Puan Maharani, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has called for the 2026 Eid homecoming travel season (mudik) to proceed smoothly whilst maintaining stable prices for basic commodities. She has instructed parliamentary commissions to hold meetings with relevant ministries to anticipate potential issues and ensure traveller safety and comfort during the religious holiday period.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that no official decision has yet been made regarding which Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) officer will serve as Deputy Commander of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), with the appointment remaining the purview of the TNI Commander. Indonesia has committed to sending military personnel to the ISF, a peacekeeping force in Gaza under US command, positioning itself as one of five initial nations to contribute troops to the stabilisation mission.

Two Pertamina tankers have been reported stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supply, exposing Indonesia's severe vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions in energy supply chains. Drawing on strategic management theory, the article argues that Indonesia's declining domestic oil production and heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy imports creates a strategic vulnerability that threatens national economic sovereignty. The piece advocates for three critical priorities: strengthening national strategic energy reserves, diversifying energy import sources, and accelerating renewable energy transition to mitigate systemic risks from global geopolitical shocks.

Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has emphasised that a healthy media ecosystem is essential for protecting human rights in Indonesia. He noted that whilst journalists have traditionally served as human rights defenders through investigative reporting and monitoring of power, the rise of social media and digital platforms has created new challenges, as unverified information spread through these channels can distort public perception. Patria stressed the importance of quality journalism with rigorous verification standards to ensure accurate information flow and support democracy and human rights protection.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which over a quarter of the world's seaborne oil exports pass, has become a dangerous bottleneck as military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran disrupt global energy flows. Tanker traffic through the critical waterway has collapsed from an average of 46 vessels daily to just five or fewer, as Iran threatens mines, ballistic missiles, and fast-attack craft, whilst Western nations consider military escort convoys reminiscent of 1980s operations during the Iran-Iraq War. The disruption poses significant risks to global energy markets, with potential for sharp increases in oil prices and shipping insurance premiums if the crisis persists.

BRI, as part of the Danantara Indonesia state-owned enterprise ecosystem, distributed 5,500 school packages to students in East Nusa Tenggara, West Sumatra, and Southwest Papua as part of a broader national initiative to support educational access and youth development. The distribution coincided with Danantara Indonesia's first-year commemoration, during which the state asset management institution committed to strengthening institutional governance and ensuring long-term benefits for Indonesia's future generation. BRI's Chief Director emphasised that education plays a crucial role in developing character and providing skills needed for success in global competition.

PT PLN is conducting comprehensive inspections of electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU) along the Surabaya-Bali travel corridor in preparation for increased demand during the Eid holiday travel season in 2026. Nationally, PLN and partners have deployed 4,769 EV chargers across 3,078 locations, with 1,681 units specifically positioned across 994 locations on major holiday travel routes, supported by over 5,000 personnel working 24-hour shifts.

The Thousand Islands Police Department has launched Operation Ketupat Jaya 2026, deploying 201 personnel across five security posts on island communities to ensure safe conditions during the Eid al-Fitr exodus and tourism period. The operation involves coordinated efforts from police, military, and various local government agencies to maintain law and order whilst facilitating the holiday celebrations.

Temenggung Bujang Rimbo, a leader of the Suku Anak Dalam (Orang Rimba) indigenous community in Jambi, has surrendered after being taken away by members of his tribe following a court hearing on an indecency charge. A Jambi court has sentenced him to three months and ten days imprisonment, lighter than the prosecutor's demand of five months and ten days, with consideration given to the customary laws traditionally observed by the indigenous community. The case, which involved a minor victim, was resolved through mediation between the accused and victim, and prosecutors plan to engage in discussions with regional authorities regarding future handling of legal cases involving the Orang Rimba.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced plans to develop an international-standard military training facility in Morotai, North Maluku, leveraging the island's existing World War II defence infrastructure. The facility will serve both the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and function as a diplomatic tool, enabling joint military exercises with regional and international partner nations across air, sea, and land operations.

Metro Jaya Police and Bekasi Metro Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred at a petrol station in Babelan, Bekasi Regency, on 10 March at approximately 03:00. Four suspects forced entry through the rear, threatened victims and witnesses with weapons, and fled with cash from the safe; police are actively pursuing the perpetrators through CCTV analysis and witness testimonies.

