The 2026 Eid Al-Fitr holiday in Indonesia begins on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, overlapping with the Nyepi holiday, and extends through Tuesday, 24 March 2026 as a combination of national holidays and collective leave days. The article outlines the complete schedule of public holidays and collective leave for 2026, noting that collective leave reduces annual leave entitlements for private sector employees but not for civil servants.

US President Donald Trump stated he remains far from deciding to deploy American ground troops to Iran to protect nuclear facilities in Isfahan. Trump also expressed displeasure with Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader, claiming that any new Iranian leader would require US approval to remain in power.

Indonesia's Geological Agency has upgraded Mount Tambora's status from Level I (Normal) to Level II (Alert) on 10 March 2026 due to significantly increased volcanic activity, characterised by a surge in deep volcanic earthquakes indicating magma movement towards shallow reservoirs. Authorities have recommended that residents and visitors avoid an area within 3 kilometres of the volcanic centre and are coordinating with local governments to monitor ongoing seismic activity.

PT Pegadaian, Indonesia's state-owned pawnshop operator, has officially relaunched its Interest-Free Conventional Loan and Interest-Free Shariah (Mu'nah) Loan programmes to support public financial needs and strengthen grassroots economics. The initiative targets new and inactive customers, offering zero interest for 60 days on regular loans and 30 days on daily loans, with lending amounts ranging from Rp50,000 to Rp2.5 million, available through all outlets nationwide until 30 April 2026. The programme reflects Pegadaian's commitment to providing inclusive, accessible, and transparent financial services to all segments of society.

Financial markets in Indonesia are experiencing significant volatility as the escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict triggers concerns about rising global oil prices, disrupted logistics, increased inflation and slower global economic growth. The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG), state bond yields (SBN), and the Rupiah have all come under pressure due to the geopolitical tensions combined with domestic concerns over credit ratings from global agencies MSCI and Fitch Ratings. CEO of Pinnacle Investment, Guntur Putra, discusses how market participants are assessing Indonesia's financial market stability amid the US-Iran tensions and their implications for the Indonesian economy.

All flooding points across West Jakarta have receded as of Tuesday, 10 March 2026, with authorities confirming zero flood locations remaining in the region. The West Jakarta Municipal Government reports that all evacuees have returned to their homes since flooding subsided on Monday evening, with the most severe incidents occurring in Kembangan District since Saturday night. Water resource management officials pledge to continue monitoring and maintenance of drainage systems and waterways to prevent future flooding.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung will inaugurate the TransJabodetabek public transport service on the Blok M-Soekarno-Hatta Airport route on 12 March 2026. The tariff structure remains under discussion as provincial authorities calculate operational costs, though fares will be significantly cheaper than alternative transport modes such as taxis.

Indonesia's Culture Minister Fadli Zon has announced that the government is strengthening the development of a national music ecosystem through National Talent Management to nurture the creativity of young musicians across the country in both traditional and contemporary genres. The minister emphasised that traditional music requires stronger government support than contemporary music, which already has an established industry platform, and called for cross-sector collaboration between central and local governments, cultural figures, and artists to ensure the ecosystem's sustainability. The announcement was made during the celebration of National Music Day 2026, which coincides with the birth anniversary of national hero and renowned composer W.R. Supratman.

The Indonesian House Speaker addressed Parliament on the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, highlighting its implications for global governance and international law. The DPR called on the UN to ensure respect for international law and civilian protection, whilst affirming Indonesia's commitment to maintaining its free and active foreign policy in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Police have arrested Ahmad Ronny Hasiholan for the murder of a 56-year-old woman identified as DH, whose skeletal remains were discovered in Depok, West Java. The suspect killed the victim in October 2025 during a domestic dispute by strangulation, then concealed the body with carpet and coffee powder. The case is being handled by Metro Jaya Police with ongoing intensive interrogation of the suspect.

