Bina Sarana Informatika Foundation (UBSI) launched a Ramadhan rice box distribution programme across several campuses of Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika from February 23 to March 13, 2026, providing food packages to surrounding community members during fasting hours. The initiative, titled "UBSI Sharing Fellow Humans," aims to foster empathy and social solidarity whilst providing practical support to those engaged in daily activities with limited means.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas for questioning as a suspect in a hajj quota corruption case following the rejection of his pre-trial lawsuit against the designation. Initial estimates suggest state losses exceeding Rp 1 trillion related to alleged corruption in determining and administering hajj quotas for the 2023-2024 pilgrimage season.

The East Jakarta City Government sealed a padel court on Jalan Kolonel Sutomo in Makasar on 12 March 2026 after discovering that the building permit was issued in 2018 for residential dormitory construction, not a sports facility. This marks the eighth padel court sealed by the East Jakarta Sub-agency for Public Works, Spatial Planning, and Land in response to regulatory violations affecting the city's 57 padel courts, of which approximately 27 operate without proper licensing.

Ahmad Ronny Hasiholan, 44, has been arrested and detained on suspicion of murdering his second wife, DH, 56, in Depok in October 2025, following a domestic dispute over her request for divorce. He faces charges under Article 458 of the Indonesian Criminal Code with a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment. The victim's remains were discovered in March 2026, hidden under a pile of clothing in her bedroom.

Chicken and beef prices at markets in East Jakarta have started to increase as Ramadhan progresses towards Eid al-Fitr, with chicken rising from Rp45,000 to approximately Rp50,000 per kilogramme and beef from Rp130,000-135,000 to Rp145,000-150,000 per kilogramme. The price increases are driven by rising consumer demand as residents prepare for the religious celebration, though market vendors confirm adequate stocks remain available. Indonesia's Trade Minister has assured that basic commodity prices remain controlled through the government's online price monitoring system covering 550 markets across 514 districts nationwide.

The East Nusa Tenggara Police have launched Operation Ketupat Turangga 2026, deploying 3,068 personnel to ensure safety and smooth travel during Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, with coordination across multiple agencies including military, disaster management, and transport authorities. The operation anticipates approximately 143.9 million people travelling during the holiday period, with peak travel predicted for 14-15 March and 18-19 March, and return traffic on 24-25 and 28-29 March 2026. Security measures focus on protecting vital infrastructure including 14 airports, 38 ports, 28 terminals, and 201 mosques, whilst maintaining emphasis on prevention, detection, and enforcement of strict action against conventional crime, gang violence, and illegal racing.

Bali's Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) facility is on the verge of entering its construction phase, with the government targeting a groundbreaking ceremony in June 2026. Balinese Governor Wayan Koster stated that all preparatory work including land acquisition, road access, and community consultation has been completed, with residents giving their approval. The central government, through the Coordinating Ministry for Food Security, has committed to expediting the project, which involves Chinese investor Zhejiang Weiming Environment Protection and aims to address Bali's escalating waste management challenges.

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) will reopen the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) in Pamekasan following improvements to its kitchen, after a controversy involving the serving of raw marinated catfish in the school feeding programme prompted school rejections. The SPPG provides meals to 3,329 beneficiaries including students and vulnerable groups, with the agency emphasising that the suspension period will be used to ensure food quality and safety standards.

National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas) Commander Irjen Agus Suryonugroho has launched Operation Ketupat 2026, a humanitarian initiative designed to ensure safe and orderly travel during Indonesia's Ramadan and Idul Fitri homecoming period. The operation, underpinned by real-time data and technology systems, aims to prevent both criminal incidents and traffic congestion, with the tagline "Safe Homecoming, Happy Families" reflecting the government's commitment to the security and wellbeing of travellers and their families.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has announced comprehensive operational preparations to ensure uninterrupted banking services during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday period. The bank will keep 186 branch offices operational at strategic locations whilst optimising digital service channels, ATM networks, and BRILink agents to meet increased transaction demands during the extended public holiday.

