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June
In the past two weeks, Bank Indonesia-BI twice raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percent. In the Board of Governors' Meeting of Bank Indonesia, on May 30, 2018, BI's benchmark interest rate was decided to rise to 4.75 percent. In the meeting, BI also raised the interest rate of bank deposits in BI in the form of rupiah by 25 basis points to 4 percent..
The decision means changing the policy stance of the central bank from neutral to tight bias. The change in policy stance was taken in response to changes in global economic conditions triggered by the move by the US central bank to raise its benchmark interest rate until the end of this year.
Following the announcement of Bank Indonesia, the rupiah exchange rate traded between banks in Jakarta, yesterday afternoon, moved slightly higher by 2 points (to 13,993 from 13,995) per US dollar.
Quoting a report by Antara news agency on Wednesday, the Director of Asia & Pacific Department of the International Monetary Fund, Changyong Rhee, said that the rate hike by Bank Indonesia is the right decision to anticipate risks.
Rhee said the decision to raise the benchmark interest rate to 50 basis points from 4.25 per cent to 4.75 per cent was a response to maintain the possibility of a rise in core inflation from the strengthening of the US dollar, the benchmark interest rate at global level and world oil prices.
This external pressure has led to a reversal of capital outflows and currency weakness in many developing countries, including Indonesia, in recent weeks.
According to Changyong Rhee, although this situation requires overall oversight, Indonesia has been in a stronger position than in the past in the face of external pressure, because it has good economic resilience.
June
Standard & Poors Maintains Indonesia's Debt Rating BBB- / A-3 Outlook Stable
Written by MaryatiInternational rating agency -Standard & Poors (S&P) maintained Indonesia's sovereign credit rating on BBB- / A-3 with a stable outlook. Through its press release issued on last Thursday (31/5), the agency affirmed that Indonesia's ratings remain at an investment grade level. Some of the key factors supporting the decision are relatively low government debt burden, moderate fiscal performance and moderate foreign debt levels. The ratio of government debt to gross domestic product -GDP in the next few years is projected to remain stable. It reflects stable global demand and higher commodity prices. The rupiah's flexibility and prudent policy in managing corporate short-term foreign debt risk have driven the decline in the external financing need ratio to current account receipts (CARs). The risk of deterioration in external financing costs facing Indonesia has declined significantly. In addition, the formulation of Indonesian policy is considered effective in supporting sustainable government finance and balanced economic growth. To support purchasing power and consumption, the government is taking steps to curb rising oil and electricity prices. These efforts are considered temporary and the momentum of reform will strengthen again. In particular, Bank Indonesia –BI is seen as playing a major role in maintaining economic growth and reducing pressure on the economy and financial markets. Meanwhile, Governor of BI, Perry Warjiyo said that maintaining Indonesia's rating by Standard and Poor's at "BBB- / A-3 " or Investment Grade at a stable outlook is a reflection of Indonesia's good economic fundamentals and a credible domestic economic policy. He also said that the ratings of Standard and Poor's further strengthen investors’ confidence in Indonesia's economic outlook amid continuing global uncertainty. Perry Warjiyo added that in connection with the ratings’ affirmation, inter-authority coordination will continue to be strengthened. This is to maintain macroeconomic stability and promote growth.
June
Indonesia and India signed 15 documents of memorandum of understanding on cooperation in a number of areas, witnessed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (30/5). After a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Joko Widodo told reporters that Indonesia is ready to make closer and stronger cooperation with India. The President said that the strategic value of the relations between the two countries is shown in the renewal of cooperation in the field of defense. The two countries also agreed to form the Task Force Units for infrastructure development, related to the port in Sabang, in Malacca Strait as one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. Moreover Indonesian and India agreed to cooperate in Exploration and Space utilization for peace goal, rail sector, science and technology, capacity development of the state civil servants, dialogue between government and interaction of research institute, medicine regulation, cooperation of Bali Province and Uttarakkhand as well as health cooperation. In the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Joko Widodo especially demanded the lowering tariffs of import duty on Indonesian palm oil products to India. The President said that Prime Minister Modi agreed to review the policy related to the palm oil import duty. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India wants to increase trade values up to 50 billion US dollars in 2025. This is in line with the increasing trend of Indian investment in Indonesia which currently reaches to 18.7 billion US dollars. After bilateral meeting at the Merdeka Palace, President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the India-Indonesia Kite Exhibition at Monumen Nasional (Monas) area. The Kite Exhibition was aimed to increase the two countries relationships. On the occassion, President Joko Widodo and Prime Minster Modi played kites together. During the event Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met and spoke to thousands of Indian diasporas in Jakarta. In his speech, Prime Minister Modi said, that the presence of Indian diasporas has contributed significantly in promoting bilateral relations between India and Indonesia. After his visit in Indonesia Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Malaysia on Thursday (31/5), then to Singapore.
