Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has signalled openness to issuing a gubernatorial regulation addressing bullying and harassment following feedback from patients during a visit to a regional hospital. The governor instructed his welfare affairs team to study whether such regulations are necessary, emphasising the importance of community support for patients, particularly those undergoing mental health treatment, and the need to reduce social stigma.

US President Donald Trump has signalled a willingness to pursue dialogue with Iran despite escalating military tensions following air strikes on 28 February, though he has insisted on strict preconditions for any negotiations. The diplomatic overture comes during a transitional period in Iran's leadership following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death and the appointment of his son Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader, whom Trump views with scepticism regarding regional stability.

Two plaintiffs in a citizens' lawsuit challenging the authenticity of former President Joko Widodo's undergraduate degree from Gadjah Mada University have requested the Surakarta District Court panel to administer a decisive oath to the defendants. During the latest validation hearing on 10 March, the plaintiffs' legal counsel argued that the defendants have failed to produce substantial evidence of the degree's authenticity, whilst the defendants' counsel contended that the request lacks legal foundation given that evidence has already been presented by both parties.

The Indonesian Ministry of Finance has distributed religious holiday allowances (THR) totalling Rp55 trillion to 2.09 million central and regional government employees and 3.62 million retirees as of March 2026. The government allocated approximately 10 per cent more funding for 2026 THR distributions compared to the previous year, with payments processed across multiple government agencies and pension fund managers. Distribution commenced on 26 February 2026 and is scheduled to conclude by seven days before Eid celebrations.

Religious freedom and belief in Indonesia continues to face significant challenges, with 221 religious freedom violation incidents and 331 related actions recorded in 2025, according to SETARA Institute's report. Whilst these figures represent a slight decrease from 2024's 260 incidents, experts argue this numerical reduction does not reflect substantive improvement, attributing the persistent violations to discriminatory regulations targeting minority religious groups including Christians, Catholics, and Ahmadiyah, alongside weakening government commitment to inter-faith harmony.

The Setara Institute has released its 2025 annual report on religious freedom and belief (KBB) in Indonesia, documenting 221 violation incidents with 331 total actions—a slight decrease from 2024's 260 incidents but still reflecting systemic failures in protecting religious minorities. Of these violations, 128 were perpetrated by state actors, primarily local governments (71 actions), whilst 197 were by non-state actors, with a notable shift towards citizen groups becoming the largest non-state perpetrators. The report marks the first comprehensive evaluation under President Prabowo Subianto's administration and highlights that discriminatory regulations continue to enable intolerant groups, indicating inadequate government commitment to substantive improvements in religious freedom protection.

Danareksa BUMN holding and its subsidiary companies have simultaneously distributed 1,000 Ramadan assistance packages to people with disabilities across Jakarta, Pasuruan, Demak, Makassar, and Medan. The initiative, coordinated through the company's Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility programme in partnership with Alunjiva Indonesia, demonstrates a commitment to social welfare equity and targeted support for vulnerable groups often underserved by regular government programmes.

Indonesia's Geological Agency has elevated Mount Tambora in West Nusa Tenggara from normal status (Level I) to alert status (Level II) following a significant increase in volcanic earthquake activity, with 453 recorded volcanic earthquakes in February 2026 compared to 267 in January. Residents and visitors are now prohibited from entering a 3-kilometre radius around the volcano's centre, and the agency warns of potential rockfalls and slope instability on the caldera walls.

Iran's military confirmed launching a drone attack on the Haifa oil refinery and fuel storage facilities in Israel on 10 March 2026, marking a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions that threatens global energy stability. The strike was characterised as a retaliatory response to prior American and Israeli attacks on Iranian oil storage infrastructure, prompting air raid sirens across central Israel including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the West Bank. The attack is projected to disrupt Israel's domestic fuel supply should damage to the refinery prove extensive, whilst heightening regional security concerns amid broader Middle Eastern instability.

