Following the Idul Fitri celebrations, thousands of Indonesians are returning to major cities, driving a sharp increase in traffic on key routes like the Cikopo-Palimanan toll road, where vehicle volumes surged by 161.5 percent. Authorities have implemented one-way traffic systems to manage the flow and ensure safety, highlighting the rapid resurgence of economic activity. Similar surges are observed at the Bakauheni Port, with over 51,000 passengers and a 59.4 percent rise in motorcycles crossing to Java, underscoring the vital role of infrastructure in facilitating this annual migration.

The Indonesian Parliament, particularly Commission I, has two options to investigate the alleged acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus, which involves four members of the TNI's Strategic Intelligence Agency (Denma BAIS), according to intelligence expert Prof Muradi. These options include direct confrontation in closed sessions or separate summons to verify statements and coordination lapses among intelligence bodies. This case highlights potential deviations in post-New Order intelligence practices, underscoring the State Intelligence Agency's (BIN) strategic coordination role under Law No. 17 of 2011.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's Islamic Republic Parliament, has vehemently denied Israeli media claims portraying him as a key figure in negotiations with US President Donald Trump to halt the ongoing war, asserting that all Iranians, including himself, are committed to retaliating against Zionist-US aggression. Ghalibaf dismissed reports of direct or indirect talks as fabricated propaganda aimed at manipulating financial and oil markets amid the crisis triggered by the partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This episode highlights escalating tensions and disinformation efforts between Iran, the US, and Israel in the context of potential military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

The Indonesian Ceramic Industry Association (Asaki) is urging the government to implement a Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) for natural gas to ensure a stable supply for the ceramics sector, which is facing challenges from gas supply disruptions, rising energy costs, and import pressures. This policy would prioritise domestic industrial needs, enhancing energy security and economic contributions through job creation and investment, amid global geopolitical tensions affecting energy imports. The ceramics industry, with a production capacity of 650 million square metres annually and employing 150,000 workers, aligns with the robust performance of the non-oil and gas manufacturing sector, which grew 5.17% in the first three quarters of 2025 and contributes significantly to national exports and GDP.

PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol has advised motorists travelling to Bandung to exit at kilometre marker 72 on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road to support the national one-way traffic management system from KM 414 Kalikangkung to KM 70 Cikampek Utama. This measure aims to ensure smooth traffic flow towards the east without disruptions. Users are also urged to prioritise road safety, follow signage and instructions, and monitor updates via the Travoy app or Jasa Marga's 24-hour hotline at 133.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed profound condolences over the passing of Michael Bambang Hartono, Chairman of PT Djarum, describing him as a national figure and prominent businessman from the region whose death leaves a deep sense of loss. Luthfi highlighted Hartono's significant contributions to development, including support for free homecoming programmes and green economy initiatives that elevated Djarum to a global level. As one of Indonesia's wealthiest individuals, Hartono, alongside his brother Robert Budi Hartono, expanded the Djarum Group into diverse sectors like tobacco and banking, while also making notable impacts in philanthropy, sports, education, and environmental programmes.

The Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, has criticised a man who went viral for dancing in the kitchen of a Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) facility, revealing that he owns seven Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPGs), though only one is operational. She emphasised that the government programme is intended to educate children, not to be treated as a business, and noted that BGN has suspended his operational SPPG for violating technical guidelines on layout and for failing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This incident highlights the need for strict oversight to ensure compliance and maintain the programme's integrity amid public backlash.

The Indonesian government, through the Director General of Land Transportation, has mandated thorough vehicle inspections and ensured crew fitness for bus and ferry operators ahead of the 2026 Eid holiday return period to enhance public safety amid surging traffic volumes. With projections of 143.9 million travellers in one of the world's largest annual migrations, authorities warn of adverse weather risks including heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and landslides across multiple regions, necessitating heightened vigilance. This mass movement is expected to boost regional economies via increased spending in transportation, retail, and tourism sectors, while intensified traffic management will address peak return flows on specific dates in March 2026.

Indonesia's National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo has urged travellers to adopt a work-from-anywhere policy to stagger their post-Eid journeys, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion during the peak return period. Authorities have implemented a national one-way traffic system on key sections of the Trans-Java toll road, from Kalikangkung to Cikampek, alongside other measures like functional toll roads and rest areas to ensure smoother flows and enhanced safety. This initiative, launched with senior ministers, is part of broader government efforts to manage the massive seasonal migration of millions returning to urban centres after Eid al-Fitr.

