House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has called on private companies to ensure that employees' rights, including wages and annual leave, are upheld during the implementation of a one-day-per-week work-from-home (WFH) policy as recommended by the government. This policy, outlined in a circular from the Minister of Manpower, aims to optimise energy use and boost productivity, similar to measures during the Covid-19 pandemic, but excludes sectors like healthcare, energy, and manufacturing where remote work is impractical. Puan supports the initiative as a selective and measured approach to energy efficiency, provided it does not create new challenges for businesses and society, while the government has already mandated WFH for civil servants every Friday starting 1 April 2026 to save energy amid rising global oil prices and promote digital governance.

PT Jasamarga Transjawa Tol (JTT), in collaboration with the police, has introduced a contraflow traffic arrangement on the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road from KM 47 to KM 66 to manage high vehicle volumes heading east during the Good Friday holiday period. This situational measure, implemented at 09:18 WIB, aims to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety for travellers on the Trans Java route. JTT urges drivers to prioritise safety, adhere to instructions, and prepare adequately for their journeys amid potential weather changes.

The Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) urges the Indonesian government to reactivate incentives for electric vehicles to mitigate fiscal pressures from surging global oil prices, which could inflate energy subsidies to Rp210 trillion in 2026. Without continued stimuli, adoption of electric vehicles, particularly among the middle class, risks slowing after fiscal incentives end in 2025, despite previous measures driving sales to 82,000 units from January to November 2025. Transitioning one million conventional vehicles to electric ones could save 13 million barrels of oil annually, bolstering national energy balance and fiscal stability amid geopolitical tensions.

The Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) closed at 7,026.782 on Thursday, marking a 0.99% decline from the previous week's level of 7,097.057, amid varied trading activity from 30 March to 2 April 2026. Market capitalisation shrank by 1.69% to Rp12,305 trillion, while daily transaction frequency rose by 3.08% but volume fell by 8.62% and value dropped sharply by 36.69% to Rp14.77 trillion; foreign investors recorded net sales of Rp813.51 billion that day and Rp33.83 trillion year-to-date. This downturn reflects ongoing market volatility influenced by geopolitical tensions and domestic-global economic pressures, highlighting challenges for Indonesia's capital markets in maintaining stability and investor confidence.

The Indonesian government is accelerating the implementation of the Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) touchless toll payment system following recommendations from the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) after previous disputes over its success. The Toll Road Regulatory Body (BPJT) is preparing comprehensive end-to-end trials, starting with pre-testing and functional assessments, to ensure readiness across toll infrastructure. If successful, the project—valued at US$300 million and led by Hungarian firm Roatex—promises to reduce queues at toll gates and enhance transaction efficiency on Indonesia's highways.

The owner of a vehicle intended for Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme has apologised after it was caught on video being used to pick up family members at Lombok International Airport, sparking public backlash. Kalsum explained that the Grand Max, marked with BGN and SPPG stickers, was still in preparation for partnership with an MBG kitchen under construction and not yet operational, describing the incident as an oversight. BGN officials in NTB plan to investigate and improve vehicle identification protocols to prevent similar misuse.

The Jakarta Provincial Government has affirmed that the capital city welcomes migrants from various regions provided they have skills and adequate preparations, such as securing accommodation. Officials emphasise the importance of reporting arrivals to ensure accurate population data, which supports targeted policies in social and economic development as well as basic services like education and health. This initiative is part of broader efforts to maintain security and order during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr 1447 H/2026 M celebrations, with tools like the Datawarga app and on-site services available to facilitate registration.

Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) is set to incorporate sanctions for law enforcement officials who misuse wiretapping powers into the draft Wiretapping Bill (RUU Penyadapan), aiming to prevent illegal practices and protect citizens' privacy rights. The Expert Body of the DPR emphasises the need for criminal penalties to ensure accountability, as current regulations on wiretapping are fragmented across various laws including those for the KPK, Police, State Intelligence, and ITE. This bill has been prioritised in the 2026 National Legislation Programme to strengthen law enforcement while safeguarding public interests and ensuring consistent legal application.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafi'i has announced that the presidential regulation establishing the Directorate General of Pesantren within the Ministry of Religious Affairs has been signed and is undergoing final review for promulgation. This new directorate will feature five directorates focused on various aspects of pesantren education, empowerment, and da'wah development, reflecting the significant role of the over 28,000 pesantren and millions of santri in Indonesia. Syafi'i emphasised the need for experienced personnel, particularly those familiar with pesantren culture, to ensure effective operations and address the complex needs of these Islamic boarding schools.

