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Nadiem's Testimony at Chromebook Trial: WhatsApp Group 'Mas Menteri' and Appointment of Jurist Tan

Former Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarim testified as a key witness in a corruption trial involving alleged fraud in the procurement of Chromebook laptops, addressing accusations against himself and three co-defendants. Nadiem clarified that he established a WhatsApp group called 'Edu Org' in August 2019 in preparation for his potential ministerial appointment, which was later renamed 'Mas Menteri Core Team', and explained his rationale for recruiting Jurist Tan and Fiona Handayani as his special staff based on their expertise and passion for education reform. The trial centres on allegations of irregularities in the laptop procurement process during Nadiem's tenure at the ministry.

Prosecutors and Defendants Appeal Verdicts in Judicial Bribery Case Involving Palm Oil Companies

Both the Office of the Attorney General and the defence team have filed appeals against the sentencing in a high-profile case involving allegations of bribing judges to acquit three crude palm oil corporations. The defendants—advocates Ariyanto Bakri (known as Ary Gadun FM) and Marcella Santoso, along with Muhammad Syafei of Wilmar Group—were convicted of bribery and money laundering, with sentences ranging from 14 to 16 years imprisonment. The prosecution argues that the lower court's verdict did not adequately address several of the prosecution's claims, whilst the defence contends that the judicial reasoning was inadequate and inconsistent with evidence presented at trial.

Note: These Are the Requirements to Obtain a 30 Per Cent Toll Tariff Discount During Mudik

PT Jasa Marga will offer a 30 per cent toll tariff discount during the Eid 2026 exodus and return periods on nine major toll road sections across Java. The discount applies on 15-16 March for the exodus (H-6 to H-5) and 26-27 March for the return journey, but only for continuous travellers whose vehicle data and classification register properly in the toll transaction system.

North Korea Supports New Iranian Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

North Korea has expressed support for Mojtaba Khamenei's selection as Iran's Supreme Leader, following the death of his father Ayatollah Khamenei in a February 28 strike attributed to the United States and Israel. In a statement from Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry spokesman, North Korea condemned the US and Israel for destabilising the region and violating Iran's territorial integrity. Meanwhile, North Korea also announced fresh cruise missile tests from a navy destroyer, emphasising its nuclear capability development.

JSX Strengthens to 7,513 at Opening of Trading, Big Cap Stocks Also Rise

The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Index strengthened by 0.97 per cent to 7,513.39 at the opening of trading on Wednesday 11 March 2026, with major indices and large-capitalisation stocks all posting gains. The recovery follows recent pressure from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, as market analysts suggest investors are attempting a rebound after multiple sessions of decline.

Carts, Scrap, and Hope: Portrait of Life in Depok's Scavenger Settlement

A settlement of roughly 150–200 families in Depok's Kampung Melati has become home to scrap collectors since the early 1990s, primarily migrants from East and Central Java seeking economic opportunity. Originally most residents worked as scrap collectors gathering plastic, metal, and other recyclables for resale, though increasing numbers are now transitioning to alternative work such as laundry services and ride-hailing services. The settlement, characterised by semi-permanent structures and narrow 2–3 metre roads, reflects both the marginalised economic conditions and the adaptive resilience of its working-poor inhabitants.

Ahmad Luthfi Partners with Media, Reaffirms Commitment to Public Information Transparency

Governor of Central Java Ahmad Luthfi has reiterated his commitment to public information transparency, directing all regional administrative organisations (OPDs) under the Central Java Provincial Government to openly disclose development progress. The governor emphasised that transparency is a public right and that media collaboration is essential for building public trust and educating society about government initiatives.

BRI Savings Mystery Box Offers More Engaging and Rewarding Savings Experience for New Customers

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has launched the "BRI Savings Mystery Box" programme from 2 March to 30 June 2026, offering new customers across Indonesia the chance to win prizes including cashback, shopping vouchers, BRIZZI digital payments, and digital gold savings. The initiative supports BRI's BRIVolution Reignite transformation strategy to strengthen its low-cost deposit base (CASA), which currently stands at 70.6 per cent of third-party funds, whilst encouraging active customer engagement and digital banking adoption. New customers must meet specific requirements including an initial deposit of a minimum of Rp 10 million (held for three months), activation of BRImo and BRI Debit cards, and verification that funds are fresh deposits rather than transfers from existing BRI accounts.

Tax Deductions and Family Sharing: Tips for Managing Eid Allowance to Make It Last

Indonesian workers struggle with managing their Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR or Eid allowance), a crucial annual bonus that frequently depletes before the Idul Fitri celebration due to tax deductions, family obligations, and inadequate financial planning. A financial planner explains that many workers view THR as discretionary spending rather than part of a structured financial strategy, contributing to the rapid depletion of these funds.

