Archive: 17 March 2026
Showing 1,301-1,350 of 1,957 articles
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:22 WIB
Indonesia maintains 3 per cent deficit cap amid Middle East geopolitical tensions
President Prabowo Subianto has affirmed Indonesia's commitment to maintaining its 3 per cent budget deficit limit despite potential economic spillovers from the Middle East conflict, viewing fiscal discipline as essential unless facing major emergencies. However, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs warned that extending the conflict beyond six to ten months would make maintaining the deficit target "difficult," prompting the government to plan additional budget cuts across ministries and agencies whilst exploring alternative energy sources including palm oil, coal, and renewables to counter potential supply disruptions.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:21 WIB
From Documentation to Profit: Parents' Stories of Managing Child Content and the Challenges
Parents in Indonesia are increasingly monetising family moments by sharing child content on social media, transforming simple documentation into potential income streams through brand collaborations. The case of Brian Andrew Salim and Nuzulia Muchtari, whose account "Arkeen Daily" features their four-year-old son, illustrates how initial family scepticism about child content creation has shifted to acceptance as profitable brand partnerships have emerged. The phenomenon reflects a broader social trend where emotional engagement with audiences on social media has become an economic opportunity, though questions about child welfare and digital parenting remain.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:21 WIB
Suspect Gus Alex Summoned by Anti-Corruption Commission Today in Hajj Quota Case
Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex and a former special staff member of ex-Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has been summoned by Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the 2023-2024 hajj quota scheme. According to KPK investigators, Gus Alex allegedly ordered ministry officials to collect acceleration fees of USD 5,000 per pilgrim and orchestrated the unauthorised distribution of additional special hajj quotas, violating the statutory allocation of 92 per cent for regular hajj and 8 per cent for special hajj.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:21 WIB
Crocodile Findings Reveal New Mystery; Method for Calculating Dinosaur Age Requires Revision
Recent research on crocodiles has revealed that the traditional method of estimating dinosaur age through bone growth rings may need substantial revision, as environmental factors such as temperature and food availability affect ring formation inconsistently. Scientists now recommend adopting multidisciplinary approaches, including chemical bone analysis and ancient environmental modelling, to obtain more accurate age estimates and better understand dinosaur life cycles and population dynamics.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:20 WIB
Pramono urges homecoming travellers not to return to Jakarta simultaneously after Eid
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has appealed to residents returning to the capital after the Eid break to stagger their journeys to avoid traffic congestion. The Jakarta Provincial Government is offering free outbound and return travel programmes between 25-26 March 2026, with 744 buses transporting approximately 35,012 passengers across destinations in six provinces including Sumatra, Java, and Yogyakarta.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:20 WIB
Eight Cosmetic Products Revoked by Food and Drug Authority for Misleading Claims
Indonesia's Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) has revoked the distribution licences of eight women's cosmetic products found to have violated regulations through misleading promotional claims about bodily functions such as breast enhancement and tissue tightening. The products promoted claims that were sensational, unproven scientifically, and violated BPOM Regulation No. 18 of 2024; the agency has instructed manufacturers to immediately withdraw the products from the market and cease all promotion on digital platforms.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:20 WIB
IHSG Collapses for Months — When Will Recovery Come?
