The Maluku Natural Resource Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the Papua Barat Regional Centre jointly released 23 endemic Papuan wild animals, including tree kangaroos, cuscuses, monitor lizards and pythons, in Mokwam District of Manokwari regency following confiscation from smuggling attempts. The animals underwent over one month of observation and care at Ternate Conservation Station before release to ensure their health and readiness to return to their natural habitat. The initiative involved multiple conservation partners and aims to restore these species' ecological roles whilst strengthening Indonesia's biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly for endemic Papuan fauna.

President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to appoint presidential envoys to oversee each state-owned enterprise managed by the Danantara Investment Management Agency, citing the need to prevent leakage of state wealth. He urged Danantara's leadership to exercise vigilance and proper management, warning that many government investment agencies in wealthy nations have suffered losses due to mismanagement, and emphasised that state enterprises are the "lifeblood of the Indonesian nation."

PT Pertamina Internasional Eksplorasi dan Produksi (PIEP) successfully repatriated 19 workers from overseas operations, including 11 from Basra, Iraq and 8 from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, following regional geopolitical tensions. The evacuation process took approximately 14 days due to closures of several international airports, with workers safely arriving in Jakarta on 10-11 March 2026. The company prioritised worker safety through coordinated emergency response protocols and engagement with Indonesian diplomatic missions across the region.

The Indonesian Armed Forces have downgraded their alert status from alert level one to alert level three, according to the Army's Chief of Information. The military leadership characterised the previous alert level one as routine internal readiness preparation, including personnel checks ahead of Eid al-Fitr and disaster management capabilities, rather than a response to specific security threats or the Middle East conflict escalation.

Daikin Indonesia has relaunched its annual Roda-Roda Ramadan social initiative, distributing 1,000 basic food packages to vulnerable communities in Pasirranji village, Cikarang, and three elderly care facilities in Jakarta. The programme, now in its sixth year, reflects the company's commitment to sustainable community development and positive environmental impact as part of its corporate social responsibility.

The Indonesian House of Representatives Commission VIII is pressing ahead with discussions on a Bill to amend Law No. 34 of 2014 on Hajj Financial Management, targeting swift enactment to strengthen transparency, accountability, and equity in distributing benefits to pilgrims. The bill has been approved as a House legislative initiative, with Commission VIII head Abidin Fikri calling on the government to prepare an inventory of issues for discussion.

The Nastar Village, a dry cake production cluster in Tangerang, serves as both a manufacturing hub and significant employment source for surrounding residents, particularly housewives. Businesses such as those run by Sri Kusmiati and Sri Mulyani expand their workforce from fewer than five regular workers to dozens during peak demand seasons approaching Eid and Chinese New Year, with daily production reaching hundreds of dozens of cookies. The cottage industry demonstrates how small-scale enterprises contribute to local economic livelihood and community employment.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has disclosed that it extended the detention of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in the hajj quota corruption case to avoid rushing and ensure sufficient evidence before taking coercive measures. A pre-trial petition filed by Yaqut challenging his suspect status was rejected by the South Jakarta District Court on 11 March 2026, validating the KPK's investigative findings. The case involves an initial estimated state loss of over 1 trillion rupiah, with the latest audit by the State Audit Board determining the financial loss at 622 billion rupiah.

Tempo held a discussion on 12 March 2026 examining preparations for the annual Lebaran homecoming (mudik), which sees approximately 154.6 million Indonesians travelling. Government and state enterprise officials outlined comprehensive safety and operational measures, including police deployment of 317,666 personnel, ferry services preparing 130 vessels across key crossing routes, and real-time monitoring systems to ensure safe and efficient travel during the peak period from 13–29 March 2026.

M Hidayat Nur Wahid, Vice Chairman of Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly, has expressed grave concern over Israel's eleven-day closure of Al Aqsa Mosque through the end of Ramadan, calling on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take substantive rather than merely rhetorical action. Wahid has urged activation of key OIC bodies including the Islamic Summit, the Council of Foreign Ministers, and the Al Quds Committee to pursue concrete political and legal measures under international law to end the closure and protect the UNESCO-designated Islamic heritage site.

