The Indonesian parliament has approved five members for the board of commissioners of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) for the 2026-2031 period, following their successful fitness and propriety assessments. Friderica Widyasari Dewi has been selected as chair, with Hernawan Bekti Sasongko as vice chair, and three others assigned to executive head positions overseeing capital markets, market conduct, and financial technology innovation respectively.

Former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas's lawyer visited the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to clarify a 6 March 2026 examination summons, citing inconsistencies with a pretrial court ruling. The KPK confirmed it is awaiting formal documentation from Yaqut's legal team to consider any postponement request, whilst maintaining its intention to proceed with questioning Yaqut this week in connection with allegations of corruption involving additional hajj quotas worth 622 billion rupiah in state losses.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has defended significant tax deductions on holiday allowances (THR) for non-permanent contracted staff (PJLP), stating that the deductions comply with central government regulations. Multiple PJLP workers have complained about unexpectedly large tax cuts ranging from 1.5 to 1.9 million rupiah on their holiday allowances, with deductions appearing to have increased substantially compared to previous years.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is scheduled to examine former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on Thursday, 12 March 2026, but has not signalled an immediate arrest following the questioning. KPK Deputy for Prosecution and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu stated that any arrest decision must be based on meeting numerous legal requirements under the Criminal Code.

The Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI) has expressed appreciation for Muslim organisations including the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Nahdlatul Ulama, and Muhammadiyah for issuing circulars encouraging the evening takbiran (Islamic prayer) to be conducted at home on 19 March 2026, when it coincides with the Hindu holy day of Nyepi. PHDI chairman I Nyoman Kenak stated that this measure is important for maintaining religious harmony in Bali and indicated that individual religious organisations may issue separate circulars to their congregants if a joint interfaith statement remains unchanged.

Sidenreng Rappang Class IIB Detention Centre (Rutan Sidrap) has received a "Good Quality" rating from the Indonesian Ombudsman's 2025 Public Service Maladministration Assessment, demonstrating compliance with established service standards. The facility's leadership has committed to continuous improvement through internal evaluation, infrastructure enhancement, and staff capability development, with the goal of achieving a higher rating in future assessments.

PT Semen Indonesia has signed a business collaboration agreement with Japan's Taiheiyo Cement Corporation to develop soil stabilisation products and services, addressing construction challenges posed by Indonesia's diverse soil conditions. The partnership represents a strategic expansion of Semen Indonesia's product portfolio and aims to open new market opportunities whilst strengthening the companies' joint capabilities in infrastructure development.

The Forum for Police-Community Partnership (FKPM) of Pasar Lama District in Lahat has won first place in a South Sumatra Regional Police competition for community policing forums and village security officials. The award, presented on 11 March 2026, recognises the organisation's active role in supporting police efforts to maintain security and public order through enhanced collaboration between law enforcement and residents. The achievement demonstrates how community participation and effective police-community partnerships can create safer and more conducive living environments.

Indonesia's Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has issued a warning for elevated rainfall across North Maluku from 12–18 March 2026, driven by active atmospheric dynamics including Tropical Cyclone Nuri and positive Southern Oscillation Index values. The agency is urging local governments and residents to prepare infrastructure and water management systems whilst maintaining environmental vigilance to mitigate potential hydrometeorological disasters.

Canada's Ambassador to Indonesia Jess Dutton has expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in West Java Province, meeting with Vice Governor Erwan Setiawan to discuss potential collaborations. The discussions encompass investment, education, technology, trade, clean energy, and human resource development, building on Canada's existing involvement in West Java's economic initiatives including the West Java Investment Summit and the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations held in Bandung in 2024.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that the Indonesian National Armed Forces' (TNI) decision to implement Alert Status 1 has no geopolitical or geo-economic implications and is part of national geostrategic policy. TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto clarified that Alert Status 1 is a standard military procedure commonly used during disaster response operations and personnel readiness assessments.

