Indonesia's tobacco industry associations have called for regulatory certainty to protect the sector's economic contribution and workforce, which generates over 200 trillion rupiah annually in excise tax. Industry leaders are seeking government dialogue on three proposed policies—nicotine and tar limits, additives restrictions, and plain packaging—arguing these need comprehensive review considering the unique characteristics of Indonesia's kretek tobacco industry and the risk of driving consumers to illegal products.

Former Indonesian President and PDI Perjuangan Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri has sent a congratulatory letter to Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran's new Supreme Leader, succeeding his late father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The letter was delivered to Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi during a meeting at Megawati's residence, during which she also presented a historical photograph from her 2004 official visit to Tehran where she met the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A three-kilogramme gas cylinder leaked while a woman was cooking in central Bogor, causing severe burns to three family members: a 62-year-old man with 80 per cent burns, his 42-year-old wife with 50 per cent burns, and their seven-year-old daughter with 50 per cent burns. All three victims were immediately transported to Bogor City General Hospital for medical treatment.

Senior government ministers and prominent religious figures, including preacher Quraish Shihab and Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar, gathered at the Presidential Palace on the evening of 10 March 2026 to commemorate Nuzulul Quran. The event emphasised the relevance of Quranic values in addressing global challenges, including environmental stewardship and peace, with particular focus on strengthening social responsibility through the distribution of aid packages to 30 orphans from welfare institutions.

The Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Facilities (Kemenimipas) has announced that the open recruitment for the position of Director General of Immigration has been closed following a Presidential Decree (Keppres) appointing the official. However, the open selection process for the position of Head of the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) will continue as planned, with recruitment applications opening on 9 March and administrative selection running from 30 March to 2 April.

President Prabowo Subianto hosted a Nuzulul Quran commemoration at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on the evening of 10 March 2026, attended by numerous cabinet ministers and leaders of Islamic organisations. This year's observance, themed "The Qur'an, Ecological Trust, and the Path to World Peace," emphasises the Qur'an's moral guidance on environmental stewardship and global harmony, with Religious Affairs Minister Nazaruddin Umar stressing the importance of translating these values into concrete action.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed confidence that Indonesia can weather global market turbulence and rupiah fluctuations, provided the government maintains coordination and the domestic economic foundation remains strong. The rupiah weakened 76 points (0.45%) to 17,001 per US dollar on 9 March 2026, driven by global risk-averse sentiment triggered by crude oil prices exceeding US$100 per barrel. Purbaya emphasised that coordinated efforts between the government and Bank Indonesia in maintaining economic stability and adequate money supply circulation are essential to keep the rupiah stable.

Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured the public that domestic fuel stocks are adequate and that panic buying is unnecessary, despite global oil price fluctuations stemming from Middle Eastern conflict. With storage capacity sufficient for 21-25 days and continuous restocking from domestic production and regional imports, Indonesia remains insulated from immediate supply concerns, though Brent crude prices have spiked to $118 per barrel amid the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

PT Dahana, a national high-energy materials company, distributed 1,500 Eid gift hampers to the Subang community on 10 March 2026 as part of its corporate social responsibility programme. The distribution, held at two locations, reflects the company's commitment to fostering harmony between the organisation and residents of Subang Regency whilst strengthening community bonds ahead of Hari Raya Idul Fitri. The initiative underscores PT Dahana's commitment to delivering sustained social contributions alongside its industrial operations.

South East Sulawesi provincial government is collaborating with schools to raise awareness about limiting social media use for children under 16 years old, in line with national regulations set to take effect on 28 March 2026. The provincial Communications and Informatics Office has emphasised the importance of involving educators, parents, and families in implementing these restrictions, whilst acknowledging challenges such as verifying user age data and technological workarounds like VPNs.

A prominent Indonesian psychiatrist has warned that children addicted to gaming and excessive device use exhibit loss of control, prioritising gaming even when it causes harm, and continuing the behaviour despite negative consequences. Dr Kristiana Siste Kurniasanti, head of the psychiatry department at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital, emphasises that gaming addiction has similar effects on the brain, social functioning, and physical health as drug addiction, and urges parents to seek professional help when they recognise these warning signs in their children.

