Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 March 2026

Showing 1,251-1,300 of 1,957 articles

Japan to Tighten Foreign Investment Screening with US-Style Panel

Japan has decided to strengthen oversight of foreign investment by establishing an inter-ministerial panel modelled on the US Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), aimed at preventing leakage of critical technology and intelligence. The new screening mechanism will involve the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the National Security Secretariat, and will expand scrutiny to include acquisitions of foreign companies holding stakes in Japanese firms and cases where Japanese investors are deemed to be under foreign government influence.

Health Ministry Confirms Free Treatment for Activist Andrie Yunus

The Indonesian Health Ministry has confirmed that the medical treatment for Andrie Yunus, a KontraS activist who suffered severe chemical burns from an acid attack, will be provided free of charge at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital. Yunus sustained burns covering approximately 20 per cent of his body surface, particularly affecting his face, hands, and chest, with severe chemical trauma to his right eye requiring specialist care including cornea transplantation.

Three Foreign Nationals Arrested Over Pornographic Video Using Ride-Hailing Jacket in Bali

Police in Badung, Bali have arrested three foreign nationals—two French and one Italian—involved in producing and distributing pornographic content that featured one of them wearing a ride-hailing jacket to create viral appeal. The individuals used a cheaply purchased jacket to impersonate a legitimate ride-hailing driver, with one acting as the manager and uploader of the content. The arrests were made after cyber authorities profiled the viral video and identified the suspects, who were apprehended at the airport whilst attempting to flee the country.

Security observer values police capacity to reveal perpetrators of acid attack

A security and terrorism expert from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta has assessed that Indonesia's police possess the capacity to swiftly identify the perpetrators of an acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, whilst emphasizing the need to investigate not just field operatives but also intellectual architects behind the assault. The expert warns that delayed case resolution risks public unrest and unfounded speculation on social media, and recommends tighter regulation of hazardous chemical distribution alongside transparent periodic updates from police to maintain public confidence.

Presidential Assistance Continues, Aceh's Meugang Tradition Remains Alive After Sumatran Floods

President Prabowo Subianto has approved a second round of government aid totalling 72.75 billion rupiah to support the meugang tradition in Aceh, enabling flood-affected residents to celebrate the slaughter and distribution of beef ahead of Eid al-Fitr. This second disbursement mirrors the first assistance package distributed in early Ramadan, bringing total aid to 145.5 billion rupiah, and demonstrates the government's commitment to preserving both cultural traditions and social cohesion during post-disaster recovery across 1,455 villages in 19 Acehnese regencies.

ASDP Ensures Traffic Continues to Flow to Gilimanuk Despite Heavy Congestion

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry is deploying maximum operational capacity to manage heavy traffic congestion at Gilimanuk Port during the 2026 Lebaran transport period, with vehicle queues stretching approximately 20 kilometres as passengers rush to cross before port closures during the Nyepi celebrations (18–20 March). The state-owned ferry operator is deploying 34 ships and implementing accelerated loading schemes to maintain service flow despite increased mobility demands.

Bahlil Releases 20 Free Coach Convoy for Golkar Mudik 2026

Bahlil Lahadalia, chairman of Golkar party, released 20 free coaches for the 2026 Eid homecoming (mudik) programme at the party's central office in Jakarta, with the convoy heading to various regions in Java and expected to facilitate around one thousand people. The initiative, running for six years, reflects Golkar's support for the Islamic holiday and migrant workers returning home, with distribution of food packages and allowances also provided.

Scorching Weather Warnings: BMKG Alerts of Continued Heavy Rainfall Across Indonesia

Indonesia's meteorological agency BMKG has warned of volatile weather patterns across the archipelago from 12-23 March 2026, with extreme temperatures reaching up to 37.2°C in some western regions whilst eastern areas face heavy rainfall. The anomalous conditions result from shifting rainfall distribution towards eastern Indonesia and the sun's apparent annual movement towards the equator, creating both scorching heat and intense precipitation risks across different regions.