Banyuwangi Regency in East Java is collaborating with Austrian company Borealis through Project STOP to construct a waste processing facility (TPS3R) with a capacity of 160 tonnes per day in Karetan Village, Purwoharjo District. The facility, which is 40.95 per cent complete and expected to begin operations in September 2026, will serve approximately 362,000 residents and generate employment whilst addressing plastic waste management through sorting and recycling.

The RW 09 chairman of Kamal Village in Kalideres, West Jakarta, has clarified that his controversial request for year-end bonuses (THR) from local companies is intended to purchase gifts for environmental managers and administrative staff, not for personal use. The chairman claims to be continuing a long-standing tradition from his predecessor and has not yet collected funds from the companies approached.

An inmate escaped from Nusakambangan Island penal facility in Cilacap, Central Java on Monday evening and crossed to the mainland using a local fisherman's boat, but was quickly apprehended by vigilant residents in Kutawaru village who recognised his prison garb. The escapee, reported to be from Solo, had allegedly threatened the fisherman with a sharp farming implement to secure passage and was captured near a residential area approximately 45 minutes after reaching shore.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has formally designated Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and four others as suspects in an alleged corruption case following an intensive investigation. Of the five suspects, two are believed to be bribery recipients whilst three are alleged bribery providers, with the case apparently involving infrastructure project corruption within the Rejang Lebong Regency Government.

Police in Nganjuk, East Java are investigating a firecracker explosion that occurred on Monday evening in Drenges Village, Kertosono District, leaving two teenagers with serious injuries including abdominal, facial, and eye wounds. Four teenagers were attempting to manufacture fireworks when the materials unexpectedly detonated, with two other youths sustaining minor injuries and currently being questioned by authorities regarding the source of the materials and circumstances of the incident.

Iranian ballistic missiles struck a German military base at the multinational Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan on 10 March 2026, marking the first significant direct impact on German assets in Iran's broader regional escalation. The attack, part of Iran's retaliation for US-Israeli military operations on 28 February that reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, caused physical damage but resulted in no casualties among German personnel who were sheltered in bunkers. The incident has drawn European powers into the intensifying Middle Eastern conflict, with Russia condemning the operation and calling for immediate de-escalation.

PT Krakatau Steel (Persero) has officially launched its "Kras Reborn" transformation strategy, positioning the company to shift from survival mode to becoming a resilient global steel industry leader. The initiative focuses on organisational energy, mental resilience, and execution excellence, with a target consolidated revenue of US$1.6 billion in 2026, aiming to establish Krakatau Steel as a national pride with global standards.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo Priyono, and Deputy Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Veronica Tan, met to discuss collaborative plans for accelerating the recovery of victims from disasters in Sumatra. The Social Affairs Ministry is distributing regular and adaptive social assistance based on the National Unified Socio-Economic Data (DTSEN), whilst the Women's Empowerment Ministry proposes a Women's Garden Programme to help affected women and children restore their livelihoods.

US President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that he is open to the possibility of negotiations with Iran, though only under certain conditions. The statement comes amid heightened tensions following US-Israeli military strikes against Iranian targets on 28 February and subsequent Iranian retaliation, as well as the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Malaysia's Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has described bilateral media relations between Indonesia and Malaysia as "very special" and instrumental in strengthening ties between the two nations. He highlighted the role of shared media organisations such as Iswami and official news agencies ANTARA and BERNAMA in facilitating dialogue and understanding, whilst welcoming further Indonesian media presence in Malaysia.

The Asian Development Bank has approved USD 150 million in financing to PT Link Net Tbk to strengthen the company's stability and expand fibre optic broadband infrastructure across Indonesia. The investment aims to provide inclusive internet access and unlock Indonesia's digital economy potential, estimated to reach USD 366 billion by 2030, whilst supporting the government's climate commitments through energy-efficient technology.

TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto has clarified that the Alert Status 1 implemented across military units is a routine personnel and equipment readiness exercise, not a declaration of national emergency. He dismissed speculation linking the alert status to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, emphasising it is standard military procedure conducted without a specific timeframe and part of regular civil protection protocols.

