AGP Executive Report

K-pop & Tours: MAMAMOO’s “4WARD” world tour added a Macau stop after instant sell-outs at Londoner Arena, with a two-day stadium residency. Pop Music: Tiffany Young announced her “Edge of Calm” Asia tour, with Jakarta listed among the dates alongside Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and a Seoul finale. Arts & Culture (Indonesia): Indonesian artist Irfan Hendrian’s solo show “Residuum” at Sullivan+Strumpf Singapore explores paper as a lasting “hard drive,” turning compression and layering into geology-like forms. Art Travel: Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa 2 will host three “Art 2 Sea” cruises in 2027, including an Indo-Pacific itinerary focused on Southeast Asia and Australia, curated by art-world hosts. Sports (SEA V Cup): Alas Pilipinas coach Angiolino Frigoni praised newcomer Joshua Magalaman’s steady debut as the team finished fifth after a home win over Myanmar. Regional Sports (Badminton): PV Sindhu reached the Japan Open final after Chen Yufei retired injured, setting up a title clash with Akane Yamaguchi. Indonesia-Asia Tech Diplomacy: Indonesia joined WAICO as a founding member, with officials framing AI cooperation as inclusive and beneficial for the Global South.

Indonesia-Philippines Sports: PV Sindhu stormed into the Japan Open final after Chen Yufei retired injured in the semifinal, setting up a title match against either Akane Yamaguchi or Putri Kusuma Wardani. SEA V Cup Volleyball: Alas Pilipinas men finished fifth after beating Myanmar 3-1, while earlier they lost to Indonesia and missed the semifinals. Mount Semeru Update: Indonesia’s Semeru erupted three times, with the second eruption triggering a pyroclastic flow about 3.5 km down its slopes. Creative Economy & Gaming: Indonesia’s Human Development and Culture minister invited the US Embassy to boost collaboration in gaming/esports, including plans for American Corners in creative hubs. Global AI Governance (WAICO): 29 countries signed an agreement in Shanghai to establish the World AI Cooperation Organisation, with Indonesia among founding members; Xi Jinping framed AI as a “symphony” of international cooperation. Indonesia Copyright Reform: A proposed copyright overhaul would limit protection for AI-assisted works unless human involvement criteria are met, and addresses AI training via fair-use or licensing. Arts & Culture (Museum MACAN): Museum MACAN opened “Where Are We in Time,” linking Indonesian and regional artists to landscape, history, memory, and shifting time. Free Speech Watch: A parody creator linked to @TheKerupuk was released but remains a suspect under the ITE Law, raising fresh concerns about criminalizing critics.

K-pop & Pop Culture: Tiffany Young announced her debut solo studio album Edge of Calm (Aug 20) and an Asia tour that includes a Jakarta stop (Sept 19), plus Singapore, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and a Seoul homecoming (Dec 27). Film & Animation Marketing: MONSTA Studios won Malaysia’s MARKies Gold for Papa Zola The Movie’s campaign, with the film already topping box office and streaming charts across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, and now heading to South Korea theaters (Sept 2). Arts, Culture & Heritage: Indonesia’s creative scene gets a boost with a new push for heritage craft visibility, including a spotlight on Lun Bawang beadwork makers and the cultural meaning behind traditional accessories. Global AI Governance (Indonesia angle): Indonesia is among the founding members of the World AI Cooperation Organization signed in Shanghai, as leaders push for AI that’s open, equitable, and not dominated by one country. Tech & Industry: Indonesia is also set to launch a national electric motorcycle soon, with plans for locally built cars—part of a broader homegrown vehicle push. Sports (Regional, Indonesia-linked): Alas Pilipinas men fell to Indonesia in the SEA V Cup, setting up a fifth-place battle after Pool A results.

AI Governance & Indonesia’s Role: Twenty-nine countries signed the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) deal in Shanghai, with Indonesia among the founding members; the group is set to be people-centered, safe, fair, and headquartered in Shanghai. Copyright & Creative Tech: Indonesia’s copyright rewrite draft would explicitly recognize AI-assisted content creation, ban AI imitation of a creator’s distinctive style, require disclosure of AI use, and push tech platforms to compensate for news aggregation and AI training. Music & Culture Loss: Dave Kendall, creator and longtime host of MTV’s “120 Minutes,” died at 63; he was known for championing alternative and underground music and had been living in Bali. Performing Arts Nightlife: Henshin in Jakarta marks its 9th anniversary with a four-day “House of Temptation” program mixing Nikkei dining, chef collaborations, DJs, and fireworks. Sports Spotlight: PV Sindhu reached the Japan Open semifinals after Nozomi Okuhara withdrew, setting up a clash with Olympic champion Chen Yufei.

