Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 March 2026

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Rupiah Moves Flat Amid Bank Indonesia Governor's "Dovish" Remarks

The Indonesian rupiah closed flat at Rp16,997 per US dollar on Tuesday despite initial morning strength, as currency analysts attributed the failure to sustain gains to dovish comments from Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo suggesting policy easing room remains open. The central bank's Board of Governors meeting held its policy rates steady, with the BI-Rate remaining at 4.75 per cent, citing the need to stabilise the rupiah amid deteriorating global conditions and maintain inflation targets for 2026-2027.

Bahlil Reveals 2 Volcanoes in Indonesia at Alert Status or Level 3

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has reported that Indonesia currently has no volcanoes at Level 4 (critical alert) status, but two volcanoes—Mount Merapi (on the Java Central–Yogyakarta border) and Mount Semeru (East Java)—remain at Level 3 (alert status). The government continues monitoring volcanic activity through the Geological Agency to ensure public safety ahead of the Eid al-Fitr 2026 celebrations.

BI no longer signals possibility of BI-Rate cut, prioritises stability

Bank Indonesia has removed language about potential interest rate cuts from its policy statement, signalling an extended hold on the BI-Rate at 4.75 per cent amid escalating global risks and rupiah depreciation pressures stemming from Middle East tensions. The central bank is focusing on rupiah stabilisation through monetary operations, foreign exchange interventions, and strengthening reserve adequacy rather than rate reductions.

Free Nutritious Meals Budget Not Subject to Efficiency Cuts

The Indonesian government has committed to protecting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme from budget efficiency measures, with Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto stating the scheme represents a long-term investment. Whilst the government maintains its target to keep the 2026 budget deficit below 3 per cent of GDP, priority programmes including MBG will remain fully funded, with Rp335 trillion allocated to reach 82.9 million beneficiaries this year.

43,000 Mudik Travellers from Sumatra Cross to Java Island Five Days Before Eid

PT ASDP recorded 43,804 Eid holiday travellers from Sumatra crossing to Java on 16 March 2026 (five days before Eid), representing a 2.9 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. The ferry operator has deployed 75 vessels and seven docks to manage anticipated peak migration traffic on 18-19 March, prioritising passenger safety and service quality during the holiday rush.

Should Homebound Travellers Be Vigilant Against Measles During Eid 2026? Check Data and Risks

Indonesia faces a significant public health challenge ahead of Eid 2026 as an estimated 143.9 million homebound travellers are expected to travel, with widespread low vaccination coverage and declining public vigilance against measles despite rising case projections. The Ministry of Health warns of a dangerous gap between medical risk data and actual public behaviour, predicting a 35–50% surge in measles cases two weeks after Eid in major destination regions unless vaccination and mask-wearing compliance improves before travel commences on 18–19 March 2026.

Golkar Chairman Calls for Increase in Free Traveller Allowances: "Golkar's Position Won't Rise Without Them"

Golkar party chairman Bahlil Lahadalia has called for an increase in pocket money for free return-home travellers, noting that the allowance has remained unchanged for six years. Speaking whilst seeing off approximately 1,000 free travellers organised by Golkar, Bahlil emphasised that public support is essential for the party's electoral fortunes.

Global Oil Prices Fall 3 Per Cent, But Indonesian Vessels Remain Stranded in Strait of Hormuz

Global oil prices declined by around 3 per cent following reports that several tanker ships successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions. However, two Indonesian-flagged vessels—Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro—remain detained in the Persian Gulf, with Indonesia's Foreign Ministry engaging in active diplomatic negotiations with Iranian authorities to secure safe passage.

Currencies of Gulf States Weaken Together Against US Dollar; Which Has Suffered Most?

Majority of Gulf state currencies have weakened against the US dollar following the escalation of the Middle East conflict between the US-Israel coalition and Iran, though the declines remain relatively modest. The Kuwaiti dinar experienced the steepest depreciation at 0.43%, whilst the UAE dirham was the only currency to appreciate slightly at 0.03%, indicating that market participants have not yet engaged in heavy selling of Gulf currencies despite significant strengthening of the US Dollar Index.