Indonesia's composite stock index (IHSG) has plummeted 24.6% from its January peak to 7,000 points by mid-March 2026, driven by a confluence of domestic and global pressures including MSCI index freeze concerns, foreign bank downgrades, leadership transitions at financial regulators, US-Iran geopolitical escalation, Strait of Hormuz closure, and credit rating downgrades. The sharp contraction reflects accumulated negative sentiment stemming from structural domestic vulnerabilities and mounting external shocks affecting investor confidence and capital flows.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:19 WIB
BRI Insurance Readiness Service for Mudik: Mitigating Travel and Asset Risks
PT BRI Asuransi Indonesia has launched its Eid Mudik Readiness Service 2026 to address travel and asset protection risks during the Eid holiday homecoming season. The comprehensive offering includes roadside assistance hubs in four cities, 108 workshops nationwide, 24-hour towing and customer support, alongside promotional discounts of 15-25 percent on various insurance products valid from 9-27 March 2026.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:19 WIB
Trump frustrated as US allies reluctant to send minesweeping vessels to Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with US-allied nations reluctant to deploy minesweeping vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, despite decades of American military protection. The escalation follows US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in late February, prompting Iranian retaliation and disruptions to critical oil and liquified natural gas shipping routes through the strategically vital waterway.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:18 WIB
Vice President Gibran to Perform Eid Prayer with President Prabowo in Jakarta Before Returning to Solo
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka announced plans to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in his hometown of Solo, Central Java, but will first perform the Eid prayer with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. After participating in Eid gatherings (halalbihalal) with senior officials in Jakarta, Gibran will travel to Yogyakarta before heading to Solo.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:18 WIB
Jakarta Scorching; Pramono: No Need for Artificial Rain Yet
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that the capital does not yet require artificial rain modification operations despite scorching temperatures reaching 35.4°C in East Jakarta. The Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has indicated that rainfall is expected to return in the coming weeks, particularly around Eid al-Fitr, as the country transitions from the rainy season to the dry season in April.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:17 WIB
Trump Urged to Send Troops to Strait of Hormuz; Europe Firmly Rejects
European nations have collectively rejected calls from US President Donald Trump to deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, with EU leaders stating they have no intention to become militarily involved in the escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasised that Europe is not interested in an "endless war" and that the conflict is not "Europe's war", while leaders from Germany, Italy, Poland, Belgium, and the UK all reinforced their refusal to participate in military operations in the region, instead prioritising diplomatic solutions.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:17 WIB
Flood Victim Mother's Determination to Provide New Clothes for Children During Eid
Sri Kasnita Tambunan, a flood victim from Tukka, Tapanuli Tengah, is taking dried cake orders ahead of Eid 2026 to earn income for her family's needs, including new clothes for her children. Despite ongoing concerns about further flooding and her husband's reduced income as a refrigeration technician since the November 2025 flood disaster, Sri continues producing various traditional cakes from her home kitchen whilst involving her sister in the business to provide additional income for the family during recovery.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:17 WIB
Jakarta Free Homecoming Quota Increases by 34 Percent, 35,000 Travellers Dispatched
Jakarta's provincial government has expanded its free homecoming programme with a 34 percent increase in participants this year, dispatching approximately 35,000 travellers from the National Monument in central Jakarta. The initiative deploys 744 buses to serve 20 cities across six provinces, with additional support from corporate social responsibility contributions, whilst also providing six specially adapted buses for persons with disabilities.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:17 WIB
Without Justice Operations, Pramono Anung Reminds Migrants They Must Possess Skills
Jakarta's Governor Pramono Anung has announced that the provincial government will not conduct justice operations (forcible identity checks) against migrants returning to the capital after the Lebaran holiday, but has warned that Jakarta is no longer an easy city to succeed in without adequate skills and expertise. He emphasised that whilst Jakarta remains open to migrants, they must be prepared with qualifications matching current industry and government workforce requirements, as the city's competitive economic landscape does not guarantee prosperity without hard work and specialised abilities.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:16 WIB
Habermas, Tan Malaka, and the High Price of Critique
