Stories from Indonesia

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.