Kuwait International Airport came under attack from several drones, resulting in material damage to the airport, though authorities reported no casualties. The attack occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following a US-Israeli offensive against Iran on 28 February that resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader, prompting Iranian retaliatory strikes across the region.

The Indonesian rupiah depreciated by 7 points (0.04%) to Rp16,893 per US dollar on Thursday morning, driven by a sharp surge in global oil prices that briefly exceeded $100 per barrel. Geopolitical tensions—including attacks on oil tankers near Iraq, Oman's evacuation of its main export terminal, and Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—have triggered market concerns about long-term inflation pressures and potential aggressive monetary policy responses from central banks.

Indonesia is implementing restrictions on social media accounts for users under 16 years old from March 2026, yet generative AI—a potentially more disruptive technology—remains largely unregulated in educational settings. The article argues that whilst GenAI offers pedagogical benefits, its unchecked use risks undermining critical thinking and creating epistemic dependence among students, requiring comprehensive national regulation rather than outright bans.

President Prabowo Subianto has approved presidential assistance funds to construct barriers, including fences and canals, around Way Kambas National Park in Lampung to mitigate recurring conflicts between wild elephants and local communities. The Forestry Minister reported that wild Sumatran elephants regularly exit the national park and enter adjacent villages, settlements, and agricultural land, with recent incidents resulting in fatalities. The government is conducting trials and comprehensive studies of barrier designs whilst exploring best practices from countries such as South Africa and India, alongside plans to develop community empowerment initiatives along the barriers.

Universitas Brawijaya's Faculty of Administrative Sciences (FIA) is expanding its international double degree programme partnerships, which began in 2007, by adding agreements with Victoria University in Australia, Massey University in New Zealand, and Japanese institutions including GRIPS Tokyo and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. The Master of Public Administration programme, supported by funding from Indonesia's National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), enables students to study for one year at FIA UB and one year at partner universities abroad, with seven students currently scheduled to depart for Japan in September 2026.

The Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry has highlighted a resurgence of illegal levies disguised as THR (Eid holiday allowances) that burden businesses ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. Requests for contributions are coming from neighbourhood officials and various external parties, placing financial strain on companies that are already obligated to provide THR to employees, with the chamber calling for stricter government oversight and enforcement with penalties.

The Jakarta Provincial Government predicts that peak homecoming traffic for Eid 2026 will occur on two separate occasions: 13 March for students beginning their school holidays and 18 March for workers. The return journey is similarly expected to peak twice—on 24 March for workers resuming employment and 28-29 March for students, with this dual-phase approach designed to prevent passenger congestion at transport terminals.

A governance expert presented testimony in the corruption trial of two former Pertamina executives charged with losses exceeding USD 113 million in an alleged liquefied natural gas (LNG) procurement scheme. The expert explained the risks of joint liability (tanggung renteng) in board decisions and clarified that circular decision-making procedures require unanimous approval from all directors, unlike standard board meetings which can proceed with majority votes.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened by 0.04 per cent to Rp 16,893 per US dollar on Thursday following a sharp surge in global crude oil prices, which briefly exceeded $100 per barrel after reports of attacks on international oil tankers near Iraq. The spike in energy costs has sparked concerns about potential global inflation pressures and may influence more aggressive monetary policy responses from central banks globally.

The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued Regulation Number 41 of 2025 governing representative offices of foreign financing institutions, venture capital companies, and other financial service providers operating in Indonesia. The regulation provides legal certainty for foreign financial institution branches whilst maintaining prudent oversight, enabling them to facilitate cross-border financing, market access for Indonesian exporters, and capital inflows for priority sector projects without directly conducting lending activities domestically.

Iran's ambassador to Russia has stated that Iran seeks only victory in its confrontation with the United States and Israel, demanding reparations for damages and the removal of sanctions following US-Israeli military operations. The statement comes after the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial phase of US-Israeli strikes, with Russia calling for de-escalation and an end to hostilities.

