Muhammadiyah has announced that Eid al-Fitr 2026 will fall on Friday, 20 March 2026, according to a decree on the calculation of the Islamic calendar for Ramadan, Shawwal, and Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH. Official national public holidays for Eid will run from 20 to 24 March 2026, with an additional two days off coinciding with the Hindu Nyepi observance on 18 and 19 March, extending the break to seven consecutive days. The regulations clarify that shared leave reduces annual leave entitlements for private sector employees but does not affect entitlements for civil servants.

Business owners and the Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry are expressing alarm over illegal extortion attempts by local officials and community organisations demanding contributions towards Eid holiday bonuses (THR). The chamber's chairwoman Diana Dewi has condemned these practices as unlawful, financially burdensome to enterprises already strained by economic conditions, and disruptive to business operations, whilst urging entrepreneurs to report such coercive demands to authorities.

The Jakarta provincial government has called on residents to ensure children travelling for Lebaran are fully immunised, particularly against measles, as Indonesia faces measles outbreaks across ten districts in seven provinces. Early 2026 data shows 1,236 suspected measles cases across Jakarta, with the government conducting a catch-up immunisation campaign (IKS) in March targeting children aged 9-59 months who have not received complete vaccinations.

The United States will release 172 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to address rising petrol prices, which have climbed to approximately $3.58 per gallon following supply disruptions caused by Iran tensions. The International Energy Agency will simultaneously release 400 million barrels collectively, with the US planning to replenish its reserves with 200 million barrels over the next year as part of efforts to stabilise global energy markets.

Indonesia's DPR Chair Puan Maharani has asserted that the 2026 hajj pilgrimage must continue despite current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. All relevant parties have been tasked with conducting evaluations, mitigation measures, and contingency planning, whilst the state is committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of Indonesian pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey to Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that all flood victims in Gayo Lues district have been relocated to temporary housing units ahead of Eid 2026. The achievement represents approximately 88 percent of the target to construct 1,713 temporary housing units in the affected area, with residents receiving essential supplies and food support for ten days upon relocation. The temporary housing initiative follows severe flooding and landslides that devastated Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late November 2025.

Global airlines are responding to a sharp spike in aviation fuel prices caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East by raising ticket prices, implementing fuel surcharges, and altering flight routes. Jet fuel prices have surged from $85-90 per barrel to $150-200 per barrel, prompting major carriers such as Qantas, SAS, and Air New Zealand to adjust fares, whilst Asian carriers including Thai Airways and Hong Kong Airlines are implementing increases of 10-30 per cent or more. The disruptions to Middle Eastern airspace are forcing airlines to take longer alternative routes, further increasing fuel consumption and reducing seat availability on key routes.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin clarified that the Indonesian Military's (TNI) Alert Status One, ordered by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, is unrelated to geopolitical or geoeconomic concerns and represents standard military terminology rather than a political statement. The alert status was implemented to test TNI personnel and material readiness in light of escalating international conflicts, with military officials emphasising it is a routine operational measure designed to assure public security and stability.

A fire broke out in a cabin of the KMP Portlink VII ferry at Ketapang Port in East Java on Wednesday evening, but was extinguished without casualties. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has assured that ferry operations between Ketapang and Bali's Gilimanuk Port continue normally and passenger flow during the holiday exodus remains unaffected.

The Indonesian government is accelerating efforts to achieve sugar self-sufficiency by strengthening smallholder sugarcane development, targeting the distribution of 5.9 billion sugarcane seedlings for cultivation across 99,547 hectares in 10 provinces by 2026. Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman announced comprehensive sector reforms spanning seed provision, planting patterns, downstream processing, and marketing systems, with the aim of reaching 3 million tonnes of national sugar production by 2026. The initiative, building on 2025's distribution of nearly 2 billion seedlings across 32,096 hectares, seeks to boost farmer incomes whilst reducing Indonesia's dependence on sugar imports.

