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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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July
Minister Hartarto holds bilateral trade discussion with US ambassador
Written by Nur Yasmin
Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto and the US Ambassador Sung Kim discussed endeavors to intensify bilateral trade during a virtual courtesy call on Thursday.
Trade between Indonesia and the US was valued at US$30 billion, lower than the US bilateral trade with other ASEAN member countries.
"We can increase the trade, two or three folds, with Indonesia's position as the largest economy in the ASEAN. There is plenty of room for boosting bilateral trade," Hartarto noted in a statement here on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Kim was optimistic that economic ties, covering trade and investment, would continue to deepen.
Some US companies are interested to invest in Indonesia, he remarked.
The ambassador also echoed the US’ concern over a spike in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia and ensured vaccine donations to help the country tackle the pandemic.
"The US government has donated four million doses of the Moderna vaccine scheduled to arrive soon, as well as technical and other medical aid, including oxygen," Kim remarked.
Minister Hartarto lauded the US support and help to handle the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
Hartarto noted that the government had used domestic and imported medical devices, with import duty relaxation, to treat COVID patients.
The bilateral talks also covered the prospect of cooperation in renewable energy.
Hartarto drew attention to Indonesia’s abundant renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.
"Indonesia is open for cooperation with the US to boost the transition toward renewable energy in the country," he stated. (Antaranews)
July
Ministry confirms 47.7 million vaccine doses administered to citizens
Written by Nur Yasmin
Some 47.7 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered to Indonesians by July 6, with the daily dosage being increased to 1-2 million in August, Coordinating Economic Affairs Ministry's special staff, Raden Pardede, stated.
“In the attempts to stem the transmission of COVID-19 and to achieve herd immunity, we continue to accelerate vaccination that had touched one million and even 1.5 million on July 1. We have set the target of two million daily doses,” Pardede remarked during an online discussion here on Wednesday.
The government is striving to expedite the vaccination program in order to achieve the daily dosage target of 1-1.5 million by the end of July whilst maintaining to secure the vaccine supply, he noted.
According to the vaccination roadmap, the government has planned to increase the inoculated daily doses to 1.5 million by July, 1.5 million by August, 1.8 million by September, 1.8 up to three million by October, 2.8 million up to three million by November, and 2.5 million by December.
The roadmap was designed since the government is eyeing to achieve herd immunity among the residents of Greater Jakarta by the third quarter of 2022, in Java and Bali by the end of 2021, and all Indonesian regions by the first quarter of 2022.
Pardede cautioned that the emerging delta variant can infect as many as 117,649 people within 30 days of transmission and is deemed much more dangerous than the alpha variant that can infect 15,625 within a month and the Wuhan variant that can infect 729 people.
“This is a new, unprecedented viral mutation that we have never counted before. As part of the health handling efforts, we have enforced micro PPKM (public activity restriction) for regions outside of Java and Bali as well as emergency PPKM for Java and Bali,” he noted.
He remarked that the emergency PPKM in Java and Bali, covering 45 districts or towns, was enforced in a bid to curb the additional daily active cases to below 10 thousand and bed occupancy ratio to under 70 percent.
“It is to ensure that the health facilities and health workers are able to cope (with such conditions). If it is over 10,000, akin to what the condition is now, then the downstream end of the health sector cannot handle it,” he stressed. (Antaranews)
July
RRI President: RRI-VOA Cooperation Valuable For Indonesia, USA
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Public Broadcasting Institution (LPP) Radio Republic of Indonesia (RRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding/MOU with Voice of America (VOA) Indonesian Service, Wednesday (7/7/2021) virtually.
In his remarks, Mohammad Rohanudin as the President Director of the Indonesian Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) said that the cooperation between RRI and VOA is very valuable for the two countries, Indonesia and the United States.
"This is a very important and valuable cooperation for the two countries," said Mohammad Rohanudin, Wednesday (7/7/2021).
"Why do I say that? Two countries are big countries, whose point is to have a good image of the country, whether it's America in RRI, then RRI and Indonesia in the United States there," he added.
"Indeed, recently this year I got a strong collaboration between Voice of America and RRI, how much RRI is spread throughout Indonesia, imaged by VOA and imaged by Indonesian local cultures throughout the world that RRI is doing simultaneously with VOA," he explained. .
