Malaysian energy company Petronas has discovered the first hydrocarbon reserves in the Barokah-1 exploration well in the North Ketapang Block off East Java's coast, strengthening the region's potential as a significant gas and oil resource area. Operating with a 51 percent stake alongside Indonesian partners Pertamina Hulu Energi North Ketapang (15 percent) and Earthon North Ketapang Pte. Ltd. (34 percent), Petronas will conduct further technical studies to determine reserve size and production potential. The discovery underscores Indonesia's ongoing energy development strategy and comes amid parallel progress on the Hidayah Field in North Madura II, which reached final investment decision in October 2024.

Regent Fandi Akhmad Yani of Gresik inspected the preparation of Kolak Ayam (Sanggring), a 501-year-old Islamic cultural tradition performed on the 23rd night of Ramadan, and emphasised its preservation as both a spiritual practice honouring the Islamic missionary work of Sunan Dalem and a marker of community identity. Designated as Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019, the tradition continues to unite thousands of residents through its ceremonial preparation and distribution of chicken soup made according to a centuries-old recipe believed to have healing properties.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has officially detained former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on 12 March 2026 for suspected corruption related to the allocation of additional hajj quotas in 2023-2024, with a 20-day detention period ending on 31 March. The investigation centres on allegations that additional 20,000 hajj quotas from Saudi Arabia were irregularly distributed as 50% regular and 50% special pilgrimages, contrary to the legal requirement of 92%-8%, causing approximately 8,400 prospective regular pilgrims who had waited over a decade to be unable to travel. Preliminary investigations suggest the alleged irregularities resulted in state losses exceeding 622 billion rupiah.

The Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) of the Ministry of Home Affairs released demographic data for the second semester of 2025, revealing that 5.5 million Indonesian residents experienced divorce, with 137 million residents holding married status. The demographic data, released on 12 March 2026, reflects Indonesia's family-centred cultural and religious norms, and represents the government's effort to maintain accurate population records for future planning.

The South Sumatra Police Chief has launched the official Ketupat Musi 2026 operation to provide maximum security and services to holiday travellers during Eid celebrations, deploying 2,361 personnel across 73 strategic posts. The operation was formally inaugurated at a troop gathering ceremony attended by the South Sumatra Governor and high-ranking officials from police, military, and local government, reflecting strong inter-agency coordination. With national projections estimating 143.9 million people will be travelling during Eid, the comprehensive security and service deployment aims to ensure safe, comfortable, and smooth travel for worshippers across the region.

Indonesia's Tourism Ministry is continuously monitoring developments in the Middle East conflict and global dynamics to maintain the safety of the country's tourism destinations. The ministry is implementing adaptive measures including market diversification, intensified digital promotions, and international events to sustain tourism growth momentum amidst international travel uncertainty. Foreign visitor arrivals remain robust with Malaysia leading at 150,500 visits, while domestic tourism reached 102.04 million trips in January 2026, with the government targeting 1.18 billion domestic trips for 2026.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto will brief President Prabowo on Friday regarding the domestic economy, with escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel threatening global oil prices and Indonesia's fiscal stability. The government warns that each US$1 per barrel increase above the budgeted US$70 assumption could add approximately Rp6.7 trillion to the national budget deficit, with crude oil already trading above US$90 per barrel. Despite substantial fiscal pressures from rising energy subsidies, the government expects some offset from windfall revenues in other commodities and has strategies in place to mitigate the broader economic impacts on logistics and supply chain sectors.

President Prabowo Subianto has approved a presidential aid fund for constructing fences and barriers at Way Kambas National Park in Lampung to address decades of human-wildlife conflicts, particularly involving wild elephants. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni revealed the initial budget of 2 trillion rupiah was reduced to 839 billion rupiah through efficiency measures, with plans for embankments and steel barriers currently undergoing testing based on African and Indian experiences.

The Judicial Commission (KY) has scheduled an ethics examination of the Chief and Deputy Chief of Depok District Court on Friday (13 March) after they were named suspects in an alleged bribery case by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The two judges, I Wayan Eka Marianta and Bambang Setyawan, were previously dismissed by the Supreme Court and are accused of accepting bribes in connection with a land dispute case involving 6,500 square metres. The KPK's operation resulted in seven arrests in February 2026, with five subsequently named as suspects including the two judges and officials from state-owned enterprise subsidiary PT Karabha Digdaya.

