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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
Ministers told to oversee realization of UAE, UK investment commitment
Written by Nur Yasmin
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked his ministers to oversee the realization of investment commitments from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Kingdom (UK).
"I urge the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Investment Minister, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister, and all related stakeholders to push the commitments to be realized," he said at a plenary cabinet meeting at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The President had visited the UAE on November 3–4, 2021 to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in trade and investment.
"In my meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum (the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates), they said that they committed to invest $44.6 billion. It must be followed up until it is realized," he emphasized.
Investment commitments that are not closely monitored usually take a longer time to be realized, Widodo noted.
Furthermore, he said that the state budget only contributes about 15 percent to Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP).
"It means that state-owned enterprises (SOEs), private companies, and foreign investments have a bigger contribution to our GDP," he added.
In addition, he said an investment commitment of US$9.29 billion was obtained during his visit to the UK on November 1–2, 2021.
"It is said in our meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and several CEOs of various British companies that the investment commitment is intended for the energy and green economy sector,” he informed.
While meeting Widodo, the British Prime Minister had expressed UK's interest in investing in Indonesia to support the nation's economic transition.
The UK government will prepare export credits that can be used to support the economic transition cooperation with Indonesia, Johnson said.
Meanwhile, Widodo's visit to the UAE had resulted in 19 cooperation agreements, including between the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) and the Abu Dhabi Growth Fund (ADG), as well as INA and Dubai Ports (DP) World.
In addition, a cooperation agreement for floating solar panels development was inked between the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company and Indonesian oil and gas SOE Pertamina.
UAE cloud computing company Group 42 (G42) had also entered into agreements with partners in Indonesia for the development of smart cities, telecommunications, and genomic laboratories. (Antaranews)
November
Singapore reopens for people from 19 countries with less cases
Written by Nur Yasmin
Singapore had reopened its doors to foreigners from 19 countries with low COVID-19 cases, including Indonesia, to prevent new cases of infections, according to Ambassador of Indonesia to Singapore Suryopratomo.
At a webinar as seen from Jakarta on Tuesday, Suryopratomo noted that the Singaporean government was gradually opening its borders to people from countries with low cases of COVID-19, starting from Brunei Darussalam to Germany.
"Why? Because Brunei has relatively very low number of cases and also the population is low, vaccination (rate) is high, and the country is able to vaccinate all its citizens. Germany is an example of the most disciplined country in Europe, so they see Germany as a prototype," the ambassador stated.
The Singaporean government deems these two countries as having a very low likelihood of their residents spreading the COVID-19 virus in Singapore that has expanded its list of countries for people allowed to visit. It is currently limited at 19 countries, including Indonesia, while the figure was earlier capped at 14.
Indonesian people are considered to have a low likelihood of transmitting COVID-19 to Singaporean residents, given the declining cases since the last month. The number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia has always been below one thousand, or ranging from 400 to 700 cases since October 15, 2021.
Suryopratomo noted that Singapore is strict in allowing people to enter its territory as was apparent from its enactment of a daily quota of foreigners who can enter, capping a limit to as many as 300 to 400 people every day. Every foreigner, who enters, must have been vaccinated.
The figure is also adjusted to the officers who conduct PCR tests at the airport as well as the availability of beds in hospitals as a precautionary measure for treatment of sick people due to COVID-19.
Foreigners are required to take a direct flight to Singapore, so no transit stops during the way. The aircraft is allowed to only carry crew and passengers that have been vaccinated.
With the very strict entry policy, the number of cases of COVID-19 from abroad is very low, Suryopratomo stated.
"You can say it is one thousand to one. Hence, if one thousand people come, then it is only one positive case," he concluded. (Antaranews)
November
Indonesia-Saudi Arabia discussions on umrah regulation to commence
Written by Nur Yasmin
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed to Indonesia having received a diplomatic note from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding discussions centering around holding umrah.
"We can start the discussion regarding umrah. This is particularly to resume the umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia from Indonesia once the condition has been set by the two parties," Hartarto, concurrently head of the COVID-19 and National Economy Recovery Handling Team, noted during an online press conference, Tuesday.
The minister later expounded that Saudi Arabia initially only recognized the COVID-19 vaccines they used: AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson.
Later, Saudi Arabia allowed the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines in the country, completed by a vaccine booster.
However, the vaccine booster in Indonesia can only be administered in January 2022 since the government still has to pursue the target of injecting the first vaccine dose to 70 percent of the community and the second dose to 40 percent of the community.
"Responding to this matter, the religious affairs minister will conduct diplomacy with its Saudi partners and will immediately send a team this week," he remarked.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin will thereafter also communicate with the Ministry in Saudi Arabia to elaborate on the condition of COVID-19 handling in Indonesia that is under control and has received level 1 recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Likewise, several countries, such as Australia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, have also recognized the effectiveness of the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines.
