Archive: 13 March 2026
Showing 451-500 of 2,022 articles
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:28 WIB
Ministry of Labour Opens Complaint Services at THR and BHR 2026 Posts
The Indonesian Ministry of Labour (Kemnaker) has launched complaint services at its Religious Holiday Allowance (THR) and Religious Holiday Bonus (BHR) assistance posts as of 12 March 2026, complementing its existing consultation services. Since opening on 2 March, the posts have received 1,134 consultations, with services available online and in-person to address worker issues regarding delayed or improperly paid allowances.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:28 WIB
Central Java Integrated Lebaran Command Post to Operate 24 Hours, Monitor CCTV at 10 High-Risk Points
The Central Java provincial government is establishing an integrated Lebaran 2026 command post operating continuously from 13 to 30 March to manage anticipated homecoming traffic, with 17.7 million migrants expected—a 30 per cent increase from 2025. The command post will coordinate across three shifts with personnel from police, maritime search-and-rescue, toll operators, and meteorological agencies, supplemented by over 350 community safety volunteers and 10 CCTV cameras linked to district monitoring systems. Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasised the facility's role in addressing not only traffic flow but also emergencies including accidents, congestion, flooding, and landslides.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:26 WIB
DPR Member: Acid Attack on KontraS Activist an Attempt to Silence Critical Voices
A deputy chair of Commission XIII in the Indonesian House of Representatives has condemned the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of KontraS (Commission for Disappeared Persons and Victims of Violence), characterising it as an attempt to suppress critical civil society voices and human rights defenders. The politician called for immediate police investigation to uncover the perpetrators and motives whilst maintaining public trust in the justice system. Yunus suffered severe burn injuries covering approximately 24 per cent of his body following the attack by an unidentified assailant.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:25 WIB
Defence Ministry to Train Graduates as Managers of Red-White Village Cooperatives
The Indonesian Defence Ministry will train Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) graduates to manage Red-White Village Cooperatives across the country, with recruitment beginning in June 2026. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to develop human resources and establish up to 80,000 village and sub-district cooperatives as part of rural economic strengthening programmes. Candidates with bachelor's degrees or higher from any discipline may apply, with selection and training conducted jointly by the Defence Ministry alongside the Indonesian National Armed Forces, National Police, and the Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:25 WIB
Deputy Industry Minister Reveals Not All Indonesian Textiles Exempt from US Tariffs
Indonesia's Deputy Industry Minister Faisol Riza has clarified that zero-tariff facilities for Indonesian textile products under the Indonesia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) apply only to cotton-based raw materials, not all textile goods. Downstream textile products such as finished garments face potential 19% import tariffs from the United States, with technical implementation details still under negotiation between the two countries. The trade agreement operates through a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) mechanism, limiting zero-tariff access to specified import volumes based on Indonesia's raw material imports from the US.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:23 WIB
Rp2.3 Trillion Data Centre Investment to be Built in Jakarta
Dubai-based digital infrastructure company DAMAC Digital has reached a significant construction milestone with the topping-off ceremony of JKT01-Jakarta Central, a data centre project valued at USD150 million (approximately Rp2.3 trillion), located in the MT Haryono area of Jakarta. The facility, designed with six storeys across 3,600 square metres of land and featuring advanced cooling systems, is expected to become operational in 2026 and will serve cloud service providers and edge computing operations across Southeast Asia.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:23 WIB
Parliamentary Budget Committee: Government still has room for deficit below 3 per cent
The chair of Indonesia's parliamentary budget committee says the government retains fiscal room to keep the 2026 budget deficit below 3 per cent of GDP through improved tax collection, spending efficiency, and increased commodity export revenues, rather than exceeding the threshold. He cautioned that expanding the deficit beyond 3 per cent or implementing quantitative easing policies carries significant risks to exchange rates, inflation control, and could trigger stagflation given weak consumer purchasing power.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:23 WIB
27 People Arrested in KPK Raid on Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman
The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has arrested 27 people, including Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, in an operation on 13 March targeting alleged bribery and embezzlement linked to hajj quota manipulation and government projects, with estimated state losses of Rp622 billion. The suspects are undergoing intensive questioning in Cilacap before being transferred to KPK headquarters in Jakarta, with the commission having 24 hours to determine their formal legal status. Cash and evidence were seized during the operation, which KPK officials said represents the ninth anti-corruption sting of 2026.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:23 WIB