Digital forensics expert Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar visited former President Joko Widodo at his residence in Solo to apologise for errors in his scientific analysis of Widodo's UGM degree certificate, which he had previously contested in a co-authored book. After conducting a two-month re-examination, Rismon concluded the degree certificate is authentic, contradicting his earlier findings, and plans to rewrite the disputed publication; Widodo declined to make any public statement following the meeting.

The Cirebon Police Resort has mobilised 1,200 combined personnel for Operation Ketupat Lodaya 2026, a security operation running from 13 to 25 March to manage the Eid al-Fitr exodus. The operation, which includes 11 service and security posts, anticipates peak traffic on 14 March as national surveys estimate 143.9 million people will travel across Indonesia during the Eid holiday period.

Indonesia's population reached 288.3 million people in the second semester of 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs' Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration, with males accounting for 145.5 million and females 142.8 million. The population increase of 1.6 million from the first semester reflects the slight male-to-female imbalance, which remains within normal demographic parameters and informs government planning in healthcare, education, and social welfare. Population distribution remains heavily concentrated in Java at 55.55 per cent, with West Java, East Java, and Central Java hosting the three largest provincial populations, while eastern regions such as West Papua, South Papua, and Southwest Papua have the smallest populations.

Indonesia's Criminal Police Directorate (Bareskrim Polri) arrested A. Hamid alias Boy, a wanted drug trafficker and associate of Koko Erwin, in Pontianak, West Kalimantan on 10 March. The arrest followed intelligence operations and revealed Boy's involvement in providing approximately 1.8 billion rupiah to Senior Police Officer Malaungi between June and November 2025, with funds subsequently passed to former Bima City Police Chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro, indicating a corruption network within law enforcement.

Indonesia has signed a framework agreement with British chip design giant ARM Limited, which represents a crucial opportunity for the nation to accelerate semiconductor technology transfer and strengthen national technological capacity. Rather than immediately building expensive wafer fabrication plants, experts recommend Indonesia focus on establishing domestic chip design centres and developing semiconductor engineering talent, positioning the country as a potential Southeast Asian semiconductor talent hub within one to two decades.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has uncovered a corruption scheme within the Hajj quota administration system where prospective pilgrims could bypass the national waiting list by paying USD 5,000, facilitated by officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Former Religious Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his special aide Ishfah Abidal Aziz have been named as suspects, with investigations revealing an estimated state loss of Rp622 billion and improper quota distribution that violated established regulations.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration has released data showing the most common names across the country's major islands based on 2025 census data. Nurhayati emerges as the most popular female name nationally with 84,350 bearers in Sumatra alone, whilst Sutrisno and Sulastri dominate male and female rankings respectively on Java, the country's most populous island.

As Indonesia approaches the peak exodus period during Ramadan's third week, KAI Logistics reports a 5 percent increase in motorcycle shipments, with 2,300 units distributed in the second week of Ramadan compared to 2,217 units in the first week. The company encourages customers to follow safety procedures, including emptying fuel tanks and removing accessories, to ensure vehicles arrive safely at their destinations and facilitate mobility in hometowns.

Consumers in Jakarta are experiencing significant difficulties obtaining ride-hailing drivers during peak hours, particularly in late afternoons before iftar time, with repeated cancellations and inflated prices. A private employee reported waiting 20 minutes with three cancellations before securing a ride, with fares rising by up to 7,000 rupiah, whilst a restaurant owner noted delivery times regularly exceeding app estimates and quality degradation. Drivers confirm deliberately disabling their applications or avoiding orders during certain hours, exacerbating supply shortages during peak demand periods.

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has assured the public that non-subsidised fuel stocks, including Pertamax (RON 92) and Pertamina Dex diesel, have adequate reserves averaging 29-45 days, well above regulatory requirements. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia clarified that the often-cited 21-23 day storage capacity figure does not mean fuel will run out, but rather represents the maximum holding capacity of storage tanks that are continuously replenished daily through ongoing production.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, former Minister of Religious Affairs (2020-2024), on suspicion of corruption related to hajj quotas and pilgrimage management. The alleged corruption has caused state financial losses of approximately Rp622 billion.

