NATIONAL

Student demonstrations against three-term presidency in Makassar ended in chaos on Thursday (7/4). Protesters turned violent and blocked roads, causing severe traffic jams around the end of fasting. Police officers tried to disperse them through persuasion.

In response to the high price of cooking oil in the market, National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) head Rizal E. Halim urged President Jokowi to reverse the price of cooking oil to the original retail price ceiling (HET) of Rp11,500 per liter for bulk; Rp13,500 per liter for plain packaged; and Rp14,000 per liter for premium packaged type.

The government officially appointed Maudy Ayunda as the spokesperson for Indonesia’s G20 Presidency. Maudy is considered a smart young figure and is able to reach out to the community, especially youth, to understand the substance and importance of G20.

Gerindra Party secretary general Ahmad Muzani paid a visit to Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka on Wednesday (6/4). Gibran, President Jokowi’s eldest son, reportedly had serious discussion with Prabowo Subianto’s confidant.

Indonesia has decided to invite all G20 member countries, including Russia, in response to pressure from other members urging Indonesia not to invite the country as a consequence for its military aggression against its neighbor Ukraine.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi during a hearing with the House Committee V on Wednesay (6/4) briefed lawmakers on the preparation for upcoming Eid exodus traffic.

The National Association of University Student Executive Bodies (BEM SI) plans to again hold massive demonstration and encircle State Palace on Monday (11/4) to demand a firmer stance from President Joko Widodo on the discourse to postpone the 2024 elections and extending the presidential term.

The government has expanded the policy on visa exemption for tourism visitor (BVKKW) and visa-on-arrival (VKSKKW) for 43 countries according to Immigration Director General Circular Letter IMI-0549.GR.01.01 dated April 5, 2022, to be effective from Wednesday (6/4).

The World Bank is of the view that Indonesia’s economy is more resistant to the impact of Russian-Ukrainian war compared to other ASEAN countries. It is projected to even grow by 5.1 percent this year. If realized, that will be quite an achievement amidst challenging environment marked by commodity supply disruptions, increased financial pressures and other obstacles to global growth.

House Commission V member Hamka B Kady questioned the performance of Angkasa Pura I and II regarding the quality of services they provide to air passengers. One of them is the renovation of Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar, which has yet been completed.

Indonesia’s general insurance industry