The Bogor City Police Department (Polresta) and Military Regional Command (Kodim) are offering free vehicle storage services for residents departing for Eid holidays, available at all police precincts and military sub-units throughout the city. The initiative, part of Operation Ketupat security measures, requires only photocopies of vehicle registration documents (STNK) and identity cards (KTP) as proof of ownership, with authorities also conducting daily patrols of empty homes and deploying 1,418 combined TNI-Polri personnel to ensure safe travel.

Pekanbaru City Government has implemented a new welfare policy by disbursing four income components simultaneously to all civil servants and contract workers in March 2026, comprising March salary, February performance allowance, 13th month salary (Eid bonus), and 13th month performance allowance. The policy, endorsed by Mayor Agung Nugroho and supported by President Prabowo Subianto's national directive, aims to enhance civil servant welfare, boost morale during Ramadan, and stimulate local economic activity through increased spending at local businesses and restaurants.

The chairman of the House of Representatives' Budget Committee, Said Abdullah, stated there has been no discussion with the government regarding plans to raise the budget deficit limit above 3 per cent of gross domestic product, whilst acknowledging potential short-term fiscal benefits but warning of medium-term debt burdens. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa claimed to have no knowledge of such plans but indicated willingness to implement any directive from President Prabowo and Parliament, with the current budget deficit standing at 0.53 per cent of GDP as of late February.

Deputy Chair of the House of Representatives Commission III Ahmad Sahroni has called on police to thoroughly investigate those responsible for an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence). The attack, carried out by two unknown assailants on a motorcycle, caused severe burns to approximately 24 per cent of Yunus's body, with particular damage to his eyes and limbs. Both lawmakers have committed to monitoring the police investigation and stressed that such violence against activists threatens Indonesia's democratic climate and public safety.

As Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah approaches, residents of Mataram and surrounding areas are increasingly visiting traditional markets to purchase affordable imported second-hand clothing. Pasar Karang Sukun has become particularly busy, attracting shoppers from across Nusa Tenggara Barat province seeking branded garments at bargain prices. Traders report that foot traffic surges during the final 10 days of Ramadan, with customers seeking dresses, jeans, jackets, and formal wear for the holiday.

A major global wealth transition is occurring in 2026 as Indonesian elite investors and hedge fund managers increasingly turn to digital gold assets and cryptocurrency instruments over physical precious metals storage. The shift is driven by technological efficiency, tax optimisation, and access to institutional-grade investment strategies previously limited to Wall Street firms, with platforms offering exposure through vehicles such as PAXG and XAUT tokens alongside sophisticated hedging instruments.

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran on 12 March, as part of an ongoing defensive operation. Since the onset of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, UAE air defences have collectively intercepted 278 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,540 drones, resulting in six deaths and 131 injuries amongst civilians of various nationalities.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned of a more severe crackdown if new anti-government protests erupt, following deadly demonstrations in January that killed thousands. The threat comes amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel, with both countries calling for regime change in Tehran.

The Indonesian government hopes to distribute the departure times of homebound migrants during the Eid holiday period to prevent congestion at a single time. The peak migration is predicted for 18 March 2026, but authorities aim to spread the flow across multiple days utilising the extended holiday period that spans from 13 March through Eid (20–21 March), including weekends, remote work provisions for civil servants, joint leave, and the Nyepi holiday. The National Police have introduced several innovations to ease congestion at Merak Port, including additional buffer zones and alternative ports, to ensure safe and smooth travel during the homecoming and return migration periods.

The Cilacap Regent has been arrested in a KPK anti-corruption sting operation, marking the third major arrest during Ramadan 1447 H. The KPK has 24 hours to determine the suspect's legal status in accordance with criminal procedure law. This arrest is part of an escalating series of eight separate KPK operations throughout 2026, targeting high-ranking officials including mayors, regents, and government agency heads for alleged corruption, bribery, extortion, and embezzlement.

