Archive: 20 August 2026
Showing 401-450 of 1,593 articles
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:12 WIB
Bali Gym Owner Speaks Out on Rude Behaviour of 3 Israeli IDF Members
The owner of a gym in Ubud, Bali, has explained his decision to eject three foreign nationals believed to be members of the Israel Defense Forces after they were reportedly rude to a staff member. Samir said he refused to serve them because they were Israeli and had disrespected local workers, and he recorded the encounter anticipating they would misrepresent what happened. The incident has drawn attention after the gym received a one-star review accusing the owner of religious discrimination, a claim he rejects.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:10 WIB
Kemendagri: Malang City one of LSDP pilot project areas
Malang City in East Java has been selected as one of 30 pilot areas for the Local Service Delivery Improvement Program (LSDP), a waste management initiative supported by a Rp151 billion World Bank grant through the Ministry of Home Affairs. The programme will begin with upstream infrastructure preparation in 2027 and downstream development in 2028, including an integrated waste facility with 150-tonne daily capacity. Officials say the scheme aims to deliver both environmental and economic benefits, with waste also earmarked for a planned waste-to-energy plant in Malang Regency.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:10 WIB
Drug Fugitive Basri Lewaimang Arrested in Malaysia, Barelang Police HQ Security Remains Normal
Basri Lewaimang, a fugitive wanted by the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) for alleged narcotics distribution, has been arrested in Malaysia. Despite the high-profile arrest, security at the Barelang Police headquarters in Batam remains unchanged, with no additional personnel or special checks observed. Authorities are also tracing assets suspected to be linked to money laundering connected to the drug case.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:10 WIB
Deddy Corbuzier: Podcast Monetisation Is Not Just About YouTube
Podcaster Deddy Corbuzier argues that creators should not rely solely on YouTube revenue, emphasising that audience trust and loyalty can unlock greater economic opportunities. He made the remarks at the launch of the Indonesia Podcast Festival 2026, which will tour five cities to boost the creative economy. The festival aims to decentralise the podcast ecosystem, which remains concentrated in Jakarta.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:10 WIB
Foreign Ministry Responds to China's Offer of Assistance for NTT Earthquake
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to China's offer of assistance following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, stating that the government is currently prioritising emergency response using national resources. Details of the cooperation are expected to be discussed during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Indonesia. China has expressed readiness to provide support based on Indonesia's needs and has activated consular emergency mechanisms for affected Chinese nationals.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:09 WIB
Other Countries Ready to Provide Aid for NTT Earthquake, Here's What the Foreign Ministry Says
Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has stated that the country is currently relying on its own national capacity and resources to handle the aftermath of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, and that foreign assistance is not yet needed. Several countries, including China and Iran, have offered humanitarian aid and expressed condolences. The death toll from the magnitude 7 earthquake has reached 75 people.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:09 WIB
Bareskrim Polri Arrests Basri Lewaimang, Manager of Planet Batam Nightlife Venues, in Malaysia
Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim Polri) has arrested Basri Lewaimang, a fugitive suspected of being the main supplier of narcotics to the Planet nightlife venues in Batam, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The arrest was the result of cooperation between Bareskrim, the Police International Relations Division, and Interpol. Investigators estimate that at least 40,000 ecstasy pills were distributed monthly through the Planet network.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:08 WIB
Education Ministry distributes 100 emergency tents to schools affected by NTT earthquake
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is distributing 100 emergency classroom tents to support learning in schools affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The ministry is also providing psychosocial support, school kits, family kits, whiteboards, and books. The earthquake impacted 1,378 educational units across seven regencies, affecting over 177,000 students and 21,000 teachers.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:07 WIB
DIY Health Office Sends 240 kg of Medicines for NTT Earthquake Victims
The Yogyakarta Special Region Health Office has prepared approximately 240 kilograms of medicines and medical supplies to assist those affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. An initial batch of 40 kilograms, valued at around Rp38 million, has been dispatched with a medical team from Gadjah Mada University. Further assistance will be consolidated based on the needs of the affected areas and available stock in Yogyakarta.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:07 WIB
Bali Immigration deports Nigerian woman for 93-day overstay
