Indonesia's Parliamentary Legislative Committee (Baleg) aims to complete the draft revision of the Copyright Law (Law No. 28 of 2014) by April 2026, currently undergoing harmonisation through various discussion sessions. The revision prioritises reforms to the royalty system for musicians, including proposals requiring minimum 25 per cent royalty payments before performances and full settlement within 30 days thereafter. The committee is engaging various music industry stakeholders, including musicians' associations, collective management bodies, and record labels, to develop healthier ecosystem regulations.

A week-long search and rescue operation in Magelang Regency, Central Java has been suspended after failing to locate two sand miners, Hasyim and Maryuni, swept away by a cold lahar flood from Mount Merapi in the Senowo River. The search effort, which deployed four heavy excavators and involved combined rescue teams, covered approximately 600 metres from the accident site to DAM 1 and 300 metres around where another victim was discovered, but proved unsuccessful. Two other miners from the initial four missing persons, identified as Heru and Fuad, were found deceased.

Former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim has justified his selection of Jurist Tan and Fiona Handayani as special ministerial staff despite their lack of formal education backgrounds, highlighting their extensive expertise in education transformation and governmental administration respectively. Nadiem made these remarks whilst testifying as a witness in a corruption trial concerning alleged irregularities in a Chromebook laptop procurement scheme involving three defendants. He emphasised that both appointees possessed substantial relevant experience and genuine commitment to education sector development, which he deemed sufficient qualifications for their roles.

The House of Representatives Commission II member Indrajaya has criticised the effectiveness of President Prabowo Subianto's leadership retreat programme for regional heads, citing repeated corruption sting operations as evidence of systemic failures in political party cadre development and integrity training. The latest arrest involves Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Deputy Regent Hendri in connection with alleged project fee schemes, marking the eighth KPK sting operation in 2026, including four against regional heads.

The Chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD), Sultan Baktiar Najamudin, has expressed appreciation for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) for their active participation in constructing hundreds of bridges and supporting flood disaster recovery efforts in Sumatra. The DPD leadership emphasised that the TNI's involvement demonstrates their commitment to serving the people and nation, extending beyond defence and sovereignty to implementing government programmes effectively at the grassroots level. The DPD has announced its readiness to collaborate with the TNI on regional development oversight and national resilience initiatives.

Indonesia's former President and PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri has sent a letter congratulating Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Supreme Leader of Iran, following the death of his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a recent military conflict. The letter was delivered to Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia during a meeting at Megawati's residence, where she also presented a photograph from her 2004 official visit to Tehran and a Balinese ikat batik shirt as a gift.

The Public Prosecutor has sought a 2.5-year prison sentence for lawyer Togar Situmorang, accused of defrauding his client Fanny Lauren Christie of approximately IDR 1.81 billion through fraudulent legal services. Situmorang allegedly convinced his client that an Italian defendant could be named a suspect in a property dispute, requesting additional funds under false pretences whilst the criminal investigation process does not require such payments. The case is ongoing at Denpasar District Court, with the defence hearing scheduled for 31 March 2026.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced that registration for the 2026 free mudik (homecoming) programme has exceeded initial projections, with 30,774 participants registered compared to the anticipated 26,000. In response, the provincial government has increased its bus fleet from approximately 660–670 vehicles to 709 buses for departures beginning 17 March 2026 from the National Monument area. Additionally, the provincial government has launched a complementary "Mudik to Jakarta" initiative to attract tourists and boost the capital's tourism and retail sectors during the Lebaran holiday period.

PT Jasa Marga projects that the peak exodus for Eid 2026 will occur on Tuesday, 18 March, with approximately 3.5 million vehicles departing Greater Jakarta, primarily heading eastbound via Trans Java and Cipularang toll roads. The government has approved a Work From Anywhere policy for five days to distribute traffic loads and mitigate congestion, particularly at the critical kilometre 66 junction of the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road where 57% of vehicles are destined for Trans Java and 42% for Cipularang.

