The article traces coffee's history from its introduction to the Islamic world in the 13th-15th centuries through the Shadhiliyya order in Yemen to its eventual emergence as a global commodity. Muslim scholars and merchants played a pivotal role in developing coffee cultivation and trade networks that later attracted European powers, who colonised coffee production in regions including Indonesia during the 17th-18th centuries. The beverage's journey from religious ritual to social lubricant and ultimately to global trade staple demonstrates how Islamic civilisation shaped modern global commerce.

During Ramadan 2026, Zionist Israel has closed and prevented Muslims from worshipping at Al-Aqsa Mosque since late February, prompting the Aqsa Working Group to demand that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) take concrete steps beyond issuing condemnations to protect the sacred complex. The AWG emphasises that the protection of Al-Aqsa is the responsibility of all Muslims worldwide, not solely Palestinians, and calls for Islamic unity as the path to liberating Al-Aqsa and Palestinian independence.

The draft regulation on social welfare implementation in Bandung City has completed substantive discussion in the DPRD Special Committee 12 and entered the harmonisation and evaluation phase with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. The comprehensive regulation covers government responsibilities, social welfare institutions, fund collection mechanisms, licensing, and oversight arrangements, derived from recent ministerial regulations to strengthen legal foundations for local implementation. The regulation aims to strengthen governance of social welfare activities, ensure transparency and accountability, and protect public interests through clear mechanisms for monitoring, enforcement, and sanctions.

Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced that the Indonesian government is studying measures to reduce fuel consumption, including the possibility of implementing work-from-home (WFH) policies. The minister assured that national energy reserves, including fuel, liquefied petroleum gas and coal for power generation, remain at safe levels through the Eid 2026 holiday period, whilst fuel subsidies will be maintained through at least that timeframe.

The Cabinet Secretary announced that fares for economy trains on the Jakarta-Yogyakarta route have dropped significantly to Rp135,000-Rp175,000 from the previous Rp225,000-Rp250,000, representing a government effort to improve public transport accessibility and service quality. The fare reduction, which includes a 30 per cent government stimulus discount, has been accompanied by facility improvements including functioning air conditioning, cleaner toilets, and redesigned seating. The initiative, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, has driven strong passenger demand with occupancy rates consistently reaching 100 per cent across services.

Bank Indonesia has implemented seven policy measures to stabilise the rupiah amid currency market volatility triggered by Middle Eastern tensions and US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The measures include maintaining the policy rate at 4.75%, foreign exchange intervention, and adjusting transaction thresholds for foreign currency trading effective April 2026 to strengthen the rupiah's value against the dollar.

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry has confirmed that vehicle queues to Gilimanuk Port remain moving despite congestion during the 2026 Lebaran transport period, with queues reducing from approximately 36 kilometres to 20 kilometres. The state-owned ferry operator is optimising ship operations, dock facilities, and operational procedures, with data from 16 March 2026 showing 76,495 passengers crossed from Bali to Java, representing a 2.9 per cent increase year-on-year.

A vicious criminal gang responsible for robbing and assaulting an elderly couple in Cileungsi, Bogor, has been apprehended through a police undercover operation, with officers posing as electricity company personnel. The gang of approximately six men, led by suspect M, ransacked the home of 66-year-old Samah and 69-year-old Hamim on 8 September 2025, stealing an Avanza vehicle, motorcycle, and Rp 54 million in cash whilst torturing the victims by binding them and striking them until the elderly woman suffered hearing loss. Investigations reveal the criminal ring has committed approximately 50 crimes across West Java and Central Java, with proceeds invested in land, villas and other property.

An automatic railway level crossing barrier installed in February 2026 at Petamburan, Central Jakarta, has been damaged and rendered non-functional after being struck by a motorcycle, forcing it to rely on manual monitoring. Residents expressed concern about the barrier's durability from the outset, noting that its materials and dimensions appeared undersized compared to standard railway crossing barriers. The incident highlights potential safety risks at this residential area crossing, where motorcyclists now gather dangerously close to the tracks whilst awaiting train passage.

The Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) DKI Jakarta has launched its fifth consecutive "Tebus Sembako Murah" (Cheap Staple Food Redemption) programme in collaboration with the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta, targeting 15,000 low-income residents across ten subdistricts. The initiative, held in response to rising basic commodity prices ahead of Eid al-Fitr, represents a collaborative effort between the business sector, local government, and communities to maintain social and economic stability whilst preserving purchasing power.

Muhammad Tito Karnavian, head of the Post-Disaster Acceleration of Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force for Sumatra, has pledged to oversee the expedited recovery of agricultural land and shrimp ponds damaged by recent disasters in the region. The government has mapped affected areas and coordinated with the Ministries of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and Agriculture to restore productivity, with intensive work to begin after Eid. The recovery effort will require cross-sector coordination, with approaches ranging from direct replanting on minimally damaged land to a "new field printing" programme for areas requiring extensive clearance of debris.

The article provides guidance on checking BPJS Kesehatan (Indonesia's national health insurance) membership status through the Mobile JKN application, whilst highlighting significant healthcare financing challenges including substantial costs for kidney failure treatment totalling IDR 13 trillion in 2025. The piece emphasises BPJS's commitment to ensuring healthcare access during the Lebaran holiday period and notes ongoing concerns about kidney disease management and dialysis dependency among patients.

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works has announced preparations for the 2026 Eid holiday exodus in West Sumatra, including 24-hour operation of the Anai Valley route during the peak travel period from H-10 to H+10. The Padang–Bukittinggi corridor, a critical regional artery previously affected by disasters, is undergoing maintenance and upgrades, with the Anai Valley project currently at 44 per cent completion and 13 emergency posts and 40 heavy equipment units deployed along national highways.

US President Donald Trump claimed surprise at Iranian retaliatory strikes against Gulf Arab nations despite being warned in advance by intelligence assessments that such attacks were a potential outcome of US-Israeli military operations. Intelligence officials report that pre-war assessments specifically identified the risk of Iranian retaliation against American allies in the region, contradicting Trump's public denials that he received any briefing on this possibility.

South Korea's cabinet has approved legislation to invest $350 billion in the United States in exchange for reduced US tariffs on South Korean automobiles, following trade negotiations with the Trump administration. The investment package comprises $150 billion for shipbuilding cooperation and $200 billion for strategic sector projects, to be overseen by a new state-owned enterprise funded entirely by the South Korean government. The bill was approved by the National Assembly in March 2026 after facing delays that prompted US President Donald Trump to announce tariff increases on South Korean vehicles in January.

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation projects that 50.6% of the nation's 288.3 million people will undertake mudik (return migration) journeys for Eid al-Fitr 2026, with an estimated 3.5 million vehicles still in Jakarta. Traffic authorities recorded that only 28% of mudik vehicles have left Jakarta as of mid-March 2026, with peak congestion predicted for 18 March coinciding with the national holiday. The article provides safety advice for travellers and highlights rest area facilities, including a ZINC Shampoo promotional campaign offering complimentary hair washing services at designated motorway stops.

Indonesian business leaders have raised concerns about the potential impact of the geopolitical conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel on the nation's trade and industrial sectors. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Indonesia warns that export-dependent sectors such as palm oil, coal, garments, footwear, and electronics face severe risks if global logistics disruptions persist, while domestic industries reliant on imported raw materials could also face supply chain pressures. Business representatives are calling on the government to develop contingency measures to protect national economic stability.

The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) has detained two former Special Staff members of the Religious Affairs Minister, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), on suspicion of corruption related to the hajj pilgrimage quota scheme. Both have been designated as suspects and held separately for initial 20-day detention periods, with Yaqut held at the KPK Red and White Building State Detention facility and Gus Alex at the KPK Anti-Corruption Education Center, reportedly to prevent communication between them.

The Gusdurian Network has strongly condemned the acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus, which caused 24 percent burn injuries and vision impairment. Gusdurian Director Alissa Wahid called on President Prabowo to guarantee freedom of expression and protect citizens from violence, whilst the Indonesian National Police pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack using scientific methods.