Central Java Prepares Local One-Way System to Anticipate Toll Road Congestion During Eid Holiday Rush

Central Java authorities are implementing comprehensive traffic management measures, including a local one-way system, to handle anticipated congestion on toll roads during the 2026 Eid holiday peak, projected to begin on 18 March. Traffic density is expected to surge from Jakarta-Cikampek toll road through to the Semarang-Solo route, with authorities preparing tiered emergency responses based on traffic volume thresholds at key toll gates.

BSI optimistic that homecoming activity will drive increase in consumer spending

Bank Syariah Indonesia's Chief Executive Officer Anggoro Eko Cahyo expressed confidence that the Lebaran homecoming exodus will boost consumer spending, particularly in regions outside Jakarta, as urban residents spend their money in their hometowns. BSI's financing distribution remained positive in January-February 2026, with the consumer segment representing 46 per cent of fourth-quarter 2025 portfolio, and the bank maintains double-digit growth targets for the year. Whilst acknowledging increased consumer financial prudence—particularly the tendency to save Eid bonuses—Anggoro noted that spending enthusiasm remains strong, though the allocation between savings, family needs, and personal expenditure may shift.

Jakarta Regional Parliament Supports Housing Renovation Programme

The Jakarta Regional Parliament (DPRD) has given full support to the Jakarta Provincial Government's Housing Renovation Programme, which aims to improve living conditions for low-income residents. The provincial government has formally launched the renovation of 26 housing units across Jakarta, with a target of 633 renovations in 2026, implemented in collaboration with Baznas (the Islamic charity foundation) and state-owned enterprises' corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Smiles of Riau Primary School Children on New Bridge: Thank You President Prabowo and Chief of Police

The Jembatan Merah Putih Presisi bridge, a 27.5-metre structure connecting Desa Kociok and Desa Gobah in Kampar Regency, Riau Province, was officially inaugurated by the Chief of Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo on 17 March 2026 after 20 days of construction. Local residents, particularly school children and the elderly, expressed gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto and the police leadership for completing the infrastructure project that will improve connectivity and educational access between the two villages.

Astra Otoparts Holds Free Mudik Programme for First Time in 2026

PT Astra Otoparts Tbk (AOP) has launched its inaugural free mudik (homecoming) programme, transporting 1,000 travellers to destinations in Central Java and East Java in collaboration with GS Astra, KYB, and Akebono. The programme offers two main routes from Jakarta to cities including Semarang, Solo, Yogyakarta, Ngawi, Surabaya, and Malang, with plans to expand destinations in future years based on participant feedback.

Palace Issues Circular Directive Prohibiting Ministers from Hosting Extravagant Eid Open Houses

Indonesia's Presidential Palace has issued a circular directive instructing all ministries and government agencies to refrain from hosting extravagant open house celebrations and Eid gatherings for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah (2026), following President Prabowo Subianto's directive at a full cabinet meeting. The measure was implemented in response to ongoing natural disaster situations affecting several regions, with the government seeking to set an example of empathy whilst maintaining economic activity through modest celebrations.

Ahead of Eid, South Jakarta Administration and KADIN DKI Launch Cheap Staple Food Programme

South Jakarta's municipal government and the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) DKI Jakarta have jointly launched a subsidised staple food programme targeting 3,000 residents in Tebet and Kebayoran Lama districts ahead of Eid. The initiative aims to control inflation and strengthen collaboration between government, business, and community, with residents able to purchase staple food packages worth approximately Rp190,000 for just Rp100,000.

East Java Police Chief Assures Situation Under Control Following Mosque Explosion in Jember

The East Java Regional Police Chief confirmed that the situation is under control following an explosion at a mosque in Jember's Pesona Regency residential area on Monday evening, with no fatalities reported. Combined police teams including bomb disposal and forensic units secured and investigated the scene, which appears to have originated near the male ablution area, whilst authorities urged residents to remain calm and not spread unverified information.

Ministry of Transportation: Expensive Flight Tickets Due to Indirect Flights

Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation attributes complaints about expensive airline tickets during the exodus season to indirect flight bookings rather than inflated pricing, noting that transit routes fall outside the Upper Tariff Limit (TBA) designed for direct flights. The ministry's TBA regulations, set in 2019 at a different exchange rate and fuel cost, require updating to reflect current economic conditions including the rupiah's depreciation and higher jet fuel prices.

