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One Gate System Levy for Kintamani to Be Trialled in July 2026

The Bangli Regency government plans to overhaul the manual ticketing system for the Kintamani tourist area along Jalan Raya Penelokan by implementing an online-based one gate system, with trials scheduled for July or August 2026 and full execution in October 2026. This initiative aims to streamline entry fees, allowing visitors to purchase tickets online for access and selected services without additional payments at multiple points, while maintaining flexibility for on-site purchases and separate fees for individual attractions. The move addresses recent complaints about unclear fee collection practices, with infrastructure improvements and vendor partnerships currently in preparation to enhance the tourist experience and management efficiency.

Central Java Governor Urges Returnees Not to Rush Back

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has urged Eid returnees not to hurry back, encouraging them to utilise the work from anywhere policy on 25-27 March 2026 to avoid traffic congestion during the peak return flow. He highlighted that while 1.8 million vehicles entered the province during the outbound journey, only about 1.1 million have exited so far, with road infrastructure in good condition and traffic accidents reduced due to improved public awareness. The implementation of a one-way traffic system from Semarang's Kalikangkung toll gate, attended by the National Police Chief and three ministers, aims to ensure a smooth and safe return amid national traffic management upgrades.

Residents Urged to Maximise WFA to Avoid Traffic Congestion During Return Flow

Indonesia's Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, has urged the public to make full use of Work from Anywhere (WFA) arrangements during 25-27 March 2026 to reduce traffic density on the Trans-Java Toll Road amid the peak Eid al-Fitr return flow on 24, 28, and 29 March. A national one-way traffic system will be implemented from KM 414 at Kalikangkung Toll Gate to KM 70 at Cikampek Utara Toll Gate, with an expected 285,000 vehicles heading to Jakarta on 24 March. Additional measures include temporary closure of Rest Area KM 52B on the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road and recommendations to use alternative rest areas, alongside advice to check dynamic traffic engineering via the Travoy app or Jasa Marga call centre.

Saudi Ambassador: Iran's Attacks Destabilise Middle East, Impact is Enormous

The Saudi Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah Al Amoudi, has strongly condemned Iran's attacks on Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, describing them as violations of international agreements that severely threaten regional stability. He highlighted that over 85% of these attacks target neighbouring Arab and Muslim countries rather than Israel, exacerbating divisions among Muslim nations and leading to Iran's growing isolation. Saudi Arabia welcomes international support, including UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which demands Iran cease its escalatory actions.

Recommended E-Toll Balance for Travellers from Semarang to Jakarta

PT Jasa Marga has advised holiday returnees travelling from Semarang to Jakarta to ensure their e-toll balance is at least Rp 500,000 for Class I vehicles to avoid delays at toll gates. This recommendation follows an evaluation of the 2026 Lebaran migration period, which revealed that around 21,000 vehicles at Gerbang Tol Kalikangkung needed on-site top-ups, leading to queues. The measure aims to maintain smooth traffic flow during the high-volume return period, especially at critical points like GT Cikampek Utama, while reminding users of the closed-system rules on the Trans Java toll road.

Amid Economic Difficulties, Indonesian President Urges Citizens to Live Frugally

President Prabowo Subianto has called on the Cabinet to review austerity measures, including fuel consumption and work-from-home policies, to mitigate the potential prolonged impact of the Middle East conflict on Indonesia's economy. This approach echoes the actions of former President Soeharto in 1986, who urged frugal living across society during a global oil price slump that strained national finances. While Soeharto's measures, including economic deregulation, eventually stabilised growth, critics noted that elite indulgence often undermined such calls for simplicity.

Soekarno-Hatta handles nearly two million passengers over Eid period

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport managed 1,983,067 passengers and 13,184 flights from 14 to 24 March during the Eid period, reflecting a 5.6 percent increase from 2019 pre-pandemic levels and indicating robust recovery in air travel demand. Peak traffic occurred on 14 March with 184,000 passengers, surpassing projections, driven by domestic routes to Denpasar, Kualanamu, Makassar, and Surabaya, alongside international links to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The airport ensured seamless operations through enhanced coordination, full staffing, and extended transportation services, preparing for an anticipated 198,387 returning passengers on 28 March.

