Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 March 2026

Showing 1,101-1,150 of 1,957 articles

Child-Friendly Homecoming Travel Becomes Minimum Standard for Lebaran 2026 Migration Season

Indonesia is establishing child-friendly standards for the annual Lebaran homecoming (mudik) journey, with government ministers inspecting transport facilities and emphasising family-oriented travel practices. The Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection are promoting better facilities at transport hubs and encouraging parents to prioritise quality family interaction over screen time during the journey home.

Police Identify Ringleader of Elderly Robbery Gang in Cileungsi, Bogor

Police have arrested the main ringleader of a robbery gang that violently attacked an elderly couple in Cileungsi, Bogor. The suspect, identified as M (29 years old), allegedly orchestrated at least 50 robberies across West and Central Java, using proceeds to purchase land, villas, and other assets. The arrest was carried out dramatically by local police chief posing as an electricity company official.

16 Additional Ferries Deployed on Gilimanuk-Ketapang Route as Homebound Travellers Surge

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has deployed 16 additional large-capacity ferries on the Gilimanuk-Ketapang crossing to manage unprecedented homebound traffic during the Lebaran holiday period, reducing vehicle queues from 35 kilometres to 18 kilometres. The Ketapang port recorded an 80,416 passengers and 25,885 vehicles on H-6 Lebaran (33.8% and 35.4% increases respectively compared to the previous year), with the port set for a complete operational closure on 18 March to observe Balinese religious observances.

Pramono Calls on Jakarta Residents to Sort Waste into Four Categories

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has committed to overhauling the capital's waste management system and is calling on residents to participate in a waste segregation movement by sorting rubbish into four categories: biodegradable, recyclable, hazardous, and residual waste. The governor believes that collective action from the community can drive significant environmental change.

Palace Issues Circular Directing Officials Against Excessive Eid Open House Celebrations

The State Secretariat has issued a circular advising government officials to avoid excessive open house and halalbihalal celebrations during the 2026 Eid holiday, citing concerns about citizens struggling with economic hardship. The directive emphasises the importance of officials demonstrating social empathy and restraint during the festivities, though it remains unclear whether President Prabowo Subianto will hold an open house at the Presidential Palace.

BRIN develops lightweight biomass-based composite roofing tiles for earthquake-prone regions

Researchers at Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have developed lightweight composite roofing tiles made from biomass materials as a safer alternative to traditional heavy tiles, which cause injuries during earthquakes. The tiles offer superior qualities including water resistance, fire resistance, and environmental friendliness, with ongoing field testing every three months to monitor durability and performance.

Jakarta Hits 35 Degrees Celsius! The Secret to Staying Cool Amid Scorching Weather

Jakarta experienced record temperatures reaching 35.6 degrees Celsius on 17 March 2026, particularly in East Jakarta and South Tangerang, creating hazardous conditions for residents. The article provides practical public health guidance for managing extreme heat exposure, including proper hydration, ventilation strategies, and appropriate clothing choices to prevent heat-related illness.

BGN Chief: Free Nutritious Meal Programme Suspended During Eid Holiday, State Saves Rp 5 Trillion

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has temporarily halted distribution of the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) during the Eid al-Fitr period to coincide with school holidays and religious celebrations. The suspension is projected to save the state approximately Rp 5 trillion, with normal operations resuming on 31 March as the agency optimises its Rp 268 trillion budget allocation amid global economic challenges.

Ariel Deems Charges Against Student Activist Tommy Wiria 'Groundless and Forced'

Tommy Priatna Wiria, a student activist managing the @Balitidakdiam social media account, faces charges of incitement by prosecutors, but his legal counsel Ariel argues the charges are baseless and disproportionately applied. The case centres on a social media post calling for public gathering to address alleged police violence, which prosecutors claim incited mass unrest and vandalism at a protest in Bali in August 2025.

Airfares for Lebaran Holiday Travel Remain Expensive, Transport Ministry Responds

Despite an 17-18 per cent government discount stimulus, airfares for the 2026 Lebaran holiday remain high, according to the Ministry of Transport's Director of Air Transport. The ministry attributed the perceived high prices to passengers booking connecting flights rather than direct flights, as well as being upsold to premium cabin classes when economy seats are unavailable. The ministry urged airlines and online travel agents to better communicate flight route differences and seat availability to passengers.

Jakarta Opens Complaint Posts for Illegal Levies at Terminals During Mudik Season

Jakarta's Provincial Inspectorate launched a three-year campaign called Mudik Aman Tanpa Pungli (Safe Homecoming Without Illegal Levies) to combat extortion during the peak travel season, establishing complaint posts at three major terminals and transport hubs. The initiative aims to educate the public about illegal levies and provide channels for reporting such practices, whether experienced directly or witnessed by travellers.

