Indonesia's Minister of Villages and Disadvantaged Region Development Yandri Susanto has called for serious commitment from all stakeholders to update the National Single Socio-Economic Data (DTSEN), which serves as the foundation for central government planning and targeted distribution of social assistance. The minister emphasised that accurate data is critical to ensure aid reaches the correct recipients and prevent ineligible persons from receiving benefits, whilst eligible recipients in remote areas are not overlooked. Presidential Instruction No. 4 of 2025 now mandates DTSEN as the single data reference for all ministries, agencies, and local governments to eliminate inconsistencies between institutions.

East Jakarta Metro Police (Polres Jaktim) have successfully returned a four-year-old child who became viral on social media whilst scavenging for bottles in Jakarta's industrial area to his mother in Sumedang Regency, West Java. Following the coordinated effort involving police, social services, and the child's mother, the boy and his three-year-old sibling were transported back home with commitments for ongoing welfare support. The operation demonstrates the Indonesian National Police's commitment to child protection and rapid response to social issues highlighted on social media.

Philips is expanding diagnostic healthcare access across Indonesia through artificial intelligence integration in ultrasound systems and local manufacturing partnerships with PT PHC Indonesia and PT Graha Teknomedika. The initiative addresses critical challenges in Indonesia's healthcare system, including uneven distribution of specialist resources, rising non-communicable diseases, and high maternal mortality rates, whilst leveraging portable, AI-powered technology and tele-ultrasound capabilities to serve remote and island communities.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned that multiple regions across the country face a significant risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall due to the influence of the remnants of tropical cyclone Nuri and other atmospheric activity in the regional zone. The ex-tropical cyclone, located in the northern Pacific Ocean north of Papua with maximum wind speeds of 25 knots, is expected to induce cloud formation and increased rainfall potential across eastern Indonesia, particularly in North Sulawesi, North Maluku, and the Highlands of Papua. Major cities across the archipelago are forecast to experience varying rainfall intensities, ranging from light rain to thunderstorms, warranting public awareness and preparedness for potential weather hazards.

Saudi Arabia's air defence systems intercepted at least 24 drones and multiple ballistic missiles targeting the kingdom on 12 March, including attacks on the Shaybah oil field and Prince Sultan Air Base hosting US fighter jets. The strikes represent continued Iranian retaliation for US and Israeli military operations that began on 28 February, prompting Riyadh to warn that Iran will suffer the most severe consequences if attacks persist.

The United States has granted a temporary licence to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea to ease global energy supply pressure amid escalating tensions with Iran, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The measure is narrowly designed and time-limited, applying only to approximately 124 million barrels already in transit, and is intended to be a short-term relief rather than a broad reopening of Russian energy trade.

Indonesia's stock market weakened on 13 March 2026 as investors grew concerned about the Federal Reserve maintaining hawkish monetary policy in response to global energy inflation triggered by the US-Iran conflict. The IHSG fell 0.32 per cent whilst oil prices surged due to major disruptions to global energy supplies, with crude reaching $95–$100 per barrel. Domestically, concerns emerged over the government's withdrawal of approximately 16 trillion rupiah from Bank Indonesia's surplus to finance the state budget, raising investor worries about central bank independence.

Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho has announced a landmark policy whereby all civil servants and contract workers in the Pekanbaru City Government receive four salary and allowance payments simultaneously in March, coinciding with Ramadan. The payments include March salary, February performance allowances, the 13th-month salary (THR), and 13th-month performance allowances, effectively doubling the income of government employees during the Islamic holy month to support their welfare and stimulate local economic activity.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo inspected Merak Port on the opening day of Operation Ketupat 2026, Indonesia's annual security operation during the Lebaran holiday exodus. Senior government officials including the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Interior Minister, Transport Minister, and TNI Commander accompanied the inspection to assess port readiness. Four ports in Banten Province have been designated to handle passengers travelling to Sumatra, with traffic management protocols established to direct different vehicle categories to appropriate terminals.