Strait of Hormuz Crippled, Two Nations Immune Thanks to Renewable Energy
As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East threaten global energy supplies through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, countries with higher renewable energy generation are proving more resilient to such shocks. Nations like Uruguay, which have invested heavily in wind and solar power, demonstrate how renewable energy sources provide domestic energy independence and protection against global energy market disruptions.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:22 WIB
Indonesia unfazed by USTR trade probe, Finance Minister says
Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has expressed confidence that a US trade investigation into alleged unfair practices will not significantly impact Indonesia's trade prospects, citing the country's competitive advantages in labour costs and commodity pricing. The minister stated that Indonesia would only face pressure if tariffs imposed on Indonesian goods substantially exceeded those on peer nations, whilst remaining prepared to implement efficiency measures if necessary.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:22 WIB
Acid Attack on Kontras Activist Condemned as Threat to Democracy by PDIP
Vice-Coordinator of Kontras (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence) Andrie Yunus was attacked with acid on Jakarta's Jalan Salemba I on 12 March 2026, with the perpetrator's identity and motives still unknown. National Police Commission (Kompolnas) Commissioner Mohammad Choirul Anam characterised the attack as a threat to democratic life in Indonesia, emphasising that violence against human rights activists cannot be treated as ordinary crime and calling on police to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:22 WIB
Contents of the School Nutritious Meal Programme Package Before Ramadan at SMPN 48 Jakarta
Students at SMPN 48 Jakarta received free nutritious meal packages on Friday, 13 March 2026, as the final distribution before the Ramadan break begins on 16 March. The school has encountered logistical challenges, as the nutritious meal programme was only able to distribute packages for two days instead of the intended bundle for the entire holiday period due to supplier constraints. The National Nutrition Agency had previously announced that distributions should occur on the final school day before the break, highlighting coordination issues between education authorities and nutrition service providers.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:21 WIB
Over 6,000 Indonesian Citizens Stranded by Middle East Conflict to Return Home in Stages
The Indonesian government reports that more than 6,000 Indonesian citizens stranded due to conflicts in the Middle East will be repatriated in stages, subject to flight availability and airspace conditions. Most of the stranded citizens are umrah pilgrims in Jeddah, with daily repatriation efforts ongoing. The government has stated that the 2026 hajj pilgrimage will proceed as planned, with no policy changes announced by Saudi Arabian authorities at this time.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:20 WIB
YLBHI and Coalition Demand Full Investigation into Acid Attack on KontraS Activist
A coalition of civil society organisations, including YLBHI, Amnesty International Indonesia, and others, has strongly condemned an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, and demanded a thorough investigation. Multiple speakers characterised the incident as a severe attack on democracy and human rights defenders, whilst the National Police assured the public of a full investigation with support from regional and criminal investigation units.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:20 WIB
OJK to Review Full Call Auction for Special Monitoring Board Equities
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is considering a review of the Full Call Auction (FCA) mechanism for companies listed on the Special Monitoring Board, aiming to improve investor engagement and help illiquid stocks find fair prices. The FCA uses periodic call auction pricing to collect buy and sell interest before matching trades, and recent rule changes now allow stocks to exit the mechanism after just seven consecutive trading days rather than 30 days, provided other conditions are met.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:19 WIB
Jambi Taps into Potential: US-Dubai Consortium Challenged by Al Haris to Develop Ujung Jabung
Jambi Province's Governor Al Haris has thrown open the investment doors to a consortium of American and Dubai-based investors keen to develop the coastal Ujung Jabung region as a new economic gateway. The Governor has challenged the consortium to present concrete development plans and promised full provincial support for projects that advance the welfare of Jambi's citizens and contribute to regional economic growth.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:19 WIB
PKB Responds to Arrest of Cilacap Regent
The National Leadership Council of the Democratic Awakening Party (PKB) has expressed respect for the legal process following the arrest of Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman in a Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) sting operation on 13 March 2026. The operation, which detained 27 individuals and seized cash, is connected to allegations of bribery related to government projects in Cilacap, with estimated losses to the state of Rp622 billion in a hajj quota case. PKB has urged all party cadres to avoid illegal conduct and maintain integrity as a lesson from this incident.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:17 WIB
Bayucaraka ITS Team Prepares Three Flying Robots for SAFMC 2026
