The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) and the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) have jointly appealed to the government to ban citizens from undertaking mudik (homecoming) travel by motorcycle whilst carrying children during the 2026 Lebaran holiday period to enhance safety. The call is prompted by 2024 data showing that 76.64 per cent of accidents involve motorcycles, with MTI recommending expanded free travel programmes and motorcycle transport services alongside investment in improved public transportation infrastructure in rural and small-town areas.

WeTV Indonesia and production house MD Entertainment have officially commenced production on WeTV Original Samuel, a live-action adaptation of a viral Wattpad novel that has garnered over 21.7 million readers since its 2021 release. The series, part of the Diamond Gang Universe, will explore school gang dynamics and a complex emotional narrative centring on protagonist Azura and gang leader Samuel Erlangga, positioning WeTV's commitment to high-quality content that aligns with market trends.

Jimmy Lie, a fugitive in a land registration programme corruption case involving IDR 960 million in bribes, was arrested on Penang Island, Malaysia, after fleeing to Australia and New Zealand. Following coordination between Indonesian Interpol and Malaysian authorities, Lie was apprehended at a property in his possession and repatriated to Indonesia through a migrant repatriation scheme due to his visa overstay.

Indonesia's rupiah briefly touched Rp 17,000 per US dollar on Monday, signalling mounting pressure on the currency and prompting warnings from economists about broader economic risks. The depreciation, driven by both domestic fiscal concerns and global factors including the Iran-US conflict, threatens to raise import prices, increase energy subsidies, and widen the budget deficit. Economists caution that the Rp 17,000 level has become a critical threshold closely watched by markets, whilst Bank Indonesia faces limited room for policy manoeuvre in stabilising the currency.

Indonesia's Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) rose 1.44 per cent to 7,443.05 on 10 March 2026, buoyed by easing geopolitical tensions following US President Donald Trump's statements indicating near-completion of military operations against Iran. The positive sentiment was further supported by declining global oil prices, which fell from near $120 to around $90 per barrel, as G7 nations discussed releasing strategic oil reserves and the US granted temporary exemptions for Russian oil sales to India.

With the Lebaran mudik (homecoming) season typically involving long-distance travel, vehicle maintenance—particularly battery checks—becomes critical to prevent breakdowns and sudden failures on the road. A mechanic at Iwan Motor Solo recommends replacing car batteries once they reach 40 per cent remaining service life, even if they still function adequately for starting the engine, to avoid unexpected problems during the journey.

Military escalation in the Middle East has exposed Southeast Asia's heavy dependence on imported oil and gas, with disruptions to Persian Gulf shipping routes threatening energy security across the region. Nearly 60 per cent of Asia's crude oil and a third of its LNG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making countries like the Philippines (96 per cent Persian Gulf sourced oil), Vietnam (87 per cent), and Thailand (74 per cent) vulnerable to supply shocks and price spikes, forcing governments to implement emergency conservation measures and expand strategic reserves.

PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) reported net profit growth of 16.7% year-on-year to reach Rp8.9 trillion as of February 2026, driven by increased digital transaction activity through its Livin' by Mandiri platform and fee-based income growth. The bank's loan distribution reached Rp1.513.1 trillion (up 15.7% YoY) whilst third-party fund collection grew 16.3% YoY to Rp1.644.8 trillion, with digital transaction volumes on Livin' by Mandiri surging 28% YoY to 738.7 million transactions since the start of the year.

The National Strategic Food Price Information Centre, managed by Bank Indonesia, recorded rising prices for several food commodities ahead of Eid 2026, with red bird's eye chilli reaching Rp 85,100 per kilogramme and chicken at Rp 40,800 per kilogramme. Additional staples including beef, rice varieties, cooking oil, and eggs have all risen in price across retail outlets nationally, reflecting pre-holiday demand surges.

Motorway users travelling from Jakarta to Surabaya during the 2026 Eid holiday period will benefit from a 30 per cent toll fare discount valid from 15 March 00:00 to 16 March 24:00. The discount applies only to the Jakarta-Semarang segment of the Trans-Java motorway route, with fares remaining at standard rates thereafter, resulting in an estimated total toll cost of IDR 783,250 for Class I vehicles after discount.

