The Banten Customs Office supported the Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2026 held in March 2026 by providing a bonded exhibition venue facility, which granted imported exhibition goods duty relief and import tax exemption. The expo attracted 500 exhibitors and over 15,000 visitors, showcasing Indonesian furniture products from wood, rattan, and bamboo to international buyers from Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. The initiative is expected to strengthen Indonesia's furniture exports and reinforce its position as a major global furniture supplier.

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has deployed 201 combined personnel from various agencies to conduct Operation Ketupat Jaya 2026, a security operation ensuring the safety and comfort of residents and tourists celebrating Eid al-Fitr in the Thousand Islands region. The integrated operation includes police, military, civil protection units, health officials, transportation authorities, and community early-warning groups working together to maintain security and order throughout the holiday period.

Former Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas arrived at the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) headquarters on Thursday for further questioning as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas. This marks his first interrogation following the rejection of his pre-trial petition by a judge.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at the Indonesian Defence Ministry headquarters in central Jakarta on Thursday (12 March). The closed-door meeting is expected to address strategic issues including defence cooperation and military collaboration between the two nations, strengthening bilateral relations in the security and defence sectors.

Pertamina Patra Niaga projects fuel consumption in East Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara will increase by 11.9 per cent during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday period, driven by heightened population mobility across four peak phases in March. The company has mobilised over 1,400 petrol stations, 900 convenience shops, and additional mobile services to meet anticipated demand, whilst gasoil and aviation fuel consumption is expected to decline due to reduced industrial activity and flight cancellations.

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has launched the "Animal-Friendly Ministry" initiative, with Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni calling on ministry staff to treat animals with greater care, beginning within the ministry premises. The initiative includes sterilisation and rabies vaccination of cats at the ministry in commemoration of World Cat Day on 2 March, and the establishment of feeding stations for stray cats.

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman has set a target to increase economic value added by up to Rp5 trillion through a downstream processing programme for various agricultural commodities including coconut and gambier. The government seeks to encourage commodities currently exported as raw materials to be processed into finished products domestically, with coconut and gambier alone potentially generating values of Rp5 trillion each, whilst palm oil (CPO) presents additional opportunities for value creation through downstream processing.

The Special Economic Crime Directorate of the National Police has formally submitted investigation files on three suspects in the alleged fraud case involving PT Dana Syariah Indonesia (DSI) to the Attorney General's Office. The suspects—Taufiq Aljufri (PT DSI's Chief Executive and shareholder), MY (former PT DSI director and shareholder), and ARL (PT DSI commissioner and shareholder)—face charges including embezzlement, fraud, falsification of financial records, and money laundering related to illicit fund distribution through fictitious projects from 2008–2015, with estimated losses of approximately IDR 2.4 trillion.

The March 2026 landslide at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Facility in Bekasi exposed critical weaknesses in Jakarta's centralised waste management system, which processes 7,000 to 8,000 tonnes of waste daily from the capital. The disaster underscores how over-reliance on a single processing facility creates systemic risks and unequal burden-sharing, with experts arguing that decentralised waste management models offer improved safety, faster response times, and greater community involvement.

President Prabowo Subianto held a high-level telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) on 12 March, strongly warning against escalating military tensions in the Middle East driven by US and Israeli aggression towards Iran. Prabowo emphasised Indonesia's demand for a complete halt to military operations in the region, cautioning that continued aggressive actions would trigger a domino effect destabilising global security and economic interests. Both leaders agreed the situation has reached a critical juncture and committed to coordinating efforts to protect Muslim interests and prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has reported to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in response to a summons and is undergoing interrogation as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the Hajj quota management at the Religious Affairs Ministry from 2023-2024. The KPK has determined state losses at approximately Rp622 billion, and Yaqut's prior bid to challenge his suspect status through pre-trial proceedings was rejected by the South Jakarta District Court in March 2026.

Indonesia's government has introduced comprehensive guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence and digital technology in schools, signed by seven cabinet ministers. The decree establishes age-appropriate restrictions, with stricter controls for younger students and greater flexibility for higher education, while prohibiting instant AI applications that generate direct answers at primary and secondary levels but permitting educationally designed AI tools such as robotics simulations. The policy aims to ensure students benefit from technology while minimising exposure to risks as AI becomes increasingly accessible across Indonesia's education system.

Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (2020-2024) underwent his first interrogation at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on 12 March 2026 as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the hajj quota and pilgrimage arrangements. The interrogation proceeded following the rejection of his pre-trial lawsuit challenging his suspect status by the South Jakarta District Court.

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended operations of three Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) in Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, with one allegedly owned by a prosecutor's wife. The suspension of the Langgudu facility was prompted by improper use of operational vehicles for supplier shopping rather than school food delivery, whilst the reasons for closing two other units remain undisclosed. The agency indicated the facilities would resume operations in the near future.

