Indonesia's National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, led the flag-off ceremony for the national one-way traffic system on the return flow from KM 414 of the Kalikangkung Toll to KM 70 of the Cikampek Utama Toll, coinciding with the peak of the post-Eid exodus on 24 March 2026. The measure, involving coordination with ministers and stakeholders, aims to alleviate congestion on the route to Jakarta, with additional provisions for rest areas and alternative transport options like trains and Work From Anywhere policies to enhance traveller safety and efficiency. Authorities urge the public to prioritise rest and consider delaying trips until 25-27 March to avoid peak density.

An economics and business expert from Hasanuddin University in Makassar has reassured that Indonesia is on the right track in building energy resilience, mitigating concerns over domestic energy supplies amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Citing a report from The Economist, Professor Hamid Paddu highlighted the government's effective energy diversification efforts, including solar power plants and electric vehicle adoption, which position Indonesia more securely than peers like Vietnam against global energy crises. He emphasised the need for economic resilience through industrialisation and noted that state-owned enterprises are actively seeking new oil reserves, with proven reserves of 4.4 billion barrels sufficient for the next decade.

PT PLN (Persero) has successfully maintained a reliable electricity supply throughout the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr period in 2026, ensuring uninterrupted power for worship and community activities. With a national capacity of 51.37 gigawatts against a peak load of 34.77 gigawatts, ample reserves were available, and the alert status will persist until 31 March 2026, focusing on 4,429 priority locations including places of worship, transport hubs, and hospitals. Regional managers in areas such as West Nusa Tenggara, South and Central Kalimantan, and Banten confirmed optimal operations and sufficient reserves, highlighting PLN's comprehensive preparedness amid rising energy demands.

The Indonesian government has introduced a national one-way traffic scheme on toll roads to manage the 2026 Lebaran return flow, aiming to ensure safety and smooth travel for millions of vehicles heading back to Jakarta. Coordinating Minister Pratikno emphasised the policy's role in reducing congestion through inter-agency collaboration, while Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo reported over 2.3 million vehicles exiting Jakarta and urged drivers to utilise rest areas and avoid peak times. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi estimated 285,000 vehicles for the day, with preparations including traffic management and information services to prevent bottlenecks.

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid reported that Bali's average download speeds reached 105 Mbps during the Ramadan and Eid holidays, surpassing the national average of 95 Mbps, with upload speeds at 42 Mbps nationwide. Monitoring at key locations like I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport showed speeds up to 250 Mbps, and Indosat led with a 98.25 percent success rate among operators. The ministry's efforts, including 500 joint posts nationwide, aim to ensure reliable digital infrastructure for safe holiday travel, despite minor slowdowns at ports.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has forecasted that approximately 283,000 vehicles will head back to Jakarta on the peak day of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr return flow, Tuesday, 24 March, expressing hopes to avoid the congestion seen during the outbound peak on 18 March when 270,000 vehicles passed through eastern toll roads. Authorities are implementing traffic engineering measures, including one-way systems and temporary rest area closures, while the National Police Chief reported 2.3 million vehicles exiting Jakarta during the outbound flow and urged travellers to utilise rest facilities. Enhanced traffic security in areas like Cirebon is ensuring smoother movement, with current conditions described as busy but fluid.

The Trump administration is quietly considering Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a potential reliable partner and future leader to negotiate an end to the war, according to US officials cited in a Politico report. Trump has hinted at a serious regime change in Iran, drawing parallels to recent events in Venezuela, while Ghalibaf denies any negotiations are underway and accuses the US of spreading false news to manipulate financial and oil markets. This development underscores the US's strategic maneuvering in the escalating conflict with Iran, aiming for a cooperative post-war leadership without direct occupation of key assets like Kharg Island.

Cathay Pacific has extended the suspension of flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until 31 May 2026 due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, following initial cancellations in March and April triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The airline is offering fee waivers for affected passengers and monitoring the situation closely, while adding extra flights to European destinations like Paris, Zurich, and London to meet surging demand for alternative routes. Additionally, Cathay has doubled its fuel surcharges amid rising oil prices caused by the conflict.

