Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono met with local government representatives from Central Mamuju and Bengkalis districts to discuss social welfare programmes, including plans to build Community Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) targeting children from the poorest households. The initiative will operate as residential schools offering comprehensive facilities, meals, and learning materials, with districts required to provide at least 6.8 hectares of clear, undisputed land to proceed with construction.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) rebounded strongly on Tuesday, gaining 1.44 per cent to 7,443.05 points, driven by signals from US President Donald Trump that military operations against Iran are near completion and a sharp decline in oil prices from nearly USD 120 to around USD 90 per barrel. The oil price fall was triggered by reports that G7 nations are considering releasing strategic petroleum reserves, reducing geopolitical risk premium and encouraging investor buying.

Asian currencies strengthened broadly on Tuesday morning as the US dollar weakened in global markets, with the Malaysian ringgit leading gains at 0.86% appreciation. Eight of eleven monitored Asian currencies gained against the dollar, whilst the Indonesian rupiah rose 0.32% to Rp16,880/US$, bolstered by easing investor concerns following President Trump's statement that the conflict with Iran is "very much over".

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison's SheHacks women-focused technology empowerment programme has expanded into Southeast Asia through a Global Market Benchmarking Trip to Vietnam, bringing five leading Indonesian AI-focused startups to establish connections with investors, government institutions and potential partners. The initiative achieved significant outcomes including 51 business matching sessions, strategic partnerships with six investors and six Vietnamese government agencies, strengthening Indonesian female founders' access to international funding and market opportunities. The programme demonstrates the competitiveness of Indonesian women-led startups and establishes a model for regional collaboration across Southeast Asia.

Jakarta's state-owned food enterprises—Perumda Pasar Jaya, PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya, and Perumda Dharma Jaya—are providing 3,000 affordable food packages during a Ramadhan bazaar held at Jakarta City Hall on 9-10 March 2026. The initiative allows residents to purchase standard packages valued at IDR 150,000 for just IDR 100,000, featuring items such as premium rice, cooking oil, sugar, flour, and meat products to support families during the holy month.

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (INCO) plans to revise its 2026 production quota in its Work and Budget Plan (RKAB), citing the need to fulfil shareholder commitments and support downstream processing projects. The current 30% production allocation is deemed insufficient for the company's one-year business targets, though nickel matte production from Sorowako operations remains on track as that RKAB has been fully approved. The Pomalaa project expansion is progressing towards mechanical completion by August 2026, with overall construction at 62%, positioning the facility to enter production phase.

Indonesia's government is reviewing plans to accelerate the launch of B50 biodiesel mandate (50 per cent palm oil blend) potentially to the second half of 2026 or earlier, driven by surging crude oil prices following Middle East tensions. The policy shift could significantly increase domestic palm oil consumption, affecting global supply and pricing, whilst creating fiscal pressures around fuel subsidies that the Finance Ministry is preparing to increase. The final decision depends on whether elevated oil prices persist long enough to overcome the technical and funding obstacles that delayed the original B50 rollout earlier this year.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) rebounded 1.44 per cent on Tuesday, following global market gains sparked by US President Donald Trump's assertion that military operations against Iran are "very complete" and nearing conclusion. The positive sentiment reduced geopolitical risk premiums, triggering short covering and dip-buying across equity markets, whilst oil prices fell sharply as G7 nations discussed releasing strategic petroleum reserves.

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) has seized documents and electronic evidence from a search of the Ombudsman's office and the residence of Commissioner Yeka Hendra Fatika in connection with allegations of obstruction of investigation into cooking oil (migor) export corruption. The investigation relates to Article 21 charges of obstruction of investigation and prosecution, allegedly involving the Ombudsman providing recommendations for civil lawsuits filed by three convicted corporations (Wilmar Group, Permata Hijau Group, and Musim Mas Group) against the Administrative Court.

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has seized documents and electronic evidence following searches at the office and residence of Ombudsman Commissioner Yeka Hendra Fatika, in connection with alleged corruption involving crude oil administration. The searches relate to bribery allegations surrounding a controversial acquittal of three corporations charged in a cooking oil export case, with prosecutors suspecting the Ombudsman's recommendation that aided the corporations' legal challenges may have been manipulated.

