Archive: 7 September 2026
Showing 651-700 of 1,631 articles
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:47 WIB
Cianjur Police Clear Volcanic Ash Using Two Water Cannons
Cianur Resort Police and the district administration have deployed two water cannons and two fire engines to clear volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau that has blanketed the regency's main roads. The authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks while the ashfall continues, with clean-up operations set to continue until BMKG and BNPB report an improvement.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:46 WIB
North Jakarta Mayor Visits Teenager with Autoimmune Disease in Cilincing
North Jakarta Mayor Hendra Hidayat visited 14-year-old Yasmin Naila Zazila, who has suffered from the autoimmune disease Juvenile Dermatomyositis for around four years. The visit involved regional authorities, Baznas North Jakarta and PKK teams, reflecting a collaborative effort to support residents in need. The local health office is considering covering the girl's costly medication and special dietary needs through the Jakarta Health Insurance programme.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:45 WIB
As Haze Worsens, Singapore Red Cross Distributes Air Purifiers
The Singapore Red Cross is distributing air purifiers and essential supplies to vulnerable residents as haze from Indonesian forest fires pushes air quality to unhealthy levels for the first time since October 2023. Indonesia's disaster agency BNPB reported that some 734.81 hectares of peatland across six provinces are still burning. The aid prioritises elderly people living alone, including electricity subsidies to support purifier use.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:45 WIB
Aerosport Aircraft Crashes in Blora, 2 Crew Members Survive
A fixed-wing Sky Ranger aerosport aircraft with registration PK-S360 crashed and caught fire in a paddy field in Sarimulyo Village, Blora Regency, Central Java, on 6 September 2026 after suffering engine failure mid-flight. The pilot, Dhoni Vasmin A, and copilot, Ignatius Andreas, both survived with minor injuries and received treatment at a local health centre. The aircraft was on a training and fleet condition-check flight from Yogyakarta to Malang, having previously participated in the Pangandaran Air Show, and investigators are examining the wreckage to determine the cause.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:45 WIB
Prabowo continues leading limited meeting on economic growth at the Palace
President Prabowo Subianto chaired a limited meeting at the Merdeka Palace with ministers and the chief executives of the Himbara banks to discuss strategies for boosting economic growth. The afternoon session followed earlier meetings on the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, forest and land fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, and the earthquake response in East Nusa Tenggara. More than 20 senior officials attended, including Danantara-linked executives and the heads of the country's largest state-owned banks.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:45 WIB
Indonesia eases WtE investment with land, permits, power support
Indonesia's Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025, signed by President Prabowo Subianto, significantly improves the investment ecosystem for waste-to-energy (WtE) projects by having local authorities provide land, PLN build transmission facilities, and Danantara centralise permitting alongside other ministries. Denera CEO Fadli Rahman said the regulation offers 30 years of commercial certainty, guarantees a minimum waste supply of 1,000 tons per day, and reduces bureaucratic hurdles compared with the previous regime. Indonesia aims to manage 100 percent of its waste by the end of 2029 under its National Medium-Term Development Plan.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:45 WIB
Indonesia flight disruptions send travellers on marathon journeys as fares surge, trains sell out
The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has forced eight Indonesian airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, to suspend operations, affecting around 2,300 flights and more than 270,000 passengers. Travellers have been pushed onto lengthy overland journeys as train tickets sold out and airfares to alternative airports surged, with the government designating six alternative airports and providing free ground transport. Volcanic activity has begun to recede, but authorities have kept alert level 3 in place whilst monitoring conditions ahead of a possible reopening.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:45 WIB
Julia Molchanova's Story of Escaping Jeffrey Epstein's Cult-Like Clutches
Julia Molchanova, a former 'assistant' to Jeffrey Epstein, has spoken publicly for the first time about the sexual abuse and financial exploitation she endured, revealing she is the lead Jane Doe plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against Bank of America. A federal judge has approved a US$72.5 million settlement with the bank, which will be distributed among dozens of Epstein's victims. Now 37, Molchanova is launching her own fashion brand and plans to become an advocate for victims of crime.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:41 WIB
PT Timah distributes food aid to earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara
PT Timah's Emergency Response Group has delivered hundreds of food packages and mats to earthquake-affected residents of Marapokot and Nangadhero villages in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The team, which includes rescuers, doctors and nurses, is also providing free health services to displaced residents, many of whom remain in emergency tents. The disaster has also disrupted education, with students at Madrasah Aliyah Nurusa'adah losing uniforms, exercise books and textbooks in the minor tsunami that struck coastal Nangadhero.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:40 WIB