Rohanudin reminded RRI to be careful to maintain the quality of the news so that it could be accepted by the people in Indonesia and the Indonesian people in America.
"The news broadcast by RRI and VOA is of course not news that often happens in Indonesia, wrong news," he said.
He again reminded that the image of Indonesia must be maintained by RRI without abandoning its journalistic abilities.
"Hopefully this cooperation will be beneficial for both countries politically, socially and economically," he hoped.
Meanwhile, Voice of America Program Director John Lippman appreciated the memorandum of understanding between VOA and RRI. In his view, Indonesia is a very important country for the United States.
"VOA Indonesia service is one of the stars of our service. And we are very pleased to be working with RRI, a strong multimedia organization," said Lippman.
Lippman also praised RRI's broadcasts and programs when he visited RRI some time ago.
"In fact, we believe that when we visited RRI, I saw for myself how RRIN produces and broadcasts programs. And the programming is very strict in screening and audience-oriented," he said.
And this, he continued, is the right content that we can use as one of the content/programs of the 47 language program that we present to the world.
"And we are lucky that you become our partner. We look forward to collaborating with RRI, exchanging content, exchanging best practices, and expanding collaboration between the two organizations and I personally hope to see you all again in Washington or Jakarta," he explained.
"And on behalf of VOA I congratulate you on joining our extended family," he added.
The signing was attended virtually by the Director of Information, Polhukam, Directorate General of Information and Public Communication, Ministry of Communications and Informatics, Bambang Gunawan and Yudho Sasongko from the Indonesian Embassy in Washington as well as representatives from RRI and VOA. (RRI)
July
In connection with LPP RRI's vision, namely the realization of RRI as a trusted and global Public Broadcasting Institution, LPP RRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding/MOU with Voice of America (VOA) Indonesian Service on Wednesday (7/7/2021), virtually.
The President Director of RRI M. Rohanudin was present at the event.
Previously, one of the elected RRI Councils, Mohamad Kusnaeni, had expressed his readiness to bring RRI to compete at the world level.
"It can return to being a radio loved by listeners, close to listeners, and also able to compete at the world level. Because, what we know is that the radios of public broadcasters in the world, such as those in England, Australia, and Japan, have the ability and have extraordinary appeal so that they can reach a lot of listeners in their country," said Kusnaeni while talking to Pro3 RRI, Friday (21/5/2021).
"RRI can be like that, the potential is big, maybe we haven't exploited that great potential, if we work on it together we believe it can be big," he added. (RRI)
July
COVID entry rules for foreigners align with global standards: minister
Written by Nur Yasmin
Foreign nationals entering Indonesia need to abide by standard procedures implemented globally, which also require them to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has said.
"All foreign nationals entering Indonesia need to have their vaccine cards ready. So only those who have received their full vaccination doses (can enter)," he elaborated at an online press conference on Tuesday.
Pandjaitan, who is also deputy chair of the National COVID-19 Handling and Economic Recovery Committee, said that aside from being fully vaccinated, foreign nationals will also need to take PCR swab tests prior to coming to Indonesia and once again upon their arrival.
"They then have to stay under quarantine for eight days. Followed by another PCR test for which they have to test negative," he added.
Similar procedures are being implemented in other parts of the world, although different periods of quarantine are being enforced everywhere, the minister pointed out.
Pandjaitan, who is acting as coordinator for the emergency mobility restrictions (PPKM) on the islands of Java and Bali, said that there is nothing out of the ordinary in the procedures being implemented for foreign nationals entering Indonesia.
He also asked those speaking against the rules to seek information, adding that the policy of keeping the nation's borders open for foreign nationals is being implemented on a principle of reciprocity.
It has been reported earlier that starting from July 6, 2021, foreigners entering Indonesia will be required to show vaccination cards and a negative PCR result for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the rule on vaccination certificates will not apply to diplomats and for foreign ministerial-level visits, in accordance with diplomatic practices that are also applied by other countries. (Antaranews)
July
Indonesia, Russia discuss Putin's planned visit
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and her Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday discussed preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Indonesia.
"We have discussed preparations for President Putin's visit to Indonesia, while waiting for the right time for the visit," Marsudi stated at an online press conference after bilateral talks with Lavrov here on Tuesday.
President Vladimir Putin planned to visit Indonesia in 2020 to mark 70 years of bilateral diplomatic ties, she said.
