Sinar Mas Land has organised the Ramadan Festival 2026 under the theme "Ramadan Inspiration, Strengthen Civilisation" at Baitul Mukhtar Mosque in BSD City, involving hundreds of students, teachers and community members from South Tangerang, Tangerang Regency and Bogor Regency. The festival, part of the company's corporate social responsibility division programme, combines educational, social and cultural activities including religious competitions, aid distribution, UMKM bazaars and environmental campaigns, with assistance reaching 450 students, 90 teachers from 45 schools and 260 community members with a total value of Rp194.25 million.

Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom has announced the second phase of evacuation for over 600 Russian personnel and their families from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in southern Iran due to escalating armed conflict and security threats. CEO Alexey Likhachev confirmed that construction work on Units 2 and 3 has been suspended, whilst a small team remains on-site for essential maintenance and technical operations to prevent system damage.

Iranian hacker groups have fallen silent following combined US-Israeli military operations, but security researchers warn this represents a tactical transition rather than defeat. Despite infrastructure damage and internet disruptions affecting 96 per cent of domestic connectivity, Iranian cyber operatives retain resilience through decentralised command structures and offline contingency plans, with evidence suggesting they are preparing major cyber operations whilst conducting defensive posturing and tool repositioning.

Indonesia's Composite Index (IHSG) has experienced sharper declines during geopolitical conflicts involving Iran compared to other regional conflicts, primarily due to Iran's strategic position in global energy distribution and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil supply passes daily. When tensions escalate near the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices surge above $100 per barrel, triggering global inflationary pressures and prompting international investors to shift away from emerging market assets, including Indonesia. Unlike previous conflicts such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine (which saw only 1.5% IHSG decline) or Hamas's attack on Israel (which saw 0.74% growth), Iran-related escalations resulted in weekly declines of 5.29% to 10%, reflecting the market's heightened sensitivity to energy supply disruptions.

President Prabowo Subianto has warned Indonesians to prepare for the economic and social fallout from the Middle East conflict, whilst emphasising Indonesia's considerable national strengths and resources. He stressed the importance of better managing the nation's wealth and renewing the commitment to combat corruption and abuse of authority, which he claims causes significant losses to state assets.

PT Zurich General Takaful Indonesia has begun receiving claims from Indonesian pilgrims cancelling umrah trips due to heightened security risks in the Middle East following geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Whilst the insurer has not yet disclosed claim volumes, director Hilman Simanjuntak expects applications may increase should the regional conflict escalate, though potential reduced demand for travel insurance from cautious pilgrims could also pressure the sector. Separately, economists note the geopolitical tensions may boost demand for marine cargo insurance amid elevated shipping risks along strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz.

The West Nusa Tenggara provincial government and PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia (ID Food) have signed a memorandum of understanding for a Rp1.2 trillion integrated poultry industry development project in Sumbawa to strengthen agricultural downstream processing and regional food security. The initiative aims to create a more equitable livestock farming ecosystem by supporting local farmers' access to crucial inputs such as quality chicks and feed, which have historically been dominated by large enterprises. Through contract farming schemes and comprehensive support including technical assistance and financing, the project is designed to boost poultry production to meet growing demand from national food assistance programmes and local consumption needs.

A total of 270 foreign nationals in Bali have applied for emergency residence permits (ITKT) due to the Middle East conflict, with 35 having received overstay fee exemptions since 28 February 2026. The situation was prompted by the cancellation of 40 flights from Bali to Qatar, the UAE, and other Middle Eastern destinations, affecting tourists unable to depart the island.

