Jakarta police have analysed CCTV footage and now suspect four individuals rather than two were involved in planning and executing the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, which occurred on 12 March 2026. Investigators have collected evidence including a suspected perpetrator's helmet and a container believed to have held the corrosive liquid, which have been sent to the National Police forensic laboratory for fingerprint and DNA analysis. Police are examining footage from 86 CCTV cameras across the suspected route taken by the attackers to identify and locate the perpetrators.

The US dollar has approached Rp17,000 per unit on currency markets, with the rupiah depreciating 0.47% to Rp16,980/USD. Coordinating Minister of the Economy Airlangga Hartarto stated that the government and Bank Indonesia are collaborating to stabilise the rupiah, emphasising that Indonesia's macroeconomic fundamentals remain solid and that the government will take a conservative approach rather than aggressive intervention to counter external pressures.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) scheduled an interrogation of Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), special staff to the Religious Affairs Minister from 2020-2024, as a suspect in a hajj quota corruption case on 16 March 2026, following the detention of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on 12 March 2026. Both men are suspected of misappropriating an additional 20,000 hajj quotas granted by Saudi Arabia in 2024, which were intended for regular hajj pilgrims waiting decades for their turn, by instead allocating half to special hajj services at inflated costs ranging from USD 2,500 to USD 5,000 per pilgrim.

A completely severed road in Buwun Mas Village, Sekotong District, West Lombok, will be repaired using a 2025 Presidential Instruction scheme aimed at accelerating rural road connectivity to support food and energy self-sufficiency. The 9-kilometre stretch will be relocated inland through hills and forest to avoid landslide hazards, with construction planned for this year pending finalisation of land-use arrangements with the Forestry Ministry.

The National Police Chief (Kapolri) Jenderal Listyo Sigit Prabowo is directly overseeing Operation Ketupat 2026 to manage the expected flow of 3.5 million vehicles during the Ramadan exodus period across Java and towards Sumatra. Head of Traffic Police Irjen Pol. Agus Suryonugroho reported that approximately 28 per cent of projected vehicles have already departed Jakarta, with traffic conditions remaining manageable despite increased vehicle volumes on major routes. The operation involves coordinated security checks across multiple regions including West Java and Central Java to ensure safe movement during the homecoming and return migration periods.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has scheduled the examination of Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex, as a suspect in an investigation into alleged corruption involving Indonesia's hajj quota for 2023–2024. This follows the arrest of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on 12 March 2026, with the KPK estimating state losses at Rp622 billion. The investigation centres on allegations that officials manipulated hajj quotas, allowing pilgrims to depart without waiting in queue in exchange for payments of USD 5,000.

Indonesia's tourism sector contributed Rp 945.7 trillion (3.97% of GDP) in 2025 with 15.39 million international visitor arrivals, but faces significant headwinds from Middle East conflicts disrupting flight connectivity and threatening potential losses of 5,500 visitors and Rp 184.8 billion in daily foreign exchange. Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto is urging comprehensive reforms including expanded visa exemption policies, development of domestic micro-tourism, digital nomad initiatives, and enhanced infrastructure to build a more competitive and resilient tourism sector.

PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has approved a cash dividend distribution of Rp 13.03 trillion (65 per cent of net income) to shareholders, with dividend payments commencing on 7 April 2026. The cum dividend dates are scheduled for 17 March 2026 on the regular and negotiation markets and 26 March 2026 on the cash market, with the latter serving as the record date for dividend eligibility. The dividend of Rp 349.41 per share reflects BNI's commitment to delivering attractive returns whilst retaining 35 per cent of net income to strengthen capital adequacy and support business expansion.

The Indonesian composite stock index (IHSG) closed down 114.9 points (1.61 per cent) to 7,022 on Monday, declining significantly below the psychological 7,000 level ahead of the extended Eid holiday. The market weakness reflects a combination of global headwinds including geopolitical tensions, rising energy prices, and global monetary policy tightening, compounded by domestic concerns over fuel reserves and subsidy pressures. Investor defensiveness is heightened by the uncertainty that markets cannot respond to global developments during the holiday period and the unresolved fiscal dilemmas facing the government once oil prices remain elevated.

