Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has been formally detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) following questioning as a suspect in a hajj quota corruption case, with alleged state losses of Rp622 billion. Banser (Ansor Multipurpose Militia) members gathered at KPK headquarters to "escort" Qoumas, with organisers threatening to bring larger crowds in future visits. The investigation, which commenced in August 2025, centres on allegations that the Religious Affairs Ministry under Qoumas improperly distributed additional hajj quotas and levied unlawful fees ranging from Rp42.2 to Rp84 million per pilgrim.

Seven Indonesian ministries have jointly established a decree establishing comprehensive guidelines for the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence in education across all educational levels. The policy aims to ensure AI and digital technology are deployed safely and beneficially for students whilst mitigating risks such as excessive screen time, mental health problems, and weakened critical thinking. Implementation will vary by educational level, with primary and secondary education limiting AI use to specially designed learning systems, whilst higher education allows broader adoption with mandatory transparency requirements.

Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology has signed performance contracts with Regional Higher Education Service Institutions (LLDikti) across all 17 regions to strengthen transparent and accountable higher education governance. The initiative aims to standardise quality across universities nationwide whilst reinforcing research capacity, academic qualifications for lecturers, and scientific publication standards to support national development.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has officially enacted a business licence for PT Panasonic Insurance Brokers Indonesia, following the company's name change from PT Panasonic Insurance Service Indonesia, effective from March 6th, 2026. The licensed entity is now required to comply with all prevailing laws, regulations, and supervisory requirements established by the OJK.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has confirmed that PT Corfina Capital has fulfilled administrative sanctions imposed in December 2023, including payment of Rp1.05 billion in penalties and completion of the dissolution of three Reksa Dana (mutual funds). The compliance demonstrates OJK's enforcement of regulatory requirements against the investment management company.

The National Police Chief announced comprehensive traffic management measures for the 2026 exodus period, including implementation of traffic cones, contra-flow systems, and one-way routes on toll and arterial roads. The Transport Ministry has also issued a joint decision to restrict heavy vehicles with three or more axles during the exodus period to ensure safer and more comfortable travel for returnees.

PT Bumi Resources Tbk has officially unveiled a new corporate logo representing the company's transformation from a coal-focused enterprise to a diversified natural resources company. The new logo, inspired by topographic contour lines, symbolises the company's commitment to natural resource management and will be gradually implemented across corporate communications and operational sites throughout 2026. The rebranding reflects Bumi Resources' strategic shift towards high-value minerals such as gold, copper, and bauxite whilst maintaining thermal coal operations.

A 65-year-old man, I Made Wirya, was found dead in a well in Denpasar, Bali on 12 March 2026 after a suspected fall. A combined search and rescue team, coordinated by the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, successfully evacuated the body from the well within approximately 85 minutes of receiving the report.

Forest and land fires across Riau province have affected approximately 4,400 hectares during January–February 2026, with 94 per cent of the burned area located on vulnerable peatland that is particularly difficult to extinguish. The Manggala Agni firefighting team and the Sumatera Regional Forest Fire Control Centre continue intensive operations across multiple districts, whilst authorities have raised safety alerts following sightings of a young Sumatran tiger in the affected area and warned of increased fire risk during the predicted El Niño peak in July–August 2026.

PT Bumi Resources Tbk. (BUMI), Indonesia's major mining company, has unveiled a new corporate logo as part of its broader transformation strategy. The new design, inspired by topographical contour lines, symbolises the company's connection to nature and sustainability commitments, whilst representing its expansion into high-value minerals and global competitiveness ambitions.

The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has detained former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on 12 March 2026 as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving 2023-2024 hajj pilgrimage quotas. Yaqut is being held for an initial 20-day detention period at the KPK's detention facility and faces charges under Indonesia's anti-corruption laws. The former minister has denied receiving any bribes, asserting that all policy decisions were made solely for the safety of pilgrims.

PT Bumi Resources has stated that the geopolitical conflict between Iran and Israel has not yet impacted its operations or production costs, with the company reporting that rising commodity prices have actually benefited its business. The mining company is expanding into higher-value minerals including gold, copper, and bauxite, whilst strengthening sustainability initiatives and recently acquiring a majority stake in Australia-based Jubilee Metals Limited for approximately AUD 31.47 million.

President Prabowo Subianto summoned Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to the presidential palace to discuss accelerating Indonesia's energy transition, including plans to convert diesel power plants (PLTD) to renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal power. The government aims to replace diesel generators across various regions with renewable alternatives through a phased approach, with replacement facilities built in parallel before decommissioning existing plants to ensure continuous energy supply amid global geopolitical uncertainty.

