A general view of a Constitutional Court ruling hearing on a petition to remove the presidential nomination threshold on Jan. 2, 2025, in Central Jakarta. The court justices ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, four students from Sunan Kalijaga Islamic State University in Yogyakarta, to remove the nomination threshold for future presidential elections.`

Constitutional Court examines free meals budget

The Constitutional Court has opened preliminary hearings on challenges to the allocation of nearly one-third of the education budget for President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship free nutritious meals program, with petitioners also seeking the recusal of a newly appointed justice over potential conflicts of interest.

6 hours ago

Politics premium

Prabowo unveils nationwide police-backed rollout of free meals

President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated on Friday more than 1,000 kitchens and 18 food warehouses operated by the National Police nationwide, underscoring the force’s strong backing for his flagship free nutritious meal program.

8 hours ago

Politics premium

Former minister Yaqut files pretrial in haj quota graft case

The Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) move to name former religious affairs minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was not supported with adequate evidence, the complainant has argued in his pretrial motion.

11 hours ago

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A local resident rescues a wounded Irrawaddy dolphin from the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan in this undated photo.

Archipelago premium

Two firms sealed for allegedly contributing to degradation of Irrawaddy dolphin habitat

“We have taken firm action by temporarily halting the operations of both companies,” Environment Minister Hanif Faisal Nurofiq said.

17 hours ago

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators hold up cash and gold bars seized during the arrest of Finance Ministry's customs and excise directorate general officials at a press briefing at the antigraft body headquarters in Jakarta on Feb. 5, 2026. The KPK name six suspects in a bribery case pertaining to import duties involving several officials from the customs and excise office.

Politics premium

KPK intensifies raids amid calls for independence

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has launched six raids in January and February, half the total for 2025, signaling renewed vigor in fighting graft, though experts and activists caution the agency must remain free from political pressure to succeed.

18 hours ago

A teacher distributes free meals to students while schools remain closed following a building collapse at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Miftahul Falah in Gunungputri, Bogor regency, West Java, on Feb. 2, 2026. The government has confirmed that the program will continue during Ramadan, with menus and distribution times adjusted for students observing the fast.

Jakarta premium

Ramadan free meals draw ire over cost, safety

The government’s decision to continue its free meals program during the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan has drawn mounting criticism over unnecessary state spending and unresolved food safety risks, as reports of poisoning continue to surface nationwide.

19 hours ago

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa (far right) delivers a presentation on Oct. 14, 2025, during a monthly press briefing on the state budget at the Finance Ministry in Central Jakarta.

Politics premium

Public spat between two ministers raises questions about weak coordination

A public spat between two ministers has cast a spotlight on the unity of President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet, with analysts saying it reflects weak coordination and unhealthy competition within the cabinet that could hinder the government programs.

19 hours ago

The Jaletreng River flows through South Tangerang, Banten, in this undated picture. The river is one of the tributaries of the Cisadane River that runs from Bogor regency in West Java to South Tangerang, as well as Tangerang city and regency in Banten, before emptying into the Java Sea.

Society premium

Tangerang toxic spill disrupts clean water supply

The Environment Ministry announced on Wednesday that authorities had identified two types of chemical pesticides, namely cypermethrin and profenofos, which had contaminated a 22.5-kilometer section of the Cisadane River and its tributary the Jaletreng River.

19 hours ago