Iran has developed the Azhdar, a sophisticated unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) powered by lithium batteries, to enhance its naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The drone operates at speeds of 18-25 knots with an operational range exceeding 600 kilometres and can remain submerged for up to four days continuously, posing significant strategic challenges to international maritime coalitions and commercial shipping routes in the region.

Jakarta's Transjakarta bus system has officially launched a new route (SH2) connecting Blok M to Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Tangerang, bringing the total number of Transjakarta routes to five and significantly improving access for commuters and holiday travellers. Tangerang Mayor Sachrudin praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to alleviate congestion across the greater Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Tangerang-Bekasi (Jabodetabek) region and strengthen interregional transportation connectivity. The new route will operate 14 buses covering 65.1 kilometres across 23 stops with a journey time of approximately 121 minutes, whilst fares are set at Rp3,500 for the first three months of operation.

Indonesia's government is redirecting tourism marketing efforts towards Asia-Oceania markets to mitigate disruptions from Middle Eastern flight route interruptions, leveraging strong existing connectivity from Malaysia (27 per cent) and Singapore (18 per cent). The Tourism Ministry is also investing in digital technology capacity and human resources to enhance promotion and improve service quality, with Asian and Australian markets including China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan already driving growth in 2025.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is investigating 27 cases of capital market violations, with the new head of the Securities Market supervision division, Hasan Fawzi, stating that each case will be examined and subject to sanctions. The investigations include alleged market manipulation and false reporting at PT Mirae Asset Securities Indonesia, with the OJK emphasising enforcement of regulations and fostering compliance within the financial sector.

The National Zakat Board (BAZNAS) of West Java Province has established the standard amount of fitrah zakat for the Islamic year 1447/2026, with payments permitted from the beginning of Ramadan. The zakat amount is denominated in both currency and rice equivalent (2.5 kilograms or 3.5 litres per person), calibrated to local market prices for standard quality rice across different districts in West Java.

House of Representatives Budget Commission Chairman Said Abdullah has called on the government to sharpen its priority programmes in response to the current Middle East conflict, recommending the postponement of non-urgent projects such as toll roads and the refinement of subsidy targeting. He particularly emphasised the need to tighten implementation of flagship national priority programmes, including free nutritious meals in schools, which he classified as mandatory education spending that cannot be negotiated.

Vendors selling woven coconut fronds (janur) for traditional ketupat rice cakes report surging demand as Eid al-Fitr approaches in Jakarta. Traders like Yadi, who has sold janur since 2000, see sales volumes increase dramatically in the weeks preceding the Islamic festival, with prices typically rising from 8,000 to 10,000 Indonesian rupiah per bundle as consumer demand grows.

Indonesia and a coalition of Arab and Islamic nations have issued a strong condemnation of Israel's closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex during Ramadan 1447 H, preventing Muslim worshippers from accessing the holy site. Foreign Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have collectively rejected Israel's actions as illegal and a violation of international law, whilst calling for international intervention to restore access and protect the sanctity of Jerusalem's holy sites.

PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) has approved a final dividend of Rp336 per share for the 2025 financial year, totalling Rp41.4 trillion, following approval at its annual shareholders' meeting on 12 March 2026. The dividend payout ratio of 72 per cent represents the highest in the bank's history, significantly exceeding its typical range of 67-70 per cent, and the bank has indicated plans to distribute interim dividends three times during 2026 subject to financial conditions.

Researchers at UIN Ar-Raniry in Banda Aceh are developing environmentally friendly plant-based battery materials designed to enhance lithium-ion battery performance and support Indonesia's energy independence goals. The research team has synthesised a nickel oxide and graphite composite material using green synthesis methods that utilise plant extracts rather than hazardous chemicals, achieving high coulombic efficiency rates that demonstrate the viability of sustainable high-capacity battery technology production.

