Gold demand in Indonesia is strengthening in February 2026 ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, driven by rising global gold prices amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. The Indonesian government has implemented export taxes on gold products (7.5–15 per cent) and reduced PPh 22 tax on retail gold bars to 0.25 per cent to maintain domestic supply whilst encouraging local value-added processing. Seasonal demand from traditional gift-giving during Ramadan combined with gold's appeal as a long-term store of value is fuelling increased purchases among both individual consumers and institutions.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced that the new Transjabodetabek bus rapid transit route connecting Blok M to Soekarno-Hatta Airport will officially commence operations on 12 March 2026 at 9:00 AM. The provincial government has provisionally set the fare at Rp3,500 (equivalent to standard Transjakarta fares) until Eid al-Fitr, with permanent pricing still under review as officials calculate operational costs including three separate transit stops.

The Indonesian Composite Index (IHSG) broke a sharp correction trend, gaining 0.71 per cent or 52.14 points to 7,389.51 in Tuesday's opening session. Three shares in the LQ45 index recorded the highest gains, led by PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk (MBMA) with a 14.39 per cent surge, whilst most sectors posted positive results except for the energy sector.

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has received a presidential letter regarding candidates for the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Board of Commissioners and has scheduled a fitness and propriety test to be conducted by Commission XI. The results of the test will be brought to a plenary session on Thursday, 12 March 2026, for a vote, with 20 candidates having already passed the first stage of selection following the resignation of three senior OJK officials in late January 2026.

Indonesia's food and beverage industry has not yet been affected by the Israel-US conflict against Iran, according to the Ministry of Industry, as imported raw materials were already delivered before hostilities escalated. The main risk identified is increased logistics costs rather than supply disruptions, as key inputs such as refined sugar are sourced from Australia, Thailand, Latin America, and India rather than the Middle East. The ministry has developed mitigation strategies and hopes the domestic sector may gain competitive advantage through local raw material availability if regional tensions persist.

Suzuki Indomobil Sales has issued guidance on essential brake system inspections before Eid holiday travels to ensure vehicle safety. The inspection should cover brake pads, disc brakes, drum brakes, brake fluid, and modern safety features such as ABS and electronic brake distribution, with drivers also advised to use engine braking techniques on steep roads to prevent brake fade.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has clarified that there are no restrictions on who can purchase affordable food through the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) initiative, though it primarily targets lower to middle-income residents. The programme, operated through state-owned food enterprises, aims to strengthen food security, boost purchasing power, and curb food inflation across the capital. Throughout 2025, the provincial government and its food-sector agencies have implemented approximately 1,000 GPM events and maintain adequate food stocks, including 8,000 tonnes of beef and 10,000 tonnes of chicken monthly to meet increased demand during Ramadhan and Eid celebrations.

President Prabowo has warned of the hazardous accumulation of waste at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Management Facility in Bekasi, which has reached approximately 55 million tonnes and poses risks including potential landslides that could affect surrounding communities. The President emphasised the strategic importance of waste-to-energy facilities (PLTSa) across multiple regions for both environmental management and tourism, with priority implementation planned for cities generating over 1,000 tonnes of waste daily, including Yogyakarta, Denpasar, Bogor, and Medan.

Eleven pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) have been found dead after becoming trapped in fishing nets in waters off Fuanfuni Village in Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara on 9 March 2026, with several other whales reported in critical condition. The National Marine Conservation Area Authority in Kupang confirmed the incident and plans to conduct necropsies with involvement from local government, the maritime police, and veterinarians to determine the cause of death. The carcasses will be buried following a coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a dawn raid on Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari on 9 March 2026, securing documents, electronic evidence, and cash. Thirteen individuals were detained, including the regent, deputy regent, three civil servants from the Rejang Lebong district administration, and four private sector figures, with all currently under investigation status pending determinations within 24 hours.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has brought nine of thirteen suspects arrested in an anti-corruption operation targeting Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and Deputy Regent Hendri to its headquarters in Jakarta for intensive questioning. The nine suspects include the regent and deputy regent, three state civil apparatus officials from Rejang Lebong Regency in Bengkulu Province, and four private sector individuals. This marks the eighth major KPK operation in 2026, with the suspects having 24 hours under Indonesian criminal procedure law to have their status determined.

PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk (Surge), a digital infrastructure provider, has partnered with Nokia Corporation to explore next-generation 6G network technology development in Indonesia, with a Strategic Partnership Agreement signed at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026. The one-year collaboration will examine wireless architectures, spectrum strategies, high-capacity connectivity, and ultra-low latency systems, positioning Indonesia's digital infrastructure for future AI applications and autonomous robotics. Surge's early involvement in 6G standards development aims to strengthen Indonesia's fixed broadband networks and accelerate digital economic transformation.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has revoked the business licence of PT Bank Perekonomian Rakyat (BPR) Koperindo Jaya in Jakarta after its management and shareholders failed to meet targeted financial rehabilitation measures. The bank had been designated for supervised rehabilitation in January 2025 due to a capital adequacy ratio of negative 35.49 per cent and an "unhealthy" status, before being placed in resolution status in January 2026; the Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) will now manage the bank's liquidation process.

House Speaker Puan Maharani has formally inaugurated the fourth session of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) for the 2025-2026 parliamentary year, which will run from 10 March to 21 April 2026. During the plenary session, she emphasised the importance of prioritising national interests in legislation and outlined ten strategic issues requiring government attention, including data protection in US-Indonesia data transfer agreements, law enforcement performance evaluation, food price stability before Eid, Ramadan transport readiness, and border security strengthening.

Loneliness and weak social relationships significantly increase the risk of dementia in older age, with research showing those experiencing social isolation face approximately 50 per cent higher dementia risk than those with strong social bonds. A 2023 meta-analysis involving nearly 40,000 respondents found individuals with strong relationships had dementia rates about 50 per cent lower than those with poor social connections. The relationship between social vulnerability and cognitive decline is bidirectional, as early-stage dementia patients often withdraw from social interaction due to loss of confidence, further exacerbating isolation and cognitive decline.

PT Hutama Karya has implemented operational restrictions on freight transport across several Trans Sumatera toll road sections, including the Pekanbaru-Dumai route in Riau Province, during the 2026 Eid holiday exodus and return period. The restrictions, which follow a joint government directive from the Transportation Ministry, Traffic Police Command, and Public Works Ministry, aim to manage the anticipated surge in vehicle volumes and enhance road safety. Exemptions are granted for essential cargo including fuel, livestock, fertiliser, disaster relief goods, and basic necessities, provided vehicles meet dimensional and weight requirements and carry proper documentation.

Indonesia's government has launched an initiative to position national music as a key soft power tool, leveraging the country's 1,340 ethnic groups and diverse musical heritage to build global cultural influence. The 2026 National Music Day celebration, themed "Indonesian Tone, World Resonance," highlighted government programmes including National Talent Management to preserve traditional music and support creative industries, whilst emphasising the potential of music to drive the creative economy and strengthen Indonesia's international standing.

Flooding in Perumahan Periuk Damai residential area in Tangerang has begun to recede as of Tuesday, 10 March 2026, though water levels remain at approximately 4 metres in some locations. Many residents remain stranded on the second floors of their homes, with rubber boats continuing to ferry people in and out of the affected area, whilst roads and properties remain severely waterlogged. The Tangerang City Disaster Management Agency reports that conditions are gradually improving, but large portions of the housing complex remain inundated.

Indonesia's Customs Authority has issued a bonded zone facility licence to PT LDC Indonesia for its Line 1 operations in Lampung Province, integrating the company's entire production chain within a single bonded ecosystem. The licence supports the government's industrial downstream integration and competitiveness agenda, with the company now operating all production lines under unified bonded zone regulations to improve operational efficiency and export-oriented performance.

The Jakarta Provincial Government has expanded its free mudik (homecoming) programme for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, increasing passenger numbers from an initial estimate of 26,000 to 30,774 verified participants due to high public interest. The administration will deploy 709 buses departing from the National Monument on 17 March 2026, whilst also organising additional Ramadan celebrations including a Bedug Festival on 19 March and a car-free night during Eid prayers.

