The article examines the 2026 Middle Eastern conflict as a case study distinguishing between symmetrical and asymmetrical warfare, wherein the US and Israel, despite superior conventional military capabilities and technology, face strategic constraints from Iran's asymmetrical approach. Iran avoids direct military competition but instead imposes prohibitive costs on US-Israel operations through threats of closing the Strait of Hormuz and regional missile attacks, demonstrating that asymmetrical warfare success depends on prolonged endurance rather than military superiority alone.

President Prabowo Subianto has proposed cutting salaries for ministers and members of parliament as part of broader fiscal austerity measures, citing global economic pressures from Middle East conflicts. Golkar Party General Secretary Muhammad Sarmuji stated that Golkar members serving as ministers and MPs are willing to accept salary cuts if the state requires such measures, viewing it as a symbolic gesture of sensitivity to the nation's conditions and readiness to implement government fiscal tightening policies.

ISLE 2026, a major global technology exhibition held in Shenzhen, concluded with over 1,000 exhibitors and an 80,000 square metre exhibition space, demonstrating robust international participation despite regional geopolitical challenges. The event showcased emerging trends including COB and MIP LED display technologies, AI integration across the display industry chain, and sustainable green technologies, whilst highlighting a shift towards scenario-based system integration solutions tailored to specific commercial and residential applications.

The Bogor Police recovered and returned a Toyota Avanza vehicle and two goats to an elderly couple, Samah (66) and Hamim (69), who fell victim to a violent robbery in Cileungsi. The perpetrators allegedly tied and gagged the victims before beating the elderly woman, causing hearing loss; three of six suspects have been arrested whilst authorities continue to search for the remaining three perpetrators and recover a stolen motorcycle.

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has implemented enhanced operational measures at Gilimanuk Port in Bali to manage increased passenger and vehicle traffic during the Eid holiday season, deploying 35 additional vessels on the Ketapang-Gilimanuk route. Passenger numbers from Bali to Java on the six days before Eid reached 80,416 people—a 33.8 per cent increase compared to the previous year—with two-wheeled vehicles rising 52.7 per cent and total vehicles increasing 35.4 per cent, prompting ASDP to optimise berth operations and accelerate turnaround times.

Iran's government has categorically rejected American media reports claiming Tehran has attempted to establish communication with Washington, calling them "outright lies" and unrealistic. An unnamed Iranian official stated that rather than Iran seeking negotiations, the intensifying military and economic pressure under President Trump is pushing Washington to send political signals to influence global energy markets. Iran emphasised it has no trust in Trump's promises and will not accept any agreement that does not guarantee its long-term national security interests and those of its regional allies.

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has mandated that insurance agents use QR codes to verify their legitimacy, with consumers able to scan the barcode to confirm registration in OJK's integrated licensing and registration system. As of 31 January 2026, 304,950 insurance agents have registered and received QR codes across life, general, and Islamic insurance sectors. The agency channels (keagenan) and bancassurance remain the primary distribution channels for insurance premiums, contributing approximately 22.09% and 26.21% respectively.

Passenger traffic at Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport increased by 12.9% during the first three days of the 2026 Eid transport command post, exceeding initial projections. The airport handled 188,655 passengers between 13-15 March 2026, with an average of 62,885 passengers per day, supported by 1,192 aircraft movements including 17 additional flights to major domestic hubs.

A senior psychology professor at the University of Indonesia has cautioned parents that simply prohibiting children from using gadgets and social media without offering engaging alternative activities can negatively impact their emotional wellbeing. Rose Mini Agoes Salim warns that restrictions without proper explanation or alternatives may hinder emotional intelligence development and cause children to feel uncomfortable and unwelcome at home. She recommends parents engage children in collaborative projects and activities during holidays to maintain engagement and stimulation without digital devices.

US President Donald Trump has announced a postponement of his planned state visit to China in early April, delaying the meeting by approximately one month due to the ongoing US-Israel military operations against Iran. Trump stated the delay was necessary to focus on coordinating the war effort, whilst technical discussions between American and Chinese delegations continue in Paris, with both nations exploring agricultural purchases and rare earth mineral supply arrangements.