Golkar Urges Revision of Former Officials' Pension Law to be Discussed in Parliamentary Special Committee

The Golkar party's chairman Zulfikar Arse has called for revision of Law No. 12 of 1980 concerning pensions for former state officials, following a Constitutional Court decision that partly granted a challenge to the legislation. Arse advocated for discussing the new law through a special parliamentary committee to gather broader input from members of parliament across various committees. The Constitutional Court has ruled that the 1980 law no longer aligns with current conditions and has given lawmakers two years to formulate new legislation addressing the pension issue.

Parents Must Limit Gadget Use, Psychologist Emphasises Importance of Real-World Child Interaction

A senior psychology professor at the University of Indonesia warns that early childhood exposure to gadgets and social media risks hampering development in social, emotional, and motor skills. Experts emphasise that children require direct, concrete stimulation through real-world interaction rather than digital screens, with parental monitoring and controls critical to mitigate digital safety risks including online predation.

Metro Police Chief Inaugurates Satpamobvit Office in Bekasi, Confident It Will Strengthen Services

Metro Jaya Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri inaugurated the Satpamobvit Office and Babelan Police Station in Bekasi, West Java, on 17 March 2026. The opening is intended to strengthen police services and infrastructure in the Bekasi district, enabling faster, closer, and more optimal public service delivery whilst supporting vital object security and community policing responses.

North Sumatra Police Uncover 29 Kilogramme Methamphetamine Trafficking Network Linked to Thailand

The North Sumatra Police Narcotics Directorate has seized 29 kilograms of methamphetamine believed to be part of an international Thailand-Indonesia trafficking network, arresting a courier from East Aceh. The drugs were intercepted after being sent from Thailand by boat to Aceh with plans to distribute them to Lhokseumawe, with the operation controlled by an Indonesian national residing in Thailand and a prison inmate in Aceh.

Government formulates energy-saving strategy in public sector

The Indonesian government is developing an energy efficiency strategy for the public sector covering education, health, and public services following President Prabowo Subianto's directive. The strategy will be data-driven and tailored to each sector's energy consumption and mobility patterns, ensuring that conservation measures do not negatively impact public services or educational quality, with practical lessons drawn from COVID-19 pandemic mobility management.

How to Pay Zakat Fitrah Online through BAZNAS: Easy, Safe and Religiously Valid

BAZNAS, Indonesia's national zakat collection agency, offers a digital payment platform for zakat fitrah (obligatory alms) that is both legally valid under Islamic law and secure. The online method ensures transparency and efficiency in distributing funds to eligible recipients, with payment due before the Eid prayer on the first day of Shawwal, preferably by the day before to allow for processing.

Government to Cover Medical Costs for Activist Andrie Yunus Following Acid Attack

The Indonesian government will cover the medical treatment costs for human rights activist Andrie Yunus, who was attacked with acid outside a legal foundation office in Jakarta, sustaining severe chemical burns to his right eye. Doctors have performed tissue cleaning and amniotic membrane transplantation to protect his eye surface and support healing, with President Prabowo Subianto ordering a thorough and scientific investigation into the incident, which is being treated as an attempted silencing of critical voices and human rights defenders.

Surejo's Story: Without Annual Bonus, He Can Return Home to Klaten Thanks to Free Mudik Programme

Surejo, a construction worker from Cawas, Klaten, praised the free Mudik Bersama (Joint Exodus) programme organised by the Danareksa BUMN Holding in 2026, which enables informal workers without annual bonuses to afford the journey home for Lebaran. The programme, which enlisted 1,900 participants from 475 households across the Greater Jakarta area and dispatched from multiple cities, demonstrates significant relief for low-income workers whose transportation costs would otherwise represent a substantial financial burden. Operating 39 bus fleets, the initiative targets destinations across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi, addressing the financial barriers that prevent many informal workers from returning home for the festive season.

Fendi Wants to Return to School; Gunungkidul Religious Affairs Office Waives Educational Costs

The Gunungkidul Regency Religious Affairs Office (Kemenag) has committed to welcoming back Ahmad Tri Efendi, a 10-year-old boy who dropped out of school to care for his mother, and will waive all educational fees and charges during his schooling. The boy's family faces severe economic hardship due to his father's stroke and mother's blindness from nerve damage, circumstances that prompted Fendi to leave school despite his willingness to return with support.