PT Transjakarta will boost the frequency of its integrated routes with train stations and bus terminals by 20 to 50 per cent compared to regular days during the 2026 Lebaran return flow, anticipating a surge in passengers arriving via major transport hubs. The enhancements include extended operating hours until 11:59 PM from 13 to 29 March, adjusted schedules to match train and intercity bus arrivals, and the addition of 11 extra buses at Terminal Pulo Gebang during the peak period of 25 to 27 March. This initiative aims to ensure smoother and more comfortable onward journeys for commuters amidst the differing travel patterns of the holiday period.

Bali's tourism sector faces challenges from a US-Israel-Iran conflict starting 28 February 2026, which led to airspace closures in the Middle East, cancelling 64 international flights and stranding over 8,000 passengers at Ngurah Rai International Airport between 28 February and 6 March. Governor Wayan Koster estimates a daily drop of around 800 foreign tourists due to these disruptions, though flight traffic is gradually resuming with limited access. To mitigate impacts, Bali is diversifying to markets like India, China, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia, while maintaining strong ties with traditional markets such as Australia, which contributed over 1.6 million visitors in 2025, supporting overall foreign arrivals of 6.94 million, up 9.72% from 2024.

MPR Deputy Chair Lestari Moerdijat has urged the government to meticulously prepare for implementing online learning as a strategy to reduce fuel consumption, drawing lessons from the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid repeating past mistakes. She emphasised the need for comprehensive technical measures, inter-ministerial coordination, and robust digital infrastructure to ensure no child is deprived of educational rights, while highlighting the importance of teacher training and multi-stakeholder collaboration. This initiative forms part of broader government efforts to conserve energy in the public sector, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto, balancing savings with maintained educational quality through hybrid approaches.

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid has highlighted that certain tourist spots in Bali, particularly Nusa Penida, still lack internet signal coverage. She received direct feedback from tourists at Ngurah Rai Airport during the Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr long holidays, noting that the issue stems from geographical challenges rather than network overload. This underscores the need for telecom operators to enhance connectivity in remote areas to support Bali's vital tourism sector.

Leapmotor, a Chinese electric vehicle brand, is preparing to enter the Indonesian market under PT Indomobil National Distributor, though no official launch date has been announced. The company is highlighting its innovative Cell-to-Chassis (C2C) battery architecture, which integrates battery cells directly into the vehicle's chassis, eliminating module layers to achieve up to 91% space efficiency and reduce components for a more compact design. This technology, already implemented in models like the C01 sedan and C11 and C10 SUVs, enhances structural integrity and includes real-time battery management for performance and safety, positioning Leapmotor as a competitive player in Indonesia's growing EV sector.

In Nusa Tenggara Timur, 104 candidates for principals of senior high schools (SMA), vocational schools (SMK), and special needs schools (SLB) are required to undergo mandatory psychological testing prior to their official appointment on 25 March 2026. The testing, conducted at the Naimata Regional Special Mental Hospital in Kupang, aims to ensure the candidates' integrity, emotional maturity, and mental health, as part of a rigorous selection process overseen by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the National Civil Service Agency. This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of education management and foster entrepreneurial spirit among students in the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged officials to accelerate the development of the Xiongan New Area, a major urban project in Hebei province aimed at relieving Beijing's overcrowding by relocating state-owned enterprises, universities, and tech firms to the site comparable in size to Greater London. During his recent visit, Xi emphasised integrating technological and industrial innovation, with companies like Sinochem and China Huaneng Group already moving headquarters there, though the area remains sparsely populated nearly a decade after inception. This initiative, personally championed by Xi as a legacy project of national significance, underscores China's push for reform and innovation amid broader economic and urban planning goals.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has cited former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut's acute GERD and asthma as key factors in initially granting him house arrest amid an investigation into alleged corruption in the 2023–2024 hajj quota allocation, which is estimated to have caused state losses exceeding Rp1 trillion. Yaqut, along with his aide and another individual, were named suspects and briefly detained before the house arrest was approved on health grounds, only for KPK to later process his return to full detention. This case underscores the KPK's balancing of health considerations with the need to ensure smooth progression of high-profile corruption probes involving public funds.

