#Regulations
Stronger tobacco oversight sought as government sets Rp336 T excise target
The government’s decision to raise tobacco excise revenue targets to Rp336 trillion (US$20 billion) in the 2026 state budget proposal has drawn criticism from public health advocates, who insisted that fiscal goals should not overshadow the policy’s health objectives.
Police suspend siren use amid public criticism of officials’ convoy privileges
The National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas) has temporarily suspended the use of sirens and flashing rotators popularly known among the general public as “Tot Tot Wuk Wuk” following mounting public criticism over their excessive use by government convoys.
MBG food safety questioned as hundreds of students fall ill after consuming free meals
Another wave of mass food poisoning cases has struck the government’s Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program, raising serious concerns over food safety and program implementation.
BPOM chief: Agency to focus on strengthening oversight capabilities
Head of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, says that the agency’s 2026 budget will be primarily focused on strengthening the agency's oversight capabilities in line with its key function of supervising pharmaceutical and processed food products available in the market.
Government to centralize fuel imports via Pertamina amid supply shortages
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is set to implement a single-gateway policy for fuel imports through state-owned oil company PT Pertamina in a bid to address recent shortages at several private gas stations.
Government allows Gag Nickel mine to resume operations for environmental audit
The Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry has confirmed that nickel mining activities at PT Gag Nikel in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, have resumed this month not as a return to full operations, but as part of a comprehensive environmental audit.
Finance Commission urges productive use of Rp200 T idle funds withdrawn from BI
Finance Commission XI of the House of the Representatives (DPR) has emphasized that the government’s plan to withdraw Rp200 trillion (US$12.9 billion) in idle funds from the Indonesian Central Bank (BI) must be implemented productively and with precise targeting to support the real economy.
Purbaya vows cautious approach, no more cowboy-style
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa struck a measured tone during his first hearing with Finance Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR)on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, signaling a shift in his public communication style as he officially assumed his new role in President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet.
Stringent food safety protocols sought amid rampant food poisoning cases
The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) has called for greater attention to food safety protocols after several recent mass food poisoning cases, one of which affected over 470 individuals in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu on August 27, 2025.
BGN probes suspected pork fat in free meal trays
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN), in cooperation with several stakeholders including the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), has launched an investigation into allegations that food trays used in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program contain pork-derived fat.
Gapembi pledges full support for Prabowo's nutritious meals program
The Indonesian Association of Nutritious Food Entrepreneurs (Gapembi) has declared its full support for President Prabowo Subianto’s free nutritious meal (MBG) program, with chairman Alven Stony expressing commitment not to merely rely on state funds, but also to inject private investments to ensure the program's sustainability and reach.
Tangerang DPRD cancels allowance increase following public pressure
The Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) of Tangerang Regency, Banten Province, has canceled the planned allowance increase for all councillors in the 2025 fiscal year following a consensus reached among all political party factions and the local government.