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Up 10 Percent, Number of Holiday Travellers Reaches 7.7 Million People up to H-3 Eid

The number of Indonesians travelling home for Eid using public transport has reached 7.7 million as of three days before the holiday, marking a 10.95 percent increase from the previous year. Rail transport saw the highest surge at 15.25 percent, followed by ferries at 13.40 percent and road transport at 7.64 percent, while toll road traffic from Jakarta also rose significantly. Authorities have warned of potential high waves in certain sea areas, urging travellers to follow safety guidelines to ensure secure journeys.

North Sumatra Provincial Government Delivers Cow to Temporary Shelter Residents in Tapanuli Selatan

The North Sumatra Provincial Government has distributed a cow to the 245 households in the temporary shelter (huntara) of Napa Village, Batang Toru District, Tapanuli Selatan, providing relief ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H/2026. Weighing over one tonne, the cow was slaughtered communally by residents, fostering community bonds among the displaced villagers originally from Garoga Village, with the meat portioned out equally for festive preparations like rendang and soup. This initiative highlights local government support for vulnerable communities recovering from displacement.

Profile of Michael Bambang Hartono, Owner of the Djarum Group Who Passed Away Today

Michael Bambang Hartono, one of Indonesia's wealthiest individuals and owner of the Djarum Group, passed away on 19 March 2026 in Singapore at the age of 86. Known for his simple lifestyle despite his vast business empire, Hartono transformed his family's small kretek cigarette factory into a diversified conglomerate spanning electronics, plantations, property, telecommunications towers, and digital investments including stakes in Gojek, Blibli, and others. His family's acquisition of controlling interest in Bank Central Asia in the early 2000s further solidified their influence in the banking sector during a period of national financial turmoil.

Artha Graha Peduli Holds Affordable Market in Medan at the End of Ramadan

Yayasan Artha Graha Peduli has organised an affordable market in Medan as part of its ongoing programme to provide subsidised essential goods to the community, particularly during Ramadan, helping to ease the burden of rising food prices ahead of Eid. The event, starting early in the morning and involving door-to-door distribution, underscores the foundation's commitment to social welfare and national unity through gotong royong, with participation from diverse employees including non-Muslims. Additional Ramadan iftar aid further promotes solidarity and interfaith harmony in Indonesia.

Komnas HAM to Summon TNI Commander Regarding Andrie Yunus Case

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) plans to summon TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto to clarify the involvement of military personnel in the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus on 12 March 2026. Chair Anis Hidayah highlighted discrepancies in suspect initials reported by the TNI and Police, urging that the case be processed through a general court to avoid impunity and ensure accountability, as the victim is a civilian. Komnas HAM is coordinating closely with Metro Jaya Police to gather evidence, emphasising Indonesia's international obligations for thorough, transparent investigations into human rights violations.

Malaysian PM Congratulates New Thai PM on His Mandate

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended warm congratulations to his counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul, on his re-election as Thailand's Prime Minister following support from 293 members of the House of Representatives. Anwar emphasised the deep mutual interests between the neighbouring ASEAN nations, likening their fates to two rivers from the same source, and expressed eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, investment, border cooperation, and regional stability. This development underscores the ongoing commitment to robust Malaysia-Thailand partnerships amid Southeast Asian political transitions.

GBA at 10: unity, growth and boundless possibilities

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) has marked its tenth anniversary with remarkable economic expansion, growing by 60% between 2016 and 2025, and contributing one-ninth of China's GDP despite occupying less than 0.6% of its land. Featured in China's Five-Year Plans for three consecutive periods and the Government Work Report for ten years, the GBA's development underscores a vision of unity and cross-border collaboration, driven by landmark infrastructure, policy breakthroughs, and people-to-people bonds. This milestone highlights the region's transformation into an economic powerhouse with boundless future possibilities.

