The Salatiga Police Department destroyed 3,997 bottles of alcohol seized during an intensified operation ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri. The destruction effort aimed to maintain a safe, secure, and conducive environment during the Lebaran 2026 holiday period.

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) has assured the public that Indonesia's national food stocks remain secure despite escalating Middle Eastern tensions between the US-Israel and Iran, noting that Indonesia does not import food commodities from the Middle East. The minister emphasised that key commodities including rice, maize, poultry and fish are either self-sufficient or domestically produced, with only wheat imported from Europe and Canada, and assured stocks are sufficient for one year.

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned of potential tidal flooding in coastal areas during the Eid holiday period, prompted by a new moon on 19 March and lunar perigee on 22 March. The DPR's Commission V has called on the government to implement preventive mitigation measures, including preparation of infrastructure and personnel, in flood-prone areas that have been previously mapped.

Cimahi Police destroyed over 3,350 bottles of illicit spirits, 1,065 aftermarket motorcycle exhausts, and various narcotics including 251 grams of methamphetamine and 47 grams of cannabis in a scheduled destruction operation ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijrah. The confiscated items were seized through enforcement operations across Cimahi City, West Bandung Regency, and surrounding areas, with various destruction methods employed for different substance types. Authorities have also launched preventative patrols and community awareness measures ahead of the Eid holiday period to combat crime and drug-related offences.

The chairman of Golkar's Youth and Sports division, Said Aldi Al Idrus, has called for all youth elements of the Golkar party to mobilise among the public to promote and oversee President Prabowo Subianto's government programmes across Indonesia. The directive also emphasises the recruitment of 2 million new cadres, particularly millennials and youth, and the identification of best-qualified candidates for the 2029 elections to strengthen the party's electoral performance.

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck Melawi District in West Kalimantan on Friday, 13 March 2026, at 03:04 Western Indonesia Time at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). The tremor, located 81 kilometres north of Melawi, was felt with an intensity of MMI III in Sintang and Sanggau districts, comparable to the vibrations of a large truck passing through buildings.

A barge collided with multiple residential structures and a floating cemetery area in Dukuh Tambaksari, Demak, on 6 March 2026, following days of extreme weather conditions that generated large waves and surges. Severe winds and rain since 4 March caused widespread damage to stilt houses and affected the foundations of the Semarang-Demak Coastal Embankment Toll Road project, forcing approximately 12 families to evacuate to a local mosque.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has disclosed that former Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas attempted to influence the House of Representatives' special hajj committee by offering approximately USD 1 million collected from pilgrims to facilitate his improper distribution of additional hajj quotas. The bribe was rejected by committee members, and the funds have since been seized as evidence in the corruption investigation.

Jetour Indonesia has confirmed its plans to launch the Jetour T2 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in the Indonesian market during the second semester of 2026. The SUV is designed to combine urban functionality with light off-road capability, featuring attractive design elements and modern support features whilst maintaining versatility across various driving conditions.

Cimahi's Transportation Department conducted thorough safety inspections of 15 buses designated for free Lebaran holiday travel on 12 March 2026, examining mechanical systems, braking, lighting, and documentation. All buses passed inspection and are deemed roadworthy; they will transport approximately 720,000 registered Cimahi residents beginning 18 March 2026.

SDN Nglarang in Sleman Regency, which is affected by the Yogyakarta-Solo toll road project, will not be relocated, Regent Harda Kiswaya has confirmed. The decision was made due to difficulties in securing replacement land and insufficient budget of 3.1 billion rupiah. The school will instead be reconstructed on its current site, with a temporary school facility to be built by the toll road contractor during reconstruction.

Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz following attacks by the United States and Israel, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders threatening to target any American or allied military vessels transiting the waterway. The blockade has caused oil tanker traffic to decline by 90 per cent in a week, disrupting approximately 20 per cent of global oil trade, whilst Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered forces to maintain closure of the strategically critical strait and vowed retaliation against the US and Israel.