President Prabowo Subianto is preparing a Presidential Instruction (Inpres) to address the critical decline in Sumatran and Bornean elephant populations and habitats, with the number of elephant habitat pockets having shrunk from 42 to approximately 21. The policy, announced by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, will involve establishing elephant corridors across plantation areas and improving habitat connectivity to prevent inbreeding and species extinction.

The National Nutrition Body (BGN) and Indonesia's Ministry of Finance have launched a digital e-learning platform and updated financial reporting application for Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) to strengthen transparency and accountability in managing the Free Nutritious Meal Programme, which currently reaches approximately 60 million beneficiaries through 23,000 SPPG units nationwide. The 2025 programme budget has increased to Rp85 trillion, with the new system designed to streamline financial reporting processes and enhance governance standards across the distributed service network. The initiative includes training through the Ministry of Finance Learning Centre and aims to prepare SPPG personnel for financial audits by oversight bodies whilst promoting good governance principles in public fund management.

Indonesia's automotive market showed double-digit growth in February 2026, with Toyota maintaining its dominant position as the market leader with 22,522 wholesale units sold. Japanese manufacturers continue to dominate the top five bestselling brands, though Chinese producers like BYD and newcomer Jaecoo are gaining market share, with industry players expecting further growth ahead of the Eid al-Fitr season.

President Prabowo Subianto will soon sign a presidential decision establishing a task force for innovative financing and management of Indonesia's 57 national parks. Led by his brother Hashim Djojohadikusumo, the task force aims to secure sustainable funding and transform national parks from cost centres into profit centres through ecotourism development and private sector involvement.

President Prabowo Subianto held a high-level telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on 11 March to discuss escalating military tensions in the Middle East. Prabowo emphasised the urgent need to halt all military operations in the region, warning that continued armed confrontation threatens global security and stability. The discussion reflects Indonesia's active diplomatic role as the world's largest Muslim-majority nation in de-escalating Middle East tensions amid Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israeli and American military targets following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Prabowo Subianto is preparing a Presidential Instruction to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts, particularly focused on protecting Indonesia's endangered Sumatran and Bornean elephant populations threatened by habitat loss. The government will involve multiple ministries to build elephant corridors, establish preservation areas within concessions, and reduce human-elephant conflicts, with Way Kambas National Park serving as a pilot project for sustainable management models funded partly through private sector involvement.

A man initialised ADO, who was wanted for raping a minor in East Flores Regency, has been dismissed from the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) and arrested after initially enlisting as a soldier whilst evading police. He is now detained and facing up to 15 years in prison for the alleged assault on a 16-year-old student that occurred in August 2025.

An armed motorcycle thief targeted a school in Tangerang, brandishing a pistol at a teacher who caught him in the act and firing one shot into the air before escaping. The incident at SDIT Al Istiqomah school was captured on CCTV, showing the suspect using a T-shaped key to hotwire the motorcycle in less than three minutes. This follows a similar armed theft in late February in the same city, prompting schools and communities to report these concerning cases to local police.

A member of the Indonesian Parliament's Commission VIII, Dini Rahmania, is calling on the government to implement special transport arrangements in 2026 when the Hindu observance of Nyepi coincides with the Muslim Lebaran exodus period. She emphasises the need for cross-ministerial coordination, enhanced public communication about Nyepi timing, and tailored logistics management in predominantly Hindu areas like Bali to ensure both communities can celebrate their respective religious occasions peacefully and respectfully.

The Acceleration of Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force has completed 15,346 temporary housing units (huntara) out of 18,781 planned across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, representing 81 per cent completion. The government aims to house all disaster survivors in adequate accommodation by Eid al-Fitr 2026, with recipients receiving 10 days of food and basic supplies, whilst permanent housing construction (huntap) and housing waiting funds (DTH) continue to support displaced families.

