Muslim worshippers in Indonesia are observing the 23rd day of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah on Friday, 13 March 2026, with each region including Bekasi City having its own designated breaking-fast schedule aligned with Maghrib prayer times. The Ministry of Religion determined that Ramadan 1447 Hijriah began on Thursday, 19 February 2026, following an official session held on 16 February 2026 by the Ministry of Religion together with Islamic community organisations.

Diplomatic tensions escalated at the UN Security Council as the United States and Western allies confronted Russia and China over Iran's nuclear programme, with the US seeking to justify military strikes launched against Tehran two weeks prior. Russia and China attempted to block discussions on the UN sanctions committee overseeing Iran, but were outvoted 11-2 with two abstentions, whilst accusations flew between Washington and Moscow-Beijing over protection of Iran's nuclear ambitions and military cooperation. Western nations, supported by Britain and France, argue sanctions are justified due to Iran's non-compliance on nuclear transparency, whilst Russia and China contend the US is manufacturing hysteria and using military force to undermine diplomatic efforts.

Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra arrived at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday to pay zakat fitrah and mal before attending a Full Cabinet Session. President Prabowo Subianto will convene the cabinet meeting at 4 p.m. to discuss government preparations for Eid Al-Fitr 2026, with presidential guidance on current issues expected to be provided. The cabinet meeting will be attended by members of the Red and White Cabinet, including ministers, deputy ministers, and agency heads.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Penal Reform Yusril Ihza Mahendra has firmly denied reports that the government plans to issue a Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) concerning the nation's economy. The denial follows coordination with the State Secretariat, with both offices confirming they have not discussed or received any such proposal. Perppu is typically issued during pressing circumstances requiring urgent government action.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has characterised the haji quota manipulation scandal involving former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas as a humanitarian tragedy rather than simple financial wrongdoing, as approximately 8,400 regular haji quotas were illegally redirected to premium haji slots, depriving thousands of elderly pilgrims who had queued for up to 20 years of their opportunity to perform the pilgrimage. The scheme, which caused an estimated Rp622 billion in state losses, violated Saudi Arabia's allocation guidelines requiring 92 per cent of additional quotas to be distributed to regular pilgrims and 8 per cent to premium services, yet the ministry divided them equally at 50:50.

The Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin commended Astra's swift delivery of 20 ambulances and 156 medical devices to the Health Ministry to strengthen healthcare services for communities affected by flash floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. The private sector support demonstrates crucial collaboration between government and business in ensuring rapid recovery of public health facilities in disaster-stricken areas.

Riau Police's Traffic Management Directorate is deploying specialised traffic-clearing units across Pekanbaru during Takbiran night to manage congestion at accident-prone locations using motorcycles and trail bikes. The operation, part of the broader Operasi Ketupat Lancang Kuning 2026, mobilises 3,815 combined personnel from military and police forces to ensure safe and smooth Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah celebrations, with additional restrictions on three-axle vehicles entering the city.

A member of Indonesia's parliamentary Commission III has argued that the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) recent intensified sting operations must culminate in the recovery of state financial losses, not merely prosecutions. The legislator emphasised that the frequency of operations against regional officials indicates a lack of deterrent effect and urged the KPK to strengthen prevention efforts by mapping corruption risks in government projects.

Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, asserted that Iran possesses an "inherent right" to maintain peace and security in the Strait of Hormuz whilst respecting freedom of navigation under maritime law. Iravani attributed the current instability in the region to destabilising actions by the United States, rather than Iran's self-defence measures, whilst Iran's new supreme leader called for the continuation of closing the Strait of Hormuz.

A legislator from Commission XIII of the DPR is pushing for detailed regulations on community service provisions in the new Indonesian Criminal Code to prevent divergent interpretations among law enforcement agencies. The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has prepared 2,460 locations for community service implementation, though questions remain over the precise mechanics of how judges should specify sentencing details.

West Papua's provincial government is planning to develop cocoa plantations across 68,734 hectares by 2027 as part of a strategy to strengthen the regional economy based on flagship commodities. Governor Dominggus Mandacan stated that the development will require an estimated budget of Rp357.52 billion through collaboration with the central government's Ministry of Agriculture, targeting the creation of approximately 2,500 jobs and initial expansion of 1,500 hectares in Manokwari and South Manokwari districts.

A 26-year-old primary school teacher in Dumai, Riau, Tika Plorentina Simanjuntak, was stabbed to death by her former boyfriend BM (27), allegedly over a love triangle involving her new partner. The suspect attempted suicide whilst fleeing police by consuming poison and petrol, dying in hospital the following morning.

Rismon Sianipar, the suspect in a case alleging forgery of President Joko Widodo's diploma, plans to return to his hometown in North Sumatra to write a book asserting that Jokowi's credentials are authentic. Despite his plan to leave Jakarta, Sianipar remains obligated to comply with reporting requirements as long as his suspect status has not been withdrawn, though he may submit reports remotely with valid justification.