Bali immigration authorities have deported a Nigerian woman who overstayed her visitor visa by 93 days, citing her inability to afford a return ticket as insufficient grounds for violating Indonesian immigration rules. The woman was handed over by police after a friend reported her, and she has been proposed for inclusion on Indonesia's entry-ban list. Immigration officials emphasised that foreigners must leave or extend their permits before expiry and pledged to strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:07 WIB
20 Trains Halted Temporarily Following Bantul Earthquake
Twenty train services in the Yogyakarta area were temporarily halted on Thursday afternoon following a magnitude 3.5 earthquake in Bantul. KAI Daop 6 Yogyakarta conducted mandatory safety inspections of tracks and infrastructure before resuming operations. All services were declared safe and resumed by 17:42 WIB.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:05 WIB
Ex-Evergrande Boss Hui Ka Yan gets Life in Prison
Hui Ka Yan, founder of the collapsed Chinese property giant Evergrande, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for corruption, bribery, and financial fraud, with 56 associates also jailed. The court found he gained control of financial institutions through bribery to obtain illegal loans, contributing to Evergrande's $305 billion default and the severe disruption of China's property market. The case highlights the scale of corporate malfeasance and its broader implications for creditor rights and market risk disclosure.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:05 WIB
Stairs of Pedestrian Bridge in Front of DPR Disappear, Ministry of Public Works Responds
A pedestrian bridge (JPO) in front of the MPR/DPR/DPD complex on Jalan Gatot Subroto, Jakarta, has drawn attention because it lacks stairs, rendering it unusable. The Ministry of Public Works and the Jakarta provincial government have given conflicting statements about who is responsible for the facility. Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said his ministry will verify the asset status and management of the bridge, noting it may not yet have been handed over to the central government.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:05 WIB
Senior PBNU Clerics Call for 35th NU Congress to Be Peaceful, Honest, and Dignified
Senior clerics of Nahdlatul Ulama's central board have issued a seven-point moral appeal ahead of the organisation's 35th congress, urging members to uphold unity and integrity. The appeal, delivered after a meeting at the PBNU headquarters in Jakarta, calls for the congress to proceed peacefully, honestly, fairly, and with dignity. The clerics emphasised that the congress must reflect NU's ethical values and remain free from external interference.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:04 WIB
Tax Office gathers industry input on gold ETF tax scheme
Indonesia's Directorate General of Taxes is consulting industry associations on the tax treatment of gold-backed exchange traded funds, with discussions covering final income tax and VAT. The government is also assessing the readiness of physical gold supplies to support potential redemptions. The tax rules are planned to be issued through a Government Regulation.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:03 WIB
Indonesia denies US allegations of transshipment fraud
Indonesia has rejected claims in a US White House report that it is part of a 'shadow transshipment network' helping China evade tariffs. Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto said the allegations are false and based on assumptions, noting that the plastic and packaging industries in Batam and Bekasi are largely domestically owned and mostly serve domestic or nearby markets rather than the United States.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:02 WIB
Unair's TEP develops disaster-mitigation-based ecotourism in Manokwari
Airlangga University's Patriot Expedition Team is developing ecotourism in Prafi District, Manokwari, West Papua, integrated with disaster mitigation, infrastructure protection and economic empowerment. The programme adopts a community-based approach, training residents in disaster preparedness, early warning systems and evacuation procedures. It also includes economic initiatives such as forming tourism awareness groups and training locals to produce supporting products like chips and aromatherapy candles from used cooking oil.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:02 WIB
Health Ministry: Free health screening coverage reaches 82 million, dominated by non-communicable disease findings
Indonesia's free health screening programme (CKG) has reached 82 million participants, with diabetes and hypertension emerging as the most common findings. The government is targeting 130 million screenings in 2026, roughly 46 per cent of the population. Early detection is intended to reduce complications such as heart failure, stroke and kidney failure requiring dialysis.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 19:01 WIB
Public Works Ministry sends water tankers to NTT earthquake victims
Indonesia's Public Works Ministry is prioritising clean water distribution for earthquake survivors in East Nusa Tenggara, focusing on Ende and Nagekeo regencies. The relief effort is reaching over 2,600 individuals across multiple villages, with sanitation facilities also being prepared to prevent secondary health issues in evacuation camps. The ministry is coordinating with local governments and disaster agencies to ensure supplies reach vulnerable areas promptly.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:59 WIB
Govt mobilizes six ambulance helicopters for remote emergency aid
The Indonesian Health Ministry is deploying six ambulance helicopters to improve emergency medical response in remote areas, following the recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The initiative involves coordination with Basarnas, the police, and the military to transport medical personnel into isolated disaster zones and evacuate critically injured patients for urgent surgery. The ministry is also sending two mobile field hospitals to NTT as part of broader efforts to expand emergency healthcare access for remote populations.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:59 WIB
