Cuba's tourism sector has collapsed following tightened US sanctions, with foreign arrivals dropping sharply to under 360,000 by May 2026. The Trump administration specifically targeted tourism, forcing international airlines and hotel operators like Air Canada, Meliá, and Iberostar to suspend operations. The resulting fuel, food, and medicine shortages are now eroding social stability on the island.

US Vice President JD Vance faced a combative panel on ABC's 'The View' while promoting his memoir, clashing over Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy theories and defending Donald Trump's record. The appearance, part of a broader media blitz ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run, saw Vance grilled on racial policies and his role as an interpreter for Trump's controversial statements. Despite the tense exchanges, the strategy proved commercially successful, propelling his book to the top of Amazon's bestseller list.

A shallow tectonic earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck southeast of Palu, Central Sulawesi, later downgraded to M4.9 by Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The tremor, which was felt as strong as V MMI in some areas, is part of a series of over 350 aftershocks following a larger M6.7 quake the previous day. No tsunami potential or immediate damage reports have been recorded, and residents are urged to remain calm.

A Russian frigate fired warning shots at a British-registered yacht in the English Channel after deeming its drift a collision risk in thick fog. The UK Ministry of Defence described the incident as isolated and unrelated to the recent seizure of a Russian shadow fleet tanker, though it underscores heightened maritime tensions.

A 17-year-old in Jombang, East Java, has been arrested by police for using toy money to top up a digital wallet. The shop owner became suspicious of the banknotes and reported the incident, leading officers to discover 46 counterfeit notes in the teenager's rented room. The case highlights emerging fraud risks associated with digital payment systems.

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit Poso, Central Sulawesi, early Wednesday morning, identified as an aftershock of the larger M6.7 quake that damaged infrastructure in Palu and surrounding areas the previous day. The shallow tremor caused strong shaking but no tsunami warning was issued, while authorities confirmed one fatality and dozens of damaged homes from the earlier event.

Indonesia has dispatched 36 top young nurses to Europe under the Binawan Eropa Programme, addressing the continent's urgent need for medical staff due to an ageing population. The initiative is framed as a strategic recognition of Indonesian nursing quality and a long-term vision to build a sustainable global career ecosystem. Stakeholders from both nations attended the send-off, underscoring government and international support for the scheme.

The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) has clarified that former President Joko Widodo's recent regional visits are not a political campaign but rather a response to public invitations. PSI Deputy Chair Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka stated Jokowi is now in good health and able to attend such events, while the party remains focused on structural consolidation ahead of 2027 election verifications.

Golkar Party faction leader Muhammad Sarmuji has urged the Indonesian government to swiftly capitalise on the US-Iran peace agreement to deliver tangible economic benefits. He highlighted the immediate drop in oil prices and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as opportunities to reallocate bloated fuel subsidy budgets towards infrastructure, education, and social protection. Sarmuji also stressed the need for long-term energy diversification to prevent future vulnerabilities.

A shallow tectonic earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck Central Sulawesi early Wednesday morning, according to Indonesia's BMKG. The quake's epicentre was located on land northwest of Poso Regency at a depth of five kilometres. Authorities confirmed the tremor did not pose a tsunami risk, though strong shaking was likely felt near the epicentre.

Police in Simalungun, North Sumatra, have arrested three men for trading in protected wildlife parts, seizing 30 kilogrammes of pangolin scales, a sun bear skin, and other endangered species remains. The suspects were apprehended near a toll gate following a tip-off about an imminent transaction. They face charges under Indonesia's revised Conservation Law, which carries severe penalties for illegal wildlife trade.

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck Palu, Central Sulawesi, has resulted in one fatality and 38 injuries, with 13 people seriously hurt. The most significant damage occurred in Sigi Regency, where 47 houses and several public facilities were affected, prompting local authorities to initiate a 14-day emergency response status.

PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) is leveraging diplomacy and corporate social responsibility as core strategies to navigate geopolitical risks and sustain its operations across 10 countries. The company hosted the Global CSR & Stakeholder Diplomacy Forum 2026 in Bali, aligning its business strategy with a structured Government-to-Government approach. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the need for 'smart de-risking' and comprehensive geopolitical visibility studies to protect Indonesia's overseas energy investments.

Experts urge the Indonesian government to synchronise central and regional regulations to eliminate policy overlaps and create a conducive investment climate. Inconsistency in enforcement, rather than the strictness of rules, is cited as the primary deterrent for foreign investors, particularly from China. The call follows a letter from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce highlighting bureaucratic hurdles, legal uncertainty, and a lack of cross-cultural understanding.

Thousands of residents participated in a silent, reflective procession around the Yogyakarta Palace walls alongside royal attendants, marking the annual Hajad Kawula Dalem Lampah Budaya Mubeng Beteng ritual. The event began with macapat readings and a ceremonial send-off at midnight, with participants walking a roughly five-kilometre route in contemplative silence. The tradition serves as a moment of collective self-reflection on the past year for both the abdi dalem and the wider community.

