🇮🇩 Indonesia — Sunday, April 12, 2026
Highlights through the eyes of a long-term local resident.
Published — Apr 12, 4:13 PM (local) · Apr 12, 9:13 AM (UTC)
Editor · An investment consultant based in Jakarta for 5 years
Jakarta
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Rain 63%
UV 6
Thunderstorm warning in effect
Tulungagung Regent arrested in corruption sting
On April 12, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) officially named the Regent of Tulungagung, Gatut Sunu Wibowo, and his aide, Dwi Yoga Ambal, as suspects in an extortion corruption case. Authorities confiscated Rp335.4 million in cash during the operation. Additionally, investigators seized several pairs of Louis Vuitton shoes found in connection with the investigation.
Editor's note
It is always the same story with these local officials—high-end designer goods and bundles of cash while they are supposed to be serving their districts. If you have any ongoing or pending business interests in Tulungagung, I would suggest pausing them until we see how the local government reshuffle plays out.
InJourney Airports reports 38.2 million passengers in Q1
PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) handled 38.20 million passengers across 37 airports during the first quarter of 2026. This data encompasses both domestic and international travel movements managed by the state-owned operator.
Editor's note
The sheer volume of air traffic coming through our hubs continues to be a solid indicator of regional economic activity, even if the queues at Soekarno-Hatta feel like they are getting longer by the week.
Public order concerns raised in Jakarta
Governor Pramono Anung addressed ongoing issues regarding street-level extortion and premanisme (thuggery) in the capital on April 12. These comments followed specific incidents of public harassment that challenged the city's reputation for safety.
Editor's note
It is refreshing to see the Governor address this openly. While Jakarta is generally safe for expats, these 'parking mafia' and street-level rackets have always been an annoyance. If you're hanging out in some of the more local neighborhoods, just keep your wits about you.
Semeru volcanic activity detected
Mount Semeru, situated on the border of Lumajang and Malang regencies in East Java, erupted on April 11. The event released a flow of hot ash clouds reaching a distance of 2.5 kilometers.
Editor's note
Typical East Java—the mountains never stay quiet for long. Keep a close watch on the local aviation advisories if you have domestic flights connecting through Malang or Surabaya today, as ash can ground regional flights quickly.
Indonesia drops out of Badminton Asia Championship finals
The Indonesian national team concluded its run in the Badminton Asia Championship (BAC) on April 11. The elimination of the men's doubles pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in the semifinals left no Indonesian representatives in the final rounds.
Editor's note
A disappointing result for our badminton stars, but it is hardly a surprise given the brutal competition in the region.
Reference Media: ANTARA News