This reflective essay mourns the passing of philosopher Jürgen Habermas and draws parallels with Indonesian revolutionary intellectual Tan Malaka, examining their shared commitment to rational critique and communicative dialogue. Both thinkers emphasised the importance of critical thinking and honest communication as foundations for genuine democracy, offering a contrast to contemporary discourse characterised by simultaneous monologues rather than true dialogue.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:14 WIB
Aerial Monitoring Reveals Long Queues of Lebaran Travellers at Gilimanuk Port
Aerial surveillance has revealed significant traffic congestion at Gilimanuk Port in Bali's Jembrana Regency during the 2026 Lebaran exodus, with vehicle queues stretching for dozens of kilometres. High public mobility to cross to Java has exceeded ferry capacity at the port, prompting senior law enforcement and military officials to conduct direct aerial inspections and coordinate solutions to improve service efficiency and passenger safety during Operation Ketupat Agung 2026.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:14 WIB
BMKG: Heavy Rain and Intense Heat Continue to Threaten Multiple Regions Over Coming Week
Indonesia's Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) forecasts that weather conditions during the Eid homecoming period of 17-23 March 2026 will remain characterised by a combination of heavy rainfall and intense heat. Atmospheric dynamics including the Madden-Julian Oscillation and equatorial Rossby and Kelvin waves are expected to continue driving cloud formation, particularly across central and eastern Indonesia, whilst maximum temperatures are reaching 37.2°C in some regions. The agency has issued warnings to the public and authorities to remain vigilant against potential extreme weather impacts including lightning, thunder and strong winds that could disrupt travel during the holiday period.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:13 WIB
Transjakarta reactivates Route 10C with 24-hour Eid transport service until 29 March
PT Transportasi Jakarta (Transjakarta) has reactivated Route 10C (Tanjung Priok Port – Tanjung Priok) from 13–29 March 2026 to serve passengers travelling to the port during the Eid holiday period. The company is extending several routes serving major stations until 11.59 pm and operating its night service (AMARI) around the clock across key corridors to accommodate increased passenger movement during the 2026 Eid holiday season.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:11 WIB
Fuel Panic Buying Risks Triggering Shortages, Warns Consumer Advocacy Chief
Tulus Abadi, head of the Indonesian Consumer Empowerment Forum, has warned against fuel panic buying, cautioning that it could exacerbate shortages and drive up prices. He instead recommends the government implement holistic policies such as remote working arrangements and reduced working hours to control fuel consumption, whilst citizens should shift to public transportation and manage demand rationally.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:10 WIB
Containers Temporarily Held Up; Priok Operator Claims Services Have Recovered
New Priok Container Terminal One's operations director claims that container import and export services at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok Port have returned to normal, operating 24/7. However, importers represented by GINSI dispute this, alleging the operator temporarily withheld gate passes to suppress cargo movements during the Ramadan exodus period, causing significant losses from demurrage and storage fees.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:10 WIB
Finance Minister Purbaya Criticises "TikTok Economists": Check the Data, Learn Properly
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has criticised commentators on social media, particularly those he terms "TikTok economists," for spreading negative narratives about Indonesia's economy heading towards recession. Purbaya argued that multiple economic indicators, including a 5.39% growth rate in Q4 2025, rising consumer confidence, and increased vehicle sales, demonstrate that the economy remains robust and does not support recession claims.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:09 WIB
Vice President Gibran Sends Off 1,900 Participants in Free Mudik Journey by Danareksa 2026
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka officially launched the Mudik Bersama (Joint Homecoming) programme by BUMN Holding Danareksa 2026, facilitating 1,900 participants from 475 households in the Greater Jakarta area to return to their hometowns for Eid celebrations. The government initiative, coordinated through state-owned enterprises, deployed 39 bus convoys transporting participants to destinations across Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi, aiming to ensure an orderly, safe, and comfortable journey home.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:09 WIB
Former Special Staff of Yaqut Answers KPK Summons in Hajj Quota Corruption Case
Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), former special staff to ex-Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, appeared before Indonesia's Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) on 17 March 2026 for questioning as a suspect in a hajj quota corruption case. Both Yaqut and Gus Alex have been named as suspects; Yaqut has been detained for 20 days beginning 12 March, whilst Gus Alex's detention status remains undetermined pending investigation.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:09 WIB
Police Yet to Identify Attacker of Andrie Yunus, Criminologist: Gaps Exist in Digital Evidence
