Archive: 17 March 2026
Showing 901-950 of 1,957 articles
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:19 WIB
Ramadan Breaking Fast Schedule for Yogyakarta, Sleman, Bantul and Kulon Progo on 17 March 2026
The article provides the breaking fast schedule (Maghrib times) for 17 March 2026 across Yogyakarta and surrounding districts, ranging from 17:53 to 17:55 WIB, based on official Ministry of Religious Affairs data. It also includes traditional Islamic prayers and intentions for breaking the fast and beginning the next day's fast during Ramadan.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:18 WIB
PAM JAYA Provides 15 Buses to Support Free Homecoming Programme 2026
PAM JAYA, a Jakarta regional water company, is providing 15 free buses to support the Jakarta Provincial Government's Free Homecoming Programme 2026, serving routes to cities in Sumatra and Java. Governor Pramono Anung symbolically launched the initiative at the National Monument, highlighting the programme's theme of maintaining family bonds and togetherness during the mudik (homecoming) season. The provincial government's transportation data recorded 35,012 passengers participating in the free transport scheme using 744 buses in total.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:17 WIB
Commission IX DPR Reprimands SPPG Employee for Social Media Post Dismissing Public Concerns as Ingratitude
A deputy chair of Commission IX of the Indonesian parliament has criticised a nutrition programme employee in Purbalingga who posted on WhatsApp complaining about "ungrateful" public commentary, resulting in the employee's dismissal. The official emphasised that the School Meal Programme (MBG) uses public funds and must therefore prioritise nutritional quality alongside quantity. The employee subsequently apologised and was terminated from their position.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:17 WIB
BGN: Appointment of 32,000 PPPK Completed and Salaries Distributed
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) announced that 32,000 Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK) have been officially appointed and have begun receiving salaries. The recruitment is part of institutional strengthening efforts to support the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, which now serves tens of thousands of nutrition service units across Indonesia. The BGN is also enhancing oversight mechanisms through partnerships with the Attorney General's Office and has launched a 24-hour public complaints service called "Sahabat Gizi 127".
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:17 WIB
Former Special Assistant Denies Orders and Corruption Funds Flow to Minister in Hajj Quota Case
Gus Alex, former special assistant to ex-Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has denied receiving orders or facilitating any transfer of funds to Yaqut in an alleged hajj quota corruption case spanning 2023–2024. The KPK believes Gus Alex acted as Yaqut's representative in collecting acceleration fees from special hajj operators, with investigators asserting that funds collected through him would be passed to Yaqut.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:16 WIB
VP Gibran launches free homecoming programme for 1,900 residents
Vice President Gibran flagged off 39 buses carrying approximately 1,900 residents from Jakarta and other major cities across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi as part of a free homecoming programme ahead of peak festive travel season. The initiative, supported by state-owned enterprises including Danareksa, emphasises affordable and safe travel for the public, with around 90 per cent of participants being members of the general public and the programme receiving over 3,000 applications. The annual programme reflects the government's commitment to ensuring accessible transportation during the significant homecoming period.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:16 WIB
Bank Indonesia Maintains Benchmark Interest Rate at 4.75 Per Cent
Bank Indonesia's Monetary Policy Committee decided to maintain the BI-Rate at 4.75 per cent at its March meeting, citing the need to stabilise the rupiah and control inflation amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and subsequent capital outflows from emerging markets. The central bank also held the deposit facility rate at 3.75 per cent and the lending facility rate at 5.50 per cent, recognising limited room for interest rate cuts given external pressures and imported inflation risks from rising global energy prices.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:16 WIB
Government Apologises for Vehicle Congestion at Gilimanuk Port
The Indonesian government has apologised for severe vehicle congestion at the Ketapang-Gilimanuk ferry crossing during the 2026 Lebaran exodus, with State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi assuring intensive monitoring and technical solutions are being implemented. President Prabowo Subianto has instructed cabinet members to prepare thoroughly for the holiday period, including implementing ticket price discounts and mobilising TNI and police resources to facilitate citizen travel whilst ensuring safe and orderly conditions.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:16 WIB
1,000 Food Parcels and Provisions Distributed to Female Motorcycle Taxi Drivers at Festival 1000 Blessing