The Fuel Supply and Distribution Monitoring and Implementation Agency (BPH Migas) has confirmed that national fuel oil (BBM) supplies, both subsidised and non-subsidised, are adequate and distribution to petrol stations is proceeding smoothly as of 22 March 2026, urging the public to avoid panic buying during the Eid holiday period. In West Kalimantan, Pertamina Patra Niaga reported average daily distributions of 2,749 kilolitres of Pertalite and Pertamax series petrol, with diesel at 1,420 kilolitres, and queues at stations in Pontianak and Kubu Raya have normalised while efforts continue elsewhere. This assurance aims to maintain even distribution and prevent shortages, with emergency delivery services available for travellers.

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) has sold 3.616.273 tickets for long-distance trains during the 11 March to 1 April 2026 Lebaran period, surpassing the 3.571.760 available seats by 101.2 percent, thanks to dynamic passenger travel patterns allowing seats to be reused across different routes. High-demand trains include Airlangga, Joglosemarkerto, and Sri Tanjung, with overall sales reaching 93.3 percent of total capacity including local services, and daily occupancy peaking at 154.1 percent on 23 March. This surge underscores the critical role of rail infrastructure in managing peak holiday travel in Java and Sumatra, highlighting KAI's efficient seat utilisation strategies amid rising demand.

A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III has called on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to clarify the decision to grant and then revoke house arrest for former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in a major hajj quota corruption case. The controversy stems from the initial shift to house arrest based on family requests, which was later reversed amid public scrutiny, raising concerns about the consistency and impartiality of anti-corruption enforcement. The case involves alleged manipulation of hajj quotas in 2023 and 2024, resulting in state losses of Rp 622 billion, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining public trust in legal processes.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) in Nabire, Central Papua, is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme during the school holiday to address distribution and service issues following a suspected poisoning incident on 13 March 2026. The evaluation involves heads of nutrition service units, partners, nutritionists, and accountants to ensure compliance with standards, with a focus on timely and safe food delivery to prevent health risks from delayed consumption. Despite logistical challenges such as limited vehicles and distances, BGN plans to standardise distribution schedules and maintain hygiene standards, aiming for the programme's resumption on 30 March 2026.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has advised return travellers during the holiday period to rest every three hours to combat fatigue and drowsiness, which are major causes of road accidents. He highlighted that such incidents occur not only on toll roads but also on arterial routes, particularly involving motorbikes, and noted a significant decline in accident rates this year thanks to coordinated efforts by authorities. This guidance underscores the government's focus on public safety and health during mass migrations.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has commended New Zealand's proactive measures to bolster energy security and accelerate the transition to renewable energy amid global conflicts impacting the sector. During a telephone discussion with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the leaders exchanged views on developments in West Asia and their implications for global security and economy, with Anwar reaffirming Malaysia's condemnation of military actions against Iran and calls for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations. The two leaders also committed to enhancing bilateral ties in trade, investment, and energy to address shared challenges.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has announced it will evaluate mobile operators found to have kept cellular data services active during Nyepi in Bali, despite an agreement to disable them except for vital facilities. Minister Meutya Hafid highlighted the need for this review in response to reports of data usage on the day, including social media live streams outside homes. The evaluation will consider factors such as the proximity of residents' homes to essential sites like hospitals and police stations, which may explain signal coverage.

Cathay Pacific has extended the suspension of flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until May 31, 2026, due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, affecting travel plans and prompting the airline to offer fee-free changes for impacted customers. In response to increased demand for alternative routes, the carrier is adding extra flights to Paris, Zurich, and London, while also doubling fuel surcharges amid surging oil prices. This move highlights the broader disruptions in global aviation caused by regional conflicts, shifting passenger traffic away from Middle Eastern hubs.

