Following hydrometorological disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in late 2025, the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) has successfully restored operations at 3,476 damaged healthcare facilities across the three provinces. All 87 government hospitals and 867 community health centres (puskesmas) have resumed full operations, with only 21 assistant health centres (pustu) still undergoing repairs, whilst the government has also provided assistance to approximately 3,000 healthcare workers whose homes were damaged by flooding.

The Indonesian government has assured that it will maintain a 15% reciprocal tariff rate with the United States under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed on 19 February 2026, even as the Trump administration investigates unfair trade practices affecting 16 countries including Indonesia. The government stated that the 15% rate will remain valid for 150 days from late February, and that forced labour concerns were already addressed in the bilateral trade agreement negotiations.

President Prabowo Subianto cited Pakistan as an example during a cabinet meeting on 13 March 2026, noting that the country has implemented emergency measures including salary reductions for cabinet members and legislators in response to the Middle East crisis, treating the situation as critically as the Covid-19 pandemic. Prabowo highlighted Pakistan's additional austerity measures such as mandatory work-from-home policies, reduced working weeks to four days, fuel conservation restrictions on government vehicles, and temporary school closures to demonstrate how other nations are responding to regional instability.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk visited a social care facility for elderly residents in Jayapura, Papua, reaffirming the central government's commitment to ensuring appropriate services and facilities for the elderly through coordination with regional governments. During the visit, Haluk praised the facility's initiatives including catfish farming that supports food security and provides productive activities for residents, and pledged government coordination with Papua provincial authorities to address facility improvement requests.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has dismissed claims that Indonesia's economy is heading towards recession, citing strong economic indicators including a manufacturing PMI of 53.8 in February—among the highest in recent years—and positive performance in vehicle sales and retail growth. The minister argues that purchasing power remains robust, supported by a consumer confidence index of 125.2, demonstrating that domestic demand continues to strengthen despite some sectors facing difficulties.

Three main defendants in the kidnapping and murder of Mohammad Ilham Pradipta, branch head of a state-owned bank, allegedly targeted a dormant account containing IDR 455 billion before abducting him. The defendants devised two scenarios to obtain access to the funds: either using force to coerce the branch manager and then releasing him, or killing him to "clean up" after the funds were transferred. Ilham was kidnapped on 20 August 2025 and died from injuries before reaching the safe house; his body was discovered in Bekasi on 21 August.

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has prioritised the safety and security of Indonesian pilgrims amid escalating Middle East tensions, with the planned departure of umrah pilgrims from West Sumatra to Saudi Arabia on 23 March 2026 still under review. Authorities will assess the situation until 18 March 2026 before confirming whether the departure can proceed, whilst the government continues to facilitate the evacuation of Indonesian citizens still in Saudi Arabia.

The Indonesian military (TNI) has clarified that alert status level 3, currently implemented across its ranks, is a preparedness measure ensuring all combat operations remain ready. The alert level is part of routine security preparations for the Eid al-Fitr holiday period, with personnel assigned to vital national facilities and key public gathering points to ensure safe conditions during the festive season.

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed that coal export duty regulations remain unenforced due to ongoing protests, with implementation previously targeted for 1 January 2026. The government aims to resolve objections and implement the regulation soon, which is projected to contribute Rp 20 trillion annually to state revenue, addressing concerns about low government income from the coal industry following changes under the Job Creation Law.

ASEAN foreign and economic ministers have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, expressing grave concern over the conflict's impact on Southeast Asian economies through surging oil prices and disrupted supply chains. The Philippines, chairing ASEAN this year, convened an emergency meeting where members agreed to activate regional mechanisms to mitigate economic fallout, with several nations already implementing energy conservation and market stabilisation measures. The crisis has heightened volatility in global energy markets and posed significant risks to the region's heavily oil-dependent economies, prompting calls for reinforced supply chain resilience and accelerated renewable energy transitions.