Coordinating Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has confirmed that Indonesia's infrastructure is fully prepared for the anticipated Eid 2026 exodus and return traffic, with the government implementing road improvements, emergency response units, and multi-modal transport readiness across land, sea, and air routes. The government is also implementing flexible working arrangements for staff to reduce peak-time congestion, a strategy that has proven effective during previous holiday periods.

The Indonesian rupiah closed weaker by 0.3% against the US dollar on Friday, falling to Rp 16,935/USD as the US dollar strengthened across global markets amid persistent geopolitical uncertainty, particularly concerning Middle East tensions. The rupiah's weakness reflects broader market dynamics where the US dollar remains a safe-haven asset for investors, while rising oil prices and heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz limit appreciation opportunities for other currencies including the rupiah.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is implementing measures to ensure national team players based in Europe can assemble for the FIFA Series 2026 friendlies scheduled for 27–30 March at Jakarta's Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno. Coach John Herdman has called up 41 players for centralized training, with European-based players including Emil Audero, Maarten Paes, Jay Idzes, and Kevin Diks expected to join after the Eid holiday. The PSSI is carefully coordinating travel logistics for players across various European leagues to facilitate their participation in the matches against Saint Kitts and Nevis and subsequent opponents.

PT Bank Jago Tbk reported strong financial performance in 2025, with net profit of Rp276 billion—a 115 percent increase from Rp129 billion in 2024—driven by growing adoption of its digital banking services. The bank's total assets grew 28 percent to Rp36.5 trillion, whilst third-party funds (DPK) rose 38 percent to Rp25.9 trillion, reflecting increased customer confidence and a growing customer base that reached 18.2 million accounts by year-end.

Brent crude oil prices surged to USD 101 per barrel on 13 March 2026, with WTI crude reaching USD 97, as global oil markets remain volatile following recent price spikes. Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa warned that prices above USD 92 per barrel would push the state budget deficit to 3.6-3.7 per cent of GDP, prompting the government to review budget efficiency measures including discretionary spending on non-nutritious items whilst protecting the free nutritious meal programme.

Complaints about difficulty obtaining ride-hailing services in Jakarta during Ramadhan have intensified on social media, particularly around iftar (breaking of fast) times, with some users reporting delayed food deliveries and extended waiting periods. Maxim, a digital transport services company, confirmed its operations continue throughout Ramadhan and Eid, but acknowledged that driver availability is affected by drivers' personal needs, including rest time, family gatherings, and visits home during the holy month. The platform emphasised its partnership-based model grants drivers flexibility to choose their working hours or take breaks during peak periods.

Indonesia's Ministry of Transport has prioritised the safety and security of Indonesian pilgrims undertaking umrah (minor pilgrimage) to Saudi Arabia amid escalating conflict in the Middle East region. A scheduled departure of pilgrims from Minangkabau region on 23 March 2026 is under review, with authorities awaiting developments until 18 March 2026 before confirming whether the flight can proceed. Airlines have cancelled flights through late March for routes transiting Middle Eastern countries, though travel agents are exploring alternative direct flight options to Saudi Arabia.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa expressed surprise at the sluggish spending performance of local governments despite the central government increasing the regional transfer allocation (TKD) to Rp 693 trillion in the 2026 budget, up from the originally planned Rp 650 trillion. Regional government spending realisation for February 2026 fell 18 per cent compared to the same period in 2025, with Purbaya suspecting local governments may be deliberately withholding expenditure to supplement their own revenues.

Indonesia's National Zakat Board (Baznas) has distributed 33,917 food packages collected from Indonesian citizens to Palestinians across Gaza, Khan Younis, and Jerusalem. The humanitarian initiative, funded through zakat, infaq, and sedekah contributions from Indonesian Muslims, aims to address nutritional needs and economic hardship in Palestine, with Baznas strengthening local partnerships to ensure consistent and targeted aid delivery.

PT Leyand International Tbk (LAPD) has seen its shareholder count jump to 8,832 following a change in controlling ownership, with JSI Sinergi Mas acquiring approximately 51 per cent of the company's shares in a mandatory tender offer completed in November 2025. The new controlling shareholder is offering to purchase up to 1.65 billion shares at Rp 51 per share during a 30-day tender period ending 29 March 2026, whilst the company prepares a business transformation strategy focusing on the energy and mining sectors.

The Indonesian government is preparing multiple contingency scenarios for the 2026 hajj pilgrimage in response to potential security threats from Middle East conflicts, including the possibility of cancelling or suspending the departure of Indonesian pilgrims. The government has prioritised pilgrim safety and is coordinating with Saudi Arabia on potential contract transfers and financial compensation schemes to protect pilgrims from financial loss should the pilgrimage be postponed or cancelled.