As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East raise concerns about global energy stability, energy infrastructure practitioner Tommy Jamail Jr. asserts that Indonesia's energy system possesses sufficient resilience to withstand external shocks and price volatility. Drawing on Indonesia's experience managing four major global energy crises over recent decades, he maintains that the nation's carefully planned fuel distribution and supply management systems can sustain domestic energy availability, though he urges the public to avoid panic buying and reminds industry stakeholders to prepare for seasonal demand spikes around Eid al-Fitr.

Indonesia's traffic police (Korlantas) has expanded its one-way traffic management scheme for the 2026 Lebaran exodus, extending coverage from kilometre 188 to kilometre 236 on toll roads heading toward Java and Sumatra. The extension follows an evaluation of previous mudik (homecoming) periods and aims to improve traffic flow during peak travel periods. The traffic police will employ real-time digital technology to monitor vehicle movements and deploy flexible traffic engineering measures, including contraflow lanes, based on actual traffic counting data rather than estimates.

American intelligence assessments indicate that Iran's current leadership remains largely intact and does not face imminent collapse despite nearly two weeks of intensive bombing by the United States and Israel. Whilst Israeli officials privately acknowledge the difficulty of toppling the clerical regime through airstrikes alone, both the Trump administration and Tel Aviv maintain divergent strategies, with the US hesitating to support Kurdish militia operations whilst Israel contemplates more extensive military escalation including potential ground operations.

PT Asuransi Jasindo's Jasindo Travel Insurance product has received the Indonesia Brand Excellence in Customer Value 2026 award with a "Very Good" rating in the travel insurance category, based on a survey of over 5,000 customers across six major Indonesian cities. The product offers affordable protection for domestic and international travellers, with premiums starting from Rp5,000, covering accident compensation, medical expenses abroad, electronics and fashion protection, and visa rejection cover.

Professor Rose Mini Agoes Salim from the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Psychology warns that children need significantly more direct face-to-face interaction than early exposure to virtual worlds, as excessive digital platform use from childhood conditions youngsters to prioritise screens over imaginative play. Direct interaction with peers teaches children empathy and emotional regulation skills far better than digital devices can, with experiences like losing competitions and receiving peer support forming crucial developmental foundations. The expert urges parents to limit gadget use as a primary entertainment source and instead encourage real-world activities such as group play, sports, and structured group activities during early childhood.

The Capital's West Jakarta Capital Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Unit (UP PM-PTSP) has expressed readiness to transparently prove the legality of permits at a State Administrative Court (PTUN) hearing regarding a funeral home and crematorium development project in Kalideres. The legal proceeding was adjourned after the West Jakarta city government failed to appear at the initial hearing, with residents opposing the project arguing that proper procedures were not followed.

Pertamina's Chief Executive Officer Simon Aloysius Mantiri announced that the company is actively seeking alternative oil import sources in response to geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz stemming from the Iran-US-Israel conflict. The company is diversifying its energy procurement strategy beyond the Middle East to include suppliers from Africa and the United States, whilst two Pertamina tankers remain stranded in the Arabian Gulf region unable to transit the crucial shipping strait.

President Prabowo Subianto will issue a Presidential Instruction to save the population and habitat of Sumatran and Borneo elephants, according to Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni. The minister stated that the initiative demonstrates Prabowo's deep commitment to wildlife conservation, noting that the number of elephant habitat pockets in Indonesia has declined from 42 to 21, risking species extinction without serious government intervention.

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has tightened regulations on government rice reserve procurement through a new regulation aimed at ensuring quality whilst strengthening national stock availability. The regulation prioritises domestic rice production and sets specific quality standards for rice procurement, with Bulog mandated to purchase paddy at the government purchase price of IDR 6,500 per kilogram. Bapanas projects rice reserves will reach 4 million tonnes by late March 2026 and 5 million tonnes by April, marking unprecedented stock levels in Indonesian history.

