National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo visited thousands of workers in East Java to convey President Prabowo Subianto's message on strengthening national unity as a foundation for facing global economic challenges, particularly amid Middle East tensions driving oil prices above USD 100 per barrel. The Chief of Police emphasised the importance of government-labour solidarity, outlined diplomatic efforts to protect domestic industries through zero-tariff export policies for textiles and footwear, and announced concrete police support measures including a strengthened Labour Desk and access to police hospitals for workers.

Dozens of parents from SMK Islamic Development Network (IDN) Boarding School in Bogor staged a protest at West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi's office on 10 March, objecting to the sudden revocation of the school's operational licence mid-academic year. Parents expressed concern that the gubernatorial decree, issued during the final months before year 12 students' exams and graduation, threatens their children's education and diploma issuance. The dispute stems from disciplinary action against a student in November 2025, which escalated into legal conflicts between the school and parents over institutional legitimacy.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has reaffirmed that subsidised fuel prices will not increase through Eid al-Fitr, despite global oil supply disruptions stemming from Middle East tensions. The government insists national fuel reserves remain secure at 21-23 days' worth, clarifying this is buffer stock with continuous production and imports rather than an imminent depletion timeline.

PT Bakauheni Terbanggi Besar Toll reports 99.9 per cent operational readiness as the toll road prepares to handle 2026 Eid holiday travel, with homecoming predicted between 14–19 March and peak return traffic on 24–25 and 28–29 March. The operator has deployed comprehensive measures including additional gate personnel, mobile payment readers, free towing services, and delay systems at rest areas to manage an expected decline in traffic volume from 143.9 million person movements.

The Central Java Police have identified four agglomeration areas expected to experience severe traffic congestion during the outbound and return migration periods for Eid 2026, with a unified command post established at the Kalikangkung Toll Gate in Semarang. Peak outbound traffic is predicted on 14-15 March and 18-19 March, whilst peak return traffic is expected on 24-25 March and 28-29 March 2026. The congestion forecasts are attributed to flexible working hour policies providing extended leave periods and the tendency for travellers to depart at varying times rather than simultaneously.

Indonesia's rupiah strengthened 86 points (0.51%) to Rp 16,863 per US dollar following President Trump's statement that the conflict with Iran is nearing resolution. The currency appreciation was supported by a correction in the US dollar index and improved investor sentiment, though concerns remain about potential long-term geopolitical volatility and energy supply disruptions that could pressure the rupiah.

Ciptadana Asset Management director Herdianto Budiarto has highlighted the government's critical role in addressing market concerns including Fitch Ratings assessments and MSCI index reviews. Key issues include the need to manage the APBN deficit above 3%, improve stock ownership data transparency to restore investor confidence, and mitigate potential economic impacts from Middle East geopolitical tensions.

Bright Institute economist Awalil Rizky has recommended that the Indonesian government review large-budget priority programmes if pressure on the state budget (APBN) increases due to global economic volatility. Risks to fiscal sustainability stem primarily from fluctuations in crude oil prices and the rupiah exchange rate; for instance, a doubling of oil prices from the budgeted $70 per barrel to $90 would potentially widen the deficit by approximately Rp 136 trillion. The economist suggests that rather than widening the deficit ceiling through legislative changes, the government should prioritise spending cuts on major programmes such as free nutritious meals, village cooperative initiatives, and military equipment procurement.

Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines have implemented energy conservation measures in response to global oil supply disruptions caused by Middle Eastern conflicts, including promoting work-from-home arrangements, raising thermostat settings, and reducing fuel consumption. Thailand has secured two months of oil supplies and capped diesel prices, Vietnam has eliminated import duties on fuel and encouraged public transport use, whilst the Philippines has introduced a temporary four-day work week for government offices starting 9 March. These coordinated regional responses reflect widespread concerns about energy security and fuel price volatility affecting Southeast Asia.