Indonesia's government has disbursed IDR 493.8 trillion in spending through February 2026, representing 12.8% of the total state budget, a significant increase from the 9.6% recorded in the same period last year. The accelerated spending reflects a deliberate policy shift to distribute budget allocations more evenly throughout the year and avoid year-end clustering, supported by strong tax revenues which increased 30.4% to IDR 245.1 trillion.

Indonesia's new Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance in Child Protection (PP TUNAS) faces calls for greater transparency and clarity in implementation, particularly regarding risk assessment parameters for digital platforms. Experts from ICT Watch and civil society organisations warn that overly restrictive policies could paradoxically push children to unmonitored platforms whilst emphasising the importance of digital literacy, parental oversight, and inclusive policy dialogue that involves children, parents, and educators themselves.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has established a National Command Post for Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026 to coordinate the supply and distribution of fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity, and disaster mitigation. The government has mobilised 125 fuel terminals, 7,885 petrol stations, 40 LPG terminals, and confirmed stable electricity supply with adequate reserves across the national system during the festive period.

Dicky Yuana Rady, former Chief Executive of PT Inhutani V (a state-owned forest management company), appeared before the Corruption Court in Central Jakarta to hear charges in an alleged bribery case involving forest management cooperation. He is accused of receiving SGD 199,000 (approximately Rp2.55 billion) from two private businessmen, Djunaidi Nur and Aditya Simaputra, to facilitate their company's continued forest management contract with Inhutani V in Lampung Province. The two businessmen have already been convicted and sentenced, receiving prison terms of 2 years 4 months and 1 year 6 months respectively, along with substantial fines.

The rupiah's performance is being shaped by sentiment surrounding the International Energy Agency's announcement to release emergency oil reserves amid regional geopolitical tensions. Permata Bank's chief economist Josua Pardede indicated that the IEA's coordinated 400 million barrel release from 32 member nations has exerted only mild downward pressure on global oil prices during Asian trading sessions, with the rupiah opening slightly stronger at Rp16,884 per US dollar. Investor concerns persist that recent oil price spikes could trigger inflation above 3 per cent in March 2026, potentially constraining the Federal Reserve's interest rate reduction plans.

President Prabowo's Chief of Staff Qodari has stated that Indonesia remains secure despite the escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East. Qodari praised Prabowo as a visionary leader whose proactive programmes on food security, implemented over the past 18 months, represent anticipatory measures designed to shield Indonesia from potential global crises.

South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman met with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Indonesia, Faisal Abdullah Al Amoudi, to discuss the ongoing Middle East conflict and express concerns for Saudi security, particularly during Ramadan when many Indonesian Muslims perform pilgrimage. The governor called for all parties to exercise restraint and cease hostilities, citing the humanitarian toll on civilians and the impact on millions of Muslim worshippers during the holy month.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has reported that former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has requested postponement of his examination as a suspect in a hajj quota corruption case scheduled for 12 March 2026. Yaqut's legal counsel cited ongoing pre-trial proceedings and questioned the timing of the KPK's summons issued on 6 March, whilst the KPK awaits formal documentation of any postponement request.

Actor Muhammad Ammar Akbar (Ammar Zoni) and five other defendants are scheduled to face a charges hearing at Jakarta Central District Court regarding allegations of drug trafficking within Salemba Detention Centre in December 2024. The defendants are accused of unlawfully conspiring to trade methamphetamine within the prison, with the case involving direct transactions and distribution coordinated through messaging applications.

Approximately 13,970 part-time government contract workers (PPPK) employed by Bima Regency Administration have been denied holiday allowances (THR) in 2026, as such benefits are not included in their compensation scheme. The regency's spokesperson confirmed that whilst salaries remain unpaid pending completion of employment contract procedures and data reconciliation, the funds have been allocated in the 2026 regional budget and will eventually be disbursed, with projected monthly compensation ranging from 300,000 to 2 million rupiah.

