Anthropic, a major US artificial intelligence firm contracted with the Pentagon, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after being placed on a supply chain risk blacklist by the Department of Defence. The dispute stems from disagreements over the use of AI technology in military operations, with Anthropic seeking guarantees that its technology will not be used for fully autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance. The company claims the blacklist status is illegal and threatens hundreds of millions of dollars in government and private sector contracts.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago recounted rejecting an offer of a Minangkabau Datuk (traditional noble) title from a West Sumatran adat (traditional) leader shortly after taking office. Djamari questioned why he was only recognised by the Minangkabau community after becoming minister, despite bearing the Chaniago clan name since his military academy days, and criticised the adat leader for previously bestowing the title on a general later implicated in drug trafficking, arguing this undermined the sacred meaning of the honour.

PT PLN Indonesia Power UP Keramasan has developed the "Palembang Kito Nian" CSR programme, which integrates environmental, social, and economic sustainability by transforming industrial waste into value-added products whilst empowering vulnerable local communities. The initiative has engaged 85 community members, generating average annual income of approximately Rp12 million per participant, with a high Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 1.92 and community satisfaction score of 96.27 per cent, demonstrating effective circular economy implementation and strong social licence to operate.

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade is implementing various discount schemes ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026, including the "Shop in Indonesia Only" (BINA) programme offering discounts up to 70–80 per cent across more than 400 shopping centres, aimed at stimulating consumer spending and driving regional economic growth. The Deputy Minister visited Batam to monitor both discount programmes and basic food prices, which remain relatively stable across essential commodities including rice, chillies, and poultry.

Yogyakarta is projected to receive 8.2 million travellers during the Eid (Lebaran) homecoming period, with the majority travelling from the Jakarta metropolitan area using both private vehicles and train services. Regional police have launched Operation Ketupat Progo 2026 from 13 to 25 March, establishing 25 security posts throughout the province and coordinating with navigation apps to manage traffic congestion and ensure traveller safety.

Regional conflicts between the United States, Israel and Iran are creating widespread fear and economic hardship across the Middle East, extending far beyond active combat zones. From Turkey to Lebanon, civilians face rising prices, displacement, and deep uncertainty about their safety and futures, with over 517,000 Syrian refugees now registered in Lebanon's assistance programmes.

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PT Kereta Api Pariwisata (KAI Wisata) to expand banking services in the tourism transportation sector. The collaboration encompasses joint marketing initiatives, digital payment integration, and exclusive facilities such as Executive Lounges for BTN Priority and Private customers at railway stations.

A 58-year-old man from Denpasar has been arrested for burgling 23 villas in Ubud, Bali, targeting occupied properties while residents were away and stealing jewellery. The arrest came following investigations into complaints from 20 villa residents and review of CCTV footage. This is part of a broader Operasi Sikat Agung (Sweeping Operation) 2026 that resulted in 58 arrests for 61 criminal cases, primarily theft-related offences, during January and February 2026.

Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso has urged food security to become a central issue in WTO agricultural reform negotiations, leading a virtual meeting of the G-33 group of 47 developing nations ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in March 2026. The coordinated push aims to revitalise stalled agricultural negotiations and strengthen developing countries' bargaining position on critical priorities including public food stockholding, special safeguard mechanisms, and differential treatment provisions.

A woman identified as MS in East Ciputat, South Tangerang, Banten, has been named as a suspect in a domestic violence case after her ex-husband filed a counter-report against her, despite her having filed the initial domestic violence complaint in April 2023. After over two years of legal proceedings, investigators established MS as a suspect on 6 October 2025 based on her ex-husband's allegations, a decision the family contests as an inversion of facts and claims it has been upheld through a pre-trial examination. The case has raised concerns about police procedural irregularities, including allegations of intimidation during an unannounced home visit by members of the Women and Child Protection Unit in February 2026.

