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PLN Gradually Recovers Electricity Supply (0)
State-owned electricity firm PT PLN has recovered electric power to Balaraja Extra High Voltage substation in Banten Province, and furthermore it will be channeled to Suralaya steam-fueled power plant (PLTU) to gradually recover its operation to reach its capacity of 2800 MW of electricity.
In addition, power supply from Gandul Extra High Voltage substations in Depok, West Java Province, will be channeled to Muara Karang gas and steam power plant (PLTGU) to supply electricity to the Indonesian capital city, Jakarta.
Acting President Director of PLN Sripeni Inten Cahyani said here on Sunday that the power supply to Jakarta was expected to recover within three hours.
"We apologize for the inconvenience today, and currently all efforts have been made to recover the Java-Bali power system, especially in the area of West Java, Banten, and Jakarta," Cahyani said.
The company has focused on power supply to PLTGU Muara Karang and PLTGU Priok to recover the system in the capital city.
Previously, PLN has recovered the operation of hydro-generated power plant (PLTA) Saguling and PLTA Cirata which are functioned as power stabilizer, and, at the same time, supply the electricity to PLTU Suralaya through Cibinong, Depok, Gandul, Lengkok, Balaraja and Suralaya extra high voltage substations.
PLTU Suralaya is expected to return to its normal operation within six hours to normalize power system in West Java and Banten.
Blackout that affected thousands of homes and public facilities in West Java, Jakarta, and Banten was caused by several troubles in the extra high voltage 500 kV transmission of Ungaran - Pemalang.
"PLN has taken its best efforts and will have evaluation to prevent recurrence of today's incident," Cahyani said.
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November
Jokowi praises fruitful partnership between ASEAN and China
Written by Nur Yasmin
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) acknowledged the fact that the partnership between the ASEAN and China dating back 30 years had yielded several concrete results for both regions, especially in the economic sector.
"Our trade in 1991 was worth US$8.36 billion, while last year, it reached more than US$685.28 billion, an 82-fold increase under 30 years," Jokowi remarked while attending a Special Summit to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations at the Presidential Palace here on Monday.
The president noted that China had become the largest trading partner for the ASEAN for the past 12 years.
The Indonesian head of state highlighted that the two-way cumulative investment had also exceeded US$310 billion over the past three decades, thereby placing China as the fourth-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of all ASEAN Speech Partners.
The strong relationship between the ASEAN and China requires hard work, one of which is through building trust for a more solid, mutual, and beneficial partnership for the next three decades, the president emphasized.
"That mutual trust can be realized if we all respect the international law," he affirmed.
Jokowi called to empower the ASEAN-China partnership in order to transform the region into an economic powerhouse while emphasizing on the importance of balanced trade to be pursued.
"Hence, cooperation to support transition in terms of the economy, energy, and digitalization becomes imminent for going forward," he highlighted.
To realize a firmer relationship and efforts of transition, he noted that the ASEAN and China were responsible for ensuring peace and stability in the region. Jokowi believes that there will be no prosperity without peace and stability.
"Let us strengthen cooperation to recover together, recover stronger," he affirmed.
The president also extended his congratulations on the 30 years of ASEAN-China partnership. He is positive that the comprehensive strategic partnership will lead ASEAN and China to take a giant leap.
At the ASEAN-China Special Summit, Jokowi was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Director General of ASEAN Cooperation at the Foreign Affairs Ministry Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, and Indonesian Permanent Representative to the ASEAN Derry Aman. (Antaranews)
November
Desist from overexploiting Indonesia's geological wealth: Jokowi
Written by Nur Yasmin
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has reminded all stakeholders and the public to maintain Indonesia's geological, biological, and cultural wealth and diversity to prevent them from being damaged and overexploited.
“The geopark area is a place to learn about the national and world heritage, geological diversity, biodiversity, and cultural diversity. We must protect all the diversity and wealth that we have and ensure that it is not destroyed and not overexploited," Jokowi stated at a virtual conference on the Indonesia National Geopark on Monday.
Geopark, or geological park, is an area that has prominent geological elements. Geopark is a place to learn and preserve the wealth and diversity of Indonesia, Jokowi remarked.
As a country located along the ring of fire, Indonesia has various geoparks, such as the Batur Geopark, which is the country's first to be included in the UNESCO Global Geopark List, the Gunung Sewu Geopark, Ciletuh Geopark, Mount Rinjani Geopark, Lake Toba Geopark, and others.
Jokowi urged related stakeholders and the public to always maintain and protect the geopark area and other natural resources in Indonesia through area conservation efforts.
"Please protect our geological wealth by preserving the geological heritage and the values in it, such as the archaeological, ecological, historical, and cultural values, so that they can continue to be passed on to the future generations," he affirmed.
The head of state also emphasized that geoparks can be developed into attractive geotourism sites where tourists can not only enjoy the natural beauty but also become involved in environmental conservation.
