Two Indonesian TNI soldiers, Captain (Inf) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar and Sertu Muhammad Nur Ichwan, were killed while escorting a UNIFIL convoy in southern Lebanon, prompting widespread condolences and tributes across social media. AWMI Chairman Dewanto P. Siregar conveyed profound sorrow, highlighting the TNI's commitment to investigating the incident with the UN and prioritising troop safety, while Sultan Hamengkubuwono X of Yogyakarta expressed sympathy for the sacrifices made in maintaining global peace. The incident underscores Indonesia's significant role as a major contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, with repatriation and military honours planned for the fallen heroes.

Residents in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, queued extensively at fuel stations on Tuesday night, driven by unfounded rumours of an impending fuel price increase set for 1 April 2026, despite the government's confirmation that no adjustments would occur. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, following coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Pertamina under President Prabowo Subianto's directives, assured the public of stable prices and ample fuel supply to safeguard purchasing power. This incident underscores the impact of misinformation on public behaviour and the government's efforts to maintain economic stability amid such concerns.

Economist Rizal Taufikurahman from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance has urged caution regarding claims of fiscal savings amounting to Rp6.2 trillion from the work-from-home (WFH) policy, arguing that the figure relies on unverified assumptions about compliance and mobility reductions, with energy consumption merely shifting from transport to households. He warns that WFH could harm economic sectors dependent on daily mobility, such as transportation, retail, and SMEs, potentially leading to weakened consumption and reduced state revenues from VAT and service taxes, offsetting any budgetary savings. Taufikurahman emphasises that WFH is not a strategic solution for improving the State Budget (APBN) and may prove counterproductive without proper mitigation, calling for more impactful policies amid fragile economic growth.

Indonesia's economy is forecasted to grow by 5.37 percent in the first quarter of 2026, driven by robust household consumption boosted by Eid al-Fitr bonuses, long holidays, and accelerated government spending programs such as the Free Nutritious Meals initiative. Sectors like transportation, accommodation, and telecommunications are expected to see significant year-on-year growth, contributing to the overall economic momentum. However, the second quarter may face greater challenges due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, though government efforts to stabilise food prices are anticipated to keep inflation in check.

The Indonesian government has introduced a policy mandating civil servants (ASN) to work from home one day per week on Fridays, starting 1 April 2026, to promote digital-based governance and reduce fuel consumption, while exempting essential sectors such as health, security, and strategic industries. For the private sector, WFH arrangements will be tailored to each business's characteristics and needs, as outlined in a forthcoming circular from the Minister of Manpower, which also includes measures for workplace energy efficiency. This initiative builds on post-COVID practices in some ministries and ensures that public services and productive activities like banking remain operational.

Civil society organisations and legal representatives of acid attack victim Andrie Yunus from KontraS have urged the DPR's Commission III to handle the case through general courts and form an independent Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGPF). They expressed disappointment over the police's transfer of the case to the TNI's Military Police Centre (Puspom), fearing it limits accountability to just the four field perpetrators and ignores higher intellectual actors, funding, and command chains potentially involving senior officers. The activists highlighted legal flaws in the transfer and drew parallels to past cases like Munir's, emphasising the need for civil society involvement to uncover the full truth.

Stock markets in Japan and South Korea surged at the opening on Wednesday, with the Nikkei climbing over 3 per cent and the Kospi rising nearly 5 per cent, following US President Donald Trump's indication that the war with Iran could end within two weeks. This rebound was spurred by signals of a potential ceasefire from both US and Iranian sides, easing fears of prolonged conflict disrupting oil supplies from the Persian Gulf and triggering global inflation. Consequently, Brent crude oil prices fell 3.2 per cent to US$103.97 per barrel, while US crude dropped 1.5 per cent to US$101.38, reflecting market optimism amid mixed statements from world leaders.

Despite overall net selling pressure from foreign investors amounting to Rp1.28 trillion, they accumulated significant stakes in select Indonesian stocks on Tuesday, with PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk (INDF) leading at Rp62.5 billion, followed by PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (BMRI) and others. The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) closed down 0.61% at 7,048.22, driven by declines in utilities, energy, and industrial sectors amid high volatility. This selective buying highlights foreign interest in resilient sectors like consumer goods and banking even as the broader market faces challenges.