PT Pelindo Regional II Bengkulu is developing a 215-hectare industrial zone at Pulau Baai Port, with an initial phase of 50-75 hectares focused on processing plantation, marine, and mining products, alongside logistics clusters. The initiative, guided by the 2016 Port Master Plan and industrial regulations, requires updating studies from a special economic zone to an industrial one and revising local spatial planning bylaws to permit industrial activities within the transportation area. Foreign investors have shown interest, and successful implementation could boost regional revenue by diverting cargo volumes to the port, enhancing Bengkulu's economy.

PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in Seoul to bolster its global expansion and sustainable energy development, partnering with SK Group and ExxonMobil on upstream oil and gas collaborations, including cross-border Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) initiatives between Indonesia and South Korea, and with POSCO International on business opportunities in oil and gas assets and CCS hub development in Indonesia. These agreements aim to enhance PHE's technical capabilities, accelerate low-carbon technology adoption, and support Indonesia's energy transition goals while extending the PHE-POSCO MoU until 2028. The partnerships underscore PHE's commitment to global competitiveness, national energy security, and ESG principles without binding commercial investments at this stage.

Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, met with former Muhammadiyah Chairman Din Syamsuddin in Jakarta to urge a united Islamic campaign against potential US aggression towards Iran, emphasising solidarity against Zionist and American attacks. He praised Indonesia's government for its willingness to facilitate peace in the region and highlighted the global impacts of the conflict, including on Indonesia, while calling for clear distinction between perpetrators and victims. Din Syamsuddin echoed calls for Muslim unity in Indonesia to avoid provocation and support Iran's role in advancing Islamic civilisation.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has assured that the prices and supplies of essential commodities remain stable following Eid al-Fitr, after inspecting Ponorogo's Legi Market alongside Acting Regent Lisdyarita. She highlighted smooth distribution of staple goods and noted declines in chicken and beef prices, with rice prices holding steady. Monitoring shows controlled prices for key items like chillies, onions, garlic, eggs, and various rice types, underscoring efforts to maintain post-holiday economic stability for residents.

In the wake of floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, authorities are repurposing driftwood for constructing temporary housing and other rehabilitation needs. Led by the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, over 5,000 cubic metres of wood have been allocated across affected districts for building homes, social facilities, and even industrial uses, with smaller pieces converted into revenue-generating products like bricks or fuel. This initiative has significantly cleared stockpiles—up to 99% in some areas—boosting local recovery efforts and generating regional income.

The Denpasar Immigration Detention House has intercepted an Indian national, previously convicted for passport forgery, preventing his free entry into Indonesia after he attempted to depart using a fake Mexican passport. Under Indonesia's Immigration Law, such individuals can be barred for up to 10 years or lifetime if deemed a serious threat to public order, with final decisions pending from the Directorate General of Immigration. Additionally, another Indian national was deported for overstaying his visa by 74 days, highlighting ongoing enforcement of immigration regulations in Bali.

The Indonesian government has yet to announce the official schedule for the 2026 CPNS recruitment, though it is expected to occur in the second half of the year, likely August to September, following patterns from previous years. Minister of PANRB Rini Widyantini indicated that preparations are underway, focusing on budget readiness and competency needs, particularly to fill positions vacated by retiring civil servants, amid economic challenges. Aspiring applicants should prepare by meeting general eligibility criteria, gathering required documents, and familiarising themselves with the registration process via the SSCASN BKN portal.