Impact of MyRepublic Merger: MORA Shareholders Face 50.5% Dilution

PT Mora Telematika Indonesia Tbk (MORA) has announced plans to merge with PT Eka Mas Republik (MyRepublic), resulting in a 50.5% dilution of MORA shareholders' stake due to an increase of 24.1 billion shares. Following the effective merger, PT Dian Swastatika Sentosa Tbk (DSSA) will become the controlling shareholder of the combined entity, creating a stronger competitor in Indonesia's digital ecosystem with improved network reach and infrastructure capacity.

Speeding and Vehicle Overload Identified as Fatal Accident Triggers; Real-Time ETLE System Activated

Indonesian traffic authorities have identified speeding and vehicle overload (ODOL) as the primary causes of fatal accidents on toll roads, revealed in a Jabodetabek traffic congestion discussion. In response, the National Police have strengthened enforcement through a new electronic-based traffic law system (ETLE) integrated with cameras across toll routes, enabling real-time violation detection and response to improve road safety.

BNI Eid Holiday Service Schedule 2026: Limited Operations on 20 and 23 March

Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has announced limited operational hours for the Eid al-Fitr 1447 H holidays in 2026, with branches open only on 20 and 23 March from 10:00 to 12:00 Western Standard Time. The bank has released a comprehensive list of 23 branch offices across Indonesia that will remain open during these limited hours to provide essential banking services to customers during the festive period.

Gold Prices Today 17 March 2026: Antam Products Slip as Global Markets Shine

PT Antam's gold products declined to IDR 2,988,000 per gram on 17 March 2026, down IDR 4,000 from the previous trading day, with buyback prices set at IDR 2,740,000 per gram. Global gold markets remained relatively stable, with spot prices rising 0.1 per cent to USD 5,007.61 per ounce as investors adopted a neutral stance amid Middle Eastern tensions and anticipation of US Federal Reserve policy decisions.

Man from TTS Scalds Wife with Hot Water over Money Dispute

A man identified as YT has been arrested in Timor Tengah Selatan (TTS), East Nusa Tenggara, for severely scalding his wife with boiling water after she refused to give him 50,000 rupiah. The victim, identified as MB, sustained serious burns covering approximately 80 per cent of her body and is currently receiving intensive care treatment at Soe District Hospital.

LPSK Provides Protection to KontraS Activist Andrie Yunus, Victim of Acid Attack

The Indonesian Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has approved comprehensive protection for Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, who was attacked with acid in Salemba, Jakarta. The protection includes physical security with close protection officers, medical assistance, procedural rights, and six-month assistance for the victim and affected family members. LPSK has condemned the acid attack as a serious human rights violation contrary to international conventions on torture, which Indonesia has ratified.

Eighty-Year Wait in Vain: Rp18 Billion Road in Nagekeo Damaged Within a Month

A newly completed hotmix road project worth Rp18.3 billion in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, has deteriorated severely within less than a month of opening, devastating residents who waited eight decades for the improvement. Locals and experts suspect technical specification violations during construction, including improper use of grader equipment instead of asphalt finisher, whilst the supervising consultant and project implementer have yet to adequately address the concerns.

Surge in Global Oil Prices Becomes Momentum to Accelerate B50 Biodiesel Programme

Rising global oil prices triggered by Middle East geopolitical tensions present an opportunity for Indonesia to accelerate its mandatory B50 biodiesel policy, which blends 50 per cent solar with 50 per cent palm oil-based biofuel. The policy shift would help mitigate the substantial fiscal burden on Indonesia's state budget, as each $10 per barrel increase in crude oil import prices adds approximately Rp20-30 trillion in additional expenditure. Indonesia has successfully implemented mandatory biodiesel policies since 2009, progressing from B1 to B40, providing a solid foundation for advancing to B50 or higher blends.

Police Chief and Titiek Soeharto Inaugurate 110 Red-White Precision Bridges in Riau

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, together with Commission IV Chair Titiek Soeharto and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, inaugurated 27 completed Red-White Precision Bridges and commenced groundbreaking for 83 additional bridges across Riau Province. The 110-bridge project aims to improve rural mobility and economic development in areas with limited transportation access.

Baznas Plays Role in Realising Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045

The National Zakat Collection Agency (Baznas) has been identified as a strategic partner in achieving Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045, which aims to boost economic growth and eliminate extreme poverty through zakat, infaq, and sadaqah (charitable giving). Despite Indonesia's significant zakat potential, actual collection remains suboptimal due to low public literacy, with government officials emphasising the need for improved public communication and media collaboration to bridge the gap between potential and realised funds.

