Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla met with senior former diplomats from the Indonesia Council on World Affairs (ICWA) to discuss the escalating Middle East conflict and Indonesia's potential role in peace-making efforts. The discussion highlighted the global economic consequences of the Iran-Israel-US tensions, including impacts on oil prices and the rupiah, whilst ICWA recommended Indonesia reconsider its membership in the controversial Board of Peace forum and leverage its diplomatic credibility to facilitate international dialogue.

Indonesia's parliament (DPR) has formally approved a bill to amend the 2014 Hajj Finance Management Law, designating it as a legislative priority and committing to expedite its passage. The proposed revision aims to enhance transparency, fairness, and proportionality in distributing benefits to hajj pilgrims whilst addressing longstanding public concerns about financial accountability in the administration of Islamic pilgrimage funds.

A Shieldworkz security report reveals that the silence of Iranian cyber groups following US and Israeli military operations stems from severe damage to Iran's digital defence infrastructure, including severed command chains and compromised leadership. However, dormant intrusion tools planted by Iranian APT groups remain embedded in Middle Eastern critical infrastructure as "time bombs", whilst offshore-based Iranian affiliates continue conducting periodic reconnaissance operations globally.

Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar, a defendant in a case alleging President Jokowi's diploma is fraudulent, met Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March. Rismon has retracted his earlier allegations, stating that further research found no irregularities or digital manipulation in Jokowi's undergraduate diploma from Gadjah Mada University, and Gibran has accepted his apology, praising the maturity demonstrated in democratic discourse.

Yogyakarta's Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat will hold its annual Garebek Syawal celebration on 20 March 2026, with processions departing from the palace to three destinations: the Grand Mosque, Pakualaman Palace, and Kepatihan. The Yogyakarta Police have arranged traffic management measures across key city routes, including temporary closures on Malioboro street and contra-flow systems in several areas, with minimal changes compared to previous years' arrangements.

Yudhistira Tofu and Petis (TPY), which has evolved over nearly two decades from a Jakarta street cart into a prominent souvenir destination in Semarang, attributes its success to authentic shrimp petis flavouring and product diversification. The business currently operates multiple outlets, including a new signature outlet opened in 2023 that combines retail sales with dining facilities, and offers both ready-to-eat fried tofu and vacuum-sealed products for customers. The distinctive petis sauce, requiring two to three hours of preparation from shrimp extract, garlic, and spices, remains the cornerstone of the brand's appeal.

State-owned PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has prepared Rp25 trillion in cash liquidity to meet customer transaction needs during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026 period, scheduled for 18–24 March 2026. The allocation represents a decrease from the Rp26.5 trillion cash requirement during Eid al-Fitr 2025, reflecting a 3% year-on-year decline in cash withdrawal transactions as digital payment adoption continues to rise among Indonesians. BRI is optimising its service network including 19,657 ATMs, 284,670 merchant EDC terminals, and 1.2 million BRILink agents to ensure seamless transactions during the extended holiday period.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has prepared 25 trillion rupiah in cash to meet the transaction needs of the public during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026 period, projected for 18–24 March 2026. The bank has optimised its distribution channels including ATMs, merchant EDCs, BRILink agents, and digital platforms to ensure smooth economic activity and reliable banking services during the extended holiday period. This represents a slight decrease from the 26.5 trillion rupiah required during Eid al-Fitr 2025, reflecting increased public preference for digital transactions.

Jakarta's legislature chief Khoirudin has called for increased capacity at the Jakarta Regional Vocational Training Centre (PPKD), noting that the current facility trains only 700-1,000 people annually despite receiving over 5,000 applicants. The expansion is seen as crucial to reducing unemployment in the capital, which Khoirudin links to rising gang violence, and he has requested higher budget allocations for the training programme during the regional government budget planning process.

