Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar, a suspect in a case alleging President Joko Widodo falsified his diploma, has requested restorative justice, but remains legally bound to report to Metro Jaya Police despite this submission. The police confirmed that whilst he may coordinate with investigators on humanitarian grounds, the reporting obligation cannot be delegated to family members nor waived, though he may notify investigators via letter or phone with documented evidence when unable to appear in person.

The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has officially launched a Cheap Food Movement in Bali, distributing 16 tonnes of essential goods across ten locations with an estimated 3,700 beneficiaries. The programme aims to help residents meet basic needs ahead of major religious observances including Ramadan, Nyepi, and Eid al-Fitr, whilst supporting government efforts to control regional inflation and stabilise commodity prices. Rice is being sold at approximately 11,500 rupiah per kilogram, significantly below market rates, alongside subsidised cooking oil, spices, and other staples.

President Prabowo Subianto has raised the possibility of reducing salaries for cabinet members and parliamentarians in response to global uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict and surging oil prices. Drawing on Pakistan's example, Prabowo cited various austerity measures including work-from-home policies, reduced fuel consumption, and suspension of government procurement and foreign travel, with savings to be redirected to vulnerable populations.

Apple has reduced its App Store commission rates in China from 30% to 25% for in-app purchases and from 15% to 12% for small business programme developers, following regulatory pressure from Chinese authorities. The move, which took effect on Sunday, is expected to lower prices for consumers across digital services on iOS and represents China's successful pressure on the technology giant, mirroring similar regulatory actions by the European Union and United States.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed coal, palm oil and natural resource entrepreneurs to prioritise domestic requirements before exporting, emphasising that all natural resources belong to the state rather than private businesses. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace, Prabowo stressed that entrepreneurs may only export after fulfilling the nation's internal needs, whilst acknowledging global economic uncertainty but reassuring that Indonesia's economy remains stable and manageable.

El Tari Airport in Kupang recorded 2,768 homebound travellers during the first day of the unified Lebaran transport operation on 13 March 2026, exceeding initial projections of 2,500 passengers. Airport management has activated comprehensive facilities, including a waiting terminal with capacity for 5,400 people, as early migration patterns help prevent congestion during Indonesia's peak holiday travel season.

President Prabowo Subianto has directed government officials to avoid extravagant open house celebrations during Eid al-Fitr 2026, citing the need to set an example for disaster-affected citizens. The directive, issued during a Cabinet meeting on Friday, emphasises concern for communities impacted by disasters whilst maintaining that some economic activity should continue to support the national economy.

As Indonesia prepares for Eid 2026, e-commerce platforms are experiencing increased demand across multiple product categories, driven by an expected 143.9 million people travelling for the holiday exodus (mudik) and rising consumer spending estimated at Rp190 trillion. Lazada Indonesia and other retailers are capitalising on this trend by offering discounts up to 95% on motorcycles, portable appliances, electronics, and household items tailored to support both travel and family celebrations.

The Lahat Police Chief, AKBP Novi Edyanto, led a Cheap Food Movement initiative on 13 March 2026 at Bandar Agung Police Barracks in Lahat, South Sumatra, bringing together local government officials and Bulog representatives. The programme offered essential commodities including rice, cooking oil, sugar, and other household items at below-market prices to ease the economic burden on residents and stabilise local food prices. The initiative reflects coordinated efforts between law enforcement and local government to address inflation and ensure food security in the Lahat region.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa reassured President Prabowo Subianto that Indonesia need not fear geopolitical shocks threatening the economy, citing historical data showing the nation weathered previous oil price spikes above US$100 per barrel without recession. Using the Coincident Economic Index, Purbaya demonstrated that despite extreme volatility in crude prices during 2007-2008, 2011, and the Covid period, Indonesia maintained positive economic growth through appropriate fiscal and monetary policies.

