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September
Agricultural Quarantine Agency Guarantees Safety and Health of Processed Timber Products from Purworejo
Written by MaryatiThe Agricultural Quarantine Agency (Barantan) at the Ministry of Agriculture guarantees the health and safety of processed wood products from Purworejo, Central Java Province, which will be exported.Head of the Center for Cooperation, Compliance, and Information of Barantan, Sujarwanto when reviewing a wood processing industry in Purworejo, Central Java on Thursday (29/8) said that forest origin products required by the destination country are guaranteed in terms of health and safety. He ensured that with the issuance of a Phitosanitary Certificate (PC), the product is ready to enter the global market.Sujarwanto further stated that with Purworejo's huge timber production potential, the acceleration of export business process services was crucial. He added that Purworejo has wood types such as Albasia or Sengon, Sonokeling, Mahogany, Teak and Pine. Purworejo Administration noted that currently, the total quantity of timber production in the area reaches 127.4 thousand cubic meters per year in a bid to meet domestic and international needs.Sujarwanto also ensured that export products have high competitiveness in the export market. The Agricultural Quarantine Agency as the quarantine authority is the guarantor of health and safety. In accordance with international trade rules on commodity exports, wooden packaging such as wooden pallets, crates and boxes must be ensured to be free of insects and free of mold.Second Assistant of Purworejo Regency, Boedi Harjono, who was present and took part in releasing exports said that he appreciated the facilitation of agricultural quarantine for export agricultural products from his region. He hopes that the Ministry of Agriculture also provides assistance of technical requirements of agricultural exports for beginning businesspeople. So, there is more potential for new exports, for example exports of Ketapang leaves.On the occasion, the release of agricultural exports from other regions in Central Java was also carried out, such as Albasia wood 357 thousand metric tons to Japan and China, 25 tons of ant crystal sugar to Sri Lanka and 7 kg of Ketapang leaves to South Korea and the United States. Head of the Agriculture Quarantine of Cilacap, Puji Harto said that the performance of agricultural exports has increased significantly in the province of Central Java.
August
Ministry of Agriculture Guarantees the Health and Security of Export of Palm Oil Derivatives
Written by MaryatiThe Ministry of Agriculture through the Agricultural Quarantine Agency (Barantan) as a facilitator of trade in agricultural products guarantees the health and safety of agricultural products sent to trading partner countries. Head of Barantan, Ali Jamil in a press release received in Jakarta on Sunday ensured that the service is fast, precise and in accordance with the technical requirements of the destination country. That was conveyed by Ali Jamil when reviewing the palm shell industry and releasing 22.8 thousand tons of palm oil derivative products from West Sumatra. Palm oil derivative products of each form of Refined Bleached & Deodorized (RBD) consisted of 4 thousand tons, CPO of 7.8 thousand tons sent to China and Japan.According to Ali Jamil, quarantine inspection treatment is carried out in accordance with international standards and requirements of each destination country. Strengthening the quarantine system is to maintain not only the preservation of living natural resources, but also the performance of agricultural exports. The implementation of online certification or e-Cert has been done by Barantan to guarantee the acceptance of agricultural products in export destination countries.The data exchange enables checking of technical requirements to be fulfilled before the product arrives. So if there is a discrepancy, it can be anticipated that the treatment will be immediately dealt with. This digital service provides sustainable solutions. He also pointed out that currently there are only four countries: Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Vietnam to cooperate with. He added that his side has instructed if possible, all countries may establish cooperation.Meanwhile, Head of Agricultural Quarantine in Padang, West Sumatra, Eka Darnida Yanto said that besides palm oil derivative products, other agricultural products from West Sumatra are also exported.The economic value reached Rp212.8 billion, consisting of 604.8 tons of rubber plate, 18 tons of coffee beans, 95 tons of cinnamon and coconut derivative products consisting of 83.8 tons of coconut milk, 25 tons of grated coconut and 71.2 tons of coconut water.The export destinations include the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, China, Bangladesh and Germany. Eka also explained that the export of palm shells from the quarantined automation system data, Indonesian Quarantine Full Automation System (IQFAST) underwent an increase of 28 percent. Total exports in 2018 were 404.8 thousand tons while by the second week of August 2019, the exports of palm shells had reached 344.4 thousand tons.