Jolla has announced a significant downgrade in the storage configuration of its Jolla Phone (2026) model, reducing the base internal storage from 256GB to 128GB while keeping the price at 649 Euros, in response to unprecedented rises in memory component costs. This adjustment affects the latest "Sep-II" production batch and highlights the challenges faced by small-scale smartphone manufacturers amid global supply chain fluctuations. Consumers seeking higher specs can opt for an upgrade to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage for an additional 100 Euros, underscoring the trade-offs in the niche Sailfish OS ecosystem.

Passenger traffic at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has surged to 1.983 million people from 14 March (H-7) to today (H+3) during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr period, marking a 5.6 per cent increase in flights compared to 2019 pre-COVID levels. Peak days saw up to 190,000 passengers, with domestic routes to Denpasar, Kualanamu, Makassar, and Surabaya, alongside international destinations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, driving the growth. The airport maintains smooth operations through inter-agency coordination, 24-hour transport options, and focused personnel deployment for the return flow, underscoring Indonesia's aviation recovery and infrastructure resilience during high-demand holidays.

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry reports that the peak of return traffic for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah at the Bakauheni-Merak crossing occurred on 24 March 2026, with another expected peak on 28-29 March. The port remains crowded as travellers continue to arrive, filling parking areas and waiting rooms, while ASDP coordinates with the meteorological agency to monitor weather and prioritises passenger safety. To manage the flow, a single regular tariff system has been implemented across all seven docks from 23 to 29 March 2026.

The Depok sub-district in Sleman Regency stands out for having three police sectors—Depok Barat, Depok Timur, and Bulaksumur—unlike the typical single sector per sub-district, a arrangement established since 2005 to address the area's high dynamism. This setup supports the region's rapid growth as a major urban hub bordering Yogyakarta, featuring dense populations, major universities like UGM and UNY, and bustling economic centres such as Seturan and Gejayan, necessitating intensified security oversight. Officials emphasise that the multiple sectors enhance policing efficiency, crime prevention, and coordination with communities to maintain order amid 24-hour activities and high mobility.

Australia and the European Union have signed a free trade agreement valued at A$10 billion, following eight years of negotiations, which will eliminate tariffs on key Australian exports such as wine, seafood, beef, and dairy products while opening EU markets to over 450 million consumers. The deal also includes a new security and defence partnership expanding cooperation in maritime exercises, space, defence industry, and hybrid threat mitigation, aimed at addressing unpredictable global challenges. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the need for both parties to bolster defences, decarbonise, and reduce economic and energy dependencies on China and Russia to counter threats to supply chains and industrial bases.

A researcher from Transparency International Indonesia has criticised the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for temporarily granting house arrest to former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in a corruption case involving Hajj quotas, arguing that the decision lacks urgency and sets a dangerous precedent that undermines justice and public confidence in the anti-corruption body. The move, which allowed Yaqut to spend Eid al-Fitr with his family before being returned to detention, has sparked demands from lawmakers for detailed explanations and is seen as exacerbating Indonesia's declining Corruption Perceptions Index score of 34 in 2025. The case alleges that Yaqut and his aide manipulated Hajj quotas in 2023 and 2024, receiving fees that resulted in state losses of Rp622 billion.

Authorities have implemented a situational open-close system at all rest areas along the Cikopo-Palimanan (Cipali) toll road to manage the increased return traffic flow towards Jakarta, effective from Tuesday, 24 March. This measure applies to both one-way and normal lanes, with advice for drivers to proceed to the next rest area or nearby off-toll facilities if one is closed, to prevent traffic slowdowns. Astra Tol Cipali assures that toll fees remain unchanged based on distance, emphasising safety and compliance with on-site instructions amid the one-way traffic engineering.

