An abandoned newborn discovered outside a primary school in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, has been transferred to the Tunas Bangsa Infant Child Welfare Centre (PSAA Balita) following initial medical treatment. The infant, found in good health after initial jaundice, is now in proper institutional care with opportunities for legal adoption, whilst local authorities handle the case through standard procedures.

The Indonesian National Police's Traffic Corps (Korlantas) reports that only 28 per cent of the projected 3.5 million vehicles have left Jakarta as of Monday, 16 March, with the peak outflow expected on Wednesday, 18 March. The National Police will implement a nationwide one-way traffic system and utilise functional toll roads to manage congestion during the Eid holiday migration period. Detailed traffic management schemes, including contraflow and odd-even number plate regulations, have been scheduled across major highways from mid-March to late March 2026.

Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex, a former special staff member to Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, appeared for questioning at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on 17 March 2026 as a suspect in an alleged hajj quota corruption scheme from 2023-2024. Investigators believe Gus Alex acted as the minister's representative in collecting acceleration fees for special hajj pilgrimage services and that his actions were carried out on the minister's orders and with his knowledge. The KPK has detained Yaqut for 20 days on suspicion of illegally reapportioning hajj quotas from an 92:8 ratio (regular to special pilgrimage) to a 50:50 split without proper authorisation.

Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), special staff to former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, appeared before the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday for questioning as a suspect in an alleged hajj quota corruption case for 2023-2024. The KPK has alleged a scheme involving unauthorised additional hajj quotas and illicit fees of up to US$5,000 per pilgrim, with state losses estimated at Rp622 billion (approximately £31 million), whilst investigations continue into potential detention and involvement of private sector actors.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has mandated that insurance agents use QR codes for identity verification, allowing consumers to scan the codes to confirm an agent's legal registration in OJK's integrated licensing and registration system (SPRINT). As of 31 January 2026, 304,950 insurance agents across life, general, and Islamic insurance sectors have registered and obtained QR codes, with the policy rollout supported by industry associations and insurance companies.

As Eid approaches, Jakarta's Transportation Agency (Dishub DKI) has intensified vehicle roadworthiness checks at Pulo Gebang Integrated Terminal, the city's largest bus hub. Inspections cover critical components including braking systems, tyre condition, lights, and administrative documentation, with operators required to replace vehicles that fail to meet safety standards.

The state-owned enterprises' free mudik (homecoming) programme for Eid 2026 transported 116,688 people, a 10.3 per cent increase from the previous year's 105,794 passengers, exceeding the target of 104,000 by 12.2 per cent. The programme utilised three transport modes—buses (83,436 passengers), trains (28,720 passengers), and ships (4,532 passengers)—demonstrating strong public demand for the initiative.

A drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul was struck by an airstrike on Monday evening, killing dozens of people with fears the death toll could reach the hundreds. The Taliban government blamed Pakistan for the attack, which Pakistan denied, claiming its military operations only targeted terrorist infrastructure, whilst BBC correspondents reported at least 30 bodies evacuated from the destroyed facility. The strike marks an escalation in cross-border tensions between the two neighbouring countries, with UN data recording at least 75 deaths from ongoing clashes since late February.

The Aceh Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (PRR) distributed essential aid and religious supplies to flood victims in Bireuen Regency, including 250 Qurans, religious garments, 5,000 trousers, clothing items, and 600 kitchen equipment packages. The task force chief Safrizal ZA emphasised the importance of accurate victim data to ensure aid reaches the correct recipients and announced that permanent housing construction for flood victims would commence after Ramadan, provided there are no obstacles.

Pertamina's Eastern Indonesia Subholding achieved oil and gas production of 208,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025, surpassing its target by 0.4 per cent, with lifting operations reaching 102.9 per cent of target. The company plans to boost production further in 2026 through well drilling programmes, advanced recovery technologies such as CO2 flooding, and digital technology adoption whilst maintaining strict health, safety and environmental standards across its operations spanning East Java, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua.