PAM JAYA, Jakarta's water utility company, has partnered with basketball club Pelita Jaya to distribute tumblers to residents and promote a healthier, environmentally-friendly lifestyle by reducing single-use plastic consumption. The campaign aims to encourage Jakartans to carry reusable tumblers and refill them at water purification stations across public transport hubs and public spaces, with over 1.3 million plastic bottles already saved through this initiative since January 2025.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) arrested both the Regent and Deputy Regent of Rejang Lebong district in a coordinated sting operation on the evening of 9 March 2026, alongside 11 other suspects including civil servants and private citizens. The operation, which netted 13 suspects in total, is suspected to involve bribery related to construction projects, with cash and electronic evidence seized as part of the investigation.

Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Puan Maharani has warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses a significant threat to global economic stability, including Indonesia's economy. In her address at the opening of Parliament's fourth session for the 2025-2026 legislative year, Puan highlighted potential impacts on oil prices, transportation costs, goods prices, the rupiah's exchange rate, and trade chains. She emphasised that the government must maintain fiscal capacity in the 2026 budget to protect citizens' welfare and employment whilst also calling on the United Nations to strengthen international law enforcement and global peace efforts.

BYD's electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Subang, West Java is in the final stages of construction and equipment integration before commencing production. The company has completed key regulatory requirements including domestic content certification (TKDN), safety standards, and vehicle identification numbers (WMI/NIK), with management promising an announcement on the official operational timeline soon, whilst deciding which model to produce first based on market demand and production capacity.

China has emerged as the leading developer of advanced nuclear battery technology, with Betavolt introducing the BV100 betavoltaic battery that can operate for 50 years without recharging. This represents a significant shift in technological leadership from the United States, which pioneered nuclear battery development over 70 years ago but fell behind as China pursues aggressive development strategies, including building domestic supply chains similar to its solar panel industry success. The development has prompted renewed investment in nuclear battery research globally, with companies in the US, UK, and Europe now accelerating their own programmes.

Iran has warned tanker ships transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to heighten alertness amid escalating regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has driven global oil prices above US$100 per barrel. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei reaffirmed Iran's commitment to defending itself and rejected US interference in Iran's internal affairs, including questions about the selection of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Baghaei defended recent Iranian attacks on regional infrastructure in the Gulf as legitimate self-defence under UN Charter Article 51.

Indonesia's Parliamentary Commission VI has urged the government to prepare contingency strategies to mitigate potential disruptions to fuel supply and prices resulting from global geopolitical tensions, particularly around critical energy distribution routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Commission members emphasised the need for detailed risk analysis, alternative supply scenarios, and clarified that Indonesia's reported 20-30 day fuel reserve represents storage capacity rather than total reserves, whilst noting efforts to diversify import sources and expand storage facilities.

Personnel from the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police's Directorate of Water and Air Police rescued a hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) that had become weakened and unable to swim in Labuan Bajo waters due to its body being covered with barnacles. Following initial cleaning aboard a patrol vessel and health assessment by teams from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (BKKPN) and WWF, the turtle was transferred to a care pool in Labuan Bajo for recovery before eventual release back to its natural habitat.

House Speaker Puan Maharani has endorsed the government's policy to restrict social media access for children under 16 years old, as implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. The policy, formalised through Ministerial Regulation Number 9 of 2026, prohibits children under 16 from opening accounts on high-risk digital platforms and will be implemented in stages beginning 28 March 2026.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Iran "20 times harder" if Tehran blocks oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that US forces would target easily destructible sites to make reconstruction impossible. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the accusations, asserting that Iran neither closes the strait nor blocks shipping, and blamed the US and Israel for instability and disruptions to oil transport in the region.

A graphologist's analysis of a letter left with an abandoned baby found in a rice porridge cart in South Jakarta suggests the handwriting could have been written by an adult despite appearing untrained. The expert noted inconsistent spacing, variable slant, and uneven pen pressure, which are indicators of underdeveloped motor control but not necessarily indicative of the writer's age. The analysis found no evidence of multiple writers and detected signs of motor tension or emotional pressure during writing.