West Java has experienced a significant spike in measles cases, reaching 1,785 in 2025 compared to 271 the previous year, with 252 additional cases reported from January to February 2026. Health authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant during the Idul Fitri mass migration period, as the highly contagious disease can spread from one infected person to 12-18 others through respiratory droplets and direct contact. The provincial health department recommends completing measles vaccination to the second dose before travel and implementing proper hygiene practices to prevent transmission.

Cilegon City has officially joined the central government's Batch 2 Accelerated Implementation of Waste-to-Energy Processing (PSEL) programme, committing to supply 300 tonnes of waste daily from its landfill to a processing facility in Cilowong, Serang. Together with Serang City (600 tonnes) and Serang Regency (500 tonnes), the Serang Raya cluster will supply over 1,000 tonnes daily, reducing pressure on local disposal sites whilst generating electricity and incurring no tipping fees for participating municipalities.

Bakoel Bamboe, an Indonesian restaurant chain, has launched the "One Table, A Million Stories" campaign to encourage diners to set aside their mobile devices and engage in face-to-face interaction whilst dining. The campaign, unveiled alongside the opening of a new outlet at Summarecon Mall Bekasi 2, features curated menus by Chef Marinka and special phone storage baskets at dining tables. The initiative marks part of the restaurant's broader expansion strategy, with the chain now operating 28 outlets across Indonesia.

Diplomatic tensions escalated at UN headquarters when US Ambassador Mike Waltz accused Russia and China of deliberately obstructing the UN sanctions committee monitoring Iran to protect Tehran from international scrutiny. Russia and China countered that the E3-triggered snapback sanctions mechanism is procedurally flawed and urged de-escalation in the Middle East, resulting in a deadlock within the UN Security Council over reactivating the full functions of Committee 1737.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia has recorded 115,384 passengers departing Jakarta during the 11-13 March 2026 Mudik Lebaran (holiday homecoming) period, with KAI operating 1,076,196 seats across long-distance services from Jakarta's main stations. The government-backed initiative includes a 30 per cent fare discount on commercial economy-class trains from 14-29 March 2026 to support economic stimulus, with nationally 1.2 million seats available and peak travel dates falling on 18-19 March.

Anthropic, an AI tool supplier to the US military, has been blacklisted by the Pentagon as a supply chain risk after refusing to allow its technology to be used for autonomous weapons or surveillance of US citizens. The AI company faces potential losses of billions of dollars and has challenged the blacklist in federal court, whilst the Pentagon has granted a six-month transition period for agencies to cease using Anthropic's systems.

The Indonesian government is conducting intensive diplomatic negotiations with Iranian authorities to secure the safe passage of Indonesian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating security tensions in the Middle East affecting global logistics routes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasised the critical importance of maintaining maritime transport access while calling for peaceful resolution to the regional conflict. Three Indonesian crew members remain missing following an incident in the Strait of Hormuz, with local authorities continuing round-the-clock search operations.

Nurhadi, who served as Secretary of the Supreme Court from 2011 to 2016, faced prosecution charges in a money laundering case at the Jakarta Anti-Corruption Court on 13 March 2026. The Public Prosecutor's Office sought a seven-year prison sentence, a fine of 500 million rupiah (or 140 days imprisonment as alternative), and compensation of 137.1 billion rupiah (or three years imprisonment as alternative).

PT Kereta Api Indonesia's Bandung operations division has sold 233,872 tickets (67.6 per cent of 345,840 available seats) for the 2026 Eid holiday travel period as of 12 March 2026, with strong demand driven by a 30 per cent promotional discount. The railway operator is deploying 28 trains daily across 22 days (11 March to 1 April 2026) and has implemented enhanced services including facial recognition technology and ticket cancellation facilities to manage the high volume of passengers.

The head of the Indonesian Independent Kitchen Association (ADMIN) has emphasised that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is not merely food distribution but a structured grassroots economic ecosystem that improves human resource quality and absorbs local employment. ADMIN coordinates with the National Nutrition Agency to ensure over 1,200 participating kitchens maintain high standards of compliance, cleanliness, and service dedication. The organisation has dismissed social media criticism as misinformation and reaffirmed support for enforcement actions against units failing to meet operational standards.

