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Return Traffic Not Over Yet, Second Peak Predicted This Weekend

Jasa Marga, Indonesia's state-owned toll road operator, has successfully managed the initial peak of return traffic on 24 March 2026 and is now preparing for a second peak expected on 28-29 March. To ease congestion, the company is offering a 30% toll discount on nine road sections for continuous journeys on 26-27 March, encouraging travellers to use the Travoy app for better planning. Indonesian Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has also urged the public to optimise travel times to reduce traffic density during the peak periods.

Gambir Station Remains on Alert to Handle Return Flows Until 30 March 2026

Gambir Station in Jakarta continues to experience busy but controlled conditions following the first peak of the Lebaran return flow on 24 March 2026, with authorities maintaining operational readiness until 30 March. PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Daerah Operasi 1 Jakarta reported 15,815 arrivals at Gambir by Thursday morning, contributing to a total of 52,471 arrivals across key stations, surpassing departures amid the holiday travel period. This infrastructure mobilisation underscores the vital role of rail services in managing mass mobility during Indonesia's major festive seasons, ensuring smooth connectivity for millions returning to urban centres.

Deputy MPR Chairman: Energy Crisis Becomes Opportunity to Reform Fuel and LPG Subsidies

Deputy Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Eddy Soeparno has urged the Indonesian government to use the current energy crisis as a pivotal moment to reform subsidies on fuel (BBM) and LPG, ensuring they reach only those truly in need and alleviate the burden on the state budget (APBN). He emphasised that global oil price surges are straining fiscal space, and redirecting subsidies could promote fairness, reduce misallocation to affluent users, and support the development of renewable energy sources. This aligns with President Prabowo's vision for national energy resilience, highlighting the need for efficient, sustainable energy management.

OJK: Banks Must Prepare for Worst-Case Scenarios from Middle East Conflict

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has urged Indonesian banks to treat the Middle East conflict as a warning to prepare for the worst possible outcomes amid global volatility. OJK's Executive Head of Banking Supervision, Dian Ediana Rae, noted that while the current financial stability impacts are not severe compared to the Covid-19 pandemic, sectors like exports and imports could face disruptions, particularly given Indonesia's heavy reliance on imported gas and oil. She emphasised reviewing policies if the situation worsens, highlighting the conflict's broad economic repercussions that make it undesirable worldwide.

Reasons for Purbaya Extending the Annual Tax Return Reporting Deadline to 30 April 2026

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has extended the deadline for individual taxpayers to submit their annual Personal Income Tax (PPh) returns until 30 April 2026, aligning it with the corporate deadline due to technical challenges with the new Coretax system. As of late March 2026, only 59.1% of the 15 million targeted returns for the 2025 tax year have been filed, predominantly by individual employees and non-employees. The extension aims to encourage compliance while avoiding penalties such as Rp100,000 fines for late individual filings and potential criminal sanctions, underscoring the government's efforts to modernise tax administration amid implementation hurdles.

Explanation from Anies' Side Regarding Attendance at SBY's "Open House" Despite Not Being Invited

Anies Baswedan's spokesperson, Sahrin Hamid, explained that Anies' uninvited attendance at former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's (SBY) open house event in Cikeas on 21 March 2026 was a gesture of silaturahmi, or maintaining social ties, in the spirit of Eid al-Fitr. Democratic Party Secretary General Herman Khaeron and spokesperson Herzaky Jeru both welcomed Anies warmly, emphasising that the event was open to all for halal bihalal greetings without any specific invitations or political discussions. This interaction highlights the tradition of reconciliation and community during Indonesian holidays, downplaying any implications for future political alliances or elections.

Governor Optimises Tanjung Puting to Boost Tourism in Central Kalimantan

Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran has prioritised the development of Tanjung Puting National Park as a key tourism asset to drive economic growth in the province. During a recent inspection, he emphasised the need to enhance infrastructure and facilities, such as overnight boat accommodations and docking areas, to ensure visitor comfort and attract more international tourists, particularly from Spain, Germany, and the US. As Indonesia's first conservation area for orangutans, the park's unique biodiversity and natural beauty position it as a strategic destination for sustainable tourism and regional economic advancement.

Meta Prepares Appeal After Being Fined Rp 6.3 Trillion Over This Issue

Meta has been ordered to pay a $375 million fine, equivalent to approximately Rp 6.3 trillion, following a jury verdict finding the company guilty of violating New Mexico's consumer protection laws by misleading the public about the safety of its platforms for children. The case, initiated by New Mexico's Attorney General in 2023, highlighted internal knowledge of risks such as child exploitation and mental health issues, with executives ignoring employee warnings and deceiving the public. While Meta plans to appeal the decision, asserting its efforts to enhance platform safety, New Mexico intends to pursue further action labelling the company a public nuisance in an upcoming bench trial.

New Indonesian Navy Warship Arrives in Jakarta After Voyage from Italy

The new Indonesian Navy warship KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 has arrived at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta after a 44-day journey from La Spezia, Italy, marking the second vessel of the Brawijaya-class produced by Fincantieri. Equipped with advanced weaponry including 127mm and 76mm guns, vertical missile launchers, and anti-submarine torpedoes, the 143-metre frigate will be stationed in Surabaya to bolster Indonesia's maritime defence capabilities. This acquisition underscores Indonesia's commitment to modernising its naval forces and enhancing regional security partnerships through port visits in countries like Morocco and Nigeria.

Implementation of Open-Close System at Rest Areas to Ensure User Comfort

Authorities on the Cikopo-Palimanan toll road in West Java have introduced an open-close system at all rest areas during the Lebaran return traffic period to enhance user comfort and prevent congestion from vehicle build-ups at entrances. This measure, enforced by Astra Tol Cipali staff and police, allows better utilisation of rest facilities amid the high volume of holiday travellers. The initiative underscores efforts to manage peak travel demands on Indonesia's key infrastructure routes.