The rupiah weakened to 16,912 per US dollar on 13 March 2026, amid concerns over rising debt servicing costs and questionable budget performance. Although tax revenues grew over 30 per cent and budget absorption reached 41.9 per cent through February 2026, the primary balance deficit of 599.4 trillion rupiah suggests the government is taking on new debt to service existing obligations, with interest payments consuming 28.8 per cent of central government spending.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened to Rp 16,924 per US dollar on Friday (13 February 2026) due to surging global oil prices, which briefly exceeded $100 per barrel following reports of attacks on tankers near Iraq and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. The resulting inflation concerns and expectations of more aggressive central bank monetary policies have triggered currency and commodity market volatility, whilst markets await US PCE inflation data for guidance on Federal Reserve policy direction.

The United States Trade Representative has launched an investigation into 60 countries, including Indonesia, over alleged failures to take action against forced labour practices in global supply chains. The investigation, initiated under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974, targets governments' failure to enforce prohibitions on goods produced through forced labour. Public hearings on the matter are scheduled for 28 April 2026.

Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has confirmed that national energy supply remains secure despite potential disruptions from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for Middle Eastern oil. The government plans to diversify its oil supply sources by shifting away from exclusive dependence on the Middle East and expanding cooperation with other countries including the United States, Brazil, and Africa, with Middle Eastern crude currently accounting for only 20-25% of Indonesia's total oil imports.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration has released the Semester II 2025 clean population data, showing that 69.03 per cent of the population (199.03 million people) are of working age between 15 and 64 years old. The data reveals that Indonesia's population has grown by 1.62 million from the previous semester to reach 288.31 million, with the largest working-age cohort in the 40–44 age bracket, presenting significant demographic dividend opportunities if properly integrated with cross-sectoral development policies.

Bank BJB has issued a warning to customers about rising banking fraud schemes during the Ramadan and Eid period, highlighting prevalent scams including phishing, QR code spoofing, and social engineering tactics. The bank emphasises the importance of vigilance when conducting transactions and urges customers never to share sensitive information such as PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords with anyone claiming to be bank staff.

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has assured the public that fuel (BBM) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies are sufficient ahead of the 2026 Eid exodus, urging citizens to refrain from panic buying. Operation Ketupat 2026 will deploy approximately 161,243 personnel from various state agencies to secure the migration period and manage traffic flow, whilst accounting for potential extreme weather conditions.

A four-storey confectionery shop-house (ruko) in Tambora, West Jakarta caught fire on 13 March 2026, prompting the deployment of 28 fire trucks and 140 personnel from the Jakarta Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 03:30 WIB after responding to the initial report at 02:34 WIB, and were subsequently engaged in cooling operations and debris removal to prevent re-ignition, with the cause of the fire still under investigation.

Ferry operators on the Singapore-Batam route have implemented fuel surcharges effective 12 March, with passengers paying an additional S$6 from Singapore and IDR65,000 from Batam, citing rising operational costs driven by volatile global oil prices and Middle East conflict. The surcharge applies across major carriers including Horizon Fast Ferry, Batamfast, and Majestic Fast Ferry, and reflects broader pressure on transport costs across the region as higher energy prices threaten to spill into other consumer sectors including electricity.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has disclosed that former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas allegedly ordered the collection of acceleration fees from hajj pilgrims in 2023, with each pilgrim charged USD 5,000 (approximately 84.4 million rupiah) to bypass the standard queue through special hajj quotas. The investigation reveals that Yaqut's special aide, Ishfah Abidal Aziz (known as Gus Alex), allegedly oversaw the fee collection scheme and directed the allocation of 640 additional special hajj quotas for pilgrims able to pay the acceleration fee. Yaqut has denied receiving any money from the alleged corruption case, claiming all policies were implemented solely for the safety of pilgrims.

Operation Ketupat 2026 commenced on 13 March to manage Eid holiday travellers, with Merak Port restricted to private vehicles, pedestrians, and buses, whilst trucks are directed to alternative ports. Police have prepared four ports across Banten Province to transport homebound travellers to Sumatra, with coordinated law enforcement deployed across transport routes and port facilities to ensure orderly operations.

