Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo Eyes Garuda Indonesia-Saudia Joint Venture for Hajj Services

7 hours ago 4

April 10, 2026 | 08:31 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Here are the highlights: Prabowo Eyes Garuda Indonesia-Saudia Joint Venture for Hajj Services; Indonesia Mulls 'Ticket War' System for Hajj Pilgrimage; and Facts Behind Jakarta's Sudden Blackout on Thursday Night.

The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:

1. Prabowo Eyes Garuda Indonesia-Saudia Joint Venture for Hajj Services

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is calling for the establishment of a joint venture between Garuda Indonesia and Saudia Airlines to optimize Hajj operations and reduce the costs.

According to Prabowo, Hajj flight practices have long been considered uneconomical. Garuda Indonesia aircraft often return empty after flying Hajj pilgrims, as do Saudi Airlines's flights.

"Why not collaborate? Create a subsidiary with a 50 percent Saudi Arabian and 50 percent Indonesian ownership. The flights to Saudi Arabia and Indonesia will be full. We can cut the cost and save time," he said during a meeting at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

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2. Indonesia Mulls 'Ticket War' System for Hajj Pilgrimage

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is currently considering a new system to address the waiting periods for Hajj pilgrims, which often span decades. Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochammad Irfan Yusuf, stated that one of the ideas being weighed is to eliminate the current waiting list system in favor of a "ticket war" or direct registration mechanism.

Irfan mentioned that this system had been previously implemented in Indonesia prior to the establishment of the Hajj Fund Management Agency (BPKH).

"To be honest, when we talk about waiting lists, the idea in the Ministry of Hajj occurs whether such a long waiting period is necessary, and whether we should consider returning to the times before the existence of BPKH," Irfan expressed when opening the National Work Meeting on Hajj Pilgrimage 1447 Hijriah in Tangerang, Banten, as uploaded on the Ministry of Hajj's YouTube account on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

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3. Facts Behind Jakarta's Sudden Blackout on Thursday Night

Several areas across Jakarta were hit by a sudden power outage on Thursday night, April 9, 2026. The electricity disruption struck various sectors, including Central, North, and West Jakarta.

The unannounced blackout temporarily paralyzed parts of Jakarta's MRT operations and left residents bewildered. Many netizens took to social media to voice their frustrations over the sudden loss of power.

Here are the key facts regarding the Jakarta blackout last night:

Social Media Outcry

The unexpected blackout in several Jakarta districts disrupted residents' evening activities as street lights went dark. Major public spaces, including Grand Indonesia Mall, were also affected.

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