TOP NEWS
- Reuters — Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid expressed that Indonesia will begin restricting access to high-risk social media platforms for users under 16 through new regulations aimed at reducing risks such as addiction, cyberbullying, and harmful online content.
- Antara — Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia expressed that Indonesia’s energy supply remains secure for now despite the Middle East conflict, with the government diversifying crude imports away from the Strait of Hormuz and expanding strategic oil reserves to strengthen long-term energy security.
Domestic Politics and Economy
- Tempo — Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed that Indonesia’s tax revenue rose 30.4% year-on-year to Rp245.1 trillion in February, signaling strong early fiscal performance and reinforcing the government’s view that overall fiscal conditions remain stable despite recent rating outlook concerns.
- Reuters — Disruptions to Gulf shipping linked to the Middle East conflict are threatening sulphur supplies to Indonesia, where about 75% of the input is imported from the region, raising the risk of higher costs and potential production cuts for the country’s nickel refining industry.
- Reuters — Trade Minister Budi Santoso expressed that Indonesia will seek a WTO suspension of concessions against the European Union over its continued restrictions on palm oil-based biofuels, while emphasizing that the government will pursue the case firmly while maintaining bilateral relations.
- Reuters — Foreign Minister Sugiono said Indonesia is reassessing its participation in the U.S.-backed “Board of Peace,” noting that discussions are on hold amid the Iran conflict and that Jakarta could withdraw if the initiative no longer serves Palestinian interests or Indonesia’s national priorities.
- Antara — Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq expressed that the government will summon the management of the Bantargebang landfill following a fatal landslide that killed four people, stressing that the Jakarta administration must be held accountable if environmental negligence is proven.
Business and Investment
- The Jakarta Post — Indonesia’s sovereign asset fund Danantara has appointed Chinese firms Wangneng Environment and Zhejiang Weiming Environment Protection as operating partners for waste-to-energy plants in Bekasi and Denpasar, marking the first phase of a nationwide program to build 33 facilities aimed at strengthening urban waste management and expanding renewable power generation.