PT Prudential Sharia Life Assurance and Al-Azhar Islamic Pesantren Foundation distributed 1,000 food parcels, provisions, and prayer equipment to female motorcycle taxi drivers (Lady Ojol) during the Festival 1000 Blessing held from 19 February to 14 March 2026 at the Grand Al-Azhar Mosque in South Jakarta. The festival, which attracted approximately 30,000 visitors from the Greater Jakarta region, featured a sustainability initiative where plastic waste collected from visitors was converted into donations for underprivileged communities. Additionally, the festival supported 40 local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises with 30% subsidies on booth rental fees, advancing Islamic financial literacy and social empowerment.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:15 WIB
East Jakarta Civil Police Deploy 500 Personnel to Secure Eid Gathering Points
East Jakarta's Civil Police (Satpol PP) is deploying 500 personnel from 13-25 March 2026 to maintain security and order at crowded locations, transport hubs, and tourist attractions during the Eid holiday period. The deployment includes 27 integrated security posts across East Jakarta, with personnel positioned at key transport nodes like Jatinegara Station, Pulo Gebang Terminal, and Kampung Rambutan Terminal, as well as enhanced night patrols during the Eid celebrations. The operation aims to ensure a safe and comfortable holiday period for residents both returning to their hometowns and remaining in Jakarta.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:15 WIB
Three investors to develop support facilities at IKN for Rp1.27 trillion
Three companies have signed cooperation agreements with the IKN Authority to invest a combined Rp1.27 trillion in support facilities at Indonesia's new capital city, including residential units, offices, restaurants, and sports centres. The projects are scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2027 as the IKN Authority continues to expand urban ecosystem infrastructure ahead of the city's 2028 development target.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:15 WIB
ASDP maximises services to ease heavy congestion at Gilimanuk Port
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry is maximising operational capacity to manage congestion at Gilimanuk Port during the Islamic New Year period (1447 Hijriah/2026), deploying 34 vessels across the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route. Vehicle queues have reduced from approximately 36 kilometres to 20 kilometres through optimisation measures, with passenger and vehicle volumes significantly higher than the previous year as travellers rush to cross before port closures for Nyepi celebrations on 18-20 March 2026.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:15 WIB
Detained by KPK, Gus Alex Denies Receiving Orders to Manage Hajj Quotas from Yaqut
Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), former special staff to ex-Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has been officially detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in connection with a 2023-2024 hajj quota corruption case. Whilst being taken into custody, Gus Alex denied receiving any orders from Yaqut to manage the distribution of additional hajj quotas and denied that Yaqut received any money from the special hajj quota distribution. The KPK alleges that Gus Alex assisted Yaqut in improperly distributing additional hajj quotas and helped arrange for officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs to request fees from hajj organisers, with portions of these fees allegedly received by both Yaqut and Gus Alex.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:14 WIB
Ministry of Public Works encourages Eid travellers to use southern coastal route
Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is promoting the southern coastal route (pansela) of Java as an alternative route for Eid holiday travellers in 2026, aiming to reduce congestion on major northern routes whilst offering tourists scenic views of Java's southern coastline. The 1,500-kilometre route spans five provinces and the ministry has completed infrastructure improvements including bridge rehabilitation, with 496 mudik posts and 1,461 emergency relief units deployed nationwide to ensure safe and smooth travel during the holiday period.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:14 WIB
Hundreds of Mudik Participants Depart from Tanjung Priok Port
Hundreds of participants departed from Jakarta's Tanjung Priok Port as part of the 2026 Pelindo Group Free Mudik Programme, which provides free transportation to citizens returning to their hometowns for Eid celebrations. The initiative, themed "Safe Mudik, Sharing Hope," represents a coordinated effort by multiple state-owned enterprises and government bodies to facilitate safe and orderly travel during the peak migration period.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:12 WIB
Titiek Soeharto Commends National Police Force for Building 110 Bridges in Riau Province
Chair of the House Commission IV Titiek Soeharto praised Indonesia's National Police (Polri) and Riau Regional Police for constructing 110 red-and-white precision bridges across Riau Province, viewing it as meaningful government action to improve rural access to education and economic opportunities. The project, launched on 17 March 2026 in Gobah Village, Kampar Regency, responds to President Prabowo Subianto's directive to address the dangers schoolchildren face crossing rivers in remote areas, with 27 bridges already inaugurated and 83 under construction.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:12 WIB
