Archive: 20 August 2026
Showing 651-700 of 1,593 articles
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:51 WIB
BPBD NTT records 4,914 damaged houses in Ngada following Flores earthquake
The East Nusa Tenggara disaster mitigation agency has recorded nearly 5,000 damaged houses across 12 sub-districts in Ngada Regency after a magnitude earthquake struck Flores on 15 August. The disaster also caused two deaths, 43 injuries, and damage to public infrastructure including roads, government offices, health facilities and schools. A 30-day emergency response status has been declared, with more than 2,500 people displaced across 81 evacuation points.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:50 WIB
West Bandung Education Office to rehabilitate 182 primary and junior secondary classrooms
The West Bandung Regency Education Office has allocated approximately Rp32 billion to rehabilitate 182 classrooms across primary and junior secondary schools in 2026. The programme covers 134 classrooms in 80 primary schools and 48 classrooms in 18 junior secondary schools. SMPN 2 Ngamprah is among the beneficiaries, with three classrooms slated for repair at an estimated cost of Rp400 million.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:50 WIB
BNPB Reports 3,752 Aftershocks in East Nusa Tenggara
Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded 3,752 aftershocks in East Nusa Tenggara following the recent earthquake, with a significant 5.7-magnitude tremor felt on Thursday morning. The agency has urged residents to remain vigilant and inspect buildings before re-entering them. Updated damage figures show 36,163 homes affected, while 102 tonnes of aid were dispatched on Thursday.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:50 WIB
ITDP: Uneven Public Transport Coverage Hinders Emission Reduction in Greater Jakarta
The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) Indonesia has warned that uneven public transport coverage across Greater Jakarta is hampering efforts to shift commuters away from private vehicles and reduce transport emissions. Jakarta's target of achieving a 55% public transport mode share by 2045 cannot be met in isolation, as cross-border travel from satellite cities requires coordinated expansion of services. ITDP calls for simultaneous improvements in intercity and intermodal connectivity to serve the region's 42 million residents.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:50 WIB
China Suddenly Praises Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, What's Behind It?
Beijing has publicly commended Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after he reaffirmed his support for the 'One China' principle in an Al Jazeera interview. Anwar stated that Taiwan is part of China and defended Beijing's right to use force if peaceful reunification fails. Taiwan's foreign ministry has condemned the remarks, warning they could undermine investor confidence.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:49 WIB
Trump Threatens Economic Isolation, Iran Calls Policy a Failure
Iran has dismissed President Donald Trump's threat of economic isolation against Tehran and its supporters, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing it as a continuation of America's failed policies. Araghchi argued the move is a distraction from US domestic financial troubles, including record debt and rising interest rates. The exchange comes amid ongoing conflict between the two nations and a dispute over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:49 WIB
BNPB Ensures Presidential Aid Reaches Earthquake Victims Directly in NTT
Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has pledged that all government assistance, including aid from President Prabowo Subianto, will be delivered directly to residents affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The agency is working to overcome distribution challenges caused by the scattered pattern of self-organised evacuation sites. The death toll from the disaster has risen to 75, with 931 people injured across seven districts on Flores Island.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:47 WIB
Minister Affirms Commitment to Comprehensive Maritime Safety Overhaul
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has pledged a thorough evaluation and overhaul of Indonesia's maritime safety system following several recent ship accidents. Speaking before House Commission V, he stressed that safety must be ensured at every stage of a voyage, not just after incidents occur. The ministry plans to strengthen layered prevention measures, improve manifest accuracy, and enforce stricter departure protocols.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:46 WIB
Central Sulawesi Durian Plantation Association Appreciates Agriculture Minister's Commitment to Tackle Durian Disease
The Central Sulawesi branch of the Indonesian Durian Plantation Association has welcomed Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman's pledge to address a disease devastating local durian crops. The disease, known as 'bangkalan', causes fruit to fall prematurely and has cut production by up to 60 per cent. The minister has ordered a team of experts to be deployed and promised that all costs will be borne by the state.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:45 WIB
Police Say Nine Papuan Teenagers Kidnapped by Papuan Separatists, Here is OPM Spokesperson's Response
The Free Papua Movement (OPM) has denied allegations by Indonesian police that its armed wing kidnapped nine civilians in Mimika, Central Papua. TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom dismissed the accusation as military propaganda, insisting his forces do not target civilians. Police in Mimika had earlier reported that separatist groups were increasingly targeting not only security forces but also local and migrant civilians, including through kidnappings and hostage-taking.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:45 WIB
Swiss National Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Insulting Nyepi in Bali