The West Lombok Regency Government has opened complaint channels for workers regarding Eid holiday allowances (THR) for Idul Fitri 2026, operating both offline at the Industrial Affairs Office and online through social media. Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini stated that online complaints are more effective and pledged to follow up all reports promptly whilst also threatening action against companies that fail to distribute or unlawfully withhold worker allowances.

President Prabowo Subianto has announced plans for budgetary austerity measures following the escalation of Middle East tensions, citing Pakistan's response to the US-Iran conflict as an example. The government aims to prevent the state budget deficit from widening due to rising global oil prices, with proposed measures including work-from-home arrangements for civil servants and reduced working days, whilst pursuing a long-term goal of a balanced budget through digitisation and reducing government spending leakages.

Indonesia's car rental industry is experiencing stagnant demand ahead of the Eid holiday period, with 50 per cent of rental operators reporting flat demand and 30 per cent experiencing declining bookings compared to last year, according to the Association of Regional Car Rental Entrepreneurs (Asperda). Weakened consumer purchasing power and hesitancy to spend on non-essential services such as vehicle rentals are cited as key factors, although select regions like Malang in East Java are bucking the trend with significant demand increases and tariff hikes of up to 50 per cent.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia reported to President Prabowo Subianto during a cabinet meeting that two oil cargo ships purchased by PT Pertamina through traders were suddenly redirected by sellers despite entering Indonesian waters. The government and Pertamina took firm action through formal complaints and legal threats, ultimately securing the sellers' agreement to return the cargoes to Indonesia by 18 March.

PT Bank Aladin Syariah has launched a financial education programme for Lawson employees focused on managing Tunjangan Hari Raya (Eid allowance/THR) wisely ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Financial planner Ayu Sara Herlia emphasises that THR should be treated as a targeted fund with three key principles: allocating it to special goals, prioritising essential expenses such as alms, travel costs, and family needs before discretionary spending, and setting aside portions for savings or emergency funds. The initiative aims to help workers avoid depleting the annual additional income quickly after the Eid period.

The Judicial Commission (KY) is investigating alleged ethical breaches by I Wayan Eka Mariarta and Bambang Setyawan, the head and deputy head of Depok District Court in West Java, who were previously named as suspects in a corruption case by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The KY has indicated that both officials have violated judicial code of ethics by being caught in a KPK sting operation related to alleged bribery in a land dispute case, and the commission will prepare recommendations for the Supreme Court.

State-owned currency printing company PERURI is strengthening its social engagement strategy through an internal employee community called PERURI Own Voice (POV), which aims to build direct relationships with communities in operational areas. During Ramadan 2026, PERURI is distributing 400 food packages and assistance to foster children whilst employees engage in breakfasting meals distribution activities as part of the Ramadan Berseri (Ramadan Sharing Together with PERURI) programme.

The Institute for Demographic and Affluence Studies projects Indonesia's zakat fitrah potential for Ramadan 2026 at between 480.1–541.4 thousand tonnes of rice, equivalent to Rp 6.4–7.1 trillion, representing a 5.5–6.39 per cent decline in value compared to 2025 despite an increase in volume. The decrease is driven by falling rice prices and a shift in household consumption patterns towards cheaper varieties, indicating growing economic pressure on middle-class families even as the total number of zakat contributors expands. The zakat remains a crucial mechanism for supporting vulnerable populations, potentially increasing daily rice consumption for the poorest quintile by over three times during Ramadan.

The Cheap Food Movement (Gerakan Pangan Murah), a police-led initiative across Indonesia, drew large crowds at the Bangka Belitung Police headquarters where essential commodities were sold significantly below market prices, including eggs at Rp1,000 per unit compared to the market price of Rp2,000. The initiative, which aims to assist residents with daily needs during Ramadan and Eid, was extended beyond its original single-day schedule, and will continue across all police precincts in the region with supplies including 15 tonnes of rice, 1,500 litres of cooking oil, and 10,400 eggs.