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has launched an animal-friendly workplace initiative, installing ten cat feeding stations at its Jakarta headquarters and conducting trap-neuter-release (TNR) operations and rabies vaccinations for street cats. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasised that large-scale environmental and wildlife protection efforts begin with simple steps in one's immediate surroundings, encouraging ministry staff to treat animals with greater responsibility and care.

Kawasaki's electric sport motorcycles, the Ninja e-1 and Z e-1, launched in Indonesia in November 2023 at approximately 140 million rupiah, continue to be sold on a made-to-order basis with limited uptake. Sales have reached approximately 20 units throughout 2025, primarily to corporate clients collaborating with PLN (Indonesia's state electricity company), with the Ninja e-1 being the more popular model. Current pricing for 2026 stands at 150.6 million rupiah for the Ninja e-1 and 147.7 million rupiah for the Z e-1 on-the-road Jakarta.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has responded positively to researcher Rismon Sianipar's apology to former President Joko Widodo regarding his research in the book "Jokowi's White Paper," with Gibran emphasising that Ramadan is an opportune time for reconciliation and rekindling brotherhood. Rismon visited Jokowi's residence to apologize, stating that upon re-examining his research methodology over the past two months, he found no evidence of irregularities in Jokowi's diploma, including proper embossing, watermarks, though he acknowledged his findings would be controversial.

The Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of Indonesia's Parliament warned the Director General of PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara after his absence caused postponement of a meeting with the Minister of Cooperatives to discuss village cooperative outlets and formation. Parliament has concerns about the programme's management and effectiveness, particularly regarding outlets placed in villages with insufficient populations, and seeks clarification on the role of Agrinas in managing the outlets.

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qaumas as a suspect in connection with an initiative concerning additional hajj quotas from Saudi Arabia. The additional 20,000 quota slots, which were meant to address Indonesia's 47-year hajj waiting list, were allegedly redistributed by Yaqut's office in a manner that disadvantaged regular hajj pilgrims who lost access to the Saudi government's allocated increase.

Indonesia's Head of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has praised Iran's military strategy in its conflict with the United States and Israel, highlighting Iran's sophisticated use of low-cost drone technology with long-range capabilities. Luhut warned that the escalating Middle East conflict, alongside tensions with Russia-Ukraine and Venezuela, represents the highest level of global economic uncertainty in history.

Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto has revived the position of Chief of Territorial Staff (Kaster TNI), a role that was eliminated during President Abdurrahman Wahid's administration in 2001. The appointment of Lieutenant General Bambang Trisnohadi to the position has drawn parliamentary confirmation that the move represents organisational modernisation rather than a return to the military's former dual function in politics.

The Central Java Provincial Transportation Office will conduct simultaneous vehicle safety inspections (ramp checks) across 23 Type B terminals throughout the province on 13 March 2026 in preparation for the Eid holiday exodus. The initiative includes free health screenings for bus drivers and crew, alongside the establishment of unified command posts from 13-29 March to coordinate traffic management and prevent congestion hotspots, with live CCTV monitoring accessible to the public.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned the United States and Israel against worsening military aggression against Iran by attempting to incite civil war, stating that such provocations would further destabilise the Middle East. Turkey announced its opposition to any external plans for sectarian or ethnic conflict within Iran and called for international diplomatic efforts to halt the ongoing 13-day conflict between US-Israeli forces and Iran, whilst condemning both the initial attacks on Iran and Iran's subsequent strikes against Gulf Arab states as violations of international law.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government held the Jakarta Hijab Festival at Tanah Abang Market in Central Jakarta, with government officials from mayors to directors of state-owned enterprises serving as fashion models. Governor Pramono Anung stated that all clothing displayed was purchased directly from local merchants to stimulate the local economy and revitalise the wholesale centre. The event aimed to demonstrate government support for SMEs and local traders whilst showcasing official commitment to economic activity in the region.