Antam gold prices declined by Rp4,000 to Rp2.988 million per gram as of 17 March 2026, moving further away from the Rp3 million threshold, whilst buyback prices fell to Rp2.74 million per gram. The article details the complete price schedule for various gold bar denominations and outlines applicable tax regulations including 1.5-3 per cent income tax on buyback transactions exceeding Rp10 million and 0.45-0.9 per cent tax on gold purchases.

PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (InJourney), a state-owned aviation and tourism holding company, has restored the legendary Grand Hotel De Djokja in Yogyakarta's Malioboro district to its original name, marking the revival of an iconic heritage hotel established in 1911. The revitalisation, led by InJourney Hospitality subsidiary, represents a strategic initiative to preserve Indonesia's cultural heritage whilst positioning the property as a world-class destination and part of The Heritage Collection. The five-star hotel officially opened on 16 March 2026 with 210 rooms, premium facilities, and a special soft-opening rate of Rp 1,911,000 per night, honouring the hotel's founding year.

Police investigating the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, deputy coordinator of the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), have revealed that one suspect changed clothing after the incident before fleeing towards different areas of Jakarta and Bogor. Four suspects on two motorcycles dispersed in different directions after the attack, with CCTV and communication network analysis tracking their movements. Yunus remains stable in hospital with chemical burns covering approximately 20 per cent of his body and severe trauma to his right eye, whilst human rights advocates have called for attempted murder charges rather than the assault charges currently filed.

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States does not require foreign assistance in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping, claiming America is the world's strongest nation with the most powerful military. The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following tit-for-tat military strikes between the US, Israel, and Iran that have caused a de facto halt to traffic through the critical waterway vital for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Indonesia's State Personnel Board (BKN) has announced punitive measures against West Sulawesi Provincial Government for suddenly removing 95 officials—51 administrators and 44 supervisors—from their posts without proper notification or BKN recommendation. In response, BKN has temporarily suspended West Sulawesi's personnel services through blocking access to the Digital ASN system, excluding pension services, citing violations of personnel management standards and procedures. The service suspension will remain in place until the provincial government reinstates the removed officials and complies with proper BKN procedures.

An Indonesian parliamentary commission member has called on the government to prioritise the safety of Hajj pilgrims in 2026 amid escalating conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The government is considering three scenarios for managing the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, including potential flight route diversions to safer corridors if security conditions in certain regions become untenable.

The Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM) at the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Economics and Business has recommended that Bank Indonesia maintain its benchmark policy rate (BI-Rate) at 4.75 per cent to preserve rupiah stability and control inflation. This recommendation comes as Indonesia faces elevated inflation of 4.76 per cent year-on-year in February 2026, coupled with downward rating revisions from international agencies and foreign capital outflows.

Following escalating military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, President Trump has pressed European and Arab allies to join US-led operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route. However, six nations—the United Kingdom, France, Poland, Greece, Sweden, and others—have rejected or expressed reluctance towards Trump's proposals, citing concerns over NATO involvement, competing regional priorities, and the need for broader multilateral approaches.

Economists consensus that Bank Indonesia's benchmark interest rate will remain at 4.75 per cent at its March 2026 Board of Governors meeting, as strong external pressures continue to weaken the rupiah. The US-Iran conflict, elevated oil prices, and capital outflows have constrained BI's monetary policy options, with rate cuts likely limited to just one throughout 2026. Rising government bond yields and rupiah depreciation reflect increased market uncertainty over Indonesia's short-term economic prospects.

Saka Year 1947 coincides with Ramadan 1447 Hijriah in Bali, creating the need for Muslim communities to adapt their tarawih prayer practices to respect Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence. Muslim worshippers can observe tarawih through four primary methods: congregational prayer at nearby mosques with noise restrictions, private prayer at home with family, communal prayer in Muslim residential areas, and deferring additional Ramadan activities to minimise disruption during the 24-hour period of silence and calm.

