State enterprise Bulog has reported that national rice stocks managed by the company have reached 3.9 million tonnes as of mid-March 2026, the highest level ever recorded for the month of March in Indonesian history. The government is implementing the nationwide Cheap Food Movement programme in coordination with the military and police to ensure affordable food prices ahead of Eid al-Fitr, with estimates that stocks will exceed 4.2-4.3 million tonnes by month's end and potentially exceed 5 million tonnes by year-end. The initiative aims to stabilise markets, prevent panic buying, and ensure equitable distribution of subsidised staples across the country.

The coordinator of Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Society has urged the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to expand charges against former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas beyond simple corruption to include money laundering offences, particularly given the estimated loss to the state of Rp622 billion. The KPK has detained Qoumas for an initial 20-day period as investigators trace the flow of suspected illicit funds linked to the controversial allocation of 20,000 additional hajj quotas in 2023.

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has filed a cassation appeal against the acquittal verdicts handed down to three defendants—Tian Bahtiar, M Adhiya Muzakki, and Junaedi Saibih—who were accused of obstructing the investigation of criminal cases. The AG's spokesperson noted that the prosecution had previously signalled its intention to appeal and formally filed the cassation on Friday, attributing the unexpected acquittal partly to the case being tried under the old criminal procedure code (KUHAP). The AG stated that similar obstruction cases have typically resulted in guilty verdicts under the older legal framework.

The Indonesian Ministry of Immigration and Corrections distributed 4,000 assistance packages to disadvantaged residents across North Sumatra through a social outreach programme titled "Ramadan Sharing" ahead of Eid 2026. The initiative, coordinated by the Directorate General of Corrections and the Directorate General of Immigration in North Sumatra, was distributed across two locations with 1,500 and 2,500 packages respectively. Officials emphasised that the programme reflects the ministry's commitment to social responsibility and humanitarian values whilst strengthening public trust in government institutions.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) has revoked the Exchange Membership Approval Letter (SPAB) of PT Yugen Bertumbuh Securities, effective 13 March 2026. The decision follows a formal request submitted by the securities firm in accordance with BEI regulations on suspension and revocation of exchange membership.

Bekasi Metro Police Chief Kusumo Wahyu Bintoro has called on residents planning to return to their hometowns for Lebaran to report to their neighbourhood administrators (RT/RW) before leaving their homes. The measure is intended to strengthen security surveillance of residential areas during the mudik (homecoming) period, particularly for vacant properties, and will be complemented by neighbourhood watch activities and a free vehicle parking service at police facilities.

Bekasi's Metro Police Chief has called on residents planning to return to their hometowns for Eid to notify their local neighbourhood administrators and community leaders before departing. The initiative aims to strengthen security monitoring of vacant homes during the exodus period and includes plans to offer free vehicle storage services at police facilities for those using public transport.

Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs has successfully brought approximately 20,000 previously school-dropout children back into education through the Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) programme over the past year. The initiative, a flagship project of President Prabowo Subianto, provides free boarding school education alongside housing, nutrition, and healthcare services, targeting disadvantaged children, street children, and vulnerable groups across the nation. The government plans to expand the programme annually to break the cycle of poverty through quality education.

Yogyakarta Customs Authority has awarded the KITE IKM (Ease of Import for Export Purposes for Small and Medium Enterprises) facility to CV Cahaya Insani, exempting the company from import duties and value-added taxes on imported raw materials destined for export. The facility, designed to support SME competitiveness in global markets, applies to small enterprises with investments up to IDR 1 billion and medium enterprises with investments between IDR 1 billion and IDR 15 billion.

UMKM entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and economic observers in Jember stress that Indonesia's private sector must drive 8 per cent economic growth through improved business climate, deregulation, and youth entrepreneurship. The consensus emphasises that young entrepreneurs and strengthened SME support are crucial for expanding the economic base, alongside political stability and regulatory certainty to attract investment and enable digital transformation.