August
The Indonesian Export Financing Agency (LPEI) or Indonesia Eximbank will provide the best financing and guarantee schemes for all forms of export activities, especially to African countries. This was revealed by Executive Director of the Indonesian Export Financing Institution, Sinthya Roesli before a number of delegations from African countries and representatives of several State-Owned Enterprises -BUMN at 'Breakfast Business Dialogue' of the Indonesia - Africa Infrastructure Dialogue (IAID) 2019 event in Nusa Dua, Bali on Wednesday (8/21).Sinthya also explained that to support infrastructure development abroad through a number of experienced State-Owned Enterprises -SOEs, LPEI could run a number of financing schemes. One of them is buyer’s credit or financing to buyers of Indonesian products or services abroad. In this case, LPEI can provide facilities to African governments as project owners and business entities in the country concerned. In addition, Sinthya Roesli added that her side also provides overseas investment financing and working capital financing to SOEs working on overseas construction sector projects. She added that Indonesia has also implemented a semi-concessional loan facility, namely the National Interest Account (NIA) or the Special Export Assignment (PKE). Africa is also one of the main destination regions of this program.National Interest Account is a soft loan provided by LPEI specifically in the form of export financing for transactions or projects that are commercially difficult to implement, but are deemed necessary to support national export policies or programs. Through this scheme, LPEI has provided financing facilities to strategic SOEs for a number of projects in Africa. One of them has been given to PT Dirgantara Indonesia for the purchase of CN 235 aircraft by Senegal, worth Rp147 billion. In addition, this facility was given to PT Wijaya Karya for the construction of housing in Algeria, worth Rp187 billion.The Indonesian Export Financing Institution which has assets reaching Rp118.4 trillion as of June 2019 will provide the best financing and guarantee schemes for all forms of export activities, particularly to African countries.
August
To commemorate the 74th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence Day, Bank Indonesia launched QRIS or Indonesian Standard QR Code in Jakarta on Saturday (17/8). QRIS is a Quick Response (QR) Code system for payment through server-based e-money app, e-wallet, or mobile banking that can be used in all smartphone app. In the launching, Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo said, the use of QRIS will provide many benefits and easiness for the consumer. Among many were low and uniform costs among Payment System Service Provider (PJSP). This was seen from merchant discount rate for regular merchant. QRIS also aims to boost transaction efficiency, financial inclusion acceleration, and small-medium enterprises growth, which in the end can push economic growth. It is because QRIS is the only original QR from Indonesia, which hints that Indonesia will be a modern advanced country and has more revenue. The system launched was named “QRIS Unggul” which stands for Universal, easy, beneficial, and direct. QRIS itself was made by Bank Indonesia and Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI) by using EMV Co.1 international standard. For early step, QRIS focuses on the implementation of QR Code Payment model Merchant Presented Mode (MPM) where merchant will display QR Code payment for the customer to scan during payment. Before the launching, standard technical specification of the QR Code and interconnection had passed the first stage test in September until November 2018, as well as the second stage test in April until May 2019. Later, the national QRIS will be effective on January 1 2020. It aims to provide preparatory transition period for Payment System Service Provider (PJSP).
August
Three ministries/institutions to receive the biggest budget in 2020
Written by MaryatiThe Ministry of Defense (Kemenhan), the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), and the Police of the Republic of Indonesia (Polri) are the three ministries and institutions that will receive the largest portion of the budget in the 2020 Draft State Budget. This was affirmed by Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani in a press conference about the 2020 Draft State Budget and its Financial Note in Jakarta on Friday (16/8). She explained that the Ministry of Defense responsible for national defense will receive the largest budget allocation to reach Rp127.4 trillion, up 16.2 percent compared to this year's budget projection of Rp109.6 trillion. Meanwhile, the budget of the Ministry of PUPR is allocated Rp.120.2 trillion, and the Indonesian Police reach Rp90.3 trillion. Minister Sri Mulyani reasoned that the National Police budget allocation is also related to the need to secure the simultaneous regional head elections (Pilkada) in 2020.Meanwhile, the Ministry of PUPR will also receive more budget because the government raises the infrastructure budget by 4.9 percent. Minister Sri Mulyani said that the infrastructure budget would largely be used for the construction of new roads reaching 837 kilometers, 238 kilometers of railroad tracks, 6.9 kilometers of new bridges and 49 new dams.In addition to the three ministries/institutions, the next highest budget is the Ministry of Religious Affairs reaching Rp65.1 trillion, the Ministry of Social Affairs Rp62.8 trillion, the Ministry of HealthRp57.4 trillion and the Ministry of Transportation will reach Rp42.7 trillion.According to Minister Sri Mulyani, an increase in the budget is also given to the Ministry of Social Affairs by 9.7 percent, because an increase in the social assistance budget is provided by the government.Next year, the government will convert non-cash food assistance (BPNT) into a nine-basic necessity card containing assistance amounting to Rp150, 000 per month with a total budget of Rp28.1 trillion, an increase compared to the 2019 BPNT budget.In his speech when delivering the 2020 State Budget and Draft (RAPBN), President Joko Widodo said that the focus of the Draft State Budget is directed at five main points. The first point is strengthening the quality of human resources to realize healthy, smart, skilled and prosperous human resources. The second thing is the acceleration of infrastructure development supporting economic transformation. The third point is the strengthening of social protection programs to respond to the demographic challenges and anticipate aging populations. The fourth point is strengthening the quality of fiscal decentralization to encourage regional independence and the fifth point is anticipation of global uncertainty.