"With various countries having acknowledged (the efficacy of) Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines along with our ability to handle COVID-19 in the country, we hope for umrah pilgrimage to resume in Saudi Arabia," Hartarto noted.
On the same occasion, Chairman of the Hajj and Umrah Travel Agency Association (Forum SATHU) Fuad Hasan Masyhur noted that his meeting with Hartarto aimed to provide inputs and highlight expectations regarding the Hajj and Umrah industry that had not been active for two years.
“The coordinating minister has offered a glimmer of hope, not only to us as an agency but also to the public. By God's will, we will return to the Baitullah," he affirmed. (Antaranews)
November
Netherlands donates personal protective equipment to Indonesia
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Netherlands donated COVID-19 personal protective equipment to Indonesia through the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The donation comprised 5 million surgical masks, 250 thousand isolation coats, 200 thousand aprons, and 100 thousand goggles, according to a press statement issued by Minister Plenipotentiary/ deputy head of mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jakarta, Ardi Stoios-Braken.
The materials will be used for humanitarian response carried out independently by the PMI and the ICRC across Indonesia for the benefit of the Indonesian people, she said.
"The Indonesian government has achieved impressive results in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Large numbers of the population have been fully vaccinated and (public activity restrictions) PPKM measures are gradually being relaxed in locations where the local situation allows for it. The government of the Netherlands is proud to support these efforts and show its solidarity with Indonesia through a donation of medication and vaccines,” she added.
However, there are regions and population groups whose needs have not yet been sufficiently met, she highlighted.
“With the donation of personnel protection materials, we hope to support PMI and ICRC in addressing the COVID-19 response needs of these regions and people,’’ she added.
Meanwhile, PMI chairman Jusuf Kalla informed that COVID-19 in Indonesia has caused approximately 140 thousand deaths, while more than 4 million people have been infected with the virus.
Therefore, support of all nations is needed to help Indonesia win the fight against COVID-19, he added.
“The assistance from the Netherlands Embassy is very useful and we are grateful for it. Although COVID-19 cases in Indonesia are currently decreasing—in contrast to the conditions in July 2021 when the number of new cases reached around 50 thousand per day, the figure is currently down 99 percent as the number of new cases has reached 500 per day—we still have to be vigilant to face the third wave of COVID-19 case spike,” he expounded.
Meanwhile, head of the ICRC regional delegation for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Alexandre Faite, said that the ICRC, together with the PMI, is endeavoring to assist the Indonesian government’s COVID-19 response.
“We are delighted to support the PMI in distributing the PPEs to different areas in Indonesia. One of the priority concerns includes the vaccination program in the eastern part of Indonesia as we open several vaccination centers in East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, Papua, and West Papua provinces,” he remarked.
Faite lauded the Netherlands for the donation and said he hoped efforts will be scaled up to reach out to more people.
The donation shipped by the Netherlands last September arrived at the Tanjung Priok seaport of Jakarta and will be transported to designated Indonesian Red Cross warehouses across Indonesia, he said. (antaranews)
November
BRIN identifies two new horned frog species in Sumatra
Written by Nur Yasmin
A team from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) led by researcher Amir Hamidy has identified two frog species in Sumatra, namely South-Sumatra Horned Frog (Megophrys selatanensis) and Aceh Horned Frog (Megophrys acehensis).
"Each species of Megophrys in Sumatra possibly has limited distribution," Hamidy noted in a written statement received by ANTARA here on Monday.
He highlighted that out of the five species seen in Sumatra, four are endemic.
In addition to being endemic, Megophrys is found in highlands and lowland forests, he informed.
According to Hamidy, the conversion of forest habitats into palm oil plantations and farming land is the biggest threat to the existence of the species.
Moreover, frogs from the Megophrys genus have a faint morphological diversity, he said.
The two new Megophrys species were successfully identified based on a taxonomy status evaluation by utilizing molecular and morphological data, he informed.
The researcher said that while carrying out a herpetofauna survey across the Barisan Mountains, Sumatra, he found the South Sumatra Megophrys population with smooth back skin that is morphologically similar to M.montana from Java.
In addition, he also found a population with back skin that resembles M.parallela from North Sumatra.
Hamidy said he worked with his collaborators Kanto Nishikawa from Kyoto University, Japan, and Eric N. Smith from the University of Texas at Arlington, US, in identifying the new species.
One of the team members who identified the species, Misbahul Munir, who was also the first to report the findings, noted that the horned frog has a unique characteristic—the tip of its head and its eyelid resemble a horn.
The Megophrys also has another unique trait: its mouth is modified to resemble a wide cone-shaped structure, Munir said.
