What Is the SAVE America Act, and How Could It Change U.S. Voting?

 Washington, D.C. — Republicans in the United States Congress are pushing forward with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, a proposed piece of legislation that would introduce new requirements for voter registration and participation in federal elections.

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bill on Wednesday. If passed, the SAVE America Act would require individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. In addition, voters would be required to present a government-issued photo identification that verifies citizenship in order to cast a ballot.

Supporters of the bill argue that the measure is necessary to strengthen election integrity and prevent noncitizens from registering and voting. Republican lawmakers have made the proposal a legislative priority for several years, citing concerns over vulnerabilities in the voter registration system. While available data indicates that cases of noncitizen voting do occur, such instances are considered rare and have not been shown to affect overall election outcomes.

Public opinion polls suggest that voter identification requirements are widely supported among Americans. However, the SAVE America Act has drawn strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers and voting rights advocates. Critics argue that the new requirements could disproportionately affect eligible voters, including low-income individuals, elderly citizens, and minority communities, potentially preventing millions of Americans from exercising their right to vote.

Democrats also warn that obtaining proof of citizenship and compliant photo identification could present logistical and financial barriers for many voters, particularly those updating or changing their voter registrations.

As debate over the bill continues, the House vote is expected to highlight the broader partisan divide over voting rights and election security ahead of future federal elections. The outcome of the vote will determine whether the SAVE America Act advances further in the legislative process.

---

Read More

Ideal Tax Ratio for Indonesia Difficult to Determine, Says Finance Minister

Jakarta, February 9, 2026 — Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that there is no precise benchmark for Indonesia’s ideal tax ratio in the 2026 State Budget (APBN), citing the rigid structure of the national tax system that limits rapid adjustment.

“It is difficult to determine the ideal figure. I don’t know,” Minister Purbaya said when speaking to reporters in Jakarta on Monday. He noted that Indonesia’s tax ratio has remained largely stagnant for decades, despite continuous growth in government expenditure.

According to the Minister, a tax ratio in the range of 11–12 percent would be sufficient to support the State Budget. He added that even achieving a level of 11–11.5 percent would provide significantly better fiscal space compared to current conditions.

However, Purbaya emphasized that increasing the tax ratio is a complex task that requires comprehensive and sustained efforts. These include system modernization, administrative reform, and changes in the conduct and performance of tax officials, which demand strong commitment across all levels of the Ministry of Finance.

The government is targeting an increase in the tax ratio from around 9 percent to 11–12 percent in 2026, a challenging objective given that revenue performance depends not only on economic growth but also on the effectiveness of tax administration and the integrity of tax officials.

Purbaya noted that while revenue shortfalls in previous years could be attributed to economic slowdown, such justification would no longer be valid if economic conditions improve but tax collection remains weak.

Historically, Indonesia’s tax ratio has fluctuated. After reaching 10.08 percent in 2024, it declined to around 9 percent in 2025. Data from the Directorate General of Taxes show the ratio fell to 8.42 percent in the first half of 2025 and stood at 8.58 percent in the third quarter, approaching levels seen during the 2020–2021 COVID-19 pandemic, when the ratio ranged between 8.33 and 9.11 percent.

Following that period, the tax ratio improved to 10.39 percent in 2022 and 10.31 percent in 2023, driven by tax reforms under the Harmonization of Tax Regulations Law and elevated global commodity prices.

Despite the renewed decline in 2025, Minister Purbaya expressed optimism that internal reforms within the Ministry of Finance—including staff rotation, strengthened management, and enhanced administrative and supervisory systems—will help improve tax performance and support fiscal sustainability in 2026.

Read More

Minister: 41 Percent of Indonesia’s Health Insurance Aid Misses Target

Jakarta, February 10, 2026 — The Government of Indonesia has identified serious challenges in the implementation of the National Health Insurance Premium Assistance Recipient program (PBI JKN), particularly related to the accuracy of beneficiary targeting.

Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed that a significant portion of PBI JKN recipients are not economically eligible to receive the assistance. Speaking at a meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Monday, February 9, 2026, the Minister stated that approximately 41 percent of PBI JKN beneficiaries fall within economic deciles 6 to 10, which are outside the intended recipient category.

“There are still around 41 percent of PBI JKN recipients in deciles 6 to 10 who should not be classified as PBI JKN beneficiaries,” Minister Purbaya said.

Based on data presented during the meeting, only around 59 percent of the PBI JKN allocation in the 2026 State Budget (APBN) is currently benefiting the poor and vulnerable population classified in deciles 1 to 5. The remaining recipients are considered economically capable and no longer meet the eligibility criteria for government-funded health insurance assistance.

Despite these challenges, Minister Purbaya emphasized that the 2026 State Budget remains expansive and fiscally sustainable, designed to support the government’s eight priority agendas, including improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services nationwide.

The government has allocated Rp247.3 trillion for the health sector in 2026, representing a 13.2 percent increase compared to the previous year. This allocation includes full support for the National Health Insurance (JKN) program, covering premium payments for 96.8 million participants.

