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PLN Gradually Recovers Electricity Supply

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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06
October

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The government is committed to increasing electricity access for people living in the outermost, remote, and underdeveloped (3T) areas through the 100-percent electrification target next year, the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister has said.

"We have a program to provide new electricity installations. Some 80 thousand connections have been allocated in the state budget for the 2022 term," Minister Arifin Tasrif informed at a webinar accessed from here on Tuesday.

The program will cover households who cannot afford to pay for new installations in 3T areas that are already supported by electricity, he said.

According to the data from the ministry, the national average electrification ratio reached 99.37 percent in July 2021.

Currently, there are several provinces which need special attention—East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and Papua, Tasrif said.

As rural electricity supply has relied on diesel power plants till date, the government is encouraging them to be replaced by renewable ones according to the villages' potential, he added.

In addition, the government is also pushing the rooftop solar power plant program to increase consumers’ role in clean energy utilization, the minister said.

"Furthermore, the government also supports the development of electricity connection within and inter-islands to increase the reliability of electricity and the implementation of renewable energy in a place where the electricity source is far from the customers," he added.

Currently, the government is conducting a study for inter-island connection to connect major islands in Indonesia, he said.

The interconnection program can also overcome the oversupply of large electricity systems, he added.

The Sumatra-Malaysia electricity interconnection is scheduled for commercial operation in 2030, while a study is still being conducted to export clean electrical energy through the inter-island connection from Sumatra to Singapore, Tasrif said. (Antaranews)

06
October

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The operator of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, has made some preparations ahead of the planned opening of international flights on October 14, 2021.

"We have prepared everything, especially regarding the implementation of health protocols for the passengers," stakeholder relations manager of state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I (Persero) at the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport Branch Office, Taufan Yudhistira, said here on Tuesday.

Furthermore, he informed that his office has set up thermal scanners at the arrivals terminal, prepared checkpoint counters for Port Health Office officers, and provided 28 computers to support the passengers’ documentation and data collection process.

"The computers will be used to ensure that the number of passengers who arrive and the ones who enter the hotel for self-quarantine are the same," he said.

In addition, 20 COVID-19 PCR test booths have been prepared along with 10 tools to examine the passengers, he added. The test will be conducted by Bali Jimbaran Hospital officers, he informed.

"After undergoing the test, the passenger will wait for the result for about one hour in a waiting area, which can accommodate about 300 passengers," Yudhisthira said.

The management of Ngurah Rai Airport will complete the preparations as soon as possible before international flights at the airport are officially reopened, he added.

"If it is to be opened on October 14, we will work as quickly as possible to ready the utilities, facilities, and various tenants at the international terminal,” he said.

Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, had said that due to a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases in Bali province, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport would be re-opened for international arrivals on October 14, 2021. (Antaranews)

06
October

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The Transportation Ministry is coordinating with related stakeholders to ensure preparedness in handling international travelers arriving at the Ngurah Rai International Airport to facilitate smooth running before its reopening for international flights.

“We are keen on ensuring preparedness for handling passengers at the Ngurah Rai International Airport is aligned with health protocols. We take such precautionary measures in a bid to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 new variant imported from abroad through modes of transportation, such as airports,” the ministry’s spokesperson, Adita Irawati, noted in a statement issued here on Tuesday.

The ministry is intensifying coordination with ministries and institutions as well as the COVID-19 Handling Task Force to prepare the health protocols, she remarked.

The provision of PCR test facility at the arrival terminals, waiting rooms, and quarantine rooms continues to be improved before the airport reopens for international flights from October 14, 2021, she stated.

In terms of the health protocols that international travelers are necessitated to follow, the ministry refers to the circular of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force No.18 of 2021 on Health Protocols for International Travel.

The circular regulates international travelers coming to Indonesia through modes of transportation, such as airports, to mandatorily undergo PCR test upon arrival as well as be quarantined for eight days.