Iran has reportedly placed dozens of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping lane through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes, according to US intelligence sources. The move has triggered a strong reaction from US President Donald Trump, who demanded immediate removal of the mines, whilst US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that American Central Command has destroyed Iranian mine-laying vessels in the strait. Naval mines represent a cost-effective and historically proven weapon that could effectively disrupt shipping in this strategically vital waterway.

Former Sleman Regent Sri Purnomo is scheduled to attend a hearing to hear the prosecution's arguments in his corruption case involving the misappropriation of a 2020 Tourism Grant Fund for Sleman Regency. Prosecutors allege that Purnomo diverted Rp 10.9 billion in central government tourism assistance intended for hotel and restaurant relief and pandemic recovery efforts towards campaign funding for local election candidates Kustini and Danang Maharsa. The case, filed under Indonesia's anti-corruption laws, has already passed preliminary motions and is now proceeding through witness examination.

The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) has downgraded its security alert level from Stage 1 to Stage 3 following a directive from the military commander, according to Brigadier General Donny Pramono, head of the Army Information Service. The downgrade does not signal a response to any conflict or security threat, but rather reflects the shift from equipment verification procedures to deployment of personnel for security operations during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period and public holidays. The army has positioned personnel at vital state facilities and crowded areas to ensure safe and conducive conditions during the holiday season.

Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has revealed the involvement of Hilman Latief, former Director General of Hajj and Umrah Services at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Fuad Hasan Masyhur, head of travel agency Maktour, in an alleged corruption case involving hajj quota allocation. Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qaumas has been detained and named as a suspect for allegedly accepting bribes related to the distribution of additional hajj quotas in 2023, which were worth approximately USD 5,000 per pilgrim.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has alleged that former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas orchestrated an irregular 50:50 division of an additional 20,000 hajj quotas for 2024, deviating from the standard 92:8 ratio for regular and special hajj. The investigation reveals that Yaqut's staff member Gus Alex coordinated with Saudi authorities to present the scheme as compliant with regulations, whilst Yaqut allegedly collected fees of up to USD 2,500 per pilgrim from special hajj organisers.

Essential food prices in Bandung's traditional markets, including chicken, beef and chillies, remain elevated ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026, with vendors anticipating further increases in the final days before the holiday. Chicken prices have climbed to 42,000 rupiah per kilogramme, beef ranges from 140,000 to 160,000 rupiah per kilogramme, and long chillies have surged to 80,000 rupiah per kilogramme. Despite the price hikes, traders report declining sales due to reduced consumer purchasing power.

The Indonesian government has implemented a ban on three-axle and heavier cargo trucks operating on motorways and national roads throughout Central Java from 13 March to 29 March 2026 during the Eid exodus period. The restriction, outlined in a joint decision by the Directorate General of Land Transportation, National Police Traffic Corps, and Directorate General of Road Infrastructure, exempts essential goods vehicles including fuel, livestock, fertiliser, disaster relief, and basic foodstuffs provided they carry proper cargo documentation.

Transjakarta has officially launched a new SH2 bus route connecting Blok M in Jakarta to Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, with 23 stops covering 65.1 kilometres in approximately 121 minutes. The new route, featuring 14 buses with headway intervals of 10–20 minutes, is designed to improve connectivity between Jakarta and Tangerang whilst accommodating increased travel demand during the Eid season. The Jakarta provincial government will conduct a three-month trial evaluation of fares before finalising tariffs.

Panic buying of liquefied petroleum gas has erupted across India following Qatar's decision to halt gas production in response to Iranian attacks on Gulf nations, triggered by escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions. India's Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has sought to reassure the public that no LPG shortage exists, whilst the government has implemented emergency measures and directed oil refineries to maximise LPG production to stabilise supply.