The Bayucaraka Team from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology has unveiled three LIDAR-equipped drones for the Singapore Amazing Flying Machine Competition in April 2026. Each drone weighs 1.1 kilograms and can fly for up to 15 minutes, representing Indonesia's technological capabilities in autonomous aerial systems.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:16 WIB
Parents Support Social Media Restrictions Policy for Children Under 16 Years Old
The Indonesian government will restrict social media access for children under 16 years old starting 28 March 2026, under a new regulation from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. Parents and education officials support the policy, citing concerns about child dependency on social media, reduced real-world interaction, and digital risks including cyberbullying, pornography, and online fraud, with government intervention seen as necessary to protect children.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:16 WIB
Industrial Productivity Threatened by High Humidity; Dehumidifier Offers Solution
High humidity levels above 60% in industrial facilities pose significant risks including machine corrosion, product quality degradation, and potential rejection in international markets. Industrial dehumidifiers, such as Notale's Drymax and Xentra series with capacities of 110 and 60 litres per day respectively, are increasingly adopted to maintain stable humidity conditions across manufacturing plants, warehouses, and storage facilities. Proper humidity management has become essential for minimising operational costs, protecting product quality, and ensuring compliance with international standards.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:16 WIB
Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman Undergoes Questioning at Banyumas Police Headquarters Following KPK Arrest
Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman was arrested in a dawn raid by Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) on 13 March and subsequently questioned at Banyumas Regional Police headquarters in Purwokerto. The case allegedly involves a hajj quota scheme estimated to have caused state losses of Rp622 billion, with the KPK having 24 hours under Indonesian criminal procedure law to determine the official status of those detained in the operation, including the regent as a regional head.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:16 WIB
87 Per Cent of Retail Business Operators Value AI as Critical to Preventing Business Losses
A new study by Zebra Technologies Corporation reveals that 87 per cent of retail industry leaders regard artificial intelligence and automation technologies as crucial for preventing losses and improving operational efficiency. The research highlights declining customer satisfaction rates over two consecutive years and identifies inventory management as a key challenge, with retailers increasingly planning to adopt technologies such as computer vision, RFID, and generative AI within the next five years to enhance stock visibility and profitability.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:15 WIB
Indonesia Declines to Co-Sponsor UN Security Council Resolution on Iranian Attacks, Explains Rationale
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declined to co-sponsor UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which calls for Iran to cease attacks on Gulf states, citing the need for a balanced approach to conflict resolution. The government spokesperson stated that whilst Indonesia supports peaceful and diplomatic solutions, any resolution must prioritise both inclusivity and balance in addressing the dispute.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:15 WIB
Prabowo orders timely distribution of 2026 Eid holiday allowance
President Prabowo Subianto has instructed relevant ministries to ensure the Eid Al-Fitr holiday allowance (THR) for 1447 Hijriah/2026 is distributed on time to all civil servants across central and local government. Additionally, the government has announced that online transport workers will receive Eid bonuses ranging from Rp400,000 to Rp1.6 million per person, marking the first time such workers receive holiday bonuses under his administration.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:15 WIB
Fake Shaman Arrested for Duping Victims with Money-Doubling Scam
A 51-year-old man identified as LE has been arrested in Depok for defrauding multiple victims using a money-doubling scheme, claiming he could turn tens of millions of rupiah into billions. The suspect convinced victims to deposit at least 30 million rupiah each, promising returns of 16 billion rupiah within 41 to 100 days through supposed rituals, but instead assaulted a victim during the "ritual" process. Police have identified three victims with total losses of 87 million rupiah and charged the suspect under Indonesia's revised Criminal Code with fraud and counterfeit money offences, facing up to 10 years imprisonment.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:15 WIB
SWA Media Group Awards Companies Building Outstanding Customer Value
SWA Media Group and Business Digest presented two prestigious awards to Indonesian companies: "Indonesia Brand Excellence in Customer Value 2026" for firms delivering comprehensive functional, economic, and emotional value to customers, and "Indonesia Best Employee Well-Being 2025" for organisations prioritising employee welfare. The awards ceremony highlighted that employee well-being directly correlates with business performance, customer loyalty, and profitability, with winners including Bank Mandiri, Sharp Electronics, and numerous financial services firms.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:15 WIB
Police Chief Reveals Peak Mudik and Return Dates, Beware of Traffic Jams!