However, the visit was delayed due to the political situation in Russia, she added.
Marsudi said she hoped that a strategic partnership agreement between Indonesia and Russia would be signed during Putin's visit.
"The agreement will establish a new and strong foundation to improve bilateral relations," she remarked.
During their meeting on Tuesday, Marsudi and Lavrov also discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in health, economy, defense and security, and education sectors.
In the health sector, Indonesia and Russia are working on an agreement to jointly produce COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to cooperation in vaccine provision, therapeutic drugs, and diagnostic equipment, Marsudi said.
In the economic sector, both countries have strengthened their commitment to boost bilateral trade and reach the trade target of US$5 billion set in 2020, whose realization was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, she added.
Noting the 25-percent increase in the volume of bilateral trade in the first quarter of 2021, Minister Lavrov stressed Russia's eagerness to diversify trade through the expansion of cooperation in high-tech products, energy, oil and gas, transportation infrastructure, civil aviation, machinery, computer and communications technology, and the halal industry.
He also agreed on the expansion of cooperation in education and protection for Indonesian students in Russia.
Currently, at least 600 Indonesians are pursuing studies in Russia.
"I can assure you that all problems faced by students in Russia, including those from Indonesia, will be well-addressed while we continue to normalize the situation from coronavirus infection," Lavrov said.
In terms of security issues, both governments emphasized the need for cooperation in cyber security and international information security.
During their meeting, the two ministers also discussed several regional and global issues, such as the violence in Myanmar, the peace process between Palestine and Israel, and Indo-Pacific cooperation. (Antaranews)
July
Indonesia, Russia finalizing cooperation in vaccine production: FM
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia and Russia are in the process of finalizing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the joint production of COVID-19 vaccines, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has said.
The MoU will lay the basis for medium- and long-term cooperation in the field of health and short-term cooperation in the joint production of vaccines, therapeutic drugs, and diagnostic equipment, Marsudi disclosed at an online press conference following a meeting with her Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The chief of the Indonesian Food and Drug Control Agency (BPOM) has visited Russia to get first-hand information on the facilities used for the production of the Sputnik V vaccine, she said.
The two countries have cooperated in dealing with COVID-19 since the start of the health crisis, with Russia delivering drugs and medical equipment to Indonesia, she added.
“President Joko Widodo and President Vladimir Putin held phone talks in March, 2020 (to discuss) cooperation in handling the pandemic,” Marsudi said.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov expressed his country's readiness to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia not only in supplying vaccines, but also in relocating a Russian plant to produce vaccines in Indonesia
"Basically, both Russia and Indonesia believe that the entire international community should have access to vaccines," he remarked.
He also welcomed the initiative to promote scientific cooperation between the two nations in other areas, including the fight against the coronavirus. (Antaranews)
July
COVID-19: Indonesia's daily infections rise to 29,745
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia added 29,745 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday, taking the total count to 2,313,829, the COVID-19 Response Task Force reported.
With 14,416 people recovering from COVID-19 in a single day, the total number of recoveries since the first infections were reported in the country in March, 2020 reached 1,942,690.
With 558 people succumbing to the infection, the COVID-19 death toll rose to 61,140.
The number of active cases, or patients receiving treatment and conducting self-isolation, reached 309,999.
Meanwhile, the number of suspected cases stood at 79,808.
Among the 34 provinces of Indonesia, Jakarta recorded the highest single-day increase in cases at 10,903, followed by West Java (6,971), Central Java (3,447), East Java (1,543), Yogyakarta (1,465), and Banten (541).
The highest number of recoveries were seen in Jakarta (6,597), followed by West Java (1,666), Central Java(1,572), East Java (916), and Yogyakarta (623).
Cumulatively, Jakarta has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases at 591,498, followed by West Java (409,376), Central Java (268,727), East Java (180,268), East Kalimantan (80,280), and Riau (72,776).
Jakarta has also recorded the highest number of recoveries at 491,328, followed by West Java (333,183), Central Java (214,194), East Java (155,367), East Kalimantan (72,513), and Riau (66,959).
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, predicted this weekend that the next two weeks — until the emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM) in Java and Bali are lifted — will be critical for Indonesia.