The Institute for Economic and Social Research at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (LPEM FEB UI) has forecasted that annual inflation will decline in March 2026 to between 3.07% and 3.51% year-on-year, after rising to 3.55% in January and 4.76% in February 2026. The projection factors in potential energy price pressures from the Iran-Israel-US conflict in the Middle East, which could push crude oil prices to around $170 per barrel, though the moderation is expected due to the expiration of low-base effects and the absence of electricity tariff discounts that ended in March 2025. Inflationary pressures will still persist from seasonal Ramadan and Eid factors, as well as non-subsidised fuel price adjustments on 1 March 2026.

Indonesia's composite index IHSG opened down 15 points (0.21%) at 7,374 on 12 March 2026 as analysts predict continued correction driven by Middle East tensions. Global oil prices have surged above US$87-92 per barrel amid Iran-US conflict, despite the International Energy Agency announcing the release of 400 million barrels from emergency reserves. Asian markets showed mixed performance with most trading cautiously as investors assess the broadening impact of Middle East instability on energy prices and economic growth.

On the 12th day of armed conflict in the Middle East, Iran's senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei denounced US President Trump as "Satan" and reiterated Iran's commitment to eliminating Israel from the region. The escalating tensions follow Trump's claims of military success in what he calls "Operation Epic Fury," whilst Iranian Revolutionary Guards report conducting retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli targets, with over 1,200 Iranian deaths reported since fighting began on 28 February 2026.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Kuwait, Bahrain, Pakistan, and Qatar to discuss Middle East developments and promote dialogue following US-Israel military strikes against Iran. China, positioning itself as a strategic partner of Gulf nations, has dispatched a special envoy to the region and called for an immediate ceasefire, condemning attacks on civilian targets and describing the military operations as violations of international law.

Apple has officially launched its fifth Developer Academy in Indonesia, situated in Autograph Tower, Jakarta, in partnership with Universitas Ciputra. The inaugural cohort welcomes over 100 aspiring developers and entrepreneurs, with capacity projected to exceed 200 participants annually, bringing the total across all five Indonesian academies to over 700 participants from 77 cities and 27 provinces by 2026. Since the programme's inception in 2018, nearly 3,000 graduates have completed the training, with 95 per cent now employed in technology and innovation sectors and graduates having launched over 250 apps and nearly 100 tech startups.

Antam precious metal gold prices fell sharply on 12 March 2026, with the 1-gram unit trading at Rp3,042,000 per bar, down Rp45,000 from the previous session. The decline mirrors weakness in international gold markets, which traded at US$5,153.27 per troy ounce, down 0.43%, amid pressure from a stronger US dollar. The buyback price for Antam gold also weakened to Rp2,804,000 per gram, offering potential purchasing opportunities for those with available funds.

Indonesia's National Committee for Islamic Economics and Finance (KNEKS) has proposed a blended financing scheme combining Sukuk instruments with Islamic social funds to strengthen financing for solar energy projects. The scheme seeks to mobilise Indonesia's substantial Islamic social finance potential—estimated at Rp327 trillion annually in zakat and Rp180 trillion in waqf funds—to expand renewable energy development and support the government's transition to green economy and net-zero emissions targets.

President Prabowo Subianto telephoned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss escalating military tensions in the Middle East and urged an immediate cessation of military operations in the region. Prabowo warned that continued military action threatens regional security and stability, demonstrating Indonesia's diplomatic engagement in international affairs.

The Indonesian Composite Index (IHSG) declined 14.50 points or 0.20 per cent to 7,374.90 in early trading on Thursday, 12 March 2026, with trading volume reaching 2.268 billion shares valued at approximately Rp 1.108 trillion. Market analysts attribute the weakness to external pressures, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that are triggering volatility in global financial markets and prompting investors to shift towards safer assets. The IHSG is expected to trade range-bound with technical support at 7,320–7,350 and resistance at 7,450–7,500 in the near term.

Former Constitutional Court Chief Jimly Asshiddiqie has proposed elevating Indonesia's General Election Commission (KPU) to a fourth branch of government, independent from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Jimly argued that the KPU should not be subordinate to the president or parliament, who are both election participants, and suggested that KPU members should serve until retirement at 65, similar to constitutional judges, rather than on fixed terms.

