Artisans in Tihingan Village, Klungkung, Bali, are struggling with a more than 100% surge in raw material prices for gamelan production, sourced from Java, which has doubled from Rp125,000 to Rp260,000 per kilogram since March. This forces price hikes on traditional instruments like ceng-ceng and reong, yet craftsmen like Nyoman Suartama face losses on pre-paid orders from earlier periods. Despite the increases, demand from local and international buyers remains steady, highlighting the village's status as a key centre for Balinese gamelan craftsmanship amid broader economic pressures.

PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol (JTT) is hastening the widening of the Surabaya-Gempol toll road, particularly the Kejapanan-Gempol segment, with cumulative progress reaching 81.02 percent by the 35th week. This project aims to enhance capacity on a vital corridor of the Trans-Java Toll Road, supporting improved connectivity, logistics distribution to eastern Java regions, and overall economic growth in the area. JTT is coordinating efforts to minimise disruptions to traffic while ensuring safety for users and workers.

Indonesia's Minister of Home Affairs, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, has stated that the 2026 Regional Kalimantan Prestigious Local Government Appreciation Awards highlight the tangible achievements of high-performing regional leaders, countering negative generalisations about local governance. The awards cover four key categories—reducing unemployment, tackling poverty and stunting, entrepreneurial government/creative financing, and inflation control—reflecting critical issues in local administration, with plans to include housing in future iterations to address social challenges like poverty and economic growth. Funded by the Home Affairs Ministry and conducted objectively in partnership with Tempo Media Group across six regions, the initiative underscores the positive contributions of many regional heads.

The Makassar City Government is preparing to host the Indonesia Gastrodiplomacy Series (IGS) from 23 to 25 June 2026, aiming to attract investments from 49 countries through international cooperation networks. Mayor Munafri Arifuddin emphasised the event's role in showcasing Makassar as an open and competitive investment hub, involving key business organisations to ensure concrete outcomes like MoUs and partnerships. This initiative underscores Makassar's position as Indonesia's eastern gateway to the global stage, fostering transparent and sustainable investment climates.

Deputy Interior Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto emphasised that strengthening implementation, governance, and policy execution at the regional level is crucial for addressing climate change and achieving inclusive development in Indonesia. He highlighted that while robust policy frameworks and international commitments exist, challenges persist in data integration, cross-sector coordination, and inclusion of vulnerable groups, urging a shift from formalities to effective action. Bima cited successful local practices in cities like Yogyakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, and Makassar as models for integrated, community-based approaches to build resilient and sustainable regional development.

Rosan Roeslani, CEO of Danantara, has urged directors and commissioners of Indonesian state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to prioritise the integrity of financial data and eliminate practices of financial engineering that mislead the public on company performance. Speaking at the CEO Development Program, he stressed that transparency in financial reporting is essential for maintaining public and investor trust, warning that data manipulation could lead to long-term harm for these state entities. This call aims to reinforce accountable governance within SOEs, prompting a review of financial reporting procedures.

DevvStream Corp. has entered into an exclusive agreement with PT PLN Indonesia Power, a subsidiary of Indonesia's state-owned electricity company PT PLN, granting the Canadian firm rights to manage and monetise carbon credits generated from a portfolio of 45 solar power plants across Indonesia. This partnership aligns with Indonesia's national initiative to expand solar capacity to 100 GW, supporting the country's clean energy agenda and decarbonisation efforts while sharing revenue from carbon credit sales without upfront capital expenditure from DevvStream. Concurrently, DevvStream announced a $250,000 private placement to bolster its working capital and strategic priorities amid ongoing business combination proposals.

DevvStream has entered into an exclusive partnership with PT PLN Indonesia Power to manage and monetise carbon credits from a portfolio of 45 solar power plants across Indonesia, aligning with the country's ambitious clean-energy goals of achieving up to 100 GW of new solar capacity. This agreement, which involves no upfront capital expenditure for DevvStream and follows rigorous validation of its environmental asset capabilities, supports PLN IP's decarbonisation efforts and expands DevvStream's presence in Asia's energy transition. Concurrently, DevvStream announced a $250,000 private placement to bolster its capital position and advance strategic initiatives, including a proposed business combination.

Iran has introduced a new system requiring all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to obtain email permission from Iranian authorities, described as a "sovereign governance system," amid escalating maritime tensions. This follows Iran's tightened restrictions since late February against vessels linked to Israel and the US, while the US has imposed its own curbs and announced plans to escort ships out of the strait under Project Freedom. The move heightens the risk of military confrontation in this critical global trade chokepoint, potentially disrupting international shipping and energy supplies.