Turkey's defence ministry confirmed that NATO air defence systems successfully intercepted a second Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace, targeting the country's southern region and causing missile fragments to fall in Gaziantep province with no reported casualties. Turkey has issued stern warnings to Iran against further attacks and emphasised it will take decisive action against any threats to its territory, whilst declining to invoke NATO's Article 4 consultation clause at this stage. The incident underscores Turkey's reliance on NATO defence systems and its strategic importance as the alliance's second-largest military power whilst attempting to mediate regional tensions.

Airlangga University's Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Studies (CESGS) has been selected to receive funding from Indonesia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology through the 2025 PUI-PT programme to strengthen research and innovation in sustainable business. The centre, which has published 398 Scopus-indexed articles since its establishment in 2020, aims to address a critical gap in ESG research capacity in Indonesia, where only 2% of publicly listed companies have adopted global climate-related financial disclosure standards. CESGS plans a systematic research roadmap through 2030, focusing on the intersection of climate risk, biodiversity, social inequality, and corporate financial performance.

Indonesia's Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) is accelerating the occupancy of temporary housing (huntara) and distributing housing waiting allowances (DTH) to relocate disaster survivors affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late 2025. As of 10 March, 14,725 temporary housing units have been completed, representing 78 per cent of the 18,697-unit target, whilst the government plans to construct 36,669 permanent housing units. The task force is also distributing Rp 600,000 (approximately £28) monthly for three months to survivors who choose not to stay in temporary housing, with 100 per cent disbursement achieved for 12,771 beneficiaries.

As currency exchange activity increases ahead of Eid al-Fitr, an Airlangga University Islamic economics professor warns that informal street exchanges often involve riba (usury), which is prohibited under Islamic law. According to Professor Imron Mawardi, money is classified as a fungible good requiring equal-value exchange; any difference in value constitutes riba fadhl. The professor recommends using official banking channels or clearly separating the currency exchange transaction from any service fees to comply with Islamic principles.

As electric vehicle usage increases for long-distance Lebaran travel in Indonesia, proper preparation is essential to ensure safe journeys. Key steps include regular maintenance checks (AC filters, brake fluid, coolant, and gear oil), selecting experienced vendors for services like window tinting to prevent electrical damage, and installing charging facilities with proper grounding. Drivers should also conduct pre-trip self-inspections covering fluids, tyre conditions, and electrical systems, whilst planning charging points along the route and carrying emergency equipment.

PT PP (PTPP) has exceeded its construction target for the West Residence road development project at Indonesia's new capital city (IKN), reaching 65.85% progress by March 2026 against a planned target of 60.69%. The Rp1.3 trillion consortium project, which commenced in July 2024, encompasses integrated road infrastructure with utilities, drainage systems, pedestrian facilities, and green space development, whilst generating approximately 600 jobs and supporting regional economic multiplier effects through local supply chain engagement.

The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing hosted an Indonesia–China Business Dialogue in Changsha, Hunan, bringing together approximately 200 entrepreneurs to explore new business opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation. Trade between Hunan Province and Indonesia reached USD 3.4 billion in 2024, with bilateral Indonesia–China trade totalling USD 167.48 billion in 2025, whilst Chinese investment into Indonesia hit USD 18.1 billion, funding major projects including the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail and electric vehicle ecosystem development.

The Kuantan Singingi Police (Kuansing) destroyed 12 illegal gold mining rafts (PETI) found operating along the Kuantan River in Inuman District after receiving community reports. The police chief emphasised that the destruction serves as a deterrent and demonstrated the force's commitment to environmental protection and strict law enforcement, stating that no one is above the law.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has rotated 1,858 officials across grade levels II-IV at the Ministry of Finance on 10 February 2026, including 44 senior officials, marking the third such rotation in 2026. The minister emphasised that the rotation is a matter of state importance, as a strong fiscal position underpins economic stability and national welfare. This follows earlier rotations at the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in January, and a major reassignment of 2,043 tax officials at the Directorate General of Taxes in March.

East Kalimantan's provincial government has allocated Rp10.5 billion for its Governor's Expert Team for 2026, with Rp8.34 billion designated for honorariums and Rp2.9 billion for official travel expenses across a nine-month period. The allocation comes shortly after controversy over an Rp8.5 billion official vehicle purchase, with the regional secretary defending the expert team structure by citing benchmarks from other provinces and consultation with the Interior Ministry.