"Geoparks may fit as the current tourism trend during the pandemic, which is prioritizing ecotourism and wellness tourism," he added.
Each geopark is considered to have its own uniqueness that should be well-managed apart from the regional geology, volcanic characteristics, endemic flora and fauna, as well as the culture of the people in the geopark area, Jokowi noted.
President Jokowi emphasized that the geopark's management was the key to determining the success of the geopark's development. The management must involve geopark activists, academics, and the surrounding community.
“We can start by generating innovative ideas and making concrete breakthroughs that balance conservation with the economy. I hope that all elements would work to become part of the geopark conservation movement and develop the tourism potential," Jokowi affirmed. (Antaranews)
November
Finance Ministry optimistic of 95% PEN stimulus absorption by year-end
Written by Nur Yasmin
Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara is optimistic of a 95-percent absorption of the National Economic Recovery (PEN) stimulus achieved by year-end as the authority recorded rapid progress in the realisation of stimulus until November 2021.
"Since the government launched the PEN programme in 2020, we observed that the stimulus realisation has reached 67 percent from the total Rp744.77 trillion (around US$52.1 billion) budget limit by November 19, 2021," Nazara stated during the Economic Outlook event held online here on Monday.
The deputy minister projects high realisation of stimulus in the healthcare field, as incomplete stimulus claims of several hospitals were expected to conclude by year-end.
COVID-19 handling costs covered by the national government significantly increased during the COVID-19 Delta variant infection wave in mid-year that overwhelmed the Indonesian healthcare system, and the total spending during the period was apparent from the final report released at the year-end, Nazara remarked.
Nazara opined that the budget for social protection would reach the designated target of Rp135.35 trillion (around US$9.47 billion), as the cost would increase after new payments made in November and December 2021 were included in the calculation.
Meanwhile, the PEN programme stimulus for MSMEs and corporations would reach 90 percent from the Rp81.83 billion (around US$5.72 billion) budget target, as several claims for interest subsidy of the people's business credit had yet to be completed, Nazara stated.
Budget absorption for priority programmes of various ministries would see an increasing trend in the last three months of 2021, thereby pushing the absorption to reach the targeted Rp75.44 trillion (some 5.28 billion), the deputy minister remarked.
Nazara pointed out that 99.4 percent of the PEN stimulus for business incentives had been realized by November 19 and was expected to achieve the target by year-end.
"The stimulus for business incentives is expected to surpass 100-percent absorption from the Rp62.4-trillion target (around US$4.36 billion), and we will continue to accommodate the demand from the state budget to stimulate our economic activities. We will see the absorption performance in December to determine our next step," Nazara stated.
The high stimulus realisation in business incentives provided a significant boost for economic activities despite mobility restrictions in July 2021, he added. (Antaranews)
November
Indonesian marine products displayed at 2020 Dubai Expo
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Ministry of Marine and Fisheries Affairs showcased marine products created by Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the 2020 Dubai Expo, the United Arab Emirates.
"We invite the global community to indulge in the diverse marine products offered by Indonesia's 17 thousand islands," the ministry's Director General of Marine and Fisheries Product Competitiveness, Artati Widiarti, noted in her press statement on Monday.
The Indonesia Pavilion at the Dubai Expo will host the Marine and Fisheries Affairs Ministry's marine product exhibition on November 19-25, the director general confirmed. Products on display have been produced by MSMEs partaking in the ministry's #indonesiafishmarket programme, she revealed.
Food products of Indonesian MSMEs showcased at the exhibition are pangasius fish floss, milkfish floss, fish floss-filled crispy choux and small spring roll, fish skin products, baby fish, and catfish bone crisps, Widiarti revealed.
Non-food marine products displayed at the event comprise salt mouthwash, herbal detox tonic for bath, various seaweed-based cosmetic products, and shell crafts, she added.
The exhibition of marine products aims to introduce and enhance the positive image of Indonesian marine and fishery products in the Middle Eastern and African markets, Widiarti noted.
Apart from showcasing marine products, visitors are also offered a glimpse into marine resources in Indonesia through promotional videos depicting tuna fish, shrimp, and lobster production, she stated.
The 2020 Dubai Expo is an international event showcasing the achievements of various nations in the industrial, technological, cultural, and environmental fields. Some 192 nations across the world have participated in the six-month-long event from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
The Indonesian Pavilion built for the expo has showcased a plethora of products of local MSMEs and organized cultural events portraying Indonesia's diverse culture, including the Indonesia National Day event in early November of 2021. (Antaranews)
November
President Joko Widodo receiving the right of G20 presidency from Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (right) in Rome, Italy, Sunday, October 31, 2021. (ANTARA FOTO/Biro Pers Media Kepresidenan/Laily Rachev/Handout/aww) -
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia's G20 Presidency,next year, crystallizes the global community's expectation of an equitable recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Indonesia's G20 presidency is not only a great challenge but also a hope. By bringing up the theme Recover Together, Recover Stronger, Indonesia encourages joint efforts for the recovery of the world economy," he said here on Sunday.
