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March
Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone Ready to Become a World-Class Destination
Written by MaryatiThe Tanjung Kelayang Tourism Special Economic Zone (SEZ) was officially opened by President Joko Widodo last Thursday (14/3). This area is prepared to become a world-class destination and expected to contribute more foreign exchange from tourism sector. The tourism Special Economic Zone located on Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung Province was built in an area of 324 hectares wide and the investment target is worth Rp 10.3 trillion. The inauguration of the Special Economic Zone was marked by the signing of an inscription by President Joko Widodo. In a press release on Thursday, President Joko Widodo said that the existence of the Special Economic Zone contributes to national economic growth. The President said that he also plans to open other new Special Economic Zone. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Darmin Nasution said that the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone is developed as an instrument for the economic transformation of Bangka Belitung from tin mining to tourism community. It is projected to absorb nearly 24 thousand employees. In the future, Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone is ready to become a world-class tourist destination. He explained, the location of Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone is very strategic because Belitung Island is geographically located between Jakarta and Singapore, which is targeted as a captive target. So far, the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone has succeeded in attracting investment by presenting an international hotel network. Minister Darmin Nasution hopes that the Tanjung Kelayang Special Economic Zone can increase foreign exchange from the tourism sector. The Special Economic Zone is expected to be able to attract Rp 20 trillion in investment by 2025, and bring in 59,000 tourists per year with an economic value of Rp751.4 billion per year when this Special Economic Zone is fully operational. Meanwhile, Secretary of the Special Economic Zone National Council, Enoh Suharto Pranoto explained that in addition to the Tanjung Kelayang, the National Council is currently reviewing two proposed Special Economic Zones in Bangka Belitung Province. They are Sungailiat in Bangka and Tanjung Gunung Regencies in Central Bangka Regency. Both of these are expected to be established sooner. He added that to make it easier for investors who want to invest, the government has issued a policy of Integrated Business Licensing System, which is also applied in Special Economic Zones.
March
The Indonesian government has offcially started applying zero tariffs on Palestinian imported commodities since Thursday, February 28 2019. Indonesian Minister of Trade, Enggartiasto Lukita, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair al Shun and Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir held a meeting with Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla at the Vice President's Palace in Jakarta on Thursday related to the start of the tariff elimination. Minister of Trade, Enggartiasto Lukita in his statement in Jakarta on Thursday as released by Antara News Agency stated that in the initial stage, the decision was applied to dates and olive oil. He said that Vice President Jusuf Kalla also emphasized that "zero tariffs" are applied to other Palestinian commodities without feasibility studies like general trade agreements with other countries. According to Minister Enggartisto, the application of zero tariffs shows the strong commitment of the Indonesian Government in supporting the strengthening of the social life and capacity of the Palestinian economy and this is expected to increase the competitiveness of Palestinian products. He also explained that the provisions for the elimination of tariffs for the two Palestinian products have been active since February 21, 2019, marked by the sending of a diplomatic note by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Palestine. Thus, the Indonesian people are expected to be able to enjoy Palestinian dates when Ramadan arrives. Minister Enggartiasto Lukita also emphasized that this step is also an important momentum to improve Indonesia-Palestine bilateral trade relations. Meanwhile, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al Shun welcomed the long-awaited decision of the Indonesian government. He also submitted a list of other commodities which are considered potential to be given tariff elimination in Indonesia. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the total trade between Indonesia and Palestine in 2018 reached US$3.5 million dollars. Palestine is the Indonesia's 164th export destination. The main export commodities to Palestine include coffee, tea, pasta, bread, perfume and soap. Meanwhile, Palestine is the 162nd source of import for Indonesia, with dates as the main import commodity.
February
The entourage of Indonesian trade mission to India in a bid to attend meeting and the 4th exhibition of the India-ASEAN 2019 from 21-23 February 2019 brought positive outcome for the country's economy. Kompas Newspaper on Monday (Feb 25) reported that besides giving opportunity to reduce the customs tariff for the derivative products of crude palm oil, the trade mission succeeded at helping Indonesia's products penetrate the Indian market.The Indian Government would like to reduce customs tariff from 50-45% for the derivative products of crude palm oil, which is the same as the one applied for Malaysia's products. It is one of the points of the Indonesian trade mission delegates led by Indonesian Trade Minister, Enggartiasto Lukita.A number of Indonesian enterprises receive the opportunity to expand their produts to India. The products which can be exported comprise not only the derivative products of crude palm oil but also jewelry, food and beverages, as well as textile products.Director General of the National Export Development at the Indonesian Trade Minister, Arlinda said that the Indian businesspeople also explore the opportunity of purchasing rubber products, spices, and paper from Indonesia. There were at least five Indian businesspeople who attended the business exploration held on the sidlines of the India ASEAN Meeting and Expo to explore the opportunity of Indonesia's rubber commodity.Minister Enggartiasto reported to journalists that the demand of rubber has increased in Indonesia which is the same as their need over vegetable oil. According to Minister Enggartiasto, most of the time, India has always imported rubber from Singapore. However, the rubber itself came from Indonesia.Enggartiasto affirmed the importance of partnership and collaborative principles in trade cooperation. Enggartiasto viewed India as the 4th biggest trade partner of Indonesia but trade is not the matter of rank, benefits, and deficit. The true essence of trade partnership is how trade can support the development and prosperity of the society in both participating countries.The total trade value between Indonesia and India reached US$ 18.7 billion From the trade, Indonesia gained a surplus of US$ 8.7 billion. Meanwhile, 60% of Indonesia's total exports is composed from crude palm oil.
