Archive: 12 March 2026
Showing 651-700 of 2,010 articles
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:23 WIB
Freight vehicles restricted from entering Jakarta toll roads from 13 March 2026
Jakarta's Transportation Agency has announced operational restrictions on freight vehicle access to toll roads from 13 March to 29 March 2026 during the Eid exodus period. The restrictions aim to reduce congestion caused by slower-moving cargo vehicles on toll roads, though exemptions apply to fuel, money deliveries, livestock, fertiliser, essential goods, and emergency relief vehicles.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:23 WIB
Indonesia's Longest Name: Shinggudinggazhanggaree Jaudingginaderaenivatearathus Mauradhuttamazhazhilazu'art
The Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Ditjen Dukcapil) revealed that Indonesia's longest name in 2025 is 79 characters long—Shinggudinggazhanggaree Jaudingginaderaenivatearathus Mauradhuttamazhazhilazu'art—exceeding the regulatory limit of 60 characters set by Ministry of Home Affairs Regulation No. 73 of 2022. The excessive length causes technical issues with ID cards and family registers, and creates discrepancies with other official documents, complicating public service access.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:22 WIB
One Year of Danantara: Telkom Commits to Delivering Reliable and Equitable Digital Telecommunications Services
Danantara Indonesia, the national state asset management institution, marked its first anniversary with a reflection event attended by President Prabowo Subianto and Cabinet ministers, focusing on professional governance and long-term value creation for the nation. Prabowo emphasised the importance of integrity, disciplined governance, and long-term orientation in managing state assets, equating Danantara to global-standard sovereign wealth funds. As a symbol of commitment to Indonesia's future, Danantara and partner state-owned enterprises distributed 88,000 school supply packages to children nationwide as part of supporting educational access and preparing the Golden Generation of Indonesia.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:22 WIB
Gerindra Politician Hendarsam Marantoko Appointed as Director General of Immigration
Hendarsam Marantoko, a Gerindra politician and lawyer, has been appointed Director General of Immigration by President Prabowo Subianto through Presidential Decree Number 187/TPA of 2025. The appointment, scheduled to take effect in early April 2026, resulted in the suspension of an open selection process that had been announced for the position. Marantoko currently serves as Chair of Lingkar Nusantara Prabowo and is an Independent Commissioner at state-owned food holding company PT Rajawali Nusantara Indonesia.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:22 WIB
Joint Appeal with TNI Commander: National Police Chief Says Operation Ketupat Success is Shared Responsibility
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has emphasised that the success of Operation Ketupat 2026, which secures the Eid homecoming period, is a collective responsibility of all involved agencies. The joint operation involves 161,243 personnel from the National Police, military, and various ministries, deploying 2,746 security and service posts across the country. The operation is aimed at safely managing an estimated 143.9 million people expected to travel during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah celebration period.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:21 WIB
iPhone rental business booming ahead of Lebaran in Makassar
iPhone rental demand in Makassar has surged threefold ahead of the Lebaran holiday, rising from an average of 10 units per day to approximately 35 units daily. Rental rates range from 100,000 to 250,000 rupiahs per day depending on the iPhone model, reflecting increased consumer interest in temporary device access during the festive season.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:21 WIB
The Importance of Two Daendels Roads in Northern and Southern Java
The Daendels road network in Java comprises two distinct routes: the northern coastal route (Pantura) and the southern mountain route, both dating to the colonial period. These routes continue to serve as vital transportation corridors linking major economic and cultural centres across the island, with the southern route offering an alternative path through challenging terrain whilst providing scenic landscape views. The geographical characteristics and historical development of these routes remain integral to modern mobility patterns, particularly during peak travel periods such as the mudik (homecoming) season.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:20 WIB
Parliamentary Budget Commission Recommends Measures to Safeguard National Budget Stability
The Head of the Parliamentary Budget Commission, Said Abdullah, has proposed four strategic policy recommendations to the government to maintain the stability of Indonesia's state budget (APBN) amid growing global economic uncertainty. The measures include sharpening priority programmes, deferring non-urgent priorities, improving subsidy targeting, and strengthening productive social assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which Said argues can help stabilise the real economy.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:20 WIB
InJourney Hospitality targets 10 per cent increase in hotel occupancy during Lebaran and Nyepi holidays