Indonesia's Minister for Communications and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid held discussions with secondary school students to explain the rationale behind pending regulations restricting social media access for children under 16 years old. The minister emphasised that the regulation aims to prepare children mentally for digital spaces rather than prohibit technology use, citing input from psychologists, child development experts, and research on social media's impact on children, whilst also highlighting risks posed by advanced AI technologies in creating manipulated content.

Indonesia's Ministry of Health has discovered that approximately 338,000 children (4.4 per cent) and 363,000 children (4.8 per cent) screened under the 2025–2026 Free Health Screening programme show symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression respectively, indicating a significant mental health crisis among the young population. The government is responding by expanding screening coverage to 25 million children, increasing clinical psychologists at primary health centres, deploying the Healing119.id crisis service, and implementing an integrated child mental health system through inter-agency collaboration.

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to suspend sanctions against major oil-producing nations, including Russia and Venezuela, in response to surging global energy prices triggered by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Oil prices have already reached USD 120 per barrel and could climb further to USD 150-200 per barrel if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, prompting the Trump administration to seek emergency measures to stabilise global energy markets and protect the US economy.

PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) is exploring potential fare increases for electric commuter trains (KRL) due to mounting government subsidies, with annual ridership in Jabodetabek reaching 349 million passengers in 2025. Director General Mochamad Purnomosidi stated the company is seeking various solutions to reduce subsidy burden, including plans for a premium "priority KRL" service with faster journey times but higher fares, though any fare adjustments require approval from the Ministry of Transport.

Indonesia's Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the country is pursuing cooperation with India on the BrahMos missile system to strengthen coastal defence capabilities. The announcement follows statements by the Philippine Armed Forces Chief General Romeo S Brawner Jr about India's growing defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, with further details on unit quantities to be disclosed later.

Months after Cyclone Senyar devastated Sumatra in November, a river in North Aceh remains clogged with timber, symbolising how widespread deforestation amplified the disaster by removing natural flood protections and allowing logs to become destructive projectiles. President Prabowo's administration has responded by revoking licenses for 28 corporations covering 1.01 million hectares and launching the Indonesia ASRI reforestation initiative, though critics question whether transferring cleared lands to a state investment fund genuinely prioritises environmental protection over economic profit.

Bank Indonesia reported that the Real Sales Index (IPR) grew 5.7% year-on-year in January 2026, driven by increased sales in cultural and recreational goods, food, beverages, and clothing segments. Month-on-month, retail sales contracted 2.7% in January due to post-holiday normalisation, though BI projects stronger growth of 6.9% year-on-year for February 2026 fuelled by Ramadan demand and preparation for the Idulfitri holiday.

The Attorney General's Office has conducted searches at the office of Indonesia's Ombudsman and the home of Ombudsman member Yeka Hendra Fatika in Cibubur, seizing documentary and electronic evidence. The investigation relates to allegations of obstruction of investigation and prosecution in a palm oil case involving convicted advocate Marcella Santoso and three corporations, with suspicion that the Ombudsman provided recommendations to strengthen a civil lawsuit filed with the Administrative Court.

Indonesia's Ambassador to China and Mongolia, Djauhari Oratmangun, has called for expanded opportunities for Indonesian students to pursue STEM fields at Central South University (CSU) in Hunan Province, citing the university's strong reputation in engineering, advanced materials, transportation, and medicine. With 20,000 Indonesian students already studying in China and CSU's world-leading programmes in mining and metallurgy, the ambassador sees significant potential for deepening educational cooperation aligned with Indonesia's current development priorities, particularly in human resource development and downstream industrialisation.