The Jakarta Transportation Office has announced a medium- and long-term revitalisation plan for the Kampung Rambutan Terminal, built in the 1990s without major upgrades, to prevent future flooding incidents. The project will incorporate Transit Oriented Development principles, integrating the terminal with surrounding residential and commercial areas, alongside modern transport networks like the Jabodebek LRT and Transjakarta. In the short term, drainage cleaning and coordination with the Water Resources Office are underway to mitigate risks from heavy rains and river overflows, ensuring the terminal's role as a key East Jakarta transport hub.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya participated in a cross-ministerial coordination meeting led by Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, focusing on energy sector adjustments to ensure economic stability and sustainability, alongside plans for economic stimulus policies. The meeting, held via Zoom, gathered key ministers including those from Interior, State Secretariat, Finance, Investment, and Education to provide strategic inputs for policy formulation. In a separate limited meeting at the Presidential Palace, President Prabowo Subianto received reports on national energy resilience amid threats from Middle East conflicts and instructed targeted efficiency measures to safeguard domestic energy supplies and economic stability without disrupting public activities.

Traffic on the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road has surged by 184.20 percent during the peak return flow of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday, reaching 257,546 vehicles on Monday compared to normal levels, driven by high mobility for returns to hometowns and ongoing tourism. Certain sections, such as Padang-Sicincin and Sigli-Banda Aceh, recorded extreme increases of over 450 percent, while functional sections also saw thousands of vehicles. PT Hutama Karya is monitoring traffic continuously and advising drivers to plan journeys carefully, obey rules, and ensure vehicle and driver readiness to maintain safety amid the influx.

The Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (KemenPAN-RB) has recorded that 160,000 civil servants (ASN) will retire in 2025, signalling potential recruitment for Candidate Civil Servants (CPNS) in 2026 to fill the vacancies. However, this plan hinges on the availability of funds from the Ministry of Finance, amid an existing surplus of 6.5 million ASN in 2024, necessitating a review to optimise public service delivery. The discussion highlights the ongoing need to balance workforce requirements with fiscal constraints in Indonesia's public sector.

Indonesia's energy resilience is highlighted as stronger than many developing nations, including Vietnam, according to a recent report by The Economist, due to effective diversification efforts such as solar power, electric vehicles, and geothermal energy, alongside proven oil reserves sufficient for the next decade. Experts urge the public to use energy judiciously to mitigate short- and medium-term risks from Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions, while the International Energy Agency recommends measures like reducing demand through minimised transport and remote work. This positions Indonesia favourably amid global energy shocks from conflicts involving Iran, the US, and Israel, emphasising the importance of ongoing transitions to clean energy.

Wayan Koster, Chairman of PDIP Bali, has advised the PDIP faction in Tabanan DPRD, which holds a dominant 31 out of 40 seats, to avoid authoritarian behaviour and instead engage in consultation with other factions for the people's benefit. He praised the current performance of the council but emphasised the need to improve the quality of party cadres to maintain public support. During the event, Koster inaugurated 5,079 PDIP cadres across various levels for the 2025-2030 term.

The escalating conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel is triggering a global energy crisis, with Indonesia particularly vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on imported and subsidised energy. Economist Yusuf Rendy Manilet warns that surging oil and gas prices could inflate fiscal pressures, widening the budget deficit beyond 3% of GDP unless managed through energy conservation and budget reallocations. He advocates reallocating funds from large-scale programmes like village cooperatives to cover rising subsidies, combining demand-side savings with fiscal prioritisation to avert economic slowdown.

Microsoft is reportedly gearing up to sue OpenAI due to the latter's partnership with Amazon, which allegedly violates their existing cloud service agreement by allowing OpenAI's new Frontier AI platform to run on AWS Bedrock. Frontier, a multi-agent system designed for enterprise integration with shared memory and business data access, is seen as a "stateful" model that could breach the contract's spirit, contrasting with typical "stateless" chatbots. While OpenAI insists the collaboration complies with terms and is developing safeguards, internal Microsoft sources affirm their readiness to litigate if the agreement is infringed, highlighting escalating tensions in the AI industry.

PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol (JTT) has introduced contraflow traffic measures on the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road from kilometre 70 to 47 in the Jakarta direction, effective from 23 March to 29 March 2026, to ensure smooth traffic during the Eid al-Fitr return flow. This engineering aims to alleviate congestion on one of Indonesia's busiest highways amid the annual holiday exodus. The initiative underscores ongoing efforts to manage peak travel periods on critical infrastructure.