The head of parliament's Legislative Commission (Baleg), Bob Hasan, has clarified that journalistic works are protected under intellectual property law, requiring explicit permission and potential royalty payments if republished or incorporated into other journalistic products. The revised Copyright Law bill has been accepted as a parliamentary initiative, with the commission targeting completion within the current year.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) rose 0.53% to close at 7,428.77 as Friderica Widyasari Dewi was officially approved as the new Chair of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) by parliament. The market was supported by technology, financial and energy sectors, whilst regional markets and US indices declined amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising oil prices.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religion has endorsed Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 (PP TUNAS) that will restrict social media access for children under 16 years old beginning 28 March 2026, and is implementing digital ethics education across its 10.4 million madrasah students, 3.3 million pesantren students, and other religious school pupils. The ministry has already conducted digital literacy training for 269,495 educators and is integrating digital ethics curricula into religious education whilst introducing AI literacy programmes to equip children with intellectual skills before accessing social media.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has arrested nine regional heads through sting operations over the 17 months since Prabowo Subianto became President in October 2024, with charges ranging from bribery in infrastructure projects to embezzlement and gratification. The arrested officials include the Regent of East Kolaka, Governors of Riau, and several other regional administrators, with investigations revealing complex networks involving local officials, contractors, and provincial administrators in multi-billion rupiah corruption schemes. These arrests underscore persistent corruption challenges at the regional government level despite the KPK's anti-corruption enforcement efforts.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Jakarta Regional Operations (Daop 1) recorded 37,858 train passengers on the ninth day before Eid 2026, representing a 27 per cent increase compared to the previous day. The majority of passengers departed from Pasar Senen Station (16,010) and Gambir Station (8,667), with 669,424 tickets sold or booked so far at approximately 62 per cent occupancy as the holiday travel season intensifies.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin clarified that the Alert Level 1 status declared by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto is standard military terminology for operational readiness and disaster response, not a geopolitical statement. The minister emphasised the measure poses no geopolitical or geoeconomic implications and is intended to assure the public of the nation's security whilst addressing concerns about the regional Middle East conflict.

Takbir night, the Islamic eve celebration preceding Eid al-Fitr, is expected to occur on either 19 or 20 March 2026 depending on official government confirmation of the Islamic calendar date. Muhammadiyah has predicted Eid al-Fitr will fall on Friday, 20 March 2026, placing takbir night on the evening of 19 March, though the Religious Affairs Ministry has not yet formally confirmed the date through its isbat proceedings. The ministry has issued special guidelines for Bali, where takbir observances may coincide with the Hindu Nyepi celebration on 19 March, requiring mosque activities to be conducted without loudspeakers or fireworks between 18:00–21:00 WITA to maintain religious harmony and mutual respect.

Indonesia's House of Representatives has approved two bills—the Domestic Worker Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) and the Copyright Bill—as parliamentary initiative proposals following endorsement by the chamber leadership and eight political party factions. The PPRT bill, originally proposed in 2004, has faced decades of delays, with President Prabowo Subianto having pledged in May 2025 that it would be completed within three months, though Parliament chair Puan Maharani attributed the delays to efforts to ensure the bill does not conflict with existing legislation and incorporates input from all stakeholders.

The Indonesian government has committed to maintaining Pertalite (RON 90) fuel prices without increases until the end of the first quarter of 2026, according to Deputy Energy Minister Yuliot Tanjung. The government will reassess fuel pricing policy after Q1 2026, taking into account international crude oil price movements and the state budget's subsidy and energy compensation allocations. Authorities also confirmed adequate domestic fuel supplies ahead of the anticipated 143 million-person Lebaran exodus, with strategic reserves spanning 23-25 days of consumption alongside over 30 days of ecosystem reserves.

A book documenting the first year of Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo's leadership was launched, reflecting on the capital's development policies and economic stability. The publication, compiled from perspectives of experts, academics, and observers, highlights Pramono's communication approach, large-scale events as economic drivers, and efforts to balance economic growth with social programmes. The book is intended to serve as an initial record of policy dynamics and governance under Pramono's first year in office.

Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts has launched an integrated waste management programme in partnership with Rekosistem, a waste management company specialising in recycling and resource recovery. The initiative, unveiled at a media gathering in Jakarta, represents the hotel chain's commitment to sustainable hospitality practices across its 111 properties, with waste streams separated by type for recycling and food waste converted into compost.

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended operations of a nutrition service unit in Pamekasan, East Java, following the discovery of raw marinated catfish in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme. The suspension comes after a viral video showed the meal, prompting school rejection and triggering an investigation into food preparation and safety standards.

Indonesia's Health Ministry and the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have renewed their memorandum of understanding for 2026-2030 to strengthen governance and combat corruption in the health sector through enhanced coordination, data exchange, and joint anti-corruption initiatives. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasised that building integrity must begin within the organisation through improved systems and transparent workplace culture, whilst KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto stressed that effective prevention efforts are crucial to avoiding lengthy enforcement processes in the public sector.

Central Kalimantan's provincial government has commenced distribution of food assistance for February–March 2026 to 205,140 recipients, each receiving 20 kilogrammes of rice and four litres of cooking oil. The distribution, coordinated by Bulog and village authorities, coincides with a Cheap Food Movement campaign and cash assistance programme designed to stabilise food prices and support purchasing power ahead of Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi celebrations.

InJourney Airports, a state-owned aviation and tourism holding company, is preparing 37 airports across Indonesia for the 2026 Eid holiday travel period (13-30 March), projecting 9.03 million passenger movements and a 2% increase compared to 2025. The airports will operate 24 hours daily with additional staffing, special activation programmes, and integrated monitoring posts to ensure safe, comfortable travel experiences during the peak travel season, with anticipated peak outbound travel on 18 March and return travel on 28 March.

The Central Java Provincial Government has opened registration for a free return-journey train service for migrant workers on 12 March 2026, with only 320 seats available. The programme is facilitated by the Central Java Transportation Department to help workers return to their destinations safely and comfortably without cost. Prospective passengers must complete several registration steps and are advised to review the available routes and schedules.

Authorities in East Jakarta's Matraman district have uncovered evidence that teenagers are purchasing illegal drugs to enhance bravery during street gang fights, following a joint law enforcement operation that seized 128 illegal drug tablets and 15 bottles of illicit alcohol. The operation targeted illegal drug distribution points across the district and was prompted by social media reports and previous incidents of shops allegedly selling unregistered pharmaceutical products.

Indonesia's House Speaker Puan Maharani has expressed hope that five newly approved members of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) board of commissioners for 2026–2031 will carry out their duties with full integrity and responsibility. The five approved members—Friderica Widyasari Dewi (chair), Hernawan Bekti Sasongko (vice chair), Hasan Fawzi, Dicky Kartikoyono, and Adi Budiarso—have been assigned specific oversight roles, with particular emphasis on strengthening financial sector supervision, consumer protection, and adaptation to fintech and cryptocurrency innovation.

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has forecasted that petrol consumption will increase by 12% during the 2026 Ramadan and Eid holiday period, with fuel supply chains including 125 fuel terminals and 7,888 petrol stations placed on high alert. The ministry projects overall fuel reserves remain secure, though solar diesel is expected to decline 14.5% whilst liquefied petroleum gas distribution is forecast to rise 4%.

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has emphasised the importance of personal relationships in strengthening bilateral ties, describing his warm rapport with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles as fundamental to deepening Indonesia-Australia strategic cooperation. The two officials discussed defence policy management, global developments, and potential collaborative initiatives including joint exercises and the development of a military training facility in Morotai, with discussions extending to trilateral defence cooperation involving Japan. Sjafrie stressed that these personal connections and frequent consultations are key drivers of enhanced state-to-state relations and regional security stability.

