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FAO Report: Indonesian Agricultural Land Increased by 10 Million Hectares in Two Years, Mostly Palm Oil

According to the latest FAO report, Indonesia has experienced one of the world's most significant agricultural land expansions over the past two decades, with agricultural land increasing by approximately 10 million hectares in the recent period, predominantly driven by palm oil plantation expansion. Between 2001 and 2022, Indonesia's agricultural land increased by 10 million hectares (28 per cent), positioning it among the world's largest agricultural land areas. Whilst this expansion has boosted the agricultural sector and export revenues, it has raised environmental concerns regarding forest cover changes and sustainability.

Samsung Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra Officially Released in Indonesia

Samsung has officially launched its Galaxy S26 series in Indonesia on 18 March 2026, with three models available for purchase through Samsung Store, Samsung.com/id and retail outlets. The new devices feature significant camera improvements, including enhanced Nightography capabilities, larger f/1.4 aperture on the Ultra model, and new features like Horizontal Lock for video stabilisation and Privacy Display to prevent shoulder surfing.

Iranian Cluster Missiles Cause Chaos in Tel Aviv: Two Dead, Building Collapses, Power Cut

A wave of Iranian missile attacks struck Tel Aviv and surrounding areas early Wednesday, 18 March 2026, killing at least two people and wounding others, with cluster munitions impacting 15 different locations across the region. The strikes caused significant infrastructure damage including the collapse of a building in central Tel Aviv, power outages in Hasharon, and major disruption to the Sedor railway station. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed the attacks as retaliation for US and Israeli aggression, warning that American and Israeli interests throughout the West Asia region remain legitimate military targets.

Kredivo Strengthens Social Contribution During Ramadan, Kredit Pintar Supports Al Mahbub Prayer Hall Development

Kredit Pintar, a licensed online lending platform, has donated IDR 100 million towards the construction of the Al Mahbub Prayer Hall and Qur'an Council in Tangerang, Banten, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives during Ramadan. The facility, which began construction in June 2025 and can accommodate approximately 200 worshippers, aims to serve as a centre for religious education, community empowerment, and Islamic economic activities. The donation reflects Kredit Pintar's commitment to supporting community development whilst strengthening religious and social initiatives that benefit society.

Military Headquarters Responds to Allegations of Military Personnel's Involvement in Acid Attack on KontraS Activist

Indonesia's military headquarters (Mabes TNI) has initiated an internal investigation into allegations that military personnel were involved in an acid attack against Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of KontraS, a human rights advocacy group. Military Spokesperson Major General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah pledged that the investigation would be conducted professionally and transparently, whilst President Prabowo Subianto has instructed authorities to investigate the case objectively and swiftly.

Nyepi-Eid Holiday Period Begins, Jakarta Traffic 'Clear'

Jakarta's traffic has eased significantly as the Nyepi-Eid holiday period commenced on 18 March 2026, with many residents departing the capital for their hometowns. Key thoroughfares including Pancoran Flyover and Gatot Subroto–Kuningan corridor showed clear traffic conditions, as indicated by green traffic signals on Google Maps. The extended holiday runs from 18 to 24 March, encompassing two days of Nyepi (Balinese New Year) observance and five days of Idul Fitri celebration, with corresponding shared leave days designated by inter-ministerial coordination.

Indonesian Government Anticipates USTR Investigation, Prepares Strong Arguments and Evidence

The Indonesian government is preparing robust arguments and evidence to counter a potential trade investigation by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following a US Supreme Court decision that invalidated the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The investigation focuses on alleged excess manufacturing capacity and structural overproduction, as well as enforcement of prohibitions on forced labour imports. The government has established an inter-agency coordination team to consolidate submissions and demonstrate that Indonesia's manufacturing practices comply with WTO regulations and international trade rules.

Three District Heads in Central Java Snared in KPK Anti-Corruption Operations Within Three Months

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested three regents in Central Java province within three months, with the latest being Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman on 13 March 2026. Previously, the KPK arrested Pati Regent Sudewo in January 2026 and Pekalongan Regent Fadia Arafiq on 3 March 2026, with Fadia accused of corruption involving outsourcing procurement that allegedly benefited his own company. The swift succession of arrests has prompted Central Java's Governor Ahmad Luthfi to warn local officials to strengthen transparency and oversight mechanisms to prevent further corruption.

Empty Homes During Eid Migration Vulnerable to Theft: How to Protect Them

Police and local authorities in Jakarta and Bekasi are intensifying security measures during the 2026 Ketupat Operation to protect homes left empty during the Eid migration, with residents encouraged to register their departure plans with neighbourhood associations and authorities. In addition to government patrols by police and military units, homeowners are urged to implement practical security measures such as securing locks, checking electrical systems, and monitoring fire hazards before leaving for their hometowns.

Vespa Sprint and Primavera: The Backbone of Sales in Indonesia

PT Piaggio Indonesia has unveiled five new models from its Vespa Primavera and Sprint lines, which together account for more than 60 per cent of the company's total national sales. The new generation features the company's new i-get engine with a capacity of 180 cc, an upgrade from the previous 150 cc, providing increased power and torque for an improved riding experience.

