Archive: 13 August 2026
Showing 601-650 of 1,577 articles
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:39 WIB
House Member Condemns Alcohol Promotion Using Quranic Verses at Jakarta Music Festival
A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives has strongly criticised a promotional stunt at The Sounds Project music festival in North Jakarta that involved reciting Quranic verses in exchange for alcoholic beverages. The legislator called the marketing gimmick a violation of religious values and urged organisers to implement stricter oversight. Authorities, including the Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights and the Jakarta Governor, have indicated that the incident may be subject to legal proceedings.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:38 WIB
Operation Antik Rinjani 2026: Bima Police Arrest 28 Suspects, Seize 57.3 Grams of Methamphetamine
Bima Police have arrested 28 individuals and seized 57.3 grams of methamphetamine during a 10-day anti-narcotics operation. The operation, which ran from 27 June to 9 July, uncovered 12 drug cases, surpassing the set targets. Police credited public support for the successful crackdown, which showed a significant increase in case disclosures compared to the previous year.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:38 WIB
17,210 first-time voters in South Jakarta have recorded their e-KTP data
The South Jakarta Population and Civil Registration Agency (Dukcapil) has recorded 17,210 first-time voters aged 16-17, achieving 57.68 per cent of its annual target. The agency is intensifying school-based recording services and mobile outreach programmes to ensure all eligible residents obtain their electronic identity cards ahead of future elections. Officials remain optimistic of meeting the full target of 29,838 individuals through enhanced coordination and weekend services.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:37 WIB
Learning the Pancasila Economy from a Fish Pond
An observer draws a parallel between feeding fish in a shallow mosque pond and Indonesia's Pancasila Economy, arguing that the state must deliberately structure the economic space to protect small enterprises. The article highlights that the 1945 Constitution mandates an economy based on familyhood and 'efficiency with justice', rejecting a purely free-market approach where large corporations dominate. Despite MSMEs accounting for over 99% of business units and 60% of GDP, they access less than 20% of bank credit, underscoring the need for policies that provide equitable growth opportunities.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:37 WIB
IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi Says UN Slowly Dying, Losing Relevance
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA and candidate for UN Secretary-General, has stated that the United Nations is gradually losing its relevance and is slowly dying. He expressed frustration over the organisation's failure to make meaningful contributions to recent international crises and wars. Grossi is among several candidates vying to succeed Antonio Guterres, whose term ends in 2026.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:37 WIB
KPK Raids Tax Office in Surakarta, Seizes 1.3 kg of Gold in Mulyono Purwo Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has raided the Surakarta Regional Tax Office and several other locations, seizing 1.3 kilograms of gold and Rp100 million in cash. The operation is part of an investigation into a corruption case involving former Banjarmasin Tax Office head Mulyono Purwo Wijoyo. The case relates to alleged bribery for the management of a company's tax restitution.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:36 WIB
Bridges and boreholes open new access for regional residents
President Prabowo Subianto remotely inaugurated 3,395 TNI-Polri bridges and 3,000 Army clean water sources, delivering immediate benefits to communities across Indonesia. Residents from Banten to Papua Barat and Madura shared how the new infrastructure has drastically reduced travel times for schoolchildren and provided essential water access. The President urged communities to maintain the new assets to ensure their long-term use.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:36 WIB
Recognising the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
A medical expert from the University of Indonesia Hospital has detailed the critical differences between heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke, conditions posing a risk during prolonged outdoor activity in hot weather. Heat stroke is a medical emergency marked by a body temperature exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and brain dysfunction, requiring immediate intervention to prevent organ damage. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency has urged the public to remain vigilant about heat-related health risks during the dry season.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:35 WIB
Yogyakarta City Government and Komdigi to Tidy Up Fibre Optic Cables
The Yogyakarta City Government and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs are consolidating plans for a pilot project to tidy up fibre optic cables in the city. The initiative aims to accelerate digital transformation while improving the city's aesthetics, with particular attention paid to the UNESCO-recognised Philosophical Axis area. The project is targeted for completion within approximately two and a half months.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:35 WIB
Indonesia pilots digital system to improve welfare aid targeting
Indonesia is trialling a new digital system in Sleman, Yogyakarta, aimed at making the distribution of social assistance more accountable and transparent. The initiative, ordered by President Prabowo Subianto, seeks to replace manual selection processes with data-driven eligibility assessments, reducing the potential for local-level manipulation. The government expects the system to improve data accuracy and efficiency, with a nationwide rollout planned after the pilot evaluation.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:35 WIB
El Nino Threat Looms, Government Must Take These Steps!