The Mataram City Government has limited leave for civil servants to just 5 per cent during the Eid 2026 holidays to ensure public services remain optimal. The policy applies only to state civil apparatus (ASN) who wish to travel outside the region, whilst contract-based workers are ineligible for special leave provisions. The central government has designated specific work-from-home dates on 16-17 March and 25-27 March 2026, though Mataram opted not to implement work-from-anywhere provisions due to proximity of offices to staff residences.

OVO, a leading Indonesian digital payment service provider, has recorded a significant 79% increase in transaction activity between 03.00 and 05.00 (sahur time) during Ramadan compared to non-Ramadan periods. Beyond food purchases, users are increasingly utilising sahur hours for e-commerce shopping (up 76%), utility bill payments, and entertainment services, reflecting a shift in how Indonesians use digital platforms during the holy month.

Zaenur Rohman from UGM's Centre for Anti-Corruption Studies has called on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to expedite proceedings against former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who was detained over allegations of corruption in the hajj quota system. The case involves an estimated Rp622 billion in state losses, with Qoumas allegedly receiving fees of Rp84.4 million per quota allocation through coded transactions. Rohman emphasised the importance of accelerating court proceedings to clarify the case and prevent unfounded public speculation, whilst reiterating that the KPK's detention authority is legally grounded in criminal procedural law.

China and Iran have developed an increasingly strategic partnership centred on energy and geopolitical interests, with bilateral trade reaching US$13.37 billion in 2024 and China absorbing approximately 90 per cent of Iran's crude oil exports. The relationship, formalised through a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement signed in 2021, reflects pragmatic economic engagement whilst Beijing maintains cautious investment approaches and carefully balances its broader Middle Eastern interests. Despite strengthening security cooperation and cultural exchanges, fundamental differences in their regional foreign policy objectives—China's focus on economic stability versus Iran's proxy group activities—continue to create underlying tensions in the partnership.

The national highway at Alas Roban, also known as the "skull route," in the Batang–Kendal stretch of Central Java has been fully restored following severe winds on 4 March 2026 that toppled dozens of trees and 24 electricity poles. The Directorate General of Highways deployed heavy equipment and coordinated with the state electricity company to clear the obstruction and restore power, with traffic returning to normal four-lane operations by Thursday afternoon. The incident temporarily blocked approximately one kilometre of the highway but emergency response measures, including contraflow traffic management, ensured continued passage during the restoration period.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has seized assets valued at over Rp100 billion, including four vehicles and five plots of land, in connection with an alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas under former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. The investigation concerns alleged irregularities in distributing 20,000 additional hajj quotas for the 2023–2024 pilgrimage season, with total estimated state losses reaching Rp622 billion. Yaqut has been detained for 20 days for questioning as a suspect, whilst his former special staff member Ishfah Abidal Aziz has also been named as a suspect in the case.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that alleged bribery and irregularities in the distribution of hajj quotas at the Ministry of Religion during 2023-2024 caused state losses of 622 billion rupiah. Former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his special staff Isfan Abidal Aziz have been detained as primary suspects, with allegations that they illegally altered quota distribution from the proper 92-8 split between regular and special hajj to an equal 50-50 division.

Advocate Hendarsam Marantoko has been appointed as Director General of Immigration at the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas), with his inauguration scheduled for April 2026. The appointment was formalised through a Presidential Decree issued by President Joko Widodo, superseding the first phase of selection in order to ensure continuity of leadership and institutional functions.

President Prabowo has summoned the Forestry Minister to discuss a presidential directive aimed at protecting Indonesia's endangered elephant populations through habitat conservation measures. The directive will establish habitat corridors in Sumatra and Borneo to allow elephants to move freely and prevent inbreeding, alongside a separate decree to create a task force for innovative financing and management of the country's national parks.