The Directorate General of Marine Transportation under Indonesia's Ministry of Transport officially launched a free homecoming programme for 400 passengers on the Kendari–Raha maritime route at Kendari Nusantara Port in Southeast Sulawesi. The initiative aims to reduce private vehicle usage, particularly motorcycles, to lower traffic accident risks ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijra, with additional quotas of 2,000 tickets for the Kendari–Raha route and 1,200 tickets for the Kendari–Baubau route scheduled for mid-March 2026.

Despite speculation that Indonesia's economy is heading towards recession, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo reported that merchant sales at Pasar Tanah Abang have increased by 20-30 per cent, with traders increasingly adopting online platforms to expand their market reach. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa visited the market to counter recession rumours and confirmed that consumer spending remains robust, indicating the economy remains in good condition.

Indonesia's Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (KemenPAN-RB) has outlined new procedures for recruiting contract-based government employees (PPPK) to support flagship programmes including the Free Nutrition Programme. The ministry noted that approximately 160,000 civil servants retire annually, necessitating continuous recruitment, with selection processes based on job competencies and budgetary considerations across various government agencies.

Researchers predict the formation of an "El Niño Godzilla" phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean by August 2024, with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts forecasting a sharp rise in tropical sea surface temperatures. This powerful climate event could trigger extreme weather across Asia and the Americas, including heavy rainfall, droughts, typhoons and heat waves, with global meteorological agencies signalling increasing probability of occurrence.

Former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was officially detained by Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) following his designation as a suspect in a hajj quota corruption case. Banser supporters gathered outside the KPK offices and protested his detention by burning shirts bearing the KPK logo and chanting that the agency was tyrannical, though they were eventually calmed by fellow supporters and police. A court had previously rejected Yaqut's pre-trial motion challenging the KPK's suspect determination, ruling the designation complied with proper procedures.

Online motorcycle taxi drivers in Jakarta are deliberately switching off their applications during peak traffic hours, particularly in the late afternoon when gridlock is severe, citing inadequate fares that do not reflect the time and fuel costs incurred. The crisis stems from systemic issues including fixed tariff structures that do not account for congestion, a 20 per cent application commission per trip, and an inefficient order allocation system that sends drivers to distant pickup points. This widespread practice is forcing drivers to seek alternative income sources outside the application-based system during peak demand periods.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) formally detained former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in connection with alleged corruption involving the distribution of additional hajj quotas in 2024. Yaqut maintains his innocence, asserting he received no money and that his allocation of the 50:50 split between special and regular hajj quotas was motivated solely by pilgrim safety considerations due to space constraints in Saudi Arabia.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly selected supreme leader of Iran, sustained injuries but is in good condition, according to Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. Khamenei was chosen by the Assembly of Experts to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli military operation on 28 February. Iran has vowed to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty in response to the attack.

President Prabowo Subianto has allocated 839 billion rupiah for constructing fences and embankments around Way Kambas National Park in Lampung Province to address ongoing human-elephant conflicts that have resulted in deaths and property damage. The infrastructure project, which follows technical assessments and cost efficiency measures, aims to prevent elephants from leaving the conservation area whilst protecting local communities and livelihoods. The government is also designing the project to incorporate community empowerment initiatives, including honey bee cultivation in designated areas around the barriers.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming has responded positively to Rismon Sianipar's apology regarding allegations about President Joko Widodo's diploma, calling Ramadan an appropriate time for reconciliation and describing Rismon's willingness to review his statements as a sign of democratic maturity. Rismon, one of eight suspects charged in connection with the fake diploma accusations, issued a formal apology as a researcher, admitting to errors in his previous findings published in his book Jokowi's White Paper.

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has announced President Prabowo Subianto's directive to transition Indonesia towards clean energy by replacing diesel-powered power plants (PLTD) with solar (PLTS) and geothermal facilities. The transition is expected to commence shortly after Eid, with the government building new renewable capacity in parallel before decommissioning existing diesel plants, whilst revising state utility PLN's electricity supply plan for 2025–2034.

Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar, one of three individuals charged with defaming President Joko Widodo over allegations of a forged diploma, has reversed his position after conducting further research, now asserting that the president's University of Gadjah Mada degree certificate is authentic. Rismon visited Jokowi's residence in Solo to personally apologise and has initiated restorative justice proceedings to resolve the legal case. The case stemmed from the publication of a 700-page book titled "Jokowi's White Paper" in which Rismon and co-authors Roy Suryo and dr Tifa claimed to have identified digital manipulation in Jokowi's diploma.

Russia has reaffirmed Iran's right to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, whilst calling on the United States and Israel to cease military aggression in the Middle East. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that attacks on civilian targets and infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Arab countries are unacceptable, and warned that the conflict could have severe environmental and radiological consequences for the region.