Excessive exposure to gadgets in early childhood can seriously hinder toddlers' speech development and socialisation skills, as highlighted by Prof. Dr. dr. Rini Sekartini from the University of Indonesia's Child Health Department. The Indonesian Paediatric Society supports the government's new regulation, PP Tunas, which mandates the deactivation of social media accounts for children under 16 on platforms like YouTube and TikTok starting in 2026, aiming to protect young users from harmful digital content. This policy underscores the critical need for two-way stimulation in child development and seeks to mitigate long-term learning impairments from passive screen time.

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla has called on the Indonesian government to provide the highest honours and welfare guarantees to the families of three TNI soldiers who died in an Israeli attack while serving in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Kalla expressed deep condolences and criticised Israel's indiscriminate targeting, urging Indonesia to adopt a cautious yet firm stance towards Israel. The incident, which occurred at the end of March 2026, highlights the risks faced by Indonesian peacekeepers and underscores the need for robust state support for their sacrifices in international duties.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung claimed that all rubbish piles across the city, including in Kramat Jati, have been cleared and the situation is under control. However, observations at the temporary rubbish storage site in Rawadas, Pondok Kopi, Duren Sawit, reveal ongoing accumulations up to three metres high, triggered by a landslide at the Bantargebang integrated waste processing facility and increased post-Eid al-Fitr volumes. Local officials report efforts to transport four trucks of waste today, but daily inflows exceeding 20 carts continue to cause build-ups, affecting nearby roads with leachate and slippery conditions.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is prioritising the summoning of Hajj service providers (PIHK) in its ongoing investigation into the alleged corruption of Indonesia's Hajj quota, aiming to optimise the recovery of state financial losses estimated at Rp622 billion by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK). This follows the naming of two new suspects on 30 March 2026—Ismail Adham, Operational Director of Maktour, and Asrul Aziz Taba, Chairman of Kesthuri—adding to the earlier detentions of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his special staff Gus Alex. The case, which began in August 2025, underscores significant governance issues in managing religious pilgrimages and the KPK's commitment to pursuing illicit gains from quota allocations.

A member of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Sergeant ATP from Kasdam XV/Pattimura, is accused of scamming a victim out of Rp 30 million by posing as a broker for TNI Army enlistment in Central Maluku. The incident, mediated by a civilian named RB in 2025, highlights the exploitation of free military recruitment processes, with the suspect claiming to have returned the funds but facing full legal proceedings. This case underscores the military's commitment to upholding the law and eliminating corruption within its ranks.

A legal expert from Universitas Islam Indonesia has criticised the House of Representatives' Commission III for removing defendant Amsal Sitepu from custody before prosecutors arrived, despite a court ruling granting suspension of detention. Prof. Hanafi Amrani described the action as both an ethical breach and a procedural violation, emphasising that the prosecutor's office holds the authority to execute such court decisions. This incident highlights potential overreach by parliamentary members in judicial processes, underscoring the importance of adhering to legal protocols to maintain institutional integrity.

Indonesia's National Nutrition Agency has suspended operations of 1,256 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units in eastern regions due to lacking hygiene certifications and wastewater treatment facilities, effective from April 1, 2026, to enforce health standards. The Health Ministry issued a circular on measles vigilance to protect medical personnel amid rising cases. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology announced that the KIP Kuliah programme will now use the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) for more targeted aid distribution, while results of the 2026 SNBP university admissions based on achievements are set to be announced at 3:00 PM WIB today.

The Indonesian government has mandated work-from-home (WFH) for civil servants (ASN) every Friday starting April 2026 as part of workplace transformation in central and regional agencies. Jakarta plans to follow the central directive but avoid Wednesdays to preserve its public transport initiative, while Bekasi will adjust operations to ensure 100% public services remain unaffected, with some departments operating at 50% capacity. Local responses vary, with authorities awaiting technical guidelines to balance policy implementation and service delivery.