Indonesia has strengthened diplomatic and trade partnerships with Japan, Singapore and Malaysia through high-level ministerial meetings focused on critical minerals, nuclear energy, and market access in response to growing global supply-chain competition and geopolitical tensions. A memorandum with Japan covers Indonesia's nickel, rare-earth and other mineral reserves alongside nuclear technology and energy transition projects, whilst bilateral trade with Singapore grew 14.6% over five years to US$19.32 billion and with Malaysia reached US$24.22 billion in 2025. The negotiations reflect Indonesia's broader strategy to position itself as a key player in global energy transitions whilst reducing dependence on supply chains dominated by China and other rival powers.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport recorded 169,843 passenger movements on H-4 (four days before) Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, with domestic travellers comprising 128,452 and international travellers 41,391. Peak migration traffic is predicted to occur on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, when passenger numbers are expected to reach approximately 187,202 with 1,193 flights. Airport authorities have implemented measures and personnel deployment across all terminals to ensure passenger comfort and smooth travel during the 2026 Eid transportation period.

The Balkoters, a journalists' coordination body based at Jakarta City Hall and the DKI Jakarta Regional Assembly, distributed aid to dozens of orphaned children at As-Suhaimiah Mosque in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, ahead of the 1447 Hijri Idul Fitri celebration. The annual "Ramadhan Balkoters" initiative, supported by numerous city agencies including PAM Jaya, Bank Jakarta, PLN, and others, distributed cash assistance and basic provisions to orphans and their families. The gesture exemplifies the media community's commitment to social welfare and solidarity with the surrounding Jakarta community.

The Yogyakarta Palace held the traditional Tumplak Wajik ceremony on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, formally marking the commencement of preparations for the Gerebeg Syawal 1447 H celebration. The ceremonial ritual, attended by palace officials and members of the royal family including Princess Mangkubumi, involved ritual blessings and the distribution of boreh to residents. The Gerebeg Syawal is a significant Islamic cultural celebration traditionally held at the Yogyakarta Palace following the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi facilitated free train services for homebound travellers ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, following a previous initiative that transported 16,000 passengers by free bus services. The programme aims to assist residents of Central Java in returning to their hometowns during the major Islamic holiday period.

Three foreign nationals—a French woman and two Italian men—have been arrested in Bali for producing and distributing pornographic content featuring ride-hailing (ojek) uniforms to increase virality. Two suspects were caught attempting to flee the country at Ngurah Rai Airport, whilst the third was arrested in Canggu; the suspects deliberately used counterfeit ride-hailing jackets to deceive the public into believing the content featured legitimate drivers.

Indonesian business leaders are pressing the government to develop contingency plans for prolonged geopolitical conflict in the Middle East, warning that disruptions to global energy supplies could trigger fuel price increases and inflation domestically. The head of Indonesian business council Kadin warned that rising production costs from elevated energy prices could cascade through industries and compress consumer purchasing power, emphasising the urgent need for government mitigation strategies and price stabilisation measures.

Bank Indonesia has announced adjustments to foreign exchange transaction thresholds effective April 2026 as part of efforts to stabilise the rupiah exchange rate. The adjustments include lowering the cash threshold for foreign currency purchases against the rupiah from $100,000 to $50,000 per actor per month, while raising thresholds for DNDF/Forward and Swap transactions from $5 million to $10 million per transaction. The central bank will also strengthen foreign exchange reporting requirements by reducing the documentation threshold for outgoing fund transfers from $100,000 to $50,000.

A Tangerang resident named Dedi Saputra was physically assaulted, allegedly choked and pushed repeatedly, after protesting when his cat was netted by two men who intended to dispose of it. The incident, which occurred in Batuceper district on 17 November 2025, went viral on social media and has been reported to Metro Tangerang City Police by an animal welfare advocate accompanying the victim.

PT Garuda Indonesia has refuted claims that it charged Rp200 million for flights between Palangkaraya and Jakarta, stating that the inflated price was listed by a foreign online travel agent (OTA) rather than by the airline itself. The Director of Commercial Affairs, Reza Aulia Halim, emphasised that Garuda Indonesia never set such a rate for this route and is supporting investigations into the OTA's practices.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in Bali has requested Muslims to perform takbiran (celebratory recitations) quietly from home or within mosques during the evening of Eid al-Fitr on 20 March 2026, which coincides with the Hindu celebration of Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence). This arrangement represents a compromise reached by interfaith forums and regional authorities to maintain religious harmony whilst respecting the cultural significance of both celebrations.

