Indonesia's aesthetic and beauty clinic industry faces intensifying competition as providers leverage medical and non-medical technologies to offer comprehensive beauty, health and wellness treatments. Youthology Aesthetic Clinic, despite challenging market conditions and global economic headwinds, has successfully retained existing patients whilst expanding its customer base through innovative anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation services. Industry insiders expect the sector to maintain promising opportunities as consumer awareness of beauty treatments and preventative aesthetics continues to grow.

Asian-Pacific markets declined sharply on Thursday as investors grappled with volatile oil prices and escalating Middle Eastern tensions, despite unprecedented announcements of emergency crude oil reserve releases by the US and the International Energy Agency (IEA) to stabilise energy markets. The IEA plans to release 400 million barrels, its largest action ever, whilst the US will release 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, yet crude prices continued to surge above $92 per barrel as market concerns persisted. Major Asian indices fell significantly, with Australia's ASX 200 down 1.56%, Japan's Nikkei 225 down 1.6%, and South Korea's Kospi down 0.75%, reflecting broader regional weakness.

The Indonesian government is preparing contingency plans for this year's hajj pilgrimage in response to escalating Middle East conflict, whilst simultaneously advising citizens to postpone umrah journeys for safety reasons. Additionally, the government reports that 13.05 million Indonesians have successfully received free health checks under its Free Health Check (CKG) programme as of March 2026.

Three Biology Education students from Universitas Jember have designed EntoSphere, an intelligent digital-based insect laboratory that integrates artificial intelligence and Internet of Things sensors to monitor and conserve rare insect species whilst maintaining ecosystem balance. The innovation aims to address declining public awareness of insects' critical role in ecological equilibrium and offers an interactive learning approach through the "Insecta Cops" programme, which strengthens scientific literacy and analytical skills in secondary schools. The students hope the initiative will inspire further innovation and demonstrate the importance of institutional support for creative student-led projects.

PT Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Barat dan Banten Tbk (bank bjb) is issuing its second Sustainability Bond with investor demand reaching Rp932.4 billion, demonstrating strong confidence in the bank's performance and prospects. The bond offering features two series with tenors of 3 and 5 years, and is part of a broader Rp2 trillion Sustainable Public Offering programme, with proceeds directed towards environmentally and socially beneficial financing activities. The initiative reflects bank bjb's commitment to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its business strategy and supporting Indonesia's sustainable economic development.

Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced plans to increase LPG imports from the United States to 70% of total supplies, shifting away from traditional Middle Eastern sources to strengthen national energy security amidst global uncertainty. Domestic production meets only about 20% of Indonesia's annual LPG demand of 9 million metric tonnes, necessitating heavy reliance on imports from just two regions, both currently experiencing significant regional conflicts.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has allocated Rp25 trillion in cash to meet transaction needs during the 2026 Eid holiday period, sourced from its average cash balance of Rp19.7 trillion plus Rp5.3 trillion for seven working days. The cash provision is lower than the previous year owing to increased digital payment adoption through services such as QRIS and BRImo, with BRI maintaining over 99 per cent uptime across its ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, and payment infrastructure during the holiday period.

PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni) Jakarta branch has readied nine passenger vessels for the 2026 Eid holiday travel season, with a combined capacity of approximately 18,000 passengers operating from Tanjung Priok port to destinations across Indonesia. All vessels have passed rigorous seaworthiness inspections and Pelni is offering a 30 per cent discount on fares from 11 March to 5 April 2026 to encourage passengers to utilise the service for their holiday travel.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing free mudik (homecoming) transport for 30,774 residents ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, an increase from the initially projected 26,000 due to high public enthusiasm. The free mudik programme is scheduled to depart on 17 March 2026 from the National Monument (Monas) area, with services to 20 terminal destinations across Indonesia.

The Indonesian composite index (IHSG) closed in the red on 11 March, declining 0.69% to 7,389.40, reflecting elevated market volatility driven by geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. The Financial Services Authority's new leadership appointments and GoTo's strong 2025 performance with adjusted EBITDA of Rp2 trillion provide positive sentiment, with analysts recommending five stocks including GOTO, SCMA, UNVR, DOOH, and HATM for investors to consider.