The Bonjowi group has welcomed a Central Information Commission (KIP) ruling that partially granted their information dispute request regarding former President Joko Widodo's academic documents from Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The ruling mandates UGM to disclose previously withheld documentation, representing what Bonjowi members describe as a victory for public transparency and academic integrity. The dispute continues with pending actions involving the police regarding additional documents related to the president's credentials.

The Indonesian government is taking measures to stabilise broiler chicken prices and ensure adequate supply ahead of Eid al-Fitr, with Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian directing authorities to address price fluctuations caused by intermediaries in the supply chain. Recent data shows improvement, with the number of districts experiencing price increases declining from 209 in late February to 176 by early March, whilst national chicken stocks remain secure with a projected surplus of 591,300 tons by month-end. The government's Cheap Food Movement programme offers frozen chicken at Rp40,000 per kilogram across 1,200 outlets in 17 provinces.

A DPR Commission II member has called for a comprehensive evaluation of leadership training and integrity programmes for regional officials following multiple arrests of regents and mayors in corruption sting operations. The legislator argues that the repeated arrests indicate fundamental failures in leadership development at the regional level and suggests that political parties have failed in their role as schools for leadership, particularly highlighting the case of a regent with an entertainment background who claimed ignorance of regulations.

Surabaya City Government has signed a cooperation agreement with the East Java High Prosecutor's Office to recover municipal assets, particularly the Brantas Swimming Pool and PDAM assets on Basuki Rahmat Street, which have been subject to disputed ownership claims. The partnership aims to expedite asset tracing and legal processes, building on previous successes such as the recovery of the Unesa Reservoir (valued at Rp 176 billion) and land assets worth Rp 55.2 billion that will now benefit the public.

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has suspended long-distance ferry services across East Nusa Tenggara Province due to severe weather conditions and high waves forecast between 2.5 and 4 metres. The Port Authority has issued a sailing prohibition, affecting routes to Larantuka, Lembata, Kalabahi, and Rote, whilst short-haul services to Hansisi remain conditionally operational depending on weather conditions.

Eid robes (gamis) sold at Tasik Cideng Market in Jakarta are exported internationally, reaching buyers in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Nigeria, with traders purchasing in bulk for resale in their home countries. Demand surges ahead of Eid, with merchants selling over 200 pieces daily at approximately 200,000 rupiah per garment, generating daily revenues in the tens of millions, far exceeding typical daily sales of around 100 pieces.

As more Indonesians choose electric vehicles for long-distance travel during Eid holidays, manufacturers emphasise that advanced battery management systems automatically maintain optimal temperature stability. GAC AION Indonesia explains that their liquid cooling technology requires only routine maintenance of coolant levels to ensure peak battery performance during extended journeys.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo visited East Java to conduct outreach activities with the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPSI), strengthening coordination between law enforcement and labour organisations during Ramadan. The visit included health services for workers and communities, charitable donations to orphans, food assistance packages for 2,000 labourers, and operational support including a vehicle and sound system to the KSPSI regional office.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has revoked the operating licence of PT BPR Koperindo Jaya, a rural bank based in Central Jakarta, due to its failure to return to financial health. The bank had been placed under supervised restructuring status in January 2025 and resolution status in January 2026, and the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) has begun processing deposit insurance claims and liquidation procedures to be completed within 90 working days by 29 July 2026.

PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) is strengthening collaboration with the insurance industry to support Indonesia's upstream oil and gas production, which currently accounts for 65% of domestic oil lifting and 35% of national gas lifting. The partnership is essential given PHE's substantial asset base valued at billions of dollars, including onshore and offshore properties and thousands of oil and gas wells, requiring comprehensive insurance protection as a contractual obligation under Indonesian upstream work contracts.

Indonesia's government has launched the Motis (free motorbike homecoming) programme ahead of Eid 2026, with registration opened from 1 March 2026 through the Ministry of Transport's official website and designated stations. The programme will transport motorcycles during the outbound period of 13–19 March and the return period of 24–30 March, requiring participants to follow specific rules including registering with valid identification, arriving early for verification, and adhering to baggage limits, whilst prohibited actions include forging documents, bringing dangerous items, and disturbing fellow passengers.