PT Hotel Indonesia Natour (InJourney Hospitality) is projecting a 10 per cent rise in hotel occupancy rates during the peak Lebaran and Nyepi holiday period from 17-29 March 2026, capitalising on increased domestic travel and tourism activity. The company expects the highest occupancy rates in Bali (64 per cent) and is offering integrated travel experiences across its hotel portfolio, with four-star properties anticipated to see the largest occupancy gains at approximately 14 per cent.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:20 WIB
Bandung City Council Prepares Population Development Roadmap 2025–2045
Bandung City Council's Special Committee 11 is drafting a Grand Design regulation for population development spanning 2025–2045 to ensure the city remains habitable for future generations. The roadmap addresses not only population growth but also human resource quality, equitable population distribution, and the city's carrying capacity. The committee emphasises the importance of long-term, sustainable development planning and cross-sector collaboration to translate the design into actionable policy.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:18 WIB
Rupiah Weakens 7 Points Amid Hormuz Strait Blockade and Rising Oil Prices
The Indonesian rupiah weakened 7 points to 16,893 per US dollar on 12 March 2026 following a surge in global crude oil prices triggered by escalating Middle East tensions, including reported attacks on international tankers and Iran's blockade of the Hormuz Strait. Market analysts cited geopolitical pressure as the primary driver, with crude oil prices briefly exceeding US$100 per barrel, whilst the broader movement reflects investor flight to safe-haven assets such as the US dollar amid uncertainty.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:17 WIB
The "Ride-Hailing Crisis" Phenomenon: Users Struggle to Find Drivers in Afternoon Hours, Waiting Up to 20 Minutes
Indonesian ride-hailing users report significant difficulties booking drivers during afternoon and evening hours, particularly around Ramadan breaking-fast times, with wait times reaching up to 20 minutes and frequent cancellations. The shortage appears linked to driver concerns about the inadequate compensation relative to operational costs and travel times during peak congestion periods, prompting many drivers to selectively accept orders or go offline during rush hours.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:16 WIB
Haji Office and Haji Hospital Pondok Gede Still Face Asset Transfer Obstacles
The Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has disclosed that the process of transferring assets from the Ministry of Religious Affairs to the newly established Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues to face several complications. Multiple facilities, including Wisma Haji (Haji Office), Haji Hospital Pondok Gede, and official residences, require further coordination to resolve their administrative and management status during the transfer.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:16 WIB
Profile of Senior Commissioner Adhitya Panji Anom, New Sleman Police Resort Chief Replacing Edy Setyanto
Senior Commissioner Adhitya Panji Anom has been officially inaugurated as the new Sleman Police Resort Chief (Kapolresta Sleman) in Yogyakarta Special Region, replacing Kombes Edy Setyanto in March 2026. Anom's appointment follows disciplinary proceedings against his predecessor, who faced sanctions for supervisory lapses in handling a controversial case involving a citizen pursuing motorcycle thieves. Anom brings extensive experience from previous postings including roles in Gresik and Malang Police Resorts.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:16 WIB
France's Dilemma in the Midst of Iran-United States Conflict
France finds itself in a precarious diplomatic position over the military conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, with President Emmanuel Macron criticising military operations as violations of international law whilst acknowledging Tehran's responsibility for escalating tensions. The French government has deployed naval forces to the eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping routes and its approximately 400,000 citizens in the Middle East, whilst calling for an international coalition to maintain regional stability. France's cautious stance reflects concerns about regime change objectives and lessons learnt from past military interventions in the region.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:15 WIB
India's restaurants face closures as Iran conflict disrupts cooking gas supply
India's hospitality sector faces severe liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortages following the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which has disrupted Middle Eastern shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and caused Qatar to halt production. The Indian government has invoked emergency measures prioritising hospitals and schools, leaving restaurants—which represent a major employer—struggling with reduced supplies and forcing some to cut menus by up to 80 per cent or consider temporary closures. India is now exploring alternative LPG sources from Australia and Canada whilst the National Restaurant Association warns of widespread business failures without swift resolution.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:15 WIB