Escalating Middle East tensions and surging crude oil prices are prompting airlines to explore sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as an alternative to conventional jet fuel, which can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent. However, SAF remains three to five times more expensive than traditional jet fuel with limited production capacity, though Europe and the US are leading adoption through blending mandates, with Asian markets including China beginning to accelerate their efforts through government support and policy incentives.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Regional Division I North Sumatra is promoting affordable Lebaran travel in 2026 through government economic stimulus programmes offering 30 per cent ticket discounts and permanent reduction tariffs for specific customer groups such as pensioners, persons with disabilities, and active military personnel. The division reports strong demand, with 93,267 tickets sold out of a total capacity of 231,000 seats for departures between 11 March and 1 April 2026.

The Indonesian Government has established joint guidelines for the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence across formal, non-formal, and informal education sectors through a joint ministerial decree signed by seven ministers. The policy emphasises age-appropriate and controlled use of technology for children, with stricter controls for younger users in terms of duration and content. The initiative reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring Indonesia's large child internet user population benefits from technological advancement whilst being protected from exploitation by commercial interests.

Senior police officer Kombes Tri Suhartanto, a policy analyst specialising in post-independence Indonesian culture, has become a cultural preservationist managing five private museums and 18 dance studios that engage school dropouts and street children. Through his initiative with community partners, he has established multiple cultural institutions including the Gubuk Wayang Museum and the Srimulat Museum, whilst guiding nearly 190 young people in traditional arts that serve as both educational outlets and income sources. Kombes Tri's innovative approach of integrating community policing with cultural preservation has earned him recognition as a candidate for the Hoegeng Awards in the innovative category.

Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has warned of the potential for a Third World War, citing widespread violations of international law by major powers that threaten global peace and stability. Speaking at the Tokyo Conference 2026, SBY called for nations to return to multilateral dialogue centred on international interests, and also highlighted Iran's retaliatory strikes against Gulf states as violations of international law. SBY was invited to the conference as a representative of Asian leadership due to his expertise in democracy, geopolitics and global peace.

The Bandung municipal government has confirmed it will provide holiday allowance (THR) and thirteenth month salary to all state apparatus (ASN) in 2026, including part-time contract employees (PPPK), following central government policy. Mayor Muhammad Farhan announced that the city has issued Municipal Regulation Number 16 of 2026 to implement the policy, with funding sourced from the 2026 regional budget.

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is pressing for cargo handling regulations that foster a conducive investment climate for businesses. Kadin held a Focus Group Discussion on Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfer operations at Indonesian ports, bringing together multiple stakeholders including government ministries and business operators to address operational challenges and develop constructive policy solutions. Key concerns include port efficiency, worker protection, competitive practices, and logistics costs reduction, particularly for energy-related sectors such as coal in Kalimantan.

Kidney transplantation is an effective replacement therapy for improving quality of life in patients with end-stage chronic kidney failure, according to nephrologist Dr. Lydia Dorothea Simatupang. Success depends not only on the surgical procedure but on comprehensive long-term management, including multidisciplinary medical support, patient and family involvement in healthy lifestyle practices, adherence to immunosuppressive therapy, and regular laboratory monitoring to detect complications early. PT Prodia Widyahusada is launching the "ProHealthy Kidney" programme throughout March 2026, offering comprehensive kidney health screening packages at special rates to support public health monitoring.

Bali's Governor Wayan Koster has convened a coordination meeting with religious leaders to ensure that the concurrent celebrations of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr this year proceed peacefully and respectfully. All religious councils have agreed to maintain tolerance and harmony amongst faith communities, with leaders urging the public to conduct observances mindfully and to dismiss divisive social media narratives that could undermine Bali's renowned religious cohesion.

Royal Enfield plans to expand its motorcycle lineup in Indonesia by launching two new models by the end of 2026 as part of a strategy to broaden its product portfolio and reach a wider range of riders. The British manufacturer currently offers models across different engine capacities, including 350cc and 650cc variants, and has sold over 6,000 units since entering the Indonesian market a decade ago. The company is leveraging community engagement across 27 cities to support market growth.

A man identified as M in East Adonara District, East Flores Regency, is accused of sexually assaulting eight teenagers, with incidents occurring in October 2025. Police are actively searching for the suspect, who fled before being formally questioned, whilst authorities have already interviewed seven victims and three witnesses in their ongoing investigation.