A member of the National Energy Council has recommended PT Pertamina strengthen controls on subsidised fuel distribution to ensure targeting efficiency, particularly amid geopolitical tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Although Indonesia's national energy reserves remain stable, the council continues monitoring global dynamics and is urging greater public use of public transport to reduce fuel consumption.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has transferred the case file against inactive Riau Governor Abdul Wahid and associates to the Corruption Court at Pekanbaru District Court, with allegations of extortion and accepting gratuities. The defendants include the head of the Riau Public Works and Spatial Planning Office and Abdul Wahid's expert adviser, with charges under Articles 12e, 12f, and 12B of the Anti-Corruption Law. The KPK's investigation involved extensive raids on provincial offices and residences in November and December 2025, seizing documents and evidence related to budget reallocation irregularities.

The Indonesian Government has implemented an odd-even vehicle system and one-way traffic on several tollway sections to reduce congestion during the 2026 Eid holiday exodus. The Ministry of Public Works has confirmed the readiness of all national road infrastructure, including toll and non-toll routes, to support smooth traffic flow during the homecoming and return journey, whilst these measures will operate alongside toll discounts and functional tollway operations.

The Indonesian government has scheduled the 2026 Eid holiday break for schools to begin on Monday, 16 March 2026, with students returning to school on Monday, 30 March 2026. School holidays during Ramadan and Eid are deliberately extended beyond national holiday periods to accommodate students' physical and spiritual adjustment needs, allowing them to properly observe religious practices and spend time with family.

Egypt's government has increased fuel prices by up to 30 per cent effective 10 March, citing extraordinary global energy pressures from the Middle East conflict that disrupts oil supplies and shipping lanes. The rise affects petrol, diesel, and natural gas, with diesel—the most widely used fuel in Egypt—climbing 17.1 per cent and compressed natural gas surging 30 per cent. The adjustment comes as Egypt implements fiscal reforms under an $8 billion International Monetary Fund loan programme, with four fuel price increases implemented over the past two years.

Indonesia's state-owned logistics company Bulog's Surakarta branch maintains a rice reserve of 67,225 tonnes, projected to increase to approximately 80,000 tonnes by end of March 2026. The strong stockpile is intended to ensure food supply stability across the Greater Solo region and anticipate increased demand during major religious celebrations. A temporary distribution disruption to market traders last week was resolved after new regulatory guidelines for 2026 rice distribution required re-registration of vendors.

Padangbai Port authorities in Bali expect peak homebound traffic to the Lembar Port in Lombok on 16-17 March 2026 (H-5 and H-4 Eid), based on historical patterns. The port has readied 20 vessels and will operate between 13 and 20 crossings daily depending on passenger volume, whilst coordinating with weather forecasts to ensure maritime safety during the exodus and return journey.

Bogor Police District's free Eid homecoming programme has received an overwhelming response, with 1,063 residents registering within the first 12 minutes of online registration opening. The police department will provide 20 buses to accommodate approximately 1,000 passengers returning to their hometowns for Eid al-Fitr, with departures scheduled for 18 March from Pakansari Stadium in Cibinong.

PT Jasa Marga attributes road damage on the Tangerang-Jakarta toll road at KM 13 near Karang Tengah in Tangerang to high rainfall in recent weeks, which has compromised the pavement quality at multiple points. The company apologised to road users and advised drivers to exercise caution whilst ongoing repair work continues to be hampered by persistent wet weather conditions.

The Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) held its Provincial Leadership Meeting II in 2026, emphasizing the importance of strengthening local entrepreneurs as a strategic pillar for Jakarta's economic growth. Governor Pramono Anung and national KADIN chairman Anindya N. Bakrie attended the event, where KADIN leadership stressed that empowered local entrepreneurs create multiplier effects through increased investment, job creation, and UMKM ecosystem development, whilst maintaining healthy competition and welcoming foreign investment.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung will implement Car Free Night (CFN) in the Sudirman-Thamrin area on the eve of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, restricting private vehicles from 22:00 onwards whilst maintaining TransJakarta public transport services. The provincial government is also launching the "Mudik ke Jakarta" programme to attract tourists remaining in the capital during the Eid holidays, supported by retail discounts of 70-80 percent and various cultural events including a hijab fashion show and bedug festival.