May
Ministry of Environment and Forestry Supports Local Government in Indonesia Free of Waste 2025 Program
Written by nuke
The target Indonesia of 'Free of Waste 2025' by reducing waste up to 30% by 2025 cannot succeed without high commitment of local government in waste management. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) continues to encourage local governments to have policies and strategies for handling waste from waste sources to final waste processing. This was confirmed by the Director General of Waste Management, Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials (PSLB3), Rosa Vivien Ratnawati in her speech at the Mentoring Program of Local Strategic Policy Guidance (Jakstrada) management of Household Waste and Waste Similar to Household Waste in Kalimantan. The event was held in Jakarta, Wednesday (23/5).
According to Rosa Vivien, the local government should prepare Local Strategic Policy Guidanceas a document describing the target of waste management and achievement quantitatively. Through this guidance the Local Government develops integrated waste management programs from the source to the final processing site (TPA) and is implemented by the entire Organization of the Region. She said that the guidance will be a master plan of waste management in the regionthat measured its achievement gradually until 2025.
To support the implementation of Local Strategic Policy Guidance, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has established a ministerial regulation on Guidelines for the Formulation of Regional Policies and Strategies for Waste Management of Household and Waste Similarto Household Waste. These guidelines will provide guidance to all regions, both provincial and district / city governments in preparing Local Strategic Policy Guidance.
Director of Waste Management, NovrizalTahar said that waste management problem is a small problem if the mindset in managing waste is changed. The issue of waste heap must be resolved from the source at the household level by sorting waste. Disaggregated waste will be more manageable, so it will be environmentally friendly and potentially have economic value.
The Program for Assistance in the Formulation of Local Strategic Policy Guidelines (Jakstrada) for the management of Household Waste and Waste Similar to Household Waste for Kalimantan Region this time, is the second technical guidance. Previously this program has been run in the area of Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara.
May
Members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) have an obligation to maintain the upholding of Pancasila, the Constitution, the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia -NKRI and Unity in Diversity -Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. This was disclosed by Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly, Zulkifli Hasan while leading the swearing-in procession of the Interim Replacement Appointment (PAW) 2014-2019 at the Parliament Building in Jakarta last Wednesday (23/5). As quoted from the page mpr.go.id, Zulkifli Hasan said that the years 2018 and 2019 are political ones. So, the service and devotion of the members are waited to keep the unity of the Indonesian nation.
On the other hand, MPR continues to hold the socialization of the Four Pillars of the MPR namely Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika to the public. Vice Chairman of MPR, Oesman Sapta on Monday (28/5) in Pontianak, Kalimantan West held a socialization of the importance of understanding the values of the four pillars of nationality. This socialization reminds the public of the dangers of drugs. He reminded that the state of Indonesia is being undermined by foreign countries that want to seize the natural wealth and resources of Indonesia. They intervene through drugs.
Meanwhile, Prof. Azyumardi Azra from the State Islamic University of Jakarta, as quoted from tempo.co proposed a national training for lecturers and teachers of Madrasah in Indonesia. The proposal is proposed to address the spread of radicalism through college and school in Indonesia. He said in Jakarta (25/5) said that radicalism entered through infiltration; one of them is through college. Therefore, to respond to radicalism must be done through national education for students and lecturers. According Prof. Azyumardi Azra, education and training for teachers should be implemented considering the true teachers never touch the training of nationality after officially became a teacher. It is different from the students who still get civic education.