Bank Indonesia's Complete Policy Decision for March 2026: US Dollar Purchases Further Tightened

Bank Indonesia's Monetary Policy Committee maintained the BI Rate at 4.75% in its March 2026 meeting whilst implementing stricter foreign exchange controls to strengthen Rupiah stability amid Middle East conflict concerns. The central bank will reduce the threshold for foreign currency cash purchases from USD100,000 to USD50,000 per transaction monthly, effective April 2026, whilst introducing broader currency intervention strategies including increased DNDF/Forward and swap thresholds to support exchange rate stability and inflation targeting.

Post-Eid Migration to Jakarta Projected at 10,000-12,000 People

Jakarta's provincial government predicts a significant decline in post-Eid migration to the capital in 2026, estimating only 10,000-12,000 new arrivals compared to previous years, attributing this to more equitable economic development across regions. Governor Pramono Anung notes this trend represents a shift from Jakarta's traditional role as the primary employment destination, with economic opportunities increasingly distributed nationwide. The government is not restricting migration but advises newcomers to possess adequate skills and financial capacity to avoid adding to the city's social burden.

One-Way System on Cipali Toll Road Implemented This Evening, Check Starting Points

A one-way traffic management system has been officially implemented on the Cikopo-Palimanan (Cipali) toll road from 15:21 on Tuesday, 17 March, spanning from KM 72 to KM 188, as part of a broader national scheme to manage increased traffic volumes during the Lebaran exodus. The measure comes as data shows a 27% surge in eastbound traffic through the Cikopo toll gate compared to the previous day, with the overall toll road experiencing an 18% increase in volume.

European Union shows no interest in expanding naval mission to Strait of Hormuz

The European Union has declined to expand its "Aspides" naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz, with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas emphasising the bloc's preference for diplomatic solutions rather than military escalation. The statement comes amid pressure from US President Donald Trump urging NATO allies to support efforts securing oil transportation in the strategic waterway, with several European NATO members including Germany and Greece expressing reluctance to back the US proposal.

Hashim Raises Concerns Over Excessive Bureaucracy and Permits Frustrating Prabowo

Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo has stated that Indonesia's government faces challenges beyond corruption, citing excessive and overlapping bureaucratic regulations and permit requirements as significant obstacles to governmental effectiveness. According to Hashim, tens of thousands of redundant and irrelevant regulations inherited from previous administrations have frustrated President Prabowo and his cabinet, prompting the current government to commit to eliminating ineffective rules.

Don't Be Late: Pay Attention to the Deadline and Significance of Zakat Fitrah Before Eid al-Fitr

As Eid al-Fitr approaches, Indonesian Muslims are reminded to fulfil their obligation to pay zakat fitrah, the alms given after a month of fasting, before the Eid prayer. Ahmad Juwaini, head of the Dompet Dhuafa Foundation, emphasises the importance of observing the correct deadline and understanding that zakat fitrah serves both as an individual obligation and a strong social mission to help vulnerable groups celebrate Eid properly. Digital services from charitable organisations like Dompet Dhuafa aim to facilitate organised and timely distribution of zakat funds to recipients across Indonesia.

Thailand Increases Fuel Prices Gradually As Energy Subsidy Pressures Intensify

Thailand's government is implementing a gradual fuel price increase beginning 18 March 2026, with initial rises of no more than 1 baht per litre, primarily targeting diesel as energy subsidy funds face significant deficits exceeding 12 billion baht. The policy aims to manage pressure on national fuel subsidy funds whilst minimizing impact on transport and agriculture sectors, whilst the government explores alternative measures such as making B20 biodiesel cheaper than standard diesel. Supply concerns have emerged despite official assurances of adequate 96-day fuel reserves, with recent dry pump incidents at petrol stations triggering public anxiety and increased fuel demand.

Titiek Appreciates Police for Implementing President's Bridge-Building Directive

Siti Hediati Hariyadi (Titiek Soeharto), Chair of the DPR's Commission IV, praised the Indonesian National Police (Polri) for implementing President Prabowo Subianto's directive to construct bridges, attending the inauguration of 27 bridges and groundbreaking ceremony for 83 Precision Red and White Bridges in Riau. Titiek emphasised that the bridge-building initiative, whilst unconventional for law enforcement, addresses critical infrastructure gaps needed to improve student access to schools and facilitate economic activity across divided communities, with expectations that the programme will expand nationwide.