Lebaran amid Natural Warning Signs

West Nusa Tenggara faces heightened weather risks during mid-March as the region transitions between monsoon seasons, with forecasts indicating frequent moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, and potential tidal flooding coinciding with Lebaran celebrations. The Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency warns that whilst extreme rainfall probability has declined, the high frequency of moderate rain and tidal surges of up to 1.9 metres pose significant threats to coastal areas and increased holiday travel activities.

Escalating Tensions: Petro and Noboa Trade Accusations Over Border Bombing Incident Between Colombia and Ecuador

Diplomatic tensions between Colombia and Ecuador reached a critical point on Tuesday as Presidents Gustavo Petro and Daniel Noboa engaged in a fierce dispute over alleged Ecuadorian military airstrikes that crossed into Colombian territory near their shared border. Petro claimed an unexploded bomb fell 100 metres from a family home and demanded an investigation, whilst Noboa denied the allegations and accused Colombia of failing to secure its border against criminal groups. The confrontation reflects broader regional political dynamics, including Ecuador's recent membership in Trump's anti-narcotics coalition and the strategic importance of their 586-kilometre border as a major cocaine trafficking route.

Udayana Military Command States Rape Suspect Who Evaded TNI Recruitment Violated Law on Police Clearance Certificate

The Udayana Military Command (Kodam IX/Udayana) has identified alleged legal violations by Aloysius Dalo Odjan (ADO), a rape suspect who fraudulently obtained a Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK) to enlist in the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) as a Prada (private second class) in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. ADO's military appointment has been annulled and his status reverted to civilian; authorities suspect document forgery under Article 263 of the Criminal Code and Article 391 of the 2023 National Criminal Code. The Udayana Military Command visited the rape victim's family to offer moral support and ensure fair legal proceedings.

Transjakarta Tourism Route to Operate Until Evening During Eid Holiday Period 18–24 March 2026

Transjakarta will operate special tourism routes and extended service hours throughout the Eid holiday period from 18–24 March 2026, with regular services running until 23:59 WIB and dedicated tourist buses from 10:00–17:00 WIB. The service expansion includes additional routes to popular Jakarta attractions such as Ancol, the National Monument, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, alongside shuttle connections to ports and extended hours at intercity railway stations. Passengers will also benefit from a special fare of Rp 1 on Eid day itself, and overnight assistance routes (EID1–EID5) will operate during the return rush period.

East Jakarta Administration Repairs Thousands of Potholes for Ramadan Exodus Comfort

The East Jakarta municipal government has repaired 1,554 potholes across ten districts from 1-15 March to ensure safe and comfortable travel for Ramadan exodus travellers in 2026. The repairs, prompted by severe rainfall since January causing extensive road damage, utilise hotmix asphalt and other materials to cover approximately 7,256 square metres of road surface. The administration pledges continued monitoring and repairs, whilst traffic police have also conducted separate operations to clear dangerous metal objects from key exodus routes.

Ramadhan aboard waste collection trucks: stories of 'transformer' drivers at Sarimukti landfill

Severe congestion at Sarimukti landfill in West Bandung has forced waste collection truck drivers to spend long overnight hours waiting to dispose of rubbish during Ramadhan. Drivers report queues extending 1.5 kilometres and waits of over seven hours, forcing them to depart late at night and sleep in their vehicles to ensure waste from Bandung can be dumped, limiting operations to a single trip per day.

Accounts Drained Instantly; Don't Scan QR Codes Carelessly

Indonesian authorities warn of a rising "quishing" fraud scheme combining QR codes with phishing tactics to steal personal information and financial credentials. Scammers exploit the ease of QR code creation to lure victims to malicious websites or trick them into downloading dangerous software and revealing login details, though several preventative measures exist including avoiding unfamiliar QR codes and enabling two-factor authentication.

The Scheme to Eliminate Important Officials Through Vicious Slander

This article recounts historical accounts from the Majapahit Kingdom, documenting how Mahapati Halayudha used deception and false accusations to eliminate rival officials and consolidate power, eventually becoming mahapatih (prime minister) in 1316. The chronicle details three cases of politically-motivated removals—those of Ranggalawe, Lembu Sora, and Pati Nambi—showcasing the use of slander as a political weapon in medieval Indonesian court politics.

PLN ensures optimal electricity supply to Nusantara Capital and East Kalimantan during Ramadan and Eid period

PT PLN's East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan Distribution Unit has mobilised 1,210 personnel and reinforced electrical infrastructure to guarantee stable power supply to the Nusantara Capital (IKN) and surrounding regions during the Ramadan and Eid period from 12-31 March 2026. The company anticipates peak demand of 804.8 megawatts during Eid al-Fitr against available capacity of 976.6 megawatts, providing a safety margin of 171.8 megawatts.

Why Gold Prices Haven't Risen During the Iran Conflict: Here's Why

Despite the escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict reaching its 18th day and oil prices surging above $100 per barrel following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, gold prices have remained unexpectedly stable around $5,000 per ounce rather than rallying as a safe-haven asset. Economists attribute this anomaly to anticipated US interest rate increases, gold's already elevated prices at historic highs, the strengthening of the US dollar as an alternative safe asset, and expectations of higher inflation, all of which have reduced gold's appeal to investors.

Archive Statistics

292,649
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period