The skeletal remains of a 56-year-old woman identified as DH were discovered in Depok, West Java, on 7 March 2026, concealed beneath piled clothing and ironing boards with coffee powder scattered over the body to mask odours. The suspected perpetrator, a 44-year-old man identified as ARH and the victim's common-law husband, was arrested on 8 March 2026 in Bekasi; authorities attribute the murder to economic hardship and personal disputes. The victim had last been seen in September 2025, and her mobile phone and motorcycle remain missing.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has revealed that approximately 700,000 children in Indonesia—10 per cent of those screened through the government's free health check programme—exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression disorders. The data highlights a severe mental health crisis among adolescents aged 11 to 17 years, with suicide ideation and attempt rates among students doubling between 2015 and 2023, prompting the government to accelerate psychological support services and mental health interventions.

The government's Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) has mobilised substantial relief and economic recovery efforts across three flood-affected Sumatran provinces, distributing Rp 878.68 billion in aid to 67,886 registered households. Through coordinated initiatives including marketplace support, financing schemes, and production assistance, the task force has enabled 2,428 micro and small-medium enterprises to engage in 5.21 million transactions worth approximately Rp 80 billion since January 2026, whilst offering concessional loan arrangements and grace periods for affected borrowers.

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to an active, independent foreign policy and non-aligned stance in response to Middle East conflicts. Speaking during a virtual ceremony marking the inauguration of 218 bridges across Indonesia, Prabowo emphasised that whilst Indonesia is geographically distant from conflict zones, global instability can affect all nations, and Indonesia will not align with any bloc. He warned that Indonesian society must prepare for difficulties resulting from regional crises whilst maintaining the nation's principled stance of respecting all countries and declining to hide challenges.

US President Donald Trump signalled that military operations against Iran are progressing significantly and near completion, triggering a rally across Asian equity markets led by South Korea's Kospi index, which surged 5%. Oil prices fell 6.49% to $88.66 per barrel following the statement, whilst major US indices recovered sharply, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all posting substantial gains after earlier losses.

A total of 13 victims have been found following a landfill collapse at Bantargebang waste processing facility in Bekasi, with seven killed and six rescued. The last victim, Riki Supiadi (40), was recovered on Monday 9 March 2026 at 23:30 WIB, prompting search and rescue authorities to declare the operation complete.

Jusuf Kalla, chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI), has called for mosques to serve not merely as places of worship but as centres of Islamic civilisation, emphasising their role in fostering unity, knowledge, moral character, and economic advancement. Speaking during Tarawih prayers at the Sunda Kelapa Grand Mosque, Kalla highlighted that with approximately 800,000 mosques in Indonesia, these institutions should encourage the Muslim community to pursue education, strengthen capabilities, and improve societal welfare in line with Islamic teachings.

Indonesia's automotive industry recorded wholesale distribution of 81,159 vehicles in February 2026, marking a 22.1 per cent monthly increase from January 2026 and a 12.2 per cent year-on-year growth compared to February 2025. The industry association head expressed optimism about the positive trend at the start of the year, with expectations for further growth as the Eid holiday period approaches, traditionally a peak season for vehicle sales.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States that Tehran is "fully prepared" for further escalation, criticising what he termed "Operation Epic Mistake" for causing oil prices to double within nine days. The rhetoric follows a joint Israeli-American military operation on 28 February that reportedly killed over 1,200 people including Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering Iranian counter-strikes against Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets.

Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude, has filed lawsuits against the US Department of Defence following its designation as a supply chain risk to national security, which prevents Pentagon contractors from using the company's products or services. The company argues the designation is retaliatory punishment for its safety-focused stance on AI development and its refusal to grant the Pentagon unrestricted access to its systems, claiming the government has exceeded its constitutional authority. The dispute follows Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's insistence that the Pentagon should have access to AI systems for "legitimate purposes," and President Trump's directive ordering federal agencies to cease using Anthropic's technology.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted an arrest operation on 9 March against Muhammad Fikri Thobari, Regent of Rejang Lebong in Bengkulu Province, and six other individuals, suspecting involvement in a project fee scheme within the local government. The seven detainees were transported to Jakarta on 10 March for further interrogation, with mobile phones and cash allegedly linked to contractors being seized as evidence.