The Head of the Army's Information Service (Kadispenad), Brigadier General Donny Pramono, has clarified that the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) has shifted from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 3 status, which came into effect across all TNI units. The adjustment was made to accommodate the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations, during which some TNI personnel will take rotational leave whilst maintaining overall operational readiness.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has launched the BRI Imlek Prosperity 2026 programme across Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan to strengthen its wealth management services and reinforce its commitment to top-tier customers during the Chinese New Year celebrations. The exclusive events, held at premium venues, welcomed over 300 corporate and private banking clients, combining cultural experiences with the bank's strategic positioning as a comprehensive financial partner. BRI emphasises its integrated wealth management approach, offering asset management, financial planning, and long-term protection solutions to support customers' sustained financial growth.

West Java's Provincial Assembly Commission IV inspected several provincial road sections in Garut Regency to assess infrastructure readiness for the expected surge in traffic during the 2026 Eid holidays. Commission member Prasetyawati highlighted ongoing road improvements and maintenance efforts, whilst noting the need for accelerated completion of repairs, particularly on congestion-prone routes such as the Gentong area, and enforcement against roadside parking and illegal street vendors to maintain traffic flow.

MidOcean Energy, an LNG company backed by EIG, has agreed to acquire a 0.417% stake in the Gorgon LNG project from JERA, increasing its equity exposure to 1.417%. The transaction also includes a 0.735% stake in the Ichthys LNG project and marks the beginning of a strategic alliance between the two parties to explore future LNG and energy transaction opportunities globally. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

PT Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk (TOWR) has announced that its subsidiaries—Protelindo, Iforte, and IEN—have amended their credit facility agreement with PT Bank QNB Indonesia, extending the Rp500 billion facility maturity to 26 June 2026. The management confirmed this is an affiliate transaction between group companies that does not constitute a conflict of interest or material transaction, and poses no material negative impact on the company's operations or financial condition.

Batam prosecutors have demanded a three-year prison sentence and Rp250 million fine for Rio Susanto, charged with smuggling 797 used iPhones without customs documentation to West Kalimantan. The seizure at Telaga Punggur Roro Port has resulted in estimated state revenue losses of over Rp710 million in unpaid customs duties and taxes. The case reflects ongoing challenges with illegal electronics trafficking through Indonesia's border zones and will resume when the defence presents its written submission.

President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka receive holiday allowances (THR) like other state officials, with the state covering the tax burden from state budget funds. The government has allocated Rp55 trillion for THR payments to approximately 10.5 million state apparatus members, with the President's THR estimated at Rp62.74 million and the Vice President's at Rp42.16 million based on their respective salary multiples.

Neng Eem Marhamah Zulfa Hiz, head of the PKB faction in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), has stated that women's empowerment is a strategic measure to break the cycle of violence against women and children in Indonesia. The PKB faction has pledged to strengthen constitutional values and implement multi-sectoral collaboration, including strengthened policy and regulation, enhanced educational access, economic empowerment, and cross-sectoral partnerships between government, state institutions, women's organisations, and media.

The Indonesian rupiah weakened by 30 basis points to Rp16,923 per US dollar on Friday morning, driven by heightened global uncertainty over the Iran-US-Israel conflict and increased market risk aversion. Bank Woori Saudara analysts attributed the weakness to investors fleeing riskier assets and the strengthening US dollar index. The tension follows threats from Iran's top security official and US President Trump regarding military actions, creating volatility in emerging market currencies.

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) has clarified that high beef prices circulating in markets, reportedly exceeding the government's Reference Sales Price (HAP), largely concern super-quality beef that falls outside the government's price regulation framework. The HAP, set between Rp105,000 and Rp140,000 per kilogramme, applies only to standard-grade beef such as hindquarter cuts with minimal fat content. Bapanas reports that of 90 monitored districts, 58 remain below HAP whilst 32 are above and undergoing intensive intervention.

Former Constitutional Court chairman Jimly Asshiddiqie has proposed establishing Indonesia's General Elections Commission (KPU) as a fourth branch of government alongside the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Electoral scholar Titi Anggraini supports the concept, arguing that election administrators should be protected as independent institutions from political interference to preserve the integrity of democratic competition and ensure fair electoral processes.