Rising crude oil prices exceeding US$100 per barrel amid Middle Eastern conflict have raised concerns about potential increases in Indonesia's subsidised fuel prices, though Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated there are currently no plans for such increases. The government has prepared three scenarios for budget deficit management based on different oil price assumptions ranging from US$86 to US$115 per barrel, whilst emphasising a wait-and-see approach pending clarity on the duration and impact of regional tensions.

Jasa Raharja, a state-owned enterprise, launched its Free BUMN Mudik 2026 programme on 17 March 2026, dispatching 23,500 participants from Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno area to various destinations across Java and Sumatra ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The programme, which represents an 11.41 per cent increase from the previous year, prioritises passenger safety and involves coordination with 96 BUMN companies as part of the government's commitment to facilitating secure homeward travel during the annual mudik exodus.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that the government is intensifying efforts to resolve severe vehicle congestion at Gilimanuk ferry port by deploying 35 vessels (28 operational plus 7 additional) and implementing accelerated unloading procedures. The measures include the Arrival-Unload-Departure scheme to speed up vessel rotation and optimisation of traffic management zones to improve ferry crossing efficiency between Bali and Java.

Sultan Ternate Hidayat Mudaffar Sjah led the Kabasarang Uci traditional ritual procession on the night of the 27th of Ramadhan (Lailatul Qadar) in Ternate, North Maluku, with ceremonial attendants escorting him from the palace to Masjid Sigi Lamo for evening prayers. The centuries-old ceremony, featuring traditional musical instruments and a ceremonial litter, represents the Ternate Sultanate's commitment to preserving ancestral cultural heritage during the Islamic holy month.

Indonesia's composite stock index fell 1.61% to 7,022.29 on Monday as market volatility persists ahead of the Eid holiday, with eight of eleven sectors closing lower despite sustained foreign investor buying interest. Three Indonesian gold mining companies—Archi Indonesia, Merdeka Gold Resources, and J Resources Asia Pacific—have been added to the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index, whilst Merdeka Battery Materials initiated a major share buyback programme worth up to Rp1.70 trillion.

Gerung traditional market in West Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat will undergo modernisation with a budget of 221 billion rupiah, following technical approval from the Ministry of Trade. The project, to be constructed by the Ministry of Public Works, will take up to two years to complete with traders to be relocated to a temporary market during construction.

The Indonesian composite index (IHSG) is expected to experience limited movement on its final trading day before the extended Nyepi and Eid Al-Fitr 2026 holidays, amid thin trading volumes and persistent negative sentiment. The IHSG has declined 1.61% to 7,022.28 and recorded an 18.79% correction year-to-date, the worst performance in Asia, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, MSCI structural concerns, and downgraded outlooks from global rating agencies. Analysts anticipate the index will trade within the 6,900–7,150 range, with 7,000 serving as a critical support level, whilst recovery prospects depend on easing geopolitical tensions and stabilisation of crude oil prices below US$100 per barrel.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has summoned Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex, as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving Indonesia's hajj quota for 2023-2024, following the arrest of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. The investigation, which began in August 2025, has identified estimated state losses of Rp622 billion according to a BPK audit, with both officials subjected to travel bans and now facing formal legal proceedings.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has scheduled the examination of Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex, as a suspect in the alleged corruption case involving Indonesia's hajj quota management for 2023-2024. The interrogation, scheduled for 17 March at KPK's headquarters in Jakarta, follows the earlier arrest of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, with the investigation revealing state financial losses of approximately Rp622 billion according to audits by the State Audit Board (BPK).

The DKI Jakarta provincial government predicts that 10,000-12,000 people will migrate to Jakarta following Eid 2026, continuing a declining trend in post-holiday migration. The provincial authorities have implemented administrative registration programmes, including a two-week door-to-door data collection initiative, to ensure accurate population records and are attributing the lower migration figures to improved economic growth across Indonesia and current geopolitical conditions affecting the cost of living in Jakarta.