Prajogo Pangestu remains Indonesia's wealthiest individual with a net worth of approximately US$22.7 billion according to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires Index as of 9 March 2026, despite experiencing a US$2 billion single-day correction due to weakness in Barito Group-affiliated stocks. The conglomerate's position remains relatively secure given the substantial market capitalisation of his key listed companies, though stock price movements in sectors such as renewables and mining continue to influence the rankings of Indonesia's richest individuals.

Central Java's provincial road network currently lacks approximately 19,000 street lights (PJU), with only about 15,000 installed along provincial roads, representing less than 50 per cent coverage. The Transportation Department head Arief Djatmiko stated that the department requests additional lighting installations annually to enhance traffic safety, and has proposed 250 new street lights for the current year, each costing approximately 20 million rupiah to install.

Indonesia's Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has issued instructions to regional heads to remain on duty and not take leave during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri celebration in 2026, emphasising their responsibility to ensure optimal public services and security during the mass migration period. The directive addresses the significant challenges posed by millions of Indonesians travelling during the festive season, including traffic management, environmental security, and the protection of properties left unattended during the exodus home.

Indonesia is positioning itself as a potential mediator in the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, leveraging its unique status as the world's largest Muslim-majority democracy with ties to both Islamic and Western nations. President Prabowo Subianto has offered to facilitate dialogue and travel to Tehran for mediation, a move rooted in Indonesia's long-standing non-aligned foreign policy principle. However, the path to negotiations remains challenging, with US President Donald Trump demanding Iran's unconditional surrender whilst Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejects these demands and affirms Iran's determination to defend itself.

North Korea's Kim Yo Jong has condemned the annual Freedom Shield military exercises between the US and South Korea, which began on 9 March, as a "provocative and aggressive war rehearsal" that threatens regional stability. The drills involve over 18,000 South Korean and US personnel conducting exercises across all operational domains, whilst both countries maintain the exercises are defensive in nature and linked to deterrence against North Korea's nuclear programme. The tensions reflect ongoing military posturing as South Korea prepares to assume full wartime operational control by 2030.

President Prabowo Subianto has announced plans to deliver a national briefing regarding escalating Middle East tensions following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. During a virtual bridge inauguration ceremony, Prabowo emphasised Indonesia's need to strengthen national self-reliance and geopolitical awareness whilst preparing citizens for potential global disruptions, including reducing dependence on petroleum fuels and reinforcing food security.

BPJS Kesehatan has announced that its administrative service offices will remain open on selected dates during the Eid holiday period (18, 20, 23, and 24 March 2026) to ensure continuity of healthcare access for National Health Insurance (JKN) programme participants. The organisation emphasises that the Eid exodus should not impede beneficiaries from accessing health services, offering digital alternatives through the Mobile JKN application for self-service administrative tasks.

The handover of the Acting Regent appointment for Pekalongan Regency by Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi was disrupted when civil protection officers prevented journalists from covering the event, citing orders from provincial officials. The incident sparked protests from media representatives, who viewed the restriction as an obstruction of press freedom, particularly given the event's connection to the recent arrest of Regent Fadia Arafiq on corruption charges by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

The Badung District Government in Bali has distributed social welfare assistance of Rp2 million per household to Muslim families ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, benefiting 6,518 households across six sub-districts. The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on the Muslim community during a period when prices typically rise around major religious celebrations, and to promote social cohesion and prosperity.

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali is establishing integrated command posts for the Nyepi festival and Lebaran 2026 mass exodus, which occur in close proximity this year. The airport will deploy 2,900 personnel and operate command centres 24 hours daily from 13 to 30 March 2026, expecting to handle approximately 1.1 million passengers and 6,700 aircraft movements, with peak traffic anticipated on 18 March before Nyepi celebrations halt all flights on 19 March.