Four days after a caustic acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus of KontraS, police have yet to identify the perpetrator despite circulating CCTV footage and AI-generated facial reconstructions. Criminologist Adrianus Meliala highlights technical obstacles including poor CCTV quality, lack of clear facial images or vehicle registration numbers, and the possibility that the attacker disabled their mobile phone to evade digital tracking methods.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:07 WIB
Riau Police Construction of 110 Bridges Funded by CSR, Regional Police Commander Appreciates Collaboration
The Riau Police have overseen the construction of 110 bridges across cities and districts in Riau province using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds and the 1011 Putra Peduli Foundation, with 27 bridges completed and officially inaugurated by the National Police Chief and other government officials. The bridge project aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, enhance educational access, and accelerate agricultural distribution whilst addressing budget constraints through public-private collaboration. The initiative demonstrates how government infrastructure development can be accelerated through synergy with private sector contributions and community engagement.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:05 WIB
Trump states Israel will never use nuclear weapons against Iran
US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Israel "will never" use nuclear weapons against Iran, responding to concerns raised by White House AI advisor David Sacks. Sacks had previously warned in a podcast that Israel might escalate a potential US-Israel conflict with Iran by considering nuclear weapons use, which Trump dismissed as a position Sacks had never raised directly with him.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:05 WIB
Operation Peaceful Cartenz task force apprehends escaped prisoner and armed criminal group member in Dekai
The Operation Peaceful Cartenz (ODC) task force has apprehended Ferly Wesabla, a 22-year-old escaped prisoner and member of an armed criminal group (KKB), in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua. Wesabla, who had fled from Wamena Penitentiary on 25 February 2025, was captured on 16 March following a pursuit through a residential area. He is implicated in the 2024 murder of a Yahukimo Police District officer and is one of six prisoners who escaped from the facility.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:05 WIB
Mark Your Calendars: Peak Shopping Mall Visitation Expected on Second Day of Lebaran Holiday
Shopping mall operators are preparing special entertainment activities, thematic decorations, and promotional campaigns ahead of Lebaran 1447H (2026), with peak visitation expected on H+1 (second day of Lebaran) as families visit malls after family gatherings. The Indonesian Shopping Centre Association (APPBI) forecasts a 10-15% increase in mall visitation during Ramadan and Lebaran compared to the previous year, with midnight sales and special events strategically scheduled around payroll disbursements and holiday bonuses.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:05 WIB
KPK Examines Gus Alex as Suspect in Religious Ministry Hajj Quota Corruption Case
The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned Ishfah Abidal Aziz, alias Gus Alex, former special staff to the Religious Minister, as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the manipulation of 20,000 additional hajj quotas in 2023-2024. The investigation centres on allegations that quotas were divided equally at 50 per cent each between regular and special hajj pilgrimages, violating regulations that mandated a 92-8 per cent split and causing significant harm to regular hajj applicants who had been waiting for years.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:04 WIB
SPPG Employee Taunts "Ungrateful Common People", PDI-P: Citizens Deserve Best Quality Free Nutritious Meals
A PDI-P politician has criticised an SPPG (National Nutrition Service Unit) employee for insulting beneficiaries of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme as ungrateful, emphasising that Indonesians deserve the highest quality nutrition. The employee in Purbalingga, Central Java, was dismissed after her derisive social media post went viral, with the PDI-P calling for the National Nutrition Agency to reprimand all SPPG staff and ensure the programme prioritises nutritional quality, not merely quantity or recipient numbers.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:04 WIB
Travellers advised to use Central Sumatra Route to avoid congestion
Indonesia's Road Transport Management Agency (BPTD) Class II Jambi has confirmed that the Central Sumatra Route (Jalinteng) is safe and clear for traffic, urging returning travellers during the 2026 Eid holiday period to use this alternative route to avoid severe congestion on the eastern route in the Musi Banyuasin region. Bus operators from western Sumatra, Riau, and Bengkulu have increasingly begun using the Central Route, with authorities maintaining coordinated surveillance at strategic locations and toll gates to monitor traffic flow.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:04 WIB
TASPEN dispatches 1,400 mudik participants through free homecoming programme
PT TASPEN (Persero) has launched its "Comfortable Homecoming with TASPEN 2026" programme, dispatching 1,400 people using 35 buses to various destinations across Java and Sumatra for the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah holidays. The initiative, part of the broader state-owned enterprises free mudik programme, includes comprehensive travel support such as life and accident insurance coverage of Rp20 million per participant, travel escorts, and additional travel facilities.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:03 WIB