A former KPK investigator has warned that regional leaders are vulnerable to corruption-related arrests, citing multiple recent sting operations throughout 2026 that have ensnared mayors and regents. The former official attributes this vulnerability to the high financial pressures on regional leaders stemming from campaign financing and the extensive powers they exercise over local budgets, procurement, and personnel appointments.

President Prabowo Subianto has publicly addressed the ongoing Middle East conflict, acknowledging that Indonesia will face economic difficulties as a result of the regional wars. During a speech inaugurating 218 bridges virtually from his residence in Bogor, Prabowo committed to transparency with the Indonesian people and pledged a forthcoming statement on the conflict's impact, whilst emphasising Indonesia's progress towards food self-sufficiency and energy independence to mitigate potential hardships.

BPJS Kesehatan (Indonesia's health insurance body) is preparing enhanced service access for its National Health Insurance Programme (JKN) during the 2026 Lebaran holiday period to ensure participants can access healthcare and administrative services whilst travelling. Digital channels including the Mobile JKN app, WhatsApp-based administration services, and the 165 Care Centre are available, with limited face-to-face services offered on selected dates in March 2026. Participants are also assured they can access healthcare facilities nationwide even outside their registered area.

The Regent of Rejang Lebong, Muhammad Fikri Thobari, and several associates arrived at Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday morning following an overnight operation by the antigraft agency. The KPK conducted a surprise raid in Bengkulu on Monday night, securing undisclosed quantities of cash and sealing several offices at the local government. The KPK has 24 hours to determine the legal status of those detained.

South Jakarta's Sub-Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives and Small-Medium Enterprises views the Ramadan bazaar as a promotional platform for local economic products and business development. The bazaar, typically involving around 30 micro, small and medium enterprises, features price-varied products ranging from Rp25,000 to Rp100,000 and generates direct marketing benefits and brand strengthening for participating traders. The initiative also collaborates with state-owned enterprises and logistics partners to provide affordable food markets to the community during Ramadan.

An investigation into a missile strike that struck an elementary school in Minab, Iran, killing 168 people including approximately 110 children, has pointed to the United States as the likely responsible party. Expert analysis of verified video footage has identified the weapon used as a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile, with evidence indicating multiple strikes across an adjacent Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military base. Two US officials confirmed to Reuters that American forces were likely responsible, though the investigation remains ongoing and could potentially exonerate the US if new evidence emerges.

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has achieved a sustainable loans portfolio of Rp 811.9 trillion, representing 60.5 per cent of its total loan portfolio as of December 2025, comprising social loans (Rp 718.7 trillion) and green loans (Rp 93.2 trillion). The bank's commitment to sustainability is aligned with Indonesia's government agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, supporting micro-financing, SME loans, renewable energy projects, and environmental conservation initiatives. BRI's integration of sustainability into its long-term business strategy has earned recognition from international ESG rating agencies, including a score of 74/100 from S&P Global and placement in the Sustainability Yearbook Member category for four consecutive years.

President Donald Trump faces mounting domestic political pressure as the escalating conflict with Iran triggers global energy market turmoil, with crude oil prices breaching $100 per barrel for the first time in years. Experts warn that rising energy costs could significantly damage public sentiment ahead of the November midterm elections, as voters may punish the ruling Republican Party if fuel price increases outpace wage growth, transforming what Trump frames as a geopolitical necessity into a domestic political liability.

A major landslide at Bantargebang waste dump in Bekasi, West Java, which killed at least four people, has been identified by environmental group Walhi as proof of a systemic waste management crisis in Indonesia. The tragedy reflects decades of failure to move beyond the "collect, transport, and dump" model, with many landfills exceeding capacity and continuing to operate with unsafe open dumping methods. Walhi has called for urgent government transformation of waste management systems, prioritising source reduction and extended producer responsibility rather than relying on landfills.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has committed the provincial government to overseeing the implementation of policies restricting social media account ownership for children under 16 years old at the district level, involving schools and local families. The policy is derived from Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 and aims to protect children from digital threats including pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and digital addiction. The governor emphasised that successful implementation requires synergy between government, digital platforms, educational institutions, and parents in providing digital literacy education to children.