Southwest Papua Police destroyed nearly 8 kilograms of marijuana seized during an operation in February 2026, arresting a suspect identified as RM who allegedly operated a narcotics distribution network spanning multiple regions including connections to Papua New Guinea. The suspect has been charged under Indonesia's 2009 Narcotics Law, which carries penalties up to life imprisonment or death, whilst authorities continue searching for another suspect and investigating the wider cross-border trafficking operation.

Indonesia's Child Protection Commission has highlighted that the recent surge in abandoned baby cases is not solely driven by poverty, but stems from complex family dysfunctions including divorce, custody disputes, and mental health issues such as postnatal depression. Recent incidents have seen infants left on streets in shopping bags and carts, prompting authorities to investigate the multifaceted socioeconomic and psychological factors underlying these abandonment cases.

PT Lippo Cikarang Tbk (LPCK) has announced its participation in the Indonesian President's priority programme to provide 3 million homes for the public by donating approximately 31.3 hectares of land in the Meikarta development area in Cikarang. The contribution was formally presented at an event on 8 March 2026 attended by senior government officials, including the Housing and Settlement Minister Maruarar Sirait and other stakeholders from government and business. The company stated that this participation represents its commitment to supporting government programmes and does not materially impact its operational activities or financial condition.

The Karawang Police Traffic Unit will deploy 785 personnel across 17 checkpoints and implement one-way and contra flow traffic systems at congestion points during the 2026 Lebaran exodus period. Special attention will be given to high-risk traffic areas including Tanjungpura, Pendeuy Junction, and the North Coast Road, whilst the Karawang Transportation Office will operate free buses and deploy 140 additional personnel to manage traffic flow.

The Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA) of West Nusa Tenggara Province is developing technology to convert landfill leachate into alternative biogas energy at Kebon Kongok landfill in West Lombok. The 2025 collaborative research created a prototype machine that converts leachate waste into biogas and organic liquid fertiliser, with the daily leachate volume of approximately 50 cubic metres targeted for energy supply to dozens or hundreds of residents and agricultural uses in the surrounding communities.

Deputy Justice Minister Edward Omar Sharif Hiariej has explained Indonesia's approach to the death penalty controversy through a new 10-year trial period for death row convicts under Law No. 1 of 2026. The measure represents a "win-win solution" balancing abolitionist and retentionist positions whilst aligning with the national criminal code's goal of social reintegration. The Constitutional Court chairman has raised concerns regarding presidential discretion in commuting sentences after the trial period, questioning whether such authority properly belongs to the judicial or political domain.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) interrogated Pancasila Youth (PP) chairman Japto Soerjosoemarno as a witness in an investigation into alleged gratification linked to coal production in Kutai Kartanegara. The case involves three mining companies—PT Sinar Kumala Naga, PT Alamjaya Barapratama, and PT Bara Kumala Sakti—allegedly providing payments of USD 3.3-5 per metric tonne of coal to various parties, with connections to a regional leader convicted of receiving USD 110 million in bribes.

The National Traffic Police Commander (Kakorlantas) Irjen Agus Suryonugroho attended a unified ceremony at Jasa Marga on 10 March to prepare for the Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr holiday period under Operation Ketupat 2026. Officials from multiple government agencies and transport operators gathered to demonstrate readiness for managing holiday traffic flows and ensuring public safety and comfort during the Islamic holy month and celebration. The police chief emphasised that inter-agency collaboration and synergy among government ministries, transport authorities, and insurance companies are essential to the operation's success.

Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has assured residents of Indonesia's Riau Islands that fuel and food stocks remain secure ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, urging the public to avoid panic buying that could disrupt distribution networks. Regional authorities have been instructed to coordinate closely with distributors and business operators to ensure stable supply chains and prices throughout the holiday period.

US President Donald Trump has issued severe threats against Iran over disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for 20% of global oil supplies, declaring military action if Iran halts oil flows. Amid escalating Middle East tensions and significant oil market disruption, G7 nations have signalled readiness to release strategic petroleum reserves as the International Energy Agency warns of mounting risks to global energy markets. Brent crude prices surged over 25% before moderating following Trump's signals of imminent conflict resolution.