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has launched an appeal for continued blood donations ahead of the Eid holiday travel period, emphasising the critical need to maintain national blood stock supplies, particularly for dengue fever patients, amid a decline in donor numbers during Ramadan. Although some donors fear weakened physical condition after donation during fasting, PMI reports current blood supplies remain adequate and has implemented emergency reserves and cross-regional coordination to ensure distribution. The initiative is bolstered by a new "United Against Dengue" alliance launched by Takeda Pharmaceutical, IFRC, and PMI to strengthen dengue prevention through cross-sector collaboration and community education, as Indonesia faces over 1.05 million dengue hospitalisations annually with an economic burden approaching Rp3 trillion.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto has deployed 105,365 personnel to secure the nation during the 2026 Eid holiday travel period. Personnel will be positioned at key transit points including terminals, airports, train stations, and major road networks, with additional forces protecting vital infrastructure in major cities. The deployment will extend throughout both the outbound and return journey phases, supported by 3,501 vehicles and various military assets across land, sea, and air operations.

A prominent Indonesian psychiatrist has emphasised that gambling addiction, including online gambling, requires medical intervention as it causes brain damage, particularly in the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making. Treatment combining cognitive-behavioural therapy, transmagnetic stimulation, and pharmacological intervention has achieved recovery rates exceeding 85 per cent within three months, and affected individuals and their families should not hesitate to seek help.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo attended an Iftar gathering with the Indonesian Muslim Students Association, emphasising a paradigm shift from police protection to public service and the importance of national unity among younger generations. The Police Chief highlighted Indonesia's critical demographic opportunity between 2030–2035 to become a developed nation, urging students not to allow the country to become divided whilst facing unfavourable global conditions.

A video of a Daihatsu Sigra bearing license plate A-1801-YI parked on the roadside in Cibodas, Tangerang for approximately two weeks has gone viral on social media, triggering a police investigation. The Jatiuwung Police Precinct has identified the vehicle owner as an individual with initials YN residing in Suka Mantri and is questioning the motives behind the prolonged parking while advising the owner to park in designated areas rather than on road shoulders.

The Director General of Perum BULOG, Letjen TNI (Ret) Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, attended an iftar meal hosted by Indonesian police and military leadership at Bhayangkara Field, demonstrating institutional support for inter-agency coordination on national stability. The event brought together senior government officials and national figures to strengthen solidarity between the police and military, with the National Police Chief emphasising the importance of collective resilience amid global geopolitical instability and regional conflicts. BULOG committed to supporting the government's food security and national self-sufficiency programmes through cross-institutional collaboration.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster has reported an 8 per cent increase in foreign tourist arrivals to the island through 8 March ahead of the Nyepi (Hindu Day of Silence) and Eid al-Fitr celebrations in 2026, attributing the growth to stable security and visitor comfort. Hotel operators in Denpasar are projecting increased occupancy in the days following Eid al-Fitr, with domestic tourism expected to dominate, whilst noting occupancy during Nyepi itself remains flat as residents prioritise religious observances.

Indonesia's embassy in Warsaw hosted the fourth Indonesia-Poland Tourism Business Forum, generating 7.579 million USD (approximately 128 billion rupiah) in transaction potential through 693 business matches between Indonesian and Polish tourism industry players. Polish tourist arrivals to Indonesia reached 68,100 in 2025, a 62.2 per cent increase from 2023 and the highest since 2017, positioning Poland as the eighth-largest European source of tourists to Indonesia.

The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government has launched an emergency measles immunisation programme across health centres in three districts—Bima City, Bima Regency, and Dompu Regency—which are experiencing measles outbreaks. The initiative targets infants and toddlers aged 9 to 59 months to break the chain of measles transmission, supported by enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and public education on vaccination and disease symptoms.

A wave of corruption arrests targeting regional leaders by Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has exposed critical governance weaknesses in local administrations. Researchers from Indonesia Corruption Watch attribute the trend to inadequate internal oversight systems and excessive discretionary power granted to regional heads, particularly in procurement and appointment decisions, highlighting the need for stronger checks and balances.