Indonesia's Culture Minister Fadli Zon has called for strengthening the institutional capacity of traditional Minangkabau silek martial arts communities by establishing formal legal status to support sustainable cultural preservation. The ministry provided financial assistance of 5 million rupiah for foundation establishment and 20 million rupiah for operational support, whilst 20 practitioners are planned to participate in the International Warrior Festival in Malacca to promote the tradition globally.

The Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) will be closed from 18–24 March 2026 coinciding with Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr celebrations, halting stock trading and mutual fund Net Asset Value (NAB) calculations. Whilst most investment activities are suspended, digital gold transactions and online orders for Government Securities, including Sukuk Ritel SR024, remain available during the closure period.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming gave a warm reception to Rismon Sianipar, the suspect in the false diploma case involving former President Joko Widodo, during a 50-minute closed meeting at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on 13 March 2026. Gibran's gesture of reconciliation—including presenting Rismon with Eid hampers and declaring "we are brothers"—suggests a thawing of tensions in a politically sensitive case that has involved multiple investigations by Metro Jaya Police.

President Prabowo Subianto will convene a Cabinet Session on Friday 13 March to discuss preparations for Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH, beginning with zakat contributions from cabinet members at 3 PM at the State Palace. The government will confirm the date of Eid through an isbat session scheduled for 19 March, with preliminary indications suggesting Eid may fall on 21 March 2026.

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) fell 1.81 per cent or 133.17 points to close at 7,228.95 on Friday, driven by broad-based selling pressure across 595 stocks amid heightened Middle East geopolitical tensions that pushed crude oil prices back above the psychological $100 per barrel mark. Despite external headwinds, foreign investors maintained net buying of approximately Rp905 billion, suggesting continued confidence in Indonesian large-cap valuations, whilst the rupiah held firm at around Rp16,885 per dollar.

Sinar Mas Land and PT Telkom Indonesia have entered a strategic partnership to expand telecommunications infrastructure and deploy 5G networks across BSD City. The collaboration, formalised through a cooperation agreement signed on 11 March, will utilise fibre optic networks to support FTTH and FTTX services for IndiHome, IndiBiz, and dedicated internet, as well as transport services for Telkomsel base stations.

President Prabowo Subianto will chair a full cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace on Friday afternoon (13 March) to coordinate government preparations for the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. The meeting will involve all cabinet ministers reporting on food price stability, transportation infrastructure readiness, and national security ahead of the mudik (mass exodus) and Lebaran festivities. Prior to the cabinet session, state officials including the President will fulfil their religious obligations by paying zakat (alms) to the National Zakat Collection Agency (Baznas).

Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has appeared on X (formerly Twitter) with a verified blue-check account (@Rahbarenghelab_), posting messages about Iran's defence and pledging retaliation for martyrs. The emergence of the account has provoked criticism from the Tech Transparency Project and the United States, which argues that X's owner Elon Musk is violating US sanctions by allowing sanctioned Iranian officials to obtain premium subscriptions on the platform.

PT IGP Sleman has successfully exported gift wrapping paper to the United States market on 13 March 2026, with Yogyakarta Customs conducting full supervision of the export process. The achievement demonstrates Yogyakarta's industrial capacity to maintain productivity and expand internationally whilst adhering to customs regulations, with local authorities encouraging further businesses to penetrate global markets with regional flagship products.

Despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, global gold prices have moved in a relatively muted fashion, declining weekly as a strengthening US dollar and rising US Treasury yields override safe-haven demand. Gold prices have fluctuated between USD 5,050 and USD 5,200 per troy ounce, with an initial spike following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026 quickly reversing into a loss of over 6 per cent.

The Deputy Attorney General for Intelligence (JAM-Intel) has clarified that the Village Guard programme (Jaksa Garda Desa) is a preventive measure intended to provide legal protection and support to village budget administrators, not to prosecute village officials. The initiative, presented at a consolidation meeting in Tangerang Regency, aims to strengthen village governance through legal guidance and ensure village development proceeds without legal impediments.