Sukabumi Regent Asep Japar announced that the district's road infrastructure is currently 62 per cent complete out of approximately 1,400 kilometres of district roads, with plans to significantly expand development across infrastructure, irrigation, and substandard housing improvements throughout 2026. The regent and his deputy, Andreas, highlighted their commitment to development goals during their first year in office and pledged continued collaboration to enhance regional connectivity and resource development.

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo reported that digital payment transaction volume reached 4.67 billion transactions in February 2026, growing 40.35 per cent year-on-year, driven by expanded merchant acceptance and a safe, reliable payment system. The growth was particularly strong in QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) transactions, which surged 133.2 per cent year-on-year, whilst BI-FAST processed 434 million retail transactions growing 31.49 per cent. Currency in circulation grew 15.78 per cent year-on-year to Rp1.287 trillion.

Vehicle traffic for the Eid holiday homecoming (mudik) in Central Java has increased significantly since morning on 17 March but remains flowing smoothly without congestion at tollgates, with authorities deploying 550 personnel to maintain security and traffic flow. Tollgate operators expect the second wave peak of homecoming traffic on 18-19 March, with vehicle counts potentially doubling from the current 35,000 units to approximately 68,900 units at Kalikangkung tollgate, at which point a one-way system may be implemented. Since H-10 through H-5 before Eid, cumulative vehicle traffic heading to Semarang has reached 155,000 units, representing a 45.62 per cent increase compared to normal conditions.

PT Jasa Marga implemented phased opening of the Kalikangkung toll gate on the Trans-Java Toll Road's Semarang-Batang section to manage severe traffic congestion during the Eid holiday exodus. The toll gate recorded approximately 21,329 vehicles entering from Jakarta bound for Central and East Java by 5:00 PM on the fourth day before Eid, prompting authorities to adopt the gradual opening strategy to alleviate traffic bottlenecks.

Indonesia's government will issue a presidential instruction to protect Sumatran and Bornean elephants, both critically endangered species, by coordinating efforts across multiple ministries and agencies to preserve fragmented habitats. The measure aims to establish habitat corridors across plantations and mining concessions, requiring permit holders to commit to elephant conservation as habitat pockets have declined sharply from 42 to just 21 in recent decades. With only an estimated 2,400–2,800 Sumatran elephants remaining, the instruction represents President Prabowo's commitment to integrated wildlife conservation addressing habitat loss and poaching threats.

Data science is transforming Indonesian education by analysing student performance data to personalise learning and improve teaching methods. The technology enables adaptive learning systems, early identification of struggling students, and curriculum evaluation, though implementation requires skilled data analysts and robust data privacy protections. Universities like Cyber University are preparing students for digital careers by integrating data science competencies into their Information Technology programmes.

Deputy Governor of Jakarta Rano Karno has warned residents to anticipate rising fuel prices stemming from the ongoing international conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, noting that prolonged warfare threatens global energy supplies and could impact Indonesia's fuel and gas availability. Karno expressed concern that increased energy costs would subsequently drive up prices for basic necessities, placing economic pressure on the public. He urged residents to strengthen community bonds through increased shared meals at city hall as a collective response to economic pressures.

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has approved nearly 400 million tonnes of coal production under the 2026 Work and Budget Plan (RKAB), moving towards a target of approximately 600 million tonnes. The government has deliberately reduced coal and nickel production targets to maintain global supply-demand balance and boost commodity prices, with coal production cut from 790 million tonnes in 2025 to 600 million tonnes in 2026, and nickel adjusted to 250-260 million tonnes to align with domestic smelter capacity.

Farouk Abdullah Alwyni of the Centre for Islamic Studies in Finance, Economics, and Development has called on the Indonesian government to actively oppose military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran, citing international law violations and threats to global peace. He urges Indonesia to adopt firm diplomatic measures, reduce economic and geopolitical dependence on the United States, and serve as a regional mediator to build a multipolar world order that prevents unilateral domination and aggression.

Indonesia's government has assured the continuation of fuel subsidies through the Eid al-Fitr holiday and beyond, with subsidy levels dependent on political developments and global oil prices currently hovering around US$100 per barrel. National energy supplies, including LPG, gasoline, diesel, and coal for power plants, are secure until the 2026 Eid al-Fitr season, meeting minimum stock standards with additional LPG supplies expected by month end. The government will evaluate its post-March energy strategy to ensure stocks remain available and prevent shortages, whilst benefiting from improved regional stability following the Strait of Hormuz reopening policy.