Two senior police officers from North Toraja Police have been dismissed dishonourably after being caught protecting drug traffickers in exchange for weekly payments of 10 million rupiah. The Indonesia Police Watch chief attributes the recurring cases of police involvement in drug trafficking to hedonism and greed, a pattern evident in multiple high-profile cases including the recent arrest of a city police chief in Bima.

Indonesia's government has prioritised multiple humanitarian initiatives including the recovery of Tesso Nilo National Park and Sumatran elephant habitats under the leadership of Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, whilst the Health Ministry accelerates measles immunisation targeting 95 per cent coverage before Eid al-Fitr 2026 to prevent mass transmission. Additional efforts include disaster relief operations for flood victims in Gayo Lues district and interfaith initiatives to strengthen religious harmony during the convergence of multiple religious holidays in 2026.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has alleged that fees collected from special hajj pilgrims were channelled to condition a special parliamentary committee on hajj operations, with Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas accused of retaining some funds for personal use. The authorities suspect manipulation of additional hajj quotas and improper allocation processes, resulting in alleged state losses of approximately 622 billion rupiah.

The United States has granted a temporary 30-day permit allowing several countries to purchase Russian crude oil and petroleum products currently held at sea, following sharp increases in global oil prices triggered by escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions. The decision aims to stabilise global energy markets, following Brent crude breaching $100 per barrel for the first time in nearly four years, whilst the US also announces plans to release 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of a broader International Energy Agency initiative.

Research firm Trendforce forecasts that mainstream laptop prices could surge by up to 40% due to ongoing global chip shortages, driven by sharp increases in memory component (DRAM and SSD) costs and rising CPU prices from manufacturers such as Intel and AMD. Average laptop prices are expected to climb from approximately US$900 (Rp15 million) to US$1,260 (Rp21.3 million), with supply chain instability compounded by competition for resources from Nvidia's AI business.

Child psychologist Professor Rose Mini Agoes Salim has emphasised that parents must model responsible device usage to effectively restrict their children's access to digital platforms. The psychologist argued that implementing restrictions on children's screen time proves ineffective without active parental engagement, and that children learn through observation—if parents remain glued to their smartphones at home, they send mixed messages undermining any rules about device reduction.

Rismon Sianipar, a researcher accused of questioning former President Joko Widodo's academic credentials in his book "Jokowi's White Paper," met with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka at the Vice President's residence in Jakarta on 13 March 2026. The meeting follows Sianipar's recent apology and clarification regarding his research methodology, which analysed the authenticity of Jokowi's diploma, including examination of embossing, watermarks, and missing security features. Vice President Gibran praised Sianipar's willingness to review his findings, noting that Ramadhan was an appropriate time for reconciliation and democratic maturity.

A 5.4 magnitude tectonic earthquake struck Sukabumi Regency, West Java, on Friday 13 March at 02:18 WIB, with its epicentre located 121 kilometres south-east in the sea at a depth of 53 kilometres. The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reports that monitoring of affected areas has revealed no damage or casualties, though personnel continue field assessments to ensure public safety across all 47 sub-districts.

A US Air Force KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on 13 March 2026 during Operation Epic Fury, with rescue efforts underway for the crew. The US Central Command stated the crash was not caused by enemy fire or Iranian attack, and suggested it may have resulted from a collision or close manoeuvre with another aircraft that landed safely. The incident marks the latest military casualty in ongoing operations that began on 28 February, following earlier losses including three F-15E Strike Eagle jets mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences on 1 March.

Indonesia's Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has issued early warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several Indonesian regions triggered by the remnants of tropical cyclone Nuri and other atmospheric activity. The ex-cyclone, currently monitored in the Pacific Ocean north of Papua, is moving eastward with maximum wind speeds of 25 knots and is inducing convergence and confluence zones that increase cloud formation and rainfall potential across eastern Indonesia, particularly south of Timor Island.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Jawa Bagian Barat has launched a comprehensive Ramadan and Eid holiday task force (RAFI) 2026 to ensure adequate fuel supply and services during the increased mobility period for Eid homecoming travel in Bandung and East Priangan regions. The company has deployed additional facilities including 10 packaged fuel motorists, 218 Bright Gas dispensers, modular petrol stations on toll roads, mobile storage units, and complementary services such as massage chairs and free breaking-of-fast meals at service stations to ensure traveller comfort.