Police have identified four suspected perpetrators in the acid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), based on CCTV analysis at multiple Jakarta locations. The suspects, operating two motorcycles and suspected to be trained, conducted extensive surveillance before attacking Yunus on 12 March 2026 on Jalan Salemba, with police currently awaiting forensic laboratory results and digital evidence analysis to make arrests. The perpetrators subsequently scattered to different areas including Kalibata, Ragunan, and Bogor, whilst also allegedly distributing AI-manipulated images on social media in an apparent attempt to obstruct the investigation.

ExxonMobil Indonesia has launched a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education programme at three People's Schools (Sekolah Rakyat) in partnership with Prestasi Junior Indonesia, with senior executives including SVP Jack Williams and Indonesia President Wade Floyd attending the kick-off event at SRMA 10 Margaguna in South Jakarta. The initiative aims to develop critical thinking and creativity among students whilst aligning with President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita vision for inclusive, quality education. The programme uses project-based activities to introduce robotics and coding, with government officials emphasising the importance of expanding STEM participation, particularly among women, to strengthen Indonesia's human resource development and global competitiveness.

Dika has founded an anti-hoarding service that specialises in cleaning homes from excessive accumulations of items caused by hoarding disorder. The business faces significant challenges, including dealing with severely cluttered homes and confrontation with both disorder sufferers and family members who engage the service. Dika recounts difficult experiences, including a two-storey Bogor home so cluttered it required four pickup trucks to remove items and took two days to clean properly.

An explosion occurred at a mosque in Pesona Regency housing complex in Jember, East Java during evening Tarawih prayers on 17 March 2026, causing panic among worshippers and damaging the mosque's interior. Police and bomb disposal teams were deployed to investigate the incident, with one worshipper hospitalised for hearing loss, whilst authorities cordoned off the area and suspended mosque activities pending the investigation's outcome.

Indomobil Emotor has decided against adopting battery rental or subscription models despite a growing trend among Indonesian electric motorcycle manufacturers adopting such ownership schemes. The company's CEO Pius Wirawan cited the additional costs associated with battery swapping and subscription systems, as well as the rapid pace of battery technology development, as key factors in favouring the traditional ownership model focused on fuel, maintenance, and tax savings instead.

Indonesia's Ramadan holiday allowance (THR) serves as a critical economic stimulus ahead of Eid al-Fitr, with the central government budgeting approximately 55 trillion rupiah for state apparatus payments in 2026. However, whilst the influx of funds significantly boosts local economic activity in regions like West Nusa Tenggara, concerns persist regarding unequal distribution of the allowance across different worker groups.

Armed conflict in the Middle East has escalated dramatically, with Iran conducting air strikes and threatening American companies whilst uncertainty surrounds Iran's new leadership. The conflict has expanded to target critical energy infrastructure, threatening global oil supply stability, whilst NATO allies, particularly Germany, have warned Israel against further military escalation in Lebanon.

Several criminal incidents occurred in Jakarta on Monday (16 March), including police investigating 86 surveillance cameras in connection with an acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, seizure of weapons and fireworks from a youth convoy, and the arrest of an armed man suspected of stealing from a minimarket in North Jakarta. The incidents highlight ongoing public security concerns in the capital, prompting increased police patrols in areas affected by gang violence.

A damaged Russian fuel tanker, Arctic Metagaz, is drifting unmanned in the Mediterranean Sea between Italian and Maltese waters following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack in March, carrying 900 tonnes of diesel and over 60,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas. International maritime authorities have issued urgent warnings, whilst Italy and Malta have rejected the vessel docking and deployed containment equipment, with conservation groups warning that a spill could cause irreversible damage to Mediterranean ecosystems and local fishing and tourism economies.

Indonesian police are investigating a caustic liquid attack on Andrie Yunus, Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, which occurred on 12 March 2026 in Central Jakarta. The Jakarta Metro Police have deployed scientific crime investigation methods and formed a task force to pursue the suspected perpetrators, who were captured on CCTV fleeing on motorcycles. Authorities have tracked the suspects' movements from South Jakarta to the crime scene and are conducting digital analysis of communications and reviewing 86 CCTV camera feeds.

