PAN party chairman Zulkifli Hasan opened the national 'PANDai 2026' Islamic knowledge competition in Jakarta, welcoming 32 semi-finalist teams from across Indonesia. The competition aims to build character and ethics in young people amid technological challenges, with Zulhas increasing prize money and pledging television broadcast support to showcase the contestants nationally.

Bogor City Hall held a Ramadhan Festival featuring 63 service outlets and UMKM vendors, with a currency exchange booth becoming the most sought-after facility. Residents queued from as early as 2 a.m. to exchange new notes for Eid celebrations, with some waiting over half an hour despite arriving at dawn.

President Prabowo Subianto is preparing a Presidential Instruction on elephant conservation and establishing a task force for innovative financing of national park management, to be led by economist Hashim Djojohadikusumo. The government is responding to a critical decline in elephant populations and habitats in Indonesia, with documented elephant pockets shrinking from 42 to just 21 locations. These measures represent a significant policy commitment to protecting Sumatra and Borneo elephants, iconic species facing potential extinction without urgent government intervention.

The Women's Empowerment Movement (PKK) Bali and Australia's Consulate General have underscored the importance of women's participation and voices in promoting global peace, marking International Women's Day in Denpasar. Both Putri Suastini Koster, head of PKK Bali, and Australian Consul General Joe Stevens highlighted ongoing gender inequality challenges amid geopolitical crises, whilst Bali's social affairs chief noted that the province has achieved the third-lowest gender inequality gap in Indonesia.

Iran's Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, has declared that Tehran will not retreat in its confrontation with the United States and Israel, asserting that Iran's sole objective is absolute victory. The statement comes following the 28 February combined US-Israel military operation that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Jalali demanding US reparations for damages and the lifting of sanctions whilst claiming the political landscape in the Middle East is shifting as Arab nations recognise that American military presence no longer guarantees their security.

Indonesia's Attorney General ST Burhanuddin has pledged zero tolerance for prosecutors who abuse their authority or commit misconduct, emphasising that the institution will not serve as a tool for extortion or transactional dealings. Addressing concerns about the "no viral, no justice" phenomenon, Burhanuddin called for the prosecution service to shift from reactive to proactive law enforcement, independent of public opinion pressure, whilst maintaining public trust which currently stands at nearly 80 percent.

Iran has warned that global oil prices could surge to US$200 per barrel amid escalating geopolitical tensions following its attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf. The escalation has affected 14 commercial ships and heightened security concerns for the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately 20 per cent of global oil supply, with Iran's military spokesman attributing potential price spikes to regional destabilisation caused by recent US and Israeli military operations.

Google Play has introduced a new Game Trials feature that allows users to play paid games for free before deciding to purchase them, with a "Try" button appearing on game store pages. The feature is rolling out across mobile devices and Google Play Games for PC, and Google has also announced plans to release additional indie paid games including "Moonlight Peaks," "Sledding Game," and "Low-Budget Repairs." The platform is also optimising games for Windows-based PCs and introducing community discussion features to help players.

President Prabowo Subianto has allocated Rp839 billion to construct fencing and embankments around Way Kambas National Park in Lampung Province to address long-standing human-elephant conflicts that have resulted in casualties. The infrastructure project, announced by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni following a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace, aims to prevent elephants from leaving the conservation area whilst protecting nearby settlements and agricultural land, with additional provisions for community economic activities such as honey production.

Volkswagen Indonesia, through distributor PT Garuda Mataram Motor, has officially opened a new integrated 3S showroom (Sales, Spare Parts, Service) in Jakarta's TB Simatupang area to strengthen its service network and improve customer accessibility in South Jakarta. The modern facility features eight vehicle models including the electric ID. Buzz, comprehensive service capabilities with certified technicians, and heritage displays of Volkswagen's evolution from classic Kombi to electric mobility.

Indonesia's Education Minister Abdul Mu'ti has confirmed that newly introduced coding and artificial intelligence subjects will be safe and support teaching and learning activities for students, including those under 16 years old. The subjects are designed to equip students with skills in using coding and AI, alongside ethical guidelines, with curriculum materials developed by the Ministry. The introduction of these subjects is part of broader government efforts to regulate technology use by minors, including social media restrictions for children under 16 beginning in March 2026.