Banser Supporters Gather at KPK Offices as Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Remains Under Interrogation
Banser mass supporters descended on the KPK's Red and White building in South Jakarta on 12 March 2026 whilst former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was undergoing questioning as a suspect in a corruption case involving the hajj quota. Yaqut arrived at the KPK offices at 13:05 WIB accompanied by his legal team and denied reports that he had requested a postponement of the interrogation.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:15 WIB
Harita Nickel Drives Coastal Community Economy on Obi Island
Harita Nickel is supporting the Indonesian government's maritime sector strengthening initiative through an integrated community empowerment programme called SUTAN (Fishermen's Farming Business Centres), which provides fishing communities around its Obi Island mining operations in North Maluku with fish processing facilities, cold storage, and market access. The programme has enabled local fishers to supply over 24 tonnes of fish monthly to Harita Nickel's employee canteens at stable prices, whilst simultaneously supporting mangrove rehabilitation and community health services across 23 hectares of coastal areas.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:15 WIB
Pertamina Prioritises Safety Amid Geopolitical Escalation, Relocates 19 Workers from Basra and Dubai
PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) has successfully relocated 11 workers from Basra, Iraq and 8 workers from Dubai, United Arab Emirates as a precautionary measure following geopolitical tensions in the region. The evacuation process from Iraq to Jakarta required a minimum of 14 days due to the closure of several international airports, with all personnel adhering to comprehensive health, safety, security, and environment protocols and business continuity plans coordinated with Pertamina holding and relevant authorities.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:15 WIB
Prabowo Administration to Allocate Rp9.95 Trillion for Rejuvenation of Community Plantations
The Indonesian government under Prabowo has allocated nearly Rp10 trillion to rejuvenate community plantations across 870,000 hectares, targeting major commodities including coconut, cocoa, cashew, coffee, nutmeg, pepper, and gambir to boost productivity and farmer incomes. The budget will be distributed over three years (2024-2027) to allow for proper seedling preparation, with approximately Rp5 trillion allocated for 2026. The initiative is accompanied by a separate Rp371 trillion downstream industry development plan involving state-owned enterprises, private investors, and farmers to strengthen processing capacity.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:14 WIB
Indonesia-Japan strengthen cooperation on clean energy and global supply chains
Indonesia and Japan are strengthening their strategic partnership to advance industrial development, accelerate energy transition, and strengthen global supply chains, with particular focus on the automotive sector. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto highlighted Japan's critical role in building Indonesia's automotive ecosystem, which now exports vehicles to over 70 countries. Japan has expressed support for Indonesia's environmental fuel initiatives, including the B40 biodiesel programme and planned E20 development by 2028.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:14 WIB
Health Minister targets measles immunisation reaching 95 per cent before Eid
Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced an accelerated measles immunisation campaign targeting 95 per cent coverage across 50 districts and cities before the Eid holiday, aiming to prevent transmission among travellers during peak holiday season. The ministry has recorded 10,453 suspected measles cases in 2026 and plans vaccination services at homecoming posts, whilst assuring the public that the MR vaccine is safe and WHO-approved.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:13 WIB
PIEP Successfully Relocates Officers from Iraq and Dubai
PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) has successfully evacuated 19 officers from the Middle East, including 11 from Basra, Iraq and 8 from Dubai, in response to escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. The evacuation, which took approximately 14 days due to airport closures and security concerns, was coordinated with support from Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions. All personnel returned safely to Jakarta by 11 March 2026, with the company emphasising worker safety as a priority whilst maintaining operational continuity through robust emergency response protocols.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:13 WIB
Vice President Gibran visits Habib Ali Al Habsyi and oversees food aid distribution
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited Habib Ali Al Habsyi at the Islamic Center Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday, strengthening ties between government and community during Ramadan. During the visit, Gibran distributed food parcels to approximately 200 residents of Kwitang subdistrict as part of government assistance ahead of Lebaran celebrations, receiving enthusiastic reception from locals.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:13 WIB
Indonesian National Police Criminal Bureau Conducts Raid on PT Simba Jaya Utama over Illegal Gold Mining
