Archive: 13 August 2026
Showing 901-950 of 1,577 articles
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:10 WIB
Drug Lord 'Fat Boss' Arrested in Kampung Bahari After Dramatic Chase and Loyalist Resistance
Indonesian authorities have arrested a major drug trafficker known as 'Fat Boss' in North Jakarta after he had been on the run since 2025. The operation, conducted by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and police, involved a chase through the notorious Kampung Bahari area and was met with violent resistance from his loyalists, resulting in an officer's injury. Officials seized 98 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, firearms, luxury vehicles, and assets worth Rp 1.277 billion in cash as part of a money laundering investigation.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:10 WIB
Prabowo to Deliver Fiscal Note and 2027 State Budget Bill Speech Tomorrow, Here Are the Leaks
President Prabowo Subianto is set to deliver the government's fiscal note and the 2027 State Budget Bill (RAPBN) to the House of Representatives on 14 August 2026. The draft budget is based on a preliminary agreement between the government and the House's Budget Committee, targeting a deficit range of 1.8% to 2.4% of GDP. Key macroeconomic assumptions include economic growth of 5.8% to 6.5% and an exchange rate of Rp16,800 to Rp17,500 per US dollar.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:09 WIB
MPR Deputy Speaker Urges Green Energy Transition to Boost Domestic Industry and Jobs
Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Eddy Soeparno, has called for Indonesia's energy transition to deliver tangible benefits for national industry and the workforce. He stressed that the shift to renewable energy should not merely open the market for foreign green technology but must strengthen domestic supply chains and create high-quality employment. Eddy noted that Central Java possesses strong potential to become a hub for green industry, provided there is regulatory consistency and targeted incentives.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:09 WIB
Cikini Subdistrict Trains Dozens of Volunteers in Fire Prevention and Response
The Cikini subdistrict in Central Jakarta has trained 30 volunteer firefighters from various community groups to improve early fire prevention and response. The initiative aims to equip residents with the skills to handle fires before professional units arrive, particularly focusing on gas leak incidents. Officials highlighted that such community coordination recently helped contain a fire at a local optical building.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:09 WIB
Inflation Looms Over Economic Growth at End of 2026
Bank Mandiri's chief economist has warned that Indonesia's economy faces significant inflationary pressures towards the end of 2026, driven by a prolonged dry season and potential El Niño effects. Rising food prices threaten to erode purchasing power, particularly in the third quarter which lacks major festive spending drivers. Despite these headwinds, the bank maintains a full-year growth forecast above 5.3%, buoyed by expected year-end holiday momentum.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:09 WIB
Scout Movement Expected to Become a Fortress for Strengthening National Character
The Banten Provincial Government has expressed hope that the Scout Movement will serve as a bulwark for reinforcing the character of the nation's youth amidst rapid technological advancement. A senior official stated that while technology may replace jobs, it cannot replace personal integrity, honesty, and discipline. The remarks were made as Banten prepared to send a contingent to a national jamboree, with participants urged to embody the province's cultural values of friendliness, religiosity, and mutual cooperation.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:07 WIB
Riau Police Chief Reports 110 Bridges and Expedition in 3T Areas to President Prabowo
Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan reported the construction of 110 'Merah Putih Presisi' bridges and an expedition to underdeveloped regions to President Prabowo Subianto. The report was made during a national event where President Prabowo inaugurated 895 bridges built by the Indonesian National Police. The President expressed his appreciation for the police force's efforts in reaching remote areas and providing tangible benefits to the community.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:07 WIB
Crypto Transactions Surge 24.2 Percent in June, Bittime Sees Maturing Market
The value of crypto asset transactions in Indonesia rose 24.2 percent month-on-month to Rp28.58 trillion in June 2026, with the number of consumer accounts also increasing. Bittime, which recently became the first digital asset trader to secure a derivatives licence under OJK supervision, views the growth as a sign of a maturing market underpinned by stronger regulation. The firm noted that while macroeconomic and geopolitical factors pose challenges, the ecosystem is expanding beyond mainstream crypto to include tokenised stocks and meme tokens.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:07 WIB
Medan residents no longer fear rain after house renovation programme
Residents in Medan, North Sumatra, have received renovated homes through a government programme targeting uninhabitable houses. The initiative, a priority in the city's 2025-2029 development plan, aims to improve welfare for low-income families, with up to Rp120 million allocated per house.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:07 WIB
Amran Confirms Strong Food Stocks to Face El Nino 2026
