Archive: 26 August 2026
Showing 901-950 of 1,599 articles
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:49 WIB
Health Ministry Prepares Circular on Distance Learning as Air Quality Worsens Due to Forest Fires
Indonesia's Health Ministry is preparing a circular to encourage distance learning and reduced outdoor activities as air quality deteriorates due to forest and land fires. The ministry has coordinated with the education and religious affairs ministries to protect vulnerable groups from hazardous air pollution. Air quality monitoring shows dangerous levels in several regions, including Muaro Jambi and Palangkaraya.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:49 WIB
House Commission III Holds Joint Press Conference with Metro Jaya Police and Bank Mandiri, Botok Pati's Account Reactivated
House Commission III Chairman Habiburokhman held a joint press conference with Metro Jaya Police Chief Komjen Asep Edi Suheri and Bank Mandiri CEO Riduan to address the blocking of activist Supriyono alias Botok's account. The police explained the transaction suspension was a protective measure for the account holder and donors, while Bank Mandiri confirmed it would reactivate the account. Habiburokhman stressed that expressing opinions within legal bounds is guaranteed in Indonesia and urged the account be restored immediately.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:48 WIB
Jambi Customs Seizes 223,692 Illegal Cigarettes in Kerinci and Sungai Penuh
Jambi Customs and Excise has seized 223,692 illegal cigarettes without excise stamps during market operations in Kerinci Regency and Sungai Penuh City. The operation, conducted jointly with the Military Police, brings total illegal cigarette seizures in Jambi to nearly 6 million sticks as of August 2026, with estimated state losses of Rp 4.61 billion. Officials also provided education to traders on excise regulations and the role of tobacco excise as a source of state revenue.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:48 WIB
UNM Data Science Programme Earns 'Excellent' Accreditation, Ready to Produce Future Digital Talent
Universitas Nusa Mandiri's undergraduate Data Science programme has been awarded an 'Excellent' accreditation by LAM INFOKOM, valid from July 2026 to July 2031. The recognition underscores the university's commitment to aligning its curriculum with developments in data, artificial intelligence, and digital business. The programme is supported by an internship scheme involving over 300 partner companies.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:47 WIB
DPR Receives Non-ASN Teacher Representatives, Discusses Status Certainty in 2027
The House of Representatives (DPR) leadership met with the Indonesian Non-ASN State Teachers Advocacy Forum (FAGRI) to discuss the unresolved status of non-civil servant teachers. The teachers are seeking clarity on their employment status beyond 31 December 2026, as stipulated in Circular Letter Number 7 of 2026. They urged the government to ensure the completion of non-ASN teacher status resolution by 2027.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:47 WIB
Telkom's Submarine Cables Go Global with Expansion into Africa and Latin America
PT Telkom Indonesia, through its subsidiary Telin, is expanding its international submarine cable network to Africa and Latin America. The company outlined three new corridors—Europe-Middle East-Africa, Transatlantic, and US-Latam—alongside its existing Asia-Pacific routes. The expansion aims to position Indonesia as a gateway between the Asia-Pacific market and the global digital economy.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:45 WIB
BI Governor Candidate Destry Speaks Out on Widening Current Account Deficit
Bank Indonesia governor candidate Destry Damayanti has addressed Indonesia's record current account deficit, which reached US$12.5 billion or 3.3% of GDP in the second quarter of 2026. She highlighted the external sector challenges facing the country's balance of payments and stressed the need to boost exports and address the persistent services deficit.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:45 WIB
Assessing the Domino Effect of Forest and Land Fires
Forest and land fires across several Indonesian regions have reached their highest level compared to previous events, with the peak of El Nino still expected in September. President Prabowo has mobilised significant resources, including dozens of helicopters and thousands of personnel, targeting full containment within one to two weeks. The government is now bracing for the ecological fallout and broader domino effects of the disaster.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:45 WIB
Video: Danantara Speaks Frankly About the Source of Problems at Several State-Owned Enterprises
Danantara's Chief Operating Officer Dony Oskaria has identified financial engineering as a key source of problems at several Indonesian state-owned enterprises. He warned that polished financial reports can make companies appear healthier than they are, leading to flawed management decisions. Oskaria also highlighted the importance of auditor independence and credibility, noting that some SOEs have recorded impairments worth hundreds of trillions of rupiah.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:45 WIB
Video: Danantara Transforms Danareksa, Cuts 50 Subsidiaries
BPI Danantara has consolidated state-owned enterprise asset management by transforming Danareksa, reducing its more than 50 subsidiaries into Danareksa Investment. The agency has also restructured Bank Himbara and reformed BRI, BNI, and Bank Mandiri to strengthen business growth and asset performance.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:44 WIB
China reports stable strengthening of poverty alleviation results