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is preparing extensive infrastructure to ensure fuel availability during the Lebaran 2026 exodus period, deploying 7,885 petrol stations, over 6,777 Pertashops, 200 fuel delivery motorcycles, and 95 modular fuel units across Indonesia. The company will also establish 43 rest stops (Serambi MyPertamina) along travel routes and introduce mobile refuelling services to reach congested areas and remote regions with limited access. Consumer groups have endorsed the initiative as a positive step to maintain public confidence in energy supply during the peak travel season.

Jakarta's Transport Department enforces mandatory health screening for all long-distance bus drivers operating from Pulo Gebang terminal to ensure passenger safety during the Eid holiday rush. Drivers with high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, or insufficient rest are either required to rest further or replaced by standby drivers, with approximately 10 per cent of drivers deemed unfit to drive and replaced entirely.

Police efforts are underway to manage heavy traffic flows at Mengwi Terminal in Badung, Bali, as thousands of homebound travellers rush to catch ferries to Java before the Port of Gilimanuk closes for Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) on 19 March 2026. The terminal is expected to be congested through Wednesday as the mass exodus coincides with Nyepi festivities and Lebaran celebrations. Authorities have deployed 21 police personnel, set up 24-hour service posts, and implemented traffic management measures including restricting three-axle freight vehicles to ensure safe passage for travellers.

Indonesia's Constitutional Court has ruled that Law Number 12 of 1980 concerning financial and administrative rights for state leadership and high institution members is conditionally unconstitutional. The Court found that provisions concerning monthly honourarium payments to non-DPR MPR members have become obsolete due to structural changes in the MPR's composition under the amended 1945 Constitution, and has mandated that the government and parliament formulate new legislation within two years.

The Traffic Directorate of Jambi Police has temporarily closed the Eastern Sumatra Expressway between Jambi and Palembang and redirected homebound holiday travellers to alternative routes in response to severe and persistent traffic congestion spanning tens of kilometres across the region. The closure, which began on Monday evening, is part of an operational response coordinated with police units in South Sumatra to manage the dramatic surge in vehicle volumes during the Islamic holiday return period.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti has called for ASEAN member states to strengthen cooperation on green economy initiatives to ensure sustainable regional growth without compromising environmental protection. Speaking at the ASEAN Economic Ministers Retreat in the Philippines, she emphasised the importance of collaborative implementation of circular economy frameworks, carbon neutrality strategies, and blue economy initiatives to balance economic development with resource conservation and environmental sustainability.

The United States government has authorised Iranian oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions, a move undertaken to stabilise threatened global oil supplies. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that American authorities are permitting Iranian and international tanker traffic to continue through the strategically vital waterway, with expectations that traffic will increase further before US Navy and allied forces begin formal escort operations. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 million barrels of oil pass daily, has been effectively closed to regular commercial shipping since early March following Iranian retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli operations, causing significant surges in global crude prices and triggering concerns about energy supply disruptions and food inflation.

The article explains the eight categories of people eligible to receive zakat (alms) as outlined in the Quran's Surah At-Taubah verse 60. These categories include the extremely poor (al-fuqara'), the poor (al-masakin), and six other groups, with zakat having more specific recipients than general charity such as ordinary almsgiving. The article provides detailed definitions and examples for each category, including elderly individuals without pensions, disaster victims, and those unable to afford basic education.

Severe congestion affecting the Gilimanuk Port route has reached approximately 45 kilometres, exacerbated by the Lebaran exodus overlapping with Balinese Nyepi celebrations. The National Association of River, Lake, and Ferry Transport Operators (Gapasdap) argues that temporary traffic management measures address only symptoms, whilst the root cause lies in the imbalance between growing vessel fleets and limited berth capacity at ferry terminals. Gapasdap is urging the government to develop a comprehensive national roadmap for ferry terminal infrastructure development, proposing at least one new berth pair annually on major national ferry routes to match vehicle mobility and logistics demands.