Indonesia's National Food Agency Head, Andi Amran Sulaiman, has assured the nation that food reserves are robust enough to withstand the predicted strong El Nino in 2026. Government rice reserves have surged to 5.2 million tonnes, a 245% increase compared to September 2023, largely due to a policy of absorbing domestic farmers' harvests regardless of quality. The government has also bolstered stocks of other strategic commodities such as maize and chicken meat to safeguard national food security.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:06 WIB
Government Deploys 1,200 'Patriots' to Papua to Boost Local Economy
The Indonesian Ministry of Transmigration has dispatched 1,200 experts, dubbed 'Patriots', to Papua as part of the 2026 Expedition Team programme. The initiative aims to enhance local productivity, develop small businesses, and open market access by applying scientific knowledge directly to community needs. The programme builds on last year's research phase and narrows its focus to 53 priority areas to ensure a more measurable impact on welfare in Eastern Indonesia.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:05 WIB
iCAR expands dealer network in Jakarta, targets 30 outlets by end of 2026
Chinese automotive manufacturer iCAR has inaugurated a new dealership in Jakarta's SCBD area, its second in Indonesia, in partnership with Andalan Group. The company aims to establish 30 dealer networks across various Indonesian cities by the end of 2026, with another outlet planned for West Jakarta later this year. The expansion reflects the growing electric vehicle market and the need for improved sales and after-sales infrastructure.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:05 WIB
Complete Profiles of 4 Bank Indonesia Leadership Candidates: Destry, Aida, Solikin and Anwar
President Prabowo Subianto has formally submitted four names to the House of Representatives (DPR) for the top leadership positions at Bank Indonesia, including the Governor and Senior Deputy Governor roles. The candidates, all seasoned internal figures with extensive monetary and central banking experience, will undergo a fit and proper test after the DPR session commences on 14 August 2026. The nominations signal a likely continuation of institutional expertise at the helm of Indonesia's central bank.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:05 WIB
Kelapa Gading-Manggarai LRT Projected to Carry 80,000 Passengers
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has projected that the LRT Jakarta route connecting Kelapa Gading to Manggarai will eventually serve up to 80,000 passengers daily. This marks a significant increase from the previous 4,000 daily passengers on the Kelapa Gading-Velodrome route. The governor also announced plans to extend the line to Dukuh Atas, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and conclude by August 2028.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:04 WIB
Report: Saudi Arabia Rejects Egypt's Participation in Makkah Agreement
Saudi Arabia has reportedly opposed Egypt's inclusion in a new security pact signed with Turkey and Pakistan, despite Ankara's support for Cairo's participation. Sources indicate Riyadh's stance stems from growing frustration with the Sisi government, questioning Egypt's strategic value. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed last Friday, stipulates that an armed attack against one signatory is considered an attack against all three.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:04 WIB
Religious Affairs Ministry Urges Madrasahs to Build 'Dare to Report' Culture to Prevent Violence
The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs is calling on madrasahs to strengthen child protection systems by fostering a culture where students feel safe to report incidents. Deputy Minister Romo H.R. Muhammad Syafi'i stressed the need for enhanced supervision, including the installation of CCTV in vulnerable areas, to detect potential violations early. The initiative is part of a broader national movement aimed at creating safe and comfortable spaces for children in education.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:04 WIB
South Sumatra MSMEs Encouraged to Become More Competitive, Here's the Provincial Government's Strategy
The South Sumatra provincial government is implementing a series of coaching programmes to boost the competitiveness of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The strategy includes training in business management, financial literacy, and digital marketing, alongside efforts to expand access to financing. Officials stress that improving product quality and financial management is essential for MSMEs to survive and grow amid intense competition.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:02 WIB
Hidayat Nur Wahid Welcomes Makkah Defence Pact, Urges OKI to Expand Cooperation
Indonesian MPR Deputy Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid has welcomed the new defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, seeing it as a positive step for regional stability. He urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OKI) to use this momentum to strengthen collaboration in other areas, particularly economy and education. HNW also called on the Indonesian government to actively support and expand such initiatives among Muslim-majority nations.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:02 WIB
KPK Summons Bulog Institutional Relations Head in IDR 200 Billion Social Assistance Rice Corruption Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned Epi Sulandari, Head of Institutional Relations at Perum Bulog, for questioning as a witness. The investigation concerns alleged corruption in the distribution of social assistance rice for the Family Hope Programme (PKH), which reportedly caused state losses of up to IDR 200 billion. The KPK has previously named three individuals and two corporations as suspects in the case.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:02 WIB
Late Electricity Bill Payment: What Happens After 5 Days?
