West Java's Transportation Authority estimates that 25 million residents, representing approximately 50 per cent of the province's population, are expected to travel during the 2026 Lebaran mudik (homecoming) period, with the largest concentration of travellers originating from Bogor district. The provincial government has mobilised around 4,200 personnel across multiple agencies to ensure road safety and manage potential congestion during the peak travel period from 14-29 March.

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission III has held a hearing with victims and law enforcement officials regarding a major fraudulent investment case involving Bahana Lintas Nusantara (BLN) Cooperative, which has reportedly defrauded tens of thousands of people across Central Java. Police have so far received 75 complaints and designated one suspect, the head of BLN's Salatiga branch, with the scheme allegedly promising returns of 4.17 per cent monthly. The commission has called for the detention of the BLN cooperative's chairman, asset recovery measures for victims, and enhanced oversight of complaint mechanisms.

Richard Halomoan, chief officer of the vessel Sea Dragon, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in smuggling 1.9 tonnes of methamphetamine. The court panel determined that Halomoan bore significant responsibility due to his position and the enormous quantity of narcotics, which posed a severe threat to Indonesia's future generation. The verdict was delivered at the Batam District Court on 9 March 2025.

PT Asuransi Jasa Indonesia (Jasindo) has reaffirmed its corporate sustainability commitment through health-based social programmes and social harmony initiatives during Ramadan at Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta, integrated within its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. The insurance company launched free health services through its Mobile Health Clinic, religious seminars on halal lifestyle, and charitable support for orphans and the disadvantaged, whilst strengthening national human resource development and social resilience. Jasindo emphasises that integrating social dimensions into business strategy ensures corporate growth aligns with national development agendas and long-term community impact.

Passenger traffic on the Situbondo-Madura ferry route surged approximately 60 per cent on the eleventh day before Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, according to PT Dharma Dwipa Utama management. Two ferry operators added extra trips to manage congestion, with many workers from Raas Island heading to Bali choosing to depart early to avoid queues at ports, as Eid coincides closely with Balinese Nyepi celebrations. State-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry will temporarily suspend services on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk and Lombok routes during Nyepi observance as a mark of respect for Hindu holy days.

A tornado struck Cimahi City on Friday, 6 March 2026, causing damage across three districts with 117 houses, two mosques and a neighbourhood office sustaining varying degrees of damage in the Padasuka neighbourhood alone. Four people sustained minor injuries requiring medical attention, whilst fallen trees also damaged vendor carts and vehicles in areas near the Municipal Government office complex.

President Prabowo Subianto chaired a restricted cabinet meeting at his Hambalang residence in West Java on Monday evening, instructing his administration to strengthen the role of the state-owned Perusahaan Mineral Nasional (Perminas). The president emphasised that bolstering Perminas is a strategic step to ensure Indonesia's mineral resource management is more integrated and generates added value for the national economy. The meeting also reviewed energy and food self-sufficiency programmes and discussed government preparedness ahead of Eid al-Fitr in mid-March 2026.

Indonesian police have arrested a 44-year-old man identified as ARH, the informal husband of a 56-year-old woman whose skeletal remains were discovered in Depok, West Java. Preliminary investigations suggest the murder was motivated by economic disputes, with the suspect reportedly having been evicted from the home by the victim before committing the crime.

A multi-vehicle collision involving 10 cars on the Cipularang Toll Road near Bandung on Thursday night has claimed three lives, with two deaths occurring at the scene and one following hospitalisation. The accident was caused by a container truck experiencing complete brake failure after prolonged use on a downhill stretch, compounded by the vehicle being overloaded at 25 tonnes against its 16-tonne capacity limit.

Indonesia has purchased Brahmos supersonic missiles from India as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and enhance deterrence capabilities in safeguarding territorial sovereignty. The Philippines Commander of Armed Forces revealed Indonesia's acquisition whilst confirming the Philippines' own 2022 purchase of the system for 375 million US dollars, making Indonesia the second Southeast Asian nation to acquire the advanced missile system.

