Digital forensics expert Rismon Sianipar has pledged to publish a book correcting his previous research that questioned the authenticity of President Joko Widodo's diploma, following a closed-door meeting with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to apologise directly. Sianipar stated he has discovered evidence of authenticity including watermarks and emboss features in the diploma that are consistent with images previously shared, with the publication expected within six months.

Indonesia will facilitate 28 businesses to exhibit at the 51st International Food and Beverages Exhibition 2026 (Foodex Japan) in Tokyo on 10-13 March 2026, comprising 15 companies curated by the Ministry of Trade and 13 micro, small and medium enterprises from Bank Indonesia's Karya Kreatif Indonesia programme. The participation reflects Indonesia's commitment to expanding its food, beverage and agricultural product penetration in Japan and global markets, with bilateral food and agricultural exports to Japan reaching USD 2.13 billion in the previous year. The 2026 participation has already resulted in seven purchasing agreements and is expected to strengthen bilateral trade and foster long-term business collaborations.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated he had not yet been briefed on details regarding the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, vice-coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras), which left him with 24 per cent burn injuries. The attack, which occurred during an event and targeted Yunus's hands, face, chest and eyes, has been characterised by Kontras as an attempt to silence human rights defenders and suppress critical voices in society.

PT Jasa Marga will operate the Yogyakarta-Solo toll road functionally during the Eid exodus period from 16-29 March 2026, with limited hours of operation from 06:00 to 18:00 WIB. The 11.22-kilometre stretch is expected to serve approximately 17,000 vehicles daily with free access restricted to Class I vehicles and buses, reducing travel time from 30 minutes to 15 minutes between toll gates.

The Villages Minister has underscored the importance of accurate data collection through the DTSEN (Databank of Integrated Social Economic Data) as a foundation for effective aid distribution and rural community empowerment. Following Presidential Instruction No. 4 of 2025, which designates DTSEN as the sole reference for government agencies implementing social welfare programmes, the ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Social Affairs to combat extreme poverty through data-driven initiatives based on reliable information.

A viral video showing an alleged Jakarta provincial civil servant (ASN) entering a resident's home without permission in Ancol, North Jakarta on 11 March 2026 has circulated on social media, with initial claims suggesting drug use. The named individual, identified as NS, clarified that he was experiencing anxiety disorder and mistakenly believed the residence was his workplace, whilst the medications he was taking were prescribed by a doctor, not illegal substances.

Marwan Dasopang, Chairman of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has urged the government to maintain preparations for the departure of Indonesian hajj pilgrims despite the Middle East conflict, whilst simultaneously developing contingency plans. He recommended that the government prepare alternative flight routes avoiding conflict zones and coordinate across ministries, emphasising that citizen safety must be the priority and that any decision to cancel hajj operations remains the prerogative of the President.

Bogor Police Chief AKBP Wikha Ardilestanto led a joint breaking of fast ceremony at Gadog Hoegeng Post in Bogor Regency, distributing free takjil (breaking fast snacks) and assistance to residents and motorists. The initiative demonstrates police commitment to community relations during Ramadan and forms part of broader plans to establish integrated service posts across Bogor Police jurisdiction, staffed by personnel from multiple agencies including police, military, transportation authorities, and disaster management bodies.

Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was allegedly attacked with acid by an unknown assailant in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta on Thursday night, suffering burns covering 24 percent of his body. The attack occurred after Yunus conducted a podcast on remilitarisation and judicial review in Indonesia, and human rights advocates suspect it was intended to silence critical voices advocating for human rights protections. The Jakarta Metro Police have launched a comprehensive investigation to identify the perpetrator and determine the motive behind the assault.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has stated that two Constitutional Court decisions regarding the Health Law should guide constitutional corrections in the governance of the medical profession. The decisions emphasise the independence of medical collegiate bodies whilst maintaining a balance between state authority and professional autonomy, rather than allowing either to become dominant in the healthcare system.