237 Inmates in East Nusa Tenggara Proposed to Receive Holiday Remission

The Regional Office of the Directorate General of Corrections in East Nusa Tenggara has proposed that 237 inmates from prisons and detention centres receive special holiday remission in 2026, comprising two inmates for Nyepi Day and 235 for Eid al-Fitr. The proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Law and Human Rights for further review, with the final approval still pending.

BRI Provides IDR 25 Trillion in Cash for Eid Al-Fitr 2026 Holiday

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has prepared IDR 25 trillion in cash reserves for the Eid Al-Fitr 2026 holiday period, comprising IDR 19.7 trillion from existing balances and IDR 5.3 trillion for seven-day holiday service needs. The allocation represents a decrease from IDR 32.8 trillion in 2025, as BRI strategically reduces cash circulation to lower operational costs whilst promoting digital transactions through QRIS and its BRIMo mobile application.

President Prabowo Donates 70,000 Qur'ans to Disaster-Affected Communities in Sumatra

President Prabowo Subianto has endowed 70,000 copies of the Qur'an to communities affected by disasters across Sumatra, particularly in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra provinces. The donation was ceremonially distributed by Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, who chairs the post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction task force, with the first batch of approximately 5,620 copies distributed at the Aceh Khanduri Nuzulul Quran Ramadan Festival in Banda Aceh. Beyond religious texts, affected communities are also receiving supplementary aid including clothing, blankets, prayer mats, headscarves, and sarongs from the government and supporting third parties.

Breaking News! IHSG Surges 1.10% Back to 7,500 Level

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) rose 1.10% to 7,527 on Wednesday morning trading, with 463 stocks advancing and trading volume reaching Rp2.52 trillion. Market sentiment is being shaped by the parliamentary commission's fitness assessment of ten OJK financial regulator candidates, following the resignation of the previous leadership in January 2026. Asian-Pacific bourses broadly advanced as investors assessed geopolitical developments in the Middle East.

Airbeds Used During Mudik Travel Pose Fatal Safety Risks

Safety experts warn that using airbeds or folding mattresses in vehicle cabins during the Lebaran mudik season significantly increases injury risk in accidents, as passengers cannot properly wear seatbelts whilst lying down. The Real Driving Centre advises that children should use age-appropriate child car seats rather than airbeds, as these systems are specifically designed to provide maximum protection during collisions.

Companies Begin Relying on Real-Time AI to Identify Business Opportunities

Indonesian companies across multiple sectors are increasingly adopting real-time artificial intelligence systems to accelerate business decision-making and improve operational efficiency. Confluent has introduced collaborative AI data intelligence features that enable systems to work together, whilst digital bank PT Bank Jago positions AI as a "co-pilot" rather than a replacement for human workers, with predictions suggesting 40 per cent of G2000 roles will involve AI collaboration by 2026.

Government Repatriates Indonesian Citizens from Iran, 22 Arrive at Soetta Airport

The Indonesian government has repatriated 22 Indonesian citizens from Iran in the first wave of evacuation operations amid heightened security tensions in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Sugiono received the arrivals at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, with an additional 10 citizens expected the same day, bringing the initial phase total to 32 people. The ministry reports that 36 more Indonesian citizens have registered for the second wave of repatriation.

Financial Strategy for Managing Natural Disasters: Emergency Funds to Insurance

Indonesian residents must prepare financially for natural disasters given the country's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire. A financial planner advises families to map local disaster risks, calculate vulnerable assets, and determine necessary emergency funds by multiplying asset values by estimated damage percentages, typically setting aside 1.3 to 1.5 times the at-risk asset value for reconstruction costs.

Belu Police Detain Indonesian Idol Contestant Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse

The Belu Police Criminal Investigation Unit has detained a suspect identified as PK, a contestant from Indonesian Idol, on charges of alleged sexual abuse of a child. The suspect was detained on 11 March following recovery from a health-related temporary release, with two other suspects also held in connection with the alleged incident that occurred in January at a hotel in Atambua.

Two Pertamina Vessels Successfully Depart Middle East Conflict Zone

PT Pertamina International Shipping has reported that two of its vessels, PIS Rinjani and PIS Paragon, have successfully exited the conflict area in the Middle East, whilst two others, Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, remain in the Arabian Gulf awaiting safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The company is maintaining 24-hour real-time monitoring of its fleet and coordinating closely with maritime authorities to ensure crew safety whilst continuing Indonesia's domestic energy supply.

Pre-trial Ruling on Yaqut versus KPK to be Announced Today

A pre-trial hearing ruling filed by former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas against Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will be handed down on 11 March 2026 at 10:00 WIB, as announced by presiding judge Sulistyo Muhamad Dwi Putro. Yaqut's pre-trial petition at the South Jakarta District Court challenges the legality of his designation as a suspect, and he expressed confidence that truth and justice would prevail through the judicial process.

Archive Statistics

280,655
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period