Indonesia's Commission II of the House of Representatives convened a meeting with three constitutional law experts—Jimly Asshiddiqie, Mahfud MD, and Refly Harun—to gather input on the design and critical issues of future electoral systems. The Commission aims to formulate comprehensive electoral law revisions, including consideration of 22 Constitutional Court decisions on the current electoral law, to strengthen constitutional democracy.

A 23-year-old man was shot with an airsoft gun in Cilincing District, North Jakarta, sustaining wounds to his right leg, right back, and left knee after falling. Police allege the shooting was triggered by a debt dispute of approximately 800,000 rupiah related to a cannabis purchase, with the suspect and three accomplices apprehending the victim as he returned home from buying fried rice.

US President Donald Trump has stated he is open to eliminating Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei if he refuses to comply with Washington's demands, including the dissolution of Iran's nuclear programme, according to The Wall Street Journal. China has responded by affirming that Khamenei's selection as Supreme Leader follows Iran's constitutional procedures, whilst the White House declined to comment on the allegations.

Saudi Aramco's Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser has warned that continued disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz due to conflict between Israel and the United States against Iran could trigger "catastrophic" consequences for the global oil market, with ripple effects across aviation, agriculture, and automotive sectors. With global oil supplies at their lowest levels in five years, Nasser emphasized the critical importance of restoring normal shipping activities through the strategic waterway to prevent accelerated depletion of worldwide oil reserves.

Residents of Ancol, North Jakarta, report that railings on a bridge along Jembatan Goyang road have been disappearing for approximately one year, with less than half of the original 50-metre railings remaining. Security and local witnesses attribute the thefts to metal scavengers who took advantage of restricted access to the bridge during nearby Toll Harbour Road II construction project.

Multiple automotive manufacturers have announced price revisions for their hybrid vehicle offerings in March 2026, with several new and more affordable variants entering the market. Toyota has introduced the Yaris Cross Hybrid G CVT and Alphard XE Hybrid as lower-priced options, whilst the newly launched Veloz Hybrid is priced between Rp 308 million and Rp 389 million, with discounts available on the entry-level model. Several other brands including Suzuki, Honda, and Nissan have also increased prices on their hybrid models, whilst Chery has launched the C5 CSH as a competitive alternative.

This essay examines the Latin maxim "Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum" ("if you wish for peace, prepare for war"), tracing its original meaning from Roman military theorist Vegetius as a doctrine of deterrence rather than aggression, and argues that current geopolitical tensions misinterpret this concept by treating military preparedness as inevitable escalation. The author contends that genuine security requires not endless arms buildups but rather justice, economic resilience, and diplomacy—suggesting alternative Latin maxims such as "Si vis pacem, cole justitiam" (cultivate justice for peace) as a more sustainable approach to global stability.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has declared it will cease launching missiles with warheads weighing less than one tonne at the United States and Israel, signalling an escalation in military capabilities. The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following a joint US-Israel strike on Iran on 28 February, which Iranian authorities claim killed over 1,200 people including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Iran's subsequent retaliatory drone and missile strikes. Tehran has also expanded its target list to include US economic assets and interests, moving beyond purely military objectives.

Water seepage into underground cavities has been identified as the primary cause of a cliff collapse in Pondok Balik village, Central Aceh, which has affected approximately 175 metres of roadway. Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo has inspected the site and confirmed that authorities are implementing comprehensive technical measures to stabilise the area, including controlling water flow and consulting with technical experts from ITB and Unsyiah, whilst alternative detour routes have been established for affected communities.

Misbakhun, chairman of the parliamentary Commission XI, has called on Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to avoid rushing into increases to subsidised fuel prices despite global oil price volatility caused by Middle Eastern conflicts. He emphasised that fuel price hikes should be a last resort and urged the government to prepare multiple fiscal scenarios and alternative adjustment measures before resorting to raising fuel prices, in order to protect purchasing power and control inflation.