Construction of temporary shelters (huntara) for flood-affected communities across Sumatra has accelerated dramatically, reaching 79 per cent completion with 14,915 of 18,697 planned units finished as of 11 March 2026. The Task Force for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction achieved a remarkable feat by completing 2,018 units in just four days, with 1,294 units alone constructed in a single night (9-10 March). West Sumatra has achieved 100 per cent completion, whilst North Sumatra stands at 95 per cent, though Aceh remains at 77 per cent due to its significantly larger target of 16,847 units.

The Prambanan-Purwomartani toll road segment, an 11.5-kilometre stretch of the Yogyakarta-Solo toll project, will operate functionally toll-free for 14 days during the Eid mudik period from 16-29 March 2026, reducing travel time from 30 minutes to 15 minutes. The toll road will initially only accommodate vehicles exiting Yogyakarta towards Solo, Jakarta, and Surabaya, with a projected capacity of 17,000 vehicles per day, whilst entrance roads to Yogyakarta remain under construction. The Public Works Ministry has implemented comprehensive safety measures including emergency posts and equipment stationed across Central Java to ensure smooth traffic flow during the peak holiday period.

Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), was attacked with corrosive acid whilst riding his motorcycle in the Salemba area of Central Jakarta on Friday, 13 March, sustaining 24 per cent burn injuries to his hands, face, chest, and right eye. Metro Jaya Police are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrator and establish motive, whilst KontraS views the attack as an attempt to silence critical civil society voices and human rights defenders. The National Police Commission (Kompolnas) has strongly condemned the attack, and authorities are calling for public information regarding the incident.

A US KC-135 tanker aircraft has crashed in western Iraq, triggering conflicting accounts regarding its cause. Whilst Centcom characterises the incident as a technical accident during Operation Epic Fury, Iran's Khatam al-Anbia headquarters claims direct responsibility, stating their air defence systems brought down the aircraft and that all personnel aboard were killed. The disagreement underscores escalating military tensions in the Middle East between US and Iranian forces.

The Jakarta Provincial Government will deploy 2,859 sanitation workers across the city during the Eid al-Fitr and Eid holiday period to maintain cleanliness as public activity increases. The workers will be stationed at strategic locations including temporary waste collection points, tourist attractions, and public areas, supported by 89 road sweepers, 30 bus toilets, and 35 portable toilets. The provincial government will also ensure continuous operation of its main waste processing facilities, the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Processing Plant and the RDF Plant, throughout the holiday period.

A Solo city civil servant who leaked personal data belonging to former Formula 1 driver Rio Haryanto has been sanctioned with a 5 per cent salary reduction for nine months. Haryanto, speaking to media in Solo, indicated he is deferring the matter to authorities and expressed a desire for reconciliation during the Islamic holy month. The Solo City Government's Personnel and Human Resources Development Board confirmed the disciplinary action against the former Penumping Village officer, who now works at the city's Civil Service Police unit.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has issued a circular letter to prevent and control gratuities related to Eid celebrations, having received 32 gratuity reports worth Rp13.6 million thus far. The directive emphasises that state officials and civil servants must reject gifts that could constitute gratuities or misuse of state facilities, with 14 reports still under review and 12 others channelled as social assistance.

Palm oil industry operators are facing sharply rising production costs as fertiliser prices surge and availability becomes constrained due to geopolitical tensions and elevated global energy and logistics expenses. Urea fertiliser prices have jumped from Rp420 to Rp720 per kilogramme, whilst shipping costs for palm oil exports have increased approximately 50%, prompting businesses to reduce input usage and implement efficiency measures to maintain cash flow.

PT Daya Intiguna Yasa Tbk (MDIY) reported net profit of Rp1.1 trillion in 2025, up 4.9 per cent year-on-year, with revenue growth of 16.7 per cent to Rp7.9 trillion, demonstrating solid operational performance and disciplined financial management. The company expanded its MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia retail network by 272 new stores whilst maintaining a healthy gearing ratio of 0.4 times, and plans to distribute at least 40 per cent of after-tax profit as dividends pending shareholder approval.

