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Observer Says Rising Global Oil Prices Are Momentum to Accelerate B50 Policy Implementation

An observer from the Palm Oil Agribusiness Strategic Policy Institute has stated that rising global oil prices stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East present an opportunity to accelerate Indonesia's adoption of B50 (50 per cent biodiesel blend fuel). The policy shift would reduce Indonesia's dependence on fossil fuel imports, mitigate inflation pressures, and lessen strains on the national budget, particularly given that the Middle East supplies 20-30 per cent of global fossil fuel energy demand.

Traffic Police Chief Urges Travellers to Rest Every Three Hours

The Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) has advised Eid al-Fitr holiday travellers to take a break every three hours during their journeys to reduce accident risks caused by driver fatigue. Chief of Korlantas, Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, emphasised the importance of vehicle and driver readiness, including proper planning of rest stops, and highlighted ongoing traffic management measures such as one-way schemes on toll roads. These recommendations, coordinated with the Ministry of Transportation, aim to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance road safety during the peak travel period for Lebaran 2026.

Transport Minister Officially Inaugurates "National One-Way" Traffic System from Cikampek to Semarang

Indonesia's Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has officially launched a one-way traffic management scheme on the Trans Java Toll Road extending from Cikampek in West Java to Semarang in Central Java, beginning three days before Eid 2025. The one-way system, which started at 1:25 p.m., is designed to manage increased vehicle volume during the Lebaran holiday exodus and was expanded from an initial 193-kilometre segment to a 344-kilometre route.

ASDP Implements Single Ticketing at Merak Port, Passengers Cannot Choose Ferries

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has introduced a single ticketing system at Merak Port during the Lebaran homecoming rush, preventing passengers from selecting specific ferries to expedite vehicle distribution and avoid congestion at the docks. This measure integrates operational adjustments and vehicle allocation across supporting ports like Ciwandan and BBJ to manage peak traffic, with over 13,000 vehicles reserved and smooth operations supported by seven docks. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi and police traffic coordination ensure safe and efficient crossings, targeting optimal service through the return flow.

KAI designates Purwokerto as key congestion hub for Eid holiday rail travel

The head of PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Purwokerto operational division reported that Purwokerto has become a congestion hub for Eid holiday rail travel, with passenger numbers surging. The station expects approximately 10,000 passengers arriving daily, with peak traffic predicted on Eid eve (19 March) reaching 12,000–15,000 passengers per day across the entire Purwokerto region, representing a 6 per cent increase over the previous year's Eid period.

University of Indonesia Apologises for Discrepancy in Talent Scouting Selection Results Display

The University of Indonesia has apologised for a technical glitch that caused inaccurate display of selection results for its Talent Scouting Programme for the Special International Class undergraduate degree on 17 March 2026. The discrepancy lasted approximately 40 minutes before the system displayed final results; the university has assured applicants that the current results are official and has pledged improved service delivery and transparency in future admissions processes.

Heckled by Drivers at Ketapang Port, Transport Minister Understands

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi expressed understanding for the jeers from frustrated drivers during his inspection at Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java, amid long vehicle queues ahead of Nyepi and Idul Fitri 2026. His visit aimed to coordinate efforts to alleviate congestion at the crossing point to Gilimanuk, where the ministry team opted to cross on foot to expedite proceedings. This initiative seeks to resolve traffic issues before the holidays, ensuring they do not disrupt local celebrations.

Indonesia secures energy supplies amid Hormuz Strait volatility

Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has assured the public that the country’s fuel, LPG, and electricity stocks are secure despite geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, with intermittent access now available for non-Western-aligned vessels. Domestic inventories are sufficient for the Eid al-Fitr holidays, including 14-15 days of coal for power plants, and the government has dismissed immediate concerns over subsidized fuel price hikes to maintain public purchasing power. This stability reflects the administration’s focus on managing economic challenges amid global oil price fluctuations within budget assumptions.

Four TNI Soldiers Suspected of Acid Attack on KontraS Activist Detained

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Military Police Command has detained four soldiers suspected of carrying out an acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. The suspects, identified by initials NDP, SL, BWH, and ES, are undergoing further investigation at TNI headquarters and will be held at the Jaya Military District Command's maximum-security facility. TNI authorities are probing the motive and plan to request a medical examination from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, with charges under Articles 467(1) and (2) of the Criminal Code carrying potential sentences of up to seven years.

Police Reveal Identities of Two Suspects in Acid Attack on KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus

Jakarta Police have identified two suspects, initialled BHC and MAK, responsible for an acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus in central Jakarta on 12 March 2026. The assailants, riding a motorcycle, approached Yunus from the opposite direction and doused him with acid, causing burns to his hands, face, chest, and eyes. This incident highlights ongoing threats to human rights activists in Indonesia, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures and swift justice.

Economist Highlights Indonesia's Debt Burden, DSR Deemed More Important than GDP Ratio

Economist Awalil Rizky from the Bright Institute has urged the Indonesian government to focus on the Debt Service Ratio (DSR) rather than solely relying on the debt-to-GDP ratio, arguing that the latter does not accurately reflect fiscal pressures. With government debt at Rp9,638 trillion against national revenue of Rp2,756.3 trillion by the end of 2025, the DSR stands at approximately 47.46 percent, exacerbated by a primary deficit and risks from geopolitical conflicts and oil price volatility. This concern is echoed by Fitch Ratings' downgrade of Indonesia's credit outlook to negative, potentially leading to increased bond issuance and a wider fiscal deficit exceeding 4 percent of GDP in worst-case scenarios.

