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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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August
Govt improving data on COVID death rate: minister
Written by Nur Yasmin
The government is improving data on the COVID-19 death rate in Indonesia as there are a number of records that do not match the conditions on the ground, Minister of Communication and Informatics, Johnny G. Plate, has said.
"The government has not removed or eliminated the death toll from the assessment of the level of public activity restrictions (PPKM)," he assured in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
Improvements are currently being made to ensure data accuracy, the minister said adding, if data is tidy, the death indicator will be re-entered.
The government is continuing to work hard to harmonize and validate data from the field, regarding the indicators used for the PPKM level assessment, he said.
"There are three basic indicators used in determining the level of PPKM in an area, namely the rate of transmission, the positivity rate, and the mortality rate," he informed.
The minister said that the government found data in the form of accumulated COVID-19 patient mortality in the past few weeks, so they were not actual.
"This causes distortion in the analysis process of an area," he added.
He said the government has decided to improve the data by sorting out real-time death data on the day of a patient's death, which is currently accumulated in the death data of the central government.
For example, out of the number of deaths entered on a date, not all were actual deaths on that day, but included data that had been recorded three weeks earlier and then reported again, the minister said.
During data repair, he noted, the government will temporarily use other indicators for assessment.
Earlier, spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Jodi Mahardi, had said that the government is trying to act quickly to fix the death data to get a valid number.
As a result, the assessment result is also more accurate, Mahardi added. (Antaranews)
August
Indonesia receives more oxygen concentrators from Singapore
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia received 12,505 oxygen concentrators and six thousand nasal cannulas arranged by Indonesian and Singaporean companies from Singapore on Thursday to support its COVID-19 fight.
Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryo Pratomo, as well as representatives from Indonesian and Singaporean companies attended the assistance handover ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore.
The handover of assistance was also attended virtually by secretary general of the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry Cecep Herawan, head of the Indonesian Health Ministry's Health Crisis Center Eka Jusup Singka, and the Indonesian Consulate General for Shanghai, Deny Kurnia.
Herawan said that collaboration and cooperation with various parties is a significant solution to free Indonesia from the pandemic.
"To flatten the curve (of COVID-19 cases), we need not only the role of the state, but also the role of business people, academics, community leaders, and also the media," he remarked.
He said the collaboration is expected to further strengthen the close and cooperative relationship between Indonesia and Singapore, in line with the spirit of the month of independence for Indonesia and Singapore, which falls in August.
Meanwhile, Health Crisis Center head Singka said that most of the assistance that had arrived in Indonesia had been distributed.
Further aid distribution will focus on areas outside Java and Bali, which are currently reported to have experienced a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, he added.
The donations are expected to help Indonesia free itself from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, he said.
The same expectation was also expressed by representatives from Indonesian and Singaporean companies that provided the assistance.
Chairperson of the Bakti Barito Foundation, Fifi Setiawaty, said that the collaboration not only showed the companies' solidarity as a business player, but also reflected a strong people-to-people relationship.
Meanwhile, DBS Bank Group chief information and head of technology & operations, Jimmy Ng, emphasized the importance of cooperation in the midst of the pandemic.
"If you want to go fast, just go alone, but if you want to go far, then we must walk together," Ng said.
Meanwhile, the companies involved in providing the assistance include Bakti Barito Foundation, DBS Bank, PT Cikarang Listrindo, PT Dharma Satya Nusantara, East Ventures, Indies Capital Partners Pte Ltd, PT Kino Indonesia Tbk, Sinarmas, Tanoto Foundation, PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk, Triputra Group, UID Foundation, Wahanan Artha, CapitaLand Hope Foundation, COMO Foundation, GrabTaxi Holdings Pte Ltd, Hotel Properties, Singtel, and Temasek Foundation. (Antaranews)
August
Rise in death toll due to unreported cases: Health Ministry
Written by Nur Yasmin
The increase recorded in the COVID-19 mortality rate in Indonesia in the last three weeks is the result of the accumulation of unreported cases, the Health Ministry has said.
"Some data has been accumulated for day or weeks -- even for several months. Hence, they become less appropriate to be used as an indicator for assessing current COVID-19 conditions in Indonesia," spokesperson for COVID-19 vaccinations at the ministry, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, said here on Wednesday afternoon.