AI Policy & Governance: Indonesia is rolling out a national push to strengthen AI capability beyond basic use, with a National AI Strategy, a roadmap, and ethics rules aimed at safer, accountable deployment across government, healthcare, finance, and public services. Global AI Diplomacy: Twenty-nine countries signed the Shanghai agreement to create the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), headquartered in Shanghai, with Indonesia among the founding members. Wellness Tourism: Indonesia is betting on “Wonderful Indonesia Wellness” and major festivals to grow globally competitive wellness tourism, linking travel with sports, healthy lifestyles, and more authentic experiences. Film & Streaming: Joko Anwar’s Indonesian horror-comedy “Ghost in the Cell” is set for FrightFest screening, while Netflix’s “Me Before Me” continues to draw attention for its coming-of-age themes and family pressure. Entertainment & Culture: Indonesia’s creative scene also shows up in global collaborations, from co-branded gaming accessories to international festival lineups. Sports (Regional): SEA V.Cup volleyball coverage highlights Indonesia as a key opponent as teams chase semifinal spots.

School Tech Safety: Indonesia backs new school device restrictions to curb cyberbullying, addiction, privacy breaches, and mental health risks as internet use among under-18s keeps rising. AI Capability Gap: The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry maps steps to turn high AI adoption into real skills and business transformation, not just basic use. Public Health Lessons: A look at Thailand’s nationwide disease tracking during COVID-19 highlights what Indonesia can borrow to strengthen preparedness beyond big cities. Energy & Industry: ESDM says the Abadi Masela LNG project is now valued at about US$21B, with CCS funding included, aiming to boost energy security and Eastern Indonesia jobs. Arts & Culture: Jakarta explores a Palestinian Museum at TMII to teach Palestinian culture and heritage beyond conflict news. Music & Events: Indonesia’s KEN tourism program reports Rp196.97B from 28 evaluated events, with major concerts and festivals lined up for later in 2026. Sports Spotlight: SEA V Cup opens with Indonesia-bound momentum as Alas Pilipinas’ newcomers impress despite a loss to Cambodia.

SEA V Cup (Men’s Volleyball): Alas Pilipinas opened its SEA V Cup campaign with a tough 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8 loss to Cambodia, setting up a key Friday clash against world No. 90 Indonesia. Youth Boxing (Jakarta): India dominated the women’s section of the Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships, taking five gold, 10 silver, and four bronze across U-19 and U-23 categories. BRICS Labour & Employment: BRICS adopted a Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration in Hyderabad and India launched “BRICS CONNECT” to boost technical cooperation and capacity building. Indonesia Markets Watch: The Indonesia Stock Exchange added 37 companies to its high shareholding concentration list, tightening screening amid global concerns over ownership transparency. AI & Misinformation (Singapore/Malaysia): A CNA probe found about 500 TikTok videos with AI-generated or manipulated women spreading misleading claims, racking up over 3 million views. Travel/Consumer Impact: Australian travelers report “pay-or-stay” visa charges and delays tied to Vietnam’s e-visa system, sometimes leading to missed flights and extra costs.

Indonesia-Qatar Diplomacy: President Prabowo visited Qatar’s embassy in Jakarta to pay condolences for the late Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praising his role in transforming Qatar and strengthening ties. Creative Economy Investment: Indonesia’s creative economy investment grew 32.23% to Rp183.01 trillion last year, led by digital applications (Rp54.18T) plus crafts, fashion, and culinary—boosting jobs and export momentum. Film Distribution (Global South): Alternativa Distribution launched with a 10-film slate of impact-driven titles, including Cannes Un Certain Regard picks, aiming for fair minimum guarantees and local dubbing support for broadcasters and streamers. Fashion Manufacturing Partnership: PDS Limited teamed up with Indonesia’s Busana Apparel Group to expand global apparel manufacturing across Asia, Central America, and Europe. AI in Agriculture: BRIN is building AI computer-vision tools to identify superior chili phenotypes faster and more consistently, supporting seed certification and breeding. Tech & Lifestyle: Xiaomi announced a five-year battery warranty upgrade for Redmi Note 17 Pro, while Google says Gemini usage in ASEAN has doubled, with mobile-led, local-language prompts driving creation and daily help. House Governance: Indonesia’s House said asset forfeiture bill discussions are ongoing, dismissing social media claims of rejection as a hoax. UK Online Safety: The UK proposed an overnight social media curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, with addictive features disabled by default and AI chatbot break prompts.