Gianyar Police Conduct Large-Scale Patrol Ahead of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026
The Gianyar Police Department has launched a large-scale patrol operation in preparation for Nyepi (Balinese New Year) and Eid al-Fitr celebrations in 2026, involving joint personnel from the police, military, and civil police authorities. The operation, part of the broader Operation Ketupat Agung 2026, aims to maintain public security and order whilst allowing citizens to safely celebrate the religious holidays through preventive measures and community engagement.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:03 WIB
Jakarta Not as Beautiful as Imagined, Pramono: Migrants Must Have Capabilities
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has cautioned prospective migrants to the capital city to prepare themselves with adequate skills and competencies, warning that life in Jakarta is more challenging than commonly perceived. Whilst affirming that Jakarta remains open to all who wish to relocate, Pramono emphasised that survival in the competitive job market requires mental fortitude and practical skills, though the provincial government will not conduct enforcement operations against new arrivals.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:03 WIB
Boy Thohir: ADRO to Conduct Rp 4 Trillion Share Buyback Due to Strong Fundamentals
Energy company PT Alamtri Resources Indonesia Tbk (ADRO) plans to repurchase shares worth up to Rp 4 trillion, with President Director Garibaldi "Boy" Thohir citing strong company fundamentals and confidence in Indonesia's long-term market prospects. The buyback, funded from internal cash reserves, is scheduled to begin on 20 April 2026 and will be executed in phases over a maximum of 12 months through the Indonesia Stock Exchange, reflecting management's support for the domestic capital market.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:03 WIB
Constitutional Court Invalidates DPR Retirement Regulation, Formappi: Victory for Public Justice
Indonesia's Constitutional Court has ruled that the 1980 law governing pension benefits for parliamentary leaders and members is unconstitutional, granting the government and DPR a two-year deadline to replace it. The court stated that existing pension rights would automatically lose legal force if no new regulation is enacted within this period. Formappi, a parliamentary watchdog organisation, hailed the ruling as a triumph for public justice, emphasising that the legislature can no longer hide behind outdated legislation that contradicts current economic conditions and public sentiment.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:03 WIB
Boy Thohir Prepares ADRO Stock Buyback
Entrepreneur Garibaldi "Boy" Thohir has announced plans for PT Alamtri Resources Indonesia Tbk (ADRO) to conduct a stock buyback programme with a maximum value of Rp4 trillion, demonstrating confidence in the company's fundamentals and Indonesia's energy sector. The buyback will be executed through the Indonesia Stock Exchange over a 12-month period following shareholder approval, in accordance with Financial Services Authority regulations on share repurchases.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:02 WIB
Extreme Heat in Jakarta; Pramono States Artificial Rain Not Yet Necessary
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has confirmed that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has no plans to implement weather modification or artificial rain, despite extreme temperatures currently affecting the capital. The Indonesia Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) forecasts extreme heat conditions to persist until around 20–22 March 2026, with maximum temperatures reaching 35.6°C and extreme ultraviolet levels, whilst authorities recommend citizens avoid direct sun exposure and take protective measures.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:02 WIB
BMKG Warns of Heavy Rainfall Potential on West Sumatra Return Route
Indonesia's Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning of extreme weather, particularly heavy rainfall, across West Sumatra ahead of the Eid 1447 Hijriah homecoming period in 2026. At least 12 regions are classified as high-risk zones for heavy rain on 17 March, with conditions expected to improve by late week, though travellers are urged to remain cautious of slippery roads and landslide-prone areas.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:02 WIB
Budget for Free Nutritious Meals Programme Remains at Rp 335 Trillion, Says BGN Chief
The head of Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has confirmed that the 2026 budget allocation for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme remains unchanged at Rp 335 trillion with no cuts or adjustments made so far. However, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has signalled that there remains room for efficiency improvements in programme implementation, suggesting the full allocation may not be necessary.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:01 WIB
France condemns attacks on UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon
France has strongly condemned attacks on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which reportedly occurred in three separate incidents on 15 March involving armed groups unaffiliated with the government. France has called on all parties to observe the ceasefire established on 26 November 2024 and comply with Security Council Resolution 1701, whilst demanding that Hezbollah disarm and Israel cease its ground operations in Lebanon.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:00 WIB