International flights to Belitung Island in the Bangka Belitung archipelago have resumed, with the inaugural service from Singapore's Changi Airport to H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin International Airport achieving a 70% occupancy rate with 80 passengers on an Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. Officials from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs highlight the significant economic multiplier effects, including boosts to tourism, hospitality, transportation, and local micro-businesses, potentially accelerating regional growth and foreign exchange earnings. This move aligns with global strategies seen in countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, leveraging Belitung's strategic location just one hour from Jakarta or Singapore to create jobs and enhance connectivity.

In a military court hearing in Jakarta, witnesses testified that four Indonesian military personnel accused of throwing acid at KontraS activist Andrie Yunus were not present at the Fairmont Hotel during his interruption of a closed TNI Bill meeting in March 2025. The defendants, motivated by personal offence over Yunus's actions which they perceived as insulting the TNI institution, acted without any specific orders from superiors. This case highlights tensions between civil society activists and military institutions amid legislative discussions on defence reforms.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has disclosed that only 6% of Indonesia's 4,416 registered universities have achieved 'Unggul' or 'A' accreditation, with 67% holding 'Baik' or 'C' status, highlighting significant challenges in higher education quality. Additionally, just 22% of 33,741 study programmes are accredited 'Unggul', and unaccredited programmes cannot issue degrees, underscoring the need for collective efforts to enhance educational standards amid the demographic bonus. The low 18.47% of STEM graduates compared to over 30% in advanced nations limits the supply of highly skilled workers, prompting calls to align higher education with industrial needs to ensure domestic talent fills economic opportunities rather than relying on foreign labour.

Housing expert Mohammad Jehansyah Siregar argues that daily commuting in major cities is manageable if the government provides adequate public transport and integrated housing, drawing lessons from Japan's successful model where state-owned enterprises manage high-quality services in Tokyo and Osaka. He criticises Indonesia's over-reliance on market mechanisms for housing development, calling for a fundamental policy review to enable the government to orchestrate a cohesive public housing system that supports urban productivity and resident safety. This approach could transform urban living by ensuring transportation and housing work in tandem to enhance economic efficiency.

Deputy Interior Minister Bima Arya Sugiarto has highlighted the crucial role of character in distinguishing individuals' quality, particularly in leadership, during the closing of the Ministry of Home Affairs internship programme. He argued that success is more determined by character traits such as honesty, discipline, hard work, and resilience than by mere competence in skills and knowledge. Bima urged the interns to build their character through consistent practice, embracing risks, and seizing opportunities, hoping the internship contributes to their development as great leaders.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, held a phone call on Wednesday to stress the need for closer regional cooperation in preventing further escalation of tensions in the Middle East. They discussed recent regional developments and the importance of sustained diplomacy and coordination among West Asian countries to de-escalate conflicts. The conversation comes amid heightened tensions, including recent accusations between Iran and the UAE, and a recent six-week conflict triggered by Israeli and US strikes on Iran, which led to Iranian airstrikes on Gulf Arab states.

Minister Agus Andrianto has emphasised that Balai Pemasyarakatan (Bapas) serves as the core of prisoner reintegration efforts, acting as a bridge for the state to comprehensively understand individuals through social research, rather than just handling administrative tasks. He highlighted a fundamental shift in Bapas's role under the new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), extending involvement from the outset of judicial processes to post-adjudication stages, urging professionals to conduct objective assessments of behavioural changes for sentence modifications. Additionally, he called for enhanced inter-agency synergy among police, prosecutors, judges, and social workers to align with the ultimum remedium principle, prioritising rehabilitation over mere punishment.

Cuba has rejected statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming no oil blockade exists against the island nation, pointing to a recent executive order by President Donald Trump that threatens tariffs on countries trading oil with Cuba. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez highlighted the intimidation of suppliers, resulting in only one fuel tanker arriving in four months, and criticised additional sanctions targeting Cuba's energy sector and foreign banks. These measures, part of over 60 years of US sanctions including a comprehensive trade embargo since 1962, are deemed illegal by Havana and violate free trade principles.