The Mataram City Government will deploy 325 sanitation officers to manage waste generated during the ogoh-ogoh parade, takbir procession, and Eid al-Fitr celebrations, with an estimated increase of up to 9 tonnes of rubbish. The city has issued a circular regulating the celebrations, limiting ogoh-ogoh heights to 4 metres and requiring participants to originate from Mataram's administrative areas, with the parade scheduled between 09:00 and 16:00 local time.

Holiday allowances (THR) in Indonesia are traditionally earmarked for Eid celebrations, but financial planners now recommend allocating them more broadly to cover debt repayment and emergency savings. Independent financial planner Andy Nugroho suggests a budgeting framework: 70 per cent for Eid expenses, 10 per cent for savings, 10 per cent for post-Eid emergency funds, and 10 per cent towards debt repayment, though this allocation can be adjusted based on individual circumstances.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) fell 3.27% to 7,337.37 on Monday (9 March 2026) amid broad-based selling pressure across all market sectors. Foreign investors recorded net selling in major capitalisation shares, with Bank Mandiri leading outflows at Rp269.7 billion, whilst the overall market still posted net foreign inflows of Rp1.11 trillion driven by smaller stocks. The sharp sell-off saw 708 stocks decline and all sectors finish in negative territory, particularly infrastructure and industrial shares.

President Prabowo Subianto plans to deliver a special briefing to the Indonesian people concerning escalating global tensions, particularly regarding Middle East conflicts involving the United States and Israel attacking Iran. The President emphasised the need for national resilience in food and energy security whilst acknowledging economic challenges, with experts warning that rising oil prices could create budget deficits exceeding 314 trillion rupiah.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called on Dunkin' and Starbucks to justify the sugar content in their beverages, with some drinks containing up to 180 grammes of sugar — far exceeding the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit of 36 grammes for men. The initiative reflects growing concerns about excessive sugar consumption contributing to childhood obesity and public health risks.

Zurich Syariah's Chief Executive Officer expressed confidence that the company will meet the Financial Services Authority's second-phase minimum equity requirement of Rp200 billion to Rp500 billion by 31 December 2028 through accumulated business profits. The insurer's strong capitalisation—with all Zurich entities in Indonesia currently meeting regulatory equity requirements and risk-based capital ratios exceeding 300 per cent—enables it to focus on product innovation and expanding services to underserved market segments.

Japanese gaming company Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against the United States government seeking reimbursement for import tariffs previously paid under President Trump's tariff policies. The lawsuit, filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade on 6 March 2026, comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. Over 1,000 other companies have similarly sued for tariff reimbursement, as Trump's tariff policies—including duties of 25 percent on Canadian and Mexican goods, 10-20 percent on Chinese products, and the "Liberation Day Tariffs" of April 2025—generated over $200 billion in total import revenue.

A deadly waste landslide at Jakarta's Bantargebang integrated waste management facility drew attention on Monday, with the Environment Minister attributing the disaster to systemic failures in waste management over 37 years. The day also saw reports on the Free Nutritious Meal programme serving only one-third of daily nutritional needs, a predicted extended dry season in West Nusa Tenggara, and Mount Marapi's eruption ejecting ash 1.6 kilometres high.

The Indonesian Toll Road Association (ATI) has assured that toll road conditions across the country are in excellent condition ahead of the anticipated surge in Eid holiday travel. The association, working with state-owned toll operator PT Jasa Marga and several private partners, has emphasised that both infrastructure readiness and traffic management planning are being carefully coordinated with the government. The ATI Secretary General also stressed that traveller safety depends not only on road readiness but equally on the discipline and planning of road users themselves.

PT BYD Motor Indonesia has confirmed that the premium electric vehicle Denza Z9 GT will be launched in the Indonesian market in the second half of 2026. The vehicle, featuring three electric motors capable of producing 965 horsepower and 1,150 Nm of torque, is being offered for pre-order with an estimated price range of Rp 1 billion to Rp 1.3 billion.