As the peak of return traffic from the Eid holiday approaches, Indonesian police have implemented a national one-way traffic scheme along the toll road from KM 414 at Kalikangkung Gate to KM 70 at Jakarta-Cikampek, aimed at smoothing the flow of vehicles heading back to the capital. The initiative, flagged off by the National Police Chief and cabinet ministers, includes prior local traffic adjustments and a 30% toll discount on key routes from 26-27 March to distribute traffic more evenly and prevent congestion. Authorities urge drivers to maintain vehicle condition and use designated emergency lanes, while recommending Work From Anywhere arrangements for 25-27 March to ease the burden.

The escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly around the Hormuz Strait, has triggered a massive surge in global energy prices and supply shortages, severely impacting the aviation sector in Southeast Asia. Vietnam Airlines is suspending 23 domestic flights per week from April due to limited Jet A-1 fuel supplies, while seeking support from countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Algeria, and Japan, alongside new oil and gas agreements with Russia. In response, Japan is releasing portions of its strategic oil reserves starting 26 March and utilising joint stockpiles with producers to bolster national energy resilience, given its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern imports.

Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the DPR from the PDI-P faction, Aria Bima, has cautioned that implementing a one-day weekly work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants and private sector workers to conserve fuel should not serve as the only solution to high oil prices, advocating for in-depth studies to avoid disrupting public services. He supports selective application for administrative roles but warns against uniform enforcement, particularly in essential sectors like face-to-face services and manufacturing, and recommends incentives over mandates for private businesses. The government clarifies that the policy targets specific sectors, aiming to promote efficiency amid global dynamics without affecting critical areas like services, industry, and trade.

Indonesian National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has called on the public to avoid simultaneous returns during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr exodus, instead leveraging work-from-anywhere policies to travel back in stages from 25 to 27 March. Speaking at the launch of the national one-way traffic scheme at Kalikangkung Toll Gate in Central Java, he outlined measures to prevent bottlenecks near Jakarta, including functional toll road usage and traffic engineering. Additional facilities like rest areas and integrated service posts have been prepared to ensure safer journeys for weary travellers.

During the Eid al-Fitr return flow on Tuesday, 24 March, the North Coast (Pantura) route in Cirebon, West Java, recorded 114,431 vehicles heading towards Jakarta by 2:30 PM WIB, with motorcycles dominating the traffic. The volume averaged around 2,142 vehicles per hour, prompting combined security teams and local organisations to manage flow and ensure safety, particularly as Cirebon serves as a key tourist destination. This monitoring underscores the challenges of handling peak holiday traffic on vital Indonesian road infrastructure.

Samsung Electronics and AMD have entered into a strategic partnership to develop advanced AI chips, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at Samsung's advanced manufacturing complex in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. This collaboration expands on their two-decade history and focuses on AI infrastructure, including Samsung supplying next-generation HBM4 memory for AMD's Instinct MI455X AI accelerator GPU and optimised DDR5 memory for the sixth-generation EPYC processors. The partnership positions Samsung as a key player in AMD's AI roadmap and bolsters its foundry division amid intensifying global semiconductor competition.

Lestari Moerdijat, Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), has urged the government to thoroughly prepare online learning options as part of fuel-saving strategies, emphasising the need for comprehensive technical measures and policy synchronisation across ministries to protect children's right to education. Drawing from pandemic-era challenges, she highlighted the importance of equipping teachers, parents, and infrastructure, including the distribution of digital devices and internet access to schools. This approach aims to maintain educational quality and foster a competitive future generation amid operational efficiencies in the education sector.

Financial economist Hans Kwee forecasts that Indonesia's Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) will rise on Wednesday following the long holiday for Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr in 2026, buoyed by US President Donald Trump's decision to delay military strikes on Iran's power plants and energy facilities for five days. This postponement has eased global market volatility stemming from US-Israel tensions with Iran, leading to gains in Wall Street and European stock exchanges on Monday. The IHSG may face initial selling pressure but is expected to trade within a limited range, supported at 7,100-7,000 and resisted at 7,250-7,349.

