President Prabowo Subianto has proposed implementing work-from-home (WFH) policies to conserve fuel consumption in anticipation of potential energy crises stemming from Middle East tensions. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung confirmed his readiness to follow any directive from the central government, whilst assuring that current supplies of essential goods and energy in Jakarta remain adequate ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Legislative Body has welcomed the Constitutional Court's ruling that the 1980 law governing financial and administrative rights for state officials is unconstitutional and must be revised. The deputy chair stated parliament will amend the legislation within two years, ensuring financial arrangements for officials including pensions and benefits are adjusted proportionally and account for Indonesia's socio-economic conditions.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga (PPN) has implemented a new operational system called Block Mode at its Cilacap refinery since May 2024 to enhance crude oil processing flexibility and reduce dependence on imports from a single source. The innovation improves production efficiency, reduces costs, and strengthens Indonesia's energy security whilst maintaining stable fuel supply during the Eid holiday season. Block Mode, combined with cocktail crude blending techniques, represents PPN's commitment to adapting operations to global market dynamics and national energy resilience.

Legal experts have raised concerns about numerous provisions in the draft Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perpu) for combating economic crime, particularly regarding the expanded authority of the Attorney General's office. The controversial clauses include broad definitions of economic crime, centralised prosecution powers, asset seizure before court verdicts, and provisions that may compromise privacy rights and the presumption of innocence, creating significant risks of prosecutorial overreach and undermining checks and balances.

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) has obtained Copper Mark certification, an international standard for responsible metal production that enhances consumer and investor confidence. The head of the Indonesian Mining Experts Association notes that the certification is rare among Indonesian companies and helps mining firms strengthen reputation, reduce operational risks, and meet stringent environmental, social, and governance criteria.

Indonesia's Health Ministry has welcomed the Supreme Court's cassation ruling upholding the Jakarta Administrative Court's decision, which confirms the legal validity of the Indonesian Health Collegium (KKI) membership for the 2024-2028 period. The ruling reinforces the Collegium's full autonomy and independence in developing professional competency standards and educational curricula free from bureaucratic interference, whilst aligning with previous Constitutional Court directives to safeguard professional medical independence in the country.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has instructed the government to develop contingency measures against a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict and potential oil price volatility, including diplomatic efforts to secure alternative energy supplies and national energy conservation programmes. Lee emphasised the need for medium-term energy transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy systems, whilst calling for rapid supplementary budgets to support vulnerable groups and exporters from the economic impacts of sustained energy pressures.

Indonesia's business association Apindo has expressed concern over the continued weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar, citing the country's heavy reliance on imported goods which increases operational costs. The association also highlighted that the Israel-US conflict with Iran has driven up global crude oil prices, raising fuel costs and logistics expenses, whilst disrupting international trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Red and White Precision Bridge in Gobah Village, Kampar District, Riau Province, was officially inaugurated by the National Police Chief, marking a significant infrastructure achievement built through collaborative effort between government bodies and private sector support. Riau Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan highlighted that the 27.5-metre concrete bridge, funded by the 1011 Putra Peduli Foundation and corporate social responsibility programmes, exemplifies community spirit and serves as a vital connector enhancing inter-village connectivity and local economic development. The bridge is one of 27 bridge projects completed by Riau Police in less than a month, with hopes it will improve educational access for children and foster economic progress in the region.

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo stated that the consumer price index (CPI) remains well-controlled, with February 2026 inflation recorded at 4.76 per cent year-on-year, primarily influenced by temporary base effects from the government's 50 per cent electricity tariff discount implemented in January and February 2025. Core inflation remained stable at 2.63 per cent year-on-year, driven mainly by gold price increases, whilst volatile food inflation stood at 4.64 per cent amid increased demand during major religious holidays and supply disruptions from adverse weather. Bank Indonesia projects inflation for 2026 and 2027 to remain within the 2.5±1 per cent target range, though higher than previous forecasts due to rising global commodity prices, and will continue strengthening pre-emptive monetary policy responses in coordination with the government.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the Health Ministry to meet the healthcare worker requirements at approximately 4,000 community health centres (puskesmas) in disadvantaged, frontier and outlying areas (3T). According to State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, roughly 4,000 of the country's 10,000 puskesmas currently lack adequate medical staff, including general practitioners and dentists, with shortages particularly acute in 3T regions. The Health Ministry is implementing new incentive schemes to attract specialist doctors to these underserved areas.