February
Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs Appreciates BPOM Support for Crystal Salt Export
Written by MaryatiThe Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs appreciates the support of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) for the export of crystal salt, so that the innovation of crystal salt can be exported abroad and distributed easily. On last Wednesday (Feb 13) BPOM issued a letter which can facilitate the issuance of Export Certificate for edible or table salt products. In addition to issuing the letter, BPOM also provided Export Consultation Desk. Therefore, Indonesia’s salt products do not have to get marketing authorization in accordance with the Indonesia’s regulation yet the products must comply with the regulations of the importing countries. Food standards like Iodine Fortification is not necessary as long as the importing countries do not require it. Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs hopes through the issuance of the certificate by BPOM, salt farmers and salt producers will not face difficulty in registering their products, receiving marketing authorization, and exporting their salt products abroad. It was said by Deputy of Natural Resources and Services at the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Ministry, Agung Kuswandono in his press release received in Jakarta on Sunday (Feb 17). Agung Kuswandono appreciates the support for all the innovative processed salt products in a bid to improve the prosperity of Indonesia’s salt farmers because the marketing of local salt products has always been hampered due to the iodine fortification standard as stated in the Presidential Decree No. 69 1994 on the procurement of Iodine salt. With the regulation, local salt products which do not undergo iodine fortification cannot be distributed as edible salt or known as table salt. The table salt can actually be processed into crystal salt. The table salt can be blended with spices such as onion and pepper to become spiced salt, even it can also be processed into spa salt. The crystal salt is highly demanded by many countries and exported to be used as a seasoning for gourmet or fine cuisines which need pure salt without fortification. Meanwhile, spiced salt has become a favorite in domestic market particularly for food community. Agung Kuswandono also said, the innovation can provide additional value which can support the economy of salt farmers and suppliers. Through the support of the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), the crystal salt which has been processed for example to be the spiced salt, can be registered to BPOM with other food name. It also applies for other kinds of processed crystal salt products which aim to fulfill the nutrient requirements of people with disorders for example people who have autism. Meanwhile non-edible salt products for example spa salt must be registered as a cosmetic product.
February
The title of My Indonesian today is “Indonesia and Eurasia Agree to Increase Economic Relations.”
Written by MaryatiIndonesian Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita signed a Joint Ministerial Statement with Minister of Integration and Macroeconomics of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), Tatyana D. Valovaya in Jakarta on last Thursday (2/14). This is the stage towards the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) later this year between Indonesia and five Eurasian countries, namely Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. Minister Enggartiasto Lukita after the signing as reported by Antara News Agency said that economic cooperation with Eurasia cannot directly lead to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) scheme, because they have certain procedure and standard so that the MoC becomes an agreed matter. He is optimistic that with the MoC, the value of trade between Indonesia and Eurasia, which currently reaches $2.79 billion dollars, will double in less than five years. He hoped that the signing of the MoC and a business forum could be held in the second quarter of this year. After the signing of the MoC, information will be exchanged to get to know each other's products and markets more deeply in a meeting between businesspeople of both countries. According to Minister Enggartiasto, Eurasia has a large potential market for Indonesia. The Indonesian flagship products to Eurasia are Crude Palm Oil (CPO), coffee, rubber, food products, and furniture. Meanwhile, products from Eurasia imported by Indonesia are aluminum, alloy, and fertilizer. Minister Enggartiasto Lukita explained, basically Indonesian and Eurasia products complement each other. They have advance technology for several things. But, they also need some raw materials as basic needs. He also pointed out that crude palm oil (CPO) is a commodity that has great potential to be exported to Euroasia, especially Russia. Through the MoC, Indonesian domestic industries can directly send their products to five Eurosian Economic Community -EEC countries through a single process. So, this really opens the door of Indonesia to increase trade transactions. Meanwhile, Minister of Integration and Macro-economics of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Tatyana D Valovaya said that Eurasia hoped that an increase in economic cooperation could be achieved this year. Valovaya also explained, this meeting was also a follow-up to the previous one which took place in December 2017. She said that so far, Euroasia had sent a number of products to Indonesia, such as food. In the future, she hopes to be able to fill products that have not been found in the Indonesian market, such as machinery and equipment.