Indonesia faces a concerning surge in measles cases, ranking second globally in disease outbreaks with over 8,224 suspected cases and 572 confirmed cases resulting in four deaths as of week seven 2026. Vaccination with MR (measles rubella) is the only effective preventive measure, with doctors recommending inoculation at least two weeks before travel during holiday periods such as Eid, particularly to protect infants under nine months who cannot yet receive the vaccine and depend on herd immunity for protection.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa inaugurated 1,585 officials at the Ministry of Finance, including 44 Grade II senior officials, emphasising the critical importance of integrity given recent scandals involving ministry personnel. Purbaya stressed that integrity must extend beyond paper commitments to practical daily implementation, and called for strengthened internal oversight to prevent violations from becoming public.

Five Indonesian artificial intelligence startups led by women — DoctorTool, Hear Me, Serenic.ai, Katalis AI, and Lunar Interactive — participated in a benchmarking trip to Vietnam organised by Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison's SheHacks programme. The initiative facilitated 51 business matching sessions and connections with Vietnamese investors, government institutions, and potential partners to explore market opportunities and technology collaboration. Indosat views the cross-border collaboration as crucial for strengthening women's positions in the global digital economy and plans to expand the SheHacks programme across Asia.

A padel court on Jalan Limo in Senayan, South Jakarta, which has drawn resident complaints over noise pollution, possesses Building Approval (PBG) but lacks the required Functional Fitness Certificate (SLF) to operate. Jakarta's newly issued Decree No. 16 of 2026 mandates that padel court operators obtain SLF certificates and noise analysis reports before operations commence, with a 30-day compliance period from the decree's issuance. Residents report the facility operates beyond the governor's mandated 8 PM closure time for padel courts in residential areas, contravening regulations.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) board commissioner selection process has been accelerated, with 10 presidential candidates now proceeding directly to parliamentary fitness and propriety testing rather than completing the full selection panel review. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa attributed the expedited timeline to volatile global market conditions, including geopolitical tensions and oil price fluctuations, necessitating a faster appointment of permanent OJK leadership.

The alumni association of Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta's Jakarta chapter has called for urgent peace efforts in the Middle East, warning that escalating regional tensions risk triggering humanitarian crises and destabilising the global economy, including Indonesia's. The call aligns with the Indonesian Parliament's demand that the United Nations take immediate action to uphold international law, protect civilians, and maintain global peace and stability amid escalating conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Four major Middle Eastern oil producers—Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait—have collectively reduced oil production by 6.7 million barrels per day amid the escalating Iran-US conflict, which has severely disrupted export routes and triggered a global energy supply chain crisis. The production cuts, representing up to 60% reduction in some cases, represent the largest disruption the oil and gas industry in the region has ever faced, with CEO Amin Nasser warning of cascading consequences across shipping, aviation, agriculture, and automotive sectors if the crisis persists. Global oil reserves have reached their lowest level in five years, raising concerns about supply stability as the Strait of Hormuz remains critical to world energy markets.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) expressed confidence on Tuesday that it would win the pre-trial hearing brought by former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in Jakarta's South District Court on Wednesday, regarding allegations of corruption in hajj quota distribution. The KPK contends that its designation of Yaqut as a suspect complies with legal requirements and sufficient evidence, citing both financial losses to the state and social harm to prospective hajj pilgrims caused by the improper 50-50 division of hajj quota between regular and special categories.

The Jakarta Provincial Government has permanently sealed the Atlas Padel building in West Jakarta for operating without proper permits and violating zoning regulations. The West Jakarta Mayor stated the facility cannot legally obtain permits and the land must be restored to its designated function as green space in accordance with Law No. 6 of 2023 and related government regulations.

Indonesia's MBG (free meal) program has achieved nearly 100 per cent coverage among general secondary schools, though uptake remains lower at religious institutions such as Islamic schools, according to the education minister. Officials in Jepara District are coordinating efforts to expand data collection at faith-based schools to ensure all students benefit from the nutritional initiative, with coverage of Islamic schools currently at approximately 90 per cent.