Fire service personnel in Serang City, Banten responded to a call about a locked salon on 5 March and received complimentary spa treatments including massages, hair washing, manicure and pedicure services in gratitude for their assistance. The salon owner had overslept after dawn prayers and locked the staff inside, prompting salon employees to call the fire service when they could not wake him. The salon provided the free treatments as thanks for the firefighters' prompt response during heavy rainfall.

The Roda Amal Bersama Foundation, a West Java-based philanthropic organisation in operation for six years, has expanded its social welfare activities to five municipalities during Ramadan 1447 H with support from individual and corporate donors. The foundation's initiatives include constructing water wells at pesantren and mosques, providing funeral facilities and equipment, and distributing cash assistance and food packages to people with disabilities, orphans, the poor, students, Islamic scholars, and the elderly. The foundation's work originated from grassroots community organising at the neighbourhood level and has since expanded across multiple provinces, supported by major corporations including PT Telkom Indonesia, Bank Rakyat Indonesia, and Telkomsel.

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called for comprehensive evaluation and mitigation strategies ahead of the 2026 hajj pilgrimage, which will take place during ongoing regional conflict. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has confirmed that preparations remain on schedule, whilst emphasising that security and safety of Indonesian pilgrims are the primary considerations in contingency planning discussions involving the Foreign Ministry.

A century-old building on Jalan Teuku Umar in Jakarta's Menteng district, despite its historical standing since 1912, has not been designated as a protected cultural heritage site, according to Jakarta's cultural affairs department. The structure, which is now state property under Indonesian military management and targeted for revitalisation, has deteriorated significantly and lacks official heritage status, clearing the way for potential redevelopment.

President Prabowo Subianto convened a limited meeting to discuss global economic developments and the potential impact of Middle East conflict escalation on the world and Indonesian economies. Government officials confirmed that national fuel and gas supplies are currently adequate, whilst the government will continue to monitor global energy price developments and prepare mitigation measures to keep the state budget under control.

Seven Indonesian ministries have signed a joint decree establishing guidelines for the utilisation and learning of digital technology and artificial intelligence across formal, non-formal, and informal education. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno emphasised that the decree aims to mitigate risks associated with uncontrolled digital technology exposure whilst empowering rather than undermining young Indonesians, citing growing mental health issues linked to excessive screen time and social media use among adolescents.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has signalled that former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, a suspect in the pilgrimage quota case, will not comply with the anti-corruption agency's summons for Thursday. The KPK said it is still awaiting formal documentation if Yaqut intends to request a postponement and has demanded that he provide written explanations for any delay in attending interrogation.

Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has announced comprehensive operational arrangements to facilitate customer transactions during the 2026 Eid holiday period, maintaining 186 selective branch offices and optimising digital channels including the BRImo app. The bank is providing both standard banking services and specialised offerings for core customers, supported by 24-hour access to ATMs and BRILink agent networks across Indonesia.

Global oil prices have surged back above US$100 per barrel, with Brent crude reaching US$100.72 and WTI at US$95.37, driven by escalating Middle East tensions and threats to shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's military attacks on tankers and energy facilities have sparked warnings of prices potentially reaching US$200 per barrel, prompting the International Energy Agency to authorise the largest emergency release of strategic petroleum reserves in its history—400 million barrels—though analysts estimate this will only cover approximately 20 days of supply disruption. Financial markets are already responding to energy uncertainty, with Asian equities weakening and global bond yields rising amid renewed inflation concerns.

Indonesia's House of Representatives plenary assembly has approved a draft law amending the 2014 Copyright Law as an official parliamentary proposal, following inputs from musician representatives and three music industry associations. The revision aims to strengthen copyright protection, regulate digital platforms, address artificial intelligence-generated works, protect traditional cultural expressions, and harmonise Indonesia's copyright framework with international practices in response to rapid digitalisation.