The Aceh provincial government has launched a subsidised food market programme across 23 districts and cities to combat rising inflation and maintain purchasing power amid supply chain disruptions caused by natural disasters. The initiative offers subsidised food packages containing cooking oil, eggs, premium rice, and sugar at approximately IDR 162,000 per package—significantly below market rates. Disaster-affected districts will receive increased frequency of operations (up to six times) to support economic recovery, with the programme set to continue year-round beyond the Ramadhan period.

Money exchange services are flourishing along Padalarang Road in West Bandung Regency, West Java, as Indonesians seek small denomination notes and new currency to distribute during Eid celebrations. Street vendors operating from parked vehicles charge approximately 15 percent commission on each transaction, with some exchange points handling hundreds of millions of rupiah in monthly turnovers during the holy month of Ramadan.

Indonesia's Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak launched 200 Garuda bridges in North Aceh, emphasising that bridge construction symbolises state presence in supporting people's mobility, economy and welfare. The initiative is part of a broader Ramadan safari tour and post-disaster infrastructure recovery programme across Indonesia, including efforts to rebuild schools and public access in disaster-affected areas.

BPJS Kesehatan announced that travellers returning home for the 2026 Eid holiday can access National Health Insurance (JKN) services across Indonesia without domicile restrictions. The agency will operate eight mobile health posts from 13-26 March 2026 at major transport hubs across Java and Sulawesi, providing consultation, basic health checks, medications, and emergency services to accommodate the mass exodus of returning workers.

The Jakarta Metro Police have responded to the acquittal of four individuals—Delpedro Marhaen, Muzaffar Salim, Syahdan Husein, and Khariq Anhar—stating that the judicial process was conducted according to proper legal procedures. The Central Jakarta District Court acquitted the defendants of charges related to spreading false information and incitement regarding August demonstrations, with judges determining the allegations could not be proven. The police emphasised that each stage of the criminal justice system operates within its own jurisdiction and responsibilities, and they respect the court's decision as part of the broader rule of law process.

Iran, now home to over 90% of the world's Shia Muslims, was not always predominantly Shia; the country adopted Sunni Islam following the Arab conquest in 636 CE. The major shift occurred during the Safawid Dynasty in the early 16th century when Shah Ismail I made Twelver Shiaism the official state religion as both a religious commitment and political strategy to distinguish Persia from Ottoman Sunni dominance. This transformation was solidified through state policies and education, and was further institutionalised following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, making Shiaism central to Iran's ideology, law, and governance.

Jangkar Port in Situbondo, East Java experienced heavy passenger traffic on the eve of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijrah, with thousands of homecoming travellers heading to islands in Sumenep Regency, Madura. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has deployed three ferries and added extra sailings to manage the surge, successfully transporting hundreds of passengers on services to Raas, Sapudi, Kalianget, and Kangean islands.

PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk reported strategic business repositioning in 2025, with waste management revenue increasing to 41% of total revenue and coal segment declining to 51% from 81% previously, reflecting the company's transition towards sustainable and renewable energy sectors. The company completed the acquisition of Sembcorp Environment (now Cora Environment) and divested two coal-fired power plants, while maintaining adjusted EBITDA of US$47.2 million despite a net loss of US$162 million primarily driven by non-recurring assets write-downs and global coal price declines. Management aims to accelerate growth in three future pillars—waste management, renewable energy, and electric vehicles—whilst pursuing carbon neutrality by 2030.

President Prabowo Subianto convened a limited meeting at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor, on Monday evening to discuss progress on food and energy self-sufficiency programmes and preparations for the Eid al-Fitr holiday break. The meeting, attended by senior Cabinet ministers and state officials, focused on evaluating agricultural and energy independence initiatives whilst ensuring adequate supplies of basic foodstuffs and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) ahead of the Islamic holiday period.

President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia is increasing supplies of oil and gas to trusted partners across multiple regions globally, amid heightened global competition for energy resources stemming from Middle Eastern instability. Putin stated that Russia can strengthen its position in markets requiring increased energy supplies, whilst noting that completely diverting oil supplies from the Middle East without using the Strait of Hormuz remains unrealistic under current conditions.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States that Tehran is "fully prepared" for further escalation amid ongoing regional tensions affecting global commodity markets. Araghchi alleged that the US is conspiring to target Iran's oil and nuclear facilities in an effort to contain inflationary shocks, while claiming Iran has prepared "many surprises" in response. The warning comes as tensions escalate following military operations involving over 50,000 US troops and Iranian counterattacks using drones and missiles.

PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk has announced its 2025 financial results, marking a significant phase in its strategic repositioning towards sustainable green business operations. The company achieved adjusted EBITDA of $47.2 million and cash reserves of $102.3 million whilst diversifying its portfolio through the acquisition of Sembcorp Environment (now Cora Environment), reducing its coal exposure from 81 per cent to 51 per cent of total revenues.

The Indonesian Military's District Command (Kodim) 0602/Serang has completed construction of the Garuda Bridge, a 25-metre span across the Mayak village in Baros district, Serang regency, Banten, replacing a dilapidated bamboo structure that had been in use since a main bridge collapsed in 2002. The bridge aims to improve accessibility to Baros market for local residents, enhance economic activity, and ensure the safety of schoolchildren whilst the military simultaneously develops similar infrastructure projects across Serang regency as part of a national 200-point Garuda Bridge programme.

Iraq's Deputy Foreign Minister has reaffirmed the country's firm rejection of its territory being used as a base for attacks on neighbouring states, following discussions with Kuwait's ambassador in Baghdad. The statement comes amid escalating regional tensions in the Middle East following military strikes between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with Iraq and Kuwait emphasising the need for joint efforts to maintain regional security.

The Jakarta Metro Police (Polda Metro Jaya) has deployed 6,800 personnel, including police, military, and related agencies, for Operation Ketupat Jaya 2026 (13–25 March) to ensure security during the Eid homecoming mass migration. The operation includes 110 service posts and anticipates peak traffic flow on 16–18 March, with Jakarta residents comprising the second-largest group of homebound travellers heading to Sumatra, Bogor, Central Java, West Java, and East Java.

Police in Malang have launched an investigation into the illegal distribution of imported red onions that failed to meet import standards, with a 46-year-old man from Brebes, Central Java, named Benny Sanjir designated as the primary suspect. The suspect allegedly operated as an importer and distributor of substandard onions with diameters below the mandated 5-centimetre minimum, marketing them at approximately 8,000 Indonesian rupiah per kilogram with substantial market demand reaching around 1,500 sacks weighing 9 kilograms each. Police seized the goods and documentation from a warehouse in Malang's Kedungkandang district and traced the shipment origin to India, with the case initiated following a formal police report in November 2025.

Djami' Pekojan Mosque (MDP) in Semarang, estimated to be around two centuries old, has been designated as a cultural heritage site by the Semarang City Government through Mayoral Decree No. 600.3/158 of 2025. Originally established as a prayer hall in 1892 by five Haji leaders including Muhammad Ibrahim Akwan—a merchant of Koja ethnicity from Gujarat, India—the mosque reflects the historical presence of the Gujarati Indian community in Semarang, who were prominent landholders and traders in the area.

BPJS Kesehatan has assured that previously inactive PBI JKN (Subsidised Health Insurance) participants will continue to receive healthcare services during the 2026 Eid exodus period, particularly for catastrophic services such as dialysis. The organisation is establishing temporary service posts at strategic locations nationwide from 13-26 March 2026 and extending office hours on select dates to ensure uninterrupted access to administrative and health services for travellers.

Indonesia's disaster management agency BNPB is accelerating completion of 2,418 temporary housing units (huntara) out of 4,189 needed for flood and landslide survivors in Aceh Tamiang district, with construction expected to finish in the second week of March 2026. The agency is collaborating with the Public Works Ministry, humanitarian organisations, and the military to ensure all survivors are housed before Eid celebrations, with each unit equipped with basic necessities and food assistance.

A 42-year-old woman identified as DS was arrested by police in West Jakarta's Grogol Petamburan district after stealing jewellery and luxury goods worth approximately Rp300 million from her long-time friend's home between September and December 2025. The suspect, trapped by mounting online lending debts, duplicated her friend's house keys to gain access and conducted the thefts methodically until the victim installed hidden CCTV cameras and discovered the perpetrator. DS now faces charges under Article 477 of the Indonesian Criminal Code carrying a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment.