Police Reveal Identities of Suspects in Acid Attack on Andrie Yunus, Faces Clearly Captured

Police in Jakarta have identified two suspects, with initials BHC and MAK, in the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, whose faces were clearly recorded on CCTV footage. The incident occurred on 12 March 2026, when the suspects on a motorbike approached Yunus and doused him with acid, causing burns to his hands, face, chest, and eyes; investigations suggest there may be more than four perpetrators involved. This attack on a prominent human rights activist underscores ongoing concerns about violence against civil society figures in Indonesia.

TNI Military Police Centre Probes Motive Behind Four Suspects' Acid Attack on KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus

The Indonesian National Armed Forces Military Police Centre (Puspom TNI) has designated four individuals as suspects in the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus and is currently investigating their motives. The suspects, identified as NDP, SL, BHW, and S, are being held at a TNI facility for further interrogation ahead of formal charges. They face potential prison sentences of four to seven years under Article 467 of the Criminal Code as per Law No. 1 of 2023, with Puspom TNI planning to file a police report, secure victim testimony, and request a medical examination.

Police Can Close Rest Areas, Travellers Advised to Limit Stopover Times

As the 2026 Lebaran exodus approaches, rest areas along the Trans Java Toll Road, particularly the popular Km 456 facility with its scenic views of Mounts Merbabu and Sindoro, are expected to see a significant surge in visitors. Operators have expanded parking capacity and are urging travellers to limit rests to 30 minutes to ensure vehicle turnover, with police potentially closing the area temporarily if queues spill onto the main toll road, redirecting users to the next stop at Km 487 in Boyolali. Facilities for electric vehicles are also available, supporting smoother travel amid the anticipated congestion.

Health Minister Budi: Mudik Accidents Drop Dramatically in the Last Three Years

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has praised the Ministry of Transportation for significant improvements in transport infrastructure, which have led to a drastic reduction in mudik-related accidents over the past three years. He also commended the National Police's free mudik programme for 2026, which includes health checks for drivers to ensure safer journeys. Budi emphasised the role of health in preventing accidents and urged travellers to take breaks and be cautious, particularly on arterial roads where motorcycle use is common.

PTPN Group Deploys 70 Buses to Transport 2,795 Travellers

PTPN Group, a state-owned agricultural holding, has facilitated the homeward journey of 2,795 mudik participants through the 2026 Free Mudik Programme by BUMNs, deploying 70 buses across 26 routes from major cities including Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya. This initiative, themed 'Safe Mudik, Sharing Hope' and 'Comfortable Mudik Together', aims to ensure safe and smooth travel for Eid celebrations, with a national target of 100,000 participants. The programme underscores BUMNs' commitment to public welfare, providing not only transportation but also PTPN's flagship products as souvenirs to strengthen community ties.

Electricity Tariffs for April 2026 Remain Unchanged: Latest Price List for All Categories

The Indonesian government has confirmed that electricity tariffs will not increase in April 2026, maintaining rates for the second quarter to ease the burden on households and businesses, particularly ahead of the Lebaran holiday. This decision, based on evaluations of macroeconomic indicators such as the rupiah exchange rate, Indonesian Crude Price, inflation, and coal reference price, aims to preserve public purchasing power and enhance industrial competitiveness amid global economic uncertainties. Tariffs apply uniformly to prepaid and postpaid customers across non-subsidised household, business, and government categories, with differences only in payment systems.

No Collateral Required: Babel's SMEs Can Access Loans Up to Rp 100 Million

The Provincial Government of Bangka Belitung is enhancing local economic resilience by providing collateral-free financing access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM), allowing loans of up to Rp 100 million to help businesses scale up and avoid high-interest lenders. Governor Hidayat Arsani emphasised that this initiative addresses key funding barriers, promoting self-reliance amid global recession risks from international conflicts. The move aligns with positive export growth, which rose 19.73% in 2025, reaching Rp 3.32 trillion in December alone, underscoring the province's competitive potential.

PTPN Group Launches Free SOE Homecoming Programme for 2026, Transporting 2,795 Travellers

The PTPN Group, Indonesia's state-owned plantation holding, has transported approximately 2,795 mudik participants as part of the 2026 Free SOE Homecoming Programme, supporting the government's efforts to enhance public safety and convenience during the Eid al-Fitr travel period. Departures occurred from major cities including Jakarta, using 70 buses across 26 routes, with additional gifts of PTPN products provided to participants. This initiative underscores the role of SOEs in fostering community welfare and strengthening ties with the public.

Four TNI Soldiers Suspected of Involvement in Acid Attack on KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus

Four Indonesian National Army (TNI) soldiers have been implicated in the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), which occurred on 12 March 2026 in central Jakarta. The suspects were handed over to military police on 18 March and are being detained at the Jakarta Military Command, with investigations ongoing into their motives and roles. Yunus suffered burns to 24% of his body, including his eyes, face, chest, and hands, requiring intensive care at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital; this incident underscores ongoing concerns over violence against human rights activists in Indonesia.

Archive Statistics

293,086
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period