Purbaya Reveals Budget Efficiency to Be Implemented in Three Stages

The Indonesian government plans to implement budget efficiency measures in three stages this year, aiming to save Rp 81 trillion as a strategy to mitigate economic pressures from the Middle East conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa assured that these measures will maintain fiscal stability, keeping the 2026 state budget deficit at 2.68% of GDP, below the safe limit of 3%. This includes additional reallocations of Rp 800 trillion, ensuring the budget remains controlled without exceeding legal thresholds.

Inmates' Creations from Across Bali Sold at Bazaar, Including Paintings and Crafts

Inmates from correctional facilities across Bali showcased and sold their handmade products, such as paintings, crafts, processed foods, and agricultural produce like eggplants, kangkung, mustard greens, and eggs, at a bazaar held at the Class IIB Karangasem Penitentiary on Thursday (26/3/2026). The event, organised by the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections, aims to benefit the wider community and marks the beginning of celebrations for the corrections service's anniversary in April. This initiative, which features affordable prices and has attracted local buyers, is part of ongoing efforts to contribute positively to Balinese society through rehabilitation and economic activities.

Prabowo Pushes to Accelerate Waste Management into Energy

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed ministers in the Merah Putih Cabinet to expedite the implementation of waste-to-energy programmes across regions, particularly in densely populated cities like Jakarta and Surabaya, as part of initiatives led by the Danantara Investment Management Agency. During a meeting in Hambalang, Bogor, Prabowo emphasised the urgent need to address longstanding waste accumulation to prevent environmental disasters, announcing plans to launch 24 to 34 such projects in 2026, which could take up to two years to become operational. This move underscores the government's commitment to transforming waste into a valuable energy resource, especially electricity, amid Indonesia's ongoing challenges with urban waste management.

Facts on Today's Bandung Fire: 14 Buildings Destroyed in Soekarno-Hatta

A fire broke out in Bandung on Thursday, 26 March 2026, at around 3:55 AM WIB, engulfing 14 buildings in the Soekarno-Hatta area of Regol sub-district, including eight wooden material kiosks and six shophouses, affecting an area of approximately 1,900 square metres. The blaze spread rapidly due to the dry wooden materials, with witnesses reporting explosion-like sounds beforehand, but fortunately, no lives were lost as many owners were away for Eid al-Fitr holidays. Firefighters from multiple stations contained the fire before it could reach nearby densely populated residential areas, highlighting ongoing fire safety challenges in the city amid a series of early 2026 incidents.

Middle East War and the Threat to Food Self-Sufficiency

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses a significant risk to global food production by disrupting the supply of essential fertilisers like urea and phosphates, which are heavily exported through the Strait of Hormuz. Countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, and Oman dominate the production of nitrogen fertilisers, contributing 15-20% of global output and up to 50% of urea exports, while Saudi Arabia is a key player in phosphates. This vulnerability could threaten Indonesia's food self-sufficiency if fertiliser shipments are delayed, bringing the far-off war's impacts directly to local dinner tables.

Viral Video of Boss Dancing Leads to Suspension of SPPG in West Bandung

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has suspended operations at a kitchen unit of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme in Pangauban, Batujajar, West Bandung Regency, managed by Hendrik Irawan, following a viral social media video of him dancing while boasting about earning Rp6 million daily. The suspension stems from environmental violations, including inadequate wastewater management (IPAL), amid public backlash over his insensitive display during economic hardships. The suspension will remain until the violations are rectified, highlighting the need for ethical conduct among programme partners.

Traffic Jams Return to Daan Mogot Road in West Jakarta, Residents: Back to Factory Settings

Post-Eid holiday traffic congestion has returned to Jalan Daan Mogot in West Jakarta on Thursday morning, just five days after the celebrations, with commuters noting a stark contrast to the quieter roads during the break. Residents like Ririn and Abeng report increased crowding on public transport and roads, urging greater use of public transportation and adherence to busway lanes to alleviate the persistent issue. The situation is expected to fully normalize by Monday, as many government workers continue remote work arrangements this week.

Roblox Security Flaw: Developer Urges 24-Hour Parental Supervision

An independent developer has criticised Roblox's age verification and content filtering systems as inadequate for protecting underage players, urging parents to monitor children constantly or avoid the platform altogether. Roblox maintains that safety is a top priority with advanced filters and verification, while acknowledging parental responsibility. In Indonesia, Roblox has been banned for users under 16 effective from 28 March 2026, amid global concerns leading to blocks in countries like Russia and Turkey, and ongoing UK consultations on child social media restrictions.

Reported to Dewas, KPK Deputy Calls It a Form of Public Concern

Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), has welcomed a report filed by the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) to the KPK Supervisory Board (Dewas) regarding the handling of the Hajj quota corruption case, viewing it as a positive sign of public engagement in anti-corruption efforts. The report highlights alleged irregularities in the decision to transfer former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas from detention to house arrest, including potential external interference and inconsistencies in statements about the suspect's health. KPK maintains that the transfer was legally considered based on family requests and continues to monitor the suspect closely, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of corruption in the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Hajj administration for 2023-2024.

Garuda Indonesia Ranks 7th Among Asia's Best Airlines According to DestinAsian

Garuda Indonesia has secured the 7th position in the DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2026 for the best airlines in Asia, reflecting high satisfaction among frequent flyers for its service quality. The airline's success, attributed to exceptional cabin crew hospitality and professional service, positions it competitively against regional giants like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways, while also ranking 24th globally. This accolade is expected to boost Garuda's modernisation efforts and enhance Indonesia's tourism promotion on the world stage.

Archive Statistics

300,151
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period