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Monitor 2026 Eid Exodus and Return Flows via Dedicated Ministry of Transportation Channel

The Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has launched Nusantara Hub - Live Streaming to provide real-time updates on traffic and transportation conditions during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr exodus, helping the public avoid misinformation and plan journeys effectively. This integrated digital platform supports multi-modal transport services, including free exodus programmes, and is coordinated through the Central Integrated Eid Transportation Command Post. With peak exodus expected on 18 March 2026, the ministry urges citizens to use this official channel and the 151 Contact Center for reliable information on traffic, weather, and high-risk points.

UBSI Tegal Explores Collaboration with FIFGROUP Brebes to Open Internship and Recruitment Opportunities

Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) Tegal campus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Federal International Finance (FIFGROUP) Brebes branch to foster student career development through internships and recruitment programmes. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs, enhancing graduates' professional readiness in a dynamic job market. This collaboration underscores UBSI's commitment as an accredited digital creative campus to expand industry networks and provide real-world exposure for students.

Peak Return Flow Predicted to Surpass Mudik, Crowded with 285,000 Vehicles

The peak of the Lebaran 2026 return flow is forecasted to exceed 285,000 vehicles, surpassing the 270,315 vehicles recorded during the outbound mudik peak, prompting Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi to urge the public to avoid travel on the anticipated peak days of 24, 28, and 29 March 2026. Authorities recommend utilising public holidays to return to Jabotabek on 23 March or the Work From Anywhere period between 25-27 March to ensure smoother traffic distribution and greater comfort. PT Jasa Marga is enhancing toll road services, offering a 30% discount on select routes from 26-27 March, and monitoring traffic in real-time to manage the influx effectively.

Peak Return Flow Predicted for 2 April 2026

PT Pelni, Indonesia's state-owned shipping company, anticipates the peak of the return flow during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr period on 2 April, with an estimated 27,009 passengers. As of 23 March, ticket sales have reached 171,438, and the company has prepared by enhancing coordination, increasing personnel, ensuring seaworthy vessels, and urging travellers to book official tickets to avoid shortages and fakes. Pelni emphasises safety, comfort, and reliable national sea transportation services, operating 25 passenger ships across 483 routes and 75 ports, alongside logistics and pioneering vessel operations to support mobility in remote areas.

40 Countries Confirm Participation in Jam Gadang Centenary Seminar

The city of Bukittinggi in West Sumatra is preparing for the centenary celebration of the iconic Jam Gadang clock tower in June 2026, with 40 countries already confirming attendance at an international seminar and literacy event focused on its history from the Dutch colonial era. The event will feature Indonesia's Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, alongside architects to study the 27-metre structure with its distinctive Minangkabau roof design. Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias highlighted unique features, including the clock's Roman numeral IV rendered as IIII and its rare mechanism shared only with London's Big Ben.

US Military Accuses Iran of 300 Attacks Targeting Civilians

The head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), Brad Cooper, has accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilians over 300 times in recent weeks due to desperation amid its deteriorating military capabilities. Cooper noted a significant reduction in the volume of Iranian drone and missile attacks, with Pentagon data showing a 90% drop in missile launches and 86% in drone strikes since the conflict's outset. Additionally, CENTCOM reported a successful US airstrike on a turbine engine production facility in Qom province, which supplied components for IRGC-linked drones and aircraft, sharing before-and-after images to illustrate the damage.

Waste Transport to Sarimukti Landfill Resumes, Waste Management Gradually Returns to Normal

The Bandung City Environmental Agency (DLH) has confirmed that waste transportation to the Sarimukti Final Disposal Site (TPA) has resumed, allowing waste management across various points to gradually normalise after recent restrictions caused pile-ups. Monitoring via the Smart Waste Management system shows ongoing transport and processing activities, with the Gaslah programme exceeding daily targets in four districts and over 50% in ten others. Officials anticipate full normalisation by tomorrow and urge residents to reduce waste at the source while continuing coordinated efforts to address remaining accumulations in key areas like Ciwastra, Cijambe, and Jalan Indramayu.