According to the Minister, the increase in the health budget reflects the government’s constitutional obligation to safeguard public health and to protect citizens from the financial burden of healthcare costs.

In addition to health spending, the government estimates that Rp897.6 trillion of the 2026 State Budget will directly benefit the public through various social protection and economic empowerment programs. These include the Free Nutritious Meals Program, energy subsidies and compensation, People’s Business Credit (KUR), and other social assistance initiatives, including PBI JKN premium support.

However, inaccuracies in beneficiary data have led to public concern. Minister Purbaya noted that in February 2026, the deactivation and replacement of PBI JKN participants reached approximately 11 million people, or nearly 10 percent of total participants—a figure significantly higher than in previous periods, when changes affected fewer than one million people.

He stressed that the resulting public unrest was not caused by budget reductions, as funding levels remained unchanged. Instead, the issues stemmed from weaknesses in participant data management, operational readiness, and insufficient public communication regarding changes in PBI JKN status.

The government, he added, is committed to improving data accuracy and strengthening coordination to ensure that social assistance programs are delivered fairly, effectively, and in line with their intended objectives.

Read More

Minister: 41 Percent of Indonesia’s Health Insurance Aid Misses Target

Jakarta, February 10, 2026 — The Government of Indonesia has identified serious challenges in the implementation of the National Health Insurance Premium Assistance Recipient program (PBI JKN), particularly related to the accuracy of beneficiary targeting.

Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed that a significant portion of PBI JKN recipients are not economically eligible to receive the assistance. Speaking at a meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Monday, February 9, 2026, the Minister stated that approximately 41 percent of PBI JKN beneficiaries fall within economic deciles 6 to 10, which are outside the intended recipient category.

“There are still around 41 percent of PBI JKN recipients in deciles 6 to 10 who should not be classified as PBI JKN beneficiaries,” Minister Purbaya said.

Based on data presented during the meeting, only around 59 percent of the PBI JKN allocation in the 2026 State Budget (APBN) is currently benefiting the poor and vulnerable population classified in deciles 1 to 5. The remaining recipients are considered economically capable and no longer meet the eligibility criteria for government-funded health insurance assistance.

Despite these challenges, Minister Purbaya emphasized that the 2026 State Budget remains expansive and fiscally sustainable, designed to support the government’s eight priority agendas, including improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services nationwide.

The government has allocated Rp247.3 trillion for the health sector in 2026, representing a 13.2 percent increase compared to the previous year. This allocation includes full support for the National Health Insurance (JKN) program, covering premium payments for 96.8 million participants.

According to the Minister, the increase in the health budget reflects the government’s constitutional obligation to safeguard public health and to protect citizens from the financial burden of healthcare costs.

In addition to health spending, the government estimates that Rp897.6 trillion of the 2026 State Budget will directly benefit the public through various social protection and economic empowerment programs. These include the Free Nutritious Meals Program, energy subsidies and compensation, People’s Business Credit (KUR), and other social assistance initiatives, including PBI JKN premium support.

However, inaccuracies in beneficiary data have led to public concern. Minister Purbaya noted that in February 2026, the deactivation and replacement of PBI JKN participants reached approximately 11 million people, or nearly 10 percent of total participants—a figure significantly higher than in previous periods, when changes affected fewer than one million people.

He stressed that the resulting public unrest was not caused by budget reductions, as funding levels remained unchanged. Instead, the issues stemmed from weaknesses in participant data management, operational readiness, and insufficient public communication regarding changes in PBI JKN status.

The government, he added, is committed to improving data accuracy and strengthening coordination to ensure that social assistance programs are delivered fairly, effectively, and in line with their intended objectives.

Read More

Police Assess Claims Over Alleged Sharing of Confidential Trade Information

 

Thames Valley Police confirms that it has received a report concerning allegations of the potential sharing of confidential trade-related information by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The report was submitted by the campaign group Republic and is currently under assessment.

The matter arises following the release of correspondence by the United States authorities. The material includes emails which appear to suggest that confidential information associated with official overseas trade visits may have been shared with a third party. The correspondence reportedly refers to visits to Singapore, Vietnam, Shenzhen in China, and Hong Kong, as well as details of potential investment opportunities.

Under established government protocols, individuals appointed as trade envoys are subject to duties of confidentiality in relation to sensitive commercial, political, and strategic information obtained during the course of official engagements.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor served as the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment between 2001 and 2011. He has been approached for comment in relation to the allegations but has not provided a response at this time. He has previously and consistently denied any wrongdoing. It is noted that inclusion within materials associated with Jeffrey Epstein does not of itself constitute evidence of criminal conduct.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said:

“We can confirm receipt of this report and are assessing the information provided in accordance with our established policies and procedures.”