February
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Announces Non-Subsidized Fuel Price Formula per Liter.
Written by MaryatiThe Indonesian Government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announced the fuel price formula of the Non-Subsidized Fuel that will be channeled to all gas stations (SPBU) and Fishermen's gas stations (SPBU for fishermen). Director General of Energy and Mineral Sources at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Djoko Susanto reported to journalists on Sunday (Feb 10) in Jakarta that the fuel price formula helps Indonesia's state-owned energy company set the fuel price of the non-subsidized fuel category. The new fuel price formula is established based on the lowest margin namely 5% and the highest one which is 10%. Djoko Susanto told that the current conversion rates deployed are the middle exchange rate of Bank Indonesia and one barel equals to 159 liters.Djoko Susanto added that the adjustment of the fuel price aims to protect consumers as well as establish healthy and fair competition among fuel retailers so that fuel retailers will not take too many advantages. Djoko expressed his optimism that the formula could encourage fair competition among state energy holding companies so that the implementation of fuel business would bring justice.Through the new fuel price formula of non-subsidized fuel per liter, the price of fuel per liter has been reduced at a number of gas stations. On the same day, the state-owned petroleum company PT. Pertamina applied another price adjustment for the non-subsidized fuel price. Media Comminication of PT. Pertamina, Arya Dwi Paramita said a day before the implementation of the fuel price adjustment that the fuel price adjustment is conducted to respond to the global raw crude oil price trend and the strenghtening of the rupiah currency against the dollar currency.The reduction of the fuel price of the non-subsidized fuel will vary from Rp 50 per liter and Rp 800 per liter.Retail Marketing Director of PT. Pertamina, Mas'ud Khamid explained that in accordance to the government's regulation, Pertamina as the state-owned gas and oil company, Pertamina complies with the new fuel price policy based on the new fuel price formula set by the government.
February
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency -BNPB held a National Coordination Meeting at East Java Expo 2019 in Surabaya, East Java on Saturday (2/2). More than 4,000 participants from the BPBD Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency throughout Indonesia and representatives from ministries, institutions, governors, regents / mayors, TNI, Polri, academics and others attended the expo. Accompanied by the Head of BNPB, Doni Monardo, Indonesian President Joko Widodo opened the National Coordination Meeting. In his remarks, the President stated that this forum was very strategic in coordinating and consolidating the strength that Indonesia has in anticipating disasters. On this occasion, President Joko Widodo delivered six points of his direction. First, spatial planning; design and construction must pay attention to disaster-prone maps. By looking at the recurring cycle of disasters, it can be seen that disaster locations are often in the same place. For example in NTB, the area hit by the earthquake in 2018 turned out to have also experienced the same occurrence in 1978. The earthquake in Palu, Central Sulawesi also happened before. Second, the involvement of academics, disaster experts and researchers must also participate to examine which point is very prone to disasters. This must be done massively. Third, if there is a disaster, the local Governor will automatically become the commander of the emergency task force along with the Regional Military Commander and the Regional Police Chief to become the deputy commanders of the task force. Fourth, an integrated early warning system based on recommendations from experts must be used, including in regional level. Learning from Japan, people did not panic when the earthquake happened. They just ran when there was a siren and knew the evacuation route. Fifth point is disaster education. This program must begin this year in disaster-prone areas for schools through teachers and religious leaders. Therefore, a warning board and evacuation routes are needed. Sixth point is to carry out simulations and disaster handling exercises regularly, to remind communities continuously down to the neighborhood level so that people are truly prepared to face disasters. Disasters might be earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, or landslides. Though admittedly, the most frequent disaster is earthquake. On the occasion, President Joko Widodo also took part in a dialogue with the participants. After that, he inspected the display of equipment for disaster management.
