Health: An accelerating upward case curve is evident nationwide and, especially, in Jakarta.  Genome sequencing of 34 case samples from Kudus, East Java, showed that 28 (82 percent) were the Delta variant first detected in India.  Authorities in numerous regions of Java are hurriedly preparing additional capacity in hospitals and isolation wards, as hospital bed‑occupancy (BOR) exceeds 90 percent in Bandung and Semarang.  In Jakarta assorted facilities and unused apartment towers are going into use.  Tighter mobility restrictions seem likely to go into effect soon.  The president called for accelerating vaccinations (Page 2). 

Surveys: A new in‑person poll by Saiful Mujani Research (SMRC) shows the three top‑tier candidates separating from the pack of other potential presidential contenders, and a three‑ticket scenario is tight – Gerindra Chair Prabowo Subianto has 34 percent followed by Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo (26 percent) and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (24 percent).  SMRC data also shows that Ganjar’s name recognition is far lower, at 57 percent, suggesting further upside potential for him as elections approach.  The findings may help him garner the attention his candidacy needs from voters as well as party nominators (p. 5).    

Politics: Ganjar emphasized that responsibility is his for tragic Covid deaths in Kudus.  Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Lt Gen (ret) Luhut Panjaitan assigned blame for the spike more broadly, emphasizing travel‑ban violations by holiday travelers (p. 8).  Tension is mounting within the Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) ahead of its 30 June congress, featuring Adindya Bakrie and Arsjad Rasjid vying for chair (p. 8).  Opposition figures denounced a gold‑mining project on Sangihe in North Sulawesi (p. 9). 

Policy News: The World Bank dwelled on the importance of revenue increases in its Economic Update and highlighted gender equality as a powerful path towards growth.  The bank’s report argued for sustaining social assistance until “green shoots” of recovery are clear.  The government’s Fiscal Policy Agency (BKF) head cited signs of stronger second quarter growth – but noted that higher transmissions could jeopardize momentum (p. 11).   

Energy: ConocoPhillips is the latest international major exiting Indonesia.  The company produces nearly one‑fifth of Indonesia’s natural gas (p. 12).

Marketplace: Grab delayed it US listing due to a need for better disclosure.  Also: EVs, offices, hypermarts and cement (p. 13.