The Jakarta Provincial Government has officially launched the Transjabodetabek SH2 bus route connecting Blok M to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on 12 March 2026. The service will charge Rp3,500 per journey during a three-month introductory period, significantly undercutting competing transport services. Following the initial period, fares are expected to increase to between Rp10,000 and Rp15,000 per journey to offset the provincial government's subsidy burden.

House Speaker Puan Maharani has expressed hope that the draft Domestic Worker Protection Law (PPRT) currently being processed in Parliament will enable domestic workers (ART) to work in comfort and harmony. The DPR has approved the bill as a legislative initiative and will begin deliberations with the government, with key provisions covering recruitment, social security protections, education and training. Puan emphasised that all laws passed by the DPR will involve meaningful participation from both the executive and legislative branches, and welcomed public input on the legislation.

An investigation reveals that 11 popular mobile applications widely used in Indonesia were developed by Israeli companies with ties to Israeli military and intelligence agencies, including the Unit 8200 cyber division. The applications, which include navigation (Waze), transportation planning (Moovit), photo editing, and gaming apps, have drawn scrutiny over aggressive data collection practices and potential surveillance capabilities, though they continue to see growing download numbers bolstered by substantial advertising spending and partnerships with major technology firms.

Indonesia's cocoa products have received a boost from the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States, which grants zero-percent tariffs on 1,819 products including cocoa, benefiting approximately 1.2 million farmers and cocoa business operators. The US represents a significant market for Indonesian processed cocoa products, with cocoa butter exports reaching 35,000 tonnes in 2025; however, Indonesia faces intense competition from Malaysia, which possesses established cocoa processing facilities for export.

The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) formally approved the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (PPRT) as a DPR legislative initiative during a plenary session chaired by Speaker Puan Maharani on 12 March 2026. All eight parliamentary factions voiced their positions before the bill was unanimously approved by the assembled legislators, paving the way for further discussion to convert it into law.

A 20-year-old casual labourer identified as FMZ has been arrested by police for breaking into a furniture warehouse in Badung and stealing various carpentry machines worth 9 million rupiah. The suspect sold the stolen equipment, including a compressor and Bosch power tools, through online marketplaces and at different locations for subsistence income.

Telkomsel has won 11 awards based on Opensignal's analysis of real-world experiences from millions of mobile users, announced at MWC 2026 Barcelona. The awards recognise Telkomsel's superiority across multiple metrics including download and upload speeds, video and gaming quality, coverage, and network consistency on both 4G and 5G services across Indonesia.

JKT48 captain Freya has filed a formal police report against anonymous accounts engaged in creating and distributing deepfake pornographic images of herself using AI technology, marking the first high-profile use of Indonesia's new 2024 Information and Electronic Transactions Law amendments. The case invokes Article 35 in conjunction with Article 51 of the revised law targeting electronic data manipulation, with Freya's police clearance examination scheduled as authorities track the perpetrators using cybercrime units. The case is expected to serve as a landmark precedent encouraging other deepfake victims to pursue legal remedies and establish the boundaries of AI ethics and accountability under Indonesian law.

Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured the public that subsidised fuel prices will remain unchanged at least until Eid al-Fitr celebrations conclude, despite global energy commodity prices surging due to heightened geopolitical tensions. The government will absorb the increased costs by increasing budget allocations for subsidies, with additional funding requested through a "buffer fund" approved by President Prabowo Subianto.

Alvi Maulana, a 24-year-old convicted of murdering and mutilating his 25-year-old girlfriend Tiara Angelina Saraswati into hundreds of pieces, has been held in solitary confinement at Mojokerto Class IIB Prison for the past three months. Arrested in September 2025 and transferred to prison in December 2025, Alvi remains in complete isolation in a 2 by 1.5 metre cell to prevent further incidents of self-harm or violence. Prison officials confirm that he is permitted to leave the cell only for court proceedings, medical treatment, or Friday prayers.

