Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has initiated the phased evacuation of Indonesian citizens from Iran amid escalating security tensions in the Middle East, with 22 nationals arriving on 10 March 2026. Foreign Minister Sugiono highlighted the complex variables affecting repatriation, including regional security conditions, local authorities' regulations, and logistical constraints such as restricted airspace and limited transit routes through neighbouring countries.

Guinea's government, led by President Mamady Doumbouya, has officially dissolved 40 political parties, citing failure to meet legal obligations including financial reporting requirements. The move has sparked fierce opposition criticism, with opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo condemning the action as an open war against political rivals and calling for direct resistance, as the country faces democratic backsliding ahead of May legislative elections.

A member of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission XIII visited the Class I Juvenile Detention Centre (LPKA) in Tangerang to emphasise that detention should be viewed as a learning phase rather than mere punishment, urging staff to act as parental figures and encouraging detainees to view their experience as an opportunity for character-building and spiritual reflection. The legislator pledged to advocate for improved facilities and resources for the detention centre, framing the children in custody as the nation's future generation with unlimited potential.

Indonesia's government has introduced a controversial tax policy on Holiday Allowance (THR) for private sector workers, implemented under Government Regulation No. 58 of 2023 and Finance Ministry Regulation No. 168 of 2023 effective from 1 January 2024. Workers have expressed strong opposition to the measure, with many arguing they cannot afford additional tax burdens on an allowance they rely on, whilst civil servants, military, and police remain exempt from the deduction.

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that the Iranian government and people will not accept a ceasefire until the attacking party is punished and learns not to repeat military actions against Tehran. Following retaliatory strikes by Iran against US and Israeli targets in the Middle East after earlier attacks on Iranian territory, Tehran seeks to break the cycle of conflict, negotiation, and renewed warfare. The situation has triggered significant geopolitical implications, including oil price volatility and pressure on regional allies to choose sides.

Jakarta's Health Office has reported no confirmed measles cases in the capital, but is heightening surveillance ahead of the Eid holiday when population mobility and social interaction typically increase. Authorities are monitoring healthcare facilities for influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections, with vulnerable infants and young children advised to be protected from close contact with potentially infected individuals.

A request letter from the neighbourhood administrator (RW 09) in Kalideres, West Jakarta, seeking year-end allowance contributions from companies has gone viral on social media, sparking public controversy over the practice of requesting specific donation amounts from businesses. The RW chief claims to be merely continuing a longstanding tradition established by his predecessor and states that all collected funds will be used to purchase Eid hampers for neighbourhood staff and volunteers.

Indonesian ride-hailing platform Maxim has distributed Eid bonuses to over 50,000 driver partners across 100+ cities, with distributions determined by driver productivity, service quality, and compliance with company regulations. The initiative was endorsed by officials from the Ministry of Coordination of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Manpower, and Ministry of Transportation, with Maxim also expanding its Ramadan support programmes to include groceries distribution across 50 districts and disability support measures.

The Indonesian government has launched a nationwide technical guidance programme for food handlers involved in the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG), conducted across eight regional offices in March 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen food safety standards and accelerate the issuance of Food Safety Hygiene Certificates (SLHS) for all kitchen facilities, with approximately 500 participants from various implementing units receiving training in proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has urged Indonesian citizens to delay travel plans to the Middle East region amid escalating security concerns. The government is actively evacuating Indonesians from the region, with 22 citizens already repatriated and a further 10 expected to arrive on 11 March 2026, whilst calling for de-escalation and dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict.

Basarnas, Indonesia's search and rescue agency, recovered the body of Rafli Saputra, a 22-year-old oiler working on a coal barge, who fell into the water near Jetty Bahtera Kharisma Abadi in Puloampel District, Serang Regency. The victim was discovered deceased approximately 10 metres from his last known position on Tuesday afternoon, with the joint rescue operation deploying three search units across an expanded search radius before recovery efforts concluded.

