The US-Israel conflict with Iran creates both economic challenges and strategic opportunities for nations globally, with supply chain disruptions and soaring energy prices affecting most countries. Russia stands to benefit from diverted American military resources and higher oil prices, whilst China faces moderate pressure from shipping disruptions but may gain diplomatic leverage by positioning itself as a responsible counterbalance to the United States.

President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, along with members of the Red and White Cabinet, donated zakat mal (wealth tax) and zakat fitrah to the National Zakat Board (Baznas) at the State Palace in Jakarta on 13 March 2026. The donation ceremony underscores President Prabowo's commitment to professional and transparent zakat management aimed at empowering the Muslim community and alleviating poverty.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) fell 3.05% to 7,137.21 points on Friday as trading volumes declined ahead of the Eid holiday, with market sentiment dampened by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. All sectors declined, led by technology stocks down 4.86%, as market participants grew anxious about oil supply disruptions amid escalating Iran-US-Israel tensions, with crude oil prices surging over 38% in less than two weeks. Regional markets also faced pressure, with Japan's Nikkei down 1.16% and South Korea's Kospi falling 1.72%.

Digital fraud cases in Indonesia have reached alarming levels, with the Indonesia Anti Scam Center reporting 432,637 cases by January 2026—averaging approximately 1,000 reports daily, which is three to four times higher than other countries. To combat this trend, digital document fraud schemes involving forged invoices, fake purchase orders, and fictitious contracts are increasingly prevalent, prompting experts to recommend verification steps including examining sender credentials, validating certified electronic signatures through registered providers, and utilising free digital verification services before trusting or signing documents.

PT Bank Woori Saudara Indonesia has launched SR024 retail sukuk (Islamic bonds) with fixed coupon rates of 6.25% per annum for 3-year tenor and 6.35% for 5-year tenor, distributed in collaboration with PT Trimegah Sekuritas Indonesia. The investment instrument offers government-backed security, attractive tax treatment at 10% compared to 20% on conventional deposits, and accessibility with a minimum investment of Rp1 million, with offerings running from 6 March to 15 April 2026.

President Prabowo Subianto and his Red and White Cabinet ministers paid obligatory Islamic alms (zakat mal and zakat fitrah) at the State Palace in Jakarta on 13 March 2026 through the National Zakat Agency (Baznas). The ceremony, which included Vice President Gibran Rakabuming and various cabinet members, was followed by a Full Cabinet Session.

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) held an investment literacy seminar at Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung to introduce students to clean energy investment opportunities, particularly in geothermal energy. The seminar emphasised the importance of financial literacy and understanding investment risks before entering the capital market, whilst highlighting Indonesia's substantial geothermal potential of 24 GW as a long-term investment avenue aligned with global energy transition goals.

Rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran have heightened concerns over global energy stability, prompting Indonesian industries to adopt hybrid solar panel systems as a strategic alternative to fossil fuel dependency. Jarwinn Solar Panel is among providers offering hybrid solar solutions integrated with battery energy storage systems, enabling industrial and commercial enterprises to achieve greater energy resilience and long-term cost savings whilst reducing carbon emissions. Indonesia's tropical geography and abundant year-round sunlight make solar energy particularly viable for diversifying energy sources and advancing green energy transition goals.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has given special attention to investigating the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of Kontras (Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence). Yunus sustained severe burns covering 24 percent of his body after being attacked outside an Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation office in Jakarta, with injuries to his hands, face, chest, and eyes. The National Police has mobilised multiple units to professionally investigate the case and are appealing for public information whilst guaranteeing witness protection.

Following an arrest operation on 9 March targeting Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and 12 others, Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) conducted searches at multiple locations in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu, including the residence of a Public Works Department head. The operation relates to allegations of bribery involving infrastructure projects in the regency's 2025-2026 budget, with five suspects including the regent, deputy regent, and three private sector representatives charged with corruption-related offences.