President Prabowo Subianto received Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at his residence in Jakarta on 11 March 2026 to discuss bilateral relations and strategic regional issues. According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, the meeting was warm and cordial, reflecting a long-standing personal relationship between the two leaders and emphasising close cooperation between Indonesia and Australia on matters of mutual strategic interest.

Indonesia's Minister of Culture Fadli Zon met with Kuningan Regency Regent Dian Rachmat Yanuar to discuss cultural development initiatives, including museum revitalisation and heritage preservation. The meeting focused on positioning Kuningan as a cultural hub in West Java through strengthening its museums, including the Linggarjati Negotiation Building Museum, and leveraging local cultural assets for regional economic development.

Indonesian Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has called on the public to use energy wisely amid global oil and gas supply disruptions caused by Middle East conflicts, urging citizens to reduce electricity consumption and switch to public transport. The government appeal comes as neighbouring countries Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam have implemented their own energy-saving measures including remote work policies, reduced working weeks, and transport restrictions.

The Civil Police Unit of South Jakarta's Kebayoran Lama District seized 165 bottles of illegal spirits disguised as traditional herbal medicine during Ramadhan, targeting three retail locations operating under false pretences. Authorities issued warnings and written sanctions to the traders whilst documenting cases for further legal action, aiming to enforce local regulations and deter illegal alcohol sales during the holy month.

Parliamentary Commission on Law member Hinca Ikara Putra Pandjaitan expressed support for prosecutorial follow-up in the corruption case involving Chromebook laptop procurement under former Education Minister Nadiem Makarim, highlighting evidence of premeditated intent found in WhatsApp conversations and technical directives. Hinca praised the prosecution team led by Roy Riady for their precision in connecting evidence, whilst noting that state losses from the case reached Rp2.1 trillion based on BPKP audit findings. Additionally, Hinca called for investigation of an estimated Rp992 trillion illegal gold mining network, urging enforcement authorities to strengthen border control systems and tackle collusion between businessmen and customs officials.

Former Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas failed to appear for questioning before Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) on 12 March as scheduled, prompting the agency to demand an official letter explaining his absence and any request for postponement. Yaqut is a suspect in a corruption investigation involving the alleged manipulation of additional hajj quotas allocated by Saudi Arabia, where investigators found evidence that 20,000 quotas intended for regular pilgrims were redistributed equally to special hajj pilgrims, violating regulations and harming thousands of waiting pilgrims.

President Prabowo Subianto received Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on 11 March 2026 at Kertanegara in Jakarta for a warm and cordial meeting. The two leaders discussed important strategic issues and regional dynamics relevant to both nations, with Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya emphasising the strong personal relationship and close cooperation between Indonesia and Australia. The visit underscores the significance of the longstanding bilateral partnership and personal ties in strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Former Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas appeared before the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on 12 March following a South Jakarta District Court's rejection of his pre-trial lawsuit challenging his suspect status. He faces corruption allegations related to the alleged diversion of additional hajj quotas and the management of the 2024 hajj pilgrimage at the Ministry of Religion, charged under articles 2 and 3 of Indonesia's Corruption Law.

A senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader has launched scathing criticism at US President Donald Trump, calling him corrupt and "the devil incarnate" amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance. Iran's military has threatened to expand attacks targeting US and Israeli economic interests across the Middle East, including banks in the region, following a reported strike on a Tehran bank that reportedly killed several employees.

Indonesia's National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is monitoring the growing trend of tramadol abuse, which has become increasingly discussed on social media. Tramadol, a synthetic opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain relief, is not classified as a narcotic or psychotropic drug in Indonesia but is a controlled pharmaceutical requiring prescription that carries risk of dependency if misused. The BPOM and Health Ministry oversee primary regulation whilst BNN focuses on monitoring abuse trends, as illegal circulation continues through unlicensed sales, social media, and distribution networks.

Indonesia's embassy in Ottawa, the Ministry of Trade, and the Indonesian Export Financing Institution have facilitated the signing of five purchase order contracts and one memorandum of understanding worth USD 92,000 (approximately Rp1.5 billion) for processed food exports from Indonesian SMEs to Canada. The products include ready-to-eat tempeh, coconut and palm sugar, ginger sweets, fried garlic, fruit chips, and gluten-free pasta, with Indonesian food and beverage exports to Canada rising 106.8% from USD 56.4 million in 2023 to USD 116.7 million in 2025. Officials emphasised that Indonesian exporters must meet Canadian food safety standards, obtain proper certifications, and establish robust logistics systems to sustain growth in the Canadian market.