Anthropic, an AI company, faces severe financial consequences after being placed on the US government's blacklist under President Donald Trump's administration, with potential losses exceeding $1.5 billion in annual revenue. The company's Chief Financial Officer Krishna Rao estimates that government sanctions could reduce Anthropic's 2026 revenue by several billion dollars, particularly affecting defence department contracts and financial sector partnerships. The blacklisting has already disrupted negotiations, cancelled contracts, and caused dozens of major clients to reconsider their relationships with the firm due to concerns about Pentagon restrictions.

Former Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim testified in a corruption trial that the selection of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management for an educational digitalisation programme was approved by the relevant directors general following technical team recommendations, and that he did not intervene in the decision. Three officials face charges of causing losses totalling Rp1.56 trillion and US$44.05 million through the procurement of unnecessary Chromebook devices and CDM software in 2020-2022, contrary to proper procurement procedures.

President Prabowo Subianto stated that leadership is a sacred trust rather than merely a political position, emphasising that power is a divine gift intended to uphold justice and protect the people. Speaking at a state-level Nuzulul Quran commemoration at the State Palace, Prabowo stressed that leaders bear a solemn responsibility to ensure public welfare and justice reaches all segments of society.

Indonesia's net international investment position deteriorated in 2025, with net liabilities reaching $272.6 billion at the end of Q4 2025, up from $261.8 billion in Q3 2025, according to Bank Indonesia data. The increase reflects a larger rise in foreign financial liabilities ($831.1 billion) compared to foreign financial assets ($558.5 billion), driven primarily by portfolio investment inflows and valuations gains in domestic equity markets. Despite the widening net liability position, Bank Indonesia views the capital inflows as reflective of positive investor sentiment towards Indonesia's economic prospects and investment climate.

Perum Bulog's Probolinggo branch warehouse has exceeded storage capacity with 105,000 tonnes of rice stored across facilities in Lumajang, Probolinggo Regency, and Probolinggo City. To manage the overcapacity, Bulog is renting additional warehouses and partnering with private facilities, whilst planning to distribute approximately 10,000 tonnes for food assistance and national programmes by mid-April. The branch continues rice procurement operations, having absorbed 23,000 tonnes of grain equivalent against a 74,000-tonne 2026 target, with strict quality standards enforced for farmer supplies.

The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing, in collaboration with Hunan Provincial Government and CCPIT, organised an Indonesia-China Business Dialogue in Changsha attracting around 200 companies from both nations. The forum highlighted growing Chinese business confidence in Indonesia's economic prospects, with bilateral trade reaching USD 167.48 billion last year and Chinese-Hong Kong investment in Indonesia totalling USD 18.1 billion. Four new cooperation agreements were announced, covering human resources development, battery storage assistance, and bauxite-alumina processing partnerships.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has successfully evacuated and repatriated 22 Indonesian citizens from Iran in the first wave of a multi-phase evacuation operation, with flights routed through Turkish Airlines via Baku, Azerbaijan. The evacuation is ongoing amid escalating regional tensions in the Middle East, with the government planning additional waves to bring home 36 more registered citizens seeking repatriation. The Foreign Ministry is prioritising the safety of evacuees whilst coordinating closely with Indonesian diplomatic representatives in conflict zones and urging remaining citizens to register with the embassy for repatriation.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission XIII, Marinus Gea, visited the Tangerang Class I Youth Development Institution (LPKA) to provide motivation to detained children, emphasising that their incarceration is an opportunity for character development rather than an end to their lives. During the visit, Gea inspected the facility's resources and encouraged staff to serve as parental figures whilst ensuring quality rehabilitation and education programmes for the young inmates.

Indonesia's stock exchange (BEI) has officially launched a Sharia mode within its IDX Mobile application to provide Islamic-compliant investment information and trading services. The new feature includes tools for trading Islamic equities and sukuk, virtual trading, investor education, and access to relevant fatwas and regulations, with the application now serving over 510,000 users. The initiative aims to strengthen financial literacy, boost confidence in Islamic investments, and increase investor participation in Indonesia's capital market.

A viral video captured a group of teenagers driving in convoy whilst setting off fireworks on the Northern Ring Road (Jalan Padjajaran) in Yogyakarta, creating sparks across multiple lanes of traffic. Two juveniles were apprehended by residents and handed to police, with the fireworks striking a passing female motorist who was not seriously injured but requested police guidance for the offenders. Police have launched profiling of the group and are calling in the teens and their parents for counselling and further coaching.