PT KAI's Bandung Regional Operations is monitoring 55 critical points along its railway network in anticipation of extreme weather during the 2026 Lebaran exodus, with particular attention to the Ciganea bridge in Purwakarta, which faces risks from unstable ground, landslides, and flooding. The company has deployed approximately 3,000 personnel, additional emergency equipment, and earth-movement sensors to prevent service disruptions, whilst offering a capacity of 345,840 seats across 28 train journeys, with over 67 per cent already booked as of mid-March 2026.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi revealed that 50.6% of Indonesia's population, approximately 143.91 million people, are expected to travel home (mudik) for Eid al-Fitr 2026, with private cars being the primary mode of transport used by 76.24 million travellers. Although this represents a 1.75% decline from 2025 projections, the minister expressed optimism that actual figures could exceed survey estimates, given that 2025 saw 154 million travellers compared to the projected 146 million.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has revealed that Fuad Hasan Masyhur, owner of Makassar Toraja haj travel operator (Maktour), wrote to former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to obtain additional haj quotas following Saudi Arabia's allocation of 8,000 extra spots in May 2023. The investigation uncovered an alleged scheme involving kickback fees of up to $5,000 per pilgrim for accelerated departures, with proceeds allegedly reaching Yaqut and his staff, resulting in state losses exceeding Rp622 billion.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk visited Yowari Public Hospital in Jayapura Regency, Papua, to inspect healthcare services and urged improvements in service quality. Haluk warned that if healthcare delivery does not improve, the central government may assume full control of the hospital's operations, whilst emphasising that quality healthcare is a fundamental public need that must be guaranteed.

Indonesia is positioning itself as a strategic hub for the rapidly expanding global modest fashion market, which reached $327 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $433 billion by 2028. The country's modest fashion exports to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation members increased 83 per cent to $990 million in 2023, though it remains the seventh-largest exporter in this segment, with opportunities to leverage its design talent, cultural heritage, and textile manufacturing base across a labour-intensive sector employing 1.2 million workers.

Former Deputy Head of the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) Alexander Marwata has questioned the conviction in a Pertamina corruption case, stating he found no elements of corruption in the raw oil and refinery product management allegations. Marwata criticised the state loss audit report as substandard and lacking proper methodology, and challenged the court's acceptance of the findings without adequate scrutiny of defence witnesses and experts.

PT Agrinas Jaladri Nusantara's chief executive has emphasised that Indonesia's fisheries sector must be developed through integrated and sustainable management as a cornerstone of national food security and economic resilience. The company is championing collaboration across government, industry, and media to strengthen the fisheries ecosystem from capture and aquaculture through to processing and logistics, recognising that sectoral development requires coordinated action among multiple stakeholders.

An academic and member of Jakarta's Centre for National Perspectives Education argues that young people and students are the nation's primary hope in facing complex global challenges, emphasizing the critical need for strong information literacy and national character development. He warns that Generation Z faces serious threats from digital disruption, misinformation, and social problems such as student violence, whilst highlighting the potential of Indonesia's demographic dividend if young people are properly equipped with both academic competence and strong national values.

Indonesia's National Haji Commission has warned the government to carefully deliberate on how to proceed with the 2026 hajj pilgrimage, with the first contingent departing in less than two months, as ongoing Middle East tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel threaten flight routes and security to Saudi Arabia. As the world's largest sender of hajj pilgrims with a quota of 221,000 participants, Indonesia faces a dilemma between ensuring pilgrim safety and maintaining hajj operations, with cancellation potentially triggering cascading effects including massive backlogs and complications worth trillions of rupiah in already-paid contracts. The National Haji Commission chair emphasised the need for comprehensive consultation involving the parliament, foreign ministry, military, intelligence services, and diplomatic representatives, whilst stressing that Saudi Arabia's policy as host nation will be the determining factor.