"Since four days ago, the number of new infections has risen and so has the number of deaths. The number of new cases have hit a record high of 25 thousand, with more than 500 patients succumbing to the infection. I think the figures will continue to increase in the next 10 days, or in the next two weeks, since the incubation of this variant will still continue. So, the next two weeks will be the critical period," the minister remarked at a press conference. (Antaranews)
July
46 countries to help Indonesia collect taxes from overseas citizens
Written by Nur Yasmin
At least 46 partner countries will help Indonesia collect taxes from taxpayers abroad once the bill on the amendment to the law on general provisions and taxation procedures is passed into law.
Director general of taxation at the Finance Ministry, Suryo Utomo, made the remarks at a meeting of the working committee of Commission XI of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on Monday.
"Right now, we have signed 13 avoidance of double taxation agreements (with other countries). So we can collect taxes from the authorities of other countries and the other way around," he said.
Indonesia has signed avoidance of double taxation agreements with Algeria, the United States, Armenia, the Netherlands, Belfia, the Philippines, India, Laos, Egypt, Suriname, Jordan, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
Utomo said 141 countries have also signed the Mutual Administrative Assistance Convention in Tax Matter ( MAC), while 46 partner countries have agreed to assist each other in collecting taxes.
However, the rules cannot be implemented in the absence of a legal basis, he added.
Hence, through the amendment to the general provisions and taxation procedure law, the Indonesian government will include clauses in the agreements with other countries related to assistance in tax collection on a reciprocal basis, Utomo elaborated.
"Admittedly, the general provisions and taxation procedures law makes no mention of (any) clause allowing us (to collect taxes on a reciprocal basis). Because of the limitation, we have tried to propose (an amendment to) it," he said.
He proposed the inclusion of new Article 20A in the bill, which will give the Directorate General of Taxation the authority to seek assistance from partner countries in collecting taxes.
The directorate general will also be able to ask partner countries to collect taxes on a reciprocal basis by enforcing a distress warrant, in accordance with the tax collection law, he said. (Antaranews)
July
Indonesian economy to grow below 4% in Q3: economist
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia’s economic growth is likely to dip below 4 percent in the third quarter in the wake of the emergency restrictions in Java and Bali, Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) economist Yusuf Rendy has forecast.
"Third-quarter growth will most likely be far below second-quarter growth. We predict the economy will grow 4 percent in the second quarter. The growth will be lower in the third quarter," he said here on Monday.
The emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM) will no doubt restrict public activity and consumption, which will later have an impact on the national economic performance, he observed.
"Public consumption constitutes the biggest component of the GDP (national gross domestic product). So, when it is restricted, it will more or less affect economic performance," he elaborated.
Low economic performance will also result from the higher number of COVID-19 cases in provinces which contribute significantly to national economic growth, such as Jakarta, West Java, and Central Java, he said.
"Since the economy of the provinces will be disrupted, I think the national economy will be affected accordingly," he predicted.
Investment will also be affected by the enforcement of the emergency PPKM, he added.
Low public consumption in provinces with a higher number of COVID-19 cases will prompt companies to reduce their production capacity, he pointed out.
"That is what the government must anticipate, including preparing social assistance and other assistance that will at least alleviate the burden of the community during the emergency PPKM," he advised.
The government has estimated 3.1-3.3 percent year-on-year economic growth for the first half of 2021, based on a projected return of the economic growth rate to 7 percent in the second quarter after remaining in the negative territory over the last four quarters.
During a press conference after a plenary cabinet session in Jakarta, Monday, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati highlighted that the government still expects the gross domestic product growth in the second quarter to reach 7 percent year on year as the impact of the emergency PPKM will likely be felt in the third and fourth quarters of this year.
“In the first quarter, economic growth was recorded at minus 0.7 percent. In the second quarter, we estimate economic growth at 7 percent; so realization in the first semester of 2021 is at 3.1-3.3 percent," she noted.
Indrawati said she believes that the impact of emergency PPKM will be felt in the third and fourth quarters of this year.
If the government's target to reduce the COVID-19 transmission rate is effectively realized, then community activities can likely recover by August, 2021 owing to relaxation of restrictions on community mobility, she said. If that occurs, economic growth in the third quarter of 2021 could exceed 4 percent, she predicted.
"However, if the extended restrictions due to COVID-19 are high, then the third-quarter economic growth could decrease by around 4 percent. This is something to watch out for,” the former World Bank executive director cautioned. (Antaranews)