BNPB to Continue Forest and Land Fire Suppression Operations Until Rainy Season Arrives in October
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has committed to continuing forest and land fire suppression operations until the rainy season arrives, which the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts will fall in October 2026. BNPB head Suharyanto told President Prabowo Subianto that 98 per cent of peatland fires in six priority provinces have been extinguished, with around 939 hectares of the 72,000 hectares burnt still alight. A combined force of more than 43,000 personnel from BNPB, regional disaster agencies, the military, police, fire-aware communities and volunteers has been deployed.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:40 WIB
Cars Flattened: Scenes as Six-Storey Building Suddenly Collapses
A six-storey building used as guest accommodation suddenly collapsed in south-west Delhi, killing at least six people. Rescue teams with tracking dogs searched the rubble, with twelve people pulled out alive. According to local media, repair work was underway on the ground floor at the time of the collapse, and authorities are investigating the cause.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:39 WIB
IHSG closes weaker on global and domestic sentiment
Indonesia's benchmark stock index (IHSG) closed 0.25 per cent lower at 6,619.67 on Monday, weighed down by geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran as well as domestic concerns including the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Positive news came from Bank Indonesia, which reported foreign exchange reserves rising to US$146.5 billion in August 2026.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:38 WIB
Education Ministry offers sustained opportunities for high-achieving students
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has pledged continued talent development for national medallists, going beyond one-off rewards. Minister Abdul Mu'ti said 79 students represented Indonesia internationally this year, winning 47 awards including seven gold medals. The ministry is also facilitating 174 undergraduate scholarships for competition winners, including National Science Olympiad participants.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:37 WIB
Citilink Offers Reschedule and Refund Options to Passengers Affected by Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption
Citilink is offering free rescheduling and full refunds to passengers affected by volcanic ash from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, which forced the temporary closure of several airports including Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma, Husein Sastranegara and Radin Inten II. Flights scheduled after 07.00 WIB on 8 September 2026 will resume gradually once each airport is cleared to operate. The airline is coordinating closely with aviation authorities to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:37 WIB
Rupiah strengthens slightly as foreign exchange reserves rise
The rupiah closed marginally higher at Rp17,640 per US dollar on Monday, supported by an increase in Indonesia's foreign exchange reserves to US$146.5 billion at the end of August. Analysts warned, however, that the gains remain limited amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising oil prices above US$95 per barrel, and market anticipation of US economic data.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:36 WIB
28 Padang-Jakarta flights cancelled due to volcanic ash spread
Twenty-eight flights from Minangkabau International Airport in Padang to Jakarta were cancelled following the closure of Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma airports due to volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Some 3,270 passengers were affected, with airlines offering rescheduling or full refunds. Other routes from Padang continued to operate normally.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:36 WIB
Indonesia Lies Within the Ring of Fire — Here Is What That Means
President Prabowo Subianto has highlighted that Indonesia sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire, the world's most seismically and volcanically active zone. He announced that the government would significantly increase budget allocations for disaster mitigation, citing the country's vulnerability to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:36 WIB
Electronics Industry Competition Moves to the Premium Level, the Market Demands Innovation and Technological Strength
The electronics industry, particularly the television segment, is shifting decisively towards premium products where technological strength determines market leadership. TCL Indonesia is positioning itself ahead of competitors with its latest SQD-Mini LED platform, which combines three flagship display technologies. The company says its display ecosystem is underpinned by TCL CSOT, global investment, and future-oriented research and development.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:35 WIB
Samsung reveals six improvements brought to the Galaxy S26 FE
Samsung Electronics Indonesia has outlined six key improvements in its new Galaxy S26 FE, the fourth model in the Galaxy S26 series. The upgrades span camera experience, a 3nm Exynos 2500 chipset, the latest One UI 9.0 and Android 17 operating system, refined design, and simpler wireless data transfer via QR code.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:35 WIB
At Sambung Rasa in Joho, a Millennial Farmer Introduces Sweet Lavender Melon