“Thereafter, on the seventh day of quarantine, they must undergo the PCR test again. If the result is negative, then they are allowed to continue the trip, but if it is positive, they must continue their quarantine,” she explained.

As earlier reported, Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan had announced that the Ngurah Rai International Airport will be reopened for international flights starting from October 14, 2021.

He appealed to people to follow the quarantine provisions and requirements well. (Antaranews)

05
October

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The National Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM) has provided mangrove seedling assistance to communities in Papua through its mangrove rehabilitation program, which is aimed at increasing the people’s income in the long term.

Indonesia has 3.36-million hectares of mangrove forest area, BRGM secretary Ayu Dewi Utari said here on Monday.

About 1.5 million hectares of mangrove forests are located in Papua and West Papua provinces, she added.

However, about 6 percent of them are damaged, including the mangrove forest in Klamana village, East Sorong sub-district, Sorong city, West Papua, due to overexploitation of reefs by the local communities, who depend on them for a livelihood, she informed.

It is hoped that the community will no longer exploit the reefs as this can damage the marine ecosystem and instead, start to nurture mangrove seedlings that have been planted in the area, Utari said.

"Believe that if the mangrove trees can be preserved, the marine biota will be abundant. Later, it can increase the people's income," she said in a written statement.

In addition, the BRGM secretary stated that the program is part of the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of global climate change, in line with President Joko Widodo's directive.

Meanwhile, head of the Klamana Forest Farmers Group, Demianus Werbete, said that the government program has changed the mindset of the people regarding their livelihoods as the mangroves can be a source of additional income and help improve their economy.

Moreover, the program involves residents directly in planting seedlings. "There are 40 people involved. We plant them (the seedlings) in a 50-hectare mangrove area," he informed.

Meanwhile, head of the Protected Forest Management Unit (KPHL) Unit II Sorong City, Ina Roselina Sikirit, said that the program is also in line with the goal of the government’s national economic recovery program.“There are a lot of crabs here. Mangrove roots are the crabs’ habitat, thus the program will have sustainable impact," she explained.

In addition, the mangrove forest can also be used as a tourism destination and the crabs can be sold as culinary gifts, she said.

Moreover, the rehabilitation can protect the beach from abrasion and prevent seawater intrusion, she added. (Antaranews)

05
October

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At least 53,006,923 Indonesians have received their second jab of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday, according to data provided by the COVID-19 Response Task Force.

The number of fully vaccinated people rose by 330,871 on Monday compared to the day before, according to the latest data from the task force, made available to ANTARA on Monday.

Meanwhile, the number of Indonesians receiving their first COVID-19 vaccine dose increased by 443,244 to reach 94,223,690 .

As per the data, the number of healthcare workers receiving the third or booster dose of COVID-19 rose by 2,239 to touch 962,619.

Overall, Indonesia is seeking to vaccinate 208,265,720 citizens to build herd immunity against the coronavirus under its nationwide vaccination drive, which was rolled out on January 13, 2021.

In the 24 hours ended Monday afternoon, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Indonesia fell by 1,822 to 31,054, data from the task force shows.

However, the number of people contracting SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, increased by 922 to cross 4,220,206. The country reported its first confirmed COVID-19 cases in March 2020. (Antaranews)

05
October

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The Indonesian government has made several adjustments in the Java-Bali region, including opening fitness centers and international arrivals at Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali, amid the sloping transmission of COVID-19.

According to Java-Bali Region Community Activities Restrictions (PPKM) Coordinator, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the opening of fitness centers will only be implemented in the Greater Jakarta, Greater Bandung, Greater Solo, Greater Semarang, Greater Surabaya, and the Special Region of Yogyakarta areas.

The statement was delivered at a press conference that was accessed online from here on Monday.

"Fitness centers may open with a maximum capacity of 25 percent by enforcing strict health protocols and screening through PeduliLindungi apps," he said.

He also informed that the food and beverage outlets in cinemas have been allowed to open. However, the capacity of the cinemas remains capped at 50 percent, Pandjaitan said. The policy will be applied in districts or cities with Level 3, 2, and 1 of PPKM, he said.