Comedian Pandji Pragiwaksono was questioned by Jakarta Metro Police on 6 February 2026 regarding his stand-up comedy performance "Mens Rea" over allegations of religious defamation, during which he refused to answer several questions including who wrote the material. Police spokesperson Budi Hermanto confirmed that whilst Pragiwaksono's silence was his legal right, the refusal was documented in the examination report, and five separate police reports formed the basis for his questioning.

Jasa Raharja has launched a nationwide alert readiness operation to ensure accident victims during Indonesia's Eid al-Fitr mudik season receive swift and appropriate treatment and compensation from 13–27 March 2026. Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Awaluddin has directed all personnel to strengthen coordination with stakeholders and deploy integrated service posts at strategic locations to prevent casualties from being overlooked. The initiative reflects the state-owned insurance company's commitment to enhancing public service quality in the transport sector during Indonesia's peak holiday travel period.

Prosecutors have sought a nine-year prison sentence for Muhammad Amar Akbar (Ammar Zoni) on charges of drug trafficking within Jakarta's Salemba prison, where he allegedly received and distributed methamphetamine since December 2024. The prosecution cited as aggravating factors Ammar Zoni's three previous drug convictions, his denial of wrongdoing, and evasive testimony, whilst noting his conduct in court as a mitigating factor. Five co-defendants faced varying sentences of six to eight years imprisonment, alongside fines of 500 million rupiah.

The Bawen-Ambarawa toll road segment in Central Java will be opened for functional operation from 13-30 March 2026 to manage traffic congestion during the Eid holiday period. The 4.98-kilometre stretch will initially operate only until 5 pm daily due to incomplete signage and lighting installation, with the outbound lane opening first followed by the return lane during the holiday exodus.

Start Franchise Indonesia and AKR Land are launching the Start Franchise International Expo Manado 2026 on 15–17 May 2026, a major national and international franchise and business opportunity exhibition targeting over 60 brands and 50,000 visitors in a bid to open Eastern Indonesia's considerable investment potential. The event represents Start Franchise's commitment to building an integrated franchise ecosystem combining digital strategy, marketplace platforms, business education, and large-scale exhibitions to connect national brands with investors in the region.

Digital forensics expert Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar, one of the suspects in the alleged fake diploma case involving former President Joko Widodo, has reportedly planned to meet Widodo at his residence in Solo, Central Java. The meeting comes after Sianipar submitted a restorative justice request to the Jakarta Metro Police Investigative Division, with police confirming the planned meeting was scheduled to take place.

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council, addressed students at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani in Cimahi, warning that global economic uncertainty remains at its highest level due to ongoing conflicts involving advanced nations. He attributed the fragmentation of numerous countries—including the Palestine-Israel division by Britain and the separation of Gulf states by the United States—to interference by developed nations pursuing their geopolitical interests.

Indonesia is implementing an ambitious energy transition strategy, phasing out diesel-powered electricity generators as new solar and geothermal power plants come online, with a target capacity of 100 gigawatts primarily aimed at supplying electricity to 5,700 villages currently without power. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that solar facilities must reach commercial operation before diesel units are shut down, with construction beginning after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, whilst foreign investors have committed $1.4 billion to build solar component factories. The initiative forms part of Indonesia's broader effort to reduce fossil fuel dependence, strengthen energy security amid global geopolitical tensions, and optimise domestic energy resources.

Petronas, operating through its subsidiary Petronas North Ketapang Sdn. Bhd., has discovered its first hydrocarbon reserves in the Barokah-1 exploration well located offshore East Java, with further studies underway to assess the full potential of the discovery. The discovery reinforces Petronas's long-term commitment to the region and complements ongoing field development efforts in North Madura II, which reached final investment approval in October 2024. The find is hailed by Indonesian authorities as evidence of promising remaining oil and gas potential in East Java waters.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has expressed deep concern over frequent suicide attempts occurring nearly weekly in the city, particularly at Pasopati Bridge, attributing them to widespread stress and depression among residents that can no longer be ignored. A municipal survey found 75,000 primary and secondary school students in Bandung experiencing stress ranging from mild to severe depression, prompting plans to place clinical psychologists in primary health centres and train school counsellors to identify at-risk students. The city government is considering preventive measures including safety barriers and CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations whilst coordinating with central authorities on mental health intervention strategies.