A millennial farmer from Pamenang Farm showcased two melon varieties, Sweet Lavender and Golden Aroma, during the Sambung Rasa event in Joho Village, Prambanan Sub-district, Klaten. Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo praised the village's agricultural potential as a boost for food security and an example for other villages.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:35 WIB
Prabowo demands identities of corporations involved in forest fires be reported
President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the National Police to pursue legal enforcement against corporations implicated in forest and land fires, including those suspected of clearing plantation land by burning. He has also called for an investigation into corporate ownership, warning that business permits and land-use rights could be revoked if firms are found culpable.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:35 WIB
Public Works Needs This Much Budget to Repair Roads and Bridges in Sumatra
The government needs Rp9.74 trillion in 2027 to repair roads and bridges damaged by disasters in Sumatra, but only Rp3.84 trillion has been allocated. According to the Directorate General of Highways, total post-disaster rehabilitation needs for 2026-2029 reach Rp24.90 trillion, leaving a significant funding gap.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:34 WIB
Germany to Build New Defence System Following Drone Attack in Leipzig
Germany is planning a comprehensive protection system to counter drone attacks, following an incident at Leipzig-Halle Airport in August that its intelligence services attributed to Russia. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt outlined plans for a mobile anti-drone shield, a national cyber shield and expanded surveillance technology, whilst Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sharply criticised the measures. The moves come amid more than 1,000 suspicious drone sightings recorded in Germany over the past year.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:33 WIB
Bali Governor Wayan Koster Speaks Out Over Viral 'Be Quiet' Video
Bali Governor Wayan Koster has clarified an old video clip that resurfaced on social media showing him telling someone to be quiet during a building demolition operation at Bingin Beach in Badung Regency. Koster explained the remark was made during the July 2025 clearance of 48 unlawful buildings, including villas, restaurants and bars occupying state-owned coastal land, when a bystander interrupted to ask about affected workers. He said the clip was shared out of context, giving the impression he was acting emotionally, but insisted the enforcement action was necessary.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:32 WIB
BKPM Prepares Three Strategies to Attract Foreign Investment into the Downstreaming Sector
The Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM is pursuing three strategic steps — planning, execution and incentives — to channel foreign direct investment into downstream industries that create added value for the Indonesian economy. Downstreaming investment reached Rp300.1 trillion in the first half of 2026, accounting for 29.7% of total national investment and growing 6.9% year-on-year, with foreign investment making up 70.9% of the total.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:31 WIB
Zulhas Says Plantation and Mining Governance Has Improved Under Prabowo
Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has claimed that spatial planning, plantations and mining are being managed more effectively under President Prabowo Subianto, attributing progress to stricter enforcement of existing rules. He admitted that land-use mapping already exists but that discipline in applying the rules had previously been lacking.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:31 WIB
Plan Indonesia highlights children's learning access in response to remote schooling following Mount Anak Krakatau eruption
Plan Indonesia has warned that remote learning adopted in areas affected by Mount Anak Krakatau's volcanic ash risks widening educational inequality, as not all children have digital devices, internet connectivity or a supportive home environment. The organisation is urging schools and regional governments to prepare safe and inclusive alternative learning mechanisms, including public broadcasting and independent study methods. It also stressed the importance of psychosocial protection for children during the emergency.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:31 WIB
National Police Deploy 322 Personnel to Strengthen Forest and Land Fire Prevention Education
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has deployed a second wave of 322 personnel to South Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and East Kalimantan for a ten-day forest and land fire (karhutla) prevention and education mission. Deputy Chief of Police Commissioner General Dedi Prasetyo stressed that prevention must rely on community awareness rather than law enforcement alone, urging personnel to adopt a humane, participatory approach.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:30 WIB
How Politicians Defused the Asset Forfeiture Bill Protest
Supriyono, leader of the United Pati People's Alliance, spoke directly with President Prabowo Subianto by phone during a midnight meeting with four DPR deputy speakers in Senayan on 26 August 2026. He assured the President that the group's planned protest demanding passage of the Asset Forfeiture Bill and the death penalty for corruptors was independently organised and would proceed peacefully.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:30 WIB
IHSG Ends in the Red, Closing Down 0.25%
The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) closed 0.25% lower at 6,619.67 on Monday (7/9/2026), dragged down chiefly by large-capitalisation banking stocks. Foreign investors booked a net foreign sell of Rp424.06 billion by the first session, although Bumi Resources saw the largest net foreign buy.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:30 WIB