PT Pelni Jakarta forecasts a 6-7 percent increase in passengers utilising its shipping services from Tanjung Priok Port during the 2026 Eid holiday exodus, reaching approximately 49,100 travellers. The anticipated rise is attributed to a government subsidy programme offering 30 percent discounts on ferry tickets, with Pelni implementing enhanced security measures and online ticketing systems to prevent scalping and ensure passenger safety.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has disclosed that Indonesia's crude oil imports from the Middle East account for only 20-25% of total national demand, with imports sourced from numerous countries including Angola, Africa, the United States, Brazil, and Australia. The minister stated that the government plans to further diversify import sources by shifting supplies to the Americas and Africa to mitigate risks from potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and reduce dependency on Middle Eastern sources.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission XI has appointed Friderica Widyasari Dewi as the new Chairman of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Board of Commissioners, following leadership turmoil triggered by MSCI's suspension of rebalancing Indonesian securities. The selection of Friderica and four other board members—including Hasan Fawzi, Adi Budiarso, Dicky Kartikoyono, and Hernawan Bekti Sasongko—was based on their demonstrated responsiveness to market volatility and their competence in financial sector oversight. The appointments come after the previous leadership resigned in January 2026 amid significant disruptions to Indonesia's capital market.

East Nusa Tenggara police have deployed 3,068 security personnel, comprising 1,144 police officers and 1,924 related agency personnel, for Operation Ketupat Turangga 2026 to secure Eid al-Fitr celebrations and homecoming travel from 13-25 March 2026. The operation includes 91 service posts, 38 security posts, and surveillance of critical infrastructure including airports, ports, terminals, shopping centres, and tourist sites. Security officials emphasise early detection, prevention, and strict but humane enforcement against conventional crimes including street fights and illegal racing.

An opinion piece examines why Indonesian farmers, despite conducting annual rice harvests, remain trapped in poverty cycles and argues that comprehensive agricultural extension programmes are essential to improving both the quality of paddy rice and farmers' livelihoods. The author proposes a ten-point strategic framework encompassing needs assessment, capacity building, market access improvement, and stakeholder collaboration to transform agricultural extension delivery and enhance farmer prosperity.

Lely R, a 33-year-old illegal Indonesian migrant worker from Bekasi, has been stranded at the Indonesian Embassy in Morocco since February 2026 after finding employment through an unofficial agent via social media. Desperate to reunite with her 18-month-old child, she is appealing to Bekasi City officials and West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi for government assistance with repatriation documentation and flights back to Indonesia.

The Trump administration has launched a new trade investigation into China, Mexico, the European Union, and more than a dozen other countries, including Indonesia, based on Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act. This move seeks to replace the reciprocal tariff policy that was recently declared illegal by the US Supreme Court. The investigation aims to identify unfair trade practices related to excess manufacturing capacity and will potentially result in new tariff measures against the investigated nations.

Jetour Indonesia has declared the case closed following a joint investigation with the Ministry of Transportation and the National Committee for Transportation Safety (KNKT) into a February 2026 incident in which a Jetour T2 vehicle caught fire on the Jagorawi toll road. The investigation concluded that the fire was caused purely by accident, with the vehicle's safety systems functioning as designed and meeting both Indonesian and international safety standards.

Soekarno Hatta International Airport anticipates 3.01 million passengers during the March 2026 Lebaran travel period, representing a 2.2 per cent increase from the previous year, with 19,891 scheduled flights including 735 additional charter flights. Peak traffic is predicted for 18 March with 187,202 passengers and 1,193 flights, whilst the return peak is forecast for 28 March with 198,387 passengers and 1,221 flights. PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia has implemented comprehensive preparations including deploying 7,832 personnel per shift, ensuring all infrastructure is operational, and establishing contingency plans for weather and emergency situations.