The Special Economic Crime Directorate of Indonesia's National Police Criminal Bureau (Bareskrim Polri) conducted a raid on PT Simba Jaya Utama at Berbek Industrial Zone in Waru, Sidoarjo, East Java on 12 March 2026. The investigation targets the company's alleged involvement in illegal gold mining and money laundering offences.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:13 WIB
BTN Records February 2026 Net Profit Surging 281.9 Per Cent
PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) has reported a substantial net profit of Rp503 billion for February 2026, representing a 281.9 per cent year-on-year increase from Rp132 billion in the same period last year. The impressive growth has been driven by a 54.7 per cent surge in net interest income to Rp2.39 trillion, supported by expanded credit distribution reaching Rp341.16 trillion and third-party funds climbing to Rp375.28 trillion, reflecting strengthening operational fundamentals.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:12 WIB
Approaching Lebaran, Thrift Traders at Pasar Senen Can Earn Rp 3 Million Daily
Thrift traders at Jakarta's Pasar Senen are experiencing a significant surge in sales as Lebaran approaches, with merchants reporting daily revenues reaching Rp 3 million compared to normal days. The market, known as Jakarta's largest thrifting hub, sees a dramatic increase in customer traffic from various demographics seeking affordable pre-owned clothing alternatives to expensive new garments from malls. Peak trading periods occur two to three weeks before Lebaran, when daily sales can exceed 50 pieces per merchant.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:12 WIB
PLN Increases EV Charging Stations Along Eid Holiday Routes for 2026
PT PLN is expanding the number of public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU) along major Eid holiday travel routes to accommodate an anticipated 1.6-fold increase in electric vehicle usage among holiday travellers. The utility company plans to increase charging station availability by approximately 1.8 times compared to 2025, including upgrading slow charging facilities to ultra-fast charging infrastructure.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:11 WIB
Banser visits KPK amid examination of Yaqut as suspect in hajj quota case
Barisan Ansor Serbaguna (Banser), an Islamic youth organisation, gathered at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters to show support for former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who is being questioned as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving hajj quota distribution. The KPK investigation concerns alleged corruption in determining hajj quotas and administering the hajj pilgrimage at the Religious Affairs Ministry between 2023-2024, with estimated state losses initially calculated at over Rp1 trillion, later revised to Rp622 billion following a state audit.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:11 WIB
Police Chief Orders Preparation for Ketupat Operation 2026 to Counter Crime During Lebaran
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has instructed all security personnel to anticipate various security threats during the 2026 Lebaran holiday exodus, including conventional crime, racketeering, illegal racing, and inter-group violence. Operation Ketupat 2026 will deploy 161,243 personnel from the police, military, and various government agencies across 2,746 security and service posts from 13-25 March 2026 to ensure safe passage for travellers and provide public services and information.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:11 WIB
BCA Prepares Rp 5 Trillion Fund for Share Buyback
PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) has secured shareholder approval to conduct a share buyback programme worth up to Rp 5 trillion, as decided at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 12 March 2026. The move aims to manage the bank's capital structure and maintain share price stability, whilst the company reported record net profit of Rp 57.5 trillion for 2025 and approved dividend distributions of Rp 336 per share.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:11 WIB
Operation Ketupat 2026 Commences, Police Chief and TNI Commander Ensure Security Readiness for Homecoming
The TNI and National Police have launched Operation Ketupat 2026, a security operation to manage the Eid holiday exodus, with the Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto leading a troop inspection at Jakarta's Monument Square. The Ministry of Transportation estimates approximately 143.9 million people will travel during Eid 2026, down 1.75 per cent from the previous year, though authorities are preparing contingency measures for potential increases due to government stimulus policies.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:11 WIB
Gading Indah Road Potholes Claim Victim — Not a Provincial Asset
A viral video on social media captured an accident victim on Jalan Raya Gading Indah in North Jakarta caused by severe road damage and poor lighting. Authorities have since undertaken repairs, but local residents confirm the road had deteriorated significantly, with deep potholes that caused motorcyclists to fall. The road is reportedly privately owned, not a provincial asset under Jakarta's provincial government.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:10 WIB
Assault Case: West Kalimantan Man Sentenced to Eid Family Visit with Victim