In Anticipation of El Nino Peak, Government Summons 358 HGU-Holding Companies to Prevent Forest and Land Fires
The Indonesian government has summoned at least 358 companies holding Land Use Right Concessions (HGU) as a precaution against forest and land fires ahead of the expected peak of El Nino. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago said enforcement would be strict against parties found responsible for fires, whether through intent or negligence. The government has also temporarily revoked local wisdom provisions that permitted land burning up to two hectares.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:29 WIB
InJourney cleans Soekarno-Hatta Airport runway for flight safety
PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) is carrying out periodic cleaning of runways and facilities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to remove volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau's eruption. The airport closure has been extended to 18.00 WIB under the latest NOTAM, with 624 flights delayed affecting some 75,236 passengers.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:29 WIB
Environment Ministry targets all regional governments to handle 100 per cent of household waste
The Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency is targeting all regional governments in Indonesia to provide waste collection services to 100 per cent of households. Under the plan, 90 per cent of waste should be processed at treatment facilities, with only 10 per cent of residual waste going to landfill. The strategy covers integrated waste management from upstream to downstream, including source separation and Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:28 WIB
Panjaratan, the proboscis monkey haven of Tanah Laut
The village of Panjaratan in Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan, serves as a vital natural habitat for the endangered proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus). Conservation efforts appear to be paying off, with the population estimated to have grown from around 100 individuals in 2015 to 207 in 2022, and field observations suggest further growth since.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:27 WIB
Soekarno-Hatta Airport Still Shut as Passengers Keep Arriving
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport remained closed for a second day on 7 September 2026 due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, leaving hundreds of stranded passengers across Terminals 1, 2 and 3, with 624 flights and 75,236 scheduled passengers affected. Airport operator Angkasa Pura Indonesia (InJourney Airports) provided free bus services to Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang and Surabaya, as well as meals and lounge accommodation, whilst advising passengers to stay away until operations resume.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:27 WIB
Governor requests ferry support to Palue for aid distribution
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena has asked the central government to provide a ferry for the Maumere–Palue Island route to speed up the distribution of earthquake relief supplies in Sikka Regency. President Prabowo Subianto promptly ordered state ferry operator PT ASDP to deploy a vessel, which the Transport Minister confirmed would be sent from Surabaya on 8 September.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:27 WIB
Transport Minister: Atung Bungsu Airport in South Sumatra Back to Normal Operations
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that Atung Bungsu Airport in Pagar Alam, South Sumatra, reopened for normal operations on Monday at 09.00 WIB after being closed due to volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. Seven other airports across Sumatra and Java, including Soekarno-Hatta, remain shut until 18.00 local time, with roughly 2,300 flights and 270,337 passengers affected since 5 September. The ministry has designated six alternative airports and urged airlines to use them to prevent passenger congestion.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:27 WIB
Bangkok data centres face scrutiny over safety, regulatory gaps
Thailand's AI-driven data centre boom has raised safety concerns in Bangkok, where more than 30 facilities—including some in residential areas—store vast quantities of diesel and exploit regulatory loopholes by being classified as warehouses or offices. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has suspended new licences, while a newly formed Data Centre Business Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, aims to establish minimum sector standards within a month. The developments come as Thailand seeks to balance over US$20 billion in data centre investment against energy demands and its 2050 carbon neutrality pledge.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:26 WIB
Paper Test Results at Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Airports Show No Volcanic Ash
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the Ministry of Transport have reported negative paper test results for volcanic ash at four airports temporarily closed following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau. Atung Bungsu Pagar Alam Airport has already reopened, whilst Soekarno-Hatta and other airports may reopen gradually pending further confirmation, with alternative airports prepared in West, Central and East Java.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:25 WIB
Video: PTBA's Strategy to Maintain Performance Amid Coal Market Dynamics