Astra Tol Cipali, operator of the Cikopo-Palimanan toll road in West Java, recorded a 19.9 per cent increase in vehicle traffic on 13 March 2026 as the Eid holiday season approached. The toll road authority and Cirebon police have deployed 11 security posts along the route and implemented restrictions on freight vehicles with three or more axles through 29 March to manage the anticipated surge in travel during the holiday exodus.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia has mobilised hundreds of workers to staff the Jabodebek LRT network during the 16-day Eid transport period from 13–28 March 2026, deploying 26 train sets and 270–430 daily trips depending on day type. The operator has positioned 243 customer service officers and 527 security personnel across stations to ensure safe, secure, and comfortable travel for the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the holiday exodus.

India's Essar Group is planning to invest in crude oil storage facilities in Indonesia, with discussions underway involving Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and PT Pertamina. The project aims to expand Indonesia's capacity to store crude oil and fuel products domestically, with potential locations being evaluated at existing refineries in Cilacap and Dumai.

President Prabowo Subianto has accused political observers of opposing his government's success due to personal grievances and narrow-mindedness, comparing their behaviour to corruption. Speaking during a full cabinet session at the State Palace on 13 March 2026, Prabowo claimed to possess intelligence indicating that certain groups are financing these critics and vowed to "restore order" amongst them.

Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS (Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence), was attacked with caustic acid by two unknown assailants on Jalan Salemba in Central Jakarta on Thursday evening, sustaining 24 per cent burns to his body. A man with a shaved head appeared at the scene shortly after the attack, and Yunus is undergoing treatment at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital including eye surgery and care from six specialists.

PT Trisula International, a major Indonesian textile manufacturer, is pursuing market expansion into Australia, Africa, and other regions whilst navigating global geopolitical tensions and reciprocal tariff concerns. The company is maintaining strong domestic performance through a medium-to-high market segment focus whilst managing challenges from free trade tariffs and competition from imported secondhand clothing products.

Rismon Sianipar, the suspect in a defamation and slander case related to allegations of forged presidential credentials belonging to former President Joko Widodo, must continue to comply with mandatory reporting requirements to police throughout the 2026 Eid holiday period. Metro Jaya Police confirmed that whilst the reporting obligation remains in effect, investigators may grant exceptions if the suspect provides legitimate reasons and maintains active communication with the investigative team. This development comes after Rismon publicly apologised to Widodo, with the former president's legal representative confirming that Widodo has accepted the apology and will relay this information to prosecutors for consideration.

A member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives has called on the National Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, an activist with KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), and to identify and apprehend those responsible. The legislator characterised the attack as a serious crime and threat to democratic space and civil liberties, urging the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) and the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to provide victim protection and conduct an independent investigation respectively.

The head of Jakarta's Civil Police (Satpol PP), Satriadi Gunawan, has instructed personnel to enhance patrol quality ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, emphasising that patrols must be substantive rather than perfunctory. Gunawan stressed the importance of humanistic enforcement of local regulations, coordination with military and police forces, and proactive security mapping to address increased security risks during the holiday period.

Leading child psychologist Rose Mini Agoes Salim has warned parents that restricting children's digital device access will be ineffective unless they model responsible behaviour themselves. She emphasises that children learn by example rather than instruction alone, and when parents fail to control their own smartphone usage, it creates conflicting messages and may drive children back to digital devices as an escape when parental attention is diverted.

The chairman of Indonesia's Regional Representative Council (DPD) Sultan Baktiar Najamudin has warned the government to take immediate mitigation measures against the escalating Middle East conflict, which threatens domestic economic stability and food security ahead of Eid 2026. With annual inflation reaching 4.76% as of February 2026 and the state budget deficit at Rp135.7 trillion, the DPD chairman emphasised the need for careful fiscal management, strengthened regional food production, and stable distribution networks to prevent supply chain disruptions. He also called for enhanced infrastructure and transportation services to ensure safe and comfortable travel for millions of Indonesians during the Eid holiday period.

The Indonesian government has confirmed preparations at Merak Port in Banten to handle the anticipated surge in travellers during the 2026 Eid homecoming period, with coordinated efforts across transport infrastructure and security involving over 1,900 personnel. Digital ticketing systems, buffer zones with delaying mechanisms, and family-friendly facilities have been implemented to manage traffic flow and improve passenger experience. Passenger numbers from Java to Sumatra showed an 18.1% decrease on the measured day compared to the previous year, indicating controlled traffic management.