DKI Provincial Government Implements President Prabowo's Directive on Fuel Savings and Work-from-Home Policy

The DKI Jakarta provincial government has pledged to implement President Prabowo Subianto's directive to conserve fuel consumption and consider work-from-home policies as precautionary measures against global energy crises. The move responds to potential supply pressures stemming from prolonged US-Israel-Iran conflicts and rising global energy prices, which could impact Indonesia's fuel and food security.

Russian Embassy Regrets Two Citizens Involved in Bali Drug Syndicate

The Russian Embassy in Indonesia has expressed regret over two Russian nationals who operated a clandestine narcotics laboratory in Bali producing mephedrone or "party drug". The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Indonesian law and maintaining bilateral relations, whilst commending the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) for dismantling the operation in which approximately 8 kilogrammes of the drug and precursors were seized.

Hormuz Crisis: Persian Gulf oil production plummets nearly 7 million barrels per day

Oil production across the Persian Gulf region has collapsed by nearly 7 million barrels per day (bpd) due to the Hormuz Strait crisis, according to petroleum research organisation Argus. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait have all curtailed production significantly as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz prevents them from exporting crude oil, with storage facilities rapidly reaching capacity. The crisis was triggered by escalating military tensions between the US, Israel and Iran in late February, which effectively blockaded the critical shipping corridor.

Deputy Health Minister finds many migrants experiencing hypertension at Gambir Station

Indonesia's Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono discovered that hypertension is the most common health condition among migrants using Gambir Railway Station, based on free health screening results conducted during the Lebaran exodus. The ministry has established comprehensive health checkup stations at Gambir offering free consultations, treatment, dental services, and convenient registration to ensure safe travel and comfortable celebrations for migrants.

The Gamsunoro: Previously Evaded Houthi Attacks, Now Detained in Strait of Hormuz

The Indonesian oil tanker Gamsunoro, operated by state-owned Pertamina International Shipping, remains trapped in the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating tensions in the Iran conflict, marking one of only two Indonesian vessels unable to transit the critical waterway. The 2014-built Long Range tanker, which previously successfully navigated past Houthi forces in the Red Sea in 2024, is now subject to diplomatic efforts by Indonesia's Foreign Ministry, which has engaged Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage for the vessel and sister ship Pertamina Pride.

Prevent Accidents from Drowsiness: Mudik Travellers Must Rest After 4 Hours of Travel

The Tangerang City Health Department has issued safety guidelines for the upcoming Lebaran mudik (homecoming) period in 2026, emphasising that drivers must rest every four hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Department head Dini Anggraeni stressed the importance of physical preparation before departure and maintaining healthy habits during travel, with free health check services available to assess whether travellers are fit for long-distance journeys. The guidance addresses a critical public health concern during Indonesia's peak travel season.

Jakarta-Solo Toll Tariffs 2026: Latest Rates and Total Costs to Prepare

Indonesia's toll road authorities have released updated tariff information for the Jakarta-Solo route on the Trans-Java Toll Road, expected to be crucial for travellers during the 2026 Lebaran holiday season. Toll costs vary based on vehicle classification, distance travelled, and specific toll segments, with the government typically offering discounts during peak holiday periods. Travellers are advised to ensure sufficient electronic toll funds before departure to avoid disruptions at toll gates.

Thousands of Jakarta Residents Join Free Mudik Programme with Provincial Government, Departing from Monas

Jakarta's provincial government officially launched its Free Mudik (homecoming) Programme for Eid 2026, with Governor Pramono Anung and Vice Governor Rano Karno overseeing the departure of tens of thousands of participants from Monas. The initiative, which saw a 34 per cent increase in participants compared to the previous year, deployed 744 buses to transport residents to 20 cities and regencies across six provinces, whilst also accommodating persons with disabilities.

Nusantara Attracts $85M Investment from Three Firms

The Nusantara Capital Authority has signed three new investment agreements totalling IDR 1.275 trillion (approximately $85 million) with domestic and foreign firms to develop residential units, restaurants, and commercial facilities in the new Indonesian capital. The agreements signal strong investor confidence in Nusantara's development, with projects including a plane-themed cafe, seafood restaurant, and mixed-use apartments expected to commence between Q2 2026 and Q2 2027.

Jasa Marga: Multiple-Vehicle Collision at KM 80+400 Cipularang Toll Road Not Caused by Road Defects

A multiple-vehicle collision occurred on the Cipularang Toll Road near Purwakarta on Saturday 14 March 2026, involving two pickup trucks with no casualties reported. Jasa Marga officials clarified that the accident was caused by a broken rear axle on the first vehicle rather than road defects, contradicting initial reports that blamed potholes on the highway.