The chairman of South Sumatra's Regional Representative Council (DPRD) has addressed public controversy over the planned procurement of two billiard tables for the official residences of two DPRD leaders, valued at Rp 486.9 million. The chairman clarified that the acquisition remains in the planning stage and has not yet been purchased, whilst acknowledging public concern about budget allocation and stating that the plan will be re-evaluated based on principles of efficiency and necessity.

Indonesia's Strategic Food Price Information Centre (PIHPS), managed by Bank Indonesia, has released current retail prices for key commodities including red bird's eye chilli at IDR85,100 per kilogram and chicken meat at IDR40,800 per kilogram. The data also includes prices for other essential staples such as shallots, garlic, various rice grades, beef, sugar, and cooking oil across different categories.

Japan's Nikkei 225 index plummeted 6.98 per cent on Monday morning, closing at 51,740.46 points, whilst the broader Topix index declined 5.60 per cent to 3,508.72. The sharp declines were triggered by oil market volatility, as US West Texas Intermediate crude futures briefly exceeded $119 per barrel on Sunday—the highest level since June 2022—amid growing concerns that escalating Middle East tensions could disrupt global supply chains.

High-profile technology executives from Silicon Valley are relocating to Miami, with Google founder Sergey Brin reportedly purchasing a $51 million waterfront property on Miami's Allison Island. The exodus, also involving Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other tech leaders, is primarily driven by California's notably high state income tax rates, making Miami an increasingly attractive alternative for wealthy entrepreneurs.

Global crude oil consumption remains highly concentrated among ten large economies, which account for approximately 61 percent of worldwide consumption in 2024. The United States leads with 19 million barrels per day (18.7 percent of global demand), followed by China at 16.4 million barrels daily, and India at 5.6 million barrels daily, with transportation and industrial sectors driving the bulk of demand across these nations. Indonesia ranks among the top 20 global consumers with approximately 1.6 million barrels per day, reflecting the country's large population and developing economic activity.

NU Care-Lazisnu, the philanthropic arm of Nahdlatul Ulama, is launching a Ramadhan Solidarity programme to support communities affected by disasters across nine districts in Java and Sumatra from 5-13 March 2026. The initiative distributes not only basic provisions but also religious items, school supplies, cash assistance to orphans, and psychological support services to disaster survivors including those affected by floods, landslides, and soil movements.

A Denpasar court sentenced three Australian men on 9 March for the fatal shooting of fellow Australian Zivan Radmanovic at a Bali villa in June 2025, with Mevlut Coskun and Paea-I-Middlemore Tupou receiving 16 years each for the killing and Darcy Jenson receiving 12 years for his role in organising the attack. The case drew significant attention as firearms are strictly controlled in Indonesia and violent crime is rare on the island, and all involved parties were Australian nationals. The verdict underscores Indonesia's firm prosecution of illegal firearms possession and premeditated violence, reinforcing the country's strict stance on security despite Bali's reputation as a major tourism destination.

Indonesia has become the first non-Western nation to implement a digital age restriction policy limiting child access to social media platforms, with implementation beginning on 28 March 2026. The regulation, issued by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs, has garnered international support including public endorsement from French President Emmanuel Macron, as governments worldwide increasingly recognise the need to protect children from online harms including pornography exposure, cyberbullying, fraud, and digital addiction.

The Central Java Provincial Government has confirmed the distribution of Hari Raya Holiday Allowances (THR) to over 13,000 part-time government contract workers (PPPK) beginning 13 March 2026, with approximately 6.023 billion rupiah allocated for this purpose. Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasised this initiative as part of the provincial government's commitment to improving the welfare of state officials ahead of the Idulfitri celebrations. The allowance distribution follows Government Regulation No. 9 of 2026 and is calculated based on length of service, with assistance centres established across the province to handle queries and complaints.

A catastrophic garbage landslide at the Bantargebang landfill in Bekasi killed at least five people and trapped others after heavy rain triggered a massive waste collapse at one of the world's largest open dumps, which serves Greater Jakarta's 14,000 daily tonnes of waste. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq attributed the disaster to systemic waste management failures and cited a long-standing ban on open dumping that local authorities have failed to enforce, describing it as the "tip of the iceberg" of a broader crisis. The incident has intensified pressure on Jakarta's waste reform agenda, with President Prabowo pledging US$3.5 billion in waste-to-energy investment over two years to reduce reliance on overcapacity landfills and prevent future tragedies in Southeast Asia's largest metropolitan region.

