Stories from Jakarta · Indonesia

Indonesia's top diplomat announced the country will not pursue transit tolls for ships passing through the Strait of Malacca. This decision follows recent suggestions from the finance minister regarding potential revenue from the maritime corridor. The move aims to stabilize regional maritime concerns and economic stability. This follows previous remarks suggesting Indonesia might consider a fee structure similar to Iran's approach regarding the Strait of Hormuz. This follows previous statements suggesting the implementation of tolls similar to those requested by Iran for the Strait of Hormuz. This proposal follows reports that Iran requested transit fees for the Strait of Hormuz to be paid in cryptocurrency during a US-Iran ceasefire. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono responded to the comments by said that Indonesia will not charge fees for ships passing through the Malacca Strait.

Indonesia has confirmed plans to import 150 million barrels of Russian crude oil during the current year. This move signals a significant shift in energy procurement strategies for the Southeast Asian nation. The scale of the import represents a major volume of oil entering the Indonesian market from Russia. Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, plans to relaunch the B50 biofuel program starting July 1. The government aims to save approximately $9 billion through this policy. This move follows a 15-year moratorium on plantation expansion that began in 2011. The decision comes amid rising fuel prices and concerns regarding environmental impacts and labor exploitation. The decision was reported as a surprise move by Jakarta. The report cited Ukrainian intelligence data regarding movements toward blocking Russian accounts.

The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that the financial services sector grew by 7.92%, marking its highest growth rate since 2021. This expansion is seen as a positive signal for the national economy and a driver for financial inclusion. This expansion is supported by Resolution 57 and includes Kredit Pintar recording loan disbursements of Rp 9.5 trillion.

Indonesia is speeding up the implementation of a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The move aims to double bilateral trade volumes between the two regions.

The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that the financial services sector grew by 7.92 percent, marking its highest growth rate since 2021. This expansion is seen as a positive signal for the national economy and a driver for financial inclusion. National rice stocks in Indonesia have reached over 5 million tons. This level represents the highest stock volume in the country's history. The achievement was reported during a broadcast on April 23, 2026. Domestic consumption is projected to potentially reach 5.5 percent in the first quarter of 2026.

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.