The Transportation Department of Cirebon Regency, working with local police and West Java's Transportation Department, conducted vehicle safety inspections (ramcheck) at three bus operator terminals to ensure coaches were roadworthy for the Eid holiday exodus. Inspections focused on critical safety components including lights, brakes, emergency doors, and safety hammers, with preliminary findings revealing some buses lacked sufficient emergency equipment, and all 15 drivers tested negative for drug use.

Paediatrician Nur Melani Sari emphasises that parental awareness in recognising physical changes in children is crucial for early detection of kidney cancer, particularly Wilms tumour, which often presents with abdominal enlargement and fever rather than pain. Early detection significantly improves prognosis, with cure rates reaching 80–90% when identified at an early stage before metastasis occurs. Diagnosis typically begins with ultrasound imaging, and parents are advised to maintain healthy lifestyles for their children whilst remaining vigilant about distinguishing between normal abdominal bloating and tumour masses.

Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has argued that solving urban transportation problems can significantly lower household living costs, with public transport use potentially reducing transportation expenditure from 30 per cent to 7 per cent of household budgets. Anies stressed that local leaders must prioritise transportation as a key issue, as adequate public transit infrastructure would encourage citizens to shift away from private vehicles, whilst reducing air pollution and improving economic efficiency.

A salt-carrying vessel bound for Makassar caught fire in Bima Bay, West Nusa Tenggara on 10 March 2026, resulting in four crew members suffering burn injuries. The fire originated when a crew member attempted to prepare hot water for coffee and a 3-kilogramme gas cylinder exploded; the blaze spread rapidly through the wooden vessel, causing an estimated loss of hundreds of millions of rupiah but no fatalities.

Deputy Speaker of the MPR Eddy Soeparno has called on the government, particularly Pertamina, to ensure Indonesia's oil and gas supply security through diversification from countries unaffected by potential Strait of Hormuz closure. He emphasised that energy security is as critical as food security for Indonesia's economy and national resilience, and recommended accelerating the energy transition whilst expanding fuel reserves from 20 days to 90 days as directed by President Prabowo.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed that the selection process for the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Board of Commissioners has been expedited and will proceed directly to parliamentary fitness and propriety tests due to current global market instability stemming from Middle Eastern conflicts. The accelerated process aims to secure definitive OJK leadership to safeguard Indonesia's financial sector stability, with ten candidates being assessed for five key positions including the Chair, Vice Chair, and three executive heads.

Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has highlighted the strategic role of cultural digitalisation in the artificial intelligence era, asserting that cultural data serves as a foundation for digital technology innovation in Indonesia. He emphasised that digitalising cultural works, traditions, and knowledge makes them accessible to the public and researchers through digital platforms, and noted that such digitalised cultural data can support future AI development grounded in local cultures. Patria praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs and the Ministry of Culture to accelerate the digitalisation of Indonesian cultural artefacts and knowledge.

Indonesia's National Police (Polri) headquarters collaborated with journalists to distribute 1,500 meals and iftar provisions to communities across locations near their South Jakarta headquarters in an annual Ramadan charity initiative. The effort reflects the synergy between law enforcement and media in supporting Ramadan's spiritual blessings whilst also engaging with vulnerable groups such as motorcycle taxi drivers and public transport operators. Police leadership also used the occasion to appeal for road safety during the upcoming exodus period, urging travellers to prioritise safety over speed and encouraging residents to report their whereabouts to local police.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman has denied severing communication lines with Iran, though contact has been minimal since late February when US-Israeli military operations triggered Iranian counter-attacks across the Middle East. The escalation has left only one telephone conversation between the foreign ministers of both countries, with Qatar shifting focus from its previous mediator role to addressing threats to its own territory.

Four major Gulf oil-producing nations—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq—have collectively reduced oil production by at least 6 million barrels per day in response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The cuts range from approximately 20 per cent of baseline production in the three smaller producers to 70 per cent in Iraq, significantly impacting global energy exports through this critical shipping corridor.