The article critiques the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services in Indonesia, such as Shopee PayLater and Kredivo, which offer instant credit to young users but risk fostering impulsive spending and debt accumulation due to behavioural biases like present bias. While these platforms enhance financial inclusion and drive consumption, they create a perceived prosperity that masks underlying financial vulnerability, particularly among students with limited financial literacy. The author calls for improved financial education, responsible product design, and institutional roles in education to balance accessibility with user preparedness and prevent a fragile generation burdened by deferred payments.

The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has warned the public to remain vigilant for potential extreme weather over the next week, despite the transition towards the dry season. Moderate to heavy rain is expected in various regions, influenced by atmospheric dynamics including the Madden Julian Oscillation and cyclonic circulations, with alert statuses issued for heavy rainfall in areas such as Bengkulu, West Java, and Central Sulawesi. This dynamic weather could disrupt post-Eid travel and heighten risks of hydrometeorological disasters like floods and landslides, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and precautionary measures.

President Prabowo Subianto has urged Japanese automakers to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia during a speech at the Indonesia-Japan Business Forum, highlighting the need to shift from the country's 114 million petrol-powered motorcycles to electric alternatives to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. The Indonesian government is supporting this transition through tax incentives, purchase subsidies, and expanding charging infrastructure, amid the current dominance of Chinese manufacturers in the local EV market. This push aims to make EVs more affordable and accessible, transforming their image from luxury items to everyday transport options.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has suspended operations of 1,256 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) in eastern Indonesia starting 1 April 2026 due to their failure to obtain Hygiene Sanitation Certificates (SLHS) and install Wastewater Treatment Facilities (IPAL). This measure ensures food safety and environmental standards in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme, protecting public health. BGN urges affected units to comply promptly for reinstatement after verification, underscoring the government's commitment to programme quality.

The Indonesian government has assured the public that there will be no price adjustments for subsidised or non-subsidised fuel, following rumours of an impending hike on 1 April. This decision, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, prioritises public welfare and aims to maintain purchasing power and supply stability, as confirmed by State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi. The House of Representatives (DPR) has applauded the move and urged citizens not to panic or hoard fuel, noting queues at petrol stations due to misinformation.

Indonesia is set to lend Komodo dragons to Japan as part of a conservation diplomacy initiative, with the breeding loan scheme aimed at sustainably preserving the iconic Indonesian species. Japanese officials have expressed strong appreciation, highlighting the Komodo's high popularity in Japan comparable to pandas, and plan a special welcome upon arrival. The agreement, involving iZoo Japan and Surabaya Zoo, is scheduled for signing by late April 2026 and includes reciprocal animal exchanges to foster global collaboration in rehabilitation, research, education, and mangrove ecosystem management.

The Indonesian government, through Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto, has clarified that the education sector will operate normally without implementing work-from-home policies for civil servants, maintaining face-to-face learning from primary to secondary levels five days a week. Higher education institutions for semesters four and above will follow guidelines from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. This exemption extends to key public officials and service sectors, ensuring continuity amid the broader WFH directive for ASN starting 1 April 2026, which aims to transform civil service work culture.

The Indonesian government has issued guidelines for the mandatory work-from-home policy for civil servants (ASN) every Friday, aimed at saving costs amid rising global oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. ASN must keep their mobile phones active during work hours to enable location tracking via geolocation features, ensuring they are at their registered residences. The policy, outlined in a circular from the Minister of Home Affairs dated 31 March 2026, also includes performance evaluations through a dedicated app from the Ministry of State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform, alongside pushes for digital services and electronic signatures.

Wall Street's major indices closed higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 surging 2.91% to 6,528.52, Nasdaq climbing 3.83% to 21,590.63, and Dow Jones rising 2.49% to 46,341.51, marking the largest daily gains since May 2025. The rally was driven by speculation that US President Donald Trump is open to ending the military campaign against Iran, easing tensions in the Middle East that had previously spiked oil prices and inflation fears. Despite year-to-date declines, the market's positive sentiment reflects hopes for stabilised global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, though concerns over US labour market weakness and potential Federal Reserve rate hikes persist.