West Jakarta's municipal authorities have asserted that the Building Approval (PBG) issued for the Swarga Abadi funeral home and crematorium in Kalideres is legally valid, despite accusations from residents and city councillors that the permit was administratively flawed for being issued before environmental clearance documents. The municipal government attributes the dispute to regulatory changes in licensing procedures, wherein the new framework treats building permits and environmental approvals as parallel requirements rather than sequential prerequisites.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued new regulations limiting the tenure of foreign workers in the banking sector, outlined in OJK Regulation Number 1 of 2026. The policy aims to ensure foreign workers in banking provide added value to national human resource development through structured knowledge transfer programmes.

With the distribution of holiday bonuses (THR) ahead of Ramadan, consumer spending on electronics and gadget upgrades is expected to surge significantly. E-commerce retailer Blibli is capitalising on this trend by hosting the Blibli XPO Smartphone THR Fest from 3–15 March 2026 at Margocity Mall, featuring the latest devices from Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, and OPPO, with hands-on trial opportunities.

Bandung Regent Dadang Supriatna announced that the central government has granted relaxation on the use of School Operational Support Funds (BOSP) to finance allowances for part-time contract teachers and educational staff (PPPK PW) in Bandung Regency. This policy, following a circular from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, aims to alleviate the local government's fiscal burden whilst improving teacher welfare, with approximately 4,360 part-time PPPK personnel currently employed in the regency.

Jakarta Metro Police are continuing their investigation into comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono's "Mens Rea" performance by examining additional experts and witnesses after questioning the suspect himself. Pandji was previously interrogated with 63 questions regarding his personal data, event organisation, and statements made during the performance. The police have already questioned 10 witnesses and experts as part of the defamation case investigation.

Banten Governor Andra Soni has issued a circular allowing up to 50 per cent of provincial civil servants to work from home for three days following the Eid al-Fitr holiday in March 2026. The policy aims to provide flexibility whilst maintaining essential public services across healthcare, transportation, security, and other critical sectors.

PT Hyundai Motors Indonesia has delivered its first vehicle under the Hyundai Subscribe programme, a flexible vehicle subscription service where monthly fees include maintenance, insurance, and vehicle administration. The company aims to provide Indonesian consumers with flexible mobility options as an alternative to conventional vehicle ownership, with over 50 interested customers already on board since the programme's introduction at the 2026 Indonesia International Motor Show.

Telkomsel has secured 11 awards based on Opensignal's analysis of real-world experience from millions of mobile users, reaffirming its position as Indonesia's leading digital telecommunications provider. The awards span critical network performance areas including download and upload speeds, video and gaming quality, network coverage, and service consistency across 2G, 4G, and 5G networks. The analysis, covering 10 Indonesian regions from August to October 2025, demonstrates Telkomsel's consistent quality across diverse geographical areas and its commitment to delivering fast, stable, and nationwide digital connectivity.

Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has alleged that excessively high pharmaceutical prices in the country may be driven by systemic corruption within the healthcare industry, with prices sometimes three to five times higher than in neighbouring Malaysia. The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has responded positively to the minister's concerns and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on prevention, detection, and prosecution of corruption in the healthcare sector. The KPK emphasised the strategic importance of the health sector given its substantial state budget allocation and direct impact on public welfare.

The Directorate General of Railways (DJKA) under Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation has commenced trial operations of a skybridge at Bandung Station to enhance passenger accessibility for the Whoosh high-speed train and its feeder services ahead of the 2026 Lebaran holiday period. The new skybridge separates feeder train passengers into a dedicated eastern hall, improving passenger flow efficiency and reducing congestion at the station. The trial is expected to provide valuable evaluation data for managing increased passenger volumes during the peak holiday travel season.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono stated that numerous countries are seeking to import Indonesian urea fertiliser due to the Iran-US conflict in the Middle East. The geopolitical tensions have increased Indonesia's competitive advantage, allowing older fertiliser plants operated by state-owned Pupuk Indonesia to resume production and meet surging international demand. As the largest urea producer in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa regions, Pupuk Indonesia is positioned to maintain stable domestic fertiliser supplies whilst capitalising on heightened export opportunities.

Indonesia's Minister of Transport Dudy Purwagandhi has confirmed that the country's transport infrastructure and services are prepared for the anticipated 143.91 million people expected to travel during the Eid 2026 holiday period, which represents a 1.75 per cent decrease from 2025 estimates. The government is implementing comprehensive measures including infrastructure assessments, tariff subsidies across all transport modes, free mudik services, and digital-based monitoring systems with 7,159 CCTV cameras, whilst preparing multiple ferry crossing routes and buffer zones at key ports to manage traffic flow.