The Gianyar Police precinct held a pre-operation exercise for Operation Ketupat Agung 2026 on 11 March, led by Police Chief AKBP Chandra Citra Kusuma. The training drill prepared personnel and officials for the comprehensive security operations planned for the Eid al-Fitr holiday period in 2026. Chandra emphasised the importance of personnel readiness, discipline, and adherence to procedures to ensure the operation runs professionally and smoothly across Gianyar's jurisdiction.

A mass stranding of 55 short-finned pilot whales on Mbadokai Beach in Rote Ndao, East Nusa Tenggara, resulted in 34 whales being successfully rescued and returned to deeper waters, whilst 21 others died despite a coordinated multi-agency operation. Authorities conducted necropsies on the dead whales and completed burial procedures, whilst urging the public not to take whale parts and highlighting the need for stronger marine rescue coordination and conservation awareness across Indonesia's coasts.

Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has seized 56,027 unsafe processed food products across 38 provinces ahead of Eid al-Fitr, including 27,407 items without distribution permits, 23,776 expired goods, and 4,844 spoiled items. The nationwide inspection campaign, which mobilised 76 local units to inspect 1,134 distribution facilities, found 395 facilities in violation of food safety regulations, with Palembang recording the largest seizure at 10,848 items. The enforcement action addresses the heightened risk of illegal food product circulation during peak consumption periods around Ramadan and Eid, particularly through Indonesia's vulnerable maritime borders.

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works has identified 7,400 potholes across national roads in West Java, with only 226 remaining as of March 2026, targeted for completion within two days. The deterioration is attributed to extreme weather and heavy vehicle traffic, particularly on the northern coastal route, with repairs being accelerated using rapid patching methods ahead of the Eid exodus. Overall road condition in West Java national roads stands at 97.77 per cent compliance, with 33 rest stops established to serve returning travellers.

The Indonesian government is transferring management of Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery from the Social Affairs Ministry to the Defence Ministry by 1 April 2026, following a presidential directive from President Prabowo Subianto. The transition aims to strengthen maintenance, oversight and preservation of the cemetery, which currently contains 216 national heroes' graves, with the Social Affairs Ministry providing transitional support including staffing and financing.

President Prabowo Subianto has set an ambitious target for Danantara Indonesia, the country's sovereign wealth fund, to deposit 50 billion US dollars (approximately 800 trillion rupiah) annually into state coffers. Prabowo acknowledged the fund's strong performance in its first year with a 300 per cent return on asset increase in 2025, whilst setting a long-term goal of 5 per cent minimum ROA to achieve the annual deposit target, positioning Danantara as a potential sixth or seventh largest sovereign wealth fund globally.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended operations of 1,512 nutrition service units (SPPG) across Region II as part of an evaluation process, primarily due to lack of Hygiene Sanitation Certification (SLHS). The agency reports that approximately 40% of the suspended units in Java have already registered for certification, with the remaining units still undergoing the registration process, though the temporary closure is not expected to be long-term.

Oil prices jumped over 7% on Thursday as traders remained sceptical that coordinated releases of 400 million barrels of crude oil from strategic reserves by 32 IEA member nations could offset major supply disruptions caused by Middle Eastern conflict and potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The unprecedented intervention—the largest since the 1973 embargo—only covers approximately one-quarter of the estimated 20 million barrel-per-day supply gap, with significant uncertainties about logistics and distribution timelines contributing to continued market anxiety.

Jakarta's Transjakarta bus service has launched a new route connecting Blok M to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, scheduled to begin operations on 12 March 2026. The new route, which includes multiple stops and toll road segments, will offer a cheaper alternative to other transportation modes, with fares expected to be comparable to existing Transjakarta prices, though the final tariff has yet to be officially determined.

Indonesia's parliament has appointed Friderica Widyasari Dewi as chair of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Hasan Fawzi as chief capital markets supervisor following governance concerns that prompted an MSCI downgrade warning and triggered US$120 billion in market value losses. The new leadership will implement reforms including raising minimum free float requirements to 15 per cent for listed companies over three years to strengthen capital market transparency and restore investor confidence ahead of MSCI's next review.