DKI Jakarta DPRD Bamus ensures 2027 APBD discussion stays on schedule
The Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) Consultative Body has confirmed that deliberation of the 2027 provincial budget will proceed according to schedule. The body has allocated four days for commission working meetings to allow thorough scrutiny of programmes and allocations. The schedule accounts for the varying number of partner agencies across commissions.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:57 WIB
Government strengthens fuel distribution support after Flores disaster
The Indonesian government is reinforcing fuel distribution to support disaster response and recovery efforts following the earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. BPH Migas is coordinating with the provincial government to ensure measured fuel supply for public services, heavy equipment, and affected communities. Relaxation measures for fuel purchases have been introduced to prevent disruption to recovery activities.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:57 WIB
Bareskrim Polri arrests Planet Batam nightlife manager in Malaysia
Indonesia's National Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim Polri) has arrested Basri Lewaimang, a fugitive suspected of managing and supplying drugs to the Planet 1, 2, and 3 nightlife venues in Batam, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The arrest was carried out in cooperation with Interpol and the police international relations division. Basri had fled to Malaysia on 11 August 2026, a day after police raided HH Club Planet 3, where investigators allege at least 40,000 ecstasy pills were distributed monthly.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:57 WIB
502 Schools Severely Damaged by NTT Earthquake, 923 Schools Temporarily Closed
The earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur has severely damaged 502 schools, affecting over 177,000 pupils and 21,000 teachers. Nearly 64% of recorded classrooms have been damaged, prompting the temporary closure of 923 schools. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is providing emergency tents, learning guidelines, and psychosocial support while aftershocks continue.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:57 WIB
Anticipating Haze, Lung Doctors Association Urges Public to Wear Masks
The Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) in Riau has advised residents of Pekanbaru to wear masks outdoors due to deteriorating air quality from forest and land fires. The association also recommends increased water intake and warns vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with chronic respiratory conditions, to avoid outdoor activities. The Pekanbaru Health Office has recorded 376 acute respiratory infection cases linked to the haze since early August.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:56 WIB
Ajax CEO to speak at Indonesia Sport Summit 2026
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that Ajax Amsterdam CEO Menno Geelen will be a speaker at the Indonesia Sport Summit 2026 in September. Geelen is expected to share insights on optimising club assets, including the Johan Cruyff Arena, as a model for developing Indonesia's sports infrastructure. The summit aims to foster collaboration and economic transactions within the sports industry.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:56 WIB
Amran reminds officials: We are servants of the people
Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has reminded officials that their positions are a trust to serve the public, not permanent power. Speaking at Tadulako University's 45th anniversary and 138th graduation ceremony in Palu, he emphasised that all officeholders will be held accountable for their mandates. He also urged graduates to become economic drivers and job creators rather than mere job seekers.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:56 WIB
Indonesia denies US allegations of transshipment fraud
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has rejected a US report accusing Indonesia of helping China evade tariffs through transshipment, calling the allegations false and based on assumptions. He argued that the industrial areas cited in the report have existed since the 1990s, are largely domestically owned, and that most plastic packaging is used locally or exported to nearby markets rather than the United States.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:55 WIB
Guardians of NTT's Energy Pulse Keep Serving Amid Post-Earthquake Recovery
Pertamina Patra Niaga workers in East Nusa Tenggara continue to ensure fuel supplies despite the recent earthquake, with petrol station operators and tanker crews prioritising emergency vehicles and aid distribution. Some workers have families still in evacuation shelters yet remain on duty. The company has deployed additional tankers from Bima to support distribution in affected areas.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:55 WIB
Traffic Engineering Due to Gatot Subroto Underpass Construction Triggers Severe Congestion
The construction of the Gatot Subroto Underpass and repairs to the Raden Demang Hardjakusumah Bridge in Cimahi, West Java, caused severe traffic congestion on Wednesday evening. The Cimahi city government has apologised for the disruption and is implementing measures to prevent a recurrence. These include converting the Sriwijaya Underpass to a contraflow system and increasing traffic management personnel.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:55 WIB
Free Trade Era: Purbaya Reveals Government's Major Homework