Draft Economic Emergency Law: Prosecutors' Authority Deemed Excessively Broad
R. Haidar Alwi, founder of the Haidar Alwi Institute, has criticised a draft Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perpu) on combating economic crimes, arguing that it grants prosecutors excessively broad authority with minimal oversight. The draft's expansive definition of economic crimes—spanning taxation, banking, trade, electronic transactions, cybercrime, and market manipulation—creates significant interpretive discretion for prosecutors and risks distorting Indonesia's criminal justice architecture. Alwi cautioned that without strict transparency and accountability measures, the regulation could undermine investor confidence and become an instrument of authoritarian power rather than genuine economic recovery.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:12 WIB
Subcontractor Risk Management as a Critical Success Factor in Construction Projects
Subcontractor management is a critical systemic financial risk in construction projects, yet many Indonesian construction firms treat subcontractor selection as a routine procurement decision based primarily on relationships, availability, and lowest cost rather than rigorous risk evaluation. Effective management requires shifting from one-time historical evaluations to continuous predictive assessments that monitor current financial condition, workload capacity, and safety records, supported by integrated project management systems that connect subcontractor management with procurement, progress verification, and financial controls.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:11 WIB
Komnas HAM Recognises KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus as Human Rights Defender, Sends Letter to Metro Police
Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has officially recognised Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, as a Human Rights Defender following his victimisation in an acid attack. Komnas HAM has sent a formal letter to the Metro Jakarta Police asking them to consider his defender status in investigating the case, emphasising the importance of swift and transparent investigation to prevent further violence against human rights activists.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:11 WIB
Retail Investors Shun Government Bonds amid Lackluster Coupon Rates
Retail investors are showing diminished interest in Indonesia's ORI029 retail government bonds due to competitive coupon rates of 5.45–5.80 per cent annually, with unsold quotas remaining as the offering period closes. A long-time investor diverted funds intended for government securities towards gold and equities, signalling a shift in retail investment strategy amid geopolitical tensions and attractive stock valuations.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:11 WIB
Bank Indonesia Imposes New Limits on US Dollar Cash Purchases
Bank Indonesia has implemented new foreign exchange regulations effective April 2026 to support rupiah stability, reducing the monthly limit for purchasing US dollars in cash to US$50,000 per individual from US$100,000. The central bank also increased thresholds for derivative transactions, raising the limit for selling DNDF/Forward contracts from US$5 million to US$10 million per transaction and similarly increasing swap transaction limits.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:11 WIB
Former Religious Affairs Minister's Staffer Arrested by KPK in Hajj Quota Corruption Case
Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), a staffer to former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has been formally detained by Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024. The case alleges that fees of USD 4,000-5,000 per pilgrim were illegally collected and that a 20,000-quota surplus was improperly divided, resulting in an estimated state loss of Rp622 billion according to the state auditor.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:11 WIB
Fuel Price Concerns Rise as Energy Minister Bahlil Asserts Subsidised Fuel Prices Remain Unchanged
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has guaranteed that subsidised fuel prices will not increase in the near term, maintaining Pertamax at 10,000 rupiah per litre and subsidised diesel at 6,800 rupiah per litre, despite global oil price volatility. The government remains committed to managing fuel subsidies through the holiday period and beyond, whilst maintaining adequate national energy stocks and monitoring geopolitical developments affecting global oil markets.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:10 WIB
Gus Alex Officially Detained by Antigraft Commission, Following Former Religious Affairs Minister in Hajj Quota Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially detained Ishfah Abidal Aziz, alias Gus Alex, a former special staff member to the Religious Affairs Minister, in connection with a hajj quota manipulation scandal affecting 2023-2024. Gus Alex follows former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas into detention, with state financial losses from the scheme reaching Rp622 billion according to the State Audit Board. The case centres on alleged abuse of additional hajj quotas and represents a significant breach of governance in Indonesia's hajj pilgrimage administration.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:10 WIB