"If there are further improvements next week, we will have another adjustment. I want to remind all people that we have to do it gradually and continuously as we do not want something out of control suddenly happening," the Java-Bali Region PPKM coordinator emphasized.

Furthermore, Ngurah Rai Airport will be opened for international arrivals on October 14, 2021 only if it meets the requirements regarding passengers’ quarantine, COVID-19 tests, and health protocol task force readiness, he added.

In addition, all international passengers arriving at the airport will need to bring proof of hotel booking for self-quarantine for a minimum of 8 days at their own expense.

The other adjustment carried out by the government has been the opening of the Honda Developmental Basketball League – a basketball competition for middle and high school students -- in Jakarta and Surabaya, Pandjaitan said.

He reminded the public not to be careless as the slightest negligence could cause an increase in the number of cases and lead to tightening of the imposed policies.

"It can bring disadvantages to all of us," he emphasized. (Reuters)

04
October

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People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Bambang Soesatyo expressed hope that the 20th PON National Games being held in Papua Province would strengthen the sense of nationhood and nationalism among Indonesians.

"There is a mutual relationship between sports and nationalism," he told journalists after attending the opening ceremony of Papua's PON National Games at the Lukas Enembe Stadium in Jayapura on Saturday evening.

Accompanied by Papua Governor Lukas Enembe, several ministers, and top state officials, President Joko Widodo officially opened the country's biggest multi-sport event on Saturday evening.

Sports have become parts of effective endeavors to instill an inclusive feeling of nationalism that has motivated Indonesian athletes to contribute to the nation's sports achievements, Soesatyo said.

The values of sportive spirit, honesty, struggling, endurance, and sincerity for obtaining greater good and nobility commonly found in sports are compatible with those in the sense of nationalism, he said.

In this regard, he highly appreciates the government's role, as shown by the Youth and Sports Ministry and Indonesian Sports Council (KONI), in strengthening the sense of nationhood and nationalism through sports.

"The convening of the Papua games has proven the government's commitment to implementing the principle of equality in regional developments, including an increase in infrastructure facilities outside Java," he said.

The government's scholarship schemes for athletes with prestigious achievements must also be appreciated and supported, he said, adding that more sporting events need to be integrated with other programs that could instill the sense of nationalism.

Papua has come under the spotlight of Indonesia's media outlets as it is hosting this year's PON National Games and National Para Games (Peparnas).

The PON is currently held in Jayapura City and the districts of Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke from October 2 to October 15, while Peparnas will be held from November 2 to November 15.

At least 6,400 athletes and 3,500 officials from 34 provinces across Indonesia are reportedly participating in Papua's PON National Games, which feature 37 events.

Meanwhile, 1,935 athletes and 740 officials will take part in the National Para Games in Jayapura city and Jayapura district, which will feature 12 events. (Antaranews)

04
October

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The Mimika District Health Office has ensured that the spread of malaria in the district continues to be under control, as the 20th National Sports Week (PON) takes place in several areas in Papua, including Mimika.


Head of the Mimika Health Office Reynold Ubra said here Sunday that anticipatory measures regarding malaria containment leading to the PON XX have been carried out since last year. The authorities conduct surveys against mosquito larvae and mass blood surveys (MBS), and distribute mosquito nets.

The Mimika Health Office has also carried out Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in the accommodations where the PON XX participants are staying, in order to prevent Anopheles mosquitos, also often referred to as the malaria mosquitos.

"The IRS fogging had been done two months prior (to the event). As for hotels, we express our appreciation to those who have carried it out independently," he said.

Furthermore, all PON participants were tested for malaria and were given directions regarding the disease, including prevention and mitigation measures.

"Out of over 500 specimens that we had tested, there were three specimens in which malaria cases were found. This means that the rate is under one percent. Two of these cases were athletes from endemic zones, one of which was Mimika," Ubra said.

Aside from during the Papua PON period, surveillance is also done by the Mimika Health Office for three months after participants leave the area.

