Budget Watch: Indonesia is pushing a “healthy, credible, sustainable” 2027 State Budget, targeting Rp3,426 trillion in revenue and Rp4,097.2 trillion in spending while aiming for 6% growth and keeping the deficit and debt within safe limits. Anti-Corruption Pressure: Thousands of protesters again swarmed Jakarta’s parliament, clashing with police as anger over graft and economic hardship boiled over, with demands for tougher penalties and faster passage of the asset forfeiture bill. Wildfire & Haze Crisis: Forest and peatland fires continue to threaten health across Kalimantan and Sumatra, with civil groups urging forestry governance reforms as haze impacts millions and burned land figures climb. Work Skills Mobility: Indonesia urged ASEAN to expand mutual recognition of workers’ skills to widen mobility, citing AI, digitalization and the green transition reshaping job needs. Industry Upgrades: The Industry Ministry is scaling “appropriate technology” for SMEs, including wastewater treatment at a South Kalimantan industry center to cut pollutants and improve sustainability. Digital Infrastructure Demand: State investment agency Danantara says data center demand is so high that customers may wait up to a year, and it’s ready to expand capacity and support AI chip development. Research Talent: The Indonesian Researchers Association opened registration for the 2026 Young Researcher Award, aiming to build an ecosystem that could eventually produce a Nobel-level breakthrough. Regional Connectivity: Batik Air will launch direct Batam–Penang flights from Oct 18, three times a week, to tap Indonesia’s tourism market into Malaysia’s Penang.