The Indonesian Dialysis Patients Community (KPCDI) has called for urgent government reform of the national kidney service system, citing that 98% of patients are restricted to haemodialysis whilst alternative therapies like CAPD and transplantation remain severely limited. The group warns that this policy failure is driving rising mortality rates (over 50,000 deaths annually), unsustainable healthcare spending that climbed from Rp6.5 trillion in 2019 to Rp11 trillion in 2024, and represents a violation of patient rights to informed choice regarding treatment options.

The Indonesian palm oil industry and smallholder farmers are mounting strong opposition to a proposed surface water tax (PAP) of Rp1,700 per palm tree per month being considered by regional governments, particularly in Riau province. Industry leaders argue the new tax would increase production costs and undermine global competitiveness, whilst small farmers warn it could reduce their incomes by 6-10 per cent and threaten the sustainability of smallholder palm cultivation.

The Head of Road Preservation at Indonesia's Central Java-Yogyakarta National Road Authority has identified 46 accident and congestion-prone locations on national highways in the region, with an additional 23 disaster-risk zones in Central Java including 14 flood-prone and 9 landslide-prone sites. Despite these challenges, authorities report that 94.20 per cent of the 1,888.69-kilometre road network is ready for the Lebaran holiday exodus, with 18 emergency posts established along major routes to assist fatigued drivers.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has responded positively to Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar's apology regarding allegations of forged diplomas of former President Joko Widodo, commending the gesture during Ramadan as conducive to reconciliation. Rismon has withdrawn from the diploma dispute, renounced political involvement, claimed he felt exploited by certain parties, and applied for restorative justice to resolve his legal case whilst promising to produce a counter-thesis to his controversial books.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration reports that 69.03 per cent of the nation's population (199 million people) fall within the productive working age of 15-64 years as of the second semester of 2025, representing a crucial demographic dividend opportunity. Director General Teguh Setyabudi emphasised that this substantial working-age population presents an exceptional potential for national development, provided it is properly harnessed through strategic optimisation over the next decade. The data also shows Indonesia's total population reached 288.3 million, with 55.55 per cent concentrated on Java Island, where West Java, East Java, and Central Java are the most populous provinces.

Indonesia's Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has completed a revitalisation programme covering 726 schools across Aceh province in the 2025 fiscal year, with a budget of approximately IDR 688.2 billion aimed at improving educational quality and learning facilities. Minister Abdul Mu'ti emphasised that the initiative extends beyond physical infrastructure development to build strong educational foundations for Indonesia's future generation. An additional 116 schools damaged by disaster in Bireuen District have been allocated IDR 167.4 billion for revitalisation work in 2026, with construction set to commence.

Klaten Police have mobilised 690 combined personnel from police, military, transport department, and other agencies for Operation Ketupat Candi 2026, a nationwide security operation running from 13-25 March to safeguard Eid homecoming travel and festivities. The operation involves deployment at seven security posts and two tourism service centres, with support facilities including free towing, mobile fuel stations, and rest areas for travellers. The nationwide Operation Ketupat 2026 involves over 161,000 personnel protecting 185,607 locations including mosques, terminals, ports, and airports.

Criminal law expert Hendri Jayadi from Universitas Kristen Indonesia has highlighted suspects' rights to present witnesses for investigator examination during a pre-trial hearing at Jakarta South District Court. The case involves PT Wana Kencana Mineral director Lee Kah Hin's pre-trial motion challenging his designation as a suspect in a false testimony case, with Jayadi clarifying that investigators require only two forms of evidence to establish suspect status, though procedural requirements must be fulfilled.

The Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) for Sumatra has completed 15,346 out of 18,781 temporary housing units (huntara) across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, representing 81 per cent progress. The task force is also advancing construction of permanent housing (huntap), with 56 units completed out of a planned 36,669 units, significantly improving conditions for displaced residents still sheltering in temporary tents following recent flooding.

Wealth Crypto, a digital asset platform, is expanding the real-world utility of its cryptocurrency ecosystem through collaborations with lifestyle and sports communities in preparation for its token listing on Indonesia's major crypto exchange Indodax on 13 March. The company is implementing a community-based strategy including partnerships with businesses in South Jakarta, sponsorship of sports events like the Ramadhan Rally Padel Tournament, and a nationwide roadshow across at least 10 Indonesian cities to drive adoption and demonstrate practical integration of cryptocurrency into everyday activities.