A senior economist at Bank Negara Indonesia has warned that the government must manage food inflation as the El Nino weather pattern is expected to peak in August-September and persist into the first half of next year. He highlighted a growing gap between consumer and producer inflation, signalling that businesses are absorbing rising production costs but have limited capacity to continue doing so. The economist urged the government to strengthen supply-side stimulus to ensure food availability and prevent cost pressures from being passed on to consumers.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:35 WIB
Lingga Encourages Sago Downstreaming to Boost Local Economy
The government of Lingga Regency is promoting the downstream processing of sago into value-added products to strengthen the local economy. Sago production in villages like Panggak Laut has become a key livelihood, with products such as flour being marketed to Batam and Tanjungpinang. The initiative has received support from Bank Indonesia, including capital, production equipment, and packaging machinery.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:34 WIB
Komnas: Sexual violence is a crime, not a disgrace, and must be reported
The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) has stressed that sexual violence constitutes a criminal act rather than a source of shame, urging victims and institutions to report all incidents to the authorities. The commission highlighted the need to shift public narrative and overcome victims' fears of retaliation or criminalisation. The call was made during the launch of the 2025 Data Synergy Report on Violence Against Women in Jakarta.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:34 WIB
Foreign Ministry Clarifies China Naval Drill Near Taiwan Is Not Combat Exercise
Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has clarified that a planned joint naval exercise with China off the coast of Taiwan is a routine 'passing exercise' and not combat training. The ministry emphasised the drill is part of standard maritime diplomacy aimed at building trust and communication, consistent with Indonesia's free and active foreign policy. Taiwan had previously protested the exercise.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:34 WIB
Blockchain Investigation Skills Deemed Crucial Amid Crypto Asset Growth
Binance has highlighted the growing necessity of blockchain investigation capabilities in line with the expanding use of crypto assets in Indonesia. A survey by the firm found that 89 per cent of law enforcement respondents agree on the importance of such skills. The company is providing specialised training to Indonesian police to strengthen the tracing of illicit funds and combat crypto-based financial crime.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:34 WIB
Minister Highlights Discrepancy in Manifest of Burnt KMP Putri Yasmin
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has raised concerns over a significant discrepancy between the official manifest and the actual number of people aboard the KMP Putri Yasmin, which caught fire in the Lombok Strait. While the manifest listed 114 passengers, 173 individuals were accounted for, with five still missing. The Minister has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which also saw a foreign national listed on the manifest but not found among the survivors.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:34 WIB
Indonesia Affirms Joint Naval Exercise with China is Part of Maritime Diplomacy
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the recent joint naval exercise between the Indonesian Navy and China's People's Liberation Army Navy was a routine maritime diplomacy activity. The passing exercise, conducted in waters east of Taiwan, was described as a goodwill gesture and professional interaction, not combat training. The exercise took place as the Indonesian warship was returning from a separate drill with the Russian Navy.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:33 WIB
Sole Focus on Industry Draws Attention to Commodity Supply Balance
A senior Indonesian economic official has warned that the country's narrow focus on industrial development risks overlooking the critical need to balance mining commodity supply and demand. Deputy Elen Setiadi stressed that securing domestic requirements and ensuring committed off-takers are essential for stability. He cited South Sumatra's coal reserves and the potential for dimethyl ether (DME) production as an example where state investment could unlock value and reduce LPG imports.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:33 WIB
Baby Discarded in Depok Rubbish Bin Result of Illicit Affair; Mother Self-Aborted
A 21-year-old woman has been named a suspect after discarding her newborn baby boy in a rubbish bin in Sawangan, Depok. The suspect, identified as RS, allegedly performed a self-induced abortion at six to seven months of pregnancy and disposed of the body out of fear it would prevent her from being sent abroad as a migrant worker. She faces up to 15 years in prison under child protection and criminal code laws.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:33 WIB
Jakarta VFX Studio Contributes to Stephen Chow's 'Kung Fu Soccer'
Jakarta-based visual effects studio LMN VFX has contributed to Stephen Chow's latest film, 'Kung Fu Soccer', marking a significant milestone in its adoption of international production standards. The studio views the project as a crucial learning opportunity from Asia's leading global industry players. LMN VFX is also expanding its team to handle increasingly complex international projects, including the upcoming feature 'Dragonlord'.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:33 WIB
KPK Searches Home of Bengkulu City PUPR Official, Seizes Three Suitcases of Documents