Indonesian consumers are becoming increasingly cautious with their spending, with Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) data from February 2026 showing consumption expenditure falling to 71.6% whilst savings allocation rises to 17.7%. Gold and bank deposits remain the most popular savings instruments, with gold preference climbing to 41.3% despite deposits declining from 44.2% to 37.9%, reflecting consumers' preference for inflation-hedging assets.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially detained former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on 12 March following his initial examination as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the misallocation and distribution of additional hajj quotas in 2024. According to his latest State Wealth Report filed on 20 January 2025, Yaqut declared total net assets of Rp13.7 billion, including notable purchases such as a 2024 Toyota Alphard valued at Rp1.95 billion and a Jakarta East property worth Rp4.5 billion, which the KPK is currently investigating for potential undisclosed or corruption-derived assets.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has reassured the public that Indonesia's fuel supply is adequate for more than 23 days, urging citizens not to engage in panic buying following reports of shortages in several regions. The minister attributed recent panic buying in areas such as Jember, Medan, and Aceh to concerns about potential supply disruptions from global conflict in West Asia, whilst stressing that domestic production continues and imports face no problems.

PT Bank Permata Tbk is awaiting clear regulatory guidance on Indonesia's planned increase of minimum free float requirements from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent of publicly traded shares. The bank currently holds approximately 10.88 per cent public ownership and has not formulated specific plans to increase this in the near term, pending formal regulatory clarification from authorities.

Former Minister of Religion Yaqut Choulil Qoumas has been officially detained by Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on suspicion of corruption related to the hajj quota scheme. Despite his detention, Yaqut maintains his innocence, claiming he never received any money from the alleged case and that all his policies as minister were made solely for the safety of Indonesian pilgrims. His earlier legal challenge to the suspect designation was rejected by a South Jakarta District Court judge on 11 March 2026.

Jakarta's provincial government plans to construct three waste-to-energy plants (PLTS) at Bantargebang, Rorotan, and Sunter to address the city's mounting waste crisis, with a combined capacity to process approximately 6,500 to 7,000 tonnes of rubbish per day. Governor Pramono Anung indicated that the Bantargebang facility will handle 3,000 tonnes daily—including 1,000 tonnes of long-accumulated waste—whilst Rorotan and Sunter plants will process 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes respectively, potentially reducing the backlog of waste at the city's landfill.

A total of 20.2 million vehicles traversed the Bali Mandara toll road during 2025, surpassing pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, according to PT Jasamarga Bali Tol. The average daily traffic reached 55,800 vehicles, demonstrating a return to normal and increased mobility compared to the pandemic period and even pre-pandemic figures from 2018.

Street-based money changers in Jakarta's old city districts operate under a boss system, with capital supplied by handlers who monitor their activities and collect revenues. The operation includes lookouts who patrol the area to protect the cash and prevent robbery, creating an informal but highly organised money-changing network with bank transfer facilities.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has instructed police personnel to prepare for potential hydrometeorological disasters during the 2026 Eid holiday period, following meteorological predictions of cloudy to heavy rainfall conditions. The police have deployed over 161,000 personnel across 2,746 posts nationwide for Operation Ketupat 2026, which will run from 13–25 March, with heightened vigilance particularly required in southern Indonesian regions including Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has reassured the public that the nation's fuel oil stocks are secure, with reserves sufficient for approximately 23 days and continuous production and distribution ongoing. Despite assurances, citizens have been engaging in panic buying of fuel—particularly diesel—with queues reaching up to one kilometre in recent weeks, driven by concerns over potential supply disruptions due to regional tensions in Iran. The minister indicated that the government has not yet finalised additional energy subsidy allocations, as calculations remain dependent on global crude oil price movements.

Indonesia's National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo attended a joint iftar (breaking of fast) dinner organised by the Indonesian Muslim Students Federation (PB SEMMI) at Hotel Aryaduta in Central Jakarta on 12 March 2026, where he emphasised the importance of youth and intellectuals in maintaining national unity. The event, attended by approximately 500 people and themed "United in the Holy Month of Ramadhan to Realise the Eight Point Programme," was accompanied by humanitarian action, with the Police Chief distributing 50 food aid packages and 50 welfare packages for orphans.

The Indonesian Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) has officially released the Net Population Data (DKB) for the second semester of 2025, showing Indonesia's total population at 288.3 million people. The data serves as a single authoritative reference for all government institutions, enabling more accurate public services, improved development planning, and targeted social assistance distribution. Dukcapil is intensifying efforts to expand civil registration services to remote and underserved regions, whilst maintaining that all population administration services remain free of charge.

Indonesia's National Police (Polri) has deployed 161,243 combined personnel across the country to secure the Eid Al-Fitr travel season and celebrations for 1447 Hijri, operating under the Ketupat Operation 2026 from 13–25 March. The centralised 13-day operation, supported by the military and various government ministries, establishes 2,746 security and service posts across strategic locations whilst protecting 185,607 vital sites including mosques, shopping centres, airports, and transport terminals. The government anticipates 143.9 million people will travel during the period, a slight decrease of 1.75 per cent from the previous year, with peak movement expected on 14–15 March and 18–19 March.