Garuda Indonesia Group, comprising Garuda Indonesia and Citilink airlines, has prepared 1.3 million flight seats for the Eid 2026 holiday period from 14–29 March 2026. The capacity will be supported by 7,634 flight frequencies, with Garuda providing 616,000 seats and Citilink providing 742,000 seats, plus an additional 449 planned flights to meet anticipated high demand during the peak travel season.

The term "anak kalcer" (kalcer kids) has become popular on social media platforms like TikTok and X, describing individuals who follow contemporary music, fashion, and lifestyle trends. Derived from the English word "culture", the slang term has evolved within Generation Z discourse to characterise those perceived as understanding or keeping up with popular culture. The term's rapid spread exemplifies how digital culture and social media algorithms have transformed modern linguistic practices amongst young Indonesians.

PT Jasa Marga is implementing stricter operational protocols at Travoy Rest Area KM 88A on the Cipularang Toll Road ahead of the 2026 Lebaran exodus, which is projected to see 143 million travellers. The rest area will enforce a maximum 30-minute rest duration and cap daily vehicle capacity at 10,289, with real-time monitoring systems to prevent bottlenecks and maintain traffic flow on the main toll route.

Fifteen years after Japan's devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the incident reveals how hierarchical organisational culture prevented critical safety warnings from reaching decision-makers. Experts had identified vulnerabilities in the reactor's cooling systems weeks before the disaster, but institutional pressures and fear of professional consequences prevented necessary action, ultimately resulting in radiation leaks and decades of consequences.

Environmental watchdog WALHI has identified 1,316 forest and land fire hotspots across peatland regions in West Kalimantan during February 2026, signalling the high vulnerability of degraded peatland ecosystems. The fires have triggered smoke haze affecting public health and economic activities across the province, with evidence suggesting significant fires occurring within corporate concession areas requiring stricter oversight. WALHI emphasises that peatland fire issues are not merely seasonal phenomena but stem from ecosystem degradation and inadequate protection, calling for comprehensive government action on prevention and restoration.

The Indonesian rupiah depreciated 7 points to Rp16,893 per US dollar on 12 March 2026, primarily driven by a spike in global crude oil prices that briefly exceeded $100 per barrel, triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East including attacks on tankers near Iraq and Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Market analysts warn that elevated oil prices pose inflation risks, potentially prompting more aggressive monetary policy responses from central banks, whilst attention remains on upcoming US PCE inflation data that could influence long-term inflation expectations.

Danantara Indonesia marked its first anniversary with a reflection event in Jakarta attended by President Prabowo Subianto and cabinet ministers, emphasising the importance of integrity, disciplined governance, and long-term orientation in managing state assets. As part of this milestone, Danantara and other state-owned enterprises distributed 88,000 school supply packages nationwide, with PT TASPEN delivering 2,000 packages to students across seven schools in Bengkulu province, demonstrating commitment to supporting the next generation's education.

Telkom is pursuing a comprehensive reformation agenda through its TLKM 30 transformation strategy, aimed at strengthening business fundamentals and corporate governance through portfolio restructuring, subsidiary streamlining, and the establishment of a strategic holding company. The initiative, designed to enhance Telkom's competitiveness as a global digital ecosystem enabler by 2030, aligns with the broader "Danantara" governance reset programme for state-owned enterprises, emphasising transparent, prudent, and disciplined asset management. Implementation of the strategy, which began mid-2024, is generating visible progress in operational excellence, financial discipline, and asset quality improvement.

PT Jasa Marga is accelerating comprehensive preservation works on all toll road sections ahead of the anticipated surge in traffic during the 2026 Eid holiday, targeting completion of repairs by 14 March 2026. The rapid programme addresses damage from heavy rainfall and overloaded vehicles, with the company deploying 67 road and bridge teams, 222 drainage teams, and 71 emergency response teams to maintain safety and service standards. Management has apologised for disruptions caused by ongoing works and emphasised that all activities comply with health, safety, and traffic engineering standards under coordination with relevant authorities.

