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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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April
BPS records 42.16-percent rise in Maluku's exports in February 2021
Written by nuke
Head of BPS Maluku, Asep Riyadi - ANT
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Maluku Province recorded that export activities in the province in February 2021 were valued at US$1.11 million, an approximate 42.16-percent rise from the figure in January this year.
"The cumulative export value of Maluku during the January-February 2021 period reached US$1.90 million, or decreased by 83.69 percent as compared to the same period in 2020," Head of Maluku Province BPS, Asep Riyadi, stated here on Saturday.
All of Maluku's exports in February 2021 came from the non-oil and gas sector, with destination countries comprising Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States. The United States clocked the highest export value, reaching as much as US$0.70 million.
Maluku's export activities in February 2021 through the Ambon City export port were conducted at the Yos Sudarso Port and Pattimura Airport. Meanwhile, in February 2021, no export activities were conducted at the ports of Dobo, Tual, Bula, and Lirang.
Riyadi noted that the total export value of commodities from Maluku exported from ports outside the province in February 2021 reached US$0.18 million, or decreased by 395.42 percent, from the figure in January 2021.
Cumulatively, the export value of Maluku’s commodities exported from ports outside the province during the January-February 2021 period had reached US$0.76 million, a decrease of 70.79 percent as compared to the same period in 2020.
He explained that Maluku's exports during the January-February 2021 period came from non-oil and gas commodities, comprising tuna, live lobsters, and crabs, with an export value of US$1.90 million.
"In comparison with the corresponding period in 2020, the export value during the January-February 2021 period shows a decline of around 83.69 percent," Riyadi pointed out//ANT
April
Indonesia offers to become vaccine hub for Southeast Asia : FM
Written by nuke
(From left to right) — SOEs Minister Erick Thohir, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, and Trade Minister M Lutfi. (ANTARA/HO-KBRI Beijing)
During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in WuYi, Fujian province, China, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi submitted a proposal for turning Indonesia into a vaccine hub for Southeast Asia, as part of long-term vaccine cooperation.
"This idea is still in its early stage, but what we are proposing includes cooperation to strengthen vaccine development research, develop raw material industries, and increase national vaccine production capacity," she said during a press conference held from China on Friday.
The idea was discussed with Wang Yi during talks on strengthening vaccine partnership, both in the long and short term, she informed.
The two countries will hold further discussions on long-term vaccine cooperation, but in principle, China has expressed its support for the Indonesian initiative, she said.
During the meeting, Indonesia also expressed the hope that, in the short term, the Chinese government would continue to provide support so that the delivery of vaccines, which has become a binding commitment, can be carried out according to the agreed schedule, she added.
"We also discussed the issue of strengthening vaccine cooperation directly with vaccine producers in China," said Marsudi.The discussion comes at a time when vaccine producing countries have imposed export restrictions and bans on the grounds of meeting domestic needs, as several countries are facing a spike in cases.The restrictions are affecting the supply chain rate of vaccine supply to the world, Marsudi noted and expressed her concern over the impact of the vaccine supply slowdown amid the fight against the pandemic and economic recovery efforts.
"Therefore, as one of the co-chairs of the COVAX AMC Engagement Group, I have a moral responsibility to continue to call for cooperation so that equal access to vaccines for all countries can be realized," she remarked.
Marsudi paid a visit to Fujian province, China with Minister of State-owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, and Minister of Trade, Muhammad Lutfi.
On Friday, the three ministers held about 14 meetings on various issues, including vaccine cooperation, increased trade and investment activities, as well as consular cooperation, particularly for efforts to strengthen protection for Indonesian sea vessel crew members//ANT
April
Widodo lauds Muhammadiyah for encouraging entrepreneurial spirit
Written by nuke
President Joko Widodo. (Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden)
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has praised the youth wing of the Muhammadiyah for its pioneering efforts in the economic field by conducting synergies and business incubations to produce new entrepreneurs.
"There is a progressive entrepreneurial movement that is synergizing all young Muhammadiyah entrepreneurs to carry out business incubations to give birth to new entrepreneurs. We need more young entrepreneurs because we have to anticipate the peak demographic bonus in 2030," Widodo said in his opening remarks during a Muhammadiyah youth wing meeting on Friday.
