Malaysia's federal government has begun turning away applications for non-artificial intelligence data centres over the past two years, a policy shift hailed as strategic recalibration amid rapid sector expansion. However, the lack of clear definitions for what qualifies as AI-centric infrastructure poses risks of regulatory arbitrage and may prove insufficient given the substantial pipeline of already-approved projects and mounting environmental and infrastructure pressures from residents in affected areas like Johor.

Ride-hailing drivers are switching off their applications during peak evening hours due to the prevalence of budget tariff orders that result in inadequate earnings for long pickup distances. Multiple drivers reported that the disparity between pickup distances and passenger destinations under budget rates makes it financially unattractive to accept orders, particularly between 5pm and 6pm when demand is high, leading to service shortages.

Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has assured that hajj flight ticket prices for 2026 departures will not increase despite surging global oil prices triggered by Middle East conflict. Airlines have not requested price changes, as contracts were agreed previously, and the government has confirmed no fare increase discussions took place in recent meetings with carriers.

Barisan Ansor Serbaguna (Banser), the paramilitary wing of Gerakan Pemuda Ansor, staged a protest at Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters on 12 March whilst former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was being questioned regarding alleged corruption over additional hajj quotas. The group, of which Yaqut is an adviser, submitted five demands contesting what they characterise as the criminalisation of public policy and calling for substantive justice principles in his prosecution.

The Indonesian government has issued circular letters authorizing work from anywhere (WFA) arrangements for civil servants and private sector employees during the Lebaran 2026 holiday period. WFA spans five days total: 16–17 March 2026 (before the holidays) and 25–27 March 2026 (after), with the main holiday break running from 18–24 March encompassing both Nyepi and Idul Fitri celebrations.

Sri Kusmiati, 62, established a home-based dry cake business in 1997 that evolved into the Nastar Village industrial hub in Tangerang, now comprising dozens of similar enterprises. Beginning with borrowed equipment and self-taught methods, she expanded her initial four cake varieties to 21, with nastar becoming the most popular product and innovation driving her continued success. Her business philosophy emphasises treating workers fairly, with no overtime requirements and a humane production schedule of 6 days weekly from 04:00 to 17:00 WIB.

PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM), in collaboration with journalists, organised a Ramadan gathering at the Rumah Azaki disability rehabilitation centre in Jakarta to bake Eid cakes for residents. The initiative reflects PNM's commitment to social solidarity and togetherness during the holy month, with the company's leadership emphasising Ramadan as a time to strengthen community care and mutual support.

Members of Banser, the semi-autonomous paramilitary wing of the Gerakan Pemuda Ansor youth movement, stormed the KPK's Red and White Building on Thursday to show solidarity with former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who was undergoing questioning. The protesters, who arrived in convoys of motorcycles, cars and approximately five buses, also demanded an end to the criminalisation of hajj policy.

TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto announced that the Indonesian military and police will collaborate to ensure the 2026 Lebaran holiday exodus runs safely and smoothly. Personnel will be deployed to high-risk areas during the mudik (homecoming) period to manage traffic security and prevent accidents, whilst maintaining readiness for potential disasters. The operation requires mature preparations through inter-ministerial coordination and solid collaboration between all involved agencies.

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has mobilised 161,243 personnel and established 2,746 security posts across the country for Operation Ketupat 2026, a 13-day security operation running from 13-25 March to ensure safe and smooth celebrations during Eid al-Fitr. The Police Chief noted that whilst expected movement is projected at 143.9 million people—down 1.75% from 2025—security measures will remain comprehensive, covering 185,607 critical locations including mosques, shopping centres, transport hubs, and tourist attractions.

Spain has launched HODIO, a digital surveillance tool designed to automatically track, amplify monitoring, and measure the impact of hate speech on social media platforms. The initiative represents part of Spain's broader efforts to regulate digital spaces, including age restrictions on social media that Indonesia plans to implement from 28 March 2026, and holding platform executives accountable for illegal or hateful content.

The Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) has completed 15,346 temporary housing units (huntara) out of 18,781 planned units across three disaster-affected provinces in Sumatra, achieving 81 percent completion as of 12 March 2026. The government has also distributed emergency cash assistance (DTH) of 1.8 million rupiah per household to 12,767 recipients across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, with 100 percent disbursement achieved. The task force aims to relocate all remaining disaster survivors from tents into adequate housing by Eid al-Fitr 2026, with newly housed families receiving additional support for food and basic necessities for 10 days.

Police in Babelan, Bekasi are pursuing four suspects who robbed a petrol station safe on 10 March 2026, making off with an estimated 100 to 130 million rupiah. Five petrol station employees were subjected to violence during the raid, with one employee sustaining knife wounds whilst attempting to resist the perpetrators.