Former Muhammadiyah leader Din Syamsuddin met with Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, to discuss Iran's current situation and alleged war crimes by Israel and the United States. Syamsuddin praised Iran's historical role in advancing Islamic civilisation and prayed for a quick resolution to the ongoing geopolitical conflicts through Iran's victory, while emphasising the need for Muslim unity beyond sectarian and ethnic divides. The ambassador has been engaging with several prominent Indonesian figures, including former presidents and vice presidents, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Semana Santa procession in Larantuka, East Flores, Indonesia, is a 500-year-old Catholic ritual that originated from 16th-century European Counter-Reformation practices and has blended with local traditions, drawing global attention for its solemnity and cultural depth. This silent, candlelit parade, featuring ancient statues of Senhor Morto and Senhor da Pedra, unfolds over Holy Week, culminating on Good Friday with stops at eight predefined stations reenacting the Passion of Christ, accompanied by ancient Latin and Portuguese laments. Preserved by local clans and maintaining its medieval European roots alongside Asian spice trade influences and Flores cosmology, the tradition underscores Indonesia's rich religious heritage without evolving into mere spectacle.

Vice President’s Special Staff member Nico Harjanto has defended the Work From Home (WFH) policy as a short-term measure to curb daily fuel consumption without impacting productivity or public services, in response to criticism from former Vice President Jusuf Kalla who argued it fails to reduce overall energy use due to continued electricity consumption at home. Harjanto highlighted that the government values input from national figures like Kalla and is pursuing long-term energy transition strategies, including accelerating the electric vehicle ecosystem, adopting B50 biodiesel blends, and enhancing domestic fuel production and infrastructure. These efforts aim to sustain national economic stability and achieve energy sovereignty amid current challenges.

Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, has accused Zionist forces of deliberately exacerbating divisions between Sunni and Shia Muslims to weaken the Islamic community amid ongoing conflicts with the United States and Israel. He highlighted that such differences are natural but have been manipulated to fragment unity, drawing on Iran's own example where Sunni and Shia communities coexist harmoniously with shared representation in government and military. This perspective underscores broader geopolitical tensions and calls for Islamic solidarity against external threats.

The Indonesian government is optimistic about expanding national food self-sufficiency, following rice self-sufficiency by targeting strategic crops like soybeans, which currently rely heavily on imports. Efforts include enhancing the food supply chain, such as improving fertiliser distribution and securing sulphur supplies disrupted by global conflicts. Additionally, the government is coordinating responses to climate change impacts to maintain local food production.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and Head of the Army Chaplain Corps Major General William Green, marking the first such removal for the chaplain position in history. This shake-up, which also includes the ousting of General David Hodne, occurs amid a major Pentagon leadership overhaul and escalating US military deployments to the Middle East to counter Iranian threats. The moves signal a push for new leadership aligned with President Donald Trump's vision, despite George's term extending to 2027, raising concerns over stability during heightened regional tensions.

Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency, Nusron Wahid, handed over 33 land certificates for places of worship and religious educational foundations in Central Sulawesi to enhance the legal status of religious assets. The certificates, comprising 16 ownership titles and 17 waqf certificates, were distributed across nine regencies/cities to provide legal certainty and prevent future disputes. This initiative supports the optimal utilisation of religious assets for community benefit, as exemplified by a recipient using the certificate to secure operational permits for a pesantren.

Indonesia has coordinated with the United Nations to facilitate the swift and safe repatriation of three fallen peacekeepers from Lebanon, with a ceremony held at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport led by the UNIFIL Force Commander. The personnel—Captain Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Sergeant Muhammad Nur, and Private First Class Farizal Rhomadhon—lost their lives while serving in southern Lebanon amid escalating armed clashes, highlighting the challenges of operations in conflict zones. This effort underscores Indonesia's steadfast commitment to global peace as enshrined in its 1945 Constitution and has garnered international condolences, enhancing the nation's global standing.

Indonesia's House of Representatives Expert Body has proposed that the Wiretapping Bill include a post-factum notification mechanism, informing individuals who were subjected to wiretapping once legal proceedings conclude and they are found not guilty, to safeguard privacy rights. This measure aims to prevent the misuse of personal data by law enforcement and ensure the destruction of irrelevant wiretap results, balancing the need for effective criminal investigations with human rights protections. The Legislation Body has prioritised the bill for 2026, emphasising its role in strengthening law enforcement while maintaining accountability and consistency in Indonesia's legal framework.