Indonesian National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo has announced the predicted peak periods for Lebaran 2026 travel, forecasting two waves of mudik (homebound travel) on 14-15 March and 18-19 March, with corresponding return waves on 24-25 March and 28-29 March. The police have prepared comprehensive traffic management strategies including odd-even vehicle systems, contraflow arrangements, and one-way traffic implementation on the Trans-Java Toll Road, along with restrictions on heavy trucks carrying non-essential cargo.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:14 WIB
Indonesia Will Not Be Co-Sponsor of UN Security Council Resolution 2817
Indonesia has declined to co-sponsor UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemns Iranian attacks against Gulf states, maintaining its preference for peaceful and balanced diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry emphasised that whilst supporting inclusive approaches, any resolution must also be impartial, and urged both the United States and Israel to cease attacks on Iran whilst calling on Iran to halt its attacks on Middle Eastern nations.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:14 WIB
Pejuang Mushola and Artha Graha Peduli Clean Place of Worship at Bantargebang Landfill in Collaboration
Pejuang Mushola programme and Artha Graha Peduli volunteers conducted a cleaning activity at Mushola At-Taqwa near the Bantargebang waste disposal site in Bekasi Regency, engaging volunteers from Electronic City to clean the prayer space and surrounding areas. Beyond the cleaning effort, Artha Graha Peduli distributed free food aid to the mosque caretaker and residents whilst providing iftar meals for congregants. The initiative reflects community solidarity and concern for maintaining cleanliness and comfort in places of worship despite challenging environmental conditions.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:14 WIB
Building Child Ward Self-Reliance Through Practical Skills Development
Akulaku Group collaborated with the National Zakat Distribution Board (BAZNAS RI) to provide practical skills training and food assistance to wards at Jakarta's Class II Child Development Institution (LPKA) during Ramadan, aiming to empower youth through screen-printing workshops alongside religious charitable giving. The initiative reflects both companies' commitment to sustainable social impact and youth rehabilitation through long-term skill development rather than merely consumptive aid.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:13 WIB
Takbiran Procession in Mataram Limited Until 10 PM
Mataram City Police has coordinated with stakeholders to implement security measures for the 2026 Eid and Nyepi celebrations, which are predicted to coincide on the same date. Takbiran processions are restricted until 10 PM, whilst ogoh-ogoh (Balinese ceremonial effigy) parades must conclude by 6 PM, with takbiran processions limited to district-level participation and restricted from using four- and three-wheeled vehicles or passing through predominantly Hindu areas.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:13 WIB
BPKW XIV Promotes Local Iftar Tradition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Cultural Preservation Office (BPKW) XIV for East and North Kalimantan is seeking to register Indonesia's iftar tradition based on local wisdom as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, following a similar nomination from Iran. The initiative aims to document unique regional breaking-fast customs and associated cuisines, reflecting the strong interfaith solidarity and community cohesion evident in East Kalimantan, where iftar gatherings occur frequently and attract broad participation across religious communities.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:12 WIB
Attorney General Responds to Delpedro's Acquittal Verdict
The Indonesian Attorney General's office has responded to the acquittal of Delpedro Marhaen, executive director of Lokataru Foundation, and three others in a case involving alleged incitement during August 2025 demonstrations. The court found the defendants not guilty, ruling that their social media posts constituted an expression of human rights activism and solidarity rather than incitement to riot, with the judge noting the prosecution failed to present evidence of manipulation or fabrication. The Attorney General's office indicated it is still determining whether to file for cassation appeal.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:11 WIB
PKB respects legal process for Cilacap regent caught in KPK sting operation
The Central Board of the National Awakening Party (PKB) has expressed respect for the legal process surrounding party member and Cilacap regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, who was arrested in an anti-corruption operation by the KPK on 13 March 2026. The KPK's operation, which detained the regent and 26 others, is investigating allegations of bribery related to projects within the Cilacap District Government in Central Java.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:10 WIB