Extreme heat poses significant operational and financial risks to global companies, with Morgan Stanley reporting that 57 per cent of surveyed firms experienced climate crisis impacts in the past year, resulting in increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and workforce challenges. Companies are increasingly urged to invest in climate adaptation and resilience measures both within and beyond their supply chains to mitigate economic losses that could reach trillions of dollars annually by 2030, particularly for industries dependent on climate-vulnerable regions.

The Indonesian Ministry of Public Works has committed to ensuring the national road network in Lampung is in optimal condition for the Eid holiday travel season, with a target of zero potholes on main holiday routes. The ministry has already repaired over 6,800 pothole locations and is preparing heavy equipment, emergency teams, and traffic management systems at strategic points to maintain smooth vehicle flow to Bakauheni Port and across Sumatra.

PT PLN (Persero) has issued safety recommendations for customers planning to leave their homes during the Eid holiday travel period, emphasising the importance of checking electrical installations and appliances before departure. The state electricity company provided a comprehensive six-point checklist, including disconnecting electronics, maintaining minimal lighting with sensors where possible, ensuring bill payments are current, and utilising the PLN Mobile application to manage electricity services remotely.

Coal prices declined 1.7% to US$135 per tonne on 16 March 2026 after rising to US$143.8 per tonne amid Middle East tensions, though Indonesian coal exports remain supported by structural demand in Asia and supply constraints domestically. Whilst high-energy coal prices remain strong, buyers across South Korea, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia are increasingly switching from gas to coal due to LNG supply concerns, particularly benefiting Indonesia's mid-calorie thermal coal. However, weak demand from China and India—which prefer cheaper domestic coal and have adequate stocks—creates a fragmented regional market, suggesting coal prices will remain relatively stable rather than experience extreme tightening in coming months.

Addin Jauharudin, Chairman of the GP Ansor youth movement, has been appointed as an Independent Commissioner of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) effective 11 March 2026, following approval from the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The appointment, which was endorsed by shareholders at the bank's annual general meeting in May 2025, carries extensive experience in Islamic organisation leadership and previous roles as commissioner at several state-owned enterprises.

The Jakarta Metro Police's Traffic Directorate is operating mobile Samsat (one-stop administrative system) services across 14 locations in Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi on Tuesday. The mobile units offer annual vehicle registration renewal, motor vehicle tax payments, and mandatory road accident insurance payments, with specific operating hours and locations listed for each region. However, five-yearly vehicle tax payments and vehicle plate replacements must still be handled directly at permanent Samsat offices.

More than 812,000 vehicles have departed the Greater Jakarta region during the H-10 to H-6 period (11–15 March) ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026, representing a 9.6 per cent increase from normal traffic volumes across four major toll gates. The exodus is being facilitated by a 30 per cent toll discount implemented on 15–16 March, with the majority of vehicles (47.4 per cent) heading eastward via the Trans-Java Toll Road.

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk. (INCO) reported net profit of US$76.06 million in 2025, representing a 31.67% increase from US$57.76 million in 2024, despite operational pressures. The rise in net profit was driven primarily by non-operational gains, including fair value recognition of derivative assets and equity investments, which more than offset a sharp 35.08% decline in operating profit. Total assets increased to approximately US$3.3 billion at year-end 2025 from US$3.1 billion the previous year.

The Mataram City Police Resort (Polresta) has mapped several alternative routes along Pejanggik Road to ease traffic congestion during the ogoh-ogoh procession welcoming Nyepi Day on 18 March 2026. The main road will be closed from 08:00 to 18:00 local time, with traffic diverted through collector routes, small alleys, and secondary streets such as Bung Hatta Road and Transito Road. Residents are urged to use alternative routes and follow instructions from traffic officers to manage the expected heavy traffic.

I Wayan Eka Mariarta, former Chief Judge of Depok District Court, has filed a pre-trial motion challenging the legality of evidence seizure in a bribery case involving land dispute handling. The case involves allegations that Mariarta and Deputy Chief Judge Bambang Setyawan solicited 1 billion rupiah in fees, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for 30 March 2026. The motion marks a significant legal challenge to an anti-corruption operation by the KPK that resulted in the arrest of five individuals including court officials and corporate executives.