Vietnam's aviation authorities have warned the national aviation industry to prepare for potential flight schedule reductions from April 2026 due to a critical jet fuel shortage. The crisis stems from China and Thailand's suspension of jet fuel exports, combined with reduced supplies from Singapore, leaving Vietnam's two major importers able to guarantee supply only until March 2026. Airlines may be forced to restrict operations to essential domestic routes if the export restrictions continue.

The Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) has identified Ramadhan and Idul Fitri as a crucial period for businesses to promote certified halal products, noting significant increases in consumer demand across food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fashion sectors. Head of BPJPH Ahmad Haikal Hasan emphasised that halal certification serves as essential consumer protection and builds public trust and brand loyalty. The agency has called upon all businesses to strengthen the halal value chain from upstream to downstream production to drive national economic growth.

President Prabowo Subianto has mandated that all natural resource production, including coal and palm oil, must be prioritised for domestic needs before export permits are granted. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has reinforced this policy by requiring all coal companies to fulfil Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) requirements before exporting, with export licences withheld if domestic demand is not met.

Gold prices declined slightly by 0.5 per cent to $4,993.42 per ounce on Monday amid concerns that rising oil prices from the Middle East conflict will fuel inflation and keep US interest rates elevated. The weakness persists despite a weaker US dollar, as market participants fear the Federal Reserve will maintain higher rates for longer, reducing gold's appeal as a yield-free safe-haven asset. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, with some predicting prices could reach $6,000 per ounce.

Andrie Yunus, Vice Coordinator of human rights group KontraS, has been declared stable following medical treatment for caustic acid burns sustained on 13 March 2026. The National Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital reports that whilst he suffered approximately 20 per cent burn injuries and severe chemical trauma to his right eye resulting in vision loss, his condition is no longer life-threatening and staged reconstructive procedures are planned to optimise vision recovery. Jakarta Metro Police have committed to thoroughly investigating the incident in a transparent and professional manner under presidential directive.

The US–Israel conflict over Iran has disrupted global aviation, forcing flight reroutes and cancellations that have strained Southeast Asian tourism, particularly in Thailand and Bali. Malaysia appears relatively insulated due to lower European visitor dependency, though it faces challenges from higher airfares and cancelled Middle East routes, and tourism officials are exploring opportunities to position regional hubs as safer alternatives to Middle Eastern stopover points.

Crude oil prices recovered in Asian markets on 17 March, with WTI rising 1.95 per cent to $95.32 and Brent Crude advancing 1.84 per cent to $102.05, following a decline the previous day. The recovery was supported by coordinated releases of strategic petroleum reserves by IEA member countries (400 million barrels) and Japan's unilateral drawdown, though continued drone attacks on Middle Eastern oil facilities and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain key drivers of market volatility.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has scheduled questioning of Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), former special assistant to Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, as a suspect in an alleged hajj quota corruption scheme on 17 March 2026. KPK officials assert that Gus Alex played a dominant role in collecting facilitation fees for special hajj pilgrimages and acted as a representative of the Minister, giving his directives apparent official authority. The investigation suggests that funds collected by Gus Alex were intended for Minister Yaqut, who allegedly ordered the redistribution of hajj quotas from the standard 92:8 ratio to an equal 50:50 split between regular and special pilgrimage programmes.

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BNI) has commenced its dividend distribution period, with cum dividend scheduled for today on the regular and negotiation markets. The bank approved a total cash dividend payout of Rp13.03 trillion (equivalent to 65% of consolidated net profit) during its annual shareholder meeting, with shareholders receiving Rp349.41 per share and payment commencing on 7 April 2026.

A survey by the Institute for Economic and Social Research at the University of Indonesia (LPEM FEB UI) reveals that economists believe current economic policies have failed to significantly improve Indonesia's labour market conditions. The overall effectiveness score stands at -0.45, indicating negative sentiment, with 43 of 85 respondents rating policies as ineffective or very ineffective, whilst fiscal policy received particularly poor marks at -0.62. Monetary policy showed more modest improvement at -0.14, suggesting some economists view it more positively than before.