Jakarta's Metropolitan Police have identified multiple high-risk accident locations ahead of the predicted 2026 Eid exodus, which is expected to begin on Tuesday, 17 March. Traffic authorities are urging road users to exercise caution on arterial routes, particularly during unstable weather conditions, and advise against overloading vehicles and unsafe riding practices. To manage the congestion, authorities have deployed 68 security posts across the city and are encouraging public transport usage, including free mudik (homecoming) programmes.

Qatar has rejected allegations from Israeli media that it deliberately halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production to influence energy prices in the United States, characterising such claims as an attempt to create division between Doha and Washington. The temporary suspension of LNG production by QatarEnergy followed Iranian drone attacks on energy facilities in Qatar, affecting approximately 20% of global LNG supply, prompting Israeli political analyst Amit Segal to suggest coordination between Iran and Qatar to pressure an end to conflict.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) reported that as of 9 March 2026, 167,977 taxpayers in Papua, West Papua, and Maluku have submitted their 2025 annual income tax returns (SPT), representing approximately 48 per cent of the 346,928 registered taxpayers in the region. The DJP anticipates further submissions as the filing deadline approaches and has attributed the compliance rate to educational initiatives and digital tax service innovations, including mobile and web-based filing channels to accommodate areas with limited internet connectivity.

Indonesian Muslim organisations and the government differ on when Eid al-Fitr 2026 (1 Shawwal 1447 AH) will fall, with Muhammadiyah calculating it as 20 March 2026 using astronomical hisab methods, whilst the government estimates 21 March 2026 pending official moon sighting reports. The Religious Affairs Ministry will make a final determination through an isbat session scheduled for 29 Ramadan (19 April 2026).

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has conducted a sudden arrest operation in Central Java, securing Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman on suspicion of corruption. The KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto confirmed the arrest but declined to provide details of the alleged charges at the time of reporting. This operation follows a similar KPK crackdown in Rejang Lebong District, Bengkulu Province, on 9 March, which resulted in the arrest of Regent Muhammad Fikri Thobari and 12 others.

Palm oil is widely perceived as an easy cash crop, but the article argues that productivity depends critically on disciplined plantation management, sustained investment, and a healthy business ecosystem. Smallholder farmers in Indonesia face particular challenges in accessing quality seeds, financing and technical knowledge, whilst the sector's long-term viability requires professional management practices and strong cooperative structures to maintain Indonesia's vital export commodity.

The Indonesian government is accelerating bioenergy development from agricultural commodities including cassava, palm oil, sugarcane, and maize as part of efforts to achieve national energy self-sufficiency. Coordinator Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan announced plans to expand cassava cultivation for ethanol production and palm oil development for biofuel, with the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry planning to implement 20 per cent ethanol blending (E20) in petrol by 2028. The government aims to strengthen energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels whilst diversifying its energy sources.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has exposed a corruption scheme involving the diversion of 20,000 additional hajj quotas for 2024, which should have been allocated exclusively to regular pilgrims waiting in queues exceeding 47 years. Former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his staff member Gus Alex are implicated in the scandal, which has caused state financial losses estimated at IDR 622 billion, with allegations that Qoumas received acceleration fees of up to IDR 84 million per pilgrim.

Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has condemned a caustic acid attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), and demanded a thorough police investigation. The attack occurred on 12 March 2026 in central Jakarta, when two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle sprayed acid on Yunus, who sustained severe chemical burns affecting 24 per cent of his body and is receiving intensive care at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.

Indonesia's Finance Minister has expressed confidence that the country is well-positioned to withstand a US trade investigation launched by the USTR into alleged unfair trade practices, citing Indonesia's competitive advantages in labour costs and product pricing. While acknowledging that tariff increases could pose risks if applied disproportionately to Indonesia, he stated the country maintains a trade surplus with the US and is prepared to implement efficiency measures if necessary.