Reasons for the Decline in Gold Prices Since the US-Iran War

Global gold prices have fallen over 14% since the onset of the US-Iran war, with a 11% drop in the past week marking the steepest decline since 1983. Experts attribute this unusual downturn amid geopolitical tensions to profit-taking after two years of high prices, a shift towards cash holdings and the US dollar as the preferred safe haven, and expectations of prolonged high interest rates making bonds more attractive than non-yielding gold. While the strengthening dollar and fragmented demand among safe-haven assets pressure gold further, its future trajectory depends on interest rate dynamics and potential escalation of global conflicts impacting energy and trade.

Digital Marketing Salaries Reach Rp 35 Million, UNM's Digital Business Programme Prepares Job-Ready Talent

The rapid advancement of technology and digital transformation is creating new career opportunities in various industries, with salaries for digital marketing professionals in Indonesia ranging from Rp 4 million for entry-level positions to over Rp 35 million for managers. In response, the Digital Business Programme at Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), known as the Digital Business Campus, is equipping students with practical, industry-aligned skills in areas such as digital marketing, online business management, and data analysis to meet the growing demand for digital professionals. This initiative highlights the programme's commitment to producing graduates who are not only employable but also capable of innovating in the digital economy.

Jasa Marga urges holiday returnees to ensure sufficient e-toll balance during the return flow

PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk has advised travellers returning from Eid holidays to ensure they have enough e-toll balance to avoid delays at toll gates, following an evaluation of the outbound period that revealed 21,000 vehicles with insufficient funds at key points like GT Kalikangkung, causing significant queues. For the return journey, particularly at GT Cikampek Utama, the company recommends preparing at least Rp500,000 for vehicles from Semarang to Jakarta and Rp1,000,000 from Surabaya, while reminding users to use the same card for entry and exit and to top up via apps, banks, or rest areas. This measure aims to maintain smooth traffic flow on the Trans Java toll road, highlighting the importance of preparation to prevent disruptions during peak travel times.

MAKI Warns KPK: Do Not Toy with the People's Feelings Over Special Detention Case

The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) has sharply criticised the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for controversially granting house arrest to former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, accusing it of discrimination and undermining public trust. In protest, MAKI displayed satirical banners at KPK headquarters highlighting the agency's perceived leniency towards prominent figures, contrasting it with the continued detention of co-suspect Gus Alex. MAKI plans to report the incident to the KPK Supervisory Board and prepare legal challenges to ensure procedural integrity in high-profile corruption cases.

With Japek II South Toll Road, Return Flow to Jabotabek Claimed to be Smoother

The Ministry of Public Works has functionally opened the 52-kilometre Japek II South Toll Road to support smoother return traffic to the Jabotabek area during the 2026 Lebaran period, particularly for Group I vehicles from Bandung to Jakarta. This alternative route helps alleviate congestion on the main Japek Toll and MBZ Elevated Road, with users reporting more efficient and comfortable journeys despite ongoing construction. The full 64-kilometre toll road connects Bekasi to Purwakarta, enhancing national connectivity for safer and more efficient travel.

Number of vehicles crossing Cirebon's North Coast Route continues to increase

The Cirebon City Transportation Agency reported a significant surge in vehicle traffic on the North Coast Route, reaching 3,264 units per hour on Tuesday night, as residents returned to their hometowns following Eid al-Fitr celebrations in 2026. Motorcycles dominated the flow with 68,364 units heading towards Jakarta, marking an increase from the previous day's volume of around 63,024 units. Authorities are monitoring and managing traffic at key points while urging travellers to exercise caution and comply with traffic rules during this peak return period.