The West Java Provincial Government has defended its decision to revoke the operational license of SMK Islamic Development Network (IDN) Boarding School in Bogor, citing missing legal documentation and administrative irregularities, whilst asserting its commitment to protecting students' educational rights. Dozens of parents have appealed to the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) seeking fair solutions for approximately 500 students affected by the mid-school year suspension, with some students already transferred to partner institutions pending completion of licensing procedures. Provincial education authorities maintain the decision was not abrupt but followed extensive dialogue with school management, and have pledged to accelerate administrative processes to restore the school's legal status.

Riau Police and military officials held a security briefing for Operation Ketupat Lancang Kuning 2026 in preparation for Eid celebrations, with the police chief emphasising geopolitical risks and economic implications. Authorities expect approximately 143.9 million people to travel during the 2026 Eid holiday, slightly down from the previous year, and have implemented comprehensive traffic management and security measures to ensure safe and orderly travel.

Indonesia's implementation of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on electronic system governance for child protection (PP TUNAS) requires clear and transparent risk parameters to be effective, according to ICT Watch. The lack of detailed indicators for digital platform risk assessment is creating implementation challenges, with digital platform operators required to submit self-assessments in three months despite the absence of finalised classification criteria.

Lampung Governor Rahmat Mirzani Djausal has reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to strengthening cooperation among government, farmers, and tapioca industry operators to sustain the cassava ecosystem in Lampung, which hosts approximately 70 per cent of Indonesia's tapioca manufacturing industry. The provincial government has implemented cassava price regulations and plans to enhance productivity through the optimisation of the Cassava Center, a research facility aimed at developing superior seed varieties and modern cultivation methods involving academics and industry practitioners.

Jayapura District's Investment and Integrated One-Stop Services Office (DPM-PTSP) has established seven collaborative programmes with the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) Papua to expand financial literacy and capital market access across the region. The initiatives include capital market socialisation, a regional capital market school, public listing support clinic, investment forum, rural investment galleries, safe investment campaigns, and investment information booths in public service centres. The partnership aims to strengthen investor participation, enhance business capacity, and diversify financing alternatives for economic growth in Jayapura District.

InJourney Airports anticipates approximately nine million passengers during the 2026 Eid holiday period, representing a 2-3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. To accommodate the surge in homecoming travel, the airport operator will deploy 16,000 personnel, operate 24-hour services across all airports, and establish a holiday command post from 13-29 March 2026, with Soekarno-Hatta and I Gusti Ngurah Rai airports expected to be the busiest terminals.

The Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police has conducted raids on three East Java companies suspected of involvement in illegal mineral and coal mining and money laundering. The investigation centres on the trafficking of gold allegedly sourced from illegal mining operations between 2019 and 2025, with authorities seizing approximately 59.46 kilograms of gold and Rp7.13 billion in cash. Three suspects have been identified, whilst investigations continue to identify potential additional parties involved in the illicit gold trade network.

Kaesang Pangarep, chairman of the Indonesia Solidarity Party (PSI), visited An-Nur Islamic Boarding School in Bantul, Yogyakarta, as part of the party's Ramadan safari. During the visit, Kaesang sought the blessing and prayers of the school's leader, KH Yasin Nawawi, for the party to stay on the correct political path, whilst the party's daily chairman emphasised the visit was a spiritual journey rather than political consolidation.

Astrid Widayani, Deputy Mayor of Solo, conducted inspections of two kitchens operating the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) on 12 March 2026 following public complaints about menu variety and food quality in the free nutritious meal programme. The monitoring covered operational procedures from food preparation to distribution, and the authorities found no serious issues but recommended improvements to menu variety to suit children's preferences and reduce food waste. Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure service quality and prevent similar complaints reported in other Central Java regions.

PT Pertamina is actively seeking alternative import sources for crude oil and energy supplies following geopolitical tensions that have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with two of the company's tankers currently unable to transit the strategic waterway. Chief Executive Simon Aloysius Mantiri stated that Pertamina is diversifying its energy imports from regions including Africa and the United States, whilst also prioritising crew safety and coordinating with relevant government agencies. The company is simultaneously pursuing increased domestic energy production, particularly from the Cepu Block, to bolster Indonesia's energy security.

Hankook Tire Sales Indonesia advises electric vehicle owners to use tyres specifically designed for EVs during holiday travel to maximise efficiency and battery range. The company explains that conventional tyres increase rolling resistance on heavier electric vehicles, draining battery energy faster, and recommends regular tyre inspections, proper inflation, and specialised EV tyres equipped with technologies to reduce road noise and improve driving comfort.

Neighbouring countries Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam have implemented work-from-home and energy-saving policies in response to global oil price volatility, whilst Indonesia's government has stated it does not currently plan similar measures, concerned about economic contraction as experienced during the pandemic. Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia instead emphasised efficiency measures including accelerated biofuel blending and domestic energy maximisation, assuring citizens of stable subsidised fuel prices until Eid.

Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah received a combined 96.6 million worshippers during the first 20 days of Ramadhan 1447 AH, including pilgrims performing the five daily prayers, nightly prayers, and Umrah. The authorities report that operational readiness and integrated services ensured safe, orderly movements and a spiritually conducive environment, with the Haramain High-Speed Railway additionally transporting over 700,000 passengers during the same period.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has expressed support for balanced and predictable oil prices amid sharp increases caused by escalating conflict in the Middle East. Aliyev argued that whilst high, volatile prices may appear beneficial to energy-producing nations, the reality is more complex given that many exporters hold sovereign wealth funds invested in financial instruments, which can suffer significant losses when equity markets decline. As a responsible OPEC+ member, Azerbaijan advocates for stable and predictable oil pricing.

Andalas University (UNAND) in West Sumatra is collaborating with Indonesia's Agriculture Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to develop sustainable food self-sufficiency research and agricultural commodity value-chain development. The partnership aims to translate academic research into government policy and commercial applications, addressing the persistent gap where over 90 per cent of academic research fails to reach commercial markets. UNAND has been assigned a specific focus on gambier commodity development, having already successfully produced electoral ink from gambier research.

Heavy traffic congestion occurred at multiple points across Jakarta's toll road network on Thursday evening ahead of the Iftar (breaking of fast) time during Ramadan, with increased vehicle volumes causing delays. Jasamarga reported significant congestion on the Inner City Toll Road (Dalkot), JORR Eastern and Western routes, affecting multiple segments including Kapuk to Pluit, Semanggi to Tebet, and Pulo Gebang to Jatiasih. The congestion was attributed to the convergence of vehicle flows at peak evening hours and construction activities on some routes.

Central Java's provincial government has launched free internet services at 382 public locations ahead of the 2026 Eid exodus (mudik) to help travellers stay connected with their families during journeys. Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maemoen stressed that the service aims to facilitate communication whilst warning against misuse and requesting authorities to monitor usage, particularly preventing online gambling and gaming abuse. The initiative, which began in 2025 and continues into 2026, is part of broader "Mudik Lebaran" services including free health checks and support for various public and community programmes across the province.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) declined 0.37 per cent to 7,362.11 on 12 March 2026 amid ongoing US–Iran tensions that have driven crude oil prices higher. Phintraco Securities analysts warned that the conflict-induced oil price spike risks fuelling inflation, widening the government's fiscal deficit, and slowing global economic growth, with technical indicators suggesting the index may trade sideways ahead of the long weekend.

PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk is accelerating comprehensive road preservation programmes across all toll road segments ahead of the Eid 2026 mudik (exodus) season, which is expected to see significant traffic increases. The state-owned enterprise is conducting scraping, filling, overlay, pothole patching, and drainage maintenance works, implemented in phases during nighttime hours with strict traffic management to address deterioration caused by heavy rainfall and overloaded vehicles (ODOL).

This article explains the conditions for zakat obligation in Islam, a compulsory form of almsgiving practised by Muslims during Ramadan. It outlines four key conditions for zakat: adherence to Islam, possession of wealth for one full lunar year (haul), full ownership of assets, and financial capability beyond basic needs. The article emphasises that zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and serves both spiritual purification and social welfare purposes.

PT Telkom Data Ekosistem (NeutraDC), an operating company of PT Telkom Indonesia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with F5, Inc. at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona to develop AI Connectivity solutions for Indonesia. The strategic partnership integrates NeutraDC's data centre and managed services capabilities with F5's AI security and application delivery solutions, creating a comprehensive AI-ready digital infrastructure offering for enterprise customers in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

East Jakarta municipal government has launched coordinated patrols of vacant homes during the 2026 Lebaran mudik (holiday exodus) period to prevent burglaries and other criminal activities. The Mayor has instructed district and village leaders to work with police, military, and community security units to conduct regular patrols and monitor high-risk areas, whilst urging residents to check electrical and gas installations, secure locks, and entrust house keys to trusted neighbours before departing.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will deploy personnel in phases to join the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for a peacekeeping mission in Gaza. The TNI has reduced its planned deployment from 20,000 to 8,000 troops, noting that other nations are sending only hundreds of personnel. The deployment timeline remains uncertain pending decisions from the Board of Peace and de-escalation of regional geopolitical tensions.

Malaysia has issued a strong condemnation through its Foreign Ministry of Israel's continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque gates to Muslim worshippers during Ramadhan, characterising the discriminatory restrictions as violations of international law and the historical status quo. Eight countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, have jointly condemned the closure, calling on the international community to pressure Israeli authorities to halt the violations and respect the sacred status of religious sites in Jerusalem.

Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar, a digital forensics expert and suspect in a defamation case related to allegations about President Joko Widodo's university diploma, met with Jokowi at his residence in Solo, Central Java on 12 March. Rismon's visit followed his recent submission of a restorative justice petition to Metro Jaya Police, marking a shift from his previous public criticism of the authenticity of Jokowi's undergraduate diploma from Gadjah Mada University.

The 2026 Indonesia International Motor Show concluded with Rp9.5 trillion in transactions, an 18.75 per cent increase year-on-year, whilst attracting 580,250 visitors. Electric motorcycles led growth with a 96.54 per cent surge, though conventional vehicles also recorded strong performance, indicating sustained consumer purchasing power across the automotive market.

A Malayan sun bear named Azim was released in West Kalimantan after being rescued from a poacher's snare in November 2024 and undergoing seven months of intensive rehabilitation for severe injury and infection. The case highlights the ongoing threats posed by illegal hunting and snare traps to Indonesia's protected wildlife and underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder conservation efforts and habitat protection.

The Minister of Religion announced that over 31,600 private madrasah teachers remain without PPPK (Government Employee with Work Agreement) status despite scoring above the passing threshold in the 2023 PPPK selection. The Ministry of Religion proposed appointing 630,000 private madrasah teachers to PPPK positions, citing staffing limitations and the need to provide state affirmation to qualified educators in both public and private madrasahs.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is deploying a mobile field kitchen unit to support food assistance for flood survivors in Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh, with the unit expected to arrive at evacuation sites on Saturday 14 March. The mobile kitchen will serve 38 families from Pepelah Village whose homes were destroyed in flooding on 25 November 2025, currently sheltering at a government vocational training facility (BLK) rather than emergency tents. BNPB and the local government aim to provide dignified temporary shelter and meals during the Ramadan and Eid period whilst reconstruction plans progress.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo outlined the Indonesian government's strategic response to escalating Middle East tensions between Israel, the United States, and Iran, warning of potential impacts on global oil prices and domestic economic stability. The government is pursuing active diplomacy through the principle of free and active foreign policy, non-alignment, and efforts to mediate Israeli-Palestinian and Iran-Israel conflicts whilst strengthening trade diplomacy and managing domestic fuel prices through subsidies and stockpile management.

Indonesia's government has announced concrete conservation action to protect critically endangered Sumatran elephants, including reforestation of 66,704 hectares in Tesso Nilo National Park and habitat expansion in Sebanga and Minas. The initiative, led by Minister Antoni under President Prabowo's administration, involves removing illegal palm plantations, building water sources and veterinary facilities, and plans to develop an elephant hospital in collaboration with an Indian institution. With only an estimated 2,400–2,800 Sumatran elephants remaining, these measures represent the government's commitment to long-term ecosystem restoration and wildlife protection amid ongoing threats from habitat loss and poaching.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced that whilst Indonesia has 20,000 TNI personnel ready to deploy to Gaza for the International Stabilisation Force, it will send only 8,000 troops to align with contributions from other nations, which are sending only hundreds of soldiers. The deployment remains pending clearance from the Board of Peace, with Indonesia emphasising both national interests and humanitarian concerns as driving factors in its decision.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has established an exit policy allowing for voluntary delisting of listed companies unable to meet the new minimum free float requirement of 15%, up from 7.5%. The regulator will provide companies with phased implementation periods and extension clauses, though those unable to comply will ultimately face removal from the stock exchange.

The passenger motor vessel KMP Portlink VII, operated by state-owned PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, caught fire on 11 March 2026 whilst loading vehicles at Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java, resulting in all passengers and vehicles being safely evacuated with no casualties. The vessel has since been moved to Bulusan Dock for repairs, with preliminary investigations suggesting an electrical short circuit as the likely cause, whilst ASDP has pledged to strengthen vehicle and cargo inspection protocols.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) fell 0.37 per cent to 7,362.12 on Thursday, tracking broader Asian market declines driven by crude oil price volatility stemming from armed conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Analysts warn that oil prices above US$90 per barrel heighten concerns about domestic inflation risks and wider budget deficits, with the potential disruption of crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz serving as a critical market concern.

The Bogor District Legislature has expressed full support for the Regent's circular prohibiting government officials at all levels from requesting Year-End Bonuses (THR) from companies and businesses ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The policy aims to maintain administrative integrity and prevent illegal levies targeting businesses in the district, with calls for the Inspectorate to oversee compliance among village governments.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has asserted that the legal proceedings against Sergeant First Class Riza Pahlivi and the investigation into Corporal HB comply with applicable legal norms and procedures. TNI representatives presented this statement before the Constitutional Court in response to a challenge of Law No. 31 of 1997 on Military Courts, emphasising that Koptu HB has not been proven to be involved in a premeditated murder case targeting a journalist in North Sumatra.