A delay of five days in paying your electricity bill will not immediately cut off your power, but it will incur a late fee based on your installed capacity. If the bill remains unpaid for over a month, PLN can temporarily disconnect the MCB, and prolonged non-payment beyond three months risks permanent disconnection and the need for a new connection application.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:02 WIB
Safeguarding Food Amidst Climate Threats
Indonesia faces tangible threats to food security from El Niño and climate change, with rice production and harvest areas already showing sensitivity. The government is pursuing a preventative, integrated strategy focusing on water management, irrigation rehabilitation, and strengthening national food reserves to maintain stability. A robust rice reserve of 5.2 million tonnes provides a buffer, while long-term plans target agricultural modernisation and diversification to achieve food sovereignty.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:02 WIB
West Lombok Deputy Head Questioned by KPK in Bribery Case Involving Regent
West Lombok Deputy Regent Nurul Adha was questioned by Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators regarding the sting operation that ensnared non-active Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini. The questioning focused on Adha's knowledge of the regional water company PT AMGM and his relationship with the three suspects. The case involves alleged bribery and conflicts of interest in government procurement projects worth IDR 17.9 billion in West Lombok.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:02 WIB
1,000 Japanese Companies Go Bankrupt in a Month: What's Behind It?
Japan recorded 1,028 corporate bankruptcies in July 2026, marking the second consecutive month exceeding 1,000 cases. The surge is driven by acute labour shortages, rising wages, and higher material costs, which are disproportionately affecting small enterprises. The data highlights growing structural pressures on Japan's economy, with the service sector and smaller firms bearing the brunt of the downturn.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:01 WIB
BSKDN Chief Urges Regional Researchers to Contribute to Evidence-Based Policymaking
The head of the National Strategy and Policy Agency (BSKDN) has called on regional researchers to strengthen their role in formulating evidence-based policy. Yusharto Huntoyungo highlighted that research findings should be swiftly translated into policy recommendations, academic papers, and local regulations to directly benefit the public. He also reminded researchers to meet their minimum work output requirements, noting that career advancement is now based on performance portfolios rather than tenure.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:01 WIB
BNPB: No Casualties in Forest and Land Fires in Kutai and Paser, East Kalimantan
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that no lives were lost in the forest and land fires that affected Kutai Kartanegara and Paser regencies in East Kalimantan. The fires, which occurred consecutively, burned a total area of 20 hectares. Authorities have deployed personnel and utilised water trucks and firebreaks to control the blazes and prevent further spread.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:00 WIB
BI: Sharia Financing a Strategic Key to Boosting Investment and Corporate Expansion
Bank Indonesia (BI) has emphasized that strengthening the connection between the halal industry and Islamic finance is crucial for expanding corporate access to funding. The central bank highlighted the need for bankable and sustainable financing pipelines, supported by market deepening and collaboration between stakeholders. This push comes as sharia banking data shows significant growth, with financing reaching IDR 720 trillion as of June 2026.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:00 WIB
Zulhas Vows to Empower Fishermen, Prevent Foreign Poaching of Indonesian Fish
Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has pledged to focus on improving the welfare of Indonesian fishermen, warning that their current poverty leaves the nation vulnerable to significant losses. He stated that foreign vessels from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are poaching fish worth over IDR 200 trillion due to the lack of local capacity. The minister highlighted the low fishermen's exchange rate as evidence of their poverty, placing them in the lowest income decile.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 14:00 WIB
Can Insurance Replace Money Lost When Hackers Breach Bank Accounts?