The Japanese government has pledged to utilise all possible diplomatic channels in collaboration with the international community to de-escalate the escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz amid the intensifying conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasised Japan's commitment to diplomacy in response to market volatility and threats from US President Donald Trump to strike Iranian energy infrastructure if the vital shipping route is not reopened, countered by Iran's warnings of total closure. As a major importer of crude oil, Japan views the strait as crucial to its national energy needs, positioning its diplomatic initiatives as key to maintaining global energy stability.

Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) hosted a halalbihalal event at his residence in Cikeas, Bogor, attended by prominent figures including Yenny Wahid and former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan. A notable moment captured on Instagram showed Anies engaging in conversation with SBY and his son Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), with Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono nearby, highlighting interactions among key political personalities during the Eid celebrations. The event also featured performances by AHY and Yenny Wahid, underscoring the blend of family traditions and political networking in post-Eid gatherings.

Two Indonesian police officers, Bripka Septian Eko Nugroho and Brigadir Fajar Permana, have tragically died while performing security duties for the 2026 Eid al-Fitr exodus, with one succumbing to a heart rhythm disorder in Central Java and the other to exhaustion and respiratory issues in Jakarta. The incidents highlight the intense physical demands on law enforcement personnel during the high-traffic mudik period, prompting tributes to their dedication and assurances of support for their families from police authorities. This underscores the need for better health safeguards and resources for officers managing such large-scale public safety operations.

The Sharia Banking Director of Bank CIMB Niaga, Pandji P Djajanegara, expressed optimism regarding the 2026 spin-off target for the bank's Sharia unit, supported by accelerated growth in UMKM, retail sectors, and enhanced service capacity with new products. He assured that the service level of PT Bank CIMB Niaga Syariah will match that of its parent bank, bolstered by strengthened collaborations, system modernisation, and improvements in governance and risk management. This initiative aims to position Sharia banking competitively against conventional banks in Indonesia's financial landscape.

Vehicle traffic entering Sumatra via the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road remains elevated during the 2026 Lebaran return period, with over 257,000 vehicles recorded on 23 March, marking a 184% surge compared to normal levels. Significant increases were observed on key sections such as Padang-Sicincin (up 460%) and Sigli-Banda Aceh (up 455%), driven by ongoing holiday travel and tourism. Hutama Karya is continuously monitoring traffic to ensure smooth and safe journeys for users.

Indonesia's National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, along with three ministers, inaugurated a one-way traffic system on Tuesday for the peak Eid al-Fitr return flow, spanning from KM 414 at Semarang's Kalikangkung Toll Gate to KM 70 at Cikampek Utama Toll Gate. The initiative, aimed at easing congestion and ensuring driver safety and comfort, coincides with national traffic management efforts to prevent bottlenecks towards Jakarta. Coordinating Minister Pratikno emphasised that this measure is part of broader strategies to manage the high-volume return travel following the holiday.

PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol (JTT) has introduced a situational open-closed system at the Rest Area KM 424B towards Jakarta on the Semarang Toll Road Sections A, B, and C to manage vehicle density and ensure smooth traffic flow during peak volumes. The policy involves on-site traffic assessments in coordination with police, with appeals for drivers to stagger their rest times and utilise alternative rest areas like KM 360B and KM 389B if necessary. This measure highlights efforts to enhance road safety and efficiency on major Indonesian toll routes amid increasing traffic.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has approved house arrest for Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, former Minister of Religious Affairs and suspect in the alleged Hajj quota corruption case, due to his acute GERD and asthma conditions. This decision follows a health assessment confirming his medical issues, alongside strategic considerations for the case's smooth handling. The case involves state losses of Rp622 billion from irregularities in Indonesia's 2023-2024 Hajj quotas, with Yaqut and his aide named as suspects.

