G7 countries are discussing the establishment of a permanent secretariat to strengthen coordination of critical mineral supplies and reduce dependence on China. The secretariat may be based at the IEA or OECD in Paris and could help implement G7 decisions related to critical minerals, including potential stockpiling policies. However, differences in views remain: Europe rejects the concept of shared reserves and prefers each country to manage its own stockpiles, due to concerns that access to minerals could be restricted during crises.
—Reuters, May 6, 2026
Asia Strengthens Critical Mineral Supply Chains Through New Financing Instruments
ADB and several partners have launched new financing instruments to strengthen critical mineral supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on the dominance of certain rare earths and strategic materials, while supporting downstream industries such as EVs, renewable energy, and defense. The initiative is also reinforced through bilateral cooperation, such as the Australia–Japan project, to accelerate diversification of critical mineral processing in the region.
—South China Morning Post, May 4, 2026
Indonesia–Philippines Establish Nickel Corridor
Indonesia and the Philippines have officially entered into a strategic cooperation in the nickel industry through an MoU between APNI and PNIA, covering trade stabilization, downstream technology development, and human resource development. The cooperation forms the foundation of the Indonesia–Philippines Nickel Corridor, connecting Indonesia’s smelting capabilities with the Philippines’ nickel ore supply. With a combined share of 73.6% of global nickel production, the corridor has the potential to strengthen supply security, battery/EV downstreaming, and the region’s position in the global critical mineral value chain.
—Bisnis, May 8, 2026
President Prabowo Pushes for the Trans Borneo Power Grid
President Prabowo emphasized the importance of energy security at the BIMP-EAGA Summit (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area), particularly amid geopolitical pressures and disruptions in global energy supply. Indonesia is encouraging stronger regional energy connectivity through the Trans Borneo Power Grid, electricity interconnection, renewable energy, rural electrification, and energy efficiency. Prabowo also highlighted plans to develop 100 GW of solar power plants as part of accelerating the energy transition, while inviting BIMP-EAGA countries to utilize hydro, solar, and wind potential to support ASEAN energy security.
—Bloomberg Technoz, May 8, 2026
CNG Development Constrained by Infrastructure and Pricing
The development of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative to LPG still faces major challenges, particularly in commercialization, cylinder size, limited SPBG infrastructure, and distribution systems. CNG is considered more suitable for industrial and transportation sectors, while household adoption needs to be implemented gradually starting from major cities. In addition, CNG struggles to compete if fuel and LPG remain subsidized, while gas and LNG prices are still high. The government needs to ensure economic viability, practicality, and public acceptance before large-scale implementation.
—Bisnis Indonesia, May 8, 2026
Anthropic Launches Financial AI Agents
Anthropic has launched 10 AI agents for the financial sector, capable of preparing client meeting materials, reviewing financial reports, supporting research, and assisting compliance processes. This move marks Claude’s expansion from AI coding into financial services such as banking, insurance, asset management, and fintech. Anthropic is also strengthening integration with tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and data providers like Moody’s and Dun & Bradstreet. This strategy signals that AI competition is increasingly entering knowledge-based work, while also increasing pressure on traditional financial data and research providers.
—Bloomberg Technoz, May 6, 2026
Danantara Begins Digital Transformation of State-Owned Enterprises
Danantara has begun orchestrating the digital transformation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to ensure digital initiatives are not carried out independently, but integrated within the same direction, platform, talent, and governance framework. Key focuses include AI adoption, advanced analytics, post-quantum readiness, cybersecurity, as well as the development of sovereign AI and sovereign cloud to strengthen national digital sovereignty. The transformation will begin with measuring SOEs’ digital readiness and establishing the Danantara Digital Transformation Task Force as a coordination, monitoring, and governance mechanism across the SOE ecosystem.
—Infobank, May 7, 2026
SOE Mergers Exempted from Tax Until 2029
The government is providing tax exemption incentives for SOE merger, acquisition, and restructuring transactions until 2029 to accelerate the efficiency of state-owned enterprises. The policy is intended to ensure SOE consolidation is not burdened by transaction taxes, allowing streamlining processes to proceed more quickly and cost-effectively. However, the exemption only applies to restructuring-related corporate actions, while corporate income tax obligations remain in effect as usual.
—Kontan, May 7, 2026
Indonesia’s Economy Grows 5.61% in Q1 2026
Indonesia’s economy grew 5.61% YoY in Q1 2026, the highest first-quarter growth in the past 13 years and above analysts’ projections. Growth was driven by accelerated government spending (frontloading), with government consumption rising 21.81%, household consumption growing 5.52%, and investment increasing 5.96%.
Although consumer sentiment slightly weakened and the fiscal deficit widened, fiscal stimulus successfully maintained consumption and growth momentum. Going forward, the government needs to balance stimulus measures with fiscal sustainability, investment, downstream industrialization, and social protection.
—Kontan, May 5, 2026