The United States has removed THAAD and Patriot air defence systems from South Korea to support operations against Iran following strikes on 28 February 2026, creating a temporary vulnerability gap in Seoul's defences against North Korean missiles. The withdrawal coincided with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's deliberate test-firing of cruise missiles from a naval destroyer on the same day Seoul publicly admitted the pullout, signalling Pyongyang's willingness to exploit the strategic opening. The incident exposes broader American constraints in maintaining simultaneous defence commitments across Asia and the Middle East with finite missile stockpiles and production capacity.

A South Jakarta District Court judge has rejected Yaqut Cholil Qoumas's pre-trial challenge to his designation as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the hajj quota scheme, ruling that the KPK's suspicion designation met all legal requirements. The court's decision clears the way for the Anti-Corruption Commission to proceed with its investigation and move the case to the next stages of prosecution.

A recent Harvard Business Review study has found that intensive use of artificial intelligence can trigger cognitive fatigue, a phenomenon termed "AI brain fry", with approximately 14 per cent of nearly 1,500 surveyed workers reporting symptoms including difficulty concentrating, information overwhelm, and slower decision-making. The research highlights a paradox: whilst AI can reduce stress by automating routine tasks, excessive interaction with multiple AI tools can overwhelm workers' cognitive capacity, particularly affecting those in marketing, software development, human resources, finance, and information technology sectors.

The National Zakat Board (Baznas) has distributed 4,050 ready-to-eat meal portions to communities affected by disasters in Aceh and North Sumatra through its "Ramadan Blessed Meals" programme. The distribution, conducted on 11 March, prioritised heavily impacted areas and permanent settlement housing (huntap), with North Sumatra's Aek Latong settlement receiving special attention as it houses many displaced residents.

PT Hexindo Adiperkasa has donated the use of Morooka MST800 carrier dump units to Pidie Jaya District in Aceh to support disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. The heavy equipment, specifically designed for challenging terrain, will assist in debris clearance, material movement, and logistics mobilisation in areas inaccessible by conventional vehicles. Hexindo has also previously provided excavator units to North Aceh and West Sumatra for flood recovery and infrastructure repairs.

A voice note from a senior doctor at Tabanan General Hospital (RSUD Tabanan) indicating medicine shortages triggered public concern and anger from the regent. Hospital management attributed the shortage to incomplete BPJS claims processing during a system transition from manual to digital, citing accumulated debts exceeding Rp 36 billion. The regent and regional parliament have demanded a comprehensive evaluation of the hospital's management and strengthened administrative processes to prevent future healthcare disruptions.

Manokwari Regent Hermus Indou has requested Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin's support for constructing and upgrading regional general hospitals (RSUD) and health centres (puskesmas) across the West Papua district. The request was made during an audience in Jakarta on 11 March, with the regent emphasising the urgent need for healthcare infrastructure improvements to address geographic challenges, uneven population distribution, and high disease burdens. The Health Minister responded by recommending the district utilise special allocation funds (DAK) for the projects, with phased central government support beginning in 2027 for hospital construction and renovation, conditional on improved hospital governance with direct ministry support.

Global gold prices fell 0.4 percent to $5,169.02 per ounce as the US dollar strengthened and inflation concerns continued to pressure markets. The weakness in gold reflected a struggle between safe-haven demand driven by geopolitical tensions and diminished appeal due to persistently high interest rates. Meanwhile, crude oil prices surged approximately 4 percent following fresh attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran warning that oil could spike to $200 per barrel.

Indonesia's Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) opened 0.13% higher at 7,398.85 on 12 March 2026, outperforming other Asian exchanges which declined amid geopolitical tensions and oil price volatility. Market sentiment is driven by anticipation of US inflation data, budget resilience against escalating geopolitical tensions, and the strategic leadership transition at Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK), with five new board members approved by Parliament.

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla has criticised the structure of the Board of Peace (BoP), arguing that it fails to reflect genuine efforts to achieve peace due to excessive US dominance and the US President's dual role as chairman with veto power. Kalla questioned the effectiveness of a peace forum led by a nation engaged in military operations, noting that Iran was attacked just one month after the BoP was signed at Davos in February. Indonesia has suspended discussions on the BoP following the escalation of conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, prioritising the monitoring of regional developments and the safety of Indonesian citizens.