The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) opened stronger at 7,443 on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, gaining 106 points or 1.4 per cent from the previous day's close of 7,337, following a 3.27 per cent decline on Monday. Analysts forecast the index will trade within a support level of 7,400 and resistance of 7,900, with market sentiment heavily influenced by Fitch Ratings' downward revision of Indonesia's debt outlook, geopolitical tensions, and movements in global commodity prices amid US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim) and local police have dismantled an illegal gold and mineral mining operation in Bombana, South East Sulawesi, seizing equipment and approximately 20 tonnes of antimony ore without proper documentation. The operation targeted two locations suspected of conducting unlicensed mining activities within concession areas belonging to PT AABI and PT Panca Logam, with four suspects detained for questioning. The suspects face charges under Articles 158 and 161 of the Mining and Coal Law for operating mines without proper authorisation.

Conglomerate TP Rachmat sold 42.23 million shares of PT ESSA Industries Indonesia Tbk (ESSA) on 5 March 2026 in seven separate transactions at prices ranging from IDR765 to IDR795 per share, generating approximately IDR32.96 billion. The divestment reduced Rachmat's ownership stake in ESSA from 7.11% to 6.86%, comprising 1.182 billion shares.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported that Indonesian banking is expected to maintain solid performance in the first quarter of 2026, with the Banking Business Orientation Index at 56 (optimistic zone), supported by projected growth and effective risk management capabilities. However, banks remain cautious about macroeconomic conditions, with pessimism over weakening currency and rising inflation driven by seasonal factors and geopolitical tensions, though overall banking risks are perceived as manageable.

A state civil servant from Banten's Education and Culture Office testified in the corruption trial of former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, detailing critical weaknesses of Chromebook laptops procured for schools. The witness identified poor specifications for vocational schools, mandatory internet connectivity, and incompatibility with Windows-based applications as major obstacles preventing effective use in teaching and learning activities across Indonesian schools.

Japto Soerjosoemarno, chairman of Pemuda Pancasila (Pancasila Youth), was questioned by Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) on 10 March as a witness in a graft investigation involving three coal companies in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. The investigation is connected to former Kutai Kartanegara regent Rita Widyasari, who is serving a ten-year prison sentence for receiving over 110 billion rupiah in bribes and gratuities from mining permit applicants.

Multiple incidents occurred in Jakarta and its surroundings on Monday (9 March), including the discovery of two additional bodies from a landfill collapse at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Facility (TPST) in Bekasi, which has now claimed four lives. The Jakarta Provincial Government has suspended operations at zone 4A of the facility and intensified food safety inspections at markets, whilst authorities conducted street operations to assist cart-dwelling families in South Jakarta.

Indonesian police continue to dismantle the drug trafficking network of Erwin Iskandar (Ko Erwin) following his arrest whilst attempting to flee abroad. Two of Ko Erwin's associates, A Hamid alias Boy and Satriawan alias Awan, are now listed as wanted fugitives, with police conducting intensive cross-regional searches across Jakarta, NTB, Kalimantan, and North Sumatra to prevent their escape through illegal routes.

US Senator Lindsey Graham has condemned Saudi Arabia for refusing to participate in military operations against Iran and threatened consequences for other Gulf nations that do not join US-Israeli efforts against Iran. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have opposed the conflict from the outset, citing concerns about regional escalation and lack of US security support, whilst officials have reiterated their commitment to diplomacy and preventing their territories from being used for attacks on Iran.

PT Pelindo Regional 4 projects passenger numbers during the 2026 Lebaran homecoming period in Eastern Indonesia will reach approximately 882,620 travellers, representing a 5% increase from last year's 840,590 passengers. This growth reflects a consistent upward trend in maritime transport utilisation across the eastern Indonesian region, with Makassar, Balikpapan, and Ambon ports handling the largest passenger volumes. Pelindo has implemented comprehensive operational measures, including deployment of 19 vessels and activation of 20 passenger terminals to ensure smooth and safe services during the annual exodus.

President Prabowo Subianto has warned Indonesians to prepare for economic and social difficulties stemming from escalating conflict in the Middle East, cautioning that great powers' rivalry could draw other nations into the crisis. Despite Indonesia's geographical distance, Prabowo emphasised that the Middle Eastern conflict will impact the nation and pledged to address the situation transparently with the Indonesian public. He reiterated Indonesia's non-aligned stance, stating the country remains on the correct path of free and active foreign policy.