Hasto Reveals Meeting Between President Prabowo and Megawati at Merdeka Palace, Here's the Leaked Information

Hasto Kristiyanto, Secretary General of PDI Perjuangan, confirmed a cordial meeting lasting over two hours between President Prabowo Subianto and former President Megawati Soekarnoputri at Merdeka Palace, attended by Puan Maharani. The discussions covered strategic national issues, Megawati's extensive experience in resolving multidimensional crises, and Indonesia's pivotal role in geopolitics, including the Asian-African Conference and Non-Aligned Movement. Hasto emphasised that such inter-leader dialogues align with Indonesia's culture of mutual consultation and serve the interests of the people, nation, and state.

Artha Graha hosts affordable market to assist dawn food vendors in Central Jakarta

Bank Artha Graha Internasional, in collaboration with Artha Graha Peduli, organised an affordable dawn market in Central Jakarta to provide essential goods at discounted prices to early-morning food vendors, helping them manage operational costs more efficiently. The event, timed ahead of Eid al-Fitr, offered packages of staples, frozen meat for Rp70,000 per kilogram, eggs for Rp25,000 per kilogram, and kitchen commodity bundles for Rp50,000, demonstrating the institution's commitment to social welfare and community engagement. This initiative underscores the role of financial institutions in supporting small businesses and local economies during festive periods.

Unveiling of Sulphuric Acid Case Demonstrates TNI's Professionalism and Adherence to President's Orders

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has been praised for its swift and transparent handling of the sulphuric acid attack case involving rogue personnel, highlighting its professionalism and obedience to President Prabowo Subianto's directives for thorough investigations. Legal expert Margarito Kamis commended the TNI's Military Police Centre (Puspom) for uncovering the incident internally, emphasising that such actions reinforce institutional integrity and public trust in law enforcement. This development underscores the importance of speed, accuracy, and firmness in upholding the rule of law within Indonesia's democratic framework, amid broader public and international scrutiny.

Eid al-Fitr Homecoming: Use This E-Wallet for Cash Withdrawals at BRI and BJB ATMs

In anticipation of heightened cash needs during Eid al-Fitr homecoming travels, GoPay users can now withdraw funds without a card at BRI and Bank BJB ATMs through a new collaboration involving PT Jalin Pembayaran Nusantara. This service enhances digital financial accessibility amid projections of 143.9 million travellers, leveraging BRI's extensive network of over 19,000 ATMs to provide convenient and secure cash access even in remote areas. The partnership strengthens Indonesia's digital finance ecosystem, offering practical solutions for traditional market shopping and family sharing during the festive period.

Significance of Prabowo-Megawati Meeting: Analyst: An Enhanced Reunion of Old Friends

Political analyst Adi Prayitno from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta described the meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri at the Palace in Jakarta on 19 March 2024 as a warm reunion between long-time friends, noting their past electoral partnership in 2009. The encounter, attended by key figures like DPR Speaker Puan Maharani and Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, signals strong relations between Prabowo and Megawati, particularly as she was unable to attend a previous gathering of former presidents. This interaction underscores political harmony ahead of Idulfitri, highlighting ongoing collaboration among Indonesia's leadership.

Ministry of Religious Affairs Team: Differences in Crescent Moon Altitude Could Trigger Variations in Eid al-Fitr Celebrations Worldwide

A member of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Crescent Sighting Team has indicated that variations in the altitude of the new moon could lead to differing dates for the start of Shawwal 1447 Hijri, potentially causing Eid al-Fitr to be observed on different days across global regions. Astronomical data shows conjunction occurring on 19 March 2026, with moon altitudes ranging from -2.2 degrees in New Zealand to 12.2 degrees in the Americas, influenced by elongation affecting visibility. This sidang isbat, attended by key religious and governmental figures, determines whether Ramadan will be completed with 30 days or end earlier, highlighting the intersection of astronomy and Islamic calendrical practices in Indonesia's religious policy framework.