China's State Council has reported consistent progress in consolidating poverty alleviation gains, with rural per capita disposable income in formerly impoverished areas rising from 12,588 yuan in 2020 to 18,627 yuan in 2025. The report highlights significant improvements in rural infrastructure and public services, alongside a narrowing development gap. It also acknowledges ongoing challenges, including the long-term risk of falling back into poverty.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:44 WIB
Ahead of National Day celebrations, Malaysia to step up haze mitigation measures with Indonesia
Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to intensify joint efforts to combat transboundary haze as unhealthy air quality affects parts of Malaysia ahead of its National Day. The commitment includes cross-border cloud seeding, additional Indonesian military personnel, and synchronised fire suppression operations. Both nations are preparing for worsening conditions due to the El Nino phenomenon and the Southwest Monsoon.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:44 WIB
Police Explain Why No Criminal Charges for Man Who Harassed Taiwanese Tourist in Lovina
Buleleng Police have explained why no criminal proceedings were initiated against a local man who sexually harassed a Taiwanese tourist in Lovina, Bali. The victim declined to file a formal report despite being contacted through the Taiwan Police Attaché, and the case is classified as a complaint-based offence. Police say they will still impose social sanctions on the perpetrator to deter similar behaviour and protect Bali's tourism image.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:44 WIB
Jakarta Transport Agency confirms no increase in parking tariffs
The Jakarta Provincial Government has confirmed that no parking tariff increase is currently in effect, dismissing circulating figures as outdated proposals from 2019 and 2022. The Transport Agency says any future tariff changes would require approval from the Governor and the Jakarta Regional Legislative Council (DPRD). The agency is instead focusing on improving parking management through digitalisation, enhanced supervision, and enforcement against illegal parking.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:42 WIB
Haris Rusly suspects group wants to repeat August 2025 unrest
Activist Haris Rusly Moti has alleged that a covert group is seeking to recycle the August 2025 turmoil, marked by riots and looting of state officials' homes, through a planned mass action on 27 August 2026. He claims the group is using 'information laundering' to spread disinformation and provoke public unrest in an effort to delegitimise President Prabowo Subianto's policies. Haris argued that the demonstrators' demands for corruption eradication and asset seizures actually align with the government's own direction.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:42 WIB
KPPU Investigates Cause of Chicken Price Surge in North Sumatra
The Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) is examining the entire distribution chain for chicken in North Sumatra after prices rose 7.9% in just four days. The watchdog is looking into potential anti-competitive practices, including supply manipulation and price-fixing, as well as the impact of the national free nutritious meals programme on market supply.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:41 WIB
ESDM and SKK Migas Reveal Causes of Indonesia's Oil Production Below 600,000 Barrels
Indonesia's average oil production stood at 578,156 barrels per day as of 31 July 2026, below the government's annual target. Operational disruptions, including pipeline leaks and power supply issues at the Rokan Block, as well as a steep natural decline at the Cepu Block, have been identified as the main contributing factors. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and SKK Migas are working with operators to stabilise output and pursue the 2026 production target.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:40 WIB
Purbaya Speaks Out on Deciles in Planned Pertalite Restrictions
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the National Single Socio-Economic Database (DTSEN) is being improved by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) to better target fuel subsidies. He acknowledged concerns that the decile system may not yet reflect actual community conditions and said the government will handle cases individually until the updated database is ready.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:40 WIB
On Pertalite Restrictions, Purbaya: Wait for the 'New DTSEN'
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has said the government is waiting for an improved Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) before implementing restrictions on subsidised Pertalite fuel. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) is currently refining the database, including the decile system used to target fuel subsidies. Purbaya acknowledged that the current decile rankings may not fully reflect actual community conditions and expects the data to be more accurate next year.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:40 WIB
Ahead of IPO, Anthropic Claims Potential Revenue of Rp 531 Quadrillion
Anthropic, the AI company behind chatbot Claude, is reportedly set to tell prospective investors that its total addressable market exceeds US$30 trillion, surpassing SpaceX's earlier claim of US$28.5 trillion. The company is targeting up to US$100 billion in fresh funds and a valuation of around US$2 trillion from its planned initial public offering. Analysts remain cautious, noting that TAM projections in the AI era are increasingly difficult to predict.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:40 WIB
KPK: Corruption in procurement can lower development quality