President Prabowo Subianto hosted the State-Level Nuzulul Quran Commemoration for 1447 Hijriah/2026 at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday evening, attended by approximately 250 invited guests including senior government officials, religious scholars, and state institution leaders. The ceremony featured Quranic recitations, religious discourse by prominent Islamic scholar M. Quraish Shihab, and remarks from President Prabowo, emphasising messages of peace and the significance of the Quran's revelation.

The Manggala Agni team from Regional Operation VII Rengat successfully extinguished a forest and land fire spanning approximately 13.5 hectares in Tanjung Pidada Village, Tempuling District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province. The fire occurred in community-owned plantation areas dominated by coconut, areca nut plants and scrubland on peatland, with firefighting efforts hampered by difficult access and water sources located 300-400 metres away. Meanwhile, satellite monitoring detected 39 hotspots across Riau Province, with the highest concentration of 13 in Pelalawan Regency.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed confidence that Indonesia can produce biofuel from plants as global energy supply uncertainty and oil prices surge due to escalating Iran-Israel tensions. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei warned tanker ships transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz to exercise extreme caution amid regional security instability that threatens global energy markets.

Traders at Jakarta's Tanah Abang market are adapting to shifting consumer preferences by embracing online sales channels, particularly social commerce platforms like Shopee and TikTok Shop, as foot traffic to the physical market continues to decline. Live shopping features, which allow consumers to purchase clothing whilst interacting with sellers in real-time, have become particularly competitive, leaving traditional market traders reliant on the tactile advantage of in-person shopping.

Twenty-two Indonesian citizens were evacuated from Iran and arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, as part of the Indonesian government's evacuation programme. Foreign Minister Sugiono welcomed the first wave of returnees and announced that a further 10 citizens would depart Iran the following day, with 36 additional Indonesian citizens registered for the second wave of evacuation.

Indonesia's National Police (Polri) formally inaugurated the Professor Raden Soepomo Research Centre at the Police Science Higher Education School (STIK) in South Jakarta, honouring a founding figure who established the academic foundations of modern policing. The event, led by Deputy Police Commander General Dedi Prasetyo, also saw the launch of seven new research centres covering areas including police technology, forensics, international policing, national security, women and child protection, restorative justice, and security intelligence.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa announced that the Ministry of Finance has disbursed Rp 11 trillion in holiday allowances (THR) for civil servants, military personnel, and police officers as of 10 March 2026. The ministry allocated a total budget of Rp 55 trillion for these payments and stated there are no obstacles to distribution, with remaining disbursements contingent on agencies submitting payment requests.

The head of Tanjung Priok Bus Terminal is implementing strict vehicle safety inspections for all inter-city and inter-provincial buses during the 2026 homecoming period. Out of 14 buses inspected over two days, nine passed roadworthiness checks whilst five failed due to issues including worn tyres, faulty emergency exits, and defective safety equipment. The terminal is also establishing health checkpoints in collaboration with local health centres and the National Narcotics Board to ensure driver fitness and passenger safety.

Indonesia's National Police (Polri) has officially inaugurated seven research centres at its Police Science Higher Education Institution (PTIK) in Jakarta, covering areas including police technology, forensics, international policing, national security, women and child protection, restorative justice, and intelligence security. The initiative, led by Deputy Police Chief Komjen Dedi Prasetyo, aims to enhance professional development of police personnel through evidence-based policing and integration of academic research with modern security strategies. The centres represent Polri's commitment to human resource development as a strategic pillar of organisational strength.

Flash floods in Situbondo, East Java have damaged approximately 300 hectares of agricultural land, with rice paddies being the primary crop affected. The second flooding event on 7 March was more severe than an earlier flood on 21 January, leaving many farmers reluctant to replant due to fears of additional rainfall and further inundation. Local authorities have been instructed to coordinate on post-flood recovery efforts, including river normalisation and debris removal.