Prominent Indonesian Islamic scholar Din Syamsuddin has urged Muslims in Indonesia to unite in the face of escalating global conflicts, such as the US-Israel war with Iran, emphasising solidarity over sectarian differences like Sunni-Shia divides. Speaking at a meeting with Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, he expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and hoped the conflict would soon end, serving as a catalyst for Islamic civilisational revival. Din also advocated for strengthened cooperation between Indonesia and Iran in civil society and education to promote mutual progress and global peace.

A vocational high school student in Kudus, Central Java, has written to President Prabowo Subianto requesting that his allocation for the free nutritious meal (MBG) programme be redirected as additional welfare support for his teachers, whom he believes are undercompensated despite their dedication. Muhammad Rafif Arsya Maulidi, from a modest family, calculated that the funds—approximately Rp 6.75 million over his remaining 18 months of schooling—could serve as meaningful recognition for educators. This gesture highlights broader concerns about teacher welfare in Indonesia and calls for its integration into future education policies, though government officials have yet to respond.

Wings Air has discontinued its Bandung-Yogyakarta flight route after just two months of operation, citing declining interest in short-haul propeller flights amid improved road infrastructure on Java. Bandung's Mayor Muhammad Farhan expressed concern but noted the decision lies with the private airline, while highlighting sustained demand for longer domestic and international routes from Husein Sastranegara Airport. To compensate, the city is focusing on promoting the Jakarta-Bandung Whoosh high-speed rail, aiming to attract up to 6 million passengers annually through joint promotional programmes with PT KAI.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Stella Christie, met with Georgian Ambassador Tornike Nozadze in Jakarta to advance discussions on formalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as an umbrella framework for university collaborations between the two nations. The agreement aims to shift from traditional government-to-government deals to practical, results-oriented partnerships, aligning with Indonesia's "Impactful Diktisaintek" policy to enhance higher education quality and global competitiveness through joint programs, student exchanges, and information sharing on scholarships and English-language studies. This initiative is expected to foster long-term bilateral relations and improve access to international education opportunities for students and academics.

The Association of Zakat Management Organizations (POROZ) has protested against an IM3 Indosat outdoor advertisement on public transport that warns against answering calls soliciting zakat, labelling it as potentially a scam, which they view as stigmatising and damaging to public trust in official zakat collection efforts. POROZ demands an official public apology from Indosat, immediate removal of the ad within 48 hours, and assurances of stricter content supervision to avoid offending religious symbols. The incident highlights tensions between commercial advertising and respect for Islamic practices under Indonesia's zakat management laws.

The Jakarta Provincial Population and Civil Registration Office has observed a notable decline in new migrants arriving in the capital after Eid al-Fitr celebrations over the past two years, with a 37.47% drop in 2024 compared to 2023 and a further 0.97% decrease from 2024 to 2025. This shift indicates a more cautious approach to urbanisation, where potential migrants now prioritise job skills and housing preparations before relocating, aligning with the governor's vision of Jakarta as an inclusive global city for prepared newcomers. As of 1 April 2025, 1,776 new migrants were recorded, predominantly of working age, and the provincial government is conducting outreach and on-site registration services throughout April to ensure compliance with population administration requirements.

Bank Indonesia's Cirebon office has reported that the economy in the Ciayumajakuning region (Cirebon, Indramayu, Majalengka, and Kuningan) grew by 5.09 percent year-on-year in 2025, up from 4.34 percent in 2024, contributing 10.24 percent to West Java's overall economy. Key sectors driving this growth include manufacturing, agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, transportation and warehousing, and construction, with Indramayu providing the largest regional GDP contribution at 3.73 percent. Investment growth stood at 5.27 percent, while poverty and open unemployment rates were 9.02 percent and 6.10 percent respectively, alongside rising consumer confidence in Cirebon reaching an index of 145.8 in March 2026.

PT Bank KB Indonesia Tbk has achieved a remarkable turnaround, recording a consolidated net profit of Rp 66.59 billion in 2025, reversing a substantial loss of Rp 6.33 trillion from the previous year. This positive performance stems from improved business fundamentals, including a rise in net interest income to Rp 1.19 trillion and a significant reduction in provisioning costs, alongside better asset quality with non-performing loans dropping to 20.31%. The bank's strengthened liquidity and capital positions, evidenced by an enhanced Loan to Deposit Ratio of 91.07% and a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 16.25%, underscore its commitment to sustainable growth and regulatory compliance.

