President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his commitment to the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program, framing it as a key driver of economic growth despite concerns about Indonesia’s fiscal outlook amid rising global oil prices. Investing in People and Local Economies Prabowo described the MBG program as a stimulus for growth at the grassroots level, designed … Read more
Indonesia’s Finance Minister has extended the placement of Rp 200 trillion (US$11.86 billion) from the government’s Surplus Budget Balance (SAL) in state-owned banks (Himbara) until after March 13, 2026, as a liquidity support measure. Liquidity Support Amid Slowing Credit Momentum The policy contributed to 11.7 percent growth in base money (M0) through the first week … Read more
The Dark Web’s New Nursery: How Social Media is Fueling a Global Surge in Baby Trafficking Over 4 million children are victims of trafficking globally, a figure that continues to climb, and a disturbing new trend is accelerating this crisis: the exploitation of social media platforms for the buying and selling of infants. Recent police … Read more
Indonesia’s Economic Tightrope: Navigating Growth Amidst Rising Debt and Shifting Global Sentiment Indonesia’s ambitious economic projections for 2026 – a 6% growth target fueled by Rp 809 trillion in targeted spending – are facing a complex reality. While government expenditure surged 26% in January, coupled with a focus on priority programs, a larger-than-anticipated state budget … Read more
Over 75% of Palestinians rely on international aid, a figure that continues to climb amidst ongoing conflict. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for sustained, multifaceted support – and a shift in the dynamics of peace efforts. Indonesia is now positioning itself not merely as a provider of aid, but as a key player … Read more
Security forces in Indonesia’s Papua Highlands have captured three key insurgent leaders following a surge in violence in Yahukimo Regency. The arrests, announced Monday by the Damai Cartenz 2026 Task Force, come after a dramatic increase in attacks over the first six weeks of 2026, prompting a significant military and police buildup. Escalation of Violence … Read more
Indonesia Navigates a Shifting Global Trade Landscape: Beyond Trump Tariffs Indonesia’s economy is demonstrating a remarkable resilience, poised to capitalize on a recent US Supreme Court ruling that effectively dismantles the legal basis for former President Trump’s proposed global tariffs. But this isn’t simply a reprieve; it’s a catalyst for a more proactive and diversified … Read more
Indonesia-U.S. Trade Deal: A Blueprint for Resilient Supply Chains and the Future of Southeast Asian Manufacturing A staggering $38.4 billion in deals inked alongside a new reciprocal trade agreement signals more than just a momentary uptick in commerce between Indonesia and the United States. This partnership, built on a 19% base tariff with sweeping zero-duty … Read more
Just 1.7% of global peacekeeping forces are currently contributed by countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). That figure is poised to change dramatically. Indonesia’s commitment to deploy troops to Gaza, accepting a key deputy commander role within a proposed multinational security force, isn’t simply a humanitarian or regional gesture; it’s a pivotal … Read more
Indonesia’s Nuclear Gamble: Powering Growth or Inviting Risk in a Renewable Future? Indonesia faces a critical energy crossroads. With electricity demand surging alongside a rapidly expanding economy, the archipelago is considering a controversial solution: nuclear power. While proponents tout nuclear as a reliable, low-carbon energy source, decades of public apprehension surrounding safety, waste disposal, and … Read more