The rupiah strengthened 63 points to Rp16,886 per US dollar at Tuesday's market opening, but analysts warn that limited room for further gains exists due to high market sensitivity to developments in the Middle East and oil price movements. Global sentiment pressures remain dominant, with oil prices spiking above $115 per barrel due to regional conflict, whilst domestic fiscal concerns—including widening February budget deficits and rising sovereign debt yields—add additional headwinds, though Bank Indonesia's focus on rupiah stability provides some support.

State-owned enterprise Perum Bulog has assured the public that stocks of essential foodstuffs, particularly rice and cooking oil, are secure and sufficient to meet demand through the end of the year, urging citizens to avoid panic buying. The company reports government rice reserves of 3.74 million tonnes currently stored, with projections to reach 4.5 to 5 million tonnes by end of March, supported by ongoing domestic procurement efforts. Bulog's director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani stated that prices of various basic commodities remain relatively stable in the market, and the government continues implementing stabilisation measures including strengthened distribution and domestic production absorption.

The escalating geopolitical tensions between Israel, the United States, and Iran present a critical challenge to Islamic unity, with the Muslim world increasingly fragmented along sectarian, economic, and ideological lines. Key obstacles to consolidation include rising sectarianism between Sunni and Shia communities, economic and military dependence on Western powers, and the absence of authoritative Islamic leadership capable of coordinating a unified strategic response. The article argues that Islamic nations must transcend internal divisions and theological debates to establish independent economic cooperation, joint defence capabilities, and unified diplomatic positions to avoid remaining marginalised spectators in global affairs.

Pertamina's Chief Commissioner Mochamad Iriawan conducted a field inspection at the KM 57 rest area fuel station on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road to ensure adequate fuel supplies and operational readiness ahead of the 2026 Eid exodus. The visit, part of Ramadan 1447H activities, assessed fuel stock availability, payment systems, health services, and traffic management to support the anticipated surge in holiday travellers. Pertamina has deployed additional services including delivery options and modular stations at strategic locations to manage demand.

Major social media platforms Meta, YouTube, and TikTok have responded to Indonesia's new government regulation requiring the deactivation of social media accounts for children under 16 years of age, effective 28 March 2026. While the platforms support the government's aim to protect children in digital spaces, they have cautioned that overly restrictive measures could drive young users to more dangerous and unmonitored websites. The policy stems from two Indonesian regulations issued in 2025 and 2026 targeting major digital platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

BYD has unveiled its second-generation Blade Battery technology coupled with Flash Charging capability, claiming to charge electric vehicles from 10 to 70 per cent in approximately five minutes. The battery has undergone rigorous safety testing and maintains charging performance even at temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, whilst increasing energy density by around 5 per cent compared to the previous generation.

Indonesia's Deputy Justice Minister Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej defended controversial defamation provisions in the new Criminal Code during constitutional court hearings, insisting that Articles 218, 240, and 241—which criminalise insults to the president and government institutions—do not ban legitimate public criticism or protest. The government argues these provisions protect state dignity and function as social safeguards whilst maintaining strict limitations that require complaints to be filed only by the president, vice president, or heads of named state institutions.

US President Donald Trump declared that the ongoing conflict with Iran is nearing its end, claiming significant military progress and the destruction of Iranian naval and air capabilities. Trump's optimism comes amid global oil price spikes exceeding $100 per barrel, which he believes will ease once the war concludes, though he warned further military action remains possible.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has revoked the operating licence of PT BPR Koperindo Jaya, a rural bank in central Jakarta, following its failure to restore financial health despite being placed under resolution status. The Indonesian Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS) will now oversee the bank's liquidation and guarantee customer deposits in accordance with applicable regulations.

US President Donald Trump has signalled that military operations against Iran are nearing completion, claiming Iranian military capabilities have been severely decimated following ten days of intensive strikes. Trump warned that any Iranian attempt to disrupt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz would result in exponentially stronger US retaliation, whilst also suggesting consideration of direct US control over the strategic waterway that carries approximately 20% of global oil supplies.