Indonesia positioned to become global modest fashion hub
Indonesia's Industry Minister has highlighted the nation's strategic opportunity to become a global modest fashion hub, supported by a booming market projected to reach $433 billion by 2028 and Indonesia's strong industrial ecosystem. With modest fashion exports to OIC countries reaching $990 million in 2023 (an 83% increase from 2022) and 594,000 small garment industries employing 1.2 million workers, Indonesia ranks seventh among exporters to Islamic-majority nations, though it faces competition from China, Turkey, and India.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:09 WIB
Commission I of House of Representatives: Alert Status 3 Sufficient to Ensure Public Security
The Deputy Chair of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives has endorsed the Indonesian Armed Forces' (TNI) decision to lower their alert status from level 1 to level 3, stating it is proportional and sufficient to ensure public security whilst maintaining efficient use of military resources. The TNI implemented the reduced alert status in preparation for the Eid al-Fitr holiday period, demonstrating mature and responsible crisis management alongside continued vigilance.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:07 WIB
Ahead of Eid al-Fitr, Ramadan Programmes and Eid Bazaars Enliven Shopping Mall Activities
As Eid al-Fitr approaches, shopping centres across Indonesia are launching themed Ramadan programmes to attract visitors and support community needs during the holy month. Lippo Mall Kemang is hosting "A Season of Harmony" until 29 March 2026, featuring Peranakan-themed decorations blending Middle Eastern and Oriental aesthetics, bazaars offering Eid essentials, and family entertainment activities. The initiative aims to celebrate Indonesia's cultural diversity whilst creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere for visitors to prepare for the Eid festivities with their families.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:06 WIB
The Matter Ensnaring Cilacap Regent Caught Red-Handed by the KPK
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman and 26 others in a sting operation on 13 March 2026, on suspicion of receiving payments related to projects in Cilacap District, Central Java. This marks the ninth sting operation conducted by the KPK in 2026, part of an intensified anti-corruption drive that has resulted in multiple arrests of regional officials and government officials across Indonesia.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:05 WIB
KPK: 20,000 Additional Hajj Quotas Should Go to Regular Hajj Programme
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has stated that the 20,000 additional hajj quotas granted by Saudi Arabia for 2024/1445 AH should be allocated entirely to the regular hajj programme, not special schemes. The Saudi government provided the additional quotas because Indonesian pilgrims face waiting lists of up to 47 years in the regular programme, with the initial allocation comprising 221,000 pilgrim quotas and 2,210 official staff positions for the year.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:05 WIB
Foreign Ministry Updates on Return of Stranded Umrah Pilgrims Following Middle East Conflict
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that over 6,000 Indonesian citizens have been stranded at various Middle Eastern airports due to the escalation of conflict in the region, with the majority stuck in Jeddah during their umrah journeys. The ministry is facilitating their gradual return as airspace restrictions are lifted, whilst assuring the public that Saudi Arabia has not announced any changes to the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage schedule despite ongoing regional tensions.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:05 WIB
Energy Crisis Looms as Southeast Asian Neighbours Implement Energy-Saving Measures
Heightened global energy crisis concerns are prompting Southeast Asian nations to implement emergency energy-conservation measures, including reduced work weeks in the Philippines, remote work policies in Thailand and Vietnam, and fuel rationing in Myanmar. The region's heavy reliance on oil and gas imports—particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 84 per cent of the region's crude oil supply—leaves countries vulnerable to supply disruptions stemming from Middle East conflicts, with strategic reserves proving insufficient to weather prolonged shortages.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:04 WIB
Can Oil Price Really Reach 200 US Dollars per Barrel as Iran Claims?