According to data from the United Nations, about 48 countries are facing a high or very high risk of lost generation due to reduced educational opportunities, job losses, and constrained health care systems.
Thus, a global-scale cooperation is necessary to prevent prolonged crisis, particularly to help the poorest and most vulnerable countries.
Global cooperation, one of which is through the G20 Indonesia Presidency, will also seek global partnerships in the form of funding support, suspension of debt payments, and access to technology.
The pandemic has facilitated an opportunity to reset and reshape the world in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Countries all over the world have committed to achieving these goals by 2030, thus innovative financing mechanisms are needed to close the gap in the funding of the SDGs.
One of these innovative financing is in the form of blended finance and sustainable private investment which is meant to revive the economy and create jobs.
President Joko Widodo has emphasized that the main principles that must be followed are inclusivity, community-focused, environmentally friendly, and sustainable growth.
This principles go hand in hand with increasing productivity and resilience, as well as ensuring economic and financial stability all around the world.
"Indonesia will try its best so that the G20 can benefit all countries. Inclusivity is a top priority for Indonesia's leadership, with a commitment to ensure no one is left behind," The minister concluded//ANT
November
Screenshot—President Joko Widodo opens National Culture Week 2021 on Friday (November 19, 2021). (ANTARA/Indriani/aa) -
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said he wants to improve the country's balance of payment, which has remained under pressure for many years due to high oil imports.
To that end, the use of electric cars and stoves must be encouraged to reduce oil and gas needs, he said.
“If we are able to switch to other energy, for instance, replacing all cars with electric ones, and household gas with electricity due to PLN’s power oversupply, then Pertamina’s oil imports will decline,” the President said in directives to the boards of commissioners and directors of state electricity company PT PLN at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Tuesday, streamed on the Youtube channel of the Presidential Secretariat on Saturday.
By optimizing the use of electric power from PLN, the issue of electric power supply can be resolved and oil imports will decline accordingly, he explained.
If oil imports decline, this will have a positive impact on the country’s current account and balance of payment, he pointed out.
“The great goal is that the country will receive gain in the form of (surplus in) the balance of payment, which has remained unsolved for tens of years now because our oil imports are very large,” Jokowi noted.
The decline in oil imports will also enable state oil and gas company Pertamina to reduce its dollar needs in the money market, allowing the rupiah’s exchange rate to strengthen, he said.
If the rupiah’s exchange rate strengthens due to a steady decline in imports, the Indonesian economy will fundamentally become more resilient and competitive, he added.
President Jokowi also urged PLN to prepare for an energy transition from fossil fuel to environmentally friendly or green energy.
“This is urgent. It must set a target, for instance, for 2022, since (in 2021 there) is still one month left. For instance, to produce 5 thousand megawatts of electrical power in 2022, it can switch from coal to hydropower, geothermal energy, or solar panel,” he said.
The energy transition from fossil energy to green energy must be done by all sides, including PLN and Pertamina, he added.
"For the better interests, for our children and grandchildren, energy transition to green energy is inevitable,” he said//ANT
November
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds a virtual IACS cultural arts scholarship program
Written by nuke
Director general of information and public diplomacy, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teuku Faizasyah delivered his closing remarks on 2021 Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholars (IACS) arts and culture scholarship program in Padang, Saturday (20/11/21) - Kemlu
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs again held the 2021 Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholars (IACS) arts and culture scholarship program which was held virtually for the first time. The Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship Program (IACS), which starts from September 24 to November 14, 2021, involves 46 participants from 21 countries in the Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa Region and collaborates with 6 art studios in 6 provinces in Indonesia. On his closing remarks in Padang, West Sumatra, Saturday (20/11/21), the Director general of information and public diplomacy, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teuku Faizasyah congratulated the participants and hoped that they would introduce Indonesian culture in their respective countries. respectively.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I need to reiterate that the virtual Indonesian arts and culture scholarsip program of the Indonesian of foreign ministry continue to reflects new vision. The program aims to the participants to get new set of skills, new friends from all over the world and a new home in Indonesia. So I would like to say keep Indonesia near to your heart and sent your starts where ever you are. In this chance I like to congratulate you all for completing 2021 Indonesian arts and culture scholarsip" He said.
Teuku Faizasyah added that this program is also a form of appreciation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which aims to maintain the presence of art workers who are greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. By utilizing technology, during this pandemic, Indonesia can also continue to promote one of the national soft power assets, namely Indonesian arts and culture//VOI-NK
November
Ready to fight any lawsuit over raw material export ban: Widodo
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia is ready to fight any lawsuit over its policy banning raw material exports, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said.