The Ketapang-Gilimanuk ferry crossing between Bali and Banyuwangi will suspend operations during Nyepi 2026 on 19-20 March to honour the Balinese religious observance and manage increased traffic during the Lebaran transport period. Operations will halt from 18 March 5 p.m. at Ketapang until 20 March 6 a.m., and from 19 March 5 a.m. until 20 March 6 a.m. at Gilimanuk. The government has implemented traffic management measures including increased vessel capacity from 28 to 32 units and geofencing systems to control vehicle flow during the closure.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued OJK Regulation No. 20 of 2023 to overhaul the credit insurance sector by capping insurer coverage at 75% and requiring banks and financing institutions to bear at least 25% of risk, a fundamental shift from the previous model where insurers absorbed nearly all risk. The regulation aims to strengthen governance, reduce massive claims that have plagued the industry with loss ratios exceeding 90%, and encourage prudent lending practices, though implementation requires significant investment in technology infrastructure and human capital development.

Global oil prices have fallen sharply following US President Donald Trump's declaration that the conflict with Iran is nearing completion, easing market concerns about potential energy supply disruptions from the Middle East. Oil prices retreated from nearly $120 per barrel to around $93 per barrel, whilst global stock markets rebounded with the FTSE 100 rising 1.3 percent. Trump cautioned Iran against disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy transit route, threatening a severe response, whilst Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rejected his statement and warned against allowing any oil exports from the region.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa inaugurated 1,585 officials across the Finance Ministry, including 44 senior officials at echelon II level. Purbaya emphasised that the positions carry strategic responsibility for national resilience and warned that poor fiscal management would harm the public and potentially destabilise the nation's integrity (NKRI), stressing that Finance Ministry officials are guardians of public money requiring discipline and integrity.

The Lampung Provincial Water Resources Management Agency (PSDA) has announced plans to construct 13 embankments and retention ponds to mitigate flooding in the region. The initiative, coordinated with the Mesuji Sekampung River Basin Authority, forms part of a comprehensive flood management masterplan involving Bandarlampung, Pesawaran, and South Lampung districts. The infrastructure will work by retaining upstream water flows and gradually releasing them downstream to prevent inundation in lower areas.

Two former Constitutional Court Chiefs and constitutional law experts, Mahfud MD and Jimly Asshiddiqie, are pushing for the revision of Indonesia's General Election Law to be completed within 2026, arguing that new regulations must be finalised by March 2027 before the 2029 elections. Both experts emphasised the need to address electoral ethics, increase public participation, and align electoral procedures with constitutional principles after 25 years of democratic reform.

The Jakarta Provincial Government will officially launch the Transjabodetabek bus service on the Blok M to Soekarno-Hatta Airport (Soetta) route on Thursday 12 March at 9 a.m. Governor Pramono Anung confirmed that whilst final fares are still under review due to three additional toll stops, temporary tickets will be priced at Rp3,500 (standard Transjabodetabek rate) until after Eid to ensure affordability for commuters. The new service is intended to provide a significantly cheaper public transport alternative to taxis and other transport options for airport-bound passengers.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) interrogated Japto Soerjosoemarno, chairman of the Pemuda Pancasila nationalist youth organisation, as a witness in a graft investigation involving former Kutai Kartanegara regent Rita Widyasari. The commission is investigating allegations that Widyasari received mining products from PT ABP (Alamjaya Barapratama) under the guise of security services, with multiple parties already named as suspects in the case.

The Indonesian Stock Exchange's Composite Index (IHSG) closed 1.41 per cent higher at 7,440.91 on Tuesday, driven by corrections in global crude oil prices and strength in Wall Street and Asian indices. The decline in crude oil prices, particularly following US President Donald Trump's statement about the completion of military operations against Iran, provided momentum for the market recovery alongside positive domestic retail sales data.

Technological development in Indonesia over the past decade has transformed how businesses operate, with digitalisation reshaping everything from customer interactions to strategic decision-making across SMEs and large enterprises. The proliferation of internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and emerging technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital payment systems have created new business models including e-commerce, fintech, and marketplace platforms. Key technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Cloud Computing are enabling Indonesian businesses to achieve greater operational efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness in the digital economy.