The Bogor Police Department will deploy 65 volunteer traffic assistants (supeltas) along the Puncak route during the Eid holiday period to manage anticipated traffic surges and prevent illegal tolling. The deployment will be supported by 100 personnel from Brimob and 50 officers from Sabhara Baharkam Mabes Polri, with assistants positioned at multiple strategic locations to ensure smooth traffic flow on the main route and alternative roads.

Indonesia's Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono has affirmed that the nation's food security remains stable despite the Iran-US conflict, citing self-sufficiency in staple production and adequate strategic reserves. The government has diversified import sources for essential commodities such as wheat, with total food reserves estimated to meet demand for 324 days. National rice stocks held by state enterprise Perum Bulog currently stand at 3.7 million tonnes, supplemented by additional reserves in the hospitality sector and standing crop potential.

Indonesia's parliament has approved new leadership for the Financial Services Authority (OJK), with Friderica Widyasari appointed as Chair of the Commissioner Board. The appointment was ratified at a plenary session on 12 March 2026, following a fit and proper test examination of all candidates on 11 March. The new leadership team aims to rebuild public confidence in the OJK and strengthen Indonesia's financial services sector.

The Jakarta provincial government will launch a targeted measles immunisation campaign in March 2026 to reach children who have not received complete MR1 vaccination coverage and strengthen immunity against the disease. As of early 2026, Jakarta has recorded 1,236 suspected measles cases, with the highest concentrations in West Jakarta, Central Jakarta, and South Jakarta, primarily affecting children under four years old who have not yet been fully immunised.

Severe traffic congestion stretching approximately 8 kilometres has paralysed Siliwangi Road in Bekasi on Thursday following an accumulation of waste collection trucks from Jakarta's Environmental Services trying to access the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Facility (TPST). The gridlock, which began on Tuesday, is believed to be caused by a landslide that occurred at the facility on the previous Sunday, preventing trucks from entering the disposal area. Drivers report having to wait for up to seven hours to unload their waste, with some remaining stationary on the road for extended periods.

The Indonesian government has launched a People's Credit Programme (KUR) for migrant worker placement in 2026, offering financing of up to IDR100 million at a 6 per cent interest rate to cover pre-departure costs such as training, certification, and travel. The initiative addresses the financial challenges facing prospective migrant workers and aims to reduce reliance on predatory informal lending, with the government committing to aggressive rural outreach and 17 financial institutions participating in its distribution. In 2025, migrant worker remittances reached IDR288 trillion, representing a 14 per cent increase from 2024 and contributing substantially to national economic stability.

Indonesia's National Zakat Board (Baznas) and crowdfunding platform Kitabisa have jointly dispatched 200,000 litres of clean water from Indonesian citizens to the Zeitoun and Tel al-Hawa areas of Gaza, Palestine. The initiative aims to address the severe water shortage affecting approximately 5,000 Palestinians, exacerbated by Israeli military operations that have devastated local water and sanitation infrastructure. Baznas Deputy II expressed hopes that the programme will continue and encourage further Indonesian support for Palestinians facing acute resource scarcity.

The Indonesian government has issued a joint ministerial decree signed by seven ministers establishing guidelines for the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence in education across all levels, from early childhood to higher education. The policy emphasises age-appropriate and controlled use of digital tools and AI, with stricter restrictions at lower education levels and progressively more flexible use at higher levels. The decree aims to maximise the benefits of technology whilst minimising risks to Indonesian learners.

Indonesia faces a 23 per cent shortage of aircraft, exceeding the global deficit of 18 per cent, according to PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia's Deputy Chief Executive Achmad Syahir. This supply-demand imbalance is a primary driver of elevated airfare prices, with recovery from the pandemic still incomplete across Indonesia's aviation sector.

The escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran pose significant economic risks to Indonesia, particularly affecting labour-intensive sectors such as automotive manufacturing which export heavily to the Middle East. With approximately 50 per cent of Indonesia's automotive exports destined for the region currently halted due to conflict, workers face potential production cuts and job losses, highlighting how global conflicts directly impact domestic employment and the need for labour leaders to closely monitor these developments.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas sought to postpone his scheduled examination today through coordination with his legal team. The KPK is awaiting official written confirmation from Yaqut's legal counsel regarding the postponement request. Yaqut and his former special assistant Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex) have been named as suspects in an alleged corruption case involving the 2024 hajj quota, with investigators estimating state losses of 622 billion rupiah.

The Indonesian Government is accelerating road maintenance on the North Coast (Pantura) route ahead of the 2026 Lebaran exodus, with Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo issuing ministerial instructions to ensure infrastructure readiness. Improvements include 13.2 kilometres of resurfacing work in West Java, 40.5 kilometres in Central Java, and 40.73 kilometres in East Java, alongside emergency response teams stationed at strategic points to address potential damage during peak travel periods.

Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai announced a national programme involving journalists, including dedicated human rights classes and a journalism awards competition, to strengthen media's role in advancing human rights civilisation. The government emphasised media's critical function as a guardian of democracy and public consciousness, with Deputy Communications Minister Nezar Patria noting that journalists are recognised as human rights defenders by the National Commission on Human Rights.

Muhammad Ainun Komarullah, an activist and student from Bandung, was arrested by Surabaya police precisely on the day of his release from prison after serving a six-month sentence for managing an Instagram account accused of inciting riots during August 2025 protests at the West Java Regional House building. The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, including Amnesty International Indonesia, who argue it violates principles of justice and may constitute double jeopardy (ne bis in idem) under Indonesian criminal law.

Central government spending reached Rp346.1 trillion by 28 February 2026, representing 11 per cent of the 2026 state budget and a year-on-year growth of 63.7 per cent, according to Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara. The spending encompasses ministerial expenditure, employee costs including salaries for 355,000 new civil servants, holiday allowances, social assistance programmes, and goods procurement, with notable allocations directed towards free nutritious meal programmes, health insurance subsidies, and student financial aid.

Indonesia faces a disproportionately high documentary burden in the US National Trade Estimate Report despite accounting for less than 3 per cent of the US merchandise trade deficit, with 39 recorded barriers compared to 0.25 per billion dollars of deficit for China. The Indonesian-American Relations Treaty (ART) exhibits significant asymmetry, with "Indonesia shall" appearing 214 times against "United States shall" only 9 times, creating binding structural obligations for Indonesia whilst the US retains flexibility through discretionary language. The agreement's legal foundation has shifted fundamentally following a US Supreme Court decision that stripped the President of tariff authority under IEEPA just days after signing, leaving Indonesia's trade concessions exposed to overlapping unilateral US trade mechanisms.

Indonesia's Parliament (DPR) has received three Presidential Letters (Surpres) from President Joko Widodo, including draft legislation on witness and victim protection, cybersecurity and cyber resilience, and formal approval of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Indonesia and Canada. Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani announced the submissions during the 16th plenary session on 12 March 2026, noting that all correspondence will be processed according to parliamentary regulations and procedures.

Many Indonesian workers in retail and service sectors are unable to take leave during Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important religious holidays for Muslims, forcing them to remain in cities far from their families and hometowns. Workers like Erna, a minimarket cashier, and Farah, a mall employee, have endured years without returning home for the celebrations due to rigid shift schedules and staffing constraints in their industries. This situation highlights workplace inequality and the human cost of service sector employment practices in Indonesia.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has stated that the new Transjabodetabek bus route connecting Blok M to Soekarno Hatta Airport will help alleviate traffic congestion around the airport area. With 70-80 per cent of approximately 54.9 million annual airport visitors using private vehicles, the new public transport option is expected to significantly reduce traffic burden whilst offering convenient luggage storage on board.