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has called for a thorough assessment of industries affected by free trade agreements, urging the government to identify which sectors can still be saved and developed. He outlined three possible approaches for impacted industries and highlighted emerging opportunities such as data centres and renewable energy-powered exports to Europe. The minister aims to shift the Finance Ministry's approach from September to unlock economic potential and push growth to at least 6% by the end of 2026.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:54 WIB
Chronology of Ruben Onsu becoming a suspect in investment fraud and embezzlement
Police have detailed how celebrity Ruben Onsu allegedly offered an investment opportunity to a victim, who agreed to a profit-sharing arrangement but never received the promised returns or the return of their capital. The case was reported to South Jakarta Metropolitan Police in August 2025 and has since been escalated from inquiry to investigation.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:53 WIB
Bank Aladin Syariah Boosts Digital Ecosystem, Assets Reach Rp15.1 Trillion
PT Bank Aladin Syariah Tbk reported a net profit of Rp38.3 billion and total assets of Rp15.1 trillion as of the second quarter of 2026, serving over 3.9 million registered customers. The digital sharia bank has expanded its ecosystem through partnerships with Alfa Group, Flip, Mekari, and Islamic organisations such as Muhammadiyah, BAZNAS, and MUI. The bank was also appointed as a Hajj deposit receiving bank by BPKH in 2025.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:52 WIB
Omoda O4 features: electric car with AI technology priced around Rp400 million
Omoda & Jaecoo Indonesia is preparing to launch the Omoda O4, an electric crossover with AI technology, in Indonesia in the fourth quarter of 2026. The vehicle offers 160 kW of power, 275 Nm of torque, and a claimed range of up to 611 kilometres, targeting consumers at a price point of around Rp400 million. The company positions the model as 'The First AI Car for Everyone' with advanced driver assistance and cabin technology.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:52 WIB
East Jakarta City Government encourages Generation Z to love Betawi arts and culture
The East Jakarta City Government is urging Generation Z to embrace Betawi arts and culture through creative, modern approaches rather than conventional methods. A dialogue event involving high school students and school committee forums was held to explore ways of packaging local culture as something contemporary with high creative economic value. Officials stressed that culture is a nation's identity and that loving culture should go hand in hand with civic pride and responsible behaviour.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:51 WIB
BRIN: Kelekak forests accelerate ecosystem recovery in former Bangka Belitung tin mines
Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has found that traditional kelekak forests in the Bangka Belitung Islands significantly speed up the recovery of ecosystems and lakes damaged by tin mining. The forests supply organic matter that feeds microorganisms capable of neutralising toxic heavy metals in former mining pits. BRIN researchers say this natural process can reduce recovery time from hundreds of years to just a few decades.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:50 WIB
Minister reveals powerful effects of Prabowo's National Electric Motorcycle Programme
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has voiced strong support for the National Electric Motorcycle Programme (Molinas), citing energy efficiency and reduced pollution as key benefits. The programme, launched by President Prabowo Subianto in August 2026, involves state investment agency Danantara and private sector partners. The government is also developing financing schemes, including low down payments and trade-in options, to accelerate public adoption of electric motorcycles.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:48 WIB
Protecting Ko Erwin's Meth Network, Malaungi Allegedly Received Rp 150 Million per Kg
A court in Bima has heard testimony that former Bima Kota Police narcotics chief Malaungi allegedly received Rp 150 million per kilogramme of methamphetamine to protect the drug network of Erwin Iskandar, also known as Ko Erwin. A witness, Anita, testified that she overheard negotiations between the two at a hotel, where the security fee was agreed after an initial offer of Rp 100 million was rejected. The case also involves former Bima Kota Police chief Didik Putra Kuncoro, with the trial set to continue on 3 September.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:46 WIB
Police investigate activity of two men under car in GBK parking area
Jakarta police are analysing a viral video showing two men underneath a vehicle in the Gelora Bung Karno parking area. Authorities suspect the men may be debt collectors searching for vehicles with outstanding payments, though no criminal offence has yet been identified. Police are tracking the individuals for clarification and have urged the public to report suspicious activity via the 110 emergency line.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:45 WIB
Indonesian govt speeds food aid to quake-hit East Nusa Tenggara
The Indonesian government has accelerated food aid distribution to earthquake-affected communities in East Nusa Tenggara following direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman dispatched trucks carrying rice, cooking oil, and other essentials, ordering that administrative procedures not delay emergency relief. Field estimates indicate around 34,000 displaced people require roughly 300 tons of rice monthly, while regional stocks of about 39,000 tons are deemed sufficient for up to a year.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:45 WIB