State electricity company PT PLN is increasing the number of public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU) by approximately 1.8 times on main routes during the 2026 Eid homecoming period, anticipating a 1.6-fold rise in electric vehicle usage among travellers. The utility is also upgrading infrastructure by replacing slow charging facilities with ultra-fast charging systems and ensuring the national power system's reliability through advance maintenance of power plants and transmission networks.

PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) has approved the distribution of a cash dividend of Rp 41.30 trillion for the 2025 financial year, representing Rp 336 per share, which was ratified at the annual shareholders' meeting on 12 March 2026. The dividend payout ratio of 71.8 per cent of net profit (Rp 57.53 trillion) represents an increase compared to the previous year, with the interim dividend of Rp 55 per share already distributed on 22 December 2025 and a final dividend of Rp 281 per share remaining payable.

Telematician Roy Suryo, a defendant in the alleged fake diploma case involving former President Joko Widodo, has rejected calls to withdraw from the legal proceedings following Resmon Sianipar's request for restorative justice to Metro Jaya Police. Suryo stated he will not retreat even slightly from the case and welcomed further investigation if needed, whilst his legal representative Refly Harun said they respect Sianipar's decision provided it follows proper legal channels. The case involves multiple defendants including Suryo, Sianipar, and Tifauzia Tyassuma.

Indonesia's Composite Stock Index (IHSG) fell 27.28 points or 0.37 per cent to close at 7,362.12 on Thursday 12 March 2026, with trading volume reaching 24.66 billion shares worth approximately 13.35 trillion rupiah. Most sector indices moved into negative territory, particularly cyclical consumer stocks which fell 2.04 per cent, whilst transport and logistics was the sole strong performer, gaining 1.26 per cent.

China resumed passenger train services between Beijing and Pyongyang on Thursday after a six-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the K27 service operating four days weekly in both directions. The restoration of the cross-border infrastructure reflects China's efforts to strengthen diplomatic and people-to-people ties with North Korea, whilst tickets have been restricted to business visa holders. Concurrent with the rail service, North Korea's Air Koryo has also resumed twice-weekly flights between the capitals since 2023, signalling a broader reopening of transport links between the neighbouring countries.

The United States has announced the release of 172 million barrels of crude oil from its strategic petroleum reserve beginning the following week, as part of a coordinated global effort involving 32 International Energy Agency member states to release 400 million barrels total. The unprecedented action aims to stabilise global energy prices that have surged due to the escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran in the Middle East, with concerns over disruptions to oil distribution through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) closed down 27.28 points or 0.37 per cent at 7,362.12 on Thursday, tracking weakness across Asian markets driven by volatility in global crude oil prices. The decline was driven by ongoing US-Iran tensions and reports of tanker attacks in the Middle East, which have raised crude oil prices and heightened concerns about potential inflation and widening trade and fiscal deficits. The International Energy Agency's decision to release its largest strategic reserves and the lack of de-escalation signals in the Persian Gulf indicate persistent supply disruption risks in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Trump administration has announced formal trade investigations into China, Mexico, the European Union, and a dozen other economies including Indonesia under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, after the US Supreme Court invalidated the president's reciprocal tariffs. The move targets what the administration characterises as unfair trading practices, structural overcapacity, and persistent trade surpluses, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicating that investigations will likely expand to additional countries and potential tariffs could follow hearings and consultations. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicts that by August, US tariffs will return to pre-Supreme Court ruling levels, citing legally robust mechanisms that have withstood over 4,000 legal challenges.

A combined team of prosecutors and police in Pontianak successfully recaptured two of three detainees who escaped from the District Prosecutor's Office on 10 March during a case file handover process, whilst one remains at large. Intensive search operations began on 11 March with support from the West Kalimantan High Prosecutor's Office and regional police units, with one detainee apprehended by officers in Sintang.

Rubbish truck drivers employed by Jakarta's Environmental Services Agency (DLH) have complained of lengthy queues at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Facility in Bekasi, with some waiting up to 27 hours to dispose of waste. The situation has worsened since the disposal site was reduced to a single access point, forcing drivers to work extended hours and disrupting shift schedules. Poor road conditions and lack of safe parking areas have further compounded the operational challenges for waste collection services in the capital.