Ministry data shows that in the last three weeks, the death toll in Indonesia has increased, with West Java, Central Java, and East Java provinces accounting for the most fatalities.
An analysis of the ministry’s National All Record (NAR) data had found that the regional governments' report did not reflect the actual figures, expert staff at the ministry, Panji Fortuna Hadisoemarto, explained.
NAR is a big data system for laboratory records managed by the ministry to aid handling of COVID-19, he added.
Most of the 2,048 deaths reported on Tuesday were not recorded the same day, but the week before, and 10.7 percent of them were recorded as confirmed cases for more than 21 days, he said. However, the deaths have now been confirmed and included in the death toll, he informed.
For instance, Bekasi City reported 397 death cases the previous day, he said in a written statement.
Ninety-four percent of them were not recorded the same day -- 57 percent were reported in July this year and 37 percent in June, the expert staff stated. Meanwhile, the remaining 6 percent were recorded in the first week of August, he added.
He also cited the example of Central Kalimantan, saying the province reported 70 deaths of which 61 percent were recorded as active cases for more than 21 days. (Antaranews)
August
Transportation Ministry issues new regulation on international travel
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Transportation Ministry has issued Circular Letter Number 63/2021 on International Travel by Air Transportation Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, effective Wednesday (August 11, 2021).
"Indonesian citizens coming from abroad are allowed to enter Indonesia while conducting strict health protocols. Meanwhile, foreigners are still prohibited to enter, except those who fulfill the criteria of the Regulation of Law and Human Rights Minister Number 27/2021 and the Travel Corridor Arrangement bilateral agreement or obtain special written permission from the Indonesian ministry/agency," director general of civil aviation at the ministry, Novie Riyanto, said in a written statement issued on Wednesday.
Furthermore, all international travelers will have to carry vaccination certificates showing that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, he added.
"If the Indonesian travelers haven't received any vaccination abroad, they will be vaccinated at their quarantine sites upon their arrival in Indonesia after their second real-time PCR test with negative result has been out. The regulation also applies to foreigners aged 12-17, holders of diplomatic or service visas as well as holders of Permanent or Limited Stay Permit Cards,” he informed.
“Meanwhile, foreigners in Indonesia who want to travel domestically or internationally are required to get vaccinated through the national program or the mutual cooperation scheme in accordance with the local regulations," he said.
However, the rule on carrying COVID-19 vaccination certificates will not apply to:
a. Foreigners who hold diplomatic or service visas related to official visits of foreign officials at ministerial level and above as well as those who enter Indonesia through the Travel Corridor Arrangement.
b. Foreigners who have not been vaccinated and intend to travel from their departure city to the international airport to take international flights out of the territory of Indonesia. However, they will have to show their tickets and get permission from the Port Health Office. In addition, foreigners who have not been vaccinated and are only making a transit stop before continuing their journey on another international flight will also not need to show their vaccination certificate as long as they remain in the waiting area.
c. Foreigners aged under 18 years; and,
d. Foreigners with specific health conditions. However, they will be required to bring a certificate from a government hospital in their country of departure stating that they are unable to get vaccinated.
"I urge all passengers to thoroughly read the circular letter to correctly adjust with the new regulation," Riyanto said adding, the circular can be downloaded from the website jdih.dephub.go.id. (Antaranews)
August
Indonesia supports Chinese investment in Indonesia's health sector: Luhut
Written by Nur Yasmin
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has assured his support for Chinese investment in Indonesia's health sector.
During the handing over of medical assistance from the Chinese government for the handling of COVID-19 in the country here on Tuesday, Minister Pandjaitan said that Indonesia will support China's investment in the health sector in the future, such as investment in vaccines, manufacturing medical devices, and building international hospitals.
"No single country can fight this pandemic alone. We must establish cooperation, solidarity and friendship between countries to be able to fight this epidemic in the future," he said in a written statement here on Wednesday.
Indonesia has again received medical assistance from the Chinese government for handling COVID-19 in the country, he noted.
The assistance included medical devices such as ventilators, oxygen concentrators, oxygen nasal cannulas, and oxygen face masks, he informed. Medical devices are very much needed in the fight against the highly contagious Delta variant, he added.
