A nutritional expert from IPB University explains that hunger during fasting is determined not by portion size but by the quality and composition of pre-dawn meals, particularly the balance of protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates. Rather than consuming excessive simple carbohydrates that cause rapid blood sugar spikes, maintaining a balanced diet following the "Isi Piringku" principle—with half the plate filled with vegetables and fruits—helps sustain energy throughout the fasting period.

Despite expanding toll road networks in Greater Jakarta, congestion continues to worsen due to imbalanced traffic distribution driven by disparate toll tariffs and centralised travel patterns towards Jakarta. Researchers from the Civil Engineering programme at ITSB propose three policy scenarios, primarily focusing on heavy vehicle restrictions during peak hours and 24-hour bans on certain routes, to address the issue.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz warns that the Middle East conflict risks pushing the United States into stagflation, as Middle Eastern tensions have disrupted the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz and driven global oil prices up 40-50%, whilst Trump's tariff policies have simultaneously weakened the dollar and heightened domestic inflation. The US faces particular vulnerability compared to other developed economies, as growth indicators remain weak, labour force expansion has stalled, and the stock market rally is driven primarily by artificial intelligence and technology sectors rather than broad-based economic strength.

Indonesia's State Enterprises Regulatory Board announced that a major consolidation of state-owned logistics companies will be completed by the first half of 2026, with PT Pos serving as the anchor enterprise. The merger will integrate several logistics subsidiaries including Semen Logistik, Pupuk Logistik, Angkasa Pura Logistik, and KAI Logistik to create a stronger, more efficient ecosystem for both domestic and regional logistics operations.

Malaysia's domestic trade ministry detained 10 people and seized RM4.9 million worth of fuel and assets in a major petrol misappropriation case, intercepting a tanker transfer operation in March. The crackdown reflects the government's heightened efforts to combat cross-border fuel smuggling driven by rising global oil prices and the price gap between subsidised Malaysian fuel and higher-priced fuel in neighbouring countries. A reactivated inter-agency committee is strengthening border monitoring and enforcement across hotspots in Sabah and Sarawak to protect domestic supply and subsidy costs.

Global oil prices declined approximately 3 percent following reports that tanker ships have resumed transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supply. Brent crude fell to $100.21 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate to $93.50 per barrel, amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions, expectations of US strategic petroleum reserve releases, and diplomatic discussions over regional maritime security.

The Central Java and Jakarta provincial governments have issued warnings to migrants returning to the capital after Eid celebrations, urging them not to bring family members or friends without secured employment. Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasised that such migration patterns risk increasing demographic burden and unemployment in Jakarta, whilst the regional government promotes employment programmes and vocational training in Central Java as alternatives.

Indonesia's government is preparing its response to a US trade investigation initiated by the United States Trade Representative under Section 301 of the US Trade Act, which examines whether foreign trading practices are unfair or discriminatory. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto will convene discussions with industry associations and relevant ministries to focus on two key issues: production capacity and forced labour practices. The government hopes that Indonesia's Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States will facilitate a mutually beneficial resolution, though it is monitoring potential consequences including additional tariffs and import quotas.

The Indonesian rupiah opened stronger against the US dollar at Rp16,965 per dollar on 17 March 2026, gaining 0.12% ahead of Bank Indonesia's monetary policy decision. Market consensus from 13 financial institutions expects BI to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4.75%, with the central bank prioritising rupiah stability and inflation control amid persistent global financial uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

Bank Indonesia's Yogyakarta representative office has prepared Rp 4.99 trillion in currency to meet increased transaction demand during the Eid 2026 holiday, anticipating approximately 8.2 million travellers and tourists visiting the region. The amount represents an 8.24 per cent increase from the previous period (Rp 4.61 trillion) and is being distributed through 42 exchange points across the Special Region of Yogyakarta, operating from 13 February to 17 March 2026. Exchange services are provided through various channels including retail exchanges at places of worship, collaboration with nine banks, a unified exchange centre at a sports complex, and mobile cash services at Yogyakarta Station.

