President Prabowo Subianto has warned that Indonesia must prepare for difficulties resulting from the Middle Eastern conflict, whilst inaugurating 218 bridges nationwide. He emphasised that Indonesia possesses the strength to endure global pressures through combating corruption, achieving food self-sufficiency, and maintaining its non-aligned foreign policy stance, maintaining the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika principle both domestically and internationally.

A common phenomenon of parents handing their smartphones to children in public spaces undermines the effectiveness of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025, which restricts children under 16 from accessing social media and high-risk content. The Indonesian Child Protection Commission argues that the regulation's success ultimately depends on parents and the child's immediate environment rather than on government or electronic system operators alone.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa visited Tanah Abang Market to assess consumer purchasing power ahead of Ramadan, where he encountered concerns from small traders about Indonesia's economic conditions. Purbaya, who has been in office for five months, pledged that economic conditions would significantly improve within one year and promised government support for domestic markets and action against illegal imports. He acknowledged declining foot traffic compared to previous years but noted that sales from customers remain substantial, with plans to address online retail competition and protect local producers.

Samuel Abrijani, former Director General of Information Technology Applications at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, faces a verdict hearing today at the Corruption Court in Jakarta Central District Court for his alleged involvement in a corruption case related to the National Data Centre (PDNS). The prosecution has demanded seven years imprisonment and a fine of Rp750 million for Abrijani, along with replacement funds of Rp6 billion, with four other defendants facing similar charges in connection with a scheme that resulted in alleged state losses of Rp140.86 billion.

Muhammad Sarmuji, a member of the Indonesian Parliament's Commission VI, has called on the government to implement urgent fiscal mitigation measures in response to crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel and US dollar strengthening, which threaten the state budget (APBN). The geopolitical tensions in the Middle East between the US-Israel coalition and Iran, combined with the weakening of the rupiah against the dollar, are increasing energy subsidy burdens and external debt obligations. Sarmuji emphasises the need for comprehensive scenario planning by the Finance Ministry and transparent coordination amongst government, parliament, and the public to manage these fiscal risks.

Indonesia's Labour Minister Yassierli has stressed that companies must go beyond merely providing employment and actively invest in worker development and upskilling to foster sustainable industrial relations. The Minister emphasized that workers should not remain in the same position for years without learning opportunities, as supporting employee growth provides long-term strategic benefits to companies and strengthens Indonesia's capacity to navigate future workplace dynamics.

The Indonesian Environmental Forum (WALHI) has called on the government to urgently reform waste management practices following a deadly landslide at the Bantargebang integrated waste processing facility in Bekasi, West Java. The organisation characterises the incident as a consequence of Indonesia's failure-prone waste disposal model and warns of a broader "waste mountain emergency" across the country, with hundreds of landfill sites still operating as open dumps and many exceeding capacity.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being deployed across Indonesian research institutions to enhance data analysis, accelerate research processes, and improve scientific outcomes. AI applications range from machine learning for identifying patterns in large datasets and computer vision for visual analysis to supporting the writing and publication of academic papers. Cyber University is leading efforts to integrate AI-based research training and practical implementation into its information technology programmes to develop innovative researchers aligned with Indonesia's digital transformation needs.

The ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran is triggering significant global economic disruptions, with oil prices fluctuating sharply in response to President Trump's statement that the war is "nearly over". The seven major impacts include falling oil prices following Trump's comments, rallies in US and Asian stock markets, US plans to lift certain sanctions, disruptions to shipping routes and air travel, and numerous countries implementing emergency fuel price restrictions.

The Indonesian government is implementing measures to control broiler chicken stock and prices ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah through supply reinforcement, distribution monitoring, and cross-sector coordination. Interior Minister Tito Karnavian identified middlemen in the supply chain as the primary cause of price fluctuations, noting that price increases occur during distribution rather than at the producer level, with data showing a decline in districts experiencing price increases from 209 to 176 municipalities by early March. The government is responding through price compliance enforcement, market interventions via the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) programme offering frozen chicken at a reference price of Rp40,000 per kilogram across 1,200 outlets in 17 provinces.