The newly launched Transjabodetabek SH2 route from Blok M to Soekarno-Hatta Airport terminates at the Airport Railway Station rather than directly at the airport terminals, with passengers required to transfer to the free Kalayang train or Skytrain to reach terminals 1, 2, or 3. The service offers a cost-effective alternative at Rp3,500 per journey compared to taxis costing over Rp300,000, significantly reducing transport expenses for airport travellers whilst providing schedule flexibility.

Foreign ministers from eight countries—the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning Israel's closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex gates to Muslim worshippers, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. The ministers stated that access restrictions to Jerusalem's Old City and religious sites violate international law and the historical and legal status quo governing these sites, and called on Israel to reopen the mosque gates and ensure freedom of access for Muslim worshippers.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has confirmed that the Giuseppe Garibaldi aircraft carrier, gifted by Italy, will be retrofitted and modernised by the state-owned shipbuilder PT Penataran Angkatan Laut (PAL). The vessel is expected to arrive in Indonesian waters in 2026, with an estimated budget of 7.2 trillion rupiah allocated for maintenance and upgrades to meet the Indonesian Navy's operational requirements, and the ship will be renamed following modification.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has reassured the public not to be concerned following the TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto's decision to place all Indonesian Armed Forces units on alert level one. The minister clarified that the alert status is a standard military operational term aimed at monitoring global, regional, and national developments, particularly in response to escalating Middle East conflicts, and is part of the country's defence strategy rather than a cause for public alarm. The alert level one remains in effect from 1 March 2026 onwards, with the military maintaining heightened readiness whilst ensuring public safety and welfare.

President Prabowo met with the National Economic Council to assess Indonesia's fuel and gas supplies, which Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya confirmed remain sufficient for domestic demand. The government is monitoring global energy prices and implementing mitigation measures whilst accelerating the national energy self-sufficiency programme to reduce dependence on global markets and strengthen economic resilience amid global uncertainty.

The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture is distributing 5.9 billion sugar cane seedlings to be planted across 99,547 hectares in 74 districts across 10 provinces as part of its push to achieve national sugar self-sufficiency. The government aims to increase national sugar production to 3 million tonnes by 2026 through improved cultivation methods, land expansion, and optimised processing systems. The initiative prioritises providing smallholder farmers with access to high-quality seeds and ensuring profitable returns from their sugar cane cultivation.

Eight Arab and Muslim nations, including Indonesia, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE, have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's 12-day closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex during the holy month of Ramadan and strict restrictions on Palestinian movement in East Jerusalem. The foreign ministers declared the closure a serious violation of international law and called on Israel to reopen the mosque and allow Muslims freedom of worship without obstruction. Israel justified the restrictions as security measures amid ongoing conflict, whilst the Palestinian Foreign Ministry and Hamas condemned the closure as a flagrant violation of Palestinian rights and religious freedom.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Deputy Regent Hendri of Rejang Lebong during an anti-corruption operation targeting Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari, suspecting the deputy regent had knowledge of alleged bribery linked to development projects. Though Hendri was initially detained for questioning, the KPK later determined he had no involvement in the case based on available evidence. The case involves Regent Fikri allegedly receiving 980 million rupiah in bribes from three contractors through intermediaries for various infrastructure projects.

PT Ameya Livingstyle Indonesia exported 695 cartons of Tom Tailor branded garments from Yogyakarta to Germany on 11 March 2026, generating foreign exchange valued at $224,660.50 (approximately Rp3 billion). The Yogyakarta Customs Office head emphasised the agency's commitment to facilitating smooth export operations and maintaining optimal oversight, whilst encouraging businesses to leverage the Ramadan period to boost productivity and expand international market reach.

President Prabowo Subianto called Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni to a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace on Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Raja Juli stated he has prepared reports on forestry matters, including plans to establish a task force for national park financing, noting that current APBN allocations for the 57 Indonesian national parks remain inadequate.