NasDem Party chair Irma Suryani Chaniago has questioned whether President Prabowo Subianto's proposal to cut ministerial and parliamentary salaries would meaningfully address the state budget deficit amid Middle East tensions. Her analysis reveals that even a 50 percent salary reduction for ministers and vice ministers would yield only approximately IDR 850 billion in savings—representing just 0.02 percent of Indonesia's total state budget of IDR 3.842 trillion, making such measures largely ineffective in improving fiscal health.

Cisauk Police Station in Tangerang is offering a free vehicle storage service for residents travelling home during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday season. The service accepts both motorcycles and cars, requiring only original vehicle documents (STNK or BPKB) and a photocopy of the owner's identity card to register.

Wawan Junaidi, a resident of Jakarta's Rusun Nagrak public housing, expressed his joy at being able to return home with his entire family for the first time through the DKI Jakarta provincial government's free Mudik Angkutan Lebaran (Free Homecoming Transport) programme in 2026. Previously, financial constraints forced his family to travel separately, with him riding a motorcycle whilst his wife and children took the bus. The government's initiative has enabled him to travel together with his family whilst reducing costs and travel fatigue.

Indonesia's State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has apologised for severe congestion at Gilimanuk Port in Bali during the Lebaran exodus, where vehicle queues stretched up to 31 kilometres on 15 March 2026, leaving 16 people fainting due to heat exhaustion. The government has coordinated with transport operators and the military to ease congestion and monitor the situation throughout the Lebaran holiday period.

Extreme traffic congestion stretching 36 kilometres at Gilimanuk Port in Bali on the eve of Lebaran 2026 was caused by a convergence of factors, including travellers attempting to cross to Java before the port's temporary closure for Nyepi celebrations on 18-20 March 2026. PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry responded by deploying 34 vessels and implementing an accelerated Arrival-Unload-Depart (TBB) operational scheme that reduced the queue to approximately 20 kilometres whilst maintaining continuous traffic flow. The incident highlights infrastructure capacity challenges during peak holiday periods and underscores the need for a comprehensive national port development roadmap.

Basic food prices are rising significantly at Gedhe Klaten traditional market in Central Java ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447H celebrations, with red chillies reaching Rp110,000 per kilogramme, up from Rp85,000, and other staples including chicken eggs, chicken meat, and cooking oil also posting substantial increases. The Indonesian Traders Association projects the peak of price increases will occur closer to Eid al-Fitr celebrations this year, with traders reporting surges of between 5 and 25 per cent across various food commodities as demand builds during the Islamic festival season.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has formally detained Isfan Abidal Aziz, a former Special Staff to the Religious Affairs Minister, over alleged corruption in the distribution of 2023-2024 hajj quota quotas. The case involves the manipulation of 20,000 additional hajj permits, with investigators alleging that quotas were unlawfully divided 50-50 between regular and special hajj programmes instead of the required 92-8 split, causing significant financial loss estimated at Rp622 billion. The investigation implicates former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and is expanding to include private travel agencies and religious figures suspected of receiving illegal kickbacks.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced that two Pertamina ships remain trapped in the Strait of Hormuz whilst negotiations continue for their passage. The Minister assured the public that fuel, LPG, and electricity supplies remain under control and safe, with LPG shipments expected to resume by the end of March, and emphasised that the opening of the Strait offers positive prospects for Indonesia's energy supply amid global geopolitical tensions.

The State Secretariat has issued a circular directing all ministries and agencies to avoid extravagant open house and halal bihalal celebrations during Eid 2026, citing the difficult circumstances many Indonesians face. President Prabowo previously warned officials against lavish displays whilst encouraging measured economic activity to support small businesses and the broader economy. The palace has yet to confirm whether it will hold its own open house attended by the president.