A Citizens' Lawsuit (CLS) hearing regarding President Joko Widodo's university degree took place in Solo, with the plaintiff's legal team requesting that the defendants take a decisive oath, which Jokowi's legal team firmly rejected. The defendants argue that a decisive oath can only be granted when no evidence exists in the case, and contend that both parties have already submitted documentary evidence, witness testimony, and expert statements throughout the proceedings. The panel of judges will deliberate on the plaintiff's request for the oath at the next hearing scheduled for 17 March.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo addressed labour leaders and workers in East Java, emphasising the importance of cooperation between workers and government to maintain national stability amid global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. The police are strengthening their Labour Desk across all levels and opening police hospitals to workers, whilst the government pursues tariff reductions with major trading partners and accelerates 18 strategic downstream industrialisation projects to protect employment and sustain the investment climate.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia disclosed details of his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto at Hambalang, Bogor, on Monday evening (9 March 2026), where the government discussed strategic measures to address global geopolitical dynamics affecting crude oil prices. The meeting, which gathered key cabinet ministers, focused on two main agendas: evaluating progress on food and energy self-sufficiency programmes, and ensuring food supplies and LPG availability ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) DKI Jakarta has underscored that strengthening local entrepreneurs is a critical strategy for bolstering the capital's economic resilience. KADIN DKI Jakarta leadership emphasises that supporting local businesses will generate multiplier effects, creating jobs and enabling money circulation within the city, whilst also supporting micro, small and medium enterprises. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced initiatives to encourage longer spending by foreign tourists, positioning local entrepreneurship as essential to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto met with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace to discuss how research outcomes can support government programmes, particularly addressing food security and energy resilience in light of escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions. The President has directed the ministry to accelerate the conversion of diesel to electric stoves, coal plants to solar power, and petrol vehicles to electric motorcycles within 3-4 years to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and government subsidies.

A clinical child psychologist from the University of Indonesia's Psychology Institute explains that children's moral character development depends not on family perfection but on consistent emotional support from caring adult figures. Even children from difficult family environments can develop warmth and empathy if they receive acceptance and understanding from at least one significant adult—whether a parent, teacher, grandparent, or supportive community member.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has launched the "Mudik ke Jakarta" (Journey to Jakarta) programme to attract domestic tourists during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period when the capital is typically quieter. The initiative offers bundled tourism packages to popular destinations including Ancol, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), and Ragunan Zoo, along with promotional discounts of up to 80 per cent at shopping centres, with the aim of boosting visitor numbers and stimulating the local economy.

Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has launched an investigation into the illegal sale of tramadol at retail outlets across Jakarta, following public outcry and vigilante action in East Jakarta. BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar stated that tramadol, a controlled substance that can produce psychoactive effects and lead to severe dependency, is being misused and enforcement action will be taken imminently. A parliamentary deputy has urged police to accelerate their response to the public reports of illegal tramadol sales in East Jakarta.

The Bawen-Ambarawa toll road section, part of the Yogyakarta-Bawen Toll Project Section 6, will operate temporarily from 13 to 30 March 2026 during the Eid holiday exodus and return to ease traffic congestion at Bawen Junction in Semarang Regency. The 4.98-kilometre stretch will operate in phases, with the Bawen-to-Ambarawa direction opening on 13 March and the return direction from 15 March, with operating hours limited to 06:00-17:00 whilst signage and lighting improvements are completed. Central Java has coordinated with multiple agencies to manage the exodus traffic flow, including implementing traffic engineering measures and motorcycle valet services in Brebes.

The Cooperative Fund Management Institution (LPDB) has disbursed Rp47 billion to Indosat Cooperative to fund a backbone fibre optic project spanning approximately 4,600 kilometres along railway lines from Cikampek to Banyuwangi and beyond. The project, supported by the Cooperative Ministry and coordinated with PT Indosat and PT Kereta Api Indonesia, aims to expand internet access to underserved rural areas and strengthen digital transformation across cooperatives and micro-enterprises throughout Indonesia.