Ensuring Reliable Electricity Supply for Eid al-Fitr 2026: PLN's Strategy

State-owned electricity company PLN is preparing Indonesia's national power system to ensure reliable electricity supply during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (RAFI) period in 2026. The company projects peak electricity demand at 35,017 MW with a national supply capacity of 51,967 MW, providing a comfortable reserve margin of 16,950 MW, and has mobilised over 72,000 personnel and extensive equipment at 3,700 emergency posts nationwide.

Prabowo on US-Israel and Iran Conflict: Seek Peaceful Options

President Prabowo Subianto has called for dialogue amongst all parties involved in the US-Israel conflict with Iran, advocating for peaceful resolutions rather than military confrontation. He confirmed Indonesia's participation in Trump's Board of Peace initiative whilst maintaining the country's non-aligned foreign policy stance and defensive military posture, stating that Indonesia will not join any military alliances and must strengthen its own defence capabilities independently.

Deputy Health Minister: 121 Gambir Station Staff Meet Health Standards to Serve Mudik Travellers

Indonesia's Deputy Health Minister reports that 121 out of 277 screened staff at Jakarta's Gambir railway station have met health standards to serve passengers during the 2026 Lebaran exodus, with 133 requiring monitoring and 19 deemed unfit. The Ministry of Health has established health service posts at major stations during the mudik and return period, equipped to screen vital signs and provide medications for conditions such as hypertension, aiming to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Eid 2026: TransJakarta Sets Rp1 Fares and 24-Hour Service at Strategic Points

PT Transportasi Jakarta (TransJakarta) has announced special operational adjustments for the Eid 2026 period, including symbolic Rp1 fares during Eid holidays, extended operating hours until 23:59 on key intercity routes, and 24-hour AMARI night services on main corridors. The initiative aims to facilitate safe and smooth holiday travel during mudik (exodus) periods whilst supporting public mobility during Eid celebrations, as part of directives from Jakarta's Transportation Agency.

Pamulang University Lecturer Reports Social Media Accounts Spreading Sexual Harassment Allegations on Commuter Train

A Pamulang University (Unpam) lecturer, FHS, has filed a police report against social media accounts that virally spread allegations of sexual harassment he allegedly committed on a KRL Commuter Line train on 14 March 2026. FHS's legal counsel has filed a defamation complaint under Articles 433 and 434 of Law Number 1 of 2023, asserting the viral allegations are false and have damaged his reputation and that of his family. Both the accused lecturer and the alleged victim have submitted separate police reports, which are currently being processed by authorities.

BCA Operational Schedule During Lebaran Holiday 2026, When Will It Reopen?

PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) has adjusted its operational schedule in accordance with the government's joint holiday policy for Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026 from 18–24 March. A limited number of branch offices will remain open on 18, 20, and 24 March to provide essential financial services including cash deposits, withdrawals, and BI-FAST transfers, whilst services such as clearing, RTGS/SKNBI transfers, and foreign currency transactions will be unavailable. All BCA branches will resume normal operations from 25 March 2026.

Bahlil Sends Off Golkar's Free Homecoming Convoy

Coordinating Minister Bahlil Lahadalia sent off Golkar party's free homecoming (mudik) programme for 2026 at the party's headquarters in West Jakarta, blessing participants and distributing food packages and pocket money. The initiative will transport participants to multiple regions including Klaten, Yogyakarta, Madiun, and Cirebon, with support extended to drivers and conductors as well.

When the State Fails to Execute the Ibnu Sutowo Family Hotel

A protracted land dispute over Hotel Sultan in Jakarta's Gelora Senayan complex remains unresolved as PT Indobuildco, owned by the Sutowo family, continues to pursue legal avenues to block government enforcement attempts. The State Secretariat Ministry has been attempting to forcibly seize the five-star hotel, which sits on state-owned land whose 30-year building rights ended in 2002, with the Central Jakarta District Court recently conducting land verification proceedings to confirm the property boundaries before execution can proceed.