The Prasasti Center for Policy Studies has urged the Indonesian government to strengthen fiscal discipline and improve spending efficiency to maintain economic stability as global uncertainty escalates due to Middle East tensions. Rising energy prices, particularly crude oil surging above $100 per barrel, pose significant risks to Indonesia's economy through increased production costs, reduced consumer purchasing power, and currency depreciation pressure. The think tank emphasises that if oil prices remain elevated, Indonesia faces difficult policy choices between expanded energy subsidies or allowing domestic fuel price increases that would fuel inflation.

Former Constitutional Court Chairman Jimly Asshiddiqie has proposed that indirect regional elections should apply only to gubernatorial elections, not to district and city elections, arguing that governors function as extensions of the central government whilst local leaders serve more direct community roles. Jimly made this suggestion during parliamentary hearings on revisions to Indonesia's electoral law, emphasising that such changes should be openly debated and completed by the end of 2026 to allow adequate adjustment time before the 2029 election cycle.

Police from Metro Jaya Regional Police conducted a lengthy raid on a rented house in Nusa Dua Citra Gran residential complex in Bekasi on 4 March 2026, allegedly targeting a drug party. Security guard Boih Susanto witnessed five people being found during the operation, with the house residents initially attempting to flee when police arrived, prompting officers to force their way through locked doors.

A special needs school teacher in Yogyakarta with the initials IN has been formally designated as a suspect in an alleged sexual harassment case involving a female student with special needs. The suspected harassment occurred between November and December 2025, with the victim's family reporting the matter to police on 20 February 2026 after the child disclosed the inappropriate conduct. The police are awaiting psychological examination results before proceeding with formal detention.

Saudi Aramco's CEO Amin Nasser has warned that ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts could have severe consequences for global oil markets, particularly if disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz persist. Through which approximately 20 per cent of the world's oil supply flows daily, the geopolitical tensions triggered by recent Iranian drone and missile attacks have already caused supply chain reactions affecting aviation, agriculture, and automotive sectors. Iran has threatened to halt Middle Eastern oil exports if US and Israeli attacks continue, potentially accelerating a global oil stock depletion.

The Regional Police Chief of South Sumatra, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, conducted a Ramadan outreach visit to Banyuasin district on 10 March 2026, emphasising that maintaining public order and security requires solidarity and active participation from all community members, not just the police. Nugroho stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders—including regional leadership, religious figures, community leaders, and youth—in preserving the stability and tranquillity the district has maintained.

PT Sokonindo Automobile (DFSK) has expressed concerns about the continued uncertainty surrounding electric vehicle incentive policies beyond 2026, with the government yet to formally announce its decision. The company's leadership has called for a simplified incentive scheme if continued, suggesting direct rebates to dealers rather than VAT reductions, whilst noting that government support remains crucial for accelerating electric vehicle adoption in Indonesia.

President Prabowo Subianto held a state-level Nuzulul Quran (commemoration of the revelation of the Quran) ceremony at the State Palace on Tuesday evening, attended by approximately 250 invited guests including high-ranking government officials, religious scholars, and dignitaries. The ceremony, which began at 19:30 WIB, featured Quranic recitations, religious discourse by renowned Islamic scholar Muhammad Quraish Shihab, and concluded with the President's official message. The event brought together leaders from major state institutions, cabinet ministers, election commissioners, and representatives from Islamic organisations, emphasising the government's commitment to Islamic values and national unity.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has revoked the operating licence of PT Bank Perekonomian Rakyat Koperindo Jaya in central Jakarta as part of its supervisory measures to safeguard the banking industry's health and public trust. Additionally, Indonesia plans to purchase India's supersonic Brahmos cruise missile system to modernise its defence capabilities and strengthen national maritime security.

A biology lecturer from Gadjah Mada University has proposed expanding Komodo dragon habitat on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara to preserve this endemic species. The current population of approximately 3,319 Komodo dragons faces threats from poaching, climate change, and habitat degradation, with about 58 per cent of their habitat located outside protected forest areas. The proposal includes strengthening conservation enforcement, establishing official breeding programmes, improving local community welfare, and designating new conservation areas on mainland Flores to maintain genetic diversity across populations.