A male sun bear named Azim has been released into the wild at Mount Tarak Protected Forest in West Kalimantan after months of rehabilitation following its rescue from a hunter's snare in June 2025. The release represents a significant conservation success, highlighting the ongoing threats posed by illegal hunting and trapping to Indonesia's wildlife, and underscores the importance of sustained habitat protection and anti-poaching efforts in the region.

Indonesian Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto has announced a major reshuffle of senior officers across the TNI, affecting numerous strategic positions including regional military commanders and command headquarters posts. The restructuring includes the reinstatement of the TNI Chief of Staff (Kaster TNI) position, with Lieutenant General Bambang Trisnohadi appointed to this role, whilst other senior officers are rotated to various command positions including the Combined Regional Defence Command and divisional leadership posts.

PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) successfully evacuated 11 officers from Basra, Iraq and 8 from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the Iraqi evacuation taking 14 days due to international airport closures. The evacuation was triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including reported US and Israeli strikes against Iran. PIEP implemented comprehensive safety protocols and Business Continuity Plans in coordination with Indonesian embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whilst establishing continuous monitoring systems and family support services for all personnel.

Indonesia's Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025, which restricts social media access for minors under 16 years old, is becoming a global model. Countries including Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Spain, India, and Britain are implementing or considering similar restrictions, with Britain's regulators recently pressuring major social media platforms to enforce stricter age verification and child safety measures by April 30, 2026.

Prices of chicken and beef have begun rising in several East Jakarta markets as Eid al-Fitr 2026 approaches, with chicken now selling at approximately IDR 50,000 per kilogramme and beef between IDR 145,000 and IDR 150,000 per kilogramme. Traders report that price increases started from the beginning of Ramadan due to heightened consumer shopping activity at traditional markets, though increases remain relatively controlled if supplier distribution continues smoothly. Demand is expected to rise further in the week leading up to Eid as consumers prepare traditional festive dishes.

Iran has reportedly threatened to attack data centres in Arab countries allegedly used by the United States to support military and intelligence operations against Tehran, according to Iranian diplomatic sources. The threat comes as part of escalating tensions in the Middle East, with both Washington and Tel Aviv now openly stating that military operations aim to effect regime change in Tehran, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global internet infrastructure and regional stability.

The Indonesian Embassy in Warsaw held the fourth Indonesia–Poland Tourism Business Forum in March 2026, recording potential transactions worth US$7.58 million and generating 693 business matches between tourism industry operators from both countries. The forum, which brought together 21 Indonesian tourism companies and 33 Polish industry participants, demonstrated a 79 per cent increase in transaction value compared to 2025 and reflected strengthening interest in Indonesian tourism destinations, with Polish visitor arrivals to Indonesia reaching a record 68,100 in 2025, up 62.2 per cent from 2023.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto led Operation Ketupat 2026's troop assembly at Monas with 3,363 personnel, marking the state's readiness to secure Lebaran exodus and return traffic. The operation, led technically by National Traffic Police Chief Irjen Agus Suryonugroho, involves cross-sector coordination and deployment of specialised vehicles and technology. General Sigit presented 150 motorcycle units to police departments in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra to serve the public during the operation.

As Eid approaches, prices of essential commodities have surged significantly in Bangka regency, with bird's eye chillies reaching Rp100,000 per kilogramme (up 67% from Rp60,000) and clean chicken meat at Rp43,000 per kilogramme, driven by limited supply and increased demand. Local authorities have deployed task forces to monitor markets and prevent price manipulation during the festive season, whilst rice supplies remain stable. The price increases reflect broader national trends affecting strategic food commodities ahead of Ramadan and Eid celebrations.

Daihatsu is navigating Indonesia's challenging automotive market, which saw a 7.2 per cent decline in wholesale sales to 803,687 units in 2025, by focusing on after-sales service and fuel efficiency marketing. The company has increased sales in early 2026 to 25,965 units compared to 21,942 units in the same period last year, despite broader market pressures from weakened consumer purchasing power, higher interest rates, and currency fluctuations affecting component import costs.