PT Bank Negara Indonesia's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders approved a cash dividend distribution of IDR 13.03 trillion, representing 65 per cent of consolidated net profit attributable to the parent entity of IDR 20.04 trillion. The bank will retain the remaining 35 per cent (approximately IDR 7.01 trillion) to support business expansion and strengthen capital capacity, whilst also approving a share buyback programme valued at a maximum of IDR 905.48 billion and reclassifying 223.78 million Series B shares into Series A shares in compliance with the latest amendments to Indonesia's State-Owned Enterprise law.

DPR Speaker Puan Maharani opened the fourth parliamentary session of 2025–2026 by highlighting the escalating Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, expressing concern over violations of national sovereignty and the failure of global security mechanisms. She called for the strengthening of international law, multilateral institutions' role in peacekeeping, and Indonesia's continued independent and active foreign policy in response to evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Almost half of Indonesia's 579 parliament members were absent from the 15th plenary session on 10 March 2025, with only 293 members present. The session, chaired by DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, had no substantive agenda beyond her address expressing condolences over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and reaffirming Indonesia's commitment to diplomatic efforts to prevent regional escalation.

Eleven pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) died after becoming trapped in fishing nets in waters off Fuanfuni Village, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province on 9 March 2026. Several additional whales are in critical condition, with authorities planning a necropsy and burial involving local government, communities, and maritime police to determine the cause of death.

Astra Infra's Operational Director has recommended that holiday travellers limit rest stops at toll road service areas to a maximum of 30 minutes after driving for at least four hours to maintain driver focus and allow facility sharing amongst other road users. The measure aims to prevent overcrowding at popular rest areas during the busy Eid holiday period, with travellers advised to either continue to the next service area or temporarily exit the toll road to access facilities.

A member of Indonesia's Commission I in Parliament has called on the government to promptly issue implementation guidelines and technical instructions following the Ministry of Communication and Digital's policy banning social media use for children under 16 years old. The legislator emphasises that children under 16 should focus on education and personal development rather than being distracted by social media, and calls for widespread public awareness campaigns involving schools, parents, and digital platform operators.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esty Widya Putri has urged SMEs in Batam to expand into international markets, leveraging the city's strategic location and export centre facilities. The Ministry of Trade is pursuing three key agendas: strengthening domestic market access, expanding export markets through free trade agreements, and enhancing UMKM competitive capacity, supported by a network of trade representatives in 33 countries.

Prosecutors in South Sulawesi have identified a corruption scheme involving the procurement of 4 million pineapple seedlings that caused the state a loss of approximately Rp50 billion. Six suspects, including former acting governor Bahtiar Baharuddin, have been charged, with investigators revealing that only Rp4.5 billion of a Rp60 billion budget was actually spent on the seedlings, whilst the remainder vanished due to poor planning and storage failures. Five of the accused have been detained, whilst one remains at large owing to ill health.

Global crude oil prices dropped significantly on Monday as Brent crude fell 4.6% to $88.43 per barrel and WTI fell 6.19% to $85.27 per barrel, following President Trump's statement that the US administration is considering taking control of the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical oil shipping route. The decline reversed earlier gains that had pushed prices near $120 per barrel, driven by production cuts from Gulf Arab nations whose storage capacity is approaching full due to shipping disruptions caused by Iranian threats. The market reaction reflects investor expectations that US control of the Strait could stabilise supply routes and ease the oil supply constraints that have characterised recent volatility.

Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that 32 Indonesian citizens evacuated from Iran will arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 March, in two separate flights via Baku, Azerbaijan. The evacuation, which began on 6 March, is being conducted in phases with careful attention to security considerations, and the Ministry commits to monitoring all stages of the repatriation process to ensure the safe return of citizens.

