Stories from Indonesia

The Indonesian government has temporarily suspended the operations of over 1,700 free meal service kitchens. The suspension follows the discovery of multiple food quality standard violations. These violations contributed to more than 11,000 cases of food poisoning in 2025. A recent incident on April 18 involved nearly 200 people in Central Java. The national free rice meal program, or MBG, has covered 61 million beneficiaries. The MBG free rice program has reached 61 million beneficiaries, including 49 million children.

Commission 10 of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) is preparing a retaliation principle to ensure victim protection in cases of university violence. Member Mohamed Nurpur Namasi stated the commission is also pushing for proportional selection duration regulations to ensure fair access for all student candidates. The initiative aims to address ongoing violence within higher education institutions.

Construction of the New Priok Eastern Access (NPEA) strategic national project is showing positive progress in Cilincing, North Jakarta. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion in the North Jakarta region. PTPP has provided assurances that access for traditional traders in the Cilincing area will remain secure during the construction process. The company reported that intensive socialization regarding the project has been conducted with various stakeholders since August 2023. The project includes structural pillars designed to facilitate small boat navigation. Construction continues to progress alongside these safety measures. The company implemented these measures to prevent vessels from entering high-risk construction zones. The lighting setup includes specific navigation aids to assist smaller vessels in maneuvering near the project site.

The Paniglang Health Office recorded 667 suspected measles cases through April 2026. Health officials categorized these as clinical measles based on physical symptoms due to previous laboratory testing limitations. Anhanda Yany, head of disease prevention and control at the Paniglang Health Office, stated that the central laboratory is now prepared to receive samples for medical confirmation. The high number of cases is attributed to the ease of spread within communities. Previous lack of laboratory confirmation was due to the ministry's unreadiness earlier in the year. Approximately 84 percent of patients, totaling 563 individuals, require hospitalization or care at community health centers (Puskesmas). Only 16 percent, or 95 cases, do not require inpatient treatment. The high hospitalization rate has reportedly caused technical challenges for local health services.

The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that the financial services sector grew by 7.92 percent, marking its highest growth rate since 2021. Kredit Pintar reported loan disbursements of Rp 9.5 trillion during this period. The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is re-operating the Makkah Road fast track service at four major Indonesian departure airports this year. A total of 13,751 pilgrims and officials are departing from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. The program includes services at Jakarta's Podokede or JKG and Jakarta Bekas or JKS locations.

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

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense issued a written statement to CBC regarding an acid attack on Biyanto, a former Army general under former dictator Suharto. Local residents stated the altercation began at the futsal location and continued onto the street. The charges relate to an alleged attack on an activist named Andriyunas last month. Prosecutors allege the officers were angered when Mr. Eunice interrupted a meeting to protest the appointment of more military officers to government positions. Eunice suffering serious burns. President Prabowo Subianto has labeled the incident as terrorism. Four Army Intelligence officers appeared in court facing charges following an acid attack on Mr. The accused allegedly acted after Mr. Human rights organizations continue to criticize the incident. The activist has been a vocal critic of the military's expanding role in government.

The Indonesian financial services sector recorded a 7.92 percent growth rate, the highest since 2021. Kredit Pintar reported loan disbursements totaling Rp 9.5 trillion as part of this expansion. The OJK noted the sector's increasing contribution to the national economy.

The financial services sector in Indonesia recorded a growth rate of 7.92 percent, marking its highest expansion since 2021.

A woman identified as Heder and her 21-year-old boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, reportedly escaped from a hotel following a robbery. A will written five days before Mac's death reportedly named his daughter as the sole beneficiary. Authorities discovered the body of a 62-year-old woman on August 10, 2014, on the island of Bali. Some reports mention three masked men. Hotel towels stained with blood were found at the scene. A woman and her boyfriend escaped a hotel via a rear exit to a beach after a 60-year-old woman's body was found in a suitcase. The suspect allegedly struck a victim, breaking her nose and jaw, causing airway obstruction. The pair used a taxi to transport a silver suitcase before fleeing the premises. The woman received a lighter sentence because she gave birth to a daughter in prison.