Beware During Eid: The Habit of Kissing Babies Carries Serious Health Risks

During the Eid season, well-intentioned family members often kiss infants as a gesture of affection, but health experts warn this common practice poses significant health risks to babies with underdeveloped immune systems. Kissing babies can transmit serious viral and bacterial infections including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Herpes Simplex Type 1, and Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, as well as trigger allergic reactions and dental problems. Health professionals recommend parents educate family members on protective measures such as hand-washing, obtaining parental permission, and avoiding kissing infants to keep children safe whilst maintaining the warmth of family gatherings.

The role of multiple individuals aside from Yaqut in the hajj quota corruption case

Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was detained by Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) on 12 March in connection with an alleged corruption case involving the 2023-2024 hajj quota allocation. Beyond Yaqut's detention, several other individuals have been identified by the KPK as potentially involved in the scheme, including special staff Ishfah Abidal Aziz, hajj operators, and Ministry of Religious Affairs officials. The case centres on the conditioning of additional hajj quotas from Saudi Arabia, which has negatively impacted regular Indonesian pilgrims already facing waiting periods of up to 47 years.

PBNU Condemns Israeli Closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque During Ramadhan as Serious Provocation Against Islam

Indonesia's Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) has strongly condemned Israel's decision to close access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem during Ramadhan 1447 H/2026 M, characterising the action as a serious provocation against Muslims worldwide and a violation of international law and human rights. PBNU leadership has called on the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take immediate diplomatic action to protect the mosque and ensure religious freedom for Muslims in the region.

Wihaji: Child protection in digital spaces determined by family role

Indonesia's Minister of Population and Family Development Wihaji has emphasised that protecting children in digital spaces requires strong family involvement alongside government regulation and technology. The government has introduced Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 (PP Tunas) requiring digital platforms to provide parental consent mechanisms and child control features, though such measures remain ineffective without active parental supervision.

LPSK Approves Protection for Witness in Andrie Yunus Case

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) has approved protection for Kontras activist Andrie Yunus and witnesses in the case following the acid attack against him on 12 March 2026. The protection programme includes physical security, medical assistance, and procedural rights support for the victim, family members, and witnesses for an initial six-month period. President Prabowo has directed the National Police Chief to conduct a thorough and professional investigation into the incident, which authorities characterise as an attempt to silence human rights defenders.

Middle Eastern Capital Investment Supports AI-Based Financial Technology Research

Slickorps Ventures (Cayman) and United Arab Emirates-based Royal Group Capital have signed a strategic investment agreement worth USD 700 million to jointly develop artificial intelligence-driven financial technology, compliance systems, and pursue global market expansion. The partnership will leverage AI applications in quantitative analysis, risk management, and standardised financial technology implementation across international markets.

Holding World Copper Certification, Freeport Meets International Criteria

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) has obtained the Copper Mark certification, a globally recognised standard for responsible copper production established by the International Copper Association in 2019. The certification, which few Indonesian mining companies have achieved, requires mining operations to meet 33 independent assessment criteria covering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, including reducing environmental impact, respecting human rights, and enhancing transparency and accountability.

Supporting Energy Self-Sufficiency, Danantara and Tsingshan Group Donate Solar Power Plants to Sumenep Residents

Danantara Indonesia and Tsingshan Group, through the Torang IWIP Berbakti Foundation, have donated two solar power plants equipped with battery energy storage systems to residents of Sumenep Regency in East Java, aimed at expanding reliable and sustainable electricity access whilst supporting the Indonesian government's energy self-sufficiency vision. The initiative, formalised through an agreement signed on 13 March 2026, will be implemented on Gili Labak and Pagerungan Kecil islands in collaboration with state electricity company PLN, with each plant providing 1 megawatt peak capacity and serving approximately 2,000 households.

Learning from Gilimanuk Congestion, Government Must Increase Ferry Docks as Vessel Moorings

The National Association of River, Lake, and Ferry Transport Operators (Gapasdap) warns that temporary traffic measures alone cannot resolve severe congestion at Gilimanuk Port, which reached approximately 45 kilometres during Lebaran travel season. The organisation argues that the root cause is an imbalance between the growing number of ferry vessels and limited port dock capacity, and calls for the government to establish a comprehensive national roadmap for systematically expanding ferry infrastructure, including at least one new pair of docks annually on major national routes.