As Indonesia faces over 1.5 billion cyber attacks and trillions of rupiah in reported losses, personal cyber insurance is emerging as a crucial financial safety net. Products now available from insurers like MSIG, Chubb, and BCA Insurance cover losses from unauthorised transactions, phishing, and identity theft, with annual premiums starting as low as Rp8,750. The protection is particularly relevant for active mobile banking users and those heavily reliant on digital financial services.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:59 WIB
Pixel 11 features AI that translates sign language into text
Google's Pixel 11 introduces a new AI-powered feature developed by DeepMind that translates sign language into text in real time. The technology works by converting video of sign language into geometric coordinate frameworks, bypassing traditional grammar limitations to improve translation quality. This innovation aims to bridge communication gaps for the over 70 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people worldwide who use sign language.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:58 WIB
Police reveal chronology of woman's murder in Benda, Tangerang
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have disclosed the timeline of a murder and sexual assault case in Benda, Tangerang City. The suspect, identified as KF, allegedly attacked the victim in her rented room after finding the door unlocked while under the influence of alcohol. Police apprehended the suspect within 24 hours of the incident.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:58 WIB
Creative Economy Deputy Minister: Teras Inspirasi an Inclusive Stage for Creative Actors
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar has praised the Teras Inspirasi exhibition as an inclusive platform that helps creative actors showcase their work and gain market access. The event, organised by Sovlo, features 60 local illustrators in 2026, up from 54 in 2025. A collaboration with the Indonesian Down Syndrome Foundation has also generated significant economic value, with sales exceeding Rp130 million.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:58 WIB
National Training Budget for 2026 Asian Games Rises to IDR 222 Billion
Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir has announced a significant increase in the national training budget for the 2026 Asian Games, bringing the total to IDR 222 billion after an additional IDR 95 billion was allocated. The government is targeting four gold medals, primarily relying on badminton, weightlifting, and sport climbing. The minister assured that the funding process is being expedited to ensure athletes can prepare without financial uncertainty ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya games.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:57 WIB
Blora Regent Targets 295 Hectares of Organic Farming Land Across All Villages
Blora Regent Arief Rohman is promoting organic agriculture to strengthen food security and farmer welfare, targeting the conversion of 295 hectares of village land for organic farming. The initiative, supported by a partnership with Nahdlatul Ulama's agricultural development body, aims to make Blora a model for organic farming in Central Java. This push comes as the regency reports a significant 25% increase in rice production in 2025, reaching over 530,000 tonnes of dry unhusked rice.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:57 WIB
Jakarta LRT Velodrome-Manggarai Route 97 Percent Complete, Set for 20 August Finish
The construction of the Jakarta LRT Phase 1B connecting Velodrome to Manggarai is nearly 98 percent complete, with only signalling work remaining before its targeted completion on 20 August. Governor Pramono Anung confirmed the project's progress and announced plans to extend the line to Dukuh Atas, aiming to connect four administrative cities of Jakarta by August 2026.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:56 WIB
KPK Summons Two Jasindo Employees After Detaining Four Suspects in Marine Insurance Corruption Case
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has summoned two employees of state-owned insurer Jasindo for questioning as witnesses. This follows the detention of four suspects, including a former Jasindo director, in a case involving alleged unlawful acts related to marine hull insurance commission payments. The alleged corruption is estimated to have caused state losses of up to Rp15.6 billion.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:56 WIB
Prabowo: Public Service by TNI, Polri Always Remembered by the People
President Prabowo Subianto stated that the public service provided by the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri) is always remembered by the people. Speaking at the inauguration of 3,395 bridges and clean water sources built by the forces, he praised their dedication as proof that they are a people's army and police force. The President also highlighted the projects as a demonstration of Indonesia's spirit of mutual cooperation and national unity.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:55 WIB
President Prabowo reaffirms state support for people in remote areas
President Prabowo Subianto has emphasised the state's commitment to supporting citizens in remote areas, stating that those living furthest from major hubs must enjoy a good quality of life. He made the remarks while virtually inaugurating 3,395 bridges and clean water facilities built by the TNI and Polri, describing the effort as a reflection of Indonesia's spirit of mutual cooperation. The infrastructure projects aim to improve connectivity and access to basic services for millions of people in hard-to-reach regions across the country.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:55 WIB
Government Encourages Danantara to Invest in Downstreaming Projects
The Indonesian government is urging the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara) to directly invest in downstreaming projects to balance supply, industrial demand, and product absorption. Deputy for Energy and Mineral Resources Coordination Elen Setiadi highlighted coal-to-dimethyl ether (DME) development as a prime opportunity, citing South Sumatra's vast reserves. He argued that utilising coal for value-added products could replace LPG imports, with investment returns projected in under a decade.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:54 WIB
Two Incidents Rock Indian Aviation in a Single Week