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Bureau (Bareskrim) is investigating allegations of sexual violence by a former head coach of the national climbing training centre against multiple female athletes. The investigation, initiated on 3 March 2026, involves allegations of abuse of authority and sexual misconduct that occurred at the Bekasi Athletes' Residence and at international competition venues, with multiple victims undergoing medical and psychological evaluation.

Nabilah O'Brien, owner of Bibi Kelinci restaurant in Kemang, has withdrawn a theft report she filed against guitarist Zendhy Kusuma and his wife following police-facilitated mediation. Both parties reached a settlement agreement, with no compensation claims pursued by either side in the matter originating from a September 2025 incident at the restaurant.

Indonesia's anti-corruption commission (KPK) has questioned Japto Soerjosoemarno, chairman of Pemuda Pancasila, as a witness in an ongoing investigation into bribery allegations involving former Kutai Kartanegara Regent Rita Widyasari. The case centres on allegations that Widyasari received approximately 6 billion rupiah in bribes related to palm oil plantation permits in East Kalimantan, with the investigation later expanding to include separate allegations of coal mining bribes and money laundering.

Indonesia's Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto has assured the public that the country remains secure despite escalating conflict in the Middle East, following Israel's strike on Tehran and the confirmed death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The official emphasised that Indonesians should be grateful for their safety, particularly during Ramadan, contrasting the situation with the instability affecting the Middle East region.

PT Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) has officially launched a Sharia mode on its IDX Mobile application, offering investors transparent, trustworthy access to Islamic capital market information through features including Sharia Equity Market, Sukuk Market, and Sharia Virtual Trading. The initiative aims to strengthen Islamic investment literacy, build investor confidence, and enhance participation in Indonesia's capital market by providing comprehensive educational and regulatory guidance aligned with Islamic principles.

Computer vision technology is increasingly being adopted in smart agriculture to address quality control challenges in crop sorting and assessment. The technology uses artificial intelligence-powered cameras to automatically analyse harvest characteristics such as colour, size, shape, and maturity level, enabling faster, more consistent, and data-driven quality evaluation. Cyber University is actively promoting digital competencies in computer vision and machine learning to help students develop innovative technology solutions that support modern, sustainable agricultural systems.

The Asian Development Bank has announced a US$150 million loan to PT Link Net Tbk to expand digital infrastructure and improve broadband quality in Indonesia, with a focus on fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) expansion. The financing will strengthen Link Net's financial stability and support its strategic shift towards a business-to-business model, whilst helping communities and businesses gain access to digital tools and supporting Indonesia's estimated US$366 billion digital economy by 2030.

A 32-year-old woman in Jayapura, Papua has been arrested for severely burning her 34-year-old boyfriend in a hotel room after he failed to contact her upon returning from work. The incident occurred when the victim did not immediately go home to meet the suspect after arriving from Oksibil, prompting her to search for him at various locations before finding him at a hotel, where a quarrel ensued that culminated in the violent attack. The victim sustained burns covering 50.5% of his body and remains in intensive care.

US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that the ongoing conflict with Iran will end "soon" despite earlier estimates of four to five weeks duration, citing decisive American military victory. Trump expressed disappointment at Iran's selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader following his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in the initial US-Israel strikes, warning of aggressive retaliation if Iran attempts to block global energy supplies.

Former Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology Nadiem Makarim appeared as a witness at a Jakarta court hearing on 10 March 2026 in a corruption case involving alleged irregular Chromebook procurement. Makarim and three other defendants—including former technology consultant Ibrahim Arief and two directorate officials—face charges of self-enrichment worth IDR 809 billion through manipulating procurement processes to benefit Google's Chrome-based products in Indonesia's technology ecosystem.