Gewayantana Larantuka Airport in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, recorded a 25 per cent increase in passenger numbers during the 2026 Eid holiday travel period, with 646 passengers handled between 11-16 March. Despite the surge, the airport has not received requests for additional flights from airlines, whilst sea transport through the local port remains stable with approximately 400-600 passengers per vessel arrival.

Indonesia's Traffic Corps (Korlantas) will implement a nationwide one-way traffic system on Wednesday, 18 March during Operation Ketupat 2026, specifically during the anticipated peak of the Mudik exodus between 10:00 and 12:00. The policy remains situational and subject to change based on real-time traffic conditions and technological infrastructure assessment, with decisions on implementation during the return journey still pending.

An Iranian military conflict that began on 28 February has strengthened Iran's internal and external position whilst isolating the United States and Israel regionally and globally, according to this analysis. The article argues that US-Israeli military objectives in Iran lack clarity, violate international law, and have failed to achieve their purported aims, leaving Iran as the determining force in the conflict's trajectory.

The West Sulawesi provincial government has implemented a two-month work-from-home (WFH) policy for thousands of contract employees (PPPK) citing severe fiscal constraints. The government acknowledged it cannot allocate holiday allowances or 13th month salary payments to contract workers due to a Rp64 billion shortfall in tax revenues, particularly from fuel and cigarette taxes, whilst maintaining that monthly salaries will continue during the WFH period.

The Loji Bintang Timur building on Jalan Budi Utomo in central Jakarta served as a meeting place for the Freemason organisation during the colonial era before being nationalised and repurposed as the headquarters of state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Kimia Farma following Indonesian independence. The neoclassical structure, funded by member contributions and featuring distinctive Eastern Star symbolism, represents a significant historical artefact reflecting Indonesia's colonial and post-independence transformation. President Sukarno formally dissolved the Freemason organisation in Indonesia in 1962, marking the end of the fraternal group's activities in the country.

Jakarta's administration identified 104 unlicensed padel courts in South Jakarta during enforcement operations, whilst Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo announced plans to renovate 663 homes through a joint programme with the National Zakat Board (Baznas) in 2026. The city has also launched various services for Lebaran travellers, including free WiFi and books at Senen Station.

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry has deployed three Manggala Agni units to Riau Province to combat forest and land fires (karhutla) and secure the migration route ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H. As of mid-March 2026, monitoring detected 49 hotspots across Riau, with firefighting operations successfully treating 78.2 hectares; additionally, aerial patrols via helicopter are planned through April to enhance early detection and response capabilities in fire-prone areas.

Danantara Indonesia's Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria has stated that discussions regarding debt restructuring for the Whoosh Jakarta-Bandung high-speed train project rest with the Infrastructure Coordinator Minister and Finance Minister, with resolution targeted for the first semester of 2026. The government seeks to restructure the project's financing to avoid burdening PT KAI's operations whilst maintaining the debt obligation and preparing for broader rail expansion across Java.

Asian stock markets opened stronger following a decline in oil prices that bolstered Wall Street overnight, with major indices across Australia, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong all posting gains. Brent crude fell 2.84% to $100.21 per barrel whilst US WTI crude dropped 5.28% to $93.50, with investors monitoring ongoing Middle East tensions and US President Trump's planned delay of his meeting with China's Xi Jinping. Memory chip manufacturers SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics led regional gains, buoyed by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's forecast that orders for Blackwell and Vera Rubin chips could reach $1 trillion by 2027.

The Wuling Exion, a new seven-seater SUV featuring electric and plug-in hybrid technology, has garnered significant consumer interest following its debut at Indonesia's International Motor Show 2026, evidenced by approximately 5,000 daily visits to the product page on Wuling's official website. The vehicle measures 4.7 metres in length and comes with a battery electric version offering up to 530 kilometres of range, along with features such as a panoramic sunroof and the proprietary Ling OS infotainment system.