Two TNI Soldiers Who Lowered Crescent Star Flag in Aceh Receive Exceptional Promotion
Two Indonesian Army soldiers have been granted exceptional promotions for lowering a separatist crescent star flag and raising the national flag at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh. The incident occurred during a commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the Aceh peace agreement, which later turned violent. TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto said the promotion recognises the soldiers' courage and loyalty in defending national symbols.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:45 WIB
Legal Expert Says Issuance of Febrie Adriansyah's Sprindik Could Constitute Abuse of Authority
A constitutional law expert has testified that the issuance of a sprindik (investigation order) against former Jampidsus Febrie Adriansyah may constitute an abuse of authority if it was not signed by the authorised official. Professor Rasji of Tarumanagara University stated that under internal Attorney General's Office regulations, only the Director of Investigation has the authority to sign such orders. The testimony was given during a pretrial hearing at the South Jakarta District Court.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:44 WIB
Ministry of Human Rights Distributes Aid to Disaster-Affected Residents in Flores
Indonesia's Ministry of Human Rights (KemenHAM) has visited disaster-affected areas in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, to distribute essential aid and assess conditions on the ground. The ministry highlighted concerns over uneven aid distribution, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, and emphasised the state's responsibility to protect the basic rights of affected residents during the emergency response period.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:44 WIB
Want to Lose Weight? Know the Dangers of Extreme Diets and Fake Medicines
Medical experts warn that extreme dieting and unregulated weight-loss drugs pose serious health risks, as obesity is a chronic disease requiring personalised, medically supervised treatment. The Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) urges the public to verify products using the 'Cek KLIK' method to avoid counterfeit or withdrawn medicines. Sustainable weight management, they stress, must be based on science and long-term lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:43 WIB
Indonesia's First CTP Binder Production Facility Begins Operations
PT Dongsuh Chemical Cilegon has commenced operations of Indonesia's first coal tar pitch binder production facility in Cilegon, with an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes of CTP binder and 38,000 tonnes of creosote oil. The facility aims to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the domestic supply chain for the national aluminium industry. It will utilise soft pitch from PT Krakatau Poschem Dongsuh Chemical as its primary feedstock, creating an integrated upstream-to-downstream domestic supply chain.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:42 WIB
Padang City Government Launches Donation Drive to Aid Earthquake Victims in NTT
The Padang city government has initiated a donation drive to support communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on 15 August 2026. Mayor Fadly Amran issued a circular encouraging voluntary contributions from city officials and residents, citing Padang's own experience of the 2009 earthquake as a basis for solidarity. Donations can be made through a Bank Nagari account held by Baznas Padang or via QRIS.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:42 WIB
Vale Indonesia Prepares USD450 Million Investment for Renewable Energy
PT Vale Indonesia Tbk is allocating more than USD450 million to develop renewable energy for its mining operations, opting for a long-term sustainability strategy over cheaper coal-fired power. The company also highlighted environmental and water management challenges associated with opencast nickel and coal mining.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:41 WIB
Magnitude 3.6 Earthquake Shakes Yogyakarta, Centred in Bantul at 10 Kilometres Depth
A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck the Special Region of Yogyakarta on Thursday afternoon, with its epicentre located approximately 11 kilometres southeast of Bantul. The tremor, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, was felt by residents for around five seconds. No damage or casualties have been reported, and the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency has urged the public to remain calm.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:41 WIB
Airlangga: PSR programme important for increasing palm oil productivity
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has emphasised the importance of the People's Palm Oil Replanting (PSR) programme in boosting productivity, particularly as the B50 biodiesel mandate increases demand for crude palm oil. The government is accelerating the programme through multiple agencies, including BPDP, to improve smallholder welfare and sustainability.
Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 18:40 WIB
KPK Reportedly Secures Around Rp1.5 Billion from Sting Operation in Bogor Regency
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has reportedly seized approximately Rp1.5 billion in cash during a sting operation in Bogor Regency, West Java, with several heads of local government agencies allegedly taken in for questioning. A KPK spokesperson later clarified that reports of a formal arrest operation were inaccurate, though the commission confirmed it was conducting other activities in the area, including gathering statements from various parties following public complaints.