He cited data that shows 2.9 million young people enter the labor market each year to highlight the urgent need for new jobs.
Young entrepreneurs can play a significant role in creating new jobs, he pointed out.
The government has been supporting the emergence of new entrepreneurs by carrying out large-scale business ecosystem reforms, he said. Regulations that hamper the development of MSMEs have been trimmed, while access to capital continues to be expanded, he noted."We are also organizing vocational education and training to be more adaptive to the needs of the industrial world. We will also continue to do asset redistribution and agrarian reform to achieve economic equity and justice," the President said.
He expressed the hope that the Muhammadiyah's youth wing would continue to promote entrepreneurship among the younger generation.
The President also urged the Muhammadiyah to be on the frontlines in promoting the values of tolerance and national unity, in line with the national ideology of Pancasila.
Widodo delivered his speech online from Jakarta, while the meeting was organized in Manado, North Sulawesi. Muhammadiyah is Indonesia's second largest Muslim organization//ANT
April
No foreign tourist arrivals in Aceh due to travel restrictions: BPS
Written by Nur Yasmin
Jakarta. Statistics Indonesia (BPS)-Aceh Office has recorded no foreign tourist arrivals in the province since early this year on account of travel restrictions for international travelers in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In February, 2020, BPS recorded 4,030 foreign tourist arrivals in Aceh, but in February this year, there were no arrivals, BPS-Aceh Office head Ihsanurrijal said in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, on Thursday.
"Thus, the enforcement of restrictions on international flights and sea transportation has resulted in the absence of foreign tourist arrivals in Aceh," he explained.
In February last year, the countries that contributed to foreign tourist arrivals in Aceh were Malaysia, China, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, the United States, Singapore, United Kingdom, and Thailand, among others.
The cumulative figure of foreign travelers visiting the province in January and February, 2020 was recorded at 8,012 people. Majority of them were Malaysian citizens.
Aceh, Indonesia's westernmost province, lies on the northernmost tip of Sumatra Island. It is rich in historical and cultural heritage objects as well as natural beauty.
The city of Sabang, for instance, is renowned for its well-protected forest, "kilometer-zero" monument representing Indonesia's starting point, sandy beaches, and underwater beauty, with abundant snorkeling and diving spots.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sabang was one of the popular tourist destinations on Sumatra Island among domestic and foreign visitors as well as international sailors.
Located on Weh Island, Sabang has been frequented by tourists, including those aboard international cruise ships and yachts.
Aceh and other provinces have been striving to win the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic since the Indonesian government officially announced the country's first cases on March 2, 2020.
The government has rolled out a nationwide vaccination program this year to arrest the spread of infections.
According to the Health Ministry, it would take 15 months to vaccinate around 181.5 million people under the national program.
Indonesia's COVID-19 infection rate crossed one million cases on January 26, 2021.
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease has dragged Indonesia into serious public health and economic crises.
Tourism has been among the economic sectors severely-affected by COVID-19 in the country. (Antaranews)
April
Indonesia reiterates commitment to tackle climate change
Written by Nur Yasmin
Jakarta. The Indonesian government has reiterated its commitment to address climate change and willingness to co-chair the UK-led 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties’ (COP26) Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, conveyed this after a bilateral meeting with UK Minister for Pacific and the Environment, Lord Zac Goldsmith, here on Thursday.
During the meeting, Hartarto welcomed the UK's recognition of Indonesia's commitment to improve bilateral cooperation, especially on the climate change issue.
The minister said he hoped the two countries would play their role to produce useful recommendations for all parties during the FACT Dialogue. Indonesia will be represented by Deputy Minister of Forestry and Environment, Alue Dohong, at the dialogue.
"Indonesia is ready to play its role in the meeting, in the capacity of co-chair. We asserted the importance for us to have a common vision and understanding to reach a common benefit," Hartarto remarked.
With regard to the climate change issue, Hartarto assured that Indonesia is committed to implementing the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), stipulated in the Paris Agreement, and reaching the target set under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Under the NDC, Indonesia has committed to cut greenhouse emissions by 29 percent through its own efforts, and by 41 percent with the support of the international community, in 2030.