Banser supporters gathered outside Indonesia's anti-corruption agency (KPK) following the detention of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on corruption charges related to the hajj quota scheme, but dispersed after receiving a voice message from PBNU leader Yahya Cholil Staquf urging peaceful withdrawal. Staquf, Yaqut's brother, called for supporters to pray for a fair legal process and return home in an orderly manner, whilst pledging continued advocacy to ensure justice is upheld without interference.

The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has revealed the involvement of Maktour owner Fuad Hasan Masyhur in an alleged corruption case involving the misallocation of hajj quotas that has ensnared former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. Fuad is suspected of lobbying government officials to divert additional hajj quotas intended for regular pilgrims to private hajj operators, resulting in an estimated state loss of Rp622 billion. The KPK is investigating whether Fuad will be named as a suspect based on evidence currently being gathered, as authorities continue to pursue all actors who benefited from the quota manipulation scheme.

Several retail workers in Jakarta report being unable to take leave during Eid al-Fitr due to their employers' operational needs, with some not having taken leave during the holiday for up to seven years. Legal experts note that whether employees have the right to Eid leave depends on their employment contracts, though many retail businesses resist giving time off during the peak shopping period despite having predominantly Muslim workforces.

Two students at Universitas Negeri Makassar (UNM) in South Sulawesi were injured in a suspected terror attack when unknown assailants threw Molotov cocktails at them near the campus gate on 11 March 2026 at approximately 03:22 WITA. Police are investigating the incident, which appears to have been premeditated based on evidence suggesting suspects positioned themselves both inside and outside the campus before launching the attack. The victims remain hospitalised at Bhayangkara Hospital in Makassar, and authorities have recovered CCTV footage and are examining witness testimony.

Several Indonesian listed companies have announced dividend distributions timed with the Lebaran holiday season, offering varying dividend yields to shareholders. Bank Negara Indonesia (BBNI) leads with an 8.16% dividend yield of Rp349.41 per share, whilst Bank Central Asia (BBCA) offers a 4.07% yield of Rp281 per share, with payment schedules falling between March and April 2026. The dividend distribution period provides an opportune moment for investors to reassess their portfolios and identify attractive dividend-paying stocks.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon visited West Sumatra to distribute aid to communities affected by a natural disaster in the Sibohong Syekh Burhanuddin Surau Gadang cultural heritage site in Padang Pariaman. The minister emphasised the Ministry of Culture's responsibility to protect cultural heritage and called for community solidarity in recovery efforts, whilst highlighting the site's historical significance as an important centre for the spread of Islam in the Minangkabau region. The local government reported 98 protected cultural sites and 15 intangible cultural heritage designations in Padang Pariaman, with ongoing efforts to strengthen documentation and preservation of local cultural assets.

A man identified as LE has been arrested by police in Depok, West Java on suspicion of defrauding residents by posing as a shaman capable of multiplying money. Police seized counterfeit currency including 1,500 sheets of USD 100 notes and 100 sheets of USD 50 notes, along with approximately Rp 2 million in cash. The Pancoran Mas Police District has received one formal complaint so far but is investigating the true extent of the scam's victims.

Indonesia holds the second-highest number of measles cases globally with 10,744 cases, driven primarily by declining vaccination coverage as parents increasingly refuse or hesitate to vaccinate their children. Dr Piprim Basarah Yanuarso of the Indonesian Paediatric Association stressed that measles vaccination is critical as the disease can cause severe complications including pneumonia and encephalitis, and requires above 95 per cent immunisation coverage to prevent outbreaks.

PT Krakatau Steel has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating business transformation and strengthening Indonesia's steel industry through strategic collaboration between state agencies, demonstrated by a visit from DPR Commission VI, Danantara Asset Management, and the SOE Regulatory Agency. The company has drawn down Rp4.367 trillion of a Rp4.93 trillion shareholder loan facility to fund raw material purchases and operational capacity expansion, whilst government restrictions on steel import approvals aim to protect domestic industry competitiveness amid global pressures.