Commission I Parliament: TNI Territorial Chief of Staff Position Does Not Need Parliamentary Discussion

TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto has reinstated the position of Kepala Staf Teritorial (Kaster, Territorial Chief of Staff), with Lieutenant General Bambang Trisnohadi appointed to the role. The Deputy Chair of Parliament's Commission I, Dave Laksono, stated that this restructuring is an internal TNI matter that does not require parliamentary discussion, comparing it to other administrative reorganisations within the government's purview. The Kaster position, which had been eliminated during President Abdurrahman Wahid's tenure in 2001 as part of military reform, previously served as the chief of the TNI's socio-political affairs division.

IHSG Up 1.14% in Session 1 with Large Transactions

Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) closed session one on 17 March 2026 at 7,102.21, up 1.14% or 79.92 points, with total transaction value reaching Rp 10.95 trillion. The gains represent a pullback from morning highs, though most sectors remained in positive territory, with technology stocks leading gains of 3.25%. This marks the final trading day of the Indonesian stock exchange during Ramadan 1447H, ending a challenging month in which the IHSG has plummeted 15% since 19 February amid multiple negative pressures including credit rating downgrades, geopolitical tensions, and oil price volatility.

LBH Papua: Attack on Andrie Threatens Human Rights Advocacy Space

The Legal Aid Institute of Papua Merauke has condemned a caustic soda attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), calling it a serious intimidation tactic against human rights defenders. The attack, which occurred on 12 March 2026 in central Jakarta leaving Yunus with 24 per cent burns, is viewed not as ordinary crime but as a targeted terror campaign, reflecting deepening concerns about the security of human rights advocates in Indonesia and the state's capacity to ensure accountability.

Jasa Marga Chief Confirms Toll Road Repairs 100% Complete Ahead of Eid Holiday

PT Jasa Marga has completed all toll road maintenance works ahead of the Eid holiday travel surge, with Director Rivan Achmad Purwantono confirming that all stretches are ready for optimal use by travellers. Key repairs including the challenging Jakarta-Tangerang route have been finalised, with minor surface cracks addressed and infrastructure evaluated jointly with the Toll Road Regulatory Agency and Ministry of Transportation to ensure safety.

Intellectual Perpetrators of Caustic Soda Attack on Andrie Yunus Can Be Swiftly Identified via CCTV

A University of Indonesia criminology professor has stated that perpetrators of the caustic soda attack on Kontras activist Andrie Yunus should be identified swiftly using Jakarta's CCTV surveillance network. However, he emphasised that investigations must extend beyond identifying the direct perpetrators to uncovering potential intellectual masterminds behind the attack, whilst managing public speculation linking the incident to the victim's podcast activities.

Jakarta Provincial Government Prepares Mandatory Waste Sorting Regulation from Households

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo announced that a provincial regulation (Pergub) or regional ordinance (Perda) mandating household waste sorting will be implemented imminently. The regulation aims to address capacity constraints at the Bantargebang integrated waste processing facility (TPST), which has been strained following a recent landslide, with the government also planning to establish three waste-to-energy plants (PLTSa) including one at Bantargebang.

Bupati Fawait Ensures Free Nutritious Meal Programme Ready to Support Child Nutrition and Regional Economy

Jember District Bupati Muhammad Fawait has confirmed that the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme is delivering significant benefits for child nutrition improvement and local economic growth, with potential budget circulation reaching trillions of rupiah once all nutrition service units operate optimally. The Bupati's inspection of the Curahlele Balung nutrition service unit revealed the programme is preparing over 2,200 nutritious meals daily with strict quality and food safety controls, while addressing public misconceptions about the programme's nutritional standards and budget allocation.

Chlorpyrifos Pesticide Exposure Increases Parkinson's Disease Risk by 2.5-fold

A UCLA Health study has revealed that prolonged exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 2.5 times, based on analysis of 1,653 California residents and laboratory experiments on animals. The research demonstrates that chlorpyrifos disrupts cellular autophagy—the brain's natural cleaning mechanism—allowing toxic proteins to accumulate and damage neurons, whilst environmental monitoring in Indonesia has identified severe pesticide contamination in the Cisadane River affecting residents in Tangerang.