A district court in Mempawah, West Kalimantan has issued a groundbreaking judgement in an assault case, replacing a four-month prison sentence with one year of supervised probation. The innovative ruling includes a unique restorative condition requiring the offender to visit the victim's home during Eid 2026 to reconcile, emphasising rehabilitation and social reintegration over purely retributive punishment.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:10 WIB
Prabowo prepares presidential directive to protect elephant population
President Prabowo is preparing a presidential directive to strengthen conservation efforts for critically endangered Sumatran and Bornean elephants, whose habitat has halved from 42 to 21 surviving areas. The policy will instruct relevant ministries to support the Forestry Ministry in creating elephant corridors, restoring habitat connectivity, and preventing inbreeding to ensure population sustainability. Conservation activists have praised the initiative as demonstrating government commitment to protecting Indonesia's iconic wildlife species.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:10 WIB
After Eid, Government to Readjust Fuel Allocation? This Is What MEMR Says
Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announced it will accelerate the implementation of biofuels (BBN) blended with petroleum fuel (BBM) to reduce fossil fuel dependency and mitigate risks from tightening global oil supplies amid Middle East tensions. The government plans to mandate higher biofuel blends, including B50 (50% biodiesel) for diesel and progressively higher bioethanol blends (E5, E10, and E20 by 2028) for petrol, based on domestic feedstock availability.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:09 WIB
Electoral Commission Strengthens Women's Role in Electoral Processes
Indonesia's Electoral Commission (KPU) is implementing comprehensive strategies to strengthen women's participation in electoral processes, recognising that women constitute approximately half of Indonesia's voters and are critical actors in substantive democracy. The initiatives include voter education programmes, inter-agency collaboration, leadership training, and addressing systemic barriers such as women's unfavourable candidate placement in party nomination procedures. The KPU emphasises that enhancing women's political representation requires coordinated efforts across government, political parties, parliament, and electoral institutions.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:09 WIB
Jasa Marga Accelerates Toll Road Preservation, Ensures Safe and Comfortable Eid Journey
PT Jasa Marga is accelerating a comprehensive toll road preservation programme ahead of the 2026 Eid holiday period, targeting completion of all pavement repairs by 14 March 2026. The initiative addresses damage caused by sustained heavy rainfall and high-volume traffic, including overloaded vehicles, whilst ensuring motorist safety and comfort during the anticipated surge in travel during the Eid exodus and return.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:08 WIB
Said Abdullah Assures Budget Deficit Remains Below 3 Per Cent Despite Geopolitical Tensions
The Head of the Parliamentary Budget Committee, Said Abdullah, has confirmed that Indonesia's fiscal foundation remains healthy and stable despite global geopolitical shocks, asserting that the 2026 state budget deficit will be kept below the constitutionally mandated 3 per cent of GDP threshold. Despite economic pressures from Middle Eastern conflict spillovers and negative ratings from international agencies, the budget deficit is projected at 2.68 per cent of GDP, with the government implementing efficiency measures expected to generate approximately Rp 200 trillion in reserves for risk mitigation.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:07 WIB
Jakarta Regional Parliament Drives Permanent Waste Management Solutions
The Jakarta Regional Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening waste management efforts in the capital, citing the city's production of approximately 8,700 tonnes of waste daily. The Rorotan Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Plant, which can process 2,500 tonnes daily and reduce waste sent to Bantargebang landfill by 30 percent, represents a key component of a permanent solution, with parliament planning to expand similar facilities across multiple locations.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:07 WIB
Forest Minister: President Prabowo Demonstrates Commitment to Wildlife Conservation and National Parks
Indonesia's Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has announced that President Prabowo Subianto will issue a Presidential Instruction on saving Sumatran and Bornean elephant populations and a Presidential Decree establishing a task force for innovative financing of national parks. The initiatives include creating preservation areas and elephant corridors linking habitat zones, whilst establishing national parks as profit centres rather than cost centres to achieve financial sustainability.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:06 WIB
Peaceful Protest Security: Students and Police Pray Together in Front of National Police Headquarters