India's aviation sector faced heightened scrutiny this week following two separate in-flight incidents. An IndiGo flight experienced an engine failure upon landing in Chennai, while the CEO of Air India was summoned by the government after a pilot on a previous flight tested positive for marijuana. The back-to-back events have raised serious concerns regarding safety protocols and operational oversight within the country's rapidly growing airline industry.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:53 WIB
Governor Pramono guarantees improved parking and transport at JIS ahead of Maroon 5 concert
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has assured the public that parking and public transport access to the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) will be significantly improved ahead of a Maroon 5 concert in February 2027. The improvements include utilising the Ancol area for parking with a capacity of 5,000 cars and waiving the Ancol entry fee for concertgoers. The government is also working to enhance connectivity through KRL Commuterline services and TransJabodetabek bus routes to ensure smoother access to the venue.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:53 WIB
GoTo Management Responds After MSCI Removal from Global Standard Indexes
GoTo Gojek Tokopedia (GOTO) management has described its removal from the MSCI Global Standard Indexes as a purely technical decision, citing low share price and trading volume rather than financial performance. The company highlighted a significant turnaround, reporting a net profit of Rp 607.48 billion for the first half of 2026, reversing a loss from the previous year. GoTo affirmed it will maintain active dialogue with MSCI while focusing on creating shareholder value.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:53 WIB
A Glimpse into the Newest Modern Residential Cluster at Kota Deltamas: Sinar Mas Land and Sojitz Present Meliora
Sinar Mas Land and Japan's Sojitz Corporation have launched Meliora, a new residential cluster within the integrated township of Kota Deltamas in Cikarang. The 1.8-hectare development aims to cater to the growing demand for quality housing driven by the expansion of industrial estates and data centres in the eastern corridor of Jakarta. The first phase offers 68 two-storey homes with prices starting from IDR 800 million.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:52 WIB
Makassar City Investment Reaches Rp2.7 Trillion in First Half of 2026
Investment in Makassar City reached Rp2.7 trillion in the first semester of 2026, achieving approximately 77 per cent of the full-year target of Rp3.5 trillion. The city's Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPM-PTSP) expressed optimism that investment activity will continue to grow through the end of the year. Officials hope the final figure will surpass the target set by the municipal government.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:51 WIB
Minister Zulhas Warns of Rampant Disinformation on Social Media, Calls for Media to Enlighten Public
Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has expressed deep concern over the spread of disinformation, slander, and hate speech on social media, which he termed 'DFK'. Speaking at a Muhammadiyah event, he lamented that online discourse is now driven by winning and losing rather than right and wrong, and urged media outlets to provide truthful information to enlighten the public.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:51 WIB
Witnesses Report Explosions During Frame Factory Fire in East Jakarta
A massive fire destroyed a frame factory in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, with witnesses reporting hearing explosions before the blaze spread. The fire, which started on Wednesday night, took over 15 hours to extinguish and also damaged nearby residential buildings. No casualties were reported in the incident.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:50 WIB
Pertamina Provides Work Experience, 539 Interns Ready to Contribute
State-owned energy company PT Pertamina has welcomed 539 participants to its 2026 internship programme, selected from over 94,000 applicants. The year-long programme aims to equip young Indonesians with practical work experience and professional skills across the Pertamina Group. Company officials stated the initiative is part of Pertamina's commitment to enhancing human resources and providing broader access for the younger generation to the corporate world.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:50 WIB
DPR Member Urges Government to Evaluate Ship Safety Oversight After Ferry Fire
A member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) has called for a comprehensive evaluation of the national shipping safety oversight system following a recent ferry fire. The parliamentarian stressed that recurring maritime incidents demand a shift from reactive to preventive supervision, including stricter checks on vessel seaworthiness and passenger manifests.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:50 WIB
Civil Servant Numbers Drop by 77,589 in First Half of 2026, Hitting a 10-Year Low
The number of civil servants (PNS) in Indonesia fell to 3.48 million by mid-2026, marking the lowest level in a decade. This decline contrasts sharply with the surge in government employees with work agreements (PPPK), which reached 2.07 million, driving the total state apparatus to a record 6.77 million. The shift reflects a policy focus on restructuring the workforce by prioritising PPPK recruitment over traditional civil service appointments.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:50 WIB
Colombia Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 265, Search for Missing Continues
The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Colombia has climbed to 265, with nearly 500 people still missing. The national government has declared a state of disaster to accelerate emergency response and resource mobilisation. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors amidst widespread destruction that has left over 9,000 homes severely damaged or destroyed.
Thu, 13 Aug 2026, 13:49 WIB
Indonesia Aims to Boost Economic Growth Quality by Reducing Informal Workers
Indonesia's economy grew by 5.29% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, maintaining a solid performance above 5%. BNI Chief Economist Leo Rinaldy highlighted the need to improve the quality of this growth, noting that 59.3% of the workforce remains in the informal sector. Government fiscal policy is now focused on creating more formal employment opportunities.