A Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Novita Hardini, has emphasised the importance of strengthening the industrial sector as the primary driver of national economic growth amid increasingly competitive global economic dynamics. She stressed that the industrial sector plays a strategic role in creating added value, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening Indonesia's competitive advantage in global markets. The legislator called for integrated sector strengthening through policies supporting technological development, human resource improvement, and business support, alongside consistent government policy, regulatory support, investment, and collaboration between businesses and research institutions.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Bakrie, has warned that the escalating conflict between the United States–Israel and Iran could pose significant risks to Indonesia's economy, with some companies already invoking force majeure due to supply chain disruptions. The primary concern is oil prices rising above the government budget assumption of $70 per barrel, which could trigger widespread increases in commodities, logistics costs, and capital outflows within one to two months. The government is closely monitoring developments and emphasising the need for close business–government cooperation to mitigate economic impacts and maintain fiscal stability.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced the launch of the 44th wave of Operation True Promise 4, a large-scale assault combining precision ballistic missiles and unmanned drones targeting US and Israeli military positions across occupied Palestinian territories and the Gulf region. The operation, code-named "Ya Syadidal Miqab" (O He of Severest Punishment), was launched on the 23rd night of Ramadan coinciding with Lailatul Qadar and ahead of International Quds Day, utilising advanced weaponry including the Khorramshahr, Emad, and Kheibar-Shekan missiles.

Traffic on Jalan Yos Sudarso in North Jakarta ground to a halt on Friday, 13 March 2026, with vehicles stretching from Tanjung Priok Port to Sunter, moving only 30 metres every five minutes. The congestion, also affecting the Wiyoto-Wiyono Toll Road, was attributed to increased container truck activity as operators rushed to meet targets ahead of the three-day Lebaran holiday transport restrictions.

Electric vehicles emerged as a key growth driver at Indonesia's International Motor Show 2026 held 15-25 February, with sales climbing more than 30 per cent year-on-year and now accounting for over 40 per cent of total transaction value. The show generated Rp 9.5 trillion in total transactions, up from Rp 8 trillion the previous year, with over half a million visitors attending; notably, two-wheeled vehicle sales also surged 65 per cent.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman and 26 others in a sting operation, seizing cash and other evidence. The operation, conducted on 13 March 2026, is linked to allegations of bribery and illegal payments by the regent related to local government projects in Cilacap, Central Java.

The Indonesian government has officially released the national holiday and joint leave schedule for 2026 through a joint ministerial decree, with March 2026 offering a notable "Mega Long Weekend" as Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr fall closely together. The period from 18-24 March provides up to seven consecutive days off without additional leave requests, though the exact date of Eid al-Fitr remains pending formal confirmation from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The year 2026 includes a total of 17 national holidays and 8 joint leave days, with travellers advised to plan journeys in advance to avoid price spikes and traffic congestion.

Researchers at Nankai University in China have developed a breakthrough solid-state battery capable of enabling electric vehicles to travel over 1,000 kilometres on a single charge, representing a significant advancement in energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries. The solid-state technology offers improved safety and longevity whilst the developers aim to eventually achieve ranges exceeding 1,600 kilometres, potentially transforming the global electric vehicle market.

Police have identified two suspects in an acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus in central Jakarta on 12 March 2026. CCTV footage shows two men on a motorcycle approaching the victim before one suspect sprayed acid, causing severe burns to Yunus's right shoulder. Authorities are continuing their investigation by reviewing additional CCTV footage and awaiting detailed statements from the recovering victim.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a covert operation in Cilacap, Central Java on 13 March, arresting 27 individuals including Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman over allegations of bribery related to government projects. The operation targeted unlawful receipt of funds by the regent to facilitate various projects within Cilacap Regency, with arrests including civil servants and private sector figures.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa drew laughter from President Prabowo Subianto during a full Cabinet session at the State Palace by dismissing claims that the rupiah has collapsed, noting it has only depreciated 0.3% during the Iran-US-Israel conflict. Purbaya suggested that those spreading negative narratives about the rupiah's performance are financially disadvantaged individuals, whilst wealthy investors view the currency's resilience positively.

Indonesia has reached approximately 80.66 per cent internet penetration with over 229 million users, reflecting the critical importance of digital connectivity in modern society. As demand for reliable home internet services grows, consumers are advised to carefully assess their needs, check network coverage in their area, and evaluate provider quality before subscribing. Key considerations include connection stability, customer support responsiveness, and security features to ensure services meet requirements for remote work, online learning, and digital transactions.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that a dramatic 85.5 per cent increase in ministry and agency (K/L) spending through February 2026 is a deliberate strategy to distribute government expenditure evenly throughout the fiscal year and avoid budget absorption issues at year-end. Central government spending surged 63.7 per cent year-on-year to Rp 346.1 trillion (11.0 per cent of target), whilst total state spending reached Rp 493.8 trillion with a fiscal deficit of Rp 135.7 trillion (0.53 per cent of GDP).