Jakarta's air quality reached an unhealthy level on Wednesday morning, with an AQI of 165 and PM2.5 concentration at 70.5 micrograms per cubic metre, ranking the city second among cities with poor air quality following the post-Eid al-Fitr resumption of activities. The Jakarta Provincial Government is preparing rapid responses for the upcoming dry season, including enhanced air quality monitoring, vehicle emission testing, and evaluation of the Air Pollution Control Strategy, emphasising the need for integrated cross-regional collaboration to address pollution effectively.

Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, known as Mualem, has vehemently condemned the assault on Faisal Amsco, a resident of Langsa in Aceh, which occurred during a confrontation at the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters on 26 March. Mualem expressed deep disappointment that such violence took place within a police institution meant to protect citizens, urging the National Police Chief to investigate thoroughly, including any intellectual actors or rogue officers involved, to restore public trust. Three suspects have been arrested, and the underlying sexual violence case against Faisal continues with adjusted procedures to ensure safety.

Indonesia's government has confirmed that Pertamina fuel prices will remain unchanged in April 2026, despite rising global oil prices, prioritising public interests as directed by the President. This decision, coordinated by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Pertamina, applies to both subsidised fuels like Pertalite at Rp 10,000 per litre and non-subsidised options, with regional variations in non-subsidised prices due to distribution factors. The stability aims to shield consumers from international market fluctuations, particularly benefiting regions like Bali and Nusa Tenggara.

The Indonesian government has announced a policy to implement the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme only five days a week starting 1 April 2026, as part of a broader transformation in work culture and energy efficiency to address global geopolitical conditions. This adjustment, which excludes certain groups like those in dormitories, remote 3T areas, and high-stunting regions, is expected to save up to Rp20 trillion. The policy is accompanied by measures such as national work-from-home days, budget refocusing of Rp121-130 trillion towards priority programmes, and restrictions on subsidised fuel purchases to promote efficiency and stability.

PT Bank Mega Tbk. has set ambitious yet cautious targets for 2026, aiming for a net profit of Rp3.7 trillion, total loans of Rp74 trillion, third-party funds of Rp111 trillion, and total assets of Rp149 trillion. CEO Kostaman Thayib emphasised prioritising liquidity stability by keeping the loan-to-deposit ratio around 70%, even at the cost of minimum giro reserve penalties, drawing from past crisis experiences. This strategy supports sustainable growth, building on 2025's 28% profit increase to Rp3.36 trillion and strong financial ratios, while focusing on wholesale lending, credit cards, and treasury investments.

The KPK's Oversight Council is investigating public complaints about the temporary transfer of former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas from state detention to house arrest in the ongoing hajj quota corruption case, emphasising ethical considerations and procedural adherence. The case, involving alleged corruption in the 2023-2024 hajj quotas, has seen significant developments including the determination of new suspects and a state loss estimated at Rp622 billion by auditors. This scrutiny underscores the importance of public oversight in maintaining the KPK's independence and integrity to ensure justice in high-profile anti-corruption efforts.

The Iranian military has launched a new wave of drone operations targeting strategic industrial and communication centres affiliated with Israel, including Siemens' industrial software centre near Ben Gurion Airport and AT&T's research facility in Haifa. Described as direct retaliation against US and Israeli aggression on Iran's vital infrastructure and sovereignty, the strikes aim to disrupt technology supply chains supporting Israel's military capabilities in AI, automation, and advanced networking. Iran vows to continue these operations until all threats are eliminated, escalating tensions in the region.

The Indonesian Ministry of Cooperatives and the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection have agreed to integrate complaint posts for women and children into Red and White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) to enhance protection services at the grassroots level. This collaboration also focuses on empowering women's economic roles through cooperative transformation and funding support, aligning with the Ruang Bersama Indonesia programme. A pilot project will commence immediately in select regions to address violence prevention and community development without awaiting a formal MoU.

The KPK Oversight Board is addressing public complaints about the transfer of detention status for Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, the former Minister of Religious Affairs and suspect in the alleged Hajj quota corruption case, from state detention to house arrest and back. This action underscores the board's commitment to ethical oversight and preventing any abuse of authority within the anti-corruption agency. The case, involving state financial losses of Rp622 billion, highlights ongoing efforts to maintain KPK's independence through public checks and balances.