Iran's armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ministry of Defence, and other military branches, have formally pledged allegiance to newly appointed Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei. The declarations affirm military commitment to the new leadership and emphasise readiness to uphold Islamic Republic values during a critical period marked by regional tensions.

Indonesia's Ministry of Law has warned that selling flash drives containing pirated music can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years under Article 113(4) of the 2014 Copyright Law. The Director General of Intellectual Property Rights has emphasised that commercial distribution of copyrighted works without authorisation is a serious legal violation, and called on marketplace platforms to strengthen oversight. Although the issue of pirated flash drive sales on digital platforms has become prevalent, the ministry has yet to receive formal complaints from copyright holders.

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple regions of Indonesia on Tuesday, with particular preparedness required in Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, North Kalimantan, West Sulawesi, and South Sulawesi. Major cities including Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, and Yogyakarta are expected to experience light rainfall, whilst some areas in eastern Indonesia will see varying intensities of precipitation.

The head of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, has warned that businesses face increasingly complex global challenges including geopolitical conflicts and international economic pressures that threaten Indonesia's economic stability. He identified three critical areas requiring vigilance: energy security, food security, and national stability, particularly highlighting the potential impact of rising oil prices on the national budget and inflation concerns ahead of the Ramadan period. Jakarta's role as the nation's economic hub remains vital, contributing 16.8 per cent to national GDP and demonstrating 5.21 per cent growth, above the national average.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced restrictions on waste deliveries to the Bantargebang integrated waste management site following a catastrophic landslide in zone 4A that killed five people and left four missing. Waste will be redirected to zone 3 and new temporary facilities whilst zone 4A undergoes recovery and the Ciketing River is normalised. The province plans to deploy the Refuse Derived Fuel facility at Rorotan in North Jakarta to reduce the daily waste burden by 1,000–1,500 tonnes.

Zurich Syariah has started processing insurance claims from Indonesian pilgrims affected by the US-Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East, primarily due to travel cancellations prompted by security concerns and travel warnings. The company expects claims to rise as the conflict escalates, and economists warn the geopolitical tensions could increase demand for marine cargo insurance and push up medical inflation through higher imports of medicines and medical equipment.

President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to its principle of independent and active foreign policy, refusing alignment with any global power bloc despite escalating conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and elsewhere. The Indonesian government has simultaneously called on the United States and Israel to cease attacks on Iran, whilst urging Iran to halt assaults on neighbouring countries, emphasising adherence to international law and diplomatic resolution of tensions.

A member of Indonesia's Commission I in the House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs to conduct a massive public campaign to explain new rules restricting social media access for children. The Ministry's Regulation Number 9 of 2026 bans children under 16 from accessing eight major social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, with the legislator urging broad coordination between government agencies, educational institutions, and civil society organisations to ensure effective implementation.

The PDIP leadership has responded to PKB chairman Muhaimin Iskandar's criticism of Jakarta's public transport system, characterising his remarks as pre-campaign political posturing. Whilst acknowledging that transport challenges are universal in major cities, PDIP officials defended Governor Pramono Anung's efforts to address the issue, suggesting that opposition figures promising swift solutions are merely engaging in political grandstanding ahead of potential mayoral elections.

PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI), a state-owned infrastructure company, has launched ORIS (Obligasi Ritel Infrastruktur), a retail bond offering with target issuance of up to IDR 300 billion to finance green and social infrastructure projects. The offering features two tenor options with fixed coupons of 5.60% for 1-year bonds and 6.05% for 3-year bonds, with a minimum investment of IDR 5 million, positioning it competitively above average bank deposit rates.

Global gold prices fell 1.5 per cent to $5,091.62 per ounce on Monday, despite escalating Middle East conflict, as investors shifted to more liquid assets amid rising oil prices and a strengthening US dollar. The decline reflects increased expectations of higher interest rates in response to inflation concerns sparked by geopolitical uncertainty, offsetting gold's traditional appeal as a safe-haven asset during times of crisis.