August
Indonesia-Russia Business Forum Produces 13 Memoranda of Understanding
Written by MaryatiThe Indonesia-Russia business forum held in Moscow, Russia on Thursday (1/8) produced 13 memoranda of understanding between business people of both countries. The signing of the memoranda of understanding was witnessed by a number of officials, such as Indonesian Ambassador to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus -Wahid Supriyadi, Governor of Yogyakarta -Sultan Hamengkubuwono X (ten), Governor of Central Java -Ganjar Pranowo and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of the Russian Federation -Alexey V. Gruzdev. The Indonesia-Russia Business Forum kicked off the holding of the Indonesian Festival in Moscow which lasted until August 4th. On the sidelines of the Indonesia-Russia Business Forum activity, Ambassador Wahid Supriyadi explained the thirteen memoranda of understanding. One of them is related with the purchase of coconut shell charcoal. The cooperation also covers the business sector of herbal medicines, jelly, organic brown sugar, home decor, furniture, construction projects and the construction of starch flour factories. Ambassador Wahid Supriyadi added that the Indonesia-Russia business forum is expected to bring about an impact on stronger cooperation in investment, trade and tourism. According to Ambassador Wahid Supriyadi, in the G20 Group, Russia is ranked 12th, while Indonesia ranks 16th with the largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the world. However, the value of trade between Indonesia and Russia is still relatively small, reaching US$ 2.6 billion dollars. Meanwhile, Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono who attended the business forum was able to convince the participants about the ease and certainty of investing in Yogyakarta. The certainty of investment is encouraged by the existence of consistent local government regulations so that investors and entrepreneurs can develop their businesses without obstacles. He also emphasized that culture and the arts are the main attraction of the tourism business in Yogyakarta. Creative and technological industries, such as start-ups, are potential sectors to be developed. Today, the economy of Yogyakarta in the second quarter of 2019 grows 7.5 percent and in 2018, it reached 6.2 percent, or exceeding the national economic growth of 5.17 percent. The Indonesia-Russia business forum is an event that bridges businesspeople of both countries. In addition to commemorating 69 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Russia, the forum also emphasized collaboration between the two countries through tourism, trade and investment.
July
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and visiting Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, earlier witnessed the exchange of agreement documents between the businessmen of both countries.The agreements included a Memorandum of Understanding between DP World represented by CEO Sultan bin Sulayem and Maspion represented by CEO Alim Markus.Indonesia and the UAE are on the same page in terms of increasing bilateral cooperation in 12 areas, particularly in the economic sector.From the substance of issues discussed, the first is how the two countries can enhance economic cooperation. Hence, the discussion of economic issues is very dominant, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated at the Bogor Presidential Palace Wednesday (July 24).Under the efforts to boost cooperation, both nations inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in nine out of the 12 areas.Foreign Minister Marsudi signed two MoUs on the protection of bilateral investment and the joint committee for consular affairs with UAE Home Affairs Minister Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber.The Governments of Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen mutual beneficial cooperation in the industrial sector in order to boost economic growth.Indonesian Industry Minister, Airlangga Hartarto, and UAE Energy and Industry Minister, Sulhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the cooperation agreement at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java. Minister Airlangga Hartarto said in a statement on Thursday (July 25) the MOU will serve as an umbrella for cooperation in the development of industrial sector potential for the two countries.The two governments will develop the agro-based industry, metal and machinery industry, chemical industry and the small and medium scale industry.Among Indonesia's 10 potential commodity exports to the UAE are crude palm oil, food and beverages, pulp and paper.Indonesia has the potential to export agro-industrial products, particularly pulp and paper, as the Al-Nakheel tissue factory operates in Abu Dhabi.A possibility to export more metal and machinery is also open as the UAE has its first and largest automotive industry built by Ashok Leyland in Ras Al Khaimah.Earlier Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that the visit of Crown Prince Abu Dhabi / Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was a very historic visit because it was the first state visit after 29 years. Last visit to Indonesia carried out by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, father of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zaed Al Nahyan in 1990.