Secondhand clothing shopping (thrifting) is surging at Jakarta's Senen Market ahead of Eid, with shoppers seeking affordable branded items. Medical professionals are cautioning the public about health risks associated with wearing secondhand clothes, particularly imported garments, including potential bacterial, fungal, and chemical contamination, and recommend thorough washing, antiseptic soaking, and proper drying before use.

Jakarta's Disaster Management Agency has issued an early warning map for March 2026 identifying medium-risk landslide zones across seven districts in South and East Jakarta, based on soil vulnerability assessments overlaid with rainfall forecasts from the meteorology agency. The agency has provided preventative measures and evacuation recommendations for residents, emphasising the critical role of monsoon rainfall in triggering landslides when soil becomes saturated, though seismic activity can serve as an additional trigger on already-critical slopes.

Police will intensify enforcement against illegal parking in Jogja during the Lebaran holiday, with electronic ticketing (ETLE) and administrative penalties prepared for offenders. Coordination has been established with the Transportation Department and official parking attendants to ensure orderly parking services for tourists, with plainclothes officers deployed at common illegal parking hotspots.

Indonesia's Special Economic Crime Directorate (Dittipideksus) has uncovered an illegal gold mining and money laundering investigation spanning 2019-2025, involving accumulated suspicious transactions worth Rp 25.9 trillion. Three suspects have been named following raids on five locations in East Java, with authorities seizing over 59 kilograms of gold and substantial cash assets. The investigation includes parallel money laundering charges and encompasses illegal mining operations across West Kalimantan, West Papua and other regions.

The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) has endorsed the KPK's detention of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in connection with alleged corruption in hajj quota administration, whilst urging investigators to trace approximately Rp600 billion in suspected fund flows. MAKI argues that if direct links to the main perpetrator cannot be established, money laundering charges should be pursued against those who benefited from the proceeds of the crime.

The House of Representatives' Budget Committee (Banggar DPR) has proposed four strategic measures to maintain Indonesia's state budget (APBN) stability amid growing global economic uncertainty, including refining priority programmes, deferring non-urgent initiatives, improving subsidy targeting, and strengthening productive social assistance for micro, small and medium enterprises. Committee chairman Said Abdullah emphasised that Indonesia's fiscal foundation remains relatively secure despite international financial volatility and Middle East conflicts, noting that targeted support for the 43.9 million UMKM operators could help stimulate the real economy during global pressures.

The Bali Regional Police conducted a roll call for Operation Ketupat Agung 2026 on 13 March, deploying 2,169 personnel to maintain security and public order during the overlapping celebrations of Nyepi (19 March 2026) and Eid al-Fitr (1447 Hijri). The 13-day operation, running until 25 March, encompasses 31 checkpoints and provides security for 256 mosques, 539 prayer rooms, multiple religious sites, and major public gathering points across Bali.

Members of Banser, the youth wing of Nahdlatul Ulama, dispersed from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) headquarters after being directed by PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf to return home. Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, the chairman's brother, was transferred to KPK custody on corruption allegations involving irregularities in hajj pilgrimage management. The crowd, which had initially reacted strongly and burned items bearing the KPK acronym, calmed following a voice recording from Yahya appealing for discipline and patience whilst trusting in the legal process.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on charges of corruption involving the manipulation and distribution of hajj quotas. The investigation reveals a systematic scheme using the code "T0" to expedite pilgrims' departures without proper queuing procedures in exchange for bribes of USD 5,000 per quota, with the scandal involving the misallocation of 20,000 additional quotas provided by Saudi Arabia and causing an estimated state loss of Rp622 billion.

As the 2026 Lebaran mudik season approaches, vehicle owners are being urged to conduct thorough inspections of their cars, with particular emphasis on braking systems and engine conditions to ensure safe and trouble-free journeys home. A Suzuki service representative highlights that brake maintenance, oil changes, coolant checks, and suspension inspections are critical to prevent accidents and mechanical failures during long-distance travel. The guidance also advises drivers to rest every 2-3 hours, maintain proper physical condition, and for those leaving vehicles behind, to disconnect battery cables and change oil before extended periods of non-use.