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Shrouded by Bad Weather, 450,000 Return Vehicles Estimated to Leave Central Java on Sunday, 29 March 2026

An estimated 450,000 vehicles are expected to depart from Central Java on 29 March 2026 as part of the ongoing Eid al-Fitr return traffic, with authorities reporting smooth operations so far despite persistent congestion on key routes like the Trans-Java Toll Road and Pantura. Extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning, pose significant risks to travellers, particularly in mountainous and northern areas, while tidal flooding affects coastal regions. The successful management of traffic flow highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts by police and toll operators in handling the final day of the holiday exodus.

AP II: Garuda Indonesia Flights to Bengkulu Cease Operations

Garuda Indonesia has discontinued its flight operations to and from Bengkulu, with the final flight taking place on 28 March 2026, as confirmed by PT Angkasa Pura II at Fatmawati Soekarno Airport. The decision stems from low passenger occupancy rates on the route, which have led to sustained financial losses for the airline, according to Garuda's Technical Director. Despite appreciation for support from the Bengkulu provincial government, the airline is open to future synergies to potentially restore optimal services.

BGN Threatens to Halt Operations of Partners Involved in Mark-Up of MBG Raw Material Prices

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has warned its partners to operate the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme professionally and with integrity ahead of the Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) resuming operations on 31 March 2026, threatening severe sanctions against those engaging in raw material price mark-ups. Deputy Head Nanik Sudaryati Deyang stated that violators, including those pressuring SPPG heads, will face temporary operational suspensions without incentives, classifying such actions as serious offences that undermine the programme's goals of providing nutrition to the public. As an initial enforcement step, BGN plans to impose one-week suspensions to allow partners time for corrections and reaffirmation of commitment.

iPhone Suddenly Asks for Age, Features Restricted if Under 18

Apple has introduced age verification for iPhone users in the UK through the iOS 26.4 update released in March 2026, requiring confirmation of being over 18 to access certain features, amid pressures from the UK government to protect children from harmful online content. This policy, aligned with the Online Safety Act enforced since 2023, automatically activates safety features like Communication Safety and Web Content Filter for unverified accounts, marking the UK as one of the first countries to implement such device-level protections. Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, has praised the move and plans to expand regulations to operating systems and app stores by 2027, fostering innovation in age verification technology.

East Kalimantan Achieves Highest Education Access in the National Level

East Kalimantan Province has secured the top national ranking for gross participation rate in secondary education, reaching an impressive 99.59 per cent, surpassing provinces like Yogyakarta and Aceh. This achievement underscores the provincial government's commitment to equitable education access, ensuring no child is forced to drop out of school and preparing the youth for global competitiveness. Officials aim to inspire other regions while shifting focus to enhancing education quality to support Indonesia's Golden 2045 vision.

Passenger Traffic at Juanda Airport Grows 5.2 Percent During 2026 Lebaran Post Period

Passenger traffic at Juanda International Airport in Sidoarjo Regency increased by 5.2 percent during the 2026 Lebaran transport period from 13 to 28 March, reaching 713,318 passengers compared to 678,262 the previous year. Aircraft movements also rose by 8.8 percent to 4,719, reflecting high societal mobility during the Eid exodus. Jakarta remained the primary destination, with airport authorities monitoring operations to ensure safety and comfort amid the surge.

Number of Passengers Arriving at Kampung Rambutan Terminal Continues to Increase

The Kampung Rambutan Terminal in East Jakarta recorded 4,597 arriving passengers by Sunday afternoon, an increase from 3,184 on Saturday, amid the ongoing Lebaran homecoming and return travel period. Departures stood at 810 passengers on buses, down from 1,061 the previous day, with popular destinations including Surabaya, Malang, Yogyakarta on Java, and Padang, Palembang on Sumatra. Services at the terminal are running smoothly without significant issues, reflecting the bustling traffic of inter-provincial buses.

Becoming a Marketing Agent: A Low-Capital Business Alternative Gaining Increasing Attention

In Indonesia, where limited capital often hinders entrepreneurial ambitions, becoming a marketing agent in the insurance sector, particularly with firms like Prudential Syariah, is emerging as an attractive low-risk option with high flexibility. This profession not only requires minimal investment but also plays a crucial role in enhancing financial literacy, especially in sharia-compliant products, amid low national rates of 43.42% for sharia financial literacy and 13.41% for inclusion as per the 2024 SNLIK survey. Success stories, such as agent Raka Rosadi Putra handling claims worth billions of rupiah, underscore the potential for substantial earnings through networking and consistent skill development, supported by industry recognitions at events like the 2025 Sharia Insurance Convention and Awards.

Sulsel Education Office urges parents to limit social media use for children from home

The Head of the South Sulawesi Education Office, Andi Iqbal Najamuddin, has called on parents to actively supervise and restrict children's access to gadgets and social media platforms for those under 16 years old, emphasising that primary oversight begins at home. This initiative aligns with the new Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, effective from 28 March 2026, which aims to protect minors from negative content and addiction on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Prior to the regulation's implementation, the office issued a circular on gadget restrictions in schools, while acknowledging their benefits for digital learning, and is promoting collaboration between schools and families to enforce these limits.

Academic: Children's Social Media Restrictions Require Multi-Sector Support

An academic from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman has emphasised the need for multi-sectoral support to effectively implement Indonesia's new policy restricting social media access for children under 16, as outlined in Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025. He highlights that while the policy addresses global concerns about digital harms like cyberbullying and negative content exposure, its success depends on involving parents, schools, service providers, and local governments in creating child-friendly public spaces and integrating it with broader programmes in education and infrastructure. This integrated approach is crucial for fostering a healthier digital environment for children's development in Indonesia.