Bank Indonesia has intensified its vigilance over rupiah movements amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Deputy Governor Destry Damayanti announcing round-the-clock monitoring of offshore currency trading during the 2026 Lebaran break when domestic markets close. Global financial uncertainty triggered by the Iran-US-Israel conflict has driven portfolio outflows of USD 1.1 billion from emerging markets in March 2026, causing the rupiah to depreciate 1.29 per cent against the dollar, alongside broader weakness across Asian currencies.

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has dismissed claims that Indonesia faces a coal supply crisis for coal-fired power plants (PLTU), stating that coal availability across both state-owned PLN and independent power producers currently averages 14 days of supply—within the national minimum standard. The minister reaffirmed that coal companies with approved work plans must fulfil domestic market obligations before exporting, with export permits withheld if domestic demand cannot be met.

Astra Tol Cipali has begun sterilising lanes and rest areas on the Cikopo-Palimanan (Cipali) Toll Road in West Java as part of preparations for implementing one-way traffic management. The timing of the traffic engineering implementation will follow police discretion and field direction. Traffic volumes on the toll road increased by 19 per cent on Tuesday, with approximately 34,000 vehicles travelling from Jakarta towards Cirebon during the morning hours.

The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) has confirmed that all members of the Garuda Contingent serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remain safe despite ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. Indonesia's government, through the Foreign Ministry, has strongly condemned Israel's attacks as violations of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), whilst calling for respect for Lebanese sovereignty and a return to diplomatic dialogue.

Two vessels operated by PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) remain detained in the Strait of Hormuz as the Indonesian government negotiates with Iranian authorities for their release. The Energy and Mineral Resources Minister reported some positive developments following Iran's implementation of an open-close policy at the strategic waterway, which is now permitting non-Israeli and non-American vessels to communicate and transit through the region.

Boyamin Saiman, coordinator of the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI), has raised suspicions about the KPK's auction of two OPPO mobile phones that sold for approximately Rp59.7 million despite having a reserve price of merely Rp73,000, questioning whether the buyer was attempting to recover sensitive data from the devices. The KPK has acknowledged the sale as an anomaly, with the auction winner having paid only the deposit so far and facing a payment deadline of 25 March 2026, whilst the anti-corruption advocate suggests the phones may contain evidence related to further corruption cases that warrant investigation.

Indonesia's government is urging measles-infected travellers to isolate during the 2026 Eid homecoming period to prevent transmission to families, with officials emphasising early symptom detection such as rashes on the neck. Free health check-up posts are being established at transport hubs and rest areas to screen travellers for measles, hypertension, diabetes, and influenza, with early findings showing hypertension as the most common condition among Gambir Station users.

Severe traffic congestion at Gilimanuk Port in Bali during the 2026 mudik (homecoming) season has driven desperate travellers to abandon their vehicles and walk for hours through forests to reach the port. With queues lasting over twelve hours and extreme heat, some migrants have walked up to twelve kilometres on foot, whilst others have resorted to hiring motorcycle taxis at inflated rates after exhausting traditional transport options.

Siti Hediati Hariyadi (Titiek Soeharto), Chair of Commission IV of the House of Representatives, attended the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony of 110 bridges in Riau Province alongside National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni. During a virtual dialogue with pupils from SDN 018 Semulut, students recounted how the newly built bridge has improved their access to school, replacing a dangerous structure where they previously had to remove their shoes during high tide due to the risk of crocodiles in nearby waters.

Long queues of waste carts have formed at Rawajati Transfer Station in South Jakarta since a landslide at Bantargebang landfill on 8 March 2026 disrupted waste collection operations. Waste collectors report delays of up to three days in disposing of rubbish due to limited vehicle capacity and adjusted waste transport quotas across Jakarta, though the situation is temporarily exacerbated by independent waste collectors maximising their final working day before the Lebaran holiday break.

The Mayor of Palembang, Ratu Dewa, has issued a ban on civil servants using official government vehicles for Lebaran holiday travel, emphasising that such vehicles are strictly for governmental operations. The municipal government will conduct oversight during the Hari Raya Idul Fitri period and impose sanctions on violators, whilst also reminding staff not to extend leave beyond the official schedule and to return punctually to work.