China's trade surged by approximately one-fifth in the first two months of 2026, with exports climbing 21.8 per cent year-on-year and imports rising 19.8 per cent, both substantially outpacing economist forecasts. However, shipments to the United States plummeted 11 per cent amid ongoing trade tensions and Trump administration tariffs, whilst exports to the European Union and ASEAN grew robustly at 27.8 per cent and 29.2 per cent respectively.

The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing extended consular services to Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Changsha, Hunan Province, where approximately 200 Indonesians, predominantly university students, received biometric recording for passport applications and consular information. Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun emphasised the embassy's commitment to engaging directly with overseas Indonesians and encouraged citizens to register with the embassy through the Peduli WNI portal, whilst Vice Ambassador Irene highlighted the role of Indonesian communities in China as bridges of international friendship.

Labuan Bajo has been formally designated as part of Indonesia's Super Priority Tourism Destination, positioning it as a prime investment hub with accelerated infrastructure development. The government is driving rapid growth through enhanced airport facilities, modern tourism amenities, and favourable regulatory policies, whilst visitor numbers continue to rise steadily. The super priority status offers stable long-term investment prospects supported by sustained government backing and infrastructure improvements.

Pertamina's Chief Commissioner Mochamad Iriawan conducted a field inspection at a petrol station on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road to ensure fuel availability and service readiness for the 2026 Eid holiday travel period. The visit prioritised stock availability, non-cash payment systems, health facilities, and compliance with health, safety, security and environmental standards to accommodate the expected surge in traveller numbers.

Indonesia's state investment body Danantara has requested PT Telkom Indonesia to divest its healthcare administration management company PT Administrasi Medika (AdMedika) and its subsidiary TelkoMedika to Singapore-based healthcare provider Fullerton Health. Telkom and Fullerton Health signed a conditional sale and purchase agreement on 4 March 2026, with the divestiture framed as part of Telkom's portfolio restructuring and strategic transformation to focus on core telecommunications and digital services businesses.

Indonesian House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called upon the United Nations to immediately assume its role in maintaining global peace amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following reported Israeli and American strikes on Tehran that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Indonesian parliament has expressed deep sympathy for Iran and urged all parties to exercise restraint whilst emphasising Indonesia's commitment to free and active foreign policy in responding to global geopolitical developments.

The Indonesian Transportation Association (MTI) has called for local governments to implement comprehensive traffic management at popular tourist destinations ahead of the 2026 Eid holiday exodus, citing a shift in mudik patterns whereby travellers now combine homecoming visits with leisure tourism. The government's Transportation Policy Agency estimates 143.9 million people may travel during the 2026 Eid break, with various policy instruments already in place including public transport discounts, toll road rate reductions, and alternative work arrangements to mitigate congestion.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested the Regent of Rejang Lebong in Bengkulu Province, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, along with 12 others in a sting operation on 9 March over allegations of project-related bribery within the regency government. A total of 13 suspects were detained, with nine brought to Jakarta for further investigation, including the regent and deputy regent Hendri Praja; the KPK also seized documentation, electronic evidence, and cash, and sealed several offices within the local government as part of the investigation.

Indonesian workers are advised to manage their Eid holiday allowance (THR) strategically using the 50-30-20 budgeting method to prevent rapid depletion. Prudential Syariah executives recommend treating THR as a blessing requiring clear financial planning with four priorities: religious obligations and charity, Eid celebrations, future savings and investments, and family protection. The 50-30-20 method allocates 50 per cent of income to essential needs, providing a practical framework for sustainable financial management during the festive season.

France has requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council following the rapid deterioration of the situation in Lebanon, prompted by escalating Israeli military strikes in response to Hezbollah rocket attacks. The French government has allocated €6 million in emergency aid for humanitarian organisations in Lebanon and is preparing to send humanitarian assistance whilst conducting diplomatic discussions with both Israel and Lebanon aimed at preventing further conflict escalation.