The Indonesian government has implemented a Work From Home (WFH) scheme for one day per week through a circular from the Minister of Manpower, aiming to transform the national work culture into one that is more adaptive and efficient amid global economic pressures. This policy leverages digital infrastructure to maintain productivity while reducing operational costs, energy consumption, and employee fatigue from commuting, thereby enhancing overall economic resilience and competitiveness. Drawing from successful international models like those in Iceland, Belgium, and the UK, Indonesia's moderate approach is expected to yield measurable benefits, including lower staff turnover and healthier fiscal spaces.

The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) has sealed two nightclubs in Bali—Delona in Denpasar Selatan and N Co-Living in Kerobokan—over suspicions of drug trafficking activities managed by their operators. Several suspects have been detained and are under interrogation as part of an ongoing crackdown on narcotics networks in entertainment venues. This operation follows a recent bust in Jakarta's White Rabbit nightclub, where three key figures—a controller, a manager, and a "pharmacist"—were arrested, highlighting intensified national efforts to combat drug distribution in nightlife spots.

Global turmoil, particularly the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States since late February 2026, has disrupted energy supplies in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent crude oil prices near $120 per barrel and weakening the rupiah to between Rp16,900 and Rp17,058 per dollar. The Indonesian government has responded with measures such as work-from-home policies for civil servants, travel efficiency, budget refocusing, and energy efficiency initiatives, signalling a shift towards measured risk management. However, with a narrow fiscal buffer and high energy import dependence, sustaining these policies amid prolonged pressures poses significant challenges to APBN stability, inflation control, and market confidence, as highlighted by GREAT Institute simulations projecting fiscal deficits widening to 3.8-4.3% of GDP in severe scenarios.

PT Hutama Karya has officially launched three new ramps at the Palembang Junction, authorised by a decree from the Minister of Public Works, to enhance connectivity between toll road segments in the region. The operational ramps include Ramp 5 (Betung–Indralaya), Ramp 6 (Betung–Palembang), and Ramp 8 (Palembang–Kayu Agung), allowing drivers to travel more efficiently without leaving the toll network. This development improves accessibility and streamlines travel in Palembang and surrounding areas, with users advised to ensure sufficient e-money balances for smooth transactions.

The Jogja Financial Festival is set to take place from 22 to 24 May at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta, featuring a financial exhibition, the UGM Run D-City event, and a celebrity match. CT Corp Chairman Chairul Tanjung highlighted the event's collaborative and attractive concept, blending entertainment such as music concerts and stand-up comedy with public interactions to engage a wide audience, all provided free of charge with a participant limit of 10,000. Proceeds from the Run D-City will fully support UGM scholarships for needy students, underscoring the festival's aim to foster synergy among organisers, industry players, and the community for broader societal impact.

The Stations of the Cross procession in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Good Friday incorporated a unique symbol called Pablo, carried by Catholic youth to represent the wounds inflicted on the earth by environmental destruction, urging participants to reflect on ecological repentance alongside the suffering of Christ. Bishop Maximus Regus, in his pastoral letter, emphasised that the environmental crisis is intertwined with a crisis of faith and human relationships, calling for consistent, collective changes in lifestyle to care for the planet as a moral and spiritual imperative. This event highlights the integration of religious observance with environmental advocacy, positioning Catholic communities as role models in addressing global ecological challenges.

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) plans to halt the daily Rp6 million incentive for Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) that fail to provide services in accordance with procedures under the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG). This "no service, no pay" mechanism enforces strict compliance with operational standards, suspending payments immediately if facilities are non-operational due to issues like contamination or maintenance failures. The policy aims to maintain food safety and sanitation while promoting long-term public governance improvements and national self-reliance through strategic partnerships.

Residents near the Angke Rental Simple Flats (Rusunawa) in West Jakarta's Tambora district are enduring severe sanitation issues, with rubbish piles blocking alleys, drains, and open areas, leading to a foul odour, swarms of flies, roaming rats, and maggots. The problem, persisting for nearly a month since Ramadan due to a landslide at the Bantar Gebang landfill halting waste collection, has raised health concerns especially near food stalls. Local environmental authorities have deployed dump trucks and personnel for cleanup, highlighting ongoing challenges in urban waste management in Indonesia's capital.

The Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, has expressed profound gratitude to the Indonesian government for its readiness to act as a facilitator in promoting peace in the Middle East following the recent US-Israel conflict with Iran. Speaking at a meeting with Indonesian Islamic leaders in Jakarta, he highlighted Indonesia's commitment as a crucial step towards achieving lasting stability in the region. Boroujerdi also urged Muslims, particularly in Indonesia, to unite against wars initiated by Zionists and the US, emphasising the need for collective action to counter attacks on religious freedoms, including access to Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The remains of three Indonesian peacekeepers killed in an Israeli attack in Lebanon on 29-30 March 2026 are being repatriated to Indonesia following a ceremony at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry emphasised that this repatriation honours the fallen soldiers and supports their families, amid challenges posed by ongoing conflict in the region, including heightened Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. Indonesia has condemned the attacks as deliberate attempts to undermine the UNIFIL mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, expressing profound grief at the UN Security Council emergency meeting.

Indonesia's Culture Minister Fadli Zon has instructed newly appointed officials at the Ministry of Culture to ensure all cultural advancement programmes deliver real, measurable benefits to the public, emphasising efficiency, synergy, and transparent accountability. He highlighted the importance of partnerships with non-governmental entities and accelerating digital transformation to improve access to cultural data and assets, while linking cultural initiatives to local economic growth. The appointments include key positions such as heads of public information, data centres, and cultural heritage directorates, aiming to boost the national Cultural Advancement Index.

In Jakarta, Catholic worshippers observed Good Friday at Jakarta Cathedral in a peaceful manner, coinciding with Friday prayers at Istiqlal Mosque, demonstrating strong interfaith harmony in the capital. The services, divided into three sessions led by Jesuit priests, proceeded without incident despite overlapping timings, with participants from both communities expressing feelings of safety and mutual respect. This event underscores the effective practice of religious tolerance in Indonesia's diverse urban setting.

The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has announced that its free motorcycle transport (Motis) programme via trains during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr period successfully exceeded its target, transporting 12,419 motorcycles against a planned capacity of 11,900 units. This initiative, aimed at reducing road accidents by encouraging motorcyclists to use rail instead of highways, also included an additional 1,304 units via contraflow services. Officials plan to increase quotas in future years and conduct evaluations based on public feedback to enhance service quality.

PT KAI Commuter is demanding compensation from the driver of a Toyota Innova after their vehicle was struck by a Bogor-Jakarta KRL train at a level crossing in Bogor, causing damage to the train's braking system and operational disruptions. The incident, which occurred early on Friday, led to the train's withdrawal for repairs, temporary track closure, delays, and cancellations of services, with no injuries reported but the driver fleeing the scene. KAI Commuter emphasised legal obligations under railway and traffic laws for road users to prioritise trains at crossings, underscoring the importance of compliance for safety and efficient public transport in Indonesia.

In Larantuka, East Flores, the Catholic community observes a deeply rooted Holy Week tradition known as Semana Santa, which emphasises the role of the Virgin Mary and has been preserved through generations, even during periods without priests. The rituals, including processions of sacred statues like Tuan Ma and Tuan Ana, culminate on Good Friday with a 7.5-kilometre parade drawing thousands, blending indigenous reverence for female figures with Catholic devotion. This living catechesis not only strengthens faith among locals but also attracts spiritual tourists from across Indonesia and abroad, highlighting cultural resilience in Nusa Tenggara Timur.

US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions by threatening to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age within the next two to three weeks, while denying regime change as the goal despite claiming Iranian leaders are dead. In response, Iran's military command vowed more devastating attacks on the US and Israel, promising to humiliate and force surrender. This exchange highlights ongoing volatility in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, with Trump issuing conflicting statements on the war's progress and negotiations.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme be fully perfected by the end of 2026, as revealed by Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) during a coordination meeting. The programme has shown positive progress, reaching over 61 million beneficiaries across 38 provinces through more than 26,000 service units, though distribution to pesantren groups needs acceleration. To enhance oversight, the government plans to establish a call centre for public complaints, alongside ongoing monitoring that has led to warnings for underperforming units.