PT Transportasi Jakarta (Transjakarta) will adjust its operational schedule during the Eid 1447 Hijri holiday period (13-29 March 2026) and offer special fares of Rp 1 per passenger on Eid day in response to Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo's directive. The service will commence later on the first day of Eid to allow drivers and field staff to perform Eid prayers, whilst regular and tour bus routes to major tourist attractions in Jakarta will operate with extended hours during the 18-24 March holiday period.

The Maluku Regional Police have partnered with the Amboina Diocese to strengthen coordination in maintaining public security and order ahead of Eid al-Fitr and other major religious observances. The collaboration emphasises the strategic role of religious leaders in promoting peace, stability and social cohesion in the religiously diverse region, whilst also addressing concerns such as youth radicalisation, online gambling, and child protection.

The Islamic Students Association's Central Board (PB HMI) is calling for accelerated implementation of the PP Tunas regulation to protect young people in the digital environment, citing concerning statistics showing that nearly 48 per cent of internet users in Indonesia are children accessing the internet for seven to nine hours daily. The organisation supports the government's policy restricting social media access for under-16s from 28 March 2026 and calls on all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation to safeguard children from harmful content and cyberbullying.

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) employees organised an iftar gathering welcoming 700 orphaned and underprivileged children across Jakarta and Gresik, with virtual participation from staff at operational areas in Kuala Kencana and Tembagapura, Papua. The event, which included games, storytelling, and charitable donations collected from PTFI employees across four work regions, reflected the company's commitment to community engagement and corporate values. PTFI management emphasised that the initiative demonstrates the importance of corporate social responsibility and employee collaboration in supporting local communities.

Interior Minister Tito Karnavian, who heads the post-disaster rehabilitation task force, has called on regional governments to expedite data collection of residents who will occupy permanent housing (huntap) for disaster victims. The census is essential for determining whether residents prefer in-situ reconstruction on their own land or community housing schemes before the central government can begin construction. Tito emphasised that clear data collection is critical for coordinating the permanent housing development process effectively.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Soetta) in Tangerang recorded 169,843 passenger movements on H-4 before Eid al-Fitr 2026, with domestic passengers comprising 128,452 and international passengers 41,391. Airport officials anticipate peak travel on H-2 Eid with an estimated 187,202 passengers and 1,193 flights, and have urged travellers to arrive at least three hours early to avoid congestion.

A new report from Anthropic has identified ten occupations most susceptible to AI automation, with computer programmers facing the highest exposure at 74.5 per cent, followed by customer service representatives and data entry specialists. The study uses a "observed exposure" methodology to measure actual AI automation already occurring in workplaces rather than theoretical potential, revealing that professions involving routine, knowledge-based tasks face significant displacement risk.

Danantara Indonesia has opened the second round of registration for companies seeking to partner on Waste-to-Energy (WtE) projects in Indonesia, following initial selections in Bekasi, Denpasar Raya, Bogor Raya, and Yogyakarta. The initiative aligns with national waste management policy and Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025, which promotes environmentally friendly technology, and aims to expand participation from both domestic and international companies with experience in waste-to-energy conversion.

Police in Bali have arrested three foreign nationals—a Frenchwoman, an Italian man, and a Frenchman—for producing and distributing pornographic content. The suspects used a ride-hailing driver's jacket as a prop to generate attention for their material, with two of them attempting to flee the country and being intercepted at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport en route to Thailand.

The Badung Police Department has identified 601 locations across northern Badung where ogoh-ogoh processions will occur during Pengerupukan, the evening before Nyepi Day, with approximately 500 combined personnel deployed alongside village officials to maintain security. The heightened security measures are being coordinated with the Bali Regional Police, with particular focus on high-density areas such as Mengwi and Kuta Utara, whilst police have urged residents to maintain religious tolerance given that Pengerupukan coincides with Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH. Residents are urged to comply with local customs, avoid excessive firecrackers and alcohol consumption, and report any security concerns via emergency number 110.