One-Way Traffic System Officially Implemented on Cipali Toll Road KM 72 to KM 188

One-way traffic management has been officially implemented on a section of the Cipali toll road spanning from kilometre 72 to 188, as part of the first phase of traffic engineering measures extending from Jakarta–Cikampek to Pejagan–Pemalang. Prior to implementation, the Jakarta-bound lane was sterilised and rest areas were prepared from 1:00 PM, with the system becoming operational at 3:21 PM. Traffic volume on the toll road increased by 18% compared to the same period the previous day, with approximately 41,000 vehicles recorded travelling from Cikopo to Cirebon by 3:00 PM.

Eight women's cosmetic products have their permits revoked by BPOM, here is the list

Indonesia's drug and food regulatory authority (BPOM) has revoked the distribution permits of eight cosmetic products following investigations into misleading promotional claims and violations of decency standards. The decision follows intensive monitoring throughout the second half of 2025, particularly targeting digital platforms, where cosmetic products were found to be marketed with exaggerated health claims lacking scientific basis and potentially exploiting vulnerable consumers. The agency emphasised that cosmetics are strictly for external use only and cannot claim therapeutic effects, in accordance with BPOM Regulation No. 18 of 2024.

Defence Minister Affirms Military Must Be Ready to Safeguard National Sovereignty

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has emphasised that all TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces) personnel must be equipped with terrain mastery capabilities and readiness to protect national sovereignty. Speaking to soldiers of Territorial Development Battalion 845 in East Belitung, the minister stressed that troops must be prepared to shoot, execute fieldcraft duties, and safeguard the nation, noting that the government has now provided adequate support to military personnel unlike in the past.

Beware Measles Transmission During Eid, Self-Isolate if Symptoms Appear

Indonesia's Deputy Health Minister has warned parents to remain vigilant about measles transmission ahead of Eid, with confirmed cases reaching 8,372 and six deaths by week eight of 2026. The government urges families with symptomatic children to isolate and avoid large gatherings during the holiday period, as increased mobility and crowds during Eid travel could accelerate disease transmission.

Gus Alex Denies Flow of Funds from Hajj Quota Corruption Case to Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut

Ishfah Abidal Aziz, alias Gus Alex, a former special staff member to the Religious Affairs Minister, has denied receiving any orders or funds from former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas related to a major hajj quota corruption investigation. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating an alleged corruption scheme involving Indonesia's 2023-2024 hajj quotas, with estimated state losses initially calculated at over Rp1 trillion, later revised to Rp622 billion following an audit by the Financial Audit Board.

19 buses ticketed for operating at informal terminals by West Jakarta Transportation Office

The West Jakarta Transportation Office (Sudinhub Jakbar) issued tickets to 19 intercity buses for operating at unofficial terminals in areas including Outer Ring Road Kapuk, Jalan Latumenten, and Jalan K.H. Mansyur. The enforcement operation, conducted across three teams, targeted buses from various transport companies for picking up and dropping off passengers at informal terminals, which the office states cause traffic congestion and pose passenger safety risks. The office indicated that regular inspections and enforcement actions would continue, particularly during the 2026 Lebaran travel period, to ensure all buses use official terminals.

Karawang Regency administers 23 buses in free mudik programme

Karawang Regency has launched a free mudik (homecoming) programme deploying 23 buses to transport 1,197 passengers during the Eid holiday period. The initiative, a collaboration between local government, police, and business associations, aims to reduce road accidents by providing safer alternative transport to traditional motorcycle travel, with registration reaching full capacity within two hours.

Ahead of Eid, BRI Cares Distributes 279,000 Basic Food Packages and Orphan Support

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has launched its "Sharing Happiness Together with BRI" corporate social responsibility programme during Ramadan 2026, distributing 279,000 packages of basic foodstuffs and providing assistance to 8,500 orphans across Indonesia. The initiative, executed through BRI's 18 regional offices with full staff participation, aims to ease the economic burden on communities and align with the government's Asta Cita programme for equitable prosperity.