The Mataram City Government has officially closed its free mudik (homecoming) programme ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026 after receiving over 300 registrations within hours, far exceeding the quota of 168 seats. The programme will operate four air-conditioned Damri buses with modern facilities across three routes to Sumbawa, Dompu, and Bima, with departures scheduled for 16 March 2026.

This guide explains how internet users can remove their digital footprints and protect their privacy from tracking by websites, advertisers, and potential cybercriminals. It provides step-by-step instructions for using incognito mode, deleting cookies and search history, checking for data breaches, and managing privacy settings across popular browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

The Speaker of Indonesia's Parliament, Puan Maharani, has expressed DPR support for the government's policy limiting social media use for children under 16 years old, citing concerns that unrestricted access poses risks to child development and wellbeing. The Ministry of Communication and Digital announced implementation of the regulation beginning 28 March 2026, which restricts access to high-risk digital platforms as a measure to protect children from pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and platform addiction.

The Jakarta Provincial Government will officially launch a new Transjabodetabek bus route from Blok M to Soekarno Hatta Airport on 12 March 2026, with governor Pramono Anung confirming ticket prices will remain competitive with current rates until Eid al-Fitr 2026. The service will deploy 20 buses with departures every 5-10 minutes, offering more affordable transport to the airport compared to other modes of transport, though fares may increase post-Eid due to three terminal stops incurring additional costs.

Indonesia's Police Crime Directorate has revealed multiple allegations of violence and sexual harassment committed by Hendra Basir, former Head Coach of the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation's national team, against eight victims. The alleged abuse, perpetrated between 2021 and 2025 at athlete residences and international competitions, included indecent assault, masturbation, and rape, with the suspect facing charges under Indonesia's Sexual Violence Crime Law carrying sentences of up to 12 years imprisonment and fines of up to 300 million rupiah.

The Jakarta Provincial Government has launched its first 'Mudik ke Jakarta' (Return to Jakarta) programme ahead of Eid celebrations to capitalise on expected reduced congestion in the capital during the holiday exodus. The campaign, featuring the tagline "Jakarta Empty, Holiday and Shopping Fun, Earnings Arrive", offers bundled tourism packages to major attractions including Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Ancol Dream Park, and Ragunan Zoo, alongside retail discounts of up to 80 per cent in shopping centres. The initiative aims to boost tourism and commerce whilst attracting visitors from other regions rather than seeing residents exclusively depart the capital.

House Speaker Puan Maharani has reaffirmed the parliament's commitment to incorporating meaningful participation from all stakeholders in the discussion of the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT). The legislative body's committee is targeting passage of the bill this year whilst continuing to gather public input and stakeholder consultations to ensure comprehensive coverage and avoid regulatory overlaps with existing legislation.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed that Deputy Regent Hendri Praja of Rejang Lebong was apprehended in a sting operation that also caught Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari. Both officials are now undergoing intensive investigation at KPK headquarters, with the commission having 24 hours to determine their legal status. The operation is believed to be connected to bribery practices in project implementation in the region.

Lampung Governor Rahmat Mirzani Djausal conducted an on-site inspection of road repair works in Pesawaran District on 28 February 2026, with a focus on preparing critical road arteries ahead of the Eid exodus. The provincial government is implementing temporary repairs to fill potholes and reinforce road surfaces before Eid al-Fitr, with permanent comprehensive repairs scheduled to commence in March 2026 after the holiday period. The rehabilitation plan includes addressing drainage system issues that contribute to road deterioration and aims to enhance public safety and inter-regional connectivity.

Middle East tensions between Iran and the United States have prompted the cancellation of numerous flights and threaten to trigger a significant surge in travel insurance claims for Indonesian pilgrims. Around 80,000 umrah pilgrims have been affected, with approximately 58,000 stranded in Saudi Arabia, whilst travel insurance provider PT Zurich General Takaful Indonesia reports increased inquiries as prospective pilgrims delay or cancel their journeys.

Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology has strengthened international collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, focusing on digital talent development, academic mobility, and research innovation. The partnership includes discussions on attracting international students, establishing a Centre for Foreign Students, and participating in the UAE's 10 Million Coders programme to enhance youth capacity in artificial intelligence and coding.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi defended Tehran's attacks on US military bases in Gulf nations, presenting video evidence that US HIMARS rocket systems are being operated from neighbouring countries. Araghchi stated that Iran considers any US military assets used to attack Iranian territory as legitimate targets, warning of further retaliation following a joint US-Israeli strike on a desalination plant on Qeshm Island that disrupted water supplies to over 30 villages.

Researchers at Michigan State University have used advanced genetic analysis to investigate whether the Kalimantan fanged frog, long thought to be a single species, actually comprises multiple cryptic species. The study, examining over 13,000 genes, found evidence for six to seven distinct species rather than the previously suggested 18, revealing that species formation is a continuous evolutionary process rather than a sudden event. The findings underscore the importance of accurate species identification for conservation efforts, as amphibians currently face the most serious extinction threats among vertebrate groups.

PT Jasa Marga has launched a 30 per cent toll tariff discount to support travellers during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026, whilst easing traffic congestion during the homecoming and return journeys. The discount applies one-way to all vehicle categories travelling continuously on the Trans Java, Trans Sumatra, and Purbaleunyi toll routes, though it requires sufficient e-toll balance at exit gates.

Pertamina's Chief Commissioner Mochamad Iriawan inspected a toll road fuel station to verify fuel supply readiness and service quality ahead of the 2026 Eid holiday travel period. The inspection covered fuel stock availability, facility cleanliness, payment systems, and health and safety protocols. Pertamina is deploying additional services including mobile fuel delivery and modular petrol stations to manage the expected surge in traffic.

Google's Gemini AI has achieved the fastest user growth among competitors, with website traffic expanding by 643 per cent year-over-year according to data from SimilarWeb. This significantly outpaces ChatGPT's 37 per cent growth, whilst Grok and Claude also recorded substantial increases of 480 per cent and 297 per cent respectively, whilst Chinese-developed DeepSeek experienced a 55 per cent decline in website visits.

Indonesia's Labour Minister Yassierli has urged young people to enhance their competitiveness through "triple readiness"—technical skills, soft skills, and market entry readiness—in response to global uncertainty, international competition, and technological disruption. The minister emphasised that the job market increasingly demands high-skilled workers who can design, manage, and collaborate with AI systems, with eight of 11 predicted core skills by 2030 being human skills focused on cognitive, social, and self-management capabilities.

Brigade Joxzin, a motorcycle gang, suspects that the murder of one of its members in Bantul was motivated by personal vengeance, as there had been prior conflict between the suspect (SS, 29) and the victim (KYR, 36). The brutal killing occurred on 25 February when the suspect forcibly entered the victim's home and attacked him with a sharp weapon whilst he was sleeping; police are continuing investigations into the case.

PT Bukit Asam (PTBA), Indonesia's state coal company, held a harvest festival in Muara Enim celebrating its 45th anniversary by demonstrating coal downstream processing through the implementation of potassium humate in agricultural production. The initiative increased rice yields by approximately 1 tonne per hectare, with PTBA positioning coal-derived products as vital contributors to food security and rural prosperity alongside their traditional energy role.

The Indonesian Parliament has argued before the Constitutional Court that Article 304 of the Commercial Code (KUHD), which establishes minimum requirements for life insurance policies, does not contradict the 1945 Constitution and remains legally binding. The article sets out six mandatory elements for insurance policies including the date of cover, policyholder name, insured person's name, risk period, sum insured, and premium, though Parliament contends these represent only baseline requirements and do not preclude dynamic technical aspects of insurance contracts such as claims procedures.