The escalating Iran-Israel-US conflict presents significant economic risks for Indonesia as an energy-importing nation vulnerable to oil price volatility and supply disruptions. Experts warn that the conflict threatens global energy security and maritime trade routes, particularly the strategic Strait of Hormuz through which 20 per cent of global oil consumption passes, with potential cascading effects on domestic inflation, investment uncertainty, and industrial activity across Asia.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister for Human Rights, Mugiyanto, has condemned an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of KontraS, a human rights advocacy group, which left him with serious burns across his body. Mugiyanto called for a thorough police investigation into the attack and pledged that the Human Rights Ministry would monitor the case, emphasising that violence against human rights defenders undermines democratic principles and the government's commitment to protecting citizens. The incident has sparked calls for stronger legal protections for human rights defenders, with the ministry working to enshrine such protections in revised human rights legislation.

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) distributed 6,000 school packs across Jakarta, Central Kalimantan, and Central Papua as part of a broader state-owned enterprise initiative marking Danantara Indonesia's first anniversary. The programme, which distributed 88,000 school packs nationwide through various SOEs, reflects the government's commitment to expanding educational access and supporting Indonesia's future generation under President Prabowo's administration.

Child development experts emphasise that early childhood play is crucial for cognitive development, rather than early academic pressures. Research shows that the early years represent a "golden age" where children's brains develop rapidly through play-based learning, which builds critical 21st-century skills including creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration—skills that should be developed long before formal schooling begins.

Tenau Port in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, experienced severe congestion on Friday 13 March 2026 as homebound passengers departed for Eid celebrations, with check-in queues lasting over two hours. PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni) projects a 2–5 per cent increase in passenger numbers during the 2026 Eid season, potentially affecting 1–2.5 million travellers across the region. The company has implemented safety protocols and collaborative measures with stakeholders to manage the surge whilst maintaining operational standards and passenger satisfaction.

Indonesia's financial markets face mounting external pressures from Middle Eastern tensions driving up oil prices, disrupting fertiliser supply chains and food commodities, which have elevated inflation and strained the state budget. Despite negative sentiment from MSCI considerations and Fitch Ratings outlook affecting equity, bond and rupiah markets, BRI Manajemen Investasi's Chief Executive Officer Arief Budiman believes investors can still identify opportunities and build positions in sectors with strong fundamentals and low interest rate sensitivity for long-term investment.

The North Sumatra Regional Police have formally charged two individuals in connection with illegal gold mining operations in the Batang Gadis River area, estimated to generate Rp1.5 billion daily in revenue. The suspects—a 58-year-old heavy equipment operator and a 46-year-old field coordinator—were apprehended during a raid on 2 March 2026, with police indicating further arrests are likely as investigations expand to target equipment suppliers and financial backers. Authorities have seized 14 excavators and other mining equipment, and are coordinating with environmental and forestry agencies to strengthen the legal case against the perpetrators operating in a protected state forest.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) arrested Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman on 13 March 2026 in a dawn raid related to a haj quota case allegedly causing state losses of Rp622 billion. This marks the ninth arrest by the KPK in 2026 and the third regional head detained during the Islamic month of Ramadan, reflecting intensified anti-corruption enforcement in early 2026.

Hyundai Motors Indonesia reports strong uptake of its Hyundai Subscribe subscription service for the Ioniq 5 electric vehicle, demonstrating growing consumer interest in monthly payment-based car usage models in Indonesia. The subscription service offers monthly payments starting from approximately 15 million rupiah, providing an alternative to outright vehicle purchase at a time when electric vehicle adoption is increasing in the market.

PT Telkom Indonesia's subsidiary NeutraDC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with F5, Inc. to develop AI-secure connectivity solutions through data centre infrastructure, an agreement announced at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona. The collaboration will integrate NeutraDC's data centre and managed services capabilities with F5's AI security and application delivery technologies to support enterprise customers adopting AI and cloud computing.