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has warned that corrupt practices in government procurement of goods and services can significantly reduce the quality of development delivered to the public. Deputy Chairman Ibnu Basuki Widodo highlighted that substandard goods or services are often knowingly supplied, undermining the benefits of state spending. The KPK is supporting a new anti-corruption training programme for government procurement to strengthen prevention across all stages of the process.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:39 WIB
Prabowo Inspects Evacuation Post for NTT Earthquake Victims
President Prabowo Subianto visited an evacuation post in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, following a magnitude 7 earthquake. He inspected clean water sources, water treatment facilities, and communal kitchens while accompanied by several ministers and the National Police chief. The President also chaired a coordination meeting, expressing appreciation for the rapid response of military, police, and disaster management agencies.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:38 WIB
Cara Mengurus NIB Gratis dalam 10 Menit di Kota Tangerang
Pelaku usaha di Kota Tangerang dapat memperoleh Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB) secara gratis melalui sistem Online Single Submission (OSS) dengan proses daring yang sederhana. Kepala DPMPTSP Kota Tangerang mendorong pelaku UMKM untuk memiliki legalitas usaha karena NIB memberikan kepastian identitas serta akses ke program pemberdayaan, pembiayaan, dan layanan pemerintah. Pemerintah kota juga menyediakan layanan pendampingan bagi pelaku usaha yang mengalami kendala dalam proses pengurusan.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:38 WIB
Prabowo Explains Why He Did Not Visit NTT Earthquake Victims from the Outset
President Prabowo Subianto has explained his decision not to visit East Nusa Tenggara immediately after the earthquake, stating that it allowed relevant agencies to focus on serving affected communities. He emphasised that the central government's priority was mobilising aid and services rather than the presence of officials on the ground. Prabowo also expressed appreciation for the efforts of all institutions involved in the disaster response.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:38 WIB
Observer reminds AMPB rally at DPR to remain peaceful
Executive Director of Skala Data Indonesia Arif Nurul Imam has urged participants of the Aliansi Masyarakat Pati Bersatu rally at the House of Representatives building to express their aspirations peacefully and avoid anarchic actions. He said the demonstrators' demands, including the passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill and the death penalty for corruptors, deserve appreciation as public aspirations. Imam also warned participants to be alert to possible infiltrators seeking to provoke unrest.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:38 WIB
Deputy Industry Minister says East Java consistently third-largest automotive market
Deputy Industry Minister Faisol Riza has highlighted East Java's steady position as Indonesia's third-largest automotive market, with a market share of 9.7 percent. He expressed optimism that domestic vehicle sales will exceed 850,000 units in 2026, potentially regaining the top regional ranking. The manufacturing sector grew 5.32 percent in the second quarter of 2026, contributing 16.83 percent to GDP.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:38 WIB
ISPA Cases Rise in Six Provinces Due to Forest and Land Fires
Acute respiratory infection (ISPA) cases have risen significantly in six Indonesian provinces as a result of forest and land fires (karhutla). The Ministry of Health has mobilised 321 reserve health workers and several provinces have declared emergency alert status. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women, are being prioritised for protection.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:36 WIB
Purbaya Confirms Readiness to Disburse Any Amount for Forest Fire Handling: As Long as It Is Not Marked Up
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has confirmed that the government has prepared funds for additional forest and land fire (karhutla) disaster management needs and is ready to disburse them once requested. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) currently holds a budget of Rp5 trillion for national disaster handling, but no new allocation has been made as the agency has not yet submitted a request. Purbaya stressed that any additional funding must be free from price manipulation, noting that disaster spending follows a different approach from ordinary expenditure.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:36 WIB
ASDP Responds to Viral Video of Trader Complaining About Rp 650,000 Levy
State-owned ferry operator ASDP has clarified that not all payments demanded from traders at Merak Port constitute its own levies. The company stated it only collects a pass fee, while other charges for items such as vests are managed by a foundation overseeing the traders. The clarification follows a viral video in which a trader alleged extortion of Rp 650,000 to be allowed to sell at the port.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:36 WIB
US discusses economic pressure on Iran with Bahrain
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met Bahrain's finance minister to discuss Operation Economic Outcast, aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran. Both sides agreed to continue coordination with Gulf states to combat illicit financial flows and strengthen economic security. The US has imposed new sectoral sanctions targeting Iran's foreign financing channels, while Tehran has vowed to resist Washington's economic pressure.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:36 WIB
BNPB: Regional Logistics Warehouses to Speed Up Disaster Response Without Waiting for Central Government
Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has proposed that every district and city establish its own logistics warehouse to serve as a buffer stock for emergency aid. The initiative aims to enable local governments to deliver assistance within the first hours after a disaster, rather than waiting for supplies from Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the proposal and called for it to be calculated on a national scale so that every province has adequate preparedness.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:35 WIB
BRIN pushes geoinformatics adoption to tackle forest and land fires in Indonesia
Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is promoting satellite and geoinformatics technology as a key tool for early detection and management of forest and land fires. The system provides fire weather indices, daily hotspot monitoring, and burned-area mapping using high-resolution satellite imagery. The Forestry Ministry says the data is crucial for early warnings but still requires field verification using thermal drones and remote CCTV.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:35 WIB
Navy confirms aircraft carrier use will follow TNI doctrine
The Indonesian Navy has confirmed that the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, to be named KRI Gajah Mada, will be operated in line with the Perisai Trisula Nusantara doctrine, supporting joint operations across all three branches of the TNI. The vessel will focus on military operations other than war, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, rather than offensive missions. Navy officials also outlined a gradual shift from a Green Water Navy to a Blue Water Navy concept, with the carrier seen as a key enabler for diplomacy and regional engagement.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:35 WIB
Minimarket Coffee Outlet Employee Found Dead by Hanging in Warehouse
A 26-year-old employee of a coffee outlet at a minimarket in Badung, Bali, was found dead by hanging in the store's warehouse on Wednesday morning. The victim, identified by the initials YR and originally from Bogor, West Java, was discovered by a colleague during the morning shift. Police have confirmed the incident but have not yet disclosed details regarding the motive or preliminary findings.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:35 WIB
135,000 Missing: Victims' Families Gather in the Capital
Families of Mexico's disappeared and advocacy groups gathered in Mexico City to prepare for the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Mexico has recorded more than 135,000 missing persons, a figure that has risen sharply since the 2006 war on drug cartels. Relatives complain of inefficient bureaucracy and lack of financial support, often conducting their own searches in dangerous areas.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:34 WIB
Yusril urges HMI alumni to maintain solidarity despite diverse professions
Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has called on alumni of the Islamic Students Association (HMI) to preserve their bonds of kinship and solidarity across professional and political divides. Speaking after a gathering in Jakarta, he expressed appreciation for the event's organisers and voiced hope that such meetings would strengthen the alumni network's contribution to society and national development.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:34 WIB
Klungkung Regency Government Sends 1.5 Tonnes of Rice and Hundreds of Food Packages to NTT
The Klungkung Regency Government has dispatched humanitarian aid, including 1.5 tonnes of rice and hundreds of food packages, to earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara. The aid was collected from local institutions and residents and will be distributed through military channels. Separately, the East Nusa Tenggara High Prosecutor's Office has sent Rp 640 million in aid, while the Reo branch prosecutor's office building suffered severe damage.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:33 WIB
Canada announces retaliatory tariffs on more than 700 US goods
Canada has unveiled retaliatory tariffs on over 700 American products worth C$27.6 billion, alongside a C$7.5 billion support package for domestic businesses and workers. The measures are designed to match the value of Canadian goods targeted by recent US tariffs of 50 per cent, reflecting a 'dollar-for-dollar, tariff-for-tariff' response. The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on 8 September.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:31 WIB
Bappenas stresses mineral downstreaming must be low-emission
National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy has emphasised that Indonesia's critical mineral downstreaming must adopt low-emission principles to access premium global markets and meet strict carbon standards such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. He said green economy transformation is now central to strengthening national competitiveness, productivity and investment security. The government has set green economy as a key pillar towards the Indonesia Emas 2045 vision, targeting 6-8 percent economic growth alongside net zero emissions by 2060 or sooner.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:31 WIB
Destry Proposes Red and White Synergy to Lead Bank Indonesia
Destry Damayanti, candidate for Governor of Bank Indonesia, has presented her vision of 'Bank Indonesia: Red and White Synergy for the Welfare of the Indonesian People' during a fit and proper test before House Commission XI. Her platform rests on three missions and five strategic initiatives aimed at maintaining stability while supporting sustainable economic growth. She emphasised that the central bank cannot face complex economic challenges alone and must strengthen coordination with the government, regional authorities, and other stakeholders.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:31 WIB
Viral Issue on Presidential Term, Dedek Prayudi: Budi Arie's Place Is Not in PSI
