Indonesia’s Bali celebrates annual Nyepi ceremony

Nyepi, also known as the Balinese Day of Silence, is a sacred Hindu celebration observed annually to mark the Saka New Year. Held this year on 19–20 March 2026, the occasion sees the island of Bali come to a complete standstill — no travel, no work, no entertainment, and no artificial light. It is a day devoted entirely to stillness, self-reflection, and spiritual purification.

Four Indonesian soldiers detained over acid attacks on activist

At least four Indonesian navy and air force personnel were detained by the military police following the acid attack on human rights activist Andrie Yunus, from the CSO Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), on March 12. As a response, the Indonesian Armed Forces stated on March 18 that four suspects will be undergoing interrogation over their alleged involvement and would be held in the super-maximum security detention facility.

Indonesia strengthens trade ties with Singapore and Malaysia

On March 15, Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti held bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong of Singapore and Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin of Malaysia to strengthen regional trade and investment cooperation.