Cianjur Police Headquarters in West Java will deploy two-thirds of its personnel across multiple security posts during Operation Ketupat Lodaya 2026 to ensure public safety during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah exodus. The operation will establish dozens of security, service, and integrated posts across various locations, with all available vehicles mobilised to support the holiday travel period. National road infrastructure readiness has reached 93.5%, supporting the broader security operation across West Java involving 26,692 combined personnel.

A paediatrician emphasises the importance of safe practices when adults interact with children during Eid celebrations, warning against casual physical contact and feeding without parental permission due to health risks. The guidance is particularly relevant given the current spread of infectious diseases in Indonesia, including super flu and measles, which transmit quickly without proper hygiene practices.

Twelve Indonesian professionals have been deployed to participate in an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) project in Saudi Arabia in February 2026, working as cabin technicians for Regent Aerospace Corporation. The deployment, facilitated by PT Garuda Daya Pratama Sejahtera (a business process outsourcing subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia Group), reflects growing international aviation industry confidence in Indonesian workforce competence and represents the company's strategy to expand high-specialisation personnel services across global aviation and other industrial sectors.

The Parliamentary Commissions VII and V are pushing ASDP Indonesia Ferry to add three pairs of berths at Merak and Bakauheni ports to maximise vessel operations for passenger ferry services. Commission VII member Bambang Haryo Soekartono stressed that port improvements and additional ships cannot achieve their intended purpose without adequate supporting berth infrastructure.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo attended a joint Iftar ceremony hosted by the Indonesian Muslim Students Association in Jakarta, emphasising the importance of students and intellectuals in safeguarding national unity whilst respecting freedom of expression as a reform legacy. Speaking to approximately 500 participants, he compared democracy to musical harmony and highlighted the period 2030-2035 as crucial for Indonesia's development towards the vision of Indonesia Gold 2045. The event also included humanitarian action, with the Police Chief distributing 50 food parcels and 50 welfare packages for orphans.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) has intensified efforts to accelerate the issuance and ownership of identity documents across the nation through mobile outreach services, including to remote and disadvantaged regions. The initiative aims to ensure all citizens have complete civil documentation, which serves as the foundation for accessing public services, social planning, budgeting, democratic development, law enforcement, and crime prevention. Dukcapil headquarters will provide direct support to strengthen service delivery in infrastructure-limited areas inhabited by indigenous communities.

The Director General of Oil and Gas at Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has conducted a site visit to the Balongan refinery to ensure fuel supply readiness during the 2026 Ramadan and Eid period. Pertamina reports that stocks of petroleum, LPG, and crude oil are secure, with demand projected to increase for petrol (9.6%) and LPG (2.86%) during this period, whilst diesel demand is expected to decline by 27.3% due to restrictions on logistics operations.

The 15th BUMN Award 2026 ceremony recognised state-owned enterprises in Indonesia for strong governance and sustainable economic contributions, with the theme "BUMN Towards Golden Indonesia: Strong Governance, Sustainable Economic Value." PT Pupuk Indonesia received multiple awards, including recognition of its CEO Rahmad Pribadi as The Best CEO for Visionary Leadership, for its efficiency improvements and factory revitalisation programmes that support food self-sufficiency. The awards reflect the Indonesian government's emphasis on transforming SOEs into more competitive and resilient entities that balance profitability with broader national economic objectives.

Bandung regency's Transportation Department has advised against using the Cijapati route as an alternative pathway during the Eid exodus, following joint police inspections that identified safety concerns. Despite the recommendation, the department will enhance street lighting and field supervision along the route, and deploy 259 personnel across strategic checkpoints from 14-29 March 2026 to ensure smooth traffic flow during the holiday period.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia reported progress on the New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conversion Task Force (Satgas EBETKE) to President Prabowo Subianto, detailing plans for vehicle electrification and diesel power plant replacement. The government plans to replace diesel-fired power plants (PLTD) that rely on solar fuel with renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal power plants, with replacement facilities to be operational before decommissioning existing diesel plants. These initiatives are framed as essential responses to global geopolitical uncertainties and the need to strengthen Indonesia's long-term energy security.