Astra Tol Tamer, the operator of the Tangerang-Merak Motorway, is conducting staged repairs on damaged road sections ahead of the Eid holiday exodus, citing adverse weather and overloaded vehicles as primary obstacles to progress. Banten Governor Andra Soni has urged the operator to complete repairs by 10 days before Eid (21 March 2026), whilst the management clarified that damage between Bitung and Karawaci falls outside its jurisdiction and is the responsibility of a different toll operator.

South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru has confirmed that the Kayuagung toll road infrastructure will be operational for the 2026 Eid holiday exodus following completion of technical work on peatland, reinforced with 3,000 deep pilings extending 29 metres to bedrock. The improvements address previous complaints about undulating road surfaces, with the strategically important route expected to accommodate approximately 21,000 vehicles daily at peak travel times around 18 April 2026. The provincial government is coordinating with police to ensure smooth traffic flow and has implemented automatic toll rate discounts for travellers during the holiday period.

As Eid al-Fitr approaches, street vendors have set up dozens of temporary stalls along Cikini Kramat street in Central Jakarta, transforming the pavement into a bustling "gallery" of festive hampers and gift packages. Sellers offer a diverse range of parcel designs and price points, from simple snack packages to luxury hampers featuring premium ceramics and high-end food items, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for tableware-focused gift sets over traditional rotan baskets. The seasonal trade demonstrates the economic importance of Eid celebrations as a peak trading period for informal vendors in Jakarta's urban spaces.

Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has facilitated the repatriation of 22 Indonesian citizens from Iran to Indonesia, marking the first wave of evacuations as security tensions escalate in the country. Foreign Minister Sugiono oversaw the arrival of the evacuees at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, Banten on 10 March 2026, with the government establishing a data verification process for the returnees.

The Hindu Council of Indonesia (Prajaniti) in Bali has formally objected to a joint circular issued by the Inter-Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) regarding the takbiran evening prayers coinciding with Nyepi Day in 1948 Saka year. The council disputes the FKUB's announcement date for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijrah, contending it contradicts the official government position and requesting the withdrawal of the circular and the resignation of FKUB leadership. The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued guidance permitting Muslims to conduct takbiran at mosques without loudspeakers or fireworks whilst maintaining harmony with Hindu religious observances.

The mother of Ni Made Vaniradya Puspa Nitra, a Mataram University student murdered in August 2025, emotionally testified at the trial of defendant Radiet Adiansyah, expressing her anguish over her daughter's death and the defendant's failure to apologise. The victim died after resisting an attempted sexual assault by the defendant at Nipah Beach, with the case highlighting the vulnerability of women and the mother's plea for justice.

The Israeli-Lebanese conflict continues to intensify, with Spain's Foreign Minister condemning Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon and announcing €9 million in humanitarian aid to Beirut, whilst Lebanon's Foreign Minister has called on the Vatican to intervene to protect Christian villages along the southern border from Israeli attacks. The diplomatic tensions extend to Spain's refusal to allow US military use of its bases for operations against Iran, despite threats from US President Trump of trade embargoes and severed relations.

PT Jasamarga Jogja Solo will operate the functional lane of the Yogyakarta-Solo toll road between Prambanan and Purwomartani free of charge during the 2026 Eid exodus period from 16 to 29 March. The functional lane, which remains under construction, will operate from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm with a recommended speed of 40 kilometres per hour, supported by a functional rest area at kilometre 19 to enhance traveller comfort.

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has discovered a new aroid species named Homalomena lingua-felis, endemic to North Sumatra, characterised by distinctive leaf texture resembling a cat's tongue. The species was identified through field expeditions in January 2024 in the Batang Toru region and subsequently analysed through morphological and molecular studies, confirming it as a previously undescribed species with clear genetic and physical distinctions from related species.

The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, has emphasised that the government is prioritising inspections of road access along the Trans Java and Trans Sumatra highways ahead of the Lebaran holiday exodus. The ministry is preparing comprehensive infrastructure support across multiple transport modes, including roads, maritime, air and rail networks, whilst also offering discounted transport tickets to ensure affordability for travellers returning to their home towns.

Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully evacuated and repatriated 22 Indonesian nationals from Iran, marking the first wave of an ongoing evacuation operation. Foreign Minister Sugiono announced that another 10 nationals will depart Iran the following day, with a second wave planned to repatriate an additional 36 registered Indonesians, as the government continues to monitor the security situation through its diplomatic missions in conflict-affected areas.

Indonesia's Association of Indonesian Paediatricians (IDAI) has issued a warning following a significant surge in measles cases, with 8,224 suspected cases, 572 confirmed cases, and 4 deaths recorded by week 7 of 2026, and 63,769 suspected cases with 11,094 confirmed cases and 69 deaths throughout 2025. Indonesia ranks second globally for measles cases with 10,744 documented cases according to WHO data released by the CDC in February 2026, and IDAI is calling for urgent coordinated action from parents, healthcare workers, and the government to intensify immunisation campaigns and disease surveillance. The organisation emphasises that measles-related deaths are preventable through safe and effective vaccination, coupled with proper isolation protocols and vitamin A supplementation, whilst urging healthcare professionals to educate the public about the dangers of the disease and to increase case-based surveillance reporting.

Thailand has implemented mandatory energy-saving measures requiring civil servants to work from home and use stairs instead of lifts, amid disruptions to oil supplies caused by the Middle East conflict. The Thai government has also suspended overseas travel, set air conditioning to 26–27 degrees Celsius, and encouraged staff to wear short-sleeved shirts without ties. Similar measures have been adopted by Bangladesh and Pakistan as they grapple with rising energy costs, whilst tensions in the region threaten global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Central Java faces a significant infrastructure challenge ahead of the 2026 Lebaran exodus, with over 50 per cent of the province's 2,440 kilometres of provincial roads lacking street lighting, creating safety hazards for millions of travellers. The Head of the Central Java Transportation Office has attributed the shortfall to budget constraints, noting that only 15,000 of the required 34,000 street lamps have been installed, with plans to add merely 100 units in 2025 and 250 in 2026. Travellers, particularly motorcyclists navigating poorly maintained roads with uneven surfaces from temporary repairs, are being advised to exercise heightened vigilance during night-time journeys.

Muslim fashion brand Ethica has launched a large-scale out-of-home advertising campaign featuring billboards promoting Eid collection clothing during Ramadan across major Indonesian cities. The campaign, which displays family-themed visuals and coordinated family sets, aims to strengthen consumer connection whilst providing styling inspiration ahead of Eid celebrations, with strategic placements in high-visibility locations linked to nearby retail partners.

The Kuwaiti dinar holds the strongest exchange rate globally at approximately $3.28 USD, supported by large oil reserves and a small population that yields high per-capita income. Middle Eastern currencies dominate the list of the world's most valuable currencies, with the Bahraini dinar ranking second at $2.65 USD, benefiting from its pegged exchange rate to the US dollar since 1965.

Tobacco industry stakeholders have urged the government to postpone new regulations derived from Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024, which would impose strict limits on nicotine (1 mg) and tar (10 mg) per cigarette. The Indonesian Tobacco Community Alliance warned that overly restrictive policies could threaten the sector's economic viability, which contributes approximately Rp710 trillion to GDP and generated Rp216.9 trillion in excise tax revenues in 2024, whilst the number of tobacco companies has plummeted from nearly 5,000 to approximately 1,700 in recent years.

A PDIP member of the House of Representatives Commission III has raised concerns about over 800 abandoned mining pits in South Kalimantan province that have caused at least 20 deaths since 2026. The lawmaker emphasises the need for stricter oversight, clear closure timelines, and proper buffer zone management to protect public safety, whilst also calling for enforcement against officials complicit in illegal mining operations.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) attended a presidential priority programme collaboration event in Pasuruan, East Java, where he distributed food assistance packages to 1,500 poor families and highlighted government initiatives including the Rakyat (People's) School and village cooperative programmes. The minister emphasised that social assistance programmes are temporary measures designed to transition poor families towards economic independence through skills development and cooperative participation rather than sustained welfare dependency.