The movement of the Indonesian Stock Exchange Index (IHSG) and the rupiah is expected to be influenced by external sentiments, particularly the direction of US trade policy. The article discusses the need for the Indonesian government to prepare for potential impacts.

Indonesia's state budget recorded a deficit of Rp31.2 trillion by the end of February 2025, representing 0.13% of GDP, which remains within the target design of 2.53% of GDP. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati highlighted a primary balance surplus of Rp48.1 trillion despite the deficit. The global economic uncertainty, influenced by US policies under President Donald Trump, has affected currency exchange rates and bond yields. Economic growth in Indonesia is projected to remain stable at around 5% despite global challenges. Economist Yusuf Hendry attributes the early-year deficit to reduced state revenue and issues with the Coretax system for tax reporting.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with American billionaire Ray Dalio to discuss various topics, including the establishment of Indonesia's Sovereign Wealth Fund, BPI Danantara. The meeting focused on seeking advice from Dalio, although specific details of the advice were not disclosed.

Despite receiving the TKDN certificate, the iPhone 16 is not yet available for sale in Indonesia due to regulatory issues. The article discusses the implications of this situation for the product's market entry in the country.

Indonesia experiences its first annual deflation since 2000, indicating a drop in prices of goods and services. Economists caution that this deflation is misleading and does not reflect the declining purchasing power of the population.

Indonesia has experienced annual deflation for the first time in 25 years, with a 0.09% annual deflation and a 0.48% monthly deflation in February 2025. The deflation is attributed to a 50% electricity tariff discount, which is a government policy intervention rather than a sign of weakened consumer purchasing power. Experts from CORE Indonesia and Next Policy provide differing views on the implications of this deflation, with some suggesting it may indicate broader economic trends beyond the temporary tariff discount. The article also references historical deflation periods in the United States for context.

Achmad Baidowi, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Parliament's Legislative Body, proposed making Jakarta the Legislative Capital during a government meeting discussing the Jakarta Special Capital Region Bill. The government, represented by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Suhajar Diantoro, rejected the proposal, emphasizing the full relocation of related parties to the new capital, Nusantara. Urban planning expert Nirwono Yoga interpreted the reluctance to move as political rather than a serious effort to build a new city, suggesting that a virtual city model could be adopted for future government work.

Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' concert in Singapore attracted thousands of fans, known as Swifties, from across Asia. Fans like Alif from Kuala Lumpur, sisters Fika, Hanis, and Fiza, and others from the Philippines and China, expressed their long-standing admiration for Swift and the inspiration they draw from her music. The concert featured an opening act by Sabrina Carpenter and included hits such as 'Style', 'Bad Blood', and 'Love Story'. Swift performed six shows from March 2 to 4 and March 7 to 9, 2024, each time greeting 60,000 fans at the National Stadium.

Food diversification is being promoted as a response to high rice prices in Indonesia. Experts like Khudori suggest that the government's efforts since the 1960s have been inconsistent and misguided, leading to a high dependency on rice. Diversification efforts have often relied on imported wheat, which is counterproductive. Local commodities should be prioritized, and the government is advised to research and support local food alternatives with technology and nutrition expertise. Private sector collaboration is also recommended. President Joko Widodo denies reports of persistent high rice prices, citing data indicating a decrease.

In the Indonesian elections of 2024, prisoners at institutions such as Lapas Perempuan Kelas IIA Pondok Bambu and Lapas Kelas I Cipinang in Jakarta participated with enthusiasm, expressing hopes for legal reforms, youth empowerment, and economic advancement. Prisoners like Titin, Dewi, and Edi shared their unique perspectives on voting from behind bars and their expectations for the new leadership. Prison officials, including Ade Agustina and E.P. Prayer Manik, highlighted the efforts made to ensure prisoners' political rights were respected, including coordination with the General Elections Commission (KPU) and providing access to information through television.