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) and the Indonesian Navy have successfully intercepted the illegal smuggling of approximately 200 tonnes of mangrove charcoal destined for Malaysia through the Selat Panjang strait in the Meranti Islands, Riau. The operation, conducted on 5 March 2026, resulted in the seizure of an unregistered cargo vessel and revealed state losses estimated at 4.6 billion rupiah, with the illegal charcoal production linked to the felling of approximately 4,000 to 4,500 mature mangrove trees.

Indosat's SheHacks programme has taken five Indonesian women-led startups on a Global Market Benchmarking Trip to Vietnam to explore new markets, secure investment opportunities, and strengthen innovation networks across Southeast Asia. The five startups—DoctorTool, Hear Me, Serenic.ai, Katalis AI, and Lunar Interactive—engaged in 51 business matching sessions and mentoring with AI experts whilst establishing connections with six investors, six government agencies, and nine ecosystem partners in Vietnam. The initiative aims to position Indonesian women-led startups as competitive players in the global technology ecosystem and facilitate their expansion into Southeast Asian markets through cross-border collaboration and access to regulatory guidance.

The West Java Regional Police (Polda Jawa Barat) has launched a hotline service (number 110) to assist mudik travellers during the 2026 Lebaran exodus who encounter problems such as traffic jams or vehicle breakdowns. The police have coordinated with the military and religious affairs ministry to provide comprehensive support, including traffic relief teams, food distribution during fasting hours, designated mosques as rest facilities, and service posts, whilst pledging to prevent extortion and excessive parking charges at tourist destinations.

Indonesia's Forest Protection Task Force (Satgas PKH) is calculating administrative penalties for PT Mineral Trobos, a nickel mining company owned by businessman David Glen Oei, following the seizure of the company's operations in North Maluku province due to alleged illegal mining activities in protected forest areas. The task force has already reclaimed the illegally occupied forest land and placed warning signage, with penalties reported to have initially reached trillions of rupiah before being reduced to tens of billions. Former KPK investigator Yudi Purnomo Harahap has urged the task force to coordinate with the KPK and pursue comprehensive action against all individuals involved in the illegal mining practices.

President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to place special presidential envoys in every state-owned enterprise (BUMN) to oversee performance and prevent corruption and mismanagement. He expressed concern about the proliferation of subsidiary companies within major SOEs like Pertamina and criticised regulations that prevent auditing of certain corporate entities, framing enhanced oversight as essential to protecting Indonesia's resources.

Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni met with President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta to report on plans to establish a task force for national park financing. Indonesia's 57 national parks currently operate on limited state budget allocations, and the ministry seeks alternative funding sources to develop world-class national parks.

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has completed 1,518 of 1,713 planned temporary housing units (huntara) in Gayo Lues, Aceh, aiming to house all flood-affected residents before Eid al-Fitr 2026. The temporary housing initiative, which follows devastating floods and landslides in late November 2025 that killed 564 people in Aceh and damaged over 255,000 homes, provides residents with basic facilities and ten days of food and non-food assistance upon occupancy.

A member of the National Sharia Board of the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) has clarified that amil (zakat administrators) are permitted to receive a maximum of 12.5 per cent of total zakat collections, addressing concerns that their allocation should not exceed other recipient categories such as the poor and destitute. The clarification was prompted by scrutiny of the National Zakat Amil Board (Baznas) financial reports, which showed amil receiving substantially more funds than the poor and destitute in 2023 and 2024.

The ongoing regional conflict between the US-Israel and Iran is costing the Middle East approximately €515 million (around Rp10 trillion) per day in tourism losses, with major aviation hubs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha and Bahrain seeing passenger numbers plummet from 526,000 daily to significantly lower levels due to airspace closures. Tourism Economics projects visitor arrivals to the Middle East could decline 11-27 per cent year-on-year in 2026, representing 23-38 million fewer international visitors and losses of $34-56 billion compared to pre-conflict forecasts.

More than three months after devastating floods struck Gayo Lues Regency in Aceh in late November 2025, critical transportation routes remain severely damaged, forcing residents and students returning for Eid celebrations to take a circuitous route via Medan that extends travel time from 5 hours to 24 hours and increases costs four to five fold. The damaged Lokob route connecting eastern Aceh to Gayo Lues continues to disrupt economic activity, with thousands of hectares of agricultural land destroyed and agricultural products unable to reach markets, whilst hampering students' ability to return home for the holidays.