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) has launched its Free Mudik Programme 2026, facilitating approximately 850 passengers travelling to various cities across Java during the Islamic holiday. The initiative, part of the broader Free Mudik BUMN 2026 programme, deploys 21 bus convoys across 12 routes to provide safe, comfortable, and orderly travel for returning holidaymakers whilst reducing traffic congestion and accident risks during the peak travel period.

A global RAM memory shortage has emerged as a central topic of discussion at the Game Developers Conference 2026, with developers warning that the crisis could fundamentally reshape game development practices. Developers are discussing optimisation strategies to enable games to run on PCs with limited RAM capacity, whilst predicting potential industry shifts including more loading screens and possible de-emphasis on cutting-edge graphics in favour of sustainability. The shortage is also raising speculation about higher prices for next-generation gaming consoles.

Indonesia's Attorney General's office summoned leaders of several Bali regional agencies to gather information and data regarding the Foreign Tourist Levy (PWA) collection system. Governor Wayan Koster confirmed the summons were not investigatory but informational, with the Attorney General's office providing recommendations to optimise the levy collection, which has only achieved 32-34 per cent of its potential revenue since implementation in 2024.

The Head of the Indonesian Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan, has called on businesses to leverage the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr season to improve product quality and build consumer confidence, noting that demand for halal-certified products including food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, and fashion increases significantly during this period. Haikal emphasised that halal certification is essential for consumer protection and that the festive season presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to strengthen the halal value chain across the supply chain and contribute to national economic growth.

A family science professor from IPB University explains how shared iftar (breaking of fast) meals during Ramadan build emotional resilience and strengthen family bonds through quality interaction and communication. The research emphasises that the social and psychological benefits of collective dining extend beyond nourishment, creating a foundation for family cohesion and long-term wellbeing.

Indonesia's Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) opened 1% higher at 7,094.5 on its final trading day before the Eid holiday recess, marking an exceptionally weak Ramadan period for the market. The index has plummeted 15% since the beginning of Ramadan on 19 February 2026, with 72% of trading days closing in negative territory—a stark contrast to recent years when the market typically gains during the holy month. The downturn has been driven by multiple headwinds including credit rating downgrades from Moody's and Fitch, MSCI index freeze concerns, geopolitical tensions from the Iran-Israel-United States conflict affecting oil prices, and broader market reform pressures.

Indonesia's Constitutional Court has partially upheld a challenge to the pension scheme for former state officials, ruling that Law No. 12 of 1980 on financial and administrative rights must be replaced within two years. The court issued five conditions for the new legislation, requiring it to distinguish between elected, selected, and appointed officials whilst maintaining institutional independence and considering proportionality and public participation.

AirNav Indonesia projects a 4.5 per cent increase in flight traffic during the 2026 Eid travel season compared to normal operating periods and has mobilised over 2,800 navigation facilities and 1,700 air traffic control officers to manage the surge. The state-owned aviation navigation authority is simultaneously urging public awareness about the safety risks posed by uncontrolled weather balloons, which can threaten aircraft operations across Indonesian airspace.

Investigating the acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus, his legal team has presented new evidence and allegations to law enforcement, including a purple bottle believed to contain the corrosive liquid. Legal representatives suspect the perpetrator may have been injured by the acid themselves and believe the attack was systematic and executed by a trained individual, requesting an independent investigation led by President Prabowo Subianto.

Indonesia's Attorney General's Office has summoned seven provincial officials from Bali to request information and data regarding the implementation of the Foreign Tourist Levy (PWA) programme, which has collected Rp318 billion in 2024 and Rp368 billion in 2025—equivalent to only 32-34% of total foreign visitor arrivals. Governor Wayan Koster emphasised that the summons relates to information gathering rather than corruption investigations, noting the digital payment system minimises fraud risks, though immigration involvement remains necessary to improve collection efficiency.