The Indonesian rupiah traded volatile but closed weaker at 16,990 per US dollar on 16 March 2026, weakening 56 points from the previous close, amid rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. Economists attribute the currency weakness to escalating regional conflict and domestic concerns over budget deficit, with The Fed's upcoming interest rate decision expected to further influence rupiah movements. The rupiah subsequently recovered slightly to 16,973 per dollar by mid-morning trading on 17 March 2026.

The Indonesian rupiah strengthened marginally to Rp16,965 per US dollar on 17 March 2026, gaining 0.12% from the previous close, as markets await the Bank Indonesia's monetary policy decision. The limited appreciation reflects hopes for currency stabilisation amid Middle East geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, with analysts expecting BI to maintain its benchmark rate at 4.75% to defend financial asset attractiveness and stem capital outflows.

Pasar Senen railway station in central Jakarta experienced severe overcrowding four days before Eid al-Fitr, with homebound travellers far exceeding seating capacity in waiting areas. Many passengers were forced to sit on the floor as waiting lounges reached full capacity, though travellers appeared accepting of the conditions given the peak travel season. The surge underscores the significant infrastructure strain during major religious holidays when millions of Indonesians travel to their home villages.

Indonesia faces mounting fiscal pressure from rising oil prices triggered by Middle East conflict, potentially forcing President Prabowo's government to cut energy subsidies or reduce the flagship free school meals programme that absorbs nearly 10 per cent of the budget. With fuel and natural gas reserves at maximum capacity and limited alternative suppliers, analysts warn the government must either risk political backlash by raising fuel costs, trim spending on popular social schemes, or breach the legally capped fiscal deficit of 3 per cent of GDP. The Finance Minister indicated a willingness to "share the burden with the public," whilst the President has proposed conservation measures including reduced office attendance and shorter working weeks.

Bank Indonesia's Bengkulu representative office has launched the "Wakaf Trendi" programme to enable Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) to develop competitive independent business units aimed at controlling inflation and supporting national food security. The initiative, which targets three pesantren in 2026 with projects in chilli cultivation, egg-laying poultry farming, and hydroponic vegetable growing, has raised over Rp 100 million in waqf (Islamic endowment) funds to date, significantly exceeding the previous year's total.

Plan International Indonesia has formally endorsed the Communications and Digital Ministry's Regulation 9/2026 on the governance of electronic systems for child protection, submitted through an official letter to Minister Meutya Hafid. The regulation aims to create a safer digital environment for Indonesian children by promoting digital literacy, strengthening parental and school involvement, and establishing collaboration between government, civil society, and digital platforms.

A market ceiling at Pasar Sehat Soreang in Bandung Regency collapsed on Monday, 16 March 2026, killing one person and injuring three others. The concrete ceiling, which had shown signs of structural cracks beforehand, gave way and damaged 13 merchant kiosks; police and local authorities have launched investigations into the incident.

Bank Indonesia's Kediri branch is operating new currency exchange services at rest areas on 16-17 March 2026 from 09:00 to 13:00 WIB, enabling travellers to obtain various denominations of Indonesian rupiah in cash or via QRIS payment. The programme is limited to 100 packages per location per day, with the central bank encouraging citizens needing currency exchange to visit nearby conventional banks.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Ishfah Abidal Aziz, former special staff to ex-Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, for questioning on 17 March 2026 regarding alleged corruption in the hajj quota allocation for 2023-2024. Both Yaqut and Ishfah have been designated as suspects; whilst Yaqut is being detained at the KPK's Red and White Building detention facility, Ishfah's detention status remains pending as the KPK investigates allegations that Yaqut ordered the distribution of 20,000 additional hajj quotas.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has launched a Ramadan social responsibility initiative under the theme "Sharing Meaning for Indonesia," providing assistance to 8,500 orphans nationwide and distributing educational funds for Qur'an specialists. The programme, attended by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar and BRI Chief Executive Hery Gunardi, reflects the bank's commitment to demonstrating corporate success through community benefit rather than business metrics alone.