The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) has stated it will not accept Projo chairman Budi Arie Setiadi as a member should he apply, following his viral remarks about the possibility of changing the government mid-term. PSI central board member Dedek Prayudi said the rejection is based on a mismatch of values and track record, citing the party's firm opposition to any mid-term change of government. He added that regional and branch-level party officials have also agreed to reject Budi Arie's potential membership.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:31 WIB
Prabowo Approves BNPB Proposal to Build Disaster Logistics Warehouses in Every Region
President Prabowo Subianto has endorsed a proposal from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) requiring every regional disaster agency to maintain its own logistics warehouses and emergency stockpiles. The move follows the recent earthquake in Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, where empty regional warehouses hampered early response efforts. The central government plans to assist provinces and regencies in establishing these reserves to ensure faster local disaster response.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:30 WIB
BI Governor Candidate Says Rupiah Should Be Stronger Than Rp17,700/US$
Destry Damayanti, a candidate for Bank Indonesia governor, has stated that the rupiah is currently undervalued and should be stronger than its present level of around Rp17,700 per US dollar. She attributed recent currency weakness primarily to market sentiment rather than fundamental economic problems. Damayanti emphasised the need for long-term improvements in Indonesia's balance of payments through stronger export performance.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:29 WIB
NTT Logistics Abundant, Distribution Becomes the Challenge
The government has confirmed that supplies for earthquake victims in Nusa Tenggara Timur are sufficient, with the focus now shifting to last-mile delivery to remote villages. Geographic challenges and the spread of evacuation sites require the use of small, highly mobile vehicles, including 200 motorcycles and personnel on foot. Health services are also adapting, with field tents and hospital ships deployed as many community health centres remain closed due to aftershock fears.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:28 WIB
Internship at LLDIKTI III: UNM Informatics Student Sharpens Skills and Prepares for Career
A Nusa Mandiri University informatics student has completed an internship at the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region III, gaining practical experience in web application development within a government setting. The programme, facilitated by the university's career centre, aims to bridge academic learning with professional workplace demands. University officials hope the experience will motivate other students to pursue similar opportunities.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:28 WIB
Green economy to become new growth engine for Indonesia: Minister
National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy has outlined how the green economy will serve as a key driver of Indonesia's target of 6-8 percent economic growth. The strategy aims to create 1.2 million green jobs annually and boost gross national income per capita to US$30,300. The government is prioritising green industrialisation, critical mineral downstreaming, and energy transition to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 or sooner.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:28 WIB
Telkom seizes opportunity to make Indonesia a global submarine cable route
Telkom Indonesia is positioning the country's waters as an alternative global submarine cable route, capitalising on geopolitical crises and trade tensions. The state-owned enterprise is developing the Indonesia Cable Express (ICE) to create integrated strategic corridors linking Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. The initiative is expected to attract significant foreign investment through consortium partnerships.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:28 WIB
BNPB Confirms Electricity in NTT 100% Restored and Fuel Supply Smooth
Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that fuel supplies in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) are flowing smoothly on the twelfth day of the earthquake emergency response. Electricity networks have been fully restored across the affected region, with the exception of the remote island of Palue, where 84.59 per cent of the network is still being repaired. Telecommunications are fully operational, while Manggarai and East Manggarai remain the worst-affected districts.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:27 WIB
National Police Chief: Polri Members Raise Rp 12.6 Billion in Contributions for NTT Earthquake Victims
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo reported that Indonesian National Police (Polri) members have collectively raised Rp 12.68 billion to support victims of the M 7.7 earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur. The funds were announced during a coordination meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto in Nagekeo. Polri has also established emergency posts, health posts, trauma healing centres, and distributed over 284 tonnes of logistical aid.
Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 14:27 WIB
Jambi forest and land fire task force uses containment strategy to prevent spread
The forest and land fire task force in Tanjung Jabung Timur, Jambi, is employing a containment strategy using excavators to dig firebreaks and prevent further spread of fires on peatland. The fires, which began on 25 August, have burned 108 hectares, with 53 hotspots recorded in August alone. Local officials note that 56 per cent of the regency's land area is peatland, making it highly vulnerable during the dry season.