A Swiss national has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Denpasar District Court for posting a video on Instagram that insulted the Balinese Hindu Day of Silence, Nyepi. The court found Luzian Andrin Zgraggen guilty of broadcasting provocative content intended for public consumption, a violation of Article 301(1) of the 2023 Criminal Code. The sentence was lighter than the 15 months sought by prosecutors, with judges citing his first-time visitor status and lack of understanding of the ritual as mitigating factors.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:45 WIB
BUMN Volunteer Programme 2026 strengthens community empowerment in Bulok Village
The Relawan Bakti BUMN 2026 programme in Bulok Village, South Lampung, concluded with a series of social activities, capacity-building initiatives, and facility support aimed at empowering the local community. Officials from PTPN I and the South Lampung Regency expressed appreciation for the collaboration between state-owned enterprises, volunteers, and residents, highlighting the programme's role in fostering village self-reliance and tourism development. The initiative included the unfurling of an 81-metre red-and-white flag and the donation of computers to the village government.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:45 WIB
BPOM and URI discuss BPOM Vocational School to strengthen national resilience
The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) and the University of the Republic of Indonesia (URI) have held talks on strengthening national human resources through AI utilisation and the development of a BPOM Vocational School. The collaboration aims to build a human-centred AI leadership ecosystem and address BPOM's significant staffing shortfall. The vocational school is positioned as part of the national health resilience infrastructure.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:45 WIB
Jambi Language Agency distributes 80,600 books to support literacy movement
The Jambi Provincial Language Agency is distributing 80,600 quality reading books to 363 schools across 11 regencies and cities to support the National Literacy Movement for the 2026 fiscal year. The programme targets 283 primary schools and 80 junior secondary schools, prioritising those with the lowest literacy scores in the 2025 Computer-Based National Assessment. Merangin Regency receives the largest allocation of 17,900 books, followed by Bungo and Tebo.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:45 WIB
Samsung to Distribute Rp 1,274 Trillion to Shareholders
Samsung Electronics is reportedly preparing to announce a US$71.75 billion shareholder return programme, comprising dividends and share buybacks, following record profits driven by surging demand for AI memory chips. The move comes shortly after rival SK Hynix unveiled a 40 trillion won programme, as both South Korean chipmakers face pressure from labour unions to share windfall earnings.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:44 WIB
Pramono Says Air Pollution Control Cannot Be Solved by Regional Regulation Revision Alone
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has argued that revising the capital's air pollution bylaw is insufficient without coordinated emission controls across the wider Jakarta agglomeration. He highlighted coal-fired industrial plants in surrounding buffer zones as a major source of pollution affecting the city. Pramono called for integrated action across the metropolitan region, including restrictions on coal use by industries in suburban areas.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:42 WIB
Field hospital begins operations, child patient surgery runs smoothly
A field hospital in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has begun serving earthquake-affected residents, marked by the successful thigh bone operation on an 11-year-old boy. The facility was built in under 30 hours by a 13-person team from the Health Ministry's Health Crisis Centre. The ministry says the hospital will help maintain medical services while permanent facilities recover from earthquake damage.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:41 WIB
Visiting NTT Earthquake Evacuees, Gibran Cradles Baby in Treatment Tent
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming visited earthquake evacuees at TC Hillers Maumere Regional General Hospital in Sikka Regency, NTT, where he cradled a newborn and called for improvements to emergency treatment facilities. He assured patients that post-earthquake handling would be stepped up so they could return to proper wards and have their homes repaired. The visit came as the National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported 75 fatalities and tens of thousands of displaced people across NTT.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:41 WIB
A Long Night for 640 Evacuees on Sukun Island after the NTT Earthquake
Hundreds of residents of Sukun Island in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, are sheltering in makeshift tents on higher ground following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake. The disaster has compounded long-standing shortages of clean water and functioning telecommunications on the remote island. Local leaders are urging authorities to address these basic needs as evacuees continue to sleep outdoors and cook in open areas.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:40 WIB
Economist: Ride-hailing presidential regulation must ensure equal partnership
Economist Nailul Huda of Celios has urged that the forthcoming presidential regulation on ride-hailing services guarantee a balanced partnership between drivers and platform companies. He stressed that drivers should retain flexibility over working hours and the ability to use multiple platforms, while social protection such as BPJS membership must remain non-negotiable.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:40 WIB
Kemenpora partners with 20FIT to present Jakarta Hybrid Race at ISS 2026