Indonesia's Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni stated that international and domestic conservation activists have praised President Prabowo Subianto for his strong commitment to wildlife conservation and national park management. President Prabowo is preparing a Presidential Instruction to save Sumatran and Bornean elephant populations and habitats, alongside a Presidential Decree to establish a task force for innovative financing and management of national parks, with pilot projects including Way Kambas National Park in Lampung.

PT Sumi Rubber Indonesia has unveiled the "Beyond The Drive Rewards" promotional programme for consumers purchasing Dunlop and Falken tyres at authorised retailers, timed to coincide with the 2026 Lebaran travelling season. The programme, running from 16 February to 31 May 2026, offers cashback of up to Rp3 million per purchase and draws for prizes worth billions of rupiah for customers buying a minimum of two tyres.

PT Super Bank Indonesia Tbk (SUPA) achieved a pre-tax profit of Rp143.3 billion in 2025 following its initial public offering (IPO) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in December, which strengthened its capital structure and elevated it to the General Commercial Bank Category 2 (KBMI 2) classification. The digital banking platform experienced strong operational performance with net interest income surging 160 per cent year-on-year to Rp1.6 trillion, whilst third-party funds grew 139 per cent to Rp11.8 trillion, alongside a significant improvement in its cost-to-income ratio from 139.16 per cent to 70.52 per cent.

President Prabowo has approved Rp839 billion in funding to construct fences and embankments at Way Kambas National Park to prevent elephants from entering residential areas and agricultural land, reducing human-elephant conflicts. The infrastructure project, directed by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, will also integrate community empowerment programmes such as honey bee cultivation, while supporting broader conservation efforts as elephant habitats in Indonesia have declined from 42 to 21 surviving areas.

PT Bank KB Indonesia Tbk held an extraordinary shareholders' meeting on 12 March 2026 to approve changes to its Board of Commissioners and Management Board as part of strengthening corporate governance and accelerating business transformation. The bank appointed Tae Doo Kwon as Deputy Commissioner to leverage his global banking experience at KB Kookmin Bank, Ju Hwan Yi for his risk management expertise, and Yungki Prabowo for his technology and operational capabilities from his tenure at Bank ANZ Indonesia.

The Riau Police Department is preparing Operation Ketupat Lancang Kuning 2026 to secure the return migration period and Eid al-Fitr celebrations, deploying 3,815 combined personnel from the Indonesian National Police and Armed Forces. The 13-day operation, scheduled for 13-25 March 2026, will emphasise preventive and preemptive security measures through 60 coordination posts across the region, with the goal of ensuring safe and smooth festive celebrations for residents.

The Director General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed that civil administration services will remain available during the Lebaran holiday period, with on-call staff stationed across regional offices to assist citizens requiring urgent identity documents. The standby service will support citizens experiencing document emergencies, such as lost national ID cards or incomplete documentation needed for hospital admissions and health insurance claims.

Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has been formally detained by Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) after his legal challenge to his suspect status was rejected by the courts. Yaqut, who was first designated as a suspect in early January 2026, maintained his innocence whilst being escorted to the KPK detention facility, stating he never received any funds related to the allegations against him.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung inaugurated the Jakarta Hijab Festival 2026 in Tanah Abang to revitalise small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the trading centre ahead of Eid celebrations. Provincial officials participated in a fashion show featuring Muslim garments purchased directly from Tanah Abang merchants, with Pramono noting early signs of increased foot traffic and sales in the region. The governor expressed hope that the event could become an annual tradition to sustain economic activity in one of Southeast Asia's largest wholesale markets.

The Deputy Chair of Indonesia's MPR has emphasised that the Domestic Worker Protection Bill (RUU PPRT), formally designated as a parliamentary initiative, represents a crucial step towards providing legal certainty and stronger protections for domestic workers after more than two decades of advocacy. The legislation aims to close the legal protection gap by establishing a comprehensive framework for domestic worker relationships, ensuring protection from violence and exploitation, and recognising domestic work as dignified employment. Despite this milestone, the bill must still navigate several legislative stages before becoming law, with appeals for all stakeholders to continue monitoring the process to ensure robust implementation.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming visited Islamic scholar Habib Ali Alhabsyi at the Al Habib Ali Al Habsyi Islamic Centre in Jakarta's Kwitang district on 12 March 2026, as part of the government's efforts to maintain harmony with religious leaders during Ramadan. Following the religious courtesy visit, Gibran distributed food aid packages to approximately 200 residents in the Kwitang neighbourhood, reinforcing the administration's commitment to maintaining close ties with communities and religious figures ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.