"Do not drag us to the WTO (World Trade Organization) for our (policy) to stop exports of raw materials. We will fight for it, in any way," he remarked at the Kompas100 CEO Forum, observed from here on Thursday.
During the G20 Summit in Rome, Italy recently, many state leaders paid attention to Indonesia's stance against nickel ore exports, the President said.
He said he told the leaders that the nickel export ban is aimed at developing the country's nickel downstream industry, which could open more jobs for people.
However, Widodo said he would welcome countries who want to invest or establish smelter facilities in Indonesia.
"We are open to that. But we do not want to continue sending raw materials. No, stop," he remarked.
The government has banned exports of nickel raw materials, he noted. In the future, it will also ban exports of bauxite and copper raw materials, he said.
Indonesia is currently building a copper refining and processing (smelter) installation in Gresik, East Java, Widodo noted.
"Next year (we will ban) bauxite. If our smelter is ready, stop bauxite (exports), so we can open jobs. Then, stop copper. After our smelter in Gresik is finished, stop," he informed.
Lawsuits against the decision to ban raw material exports would not stop the country, he said.
"Even though we were challenged by the European Union to the WTO, it's okay, go ahead. This is our nickel, taken from our land," Widodo added.
The ban on nickel ore exports took effect on January 2, 2020, based on the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation Number 11 of 2019 on mineral and coal mining, and requires nickel to be processed in Indonesian smelters before being sold overseas.
The EU has filed a lawsuit against Indonesia with the WTO over Indonesia’s nickel export ban, Widodo said.
The EU believes that the ban on nickel exports would ruin the bloc’s efforts to excel in the world’s stainless steel industry, as nickel ore is a vital ingredient for stainless steel production, he noted. (Antaranews)
November
Jakarta Governor promises to help reduce workers' cost of living
Written by Nur Yasmin
Governor Anies Baswedan has promised to help reduce the cost of living for workers in Jakarta following demands for an increase in the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP) in 2022.
"We are planning to help workers by reducing their cost of living," he said while meeting workers in front of the Jakarta City Hall on Thursday.
The governor said a number of terms need to be met in order to raise the minimum wage. However, the raise could be compensated for by lowering the cost of living, for which the local government could intervene, he added.
One example of efforts that can be done to lower the cost of living is reducing the cost of transportation in Jakarta, he pointed out.
Aside from that, the government could also help by providing low-priced foods and Kartu Jakarta Pintar (Jakarta Smart Cards) for workers' children to reduce their cost of living, Baswedan said.
Food prices can be lowered through a cooperative managed by a labor association whose food needs are supplied by PD Pasar Jaya, a local company owned by the Jakarta provincial government, he added.
That way, Baswedan said, the cost of living can be reduced and workers can save more money.
"Therefore, even though the existing regulation has regulated their wage, hopefully, they can save because the cost of living can be lowered with the help of the Jakarta provincial government," he remarked.
The Governor met with workers belonging to the Federation of Metal, Electronic, and Machinery Unions of East Jakarta's All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI) while they were expressing their aspirations in front of the Jakarta City Hall on Thursday.
One of the representatives of the federation, Endang Hidayat, said they were taking action ahead of the determination of the 2022 Jakarta Provincial Minimum Wage, which is planned to be set by the government on Friday (November 19, 2021). (Antaranews)
November
Ministry prepares nine eligibility criteria for social aid recipients
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Social Affairs Ministry has prepared five aspects and nine criteria of poverty to help regional governments identify and verify social aid recipients, Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini has said.
During a press conference in the ministry's building here on Thursday, she said the five aspects that will guide governments are their places to live, job, food, and clothing.
Meanwhile, the nine criteria for poverty are places to live, job status, concern over food, food expenditure accounting for more than 70 percent of total spending, and spending on clothes, she added.
Governments will also take into account whether most of a residence's floor is made of soil and whether its walls are made of bamboo, wire, or wood, the minister informed.
Finally, they will also check whether people have access to a toilet and lighting source with provision of 450 watts electricity from a state electric company or a non-electric power source, she said.
According to Rismaharini, there are many people who live in cities and own a house measuring more than 100 square meters as well as a car who have been recorded as social aid recipients.
"According to Law No. 13/2011, the data has come from the regions, so we are returning the data to the regions, and then the regions will check if they (aid recipients) are worthy," she explained.
"Because there are photos that show that the person owns a nice house and a car but they received (social aid). We leave it up to the regions because they are the ones who have the right to revoke it," she said.
The ministry will continue to update data regularly to improve the accuracy of social aid disbursal, she added.
In addition, the ministry will conduct a matching process with Indonesian citizens' identity card numbers (NIK) registered at the Domestic Affairs Ministry's Citizenship and Civil Record Directorate General, she informed. (Antaranews)