2026 Crisis Worsens as Large-Scale Labour Strikes Demand Salary Increases
A global memory chip shortage crisis has intensified, prompting the Samsung Electronics union in South Korea to threaten massive strikes beginning in May 2026 over wage demands. The union is seeking a 7 per cent salary increase, removal of bonus caps, and a performance-based bonus fund, whilst Samsung's record profits in 2025 have not translated into worker benefits comparable to rival SK Hynix.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:09 WIB
Waskita Toll Road Ensures Pemalang–Batang Toll Road Ready to Support Smooth Lebaran Exodus and Return 2026
PT Waskita Toll Road has confirmed that the Pemalang–Batang toll road is fully prepared to handle the Lebaran exodus and return traffic predicted for March 2026, with peak outbound traffic on 18 March and return traffic on 24 March. The toll road operator has implemented comprehensive preparations including infrastructure maintenance, 24-hour service posts equipped with medical facilities and EV charging stations, safety signage, and a 30 per cent toll discount during designated periods. These measures aim to ensure safe, comfortable travel for millions of Indonesians during the religious holiday period.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:09 WIB
Bank Indonesia: Balance of payments must be strengthened to mitigate Middle East conflict impact
Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo has highlighted the need to strengthen Indonesia's balance of payments as a buffer against the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict. Despite maintaining healthy foreign exchange reserves of $151.9 billion as of late February 2026, Indonesia faces pressure from declining global demand, portfolio outflows in March 2026, and rising oil prices, which threaten to widen the current account deficit.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:09 WIB
Palace Expresses Concern Over Acid Attack on KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus
The Indonesian Presidential Palace has expressed concern over an acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the human rights organisation KontraS, who was assaulted by unknown assailants on 12 March. President Prabowo Subianto has instructed National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit to conduct a thorough, objective and expedited investigation into the incident, with Yunus sustaining 24 per cent burns to his hands, feet and eyes.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:09 WIB
Jasa Marga urges public to prepare before Eid exodus
Jasa Marga has appealed to Indonesians to prepare their vehicles and ensure adequate fuel and e-toll credit before travelling during the Eid holiday exodus. Traffic volumes on key toll roads serving the Jakarta metropolitan area and Bandung region increased between 6–15 per cent by 16 March, with peak congestion expected on 18 March.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:08 WIB
Poor field-to-office coordination: The primary cause of construction project delays
Poor coordination between field operations and head office management is identified as a primary cause of construction project delays in Indonesia, stemming from outdated information flows and fragmented communication. The article argues that adopting integrated digital construction software solutions enables real-time data synchronisation, allowing project managers to make timely, accurate decisions and effectively monitor progress across multiple projects.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:08 WIB
Repeated Thefts of Project Lights on Ring Road During Jogja-Solo Toll Road Construction
Lighting equipment at the Jogja-Solo Toll Road Package 2.2 construction site in Kronggahan, Sleman District, has been repeatedly stolen by unknown perpetrators, with at least eight incidents occurring since before Ramadan. PT Adhi Karya representatives estimate losses at approximately 50 million rupiah and emphasise the critical safety role these lights play for motorists and construction workers operating at night, whilst calling for community support and assistance from security officials to prevent further thefts.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:08 WIB
Traffic Police Implement One-Way Segment on Trans Java Toll Road
Indonesia's Traffic Police (Korlantas Polri) has implemented a one-way traffic management scheme on a segment of the Trans Java toll road spanning kilometres 70 to 263 through Central Java to alleviate congestion between kilometres 29 and 70. The measure, coordinated with the Ministry of Transport and toll operators, aims to manage increased vehicle volume from Jakarta heading towards Central and East Java during the peak travel period.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:08 WIB
BI: Indonesia's Economic Strengthening Momentum Must Be Preserved Amid Middle East Conflict
Bank Indonesia's Governor Perry Warjiyo has called for continued preservation of Indonesia's economic growth momentum despite the Middle East conflict's potential spillover effects on global financial markets and economies. The central bank expects first-quarter 2026 growth to remain robust at 4.9-5.7 per cent, supported by strong domestic demand including increased household consumption linked to religious holidays and government handouts. Bank Indonesia will coordinate closely with the government on monetary, macroprudential, and payment system policies to maintain stability whilst supporting economic growth and investment.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:08 WIB