Indonesia's Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) is collaborating with sports industry company 20FIT to hold the Jakarta Hybrid Race fitness competition as part of the Indonesia Sport Summit 2026. The event will take place at the Jakarta International Convention Center in September, with the ministry providing financial support, tax incentives, and operational facilities. Organisers aim to establish the competition as a flagship event in Indonesia's growing hybrid race fitness landscape.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:40 WIB
Legislator Questions Anomalies in Sanctions Against Mekarsari Savings and Loan Cooperative
A Golkar Party legislator has raised concerns over administrative sanctions imposed by the Ministry of Cooperatives on Koperasi Mekarsari, arguing they create a legal grey area. Doni Akbar questioned why the cooperative is still permitted to collect instalments while being ordered to halt unlicensed activities. He urged the ministry to clarify the legal basis and ensure any criminal proceedings are not obscured by administrative measures.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:40 WIB
Bandung City Government to Extend Part-Time PPPK Contracts
The Bandung city administration has confirmed it will extend the contracts of part-time government employees (PPPK) when they expire in October 2026, citing limited fiscal capacity to upgrade them to full-time status. Mayor Muhammad Farhan said the city is awaiting the implementation of the 2027 state budget, which is expected to reclassify all PPPK as central government employees. The move is intended to ease the fiscal burden on regional governments while allowing Bandung to recruit new part-time PPPK staff as needed.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:39 WIB
PKB's Sigap Bangsa Team distributes aid to residents affected by NTT earthquake
The National Awakening Party's (PKB) Sigap Bangsa Team has delivered humanitarian aid in the form of basic food packages to residents affected by the earthquake in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The team emphasised that post-disaster handling requires not only logistical support but also psychological assistance for traumatised residents. The aid distribution was carried out in cooperation with volunteers to reach remote and hard-to-access areas.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:39 WIB
Bank SMBC Indonesia Presents Andrea Bocelli's Musical Masterpiece in Indonesia
Bank SMBC Indonesia, part of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Group, is serving as the presenting partner for Andrea Bocelli's Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour in Indonesia. The Italian tenor will perform at Borobudur Temple in Magelang on 31 October 2026 and at Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran on 3 November 2026. The bank is offering exclusive ticket pre-sales, discounts, and hospitality packages to its customers, while the concerts are expected to generate an economic impact of Rp792 billion.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:38 WIB
Indonesia eyes 10 percent energy savings with fuel restrictions
Indonesia is considering restricting subsidised Pertalite fuel purchases by higher-income households to make energy subsidies more targeted, with potential budget savings estimated at around 10 percent of the Rp210.1 trillion allocated for energy subsidies in 2026. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the proposal is still under discussion and current distribution rules remain in place, while urging wealthier citizens to use non-subsidised fuel. The move is part of broader efforts to ensure subsidies reach those who are entitled to them.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:38 WIB
Askrindo and Palopo City Government forge surety and general insurance partnership
State-owned insurer Askrindo has signed a cooperation agreement with the Palopo City Government in South Sulawesi to expand surety and general insurance services. The partnership aims to support infrastructure development and strengthen the local business ecosystem, with a particular focus on protecting MSMEs from fire and other operational risks. Askrindo also sees potential to extend micro marine insurance to fishermen in the coastal city.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:37 WIB
9 Fishery Sector Shares, Business Opportunities and Challenges in Indonesia
Indonesia's fishery industry offers significant investment potential, supported by rising export values and strong domestic demand. Nine listed companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange are involved in fishing, aquaculture, processing, and cold storage. The sector faces challenges including high feed costs and weather-dependent capture fisheries.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:36 WIB
Guest Steals 3 TVs from 3 Different Rooms at Bandung Hotel
Police in Bandung are investigating a theft at a hotel in Pasirkoja where a guest allegedly stole three televisions from three separate rooms. The suspect checked in on 16 August and again on 17 August, each time leaving with a television in a large bag. Authorities are still pursuing the suspect.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:36 WIB
Lebak BPBD Evacuates Saltwater Crocodile from Pasir Putih Beach Area
A 3-metre, 150-kilogram saltwater crocodile was evacuated from Pasir Putih Beach in Cihara District, Lebak Regency, Banten, after it was deemed a danger to tourists. The Lebak Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), police, and local residents worked together to secure the animal manually using ropes. The crocodile is being temporarily held at the Bayah Sector 5 Fire Station while authorities coordinate with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and the Banten Natural Resources Conservation Agency.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:36 WIB
Firefighting Efforts on Mount Arjuno-Welirang Hampered by Fog
Efforts to extinguish forest and land fires on Mount Arjuno-Welirang in Pasuruan Regency, East Java, have been hindered by thick fog and difficult terrain. Hundreds of personnel are tackling the blaze manually, while aerial water bombing remains grounded due to poor visibility. All hiking routes have been closed indefinitely as a safety precaution.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:35 WIB
ICC Condemns US Sanctions: An Attack on Judicial Independence!