May
Japanese and Saudi Delegations Observe Asian Games Preparation
Written by MaryatiIndonesia’s Readiness in hosting the 2018 Asian Games Games received praises from two participating countries, namely the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan. Delegates from each National Olympic Committee-NOC arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday (22/5). During the checking for the preparation of the Asian Games they were accompanied by representatives of the Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee-Inasgoc. The Saudi NOC delegation came with a group of 10 people, while Japan six. Although both NOCs came in small groups, they asked many things, especially regarding the readiness of athletes' accommodation, arena and transportation. Secretary General of Inasgoc, Eris Heryanto said on Tuesday (22/5) that both NOCs were satisfied with the readiness of Indonesia to hold the Asian Games 2018 August. He stated, overall, they expressed satisfaction, also gave some inputs. Saudi delegation leader Prince Fahad bin Jalawi Al-Saud was pleased with Indonesia's preparations. He in particular brought representatives from the board of some of the country's flagship sports who will compete in the Asian Games. The branches of the sport are Karate, shooting, bike racing, handball and Taekwondo. Prince Fahad said the concern of the Saudi NOC focuses on the readiness of athletes' kampong and a number of arenas, especially those that will be the battleground of Saudi Arabia's flagship sports branch. Meanwhile, the Japanese delegation, majority of whom represented by the sports department of the Japan Olimpic Committee-JOC, also expressed its readiness. During this visit, they also focused on ensuring the completion of all arena. According to the representative of the Japanese delegation, Kenji Kasahara, the number of new sports competed in the 2018 Asian Games is the main attention of the country. Like roller sports, climbing and baseball / softball, because these sports are also competed in the 2020 Olympics which will be held in the Capital of Japan, Tokyo. The Indonesian Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee-Inasgoc-INASGOC Chairman Erick Thohir has confirmed, with only 86 days remaining, all preparations must be action oriented. According to Erick, with less than three months' time, any idea which is still a discourse will only a waste of time. Erick also asserted, meetings with all departments related to the preparation of the Asian Games are always held. They are conducted every day to discuss what will be done in the next day. Management must be professional, transparent and have a vision and mission.
May
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi met her counterpart –Peruvian Minister Néstor Francisco Popolizio Bardales in Lima, Peru on last Wednesday (23/5). During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries. A press release of the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry in Jakarta on Thursday (24/5) stated that the working visit of Minister Retno Marsudi to Lima was the first official visit to Peru since the opening of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1975. In the meeting, Minister Retno Marsudi said that Peru is an important market for Indonesia, and the economic cooperation between the two countries has not yet reflected the existing potential. Peru is the 4th largest trading partner for Indonesia in South America. The value of bilateral trade between Indonesia and Peru in 2017 increased by 5.3 percent compare with the previous year. To enhance trade cooperation, the two Foreign Ministers agreed on the importance of trade agreements between both countries. Minister Retno also expressed the importance of working harder to improve interaction between entrepreneurs and diversifying products in trade between the two countries. Thus, she invited Peruvian entrepreneurs to attend the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) in October 2018. She also conveyed Indonesia’s planned participation in the "Expoalimentaria and Mistura Food Festival" in Peru this year. In addition to trade cooperation, both Foreign Ministers also discussed efforts to improve cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and socio-culture. Related to this, the government of Indonesia proposed the establishment of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Indonesia and Peru to be implemented gradually, starting with "Trade in Goods Agreement" (TIGA). Beyond bilateral issues, both of them also exchanged ideas on various regional and global issues, such as the issues of refugees from Venezuela and Rakhine State, efforts to overcome the use of chemical weapons, and issues of concern in the UN Security Council. Furthermore, the Peruvian government expressed support for Indonesia's nomination as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and the election will be held on June 8, 2018.
May
Supporting Palestine, Indonesia Exempts Dates and Olive Import Duty
Written by nuke
RRI World Service Voice of Indonesia with a daily segment My Indonesia which today is on "Supporting Palestine, Indonesia Exempts Dates and Olive Import Duty".
Indonesia removes tariffs for certain Palestinian products. For the initial phase, Indonesia will exempt the tariffs of dates and olive oil originating from Palestine. This is a form of Indonesian support for the Palestinian struggle in the economic sector.
Indonesian Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita conveyed it when meeting Palestinian Ambassador Zuhair Al-Shun in Jakarta, Tuesday (22/5). He said, in the future other products will be selected and agreed by both parties.
The Minister of Trade said this meeting as a follow-up to the signing of a memorandum of understanding concerning the preference for the exemption of import duty tariff of 0% for certain products from Palestine. The signing of the MoU was conducted at a bilateral meeting between the two countries on the sidelines of the 11th World Trade Organization - WTO Ministerial Conference on December 12, 2017.
