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Indonesian Politics in Review (February 2026)

February 2026 will be remembered as one of the most turbulent months in recent memory for Indonesian foreign policy, domestic governance, and law enforcement alike.

Iran Forms Interim Leadership Council Following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Death in US-Israeli Attack

Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, announced that Iran will establish a temporary leadership council comprising three members—President Masoud Pezeshkian, Head of the Judiciary Ejei, and an expert from the Expert Council or Guardian Council—following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli military strike on Tehran on 28 February 2026. Boroujerdi emphasised that Iran's institutional structure remains robust and capable of ensuring continuity of governance, asserting that the nation's well-established administration will not be destabilised by such developments.

Pertamina Responds to Blocked Barcode System for Fuel Distribution in East Flores

Pertamina Patra Niaga has acknowledged a disruption in the distribution of subsidised Bio Solar and Pertalite fuel to 14 sub-distributors in East Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timur, caused by a blocked barcode code on the Microsite application preventing fuel scanning. The company is conducting a system upgrade from Microsite to the X-Star application in coordination with BPH Migas (Oil and Gas Regulatory Body), whilst general petrol station services and non-subsidised fuel sales remain operational. The Regional Government of East Flores reports that it has submitted recommendations for the 14 sub-distributors but is awaiting BPH Migas approval and resolution of the application access issues.

Diego Garcia: Britain's Strategic Military Base in the Indian Ocean and Its Geographic Proximity to Sumatra

The article examines Diego Garcia, a jointly operated British-American military base located in the Chagos Archipelago approximately 2,000 kilometres south of Sumatra, which serves as a critical hub for military and logistical operations across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Indian Ocean regions. The base's strategic importance has come under scrutiny following US President Donald Trump's criticism of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's initial hesitation to permit American operations from the base against Iran, as well as Trump's condemnation of Britain's agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The facility's advanced infrastructure—including long runways, logistical warehouses, sophisticated communications systems, and naval installations—enables prolonged military operations and the projection of Western military power across critical global trade routes.

Turkey denies attack allegations, affirms no US military base presence

Turkey's presidential administration has denied reports of an alleged attack on a US military base in the country, emphasising that no foreign military bases exist on Turkish territory. The denial comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following reciprocal attacks between the US-Israel coalition and Iran, with Turkey reaffirming its full sovereignty over its airspace, territorial waters, and military facilities.

Persija versus Borneo FC: Pesut Etam highlights congested schedule during Ramadan

Borneo FC manager Fabio Lefundes has criticised the I.League's fixture scheduling during Ramadan 2026, noting that matches are scheduled every three to four days instead of the usual five to seven day intervals. Lefundes expressed concern that the congested schedule during the Islamic holy month, when most players are fasting, poses significant challenges to player performance and recovery for all clubs in the Super League. The complaint comes ahead of Borneo's clash with Persija Jakarta at Jakarta International Stadium on 3 March 2026, where both teams will contest second place in the league standings.

South East Sulawesi Completes Hajj Documentation Amid Umrah Flight Delay Concerns

South East Sulawesi's Regional Office of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has successfully completed passport and visa documentation for 2,078 prospective hajj pilgrims ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage season. However, concerns have emerged among Umrah pilgrims from Central Java, who face potential flight delays due to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting airport operations, though religious activities in the holy cities continue normally.

Ministry of Agriculture: Palm oil sustainability and downstream processing key amid global issues

Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture has emphasised that sustainability and downstream processing are critical to maintaining the nation's dominance in palm oil production and ensuring continued economic contribution and farmer welfare. The ministry stresses that after over four decades of development, Indonesia must implement serious strategies to sustain production, noting that palm oil is the largest contributor to agricultural GDP at 16.38 million hectares and 47 million tonnes in 2023. To address deforestation concerns and global regulations such as the EU's EUDR, the government is strengthening governance through mandatory Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification from 2026 onwards, whilst promoting downstream processing to develop derivatives in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and renewable energy.

House of Representatives plans to invite non-parliamentary parties to discuss electoral law draft; PSI says it is irrational

The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) has criticised the House of Representatives Commission II's plan to invite non-parliamentary parties to discuss the electoral law bill (RUU Pemilu), arguing that only the legislature and government have the authority to draft laws. PSI chairman Ahmad Ali contended that such involvement would introduce bias and that public interest groups—rather than political parties that failed to enter Parliament—should be consulted. Commission II is scheduled to begin discussions on the electoral law in July or August after compiling the agenda.

Combined team searches for victims of sunken fishing vessel at Biawak Island, Indramayu

A combined search and rescue operation involving police, the Indonesian Navy, and related authorities is underway following the sinking of a fishing vessel, KM Almujib, near Biawak Island in Indramayu, West Java on 28 February. Two crew members were found dead and two rescued, whilst four others remain missing and search efforts continue. The vessel, carrying eight crew members, was reportedly struck by a passing barge whilst stationary with its engine off.

North Sumatra Police Secure 12 Excavators in Illegal Gold Mining Operation Spanning Mandailing Natal and South Tapanuli

Combined units from the Criminal Investigation Directorate and Mobile Brigade of North Sumatra Police successfully secured 12 excavators during a major crackdown on illegal gold mining operations in the border region between Mandailing Natal and South Tapanuli regencies. The operation was conducted in response to viral videos depicting illegal mining activity in the "grey area" territory, with personnel enduring challenging terrain and trekking for over 12 hours on foot to reach the remote site. Despite some suspects fleeing when the operation was detected, officers successfully prevented their escape and secured all heavy equipment for investigation.