Defence Ministry-TNI Fuel Efficiency Measures: DPR Member Says It Does Not Reduce Defence Commitment

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence and the TNI have implemented fuel efficiency measures to optimise resource use amid global geopolitical dynamics and national fiscal challenges, according to Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the DPR, Dave Laksono, who praised the initiative as a wise approach that maintains operational readiness without compromising defence commitments. Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait from the Defence Ministry's Information Bureau explained that these administrative and managerial adjustments prioritise strategic operations and national resilience, including prioritised use of weaponry systems and reduced workdays where feasible. This policy is seen as enhancing modern, transparent, and sustainable defence governance, thereby strengthening overall national defence.

Komdigi Deploys 500 Command Posts to Ensure Smooth Telecommunications and Internet Services

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has deployed approximately 500 command posts across Indonesia in collaboration with mobile operators to maintain seamless telecommunications and internet services during Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026. These posts effectively handled over 90% of complaints amid traffic surges, particularly in Bali where internet speeds exceeded national averages, reaching up to 250 Mbps at Ngurah Rai International Airport. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to reliable connectivity during high-traffic holiday periods, with minimal frequency interference ensuring safety despite increased flight activities.

Toll road users urged to ensure sufficient e-Toll balance to avoid queues at toll gates

PT Jasa Marga has advised toll road users to maintain adequate e-Toll balances to prevent delays and queues at toll gates, particularly during the upcoming Idulfitri holiday return traffic. An evaluation of the holiday period from 11 to 22 March 2026 revealed 21,000 vehicles at Kalikangkung toll gate needed top-ups, representing 4.9% of total transactions, which caused significant delays. The company recommends preparing at least Rp500,000 for Semarang-Jakarta trips and Rp1,000,000 for Surabaya-Jakarta, while offering multiple top-up options to ensure smooth traffic flow.

ASDP Ketapang prepares operational scenarios for ferries during the return flow

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry is coordinating with relevant agencies to prepare operational scenarios for ferry services across the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route in anticipation of the 2026 Lebaran return flow. The company emphasises measured, adaptive measures prioritising safety to ensure smooth, safe, and controlled traffic amid expected surges in vehicle volumes and potential extreme weather. Key strategies include the Turn Back Boarding scheme to expedite queue clearance and the deployment of large-capacity vessels like KMP Portlink VII and KMP Liputan XII to accelerate loading and unloading processes.

Marco Rubio: Trump's 'Chameleon' of Trust, the Brain Behind America's Hardline Policies

Marco Rubio has transformed from a vocal critic of Donald Trump to his trusted Secretary of State, guiding the administration's increasingly aggressive foreign policy, including military actions in Venezuela and Iran. Rubio's adaptability and strategic positioning have elevated his standing within Trump's inner circle, positioning him as a potential frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination amid shifting betting odds and polls. Despite criticisms of his ideological flexibility, Rubio's role underscores the delicate balance of loyalty and influence in the Trump era, with European governments viewing him as a pragmatic counterpart.

Europe witnesses wave of protests condemning US-Israel attacks on Iran

Thousands of protesters took to the streets across Europe, including in London, Madrid, Lisbon, and Sofia, to denounce the ongoing US-Israel military strikes against Iran, demanding an immediate ceasefire and an end to foreign interventions in the Middle East. Demonstrators criticised the operations as aggressive and futile, highlighting concerns over rising oil prices, global insecurity, and the need for European strategic autonomy amid perceived US blackmail. The widespread actions, supported by political figures and over 70 groups in some cases, reflect growing public opposition to Western military policies in the region as the conflict enters its third week.

Ruling on Pindar Case to Be Read Soon, Direction of Fintech Industry at Stake

The Indonesian Competition Commission (KPPU) is set to deliver its ruling on Case No. 05/KPPU-I/2025 regarding alleged violations of Article 5 of Law No. 5 of 1999 in the online lending sector on Thursday, 26 March 2026. Chairman M. Fanshurullah Asa stated that the deliberation process has reached its final stage, with the commission having thoroughly examined evidence and engaged stakeholders to ensure an objective and accountable decision. This ruling holds significant implications for the competitive landscape of Indonesia's fintech industry, underscoring KPPU's commitment to legal certainty and effective enforcement.

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298,387
Total Articles
1012
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1994-2026
Coverage Period