Anti-corruption investigators have raided the private residence of a senior official from Bengkulu City's Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) agency, seizing three suitcases and a box of documents. The search is part of a widening probe that has already targeted several other local government figures, including the secretary of the Regional House of Representatives and a former acting mayor. The investigation is reportedly linked to a case involving the head of the city's PUPR office, from whom Rp4 billion in cash was previously confiscated.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:32 WIB
Crafting Investment Strategies with Digital Technology
Financial technology firms are leveraging artificial intelligence and expert advisors to help investors formulate data-driven strategies and manage risk. A recent workshop in Jakarta highlighted the role of regulated futures advisors in providing financial literacy and neutral investment advice. Industry players stressed that risk mitigation and education are fundamental to protecting investors and developing Indonesia's organised trading ecosystem.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:32 WIB
Mataram Prepares SME and Industry Training to Boost Competitiveness
The Mataram city government is preparing a series of training programmes for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small industries, funded by a Rp2 billion tobacco excise revenue sharing grant for 2026. The initiative aims to enhance product quality, competitiveness, and business capacity across various sectors, from sewing and barista skills to woodcraft and welding. Participants will receive equipment and post-training mentoring to help them establish independent businesses.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:31 WIB
KPK Examines Former Bank BJB CEO Yuddy Renaldi as Suspect in Advertising Corruption Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned former Bank BJB president director Yuddy Renaldi as a suspect in a graft case involving the procurement of advertising services from 2021 to 2023. The alleged corruption, which involves six advertising agencies, is estimated to have caused state losses of Rp223 billion. Four other suspects in the case have already been detained, while Renaldi was previously not detained due to health reasons.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:30 WIB
Prabowo Proposes Trade-In Scheme to Encourage Public Switch to Electric Motorcycles
President Prabowo Subianto has announced government plans to accelerate the transition from petrol-powered motorcycles to electric vehicles. A trade-in scheme is being considered, alongside lower interest rates and the removal of down payments to make electric motorcycles more affordable. The President estimates that daily mobility costs could be reduced by at least 50 per cent by switching to electric power.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:30 WIB
Indonesian Sailor Missing After Ship Attacked in Bab Al-Mandeb Strait
An Indonesian crew member is missing following a drone attack on the MV Tihamah in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, Yemen. Two other Indonesian sailors survived the incident, with one requiring hospital treatment. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry is coordinating with local authorities to search for the missing crewman and facilitate the survivors' repatriation.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:30 WIB
House Commission III Responds to Golkar Cadre Passing Supreme Court Justice Selection
A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives Commission III has dismissed concerns of political affiliation after a former Golkar Party legislative candidate passed the initial selection for Supreme Court justice. The commission emphasised that all candidates with prior political ties are required to resign before applying, and that the selection process was conducted by the Judicial Commission. The House will now conduct a fit and proper test for the 14 candidates put forward.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:30 WIB
Hotel Prices Soar to Rp 17.9 Million a Night as People Flock to See the Eclipse
Hotel and short-term rental prices in parts of Europe have surged to over US$1,000 per night as travellers rush to witness the solar eclipse on 12 August. In Reykjavik, average hotel rates doubled year-on-year to US$1,012, while short-term rentals in Bilbao, Spain, jumped 206%. Industry analysts note that such 'once-in-a-lifetime' events prompt hotels to test the limits of market pricing, with strategies varying from early speculative hikes in Iceland to gradual increases in Spain as bookings rise.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:28 WIB
HNW Welcomes Mecca Defence Pact, Urges Strengthened OIC Cooperation
Indonesian MPR Deputy Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid has welcomed the newly signed Mecca Defence Pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, viewing it as a catalyst for broader collaboration among OIC member states. He urged Indonesia to actively support the initiative and called for expanding the pact's scope beyond defence to include economic and educational cooperation, similar to the ASEAN Economic Community model.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:28 WIB
Indonesia's Economic Fundamentals Remain Solid, BNI Economist Explains Why
Indonesia's economic fundamentals remain robust, with growth reaching 5.29% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, outperforming many other developing nations. The resilience is underpinned by strong government spending, a surge in construction investment, and improved performance in export-oriented manufacturing sub-sectors such as textiles and furniture. Despite a slight normalisation from the previous quarter, the overall growth rate remains above pre-pandemic averages.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:28 WIB