A member of the House of Representatives Commission III has condemned the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, a human rights activist with KontraS (Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence), describing it as a severe test of the state's commitment to civil liberties and rule of law rather than ordinary criminal violence. The parliamentarian highlighted a troubling pattern of attacks against civil society actors in Indonesia, citing historical cases including the 2004 poisoning death of human rights activist Munir Said Thalib, the 2015 beating death of environmental activist Salim Kancil, and the 2017 acid attack on former KPK investigator Novel Baswedan. He characterised the attack as part of a systematic pattern of intimidation targeting those who criticise government abuse of power and resource exploitation, warning that democracy itself is under threat.

An explosion occurred at Masjid Raya Pesona in Jember on Tuesday evening during Tarawih prayers, with a witness and muezzin describing the blast that originated from the northern exterior near a storage area. The explosion damaged the mosque's ventilation wall with a one-meter diameter hole and injured no one, as the nearest worshippers were approximately two to three metres away from the blast site.

ALMAL Real Estate Development has appointed Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to manage The One by ALMAL, a luxury resort project in Bali's Nusa Dua district designed to combine modern architecture with traditional Balinese cultural heritage. The property will operate under the Registry Collection Hotels brand, providing ALMAL with access to Wyndham's global marketing platforms, reservation systems and loyalty programme whilst maintaining the resort's distinctive identity in one of Southeast Asia's premier hospitality destinations.

Parents are increasingly concerned about children's exposure to low-quality, AI-generated "brainrot" content on social media, with support growing for the Indonesian government's proposed restriction on social media access for children under 16 years old. One father, Zaki, emphasises that young children lack the cognitive ability to filter inappropriate content and are vulnerable to addictive social media algorithms designed to prolong engagement, a concern that has prompted discussions about digital regulation similar to measures already implemented in countries such as Australia.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned the public to be vigilant of potential rainfall with varying intensities across multiple Indonesian regions on Tuesday. The forecast indicates light to heavy cloud cover in western Indonesia with thunderstorm risks in Palembang, moderate rainfall in Kalimantan, and light to moderate rainfall throughout eastern regions including Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua.

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) is launching its Free Mudik 2026 programme, providing transport for thousands of passengers to 12 cities across Java during the Eid holiday period as part of a broader BUMN (state-owned enterprise) initiative. The programme involves 21 buses departing from multiple locations in Jakarta and travelling to routes including Tasikmalaya, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Madiun, with comprehensive safety measures including vehicle inspections and health clearances for drivers. The initiative aims to ensure safe and orderly travel whilst reducing traffic congestion and strengthening family bonds during the festive season.

Indonesia's Composite Index (IHSG) has declined nearly 20% year-to-date amid ongoing market volatility, yet Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has advised investors to remain selective and focus on fundamentally sound companies rather than speculative stocks. The Minister expressed confidence in Indonesia's medium to long-term market prospects, citing strong economic fundamentals and controlled fiscal deficits that support continued growth potential.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport authorities reported a 16.6% increase in passenger movements during the March 2026 Lebaran exodus period, with airlines proposing 735 additional flights comprising 634 domestic and 101 international services. The airport has established an integrated Lebaran transport command centre and implemented enhanced security measures, infrastructure checks, and passenger facilities to manage the peak travel period spanning 13–30 March 2026.

The Director General of Land Transport at Indonesia's Ministry of Transport has revealed that severe congestion at Gilimanuk Port in Bali is due to the port's insufficient capacity to handle the surge in passenger and vehicle volume coinciding with the Nyepi and Lebaran holidays. The port lacks adequate infrastructure, with only eight large vessels (2,000 GT and above) and limited dock facilities, unlike major competing routes such as Merak-Bakauheni which can distribute traffic across multiple ports.

Content creator and videographer Ryan Matta has analysed video footage of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu purchasing and drinking coffee that was posted on his official social media account, concluding that it is artificially generated using AI. Matta identified several visual anomalies in the video, including a coffee cup that appears to be overflowing but does not spill and inconsistent design details on the cup that suddenly become pristine when near Netanyahu's face, suggesting the footage is fabricated rather than authentic.