Gold investment through digital platforms has become increasingly popular in Indonesia as technology enables easy online purchasing, storage monitoring, and price tracking via smartphones. The article reviews four major platforms—Pintu, Pegadaian Digital, BSI Mobile, and Treasury—which offer various features including crypto-gold (PAXG) tokens, Islamic finance options, and low minimum investment requirements, making gold investment more accessible to retail investors seeking asset stability.

The Corporate Forum for Community Development (CFCD) has officially launched the Indonesia CSR Award and Indonesia SDGs Award 2026, with the theme "Responsible Business in Supporting Asta Cita," aimed at encouraging companies and organisations to strengthen responsible business practices and contribute meaningfully to Indonesia's national development agenda. The awards recognise companies that implement strategic, innovative, and sustainable corporate social responsibility programmes and demonstrate genuine contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Registration is open to companies, state-owned enterprises, regional enterprises, organisations, and institutions with social responsibility and sustainable development programmes, with independent evaluation by a panel of academics, practitioners, and experts.

Indonesia's Ministry of Transport (Kemenhub) has reopened registration for its free mudik homecoming travel programme for 2026, offering 308 additional bus tickets through its Land Transport Directorate. Registration commenced on 13 March 2026 at 2:00 PM (WIB), with departures available from Kampung Rambutan Terminal and return journeys available exclusively to participants with outbound mudik tickets.

Jetour has reported that bookings for its T2 SUV model have exceeded 1,500 units since its introduction to the Indonesian market. The company delivered over 400 vehicles from January through February, with the T2 contributing the majority of Jetour's sales at 222 retail units in February. Jetour is now ramping up production to fulfil the substantial order backlog more quickly.

Indonesia's Defence Ministry has released 27 buses to facilitate a free homecoming programme (mudik) for TNI military personnel and their families ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in 2026. A total of 712 participants, including military personnel, civil servants, and their families, will travel from Jakarta to major cities including Lampung, Yogyakarta, Solo, and Surabaya. The Ministry has conducted mechanical inspections and health checks on all buses and drivers to ensure safe travel.

Indonesia's Criminal Investigation Directorate (Bareskrim) has exposed a bribery scheme in which drug dealer Abdul Hamid alias Boy paid Rp1.6 billion to former Bima City Police Chief AKBP Didik Putra Kuncoro in exchange for protection of methamphetamine distribution operations in West Nusa Tenggara. The funds were delivered in five instalments between May and September 2025, with the suspect now arrested and the police officer dismissed dishonourably from service.

Crude palm oil (CPO) prices strengthened 0.90% to MYR 4,582 per metric tonne on 13 March 2026, buoyed by rising global crude oil prices driven by Middle East tensions and increases in competing vegetable oils. Indonesia's acceleration of biodiesel B50 implementation and heightened concerns over crude oil supply disruptions following Iran's reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have supported market sentiment, though export orders are beginning to slow due to increased logistics and shipping insurance costs.

PT Great Eastern Life Indonesia has launched GREAT Accident Protection, an affordable personal accident insurance product with premiums starting from IDR 17,900 per month, aimed at providing financial protection for millions of Indonesians expected to travel during the Ramadan exodus (mudik). The product offers up to 100 per cent coverage in the event of death due to accident, with a limited promotional offer of IDR 150,000 cashback for the first 10 buyers during the 12-31 March 2026 period.

Digital forensic researcher Rismon Sianipar has retracted his allegations that President Joko Widodo's university diploma was forged, admitting his accusations were entirely mistaken. The Solidarity Indonesia Party (PSI) has welcomed this acknowledgement as proof that truth ultimately prevails, whilst Sianipar clarified that his previous analysis had missed the security features—watermarks and embossed marks—that were standard on diplomas from Universitas Gadjah Mada during that era.

Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta has set a target of 400,000 visitors during the eight-day Eid al-Fitr holiday period from 22-29 April 2026, based on historical data showing an average of 43,000 daily visitors during last year's 14-day holiday break. The zoo will open from the second day of Eid onwards (H+1), following Jakarta Governor Regulation No. 63 of 2018, and ticket prices remain at Rp4,000 for adults and Rp3,000 for children.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has allocated Rp25 trillion in cash to meet transaction demand during the Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday period (18-24 March 2026), reflecting a 3 per cent year-on-year decline in cash withdrawal transactions as digital payments gain preference. The cash provision is lower than the Rp26.5 trillion required in 2025, demonstrating the bank's adaptive approach to changing consumer payment behaviour whilst maintaining adequate liquidity for uninterrupted service delivery.

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works is upgrading the Palur-Sragen route, a key thoroughfare connecting Central Java, East Java and Yogyakarta, by reinforcing 2 kilometres of roadway with 30-centimetre concrete to mitigate flooding from overflowing irrigation water. The Rp 118.9 billion project, which commenced in 2025 and is scheduled for completion in April 2027, has achieved 41 per cent progress and prioritises flood prevention during the Lebaran migration period.

PT Pegadaian has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government's efforts to strengthen national development, particularly for Indonesia's young people, at the commemoration of Danantara Indonesia's first anniversary. President Prabowo Subianto emphasised the importance of integrity and disciplined governance in managing state assets, with Pegadaian distributing 88,000 school supply packages across Indonesia, including 2,000 packages in South Sulawesi, as part of broader corporate social responsibility initiatives to improve educational access and financial literacy.

Renowned investor and author Robert Kiyosaki has warned of an impending market collapse and potential depression, advising investors to acquire gold, silver, and Bitcoin as defensive assets. Kiyosaki points to geopolitical tensions and questionable financial management by the US White House, Treasury Department, and Federal Reserve as indicators of an approaching crisis, whilst acknowledging that geopolitical sentiment effects on asset prices are typically temporary unless there is fundamental escalation.

Research by a University of Indonesia international relations scholar reveals that cyberspace has evolved from a technological domain into a strategic battlefield in global geopolitical competition, with nations increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure for banking and defence systems. Indonesia faces particular challenges in developing cyber diplomacy, caught between maintaining digital sovereignty and economic openness whilst navigating great power rivalry between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region. Experts emphasise the need for strengthened regulations, investment in local technology development, and a multi-stakeholder approach to address the 3.64 billion cyberattacks recorded in Indonesia over the past six months.

Indonesia's Composite Index (IHSG) declined 0.32% to 7,338.82 on Friday morning as markets anticipate a hawkish stance from the US Federal Reserve amid escalating US-Iran tensions and rising global energy inflation risks. The rupiah weakened to Rp16,918 per US dollar whilst crude oil prices surged to US$100.41 per barrel, with the International Energy Agency warning of the largest energy supply disruption in history as oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have drastically reduced.

Indonesia's parliament has passed the Domestic Worker Protection Bill (RUU PPRT) as a legislative initiative, marking a significant step towards legally protecting millions of domestic workers. The legislation aims to guarantee social security, health insurance, employment benefits, and equal status between domestic workers and employers, addressing long-standing exploitative conditions that have left domestic workers without contracts, proper wages, or days off.

PT Kawasaki Motor Indonesia is introducing global motorcycle models to the Indonesian market at competitive prices, with the Kawasaki KLE 500 priced between 140-150 million rupiah. The company's ability to offer competitive pricing is attributed to its status as a direct manufacturer subsidiary of the principal rather than a distributor, allowing it to secure better pricing from its parent company whilst focusing on the large-capacity motorcycle segment.

Antam gold prices declined on 13 March 2026 at Pegadaian, falling Rp47,000 per gram to Rp3,179,000 for a 1-gram unit. The buyback price also decreased by Rp30,000 to Rp2,873,000 per gram, reflecting a softer market for precious metals at Indonesia's state-owned pawn shop.