Banten Province's economy expanded by 5.64% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong performances in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, as well as mobility-based sectors like accommodation and transport, with the Gross Regional Domestic Product reaching Rp247.20 trillion at current prices. Employment conditions improved, with the open unemployment rate dropping to 6.59% and the number of employed individuals rising to 5.83 million, though challenges persist in job quality as formal employment dipped slightly to 52.19%. This growth underscores the positive impact of economic expansion on the labour market, but efforts to enhance formal sector absorption are needed for more inclusive and sustainable development.

Kiai Ashari, a respected leader of the Ndholo Kusomo pesantren in Pati, Central Java, has been named a suspect in the alleged molestation of around 50 young female students, shocking the public and tarnishing the image of religious education institutions. Known for providing free Islamic education to orphans and underprivileged children, Ashari exploited his position to perpetrate the abuse over an extended period, with the case emerging after victims bravely reported to authorities. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting vulnerabilities in pesantren environments and eroding public trust in religious figures.

Indonesia's Minister of Corrections has highlighted the severe overcapacity in prisons and detention centres, with a total of 271,602 inmates as of 30 April 2026, exceeding capacity by 85 per cent, and over half of them convicted of narcotics offences. He attributes this crisis to systemic failures in the legal response to crime, including high recidivism rates, and urges law enforcement to prioritise the ultimum remedium principle, treating imprisonment as a last resort in line with minimalist penal theory and restorative justice. The minister emphasises that a modern state's success in corrections should be measured by its ability to rehabilitate offenders and reintegrate them into society, rather than the volume of incarcerations.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the United States' decision to suspend Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a positive development for reducing regional tensions. Sharif highlighted President Donald Trump's response to requests from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and others as crucial for advancing peace, stability, and reconciliation in the sensitive period ahead. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy, expressing hope that this momentum will lead to a lasting agreement for the region's stability.

The National Seminar on Corrections, initiated by the Indonesian Retired Corrections Officers Association (P3I) and opened by Minister Agus Andrianto, focuses on aligning perceptions and sharing field experiences to strategically implement Indonesia's new Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), effective from 2 January 2026. The Minister highlighted the shift from a retributive justice approach, which has led to prison overcrowding and social stigma for former inmates, to a transformative paradigm aimed at advancing the corrections system. This event underscores the government's commitment to reforming the penal system through practical and progressive legal measures.

Indonesia's Danantara investment agency has acquired less than 1% of shares in PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk through the stock exchange, aiming to enhance the welfare of online transport drivers (ojol) by improving social protections like health and employment insurance, as well as holiday bonuses. This move aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to reform digital platform business models, shifting from cash-burning marketing strategies to driver-focused investments, and supports the new Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026 on online transport worker protections, including fairer revenue sharing. GoTo welcomes the investment as a vote of confidence in its long-term prospects and a push for sustainable business practices.

Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman swiftly revoked a subsidised fertiliser distribution permit after receiving a report from students alleging violations, demonstrating a commitment to improving governance in the agricultural sector. The action was part of a broader dialogue with student representatives who also highlighted illegal shallot circulation in North Sumatra and fertiliser shortages for shallot farmers in West Nusa Tenggara, prompting immediate follow-ups including law enforcement coordination. This response underscores the government's resolve to combat agricultural mafias and ensure fair access to resources for local farmers, with 76 suspects already prosecuted in related corruption cases.

Indonesia's Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has emphasised that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme serves as a key offtaker for the produce of 165 million farmers nationwide, ensuring market stability and boosting the agricultural sector's growth. By directly linking farmers' output to public consumption needs, the initiative not only enhances economic circulation in rural areas but also provides better nutrition to schoolchildren and pregnant women, fostering a healthier and more competitive future generation. The minister clarified that the programme is apolitical, focused purely on national welfare and human resource development.

A UAE-flagged dhow vessel, Fahad-4, carrying an orange cargo was hijacked by 11 pirates off the Somali coast at the end of April, shortly after departing from Mogadishu. The pirates used the captured ship as a base to attempt attacks on other vessels but abandoned it on 4 May due to dwindling supplies and heightened security measures by passing ships. This incident is part of a recent uptick in pirate activities in the region, including the seizures of other vessels like the Barbados-flagged Honour 25 and Syrian-flagged M/V Sward, posing significant risks to international maritime trade routes near the Horn of Africa.

Indonesia's Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, announced that the government has realised Rp 2.6 trillion for the 2026 school revitalisation and digitalisation programme, out of a total Rp 14 trillion budget targeting 11,744 educational units nationwide. The initiative prioritises underprivileged regions such as North Sulawesi, Madura, and East Nusa Tenggara, with over 3,400 schools already receiving aid, alongside efforts to provide digital devices to 288,865 units and internet connectivity via Starlink to 8,152 remote schools. This programme underscores the government's commitment to equitable national education quality, including partnerships with PLN to electrify 2,389 previously unpowered schools.