Said Abdullah, head of the Indonesian Parliament's Budget Committee, has emphasised that the government's Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is a mandatory education expenditure and therefore cannot be cut from the 2026 state budget. Whilst recommending the government defer non-urgent infrastructure projects and tighten subsidy targeting to create budgetary reserves amid regional tensions, Abdullah stressed that MBG must be implemented, though calling for improved programme governance.

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has approved the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) as a legislative initiative, marking a significant step towards establishing comprehensive legal protections for an estimated 4.2 to 10 million domestic workers in the country. The approval, announced by DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, will enable further discussions with the government to create legislation that guarantees legal certainty, worker protections, and respect for household assistants' rights, a cause the government has pledged to support. The bill addresses longstanding exploitation issues faced by domestic workers, including lack of formal contracts, unclear working conditions, and absence of legal safeguards.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) opened slightly higher on 12 March 2026 but faces limited upside prospects as global oil price volatility, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, weighs on sentiment ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Oil prices surged following attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with WTI crude climbing 7.95 per cent to $94.19 per barrel and Brent rising 8.01 per cent to $99.35, whilst Iran warned prices could reach $200 per barrel if conflict escalates.

Indonesia's meteorological agency BMKG has forecast an extreme dry season for Bali from March to August 2026, lasting approximately six months due to weak El Niño phenomena, with northern regions including Buleleng, Nusa Penida, and southern Klungkung particularly vulnerable to severe drought. The agency projects rainfall will be below normal at 90 per cent, with temperatures expected to remain below 35 degrees Celsius, and has recommended immediate water resource management and drought mitigation measures for regional governments, agricultural sectors, and communities.

Technology company PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GOTO) has released its 2025 financial results, revealing significant contributions from Tokopedia, which ceased being consolidated in February 2024 and became an associated entity. GOTO received Rp820 billion (32% increase year-on-year) in e-commerce service fees from Tokopedia and recognised Rp249 billion in gains from associated entities, with Tokopedia itself recording Rp600 billion in profit for 2025, turning around from the previous year's Rp2.3 trillion loss.

Friderica Widyasari Dewi has been officially approved by Indonesia's parliament to serve as the new chair of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), with her primary focus on integrity reforms in the capital markets amid current financial industry turbulence. She outlined eight priority actions addressing market liquidity, data integrity, investor protection, and law enforcement in coordination with relevant authorities including the police and Ministry of Economy. She called on investors to focus on fundamentals and expressed optimism about Indonesia's long-term investment prospects despite global geopolitical uncertainties.

The Middle East conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel has disrupted global supply chains through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant price increases in fertilisers and commodities critical to food production. Urea fertiliser prices have risen 27 per cent, with ammonia and phosphate each increasing 16 per cent, threatening global agricultural output. The Indonesian government must develop strategies to mitigate the impact on domestic food security and production capacity.

The expert examination hearing in the alleged Chromebook procurement corruption case involving former Education Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim has been postponed to Monday 30 March after he was hospitalised and requires medical surgery on 17 March followed by a 14-day recovery period. Nadiem faces charges of state financial losses totalling Rp2.18 trillion (approximately USD 146 million) related to irregular procurement of Chromebooks and Chrome Device Management systems during the 2020-2022 budget years, allegedly receiving Rp809.59 billion in kickbacks linked to Google investments through PT Gojek Indonesia.

Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles for approximately ninety minutes, discussing national defence policy, Indonesia's stability management, and global developments affecting the region. The two countries explored trilateral defence cooperation with Papua New Guinea and Japan, including plans to jointly rehabilitate and utilise defence infrastructure at Morotai, a former World War II military base.

Rising global oil prices threaten to constrain Indonesia's fiscal space and force the government to make difficult budget decisions, according to economist Lukman Hakim from Sebelas Maret University. The government faces a choice between cutting non-essential programmes or adjusting fuel prices, though both options carry economic risks including inflation pressures or slower economic activity. Policymakers must balance fiscal stability with sustained development priorities.