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), Chairman of the Democratic Party, distributed social assistance to the Chinese community in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, sourced from the auction proceeds of a "Fire Horse" painting by former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The artwork, which sold for Rp 6.5 billion, was inspired by the 2026 zodiac year and symbolises energy, courage, and perseverance in Chinese philosophy, with all proceeds dedicated to humanitarian assistance regardless of recipients' ethnic, religious, or social background.

Police arrested a 42-year-old woman (DS) for stealing approximately 300 million rupiah worth of valuables, including jewellery and luxury goods, from her close friend between September and December 2025. The suspect, who was deeply in debt from online loans, duplicated house keys and entered the victim's home in West Jakarta while she was away. The theft was discovered after the victim installed CCTV cameras, having initially suspected supernatural causes for the missing items.

The National Zakat Management Body (Baznas) clarified that using borrowed funds to pay zakat fitrah is permissible provided the debt was not incurred for basic necessities. Those unable to pay zakat fitrah are exempted from the obligation and become eligible to receive it instead. The body reaffirmed that zakat fitrah, valued at 50,000 rupiah per person, must be paid by Eid al-Fitr and serves both spiritual purification and social welfare purposes.

President Prabowo Subianto has warned that Indonesia must prepare for economic and political challenges arising from escalating global conflicts, particularly Middle East tensions, which could disrupt trade, investment and energy markets. He emphasised that national unity, resilience and cooperation amongst government agencies, the private sector and communities are critical to mitigating external shocks and maintaining economic stability. Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Minister also indicated the country's willingness to mediate tensions between Iran and the United States if both parties consent.

Two individuals have been arrested following an assault on the Kaliwungu police chief, Deputy Police Commissioner Nindya Putra Wahyu Nugroho, whilst he was attempting to disperse a street brawl in Kendal, Central Java. The incident occurred on 8 March 2026, when police personnel responding to reports of the altercation were themselves attacked, leaving the chief and a colleague injured but receiving medical treatment and in stable condition. The Kendal police chief has urged the public to maintain peace during Ramadhan and appealed to parents to monitor their children more closely to prevent involvement in street fights.

BYD Motor Indonesia's President Director Eagle Zhao has presented the company's latest second-generation Blade battery technology, launched in China on 5 March, which enables electric vehicles to travel over 1,036 kilometres on a single full charge. The technology features advanced fast-charging capabilities supporting up to 1,500 kW power through a single connector, with the ability to charge from 10% to 70% state of charge in approximately five minutes under certain conditions, matching conventional fuel vehicle refuelling times. BYD plans to expand fast-charging infrastructure initially across China with 20,000 stations before global deployment beginning late 2026.

President Prabowo has cautioned that shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly conflicts in the Middle East, pose risks to Indonesia's economy through disrupted trade flows, investment sentiment, and energy market pressures. He has emphasised the need for proactive government policies, national unity, and inter-sectoral cooperation to build economic resilience and navigate global uncertainty, whilst Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono signalled Indonesia's potential role as mediator between Iran and the United States if both parties consent.

The Aceh provincial government has set a target to relocate thousands of flood and landslide disaster victims from emergency tents into temporary shelters (huntara) before Eid al-Fitr, with construction currently at 60 per cent completion. Approximately 91,962 people from 24,426 households remain in evacuation locations, with the largest concentrations in North Aceh and Gayo Lues districts, whilst the government coordinates with the Interior Ministry to accelerate the transition process before the emergency phase ends on 29 April 2026.

This article traces the history of Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR), the mandatory holiday allowance in Indonesia, from its origins as a civil service benefit introduced by Prime Minister Soekiman Wirjosandjojo in 1951. The policy evolved through pressure from private sector workers in 1952 and was formalised as the "Eid Bonus" (Hadiah Lebaran) in 1954, establishing it as a government-endorsed practice that eventually became a mandatory entitlement for all workers.