Indonesia's Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti launched the 2026 Educational Unit Revitalisation Programme in Bireuen District, Aceh, laying foundation stones at three schools benefiting from rehabilitation assistance. The initiative supports 116 disaster-affected schools with a combined funding allocation of IDR 167.4 billion, with 86 schools managed by the schools themselves and 30 by the Indonesian Army, aiming to accelerate recovery of educational facilities in flood-impacted regions.

The Commission for Accelerating Police (Polri) Reform will present its findings to President Prabowo Subianto, with the content remaining confidential until disclosed to the President. Commission member Mahfud MD stated that the team has completed preliminary designs for police reform based on public consultations and is awaiting a meeting schedule with Prabowo. All recommendations, ranging from immediate improvements to legislative changes, will be made public only after the President receives them.

President Prabowo Subianto stated that maintaining peace requires more than prayer and hope—it demands genuine effort and concrete actions to achieve prosperity and justice for all citizens. Speaking at the Nuzul al-Qur'an commemoration at the State Palace, Prabowo emphasised that Indonesia's abundant natural resources must be properly managed by leaders to eliminate poverty, hunger, and suffering, whilst reaffirming the government's constitutional duty to protect all citizens regardless of ethnicity, race, or religion.

Bengkulu's provincial government is coordinating comprehensive measures to ensure safe and comfortable homecoming travel during the 2026 Eid holiday period, including 128 intercity buses and strict vehicle safety inspections. The Land Transport Management Agency (BPTD) has stationed monitoring posts at key locations and deployed hundreds of personnel to oversee transport operations, whilst also implementing road mapping and warning systems at congestion-prone areas. Terminal Air Sebakul has been optimised as a central transport hub to facilitate seamless connections for returning passengers.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has accelerated the selection process for the new leadership of Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) to enable the regulator to respond more quickly to market volatility stemming from Middle East conflicts. Despite the acceleration, Purbaya confirmed that the selection process remains compliant with established procedures, requiring presidential approval followed by parliamentary review. The selection committee prioritises candidates who can balance pro-market positions with regulatory caution whilst managing systemic risks.

Regent Moch Maesyal Rasyid and Vice-Regent Intan Nurul Hikmah have delivered tangible results in their first year leading Tangerang Regency, with significant infrastructure improvements, expanded healthcare coverage exceeding 98 per cent, enhanced education programmes, and UMKM support initiatives. The administration has constructed over 150 kilometres of improved roads, installed new drainage systems, and facilitated 5,000 free halal and business identity number certifications, whilst education achievements include average schooling duration surpassing provincial averages. These comprehensive development initiatives demonstrate improved public service delivery and economic empowerment across multiple sectors.

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed his commitment to working diligently to maintain peace as a primary duty of his administration, emphasising the need to protect all Indonesian citizens regardless of ethnicity, race, or religion. Speaking at the State-level Commemoration of Nuzulul Quran at the Presidential Palace, Prabowo stressed that peace must be sustained through concrete efforts including the pursuit of prosperity and justice, and the elimination of poverty, hunger, and suffering. He also pledged Indonesia's continued commitment to maintaining friendly relations with all nations worldwide and respecting all global powers.

President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated Indonesia's foreign policy commitment to maintain friendship with all nations and respect all global powers, whilst refusing to interfere in other countries' internal affairs. Speaking at a Nuzulul Qur'an commemoration at the State Palace, Prabowo emphasised that this non-interventionist stance reflects the founding principles of the nation and called upon religious leaders to support national unity and prosperity.

The Indonesian Government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has evacuated 32 Indonesian citizens from Iran amid escalating conflict in the Middle East region. Twenty-two citizens safely arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on 10 March, with the remaining ten scheduled to return in a subsequent batch, whilst Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasised that citizen safety remains the government's top priority.