East Jakarta's Food Security Sub-Department (Sudin KPKP) is intensifying surveillance of food quality and meat prices as the Islamic holy month approaches, with inspections scheduled for 16-17 March 2026. The department has coordinated with local state-owned enterprises to ensure stable meat and food supplies, whilst testing 60 food samples from five modern markets across East Jakarta revealed 100 per cent food safety compliance with no harmful substances detected.

Indonesia's Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection has condemned the practice of child marriage justified by cultural traditions, following an incident involving two children aged 13 and 15 in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The minister emphasised that whilst cultural values are respected, the protection of children's rights must take priority and cannot be sacrificed by tradition. A joint response team from provincial and local authorities is providing ongoing support to the affected family.

PT Pegadaian has relaunched its interest-free conventional pawning and Sharia-compliant pawning programmes to strengthen financial inclusion and ease the financial burden on low-income Malaysians. The initiative, available until 30 April 2026, offers interest-free loans ranging from Rp 50,000 to Rp 2,500,000 for up to 60 days, targeting both new and inactive customers across all Pegadaian outlets nationwide.

A woman reported being sexually harassed aboard a KRL Commuter Line train on the Bogor–Manggarai route on 9 March 2026, with the incident recorded and shared on social media showing the alleged perpetrator's face. KAI Commuter management pledged zero tolerance for sexual violence and announced the incident would be entered into a facial-recognition CCTV database to identify the suspect, whilst offering psychological support to the victim. The company urged all passengers to report such incidents to staff or the call centre on 021 121.

Islamic scholar Habib Husein Ja'far Al Hadar discusses Hay bin Yaqzan, a classical Islamic philosophical work by Ibn Thufail, which tells the story of an infant raised by a female gazelle on a remote island—a narrative that scholars suggest inspired the later Western Tarzan tale. The scholar emphasises the story's deeper theological message about how humans can discover God through observation of nature and the universe's signs, rather than through religious texts alone.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation on 9 March in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals including Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Deputy Regent Hendri, three civil servants, and four private sector figures. The operation is related to alleged bribery and gratification linked to various projects undertaken by the Rejang Lebong district government, though the KPK has not yet disclosed the total value of suspected corruption.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted an Operation Snap (OTT) in Bengkulu on Monday 9 March, apprehending Rejang Lebong Regent M Fikri Thobari, Deputy Regent Hendri Praja, and five others on suspicion of project fee bribes within the district government. The seven detainees were transported to Jakarta on Tuesday 10 March for further investigation, with the KPK also seizing mobile phones and cash allegedly sourced from contractors.

The Indonesian Navy's Mataram Naval Base (Lanal) has intercepted a truck carrying approximately 70,956 untaxed illegal cigarettes at Lembar Port in West Nusa Tenggara on 9 March 2025. The confiscation is estimated to prevent approximately IDR 380 million in state revenue loss, with two suspects detained and handed over to law enforcement authorities for legal proceedings.

The Asian Development Bank has announced a US$150 million (Rp 2.53 trillion) loan to PT Link Net Tbk to strengthen Indonesia's digital infrastructure and improve broadband quality, particularly through expanding fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. The financing aims to facilitate inclusive digital access for communities and businesses, including small and medium enterprises, whilst supporting Indonesia's climate commitments through energy-efficient technologies and enhanced network assets.

A senior researcher from Indonesia's Centre for Political Research has urged political parties to conduct comprehensive evaluations of their oversight and cadre development mechanisms following recent corruption arrests of regional leaders. The call comes after the Corruption Eradication Commission conducted raids on several regional heads, including the Regents of Pekalongan and Rejang Lebong, underscoring weaknesses in supervision by government agencies and political parties themselves.