Prabowo: Foreign Ownership in Media Companies is Limited

President Prabowo Subianto has reassured the media industry that foreign investment in broadcasting and publishing sectors will remain governed by national laws, capping foreign ownership at 20% for private broadcasters and prohibiting majority foreign stakes in press companies. This statement addresses concerns over the Indonesia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), which could potentially allow up to 100% foreign ownership, though Prabowo emphasised that the deal respects domestic regulations and is subject to parliamentary ratification and potential renegotiation. Industry leaders, including AJI Chair Nany Afrida, view unrestricted foreign investment as a serious threat to national media independence and information sovereignty.

Is Jakarta's Odd-Even Policy in Effect Today? Check the Info!

The odd-even vehicle restriction policy in Jakarta is suspended during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period, including on 23 March 2026, as confirmed by Metro Jaya Police Chief Irjen Asep Edi Suheri. The peak return flow of Eid travellers is expected in two phases on 23-24 March and 28-29 March, with authorities urging staggered travel and promoting work-from-anywhere options to ease congestion. Starting 24 March, a national one-way traffic scheme will be implemented to manage the anticipated influx of returning vehicles.

Google Co-Founder Spends Rp 764.4 Billion to Avoid Tax on the Wealthy

Google co-founder Sergey Brin has contributed US$45 million (approximately Rp 764.4 billion) to a Super PAC aimed at blocking California's proposed billionaire tax, which would impose a one-time 5% levy on assets exceeding US$1 billion to fund education, food aid, and healthcare. The initiative has drawn opposition from Silicon Valley elites, including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and other tech moguls like Peter Thiel, prompting some, including Brin, to relocate to Nevada to evade the tax. This resistance highlights tensions between wealthy tech leaders and progressive tax reforms in California, potentially impacting public funding for essential services.

During Homecoming Flow, Pelni Serves 316,000 Passengers

PT Pelni, Indonesia's national shipping company, transported 316,602 passengers during the 2026 homecoming period from 6 to 22 March, marking a slight 0.5% increase from the previous year's 315,128 passengers. The peak occurred on 18 March with 31,255 passengers, with Balikpapan as the busiest departure port, Surabaya as the busiest arrival port, and the Batam-Belawan route being the most popular. A government 30% ticket discount programme significantly aided passengers like Jakarta resident Khaidir, reducing his fare from Tanjung Priok to Ambon from Rp892,000 to Rp590,000 amid economic challenges.

Avoid Severe Traffic Jams, West Java Police Chief Urges to Avoid Return Flow on 24 March

West Java Police Chief Irjen Pol Rudi Setiawan has urged residents to avoid travelling back on 24 March 2026, the predicted peak of the Lebaran return flow, to prevent severe traffic congestion. He recommends utilising the ongoing work-from-anywhere policy until 28 March and planning journeys wisely, while emphasising road safety and compliance with traffic directives. Police strategies include deploying personnel at high-risk points, mobile anti-congestion teams, and monitoring tourist areas like Puncak and Pangandaran, where vehicle traffic has already increased by 30% on the first day of Eid.

Breaking! Gold Prices Plummet 6%, Fall to US$4,200 Level

Gold prices have crashed 5.8% to US$4,226.57 per troy ounce, marking the first time below US$4,200 since November 2025, amid escalating Middle East tensions that have driven oil prices above US$110 per barrel and shifted market expectations towards higher global interest rates. Analysts note that the strengthening US dollar and fears of inflation combined with potential Federal Reserve rate hikes are reducing gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset, with last week's 10.58% drop being the largest in 43 years. This volatility underscores the broader macroeconomic risks, including a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global trade and manufacturing costs.