The West Jakarta Metro Police has deployed 1,300 personnel for Operation Ketupat Jaya 2026 to ensure security and order during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The operation focuses on safeguarding travellers during the mudik (holiday exodus), religious sites, tourist areas, shopping centres and major traffic routes, whilst also monitoring essential commodity prices to prevent hoarding and price manipulation.

The commander of Indonesia's Military Region II/Tuanku Imam Bonjol visited PetroChina International Jabung Ltd's Betara Gas Plant on 10 March to inspect security conditions and coordinate with strategic stakeholders. The visit reinforced collaboration between the military and the energy company in safeguarding the strategic Jabung Block, a key national energy-producing area. Both parties emphasised the importance of continued security coordination to ensure stable operations of the upstream oil and gas facility.

Telkom University's Bandung Techno Park has partnered with Hong Kong Cyberport to support Indonesian startups in achieving international growth, with the local gamified IT solutions startup Cube Studio selected for Cyberport's global landing programme. The partnership involves business matching between Indonesian and Hong Kong startups, with potential funding of up to 4 billion rupiah available, alongside plans for Hong Kong companies to establish operations in Indonesia across sectors including smart cities, healthcare, and e-governance.

Attorney General ST Burhanuddin has called on the prosecution service to abandon reactive practices and transform into a proactive institution committed to the rule of law independent of public opinion. In a virtual address to prosecutors nationwide, he criticised the 'no viral no justice' phenomenon, warned against integrity breaches ahead of Eid celebrations, and instructed all ranks to strengthen legal expertise and properly execute concluded cases.

Against the backdrop of heightened energy security concerns and global fuel supply dynamics, Indonesia is increasingly embracing electric vehicles as a sustainable transport solution. United E-Motor, a domestic electric motorcycle brand, is launching promotional campaigns with substantial cashback incentives in March to facilitate wider adoption of electric motorcycles among Indonesian consumers.

Market observer Hans Kwee has advised investors to closely monitor commodity sector stocks amid rising geopolitical tensions and surging demand for technology industry raw materials, with gold, nickel, and coal prices expected to rise. Indonesia is well positioned to capitalise on these trends given its substantial natural resource reserves, which are critical to global industries, particularly as artificial intelligence infrastructure development drives demand for metals and energy sources. Long-term gold price increases are also anticipated due to global economic uncertainty prompting countries to build gold reserves as confidence in the US dollar weakens.

China's economy, which grew 5% year-on-year in early 2026 to exceed $25 trillion, remains the critical anchor for Southeast Asian growth, trade, and investment through deepening bilateral dependencies. However, China's property crisis, industrial overcapacity, and uncertain US-China trade relations pose substantial risks to ASEAN-5 economies in 2026, with expectations of regional GDP growth slowing to 3.4% amid weaker external demand and commodity price pressures. The report warns that Southeast Asian nations must prepare for declining commodity demand, reduced Chinese foreign direct investment, intensified manufacturing price competition, and potential currency depreciation pressures across the region.

The Muhammadiyah Student Association (IMM) has officially launched its 62nd anniversary celebration with the theme "Moving and Making an Impact for Indonesia," held at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology auditorium. The event marks the beginning of commemorative activities and reflects on the organisation's six-decade history of producing intellectuals and national leaders, with government officials emphasising the strategic role of students in developing human resources and strengthening national character through intellectual, religious, and humanitarian foundations.

Tangerang City Metro Police has launched Operation Ketupat Jaya 2026, deploying 1,859 personnel across seven operational posts to ensure public safety during the Eid homecoming season. As part of their service initiative, the police are providing free vehicle parking facilities at police stations for residents who wish to travel home for the holidays, with motorcycle-specific parking available at police substations.