China's government has begun restricting the deployment of OpenClaw, an open-source artificial intelligence system that can autonomously operate computers and perform digital tasks, citing security concerns including potential data breaches and unauthorised data deletion. Despite initial enthusiasm from local governments and technology companies across Chinese tech hubs like Shenzhen, who offered subsidies for OpenClaw-based applications, Beijing's central regulators are now warning state agencies and SOEs against installing the technology on work devices. The technology, initially released in November 2025 and subsequently renamed twice, represents a significant departure from conventional AI chatbots in its ability to function as a 24-hour autonomous digital assistant.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Human Rights has called for a thorough and transparent police investigation into an acid attack against Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), which occurred in Central Jakarta on 12 March. The Deputy Minister emphasised that protecting human rights defenders from violence is essential to preventing the normalisation of attacks against civil society and to upholding Indonesia's democratic principles and international human rights obligations.

Police have launched an investigation into an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), which occurred in Jakarta's Salemba area on Thursday night. The attack by two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle resulted in severe burns covering 24 per cent of Yunus's body, with particular damage to his hands, face, chest, and eyes, requiring immediate hospitalisation.

Fitch Ratings has downgraded Indonesia's debt outlook from stable to negative, though maintaining the country's BBB credit rating. The head economist of Bank Permata has warned the government must address this signal and strengthen fiscal discipline and tax revenue collection to restore investor confidence and maintain economic growth.

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has dismissed concerns over a US investigation into Indonesian products, stating that such trade investigations are routine practice in international commerce. Purbaya noted that Indonesian products remain competitive in the US market due to lower production costs, particularly in labour, though he acknowledged potential risks if the US implements discriminatory tariffs targeting high-surplus trading partners.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has appointed five new leaders, including a new chairperson in Friderica Widyasari Dewi, with economists praising the team's combination of leadership continuity, technical competence, and alignment with the sector's evolving challenges. The new leadership structure, which combines expertise in market supervision, consumer protection, digital innovation, and asset regulation, positions the OJK to address the increasingly complex and interconnected financial ecosystem. However, the effectiveness of these new leaders will ultimately be judged on their ability to convert technical expertise into robust on-the-ground regulatory enforcement whilst maintaining public trust and protecting consumers.

The Indonesian Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) is opening weekend tax filing services on 14-15 and 28-29 March 2026 to assist taxpayers ahead of the 31 March 2026 deadline for personal income tax returns (SPT). The initiative includes helpdesk support at tax offices nationwide, with DJP also warning the public to be vigilant against fraudsters impersonating tax officials.

The Riau Islands Regional Police Department has deployed 1,450 joint personnel across the archipelago to oversee the Eid holiday exodus and ensure public safety during Operation Ketupat Seligi 2026 from 13-25 March 2026. Security operations will focus on key mobility points including ports and ferry terminals, with inter-agency coordination to monitor traffic flow, fuel availability, and transport fare compliance. The national Operation Ketupat 2026 will secure 185,607 objects nationwide including mosques, terminals, harbours, and airports during the holiday period.

The Indonesian Coconut Briquet Association (Asbrintara) has called for strengthened development of coconut derivative industries—including charcoal briquettes, activated carbon, coco fibre, and virgin coconut oil—to bolster Indonesia's economic resilience amid global geopolitical uncertainty. The organisation argues that as one of the world's largest coconut producers, Indonesia possesses a comparative advantage that remains underutilised, with expanded exports capable of generating significant foreign exchange, strengthening the rupiah, and creating employment opportunities.

PT Pertamina EP (PEP) Zona 4 has set ambitious production targets for 2026, aiming to produce 30,305 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and 485.07 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas. The company plans to achieve these targets through optimised drilling programmes, subsurface-surface integration, and advanced data analytics to improve field economics, building on strong 2025 performance that saw oil production reach 27,643 BOPD. The initiative underscores Indonesia's commitment to energy security whilst maintaining strict safety protocols, with the company recording over 1,050 days without lost-time injuries as of January 2026.