State-owned miner PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) posted a 215% jump in net profit to Rp2.64 trillion in the first half of 2026, supported by revenue growth of 7.7% year-on-year to Rp22.03 trillion. The company is pursuing efficiency measures, better mine planning for its 40-hectare IUP, and strengthened rail logistics as it targets production of 48 million tonnes in 2026.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:25 WIB
Case file against child suspect in NTB burned santri case declared complete
Police in West Nusa Tenggara have declared the case file against juvenile suspect MR complete in connection with a fire at an Islamic boarding school that left one santri dead and two injured. The file against AMR, the head of the pesantren, is still being completed following prosecutors' instructions, including restitution calculations.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:25 WIB
Not Anak Krakatau: These Are Indonesia's Most Eruptive Volcanoes in the Past 100 Days
Indonesia's Geological Agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources reports that five volcanoes have erupted more frequently than Anak Krakatau over the past 100 days. Semeru and Ibu each recorded more than 6,000 eruptions, followed by Lewotobi Laki-laki with over 2,000. The agency stresses that simultaneous eruptions are natural given Indonesia's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire and do not trigger one another.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:24 WIB
Murder Convict at Karangasem Prison Dies
A 30-year-old inmate serving a 15-year sentence for murder at Karangasem Class IIB Prison has died at Karangasem Regional General Hospital following a brain infection. He had been transferred to the hospital after severe headaches and declining consciousness, with a CT scan revealing a brain abscess. His body was returned to his family on the same day.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:24 WIB
SO2 Gas Spreading from Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption? Here's What BMKG and PVMBG Say
BMKG and PVMBG have responded to viral claims that sulphur dioxide from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption has spread as far as Central Java. Whilst satellite imagery confirms the wide dispersal of SO2, both agencies stress that atmospheric maps do not reflect actual air quality hazards at ground level, and urge the public to rely on official air quality readings rather than social media screenshots.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:23 WIB
KPK Says Car Owned by DPRD Member Vinna from Businessman Was Registered Under Friend's Name
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has seized a Pajero Sport from Bengkulu City councillor Vinna Ledy Anggraheni, allegedly a gift from a private businessman in connection with local projects. The vehicle was registered under the name of her close friend, Rani Sorayya, who has been summoned as a witness.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:23 WIB
Expert Says Police's Proactive Disaster Response Is a Constitutional Mandate
Romli Atmasasmita, a legal expert from Universitas Padjadjaran, has affirmed that the National Police Chief's highest-alert instruction for handling the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau rests on strong constitutional and legal foundations. He cited four layers of regulation, from the 1945 Constitution to the 2009 Police Chief Regulation, that oblige the police to protect citizens during disasters.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:22 WIB
Koster and Satria Respond After Investor Wins Glass Lift Lawsuit over Kelingking
The Denpasar State Administrative Court has ruled in favour of PT Indonesia Kaishi Tourism Property Investment Development Group in its lawsuit against the Bali Provincial Government over the halted glass lift project at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida. Governor Wayan Koster has questioned the ruling, arguing the building permit covered only the ticket office rather than the lift and 800-metre bridge, and the province will appeal. Klungkung Regent I Made Satria has deferred entirely to the provincial government, whilst hoping the project will ultimately benefit local communities.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:21 WIB
Batam airport prepares services for passengers affected by flight cancellations
Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam has set up a dedicated customer service centre to assist passengers affected by flight cancellations caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. As of 11.30 WIB, 19 flights on the Jakarta route carrying 2,462 passengers had been cancelled out of 57 scheduled flights. Airlines affected include Super Air Jet, Citilink Indonesia, Batik Air and Garuda Indonesia.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:21 WIB
382 Umrah Pilgrims Diverted to Aceh Flown to Kertajati
Garuda Indonesia has flown 382 umrah pilgrims from Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport in Aceh to Kertajati Airport in West Java after their Jeddah–Soekarno-Hatta flight was diverted due to volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau. The diversion followed the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta's operations on 6 September. Pilgrims were housed at the Aceh Hajj Dormitory before continuing their journey by bus to Soekarno-Hatta.
Mon, 07 Sep 2026, 16:21 WIB
Conquering Protests with a 'Protest'
Tempo alleges that Gerindra Party politicians orchestrated the August 27, 2026 protests by the United Pati People's Alliance, steering demands towards the Asset Forfeiture Bill whilst sidelining criticism of the Prabowo administration's costly flagship programmes. The co-optation and division of civil society groups risks undermining the legitimacy of genuine protest movements. The editorial urges civil society to close ranks and warns that ignoring public aspirations will only fuel further demonstrations.