Kaesang Pangarep, chairman of the Solidarity Indonesia Party (PSI), visited Pondok Pesantren An-Nur in Yogyakarta to seek spiritual blessings and guidance from Islamic scholar KH Yasin Nawawi as part of the party's Ramadan outreach programme. During the visit, Kaesang requested prayers for PSI to remain on the correct political path, whilst PSI Daily Chairman Ahmad Ali emphasised that the Safari Ramadan is a spiritual journey rather than a political consolidation exercise.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto led the Operation Ketupat 2026 troop deployment ceremony at Monas Crossing Field in Central Jakarta on 12 March 2026, with 3,363 personnel participating nationwide. The operation aims to guarantee safe and orderly Idul Fitri holiday travel and celebrations through enhanced security measures, cross-sector coordination, and deployment of advanced traffic monitoring technology. General Sigit emphasised this deployment as both a final readiness check and a demonstration of government commitment to smooth national economic growth during the critical period of mass homecoming.

Prof Rose Mini Agoes Salim, a leading psychology professor at the University of Indonesia, emphasises that families must actively create engaging alternative activities to effectively reduce excessive device usage among children, rather than simply restricting access. Whilst government restrictions on digital platforms for under-16s are positive steps, parental involvement and direct engagement remain crucial to stimulate children's cognitive, emotional, and motor development. Parents should prioritise quality time with their children through structured activities that spark curiosity and involvement, as simply removing devices without replacement will leave children confused and disconnected.

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) held a military parade at Monas Square in Jakarta to ensure preparedness for Operation Ketupat 2026, the security operation for the Lebaran exodus. Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto led the parade, emphasising the importance of synergy and coordination, as the operation is expected to manage the movement of approximately 143.9 million people during the 2026 Lebaran holiday.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended operations of 1,512 nutritional food service units (SPPG) nationwide as part of a comprehensive evaluation, with approximately 350 units in West Java affected. The suspension stems from deficiencies in meeting basic requirements including Health and Sanitation Certification, wastewater treatment facilities, and housing for kitchen management staff.

Dozens of parents from SMK Islamic Development Network Boarding School in Bogor visited Indonesia's Child Protection Commission (KPAI) on 12 March following the revocation of the school's operating permit by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, seeking government intervention to protect the educational future of approximately 500 students. The parents emphasised that the abrupt closure, occurring mid-academic year during critical examination periods and university entrance selections, has caused severe psychological distress and educational uncertainty. The dispute originated in November 2025 from a disciplinary case involving a student's dropout status, which escalated into legal disputes and ultimately led to the permit revocation.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) declined 0.37% or 27.28 points to close at 7,362.12 on 12 March 2026, with declining stocks outnumbering gainers 461 to 211. The market weakness was driven by losses in infrastructure, property and consumer sectors, whilst the financial sector strengthened alongside technology; concurrent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns over crude oil prices weighed on regional markets, as did the strategic leadership transition at Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK).

Iran has launched aerial drone attacks on Kuwait International Airport and critical energy infrastructure in Bahrain, escalating regional tensions in the Gulf. The strikes have caused material damage to airport facilities and fuel storage tanks whilst triggering emergency evacuation procedures in Bahrain, with global concerns mounting over the security of vital energy distribution routes and the broader geopolitical stability of the region.

PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) has appointed David Formula as Director of Information Technology following shareholder approval at its annual general meeting held in Jakarta on 12 March 2026. Formula passed the fit and proper test conducted by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) on 13 February 2026, as confirmed by regulatory decision KEPR-11/D.03/2026.

Indonesia's Parliamentary Special Committee has approved the commencement of discussions on a bill concerning International Civil Law, which is intended to serve as a legal gateway for managing cross-border legal interests between nations. The bill will be concise, establishing core principles whilst delegating details to contracting parties, though safeguards will be needed to prevent contractual freedom from conflicting with mandatory law, and provisions must address cross-border insolvency issues that commonly arise in practice.