Five hundred personnel from the Civil Protection Unit (Satlinmas) across 65 villages in South Jakarta participated in a readiness briefing to secure the Eid al-Fitr holiday period. Jakarta's Civil Police Unit head Satriadi Gunawan emphasised that the Satlinmas plays a crucial frontline role in maintaining community security and order, particularly during major religious holidays when public mobility and activity increase significantly.

West Java's disaster management agency (BPBD) is establishing 82 emergency command posts across the province to manage potential disasters during the Eid al-Fitr homecoming period in 2026. The posts, both primary and support facilities, will be staffed with personnel and disaster response equipment, with particular focus on landslide-prone areas, flood zones, and tourist destinations. The Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency forecasts heavy rainfall across the region during the holiday period, prompting authorities to urge travellers to monitor weather updates through multiple information systems.

President Prabowo has expressed hope that a worst-case scenario in the Middle East conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel does not occur, as military economists warn that prolonged conflict could push Indonesia's budget deficit beyond the 3% target. The government has conducted scenario analysis showing that depending on the length of conflict and resulting crude oil prices ranging from $90 to $115 per barrel, the deficit could reach between 3.18% and 4.06%, necessitating spending cuts or economic growth sacrifices.

China and Iran have maintained bilateral relations spanning roughly two millennia, beginning with contacts between the Han Dynasty and the Parthian Empire in 139 BCE through the historic Silk Road. Beyond trade, these interactions facilitated significant cultural and scientific exchanges, including the spread of Buddhism, Persian influences in Tang Dynasty China, and the transmission of knowledge in astronomy, printing and mathematics. Today, both nations invoke this shared history as a geopolitical counternarrative to Western dominance, presenting their partnership as naturally rooted in mutual respect and non-military cooperation.

The Nusantara Capital City (IKN) toll road will open functionally from 13–29 March 2026 to facilitate smooth traffic flow during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period. The road will operate daily from 06:00 to 18:00 West Indonesia Time, with extended hours from 05:00 on Eid day itself, and will be restricted to Class I vehicles (cars only), excluding motorcycles, buses, and heavy goods vehicles. The collaboration between IKN Authority and the Ministry of Public Works aims to reduce congestion on main routes and improve connectivity between East Kalimantan, the new capital, and South Kalimantan.

Civil society coalitions have condemned and demanded a thorough investigation into an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), who suffered severe burns covering 24 per cent of his body. KontraS and human rights organisations have called the attack a symptom of democratic decline in Indonesia and urged law enforcement to identify both the perpetrators and those behind the assault.

Rismon Sianipar, who remains a suspect in the controversial case surrounding former President Joko Widodo's diploma, has apologised to Widodo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka whilst maintaining his obligation to report regularly to Metro Jaya Police headquarters. The police have clarified that Sianipar may coordinate with investigators for special reasons, including religious observances, but must provide written or digital evidence of legitimate grounds for any absence from required reporting.

Iran's National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani has warned that the United States will face serious consequences for military aggression against Iran, dismissing President Trump's expectations of a swift victory in the armed conflict. The escalating tensions in the Middle East have resulted in substantial casualties, with Iran reporting over 1,200 deaths from US and Israeli airstrikes, whilst Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israeli territories and US military bases across the region.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a sting operation in Cilacap Regency, Central Java, resulting in the arrest of 27 people including Cilacap Regent Syamsul Aulia Rahman, the Regional Secretary Sadmoko Danardono, and several department heads. The arrested officials are currently being questioned by the KPK at Banyumas Police headquarters, with the Regional Secretary declining to comment to journalists on the investigation.