July
Digital Talent Scholarship Program Participants Recorded in Communication and Information Ministry’s Database
Written by MaryatiIndonesian Minister of Communication and Informatics, Rudiantara said, the participants of Digital Talent Scholarship Program will be included into the ministry’s database to help companies in seeking for skilled workers, especially digital skills. Minister Rudiantara in Makassar, last Tuesday said, the program that began in 2018 kept focusing on creating skilled manpower by accommodating one thousand participants with scholarship. This year, the program is expanded by accepting twenty five thousand participants. They are trained intensively to master hard skill and soft skill according to specialization in artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, cyber security, internet of things, machine learning, as well as other training themes. The Digital Talent Scholarship Program 2019 itself is a human resource development program conducted by Indonesian Communication and Information Technology Ministry as part of national priority development program. The Scholarship Program is a support from Indonesian government in developing national digital economic ecosystem through scholarship and training on communication and informatics field. The program is expected to elevate Indonesian manpower capacity to be more competitive and to fulfill the need of 4.0 industry. The Digital Talent Scholarship Program 2019 is basically divided into four academies, namely Fresh Graduate Academy, Vocational School Graduate Academy, Coding Teacher Academy, and Online Academy.
July
Indonesian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Products Become More Global
Written by MaryatiPresident Joko Widodo claimed that he would actively present creative products of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to global markets amid sluggish economic conditions. After opening the Indonesian Creative Works exhibition held by Bank Indonesia at the Jakarta Convention Center in Senayan, Jakarta on Friday (12/7), President Joko Widodo said that this should be done so that Indonesia would still be able to take advantage of its exports. He viewed that the condition of the global economy and market is not indeed conducive. This makes the trade performance for a number of countries slow down, including Indonesia, especially for products that are mass-produced by mainstream industries. Even so, he said that the opportunity for Indonesia to gain export profits is still possible. Providing that Indonesia enters the international market through creative economic products, such as handicrafts produced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Amid the sluggish global economy and trade war, President Joko Widodo assessed that Indonesia needs to rely on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’ products to be exported in addition to labor-intensive products that are commonly exported on a large scale. Moreover, Indonesian handicraft products are known to have premium quality to compete in the international arena. President Joko Widodo also appreciated Bank Indonesia –BI to have fostered hundreds of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to produce several superior products. He is optimistic that with the distinctive Indonesian character inherent in every Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise that produces their products, there are increasingly open market opportunities abroad. Meanwhile, Governor of BI, Perry Warjiyo said that until this year, his side has built almost 900 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises throughout Indonesia and some have gone digital to sell their products, both through social media and e-commerce. Several of them have even managed to penetrate the international market. The Indonesian Creative Works 2019 exhibition with the theme, “Encouraging Economic Growth through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Go Export and Go Digital” took place at the JCC, Jakarta from 12 to 14 July 2019.
July
Indonesia and the UAE Discuss Enhancement of Investment Cooperation
Written by MaryatiIndonesian Vice President, Jusuf Kalla received the visit of the United Arab Emirates Minister of Energy and Industry, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei in Jakarta on Friday (5/7). They discussed the enhancement of investment cooperation of both countries. In addition, the meeting also prepared plans for the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's state visit to Indonesia in the third week of July. After the meeting at the Office of the Vice President in Jakarta, Friday (5/7), Vice President Jusuf Kalla mentioned the possibility of investment cooperation in various fields. Meanwhile, Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazroue said that his government wanted to explore investment cooperation with Indonesia. According to Minister Suhail, UEA is interested in Indonesia whose economy is in the top 15 in the world. He added that a number of projects were discussed, including cooperation in various sectors, such as real estate, energy, tourism and several others. Previously, Indonesian Minister of Industry, Airlangga Hartarto met Tashyeed Group CEO Zayed Bin Owaidah Al Qubaisy and the United Arab Emirates Private Investor Delegation at the Ministry of Industry Office in Jakarta on Tuesday (2/7). After the meeting, he said that the United Arab Emirates is exploring investment cooperation in a number of fields, including power plants, medical equipment, oil, gas, and alternative energy industries, and the water treatment industry. According to Minister Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia views the United Arab Emirates as a strategic partner, especially since Dubai is considered as one of the world's trade hubs for increasing exports of Indonesian industrial products to various countries. Minister Airlangga also explained the investment potential of the power plant industry in Indonesia as the electricity infrastructure development targets 35,000 MW. It also is facilitating research and development of solar cell products for implementation in industry and society. While looking at the potential in the medical equipment industry, the Indonesian government is pushing for the use of the latest technology in an integrated manner, including components, raw and auxiliary materials. Minister Airlangga also said that UAE industry players who want to invest in Indonesia have a good opportunity now, because the Indonesian government has provided convenience for foreign investors.