Indonesia's luwak coffee industry continues to demonstrate positive growth, with producers such as PT Erefindo Jaya Indonesia maintaining strict quality and authenticity standards through BPOM licensing and halal certification. The company is actively promoting Indonesian luwak coffee on the international stage through participation in global trade exhibitions such as the China International Import Expo, whilst consumers are being urged to verify producer credentials and official distribution permits to ensure product authenticity and safety.

Researcher and writer Rismon Sianipar has affirmed that former President Joko Widodo's diploma is authentic following an extended review of the document over two to three months, contradicting his earlier claims. Sianipar met with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta to present his findings, emphasising his responsibility as a researcher to correct his work when new evidence emerges. He plans to publish a comprehensive book detailing his research methodology and conclusions, with completion targeted for 2026.

Indonesia has experienced a alarming surge in digital fraud cases, with the Indonesia Anti Scam Center reporting 432,637 incidents by January 2026—averaging approximately 1,000 cases daily and significantly exceeding fraud rates in comparable nations. Experts urge citizens to exercise heightened vigilance by verifying sender identities, scrutinising email addresses for subtle anomalies, and validating certified electronic signatures to combat increasingly sophisticated scam tactics that exploit urgency and panic.

The Indonesian Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has provided legal accompaniment to the family of deceased soldier Prada Lucky during an appeal hearing for an assault case that resulted in his death, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the judicial process. The appeal hearing involved 22 military personnel defendants at the Military High Court in Surabaya, with the victim's mother providing virtual testimony. The LPSK is also overseeing the enforcement of restitution totalling approximately 1.6 billion rupiah that was ordered by the first-instance court.

The Buleleng Police Resort is converting its police posts into temporary rest areas for mudik travellers during the 2026 Lebaran homecoming period, offering facilities for prayer, bathing, and rest. The initiative, inspired by a concept from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, represents a service innovation aimed at improving comfort for those undertaking long journeys. Additionally, the police are planning a free mudik programme, pending approval and coordination from national police headquarters.

CNBC Indonesia's economist warns that rising global crude oil prices triggered by the Strait of Hormuz closure and geopolitical tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel pose significant risks to Indonesia's economy. Supply chain disruptions in energy, fertiliser and food commodities threaten to accelerate inflation and strain Indonesia's import costs and budget subsidy obligations, whilst rupiah weakness risks widening the fiscal deficit and dampening economic growth. Market volatility is prompting investors to abandon emerging market assets in favour of safe-haven instruments, further threatening Indonesia's financial stability and investment climate.

Depok authorities have launched a joint safety inspection campaign at Jatijajar Terminal, with police, transportation, health, and insurance officials checking buses scheduled for Lebaran 2026 mudik travel. The comprehensive ramp checks examine vehicle roadworthiness including registration validity, tyres, brakes, and lights, whilst drivers undergo health screening including urine tests, blood pressure checks, and blood glucose measurements. The initiative aims to minimise accident risks during the peak holiday travel period.

Ragunan Zoo management projects approximately 400,000 visitors during the eight-day Eid al-Fitr holiday period from 22-29 March 2026, based on data from the previous year's 14-day holiday when the zoo received 610,416 visitors. The zoo is implementing aesthetic improvements and special thematic decorations whilst adhering to Jakarta gubernatorial regulations that keep the facility closed on the first day of Eid.

Indian conglomerate Essar Group is exploring investment in building crude oil and fuel storage facilities in Indonesia, with recent visits to Pertamina's refining complex in South Sumatra. Pertamina's chief executive emphasized the company is open to partnerships with various capable investors to expand domestic fuel reserves, aligning with the government's energy security objectives.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming received Rismon Sianipar, a suspect in allegations of forged diplomas involving former President Joko Widodo, at the Vice President's Office in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026. During the approximately 50-minute closed-door meeting, Gibran presented Sianipar with Eid hampers as a parting gesture. Sianipar has recently apologised to Jokowi and his family following new findings in his research regarding the diploma allegations.

The United States government has lifted restrictions on Russian crude oil and petroleum products already loaded onto ships, affecting approximately 100 million barrels currently in transit, according to Russian officials. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the lifting of restrictions on India's purchases of Russian oil and removed all limitations on the 100 million barrels already transiting globally. Russian officials view this policy shift as recognition by the US that global energy markets require Russian supply to remain stable.