Bulog Partners with BRIN to Strengthen Rice Stock Management

Perum Bulog has signed an addendum to its memorandum of understanding with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to enhance the management and maintenance of government rice reserves, focusing on preventing pests, preserving product quality, and bolstering national food security. The collaboration expands to include smart farming technologies, warehouse modernisation, food preservation innovations such as radiation technology, and supply chain optimisation to improve efficiency and sustainability. This strategic partnership underscores Indonesia's commitment to leveraging research for adaptive and innovative food systems, ensuring research outcomes are practically implemented beyond the laboratory.

Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims to Depart on 22 April 2026 Amid Middle East Conflict

Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has confirmed that the departure of Hajj pilgrims for 2026 remains on schedule, with pilgrims entering the Hajj dormitory on 21 April and departing on 22 April, despite the ongoing war in the Middle East. The ministry has completed all preparations and is closely monitoring the conflict while coordinating with relevant parties to ensure the pilgrimage proceeds smoothly. The minister expressed hope that the warring parties will respect the Hajj process, allowing Muslim pilgrims worldwide to perform their religious duties in peace.

Minister Irfan Yusuf: Hajj Departure Schedule Unchanged, Pilgrims to Enter Dormitories on 21 April 2026

Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has confirmed that the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage schedule remains on track, with pilgrims entering dormitories on 21 April and departing the following day, despite ongoing monitoring of Middle East tensions. The ministry has completed all technical preparations and is committed to a professional, transparent operation backed by a Rp18 trillion budget, with oversight from anti-corruption bodies to ensure accountability. This assurance aims to provide peace of mind to pilgrims, hoping regional conflicts subside to allow for safe and focused worship.

Batam immigration officer investigated for extortion against foreigners

The Riau Islands regional immigration office has identified an employee with initials JS and a third-party individual AS as suspects in an extortion scheme targeting foreign nationals in Batam. The case involves three foreigners, including a Myanmar national, who were allegedly coerced into paying S$250 after initial demands of S$100 each for immigration violations like lacking a return ticket. Officials have pledged disciplinary action, ongoing investigations, and enhanced monitoring to prevent future incidents and ensure proper immigration services.

New Finance Ministry Secretary General Urged to Address State Revenue Leakages

Economic observers have called on Robert Leonard Marbun, the newly appointed Secretary General of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance, to tackle systemic leakages in state revenue, particularly at ports and customs where mafia-like practices persist. With his extensive experience in customs enforcement and fiscal policy, Marbun is seen as well-equipped to improve governance and integrity within the bureaucracy, potentially boosting tax revenues amid global geopolitical pressures. His role will focus on internal reforms, including personnel selection and oversight, to ensure fiscal stability and combat entrenched corruption.

Five Individuals Dominate Indonesia's Coal Sector, Wealth Not Diminished

Despite a decline in global coal prices in 2024 due to increased production in India and a drop to US$136 per tonne for Newcastle coal, five prominent Indonesian tycoons continue to amass significant fortunes from the coal mining industry. Low Tuck Kwong, the Widjaja family, Garibaldi Thohir, Kiki Barki, and Edwin Soeryadjaya lead the sector through major companies like PT Bayan Resources, Sinar Mas Group's subsidiaries, and PT Adaro, with their combined wealth exceeding tens of billions of US dollars according to Forbes. This resilience highlights the enduring profitability of Indonesia's coal sector for these conglomerates, even as diversified business interests bolster their rankings among the nation's richest.

PP Tunas Shields Parents in Protecting Children from Social Media Dangers

The Indonesian government has introduced PP Tunas, a regulation effective from 28 March 2026, limiting children's access to eight high-risk digital platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram to safeguard them from social media perils, particularly sexual content exposure affecting around 50% of young internet users. Child development expert from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Novi Poespita Candra, emphasises that while restrictions are necessary, true protection lies in building internal resilience through digital literacy education in homes and schools, mirroring practices in advanced nations. This policy aims to foster wise technology use among children, reducing addiction risks and promoting balanced development without outright banning digital access.

Temanggung Communication and Informatics Office Implements Strategic Measures to Protect Children

The Temanggung District Communication and Informatics Office (Dinkominfo) is actively pursuing strategic initiatives to shield Generation Z from digital risks amid rapid technological advancements. Through programmes like Ruang Digital Masyarakat (Rudimas), the office is enhancing digital literacy in remote villages and educating schools and parents on guiding children to use the internet wisely and responsibly. These efforts aim to enable children to harness technology's benefits while avoiding its negative impacts, addressing concerns in education and family life.

Rano states Jakarta Pavilion revitalisation at TMII prepares for the digital era

Jakarta's Deputy Governor Rano Karno has announced that the revitalisation of the Jakarta Pavilion at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) will adopt a visionary long-term approach spanning 20 years, focusing on immersive digital experiences to engage younger generations in the digital age. The project, budgeted at Rp77.5 billion with a mix of non-APBD and APBD funding, aims to showcase Betawi culture and Jakarta's diversity, serving as a promotional and educational hub ahead of the city's 500th anniversary in 2027. Construction is slated to begin in June 2026, with completion targeted within one year to coincide with the milestone celebrations.

Gus Salam: UN Must Swiftly End the Zionist Israel-US War with Iran

KH Abdussalam Shohib, known as Gus Salam, a prominent Indonesian Islamic scholar and former deputy chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama in East Java, has urged the United Nations to immediately halt the ongoing conflict between Israel, backed by the United States, and Iran to preserve humanity and global peace. He criticises the war as driven by hubris, ambition, and historical patterns of domination seen in civilisations from Persia to the modern era, warning that such arrogance leads only to destruction. Despite 47 years of global embargoes and political pressure, Gus Salam highlights Iran's resilience through its national ideology, science, and technology, positioning it as a symbol of resistance.

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303,445
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1012
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1994-2026
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