Global smartphone manufacturers are shifting production away from China to India due to geopolitical tensions and tariff threats, with India targeting electronic device manufacturing expansion to reach $500 billion by 2030. India produced nearly $60 billion worth of smartphones in fiscal year 2024-2025 with exports jumping to $21.7 billion, establishing it as the new smartphone manufacturing hub. Apple alone produced 55 million iPhones in India during 2025, representing approximately 25 per cent of global iPhone production, as New Delhi considers expanding export-linked incentive schemes to further boost competitive global manufacturing.

Indonesia's Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has urged citizens travelling for the 2026 Eid homecoming (mudik) to plan their journeys carefully and comply with instructions from authorities to ensure safe and orderly travel. The government has coordinated extensive preparations including Operation Ketupat 2026, with security forces positioned across key routes and joint prayers held at command centres to seek safety during the mass migration period.

The Judicial Commission (KY) has conducted an ethics investigation into the former head and deputy head of Depok District Court (PN Depok), I Wayan Eka Mariarta and Bambang Setyawan, at KPK headquarters on 13 March, following their designation as suspects in a case alleging bribery in the handling of a land dispute. The investigation will now be reviewed at the KY's plenary session to determine recommendations against the suspects, who face charges under Indonesia's anti-corruption legislation.

Haluoleo Airport in Kendari, South East Sulawesi, has established an integrated transport coordination post from 13 to 30 March 2026 to facilitate smooth passenger flow during the Eid holiday exodus. Passenger numbers are expected to increase by approximately six percent compared to last year's Eid celebrations.

Ahmad Zainuri, a defendant in a corruption case involving the procurement of mukenah and sarongs in West Lombok District, Nusa Tenggara Barat in 2024, has surrendered 608 million rupiah in state compensation to the public prosecutor. The Inspectorate of West Lombok has calculated total state losses at 1.7 billion rupiah from ten procurement packages, each valued at 200 million rupiah, with alleged irregularities in price surveys and price estimations related to inflated goods pricing. The defendant's legal team contends the funds were not corruption proceeds but rather compensation for goods purchases for a community development programme.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation on Friday 13 March 2026, arresting Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, though the agency has not yet disclosed the identities of other individuals detained. Rachman, who was born in Cilacap in 1985 and graduated from the Institute of Domestic Government in 2008, was elected regent for the 2025-2030 term alongside Vice Regent Ammy Amalia Fatma Surya.

West Jakarta City Government has initiated assistance for City Park apartment residents in Cengkareng to address unresolved property certificate and ownership status issues, facilitated through a mediation meeting between residents, the developer PT Reka Rumanda Agung Abadi, Perumnas, and the National Land Agency. The meeting identified potential solutions regarding land administration necessary for certificate issuance, though the developer has yet to transfer shared facilities and common land to residents as required, with the master building rights certificate set to expire in February 2028 if not renewed.

Dwi Hartono and two accomplices have been charged with the premeditated murder of M Ilham Pradipta, a bank branch manager in Jakarta, as part of an elaborate scheme to embezzle Rp 455 billion from dormant accounts. The defendants allegedly conspired since 2013 to manipulate state-owned bank executives into facilitating unauthorised fund transfers, ultimately deciding to kidnap and kill Ilham when he refused to cooperate. The case has entered its trial phase at East Jakarta District Court with initial hearings held in March 2026.

Indonesia's parliament is finalising the Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT), with key proposals including standardised fair wages, mandatory social security coverage, and comprehensive protection from exploitation and violence. The legislation, which has been in development for over two decades, aims to extend formal employment protections to domestic workers in compliance with International Labour Organization standards.

Murni Teguh Hospital in Bandung has officially launched an integrated Regenerative Medicine service featuring stem cell-based therapies including stem cells, secretome, exosomes, SVF and PRP. The hospital's medical team of approximately 50 doctors from various specialisations initially offers treatments in orthopaedics and cosmetic surgery, with ambitions to extend Indonesia's average life expectancy to 101 years through cell-based therapy combined with healthy lifestyle practices.

US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded in a joint US-Israeli attack on 28 February 2026 that killed his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other family members. Khamenei, aged 56, has not appeared publicly since being chosen as Iran's third Supreme Leader on 1 March, though Iranian officials claim he is in good health despite reports of minor injuries, whilst Trump has simultaneously claimed US military superiority in the conflict.

