Indonesia’s software industry is undergoing rapid growth. From ERP implementations in MSMEs, a surge in cloud adoption across the public sector, to AI-powered business process automation—software has become the backbone of the nation’s digital transformation. Yet, behind this promising trajectory—projected to reach US$72.5 billion by 2030—Indonesia faces a sobering reality: a shortage of skilled digital talent.

The announcement by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar that this year will be the last year the Ministry manages the Hajj marks a crucial turning point in Indonesia’s long-standing Hajj administration system. Beginning in 2026, operational responsibilities will be fully transferred to the newly established Hajj Management Authority (BPH).  Is this truly institutional reform, or merely a repositioning of power?

Indonesia’s decision to maintain zero tariffs on a wide range of U.S. technology products has been praised by some as a pragmatic step toward accelerating digital transformation. Yet this policy stands in stark contrast to recent U.S. trade measures—most notably, the 19% tariff imposed by the United States under the Trump-era protectionist policies on certain Indonesian goods. In this one-sided arrangement, American technology enters Indonesia freely, while our own exports face growing barriers.

At the end of this year, Jakarta will host the Free Fire World Series (FFWS) Global Finals 2025, the culminating tournament for one of the most played mobile games in the world. Featuring 18 top teams, massive media coverage, and millions of fans, the event marks a rare moment where Indonesia is not merely a consumer of digital culture—but its stage.

Unlike last year, President Prabowo Subianto decides to hold the 80th Indonesian Independence Day celebration in Jakarta instead of Nusantara (IKN). According to the Deputy of State Secretary, Juri Ardiantoro, the reason is that IKN is currently still under construction, therefore the government needs to focus on its completion. So, how far has the construction progressed?

In early December 2024, just weeks after taking office, President Prabowo Subianto invited Haji Isam to a meeting with leaders of Japanese companies at the State Palace. After the meeting, coordinating minister for the economy Airlangga Hartarto explained why Isam was specifically introduced by Prabowo. 

Silicon Valley-based tech firm, Worldvuer iByond Limited and Tunas Prima Industrial Estate, the industrial estate operator, have already signed a strategic partnership to build Asia’s first quantum artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Batam, Riau Islands with US$400 million of investment, making Indonesia a center for advanced computing based on artificial intelligence and quantum technology in Asia.

Minister of agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, cousin of Haji Isam (Jhonlin Group), who is main actor in the food estate project in Merauke, Papua, has filed a report to the national police and Attorney General’s Office (AGO) demanding full investigation into the rice fraud.

Haji Isam, owner of Jhonlin Group, was seen in the ‘royal box’ accompanying President Prabowo Subianto at the Bastille Day parade in Paris Monday (Jul 14). Indonesian business community are busy wondering what Haji Isam will do next after some major actions in the past few months. 

Unlike peers, which suffered from falling price of nickel, Trimegah Bangun Persada (NCKL), or Harita Nickel, reported strong financial performance in the first quarter, where net profit surged by 65% to Rp1.66 trillion. How about the second quarter?