The Samarinda City Government's Land Rover Defender, which garnered public attention on social media, is a leased vehicle costing Rp160 million per month under a three-year contract with PT Indorent Tbk from 2023 to October 2026. Officials clarified that the vehicle serves as operational transport for VIP visitors rather than exclusive use by the mayor, explaining that leasing was chosen after the original plan to purchase the vehicle failed due to the dealer's inability to provide vehicles with government licence plates.

Meta has removed over 150,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts tied to Southeast Asian scam networks in a major joint enforcement operation involving the Singapore Police Force, Thai authorities, and US law enforcement. The crackdown, part of "Joint Disruption Week," targeted sophisticated fraud syndicates employing tactics including digital arrest scams and cryptocurrency investment fraud, whilst Meta rolled out enhanced anti-scam detection tools across its platforms. The operation underscores the escalating cross-border nature of online fraud in Southeast Asia and the need for coordinated governmental and platform action.

The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture is distributing 5.9 billion sugarcane buds across 10 provinces and 74 districts to develop approximately 99,547 hectares of new sugarcane plantations by 2026, targeting national sugar production of 3 million tons as part of its sugar self-sufficiency programme. This initiative addresses the entire supply chain from seed quality to farmer profitability and aims to reduce Indonesia's dependence on sugar imports whilst strengthening rural farmer livelihoods. The programme builds on 2025 efforts that distributed nearly 1.9 billion sugarcane buds across 32,096 hectares in seven provinces and 56 districts.

The South Jakarta Sub-office of Transportation and the Jagakarsa Motor Vehicle Testing Management Unit are conducting roadworthiness inspections (ramp checks) on intercity buses at Lebak Bulus Terminal from 9 to 29 March 2026 in preparation for the Eid holiday exodus. Preliminary checks on eight buses found all vehicles failed to meet safety standards, with common deficiencies including missing fire extinguishers, faulty seatbelts, retreaded tyres, and blocked emergency exits. Bus operators are required to rectify these issues before resuming operations, whilst inspectors also verify braking systems, lighting, and wipers given current heavy rainfall in Jakarta.

The Indonesian Toll Road Regulatory Agency (BPJT) has set toll rates for the Trans Java toll road as of March 2026, with varying charges for Class I vehicles across different segments from Jakarta to Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. The government has also announced seasonal toll discounts for the 2026 Lebaran holiday period to support travellers.

Mount Semeru, located on the border between Lumajang and Malang regencies in East Java, experienced four eruptions on 12 March 2026, with the tallest eruption column reaching 600 metres above the peak. The volcano has been placed at Alert Level III (Siaga), with authorities imposing activity restrictions across a 13-kilometre radius from the summit and along river valleys due to risks from hot clouds, lava flows, and lahars.

Kombes Adhitya Panji Anom has been inaugurated as the new Head of Sleman Regional Police (Kapolresta) by the Regional Police Chief of Yogyakarta Special Region, replacing Kombes Edy Setyanto Erning Wibowo who was transferred to the Police Legal Division. The appointment follows a disciplinary hearing in which the previous head was reprimanded and demoted for failing to oversee an investigation into a traffic accident case that went viral on social media.

Indonesia's 2026 Eid holiday exodus (mudik Lebaran) is projected to face persistent transportation challenges, including severe congestion at key infrastructure bottlenecks such as the Jakarta-Merak Toll Road, Cipali Toll Road, and the Merak-Bakauheni ferry crossing. The government estimates over 120 million travellers will use various modes of transport, with private vehicles expected to carry approximately 76.24 million people, though critical transit points remain chronically congested despite previous interventions. Parliamentary Commission V leadership has called for enhanced cross-sector coordination among government agencies, local authorities, and transport operators to address these recurring logistical challenges.

A student in Buleleng District, Bali was allegedly raped by an unknown assailant in her home on 10 March 2026 at approximately 3:00 AM while her family was away at hospital. The perpetrator reportedly forced entry into the locked house, turned off lights in the victim's room, and threatened to kill her if she screamed; police are continuing investigation with the perpetrator's identity still unknown and the suspect claiming accomplices were present during the crime.