Singapore Airlines Group (SIA) and Scoot have extended cancellations of flights to the Middle East region until 28 March 2026 due to ongoing conflict in Iran. Affected passengers will be rerouted to alternative flights or offered full refunds for unused ticket portions, whilst Singapore has conducted evacuation flights from Oman and Saudi Arabia to repatriate stranded citizens. Multiple international carriers including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines have similarly suspended or curtailed their Middle East operations through March 2026.

Indonesia's anti-corruption agency KPK has conducted a sting operation (OTT) in Cilacap, Central Java, with Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto confirming the operation on Friday, 13 March 2026. Details regarding the individuals arrested and the specific cases under investigation remain undisclosed, with the agency having 24 hours to determine the legal status of those apprehended.

PT Petrokimia Gresik, a state-owned agroindustry solutions company and member of the Pupuk Indonesia holding, has won two awards at the 15th National State-Owned Enterprise Awards 2026, including Best CEO Visionary Leadership and Best Company Growth Strategy. Chief Executive Officer Daconi Khotob received recognition for his innovative leadership and long-term strategy to drive company growth whilst strengthening the fertiliser industry's contribution to the national economy. The company is implementing expansion strategies including new fertiliser production lines to support food security, downstream chemical product development aligned with government industrialisation goals, and construction of new factories and capacity enhancements.

The Ministry of Transport and GoTo have launched GoMudik, a free homecoming travel programme facilitating hundreds of Gojek driver partners and their families to return to their hometowns during the Eid holiday period. The initiative offers transport to five destinations across Java and Sumatra from Jakarta's Pulo Gebang Terminal, whilst also distributing GoFood vouchers to support local culinary enterprises in destination cities.

Police in Jakarta are investigating an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), a prominent human rights organisation. The attack occurred on Jalan Salemba I in Central Jakarta when two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle sprayed caustic liquid on Yunus, causing burns to approximately 24 per cent of his body and eye damage. Police officials have condemned the incident and are conducting scientific investigations to identify the perpetrators, whilst KontraS has called for a thorough investigation, describing the attack as an attempt to silence critical voices in civil society.

The Head of the National Police Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas) Irjen Agus Suryonugroho attended the send-off ceremony for CNN Indonesia's Go Mudik team, emphasising that the 2026 Ketupat Operation—a humanitarian operation—prioritises safe, comfortable and happy homecoming journeys for Indonesians. The operation features the tagline "Safe Mudik, Happy Family" and introduces innovative services including the Si Polan Chatbot application to provide travellers with real-time safety information and assistance, particularly for motorcyclists.

As electric vehicle travel becomes commonplace in Indonesia by 2026, experts recommend proper energy management including efficient driving habits, battery preconditioning whilst charging, and maintaining optimal vehicle conditions to ensure safe long-distance journeys. Professional tips include maintaining stable speeds of 80-90 km/h on highways, avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, and using rest stops for brief charging top-ups to keep battery reserves between 15-25 percent without compromising vehicle system integrity.

A 27-year border dispute at Naktuka in East Nusa Tenggara Province between Indonesia and Timor-Leste remains unresolved, with around 243 families from Timor-Leste occupying the disputed area. Both provincial and district officials have stated they are awaiting directives from the central government, whilst calling for urgent resolution to prevent potential conflict and enable planned border infrastructure development.

The Cianjur Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) is conducting damage assessments following a magnitude 5.4 earthquake centred in Sukabumi but felt strongly across much of Cianjur regency on Friday morning. The earthquake, which occurred at 02:18 local time at a depth of 53 kilometres, caused residents across the region to evacuate their homes in fear of aftershocks, though preliminary reports indicate no significant damage has been recorded so far.

The Peacekeeping Operation Task Force (Satgas ODC) conducted a crime scene investigation into the shooting of Simson Mulia, a PT Freeport Indonesia employee, in the Grasberg area of Tembagapura, Central Papua, on 11 March. The joint investigation involving the Mimika Police Resort and local security forces reconstructed the incident through seven crime scene examination scenarios, revealing that the victim was struck by two gunshots of undetermined origin whilst securing survey equipment at the rear of a pickup truck. Witness accounts indicate the victim was killed whilst completing a survey operation, with swift emergency protocols activated immediately after the incident.