The Pati Branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU) has called on the Pati Police to promptly arrest and detain AS, the 52-year-old founder of a pesantren in Tlogowungu, Central Java, suspected of sexually assaulting dozens of female students. AS failed to appear for police questioning, prompting demands for immediate action to ensure legal certainty for the victims, whom PCNU vows to support, including offering alternative education options at affiliated pesantrens. Police have issued a second summons and are prepared to enforce forced apprehension if necessary, amid clarifications on procedural statements and ongoing investigations.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has not reached a consensus on recognising the recent Myanmar election results, which saw former junta leader Min Aung Hlaing elected as president amid a victory for pro-military parties. The Philippines, as current ASEAN chair, continues to adhere to the Five-Point Consensus framework to address the ongoing crisis, urging access for the special envoy to meet detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi and welcoming steps like her house arrest transfer and the amnesty of over 1,500 political prisoners. This development highlights ASEAN's cautious approach to Myanmar's political instability following the 2021 military coup.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed deep concern over the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, condemning unjustified attacks on UAE civilian infrastructure and ships near the Strait of Hormuz following a discussion with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. A French shipping company's vessel, the CMA CGM San Antonio, was targeted in an attack of unknown origin on Tuesday, resulting in injuries to crew members and damage to the ship, which was evacuated for medical treatment. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the US-Israel war against Iran, just after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to the 'Project Freedom' military operation to escort ships out of the strait in pursuit of a deal to end the conflict.

Ruijie has launched its Cybrey product line, an end-to-end enterprise networking ecosystem designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia, making high-performance, secure networks accessible without the usual complexity and high costs. This innovation addresses the growing demand for reliable connectivity amid the nation's digital transformation, with distribution supported by local partner Wahana Piranti Teknologi to expand adoption across major cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Medan, and Semarang. The move signals a strategic shift by tech vendors towards SMEs as a key growth market, democratising enterprise-level technology for broader business use.

Indonesia is seeking to establish business-to-business nickel partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, particularly the Philippines, amid the ASEAN Summit in Cebu, where energy security and nickel's role in electric vehicle batteries will be key discussion points. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia highlighted the potential for mutual supply mechanisms to address raw material shortages, leveraging both nations' substantial nickel reserves—Indonesia holding 62 million metric tons and the Philippines 4.8 million tons. This collaboration underscores Indonesia's push to develop a comprehensive battery industry while ensuring regional energy stability through resource sharing.

Indonesia aims to integrate into the global AI supply chain by leveraging its status as the world's largest tin producer, abundant silica sand for semiconductors, and renewable energy surplus to support data centres. Officials emphasise the need to enhance raw material processing capabilities and human resources, highlighted by the nation's 285 million population with a young average age of 30. The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is advancing the AI Talent Factory programme to cultivate skilled professionals, positioning Indonesia as a key player in AI development.

Perum Bulog has absorbed 2.4 million tonnes of paddy equivalent to rice from farmers by early May 2026, achieving nearly 60% of the national target of 4 million tonnes set by the government to bolster food security and domestic supply stability. This success stems from collaboration among central and local governments, agricultural extension workers, and security forces, with Bulog enforcing quality standards for optimal maturity to ensure high-quality reserves. Currently managing 5.23 million tonnes of national rice stocks across 1,555 warehouses and leased facilities, Bulog underscores the adequacy of these reserves for maintaining food security into the next year.

In a military court hearing in Jakarta, former Indonesian Defence Ministry official Leonardi accused Muhammad Syaugi of misleading him into signing a contract with Navayo International AG for a satellite procurement project without proper budget allocation, leading to claims of entrapment. The case involves a US$495 million deal with Airbus Defence and Space that proceeded without funding, resulting in an international arbitration ruling against Indonesia for over US$21 million plus interest, equivalent to Rp306 billion in losses. Witnesses debated the self-blocking of funds under a 2016 presidential instruction for budget savings, highlighting procedural lapses in the defence procurement process.