Ahmad Sahroni, Deputy Chairman of DPR Commission III, has called on police to thoroughly investigate the acid attack against Andrie Yunus, a prominent activist from the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), and to reveal the motive behind the assault. Yunus sustained severe burns covering approximately 24 percent of his body when attacked by an unknown assailant on the evening of 12 March 2026, shortly after recording a podcast on remilitarisation and judicial review in Indonesia. KontraS coordinators view the attack as an attempt to silence critical voices and human rights defenders.

Mengwi Type A Terminal in Badung, Bali is experiencing a significant surge in passenger numbers as travellers depart early ahead of the Nyepi and Eid celebrations in 2026, with daily departures reaching 3,400 passengers compared to the normal average of 1,300–1,400. The terminal has implemented passenger distribution across multiple waiting areas and increased bus fleet operations from the usual 60–72 vehicles to 109 daily, with Jakarta emerging as the primary destination rather than East or Central Java as initially predicted. Terminal management operates 24 hours during the exodus period and advises passengers to book tickets through official online channels while departing early to avoid congestion towards Gilimanuk Port.

PT Pertamina's Balongan Refinery in West Java is a critical pillar of fuel supply for the Jakarta-West Java region, handling 82% of its refining output locally whilst also exporting to Singapore. The refinery, with a capacity of 150,000 barrels per day and the highest complexity index in Indonesia, is positioned to meet increased energy demand during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period in 2026, with fuel demand expected to rise significantly due to increased mobility during the exodus to hometowns.

Oei Hengky Wiryo, convicted of money laundering and online gambling offences, operated 14 illegal gambling sites since 2018 through shell companies including PT A2Z Solusindo Teknologi to disguise illicit funds. The Jakarta Barat Prosecutor's Office has confiscated and transferred Rp 530 billion in recovered state assets and fines to the state treasury following his conviction in February 2026.

Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), suffered serious injuries when two unidentified assailants threw acid on him in central Jakarta on 12 March 2026 whilst he was leaving the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation office after recording a podcast. The attack resulted in second-degree burns covering 24 per cent of his body, with his eyes particularly affected, and Kontras believes the assault was an attempt to silence human rights defenders and suppress critical voices.

The Indonesian government has officially opened the National Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Command Post to monitor and coordinate energy services during the 2026 Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period, operating from 12 to 31 March 2026 in Jakarta. The command post will serve as a central information hub for fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity availability and geological disaster alerts, with Deputy Minister Yuliot Tanjung confirming adequate supplies of petroleum and LPG across the country. Pertamina has prepared 125 fuel terminals, 7,885 petrol stations, and activated additional distribution services including delivery vehicles and mobile fuel tankers stationed at strategic points to manage expected demand surges.

Mothers are identified as key decision-makers in family health matters, particularly regarding children's vaccination, with healthcare professionals emphasising the critical importance of complete immunisation from an early age. The shift towards preventive healthcare has been reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic experience, demonstrating that women often take the lead in family health decisions and increasingly understand the necessity of vaccinating children early. Doctors stress that full vaccination in childhood provides essential long-term protection against various infectious diseases that are entirely preventable.

The Indonesian government is preparing two land sites totalling 51.04 hectares in Rokan Hilir, Riau, to construct Garuda Excellence Senior High School (SMA Unggul Garuda), a presidential initiative to expand access to quality education for high-achieving students from diverse economic and geographic backgrounds. The school will accommodate approximately 640 students with a boarding system and is part of a broader government strategy to strengthen education in underserved regions, supported by partnerships with leading international universities. Similar schools are currently under development in Belitung Timur, Soe, Tanjung Selor, and Konawe Selatan as part of the government's structured approach to addressing educational challenges across Indonesia.