Indonesia's Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf has emphasised that the tradition of mutual respect and communal harmony amongst Indonesians is essential for maintaining peace during overlapping religious celebrations, including Nyepi, Eid al-Fitr, and Easter occurring in close proximity this year. The minister highlighted that Indonesia's cultural diversity and inter-religious tolerance represent the nation's identity, and urged citizens to continue upholding values of mutual understanding and respect to ensure peaceful observance of these holy days.

President Xi Jinping's control over China's military appears incomplete, with analysts noting that the conspicuous absence of purged generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the annual Two Sessions suggests significant internal resistance within the People's Liberation Army. The purges have drastically reduced the Central Military Commission to just two members and left numerous military posts vacant, raising questions about operational readiness and military morale at a critical time for Beijing's governance.

President Prabowo Subianto has directed Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi to ensure that transport ticket discounts during the Lebaran homecoming period are implemented optimally across all modes of transport. The government is offering discounts of up to 30 per cent on trains, ships, and toll roads, whilst domestic economy air tickets receive 17–18 per cent discounts, with ferry services fully subsidised, as approximately 143.9 million people are expected to travel during the Lebaran period in 2026.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has indicated that the Indonesian government is prepared to issue a Presidential Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) if surging global oil prices push the state budget deficit beyond the 3 per cent ceiling. The proposed measure would provide emergency fiscal flexibility, including tax incentives for affected businesses, import duty waivers for raw materials, and tax relief for SMEs and energy-intensive industries, whilst also capitalising on potential additional revenue from rising commodity prices in palm oil, nickel, gold, and copper.

Danantara Indonesia has announced Zhejiang Weiming Environment Protection Co., Ltd. as the selected partner to operate the Waste-to-Energy facility in Bogor Raya, following a comprehensive international selection process. The facility is designed to address municipal waste management challenges whilst reducing reliance on landfills, with the operator required to form a consortium to facilitate technology transfer and collaboration with local government and Indonesian companies. The project represents a significant milestone in implementing integrated waste management solutions across Indonesia based on sound governance and operational standards.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman in a sting operation on Friday, though the specific corruption charges have not yet been disclosed. Rachman, who was elected in the 2024 regional elections with 414,533 votes, has declared assets totalling Rp12.04 billion according to his 2025 wealth report, including property, vehicles, and cash reserves.

Contras Deputy Coordinator Andrie Yunus was attacked with what is believed to be caustic acid on Thursday evening in Central Jakarta whilst travelling home from a podcast event. CCTV footage captured the incident showing two individuals on a motorcycle deliberately spraying the corrosive liquid, which struck the right side of the activist's body including his face, eyes, chest, and hands. The Metropolitan Police's Criminal Investigation Unit is now investigating the assault.

The Rangkasbitung–Cileles toll road section II in Banten province has been opened toll-free from 12 to 25 March 2026 to facilitate Lebaran holiday travel for homebound passengers. The toll road will operate from 07:00 to 17:00 WIB during this period, connecting southern Banten with Jakarta and Merak routes.

President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, along with several cabinet ministers, fulfilled their zakat al-fitr obligation at the State Palace ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, facilitated by Baznas. The President subsequently chaired a cabinet meeting to discuss government preparations for Eid activities and updates on disaster recovery efforts across Sumatra.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman in a sting operation involving allegations of bribery related to municipal projects. The operation resulted in 27 arrests including the regent, civil servants, and private sector actors, with cash being seized as evidence. The regent is undergoing intensive questioning at KPK headquarters in Jakarta.

Business executives are reporting a recurring problem of illegal levies (pungli) disguised as Eid holiday bonuses (THR) being demanded from companies by local officials ahead of Lebaran. Most businesses resolve these incidents privately without reporting them to authorities, citing fears of repercussions and the difficulty of proving coercion when such demands are presented as voluntary, highlighting weak enforcement of anti-corruption regulations at the local level.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto has sworn in three new members and deputies at the Batam Authority (BP Batam) in the Riau Islands, as part of an organisational restructuring. The appointments follow a regulation updating the Authority's organisational structure and are intended to strengthen governance, enhance coordination effectiveness, and accelerate policy-making to position Batam as a competitive regional and global investment hub.