Officials from the Indonesian Toll Road Association have urged drivers not to set rigid travel time targets during the Lebaran holiday exodus, warning that such practices encourage dangerous speeding and increase accident risk. The secretary general cited that whilst many drivers boast about completing journeys such as Jakarta to Semarang in record time, road conditions vary considerably throughout journeys, making predetermined time targets problematic. He emphasised that improved road safety requires a cultural shift in driving behaviour through public awareness campaigns rather than relying solely on speed cameras.

Danantara Indonesia, the state asset management institution, celebrated its first anniversary with President Prabowo Subianto emphasizing the importance of integrity, disciplined governance, and long-term orientation in managing state assets to strengthen the national economy. As part of the "One Danantara" initiative, 88,000 school supply packages were distributed nationwide by state-owned enterprises (BUMNs), with Jasa Raharja contributing 2,000 packages to students in Gorontalo as support for Indonesia's Golden Generation development.

Mitratel, a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ZTE Indonesia to develop strategic collaboration on network efficiency and telecommunications technology solutions. The partnership will focus on exploring new technologies, technical validation, and innovative solutions to enhance service quality and network optimisation across Indonesia's telecommunications infrastructure. The collaboration reflects both companies' commitment to supporting digital transformation and strengthening Indonesia's digital ecosystem.

Chinese automaker Changan Auto has unveiled its Blue Core Super Engine, a new hybrid platform targeting 70 million annual global consumers still using internal combustion engines, developed over six years with 2 billion yuan investment. The platform achieves a fuel consumption target of 2.98 litres per 100 kilometres in urban environments and features an integrated "oil and electric" approach prioritising electric motor propulsion. Internal development of hybrid transmission and power electronics systems reduces Changan's reliance on third-party suppliers.

The Indonesian National Military (TNI) has mobilised two naval vessels, KRI Semarang and KRI Banda Aceh, to offer free transport for homebound travellers during the Eid 2026 holidays. The TNI is also deploying 105,365 personnel and 3,501 operational vehicles to ensure security and safety during the Eid exodus and return journey, working in coordination with the National Police to prevent accidents and maintain public order.

A preacher identified as SAM has been reported to the Indonesian National Police's Serious Crimes Unit for alleged sexual harassment of multiple religious students (santri). The victims' legal representatives have submitted digital evidence including chat records and video footage, with five identified victims ranging from minors to adults, with alleged incidents spanning from 2017 to 2025. The case is now under investigation with authorities urged to formally designate the suspect and pursue charges.

A member of the Indonesian Parliament's legislative body has reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the rights of domestic workers (PRT) and employers through the proposed Domestic Workers Protection Bill (RUU PPRT), which has undergone legislative discussions for over two decades. The regulation aims to establish professional and fair employment relationships, mandate vocational training, provide social security coverage, and protect domestic workers—approximately 84 per cent of whom are women—from exploitation and unfair treatment. The bill is also expected to strengthen protections for Indonesian migrant domestic workers employed abroad and fulfil constitutional mandates for fair labour practices.

The US envoy to the UN accused Russia and China of obstructing the UN sanctions monitoring committee on Iran to protect Tehran from international scrutiny during a Security Council meeting in March. Russia and China challenged the reactivation of the 1737 sanctions mechanism by the E3 (UK, France, Germany) as procedurally and legally flawed, whilst tensions escalated over Iran's nuclear programme and alleged violations of the 2015 nuclear deal.

The Indonesian Ministry of Health is accelerating measles-rubella (MR) immunisation across 102 districts ahead of the 2026 Eid holiday period to prevent disease transmission during peak travel. As of week 8 of 2026, Indonesia has recorded over 10,453 suspected measles cases with 8,372 confirmed cases and six deaths, prompting emergency vaccination campaigns targeting children aged 9-59 months with a 95% coverage goal. The ministry is deploying vaccination services across multiple locations including health centres, schools, and transport hubs along major travel routes.

Indonesia's Composite Stock Index (IHSG) opened lower on Friday as markets anticipate a hawkish stance from the US Federal Reserve due to global energy inflation risks stemming from the US-Iran conflict. The conflict has triggered significant oil supply disruptions, with the International Energy Agency warning of the largest energy supply shock in history, whilst the Fed's upcoming March meeting is expected to delay interest rate cuts despite President Trump's calls for rate reductions.