Danantara Investment Management reports strong investor demand for Patriot Bonds issued in September 2025, with the sovereign fund confirming that its Rp50 trillion inaugural bond issuance achieved 100 per cent absorption. The state-backed fund plans to continue accommodating investor interest through future issuances of medium-term notes with 5 and 7-year tenors, offering fixed 2 per cent coupon rates as part of Indonesia's long-term economic transformation strategy.

The Jakarta Provincial Baznas (National Zakat Alms Agency) has launched 268 homeward-bound travellers with disabilities across six buses under the "Mudik Bareng Teman Disabilitas" (Return Journey with Friends with Disabilities) programme during this year's Lebaran. The initiative, coordinated with the provincial government's broader Free Return Journey scheme, represents a significant increase from last year's four buses and 175 passengers, with routes divided between northern and southern corridors extending to major cities across six provinces. The Jakarta provincial government overall deployed 744 buses to accommodate over 33,000 free return journey participants this year, a 34 per cent increase from the previous year, serving destinations across Lampung, South Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Java.

Indonesia has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Climate Data Steering Committee to pilot a Common Carbon Credit Data Model endorsed by the G20, becoming the first country to integrate this global standard into its domestic carbon market system. Under Presidential Regulation No. 110 of 2025 on Carbon Economic Value, the government will incorporate this model into the development of the Carbon Unit Registry System, aimed at strengthening standardisation, transparency, and investor confidence in Indonesia's carbon trading mechanism. The pilot project builds on commitments made at COP30 in São Paulo and addresses key challenges such as data inconsistency and double-counting that have historically hindered carbon market integrity.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has suspended two foundations managing nutrition service units in Ponorogo, East Java, after their heads alleged they were pressured and intimidated by foundation operators who claimed to be the grandchild of a minister. The foundation allegedly reduced the per-portion food procurement budget from Rp10,000 to Rp6,500, forcing unit heads to cover shortfalls from their own pockets to maintain meal quality for beneficiary students.

Merak Port in Banten province experienced increasing congestion on 17 March as homebound travellers began their Eid exodus, with authorities predicting peak traffic on 17-18 March. Police estimate that the main surge will occur between 6pm and dawn, with travellers aiming to reach Lampung by morning to continue their journey into Sumatra. The port has prepared 33 lanes in its buffer zone to accommodate the expected volume of private vehicles.

Indonesia's government has postponed the deployment of 8,000 military personnel for a peacekeeping mission with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, with the Minister of State Secretary citing escalating Middle Eastern conflicts as a key consideration. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed that the deployment, which was initially planned to occur in stages, has been indefinitely delayed pending developments from the Board of Peace and the stabilisation of the regional geopolitical situation. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) will continue preparations to ensure readiness for deployment whenever circumstances permit.

Ishfah Abidal Aziz, commonly known as Gus Alex, a former special staff member to the Religious Affairs Minister, has been detained by Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) following his former boss, former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, in connection with a Rp1 trillion hajj quota corruption case. The investigation centres on allegations of state financial losses totalling Rp622 billion during the 2023-2024 hajj quota period, with both suspects previously barred from overseas travel and subsequently formally named as suspects in January 2026.

Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has affirmed that the government will continue to maintain fuel subsidies to protect citizens from rising costs, despite global oil price fluctuations tied to geopolitical dynamics. The minister confirmed that national energy supplies, including liquefied petroleum gas, petrol, and diesel, remain secure and within budget constraints at current world oil prices of approximately $100 per barrel, with provisions extending through the Lebaran period and beyond. The government has also implemented strategies for post-March planning to ensure consistent energy availability and is benefiting from improved shipping communications through the Strait of Hormuz.

BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Indonesia's employment social security agency, has pledged comprehensive support for the Ministry of Manpower's free homecoming (mudik) programme ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H, providing transport for approximately 1,000 workers through 15 buses and travel kits. The initiative represents an increase from the previous year's 10 buses and reflects collaborative efforts between state institutions to support worker welfare during the significant family reunion period. Director General Saiful Hidayat emphasised the organisation's commitment to worker wellbeing both in the workplace and during important moments of family togetherness.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi stated that the government is reviewing the impact of budget efficiency policies on Indonesia's civil service (ASN), including potential adjustments to new personnel recruitment. The government is considering aligning new ASN recruitment numbers with retirement rates as part of fiscal control strategy, in response to global geopolitical uncertainties stemming from ongoing conflicts affecting energy prices, food supplies, and international supply chains.

Japan has not yet received a formal request to deploy Self-Defence Forces to the Middle East for maritime security operations, according to Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. The Japanese government remains focused on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and is exploring legal options whilst coordinating with the United States and Iran to reduce regional hostilities.

The momentum of Ramadhan has driven a significant increase in digital economic activity, with nearly 13 million videos uploaded to TikTok during the first week of Ramadhan 2026, creating opportunities for SMEs to expand their market reach. Small business operators have capitalised on digital marketing solutions, including TikTok Shop by Tokopedia and TikTok Ads, to increase product visibility and sales conversion, with success stories such as UNERD Footwear reporting a more than twofold increase in orders during the period. This digital expansion has enabled SMEs to reach new customer bases across multiple regions in Indonesia and internationally, with approximately 80 per cent of UNERD's buyers being new customers.

The Central Java Police have implemented a local one-way traffic scheme on the Semarang toll road to manage anticipated congestion during the 2026 Eid exodus, with peak traffic expected on 18 March with approximately 68,900 vehicles heading towards Semarang. Traffic engineering measures will be activated based on vehicle volume thresholds, with full one-way implementation triggered if volumes exceed 3,000 vehicles per hour for three consecutive hours at speeds below 20 km/h. The National Police Chief has praised the inter-agency coordination involving local governments, police, and toll operators as essential to ensuring safe and smooth holiday travel.

The East Kalimantan High Prosecutor's Office conducted a raid on the provincial Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) office on 16 March to gather evidence in an investigation into alleged corruption in the mining sector, reportedly involving CV AJI. Special crime investigators seized important documents and electronic evidence during the four-hour operation as part of formal law enforcement proceedings.

Indonesia's Directorate General of Highways and the Travoy application now offer easy online access to real-time CCTV feeds from toll roads, allowing motorists to monitor traffic conditions before undertaking Eid holiday journeys. By checking traffic density and potential congestion beforehand, drivers can determine optimal departure times and select alternative routes for more efficient and comfortable travel.

PT Administrasi Medika (AdMedika) is strengthening its clinical governance through data analytics in response to the Financial Services Authority's new regulation POJK Number 36 of 2025, which mandates insurance companies to ensure adequate medical capability, digital capacity, and independent Medical Advisory Boards. AdMedika's enhanced Medical Advisory Board, led by retired Major General Dr Agus Yunianto and supported by medical specialists and data analytics systems, will enable more objective and evidence-based medical decision-making across a partnership of 13 insurance companies.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming took 100 children from Putra Utama orphanage to Blok M Plaza in Jakarta to shop for new clothing and shoes ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The initiative forms part of the government's commitment to strengthening social protection and child welfare programmes whilst promoting the well-being of Indonesia's youth.

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo has pledged to strengthen various policies to maintain rupiah stability amid the deteriorating global situation caused by Middle East conflict and capital outflows from emerging markets. As of 16 March 2026, the rupiah weakened to Rp16,985 per US dollar, declining 1.29 percentage points from late February, prompting BI to intensify market interventions through both offshore and domestic channels whilst optimising monetary instruments to attract foreign capital inflows.

BMW has recorded 50,000 orders for its new iX3 electric SUV six months after its launch, with CEO Oliver Zipse confirming the model is fully booked and production is expanding. The vehicle, manufactured at the Debrecen facility in Hungary with a capacity of 150,000 units annually, features a 108 kWh battery and dual electric motors producing 463 hp, with a range of 805 km. Production will expand to China and Mexico to meet global demand for the electric vehicle.