The Executive Board of Muhammadiyah University Prof. dr Hamka (BEM Uhamka) held a major demonstration titled "Total Police Reformation" at the National Police Headquarters in South Jakarta on 12 March 2026. After delivering speeches, students and police officers jointly performed the afternoon prayer, using banners and university jackets as prayer mats, before continuing with further speeches. The demonstration proceeded without traffic disruptions, with police maintaining order throughout the peaceful gathering.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:06 WIB
Yaqut Questioned as Banser Crowds Gather at KPK Building
Former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas attended questioning at Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Thursday as a suspect in an alleged hajj quota corruption case. Hundreds of Banser (Ansor militia) supporters gathered outside the KPK headquarters in Jakarta to protest his treatment, with organisers expressing concerns about his criminalisation.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:06 WIB
BCA Opens Opportunity for Three Interim Dividends Per Annum
Bank Central Asia (BCA) has approved plans to distribute interim dividends up to three times annually from the 2026 financial year, subject to favourable financial conditions and approval from the Board of Commissioners. For the 2025 financial year, BCA approved a dividend payout of Rp336 per share, representing 72 per cent of net profit from the bank's Rp57.5 trillion earnings, with Rp281 per share remaining to be distributed following the Rp55 per share interim dividend already paid in December 2025.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:05 WIB
Iraq and Saudi Arabia Call for Cooperation to End Middle East Conflict
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud held a phone conversation on 11 March to discuss the need for joint cooperation to end wars in the Middle East and find peaceful solutions away from military options. Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to ending regional conflicts and rejected the use of its territory as a launching point for attacks against any nation or as a target for strikes. The call occurred amid heightened regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran on 28 February and Iran's subsequent retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israeli and American assets across the Middle East.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:05 WIB
Yaqut Questioned as Banser Members Storm KPK Headquarters This Afternoon
Former Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was questioned by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as a corruption suspect on 12 March, whilst members of Banser (the paramilitary wing of Nahdlatul Ulama youth organisation) staged a demonstration outside KPK headquarters demanding justice. Yaqut faces allegations of corruption related to extra hajj quota allocations for 2023-2024, with the government reportedly sustaining losses of approximately Rp622 billion.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:05 WIB
Former Inhutani V Chief Executive Faces 4 Years 10 Months Imprisonment in Bribery Case
Prosecutors have sought a sentence of 4 years and 10 months imprisonment against Dicky Yuana Rady, former Chief Executive of state-owned forestry firm PT Inhutani V, for allegedly accepting SGD 199,000 (approximately Rp 2.5 billion) in bribes from two businessmen to facilitate continued business cooperation with the company. The bribes were purportedly given by Djunaidi Nur and Aditya Simaputra to enable their companies to maintain forest utilisation contracts in Lampung Province. Prosecutors also sought fines and restitution payments, citing Rady's actions as obstructing the government's anti-corruption agenda.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:05 WIB
Timeline of Rismon Sianipar's Apology and Restorative Justice Application in Jokowi Diploma Case
Digital forensics expert Rismon Sianipar has applied for restorative justice and issued a public apology in the case involving allegations of forged diplomas of former President Joko Widodo. As a researcher, Sianipar stated he must adhere to the latest data, which potentially contradicts arguments in his book "Jokowi's White Paper," whilst Metro Jaya Police were processing the restorative justice application as of mid-March 2026.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:05 WIB
The Rise of the World's Smartphone Kings—Chinese Brands Fall Behind as Sales Struggle
Apple and Samsung have solidified their dominance in the global smartphone industry in 2025, each producing approximately 240 million units despite facing challenges from Chinese competitors and geopolitical tensions. Chinese smartphone makers including Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Transsion recorded significant production declines, particularly in Q4 2025, signalling mounting market pressures. The sector faces further headwinds in 2026, with a projected global memory chip shortage threatening to increase production costs and reduce worldwide smartphone output by at least 10 percent year-on-year.
Thu, 12 Mar 2026, 17:05 WIB
Global Energy Crisis Looms as Asian Nations Tighten Their Belts
Rising global oil prices triggered by Iran-Israel-US tensions and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have sparked an energy crisis across Asia, a region heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy imports. Asian governments have implemented emergency conservation measures including work-from-home policies, four-day work weeks, increased air-conditioning temperatures, and reduced government travel to cope with dwindling fuel reserves.