Indonesia's Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has announced an accelerated measles immunisation drive targeting 95 per cent coverage within 1-2 weeks before Eid 2026, citing the risk of massive transmission during the holiday season when citizens travel extensively. The campaign is already underway in 50 districts and cities, with vaccination services also being set up at transit points, as a single measles case can infect 12-18 other people.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra states that two recent Constitutional Court decisions on the Health Law represent constitutional correction of medical profession governance in Indonesia. The court emphasises the need to balance state oversight with professional independence, preventing state dominance from replacing previous professional dominance whilst protecting collegia's scientific authority and peer-based disciplinary mechanisms.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the government has no immediate plans to revise the 2026 State Budget (APBN), despite global economic uncertainty, citing sufficient state revenue collection to support government spending. The government designed the 2026 budget with a planned deficit to provide fiscal space for stimulating economic activity, and is accelerating budget execution early in the year to maximise economic impact. Whilst remaining prepared to adjust fiscal policy if global pressures intensify, Purbaya emphasised the government's strong fiscal position provides adequate policy flexibility to maintain economic stability and protect household purchasing power.

The head of West Jakarta's integrated one-stop licensing unit (PTSP) has defended the issuance of a building permit for a funeral home and crematorium project in Kalideres, arguing that the process followed proper legal procedures under updated government regulations. The facility's building permit was issued on 28 January 2026 before environmental documentation was completed, a sequence the official claims is now permitted under recent changes to licensing procedures.

Indonesia's Deputy Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Yuliot Tanjung has assured the public that the price of Pertalite (RON 90 petrol) will not increase until the end of the first quarter of 2026, maintaining its current price of 10,000 rupiahs per litre despite volatile global oil prices driven by Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions. The government will continue monitoring global oil price developments and budget allocations for fuel subsidies and energy compensation, with any necessary adjustments to be evaluated jointly with relevant ministries.

Jakarta's provincial government is rolling out a synchronized catch-up immunisation campaign (IKS) for measles in March 2026, targeting children aged 9-59 months who have not yet been vaccinated. The campaign will be delivered across 44 district health centres, over 200 sub-centres, and community health posts, with particular focus on vulnerable areas and regions like the Seribu Islands where vaccination coverage remains below target. Despite achieving over 100 per cent measles immunisation coverage citywide in 2025, disparities persist between districts, with nearly 10,000 children still requiring catch-up vaccination.

The Interior Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has praised the donation of 31 ambulances and medical equipment from private companies to disaster-affected regions, viewing it as evidence of Indonesia's national resilience and strong social concern. The assistance, coordinated through the Ministry of Health, reflects collaborative efforts between central government, regional authorities, and the business sector in accelerating post-disaster recovery, particularly in supporting healthcare workers and facilities in affected areas.

Anthropic, a US artificial intelligence company, has sued the Trump administration after being blacklisted by the Department of Defence as a supply chain risk, claiming the action violates its freedom of speech rights. Legal experts suggest the Trump administration's case is weak, with public attacks by Trump and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth potentially strengthening Anthropic's argument that the designation is a form of political retaliation. The dispute centres on Anthropic's refusal to remove safety restrictions on its Claude AI technology, which prohibits its use in autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance, even as the US military continues to use Claude in operations including recent strikes on Iran.

Public prosecutor Muhammad Arfian from Batam's District Prosecutor's Office apologised during a hearing before Parliament's Commission III for statements made during the trial of Fandi Ramadhan, a crew member accused of smuggling nearly 2 tonnes of narcotics. The prosecutor's apology was clarified to relate to his courtroom remarks rather than the death sentence demand itself, which the office maintained was based on evidence and applicable law, whilst the prosecutor was sanctioned by the Deputy Attorney General for Supervision.

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has assured citizens that national fuel stocks are sufficient to meet demand for over 30 days during the Eid holiday period in 2026. The government is relying on a combination of domestic crude oil production (approximately 610,000 barrels per day) and imports to meet the 1.6 million barrel daily demand. Pertamina has implemented mitigation measures including supply diversification from multiple regions and enhanced distribution infrastructure to ensure stable fuel availability during the peak travel period.

President Joko Widodo distributed basic food packages (sembako) and cash to residents at Jongke Market in Solo's Laweyan district on 12 March 2026, with the assistance of additional support vehicles carrying provisions. The distribution drew crowds of residents who lined up orderly to receive the assistance, which included items such as rice and noodles, along with cash envelopes of 50,000 rupiah each.

A member of Indonesia's parliament's Energy Commission has called on the government to take preventative action against escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States, warning that such conflicts threaten global economic stability and could significantly impact Indonesia's energy prices, logistics costs, and manufacturing competitiveness. The lawmaker highlighted particular concern about potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies, and cautioned that volatile energy prices could undermine the export performance of Indonesia's energy-intensive manufacturing sectors including petrochemicals, base metals, cement, and fertiliser production.

PT Bank Tabungan Negara (BBTN) reported a net profit of Rp503 billion for February 2026, representing a year-on-year surge of 281.9% compared to Rp132 billion in the prior year period. The strong performance was driven by net interest income growth of 54.7% to Rp2.39 trillion, underpinned by rising lending and customer deposits alongside improved cost management strategies.