Ahead of the 2026 Lebaran exodus, Sidoarjo police traffic unit partnered with transport and health authorities to conduct mandatory vehicle safety inspections and driver health screenings at bus company depots. The proactive checks assess vehicle condition, driver fitness, and implement speed-tracking devices on all long-distance buses to prevent accidents.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that alleged corruption in the management and distribution of hajj quotas caused state losses of Rp622 billion, with asset seizures totalling over Rp100 billion including cash in multiple currencies, four vehicles, and five land and building parcels. The KPK has formally detained former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and named his former special staff member Isfan Abidal Aziz as a suspect, both allegedly involved in manipulating the distribution of 20,000 additional hajj quotas provided by the Saudi Arabian government.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detained former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on 12 March 2026 over allegations of corruption involving the Hajj quota scheme. KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu stated the lengthy process was deliberate, as the agency sought to gather sufficient evidence and testimony before making the arrest, a decision validated when a pre-trial challenge to the investigation was dismissed on 19 March 2026.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has instructed all police personnel to heighten vigilance against potential disasters during the 2026 Eid holiday exodus and return, citing weather predictions of heavy rainfall particularly in southern Indonesian regions including Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara. The police chief outlined peak travel periods (14–15 March and 18–19 March for outbound travel; 24–25 March and 28–29 March for return journeys) and emphasised the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness, traffic management measures, and heightened security patrols to prevent public disorder incidents.

As the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr approaches, Indonesian workers anticipate the arrival of their annual holiday allowance (THR), which traditionally provides a financial boost for holiday-related expenses. The allowance, often described as a "sigh of relief" after a year of work, is typically used for travel, family celebrations, gifts, and new clothing purchases.

Deputy Chair of the MPR's Budget Committee H. Johan Rosihan has launched the Young Pillar School (Sekolah Pilar Muda) programme in partnership with the MY Institute to strengthen youth understanding of national values through innovative and participatory approaches. The initiative emerged from evaluation feedback showing that young people desire more interactive, dialogue-based civic education linked to local social issues rather than one-directional information delivery. The programme targets youth aged 15–24 across Sumbawa Regency and combines civic education on the Four Pillars of the MPR with leadership development and social action, requiring participants to engage directly with community problems and develop practical solutions.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on charges of corruption related to hajj quota manipulation at the Religious Affairs Ministry. The alleged financial loss to the state totals Rp622 billion from the 2023-2024 hajj operations, with the KPK having seized assets worth over Rp100 billion including cash, land, buildings, and vehicles.

After more than two decades of campaigning, Indonesia's Domestic Worker Protection Bill (PPRT) was formally designated as a House of Representatives Legislative Initiative on 12 March 2026, marking a crucial step towards providing legal certainty and protection for domestic workers. Deputy Speaker of MPR Lestari Moerdijat emphasised that the legislation will close a significant gap in legal protections for domestic workers, who have traditionally worked informally without clear standards or safeguards against exploitation and abuse. The bill must still pass several legislative stages, including presidential approval and two levels of parliamentary debate, before becoming law.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that funds illegally collected from hajj quota acceleration schemes were used not only for former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas's personal benefit, but also to influence a special parliamentary committee investigating the matter. KPK has designated Yaqut and his special staff Isfan Abidal Aziz as suspects in the bribery case involving hajj quota distribution, with investigations revealing a total state loss of approximately IDR 622 billion.

Indonesia's Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has briefed President Prabowo Subianto on the geopolitical situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens global energy supplies. The government is preparing contingency measures by diversifying crude oil imports away from the Middle East to alternative suppliers including the United States, Nigeria, Brazil, and Australia, with prices expected to follow Indonesian Crude Price benchmarks.