Digital forensics researcher Rismon Sianipar, a suspect in a case alleging President Joko Widodo holds a fake diploma, has challenged fellow suspects including Roy Suryo to reveal the truth to the public. Sianipar claims his latest research using updated forensic methods confirms that Jokowi's diploma is authentic and contains watermarks and emboss features, contradicting earlier allegations, and has invited public demonstrations and debates to prove his findings.

PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk, in collaboration with Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation, is offering free homecoming travel (GoMudik) to its driver partners for Eid al-Fitr, with participants travelling via bus from the Pulo Gebang Integrated Terminal to five destinations including Kuningan, Semarang, Surabaya, Lampung, and Palembang. The programme aims to support driver partners in reuniting with their families whilst reducing travel costs, with GoTo also distributing GoFood vouchers to participants to stimulate local culinary businesses in destination cities. GoTo CEO Hans Patuwo emphasised the initiative demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing the financial burden of Mudik travel whilst supporting local small and medium enterprises.

Indonesia has deployed an early warning system (EWS) using national SMS alerts and digital television broadcasts to notify residents of disasters, alongside expanding its 112 emergency call centre service to 191 jurisdictions nationwide. The government is also coordinating with state utility PLN on backup electricity plans and infrastructure preparations ahead of the anticipated 143.91 million travellers expected during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr season.

Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality as a core component of its national development strategy, with government officials emphasising that women's empowerment improves maternal health, family resilience, and economic productivity. Recent data shows tangible progress, with Indonesia's Gender Development Index rising to 91.85 in 2023 and remaining stable in 2024, whilst the Gender Inequality Index declined to 0.421 in 2024, indicating a narrowing development gap between men and women across health, education, and living standards.

Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was attacked with corrosive acid by an unknown assailant outside a legal aid foundation in Jakarta after recording a podcast on remilitarisation and judicial review in Indonesia. He sustained burns covering 24 percent of his body and was hospitalised; KontraS views the attack as an attempt to silence human rights advocacy, whilst police confirm the incident but note no formal report has been filed yet.

The Indonesian government has appointed Hendarsam Marantoko as the new Director General of Immigration through Presidential Decree No. 187/TPA of 2025, signed by President Prabowo Subianto. Marantoko, a lawyer and businessman born in Tanjung Karang in 1977, will formally assume office following a handover ceremony scheduled for early April 2026. The appointment was made through the senior executive appointment mechanism after an open selection process was closed following the presidential decision.

Indonesia's Culture Minister Fadli Zon has proposed transforming Padang's Indarung I cement factory—the first cement plant in Indonesia and Southeast Asia—into an arts and cultural hub featuring amphitheatres, exhibitions, and theatre performances. The historic facility, now a protected cultural site recognised by UNESCO as part of Asia-Pacific's collective memory, could serve as both a public learning space and symbol of Indonesia's industrial heritage and technological advancement.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated he is unaware of any proposal to expand Indonesia's budget deficit limit beyond the current 3% of GDP threshold. The minister acknowledged that whilst international rating agencies' views must be considered, he noted that many comparable countries maintain higher deficit levels relative to their GDP, and confirmed that any decision on the matter would await presidential direction.

PT Bank Permata Tbk (BNLI) is pursuing an upgrade to the highest tier of Indonesian bank classification (KBMI IV), which requires core capital exceeding Rp70 trillion, whilst simultaneously preparing for a potential spin-off of its Islamic banking unit. The bank's finance director emphasised that both initiatives will be pursued through sustainable growth and prudent risk management, with the Islamic unit currently holding Rp36.81 trillion in assets against the Rp50 trillion minimum threshold for independence.

The Indonesian Government has issued a Joint Ministerial Decree signed by seven ministers to establish guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence and digital technology in formal, non-formal, and informal education. The regulation aims to minimise risks to student development whilst permitting increased AI application flexibility at higher education levels, supporting the government's 'Impactful Education' policy agenda.

The West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government is launching a free Eid holiday travel programme offering transport for 400 residents to Sumbawa Island, double the capacity from the previous year's 200 seats. Fourteen buses have been prepared, with 320 of the registered 400 passengers having completed re-registration, whilst all vehicles have passed roadworthiness inspections and passengers will receive free meals and insurance coverage during the journey.

Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was attacked with caustic acid by two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle in Jakarta's Salemba area on 12 March. KontraS believes the attack was intended to silence critical voices in civil society and is likely connected to Yunus's human rights advocacy work, particularly his involvement in challenging draft military legislation. The commission is urging police to investigate the perpetrators thoroughly and bring charges of attempted murder.

The Indonesian government's GoMudik programme provides free passage to 4,000 Gojek motorcycle taxi drivers and their families travelling to five destinations across Java and Sumatra during the Eid holiday period. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono highlighted that the initiative recognises the essential role these drivers play in urban society whilst alleviating their transportation costs for the culturally significant journey home.