Former President Joko Widodo distributed 400 food parcels and cash to residents at Pasar Jongke and Pasar Kliwon markets in Solo, Central Java. The distribution, conducted from his vehicle, included staple goods such as rice and noodles, with residents receiving cash amounts including 50,000 rupiah notes. This activity reflects Jokowi's ongoing practice of providing direct assistance to citizens during the Islamic fasting month.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) of North Sumatra Province has given private pawn shop operators a final deadline to apply for business permits, with penalties for non-compliance including mandatory closure. The OJK has announced facilitations and exemptions for operators seeking licensing early in the year, while reporting significant growth in the pawning sector in December 2025, with loan disbursements rising 110 per cent year-on-year to Rp135.39 billion.

Seven Indonesian ministries have signed a joint decision establishing guidelines for the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence in education, prohibiting primary and secondary school students from using instant AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini. The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture emphasised that the ban aims to mitigate risks and protect children's cognitive development, whilst allowing carefully designed AI applications that support educational objectives such as robotics simulations. The guidelines seek to foster a generation that uses technology wisely and masters it, rather than being controlled by it.

Dicky Yuana Rady, Chief Executive of state-owned PT Inhutani V, faces prosecution seeking a prison sentence of four years and ten months and a 200 million rupiah fine for allegedly accepting bribes totalling 199,000 Singapore dollars from PT Paramitra Mulia Langgeng director Djunaidi Nur. The bribes were allegedly offered to facilitate the resumption of a forest management cooperation agreement between the two companies following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that found Paramitra Mulia Langgeng in breach of contract and liable for 3.4 billion rupiah in damages to Inhutani V.

Indonesia's Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian, alongside six other ministers, signed a joint decree establishing guidelines for the responsible use of digital technology and artificial intelligence in formal, non-formal, and informal education settings. The initiative aims to mitigate risks associated with uncontrolled technology use among children and adolescents while fostering wise technological adoption, with the Coordinating Minister emphasising the government's commitment to developing ethically-grounded, technology-savvy generations.

The Indonesian tobacco industry has strongly opposed a government proposal to impose strict limits on nicotine and tar content in tobacco products, arguing the regulations fail to account for local economic and social realities. Industry stakeholders, farmers, and economists expressed concerns during public consultations that overly rigid standards could devastate the sector, which contributes hundreds of trillions of rupiah in excise tax revenue and employs millions of workers, whilst potentially driving consumers towards illegal products. Participants called for a more balanced policy approach that incorporates economic impact studies and considers Indonesia's geographic and climatic factors affecting naturally occurring nicotine levels in local tobacco.

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) has launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in the management of Bali's foreign tourist levy (PWA), which has collected approximately Rp671.35 billion since its implementation in February 2024. The office has requested documentation and testimony from Bali provincial officials to clarify the mechanisms for collection and spending of the 10-dollar-per-tourist fee authorised under Law No. 15 of 2023. The investigation follows concerns raised by Indonesia's Ombudsman regarding transparency and administrative safeguards in the levy's implementation.

The Indonesian Paediatricians Association (IDAI) has warned that negative misinformation about vaccines circulating on social media platforms is undermining public confidence in immunisation and contributing to declining vaccination coverage among children in Indonesia. The alert comes as measles cases have resurged and resulted in child deaths, particularly in regions where vaccination rates have fallen below the threshold needed for herd immunity protection.

Actor Muhammad Ammar Akbar (Ammar Zoni) faces prosecution for nine years imprisonment in connection with alleged drug trafficking at Salemba Detention Centre in Jakarta, alongside five other defendants receiving sentences ranging from six to eight years. The prosecution, based on violations of Indonesia's Narcotics Law (Law No. 35 of 2009 as amended by Law No. 1 of 2024), asserts that the defendants engaged in unlawful trafficking of Class I narcotics, presenting an aggravating factor for undermining youth development and conflicting with the government's drug eradication programme.

The Indonesian Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) reported total assets of Rp 238.99 trillion at the end of 2025, up from Rp 221.05 trillion in 2024, reflecting healthy and sustainable hajj fund management. Investment and fund placement assets reached Rp 169.31 trillion whilst the agency generated net hajj administration benefit income of Rp 11.48 trillion in 2025, demonstrating prudent and transparent financial stewardship of Indonesian pilgrims' funds.