VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

A passerby walks past an electric monitor displaying various countries' stock price index outside a bank in Tokyo, Japan. (File photo: Reuters/Issei Kato) - 

VOInews, Tokyo : There was mixed reaction across Asian share markets on Thursday (Sep 19) after a bumper interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. The Fed lowered its window for the benchmark policy rate by 50 basis points to between 4.75 per cent and 5 per cent. In Singapore, the Straits Times Index was up 0.47 per cent as of 10.39am. Japan's Nikkei share average rose more than 2 per cent, led by export-oriented stocks, as the yen weakened against the US dollar despite the Fed interest rate cut.

The Nikkei was up 2.1 per cent at 37,133.34, as of 12.08am GMT, while the broader Topix was up 1.9 per cent to 2,614,09. Uniqlo brand owner Fast Retailing rose to give the biggest boost to the Nikkei. Technology start-up investor SoftBank Group rose 1.4 per cent.

All of the Tokyo Stock Exchange's 33 industry sub-indexes were trading higher, led by the automakers' index, rising 3.9 per cent. Toyota Motor jumped 4.9 per cent. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.4 per cent in early trade, pressured as South Korean markets returned from holidays with heavy falls in the chipmaking sector following a downbeat Morgan Stanley note. South Korea's Kospi Index was down 0.92 per cent as of 1.56am GMT. 

Meanwhile, SK Hynix shares tumbled 9.6 per cent and Samsung fell 2.6 per cent. China shares dipped on Thursday as concerns over a fragile economic recovery offset any benefits seen from the Federal Reserve's overnight decision to cut interest rates. China's blue-chip CSI300 Index and Shanghai Composite Index both slipped 0.5 per cent in early trade, while Hong Kong benchmark Hang Seng was roughly flat. 

Investor sentiment towards Chinese equities remained subdued even though the US rate cut provided room for fresh easing by Beijing to support its sputtering economy. Yan Wang, chief emerging markets and China strategist at Alpine Macro, said while Fed rate cuts are generally positive for emerging market assets, China's domestic macroeconomic policies and growth outlook are far more critical than the Fed's actions.

By sector, Hong Kong-listed mainland property stocks outperformed the broader market and was up 2.3 per cent. Tracking the US central bank's move, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on Thursday cut its base rate charged via the overnight discount window by 50 basis points to 5.25 per cent. Hong Kong's monetary policy moves in lock-step with the United States as the city's currency is pegged to the greenback in a tight range of 7.75 to 7.85 per dollar//CNA-VOI

Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment H.E. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan when opening the Bali International Airshow 2024 in Bali. (Photo : Kemenkomarves) - 

VOInews, Bali : Indonesia opened its doors to the world at the long anticipated Bali International Airshow 2024, with the event being declared open by the Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment H.E. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, a first for the nation in almost 30 years.

Poised to elevate Indonesia’s aerospace and defense sectors to greater heights, the airshow is a testament to Indonesia’s growing prowess in the aviation landscape.

This landmark event brings together global aerospace leaders, defense giants, industry experts, and innovators, all converging in Bali to showcase the latest advancements in aviation technology, military defense systems, and sustainable aerospace solutions.

As the largest event of its kind in the region, the Bali International Airshow 2024 reflects Indonesia's commitment to elevating its aerospace and defense sectors to new heights, solidifying its position as a key player in the Asia-Pacific aviation landscape.

There was also almost 1,000 other attendees at the Opening Ceremony, including visiting dignitaries who attended the opening ceremony from defense officials, ministers, and industry leaders from over 20 countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, South Korea, Australia, India, USA, Japan, New Zealand, China, Papua New Guinea, and Turkey.

The event was also marked by the signing of the Letter of Intent (LOI) for the Bali International Airshow between the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Ministry of Transportation; Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry of Defense, PT Aviasi Pariwisata Indonesia (InJourney), an enterprise that manages Indonesia's aviation and tourism sectors, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI AU) and PT Inaro Tujuh Belas.

The international participation underscores the country’s strategic ambition to become a pivotal player in the Asia Pacific region solidifying its growing presence on the international aviation stage in becoming a regional hub for aerospace innovation and defence technology. The airshow will see attendance from 48 countries/regions including hosted delegations, trade visitors and exhibitors as well as participation from 100 companies.

The Bali International Airshow 2024 is set to make great strides in the international aviation industry, making a mark in history as it showcases Indonesia’s demonstration of aerial skill and precision in the sector//VOI 

British Minister of Development, Women and Equality, Anneliese Dodds and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia after signing MOU on critical mineral in Jakarta on Wednesday September 19th 2024. (Photo : VOI/NK) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : British Minister of Development, Women and Equality, Anneliese Dodds and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on critical minerals in Jakarta on Wednesday (17/9).  

The British Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development (FCDO) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (ESDM) signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of critical minerals which was carried out on the sidelines of the 10th Indonesia International Geothermal convention and exhibition held in Jakarta from 18 to 20 September 2024.

After the signing of the MoU, Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, explained that this MoU was a follow-up to the agreement between the two countries that had been agreed previously.

“This is an agreement between the Indonesian and British governments, the substance of which is that we will exchange cooperative technology in the field of critical minerals and also new renewable energy. So actually, this is part of a follow-up to what has been agreed between the two countries so far. The Minister and I have signed and we will carry out the follow-up," Bahlil said. 

On the same occasion, British Minister of Development, Women and Equality, Anneliese Dodds, said that this MoU is a framework for long-term cooperation and collaboration in the field of critical minerals and other related fields between the UK and Indonesia. It is hoped that it can create jobs for the Indonesian people.

“So, this Memorandum of understanding sets a framework for cooperation and collaboration between our countries on critical minerals that covers a whole range of different issues or joint commitment to investment, to create jobs and ensuring there are local benefits for local people from critical minerals. So this is a long term commitment rather than one spesific project or investment,” Minister Dodds. 

The energy transition and net zero agenda will increase demand for critical minerals threefold by 2030. This strategic collaboration will open up opportunities for the UK and Indonesia to contribute to the global energy transition through sustainable development of the critical minerals sector. The UK has committed US$ 1.15 billion in collateral funding to support the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) in Indonesia//VOI

The Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) Board visited Indonesia from 9-13 September to strengthen and foster deeper connections between the two countries, (Photo : Australian Embassy) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) Board visited Indonesia from 9-13 September to strengthen and foster deeper connections between the two countries.

“For more than two decades, the Australia-Indonesia Institute has played a vital role fostering friendship and understanding between our two countries. Thanks to the Institute’s projects, Australia Indonesia engagement has deepened across many sectors,” said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams.

Chair of the Australia-Indonesia Institute Board Emeritus Prof Greg Fealy said, “Our visit to Jakarta and Makassar has been a rich experience which has enabled us to engage with a wide range of the Institute’s grantees and cultural and social leaders. We are looking forward to continuing to expand bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration between Australia and Indonesia.”

The Australia-Indonesia Institute Board visited Jakarta and Makassar last week, with a range of calls on government, academic, media, arts and cultural figures. In Makassar, the Board visited teachers and students at a local school participating in the Building Relationships through Intercultural Dialogue and Growing Engagement (BRIDGE) program, which creates links between Indonesian and Australian schools.

They also met with the Australia-Indonesia Institute’s exchange program alumnus, including Muslim Exchange Program (AIMEP) and Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP) which focusing on people-to-people linkages between both countries.

The Australia-Indonesia Institute was established in 1989 by the Australian Government to promote people-to-people and institutional connections between Australia and Indonesia. The Australia-Indonesia Institute supports projects in the arts, music, education, youth, civil society, interfaith, media and sports sectors//VOI