KPK Questions Jakarta Councillor Bebizie Sri Mulyati in Rita Widyasari Graft Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has examined Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) member Bebizie Sri Mulyati as a witness in a bribery case linked to coal production. The investigation is an extension of the graft case against former Kutai Kartanegara regent Rita Widyasari, which has since expanded to include money laundering and alleged illicit payments from mining firms. Three companies have been named as suspects in the case, which involves suspected gratuities tied to coal output in East Kalimantan.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:28 WIB
Prabowo: Indonesia's Natural Resources Plundered and Smuggled for Too Long
President Prabowo Subianto has warned that Indonesia has been slow to react to the illegal extraction and smuggling of its natural resources, causing significant national losses. He linked this historical exploitation to a pattern of internal conflicts and foreign interference that have disrupted the nation's development since independence. The President urged the public to learn from history to prevent repeating past mistakes.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:27 WIB
TNI Targets Construction of 11,000 Public Facilities in 2026
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) aims to build 11,000 public facilities across the country this year, including 5,000 bridges and 6,000 clean water points. Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak expressed optimism about meeting the targets, citing lessons learned from previous planning obstacles. The programme, which involves community cooperation and media monitoring to identify needs, has already seen the completion of 2,500 bridges and 3,000 water facilities.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:27 WIB
Surabaya Mayor Calls for Leadership Relay Among 7,269 New ITS Students
Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi urged 7,269 new students at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) to uphold the institution's reputation and prepare for future leadership roles. The inauguration ceremony for the 2026/2027 academic year saw students from 37 provinces and six countries formally welcomed into the university. ITS Rector Prof Bambang Pramujati also emphasised the importance of character development, integrity, and social responsibility alongside academic achievement.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:27 WIB
Yusril Warns Police Against Ignoring Quran Challenge for Alcohol: 'Don't Let It Stir Public Anger'
Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra has urged the police to thoroughly investigate a viral challenge at a Jakarta music festival that offered alcohol as a reward for reciting a Quranic verse. He warned that inaction could provoke public anger and suggested the incident could be examined under blasphemy-related articles in the new Criminal Code. The minister called for a fair and dignified resolution, including the possibility of restorative justice.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:27 WIB
JCI Falls 1.13%, Nearly Drops Below 6,300 Level
The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) closed sharply lower on Thursday, shedding 1.13% to end at 6,301.77, as heavy foreign selling and a negative reaction to the latest MSCI review weighed on the market. The index was dragged down primarily by major stocks including Bank Central Asia and Amman Mineral Internasional, with the basic materials sector suffering the deepest decline. The sell-off occurred despite the MSCI index changes not taking effect until the end of August, suggesting investors are pre-emptively adjusting their portfolios.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:25 WIB
Prabowo Says Indonesia Spends Up to US$30 Billion Annually on Fuel Imports
President Prabowo Subianto revealed that Indonesia spends approximately US$30 billion, or around Rp534 trillion, annually on fuel imports. Speaking at the launch of a national electric motorcycle programme, he emphasised that the shift to electric vehicles and the B50 biodiesel mandate are key strategies to reduce this dependency. The government also plans to replace LPG with CNG and develop 100 Gigawatts of solar power capacity.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:25 WIB
Indonesia Strengthens Transport Independence with National Electric Motorcycle
Indonesia launched its national electric motorcycle, Molinas, as part of a strategic push for self-reliance in the transportation sector. The initiative, a collaboration between the government, state-owned enterprises, and private companies, leverages the country's vast nickel reserves for domestic battery production. President Prabowo Subianto praised the project as a crucial step towards reducing fuel imports and building a self-sufficient national economy.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:25 WIB
DPRA Urges KKP to Dredge Shallow Estuary in Bireuen After Hydrometeorological Disaster
The Aceh Legislative Council (DPRA) has called on the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) to urgently normalise the Krueng Peudada estuary in Bireuen, which has become dangerously shallow following a hydrometeorological disaster. Local fishermen have complained that the sedimentation is preventing their boats from safely entering and exiting the port, severely disrupting their livelihoods. The council insists that the rehabilitation of the waterway must be a priority under the ministry's planned IDR 1.5 trillion budget for fisheries sector recovery.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:25 WIB
BTN and PPATK Renovate Uninhabitable Homes in Lebak
State-owned bank BTN and Indonesia's financial intelligence unit PPATK have renovated 20 uninhabitable homes for underprivileged families across four regions, including Lebak, Banten. The initiative is part of an ongoing annual collaboration aimed at tackling housing poverty, which has already improved 35 homes over two years. Officials emphasised that corporate involvement is crucial to complement government efforts in addressing extreme poverty and improving living conditions.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:25 WIB