Jakarta Residents Shelter from Intense Heat as Skies Remain Thin with Cloud
Jakarta is experiencing intense heat conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies as rainfall distribution shifts eastward across the Indonesian archipelago. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts continued fine weather throughout the Jabodetabek region until 20 March, with minimal cloud cover and optimal solar radiation contributing to the elevated daytime temperatures.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:08 WIB
Ahmad Luthfi Facilitates Hundreds of Migrants Returning to Homelands in Central Java
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi oversaw the departure of 648 passengers on free homecoming travel programmes operated by the provincial government using trains and buses. The initiative aims to assist informal workers from Central Java based in Jakarta and Bandung to return home for Eid celebrations whilst preserving money for their families. Multiple train and bus departures were scheduled, including 325 buses from Jakarta and 23 from Bandung.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:08 WIB
Iran–US Conflict Serves as Reminder of Indonesia's Energy Import Dependence
A resurgence in geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States has triggered volatility in global energy markets, with crude oil prices surging past $90 per barrel and gas prices rising 74 percent. Indonesia, as a developing nation heavily dependent on energy imports, faces significant economic vulnerability from disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, which carries approximately 25 percent of global oil trade daily, despite relatively modest direct imports from Iran.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:07 WIB
Middle East Conflict Escalates, Bank Indonesia Rules Out Interest Rate Cuts
Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo has signalled the central bank will maintain its benchmark interest rate in response to escalating Middle East tensions, which threaten economic growth, fuel inflation, and trigger capital outflows. Beyond holding the BI-Rate at 4.75%, BI has outlined a comprehensive policy package including currency intervention measures, digital payment initiatives, and credit facilitation programmes to support economic growth.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:07 WIB
Bank Indonesia Holds BI Rate at 4.75 Per Cent in March 2026
Bank Indonesia's Governor Perry Warjiyo announced that the central bank's Board of Governors has decided to maintain the BI Rate at 4.75 per cent, alongside holding the Deposit Facility rate at 3.75 per cent and the Lending Facility rate at 5.50 per cent. The decision aims to strengthen the rupiah's exchange rate amid deteriorating global conditions from Middle East conflicts and to support Indonesia's inflation target of 2.5 per cent (±1 per cent) for 2026–2027, while bolstering financial stability and economic growth.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:07 WIB
Malaysia's top court allows Petronas to challenge Sarawak laws amid rights row
Malaysia's Federal Court has permitted national energy firm Petronas to proceed with a legal challenge against laws passed by the state of Sarawak regarding natural gas distribution rights. The dispute centres on Sarawak's appointment of its own firm, Petros, to handle gas procurement and sales in the state, conflicting with Petronas's federal mandate. Sarawak, which holds over 60 per cent of Malaysia's gas reserves, has long sought greater control over its natural resources, leading to protracted tensions between state and federal authorities.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:07 WIB
Defence Minister Inspects Kitchen Facilities at Belitung Timur Battalion, Warns Against Middlemen Purchases
Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited the kitchen facilities of Batalyon Infanteri Teritorial Pembangunan (Yon TP) 845/Ksatria Satam in Belitung Timur on 17 March 2026, urging TNI soldiers to avoid purchasing food supplies from middlemen. During the inspection, Sjafrie emphasised the importance of proper nutrition for military personnel, directing that meals be prepared fairly and without reduction, including ensuring each soldier receives one properly cooked egg.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:06 WIB
Following Gus Yaqut's Arrest, the Corruption Eradication Commission Detains Gus Alex in the Hajj Quota Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has decided to detain Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), former special staff to the minister of religious affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, on 17 March 2026 on suspicion of corruption related to the hajj quota. Alex follows his former superior Yaqut, who was named a suspect earlier and detained for 20 days from 12 to 31 March 2026 at KPK's detention facility. During questioning, Alex denied receiving orders or funds from Yaqut in connection with the hajj quota case.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:05 WIB
Suspicious KPK Auction: OPPO Mobile Phone Purchased for IDR 59 Million Despite IDR 73,000 Reserve Price, Who Is the Buyer?