PT Pupuk Indonesia has reassured that domestic fertiliser supplies remain secure despite geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global urea distribution route. The state-owned company emphasises its capacity to meet all domestic urea demand through domestically sourced natural gas feedstock, whilst diversifying imports of phosphate, potassium, and sulphur from nations outside the Middle East conflict zone to mitigate supply risks.

PT Jasa Marga recorded 812,342 vehicles departing the Greater Jakarta region during the H-10 to H-6 period before Eid 2026, marking a 9.6 per cent increase from normal traffic levels. The surge is attributed to a 30 per cent toll discount policy and the Work From Anywhere scheme allowing flexible working arrangements. The eastern route towards Trans Java saw the sharpest increase of 56.4 per cent, with peak traffic recorded on 15 March 2026 when 162,129 vehicles passed through.

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has agreed with his US counterpart Marco Rubio to cooperate with the United States and other nations to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle Eastern conflict. The agreement follows President Trump's calls for nations to deploy warships to secure the strategic waterway, though this specific request was not mentioned in the bilateral conversation. Japan is particularly concerned about maritime security as over 90 per cent of its crude oil imports transit through the strait, whilst facing constitutional constraints on deploying its Self-Defence Forces to conflict zones.

The U.S. Embassy complex in Baghdad came under attack from multiple drones on Tuesday morning, with the American Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) air defence system firing extensively to intercept incoming projectiles. The escalating attacks on diplomatic facilities mark a significant intensification of regional tensions between the United States and Iran-aligned forces in Iraq and the Middle East.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia has set a maximum fare of Rp10,000 for LRT Jabodebek during the extended holiday period from 18-24 March 2026, covering the Nyepi and Lebaran break. The operator will run 270 daily services during this period to encourage public transport usage and support mobility across the Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Bekasi region.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has warned coal business owners that they must prioritise the domestic market obligation (DMO) scheme before exporting, with the government withholding export licences from companies failing to meet domestic supply requirements. The minister reported that coal availability at power plants currently averages 14 days of supply, which remains within national minimum standards despite reports of dwindling stocks.

The Philippine government has repatriated hundreds of Filipino nationals from the Middle East, including from Iran, as conflict escalates between the US-Israel coalition and Iran. Approximately 1,500 Filipinos have returned home since US-Israel attacks began on 28 February, with an estimated 2.4 million Filipino workers remaining in the region. The conflict has resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Iran, with Iran responding through missile and drone strikes against Israeli and US facilities across multiple Gulf states.

An Iranian drone struck a fuel tank at Dubai Airport on 16 March 2026, disrupting airport operations and affecting two Emirates flights from Indonesia. The Acting Director of Indonesian Citizen Protection at Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that flight EK 399 from Denpasar to Dubai was diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport with approximately 300 passengers on board, whilst no Indonesian nationals have been reported as casualties or requiring assistance.

The Constitutional Court has declared Law Number 12 of 1980 regarding the financial and administrative rights of state leaders and high-ranking officials to be conditionally unconstitutional. The court has ordered the government and parliament to draft new legislation governing the financial rights of senior state officials and former leaders within two years, during which the existing law will remain in force.

Indonesia's Supreme Court has rejected Google's cassation petition, upholding sanctions for alleged monopolistic practices and abuse of dominant position regarding the mandatory Google Play Billing system on its Play Store. Google must now pay a fine of 202.5 billion rupiah, exhausting all legal remedies in this landmark competition case that began in 2022.

Indonesia's Composite Stock Index (IHSG) rose 0.75 per cent to 7,074.61 on Tuesday morning as market participants adopted a cautious stance ahead of interest rate decisions from central banks both domestically and internationally. The market remains concerned about external shocks including rising crude oil prices, potential rupiah depreciation, and fiscal pressures, though President Prabowo reiterated his commitment to fiscal discipline and managing the budget deficit responsibly.