Asian-Pacific stock markets fell sharply on 12 March 2026 following escalating tensions in the Middle East and volatile crude oil prices. The United States and the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced emergency releases of strategic oil reserves—172 million barrels from the US and 400 million barrels from the IEA—in an effort to stabilise global energy markets and prevent further price volatility. Regional indices across Japan, South Korea, and Australia recorded significant declines, reflecting investor concern over energy supply disruptions.

Former Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas attended questioning by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on 12 March as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas. Following a failed pre-trial bid to halt the investigation, the KPK confirmed it would pursue the case as a priority, with investigations already underway since August 2025 and the state alleged to have suffered losses of Rp622 billion.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that the military campaign against Iran is now nearly complete, claiming the operation has progressed far faster than initially anticipated. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry responded by reiterating calls on both the United States and Israel to cease attacks on Iran, whilst urging Iran to halt strikes against neighbouring countries, and emphasising the need for dialogue and adherence to international law.

PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales reports that vehicle exports from Indonesia are proceeding normally despite escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States affecting global trade routes. The company is closely monitoring international logistics developments and potential impacts such as rising shipping costs, but expects limited disruption to its Indonesian operations owing to a high local content ratio and support from over 400 domestic suppliers. Suzuki targets maintaining or exceeding its 2025 export figures of 60,000 vehicles and 30,000 motorcycles in 2026.

PT Telkom Indonesia is undertaking a major corporate restructuring to streamline its subsidiary portfolio, reducing the number of entities from approximately 60 to 14 through divestitures, closures, mergers, and the elimination of non-strategic minority stakes. The consolidation is part of the company's broader transformation programme (TLKM 30) aimed at strengthening core business focus, improving asset management, and enhancing corporate governance.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) scheduled an examination of former Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on 12 March 2026 in his capacity as a suspect in a hajj quota corruption case involving the 2023-2024 pilgrimage seasons. The South Jakarta District Court has rejected Yaqut's pretrial motion, affirming his status as a suspect in the inquiry.

India's Supreme Court has issued a landmark judgment declaring menstrual health an integral component of fundamental rights, mandating all states and schools to provide free biodegradable sanitary pads, functional gender-segregated toilets, and menstrual health education. The ruling transforms menstrual hygiene from a welfare scheme into an enforceable constitutional right, addressing the annual dropout of 23 million girls and advancing gender equality across India.

A DPR Commission IX member has called for urgent action following government findings that nearly 10 per cent of approximately 7 million children screened in the Free Health Check programme showed signs of anxiety and depression. The legislator emphasises the need to strengthen primary healthcare services, particularly community health centres (Puskesmas) and community health posts (Posyandu), with early detection and prevention strategies integrated across families, schools, and communities.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto addressed the Asian Leaders Roundtable at Tokyo Conference 2026, highlighting the erosion of multilateralism amid rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism in the global order. He emphasised the strategic importance of strengthened Asian regional cooperation, particularly given the continent's projected 52 per cent contribution to global GDP by 2050, and stressed Indonesia's commitment to energy security through renewable energy development and biofuel acceleration programmes. Hartarto called on Asia to maintain inclusive, rules-based multilateralism as a counterbalance to unilateral and bilateral approaches dominating current global dynamics.

The newly completed Bawen-Ambarawa toll road section (Section 6 of the Jogja-Bawen toll) will open temporarily to manage traffic congestion during the 2026 Lebaran exodus, with an estimated 7,000 vehicles redirected daily through the new route. The functional gate will operate in two phases—the homecoming (mudik) phase starting 13 March using the Ambon lane, and the return phase from 23 March using the Bandung lane—to alleviate severe bottlenecks at the Bawen intersection that have historically caused kilometres-long traffic jams.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has implemented new regulations requiring companies conducting initial public offerings (IPOs) to deposit proceeds into a dedicated, segregated bank account to enhance transparency and oversight of capital market activities. The measure, outlined in OJK Regulation No. 40 of 2025, forms part of broader efforts to strengthen governance and prevent misuse of IPO funds. Non-compliance can result in administrative sanctions ranging from written warnings to business license revocation.