PT Pelni (Indonesia National Shipping) has prepared six passenger vessels at Tenau Port in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, to accommodate increased travel during the 2026 Eid holiday season. The company has received approval from the Ministry of Transportation to increase passenger ticket allocations by 35 per cent above standard capacity, with bookings available through online platforms and official sales channels. Pelni warned the public against purchasing tickets through social media, as fraudulent schemes impersonating the company have been reported in Kupang.

NasDem politician Rudianto Lallo has criticised the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for conducting frequent sting operations against regional heads without achieving meaningful results or deterrent effects. Lallo called on the KPK to strengthen prevention measures and focus on state asset recovery rather than enforcement actions alone, whilst noting that multiple newly-elected regional leaders since 2025 have been ensnared in corruption investigations.

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck South Java on 13 March 2026 with its epicentre located 121 kilometres south-east of Sukabumi district, not directly beneath Bandung city. Although the tremor was felt across a wide area including Bandung, Garut, and Jakarta, the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) confirmed it posed no tsunami risk and caused no significant damage. The quake highlights West Java's position in an active tectonic zone and underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, particularly given Bandung's location on soft sedimentary soil that amplifies seismic waves.

Digital forensics expert Rismon Sianipar has retracted his previous allegations that President Joko Widodo's university diploma was fraudulent, publicly acknowledging it as authentic. Sianipar, who met with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to apologise directly, claims his three-month investigation revealed watermarks and embossed features consistent with genuine documents, and plans to publish a new book clarifying his earlier accusations.

West Java's provincial government has begun disbursing Rp6.9 billion in compensation to approximately 3,000 motorcycle taxi, pedicab and cart drivers across several regions to offset their lost income during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday period when they are prohibited from operating. The government has also launched emergency health services, including a converted governor's vehicle operating as a mobile medical unit on the Cipali toll road, in response to previous incidents of childbirth occurring roadside during peak travel periods.

The Attorney General's Office has filed a cassation appeal against the acquittal verdict of three defendants—advocate Junaedi Saibih, social media influencer Adhiya Muzakki, and JakTV Director Tian Bahtiar—who were charged with obstructing investigations into three corruption cases. The prosecution argues that the judges failed to consider the defendants' actions' impact on handling the corruption cases related to tin commodity management, sugar imports, and palm oil export permits, despite similar obstruction cases being proven in court previously.

Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has launched a free mudik (homebound travel) programme called "GoMudik: Pasti Ada Jalan Silaturahmi di Kampung Halaman", urging travellers to prioritise road safety and make use of rest areas and facilities prepared by the government. The initiative aims to ease travel costs for motorcycle taxi drivers returning to their hometowns during the Lebaran holiday period, with five destinations across Java and Sumatra.

PT Pelni (Indonesia's national shipping company) is operating seven vessels at Tenau Port in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara to manage increasing passenger traffic during the 2026 Eid holiday travel season, projecting a 2-3 per cent rise in departing passengers and 2-5 per cent increase in arriving passengers compared to the previous year. The peak travel period is expected between 16-20 March 2026, with the government offering a 30 per cent ticket discount from 6 March to 6 April to encourage travel via sea routes.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) opened its 2026 Eid transport post on 13 March, welcoming 45,382 passengers departing from Jakarta's regional operations area on the first day as the homecoming season begins. The railway operator has prepared 1.07 million seats across its long-distance network, with security personnel deployed and discounts of up to 30 per cent offered on economy-class fares to support the government's economic stimulus programme.

State-owned electricity company PT PLN is deploying 4,769 public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU) across 3,097 strategic locations throughout Indonesia to facilitate the 2026 Lebaran exodus. The infrastructure expansion, featuring high-capacity fast-charging hubs and improved spacing between stations, aims to support an anticipated 27,000 electric vehicles on major routes and eliminate range anxiety for long-distance travellers.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims precision strikes from ballistic missiles and drones hit the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier approximately 340 kilometres from Iran's maritime border in the Oman Sea, forcing the vessel to retreat. The United States Central Command has rejected the claims, publishing images of the carrier and stating it continues to support Operation Epic Fury, whilst US warships reportedly attempted to fire on an Iranian vessel that sailed too close to the carrier.