The expanding Trans-Java Toll Road network is enhancing the comfort and efficiency of Lebaran holiday travel, supported by 42 functional rest areas strategically positioned at fatigue points along the route. PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol reports that all road maintenance will be completed by 10 March (H-10 Lebaran), with electric vehicle charging stations and 24-hour staff support across the network. Jasa Marga projects 3.5 million vehicles will traverse the toll road during the H-10 to H+10 Lebaran period, representing approximately 17 percent growth compared to the previous year.

The Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo visited 252 temporary housing units being constructed for disaster-affected communities in South Tapanuli, North Sumatra, during Ramadan to ensure residents could relocate before Eid. The housing complex, built on 14,369 square metres across 21 blocks, includes water supply systems with boreholes and a tank system, and electricity provided by PLN at 900 watts per unit, with authorities expediting the installation of additional boreholes to ensure adequate water supply.

Police raided a residence in Bekasi on 4 March 2026 where a drug party was taking place, arresting seven individuals including one wanted fugitive (AS) sought in connection with the distribution of 2,000 ecstasy pills. Authorities seized 18.35 grams of methamphetamine, 11.48 grams of ecstasy, and approximately 5 grams of cannabis, with six of the detainees testing positive for drug use.

The Indonesian government is strengthening surveillance of food prices, safety, and quality ahead of Eid al-Fitr through coordinated central and regional efforts and the activation of task forces. Strategic food commodity stocks including rice, corn, chicken, eggs, sugar, and beef are projected to be sufficient throughout Ramadan and Eid, though some items such as red bird's eye chilli, eggs, and chicken remain subject to price increases in certain regions. The government is facilitating food distribution from surplus to deficit areas whilst monitoring points have conducted nearly 38,000 surveillance activities over February and March 2026.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has again questioned Japto Soerjosoemarno, chairman of the Youth Pancasila movement, as a witness in a corruption case involving former Kutai Kartanegara Regent Rita Widyasari. The investigation centres on allegations that Widyasari demanded compensation of USD 3.6-5 per tonne of coal extracted whilst in office, with authorities investigating money laundering and tracing alleged proceeds that flowed to Japto and other associates, resulting in the seizure of 11 vehicles and Rp 56 billion from Japto's home.

The Indonesian government will implement traffic management measures during the Lebaran 2026 exodus and return period, including odd-even number plate systems and one-way traffic on selected toll roads. The measures will be enforced from 17–20 March 2026 for outbound traffic and 23–29 March 2026 for return traffic, with specific closures of entry gates in Jakarta and Semarang.

The Indonesian rupiah has weakened against the US dollar despite global oil price increases reaching $92 per barrel—the highest since 2020—far exceeding the government's 2026 budget assumption of $70 per barrel. Economist Ibrahim Assuaibi warns that if oil prices approach or exceed $100 per barrel, the budget deficit could balloon to nearly 4 per cent of GDP, breaching the legally mandated 3 per cent ceiling. To mitigate this fiscal risk, the government must pursue significant budget efficiency measures, accelerate renewable energy conversion programmes, and implement economic stimulus through deregulation.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi has urged residents not to engage in panic buying of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026, assuring the public that supplies are secure. Pertamina confirmed during a provincial coordination meeting that fuel and LPG stocks in Central Java are sufficient for the next two months, with Deputy Governor Taj Yasin having conducted field inspections to verify availability.

Travellers departing from Baranangsiang Terminal in Bogor are beginning their mudik (homecoming) journeys earlier than usual ahead of the 2026 Lebaran holiday, driven by concerns over severe traffic congestion during peak periods. Residents like Sapei and Amin have started queuing early at bus ticket counters to secure seats and avoid the anticipated gridlock that typically accompanies the mass exodus during Lebaran.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia has achieved a sustainable loans portfolio of Rp811.9 trillion as of December 2025, representing 60.5 per cent of its total loan portfolio, comprising Rp718.7 trillion in social loans and Rp93.2 trillion in green loans. The bank is reinforcing its commitment to Indonesia's Sustainable Development Goals and the government's Asta Cita agenda through increased sustainable wholesale funding of Rp45.6 trillion, embedding sustainability principles into its long-term business strategy to support inclusive growth and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has secured 150 million tonnes of coal for domestic demand through the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) scheme, equivalent to 30% of total coal production, whilst the government evaluates 2026 production targets at around 600 million tonnes. The allocation primarily serves strategic sectors including power generation and fertiliser industries, addressing recent supply disruptions that prompted concerns from power producers about potential plant shutdowns and increased electricity costs should coal supplies continue to falter.

