Stories from Indonesia

Indonesia and Thailand have agreed to renew their partnership focused on the creative economy sector.

The financial services sector in Indonesia grew by 7.92 percent, marking its highest growth rate since 2021. The sector's growth of 7.92 percent represents its highest performance level since 2021. Kredit Pintar reported loan disbursements reaching Rp 9.5 trillion as part of ongoing financial education efforts. OJK Purwokerto is intensifying financial education efforts during Ramadan to increase financial literacy in the Banyumas Raya region. The expansion is driven by increased economic activity and credit distribution, with Kredit Pintar reporting loan disbursements of 9.5 trillion rupiah.

The Palembang city government inaugurated the Bukit Kecil Bedug Market to stimulate small and medium enterprise growth. Economic data indicates the regional economy grew by 5.8 percent. The initiative aims to position the market as a primary driver for local MSMEs.

China Metallurgical Group has completed a large-scale steel production project in Indonesia, which is the first continuous casting and rolling steel production base built by a Chinese enterprise in the country. The facility is described as the largest and most advanced in Indonesia. Additionally, the company has completed a converter steelmaking and solid waste treatment line in Vietnam. In Malaysia, the Donggang Phase II project has been upgraded to a 2.7 million-ton modernized full-process steel plant. A steel production infrastructure project in Vietnam has been completed, according to CRI Huayu Global.

Hundreds of people in Biddo are scheduled to be screened for tuberculosis next week. This follows the identification of linked cases across three separate clusters. The screening aims to monitor the health of individuals and their family members.

The Palembang municipal government reported an economic growth rate of 5.8 percent.

Indonesian authorities conducted a readiness parade and troop display in preparation for May Day services. The exercise focused on improving capabilities in camouflage, precise firing, coordination, and rapid response. The drill aimed to enhance the unit's integrated combat effectiveness, according to the report. The Army 73rd Group Army's Mohe City unit recently organized a comprehensive drill for its combat chief training team. The 73rd Group Army of the People's Liberation Army recently organized a comprehensive exercise for its artillery reconnaissance detachment. The exercise is part of efforts to strengthen the modernization of the Rocket Force. The training was reported by science journalists Wei Yanyan, Xu Ming, and Fang Zhenhao. The drills aim to strengthen the youth's role in building a powerful modern rocket force.

The Jakarta provincial government has deployed 1,400 sanitation workers to secure the National Monument area for International Workers' Day on Friday, May 1, 2026. The security operations will center around the Monas monument in Jakarta, according to Kombas Pol Budi Hermanto of Metro Jaya. The deployment includes 6,300 Metro Jaya personnel, 1,200 TNI personnel, 400 PAMDAL personnel, and 2,000 Brimob personnel. Paul Budi stated that Metro Jaya, Kodam Jaya, and the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government are conducting readiness parades for the event. The security operation aims to provide service and order during the holiday. Elements of the Jakarta forces are performing a troop readiness parade and assembly in preparation for May Day services.

The BMKG warned of potential coastal flooding, or 'rob', in areas including Kapuk Muara and Kamal Muara. The flooding is expected to occur from May 1 to May 8, 2026, due to maximum tidal phenomena coinciding with a full moon phase. Minimum tidal heights of 0.3 meters are expected. Residents in the affected coastal areas are advised to remain vigilant. The peak high tide is predicted to occur between 8 PM and 1 AM. Areas anticipated to be affected include Kapuk Muara, Kamal Muara, Penjaringan, Fluid, Ancol, Kamal, Marunda, Cilincing, Kali Baru, and Muara Angke.

The Indonesian financial services sector recorded a 7.92 percent growth rate, the highest since 2021. Kredit Pintar reported loan disbursements reaching Rp 9.5 trillion during this period. The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) noted this growth as a positive signal for the national economy.