Stories from Jakarta · Indonesia

Approximately 35,285 pilgrims are undergoing preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage. The group includes 360 pilgrims who entered the dormitory around 6:15 WITA to begin technical processes. Activities include registration, document distribution, living cost handover, identity card distribution, Nusuk activation, and health examinations. Identity card checks, activation processes, and health examinations are being conducted in an orderly and alternating manner for Hajj pilgrims. A group is scheduled to depart on Saturday, May 2, 2016, at 4:20 WITA via Garuda Indonesia flight GIA 8106. The flight is expected to arrive at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina at 12:15 Saudi Arabia time. Pilgrims already in Medina are advised to manage their stamina and avoid overexertion ahead of the peak pilgrimage period. Pilgrims are preparing for the upcoming Hajj season.

Perum Bulog is distributing 350,000 food packages to workers in Indonesia. According to Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramadhani, each package contains 2.5 kilograms of rice, sugar, coffee, and oil.

Indonesia is reducing the amount of ride-hitting firms can take, which is fueling a supply glut. This move is described as a response to energy shocks.

Demonstrators held a May Day protest in front of the DPR-MPR building in Jakarta on Friday. The protest included anti-war symbols such as a red-colored ballistic missile replica and a statue of US President Donald Trump.

President Prabowo Subianto pledged to build daycare centers for workers' children and accelerate the construction of at least one million homes. He made these remarks during Mayday celebrations at the National Monument in Jakarta.

Indonesia's financial services sector grew by 7.92 percent, marking its highest growth rate since 2021. The expansion contributed significantly to the national economy, supported by loan disbursements from entities like Kredit Pintar totaling Rp 9.5 trillion.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto signed a presidential regulation reducing the maximum commission rate ride-hailing firms can take from drivers to 8% from a previous 20%. The new rule requires companies to provide accident and health insurance as part of driver benefits. This regulation affects major firms including tech company GoTo and its competitor Grab. The change aims to address driver compensation concerns, according to the report. Indonesian President Prado Subhiyanto signed a presidential regulation capping ride-hailing commissions at 8 percent. Subianto stated it is not right for platforms to make the money while drivers do the hard work. The timeline for implementation of these changes remains unclear. President Prabowo Subianto aims to reduce commission rates for online application workers from 40 percent to 10 percent.

Police in the Kebon Jeruk district of Jakarta conducted an enforcement operation to clear sidewalks of illegal parking and street vendors. The action followed community reports regarding the misuse of pedestrian walkways.

President Subianto has said his commitment to fighting for the interests of the common people.

President Prabowo announced plans to develop industrial zones featuring worker cities with schools, hospitals, daycare, and transportation.