The Indonesian rupiah strengthened against the US dollar on Tuesday, closing at Rp16,898 per dollar in the spot market, buoyed by a 0.58% appreciation, though Bank Indonesia's reference rate saw a modest 0.04% gain. Analysts anticipate potential weakening tomorrow due to shifting market sentiments towards risk-off amid global oil price fluctuations and US policy uncertainties, with projections ranging from Rp16,850 to Rp17,075 per dollar. Bank Indonesia's decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4.75% aims to stabilise the currency while supporting economic growth, highlighting the rupiah's vulnerability to both domestic monetary policy and international factors.

Indonesia's stock market is set to reopen tomorrow amid global uncertainties, including the Iran-Israel-US conflict and upcoming US economic data releases, which could influence capital flows to emerging markets like Indonesia. Domestically, key events such as the KSEI data release at the end of March 2026, MSCI and FTSE Russell index updates in April and May, and potential short selling implementation by the IDX are poised to impact the IHSG's volatility. Investors are advised to closely monitor these agendas to adapt their strategies in a highly uncertain environment.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya shared photos on Instagram of his Eid al-Fitr greetings and visits to the homes of prominent Indonesian figures, including former Vice President Mohammad Jusuf Kalla, former House Speaker Bambang Soesatyo, Mahfud MD, former Vice President Try Sutrisno, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, former Vice President Boediono, and former State Secretary Pratikno. The post highlights moments of respect and traditional apologies during the festive period, extending wishes for health and divine protection. This social interaction underscores the ongoing networks and camaraderie among Indonesia's political elite amid the celebratory atmosphere of Idul Fitri 1446 Hijriah.

Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, has emphasised the need to align spiritual values with advancements in science and technology within higher education, speaking at the inauguration of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University. He warned against technological progress that lacks spiritual direction, advocating for education that produces intellectually sharp yet spiritually grounded generations, and highlighted religious moderation as key to national unity amid diversity. The minister called for productive interfaith dialogues and urged students to innovate while upholding moral integrity, aiming to foster synergy between religious harmony and scientific advancement for inclusive national development.

PT Jasa Marga has urged motorists returning to Jabotabek to ensure sufficient e-toll balances to prevent queues at toll gates during the post-Eid holiday rush. Based on previous data, insufficient balances caused significant delays at the Kalikangkung toll gate, affecting nearly 5% of transactions. For the upcoming return journey, drivers from Semarang to Jakarta are advised to prepare at least Rp500,000, while those from Surabaya should have Rp1,000,000 to maintain smooth traffic flow on the Trans Java toll road.

China's Special Envoy for the Middle East, Zhai Jun, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to pursuing diplomatic mediation as long as the conflict in the region persists, emphasising the Chinese people's high regard for peace and the policy's foundation in promoting reconciliation. He highlighted the devastating toll of over 21,000 lives lost and the severe pressure on global trade and economy due to the escalating violence, warning that further fighting would yield no winners but immense suffering. As a responsible major power and sincere friend to regional nations, China pledges to maintain close communication, ease tensions, facilitate ceasefires, and bridge dialogues for enduring peace and stability.

The 26th Meeting of Bugis Makassar Merchants (PSBM) is set to take place on 25-26 March 2026 in Makassar, expected to draw around 1,500 businesspeople from across Indonesia and abroad to bolster networks and economic collaboration. Andi Rukman N. Karumpa, Deputy Chair of Investment and Employment at BPP KKSS, highlighted the event's nearly three-decade history as a key platform for fostering ties among Sulawesi Selatan entrepreneurs, enhanced this year by the attendance of nine governors from the province and nine ministers or deputy ministers from the Prabowo Cabinet. This gathering presents a significant opportunity for cross-sector partnerships, strengthening the economic ecosystem through strategic networking between businesses, government, and stakeholders.

Shopee has observed significant trends during its Big Ramadan Sale 2026 campaign, including a surge in interactive gamification features like the "Beduk Berkah" game played 26.5 million times and AI-driven "NegoNeko" with 280 million interactions, alongside a threefold increase in searches for "Lebaran clothes" reflecting modern yet modest Muslim fashion preferences. Shopping patterns shifted notably during suhoor hours, with food and beverage sales rising over 13-fold, while live streaming sessions featuring celebrities saw viewership spikes of up to 21 times normal levels. These developments underscore Shopee's role in enhancing digital recreation and supporting Ramadan preparations, with the campaign running until 22 March 2026 offering various promotions.