The assistance from the Chinese government was handed over by the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Xiao Qian, and Huawei representatives to the Indonesian government, which was represented by Minister Luhut and Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin.
"On behalf of the Indonesian government, I would like to thank the Chinese government, Huawei and China Eastern Airlines, for this kind of cooperation and assistance provided to the Indonesian government and its people," said Pandjaitan.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Sadikin also expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided by the country.
"I also appreciate what the Chinese government has given for us. Such assistance is not only helping the lives of the Indonesian people, but also is a form of humanity from the Chinese government for the Indonesian government," he said.
The Chinese government was concerned by the COVID-19 resurgence in Indonesia, Ambassador Xiao Qian said. While some of the medical aid was delivered on Monday, the rest will arrive on Friday, he informed.
"The governments of China and Indonesia are good friends, neighbors as well as partners. In the face of the pandemic, this support is a testament to China's friendship and solidarity with Indonesia," the ambassador added. (Antaranews)
August
COVID-19: Govt assures access to care for kids separated from families
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) has said it will ensure that children who lose their parents due to COVID-19 get the level of care they need.
"We have made a data management protocol and foster protocol for children infected and affected by COVID-19; children whose parents/caregivers/guardians are infected by COVID-19; as well as children whose parents have died because of COVID-19," PPPA Minister Bintang Puspayoga said in a press release issued here on Monday.
The ministry has also issued a circular to provincial governments on preparing data on children who are separated from their parents due to self-isolation or death so they can get assistance and care, she informed.
Furthermore, the ministry has launched a call center number (129) and WhatsApp number (08111-129-192) where people can report children whose parents have died of COVID-19, she added.
"We also continue promoting the provisions for child protection, child care, child adoption and guardianship," the minister said.
The ministry is also taking preventive measures by optimizing the #BERJARAK movement to ensure women and children are safe and protected from COVID-19, Puspayoga said.
It is also optimizing Community-Based Integrated Child Protection (PATBM) to help families adapt to new habits during the COVID-19 pandemic, she informed.
"The PATBM knows the best about the children in their community. It can coordinate community-based care or find a substitute caregiver for the children separated with their families due to COVID-19," she said.
The ministry is also trying to optimize the role of families in protecting children from COVID-19, she informed. It is children’s right to be well-cared by their own parents or their foster families, she stressed. (Antaranews)
August
Indonesian govt pushes for more women in industrial sector
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Industry Ministry has said it is preparing female human resources (HR) for the industrial sector who can master the latest technologies to support innovation and increase productivity in the sector to help it compete globally.
"This strategic step is in accordance with the priority programs in the Making Indonesia 4.0 roadmap. We are ready to develop reliable human resources who can keep up with the current development of the 4.0 industry," Head of Industrial Human Resources Development at the Industry Ministry, Arus Gunawan, said.
Skilled human resources are key for boosting industry capabilities, aside from investment and technology, he pointed out in Jakarta on Monday.
"In this case, Indonesia has a large capital from the availability of productive human resources, given it is enjoying a demographic bonus period until 2030," he said.
Under Making Indonesia 4.0, the nation is targeting to be among the 10 countries with the strongest economies in the world by 2030, he said. Therefore, the Industry Ministry has initiated many programs and activities related to industrial vocational education, he added.
Gunawan also said his agency has been encouraging several parties to strengthen Indonesian human resources, particularly in the industrial sector.
"With collaboration among stakeholders, the desired goals will be more easily implemented and on target," he added.
One such collaboration was a webinar themed 'Gender Responsive Vocational Education', he informed. It was jointly held by the Industrial Human Resources Development Agency of the Industry Ministry and Prospera (Indonesia-Australia partnership program for the economy).
The webinar was aimed to highlight the strategic role of women in national development, particularly in the development of industrial vocational education, he added.
Meanwhile, Head of Industrial Vocational Education Development at the Industry Ministry Iken Retnowulan said Prospera has carried out a gender-based assessment of education units within the Industrial Human Resources Development Agency by conducting an initial analysis of data on lecturers, teachers and students, as well as study programs.
"The results of the data review will later be used as a basis for further policy-making for the development of industrial vocational in accordance with industry needs, especially in terms of realizing gender equality in various study programs so that female graduates who work in the industrial sector also become contributors in increasing GDP in Indonesia," she explained.