Iran's ambassador to Russia has rejected France's proposal for a non-regional military coalition to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that such external forces would complicate rather than resolve regional issues. The statement comes following escalating tensions in the Middle East, including recent US-Israeli military operations against Iranian targets and the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Russia condemning the attacks as violations of international law.

President Prabowo praised Indonesia's religious harmony during Ramadhan, expressing gratitude to non-Muslim citizens for respecting the Islamic month and highlighting the nation's capacity for peaceful coexistence despite religious diversity. He cited an example from the Nahdlatul Ulama centenary celebration in Malang where churches opened their premises to Muslim worshippers, exemplifying the nation's unity in diversity principle (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika) that must be preserved.

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended operations of 1,512 nutrition service units across Java to strengthen evaluation of the government's Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG), citing the need for strict adherence to operational standards and food safety protocols. The agency will provide support and verification to affected units before gradually resuming operations, whilst acknowledging challenges in managing public perception of the programme following isolated incidents.

Indonesia's Ministry of Health reports measles cases have declined to 511 in week 9 following implementation of Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) campaigns across affected regions. The ministry is targeting 95 percent measles immunisation coverage before Eid al-Fitr in late March, with immunisation drives underway in 50 districts and cities, whilst warning that measles remains highly contagious with potential for rapid spread during holiday travel seasons.

PT Agrinas Jaladri Nusantara's chief executive Kharisma Febriansyah has outlined critical challenges facing Indonesia's fisheries sector, including the predominance of wooden fishing vessels and low fish quality for domestic consumption. Despite Indonesia comprising two-thirds maritime territory, nearly 90 per cent of fishing boats are wooden structures, limiting the ability to catch high-quality fish graded at level C rather than the export-grade A standard. Agrinas Jaladri supports President Prabowo Subianto's efforts to strengthen the fisheries ecosystem through an integrated approach encompassing capture, aquaculture, processing, and logistics.

Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of KontraS, was attacked with acid by unknown assailants on Salemba I Road in Central Jakarta, resulting in burns and injuries requiring hospitalisation. The Metro Jakarta Police have launched an active investigation, pledging to pursue witness statements, evidence examination, and apprehension of the perpetrators, condemning the violent incident.

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry reports that more than 6,000 Indonesian citizens remain stranded across the Middle East following the outbreak of war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States on 28 February, with the majority being umrah pilgrims awaiting flights. Most of those held are concentrated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and are being temporarily accommodated whilst the ministry facilitates their phased repatriation to Indonesia. The ministry has advised prospective hajj pilgrims to remain calm and rely only on official government information, whilst confirming that this year's hajj pilgrimage schedule remains unchanged for the present.

North Jakarta's Sub-office of Transportation (Sudinhub) attributed severe traffic congestion on Yos Sudarso Street on 13 March 2026 to activities at Gate 9 of Tanjung Priok Port, coupled with lingering effects from a traffic accident that backed up queues to Jakarta International Container Terminal. The congestion stretched from Tanjung Priok to Sunter, with motorists resorting to pavements to avoid the gridlock, as port container vehicle activity increased ahead of the Eid holiday restrictions.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk visited a state-run elderly care facility in Jayapura, Papua, to meet directly with residents and gather their aspirations for improved conditions. The government committed to coordinating with provincial authorities to address facility upgrades and maintenance needs, while praising the home's catfish farming programme for supporting food security and providing productive activity for elderly residents.

Hundreds of empty and loaded container trucks became gridlocked within the Tanjung Priok Port complex in North Jakarta on Friday afternoon, with congestion extending across multiple access routes including from Kebon Bawang to Terminal Tanjung Priok and beyond. The severe traffic jam forced truck drivers to shut down their engines whilst waiting, with congestion spreading to surrounding areas including Danau Cincin near Jakarta International Stadium by 6.00 PM, affecting both port access and general traffic flow in the region. Authorities deployed recovery vehicles to evacuate the congestion in an effort to restore normal traffic circulation to Indonesia's largest port.

PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi has established an 18-day operational post at Kualanamu International Airport to manage the Lebaran holiday travel period from 13–30 March 2026, expecting 443,036 passengers and 3,009 aircraft movements. The airport has deployed 439 aviation security personnel, 61 rescue and firefighting staff, and 1,237 ground handling workers, supported by enhanced ground transportation including buses, taxis, and airport rail service to ensure safe and orderly operations.

Sri Purnomo, former regent of Sleman district (2010-2015 and 2016-2021), faces an 8.5-year prison sentence for allegedly misusing a central government tourism grant fund worth Rp68.5 billion to support his wife's candidacy in the 2020 local election. Prosecutors argue he issued a controversial regent regulation to distribute Rp17.2 billion in grants to tourism sector groups in exchange for political support, causing an estimated state loss of Rp10.95 billion. The hearing continues on 27 March 2026, with the defence scheduled to present its pleadings.

The West Java branch of the Indonesian Peasants and Fishermen Movement (GNTI) and the West Bandung Regency branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) jointly distributed hundreds of Eid hamper packages to residents and party cadres during an iftar gathering on 12 March. The event served as both a charitable initiative during the holy month of Ramadan and a party consolidation effort, with GNTI West Java chairman Pamriadi emphasising the importance of grassroots political engagement and party leadership under Tuti Turimayanti, a West Java provincial legislator.

President Prabowo Subianto convened a full cabinet session at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026, which opened with a video showcasing government accomplishments including 218 bridge completions nationwide in 2.5 months and renovations of over 16,000 schools within a year. The session focused on preparations for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijrah and featured Prabowo's remarks on national unity, expressing gratitude to non-Muslim religions for respecting Ramadan and emphasising Indonesia's diversity as a strength.

Indonesia's Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) has incorporated the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus as a cornerstone of the Long-Term National Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045, emphasising balanced development across these three critical resources. The framework aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's administration priorities for national self-sufficiency in food, energy and water security whilst pursuing green and blue economy initiatives.

Trade Minister Budi Santoso met with Indonesian exporters to assess the potential impact of escalating geopolitical tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran on export performance, particularly to the Middle East. While demand from the region remains stable, exporters report increased shipping costs due to the volatile security situation, though they continue to maintain export operations. The government is preparing contingency measures, including exploring alternative markets, should the conflict disrupt critical trade routes such as those used for palm oil exports.

The Gianyar Police Resort organised a government-subsidised affordable market ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, selling staple foodstuffs including eggs, sugar, cooking oil, and rice at significantly reduced prices. Essential items such as eggs, sugar, and cooking oil sold out rapidly within an hour, with the police limiting rice purchases to 10 kilograms per person to ensure equitable distribution among residents seeking affordable provisions.

Indonesia's government has formally implemented the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Regulation No. 9 of 2026 (PP Tunas) to protect children from harmful digital content, requiring strict age verification systems and prohibiting children under 16 from accessing high-risk platforms. Paediatrician Bernie Endyarni Medise warns that increasingly realistic AI-generated content blurs the boundary between reality and fantasy for young children, with children under five ideally having no access to digital devices.

The Ministry of Cooperatives has formally signed a cooperation agreement with Al Jam'iyatul Washliyah to strengthen cooperative development and economic empowerment of communities through training programmes, business development, and collaborative economic activities. Minister Ferry Juliantono emphasised that strengthening cooperatives is a constitutional mandate and a key policy focus of the Prabowo Subianto administration, with the government seeking to revitalise cooperative values such as kinship and mutual aid. The partnership will involve the Rolling Fund Management Institute for MSMEs in supporting and incubating cooperatives within Al Washliyah's network, including those based in Islamic boarding schools which possess substantial assets.