Nusa Tenggara Timur Province has launched Operation Ketupat Turangga 2026 involving 3,068 personnel to secure the Eid holiday travel season. The operation running from 13–25 March aims to prevent traffic disruptions and crime whilst managing extreme weather risks during the Lebaran exodus and return journeys.

The Indonesian National Police's Deputy Chief Komjen Dedi Prasetyo has reassured the public that food supplies are secure ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026 and urged citizens to avoid panic buying. Through a joint initiative with state logistics company Perum Bulog called the Cheap Food Movement (Gerakan Pangan Murah), the police have distributed over 1,337 tons of rice alongside other essential commodities across 36 provincial police headquarters and approximately 500 district police stations nationwide. Bulog reports that national rice stocks have reached 3.9 million tons—the highest level recorded in March in Indonesian history—and are projected to exceed 4.2 million tons by the end of the month, ensuring price stability and public accessibility throughout the holiday season.

Honda has reported a loss of 2.5 trillion yen (approximately Rp265.4 trillion) after reversing its decision to launch three electric vehicles, including the Honda 0 Saloon, 0 SUV, and Acura RSX crossover, in the North American market. The company cited weakened market demand as the reason, arguing that forcing sales of these vehicles in a depressed market would worsen its long-term business position in the region.

Indonesia's Ministry of Manpower has entered into a collaboration with PT Pelita Air Service to enhance human resources development within the aviation industry. The partnership encompasses workforce training, skills development through vocational training centres, employment placement services, and industrial relations oversight to create a conducive labour environment in aviation and ensure compliance with employment standards.

North Jakarta's Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture Office (Sudin KPKP) is conducting food safety inspections at poultry slaughterhouses to ensure that animal-derived food products meet consumption standards, particularly during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Inspections focus on slaughtering processes, equipment conditions, premises cleanliness, and carcass handling, targeting six of approximately 40 poultry businesses operating in the Sunter Agung area. The regular oversight aims to promote good slaughtering practices and maintain consumer confidence in the safety and hygiene of livestock products.

The Director of Perum Bulog, Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani, has assured that Indonesia's national rice stock remains sufficient for public needs until the end of 2026, with year-end supplies expected to exceed 5 million tonnes. Bulog is also securing supplies of cooking oil and sugar ahead of Eid 2026, whilst simultaneously conducting the Cheap Food Movement (Gerakan Pangan Murah) across 36 police regional commands and 500 police stations to distribute 1,337 tonnes of rice to hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries.

The European Commission has stated it will respond "firmly and proportionally" to any breaches of commitments under the EU-US trade agreement, following Washington's launch of a Section 301 investigation targeting 16 economic entities including the EU. The Commission will carefully review the investigation details and seek clarification on how it aligns with the joint EU-US framework agreed upon last July, under which the EU eliminated tariffs on all US industrial products whilst the US capped tariffs at 15 percent for most EU goods.

Netflix has officially acquired InterPositive, an artificial intelligence-powered film technology startup founded by actor and director Ben Affleck, with Affleck becoming a senior adviser to the streaming giant. The technology is designed to give filmmakers greater creative control in post-production processes such as colour grading, relighting scenes and adding visual effects, rather than generating films automatically from text prompts. Netflix plans to make the technology available to its creative partners but does not intend to commercialise it for the general market.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has denied knowledge of government and parliamentary plans to expand Indonesia's 2026 state budget deficit ceiling above the current 3% of GDP limit set by the 2003 State Finance Law. Despite global economic uncertainties including geopolitical tensions and volatile oil prices, both the Finance Ministry and the parliamentary Budget Committee have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the deficit below 3%, with estimates suggesting it can be kept at around 2.8% of GDP through disciplined fiscal management.