Information reviewed by the BBC indicates that an email dated 7 October 2010 appears to show that details of forthcoming official trade visits were communicated to Jeffrey Epstein. Further correspondence suggests that on 30 November 2010, official reports relating to those visits—originating from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s then special assistant, Amit Patel—may have been forwarded shortly after receipt.

Thames Valley Police has stated that the assessment remains ongoing. Any determination as to further action will be made following consideration of the available information and in line with applicable legal thresholds and investigative standards.

Read More

Kejati Sulsel Sita Rp 1,25 Miliar Terkait Kasus Dugaan Korupsi Pengadaan Bibit Nanas

 

SULAWESI

Jakarta – Kejaksaan Tinggi Sulawesi Selatan (Kejati Sulsel) menyita uang tunai sebesar Rp 1,25 miliar terkait perkara dugaan tindak pidana korupsi proyek pengadaan bibit nanas pada Dinas Tanaman Pangan, Hortikultura, dan Perkebunan (TPHBun) Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan Tahun Anggaran 2024.

Kegiatan penyitaan tersebut dilakukan pada Kamis, 5 Februari 2026, sebagai bagian dari proses penyidikan perkara yang saat ini tengah ditangani oleh Kejati Sulsel.

Uang hasil penyitaan selanjutnya disetorkan ke Rekening Pemerintah Lainnya (RPL) atau rekening titipan Kejati Sulsel. Langkah ini dilakukan sebagai upaya penyelamatan kerugian keuangan negara selama proses hukum masih berlangsung.

Asisten Tindak Pidana Khusus Kejati Sulsel, Rachmat Supriady, menjelaskan bahwa penyitaan aset merupakan bagian penting dalam penegakan hukum tindak pidana korupsi, yang tidak hanya berfokus pada penindakan terhadap pelaku, tetapi juga pada pemulihan kerugian negara.

“Kita bukan hanya memproses subjek hukum, tetapi juga mengupayakan pemulihan keuangan negara. Uang sitaan tersebut telah kami setorkan ke RPL untuk menjamin penyelamatan kerugian negara selama proses hukum berjalan,” ujar Rachmat Supriady, Sabtu (7/2/2026).

Sementara itu, Kepala Kejaksaan Tinggi Sulawesi Selatan, Didik Farkhan, menegaskan komitmen jajarannya untuk menuntaskan perkara ini secara transparan dan profesional. Ia juga mengimbau seluruh pihak yang terkait dengan proyek tersebut agar bersikap kooperatif dalam memberikan keterangan kepada penyidik.

“Kami mengharapkan semua pihak terkait bersikap kooperatif. Dukungan dari semua pihak sangat diperlukan demi kelancaran serta percepatan proses penyidikan,” kata Didik dalam keterangan terpisah.

Kejati Sulsel memastikan bahwa penyidikan perkara ini akan terus dikembangkan untuk mengungkap fakta-fakta baru, pihak-pihak yang bertanggung jawab, serta memastikan penegakan hukum berjalan sesuai dengan ketentuan peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku.

Read More

Pemuda yang Racuni Keluarganya di Warakas Ternyata Pura-Pura Lemas Saat Ditemukan

 

Jakarta – Pemuda berinisial S (22) yang diduga meracuni keluarganya hingga tewas di Jalan Warakas VIII, Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Utara, diketahui hanya berpura-pura lemas saat pertama kali ditemukan di lokasi kejadian. Fakta tersebut diungkapkan oleh Kasat Reskrim Polres Jakarta Utara, Kompol Onkoseno Grandiarso Sukahar.

“Pura-pura sebagai alibi,” ujar Kompol Onkoseno dalam keterangannya kepada wartawan, Sabtu (7/2/2026).

Onkoseno menjelaskan, hasil pemeriksaan medis menunjukkan bahwa tidak ditemukan kandungan racun di dalam tubuh tersangka. Padahal, saat ditemukan, S sempat berada dalam kondisi lemah dan terdapat luka melepuh di beberapa bagian tubuh, sehingga sempat dilarikan ke rumah sakit untuk mendapatkan penanganan medis.

Sementara itu, tiga anggota keluarga lainnya ditemukan meninggal dunia di lokasi kejadian dengan kondisi mulut berbusa. Ketiganya masing-masing berinisial SS (50), AF (27), dan AD (14).

Selain pemeriksaan medis, pihak kepolisian juga telah melakukan pemeriksaan psikologis dan psikiatris terhadap tersangka guna memastikan kondisi kejiwaannya. Hasil pemeriksaan menyatakan bahwa tersangka tidak mengalami gangguan jiwa.

“Dari hasil pemeriksaan psikiater, yang dituangkan dalam visum et repertum psychiatricum, tidak ditemukan adanya gejala gangguan jiwa berat pada tersangka,” jelas Kompol Onkoseno.

Saat ini, penyidik Polres Jakarta Utara masih terus melakukan pendalaman motif dan rangkaian peristiwa dalam kasus tersebut guna melengkapi berkas penyidikan sebelum dilimpahkan ke tahap selanjutnya.

Read More