The national collaborative movement Indonesia Berdaya has reaffirmed its commitment to combating extreme poverty through enhanced synergy among the Zakat Forum (FOZ), the National Zakat Management Body (BAZNAS), philanthropic institutions, and the government. Despite an estimated national zakat potential of Rp327 trillion, only approximately Rp44 trillion (13 per cent) has been realised, highlighting significant untapped opportunities for collaborative impact across 117 extreme poverty zones benefiting around 3 million recipients.

Indonesia has officially implemented the Communication and Digital Affairs Minister's Regulation Number 9 of 2026, restricting social media access for children under 16 on high-risk platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, effective March 28, 2026. The regulation responds to alarming statistics showing that 50 per cent of Indonesian children have been exposed to sexual content online, with Indonesia ranking third globally for online child sexual exploitation cases and experiencing the highest child suicide rates in Southeast Asia due to cyberbullying. The policy's effectiveness depends on a "triangle of oversight" involving government enforcement, platform compliance, and parental supervision, supported by enhanced digital literacy education.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has stated that Saudi Arabia's additional 20,000 hajj quotas for 2024 should be allocated entirely to the regular hajj programme, citing the enormous backlog of pilgrims waiting decades to perform the pilgrimage. The statement comes as the KPK investigates alleged corruption involving former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas over the distribution of hajj quotas, with preliminary estimates of state losses exceeding Rp1 trillion, later revised to Rp622 billion following a financial audit.

Former President Joko Widodo has accepted an apology from Rismon Sianipar and agreed to consider restorative justice, with the final decision delegated to the Jakarta Metro Police. Sianipar, one of eight suspects charged with defamation, incitement of hatred, and data manipulation over allegations regarding Jokowi's credentials, has publicly retracted his research claims and acknowledged that Jokowi's diploma is genuine. The police are now facilitating Sianipar's restorative justice request as part of the legal proceedings.

Daihatsu has identified the low-cost green car (LCGC) segment as a growth opportunity following the end of government incentives for imported electric vehicles, with positive market movement evident in early 2026. The manufacturer faces financing challenges owing to high non-performing loan rates among financial partners, prompting it to strengthen consumer profiling and creditworthiness assessments from the outset.

Indonesia's palm oil industry faces a critical imbalance as production has remained largely stagnant over the past five years whilst domestic consumption surges, according to industry leaders at the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (Gapki). The association attributes the production plateau to slow progress in smallholder palm plantation rejuvenation programmes, warning that without accelerated replanting efforts, Indonesia risks being unable to meet rising domestic demand and emerging export opportunities.

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has expressed confidence that a US trade investigation by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) will not disrupt Indonesia's trading prospects. Purbaya characterised the investigation as routine in international trade relations and noted that Indonesia maintains competitive advantages through lower product prices and labour costs, though potential tariff increases significantly higher than those imposed on other countries could impact trade.

The Operation Dadai Cartenz Task Force 2026 has arrested five individuals suspected of providing logistics and ammunition supplies to an armed criminal group led by Aibon Kogoya operating in Nabire Regency, Central Papua. The arrests were conducted over several days following intelligence investigations and are part of broader efforts to disrupt the supply chain supporting armed groups in the region. Authorities have recovered various evidence and continue investigating the network's full scope and other potential connections.

Digital forensics researcher Rismon Sianipar has reversed his earlier allegations and now confirms that the diplomas of President Joko Widodo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka are authentic. After conducting a three-month reassessment, Sianipar found conclusive evidence of watermarks, embossing, and other security features consistent with legitimate documents, and has apologised directly to Vice President Gibran whilst announcing plans to publish a corrective thesis addressing his incomplete previous research.