PT MRT Jakarta is offering a special fare of Rp 243 for passengers on 24 March 2026 to commemorate MRT Day, applicable via the MyMRTJ app and select partners like Kredivo, blu by BCA Digital, and GoPay, limited to one use per user. This annual event marks the service's launch in 2019 and underscores its role in providing safe, comfortable, and sustainable urban mobility, with a series of programmes running until 24 April, culminating in a public festival. The initiative aligns with MRT Jakarta's campaign "Melaju Menyatukan Masa Depan Kota," emphasising connectivity for the city's future.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has returned former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to its detention centre following his temporary home detention over Eid, as he is scheduled for further questioning in the ongoing hajj quota corruption case. KPK spokesperson Asep Guntur Rahayu emphasised that the transfer ensures the smooth and expedited handling of the investigation, dismissing concerns about any covert extensions of home detention privileges. This development underscores the KPK's commitment to advancing the probe without interruptions, highlighting accountability in Indonesia's religious affairs administration.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the release of national oil reserves starting Thursday to address supply concerns stemming from the US-Israel war against Iran, following an initial release from private sector reserves last week. The move includes utilising oil stored in Japan from Middle Eastern countries by month's end, with Tokyo committing to diplomatic efforts for regional stability and coordination with allies like the US to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic response underscores Japan's vulnerability to Middle East tensions and its proactive measures to stabilise energy supplies for its economy.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a telephone discussion on the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, emphasising the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and protect civilian lives. The leaders agreed to pursue meaningful negotiations for a peaceful resolution and planned an upcoming meeting, including Anwar's visit to Jakarta, to strengthen bilateral ties between Indonesia and Malaysia. This communication, timed around Eid al-Fitr celebrations, underscores the strategic diplomatic outreach by both nations amid regional instability.

Former KPK investigator Yudi Purnomo Harahap has expressed regret over the public uproar surrounding the temporary transfer of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to house detention, stating that it has irreparably damaged the anti-corruption body's reputation despite his return to prison. He urged the KPK to expedite the haji quota corruption case to court for transparency and to implement a moratorium on future detention transfers to restore public trust. Yudi also called on the KPK's Supervisory Board to investigate the procedural irregularities behind the decision to prevent similar incidents and safeguard the institution's integrity in combating corruption.

The Advocacy Team for Democracy (TAUD) has condemned the suspected involvement of TNI's Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) members in the acid attack on KontraS activist Andrie Yunus as a serious breach of military intelligence duties, arguing that BAIS should focus on threat detection for national defence rather than surveilling civilians. TAUD is calling for an independent investigation by Komnas HAM and the formation of a Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF) involving civil society to ensure accountability from high-ranking officials, including the Defence Minister and TNI Commander, and transparent prosecution in civilian courts. Four BAIS personnel from the Navy and Air Force have been detained, with ongoing investigations highlighting potential broader involvement in the incident that occurred on 12 March 2026 in central Jakarta.

Japan is intensifying diplomatic efforts to maintain stability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for over 90% of its crude oil imports from the Middle East, amid escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to collaborate with the international community to de-escalate the situation, which could disrupt Japan's energy supplies if the strait is closed. The government's commitment underscores the vital importance of uninterrupted oil flows for Japan's national energy security.

Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has estimated that 283,000 vehicles will head back to Jakarta on the peak day of the Lebaran 2026 homecoming return flow, which is expected to occur today. He urged the public to make good use of toll road facilities and avoid forcing themselves if fatigued, while toll operators have implemented measures such as closing rest areas and traffic engineering to prevent congestion. A one-way national traffic lane from Semarang to Cikampek in West Java was opened this afternoon to facilitate the smooth return of holidaymakers.

Indonesian Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has encouraged holidaymakers to leverage work flexibility options to stagger their return trips, aiming to ease congestion during the anticipated peak return waves on 23-24 March and 28-29 March 2026. He highlighted potential traffic densities at popular tourist spots and weather-related risks in eastern Indonesia, urging enhanced inter-agency coordination and traffic management to ensure safety. Despite a rise in the number of travellers compared to previous years, accident rates and fatalities have decreased, a positive trend the police aim to maintain through the end of the return period.

Indonesia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has confirmed that the departure schedule for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia remains unchanged despite geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. He emphasised that preparations, including accommodations, transportation, and funding, are progressing smoothly, with no disruptions reported and ongoing communication with Saudi authorities ensuring no alterations to the timeline. The government is also monitoring Umrah operations and elderly pilgrim quotas to guarantee safe and secure travel for all participants.