Erlazet Charity organised the ER Fest (Erlazet Ramadan Festival) to provide orphans under its care with opportunities to develop practical skills whilst deepening Islamic values during Ramadan. The festival featured three main programmes: presentation design, creative arts workshops, and GAMELAN (a spiritual commemoration of Nuzulul Qur'an), culminating in a shared meal and financial assistance for participating orphans.

Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is actively monitoring the return of Indonesian umrah pilgrims experiencing flight rescheduling difficulties in Saudi Arabia, with 17 pilgrims from PT BMA scheduled to return in two waves on 10 and 14 March 2026, whilst 67 pilgrims from PT RLW face similar challenges. The ministry, through its Jeddah office, is facilitating communication between pilgrims, airlines, and travel operators to ensure smooth repatriation, with a total of 19,509 pilgrims having returned since 28 February.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has expressed confidence that the South Jakarta District Court will reject former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas's pre-trial motion challenging his suspect status in a hajj quota corruption case. The KPK maintains that all procedural aspects of the investigation comply with legal requirements and that evidence is sufficient, with a court decision expected on 11 March 2026. The case involves alleged corruption in determining hajj quotas during 2023-2024, with initial state losses calculated at over Rp622 billion.

Bank Indonesia has announced operational adjustments for the Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday period (18-24 March 2026), including suspension of major settlement and clearing systems such as BI-RTGS, BI-SSSS, SKNBI, and monetary operations. However, the BI-FAST instant payment system will remain fully operational throughout the national holiday to ensure continued access to banking services for the public.

The legal team of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has argued that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) violated procedural requirements in designating him as a suspect in the hajj quota case, citing inconsistencies in applying the new Criminal Procedure Code and failure to conduct proper interrogation. The defence contends that the suspect designation lacks the required two pieces of evidence and that the KPK improperly mixed old and new legal regimes in a single action.

With Eid al-Fitr approaching, pavements across Jakarta's streets have once again become makeshift homes for economically marginalised residents, including seasonal migrants and scavengers seeking survival through informal work and charitable donations. Individuals like Idah, a 52-year-old widow living on the streets for four years, rely on irregular income from waste collection, seasonal alms during Ramadan and Eid, and public facilities, whilst facing daily risks of street life. The phenomenon highlights the cyclical nature of urban poverty in Jakarta, particularly during religious holidays when both permanent and temporary homeless populations converge in the capital.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued guidelines for the coinciding observance of Hari Raya Nyepi (19 March 2026) and the Eid al-Fitr takbiran celebration, permitting Muslims in Bali to perform takbiran without loudspeakers or firecrackers between 18:00 and 21:00 WITA. The guidelines, formulated through coordination with regional authorities and religious leaders in Bali, are designed to ensure both religious celebrations proceed with mutual respect and religious harmony in the province.

A Gadjah Mada University legal expert has highlighted royalty transparency and artificial intelligence as emerging challenges facing Indonesia's music industry in the digital era. The expert emphasised concerns over unauthorised use of copyright-protected music to train AI systems and inequitable revenue distribution from digital streaming platforms, whilst acknowledging positive steps by the National Collective Management Institute in creating transparent digital royalty platforms.

A 30-metre-high cliff collapsed in Cilibur Village, Paguyangan District, Brebes Regency, Central Java on Sunday morning, destroying a school building and damaging critical infrastructure. The collapse was triggered by heavy rainfall that caused the Kali Longkrang river to overflow and erode the cliff base, with a subsequent landslide occurring hours later that destroyed a school bathroom facility and a 50-metre section of road. Local and provincial authorities have coordinated an emergency response prioritising public safety and assessing damage to educational facilities.

The distribution of Jaminan Hidup (living guarantee) assistance to disaster victims in North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, has drawn public scrutiny over accuracy and potential mismanagement of beneficiary data. Questions have arisen after village officials, including a village secretary, appeared on the recipient list, whilst a village head allegedly received 8.1 million rupiah despite residing in an undamaged area. Local authorities have defended the distribution as based on verified data from the Ministry of Social Affairs, whilst acknowledging that 43 of 477 initially proposed recipients were rejected due to invalid information requiring further verification.