Indonesia's Police Animal Directorate has acquired four horse riding simulators costing one billion rupiah each to enhance training for officers who work with mounted police units. The simulators, procured in 2016, minimise the risk of injury during training by reducing exposure to the unpredictable behaviour of live horses whilst maintaining high accuracy—approximately nine out of ten—compared to actual horseback riding experience.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) is projected to experience further correction on 12 March 2026 as selling pressure intensifies near resistance levels, with analysts at Binaartha Sekuritas identifying key support and resistance zones. Ivan Rosanova, the lead analyst, recommends five stocks with solid fundamentals, including trading buy ratings for Adaro Andalan Indonesia and buy-on-weakness for Aneka Tambang, with varied price targets ranging from 780 to 9,975 rupiah.

President Prabowo Subianto held a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to discuss escalating military conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, America, and Israel. Prabowo urged an immediate cessation of military operations in the region, warning of serious consequences to regional and international security and stability. The discussion comes amid escalating tensions, including recent Iranian attacks on two oil tankers in Iraqi waters that killed one crew member.

Indonesia's Composite Index (IHSG) declined 0.69% to 7,389.40 on 11 March 2026, following a previous day's gain, as foreign investors executed net sell orders totalling Rp938.66 billion. Bank Central Asia (BBCA) was the most heavily targeted stock for foreign selling, with net outflows of Rp261.93 billion, followed by Bumi Resources and Bank Rakyat Indonesia amongst the top ten most-sold positions.

The Chair of Commission VIII in Parliament has urged the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to mitigate risks from the 2026 hajj pilgrimage amid Middle East escalation, including the possibility of suspending Indonesian pilgrim departures. The Ministry reports that preparations are 95 percent complete and accommodation has been fully secured, whilst communication with Saudi authorities indicates no current intention to cancel the pilgrimage.

Indonesia's flagship free meals programme, designed to provide meals to over 80 million people at an estimated cost of US$20 billion annually, faces a second Constitutional Court challenge from civil groups who argue the 2026 budget law lacks adequate fiscal safeguards, transparency, and public participation. The programme, expected to consume 11 per cent of central government spending in 2026, has drawn criticism that its scale may crowd out spending in education, healthcare, and infrastructure whilst raising accountability concerns in a country already grappling with corruption oversight issues.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has assured that Indonesia's fuel oil imports remain secure despite global supply disruptions caused by Middle Eastern instability, with supplies sourced from neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore rather than the Strait of Hormuz region. Indonesia currently produces 605,000 barrels per day against a national consumption demand of 1.6 million barrels daily, necessitating approximately 1 million barrels of imported crude oil daily; however, recent refinery developments and the B40 biodiesel mandate have eliminated the need to import diesel. The minister emphasised that refined fuel imports are not sourced from the Middle East, with only 20-25 per cent of crude oil imports coming from the region, the majority of which are being diverted to alternative sources in Africa, the Americas, and elsewhere to mitigate Middle East supply risks.

PT Hasnur Internasional Shipping Tbk approved the distribution of a cash dividend of IDR 26.1 billion, or IDR 9.95 per share, equivalent to 30% of the company's net profit for fiscal year 2025 at its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 10 March 2026. The shipping and maritime logistics company recorded net profit of IDR 87.1 billion in 2025 and will retain 70% of earnings for capital strengthening and business development amid volatile global coal prices and regional economic conditions.

Indonesia is experiencing a rising measles outbreak detected in at least 73 cities, prompting health officials to urge the public to exercise caution during Eid family gatherings. Paediatrician Dr Leonirma Tengguna emphasises that casual physical contact with children, including touching, kissing, and hand-feeding, can transmit diseases to those with developing immune systems, and recommends practising hand hygiene and seeking parental permission before interacting with children.

Indonesia's airport operator InJourney reports that nine international flight routes through Soekarno-Hatta and Bali airports have been disrupted due to Middle East geopolitical tensions, affecting approximately 46,000 passengers across 287 flights. In response, InJourney is preparing aircraft parking facilities at several Indonesian airports to support major Middle Eastern carriers including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, positioning Indonesia to benefit from operational disruptions in the region.

Pertamina Patra Niaga has mobilised 57 fuel stations to operate round-the-clock across Bali during the Ramadhan period and Eid al-Fitr 2026 holidays to ensure stable energy supply. The state-owned oil and gas company projects a 5.5 per cent increase in petrol consumption and a 2.2 per cent rise in liquefied petroleum gas consumption, whilst preparing emergency fuel delivery services and additional roadside facilities to support the expected surge in travel demand.