Bank Sumsel Babel has entered into a collaboration with the South Sumatera Regional Housing Development Agency under the Ministry of Housing and Settlement to support implementation of the Self-Reliant Housing Stimulus Assistance Programme (BSPS) in South Sumatra Province. The partnership aims to ensure effective, transparent, and accountable distribution of housing assistance to beneficiaries, particularly low-income households, as part of President Prabowo Subianto's Three Million Homes Programme.

Former Acting Governor of South Sulawesi Bahtiar Baharuddin has been detained after being named a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of four million pineapple seedlings valued at approximately 60 billion rupiah by the provincial agriculture office in 2024. Six individuals in total have been named suspects, including a local government official, company directors, and a budget administrator, and have been charged under multiple anti-corruption statutes. The investigation, conducted by the provincial prosecutor's office with calculations verified by the State Audit Agency, determined that the state suffered losses of around 60 billion rupiah from the fraudulent procurement.

Indonesia's Child Protection Agency (LPA) in Mataram is calling for coordinated action between local government and police to address child marriage cases in Central Lombok, following a viral video of two secondary school students being married. The agency has identified the bride as 13 years old and the groom as 16, and expressed frustration that previous similar cases have not been prosecuted, resulting in a lack of deterrent effect and continued incidents in the region.

The Deputy Chair of the House Commission X has called for social media restrictions on children under 16 to preserve access to educational content whilst protecting them from harmful digital exposure. The government's Ministry of Communication and Digital has implemented new regulations restricting social media use for under-16s, beginning 28 March 2026, to shield children from pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and digital addiction.

A fire broke out above Batam's Pelita tunnel on the evening of 9 March, rapidly spreading through wooded vegetation and threatening motorists and nearby electrical infrastructure. Emergency crews from Sei Panas fire post responded to the blaze, though the cause remained undetermined at the time of initial reporting. The incident highlights infrastructure and public safety vulnerabilities in Batam's densely developed urban areas where traffic corridors and vegetation sit in close proximity.

Indonesia's Ministry of Religion predicts that Eid al-Fitr 2026 (1 Syawal 1447 Hijriah) will likely fall on different dates between the government and Muhammadiyah, with the latter setting it for 20 March 2026 whilst government calculations suggest it will not meet visibility criteria until 21 March 2026. The final determination will be confirmed at the Ministry of Religion's isbat session scheduled for 19 March 2026.

President Prabowo Subianto held a series of limited meetings with Cabinet ministers at his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor, to evaluate the government's self-sufficiency programme and prepare for Eid al-Fitr 1447H. The discussions focused on accelerating food and energy security, including national oil sovereignty, and maintaining price stability and stock availability in the market ahead of the upcoming holiday. The meetings reflect the government's intensive coordination to address global economic challenges and ensure domestic supply security.

PT Bank of India Indonesia Tbk. (BSWD) has announced management changes following an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on 5 March 2026, with Amit Kumar Singh appointed as Business Director and Ashok Kumar Pathak as Principal Non-Independent Commissioner. The appointments followed approval from Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) based on fit and proper test assessments, with the changes taking effect immediately but having no direct impact on the bank's operations or financial condition.

Mochamad Iriawan, the Chairman of PT Pertamina, inspected the petrol station at Rest Area KM 57 on the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road to ensure adequate fuel supplies and facility readiness ahead of the anticipated surge in travel during the 2026 Eid holiday period. The inspection focused on fuel stock availability, non-cash payment systems, health and safety protocols, and ancillary facilities such as prayer rooms and toilets. Pertamina has deployed additional services including fuel delivery services, mobile petrol stations, and modular stations at strategic locations to manage the expected traffic congestion.