China announced it will implement necessary measures to ensure domestic energy security amid rising global oil prices, with the National Development and Reform Commission raising domestic petrol and diesel prices by 695 and 670 yuan per tonne respectively as of Tuesday. The price adjustment, the most significant for fuel in China during 2026, follows geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for approximately 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.

The Chair of Jakarta's Information Commission, Harry Ara Hutabarat, has called for the Cilincing Subdistrict—located at Jakarta's northern periphery—to maintain the highest standards of public information disclosure services. The subdistrict has achieved "Advancing Informative" status in 2025, up from previously being non-informative, demonstrating improvement in information management performance according to e-monitoring assessments. The commission aims to strengthen public information infrastructure and mechanisms, including better physical facilities and clear signage to help citizens understand how to request information.

Puan Maharani, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has called for the DPR and government to jointly evaluate the rising number of regents (bupatis) arrested in anti-corruption operations (OTT) on suspicion of corruption. She emphasised the need for accountability education programmes for all regional leaders and raised questions about the connection between expensive campaign costs in elections and the surge in corruption cases among bupatis. Several bupatis from various regions, including those from Pekalongan, Ponorogo, Pati, and Rejang Lebong, have recently been named as suspects by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Deputy Justice Minister Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej has affirmed that Article 218 of Indonesia's new Criminal Code regarding presidential insults constitutes a complaint-based (aduan) offence, meaning it can only be prosecuted upon formal complaint from the president or vice president. He argued that the provision is designed to protect the president not merely as an individual but as a constitutional symbol and representation of state sovereignty, whilst clarifying that legitimate criticism and protest against government policy remain permitted under the law.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has questioned Japto Soerjosoemarno, Chairman of Pemuda Pancasila, regarding coal companies in Kutai Kartanegara district in connection with an ongoing corruption investigation. The inquiry relates to three coal firms designated as suspects in alleged gratification cases connected to former Kutai Kartanegara Regent Rita Widyasari, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence.

The Ministry of Religion has commenced phased disbursement of Professional Teaching Allowances (TPG) to certified religious education teachers across Indonesian schools, benefiting 209,334 Islamic religious education teachers and 91,028 teachers and supervisors who graduated from the 2025 Professional Teacher Education programme. The government initiative aims to improve teacher welfare and recognise their critical role in shaping national character and future generations.

Indonesia faces simultaneous warnings from major credit rating agencies—Moody's and Fitch have revised their outlooks to negative, whilst S&P has flagged rising debt servicing burdens—signalling a critical 18–24 month window to correct fiscal imbalances before a potential credit downgrade. A downgrade would trigger a "trust tax" through elevated borrowing costs that would ripple across the economy, affecting everything from mortgage rates to SME lending and potentially triggering capital outflows. The article argues that Indonesia must restore fiscal discipline by maintaining the 3% deficit ceiling, linking permanent spending expansions to revenue growth, strengthening institutional governance (particularly the new Danantara entity), and implementing gradual scaling of programmes like the free nutritious meal initiative.

PT Pegadaian has launched an interest-free pawning programme, offering both conventional and Sharia-compliant schemes to provide inclusive financial services and ease the burden on low-income households. The programme targets new and inactive customers, offering interest-free periods of 60 days for regular pawning and 30 days for daily pawning, with loan amounts ranging from IDR 50,000 to IDR 2.5 million. The initiative, available until 30 April 2026 at all Pegadaian outlets nationwide, reflects the institution's commitment to supporting both business-oriented operations and social responsibility in strengthening grassroots economy.

The Lampahan Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM) in Bener Meriah District, Aceh Province, has been restored to functionality following damage from a disaster and now serves approximately 3,000 households. Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo announced plans to accelerate water infrastructure recovery, including the addition of a new water treatment facility with a capacity of 20 litres per second to ensure better water quality for residents across the region.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has officially launched a logo commemorating Jakarta's five-century anniversary, selected through a competitive process. Governor Pramono Anung announced that the logo will be used exclusively for the upcoming 500-year celebration, which will reach its peak on 22 June 2027, and will be promoted across all provincial agencies, state-owned enterprises, and government officials without replacing existing Jakarta identities.