BYD Seal 08 achieves 1,000 km range thanks to Blade 2.0 battery

BYD is preparing to launch the Seal 08, a flagship sedan in its Ocean line projected for release in Q2 2026, featuring the advanced Blade 2.0 lithium iron phosphate battery offering over 1,000 km range according to CLTC standards. The vehicle supports 800V fast charging technology enabling 400 km of additional range in five minutes and combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 200 kW electric motor through its DM-i hybrid system. Priced between 732-854 million rupiah, the Seal 08 will compete directly with premium electric and hybrid models such as the Tesla Model S, Nio ET7, and Xiaomi SU7.

National Police Chief and Titiek Soeharto Visit Tesso Nilo National Park: Support Elephant Conservation and Tree Planting

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, DPR Commission IV Chair Siti Hediati Hariyadi (Titiek Soeharto), and Minister of Forestry Raja Juli visited Tesso Nilo National Park's Elephant Flying Squad Camp to oversee Sumatran elephant conservation efforts and wildlife conflict mitigation in Riau province. During the visit, the delegation interacted directly with elephant herds, planted seedlings in the national park, and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening synergies between law enforcement, the Ministry of Forestry, and parliament to protect forest ecosystems and minimise human-wildlife conflict.

Why Indomobil Emotor QT Can Be Priced at IDR 15 Million

Indomobil Emotor has launched its latest electric motorcycle, the QT, priced from IDR 15 million on the road in the Jakarta metropolitan area, making it the company's most affordable electric bike. The QT has been specifically designed for short-distance transportation such as school commutes and market trips, with a single battery and compact design to achieve an affordable price point whilst maintaining quality standards suited to Indonesian road conditions. The company has foregone some advanced features found in other models to keep costs down, emphasising that the QT was purpose-built for this budget-conscious market segment.

Customs Authority Ensures Smooth Soekarno-Hatta Airport Services During Nyepi and Eid Holiday Period

Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise has intensified preparations at the country's entry points ahead of the double holiday period combining Nyepi Day and Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, anticipating a surge in international passengers. The Director General conducted a direct inspection of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to ensure smooth passenger flow and reviewed digital services, including IMEI registration processes, and the Monitoring Control Room to guarantee rapid response to any operational issues.

Bank Credit Growth Slows to 9.37 Per Cent in February 2026, BI Remains Optimistic

Bank Indonesia reported that banking credit growth decelerated to 9.37 per cent year-on-year in February 2026, down from 9.96 per cent in January, with investment credit leading growth at 20.72 per cent. Despite the slowdown, Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo expressed optimism about financing capacity, noting that undisbursed loans remain high at 22.86 per cent of available credit facilities, and the central bank plans to strengthen funding capacity through non-traditional instruments and enhanced coordination with the government.

Iran Warns US: Will Become "Another Vietnam" if Ground War Erupts

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has warned the United States that deploying ground troops in Iran would result in a military quagmire similar to the Vietnam War, stating Iran is prepared for prolonged conflict. The warning comes amid escalating tensions following joint Israeli-US strikes on Iran in late February that killed approximately 1,300 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Iran subsequently launching drone and missile attacks against Israel and US military assets in the region.

Unprecedented Displacement: 36,000 West Bank Residents Flee in a Single Year

The United Nations has issued an urgent call for Israel to halt its dramatic expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, expressing serious concerns about "ethnic cleansing" as over 36,000 Palestinians have been displaced within a twelve-month period through October 2024. A new UN human rights report documents the rapid acceleration of illegal Israeli settlement expansion and annexation, which has resulted in displacement at an unprecedented scale, alongside large-scale Palestinian displacement in Gaza, suggesting a coordinated Israeli policy of forced mass transfer that raises grave concerns about ethnic cleansing under international humanitarian law.

Understanding the Importance of Fuel Distribution Readiness During Eid Exodus

Indonesia's government has mobilised substantial fuel distribution infrastructure to support 143.9 million travellers expected during the 1447 Hijri Eid exodus (mudik), with economic activity projected to reach Rp161 trillion. The focus is preventing fuel shortages at key congestion points along major routes, particularly during the predicted peak on 18-19 March 2026, to ensure the movement of capital supports consumption in hometowns rather than inflated energy costs. Amidst regional geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, authorities have secured import routes and contingency plans to maintain stable fuel supplies.

