Stories from Jakarta · Indonesia

The Indonesian government aims to begin construction on five Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) locations starting in June 2026. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage waste and improve energy infrastructure. The project follows recent discussions regarding digital technology zones and environmental management in the region. The West Jakarta city government is accelerating efforts to declare all sub-districts in the region Open Defecation Free (ODF) by June 2026. West Jakarta Mayor Inmut Maina stated that out of 56 sub-districts, only one has not yet declared this status. The initiative aims to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation levels across the area.

Indonesian lender Kredit Pintar recorded loan disbursements of Rp 9.5 trillion. This comes as the OJK reports the financial services sector has grown by 7.92 percent, the highest since 2021. The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) noted the financial services sector grew by 7.92 percent, its highest rate since 2021.

Indonesian banking giant Bank Mandiri announced a significant profit of Rp15.4 trillion for the first quarter of 2026. This financial result reflects the bank's performance in the regional market during the early part of the year. The report provides key insight into the stability of the Indonesian financial services sector.

The Transjakarta transit system has generated an economic contribution of 73.8 trillion Indonesian Rupiah to the national GDP. This highlights the significant role of urban mass transit in driving large-scale economic activity within the country. The Indonesian government has allocated 4 trillion Rupiah from the state budget to construct a flyover at a railway crossing. Transjakarta has contributed 73.8 trillion Indonesian Rupiah to the national economy over its 10 years of operation.

Indonesia is working to accelerate the implementation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The goal is to double existing trade volumes through this partnership. Indonesia is moving up the deployment of high-ratio biofuel blends to July this year instead of next year. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Linh La Hadalia stated the move is part of government efforts for energy autonomy and security. The policy is referred to as B-50. Thailand is also increasing solar battery usage and biofuel blends to reduce crude oil demand. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated the country is seeking alternative energy sources to reduce oil dependency. These moves are part of broader efforts by several nations to find energy solutions less dependent on petroleum. Indonesia will begin implementing its B5G biofuel policy on July 1, 2026.

Rising global energy prices are driving a transition toward electric vehicles in Indonesia, with sales increasing by 90%. However, the country remains heavily dependent on imported fuels and faces challenges regarding electricity pricing and charging infrastructure. Experts suggest that maintaining affordable electricity rates is crucial for the long-term success of the EV transition. The Indonesian Supreme Court plans to involve 200 court leaders from across the country in an initial phase to eliminate transactional practices. This collaboration aims to increase the quality and integrity of judges to maintain public trust in the judiciary. No specific timeline for the completion of this phase was provided. The crime involved former Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Nadi Makarim, Mulyadsa, and Sriwai Yoningsi.

The Indonesian government has passed a revised law regarding witness protection, which includes extended coverage for informants. Indonesia has enacted a new law that will provide health insurance, rest stays, and pensions to approximately 4.2 million domestic workers. The vast majority of these workers, around 90%, are women. Three individuals, Wina (a domestic worker), Bariah (mobilizer for the International Domestic Workers Federation), and Nasiqa (a migrant domestic worker in Malaysia), discussed how their lives might change. Wina shared her reaction to the law change. Indonesia's parliament and government have enacted a new law to protect domestic workers. The Workers Federation and Vina Union were instrumental in advocating for this legislation, which aims to improve the long-standing conditions for Indonesian domestic workers.