According to Minister Enggartiasto, Tuesday's meeting was the first with the Palestinian ambassador since his assignment in Indonesia in November 2017. Ratification of the MoU has been completed with the issuance of Presidential Decree no. 34 of 2018. However, this Memorandum of Understanding has not been implemented because the technical guidance of Implementing Arrangement has not been signed by both parties.
The Implementing Arrangement draft exchanges had been conducted several times and Indonesia submitted its last draft on 26 January 2018. If it has been signed by both parties, Indonesia will soon issue a Regulation of the Minister of Finance as the implementing rule for elimination of dates and olive oil tariffs.
Indonesia's exports to Palestine in 2017 amounted to 2.05 million US dollars. Export commodities to Palestine include extracts, concentrates and essences of coffee and tea; pasta; perfume; bread; and soap. Meanwhile, the value of Indonesian imports from Palestine amounted to 341 thousand US dollars. This value rose 20.09% compared to 2016. Indonesia's imported products from Palestine are dates, both dried and wet dates.
May
Indigenous Forest of Tabanan, Bali Participating to Preserve Wild Animals
Written by nuke
Welcome to the segment of My Indonesia.
Indigenous Forest as a valuable area is important for indigenous peoples, can not only serve as a source of community’s economy, like the Social Forestry scheme, but also serves as a place or habitat for wildlife conservation. Realizing it, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry-KLHK through Bali's Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) along with Friend of National Park Foundation, conducted animal release in Pura Besikalung and Pura Petali Indigenous Forests, Penebel Sub-district, Tabanan Regency, Bali Province on Saturday (19/5).
Dadang Wardhana, Head of Conservation Center of Natural Resources BKSDA Bali, said that the wild animals are 7 porcupines species (Histrix brachyura), 1 Pangolin (Manis Javanica), 1 pariah eagle (Milvus migrant), 1 sanca batik (Phyton reticulatus ) and several species of snakes. He said that the animals were the result of confiscation and submission of the community, who have been rehabilitated at Bali Wildlife Rescue Center (PPS) and Bali Reptile Rescue.
Dadang Wardhana moreover added, the release of animals is one of conservation efforts to prevent extinction. He also said in addition to habitat adjustment, the people’s commitment to keep the animal preservation, become consideration of the chosen Pura Besikalung and Pura Petali as the release location of the wild animals.
Animal Rescue Center (PPS) of Bali and Bali Reptile Rescue are the agencies under the management of Pencinta Taman Nasional Foundation. Also present to support the release activity were representative of the Military Rayon Commander, Chief of District Police and Head of Penebel subdistrict, academicians of Udayana University's Veterinary Faculty, and Babahan Village community, Penebel sub-district.
May
Deputy Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly -MPR, Hidayat Nur Wahid says that it’s important to re-affirm that Pancasila is the culture of Indonesian nation. So, Pancasila can penetrate into the soul of all Indonesian people. This was stated by Hidayat Nur Wahid at the National Cultural Workshop with the theme 'Pancasila Culture as Indonesian Civilization' held by MPR Assessment Institute (Lemkaji) at Parliament Building in Jakarta last Tuesday. (15/05).
As quoted from mpr.go.id, Hidayat Nur Wahid said that it’s necessary to re-enliven Pancasila culture today, remembering that there has been rampant reoccurrence of terror and terrorism issues more recently. Hidayat Nur Wahid believed that if the Indonesian people implement Pancasila well, the problem of terror and terrorism can be overcome. He also explained the first principle of Pancasila, the One Supreme God; there is not any religion teaching terror and terrorism.
Meanwhile, Chairman of MPR Assessment Institute, Rully Chairul Azwar said that Pancasila does not color the economic, political, and legal system because there is a gap between the moral and reality. He also affirmed that Indonesian nation should not be doubtful to make Pancasila as the base of value to build the nation. Rully added that Indonesia has Pancasila whose values are pure and it was created by the founders of the nation. From Pancasila, Indonesian nation has the initial capital of civilization development because Pancasila is the ideology, the basic philosophy of state, and national identity of Indonesia.
Rully Chairul Azwar regretted that there are still elites and some people who have not made Pancasila as culture into behavior to form civilized personality. He also pointed out that making Pancasila as a value base to build the nation toward a developed nation is very important because cultural links with the development of civilization need not be doubted.