President Prabowo Subianto received Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles at the presidential residence in Kertanegara on 11 March 2026, in a warm meeting reflecting the long-standing personal relationship between the two leaders. The meeting underscored the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Australia, particularly in defence cooperation, building on their existing Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in August 2024. The close relationship between Prabowo and Marles, developed since 2022 when Prabowo served as Indonesia's Defence Minister, strengthens bilateral trust in maintaining Indo-Pacific regional stability.

President Prabowo Subianto received Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Donald Marles at his private residence in South Jakarta on Wednesday evening, accompanied by Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie. The warm, informal meeting between the two long-standing friends, who now hold strategic positions in their respective governments, provided an opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual concern.

Indonesia's Interior Minister and Head of the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force Muhammad Tito Karnavian has highlighted the donation of 31 ambulances and medical equipment from private companies to healthcare facilities in disaster-affected areas as a testament to national resilience and social responsibility. The collaboration between central government, regional authorities, and the private sector—including donors PT Astra International, PT Indomobil Trada Nasional, and Yayasan Imeco Bhakti Nusa—demonstrates the strength of Indonesia's mutual support system in disaster recovery.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has reassured the public not to be concerned about Alert Status 1 issued by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, explaining it is a standard readiness measure related to monitoring global, regional and national developments rather than a response to specific geopolitical tensions. The TNI activation, comprising seven operational directives including enhanced patrols of vital infrastructure, 24-hour air monitoring, and intelligence operations, is part of a national geostrategic posture aimed at ensuring public security following regional Middle East developments.

The Indonesian Government has officially implemented a stimulus package offering discounts of up to 30 per cent on transport tickets for the 2026 Eid homecoming period, including trains, ships, and toll roads, with aim to increase mobility and economic growth. Domestic economy-class flights receive 17-18 per cent discounts and ferry services are fully subsidised, targeting millions of passengers during the peak travel period from mid-March to early April 2026. The policy is supported by value-added tax exemptions, airport service fee reductions, and a 10 per cent fuel discount at 37 airports across Indonesia.

The Kediri Customs Authority seized 1.61 million illegal cigarettes transported by truck in Nganjuk District, East Java, valued at approximately Rp 2.41 billion and representing an estimated state loss of Rp 1.57 billion in excise revenue. The confiscated cigarettes, which included both machine-rolled clove cigarettes and white cigarettes lacking proper tax stamps, were intended for distribution. Customs officials stated the operation is part of sustained efforts to suppress illegal cigarette circulation and protect state revenue whilst ensuring fair competition for compliant businesses.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has called on all ministry personnel to strengthen performance, maintain cohesion, and enhance collaboration to drive progress in Indonesia's agriculture sector and address various food security challenges. The ministry has achieved significant results within approximately one year, including achieving self-sufficiency in nine commodities—rice, consumption sugar, large chillies, bird's eye chillies, maize, cooking oil, chicken meat, chicken eggs, and shallots—whilst strengthening agricultural exports. The minister emphasised that amid global geopolitical shifts and fluctuations in world food markets, Indonesia's agriculture sector must remain resilient to safeguard national food security.

The article examines the long-standing intelligence and strategic contest between Iran and the United States–Israel alliance, arguing that the true battleground exists not in military operations but in intelligence networks, cyber warfare, and asymmetric strategies. Iran has responded to Western technological dominance by developing decentralised defensive doctrines and building regional influence networks through proxy groups across the Middle East, creating a multi-layered pressure strategy that extends beyond its borders.

President Prabowo Subianto has formally appointed Agus Fatoni as head of the National Amil Zakat Board (BAZNAS) for the 2026-2031 term, with the decision delivered on 10 March 2026. Fatoni, currently Director General of Regional Finance at the Ministry of Home Affairs, brings extensive experience in public finance and regional governance, having served as acting governor in several provinces. The appointment aims to strengthen BAZNAS's institutional capacity to manage zakat, infaq, and sedekah more professionally, transparently, and accountably for the benefit of public welfare.

Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Staquf appeared at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters on Thursday for further questioning as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving additional Hajj quotas. His pre-trial appeal was previously rejected by judges, and investigators have already searched multiple locations and seized significant evidence including documents, electronic devices, and property, with the state estimated to have suffered losses of approximately 622 billion rupiah.

The Indonesian Christian Intellectuals Association (PIKI) has asserted that Indonesia's policy of active non-alignment represents a crucial strategic strength as the nation navigates global geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding conflicts involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. PIKI emphasises Indonesia's engagement in multilateral organisations including BRICS whilst maintaining independent positioning, and highlights food security, energy security, and human resource development as critical priorities that reinforce Indonesia's bargaining position in international trade and cooperation.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi has firmly stated that Oman will not normalise diplomatic relations with Israel nor join the proposed Peace Council. Al-Busaidi characterised the current conflict as aimed at weakening Iran, reshaping the region, promoting normalisation, and preventing Palestinian statehood, warning of broader regional destabilisation plans beyond Iran.

Authorities at Tanjung Priok Terminal in Jakarta discovered one unroadworthy inter-city bus (AKAP) among five vehicles inspected, with four buses cleared for operation during the Eid al-Fitr exodus period. The unsafe bus, operated by PO Harianto and bound for Madura, had a cracked windscreen and was reported to the operator for replacement with a roadworthy vehicle.

Arman Suparman, Executive Director of the Regional Autonomy Implementation Monitoring Committee (KPPOD), has highlighted how corruption involving local government heads and officials often stems from inadequate oversight of the merit system within the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) at regional level. The abolition of the Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN), which previously monitored merit system implementation, has widened opportunities for abuse of authority, particularly in mutation and promotion processes. Suparman calls for stricter oversight of selection committees, enhanced public participation, and the reinstatement of independent supervisory institutions to ensure transparent and accountable appointment processes.

Firefighters in Serang, Banten were rewarded with complimentary salon services after responding to an emergency call to open a locked salon door on 11 March 2026. The salon's security guard had overslept after Ramadan prayers, leaving employees locked out; when firefighters arrived in heavy rain to assist, the salon owner showed gratitude by providing free massage, hair washing, and manicure/pedicure treatments to the responding crew.

President Prabowo Subianto has issued Government Regulation Number 9 of 2026 establishing the amounts of holiday allowances and 13th month salaries for state apparatus, pensioners, and benefit recipients in 2026. The regulation details specific provisions for different categories including civil servants (PNS), contract workers (PPPK), military (TNI), police (Polri), state officials, and non-ASN employees, with varying calculation methods based on salary components and funding sources from the central or regional budgets. Holiday allowance payments must be made at least 10 working days before religious holidays, whilst 13th month salary is to be paid by June 2026.

Holiday Allowances (THR) originated in Indonesia under Prime Minister Soekiman Wirjosandjojo in the early 1950s as part of his Cabinet's programme to improve civil servant welfare. The initial allowances, ranging from Rp 125-200 per person, were issued as advance loans to be repaid through salary deductions, formally regulated under Government Regulation No. 27 of 1954, and initially applied only to civil servants rather than private sector workers.

GSN Tanjung Perak terminal in Surabaya is enhancing its service capacity and facilities to accommodate the surge of homecoming travellers during the 2026 Lebaran transport period. The terminal is adding temporary waiting areas, additional tents, priority zones for elderly passengers and families with young children, and real-time digital information displays. Security measures are also being strengthened through regular safety equipment checks and area sterilisation to ensure safe and orderly operations.

Indonesia's parliament formally approved a bill revising the 2014 Hajj Finance Management Law as a DPR legislative initiative on 12 March 2026, marking a significant step towards strengthening governance of hajj funds with greater transparency and equity. Commission VIII Deputy Chairman Abidin Fikri emphasised that the revision addresses current hajj operations and the need for fairer distribution of hajj fund benefits to address longstanding complaints from pilgrims. The government has been urged to urgently prepare a Problem Statement List (DIM) to expedite the bill's passage into law and support improved and more equitable hajj management.