A visitor to Tebet Eco Park in Jakarta reported being confronted by a staff member who prohibited her from taking personal photos and demanded personal details, escalating tensions until she pointed her camera at him. Management clarified that no rules ban non-commercial photography at the park, highlighting potential inconsistencies in staff enforcement. This incident revives concerns over visitor rights and management practices at the public green space, following previous complaints about informal fees.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has announced that Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, the suspect in the alleged Hajj quota corruption case and former Minister of Religious Affairs, suffers from acute GERD and asthma, leading to the approval of house arrest instead of detention in a state facility. This health assessment, including endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures, was a key factor in the decision to facilitate smoother case handling. The investigation, initiated on 9 August 2025, has preliminarily estimated state losses exceeding Rp1 trillion and imposed travel bans on three individuals.

On World Water Day, Pertamina highlights its ongoing efforts to provide clean water access in remote Indonesian regions, including building seven bore wells in Merauke and Jayapura serving 4,585 people previously reliant on unsafe sources, and in disaster-hit Sumatra where it constructed 25 new wells, reactivated 43 others, and distributed 5 million litres of water to over 17,000 survivors. These initiatives, part of Pertamina's Corporate Social Responsibility programme, align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, enhancing community resilience against drought and disasters. The company's actions underscore its commitment to humanitarian dignity in underserved and crisis-stricken areas.

Members of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III have called on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to provide a detailed explanation regarding the controversial shift in detention status for former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who is a suspect in the alleged Hajj quota corruption case. The back-and-forth between house arrest and return to detention has raised concerns about transparency and the integrity of legal processes, with lawmakers emphasising the need for clear supervision mechanisms to avoid perceptions of special treatment influenced by public pressure. This issue underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining public trust in Indonesia's anti-corruption enforcement amid high-profile cases affecting national religious services.

French Ambassador Fabien Penone has affirmed that defence cooperation between France and Indonesia is progressing smoothly, particularly with the procurement of Dassault Rafale fighter jets, which Indonesia has ordered 42 units to bolster its air force. The first batch of three jets has already been stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau, with the second delivery scheduled for mid-2026. This collaboration underscores the strategic bilateral ties, extending to industrial partnerships and socio-cultural exchanges amid regional dynamics.

Wakil Ketua MPR RI, Lestari Moerdijat, has urged the government to meticulously prepare the option of online learning as a measure to conserve fuel oil consumption, emphasising the need for comprehensive technical steps and inter-ministerial coordination to ensure no child loses their right to education. Drawing lessons from the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as unprepared teachers and burdened parents leading to declining student quality, she stresses the importance of enhancing human resources, digital infrastructure, and teacher skills. Rerie calls for strong collaboration between central and local governments and society to deliver quality education that fosters a competitive future generation.

Bogor Station in West Java saw a peak of 149,305 KRL passengers on Monday, 23 March 2026, marking H+2 after Eid al-Fitr, with 75,956 arrivals and 73,349 departures. Passenger numbers have surged since Lebaran day, with 80,520 on Saturday and 136,107 on H+1, mostly tourists, prompting the station to bolster security with additional personnel from police, military, security, and cleaning staff. This reflects the significant post-holiday travel rush straining public transportation infrastructure in Indonesia.

The peak return flow of vehicles following Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah/2026 on the Jalinsum route in Muara Enim, South Sumatra, was busy but remained smooth without significant congestion, as observed on Tuesday afternoon. Motorists preferred the non-toll road for cost savings and to visit relatives, while local eateries benefited from the influx of travellers stopping for meals. South Sumatra Police enhanced their operations through the Early Warning System to ensure security and traffic flow, advising drivers to rest adequately, check vehicles, monitor traffic updates, and contact 110 for assistance.