The Indonesian Confederation of Trade Unions (KSPI) has reported that more than 25,000 workers across Indonesia have not received their Tunjangan Hari Raya (Eid Holiday Allowance) ahead of Idul Fitri 2026, with KSPI President Said Iqbal citing reports submitted to the Workers' Party Orange Post. Several companies in West Java are implicated, including PT Wiska in Bandung, where workers have reportedly not received salaries for three months, and PT Riky Spotindo in Bogor Citeureup, where approximately 2,000 employees have neither been paid the holiday allowance nor their regular wages.

Fast charging on electric motorcycles is widely believed to shorten battery lifespan, but the impact actually depends heavily on the charging system used and communication between battery components and charger. Indomobil Emotor CEO Pius Wirawan explains that modern battery management systems automatically slow charging as the battery approaches full capacity (typically from 80 to 100 percent) to protect individual cells, allowing safe fast charging without compromising battery longevity.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has strongly condemned an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), who sustained 24 per cent burn injuries. The party called on President Prabowo Subianto's administration and law enforcement to take firm action against the perpetrators and investigate the series of attacks targeting critical voices and human rights advocates.

Meta executives met with Indonesia's Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid following a government inspection of the company's compliance with regulations regarding harmful content removal. The government emphasised the need for improvements in handling disinformation, health-related hoaxes, financial scams, and faster coordination mechanisms between Meta and Indonesian authorities.

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has introduced the Jaga Desa (Village Guard) application to strengthen transparency and accountability in village government financial management, integrating it with the village financial system (Siskeudes) for real-time monitoring by prosecutors. The digital oversight system allows District Attorneys and Intelligence Division heads to directly monitor village financial reports and ensure proper governance, with implementation expanding nationwide through partnerships with village representative associations.

Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources officially opened the National Command Post for the energy sector during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026, with PT PLN pledging to maintain reliable electricity supply and support electric vehicle mobility through strengthened charging infrastructure. PLN projects peak electricity demand at 47.20 gigawatts with sufficient generation capacity of 51.61 GW, whilst preparing 72,000 personnel across 4,137 standby posts and deploying 1,681 EV charging stations along major mudik (holiday) routes. The initiative reflects Indonesia's commitment to energy security and the growing adoption of electric vehicles, with EV travellers expected to increase by approximately 10,000 vehicles compared to the previous Eid period.

The Gorontalo Port Authority recorded 281 passengers utilising the KM Sabuk Nusantara 59 sea toll service to travel to Banggai, Central Sulawesi for Eid al-Fitr festivities. The sea toll initiative represents part of Indonesia's infrastructure development to facilitate interstate passenger movement during the holiday season.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation in Cilacap Regency, Central Java, on Friday, 13 March, resulting in the arrest of Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman and several other individuals suspected of corruption related to an estimated Rp622 billion loss to the state. The detained individuals are undergoing intensive questioning by the KPK task force, with their legal status to be announced within the 24-hour window mandated by Indonesian criminal procedure law.

The Special Committee 12 of Bandung City Parliament (DPRD) is drafting a new municipal regulation on social welfare administration and management to replace the 2012 ordinance. The proposed regulation focuses on strengthening oversight of social welfare institutions through mandatory licensing and registration, regulating charitable fundraising and free lotteries. The committee aims to complete and ratify the new regulation within approximately one month after receiving approval from West Java Provincial Government.

Migration activity for the Islamic holiday of Lebaran in 2026 has begun at Bakauheni Port in South Lampung, with vehicles steadily heading towards the crossing to Merak Port in Banten. PT ASDP has implemented comprehensive facilities and services, including buffer zones, health services, and shuttle buses, to manage the expected volume of travellers and logistics distribution. Authorities urge early planning and adherence to operational procedures to ensure smooth and orderly crossings during the migration period.

The Gianyar District Government has launched a cheap market initiative to combat anticipated price increases ahead of Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi celebrations expected within the week. The market, organised by the District Food Security, Maritime and Fisheries Office, sells staple goods including rice, cooking oil, sugar, eggs, and LPG at significantly reduced prices by directly connecting producers with consumers and eliminating middlemen margins. Rice and other basic foodstuffs sold out quickly following the market's opening, demonstrating strong public demand and the government's efforts to stabilise local inflation and ensure stable food supply distribution.