President Prabowo Subianto has expressed optimism that Indonesia can produce petroleum fuel from plant-based sources such as palm oil and cassava, citing the country's significant natural resources and the need to reduce dependence on fuel imports amid global energy uncertainty. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is advancing plans to accelerate biofuel adoption, increasing biodiesel blending to B50 and promoting E20 bioethanol for petrol vehicles as a cost-effective alternative when crude oil prices exceed US$100 per barrel.

United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning that America will strike Iran twenty times harder if Iran continues blocking oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, the critical maritime corridor handling approximately 20 per cent of global oil trade. The closure followed the US and Israel's large-scale attack on Iran on 28 February, which prompted Iranian retaliation with waves of missile and drone attacks, causing tanker traffic through the strait to plummet by 90 per cent in a week. Trump framed the threat as protection for international energy markets, describing it as a "gift from America to China and all nations heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz."

Indonesia's House Speaker Puan Maharani has expressed deep condolences to Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a military strike by the United States and Israel on 28 February 2026. In her parliamentary address, Puan criticised the military escalation as a violation of state sovereignty and called upon the United Nations to take action to uphold international law, protect civilians, and maintain global peace and stability.

Indonesia's government is being urged to immediately implement fiscal mitigation measures in response to rising global oil prices exceeding US$100 per barrel and strengthening of the US dollar, driven by geopolitical tensions between the US, Israel and Iran. Golkar Parliamentary Faction Chairman M Sarmuji warned that these combined pressures pose significant risks to the state budget (APBN), particularly in energy subsidies and foreign debt obligations, calling on Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to conduct scenario simulations and coordinate openly with parliament and the public.

The Ende Resort Police arrested two unemployed men, IN (39) and DMB (26), for distributing methamphetamine in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The suspects were apprehended whilst carrying 4 grams of methamphetamine ordered from Surabaya, with authorities revealing that 1.62 grams were for personal consumption and 2.38 grams were intended for sale to a buyer in Maumere.

Global oil prices experienced extreme volatility, surging to their highest levels since mid-2022 at US$119 per barrel before retreating sharply to around US$95-98 per barrel. The initial spike was driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, and production cuts by major Gulf producers including Iraq and Kuwait. However, prices reversed course after US President Donald Trump indicated the conflict would end sooner than expected, with the market also pricing in potential US policy responses including loosening sanctions on Russian energy and strategic petroleum reserve releases.

A technology expert predicts that passwordless authentication will become the standard method for digital login by 2026, replacing traditional password-based systems that have become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats and inconvenient for users. Passwordless authentication instead relies on biometric verification such as fingerprint or facial recognition, cryptographic passkeys, and security tokens, offering enhanced security without compromising user convenience. This shift represents a natural evolution in digital security, addressing both the growing complexity of cyber threats and the growing demand for practical, user-friendly authentication methods.

Bus drivers at Terminal Baranangsiang in Bogor are preparing for the mudik (homecoming) season by implementing strict safety protocols, including regular vehicle maintenance and rest schedules. Drivers such as Pendi emphasise the importance of vehicle checks on brakes, tyres and air pressure, whilst rejecting the use of stimulants or alcohol to maintain stamina during long-distance routes, prioritising passenger safety above all else.

Police arrested a 21-year-old man identified as FM in Kembangan, West Jakarta, for extorting a teenage girl by threatening to distribute intimate photos and videos. Despite the victim paying ransom money, the perpetrator distributed the content to the victim's friends and family, leading to police involvement and his subsequent arrest. The suspect faces charges under the Criminal Code for extortion, defamation, and pornography with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

Facilitators of Indonesia's Family Hope Programme (PKH) continue updating the National Single Data on Socio-Economic Status (DTSEN) during Ramadan to ensure social assistance reaches the correct beneficiaries. Esti Kiki Riski Sukran, a PKH facilitator in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, exemplifies this commitment by conducting home visits to update records for 10 beneficiary families whilst fasting, despite challenges such as limited time and hot weather. Regular data verification and updates are critical for improving the accuracy of social welfare information and ensuring aid distribution reaches the most vulnerable populations.