Iranian military officials have warned that global oil prices could surge to 200 US dollars per barrel if regional conflict continues, citing the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz which carries approximately 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Energy analysts assess that Iran possesses the capability to disrupt global energy flows through the strait, with recent reports indicating attacks on vessels from neutral nations as a strategy to increase economic pressure and force Western nations to cease military operations.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:03 WIB
Minister of Social Affairs Explains Reason for Heroes' Cemetery Management Transfer to Defence Ministry
Indonesia's Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf has announced that management of over 200 Heroes' Cemeteries (Taman Makam Pahlawan) will be transferred from the Ministry of Social Affairs to the Ministry of Defence, effective 1 April 2026. The minister cited the Defence Ministry's greater human resources capacity and suitability for maintaining and developing patriotic values at these sites, which serve both commemorative and educational functions. The transition decision follows a directive from President Prabowo Subianto aimed at strengthening the preservation and oversight of these national monuments.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:03 WIB
OTT of Cilacap Regent: KPK Seizes Cash Rupiah, Amount Still Being Counted
The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation (OTT) on 13 March 2026, arresting Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman and 26 others in connection with alleged bribery linked to projects in Cilacap Regency, Central Java. The operation resulted in seizure of cash in rupiah, though the exact amount is still being verified; the alleged misconduct is estimated to have caused state losses of Rp622 billion, with connections to hajj quota irregularities.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:02 WIB
Prabowo Considers Fuel and Work-from-Home Savings Policy Amid Middle East Conflict
President Prabowo Subianto is considering implementing fuel conservation and work-from-home policies in response to rising fuel prices caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe. Drawing on Pakistan's example of critical austerity measures, Prabowo outlined potential government initiatives including reducing government vehicle usage, implementing partial remote work, cutting non-essential expenditures, and reducing government staff salaries to protect vulnerable populations.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:02 WIB
Indonesian National Police Launch Nationwide Cheap Food Movement Ahead of Eid
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has launched a coordinated Cheap Food Movement (GPM) across all regions to stabilise food supply and prices ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. The initiative, in support of the government's national food security programme, involves the sale of essential commodities including rice, cooking oil, eggs, and meat at prices below the maximum retail price (HET), with West Java alone providing 200 tonnes of stabilisation rice.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:02 WIB
Commercial Vehicle Sector Drives National Economic Growth
Indonesia's automotive industry possesses significant potential to meet commercial vehicle demands whilst delivering broad economic benefits, with manufacturers offering diverse options ranging from conventional engines to electric vehicles. Wuling Motors' introduction of the Formo Max light commercial vehicle and Mitra EV demonstrates the sector's capability to support productivity whilst generating positive multiplier effects through local supply chains, employment, and service networks across Indonesia.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:02 WIB
Prabowo Directs Tourism Minister to Boost Tourist Numbers During Eid Holiday Period
President Prabowo has instructed Minister of Tourism Widi to actively engage with major tourist destinations to ensure readiness for visitors during the Eid holiday period. During a Cabinet Plenary Session at the State Palace, Prabowo emphasised the importance of promoting Indonesia's tourism whilst preparing for safe and orderly holiday travel, whilst also addressing regional geopolitical uncertainties affecting the country's economic stability.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:01 WIB
Zhejiang Weiming Appointed as Waste-to-Energy Facility Manager in Greater Bogor
Indonesia's investment management body BPI Danantara has appointed Chinese firm Zhejiang Weiming Environment Protection Co., Ltd. to manage a waste-to-energy facility in Greater Bogor, following the company's prior appointment to a similar facility in Denpasar, Bali. The appointment is part of President Prabowo Subianto's directive to implement a waste-to-energy programme aimed at reducing landfill waste whilst promoting technology transfer through mandatory local consortium partnerships.
Fri, 13 Mar 2026, 19:00 WIB
Hajj 2026 and the Shadow of Iran-Israel Conflict: Learning from the History of Pilgrim Cancellations
Indonesia's Minister of Hajj, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has outlined two possible scenarios for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage amid escalating Middle East tensions between the US-Israel and Iran: proceeding via safe alternative routes at high risk, or cancelling the pilgrimage through high-level diplomatic negotiations with Saudi Arabia. The government is preparing financial mitigation measures including refunds or reinvestment options for pilgrims, with provisions for unused funds to be carried forward to the 2027 hajj season without penalty.