Didit Prabowo, son of President Prabowo Subianto, celebrated his birthday on 22 March 2026 with a surprise from PDI-P leader Megawati Soekarnoputri and her daughter, House Speaker Puan Maharani, sharing the heartfelt moment on Instagram. President Prabowo also marked the occasion by posting family photos, including childhood images with his son and the late President Soeharto, expressing gratitude and prayers for Didit's future. This event underscores the longstanding personal ties between Didit and key political figures like Megawati, as previously highlighted by Prabowo, reflecting the interpersonal dynamics within Indonesia's political elite.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, reaffirming Tehran's commitment to regional cooperation amid ongoing conflicts with the US and Israel. Pezeshkian emphasised Iran's right to defend its territory, urged neighbouring countries not to allow their facilities to be used for attacks against Iran, and linked disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz to the tensions, while assuring safe passage for non-aggressor vessels. Sharif expressed concern over the escalation, offered condolences for the reported casualties, and reiterated Pakistan's support for Iran's self-defence and regional stability efforts.

Amid the Lebaran homecoming rush, travellers in Indonesia face intense challenges in securing train tickets, with many resorting to early bookings or waiting for cancellations due to high demand post-pandemic. Passengers like Novia and Wahid highlight the difficulties, noting that tickets have become scarcer and more expensive closer to departure dates compared to pre-COVID years. This situation underscores the strain on the nation's rail infrastructure during peak travel periods, affecting millions returning to their hometowns.

The article highlights the misconception that HPV and cervical cancer are solely women's issues, sharing personal stories of a mother vaccinating her 15-year-old son and a man seeking the vaccine after learning about its risks to underscore the need for male involvement in prevention. It discusses how HPV transmits without symptoms and can lead to various cancers in men, such as anal, penile, and throat cancers. Indonesian health officials emphasise government targets for eliminating cervical cancer by 2030 through expanded screening and vaccination for both genders, aiming for 95% coverage among 11-year-olds and 75% HPV DNA screening for women aged 30-69, noting the high mortality rate of around one to one and a half deaths per hour due to late diagnoses.

In the ongoing Operasi Ketupat Lodaya 2026 in Bogor Regency, West Java, police are collaborating with Supeltas volunteers to manage traffic on alternative routes in the Puncak area, ensuring smooth flow during the holiday period. Supeltas, such as 46-year-old Ahmad Yani stationed at Simpang Gadog in Ciawi Subdistrict, assist in reducing congestion, particularly for motorbikes, and receive compensation for their efforts while viewing it as a calling to help others. This partnership has alleviated concerns over opportunistic guides and maintained safe, conducive conditions despite slowdowns.

A video of a Pertamina petrol station (SPBU) built on top of a building in Bekasi, West Java, has gone viral on social media, sparking curiosity due to its unusual location. Pertamina clarified that this is a company-owned and operated (COCO) facility managed by its subsidiary PT Pertamina Retail, functioning as an Energy Station Academy (ESA) for training prospective operators rather than serving customers. Although the dispensers are operational, they are used solely for training purposes, while a conventional SPBU operates normally on the ground floor.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) is set to reopen on Wednesday after the extended Eid al-Fitr holiday, with the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) expected to experience a limited technical rebound influenced by positive global sentiments, including stabilising energy prices and easing geopolitical tensions. Market analyst Hendra Wardana forecasts the index to strengthen modestly at the opening but remain in a consolidation phase, potentially testing resistance levels around 7,150-7,200, while urging investors to stay vigilant against external risks. This outlook highlights the interplay between international market dynamics, such as declining gold prices signalling reduced investor caution, and domestic seasonal factors in shaping Indonesia's financial markets.

A woman who attempted suicide near the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on 22 March is still under intensive care at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), following intervention by police officers who prevented the act and ensured her safety. Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Pol Reynold E.P. Hutagalung stated that the victim, identified by initials JS, was initially calmed by on-site personnel, taken to the police station for initial health checks, and then transferred to RSCM for further medical and psychological evaluations. While circulating videos suggest the woman may have been depressed, the exact cause remains unknown as treatment continues.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has issued a stern reprimand to a man, identified as a partner owner of a Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG), for dancing in a kitchen without proper personal protective equipment (PPE), an action that went viral on social media and was linked to government incentives. BGN has suspended the SPPG due to non-compliance with technical guidelines, including incorrect kitchen layout and wastewater treatment facilities. This incident highlights oversight issues in government-funded nutrition programmes aimed at public welfare.