Indonesia's Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education inaugurated 29 revitalised schools in Pidie Jaya District, Aceh, as part of its post-disaster education recovery programme. Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti praised the collaborative efforts between central and local governments, emphasising that education is the fastest-developing sector in Aceh's post-disaster reconstruction. The ministry has committed to expanding the revitalisation programme in 2026 to disaster-affected schools, severely damaged facilities, and remote areas.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has revealed that stress testing of the national budget shows resilience even at elevated oil prices, with a ceiling breach of the 3% deficit threshold only occurring if crude oil averages US$92 per barrel annually. Purbaya cautioned against making premature conclusions about sustained high oil prices and emphasised that daily price fluctuations do not immediately impact fiscal conditions, as policy effects materialise only over monthly timeframes.

PT Jasa Marga is offering a 30 per cent discount on motorway tolls during the Eid 1447 Hijriah exodus and return journey periods in 2026, with discounts applying to long-distance continuous travel on various routes managed by the Jasa Marga Group. The discount scheme, which applies to one-way continuous journeys on Trans Jawa and Bandung routes from 26 March to 28 March 2026, aims to facilitate public travel whilst managing traffic distribution during the holiday period, with users required to ensure sufficient e-toll credit balance to qualify for the discount.

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk reported a 16.7 percent year-on-year increase in net profit to 8.9 trillion rupiah through February 2026, driven by surge in digital transactions through its Livin' by Mandiri platform which grew 28 percent year-on-year. The bank strengthened its operational efficiency with a cost-to-income ratio of 37.21 percent and maintained asset quality with a non-performing loan ratio of 0.98 percent, positioning itself to sustain growth momentum.

The Asian Development Bank has announced a USD150 million loan to PT Link Net Tbk (Linknet) to enhance digital infrastructure and broadband quality in Indonesia, particularly through the expansion of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. The financing aims to provide inclusive digital access, support the country's climate commitments through energy-efficient technology, and unlock Indonesia's estimated USD366 billion digital economy potential by 2030. The project addresses Indonesia's lagging fibre optic infrastructure adoption compared to neighbouring countries, supporting the government's efforts to create a competitive broadband landscape.

Golkar Party faction leader M Sarmuji has called on the Indonesian government to implement immediate fiscal mitigation measures in response to volatile global oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel and strengthening US dollar pressures. The geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, combined with rupiah depreciation to Rp 17,000 per dollar, pose significant risks to the state budget, particularly energy subsidies and foreign debt obligations denominated in dollars. The Finance Ministry is urged to conduct scenario simulations to prepare anticipatory measures and maintain budget validity amid the volatile global economic conditions.

The Indonesian Government has officially issued a regulation banning social media access for children under 16 years old, effective from March 28, 2026, with the aim of protecting young users from harmful digital content and algorithms. The policy, announced by the Ministry of Digital Communication, will be implemented gradually across major platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and others, representing a direct commitment from President Prabowo Subianto to ensure children grow in a safe and healthy digital environment.

Indonesia's Ambassador to China and Mongolia, Djauhari Oratmangun, visited Hunan province to explore bilateral agricultural cooperation, particularly in rice and paddy development, as well as expand tropical fruit exports to the Chinese market. The visit encompasses plans for the first Indonesia-China business forum in 2026 and aims to strengthen people-to-people ties through education and tourism, following the launch of direct flights between Jakarta and Changsha in December 2025. Trade between Indonesia and Hunan reached USD 3.23 billion in 2025, with Hunan hosting over 100 companies from the province operating in Indonesia with total investments of approximately USD 224 million.

Indonesia's Health Ministry has detected mental health problems in nearly 10 per cent of children screened under the 2025–2026 Free Health Check programme, with 4.4 per cent showing anxiety symptoms and 4.8 per cent showing depression symptoms. The government is expanding screening to reach 25 million children and implementing comprehensive interventions including increased clinical psychologists at health centres, mental health crisis services, and school-based counselling support.