China has strongly condemned Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's visit to Eswatini, accusing him of sneaking into the country by concealing passenger information and disrespecting the sovereignty of nations whose airspace he traversed without permission. The incident underscores Beijing's unwavering commitment to the One China principle, highlighting the international isolation of Taiwan's separatist agenda as several countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, denied flight clearances. Lai's trip aimed to strengthen economic ties and investments in Eswatini, Taiwan's sole diplomatic ally in Africa, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

China has emphasised the need to respect the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of coastal states amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a temporary suspension of the 'Project Freedom' military operation to escort ships through the strait. This comes as Trump seeks a potential peace agreement with Iran, influenced by requests from Pakistan and regional concerns, while China urges all parties to exercise restraint, pursue dialogue, and de-escalate the situation to restore peace in this vital global energy route. In related diplomacy, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Iranian counterpart in Beijing, reaffirming support for Iran's sovereignty and encouraging broader regional dialogue among Gulf states.

Deputy Minister of Law Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej has highlighted the shift in Indonesia's criminal justice system under the new National Criminal Code (KUHP) and Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), emphasising social reintegration over imprisonment as a last resort. He stressed the central role of social rehabilitation institutions, now on par with police, prosecutors, judges, and advocates in an integrated system that spans pre-adjudication to post-adjudication phases, including alternatives like supervision, community service, and fines. While law enforcement is prepared, societal stigma and retributive mindsets pose challenges to reducing recidivism and supporting rehabilitation.

Economist Lili Yan Ing warns that Indonesia's economic growth has stagnated at around 5% for decades, raising concerns about its quality, inclusiveness, and translation into job creation, poverty alleviation, and welfare improvements, while the country's human capital index lags behind regional peers. She projects a more modest growth of 3.8% to 4.3% for Indonesia amid global slowdowns and geopolitical tensions, urging fiscal reforms such as better-targeted spending, tax exemptions for low incomes, reduced VAT, and progressive taxation to bolster purchasing power. Additionally, Lili calls for reducing state-owned enterprise dominance to foster private sector competition, economic diversification, institutional independence, and a swift transition to renewable energy, delivering a pointed message to President Prabowo Subianto to incorporate academic insights for the nation's future legacy.

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) highlights the government's free rice and cooking oil distribution programme as a key economic stimulus to sustain household consumption, bolster purchasing power, and support national economic growth, with stocks of government rice reserves reaching a robust 5.2 million tonnes. In the first quarter of 2026, Indonesia achieved its highest GDP growth of 5.61% since 2021, driven largely by household consumption contributing 54.36% to GDP, amid targeted aid to 33.2 million beneficiary families. Officials emphasise ongoing fiscal measures, including accelerated food assistance, to maintain economic resilience against global uncertainties.

Komisaris Polisi Dedi Kurniawan, known as Kompol DK, has been officially dismissed from the Indonesian National Police (Polri) with dishonour following a viral video showing him allegedly using a vape containing narcotics. The decision was made during an Ethics Council hearing by the North Sumatra Regional Police's Professional and Security Division on 6 May 2026, citing his uncooperative attitude during the investigation as an aggravating factor, with no mitigating circumstances found. Although a urine test was negative, the case highlights the police's commitment to upholding professional standards and transparency in handling internal misconduct.

The Rais Aam of PBNU, KH Miftachul Akhyar, and the Chairman of PBNU have agreed to hold the 35th NU Congress from 1-5 August 2026, following a meeting of senior clerics in Surabaya. This decision aims to ensure the event proceeds smoothly and benefits the organisation, with technical preparations urged to be completed promptly. The agreement underscores ongoing consolidation efforts within Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia's largest Islamic organisation, to facilitate timely leadership transitions.

The Indonesian Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak, met with Deputy for Coordination on Food Affordability and Safety, Nani Hendiarti, to discuss collaborative efforts in addressing waste management challenges. The partnership emphasises the army's role in mobilising personnel for public awareness campaigns, local waste processing support, and environmental education, aiming to prevent garbage buildup that could lead to environmental damage and disease. This cross-sector synergy is expected to enhance national coordination and optimise regional processing sites for more effective environmental protection in Indonesia.

Members of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission I, led by TB Hasanuddin, have urged a review of the programme involving the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in providing preparatory training for LPDP scholarship recipients, citing potential conflicts with existing laws and risks to the military's professionalism. The initiative, aimed at instilling discipline, nationalism, and leadership to prevent culture shock abroad, is seen as expanding TNI's role beyond its core defence duties as outlined in Law No. 3 of 2025. While the Air Force has confirmed facilitating sessions at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base focusing on mental preparedness and character building, critics emphasise the need to maintain institutional boundaries to preserve TNI's focus on national defence.