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named two new suspects in the ongoing corruption probe into the allocation of Hajj quotas by the Ministry of Religious Affairs during 2023-2024, involving private sector figures Ismail Adham from PT Makassar Toraja and Asrul Azis Taba from Asosiasi Kesthuri. The suspects are accused of influencing quota decisions, leading to illegal gains of over Rp68 billion for affiliated companies and state losses estimated at Rp622 billion, charged under corruption laws focusing on financial harm rather than bribery. This development extends the detention of former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and highlights systemic issues in Hajj management, with one suspect currently in Saudi Arabia urged to return for questioning.

Indo Premier Sekuritas' IPOT app is enhancing accessibility for retail investors to participate in initial public offerings (IPOs) through an integrated platform that simplifies booking, fund management, and real-time monitoring. This comes amid growing interest in IPOs, with IPOT enabling seamless processes like e-IPO bookings and portfolio previews, as highlighted by Chief Marketing Officer Sergio Ticoalu. The app is particularly useful for the upcoming IPO of PT BSA Logistics Indonesia Tbk (WBSA), which aims to raise up to Rp306 billion for expansion in the logistics sector, underscoring the platform's role in democratising investment opportunities in Indonesia's capital markets.

Adisutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta recorded a remarkable 484% increase in passenger traffic during the 2026 Eid travel period, serving 10,671 passengers compared to just 1,729 the previous year, alongside a 354% rise in aircraft movements. This surge, primarily on short-haul routes to Jakarta's Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, signals a strong recovery in public interest in air travel using efficient ATR propeller planes. The positive trend offers opportunities for new route developments and underscores the airport's role in facilitating regional mobility during peak holiday seasons.

PT Pertamina has confirmed that fuel prices at all its petrol stations will remain unchanged starting 1 April 2026, affecting both subsidised and non-subsidised fuels, in line with government directives amid rising global oil prices due to the Iran-US-Israel conflict. This decision follows President Prabowo Subianto's emphasis on prioritising public interests, with Pertamina implementing strategic measures such as negotiations with suppliers and optimising production to ensure energy availability. The company urges the public to use fuel wisely and avoid panic buying based on unverified information.

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Directorate has launched mobile driving licence (SIM) renewal services at five locations across Jakarta on Wednesday, from 8:00 to 14:00 WIB, targeting SIM A and C categories that are still valid. Services are limited to extensions only, with expired licences requiring new applications at a specific police station, and fees set at Rp80,000 for SIM A and Rp75,000 for SIM C, plus additional costs for psychological and health tests. This initiative enhances accessibility for motorists, underscoring the five-year validity period and penalties for non-compliance under traffic laws.

Coal prices surged 24.55% throughout March, marking the strongest monthly gain in nearly four years, driven by the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which pushed global crude oil prices above US$100 per barrel and prompted a return to coal in major Asian markets and beyond. Countries like China, India, Japan, and Italy are delaying coal plant retirements to ensure energy security amid soaring fuel costs, though prices began declining on 31 March due to optimism over the conflict's resolution. This volatility highlights the vulnerabilities in global energy supplies and challenges to Europe's green transition goals.

The Indonesian government has implemented a work-from-home policy for civil servants every Friday to cut costs amid rising global oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. However, essential public services such as emergency response, public order, waste management, health, education, and permitting must continue full operations from offices, along with key officials like provincial leaders and local administrators. This measure echoes similar arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted public services while promoting efficiency.

Amid an escalating energy crisis, the Indonesian government faces criticism for neglecting public transport improvements, which experts deem essential for reducing fuel consumption and enhancing societal mobility. Transportation analyst Djoko Setijowarno highlights the lack of initiative from the Ministry of Transportation, with public transport subsidies plummeting and only 5% of rural transport services remaining operational. This oversight threatens access to education, economy, and healthcare, as 93% of subsidised fuel benefits private vehicles, underscoring the urgent need for a shift towards efficient, energy-friendly mass transit systems.

Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is accelerating preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, focusing on pilgrim safety amid ongoing Middle Eastern geopolitical conflicts that have raised concerns among prospective Indonesian pilgrims. Minister Irfan Yusuf assured that all preparations, including nearly 100% visa issuance, are complete, with the first group scheduled to depart on 22 April 2026, and confirmed that departure schedules remain unchanged despite circulating rumours. In line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive, the ministry will continuously monitor security and optimise logistics in the Holy Land to ensure pilgrim well-being.

The data centre industry in Indonesia is experiencing promising growth driven by rapid digital adoption, particularly AI and online services, prompting companies like Digital Realty Bersama (DRB) and Equinix to expand their computational capacities. Despite challenges such as limited land and energy, the low per capita data centre capacity compared to regional peers highlights significant untapped potential, with expansions projected to support surging demands from e-commerce, banking, and AI applications. This development positions Indonesia as a key digital hub in the Asia-Pacific, fostering economic digitalisation over the next decade.

President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to Tokyo in late March 2026 has solidified Indonesia's global bargaining position, resulting in ten strategic Memoranda of Understanding worth US$23.6 billion (Rp 401.71 trillion) across key sectors including petrochemical downstreaming, semiconductors, energy transition, and food security. This investment underscores Indonesia's appeal as a stable regional magnet amid global economic fragmentation, enhancing supply chain resilience against crises like those in the Middle East and bolstering bilateral trade that reached over US$37.3 billion with a US$4.3 billion surplus for Indonesia. The agreements, particularly in aviation leasing and green hydrogen, support national goals for economic sovereignty and the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision through sustained Japanese partnership.

A heated confrontation erupted between Lebak Regent Hasbi Asyidiki Jayabaya and his Deputy Amir Hamzah during a halal bihalal event, when Hasbi publicly referenced Amir's past as a convicted bribe-giver in the 2013 election dispute, leading Amir to storm out in humiliation. Amir hit back by highlighting Hasbi's prior electoral failures and crediting family influence for his success, while Hasbi denied any intent to insult, framing it as recognition of Amir's achievement in rising from inmate to deputy. The feud underscores tensions in local governance that could tarnish Lebak's positive development progress and political stability.

Actor Ibnu Jamil has expressed strong support for the implementation of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 (PP Tunas), which mandates digital platforms to protect children through age-based access restrictions, data verification, and harmful content filtering. As a parent, he highlights the vulnerability of minors to online influences due to their developing cognitive abilities, emphasising the need for such rules in the digital era. While acknowledging social media's positive aspects like fostering creativity, Ibnu stresses that regulations are essential to ensure safe usage for underage children.

Foreign investors recorded a substantial net sell-off of Rp1.28 trillion across the market on Tuesday (31/3/2026), surpassing the previous day's Rp686 billion, primarily targeting big-cap stocks in banking and commodities sectors. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI) led the sales with Rp290.2 billion, followed by Merdeka Copper Gold (MDKA) and Bumi Resources Minerals (BRMS), contributing to the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) closing down 0.61% at 7,048.22 amid high volatility. This trend highlights ongoing foreign divestment pressures on key Indonesian equities, potentially signaling broader market concerns in finance and resource sectors.

An opinion piece critiques the Indonesian Minister of Basic and Secondary Education's call for schools to recycle waste into eco-friendly energy, arguing it conflates recycling with waste-to-energy processes and oversimplifies complex industrial practices unsuitable for school settings. The author advocates for schools to focus on education in reducing, reusing, and properly sorting waste, integrating with local systems to foster long-term ecological awareness rather than symbolic or hazardous activities. This highlights the need for accurate paradigms in environmental education to avoid misleading future generations on sustainable waste management.

On 31 March, Jakarta witnessed significant events including the Jakarta Festive Wonder 2026 event from Chinese New Year to Eid, which generated a record Rp67.5 trillion in transactions across 101 shopping centres, as announced by Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo. The governor also addressed delays in following up reports on the JAKI app, a new collaboration with Pelindo to prevent traffic congestion at Tanjung Priok Port by providing parking space, and the targeted completion of a wastewater treatment plant in South Jakarta by June 2026. Additionally, a fire engulfed a shop-house building in West Jakarta's Kembangan area in the evening.