Ibas Yudhoyono Launches Free Homecoming Programme: "The State is Here to Help the People"

Deputy Chair of Indonesia's People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), officially launched a free homecoming programme titled "Safe Homecoming, More Comfortable Silaturahmi" to assist over 500 migrants from East Java return home for Ramadan and Idul Fitri. Ibas emphasised the state's responsibility to ensure public welfare and reduce the burden on communities during their festive season travel, highlighting collaboration with Bank Mandiri, BRI, and PT Antam in facilitating the initiative.

Peaceful Eid: Electricity Tariffs Remain Unchanged Until June 2026

The Indonesian government has announced that electricity tariffs for the second quarter (April–June 2026) will remain unchanged, a decision made to protect consumers' purchasing power during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period. The move follows macroeconomic parameter calculations that included exchange rates, crude oil prices, inflation, and coal benchmarks, though the formula suggested potential rate adjustments. The government has also encouraged PT PLN to maintain supply reliability and operational efficiency whilst citizens are urged to use electricity responsibly as part of national energy security efforts.

Lestari Moerdijat: Lebaran Exodus 2026 as Opportunity to Strengthen National Unity and Tolerance

Deputy Chair of the People's Consultative Assembly Lestari Moerdijat has called for the 2026 Lebaran exodus to be leveraged as a strategic moment to strengthen national values of unity and tolerance amongst Indonesian society. The government anticipates 155 million people will travel during this period, with peak movement expected on 18 March 2026, highlighting the significance of this annual tradition in reinforcing social cohesion amidst economic pressures.

West Java Sends Largest Number of Homebound Travellers as Free Mudik Programme Departs

West Java contributed approximately 21 per cent of Indonesia's total homebound travellers during the Eid mudik season this year, with an estimated 30 million residents departing the province, according to West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan. The provincial government and state-owned enterprises facilitated 34 free buses as part of a national programme to reduce traffic accidents and congestion during the traditional mass exodus, with destinations across Java and Sumatra including Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, Palembang, and Lampung.

Two Foreign Nationals Arrested at Bali Airport While Attempting to Flee to Thailand Over Explicit Ride-Hailing Video

Two foreign nationals—a 23-year-old French woman (MMZL) and a 24-year-old Italian man (NBS)—were arrested at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali on 13 March whilst attempting to flee to Thailand. The pair were detained for producing explicit content whilst wearing ride-hailing service jackets purchased for 300,000 rupiah as a promotional gimmick; a third French national, ERB (26), was apprehended for managing the operation and uploading content to OnlyFans and X.

Car Free Night During Takbiran Night Awaits Isbat Court Decision

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo stated that the planned Car Free Night event during takbiran night is pending the results of the isbat court decision, which will determine whether it occurs on 19 or 20 April. The Jakarta provincial government has prepared various activities including religious lectures, entertainment, and a Bedug Festival featuring 16 finalists, with a torch procession planned along Sudirman-Thamrin Street, whilst private vehicles will be banned during the event.

Danger! Pilots Report Rogue Hot-Air Balloons Rising to 28,000 Feet

AirNav Indonesia has disclosed increasing pilot reports of uncontrolled hot-air balloons reaching dangerous altitudes above 28,000 feet, posing a significant threat to commercial aviation safety. The organisation emphasises that addressing this hazard requires coordinated efforts between government agencies, local authorities, law enforcement, and public education to prevent potential disasters and protect Indonesia's aviation reputation.

Tourism Minister Urges Citizens Not to Litter at Tourist Destinations

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has urged the public to refrain from littering at tourist destinations across Indonesia to maintain cleanliness and improve visitor comfort. The minister emphasised that proper waste management is crucial for preserving Indonesia's positive image internationally and announced that the Ministry has conducted direct inspections at 165 locations to ensure tourism areas are well-managed and properly promoted.

Baznas Releases 20 Free Exodus Buses, 1,000 Beneficiaries Return to Central and East Java

The National Amil Zakat Board (Baznas) has officially launched its "Happy Exodus with Baznas" programme, deploying 20 buses to transport 1,000 vulnerable beneficiaries to their hometowns in Central and East Java for the Islamic New Year celebrations. The initiative, which targets low-income groups including mosque staff, Quranic teachers, and street vendors, provides free transportation alongside health services, meals, and food packages to reduce travel costs and road accidents.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Colour and Model Preferences Among Indonesian Consumers

Samsung has revealed that Indonesian consumers overwhelmingly prefer the Galaxy S26 Ultra model during the recent three-week pre-order period, with approximately 70 per cent of orders coming from this flagship variant. The Cobalt Violet colour emerged as the most popular choice, whilst the Privacy Display feature—an industry-first capability exclusive to the Ultra model—has been a key driver of consumer interest due to its screen-viewing angle restrictions for enhanced privacy in crowded environments.