Saudi Arabia Calls on Citizens to Monitor Shawwal Crescent on 18 March 2026

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has issued a public call for all Muslims throughout the kingdom to observe the crescent of Shawwal on the evening of Wednesday, 18 March 2026, and report sightings to the nearest court. The court emphasises that such participation in crescent observation committees across various regions is a form of cooperation vital to the Muslim community and ensures accurate determination of the start of Shawwal.

What Are the Impacts of Raising the National Budget Deficit Ceiling Above 3% If Realised?

President Prabowo Subianto opposes raising Indonesia's national budget deficit limit beyond the current 3% of GDP threshold, expressing scepticism towards deficit-reliant fiscal policy. The article examines the potential economic consequences of increasing the deficit ceiling, including elevated government financing needs, increased public debt, higher debt servicing costs, and inflationary pressures that could undermine macroeconomic stability and reduce fiscal space for development programmes.

Ministry of Health covers medical costs for KontraS activist victim of acid attack

The Indonesian Ministry of Health has waived all medical treatment costs at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital for Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), who was attacked with caustic soda on 12 March. The 27-year-old sustained acid burns covering approximately 20 percent of his body and severe chemical trauma to his right eye, requiring comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment including reconstructive surgery and ophthalmological care.

Jakarta Provincial Government Prepares Car Free Night for Takbir Eve Ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026

The Jakarta Provincial Government plans to hold a Car Free Night (CFN) event on the evening of Takbir (Eid eve) to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1447H/2026, tentatively scheduled for Saturday 21 March evening. Governor Pramono Anung and Deputy Governor Rano Karno confirmed the event will be limited to a two-hour duration (20.00–22.00 WIB) to avoid disrupting Eid prayers preparations the following morning, pending confirmation from the government's isbat (moon-sighting) session.

Metro Police Inaugurate Vital Object Security Unit Office in Bekasi

The Metro Jaya Police have inaugurated the Satuan Pengamanan Objek Vital (Vital Object Security Unit) office and Babelan Police Station in Bekasi, marking a significant infrastructure strengthening initiative. The inauguration is intended to enhance police service delivery by bringing faster, closer, and more optimal services to residents, whilst reinforcing the force's commitment to providing better public protection and security in the region.

How Daihatsu Supports Consumers for Lebaran Homecoming in 2026

Daihatsu has launched a comprehensive support programme for Indonesian motorists undertaking the annual Lebaran homecoming journey in 2026, providing emergency roadside assistance and maintenance services. The automotive manufacturer is establishing six emergency posts operating from 17–24 March 2026, alongside 89 service centres nationwide, whilst recommending thorough vehicle inspections and driver preparation to ensure safe long-distance travel during this critical period.

Free BSI Homecoming Programme Sees 122 Per Cent Surge in Participants

PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) has reported a 122 per cent increase in participants for its free homecoming programme during the 2026 Lebaran season, transporting 2,261 travellers compared to 1,019 the previous year. The programme, called Mudik Aman Berbagi Harapan (Safe and Sharing Homecoming), provided 44 buses serving routes across Java and Sumatra, with additional amenities including meals, travel supplies, and healthcare services. BSI also established eight rest stops at terminals and along highways to assist all homebound travellers, demonstrating the company's commitment to supporting safe and affordable travel during the peak holiday season.

New Schedule: One-Way Traffic During Lebaran 2026 Exodus

Indonesia's Traffic Police (Korlantas) will implement a nationwide one-way system on 18 March 2026 between 10:00 and 12:00, coinciding with the anticipated peak of the Lebaran homecoming exodus. The decision follows coordination between police leadership and the Directorate General of Toll Roads, with further one-way measures for the return journey to be determined based on traffic monitoring.

Vice President Gibran Takes Orphanage Children Shopping at Blok M Plaza Ahead of Eid

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka took nearly 100 children from the Putra Utama 1, 2, and 3 Social Care Orphanages shopping at Blok M Plaza in Jakarta on 16 March ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026. The activity, part of the Prabowo government's commitment to strengthening child protection and welfare, allowed the orphans to select their own everyday clothing whilst experiencing joy and optimism. Both the children and their carers expressed gratitude for the initiative and hope that similar support programmes will continue in the future.