PT Telkom's data centre subsidiary NeutraDC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with F5, Inc. at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona to develop AI-driven connectivity solutions in Indonesia. The strategic partnership integrates NeutraDC's data centre, colocation, and managed services capabilities with F5's AI-based security and application delivery solutions to provide scalable, secure, and future-ready connectivity services for Indonesia's digital ecosystem.

Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that discussions regarding debt restructuring for the Indonesia-China High-Speed Train (Whoosh) project have concluded, with the government having reached a decision on future repayment steps. The formal announcement of the restructuring plan will be made by President Prabowo Subianto or other relevant officials rather than the Finance Ministry. The announcement follows Infrastructure Minister Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono's statement that the Whoosh project's expansion to Surabaya and potentially Banyuwangi is being pursued in parallel with the financial restructuring of PT KCIC (the operating company).

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) has demonstrated strong financing performance in 2025, distributing Rp 318.84 trillion in financing with 90% directed towards pro-people segments including SMEs, micro-enterprises, consumers, and government employees. The bank has achieved a 46.1% market share of Islamic banking financing and a net profit of Rp 7.56 trillion, whilst maintaining healthy asset quality with an NPF Gross of 1.81%.

Central Java has emerged as the most popular destination for Indonesian homecoming travellers during the 2026 Lebaran season, according to the Land Transportation Directorate General. Approximately 143.9 million people are expected to travel during this period, a slight decrease from 2025's 146 million, with three-axle vehicles subject to restrictions during the holiday season.

Indonesian authorities have implemented traffic management measures to redirect truck traffic away from Merak Port to alternative routes during the 2026 Lebaran exodus period. Trucks are being diverted to exit the Cilegon Timur toll gate and redirected to Pelindo 2 Ciwandan Port instead, aiming to reduce congestion at Merak Port caused by private vehicles and buses. These measures are part of the Operation Ketupat Lebaran 2026 traffic management strategy.

The Bantul Police Department has announced traffic management arrangements for Parangtritis Beach, a major tourist destination in Yogyakarta, during the Eid holiday period. One-way traffic will be implemented at the toll collection point if congestion occurs, with vehicles exiting the beach area being redirected through alternative routes towards Depok Beach and onwards to other major intersections. A combined force of 500 personnel will be deployed throughout the holiday period to manage traffic at key diversion points.

A member of the BPH Migas regulatory committee has reassured the public that Indonesia's fuel oil supplies remain secure despite Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that approximately 81 per cent of crude oil imports come from non-conflict-affected countries. The government has implemented preventive measures by sourcing crude oil from unaffected nations, with Nigeria (25 per cent), Angola (21 per cent), and other non-Middle Eastern countries accounting for the majority of Indonesia's imports, whilst Saudi Arabia comprises only 19 per cent.

CNN Indonesia has officially launched its Go Mudik 2026 coverage team to report on the 2026 homecoming exodus during Eid al-Fitr. The team comprises 130 contributors nationwide, 50 organic crew members stationed across 13 locations, and national interns, with support from Jasa Marga's CCTV monitoring system. The government expects peak homecoming traffic on 18 March and return traffic on 25 March, with police establishing five security clusters across highways, alternative routes, transportation hubs, places of worship, and tourist attractions.

Pakistan's Air Force conducted airstrikes on fuel tanks belonging to Afghan airline Kam Air at Kandahar airport, according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. The attacks, which also damaged facilities in several Afghan provinces including Kabul, have escalated military tensions between the two nations, with Afghanistan and Pakistan engaging in tit-for-tat military operations across their disputed border.

Indonesia's population reached 288.3 million as of 31 December 2025, growing by 1.62 million since mid-year, according to the Director-General of Population and Civil Registration at the Interior Ministry. The working-age population (15-64 years) comprises 199 million people or 69.03 per cent of the total, representing the demographic dividend opportunity until 2030 that the government seeks to optimise.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has suspended trading in PT Alakasa Industrindo Tbk (ALKA) shares on 13 March 2026 due to a significant cumulative price increase. The temporary halt in both regular and cash market trading serves as a cooling-off period to protect investors and allow market participants adequate time to carefully consider their investment decisions based on available information.