Bank Indonesia reports that Indonesia's net International Investment Position (NIIP) increased to USD 272.6 billion in Q4 2025, up from USD 261.8 billion in Q3 2025, driven primarily by stronger inflows of foreign capital into portfolio investments and direct investments. The rise reflects positive investor sentiment towards Indonesia's economic prospects and investment climate, whilst foreign financial liabilities reached USD 831.1 billion and foreign financial assets reached USD 558.5 billion. Year-on-year, the net liability position grew from USD 245.7 billion at end-2024 to USD 272.6 billion at end-2025, with Indonesia's NIIP-to-GDP ratio standing at 18.8 percent.

Overflow flooding from the Cikeas River inundated the Katulampa district in Bogor City on 10 March 2026, affecting 15 houses and severing road access in the RT 03 RW 07 Pasir Village area. The local administration reported that the incident was more severe than usual occurrences and has prompted immediate action to document affected infrastructure including roads, a madrasah, and a prayer hall, with some sections of road collapsing near the riverbank and a mosque wall breached by floodwaters.

PT Jasa Marga will open the Jakarta-Cikampek (Japek) II South toll road functionally from 15 March 2026 during the Eid return journey to alleviate traffic congestion at KM 66, a critical junction where traffic from the Trans-Java toll and the Cikampek-Purwakarta-Padalarang (Cipularang) toll converges. The operational decision will be made in real-time based on traffic counting data, with the toll expected to redirect vehicles bound for Cimanggis, Bogor, and Bekasi away from the main route to Jakarta.

The Presidential Palace will be the centre of a state-level Nuzulul Qur'an commemoration on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, with President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka scheduled to pay zakat as part of activities aimed at strengthening social responsibility during Ramadan. This year's commemoration adopts the theme "The Qur'an, Ecological Stewardship, and the Path to World Peace," with the Ministry of Religion emphasising that Qur'anic values address contemporary global environmental and peace-building concerns. The event will include zakat disbursements to 30 orphans and similar ceremonies across provincial governments nationwide, serving as an example to encourage public participation in fulfilling zakat obligations.

Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and the Jakarta provincial government are intensifying food safety inspections during Ramadan and in the lead-up to Eid al-Fitr 1447H (2026), citing the need to protect public health and support economic growth targets. National inspections in 2026 have examined 1,134 distribution facilities, a 25% increase on the previous year, uncovering 56,027 unsafe food products—an 83% rise year-on-year—whilst testing of Ramadan dishes in Jakarta found 10 samples containing harmful substances such as rhodamine B and formalin.

Jakarta's Senen Market has become a popular destination for women thrifting imported second-hand undergarments, particularly bras, which sell for as little as IDR 15,000-25,000 per piece. Shoppers praise the durability of imported used bras compared to new domestic options, with multiple vendors selling items primarily sourced from Japan and Korea. The thriving second-hand clothing trade demonstrates growing consumer demand for affordable, quality imported goods in Jakarta's informal economy.

The head of Bappisus (Special Development Control and Investigation Agency) Aris Marsudiyanto defended TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto's order to activate alert level 1, characterising it as routine procedure ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. However, civil society coalitions have criticised the order, arguing it violates the Constitution as military force deployment authority should rest with the President, not the TNI Commander, and questioning whether it represents a political use of fear tactics by the Prabowo administration.

The Yogyakarta Regional Police Department (Polda DIY) is preparing comprehensive traffic management schemes for the 2026 Eid exodus, including the temporary functional opening of the Jogja–Solo toll road segment between Prambanan and Purwomartani. The 14-day operational period from 16 to 29 March 2026, running 12 hours daily, will facilitate outbound traffic from Yogyakarta towards Central Java destinations including Klaten and Solo.

The Setara Institute has identified West Java as the province with the highest number of religion-based violence incidents, recording 56 cases of religious freedom violations. The institute attributes the trend to persistent intolerance and majoritarian practices by groups that restrict religious expression among minority communities across the province.