AirNav Indonesia has announced comprehensive operational readiness for the 2026 Lebaran (Eid) holiday travel period, with flight traffic projected to increase 4.5% year-on-year. The state air navigation service provider has mobilised over 1,700 air traffic control officers, more than 2,800 communication and surveillance facilities, and multiple support teams across hundreds of Indonesian airports to ensure safe and efficient flight operations during the busy travel season.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) will operate five BRImo Rest Stop Posts along the Jakarta-Java toll routes from 17-25 March 2026 to support smooth Eid travel with medical services, entertainment, and various promotions. The initiative aims to provide comfortable rest facilities for travellers, reduce accident risks, and offer special discounts on BRImo transactions, BRIZZI top-ups, and fuel purchases during the busy travel period.

The Directorate General of Customs office for Central Java and D.I. Yogyakarta has awarded the Ease of Import for Export Purposes (KITE) exemption facility to PT Guna Citra Kartika, a canned fish and aquatic products processing company. The facility exempts the company from import duties and taxes on raw materials destined for export, reducing production costs and supporting Indonesia's fishery exports to the United States. The company, which has invested Rp25.7 billion and employs 230 workers, represents a strategic government initiative to enhance national industry competitiveness in global markets.

A recent study involving adults with prediabetes found that consuming one medium Hass avocado and one cup of fresh mango daily for eight weeks significantly improved cardiovascular health markers without requiring weight loss or lifestyle changes. The combined nutritional benefits of avocado's monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fibre, alongside mango's vitamin C, antioxidants, and additional fibre, demonstrated protective effects on heart health in this vulnerable population.

Bank Indonesia reported a sharp 85.4% increase in the number of people exchanging currency ahead of Eid 2026, with over 1 million transactions recorded by mid-March compared to 580,496 the previous year. The central bank attributes the surge to strengthening household economic activity and expanded its exchange service network from 5,202 to 9,294 locations, whilst warning the public to only use official channels to guard against counterfeit notes and fraud.

Minister of Villages and Disadvantaged Regions Development Yandri Susanto expressed optimism that the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG) has significant potential to improve living standards in rural communities. The programme drives rural economic growth through thematic villages that supply food ingredients for the MBG, with 20 per cent of village funds allocated to food security in 2025. The minister argued that the programme effectively addresses malnutrition in villages and has garnered substantial support from residents.

The Strategic Food Price Information Centre (PIHPS) managed by Bank Indonesia has recorded bird's eye chilli prices at IDR90,000 per kilogram and chicken meat at IDR42,750 per kilogram as of Tuesday morning. The PIHPS published a comprehensive price index for strategic food commodities at the retail level nationwide, including various types of rice, spices, meat, sugar, and cooking oil to monitor market conditions.

PT Trans Marga Jateng (TMJ), the operator of the Semarang-Solo toll road, has prepared comprehensive operational measures to handle the anticipated surge in traffic during the Eid 2026 holiday period (11-31 March 2026). Peak mudik (homebound) traffic is expected on 18 March with a projected increase of 222.1% above normal levels, whilst balik (return) traffic on 24 March could surge by 347.3%, prompting TMJ to deploy additional personnel, mobile payment readers, tow trucks, and strengthen rest area facilities across the route.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned the international community not to overlook the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Palestine, asserting that the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran in the Middle East is causing the Palestinian issue to be sidelined. Lavrov made the remarks during a joint press conference with Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi in Moscow, emphasising that Arab nations bear moral responsibility for Palestine's future and calling on the United Nations to actively support Palestinian recognition.

Mataram city authorities are urging residents planning to travel home for Eid to leave their house keys with neighbours or neighbourhood heads to enhance home security during the extended holiday period. The Civil Police are intensifying patrols and have identified several high-risk residential areas based on previous theft reports, whilst the West Nusa Tenggara Police has also established a free vehicle storage service at police stations for residents travelling during the holiday.

China and the United States have achieved a preliminary consensus on several bilateral issues following deep and constructive consultations in Paris, with both sides agreeing to continue the consultation process. The discussions covered bilateral tariff rates, potential extensions of tariff arrangements, and non-tariff measures, whilst China raised serious concerns about US unilateral trade restrictions and recent Section 301 investigations. Both nations affirmed that stable bilateral economic and trade relations benefit both countries and the global economy.