Grab Indonesia's 2025 ESG report highlights the operation of more than 14,000 electric vehicles and the empowerment of over 189,000 women and people with disabilities. The company also reported that its Southeast Asian driver and merchant partners generated US$15.3 billion through its platform, a 19% increase year-on-year. Initiatives include social protection for drivers, educational programmes, and environmental projects such as forest restoration and support for sustainable packaging.

Indonesia's Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) surged 4.12% on Monday, signalling a potential recovery after a 36% plunge from its record high made it the world's worst-performing major equity gauge this year. Analysts attribute the rebound to a technical correction supported by firmer monetary policy from Bank Indonesia and easing geopolitical tensions, which have helped stabilise the rupiah and government bond yields. The sustainability of the rally is expected to hinge on continued currency strengthening and declining bond yields, which could entice foreign capital to return to Indonesian markets.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa welcomed the US-Iran peace agreement, which has reopened the Strait of Hormuz, potentially lowering global oil prices. The development could reduce Indonesia's subsidy requirements and create fiscal space for other government priority programmes. Purbaya briefly mimicked President Trump's dance gesture when asked about the deal's impact on the state budget.

Residents of Kali Sari village in Tanggamus, Lampung, were alarmed by the appearance of a wild bear in their plantation area. Police and local officials responded to the sighting, discovering claw marks and a suspected nest in a jengkol tree. Authorities have urged the community to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the animal.

Indonesia's Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait has highlighted the Open Shop Selection (PTT) system as a key innovation to improve governance and transparency in the BSPS home renovation programme. The mechanism, which allows beneficiaries to choose building material suppliers openly, reportedly saved approximately Rp9 million in a pilot area. The minister emphasised that the approach ensures accountability and directs savings to the most vulnerable citizens.

The BEM Bersatu student alliance has accused former UGM student council chairman Tiyo Ardianto of being linked to political networks that exploit student movements for practical political gain. Allegations include the use of a luxury vehicle registered to a relative of retired military figures and his presence at forums involving politicians and retired TNI generals. The group also criticised recent student actions against the government's free nutritious meal programme, urging movements to remain independent from elite power struggles.

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck Central Sulawesi has damaged 787 homes across five sub-districts in Sigi Regency, according to local authorities. The disaster has affected 912 families, resulting in one fatality and 55 injuries, with emergency response and relief distribution underway. The regent has ordered a 24-hour damage assessment to accelerate recovery efforts in the worst-hit areas.

The Wija Reksa Quoriena Art Hub & Residency has launched in Canggu, Bali, with a sustainability-focused exhibition featuring works by local artists and schoolchildren. The initiative, founded by the Ginting Institute, aims to use art as a medium for social dialogue and environmental awareness, particularly addressing waste issues. The exhibition, endorsed by the Tibubeneng village head, runs until June 2026 and highlights the role of creative collaboration in tackling the island's ecological challenges.

The Alumni Association of BEM Nusantara is engaging with prominent national figures, including former President Joko Widodo, to discuss future leadership and the strategic role of youth in national development. The meetings, which also include Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, aim to absorb insights on maintaining unity and preparing a generation capable of solving societal challenges. The dialogue is part of a broader organisational consolidation ahead of the new board's inauguration in June 2026.

Penglipuran Village, a renowned cultural tourism destination in Bali, has announced it will not hold its usual public Galungan festivities this year due to a recent death in the community. The traditional installation of penjor along the village street will be omitted, though the village remains open to visitors with standard entry fees. Tourists are advised they can still observe Galungan celebrations and penjor displays across other parts of Bali during the 10-day festival period.

Central Sulawesi Deputy Governor Reny A. Lamadjido visited Nokilalaki District in Sigi Regency to assess the impact of a magnitude 6.7 earthquake and coordinate emergency response. The provincial government is deploying heavy equipment, emergency tents, and logistics while ensuring healthcare services remain available. BNPB reports one fatality, over 300 people displaced, and significant damage to homes and infrastructure, primarily in Sigi Regency.

State-owned energy company Pertamina is using the Jakarta Fair 2026 to promote products from its fostered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through its Bright Store booth. The initiative aims to expand market access and boost the competitiveness of local businesses. The fair runs from 11 June to 12 July 2026 and features various promotional programmes for visitors.

A student alliance, BEM Bersatu, has alleged that former UGM student leader Tiyo Ardianto is connected to a retired TNI general and a PDIP politician, suggesting his criticism of the free nutritious meals programme is politically motivated. The group claims the vehicle used by Ardianto is registered to a relative of the retired general, who was part of Ganjar Pranowo's presidential campaign team. BEM Bersatu has rejected what it sees as the co-opting of student movements for practical political interests.

The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) has indicated that former President Joko Widodo's formal induction as a party board member is imminent, pending only the right moment. Deputy Chair Isyana Bagoes Oka stated the party is currently focused on completing internal administrative and structural requirements. The symbolic 'jacketing' ceremony is expected to be scheduled soon by PSI Chairman Kaesang Pangarep.