Indonesia's House of Representatives will ratify five new members of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Board of Commissioners for the 2026-2031 period in a plenary session on 12 March 2026, with Friderica Widyasari Dewi appointed as Chair. The selections, made by Commission XI through consensus following fit and proper testing, were based on each candidate's capacity and competence in addressing challenges in the financial services sector.

The Ministry of Health and Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) have signed a memorandum of understanding for 2026–2030 to strengthen cooperation in combating corruption in the healthcare sector. The agreement will enhance coordination, data exchange, and prevention efforts to improve transparency and accountability in health programmes, with both officials emphasising the importance of building integrity culture and effective internal oversight to prevent systemic corruption.

The Indonesian National Police's Traffic Corps (Polri) has announced comprehensive preparations for Operation Ketupat 2026, a mass mobilisation effort to ensure safe travel for millions returning home during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period. The Head of Traffic Corps, Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho, emphasised that the operation represents a humanitarian mission combining traffic management with safeguarding the nation's social and spiritual momentum during Ramadhan and Eid celebrations through stakeholder collaboration and technology deployment.

PT Asuransi Mitra Pelindung Mustika (MPMinsurance) faces continued headwinds in 2026 amid global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and weakened domestic automotive sales. The insurer plans to tackle these challenges through competitive product innovation, digital platform expansion, and leveraging its group ecosystem to reach broader markets and younger demographics.

Malaysia's Ambassador to Indonesia Dato' Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin has called on Indonesia and Malaysia to take special responsibility in ensuring ASEAN remains relevant and resilient amid global economic uncertainty and high US tariff policies. The ambassador advocates intensifying intra-ASEAN trade cooperation and exploring alternative markets as key strategies to address these external pressures.

US President Donald Trump has criticised Spain for failing to cooperate with the United States and reiterated threats to terminate trade relations, citing Spain's refusal to allow American military forces to use its bases for operations against Iran and concerns over defence spending commitments. The dispute has escalated with Spain's Foreign Minister denying claims that the Spanish government has changed its position following initial pressure from Washington.

A prosecutor involved in the high-profile 2-tonne methamphetamine case has apologised before Parliament's Commission III for legal errors in prosecuting a ship crew member, whilst police urge the public to report individuals illegally demanding year-end bonuses (THR) through the emergency hotline 110. The day's legal headlines also covered drug smuggling at Jakarta's international airport involving foreign nationals and the detention of an Indonesian Idol finalist on indecency charges involving a minor.

PT Bumi Resources Tbk (BUMI) and PT RMK Energy Tbk (RMKE) have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop mining infrastructure and optimise coal logistics in South Sumatra, with RMKE constructing haul roads and loading stations near BUMI's subsidiary Pendopo Energi Batubara's mining operations in Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir District. The partnership integrates RMKE's existing logistics network with BUMI's coal mines, enabling more efficient coal distribution via railway systems operated in collaboration with PT Kereta Api Indonesia to RMKE's port facilities, creating a long-term stable revenue stream for both companies through reduced transportation costs for BUMI and recurring income from logistics, port services, and potential coal trading for RMKE.

United States crude oil exports fell in 2025, marking the first decline since 2021 after several years of consecutive increases, with exports dropping to approximately 4.0 million barrels per day according to the US Energy Information Administration. The decline reflects shifting global energy dynamics, with reduced shipments to Europe falling 7 per cent year-on-year due to increased OPEC production, whilst exports to Singapore plummeted 75 per cent and to China fell 89 per cent. Nevertheless, overall US crude oil net imports declined more sharply, from 2.5 million barrels per day in 2024 to 2.2 million barrels per day in 2025, reflecting reduced dependence on foreign energy supplies as domestic production increases.

Iran has shipped at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil to China through the Strait of Hormuz since conflict with the United States and Israel began on 28 February 2026, despite significant disruptions to this critical global energy corridor. Vessel tracking data indicates that whilst many ships have disappeared from radar following Iranian threats to attack vessels in the strait, China remains the primary destination for Iranian crude exports. The Strait of Hormuz typically handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, but maritime traffic has declined sharply due to the conflict, with 10 vessels attacked by Iran in the first two weeks resulting in at least seven fatalities.