The proliferation of electric bicycles in Indonesian cities has raised questions about their potential impact on the electric motorcycle market, though industry experts argue they serve different transportation needs. Indomobil Emotor's CEO emphasises that electric bicycles are designed for short-distance mobility whilst electric motorcycles cater to medium-distance travel, and stresses that public education on distinguishing between the two vehicle types is crucial to maintaining consumer trust in two-wheeled electric vehicles.

PT Catur Sentosa Adiprana Tbk (CSAP), a distributor of building materials, chemicals, and modern retail (Mitra10 & Atria), remains optimistic about building materials business prospects in 2026, with its 58 stores continuing to rely heavily on the home renovation segment rather than new housing developments. The company faces challenges including global economic and geopolitical volatility, reliance on local products, and regulatory uncertainty for imported products which comprise approximately 30% of supply, whilst seeking government support to boost growth in related sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and basic metals industries.

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) has issued a warning to customers ahead of the Ramadan holiday period, urging vigilance against fraudulent schemes using malicious .APK files that can steal financial data and compromise device security. The bank advises customers to avoid downloading suspicious files from unknown sources, enable two-factor authentication, and verify suspicious messages before taking action, whilst providing clear steps for customers who have already downloaded malicious files.

Golkar party has responded to government discussion of work-from-home (WFH) policies to conserve fuel amid Middle East conflict tensions, advocating for careful assessment before implementation. The party proposes prioritising Jakarta, West Java, and Banten—which account for 30 percent of national fuel consumption—whilst cautioning that WFH should remain an emergency measure only. The proposal follows President Prabowo Subianto's reference to Pakistan's adaptive measures, which include WFH, four-day working weeks, and salary cuts for ministers and parliamentarians.

Indonesian news roundup covering the Indonesian Ulama Council's appeal for Muslims to await the government's Isbat hearing decision on Eid al-Fitr, education minister guidance on using Eid as a learning opportunity, and government initiatives to relocate disaster survivors in Aceh, Sumatra Uttar, and West Sumatra from emergency tents before the holiday. The Ministry of Social Affairs distributed 100.9 billion rupiah in assistance to survivors in East Aceh district, whilst the National Zakat Board recorded its highest collection of 4.3 billion rupiah from 111 donors including state officials and cabinet ministers.

US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration has requested to postpone a planned high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing by approximately one month due to the ongoing military conflict with Iran. Trump stated he needs to remain in the United States to manage the war situation, whilst Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attributed the postponement to logistical reasons, though it occurs amidst rising tensions between the two economic powers over China's support for Iran and new US investigations into Chinese trade practices.

Global oil prices surged more than two per cent on Tuesday following market concerns over supply disruptions stemming from Middle Eastern conflicts, with Brent crude rising 2.5 per cent to 102.69 dollars per barrel and West Texas Intermediate advancing 2.6 per cent to 95.92 dollars per barrel. The escalation reflects fears of activity disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade passes, amid an ongoing three-week US-Israeli-Iranian confrontation. Market analysts warn significant risks remain, with even a single missile or mine attack on tanker vessels capable of triggering further conflict escalation and consequent energy cost increases and global inflationary pressures.

Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is reviewing budget efficiency across multiple government programmes, including scrutiny of the Rp335 trillion free nutritious meal scheme and evaluation of e-commerce regulations. Key developments included the Bandung mayor halting all Bus Rapid Transit construction permits due to infrastructure quality concerns, whilst the government accelerates its three million housing unit development programme.

Indonesia's Constitutional Court has issued a ruling requiring the government and parliament to revise the 1980 law governing financial and administrative benefits for state officials within two years, deeming the current legislation unconstitutional if unchanged. The court outlined five key considerations for the new legislation, including proportionality and fairness of benefit structures, differentiation based on how officials are appointed (elected, selected, or appointed), preservation of institutional independence, and the possibility of replacing pension systems with one-time "honour payments" upon the conclusion of service.