis on local approaches using Sunda language for effective outreach. Additionally, the government continues annual male family planning programmes like vasectomy with strict eligibility criteria to ensure proper implementation and prevent misuse.

The Indonesian government is enhancing oversight of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme targeting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers (3B) following a food safety incident in Demak, Central Java, which caused health issues among recipients. Minister Wihaji of Population and Family Development emphasised strict enforcement against service units violating procedures and clarified that a prior toddler death was unrelated to the meals. This prioritised national initiative involves deploying over 597,000 Family Assistance Teams nationwide to distribute meals and support vulnerable groups, underscoring efforts to improve nutrition and public health security.

PT Mitra Pinasthika Mustika Tbk (MPMX) reported a net profit of Rp173 billion for the first quarter of 2026, marking an 8% year-on-year increase despite a 4% decline in net revenue to Rp4.0 trillion amid economic slowdowns in the automotive sector. The company enhanced its operational efficiency, boosting gross profit by 3% to Rp365 billion and operating profit by 6% to Rp193 billion, with improved margins across key metrics. CFO Beatrice Kartika highlighted the firm's focus on balancing growth and quality, risk management in financing, and optimism for sustained performance resilience.

Hundreds of residents, predominantly mothers, in Rokan Hilir, Riau, raided suspected drug dens on 14 April 2026, driven by frustration over the rampant spread of narcotics destroying their community. The operation uncovered evidence like crystal methamphetamine and makeshift smoking devices, but tensions escalated when a police officer dismissed the action as excessive. The incident has sparked widespread online support for the mothers, highlighting public discontent with law enforcement's handling of the drug crisis.

May Day, or International Labour Day, commemorates the historical struggles of workers for better conditions, particularly the fight for an eight-hour workday, originating in the United States in the late 19th century amid industrial growth and long working hours. Key milestones include the formation of labour unions like the National Labor Union in 1866 and the 1886 declaration by the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions for an eight-hour standard starting 1 May, which became a global symbol of workers' rights. In Indonesia and several other countries, it is recognised as a national holiday, highlighting ongoing significance in labour movements and social policy.

The Indonesian Hajj Task Force has uncovered an illegal hajj syndicate that has operated 127 times since 2024, involving eight agents who facilitated unauthorised pilgrimages using work visas instead of official hajj visas. Police investigations revealed these agents recruited Indonesian citizens for these illicit trips, with one acting as the mastermind providing fake documentation, though identities remain undisclosed pending further probes. This crackdown, supported by a joint task force formed by national police and the Ministry of Religious Affairs under President Prabowo Subianto's directives, aims to protect pilgrims from fraud and ensure compliance with hajj regulations.