Putting a price on leaving
The Indonesian government has decided that giving up citizenship should cost five times more than before. Under Government Regulation No. 30/2026, the fee for voluntarily renouncing Indonesian citizenship rises from Rp1 million to Rp5 million, while several other citizenship-related services also become significantly more expensive. The official justification is straightforward: to optimize non-tax state revenue (PNBP) and improve public services.
Mining concessions should never be political currency
The Constitutional Court’s decision on mining concessions for religious organizations is about far more than mining. It is a constitutional warning against turning Indonesia’s natural resources into instruments of political patronage. Public assets should never be distributed in ways that create even the appearance that access depends on government preference rather than transparent and objective rules.
Charged Tech vs Blitz Electric
PT Charged Tech Indonesia has just filed a lawsuit against PT Blitz Electric Mobility for default to the South Jakarta District Court last week. This is a battle between two startups in the electric vehicle ecosystem/mobility.
New notary policy faces a test
Indonesia rarely makes headlines over the regulation of notaries. Yet Government Regulation No. 30 of 2026 has done exactly that by imposing a Rp500 million non-tax state fee (PNBP) on notaries seeking to transfer their official jurisdiction to Jakarta. While the regulation has been presented as an administrative measure, its implications extend far beyond bureaucracy.
Military’s expanding role in tax system
Tax authority has spent years trying to modernize compliance through digitalization, risk-based supervision, and improved data integration. The latest policy direction, however, has prompted a different debate. Under the Directorate General of Taxes’ Circular Letter No. SE-8/PJ/2026, tax offices are encouraged to build information networks that include village-level security officers such as the Army’s Babinsa and the National Police’s Bhabinkamtibmas as part of broader efforts to strengthen taxpayer supervision and expand the tax base.
NAP Info vs Uninet Media Sakti
PT NAP Info Lintas Nusa (Matrix NAP Info), operator of sub-marine cable for ICT sector, has just filed lawsuit against PT Uninet Media Sakti, a company linked to Sukoco Halim, to the South Jakarta District Court.
PDIP vs. Zulfan Lindan
The lawsuit filed by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) against former party politician Zulfan Lindan and media platform Total Politik illustrates more than a dispute over reputation. It raises a larger constitutional question: where does political commentary end, and where does legal liability begin?
Due process cannot be negotiated
The controversy surrounding former Attorney General’s Office special crimes chief Febrie Adriansyah now raises a more fundamental question: can criminal procedure be modified through institutional compromise?
KPK knocks on BPK’s door
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has searched the Jakarta residence of Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) member Bobby Adhityo Rizaldi as part of its investigation into an alleged bribery scheme involving audit findings for Muara Enim Regency. Investigators seized electronic evidence while emphasizing that the search was conducted to strengthen the ongoing investigation. Bobby has not been named a suspect, and the legal process remains underway.
Retreats do not build integrity
President Prabowo Subianto has made retreats one of the defining features of his administration. Cabinet members, regional heads and officials responsible for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program have all been assembled for intensive leadership retreats aimed at strengthening discipline, aligning priorities and reinforcing commitment to government programs. The premise is attractive: shared values will produce better governance.