The International Criminal Court has strongly condemned US sanctions against its President and a prosecutor, calling them a direct assault on judicial independence. The EU, Japan, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain and the UN have voiced support for the court. Washington imposed the measures over ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, which the Trump administration considers illegitimate.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:35 WIB
520-Page Plea: Bali Tidak Diam Activist Tomy Wiria Seeks Acquittal
The defence team for activist Tomy Priatna Wiria has submitted a 520-page plea rejecting the prosecution's charges of incitement under Article 247 of the Criminal Code. They argue the prosecution failed to prove any causal link between Tomy's 'Bali Tidak Diam' poster and the violence during the August 2025 demonstration. The defence also raised allegations of human rights violations during the investigation and has requested the court to acquit Tomy.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:33 WIB
Strong Winds Prevent Helicopter from Delivering Aid to Isolated Village in NTT
A police helicopter failed to air-drop aid to the isolated village of Lidi on Palu'e Island, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, six days after the Flores earthquake due to strong winds. The aircraft was forced to divert to the coastal village of Reruwairere to deliver supplies. Aerial observations revealed numerous landslides on the island's hilly terrain, complicating relief efforts.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:32 WIB
Indonesia Expects More Chinese Investments in Wang Yi's Visit
Indonesia anticipates stronger Chinese investment commitments as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi prepares for the inaugural comprehensive strategic dialogue in Jakarta. Economic cooperation, including cross-border trade and investment in priority sectors, will be high on the agenda, though officials remain tight-lipped on specifics. The visit comes amid ongoing negotiations over the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail debt and recent Chinese investor complaints about the investment climate.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:30 WIB
Jasa Marga Commits to Ensuring Travel Safety and Security
State-owned toll road operator Jasa Marga is continuing preservation works across its network to maintain road quality and meet minimum service standards. The works, carried out mainly at night to minimise disruption, include patching, scrapping and filling, and pavement reconstruction. The company says the programme supports national connectivity and aligns with the government's infrastructure development agenda.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:30 WIB
Two of Indonesia's Neighbours Join Forces, Working on Semiconductors to Nuclear Technology
Singapore and India have deepened bilateral cooperation across semiconductors, food security, workforce skills and connectivity during their fourth ministerial roundtable. The two nations signed agreements on food safety and maritime heritage, while also exploring collaboration in space and nuclear technology. The discussions aim to strengthen supply chain resilience and open opportunities for Singaporean SMEs in India's growing manufacturing sector.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:29 WIB
Academic: System integration key to improving logistics efficiency
An academic and logistics executive has called for greater integration of Indonesia's logistics systems, arguing that existing assets such as ports, warehouses and depots are underutilised due to fragmented operations. He highlighted the problem of empty return trips, or backhaul, as a major inefficiency. The government is targeting a reduction in logistics costs from 14.29 percent of GDP in 2022 to 8 percent by 2045.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:29 WIB
BRI Insurance wins best performance award at Insurance Award 2026
PT BRI Asuransi Indonesia (BRI Insurance) has been recognised as The Excellent Performance General Insurance Company 2026 at the Insurance Award 2026. The award falls under the Titanium Champion General Insurance category, marking 15 consecutive years of strong performance from 2012 to 2026. The company attributes the achievement to strengthening its business foundation, governance, risk management, and digital service innovation.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:28 WIB
Ministry of Forestry: Social Forestry provides economic impact for 1.4 million families
Indonesia's social forestry programme has delivered economic benefits to 1.4 million households across 36,095 villages, according to the Ministry of Forestry. The scheme now covers 8.41 million hectares of the 12.7 million hectare national target, supporting agroforestry, non-timber forest products, environmental services and carbon trading. Officials say it is a key part of poverty alleviation efforts under Presidential Instruction No. 8 of 2025.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:27 WIB
BMKG Reveals 4 Provinces with Most Forest and Land Fire Hotspots, 3 in Kalimantan