Constitutional Court Judge Anwar Usman delivered his final hearing on 16 March 2026, marking the conclusion of his nearly 15-year tenure which expires on 6 April 2026. He tendered an apology for any shortcomings during his service, whilst the Constitutional Court's selection panel announced three high court judges as candidates to replace him, including Dr. Fahmiron from Denpasar High Court, Dr. Liliek Prisbawono Adi from Medan High Court, and Dr. Marsudin Nainggolan from North Kalimantan High Court.

Foreign investors conducted net selling of Indonesian equities on 16 March 2026, with Bank Central Asia (BBCA) emerging as the primary target with Rp400.1 billion in net foreign sell-offs, causing its share price to fall 1.09%. The sell-off concentrated on large-cap banking, mining, and technology shares, contributing to a 1.61% decline in the overall stock market index.

Iran launched a major strike on the United Arab Emirates involving hundreds of missiles and drones on Monday, killing at least one Palestinian civilian and disrupting operations at Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest aviation hubs. The attack also triggered fires at critical energy infrastructure, forcing the state oil company ADNOC to halt operations at its Fujairah facility and prompting neighbouring countries Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to mobilise air defences against Iranian projectiles. Since the escalation of Middle Eastern conflict, Iran has fired over 1,900 missiles and drones at the UAE, the highest volume directed at any target, creating significant economic and security disruption to the region.

Clinical psychologist Wenny Aidina provides practical strategies for managing intrusive family questioning and critical remarks during Lebaran gatherings, advising pre-planning responses, managing expectations of others, and focusing on controlling only one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. The approach emphasises emotional resilience through psychological techniques rather than avoidance, helping Indonesians navigate the cultural obligation of family reunions without emotional distress.

Indonesian police have arrested four suspects and seized 12.9 tonnes of expired frozen lamb imported from Australia that was allegedly being distributed to traditional markets for public consumption ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. The expired meat was discovered at a warehouse in Cikupa, Tangerang Regency, Banten, during a police press conference on 16 March 2026. The operation highlights concerns about food safety and the circulation of contaminated products in Indonesian markets during major religious celebrations.

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has increased its credit facility to PT Pegadaian by Rp 10 trillion, bringing total financing to Rp 25.1 trillion, with the agreement signed on 10 March 2026. The expansion is intended to strengthen Indonesia's national financial services ecosystem and expand financing access to the public through the collaboration between the state-owned bank and the leading pawn shop company. Both institutions aim to create stronger synergies in financial inclusion and support economic development across various sectors.

The Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) will observe extended closures in March 2026 due to the observance of Nyepi Day (19 March) and shared leave for Eid al-Fitr (20 March), creating a significant trading halt for active investors. The actual Eid al-Fitr celebrations fall on 21-22 March, which coincide with the weekend and are therefore not counted as additional exchange holidays. Investors should plan their trading strategies accordingly around these scheduled closures.

The Minister for Villages and Disadvantaged Region Development has endorsed the Village Cooperative (Kopdes) Merah Putih as a strategic national programme worthy of implementation across Indonesia. The minister highlighted that the cooperative returns 100 percent of profits to villages, particularly to poorer residents in the bottom five deciles, and serves to absorb village-produced goods whilst potentially limiting new modern retail licensing in rural areas to protect local economic circulation.

A traffic accident on the main Pantura road in Brebes, Central Java, on 17 March 2026 (H-4 before Eid) involved a motorcyclist from Jakarta colliding with a woman returning from dawn prayers at Brebes Grand Mosque, leaving both injured. The incident temporarily disrupted traffic flow on the strategic Pantura route and prompted authorities to urge greater caution among both homebound travellers and pedestrians during the busy holiday period.

State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has announced a cash dividend distribution of Rp 13.03 trillion to shareholders on 7 April 2026, representing a 65 per cent dividend payout ratio of consolidated net profit. Shareholders recorded on 26 March 2026 will receive Rp 349.41 per share, whilst the remaining 35 per cent of net profit (approximately Rp 7.01 trillion) will be retained to strengthen the bank's capital structure and support future business growth.