6,047 Umrah Pilgrims Arrive in Indonesia; Hajj Ministry Prioritises Maximum Protection

The Indonesian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Kemenhaj) has successfully returned 6,047 umrah pilgrims to the country between 28 February and 1 March 2026 following Israeli-American military strikes on Iran. In response to deteriorating security conditions in the Middle East, the government is prioritising pilgrim safety and has advised umrah pilgrims scheduled for near-term departures to postpone their journeys until the region stabilises. An additional 43,363 prospective pilgrims from 439 umrah travel operators are scheduled to depart before the Hajj season begins on 18 April 2026.

Iranian Ambassador Responds to Prabowo's Mediation Offer: No Useful Mediation with US

Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi has responded to President Prabowo Subianto's offer to mediate following joint US and Israeli military strikes against Iran, stating that negotiations with the American government would be futile as the US does not honour international commitments. The ambassador called for Islamic nations to support Iran through international organisations and support a global "Say No to War" campaign instead of pursuing direct mediation with Washington.

Prabowo Summons Bahlil and Zulkifli Hasan to Discuss Potential Impact of Middle East Conflict

President Prabowo Subianto convened a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace with Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to discuss potential impacts of the Middle East crisis on Indonesia's food and energy security. The ministers indicated the discussion would focus on anticipating food supply issues following the Middle East conflict and monitoring global oil supply impacts following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping chokepoint for Asian oil exporters.

Trump Criticises PM Starmer for Delayed Approval of Diego Garcia Base Use for Iran Attack

US President Donald Trump has criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for taking too long to authorise the use of the British-American Diego Garcia military base in the Chagos Islands for operations targeting Iran. Starmer eventually granted limited approval on Sunday evening, restricting US operations to targeting missile sites. Trump expressed concern that Starmer's initial hesitation and legal worries represented an unprecedented rupture between the two countries.

Young Generation Key to Transformation and Strengthening of National Manufacturing

Indonesia's manufacturing sector stands at a critical juncture requiring digital transformation and the strategic integration of technology-literate young talent to maintain global competitiveness. Manufacturer Eisenhower Rockefeller argues that young professionals bring fresh perspectives and rapid adaptability essential for adopting smart manufacturing technologies such as IoT and AI, whilst warning that many talented youth remain concentrated in digital services rather than productive manufacturing sectors. The challenge lies in reshaping perceptions of modern manufacturing as an innovative field and cultivating a new generation of industrialists who understand both technology and real-world business operations.

Toll Tariff Discount for Lebaran 2026: 30 Per Cent Reduction During Specific Dates

The Indonesian Government's Public Works Ministry will implement a 30 per cent toll tariff discount during the Idul Fitri 1447 Hijrah (Lebaran) exodus period in 2026, with discounts applied on 15–16 March for outbound traffic and 26–27 March for return traffic. The discount applies only to long-distance travellers using electronic payment methods with sufficient balance, and certain toll segments will follow adjusted schedules with some offering dynamic pricing discounts of 10–20 per cent. The measure aims to prevent traffic congestion and encourage travellers to depart earlier than peak hours, thereby reducing strain on national roads.

British Military Base Struck by Iranian Drone, Fears of War Escalation

An Iranian Shahed drone has struck a British military base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, causing minor material damage but no casualties, marking the expansion of the Israel-US-Iran conflict into the Eastern Mediterranean region. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the incident and emphasised his nation's non-involvement in military operations, whilst British Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously disclosed that the US had requested permission to use two British military bases for limited defensive operations against Iran, citing the protection of approximately 200,000 British citizens in the Middle East. The escalation represents a significant widening of regional tensions beyond traditional Gulf and Middle Eastern conflict zones.

KPAI: Stepmother and Father Repeatedly Abused Boy, When Warned Responded 'That's My Child'

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has revealed that a 13-year-old boy identified as NS from Sukabumi was abused not only by his stepmother but also by his biological father over a four-year period, with both parents dismissing warnings from relatives by claiming parental authority. The boy died on 25 February, allegedly from neglect after falling ill five days prior, and KPAI is urging that charges including filicide (child murder by parents) be brought against those responsible.

Police Traffic Chief Reveals Strategy to Anticipate Surge of 3.5 Million Homecoming Vehicles

Indonesia's National Police Traffic Corps has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to manage an anticipated 3.5 million vehicles departing Jakarta during the Lebaran 2026 exodus, under the "Operasi Ketupat" initiative. The operation extends beyond traffic management to encompass public security, safety, and order across highways, toll roads, and alternative routes, with previous operations achieving a 53 per cent reduction in fatalities and 31 per cent reduction in accidents. The Police will employ data-driven traffic engineering, checkpoint inspections, and emergency protocols across five major route clusters, with the campaign slogan "Safe Journey, Happy Family" reflecting the commitment to protect Indonesian families during the festive period.

Archive Statistics

264,948
Total Articles
1012
News Sources
1994-2026
Coverage Period