The South Sumatra Police Chief, Irjen Sandi Nugroho, opened a pre-operation exercise for the 2026 Ketupat Musi operation ahead of Eid al-Fitr, emphasising that the operation is a strategic humanitarian duty rather than routine procedure. He instructed all personnel to prioritise professionalism, human values, and quality public service, with success measured not only by reduced crime rates but also by positive public perception of police services. The exercise aims to ensure uniform understanding of operational protocols and coordination amongst all police personnel across South Sumatra.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has begun phased disbursement of Professional Teaching Allowances (TPG) to religious education teachers across all faiths, including 209,324 Islamic religious education teachers and thousands of Christian, Catholic, Hindu, and Buddhist education instructors. The government initiative aims to improve teacher welfare and motivation as part of its commitment to national development priorities, with disbursements including newly certified teachers from the 2025 Teacher Professional Education programme.

Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, the Chief of South Sumatra Police, officially launched the pre-operation training for the 2026 Ketupat Musi operation ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, emphasising that officers must prioritise professionalism and humanitarian values. The operation aims to ensure public safety and comfort during the Ramadan and Eid period, with success measured not only by reduced crime rates but also by positive public perception of police services.

PT Mega Manunggal Property Tbk. announced the resignation of its President Director Ashwin Bhat and President Commissioner Wibowo Muljono, along with Commissioner Frans Surjadi, effective 5 March 2026, just months after their appointment in October 2025. The departures follow the Astra Group's acquisition of the property company through its subsidiary PT Saka Industrial Arjaya, which will acquire 83.67 per cent of MMLP's shares and become the new controlling shareholder.

The Karangasem district government has signed a joint declaration with local leaders and religious organisations to ensure religious tolerance and security as the Balinese Hindu new year (Nyepi) coincides with the Islamic Idul Fitri festival. The initiative, endorsed by Regent I Gusti Putu Parwata and various stakeholders, aims to ensure that all residents can observe their respective religious obligations whilst maintaining mutual respect and observance of sacred customs.

US President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, being selected as Iran's new supreme leader following his father's death during a US-Israeli strike on 28 February. Trump stated he would monitor developments carefully, whilst the US and Israel have indicated they seek regime change in Iran.

Bank Mandiri reported a net profit of Rp 8.9 trillion through February 2026, representing 16.7 per cent year-on-year growth, driven by increased digital transaction activity through its Livin' by Mandiri platform which reached 738.7 million transactions. The bank's strong performance is underpinned by 45.3 per cent growth in fee-based income, 15.7 per cent credit expansion to Rp 1.51 trillion, and improved operational efficiency with a Cost-to-Income Ratio of 37.21 per cent.

A specialist internal medicine doctor from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital advises that maintaining kidney health during Ramadan fasting requires more than just adequate water consumption. Beyond drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily between iftar and suhoor, individuals should limit salt and sugar intake, as excessive sodium can raise blood pressure whilst excess sugar contributes to obesity and diabetes—both major risk factors for permanent kidney damage and kidney cancer.

Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika (UBSI) launched a social initiative at its Salemba campus in Jakarta, distributing rice boxes to the community during Ramadhan 1447 H from 23 February to 13 March 2026. The programme, run weekdays by UBSI staff and students, targets residents and commuters near the campus during the pre-iftar period, reflecting the university's commitment to social responsibility alongside its digital education focus.

The Directorate General of Law and Prosecution (Gakkum) at Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has arrested AH, a key operational coordinator in an illegal logging network operating in Baluran National Park, following an intensive pursuit that included surveillance in Bali. The suspect, who coordinated timber felling teams and controlled the transport of illegally harvested wood to receivers, faces charges under forest conservation laws with sentences of up to five years imprisonment and fines of up to Rp2.5 billion.

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) received 2,031 reports of child rights violations throughout 2025, with nearly 60 per cent concerning family matters and alternative childcare arrangements. The complaints stem from issues including divorce, custody disputes, inadequate maintenance payments, child neglect, and violence, often compounded by poverty, unwanted pregnancies, and parental mental health problems including postpartum depression.