Three defendants convicted of bribing judges to secure acquittals in a cooking oil case have filed appeals against sentences ranging from 6 to 16 years imprisonment. The defendants—Marcella Santoso, Ariyanto Bakri, and M Syafei—allegedly paid approximately USD 4 million (Rp 60 billion) in total bribes, with USD 2 million distributed to three judges to secure not guilty verdicts for major cooking oil companies Wilmar Group, Musim Mas Group, and Permata Hijau Group. The court found Marcella and Ariyanto guilty of money laundering whilst acquitting Syafei on that charge.

This article provides comprehensive guidance for participants in Indonesia's Free Mudik 2026 programme, outlining essential documentation, baggage regulations, and check-in procedures at designated assembly points in Jakarta. The guide emphasises the importance of punctuality, proper identification verification, and etiquette during the journey, whilst clarifying common questions about the government-subsidised homecoming scheme.

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) approved a cash dividend payout of 13.03 trillion rupiah, equivalent to 65 percent of consolidated net income, at its annual shareholders' meeting on 9 March 2026. The shareholders also authorised a share buyback programme valued at up to 905.48 billion rupiah and agreed to retain 35 percent of net income for capital strengthening and business expansion. Additionally, the meeting approved reclassification of BP BUMN's Series B shares to Series A Dwiwarna shares in compliance with updated state-owned enterprise regulations.

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the brutal robbery and murder of Ermanto Usman, a 65-year-old retired employee of Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT), who was killed at his home in Bekasi in March 2026. Investigators are exploring multiple angles including whether the killing was premeditated murder, given Usman's profile as a labour activist and frequent commentator on labour issues and alleged corruption at JICT. The police are still investigating possible additional suspects and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Indonesian Parliament (DPR) through Commission XI will conduct a fit and proper test on ten candidates for the Financial Services Authority (OJK) board of commissioners this week, with the assessment scheduled for Wednesday 11 March and a final decision expected on Thursday 12 March. Commission XI chair Mukhamad Misbakhun defended the one-day examination schedule as necessary to provide market certainty and enable swift institutional leadership, despite criticism that the process appears rushed. The ten candidates, including Friderica Widyasari Dewi and Agus Sugiarto, were nominated by President Prabowo Subianto for a five-year term.

The Narcotics Unit of Tanjung Priok Port Police arrested two drug dealers, identified as LL (40) from Purwakarta and W (40) from Pekanbaru, on Jalan Danau Sunter Utara in North Jakarta. Officers seized approximately 0.97 grams of crystal methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine tablets, along with a mobile phone, based on a public tip-off regarding illegal drug distribution.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will begin dispatching participants in its free mass return (Mudik Gratis) programme from the National Monument in Central Jakarta on 17 March 2026. Due to higher-than-expected demand, the programme has expanded to accommodate 30,774 participants with 709 buses, up from the originally planned 670 buses. All departing passengers must be verified and registered, with strict measures in place to prevent ticket transfers and ensure security throughout the journey.

Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology Nadiem Makarim was questioned as a witness in a corruption trial concerning the procurement of Chromebook-based laptops, with prosecutors pressing him on a prior KPK investigation into Google Cloud contracts. Nadiem is accused of abusing his authority to ensure Google became the sole provider of information technology procurement in Indonesia's technology ecosystem, allegedly enriching himself by approximately 809 billion rupiah through Google's investment in Gojek.

Indonesian police have arrested Ahmad Ronny Hasiholan for the murder of his unregistered wife, DH (56), whose remains were discovered in Meruyung, Depok. Police allege the suspect, unemployed and facing economic difficulties, killed his wife during a domestic quarrel after she evicted him from her home by throttling and suffocating her, then wrapping a rope around her neck. The victim's body was found skeletal several days later hidden under a carpet, with the suspect having fled on the victim's motorcycle and absconded with her mobile phone.

Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs will hold an isbat session on 19 March 2026 to officially determine the date of Eid al-Fitr 2026 (1 Syawal 1447 Hijriah). The session will take place at the ministry's auditorium in Jakarta and will involve astronomical experts, Islamic organisation representatives, and verification of crescent moon sightings from across Indonesia before the minister formally announces the date to the public.

The Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) has launched Coretax, a new integrated tax administration system that consolidates various tax services previously scattered across multiple applications into a single digital platform. The system enables taxpayers to register, update data, file annual tax returns (SPT), and submit tax-related requests online, with account security managed through passwords for login and passphrases for digital authorisation of documents.

The Indonesian Meteorological Agency has issued extreme weather warnings for 24 districts across Central Java on 10 March 2026, with heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and lightning strikes expected to affect the region from midday through evening. Residents in the north coast, Solo Raya, and central Central Java are urged to remain vigilant against hydrometeorological hazards including landslides, flooding, and tornadoes, whilst high waves of 1.25–2.5 metres threaten maritime activities across northern and southern waters.

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) confirmed that all 13 victims of the devastating rubbish landfill collapse at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Facility in Jakarta have been found dead. Search and rescue operations were suspended after the final victim, Riki Supriadi (40), was discovered at 23:30 on Tuesday, with no further missing persons reported.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise reported that customs and excise revenues reached Rp 22.6 trillion (6.7 per cent of the state budget target) by the end of January 2026, though experiencing a 14 per cent year-on-year contraction due to declining commodity prices and lower production. The agency simultaneously strengthened enforcement against illegal goods, seizing 249 million illegal cigarettes and 0.21 tonnes of narcotics, whilst the government's overall fiscal position recorded a deficit of Rp 54.6 trillion (0.21 per cent of GDP) with total revenues at Rp 172.7 trillion and expenditure at Rp 227.3 trillion.

BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (Indonesia's Labour Social Security Institution) has symbolically handed over Rp1.7 billion in compensation to the heirs of ten crew members and passengers who died in an ATR 42-500 aircraft crash in South Sulawesi on 17 January 2026. The benefits, drawn from the Work Accident Insurance, Pension, and Educational Scholarship programmes, demonstrate the state's commitment to protecting workers and their families during unforeseen catastrophes.

Indonesia's fiscal resilience in 2026 is already under strain even before geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran potentially drive energy prices higher, according to economist Awalil Rizky from Bright Institute. Energy price increases pose a particular risk to the state budget, with each one dollar rise in crude oil prices adding approximately 10.3 trillion rupiah to government spending whilst only increasing revenue by 3.5 trillion rupiah, potentially widening the budget deficit by 6.8 trillion rupiah. The government is facing declining revenues and increased spending pressures alongside rising debt servicing costs, yet has not taken sufficiently strong fiscal risk mitigation measures compared to other nations.

The South Jakarta Administration has conducted food safety inspections across modern and traditional markets ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, with all 19 food samples tested — including processed foods, agricultural products, seafood, and livestock — coming back negative for harmful substances. South Jakarta Mayor Muhammad Anwar emphasised the importance of ensuring residents have access to safe, chemical-free food and urged the public to be selective when purchasing provisions. The inspection was carried out in collaboration with the Jakarta Food and Drug Administration (BBPOM) and the South Jakarta Food, Maritime, and Agriculture Service, covering five locations including supermarkets and traditional markets.

DPR Chair Puan Maharani has explained that the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) remains pending because Parliament continues to solicit input from various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive coverage and avoid conflicts with existing legislation. The bill's legislative body chief Bob Hasan has set a target for passage in 2026 after more than two decades of stalled negotiations, with committee chair Martin Manurung noting broad multiparty support for the measure.

The West Nusa Tenggara provincial government is developing a gubernatorial regulation to establish a mechanism for resolving disputes over marine spatial utilisation and implementing administrative sanctions in the maritime and fisheries sector. The regulation will strengthen oversight and law enforcement whilst ensuring sustainable use of marine resources, and will be coordinated with the central Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries following final technical and legal review.