Cultural Repatriation: The FBI returned Indonesian cultural artefacts to President Prabowo, with Culture Minister Fadli Zon saying the items—linked to Papua’s Dani and Asmat communities and Lake Sentani—were smuggled illegally and are being restored to Indonesia’s cultural sovereignty. Biometric SIM Registration: The Communications Ministry urged mobile operators to make biometric SIM registration accessible and inclusive, including for people with disabilities, while stressing operators must not store biometric data and should keep on-the-ground compliance monitoring. Sovereign Finance: Indonesia plans about US$1 billion in renminbi Panda Bonds to diversify funding away from the US dollar, using local-currency settlement links with China’s central bank frameworks to reduce rupiah pressure. Public Health & Vaping: President Prabowo signaled a possible total vape ban if a joint review finds higher risks and continued links to new narcotics, ordering tighter supervision across import and distribution channels. Education Access: Indonesia’s tuition-free Sekolah Rakyat program targets about 45,000 students in 2026, expanding quotas to reach children out of school due to economic hardship. ASEAN Diplomacy: Indonesia and Australia pushed for stronger economic resilience and maritime security at an ASEAN-Australia ministerial meeting in Manila. Maritime Innovation: The Ocean Institute of Indonesia is set to drive marine research, vocational talent, and innovation nationwide. Scam Warning: A UN report says Southeast Asia’s scam networks have evolved into a transnational “service” economy, costing victims up to $114.1B in 2025.