Five 'Merah Putih Presisi' Bridges Connect Isolated Villages in Bekasi and South Tangerang
President Prabowo Subianto virtually inaugurated five 'Merah Putih Presisi' bridges in the Greater Jakarta area, aiming to improve accessibility for isolated communities. The bridges, built through a collaboration between the military and police, are located in Bekasi Regency and South Tangerang City. The infrastructure is intended to facilitate access to education, agriculture, and economic centres.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:25 WIB
50,000 North Korean Troops to Reinforce Russian Front Lines
Ukrainian military intelligence reports that Russia and North Korea are considering a plan to deploy up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers to western Russia by the end of November. The deployment aims to relieve Russian units for combat in the Donbas region, while Pyongyang has also supplied additional ballistic missiles. President Zelenskyy warned that North Korea gaining combat experience poses a heightened threat to Japan and South Korea.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:25 WIB
Apindo Warns of Ripple Effects if New Tax Targets Boarding House Owners
The Indonesian Employers' Association (Apindo) has cautioned that any new tax targeting rental property owners could raise rents and reduce demand, ultimately hurting low-income workers and students. They argue the property sector is already under pressure, with high vacancy rates in offices and apartments, and that additional taxation could further discourage investment. The Finance Ministry has clarified that rental income is already subject to existing income tax and there are no specific new plans to target boarding house owners.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:24 WIB
PRR Task Force Urges Subulussalam to Accelerate Rp 84.93 Billion TKD Realisation
The Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Task Force (Satgas PRR) is pressing the Subulussalam city government to immediately utilise Rp 84.93 billion in additional regional transfer funds (TKD) for disaster recovery, as current spending remains near zero. The funds are earmarked for priority sectors including agriculture, education, and infrastructure, with a target completion date of December 2026. Officials warn that delays could hinder public service restoration and that the allocation will be subject to audit.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:24 WIB
Jewish Terrorists Besiege Palestinian Homes for Four Consecutive Days
Illegal Israeli settlers have besieged three Palestinian homes in Qusra, Nablus, for over four days, blocking roads and cutting off water and electricity. Despite the Israeli military demolishing some settler outposts, residents remain trapped and fearful, vowing not to leave their homes. The IDF has deployed additional forces to the area to address settler violence.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:23 WIB
House Commission III Urges BNN to Dismantle Drug Network Down to Suppliers
The Indonesian House of Representatives Commission III has urged the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) to fully dismantle a major drug network following the arrest of a kingpin known as 'Bos Gendut' and the seizure of assets worth Rp39.9 billion. Lawmakers stressed that the investigation must not stop at a single arrest but should trace the entire ecosystem, including suppliers, financial controllers, and money laundering operations. The commission also called for strengthened inter-agency and international cooperation to tackle the cross-border nature of the narcotics trade.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:23 WIB
Police build 39 bridges to support disaster recovery in Sumatra
The Indonesian National Police have constructed 39 bridges to restore access in disaster-affected areas of Sumatra, including six bailey bridges in Aceh and West Sumatra. The initiative is part of a broader programme that has delivered 895 bridges nationwide, benefiting over two million people. The police chief emphasised the force's commitment to community service and supporting economic connectivity.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:22 WIB
Supreme Court Justice Candidate Wants to Regulate AI in Judiciary: Not for Decision-Making
A candidate for the Indonesian Supreme Court, Syamsul Arief, has proposed establishing ethical guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in the judiciary. He emphasised that AI should serve only as a tool for judicial efficiency and not for making legal decisions. Arief also stressed the importance of educating judges about algorithmic and gender bias to ensure technology does not undermine justice.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:22 WIB
Electric Car Ecosystem in Subang to Begin Mass Production in 2028
President Prabowo Subianto announced that the electric vehicle ecosystem being developed in Subang, West Java, is expected to commence mass production by 2028. The project involves companies such as BYD Indonesia and VinFast. The President also highlighted government support for the electric vehicle industry, including incentives for electric motorcycle manufacturers.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 16:22 WIB
BMKG Warns of Heightened Land Fire Risk as Dry Weather Persists in Batam
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged residents of Batam and the Riau Islands to be vigilant against land and forest fires due to increasingly dry conditions. The warning comes as reduced rainfall and the El Niño phenomenon heighten the risk of fires spreading from open burning. Authorities are advising the public to avoid activities that could spark fires and to conserve water during the dry spell.