December
Rp52.5 Trillion Petrochemical Industry Complex Built in Cilegon
Written by MaryatiThe petrochemical industry complex owned by Lotte Chemical Indonesia in Cilegon, Banten with value US$3.5 billion dollars or Rp52.5 trillion rupiah was officially built. The construction was marked by a procession of laying the first stone by Minister of Industry, Airlangga Hartarto on Friday (7/12). In his remarks, Minister Airlangga said that the petrochemical industry is as important as the steel industry, as the mother of industry. Therefore, a stable environment and business climate need to be maintained so that this project is successfully implemented properly. Based on its characteristics, according to Minister Airlangga, the petrochemical industry is categorized as a type of manufacturing sector that is capital intensive, technology intensive, and energy-intensive. So, it needs special attention from the government for sustainable development. He also explained that in the Making Indonesia 4.0 road map, the chemical industry has been determined to be one of the sectors that received development priority to become a pioneer in the implementation of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Therefore, the Ministry of Industry appreciates PT Lotte Chemical Indonesia to have realized its investment by building a petrochemical industrial complex with 100-hectare area. The petrochemical industry complex has a total production capacity of 2 million tons of naphtha crackers per year. The raw material is then processed to produce ethylene, propylene, polypropylene, and other derivative products which are also of high added-value. The production of PT. Lotte Chemical Indonesia is to meet domestic and global demand. The infrastructure development project is estimated to absorb up to 1,500 direct workers and indirect labor can reach 4,000 in the period 2019-2023. This effort is believed to improve Indonesia's economy fundamentally, by saving foreign exchange from import substitution, and will also be able to improve the trade balance. According to Minister Airlangga, the production of the petrochemical industry can support the reduction of imports of petrochemical products by at least 50 percent. He also hopes that the project will prioritize the use of local components, including workers who will be involved in this project. They must be prioritized from within the country.
December
The commitment of Indonesian citizens abroad to preserve the values of Pancasila continues to be fostered. Pancasila values are guidelines, philosophies, and life views of the nation and state. This was expressed by President of the Indonesian Diaspora Network-United (IDN-United), Herry Utomo in the Pancasila Week event in Melbourne, Australia (28/11). As quoted by tempo.co, Herry Utomo said that the values of Pancasila must be implanted in the Indonesian diaspora and future generations as a form of love for the homeland, Indonesia.
The week event of Pancasila is a series of workshops, dialogues and seminars from 28 November to 1 December 2018. The event was also attended by members of the Steering Committee of the Pancasila Ideology Development Board (BPIP), Mahfud MD as the speaker at the event. He said that the history of Pancasila and the importance of Pancasila values are the fortress to prevent radicalism. He remarked that there has been an effort to eradicate the Pancasila ideology so that it needs socialization and guidance for the Indonesian citizens not only in the country but also abroad.
Meanwhile, Member of the House of Representatives, Daryatmo Mardiyanto in the absorption of community aspirations with the theme "Stabilization of Pancasila Ideology" at United Futsal Singocandi, Kudus, Central Java (29/11), as quoted by tribunews.com, viewed that rural communities have applied more values that contained in the Pancasila. The values are mutual cooperation, togetherness and tolerance. He also said that the communities, especially those who live in villages, are very familiar with cooperation.
Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of the Republic of Indonesia at the Regional Election of Bangka Belitung (Babel), Bahar Buasan calls for all Indonesian people, especially Bangka Belitung people to strengthen the values of Pancasila in their environment. He views that the values of Pancasila must be taught mainly to the family. As quoted by Posbelitung.co, Bahar Buasan said that families play a major role in establishing Pancasila values in their activities. Take for example; they participate in ongoing socialization activities. Thus, the communities are able to re-practice the Pancasila in people's lives. Pancasila needs to be re-instilled from the family so that it can be understood and practiced in daily life. Bahar Buasan also explained that strengthening Pancasila values in people's lives at this time is very necessary because the national challenges to be faced by Indonesia in the future are even greater. He also added that strengthening Pancasila values could fortify itself from various negative influences from both internal and external, such as the rapid flow of globalization.
November
Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education, Mohamad Nasir has issued Minister Regulation No. 55/2018 concerning the Development of National Ideology in Student Activities in the Campus Environment. Later, each campus is obliged to establish a National Ideology Guards Student Activity Unit (UKM-PIB). This unit will bring back the extra-Pancasila-based organization in campus to help strengthen efforts to prevent radicalism in campus.
The unit will also be a forum for student organizations to contest in strengthening the fading national ideology in the campus environment with the spread of radicalism. As quoted by suarapembaruan.com, Director of Communication and Information of the State Intelligence Agency, Wawan Purwanto said in Jakarta (16/11) that however, the ideology of the Pancasila must be instilled both in campuses and in schools. Indonesian people must be aware that the post-reform, Pancasila has been absent in the realm of educational material. He perceived that if Pancasila in campus is not strengthened, of course it will be dangerous and eventually, foreign ideology will enter and it is also tending to be violent, radical and even will be attacking and undermining the government.
In addition, Wawan remarked that so far, President Joko Widodo has launched Pancasila education in both schools and universities. According to Wawan Purwanto, this is a revitalization effort so that finally, all elements of this educated society can again understand how the life of the nation and state based on the Pancasila. He added that by deepening Pancasila in campus, the Indonesian nation again carves out the noble values of the Indonesian people which were indeed born from the roots that had been initiated by the founding fathers of Indonesia.
Wawan Purwanto also emphasized that with the existence of the National Ideology Guards Student Activity Unit (UKM-PIB), students are free from and able to prevent the radicalism in campus. Being sufficient with understanding of Pancasila ideology, students will directly or indirectly be able to fortify themselves.
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