Currently, there are 13 Megophrys species that are known to be located in Southeast Asia, specifically in Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and the Philippines, he said.
Kalimantan has a record six species located on the island, he added. (Antaranews)
November
Indonesia's COVID-19 vaccinations top WHO target
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has surpassed the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO), spokesperson for COVID-19 Vaccinations for the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, has said.
As per the WHO target, countries need to vaccinate at least 40 percent of their population by the end of 2021.
"Indonesia has managed to achieve it (vaccinated 40 percent of its population) faster than the WHO target," Tarmizi said in a written statement received here on Monday.
The WHO had asked all countries to vaccinate at least 10 percent of their population by the end of September 2021, 40 percent of the people by the end of 2021, and 70 percent by mid-2022, she noted.
As of Sunday, Indonesia has administered around 215.6 million vaccine doses and vaccinated 130.3 million people with the first dose and 84.1 million people with the second dose, she informed. The nation is targeting to inoculate 208.2 million under the national immunization program, she said.
Meanwhile, the number of recipients who have received the booster or third dose has reached 1.19 million, she added.
According to Tarmizi, this achievement has been the result of the hard work of all sections of the nation who provided the vaccines and all Indonesian people who participated in the country's vaccination program.
The stock of COVID-19 vaccines in Indonesia as of Saturday (November 13, 2021) stood at 342.5 million doses, both in finished and bulk form, she informed. Indonesia also received 4 million doses of the Sinovac vaccine on Saturday, she said.
Tarmizi then appealed to the public to not doubt or be picky regarding the vaccines used in the national vaccination program. The government guarantees that the vaccines administered to the public are safe, of good quality, and beneficial, she assured.
According to her, COVID-19 vaccines make the body relatively more resistant to the virus, help prevent symptoms and hospitalization, as well as reduce the mortality risk.
"However, it (a vaccine) does not make people 100-percent immune to viral infections, so they can still be infected and infect (other people). For those who have been vaccinated, please continue to follow the 5M health protocols," she remarked. (Antaranews)
November
Indonesia, New Zealand affirm importance of equal access to vaccines
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia and New Zealand affirm the importance of equity in access to vaccines for all countries to accelerate the process of freeing the world of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi following a bilateral meeting with her New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, in Jakarta on Monday.
"I welcome the heightened health cooperation (between the two countries) during the pandemic," said Minister Marsudi at a virtual press briefing.
As part of the cooperation between the two countries during the pandemic, New Zealand provided Indonesia 684,400 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine under the dose-sharing scheme, Marsudi noted. The doses were received last month, she said.
Aside from that, cooperation was also carried out through the Eijkman Molecular Biology Institute to increase COVID-19 testing capabilities, as well as with UNICEF to increase the capacity of public health and medical equipment in Indonesia, she added.
New Zealand demonstrated its support to Indonesia through donations of vaccines as well as ventilators, rapid test kits, and support for the Eijkman Institute, Marsudi said.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand conveyed her appreciation toward her Indonesian counterpart as one of the co-chairs of the COVAX Advance Market Commitment Engagement Group that has played a part in ensuring equal access to vaccines for all nations.
"We agree that close international cooperation is vital, not only in response to the pandemic but also towards economic recovery," said Minister Mahuta.
International cooperation in pandemic handling has become the focus of New Zealand's leadership of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) this year, she noted.
"And I am sure that this will be one of the priority areas for Indonesia in its presidency of the G20 next year," she said.
Aside from bilateral cooperation in health, energy, and economy, the two ministers also discussed regional issues, including the situation in Myanmar and Afghanistan during their meeting.
Indonesia and New Zealand share the same concerns over security and human rights conditions in Afghanistan and Myanmar that are currently facing conflicts, the ministers said.
They also exchanged views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific.
As a dialogue partner to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), New Zealand reaffirmed its commitment towards the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and realizing peace and stability in the region.
"Indo-Pacific is a region that is open for trade and investment, an inclusive region, a region with sovereignty that is respected by all countries, big and small, a region that strives for peace and stability. I reaffirm New Zealand's commitment to the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN as its center, with a region that is based on the law, including UNCLOS," Mahuta said. (Antaranews)
November
Over 84 million Indonesians receive full vaccination: Health Ministry
Written by Nur Yasmin
A total of 84,161,759 Indonesians have received a full dose of COVID-19 vaccination as of Sunday, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
This number has increased by 742,673 compared to the previous day. Meanwhile, the number of people who had received the first dose of vaccination rose by 573,155 to reach 130,283,345..
The data also showed 1,189,235 health workers had received third or booster vaccine doses. Overall, the government is seeking to vaccinate 208,265,720 people against COVID-19.