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has identified four priority provinces for forest and land fires, with West Kalimantan recording the highest number of hotspots. The agency predicts minimal cloud growth across much of Indonesia over the next ten days, with the rainy season not expected until mid-October. Weather modification operations are being conducted not only to combat fires but also to replenish reservoirs in drought-affected areas.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:26 WIB
Beyond Four Laundries in Bogor, Other Polluters of Bekasi River Sought
The Ministry of Environment has sealed four laundry businesses in Bogor Regency suspected of polluting the Bekasi River, while a joint team continues to search for other parties involved. The pollution, which caused foam and blackened water, has prompted coordinated action by central and regional environmental agencies. Further monitoring and possible enforcement actions are expected through Friday.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:26 WIB
Indonesia Ramps Up Geothermal Power, PGE Net Profit Grows 15.48%
PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) reported a 15.48% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first half of 2026, reaching USD 79.605 million, as Indonesia accelerates geothermal development. The company aims to expand installed geothermal capacity to 1 GW by 2028 and 1.8 GW by 2033, positioning Indonesia as a global centre of excellence for geothermal energy.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:26 WIB
Police Coordinate with KPAI over Bigmo Case Involving Children in Vape Promotion During Live Stream
Jakarta police are coordinating with the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) as they investigate YouTuber Muhammad Jannah, known as Bigmo, for allegedly involving minors in promoting vape liquid during a live stream. The case has prompted police to schedule questioning of another content creator, Melvin, while Bigmo has apologised and pledged to produce more positive content.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:26 WIB
Lungs Filled with Water, KMP Putri Yasmin Victim Dies After 8 Days of Treatment
Ardiyansyah, a 37-year-old victim of the KMP Putri Yasmin ferry fire, has died after eight days of treatment at RSUD Patut Patuh Patju in West Lombok. Doctors attributed his death to respiratory failure caused by aspiration pneumonia, after seawater entered his lungs during the incident. The case highlights the severe medical complications faced by survivors of the ferry disaster.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:25 WIB
Indonesia Set to Offer 12 Geothermal Areas by 2026
Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is preparing to offer 12 geothermal areas by 2026, comprising three Geothermal Working Areas, seven Preliminary Survey and Exploration Assignment Areas, and two areas assigned to state electricity company PLN. The initiative aims to accelerate geothermal development and attract new investment, with the three main working areas targeting a combined capacity of 130 megawatts and an investment value of around US$741 million. The government expects these projects to create significant direct and multiplier-effect employment while supporting the country's renewable energy goals.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:25 WIB
BMKG: Rainfall in Yogyakarta Below Normal for Next Three Months
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast below-normal rainfall across the Special Region of Yogyakarta for the next three months, driven by a very strong El Niño expected to persist until December 2026. The agency has issued an early warning for meteorological drought, with several districts placed on alert status. Authorities are urging local governments and residents to prepare for heightened risks of forest fires and water shortages.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:24 WIB
Maguwoharjo Ring Road Separator Removed
The central separator on the Maguwoharjo ring road in Sleman has been dismantled to prepare for the continuation of the Purwomartani-Maguwoharjo toll road section. The work, carried out by PT Jasamarga Jogja-Solo, covers approximately 1.5 kilometres and is part of the broader Jogja-Solo toll road project. The segment is currently 47 percent complete, with completion estimated for 2027.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:23 WIB
Citi Indonesia Posts Strong Credit and Third-Party Fund Growth in First Half of 2026
Citi Indonesia reported solid first-half 2026 results, with third-party funds rising 23.29% year-on-year to Rp72.6 trillion and lending growing 8.05% to Rp29.9 trillion. Net profit reached Rp994 billion, while asset quality remained excellent with a non-performing loan ratio of 0.19% and a capital adequacy ratio of 31.43%. CEO Batara Sianturi attributed the performance to client trust and the bank's integrated Banking, Markets, and Services business lines.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:22 WIB
Transjakarta Corridor 13 route temporarily diverted
PT Transjakarta has temporarily diverted Corridor 13, Route 13B, and Route L13E due to technical issues near Petukangan, South Jakarta. Services have been shortened to JORR Bus Stop, affecting passengers travelling towards Petukangan, Puri Beta, and Ciledug. The disruption was caused by water channel excavation works that led to traffic congestion in the area.