Politics: Core professionals within the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK), including the star investigator Novel Baswedan, feel increasingly in jeopardy.  Ref Wkly examines the Widodo administration policy behind the matter and the ‘National Perspective’ test that 75 key personnel failed, potentially imperiling their employment status.  KPK Chair Com Gen Firli Bahuri denies pursuing a purge, but the State Personnel Agency (BKN) could render the 75 ineligible to serve.  Ironically, Widodo’s assault on anti‑corruption jeopardizes his own economic goals (Page 2).  PDI-Perjuangan’s Central Java governor, Ganjar Pranowo, stands out in presidential-preference polls.  Ref Wkly examines how PDI-P figures are reacting and how that may crucially shape the race ahead (p. 6). Presidential Chief of Staff Gen (ret) Moeldoko attempt to commandeer Partai Demokrat took another twist (p. 7).  West Java Gov Ridwan Kamil discussed his presidential prospects.  Ref Wkly assesses his week (p. 7).

Surveys: Two new in‑person polls illuminate the state of the 2024 race. Ref Wkly differentiates differing poll results based on their methodologies — and examines a candidate who may be on the ascent (p. 8). 

Health: Past holidays have consistently led to case spikes.  Officials say that efforts are underway to prepare the health system for a post-Idul Fitri wave (p. 10).  Case detec­tions dropped five percent week‑on‑week, but the level in Jakarta Province has plateaued (p. 10). 

Policy News: The finance minister announced a goal of raising the value-added tax (VAT) rate; opposition is already strident (p. 14).   The government’s work program (RKP) for 2022 cites social‑welfare efforts, digitization, greenhouse gas reductions and reform of the civil service (p. 14). 

Economics: GDP contracted during the first quarter by 0.7 percent, within the range of expectations, but the finance minister cited signs of strength that bode well for recovery.  A very low base effect offers the possibility of eye‑popping growth next quarter (p. 16).

Environment: West Java’s Kamil is promoting a multi‑facetted recycling effort that includes a partnership with the ‘circular economy’ startup Octopus (p. 17).