BNI Increases Credit Facility by Rp 10 Trillion to Pegadaian
Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has expanded its credit facility to state-owned pawnbroker Pegadaian by Rp 10 trillion, bringing the total financing provided to Rp 25.1 trillion. The expansion, formalised through a credit agreement signed in Jakarta on 10 March 2026, is aimed at strengthening the national financial services ecosystem and broadening access to financing for the public and businesses across various sectors.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:00 WIB
Cimanggis-Cibitung Toll Road Discounted, Tariffs Fall by up to Rp33,950
PT Cimanggis Cibitung Tollways has announced a 30 per cent toll rate discount on the Cimanggis-Cibitung toll road during the 2026 Lebaran holiday period from 21–23 March, reducing fares across all vehicle classes to support government traffic management programmes and reduce travel costs. The reduction aims to distribute traffic volume more evenly and mitigate congestion during the high-mobility holiday period, with Class I vehicles seeing the largest reduction from Rp48,500 to Rp33,950.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:00 WIB
Free Homecoming Programme by DKI Provincial Government: Pramono Reports 34 Per Cent Passenger Increase
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has launched its free Lebaran homecoming (mudik) programme for 2026 with approximately 34,000 participants, representing a 34 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Governor Pramono Anung deployed 744 buses for the service, alongside motorcycle transport via lorries, whilst also offering free public transport across all government-operated systems during the Eid celebration period. The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion during peak travel periods, enhance passenger safety and comfort, and lower road accident rates during the 2026 Lebaran migration.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:00 WIB
Logistics Trucks Set to Be Banned from Inner City Tolls and JORR, Details of the Scenario
The Indonesian government's Directorate General of Land Transportation is preparing strict operational restrictions on heavy goods vehicles using Jakarta's toll roads, following deteriorating performance indicators caused by heavy vehicle dominance. Data from November 2025 shows critical congestion levels on inner city toll segments, with average speeds plummeting to 28 km/hour, prompting the authorities to target a 20 per cent reduction in vehicle load that could improve average speeds to 45 km/hour and service levels from critical to stable.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 12:00 WIB
Citilink Named Most Punctual Airline in Southeast Asia in February 2026
Citilink has been ranked as Southeast Asia's most punctual airline in February 2026 with an on-time performance (OTP) of 86.97 per cent and zero flight cancellations across 6,531 operations, according to data from the Official Airlines Guide (OAG). The ranking is based on actual arrival times at departure gates, with flight cancellations counted as delays. OAG tracks airline performance through multiple sources including direct airline reports, airports, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders in the broader travel ecosystem.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 11:59 WIB
Indonesia maintains 3 per cent deficit cap amid Middle East uncertainty
President Prabowo Subianto has reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to maintaining a 3 per cent fiscal deficit limit, describing it as a crucial disciplinary tool established by law that will only be adjusted in major emergencies. However, the government faces mounting fiscal pressures from potential Middle East disruptions affecting energy supplies, prompting Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to plan additional budget cuts across ministries, whilst the government explores alternative energy sources including palm oil, coal, and renewable energy to mitigate external economic shocks.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 11:59 WIB
Isbat Session Held on 19 March to Determine Eid al-Fitr Following Hilal Sighting Results at 117 Locations
Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs will convene an isbat session on 19 March 2026 to officially determine the start of Shawwal 1447 Hijriah and the date of Eid al-Fitr. The session will consider astronomical calculations and hilal (crescent moon) sighting reports from 117 monitoring points across Indonesia, with the government awaiting field observations before making a final determination.
Tue, 17 Mar 2026, 11:58 WIB
Frontier hospital becomes hope for Southeast Asian patients
A public hospital in Hekou on China's border with Vietnam has become a vital healthcare destination for Southeast Asian patients, serving over 10,000 foreign patients in 2025 through multilingual services, traditional Chinese medicine, and cross-border medical emergency protocols. The facility, bolstered by China's visa-free policies and customs facilitation, exemplifies international healthcare cooperation in the region and has established emergency pathways to treat critical cases from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and beyond. The hospital's success reflects the deepening integration of healthcare services along the historic "Southern Silk Road" connecting China with Southeast Asia.