Jakarta's regional government has officially approved a new logo design for the city's 500th anniversary celebrations, which will culminate on 22 June 2027. Governor Pramono Anung emphasised that the new visual identity is dedicated exclusively to celebrating this historic milestone and will not replace existing city symbols and slogans. The winning logo was selected through a rigorous curation process from ten competing designs.

Constitutional law expert Jimly Asshiddiqie has proposed that Indonesia's General Elections Commission (KPU) be established as a fourth branch of government alongside the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to ensure its independence from political influence. He emphasised that the KPU cannot be subordinate to the President or Parliament, both of which are electoral participants, and recommended that electoral law revisions be completed this year to avoid delays ahead of the 2029 elections.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has reshuffled and inaugurated 1,585 employees, including 44 senior officials at Echelon II level, within the Ministry of Finance as part of efforts to improve fiscal management. Purbaya emphasised that failure in fiscal management would harm not only the ministry but the entire Indonesian population and threaten national stability, stressing the critical importance of strengthening fiscal resilience and management for both government and public benefit.

Bali's police anti-corruption task force (Satgas Saber Pangan) conducted direct surveillance of basic food prices at traditional markets, retail outlets, and distributors in collaboration with the Bali provincial government. The inspection of rice, cooking oil, eggs, meat, garlic, and chilli found prices remain stable with adequate supply, whilst authorities warned traders against unjustified price increases and hoarding practices.

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured that two Pertamina cargo vessels trapped in the Arabian Gulf will soon be freed following ongoing negotiations expected to conclude shortly. Four Pertamina International Shipping vessels are currently operating in the Middle East region, with two having already departed the conflict zone, whilst two vessels including the VLCC Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro remain in the Arabian Gulf awaiting safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

A ten-wheeled concrete mixer truck became entangled with utility cables on Jalan Puri Kembangan Raya in West Jakarta on Tuesday afternoon, causing the cables to snap and disrupting traffic flow in the area. The incident occurred because the vehicle's excessive height made it unsuitable for the route; authorities coordinated with police and state electricity company PLN to evacuate the truck and manage the hazardous situation. Traffic was severely congested as emergency responders worked to clear the vehicle and safely disentangle the live electrical cables.

The Minister of Cooperatives Ferry Juliantono and Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf launched a collaboration programme in East Java integrating Family Hope Programme (PKH) beneficiaries into Red and White Village Cooperatives (KDMP) as a strategic economic empowerment initiative. The Ministry of Social Affairs aims to convert 5 million PKH beneficiary families in East Java into KDMP members, enabling them to participate in productive economic activities and benefit as cooperative owners rather than merely as consumers.

Indonesia's government has confirmed that negotiations are underway to secure the departure of two Pertamina tankers stranded in the Arabian Gulf amid geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Of four vessels initially operating in the Middle East, two have already departed safely, whilst the VLCC Pertamina Pride and the Gamsunoro await safe passage, with both reported secure. The incident underscores risks to Indonesia's energy supply chain, though broader petroleum distribution remains stable with support from a fleet of 345 vessels managed by Pertamina Group entities.

Kampung Melati in Depok is home to hundreds of migrant residents who have built a community centred on scrap collection, with over 200 families relying on waste collection as their primary livelihood. The informal settlement, which emerged in the early 1990s due to migration from rural areas, features semi-permanent structures and has grown significantly as residents bring relatives from their villages seeking employment. Despite the hardship of their economic circumstances, many families prioritise their children's education, with some of the younger generation now able to attend school without needing to work as scrap collectors.

Lenovo has declared that Hybrid AI has become the new standard in business operations across various industries, with the technology evolving beyond generating responses to sensing, reasoning, and acting in real time. Ken Wong, EVP and President of Lenovo's Solutions and Services Group, emphasised that Hybrid AI is no longer optional but essential for companies to remain competitive in the digital era, enabling responsible AI deployment whilst protecting data and delivering tangible business results. Lenovo is demonstrating this capability through partnerships including becoming FIFA's official technology partner for the 2026 World Cup, where Hybrid AI will manage venue operations and deploy AI avatars to enhance the visitor experience.