Indonesia's Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force is prioritising the repair of roads and temporary bridges to restore connectivity in disaster-affected areas of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. As of 10 March 2026, approximately 90 per cent of 2,520 affected local roads have returned to functional status, whilst all national roads have been fully restored, with over 150 temporary bridges completed and further construction ongoing. The government is simultaneously accelerating the construction of temporary shelters for survivors still in evacuation camps, particularly in Aceh where additional units are required.

Setara Institute has released its 2025 freedom of religion and belief report, revealing a decline in religiously motivated violence incidents from 260 in 2024 to 221 in 2025, with corresponding acts falling from 402 to 331. However, researchers caution against viewing this decline positively, noting emerging new patterns of violence and that non-state actors remain responsible for the majority of incidents, with citizens now identified as the primary perpetrators.

The Jakarta provincial government has launched the "Mudik ke Jakarta" (Jakarta Holiday Homecoming) programme to attract tourists to the capital during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday period, offering shopping discounts of up to 80 percent at major malls and bundled tourism packages to popular destinations. The initiative, running from 4 to 31 March 2026 under the tagline "Jakarta Serene, Holiday and Shopping Fun, Profits Come," aims to boost economic activity whilst leveraging the quieter atmosphere created by residents travelling to their hometowns for the Eid celebrations. Tourism packages include visits to Mini Indonesia Park, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, and Ragunan Zoo, developed in collaboration with travel agent associations.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has cautioned against hastily revising the state budget in response to recent increases in global oil prices, stating that crude prices remain volatile and require continued monitoring. The minister emphasised that budget changes must be made carefully and only after confirming a stable price trend, noting that the current budget remains sufficient to cover fuel subsidies despite global oil price fluctuations caused by the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A Pertamina tanker vessel went viral on social media after anchoring in the waters south of Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in Kulon Progo for repairs following engine overheating issues that began on Sunday, 8 March. Pertamina Patra Niaga confirmed the technical repairs on MT Sungai Gerong would not affect national aviation fuel supply, as alternative vessels including MT Commodore One and MT Sei Pakning had been deployed to maintain fuel distribution to Cilacap.

Rising public awareness of health maintenance is driving significant growth in Indonesia's nutrition and wellness industry, with the vitamin and mineral market projected to reach approximately USD 645 million in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 6.57 per cent. Demographics play a key role, with Gen Z and millennials leading consumption trends through digital channels, whilst older working-age groups contribute the highest spending. Herbalife Indonesia reports that 62.4 per cent of its independent members are Gen Z or younger, positioning them as digital entrepreneurs who educate consumers through social media and online communities.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto highlighted that generative artificial intelligence technology could contribute US$243.5 billion (approximately Rp 4.110 trillion) to Indonesia's economy by 2030, with major global tech companies including NVIDIA, META, and Alibaba significantly investing in the country's AI and semiconductor infrastructure. The government is pursuing a strategic initiative to train 15,000 engineers through a partnership with Arm Ltd, aiming to position Indonesia not merely as a consumer but as a creator of advanced technology whilst supporting the creation of 1.8 million green jobs through 2030.

Former Constitutional Court Chief Justice and constitutional law expert Jimly Asshiddiqie has proposed using the omnibus method to revise Indonesia's Electoral Law whilst integrating 16 related laws. Jimly highlighted inconsistencies in electoral regulations across different regions, particularly in Aceh and Jakarta, and advocated for clearer rules on broadcast airtime allocation during elections to ensure equal access for all political parties.

Ahmad Sahroni, Deputy Chair of Commission III at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has announced he will not accept any salary as a legislator through the end of his term in 2029, pledging instead to donate all earnings to the Kitabisa foundation to assist those in need. Sahroni, whose reported wealth totals Rp 328.91 billion, has returned to parliament following a period of sanctions imposed by the DPR's Ethics Council over controversial remarks regarding parliamentary dissolution.

Lintasarta, the AI Factory subsidiary of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) Group, has rolled out a comprehensive Ramadan social initiative under the theme "Learning to Care & Action to Share" benefiting over 1,500 people across five cities. The programme includes support for places of worship, empowerment of local micro-enterprises through the Warung Berkah initiative, environmental education for orphans, and appreciation for company staff remaining on duty during Eid holidays.