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has introduced a 100 per cent discount on harbour service tariffs for travellers using ferry services during the Lebaran 1447H holiday period, representing approximately 21.9 per cent of total ferry fares. The discount applies across 7 ferry routes and 14 ports for pedestrians and certain vehicle categories, with a single tariff policy also being implemented at key ports to streamline services. ASDP projects passenger numbers will increase by 9.4 per cent to 5.8 million passengers and vehicles by 9.3 per cent to 1.4 million during this holiday period, with the Java-Sumatra-Bali routes expected to handle the heaviest traffic.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that Isfan Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), former special staff to the Religious Affairs Minister, ordered the return of hajj quota surcharges to special hajj operators immediately after parliament formed a special committee to investigate the scandal in July 2024. Evidence suggests this was an attempt to destroy evidence of systematic corruption, though the KPK found that not all collected funds were returned, with some allegedly retained for former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas's personal use. Both Yaqut and Gus Alex have been named as suspects in the alleged corruption case involving manipulation of 20,000 additional hajj quotas.

The Indonesian Army's Head of Information Department clarified that the alert level 1 order issued by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto is not a response to emergency or security conditions, but rather a routine internal readiness procedure. The alert level was issued on 1 March 2026 as a precautionary measure against global developments, particularly escalating conflicts in the Middle East, and will remain in effect indefinitely unless further notice is given.

The Indonesian government is examining various fuel conservation measures to mitigate the impact of Middle East conflicts on national energy security, including potential work-from-home policies similar to those adopted by the Philippines and Thailand. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the government is conducting simulations to prepare policy alternatives and improve fuel efficiency, though no final decision has been made pending global geopolitical stability.

Lamongan Regency in East Java has distributed 54 tonnes of rice and 9,700 food aid packages to residents across five sub-districts affected by flooding. The regional government is implementing multiple flood mitigation measures including optimising water pumps, coordinating with stakeholders, and requesting weather modification operations from Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency to help manage rainfall ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

The Indonesian Policy Guarantee Institution (LPS) has announced two priority programmes following the activation of its Policy Guarantee Programme in 2027. The first priority is implementing risk-based premium funding mechanisms—where insurance company contributions are determined by their individual risk profiles—to incentivise better risk management and prevent moral hazard. The second priority involves developing a Resolution Lab, an advanced simulation and analytical platform designed to enhance LPS's capacity to manage insurance company failures more efficiently and effectively by 2030.

Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, the former Minister for Religious Affairs, has been officially detained by Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) following investigations into alleged corruption involving the determination of hajj quotas and the administration of hajj pilgrimages at the Ministry of Religious Affairs during 2023–2024. His pre-trial appeal was rejected by the South Jakarta District Court the previous day.

Indonesia's largest palm oil industry association, GAPKI, has opposed a planned surface water tax (Pajak Air Permukaan) of Rp 1,700 per palm tree, arguing it adds unnecessary burden to an already heavily taxed sector. The industry body says it will campaign for cancellation of the tax, which covers surface water, groundwater, and rainwater usage, claiming it lacks economic justification alongside existing water-related tax obligations.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has accepted an apology from Rismon Sianipar, a researcher who made allegations of a forged diploma belonging to former President Joko Widodo. Sianipar issued a public clarification video and personally visited Widodo's residence in Solo to apologise, claiming he had discovered new evidence that resolved the diploma matter. Gibran praised Sianipar's apology as demonstrating democratic maturity and called for reconciliation during the month of Ramadan.

The Buleleng Police Resort will deploy 241 internal personnel, bolstered by support from the military, local government, and community resources, to secure the Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026 celebrations under Operation Ketupat Agung 2026. Security measures include traffic management, holiday crowd control, and protection of religious festivities, with an agreement between religious leaders and local government to conduct Takbir prayers indoors without loudspeakers to maintain inter-faith harmony. The operation encompasses five main strategies to ensure security during the two religious celebrations that fall close together.

China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, has called on the United States and Israel to cease their military operations against Iran, which he said violates the UN Charter and international norms. Speaking during a UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution concerning the Iran situation, Fu expressed concern that the escalating conflict in the Persian Gulf risks dragging the broader Middle East into a dangerous situation, and called for all parties to return to dialogue and diplomatic negotiations.