Retnowulan deemed gender equality necessary in Indonesia.
"According on the McKinsey Global Institute Report (2015), a 10-percent growth in gender equality is believed to be able to increase GDP by US$135 million in 2025 compared to business-as-usual conditions," she said.
According to Eni Widiyanti from the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry, the role of women in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field is still lacking. Women are also less involved in the technology sector, she noted.
“According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), there were around 57 percent of women who left their jobs (in the sector). Thus, we need a flexible future job design to help women in doing their jobs,” Widiyanti stressed.
Meanwhile, lead advisor of Markets Prospera, Julia Tijaja, said that the digital potential can be optimized for traditional sectors, such as for ensuring higher women's participation in vocational education.
“In the future, the participation of the industry will be very important. This collaboration is something we need to optimize,” he explained.
Julia said he expects the efforts made by the Industry Ministry and its partners to increase the role of women in supporting industrial growth, driving the household economy, and forming a young generation with a strong character. (Antaranews)
August
Indonesia can become a 'very easy country' to conduct business: govt
Written by Nur Yasmin
President Joko Widodo expects Indonesia to move to the “very easy category” in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index.
“Indonesia ranks 73rd out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 Report, meaning we have been classified as easy. However, we still have to improve on this achievement,” he said while launching the risk-based Online Single Submission (OSS) system of the Ministry of Investment on Monday.
Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Investment, and Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Finance, also attended the event.
“The key is to reform permission issuance as business leaders need convenient services. A fast, integrated, and simple process will increase our competitiveness in attracting investment. I believe this will have a significant impact on our national and regional economic recovery,” President Widodo noted.
“Every business will have different permissions based on their risk level. The system will issue permits for high-risk businesses, while medium-risk ones will get licenses. Meanwhile, low-risk business will be given identification numbers,” he added.
He then encouraged domestic and foreign business leaders and investors to use the service, to increase their investments and create more job opportunities.
OSS was introduced in March 2021 by the ministry, in cooperation with PT. Indosat, Tbk. The system application is based on the Government Regulation Number 5/2021 on the Implementation of Risk-based Business Permission, in accordance with Job Creation Law Number 11/2020.
The World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 Report is a research study conducted to measure the enforcement of business regulations in 190 countries. Indonesia scored 69.2 points in the report.
The report also surveyed 20 cities in Indonesia and found that Yogyakarta is the easiest place to start a business, while Balikpapan has the most efficient construction permit issuance process. Business leaders also enjoy the most efficient property registration service in Bandung. (antaranews)
August
Fire at Komodo Island savannah managed to be extinguished
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Komodo National Park (BTNK) rangers were managed to put out the fire at Laju Pemali savannah in the western part of Komodo Island in West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday morning.
"The fire were put out at 5.00 a.m. after the park deployed 41 rangers," BTNK head Lukita Awang said when contacted in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara Province, on Sunday.
The fire broke out on Saturday (Aug 7) at around 03.00 p.m. Laju Pemali is situated in the western part of Komodo Island and in the southern part of Loh Wenci.
Awang said, the fire has burned savannah vegetation on 10 hectares of the park. The authority is still investigating the cause of the fire.
The BTNK head assured, no Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) were hurt in the blaze as the savannah was not the habitat for the giant lizard.
The park personnel has continued to monitor the situation to ensure that the fire was completely extinguished.
Komodo National Park, a popular tourist destination, is made up of three large islands and more than 20 smaller ones and is home to the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard.
In 2018, fire swept across several hills on a small island in Komodo National Park.
Officials said the island is uninhabited and no wildlife or tourists were hurt in the blaze, which was extinguished after about eight hours. (Antaranews)
August
Indonesian president says restrictions needed to stem COVID surge outside most populous islands
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in a video released Saturday that COVID-19 infections have started to surge outside the populous Java-Bali islands, and that movement restrictions are needed to stem transmission.
"The people's mobility needs to be stemmed. For at least two weeks," he said, adding that cases are surging in provinces such as West Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggara. He did not specify where and when such restrictions will take place.
Indonesia's current mobility restrictions are in place until August 9. (Reuters)