"Following the malaria inspections, we will carry out migration surveys, where we keep an eye on participants up until three months after they return to their hometowns," he added.

Should there be athletes who experience symptoms of malaria, they will be referred to the local health office or public health centers (Puskesmas).

The local health authorities, he continued, will trace them back to endemic areas and they will get in touch with the Mimika health office.

The Papua PON XX had officially been opened by President Joko Widodo, and is scheduled to take place until October 15. Featuring 37 events, the competitions take place in Jayapura City, and the districts of Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke. (Antaranews)

04
October

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President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited a market in Sota Sub-district, Merauke District, Papua Province, on Sunday after inaugurating the Sota cross-border post (PLBN).

As revealed by a written statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat, at the market which is one of the facilities around the Sota integrated cross-border post, Jokowi had a chance to talk to a female vendor.  

The President bought onions and bananas. When buying bananas, the President asked her about the price of a bunch of bananas.

"Five thousand," the vendor said to the President.

"I bought four, so all twenty thousand rupiah," the President said.

However, the President gave her one million Rupiah.

"I bought a banana for Rp20,000. So how much is the return?" the President asked

"Thank you Mr. President," said the vendor who was greeted by the President's smile.

"Yes, thank you," the President said.

In addition to Sota Market, previously the President also took the time to review a number of cross-border post (PLBN) facilities such as the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea departure route and the Papua New Guinea-Indonesia arrival to Plaza Garuda.

In that place, he met a number of border crossers and took the time to chat with them for a while. (Antaranews)

03
October

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurates the passenger terminal at Mopah Airport, Merauke, Papua on Sunday (Oct 3, 2021). ANTARA/screenshot/Desca Lidya Natalia/sh - 

 

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Sunday inaugurated the new 7,200-square-meter passenger terminal at Mopah Airport in Merauke District, Papua Province. 

"We continue to develop Mopah Airport in Merauke, which is situated at the easternmost tip of Indonesia. Today, we have finished the construction of the new passenger terminal in a 7,200 square meter area with the capacity of 638 thousand passengers per year," the President said at the Mopah Airport, Merauke, Papua.

Present at the occasion were Speaker of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Military Chief Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, and Merauke District Head Romanus Mbaraka.

"This (terminal) is very large, and is expected to improve services to passengers," Jokowi said.

The President noted that Indonesia as a vast country needs to improve its connectivity.

"Facilitating the mobility of people, goods and services will make our economy more efficient. It will also improve our competitiveness in global market. That is the importance of infrastructure," Jokowi remarked.

President Jokowi said, during the past seven years, the government has continued to develop airports and ports in a bid to improve connectivity, including through sea toll.

"In future, the capacity of this airport's passenger terminal will be increased to anticipate the increase number of passenger, public mobility and economic activity,"Jokowi added.

The President called on Papua Governor and Merauke District Head to use the Mopah Airport for creating new economic centers in the region and improve its competitiveness in export and investment.

"It should be beneficial to people's welfare in Merauke and boost the development of Papua," Jokowi noted.

Mopah Airport is one of airports in the province prepared to support the National Sports Week (PON) and National Paralympic Week. Other airports prepared to facilitate the national multi-sporting event are Sentani Airport in Jayapura and Mozes Kilangin Airport in Timika.

Merauke will be the venue for some  events, including paramotor, wushu, wrestling, fencing, women's football, chess, and road race.

The development of Mopah Airport worth Rp141 billion was handled by the Transportation Ministry.

A data of the ministry's Directorate General of Air Transportation showed that, in 2018 the number of passengers in the aiport had reached 440 thousand per year.

With its 2,500 meter-long and 45 meter-wide runway, the airport can be landed by such wide-body aircraft as Boeing 737-900 and Airbus A320.

In addition to Mopah Airport, the ministry has also developed other airports in Papua such as Wamena Airport, New Nabire, Ewer, Kepi and Mozes Kilangin Aiport//ANT