Previously, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology expressed support for the government's plan to vaccinate children aged 6-11 at school with the COVID-19 vaccine.
"We always support the government's efforts to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, one of which is through the vaccination program and the expansion of vaccination coverage," Acting Bureau of Cooperation and Public Relations of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Anang Ristanto said.
Ristanto added that the vaccination for teachers and students aged 12-18 years which has been carried out previously has become one of the considerations to conduct face-to-face learning (PTM) which has begun on a limited basis.
Vaccination for teachers and students raises hope to welcome a new habit, namely limited face-to-face class held under strict health protocols.
"Evaluation of learning policies continues to be carried out by the government during the pandemic, including distance learning (PJJ). But somehow PJJ cannot be equated with PTM," he conveyed.
If the government was to extend PJJ, the students would potentially experience learning loss or a decrease in learning achievement. PJJ was considered to be less effective, due to the limited family economy and internet network for some students.
"In addition, PJJ in the long term can have several negative impacts on social and psychological development for children, parents, and teachers. This learning method during the pandemic has an impact on several aspects, including the mentality of children and parents," he concluded. (Antaranews)
November
UAE retailer to add 30 hypermarket outlets in Indonesia
Written by Nur Yasmin
An investor from Abu Dhabi, Lulu Group, has planned to add 30 more hypermarkets in the country including Bali in an effort to strengthen its presence in the Indonesian retail sector.
The retail led by Yusuff Ali MA had previously owned five hypermarket in various cities in Indonesia.
"We plan to continue to expand to open 30 other outlets, including in Bali as a major tourist destination," Yusuff Ali said in a statement received here on Sunday (14/11).
The first Lulu Hypermarket at Cakung in Jakarta was inaugurated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in the Year 2016, he said.
In addition to the retail business, Lulu Group also sources and exports various food and non-food products from Indonesia.
"This includes textiles, fruit and vegetables, fresh and frozen fish, pre-packaged food products, handicrafts, accessories, fashion, and household goods to various countries throughout all Lulu Group retail outlets," Yusuff Ali said.
For the initiative step, he said that the sourcing facilities in Indonesia is partnering with thousands of Indonesian farmers, fishermen, small scale entrepreneurs, medium and large-scale factories.
The group also exports rice, noodles, cookies, potato chips, wafer biscuits and fish products in its own Lulu Brand from Indonesia to all countries in the Middle East region.
Meanwhile, Yusuff Ali MA received the Prima Duta Award from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, which was one of the highest awards in the country.
The prestigious award is given to recognize contributions made in Indonesia's economic and commercial sector.
The award was given by President Joko Widodo to Yusuff Ali MA at a ceremony held at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi in recognition of Lulu Group's strategic investment in Indonesia.
"I feel proud and humbled to receive one of the highest awards from the Republic of Indonesia. I am very grateful to the President and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. This recognition will further encourage us to have a strong presence in Indonesia's commercial sector," Yusuff Ali stated. (Antaranews)
November
Indonesia offers infrastructure investment opportunies at Dubai Expo
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing offered infrastructure investment opportunities during a business forum at Expo 2020 Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, the ministry said in a press statement here on Sunday.
"Currently there are 24 projects both solicited and unsolicited worth US$19 billion, including 10 Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects worth US$9.2 billion ready to be offered. These projects comprise 9 road projects and 1 dam project, " Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono said in Dubai.
During the business forum, Minister Hadimuljono said entrepreneurs can use two platforms to invest in the infrastructure sector.
The first platform is a Foreign-Owned Limited Liability Company and the second is a Foreign Construction Services Business Entity.
Indonesia needs a budget of US$430 billion, but of the total, only 30 percent can be covered by the State Budget.
For the other 70 percent, the government issued a number of policies such as on creative financing scheme, including tax incentives for new investment, in order to attract investors and remain competitive.
The government also issued Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation, which aims to open up greater opportunities for entrepreneurs to invest in infrastructure in Indonesia.
The Indonesian Pavilion during the seventh week of Expo 2020 Dubai broadcast digital content containing the support of the Ministry of PUPR for the Five Super Priority Tourism Destinations, development of eastern Indonesia, increasing accessibility between regions and developing special areas.
The Five Super Priority Tourism Destinations are part of the government's program to promote ten new Balis. The tourist destinations are Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Lombok-Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, and Likupang.
The five super priority tourist destinations are expected to not only attract tourists, but also foster a creative economic ecosystem that involves local residents.
The Ministry of PUPR's support for the Five Super Priority Tourism Destinations is in the form of infrastructure development at each location, which is planned in an integrated manner.
It also held a virtual exhibition entitled "Infrastructure for A Better Tomorrow" from November 12 to 30 at the Dubai expo. (Antaranews)