US President Donald Trump has explicitly threatened to take over Cuba, citing the nation's severe economic weakness amid a total national power blackout and devastating oil embargo. The threat follows the collapse of Cuba's electrical grid and comes as the Trump administration maintains a de facto oil blockade on the Caribbean island, which has worsened economic conditions since Venezuela's government fell in January 2026.

Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has affirmed that zero tariffs on 1,819 Indonesian commodities under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States will remain in effect despite an ongoing trade investigation by the US Trade Representative's office into 16 countries, including Indonesia. The zero-tariff provisions cover critical agricultural and industrial products such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa, spices, rubber, electronics components, and textiles, benefiting over 4 million workers in related sectors. The Trump administration initiated the investigation on 11 March 2026 following a US Supreme Court ruling on tariff policies.

Indonesia's Constitutional Court rejected constitutional review petitions filed by Roy Suryo, Tifauzia Tyassuma, and Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar challenging provisions of the new Criminal Code and the Information and Electronic Transaction Law, ruling that the petitions were unclear or ambiguous. Roy Suryo and Tifa indicated they would resubmit their challenge without Rismon, who has pursued restorative justice proceedings, and with improved legal formulation.

An explosion occurred at a mosque in Jember, East Java, during tarawih prayers on Monday evening, causing damage to the roof and ceiling but no fatalities. One congregant suffered hearing loss and was taken to hospital, whilst police launched an investigation into the cause, establishing a security perimeter and deploying bomb disposal teams.

The Indonesian government has entered a new phase in its dispute with PT Indobuildco over the Hotel Sultan land located in the Gelora Bung Karno complex in Central Jakarta, initiating land measurements as part of implementing a court ruling on state ownership. The Gelora Bung Karno Complex Management Centre (PPKGBK) confirmed that measurements are underway to verify land boundaries, with the government asserting the property is state-owned and execution of the court order will proceed despite legal resistance from the hotel operator. The measurement process, conducted with assistance from the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency, is expected to take one to two days.

Auto2000, a major Toyota dealer network in Indonesia, has begun distributing the Toyota Veloz Hybrid to customers, with approximately 800–900 units delivered by the Lebaran 2026 period. Production commenced in early March 2026, and the phased distribution will continue over several months, with total customer orders reaching approximately 6,500 units since November 2025. Early feedback from customers has been positive, particularly regarding vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.

The legal team representing Andrie Yunus, Vice-Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), has requested that police examine evidence including a purple bottle allegedly containing corrosive acid and the assailant's helmet abandoned at the scene. The legal advocates suspect the attacker may have been injured by the acid they used themselves and believe the planned acid attack constitutes attempted premeditated murder, with the victim suffering serious burns covering 24 per cent of his body.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) has announced a further postponement of short selling implementation in the domestic equity market, extending the delay until 14 September 2026. The decision, made on 16 March 2026, follows guidance from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and represents the latest in a series of regulatory delays aimed at ensuring market stability and allowing market participants adequate adjustment time.

The Indonesian government is preparing a Presidential Regulation on Artificial Intelligence to establish a national governance framework that promotes ethical, transparent, and accountable technology development. The regulation aims to balance innovation with risk management, addressing challenges such as misinformation, bias, and privacy concerns whilst leveraging AI's potential for digital transformation and economic growth. The Ministry of Communication and Digital is finalising a National AI Roadmap to guide the development of an inclusive, responsible, and competitive AI ecosystem.

US stock markets rallied on Monday as the S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq all posted gains, driven by technology stocks including a more than 2 per cent rise in Meta shares. Global oil prices declined after sharp increases the previous week, as the US permitted Iranian tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz and signalled plans for a multinational coalition to secure the strategic waterway, though President Trump's rhetoric suggested ongoing tensions over potential Iranian infrastructure strikes.

Indonesia's Association of Market Traders (IKAPPI) has projected that basic commodity prices will reach their peak in the lead-up to Eid al-Fitr 2026, driven by high consumer demand and tight food supply dynamics. Several essential commodities have already exceeded normal price thresholds, with chilli pepper and other staples experiencing significant increases across major regions including Java, Bangka Belitung, and Makassar. IKAPPI has called on the government to ensure smooth food distribution, particularly during the critical post-holiday period (H+3 to H+7), to prevent further supply chain disruptions and price escalation.