The Jakarta Metro Police Directorate of Traffic (Dirlantas Polda Metro Jaya) is warning motorcyclists not to overload their vehicles with excessive baggage whilst travelling during the mudik (homecoming) period, as this violates traffic regulations and poses safety risks. The police will monitor checkpoints and enforce regulations, whilst also urging citizens to consider free mudik programmes and alternative transport options such as train services for motorcycles, which offer greater comfort and safety.

East Jakarta Metro Police conducted raids on three kiosks suspected of illegally selling the controlled drug Tramadol in Pasar Rebo district on Monday evening, following residents' frustration with unheeded police complaints. The suspected dealers had closed their shops two days prior after a viral video showed unknown individuals throwing firecrackers at the kiosks, but police still managed to seize hundreds of pills including 150 Trihexyphenidyl tablets and 250 yellow pills suspected to be Tramadol during the operation.

Jakarta police have made several significant arrests and clarifications in recent criminal cases, including a 42-year-old woman who embezzled 300 million rupiah from her friend whilst trapped in predatory loan debt, and investigations into a murder in Depok and a fatal fall at Pondok Indah Mall 2. The cases span accusations of theft, homicide, and a suicide, with authorities confirming no foul play in the mall incident where a 31-year-old man jumped from the third floor.

PT Jasa Marga has deployed advanced monitoring technologies including radar systems, intelligent traffic cameras, water level sensors, and digital message signs to manage vehicle congestion during the Eid holiday exodus. The toll road operator's comprehensive traffic control centre can monitor road conditions in real time and disseminate information to drivers via the Travoy application and roadside displays to ensure safer and smoother travel.

Amid Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions affecting Dubai and the Gulf region, Bali has emerged as an increasingly attractive investment destination, with property yields remaining high whilst geopolitical risks are significantly lower. Recent data shows Bali's hospitality sector maintaining strong occupancy rates of 68-72 per cent with 63,000 hotel rooms operational, whilst international retail brands continue expanding into Seminyak and Canggu, though new local regulations are beginning to tighten controls on land conversion and foreign ownership.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has opened the possibility of revising Indonesia's 2026 state budget in response to soaring global oil prices exceeding US$113.68 per barrel, driven by escalating tensions between the United States and Israel against Iran. The ministry will monitor oil price movements over the coming month before deciding on any budget adjustments, having already conducted stress tests showing that if annual average crude oil prices breach US$92 per barrel, the budget deficit could rise to 3.6% of GDP, above the safe threshold of 3%. Purbaya stressed there are no visible disruptions to domestic economic activity yet and cautioned against premature conclusions about sustained high oil prices.

The food and beverage industry is projected to undergo significant transformation by 2026, with success determined not only by taste and presentation but also by identity, health, sustainability, and technology integration. Key trends include food as identity reconnection, precision wellness tailored to individual health needs, global flavour experimentation, environmental sustainability, and AI-driven technological innovation across the supply chain. Indonesian businesses, particularly SMEs in the culinary sector, have substantial opportunities to leverage local heritage and cultural identity whilst navigating challenges around infrastructure, consumer education, and climate adaptation.

Indonesia faces a significant protection gap in disaster insurance coverage, with natural hazards such as earthquakes and climate-related flooding posing ongoing risks to the population. The Indonesian General Insurance Association estimates claims at approximately 1 trillion rupiah, whilst actual economic losses from ecological disasters reach 60 trillion rupiah, highlighting the disparity between insured and uninsured losses. Policy options under discussion include establishing pooled insurance funds and potentially mandating disaster insurance, though the government faces budgetary constraints in addressing the catastrophic impact of disasters.

Indonesia's Parliament has warned regional heads to prepare contingency measures amid potential civil unrest during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period (14-28 March 2026), citing rising global oil prices that have touched USD100 per barrel due to escalating Middle East tensions. The Interior Ministry has issued a directive prohibiting regional leaders from travelling abroad during this period to ensure they remain focused on security, economic stability, and public services. Officials fear that higher fuel prices will trigger inflation in essential goods and necessitate budget adjustments at both national and regional levels.