Daily cross-border foreign exchange trading reaches approximately US$2.6 trillion globally, with the United Kingdom dominating as the largest centre at US$957 billion per day, followed by the United States and Singapore. Digital financial technology is increasingly transforming international payment systems, enabling faster and more efficient cross-border transactions compared to traditional banking infrastructure.

Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), suffered severe injuries after being doused with caustic liquid by unidentified assailants across multiple areas of his body. An experienced human rights lawyer and vocal advocate for security sector reform, Yunus has consistently criticised proposed revisions to the Military Law for potentially expanding military authority into civilian matters. The attack marks an escalation of pressure against civil society activists involved in scrutinising military legislation reform.

Andrie Yunus, Deputy External Coordinator of KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), was attacked with caustic liquid in March 2026, marking another violent assault against a human rights defender in Indonesia. The incident, which follows a pattern of violence and intimidation against activists, has prompted calls from civil society organisations for a thorough and transparent investigation by Indonesian police using scientific forensic methods.

This article explores the tomb complex of Sunan Gunung Jati (Syarif Hidayatullah), a revered Islamic scholar and founder of the Cirebon Sultanate, located in Gunung Jati District, Cirebon. The shrine serves as one of the major pilgrimage destinations in West Java's northern coast, attracting thousands of visitors daily who come to commemorate the Islamic propagation history and connect with the region's religious heritage. Local residents and pilgrims from across Central Java utilise the serene complex, shaded by ancient trees, as a place for spiritual reflection and to educate younger generations about Cirebon's Islamic history.

PT Sucor Asset Management states that Indonesia's mutual fund industry continues to demonstrate solid resilience despite global geopolitical uncertainties, including US tariff policy changes and Middle East tensions affecting oil prices. Industry assets under management grew approximately 5 per cent from end-2025 to February 2026, with Sucor AM employing disciplined portfolio management strategies focused on fundamentally strong equities and high-quality corporate bonds to optimise returns whilst managing risk.

Indonesia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is pushing for clearer regulations governing port loading and unloading operations, particularly Ship to Ship (STS) transfers, to enhance the national investment climate and logistics efficiency. The organisation convened a focus group discussion with government ministries and business stakeholders to address operational challenges affecting port efficiency, distribution costs, and worker protection. The initiative underscores the need for comprehensive governance reforms covering institutional management, worker competency, safety standards, and competitive fairness in the port sector.

Banten provincial government is modernising the Red and White Fishermen's Village (KNMP) in Pandeglang district to enhance the welfare of coastal fishermen through improved infrastructure including modern fish auctions, docks, repair workshops and training facilities. Local fishermen welcome the initiative but emphasise the need for ongoing government support and training to help them upgrade their economic status beyond basic infrastructure development.

The acid attack on Andrie Yunus, a human rights defender from KontraS, highlights systematic violence against activists in Indonesia and exposes legal gaps in protecting human rights advocates. The incident reveals inadequacies in caustic chemical regulation, victim protection mechanisms, and the challenge of identifying intellectual perpetrators behind such attacks, whilst raising alarm about the deterioration of democratic space through physical intimidation.

The Tanjung Perak Port Police in Surabaya conducted mass urine testing on 45 inter-island truck and bus drivers ahead of the 2026 mudik (homecoming) season to ensure traveller safety and prevent drug consumption. All 43 drivers tested returned negative results for narcotics, with police urging drivers to maintain traffic discipline and safe driving practices during the holiday period.

As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue unabated, Indonesian palm oil industry leaders warn that whilst rising commodity prices may offer short-term gains, mounting logistics costs threaten to suppress global demand. The chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association has highlighted that shipping costs have surged approximately 50 percent, potentially prompting importers to reduce purchases despite higher crude palm oil prices.