Apple has announced it will reduce in-app purchase commissions on the App Store in mainland China effective 15 March 2026, cutting standard rates from 30 per cent to 25 per cent and reducing qualifying small business and mini app programme rates from 15 per cent to 12 per cent. The move follows discussions with Chinese regulators and represents Apple's commitment to offering competitive and transparent terms for developers distributing applications in China's substantial market.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Papua Maluku has mobilised 343 fuel stations across six provinces in Papua to ensure uninterrupted energy distribution during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period in 2026. The company has established a dedicated task force and prepared supporting infrastructure including 21 fuel terminals and 12 aviation fuel terminals, with projections indicating increased energy consumption during the period, particularly a 3.8 per cent rise in petrol demand and increases in non-subsidised LPG and kerosene supply.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya presented the Indonesian government's infrastructure and education achievements during a full Cabinet meeting at the State Palace, highlighting the renovation of over 16,000 schools including toilet facilities over the past year, the construction of 218 bridges nationwide in 2.5 months, and various ministerial programmes. President Prabowo Subianto also addressed the Cabinet regarding preparations for the upcoming Eid holidays in 2026, directing the Transport Minister to ensure discount policies are implemented effectively across all transportation modes.

Since the implementation of a zero-tariff policy for imported goods for residents of Hainan's Free Trade Port one month ago, duty-free sales have reached 5.37 million yuan with 28,000 shopping visits recorded between 11 February and 10 March. Eligible residents, including Chinese citizens and qualifying foreign workers, can purchase daily necessities including food, personal care products, and household items with an annual duty-free quota of 10,000 yuan.

Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono met with a delegation from Donggala Regency's regional legislative council to discuss proposals for building a People's School, offering two solutions to overcome the proposed site's swampy terrain: either land reclamation or identification of an alternative location. The Ministry outlined specific requirements for eligible sites, including a minimum area of 6.8 hectares, a slope of less than 10 degrees, and adequate road access and basic infrastructure.

West Java has deployed 26,692 combined personnel from police, military, and related agencies for the Ketupat Lodaya 2026 operation to ensure safe and orderly holiday travel during Eid al-Fitr. The operation addresses the significant challenge posed by West Java's 50.7 million population, of which 97.3% are Muslim, as approximately 30.97 million people are expected to travel out of the province while 25.09 million are anticipated to travel into it during the period.

Weakening US labour market indicators and surging oil prices amid Middle East tensions have created a stagflation risk that constrains the Federal Reserve's policy options. The unemployment rate has risen to 4.4%, approaching recession warning thresholds, whilst energy prices threaten to keep inflation sticky, potentially forcing the Fed to maintain higher interest rates for longer despite economic slowdown.

Chinese garment manufacturers are rapidly establishing production facilities in West Java industrial zones, with approximately 35% of new Chinese tenants operating in the garment sector. This investment influx signals renewed competitiveness for the region's industrial parks despite ongoing challenges facing Indonesia's domestic textile and garment industry, which has seen factory closures and relocation to Central Java due to production cost pressures.

Police in Jakarta's Metropolitan Region have reconstructed the murder of a woman by her husband Ahmad Ronny Hasiholan in Depok, involving 56 staged scenes to establish the sequence of events. The killing allegedly stemmed from domestic conflict exacerbated by economic hardship following the suspect's unemployment, and involved suffocation and strangulation. The victim's skeletal remains were discovered in her home on 7 March 2026, with the reconstruction conducted on 13 March 2026.

Faizal, Head of Traffic Management at the National Police, has identified two peak times when residents of the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek) typically commence their Eid holiday journeys: late evening after tarawih prayers and early morning after dawn prayers. The Directorate General of Traffic Management has mapped several congestion-prone points, particularly on the Cikampek toll route and has warned of predicted peak travel periods on 14–15 March and 18–19 March 2026, whilst advising travellers to stagger their departure times to avoid bottlenecks.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the government to remain vigilant but keep the economy functioning amid global uncertainty and economic pressures affecting world conditions. During a full Cabinet meeting, Prabowo emphasised that whilst managing the crisis, economic activity must continue and public calm must be maintained, stating that Indonesia's national situation remains under governmental control.

Cilacap Regent Syamsul Auliya Rachman, a senior member of the National Awakening Party (PKB), was apprehended by Indonesia's anti-corruption commission (KPK) in a sting operation on suspicion of bribery related to a project. Rachman, who was elected regent in November 2024 with approximately 43.81% of votes and inaugurated in February 2025, held a strategic position as head of the PKB's district executive board and was instrumental in building a political coalition that won the election. The case is under investigation with the KPK having 24 hours to determine his legal status.