West Lombok Regency plans to redeploy 163 part-time government contract employees (PPPK) from five district agencies affected by a merger into the Civil Police Unit (Satpol PP). The initiative aims to station civil police officers in every village and market to enforce local regulations, monitor spatial planning, and respond to social unrest, with personnel expected to reach 250 officers once recruitment is complete.

Findings from the Indonesian Ombudsman (ORI) have increasingly been used as reference material in court proceedings, according to former Ombudsman member Adrianus Meliala. The Ombudsman's Final Inspection Report (LHAP), which is compiled through systematic investigation involving field checks and witness statements, is gaining credibility with the judiciary and judges have explicitly cited Ombudsman findings when delivering verdicts in certain cases.

Unknown assailants attacked at least three illegal drug stores in Pasar Rebo, East Jakarta, throwing oil and firecrackers in what appears to be vigilante action against unauthorised pharmaceutical sales. The police have opened investigations and are urging the public to report suspected illegal drug sales to authorities rather than taking matters into their own hands.

China's top leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful development at the annual "two sessions" legislative and advisory meetings, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledging that China will not pursue hegemony as it grows in strength. The country's 15th Five-Year Plan emphasises integrated regional development and stability with major nations, whilst China maintains a defensive military posture and extensive economic interdependence with over 160 countries as a safeguard against conflict. This stance reflects both China's historical preference for commerce over conquest and its post-1949 development model based on internal modernisation rather than external expansion.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has launched a simultaneous technical training programme for food handlers across eight strategic regions on 7–8 March 2026, targeting around 500 participants daily to strengthen the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG). The training focuses on ensuring food safety and sanitation standards across all operational stages, with accelerated issuance of Hygiene and Sanitation Certificates (SLHS) as a key priority. The initiative emphasises that food quality depends not only on raw materials but also on proper handling, storage, and presentation throughout the meal preparation process.

The chairman of RW 09 in Kamal Village, Kalideres, West Jakarta has denied imposing mandatory holiday bonus (THR) payment amounts on companies, claiming the figures in a viral proposal letter were merely suggestions, not requirements. He stated all collected funds would be pooled to purchase gifts for distribution to community workers and administrative staff, and pledged to streamline the THR request process to prevent future misunderstandings.

Fashion retailer Uniqlo has launched a Hari Raya Clothing Donation Collection campaign during Ramadan to encourage Indonesians to donate unused clothing and reduce textile waste through circular fashion practices. The initiative, which runs collection boxes in all Uniqlo stores and partners with Human Initiative for distribution, has previously distributed over 34,000 garments to more than 11,000 beneficiaries across Indonesia, with additional services including repair, remake, and traditional Japanese sashiko embroidery techniques offered through Re.Uniqlo Studios.

Five petrol station workers at a BP petrol station in Babelan, Bekasi were assaulted and held captive by an armed gang on 10 March 2026 at approximately 03:30 local time, during which the perpetrators broke into a safe and fled with an estimated 100 to 130 million rupiah in sales proceeds. The gang of approximately four individuals used makeshift equipment including a fake pistol, tape, cable, and a ladder to gain access through the rear of the facility, whilst two workers suffered injuries during resistance; CCTV footage was deliberately damaged by the perpetrators. Police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects.

Indonesia's tobacco industry is experiencing severe contraction, with only 1,700 factories remaining compared to nearly 5,000 units previously, as production declines by an average of 2.4 per cent annually. The Indonesian Tobacco Society Association blames government regulations, including limits on nicotine content (1 milligramme) and tar (10 milligrammes) that are incompatible with locally grown tobacco characteristics, which naturally contain between 2-8 per cent nicotine. Despite contributing approximately 710.3 trillion rupiah to GDP and generating 1.85-1.9 billion US dollars in foreign exchange annually, the industry warns that pending ministerial regulations threaten its viability.

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has evacuated 32 Indonesian citizens from Iran in response to escalating conflict in the Middle East, with the first batch of 22 safely arriving at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on 10 March. The remaining 10 citizens are scheduled to arrive on 11 March via Turkish Airlines through Baku, Azerbaijan, with Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasising that citizen safety remains the government's top priority. According to records from the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, there are currently 329 Indonesian citizens registered in Iran, primarily comprising students based in Qom alongside migrant workers and expatriates.