Google Maps has launched significant updates including a 3D mapping view and Gemini AI integration to enhance the navigation experience with more realistic environmental visuals and intuitive guidance. The update introduces new features such as automatic zoom for road details, lane information, pedestrian crossings, and traffic lights, alongside an "Ask Maps" function powered by Gemini AI that allows users to seek recommendations and plan journeys more easily. The rollout has begun in the United States and India, with wider availability planned for the future.

The Land Transport Management Centre (BPTD) in West Java has conducted fitness checks on buses ahead of the 2026 Lebaran exodus, finding that 80 per cent of approximately 8,000 buses inspected meet safety standards whilst 20 per cent remain unfit for road. Checks include brake systems, lighting, gearboxes, administrative documentation, road worthiness certificates, and driver health screening, with authorities requiring all non-compliant vehicles to undergo repairs before operation.

BPJS Kesehatan, Indonesia's national health insurance provider, is establishing roadside assistance posts (Posko Mudik) at eight major transit points across Indonesia from 13-18 March 2026 to provide free health services and information to Lebaran holiday travellers. The initiative includes free medical consultations, basic health examinations, relaxation facilities, and emergency medical treatment, whilst branch offices will also remain open on selected dates to provide administrative services. The move reinforces BPJS Kesehatan's commitment to ensuring continued access to healthcare for National Health Insurance (JKN) participants travelling outside their home regions during the holiday period.

Ancol Taman Impian will accommodate approximately 2,000 worshippers for Eid al-Fitr prayers at Lagoon Beach on 21 March 2026. The theme park management is preparing comprehensive facilities including ablution areas, compacted sand surfaces, and overflow capacity to ensure safe and dignified worship, whilst also launching a broader "Festival Raya Kemenangan" (Victory Festival) celebration for the holiday period.

Global oil prices have surged past the psychological threshold of US$100 per barrel following Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei's confirmation that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed amid escalating Middle Eastern conflict. Brent crude rose 9.22 per cent to US$100.46 per barrel whilst US West Texas Intermediate climbed 9.72 per cent to US$95.73 per barrel, with the gains driven by shipping attacks in the Persian Gulf and strategic supply route disruptions. Despite coordinated releases of 400 million barrels by the International Energy Agency and 172 million barrels by the United States from strategic reserves, market analysts suggest these measures will prove insufficient to stabilise prices unless oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are restored.

Global oil prices have surged to their highest levels since mid-2022, with Brent crude reaching US$101.16 per barrel as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz—a vital waterway carrying approximately one-fifth of global oil trade. Despite coordinated efforts by the United States and International Energy Agency members to release 572 million barrels from strategic reserves and Iran's conditional 30-day licensing agreement, market sentiment remains volatile and pressurised by military escalation, reported attacks on fuel tankers, and port closures across the Persian Gulf region.

South Kalimantan Deputy Governor Hasnuryadi Sulaiman met with Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago in Jakarta to strengthen coordination between the provincial and central governments. The meeting, characterised by a familial atmosphere, focused on alignment of South Kalimantan's development programmes with national policies whilst upholding values of wisdom and public welfare. Discussions also covered political stability, security, education infrastructure, and Djamari's agenda including police reform and international affairs.

The Central Sulawesi Attorney General's Office has designated Ahlis Umar, the former head of Tamainusi Village in North Morowali Regency, as a suspect in a corruption case involving the misappropriation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds and mining company compensation totalling Rp9.69 billion. Between 2021 and 2024, Umar allegedly circumvented proper procedures by establishing an illegal CSR management team, opening unauthorised bank accounts, and redirecting mining company transfers away from official village accounts. Investigators seized valuable assets including luxury vehicles and heavy equipment as part of the investigation.

Indonesia's logistics sector faces significant strain during Ramadan and Eid periods, with package volumes increasing by approximately 30 per cent compared to normal periods as e-commerce shopping surges. The conflict between consumer expectations for rapid delivery—driven by "Amazon Effect"—and the practical constraints of Indonesia's complex geography and infrastructure presents a substantial challenge for courier companies. To address this, logistics firms are increasingly adopting automation technologies such as automated conveyor systems and data-driven routing to improve efficiency and capacity during peak seasons.