BGN Temporarily Closes 62 Nutrition Service Units Over Defective Free Meal Menu Programme

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily suspended 62 Nutrition Service Units (SPPG) for failing to comply with the regulations governing the presentation of menus under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. BGN head Dadan Hindayana emphasised that these 62 facilities represent a small fraction of the 25,000 operational SPPG units and that enforcement will proceed through graduated penalties, beginning with written warnings and culminating in permanent closure if violations persist.

One-Way Local Traffic System Implemented from KM 70 to 263

PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol has implemented a local one-way traffic system across the Trans Java toll roads from KM 70 (Jakarta–Cikampek) to KM 263 (Pejagan–Pemalang) to manage traffic volume during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H (2026) exodus period. The initiative is coordinated among toll operators, the National Police, and the Ministry of Transportation to ensure smooth vehicle distribution, supported by emergency services, toll booth optimisation, and rest area management operating 24 hours daily. Travellers are advised to plan journeys carefully, maintain vehicle condition, and monitor real-time traffic updates via the Travoy application.

Bank Indonesia Governor: Banking Credit Growth Reaches 9.37 Per Cent in February 2026

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo announced that banking credit growth reached 9.37 per cent year-on-year in February 2026, slightly lower than January's 9.96 per cent, driven primarily by investment credit growth of 20.72 per cent. The central bank projects full-year 2026 credit growth to remain within the 8-12 per cent range, supported by adequate banking financing capacity and substantial undisbursed loan facilities totalling Rp2.536.4 trillion.

PLN Aceh Ensures Electricity Networks in Disaster-Affected Villages Restored

PT PLN has successfully restored all electrical networks in over 6,500 villages and hamlets across Aceh province that were damaged by flooding and landslides in late November 2025. As of 8 March 2026, electricity supply has been normalised to all habitable settlements whose residents have not been relocated, with PLN collaborating closely with regional authorities, disaster management agencies, military and police, and local communities to expedite recovery efforts.

IHSG Closes Up 1.2% Today, 481 Stocks in Green Zone

The Indonesian Composite Index (IHSG) closed the final trading day before the Eid break with a 1.2% gain, reaching 7,106.84 points, driven by strength in the technology sector and significant contributions from conglomerate stocks. However, this positive close masks a deeply troubling Ramadan performance, with the IHSG down 15% since February 19 and closing in the red on 72% of trading days during the holy month, pressured by MSCI index freezing and escalating US-Israel-Iran geopolitical tensions.

KPK Detains Gus Alex for Initial 20-Day Period Until 5 April 2026

The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex, a special staff member to former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, for 20 days beginning 17 March 2026 in connection with an alleged hajj quota corruption case. The investigation centres on alleged corruption involving the hajj quota allocation for Indonesia in 2023-2024, with the state losses estimated at Rp622 billion. Gus Alex's detention follows the KPK's designation of him as a suspect in January 2026 and the rejection of related pre-trial motions by the South Jakarta District Court.

Comfortable Mudik Together 2026: Taspen Life Provides Bus Fleet and Free Insurance Protection for Homebound Travellers

Taspen Life, a subsidiary of TASPEN Group, is supporting the government's free mudik (homecoming) programme by offering free life and accident insurance coverage to 800 registered participants travelling under PT TASPEN's Mudik Nyaman Bersama initiative. The broader BUMN-coordinated mudik programme will transport over 100,000 participants across Indonesia using 1,400 buses, 99 train sets, and 42 ships, with Taspen Life providing coverage worth IDR 20 million per participant in case of fatal accidents during travel.

Finance Minister Purbaya Responds with Smile to Women Demanding Free Nutritious Meal Programme Halt: I Will Tell the President

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa was approached by two women in Yogyakarta who appealed for the government's free nutritious meal programme (MBG) to be discontinued, citing unfairness and unequal implementation. Purbaya responded graciously to their concerns and pledged to relay the matter to President Prabowo Subianto, before continuing his visit to Malioboro and Beringharjo market.