Solution to Ease Mudik Congestion: Pertamina Introduces Modular Fuel Stations

PT Pertamina, through its subsidiary Pertamina Patra Niaga, is enhancing energy service readiness for the 2026 Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period by deploying 95 modular fuel stations (SPBU Modular) and 61 Pertamina Siaga kiosks at strategic locations along busy mudik routes and tourist areas. These mobile and flexible units aim to reduce queues and ensure easy access to fuel (BBM) in areas lacking permanent stations, minimising congestion during peak travel times. This initiative underscores Pertamina's commitment to optimal energy distribution, integrated with national systems, allowing smoother and more comfortable journeys for the public.

AHY Ensures Trans-Java Toll Road in Prime Condition for 2026 Eid Exodus

The Indonesian government, through Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), has confirmed that the Trans-Java Toll Road is in optimal condition to handle the peak Eid al-Fitr homecoming traffic in 2026. Intensive monitoring of weather, traffic density, and potential incidents is underway, supported by collaboration with the BMKG and field personnel, as part of the multi-agency Operasi Ketupat to ensure safe travels. While some congestion points have been noted, overall flow remains smooth, with sustained oversight planned through the return journey to facilitate safe arrivals for millions of travellers.

10 Memorable Moments from Ramadan 2026: Endless Rain, Ojol Crisis to War

Ramadan 2026 in Indonesia was marked by persistent heavy rains disrupting outdoor activities and businesses, alongside a sharp decline in the IHSG stock index by 4.49% and a weakening rupiah nearing Rp17,000 per US dollar amid global macroeconomic pressures. Social phenomena included an ojol driver shortage crisis, early Eid fashion wars, and soaring transport ticket prices for mudik, while the month unfolded against the backdrop of escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict impacting global trade. These events highlighted the intersection of seasonal traditions with economic volatility and geopolitical tensions.

Ministry of Transportation Records 7.7 Million Eid Travellers Departing via Public Transport

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has reported that 7,753,476 people departed for Eid travel using public transport from H-8 to H-3 in 2026, marking a 10.95% increase from the previous year. Increases were noted across various modes, including railways (15.25%), air travel (6.88%), sea (6.82%), ferries (13.40%), and land (7.64%), with toll gate traffic in Jakarta and Jabodetabek also rising. Officials urge compliance with safety directives amid generally safe weather conditions, though some areas face high waves.

Prabowo Meets Megawati at Merdeka Palace, Hasto Reveals Discussion Topics

President Prabowo Subianto hosted former President Megawati Soekarnoputri at Merdeka Palace in a cordial meeting ahead of Eid al-Fitr, emphasising national unity and familial ties among leaders. The over two-hour discussion covered strategic national issues, geopolitical matters, and Megawati's experiences in resolving multidimensional crises, including Indonesia's historical roles in the Non-Aligned Movement and Asian-African Conference. Attended by key figures like House Speaker Puan Maharani, the encounter underscores a spirit of gotong royong and dialogue for the benefit of the nation.

Tanjung Priok Port Police Establish Five Eid Exodus Service Posts

The Tanjung Priok Port Police in North Jakarta have set up five service posts to assist travellers during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriyah exodus and return flows, involving 130 personnel from various agencies including the military, police, and port authorities. These posts, located at key areas within the port and nearby facilities, aim to enhance public safety, provide guidance on security matters, and facilitate reporting of incidents to ensure smooth and secure journeys. This initiative underscores the authorities' efforts to maintain order and support community travel amid the busy port activities during the festive period.

Eradicating "Dodol" to Prevent Brawls and Mugging

In Bekasi Regency, the illegal trade and abuse of tramadol, a potent opioid known locally as "dodol," has persisted for nearly three decades, fueling youth crimes such as brawls, muggings, and thefts among teenagers. Local activists and MP Obon Tabroni highlight how easy access through informal vendors, mobile kiosks, and cosmetic shops without prescriptions exacerbates the issue in this major industrial hub. They urge consistent enforcement by authorities to dismantle the supply chain and safeguard the younger generation from addiction and criminality.

Archive Statistics

294,510
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period