TOP NEWS
- Reuters — President Prabowo Subianto has expressed confidence that Indonesia’s economic growth will exceed its 2026 target, arguing that flagship programmes such as the free meals initiative and downstream industrial projects are already lifting consumption, creating jobs, and delivering tangible gains despite recent market volatility.
- Tempo — President Prabowo Subianto has arrived in Washington to attend the inaugural Board of Peace summit and hold talks with President Donald Trump, where he is set to finalize a reciprocal trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on Indonesian exports while expanding market access for American goods.
Domestic Politics and Economy
- Reuters — Army spokesperson Donny Pramono has said Indonesia is preparing 1,000 troops for possible deployment to Gaza by early April as part of a UN-mandated stabilization force, with up to 8,000 on standby by June, stressing that any deployment will depend on President Prabowo Subianto’s political decision and international agreements, and will carry a strictly humanitarian, non-combat mandate.
- Reuters — President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed that the government will press ahead with its $20 billion free meals programme despite mounting criticism and market scrutiny, insisting it is funded through budget efficiencies and will remain within the 3% fiscal deficit cap while benefiting millions of recipients.
- Antara — Higher Education Minister Brian Yuliarto has said Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to deepen research and university collaboration in food security, green economy, renewable energy and AI, framing the partnership as a strategic move to turn joint innovation into practical solutions for shared regional challenges.
- Antara — Hajj and Umrah Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has expressed Indonesia’s readiness to integrate its digital systems with Saudi Arabia’s platforms, saying seamless connectivity, quota flexibility and clearer online mechanisms are essential to delivering faster, safer and more transparent services for Indonesian pilgrims in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Business and Investment
- Reuters — Danantara Indonesia CEO Rosan Roeslani has announced that the sovereign wealth fund will soon break ground on 14 downstream natural resource projects worth $19 billion, while it is also seeking credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P to strengthen its funding capacity and global credibility.