Two senior police officers from North Toraja's narcotics unit, AKP Arifandi Efendi and Aiptu Nasrul, have appealed their dismissals from service after being found guilty of receiving weekly payments totalling 110 million rupiah from a drug trafficker. An ethics hearing revealed they accepted 10 million rupiah per week from October to December 2025, and the police ethics commission determined their actions were based on personal initiative rather than orders from superiors.

The Youth Renewal Movement of Indonesia (AMPI), the youth wing of the Golkar Party, has utilised Ramadan to reinforce youth engagement in national development through joint iftar meals with orphans and youth discussion forums. The initiative, which included distribution of aid to over 1,500 beneficiaries, 11 mosques and prayer halls, and support for 4 local small and medium enterprises, reflects Golkar's commitment to strengthening community ties and social responsibility during the holy month.

Hasanuddin University's Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) has been ranked in the 301–400 range globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, marking significant international recognition for the institution's political science programmes. The achievement reflects collective efforts across the faculty to elevate academic and research standards to international levels, whilst opening opportunities for international student recruitment and research collaboration. The faculty plans to strengthen its position through increased international research publications, enhanced postgraduate programmes, and expanded partnerships with foreign institutions.

Metal railings on a bridge in Ancol, North Jakarta, have been largely stolen by perpetrators using saws in a gradual manner, with approximately half of the original railings now missing. Local security staff and residents report that these "iron termites" have carried out the thefts over an extended period, though police arrests of metal thieves in nearby locations appear to have deterred further incidents.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari as a suspect following his apprehension in a sting operation over alleged involvement in procurement project bribery. Five suspects have been charged in total—three as bribe givers and two as recipients—with investigators securing hundreds of millions of rupiah in cash and supporting documents as evidence. The KPK will hold a full press conference detailing the investigation findings on 11 March.

President Prabowo Subianto delivered a message at the Nuzulul Quran commemoration held at the State Palace in Jakarta on 10 March 2026, marking the anniversary of the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad. The event, attended by prominent scholar Quraish Shihab, sought to serve as a moment for Muslims to understand and apply Quranic teachings in their daily lives.

A heritage-listed Dutch-colonial building in Jakarta's Menteng district has been demolished without permission from the Jakarta Cultural Affairs Office. The office head stated that no demolition permit was issued and called for coordination between land owners and authorities, whilst reaffirming the provincial government's commitment to protecting cultural heritage sites through legal status designation and restoration services.

NU Care-Lazisnu, the philanthropic arm of Nahdlatul Ulama, is distributing humanitarian assistance across nine disaster-affected districts in Sumatra and Java during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah (March 5-13, 2026). The programme provides basic food packages, religious equipment, school supplies, cash assistance, clean water (15 trucks to five villages in Bireuen, Aceh), and emergency facilities including temporary mosques and sanitation units, whilst also offering psychological support to survivors of floods, landslides, and ground movement disasters.

A specialist internal medicine physician has cautioned the public against elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels following the Eid al-Fitr celebration, citing significant dietary changes during the festive period. Data from Halodoc shows a 95 per cent surge in metabolic screening tests during the week after Eid compared to normal weekly averages, highlighting the need for preventative measures through portion control, increased consumption of vegetables and fruits, and regular physical activity.

Rising military tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran are disrupting global oil production and distribution, with crude oil prices surging from US$67 to nearly US$97 per barrel since the conflict erupted on 28 February. The price spike is directly impacting American consumers through higher fuel pump prices, with petrol averaging 51 cents per gallon more expensive in a single week, and analysts predict further increases to US$3.50-US$4.00 per gallon in the coming days. The rising energy costs pose additional economic pressure on households already grappling with cost-of-living concerns and could create significant political headwinds for the Trump administration.