Sports & Regional Pride: SEA V Cup volleyball kicks off in Candon, with Alas Pilipinas starting Group B vs Cambodia and facing Indonesia on Friday, while Thailand opens against Vietnam and Myanmar debuts vs Thailand. International Sports Calendar: The SEA Open Water Swimming Championships will be held Aug. 21–23 in Boracay, with 100–120 swimmers from eight countries, including Indonesia, competing across 3km, 5km and 10km races. Fashion & Manufacturing: PDS Limited and Indonesia’s Busana Apparel Group announce a strategic partnership to strengthen global apparel manufacturing as brands push “China Plus One” sourcing. Tech-Driven Commerce: AvandaMobil launches nationwide in Indonesia, promising official province-by-province car prices and dealer contact via a single WhatsApp tap. Governance & Economy: Indonesia says uncertainty is the “new normal,” pledging stronger governance and financial reforms; Bank Indonesia notes S&P’s BBB stable affirmation as confidence in growth. Culture & Film: A new wave of debate surrounds China’s film “Dear You: Love Letters to Grandma,” with critics arguing political readings have shifted focus beyond the story itself. Controversy Watch: Zendaya faces “Orientalist” backlash over ancient Iranian earrings worn during “Odyssey” promotion.

Public Libraries & Culture: Jakarta’s Nyi Ageng Serang Public Library reopened on July 8 and is already drawing packed rooms and long queues, with visitors saying they found it via social media and now want a calm space to read and study. Culture Ecosystem: Indonesia’s Culture Ministry and Danantara Indonesia signed a five-year MoU to strengthen the cultural advancement ecosystem, including cultural digitization, tech use, HR training, and data integration. Sports & Badminton: PV Sindhu cruised into the Japan Open second round, but India’s Satwik-Chirag pair had to retire after Satwik’s recurring shoulder injury flared again, forcing them to skip the China Open and focus on World Championships fitness. Aviation & Travel: TransNusa launched a new direct Bali–Phuket scheduled flight, adding to its growing international network from Bali. Airline Service Update: Garuda Indonesia rolled out a piece-based checked baggage “Piece Concept” policy starting for tickets issued on/after 1 Sept 2026. Youth & Safety: North Sumatra University opened an internal investigation into a student over alleged sexual harassment of dozens of female students, urging victims to file reports via its task force. Global Arts Pop Culture: Reports say TWICE’s Tzuyu has agreed not to renew her JYP contract, though she’s expected to keep participating in group activities while talks continue.

Music & Culture: Australian band The Temper Trap announced its long-awaited fourth album Sungazer, with the track “Runaways” drawing on Dougy Mandagi’s Indonesian upbringing and the universal chase to find your place. Tech & AI in Indonesia: Databricks tapped Indonesian consultancy Insignia as a strategic delivery partner to help enterprises move AI from pilots to real deployments. Digital Life & Kids: The EU is pushing age limits for social media, with proposals to block access for children under 13 unless platforms can prove they’re safe—part of a wider global wave that also includes Indonesia. Food & Commerce: Lazada is deepening creator commerce via a Meta partnership, letting eligible creators in Indonesia and other SEA markets tag products in Facebook content and earn commissions on purchases. Arts & Heritage: A new short anime, Milky☆Byway Spring Special, was revealed for Milky☆Subway: The Galactic Limited Express. Public Safety: Police arrested a suspect over a bomb threat targeting a South Jakarta elementary school, with penalties of up to 20 years. Local Tragedy: A highway crash in Java killed at least 13 wedding guests, sending survivors to hospital.

Indonesia–Australia Audit Ties: Indonesia’s Supreme Audit Board (BPK) and Australia’s ANAO will deepen cooperation on public-sector auditing, including AI use and stronger governance after 20+ years of staff exchanges. EU Child Safety Crackdown: EU officials are pushing age limits for social media use, with Ursula von der Leyen citing phased access and concerns about addictive design for young users. Cultural Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi gifted Indonesia with Indian artisanal treasures, including a symbolic Dhokra boat sculpture and Assam’s Manohari Gold Tea, as a trust-building gesture during his visit. Film & Power: A documentary screening in Indonesia’s North Maluku was disrupted by the local district military commander, highlighting how film events can become battlegrounds beyond cinema. Travel & Lifestyle: Singapore Airlines adds a daily Manchester–Singapore flight, while BBC’s “Evolution” expands as a new science TV series. Sports & Entertainment: “Minions & Monsters” opens in theatres, and the Minion-maker behind the franchise shares how the next installment leans into Hollywood-era references.