A roundup of five significant political events from Monday, 16 March, including Minister of Administrative Reform Rini Widyantini's emphasis on inclusive public health services during the Lebaran holiday break, and the condition of activist Andrie Yunus who was attacked with corrosive liquid. The coverage also includes President Prabowo Subianto's assertion of the Free Nutritious Meal programme's role in grassroots economic growth, parliamentary support for salary reductions for government officials, and the DPR's stance that the acid attack against Yunus represents resistance to the Prabowo administration's commitments.

A roundup of five significant news stories from Monday 16 March includes a mysterious explosion at a mosque in Jember during evening prayers, confirmation that 28 per cent of vehicles have left Jakarta as the Ketupat 2026 operation intensifies, the Constitutional Court's call for the government and parliament to revise laws governing state officials' financial rights, and testimony from a former Pertamina director regarding LNG procurement procedures. The report also notes that nationwide one-way traffic restrictions are scheduled to begin on 18 March during the peak exodus period.

A multi-vehicle collision involving a bus and five cars on the Pemalang-Batang toll road in Central Java was caused by driver negligence and failure to maintain safe following distances at excessive speed. The incident highlights the importance of adhering to Indonesia's national speed limits for toll roads, which range from 60-80 km/h in urban areas and 80-100 km/h in rural areas, though these limits can be adjusted based on accident frequency and road conditions.

Tanah Abang Market in Central Jakarta is experiencing severe overcrowding as residents rush to purchase new clothes and Eid-related items ahead of Idul Fitri. Despite the congestion, shoppers continue to flock to the market, citing significantly cheaper prices and diverse product selection compared to other retailers. However, the dense crowds have raised security concerns, with some visitors worried about pickpocketing amid the throngs of people.

The Jakarta Metro Police Traffic Directorate has launched mobile driving licence (SIM) services at five locations across Jakarta, operating from 08:00 to 14:00 on Tuesdays. The service handles renewals for Class A and Class C driving licences that are not yet expired, with standardised fees of IDR 80,000 for Class A and IDR 75,000 for Class C, plus additional charges for psychology testing and insurance.

Padang City's Environmental Health Service has announced that its 1,176 sanitation workers, known as the "Orange Squad," will work without leave throughout the Eid holiday period. The decision is part of an anticipatory measure to maintain city cleanliness and public safety, with waste collection expected to increase by 15-20 per cent during the festive season due to increased activity at tourist areas and food establishments.

A survey of 85 economists by the Institute for Economic and Social Research at the University of Indonesia reveals significant doubts about the effectiveness of Indonesia's fiscal policy, with 61% of respondents rating it as ineffective or very ineffective, though sentiment has improved slightly from the previous survey. Economists also express concerns about monetary policy's impact on inflation and currency management, whilst financial sector policies received the most critical assessment with only two respondents rating them as effective.

Indonesia may have the opportunity to participate in international lunar exploration missions, according to the head of BRIN's Space Research Centre, Emanuel Sungging. The country could benefit from establishing astronomical observation facilities on the Moon, which offer advantages such as freedom from radio wave interference, lower temperatures suitable for equipment without cooling systems, and a stable environment ideal for advanced interferometry technology.

Gold prices remain under pressure amid geopolitical tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States, with spot prices trading at $5,013.20 per troy ounce on 17 March 2026. Market sentiment has weakened as investors reduce expectations for imminent interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, with the central bank's policy decision due this week; higher US interest rates and a stronger dollar make gold less attractive to investors. The direction of gold prices in the near term will largely depend on the Fed's signals regarding interest rates and global economic conditions, though central bank purchases and geopolitical risks continue to provide underlying support.

Online gambling addiction is a serious behavioural disorder with clear medical indicators, according to a specialist psychiatrist at Indonesia's leading government hospital. Dr. Kristiana Siste explains that the condition involves loss of control over gambling behaviour, prioritisation of gambling over productive activities, and excessive dopamine stimulation in the brain—effects comparable to drug abuse. Warning signs include inability to limit time and money spent, social withdrawal, and the psychological trap of perceived control, which causes sufferers to continuously increase betting intensity despite real losses.