During Ramadan, Indonesian families can use the sacred month as an opportunity to strengthen marital bonds and household harmony beyond the daily routines of parenting. Psychologists and Islamic scholars emphasise that family harmony requires conscious effort from both spouses, balanced spiritual values, and emotional wellbeing, with marriage viewed as an act of worship that transcends individual happiness.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Ministers of Labour, Finance, and Investment to ensure that holiday allowances for civil servants and private sector employees, including holiday bonuses for online motorcycle taxi drivers, are distributed promptly and on time. The government has introduced holiday bonuses for online transport workers, ranging from 400,000 to 1.6 million rupiah per person, which Prabowo expressed satisfaction about whilst requesting oversight of the distribution process.

Roadside vendors in Citayam, Depok, have set up temporary stalls selling Islamic prayer equipment—including prayer caps, sarongs, and long shirts—capitalising on the pre-Eid period when demand for new religious garments surges. Established traders like Alwan and Sumardi report steady sales during Ramadan, with prayer caps and sarongs being the most popular items, as customers ranging from general shoppers to Islamic boarding school students seek affordable supplies for Eid celebrations.

Indonesia's Ministry of Transport has announced preparations for the 2026 Eid holiday exodus, deploying 177 terminals (115 Type A and 62 Type B) and 48 vehicle inspection units converted into rest areas across multiple regions. The ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to utilise 115 mosques and public facilities as temporary rest stops, whilst implementing freight transport restrictions in collaboration with police and public works authorities to ensure safe and smooth travel for an anticipated 143.9 million travellers.

Two courier initials FR (38) and KR (25) have been arrested by Nusa Penida police in Klungkung, Bali, for allegedly embezzling company funds totalling IDR 205 million since 18 February 2026. The couriers failed to deposit customer payments to the company, and both have confessed to the crime under interrogation. They face charges under Article 486 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, with possible additional charges under Article 487 for embezzlement involving employment relationships.

The Jakarta Metro Police (Polda Metro Jaya) held a ceremonial parade for 1,000 junior Brimob (Mobile Brigade) personnel who completed their basic training in 2026, with Metropolitan Police Chief Gen. Asep Edi Suheri delivering remarks emphasising their role in safeguarding national security and institutional integrity. The police chief stressed that the completion of basic training marks the beginning of their service rather than the end, urging the new personnel to understand the weight of the responsibility they now carry on behalf of the public and the police force.

The Ministry of Health has announced a programme to provide free medical examinations for public transport drivers ahead of the 2026 Lebaran exodus, aimed at reducing traffic accident fatalities during the peak travel period. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin reported that traffic accident cases have been declining in recent years, and the government will establish health posts at high-risk accident locations to ensure rapid and coordinated medical response.

West Java legislative commission member Farabi El Fouz has raised concerns about a potential spike in measles cases in the province ahead of the Eid holiday mass migration in 2026. With measles cases reaching 1,785 in 2025 compared to just 271 the previous year, and 252 cases already recorded in the first two months of 2026, health officials are urging the public to increase immunisation coverage and adhere to hygiene standards to prevent disease transmission during the high-mobility period of Eid celebrations.

Indonesia's Ministry of Trade is launching a strategic push to expand export market penetration in China at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) scheduled for September 2026 in Guangxi. The ministry aims to ensure Indonesian value-added products dominate regional markets whilst building on impressive 2025 results that saw delegation achievements increase by 400 percent and generate Rp2.18 trillion in investment agreements. Indonesia plans to focus on high-demand manufactured goods, processed food products, furniture, and strategic commodities to strengthen its position as a key strategic partner within the regional supply chain.

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has mobilised 57 vessels to serve passenger traffic during the Eid 2026 homecoming and return journey season, a reduction from the 75 vessels deployed in 2025. The company has also secured 786 operational personnel and enhanced safety infrastructure to ensure smooth operations across the Sumatra-to-Java maritime route.

Dozens of former employees of PT Selo Adikarto (SAK) are demanding unpaid salaries and severance packages, leading to intervention by the Kulon Progo District Prosecutor's Office and local government officials. The company's commissioner has pledged to pay the workers through an instalment scheme, with an initial offer of Rp 1 million per person for 52 dismissed employees, aiming to complete payments before Eid al-Fitr by selling company inventory assets.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health organised a group migration programme transporting 1,124 employees and families across 26 buses to destinations throughout Java and Sumatra ahead of Eid celebrations. All bus drivers underwent mandatory health screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar, and substance abuse testing to ensure fitness for safe travel. Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono emphasised the importance of regular rest breaks every four hours for drivers and proper nutrition for migrants during the journey.

Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has called on the European Union to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil, following the United States' decision to permit Russian crude oil and petroleum product sales loaded onto vessels from 12 March. Szijjarto criticised the EU for not taking similar action and demanded that Brussels suspend Russian oil sanctions to allow Russian energy resources back into the European market.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has conducted a major raid in Cilacap Regency, Central Java, apprehending 27 individuals including Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman. The operation is related to a hajj quota case allegedly causing state losses of Rp622 billion, with suspects currently undergoing intensive questioning at the site before being transferred to KPK headquarters in Jakarta.

Petrokimia Gresik, an agroindustrial solutions company and member of Pupuk Indonesia holding, has won two awards at the 15th BUMN Excellence 2026 awards ceremony, including Best CEO Visionary Leadership for Chief Executive Daconi Khotob and Best Company Growth Strategy. The awards recognise the company's innovative approach and long-term sustainable strategies aimed at strengthening Indonesia's fertiliser industry and food security.

Authorities have implemented traffic diversion measures during Operation Ketupat Lebaran 2026, redirecting trucks away from Merak Port and routing them through Ciwandan Port (Pelindo 2) instead. This traffic engineering measure aims to alleviate congestion of private vehicles and buses at Merak Port during the peak holiday travel period.

President Prabowo Subianto has dismissed pessimistic economic forecasts from analysts regarding the impact of rising global oil prices and rupiah depreciation, claiming some critics are motivated by self-interest rather than patriotism. Prabowo asserted he possesses intelligence data identifying those behind negative narratives and warned that such individuals would face consequences, whilst maintaining he is pursuing evidence-based policies to convince the public of the government's economic management.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has arrested 27 people, including Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, in an operation targeting alleged receipt of project fees in Cilacap Regency. The arrest operation involved state officials, civil servants, and private sector representatives. The KPK has 24 hours to determine the legal status of those detained.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the TNI Commander and National Police Chief to mobilise all available military and police resources to ensure smooth travel during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr homecoming period. The President also directed the Transport Minister to implement ticket discount policies across all transport modes and emphasised that all ministries and agencies must prioritise safety and passenger comfort during the migration.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has arrested Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman in a sudden arrest operation (OTT), as confirmed by KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto on 13 March 2026. This marks the seventh major corruption sting operation conducted by the KPK in early 2026, following arrests of numerous officials including the mayors of Madiun and Pati, and customs officials, involving allegations of bribery, extortion, and fraud.

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office (Kejagung) has responded to a court ruling acquitting Delpedro Marhaen, executive director of Lokataru Foundation, and three others of charges related to allegedly inciting violence during August 2025 protests that turned chaotic. The Chief of the Attorney General's Legal Information Centre stated the prosecutors are still deciding whether to file a cassation appeal, noting that the defendants were processed under the old penal code. The court found the defendants not guilty, determining that prosecutors failed to present evidence of manipulation or fabrication, and ruled that the defendants' social media posts about activist motorcyclist Affan Kurniawan's death constituted protected expression of solidarity rather than incitement to riot.

Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman has assured President Prabowo that Indonesia's food security is stable, with current rice stocks of 4 million tonnes expected to reach 5.2 million tonnes by April 2026, providing sufficient supply for 324 days. The minister also reported record agricultural GDP growth of 5.74% over 25 years and the highest Farmers' Terms of Trade in 33 years, attributed to government policies raising rice procurement prices whilst reducing fertiliser costs by 20%.

Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), sustained severe burns covering 24 per cent of his body after allegedly being doused with corrosive liquid by an unknown assailant in Central Jakarta on 12 March 2026. The National Police are investigating the incident as aggravated assault and have launched a comprehensive investigation including CCTV analysis and witness interviews. KontraS has characterised the attack as an attempt to silence critical human rights advocates, calling for thorough investigation and protection of witnesses.

Indonesia's Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has highlighted the country's strategic opportunity to become a global centre for the modest fashion industry, capitalising on the growing Muslim consumer base and a robust domestic industrial ecosystem. Global modest fashion consumption reached $327 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $433 billion by 2028, with Indonesia's fashion exports to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states reaching $990 million in 2023, representing 83 per cent growth from 2022. The minister emphasised that Indonesia's labour-intensive clothing sector, comprising 594,000 small enterprises employing 1.2 million workers, positions the country as a potential major player in the global modest fashion market.

The Indonesian Parliament's Commission XII has commended the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources' Village Electricity Programme, which is expanding electricity access to remote and underdeveloped regions. The programme provides power to approximately 50 families in Sungai Aur Hamlet, South Sumatra, symbolising the government's commitment to equitable infrastructure development nationwide.