Esports & Pop Culture: Filipino Team Encore won the inaugural Tyr Cup of the Ragnarok Origin Classic in Bangkok, sweeping Indonesia’s Team Poek across all four maps and taking home about $500,000. Fashion & Lifestyle: adidas launched an Indonesia-exclusive “Summer Glow” Samba Mary Jane in baby-blue leather/suede with scalloped lace trim and jeweled Three Stripes, priced around Rp 1.6 million. Streaming & Hallyu: Prime Video’s workplace romance drama See You At Work Tomorrow! hit No. 1 on the global Top 10 non-English chart again, with Indonesia among the countries where it topped lists. Sports: Indonesia swept speed climbing titles at the World Climbing Series stop in Chamonix, with Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi winning women’s gold and Veddriq Leonardo taking men’s crown. Digital Child Protection: Indonesia’s PP TUNAS enforcement is credited with more child-protection features on platforms, though regular evaluations will continue. Tourism & Arts Events: Banyuwangi’s Ethno Carnival (BEC) 2026 returns July 18, with a creative fest, MSME festival, batik and children’s fashion activities running around it.

Speed Climbing Glory: Indonesia swept the World Climbing Series in Chamonix, with Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi taking women’s gold and Veddriq Leonardo winning the men’s title. Local Sports Spotlight: Three Indonesian boxers advanced in the Asian U19 & U23 Championships in Jakarta, setting up key semifinal matchups. Esports & Pop Culture: Filipino Team Encore won the inaugural Tyr Cup of the Ragnarok Origin Classic in Bangkok, beating Indonesia’s Team Poek and earning a $500,000 prize. Entertainment Roundup: Korean actor Gong Yoo announced a Manila stop on his 2026 “The Long Take” fan meeting tour, with Jakarta also listed. Music & Live Events: Indonesian rock band Peter Pan will headline Rock-In-The-City 2026 in Kuching on Aug 29, with other regional acts joining the bill. Industry & Trade: Indonesia showcased its manufacturing push at Russia’s INNOPROM, aiming to open Eurasian market access and partnerships.

Pop Culture & Live Events: Korean actor Gong Yoo announced a 2026 Asia fan meeting tour, “The Long Take,” with stops including Jakarta (plus Manila, Yokohama, Bangkok, Macau, and Seoul). Film & Production Tech: Indonesian virtual-production horror “Whispers of Fatimah” (Bisikan Desa Gringsing) set a September theatrical release and shared a first-look video, highlighting LED volumetric virtual production. Heritage & Tourism: Indonesia and India launched a restoration and conservation partnership for UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple, aiming to preserve the 9th-century Mataram-era complex and boost cultural tourism. Fashion/Shopping Tech: An AEON Mall in Indonesia tested an automatic trolley escalator system that lets shoppers ride carts between levels hands-free. Sports: India secured six U-19 men’s boxing medals at the Asian U-19 & U-23 Championships in Jakarta. Community & Lifestyle: Padma Run Bandung 2026 returns Oct 4 with a social-impact theme, supporting education for children with intellectual disabilities.

AI & Culture Policy: Indonesia urged a culture-first approach to digital transformation at WSIS Forum 2026, stressing local languages, traditional knowledge, and inclusive governance. Kids’ Streaming Safety: A deputy minister called for safer online movie platforms for children, urging compliance with PP Tunas and age limits. Creative Industry Tech: At SIBS@ASEAN in Bandung, AI is being used for heritage conservation and museum digitalisation, including a platform linking collections to tourism. Film & Media Partnerships: ANTARA and Perhumas signed an MoU to boost PR capacity, media literacy, and crisis communication as AI reshapes the field. Anti-Graft Fallout: KPK says it could take over an alleged coal graft probe if police and prosecutors stall, while Indonesia’s top special crimes prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah resigned after raids seized 74kg of gold and millions in cash. Sports Tourism in Mandalika: The government backed new padel facilities at Mandalika SEZ to grow sports tourism and visitor experiences. Global Arts & Pop Culture: Gong Yoo’s “The Long Take” fan meeting tour adds Jakarta and Manila stops. Art Repatriation: The US returned two stolen 8th-century bronze Buddha statues to Indonesia.