Good News! TransJakarta, MRT and LRT Free During Eid

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has announced that all public transportation managed by the Jakarta Provincial Government, including TransJakarta, MRT, LRT and other services, will be free during the Eid holiday. In addition to free transport, the provincial government will offer tax incentives to shopping centres, retail shops and hotels, providing discounts of up to 70-80%, to encourage residents remaining in Jakarta to enjoy the city during Eid celebrations.

Wow! Agricultural Machinery Helps Farmers Reduce Cultivation Costs by up to 75%

PT Sharprindo Dinamika Prima, a manufacturer of agricultural machinery and equipment (alsintan), is supporting Indonesia's food self-sufficiency targets by producing tractors and post-harvest equipment that can reduce cultivation costs by up to 75-85% whilst improving time efficiency. For a one-hectare plantation, costs can be reduced from IDR 3.5 million to just IDR 850,000 through the use of modern agricultural machinery.

Police Chief, Military Commander, and Rescue Head Inspect Mudik Queue at Gilimanuk

The Bali Police Chief, Commander of Udayana Military District, and Bali Rescue Chief conducted an aerial inspection of Gilimanuk ferry terminal on 17 March 2026, observing vehicle queues stretching tens of kilometres during the peak exodus period. The inspection revealed that the surge in passenger and cargo vehicles heading to Java has overwhelmed ferry capacity, prompting coordinated efforts between TNI, police, rescue services, and port authorities to find strategic solutions for smoother transit operations.

Transjakarta Operating from 09.00 WIB During Eid Holiday

Jakarta's Transjakarta bus system will begin operations at 09.00 WIB on the first day of Eid al-Fitr 2026, later than its regular schedule to allow drivers and field staff to observe Eid prayers. During the Eid holiday period from 18-24 March 2026, Transjakarta will offer special fares of Rp1 and operate dedicated routes to major Jakarta tourist attractions including Ancol, Ragunan Zoo, Kota Tua, and Monas with extended hours.

Peak Exodus Traffic, Merak Port Predicted to Begin Congestion This Evening

Police predict that peak Mudik (homecoming) traffic at Merak and Ciwandan ports will commence this evening, with congestion expected from approximately 6pm until early morning. Authorities have coordinated with transport management bodies to ensure sufficient ferry departures and vehicle routing to minimise parking area congestion, whilst implementing traffic diversion measures across several points on major roads.

Traffic Flow on Cipali Toll Road Increasing as Rest Area Usage Limited to 30 Minutes

As Eid approaches, traffic volume on the Cikopo-Palimanan (Cipali) toll road heading towards Cirebon increased by 22.2 per cent on 17 March 2026, with approximately 22,000 vehicles recorded from midnight to 9 a.m. Astra Tol Cipali has appealed to motorists to limit rest area usage to 30 minutes maximum to ensure fair access for all travellers, whilst warning against stopping on roadsides for safety and traffic flow reasons.

Depok Public Works Agency on High Alert to Prevent Flooding and Landslides During Eid 2026 Holiday

Depok's Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency has deployed 154 personnel across flood and landslide-prone areas during the Eid 2026 holiday period to mitigate risks from high rainfall. The agency has mapped vulnerable zones across 63 villages and 11 districts in Depok, with priority given to areas with unstable soil conditions and inadequate drainage, particularly in Cimanggis, Sukmajaya, Cipayung, Sawangan, and Bojongsari districts.

BMKG: Exercise caution over moderate to heavy rainfall in East Nusa Tenggara region ahead of Eid

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued a warning to residents of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province to remain vigilant against potential moderate to very heavy rainfall with strong winds on 17–19 March 2026, coinciding with the Eid holiday period. The adverse weather is attributed to regional atmospheric dynamics including the strengthening of the Asian Monsoon, Madden-Julian Oscillation, and atmospheric waves, combined with a cyclonic circulation over northern Australia that is directing moisture-laden conditions toward NTT. BMKG advises residents to prepare for potential hydrometeorological disasters including flash flooding and lightning strikes during the prolonged holiday period.