An Indonesian anti-corruption coordinator has raised concerns about a suspicious auction conducted by Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), in which two OPPO mobile phones with a reserve price of IDR 73,000 sold for approximately IDR 59.71 million. The coordinator suggests the KPK should investigate the buyer's identity and motivation, speculating that either the phones contain sensitive data worth concealing or are gold-plated, as ordinary smartphones typically depreciate in value and would not justify such an inflated purchase price.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:05 WIB
West Jakarta Mayor inspects homecoming journey departures at Kalideres Terminal
West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah conducted an inspection of departure preparations for the Eid holiday homecoming (mudik) at Kalideres Terminal on Tuesday, verifying bus fleet safety, driver drug testing, health posts, and sanitation facilities. The terminal saw a peak of 2,276 passengers on 15 March 2026, with passenger numbers expected to continue rising, as hundreds of buses have been deployed to serve routes across Java and Sumatra.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:04 WIB
InJourney Group Dispatches 2,418 Participants in Free Mudik BUMN 2026 Programme
PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (InJourney), a state-owned holding in aviation and tourism, has deployed 2,418 participants in the Free Mudik Together BUMN 2026 programme, with a national flag-off ceremony held at the Gelora Bung Karno Ring Road in Jakarta. The programme, which also includes support from InJourney's subsidiary airport operator managing 37 airports, aims to provide safe and comfortable homeward travel for Indonesian workers during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period. The initiative is part of a broader national effort targeting the transportation of approximately 100,000 passengers via land, sea, and rail to reduce traffic congestion and road accidents during the mudik season.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:04 WIB
Bank Indonesia Maintains BI Rate at 4.75 Per Cent, Rupiah Strengthens
Bank Indonesia has held its benchmark interest rate (BI Rate) steady at 4.75 per cent during its March 2026 board meeting, aiming to stabilise the rupiah amid rising global uncertainty from Middle Eastern conflicts and maintain inflation within its 2.5±1 per cent target. BI Governor Perry Warjito stated the decision supports currency stability and economic growth whilst the central bank will continue monitoring global developments and strengthen macroprudential policies to improve credit transmission and banking liquidity.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:04 WIB
Bank Indonesia Holds Interest Rates as US Dollar Stabilises at Rp16,975
Bank Indonesia maintained its benchmark interest rate at 4.75 per cent for the sixth consecutive time in its Monetary Policy Committee meeting on 16–17 March 2026, supporting rupiah stability amid global uncertainty. The rupiah closed trading with modest gains of 0.06 per cent at Rp16,975 per US dollar, though gains were partially eroded as the US dollar index strengthened 0.17 per cent to 99.878 due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East driving investors towards safe-haven assets. BI Governor Perry Warjiyo stated the decision aims to strengthen rupiah stability, maintain inflation targets for 2026–2027, and support economic growth whilst managing external pressures.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:03 WIB
TelkomGroup Dispatches Thousands of Mudik Travellers to Celebrate Eid in Hometowns
PT Telkom Indonesia has launched its 2026 Free Mudik Programme, dispatching 1,924 travellers from Jakarta to various cities across Java and Sumatra for Eid celebrations, with support from Indonesia's State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) coordination body and Danantara. The initiative, part of the broader "Safe and Shared Hope Mudik" campaign, deploys 27 eco-friendly buses and 3 vessels whilst the government estimates approximately 143.9 million total mudik journeys across Indonesia this year. TelkomGroup simultaneously strengthened its telecommunications network capacity to 60.7 Tbps and deployed over 13,700 personnel across Indonesia to ensure reliable connectivity during the peak travel period.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:03 WIB
Tourism Minister Inspects 165 Sites to Ensure Tourist Destinations Ready for Nyepi and Lebaran 2026
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana conducted inspections of 165 tourist destinations across Indonesia to strengthen promotion and ensure readiness ahead of the Nyepi and Lebaran 2026 holidays. The visits, carried out by the minister and her deputies alongside polytechnic officials and authority bodies, focused on assessing cleanliness, security, comfort, and safety standards. The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directive to directly inspect tourism destinations and conduct extensive promotion of Indonesia's tourism potential.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:02 WIB
Government to restore prawn farms and rice fields damaged by disaster
Indonesia's Interior Minister Tito Karnavian has pledged that the government will restore prawn farms and rice fields in Aceh and North Sumatra that were damaged and buried in mud following recent disasters. Recovery work will commence after Eid 2026 and will be implemented in coordination with the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister and Agriculture Minister, with damaged land either repaired or reclaimed for affected communities. The minister stressed that the work will be closely monitored to ensure timely completion and restore livelihoods affected by the disaster.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 15:01 WIB
USTDA funds critical mineral processing technology project in Indonesia
The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is supporting a pilot project by California-based Lilac Solutions to demonstrate ion-exchange technology for extracting lithium from geothermal operations at PT Geo Dipa Energi's Dieng field in Central Java. The initiative aims to establish Indonesia's first facility extracting lithium from geothermal brine, strengthening domestic supply chains whilst supporting the development of Indonesia's battery industry and contributing to sustainable resource management in the Indo-Pacific region.