Today's Headlines — March 25, 2026

Top Stories

Eid Homecoming Rush: Nationwide One-Way System in Effect

• What’s happening: Traffic authorities (Korlantas Polri) rolled out a nationwide one-way system on March 24 to handle the massive surge of travelers returning to Jakarta. Heavy congestion has already been reported on the Cipularang Toll Road.
• Why it matters: Millions of travelers are heading back to the capital at the same time following the Eid holidays, making these traffic management measures critical to preventing total gridlock.

Jakarta Stock Exchange Reopens After Eid Break

• What’s happening: Trading on the IDX officially resumed today, March 25, following the long Idulfitri holiday. Investors are currently recalibrating their portfolios for the post-holiday market.
• Why it matters: Markets are often volatile after long breaks. Traders are keeping a close eye on the IHSG as global uncertainty—fueled by the Middle East conflict—continues to loom over the economy.

KPK to Tighten Detention Status for Yaqut Cholil Qoumas

• What’s happening: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is planning to move former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas from house arrest to the KPK detention center.
• Why it matters: This marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against the former official and has become a major talking point in the post-holiday news cycle.

Iran Missiles Pierce Israeli Defenses Near Nuclear Sites

• What’s happening: Iranian missiles successfully breached Israeli air defense systems, striking two cities in close proximity to the country's nuclear facilities.
• Why it matters: Iran’s ability to bypass Israeli defense systems highlights a major shift in their military capabilities and threatens to ignite a much broader regional conflict.

Eid 2026 Boosts Economy: Consumption Up 20%

• What’s happening: The Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs projects that the 2026 Eid period will drive a 20% spike in household consumption, with small businesses (UMKM) seeing up to a 70% revenue boost.
• Why it matters: The Eid spending spree is a key driver for Q1 growth, reinforcing the fact that domestic consumption remains the backbone of the Indonesian economy.

Business & Finance

Malang Customs Seizes 160,000 Illegal Cigarettes

Malang Customs intercepted 160,000 illicit cigarettes on March 24, preventing approximately Rp119 million in state losses as part of an intensified crackdown on contraband.

Gold Prices Hold Steady Over Holidays

Gold prices at Antam and Pegadaian remained stable throughout the Eid period. UBS gold at Pegadaian was holding at Rp2,933,000 per gram as of March 23.

Middle East Conflict Spikes Global Energy Costs

The ongoing war in the Middle East is pushing global energy prices higher, forcing many nations to tighten their belts. Indonesian small businesses are also feeling the pinch due to rising raw material costs and dampened consumer purchasing power.

International

Iranian Strikes Target Israel Near Nuclear Facilities

Reports confirm that Iranian missiles penetrated Israeli defenses to hit two cities near sensitive nuclear sites. The incident underscores Iran’s growing offensive capabilities and significantly heightens regional instability.