President Prabowo Subianto held a limited meeting with key ministers at the Presidential Palace to address food and fuel availability ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The meeting included ministers responsible for marine affairs, finance, agriculture, energy and mineral resources, and the Bank Indonesia Governor, with discussions focusing on Eid preparations, food security, fuel price volatility, and potential impacts from Middle Eastern tensions.

PT Jasa Marga has implemented a 30 per cent toll discount as a strategic tool to manage travel patterns during the 2026 Eid exodus, rather than simply reducing costs. The discount, available on 15-16 March for the outbound journey and 26-27 March for the return, is designed to distribute vehicle traffic evenly and encourage travellers to depart on weekends to avoid congestion during work-from-home periods.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that managing the rupiah's exchange rate would be straightforward if Indonesia's economic fundamentals remain solid, responding to the currency's recent weakness against the US dollar reaching Rp17,000. Purbaya emphasised that the Indonesian economy is currently in an expansion phase with no signs of recession, dismissing economist predictions of economic downturn and attributing recent market volatility to negative sentiment rather than actual economic deterioration.

PT Hotel Fitra International Tbk (FITT), a hotel company listed on the Indonesian stock exchange, has cancelled its planned acquisition of PT Poseidon Shipping Indonesia following a conditional share purchase agreement signed in February 2026. The decision was made after assessing the transaction's impact on the company's going concern, with both parties now completing administrative procedures for the agreement termination. The cancellation triggered a significant market reaction, with FITT shares plummeting 14.39% to Rp595 per share at today's market close.

The head of Indonesia's Special Development Control and Investigation Agency (Bappisus) has assured that subsidised fuel prices and health insurance premiums will not increase despite Middle East conflict tensions. The government maintains that fuel stocks remain secure ahead of Eid al-Fitr, with subsidised fuel prices frozen whilst non-subsidised fuel will follow market mechanisms.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that the bribery case involving former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas over hajj quota distribution caused both financial damage to the state and widespread social harm to prospective pilgrims. The case centres on irregular discretionary decisions that disrupted the hajj queue despite Saudi Arabia providing additional quotas to accelerate Indonesian pilgrim departures.

Indonesia's rupiah strengthened by 86 points (0.51 per cent) to 16,863 per US dollar on Tuesday 10 March 2026, driven by market optimism following US President Donald Trump's statement suggesting the conflict with Iran would soon end. The currency appreciation reflects reduced investor concerns over prolonged Middle Eastern conflict disrupting global energy supplies and economic growth, though markets remain cautious about Federal Reserve interest rate policies and the potential for capital outflows if geopolitical tensions persist long-term.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has disclosed that President Prabowo Subianto previously proposed dissolving the Directorate General of Customs and Excise and replacing it with the international inspection company Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS). However, recent improvements within the customs authority have convinced the government that the agency can be reformed rather than eliminated, with tax revenues reportedly rising approximately 30 per cent following enforcement actions in January and February.

Riau's Regional Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan inspected the newly renovated Red and White Presisi Bridge in Kampar regency ahead of its official inauguration by National Police Chief Jenderal Listyo Sigit Prabowo. The 27.5-metre bridge, constructed in 19 days, is designed to support four-wheeled vehicles and aims to improve accessibility and economic conditions for local residents.

Iron railings on Goyang Bridge in Ancol, North Jakarta have been systematically stolen by metal scavengers, with approximately half of the 50-metre fence now missing. A security guard apprehended thieves twice and recovered stolen materials, but the metal disappeared again, suggesting an organised operation involving local networks. Police have since arrested three metal thieves in the area, and the frequency of thefts has reportedly declined.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has indicated that negotiations to free two Pertamina cargo ships detained in the Arabian Gulf will be concluded shortly. Of four Pertamina vessels in the Middle East region, two have already moved away from the conflict zone, whilst VLCC Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro remain in the Arabian Gulf awaiting safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran-US-Israel tensions.