The National Police Commission (Kompolnas) has called on police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into an acid attack on KontraS human rights activist Andrie Yunus, describing it as a serious threat to democracy. Yunus suffered severe burns covering approximately 24 per cent of his body after being attacked by an unknown assailant outside the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation office on 12 March 2026. Kompolnas emphasises that violence against human rights defenders must not be treated as ordinary crime, as it directly impacts Indonesia's democratic conditions and constitutional protections.

An economist at the Indonesian Stock Exchange believes the recent weakness in the Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) at the start of 2026 is temporary, with potential for the index to strengthen further and possibly breach the 10,000 level, supported by solid domestic economic conditions and growing investor participation. The IHSG had reached an all-time high of 9,134.7 on 20 January 2026 but subsequently corrected to the 7,000s range due to external market sentiments, including MSCI's freeze on Indonesian stock rebalancing announced on 28 January 2026.

Bantul District Health Office has announced modified service schedules for public health facilities during the Eid holiday period. The 16 health centres with inpatient services remain open with limited operations, whilst 11 non-inpatient centres provide full services, and the district hospital restricts certain departments whilst maintaining critical services such as haemodialysis and chemotherapy.

Deputy Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives Kurniasih Mufidayati has called for a government policy to provide holiday allowances (THR) to contract teachers ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026, citing widespread uncertainty among this workforce regarding financial support. She has urged both central and local governments to allocate budget for THR payments to contract teachers and integrate such provisions into education budget planning.

Global digital infrastructure company DAMAC Digital has announced the topping-off milestone of its first data centre in Indonesia, JKT01–Jakarta Central, a $150 million investment located in the MT Haryono district. The facility, expected to commence operations in 2026, features six storeys, 19.2 MW power capacity, and three data halls designed to meet Asia-Pacific cloud service provider demand and support Indonesia's emergence as a digital powerhouse in Asia.

Indonesia's National Land Agency (BPN) in Banten province has begun distributing electronic land certificates to residents under the 2026 Comprehensive Systematic Land Registration programme (PTSL), delivering them directly to homes in Serang Regency. The certificates are free of charge, provide legal certainty of land ownership, and are issued in digital format with barcode technology that cannot be forged.

Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was attacked with corrosive acid by two unidentified assailants on motorcycle in Central Jakarta on 12 March 2026, sustaining severe burns across 24 percent of his body. The incident occurred shortly after Yunus completed a podcast recording on remilitarism and judicial review, with KontraS demanding law enforcement investigate and pursue attempted murder charges in light of his human rights advocacy work.

The Indonesian government has completed discussions on restructuring debt for the China-Indonesia High-Speed Railway (KCIC) project, with Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirming that a decision has been made and will be announced officially by President Prabowo Subianto or an authorised government official. The debt restructuring decision is critical for determining the expansion of the Whoosh railway project to East Java, including planned extensions to Banyuwangi, with Minister AHY emphasising the importance of resolving the initial Jakarta-Bandung section before proceeding with further development.

Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Directorate has identified several high-risk accident zones during the mudik (annual exodus) period, including areas such as Pondok Indah, Ciputat, Daan Mogot, and Kalimalang. Authorities have urged travellers to exercise caution, avoid overloading vehicles, and prioritise physical fitness, whilst recommending the government's free mudik programme as a safer alternative to private vehicle travel.

Muhammadiyah's Board for Social Welfare launched a Ramadhan retreat programme focused on empowering vulnerable women, including domestic violence survivors, former sex workers, and trafficking victims. The organisation unveiled three new empowerment programmes—a cooperative, a community learning centre, and a training institute—to strengthen education, skills, and economic independence for approximately 85 beneficiaries.

Police in Jakarta are investigating an acid attack against Andrie Yunus, a coordinator with KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), which resulted in 24 per cent burn injuries across his body, particularly on his hands, face, chest, and eyes. The incident has been characterised by human rights advocates as an intimidation attempt targeting civil society critics and human rights defenders.

Google has deepened the integration of Google Maps with Gemini, introducing the Ask Maps feature that allows users to make specific queries, such as finding the nearest mobile charging locations or restaurants with specific amenities. The new AI-powered assistant personalises responses based on users' previous interactions with Google Maps and Search, while Google has denied plans to allow paid placement to influence recommendation results.

The Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force (ODC) has arrested five members of the armed separatist group KKB who were supplying logistics and ammunition in Nabire, Papua Tengah Province. The arrests, made at different locations along the Trans Nabire-Paniai road between 10-11 March, were connected to the operations of separatist leader Aibon Kogoya, with one detained suspect reportedly selling approximately 100 rounds of ammunition at around Rp250,000 per round. The task force continues its investigation to uncover the full extent of the logistics and ammunition supply network.