ISI Bali Awards International Honour to Ambassador Fadjroel Rachman

The Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Bali has bestowed the prestigious international Bali Bhuwana Nata Kerthi Nugraha 2026 award upon Indonesian Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Dr. M. Fadjroel Rachman, in recognition of his contributions to bridging art, science, and global humanism. During the institute's graduation ceremony, Rachman delivered a scientific oration on the symbolic revolution of art and science towards a meta-revolution of global humanism, highlighting the synergy between culture, knowledge, and diplomacy. This accolade underscores Indonesia's growing cultural influence abroad, as evidenced by events like the Bali Night Festival in Kazakhstan, and celebrates Rachman's multifaceted literary and intellectual achievements.

Prabowo says Indonesia never pledged US$1 billion to Board of Peace, reaffirms peacekeeper role

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has clarified that Indonesia never committed to paying US$1 billion to join the US-initiated Board of Peace as a premium member, emphasising that membership is voluntary and Indonesia was absent from the inaugural meeting where pledges were made. He reaffirmed Indonesia's readiness to deploy peacekeeping troops to Gaza once a ceasefire is achieved and relevant parties agree, while highlighting the country's history of humanitarian aid to Palestine. This stance dispels concerns over potential burdens on the state budget and underscores Indonesia's diplomatic commitment to Middle East peace efforts without financial obligations.

Gus Yaqut Cholil Qoumas' Camp States KPK's Considerations Comply with Regulations

The lawyer for former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has affirmed that the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) decision to switch his client's detention status from a detention centre to house arrest in the alleged 2024 Hajj quota corruption case follows all applicable procedures and legal requirements. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the change is temporary, effective from 19 March 2026 following a family request, and is based on Article 108 of the Criminal Procedure Code, with ongoing strict monitoring to ensure it does not impede the investigation. This development has drawn criticism from Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), which views it as risky due to potential evidence tampering and has urged the KPK's Ethics Council to examine the leadership's decision.

Bali Police Chief Inspects Masceti Post to Ensure Smooth Nyepi-Eid Return Flow

Bali Police Chief Irjen Daniel Adityajaya visited the Masceti Zebra Service Post in Gianyar on Monday to verify preparations for the safe and efficient return of travellers following Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr holidays. Accompanied by senior officers, he inspected traffic management on the key Prof Ida Bagus Mantra Bypass route and operational facilities to support public safety. The visit underscored the police's commitment to integrated security measures amid heightened mobility on the island during the extended holiday period.

Video: Manufacturers Offer Battery Rental to Reduce Electric Motorcycle Prices

The Indonesian government's decision to halt sales incentives for electric motorcycles from 2025 poses a significant challenge to the industry in boosting sales. Polytron's Commercial Director, Tekno Wibowo, highlights the need for high-quality products, strong branding, and extensive service networks to succeed. To address this, Polytron is introducing a battery rental system, allowing consumers to purchase the motorcycle unit while the manufacturer assumes the risk of battery damage, thereby lowering the upfront cost.

Annual SPT Reporting for 2025 Reaches 8.7 Million by 22 March 2026

The Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes has recorded 8.78 million annual income tax returns (SPT Tahunan PPh) for the 2025 tax year as of 22 March 2026, predominantly from individual taxpayers including 7.75 million employees and 846,000 non-employees. Corporate filings stand at a modest 1,556, while the activation of the new Coretax system has reached 16.68 million users, highlighting efforts to modernise tax administration. With deadlines approaching on 31 March for individuals and 30 April for corporations, the DJP urges timely submissions to avoid penalties and ensure smooth compliance.

Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Placed Under House Arrest Seen as Sign of KPK Softening

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has shifted former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas from detention to house arrest in the ongoing corruption case involving the 2024 Hajj quota, drawing sharp criticism from anti-corruption experts and observers. Researchers and legal analysts argue that this decision undermines the KPK's credibility, risks evidence tampering or flight, and sets a dangerous precedent for unequal treatment in high-profile corruption prosecutions. While KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo insists the change is temporary and will not hinder the legal process, calls are mounting for the KPK's supervisory board to investigate the decision for potential bias.

Archive Statistics

297,317
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period