"Addressing the climate change impact is a challenging task, because it would need multilateral cooperation and comprehensive efforts," Hartarto said.
Thursday’s meeting between Hartarto and Goldsmith was held as part of preparations for the visit of the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Dominic Raab, to Indonesia from April 6-8 this year.
During his visit, Raab is scheduled to extend an invitation to President Joko Widodo to attend the COP26 session in Glasgow, Scotland in November, 2021. (Antaranews)
April
Ministry reopens Mt Rinjani, Mt Tambora to public from April
Written by Nur Yasmin
Jakarta. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (LHK) has reopened Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island and Mount Tambora on Sumbawa Island in West Nusa Tenggara to climbers and tourists since April 1, 2021.
Climbing tourism activities at the two sites had earlier been closed since January 1, 2021, due to inhospitable weather in the mountains that endanger human life, the ministry noted in a statement here on Thursday,
Head of the Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR) Dedy Asriady stated that the reopening of the two volcanoes was based on the directions of the Director General of Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAE) of the Ministry of LHK.
"Climbing activities at Mount Rinjani are still limited to a maximum quota of 50 percent of the normal capacity, and the length of the climbers' stay is only three days and two nights," he remarked.
Tourists keen on conducting climbing activities should place an order for climbing tickets through the e-Rinjani application downloadable via the Playstore.
The TNGR Hall also enforces stringent COVID-19 health protocols on tourists, right from the entrance, at the tourist sites, and while leaving the national park area.
"The implementation of health protocols while conducting tourism activities at the TNGR area during the new normal period of the COVID-19 pandemic is in accordance with the direction of the director general of KSDAE," Asriady stated.
Meanwhile, Head of the Tambora National Park, Yuniadi, noted that the Mount Tambora climbing tours will also be started on April 1, 2021.
Every climber visiting Mount Tambora must adhere to the health protocols to stem the transmission of COVID-19 and carry a corona-free certificate.
"Every climber arriving by plane is required to conduct a free re-check for COVID-19 from hospitals, clinics/puskesmas (community health centers) in Bima and Dompu," he stated.
Yuniadi noted that the number of climbers reached a maximum of 30 percent of the normal capacity of the national park area. The climbers are only allowed to stay for three days and two nights in the area.
Every climber must register at every entrance to the climbing route and pay the entrance ticket to the Tambora National Park area according to the government-outlined provisions.
"We also remind climbers to always maintain cleanliness and not to commit acts of vandalism or other activities that disrupt the ecosystem of the national park area," he stated. (Antaranews)
April
Indonesia police say female attacker at headquarters was an ISIS follower
Written by Nur YasminJakarta. A woman shot dead by Indonesian police at the force’s national headquarters in an exchange of gunfire was a “lone wolf” who believed in Islamic State ideology, police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo told a news conference on Wednesday.
The woman was 25 and she had posted an ISIS flag to her social media account hours before the attack, he said. (Reuters)
April
Two months on, CVR of crashed Sriwijaya Air plane retrieved
Written by Nur Yasmin
Jakarta. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) of the crashed Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 has been retrieved following a search extending more than two months, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi informed on Wednesday.
"We can say what has been retrieved is (the result of) the effort to find better data," he said during a press briefing at the Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) II.
Without the CVR, the investigation into the cause of the plane crash in the waters off Seribu Islands cannot be completed, he pointed out.
With the retrieval of the CVR, both the black boxes of the Sriwijaya Air SJ-182 have been found.
"KNKT (the National Committee for Transportation Safety) has retrieved a lot of data from the flight data recorder (FDR). The data will be perfect if it is combined with what has been recorded in the CVR about the conversation between the pilot and co-pilot," Sumadi said.
The minister said he had reported the retrieval of the CVR to President Joko Widodo. The Transportation Ministry will hand over the CVR to the KNKT for further investigation, he added.
"Technically, we have reported (the CVR) to the President and will later hand it over to the KNKT for immediate follow-up. We hope the KNKT will conduct research in detail and classify the information found in the CVR," he remarked.
The Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182, bearing the registration number PK-CLC, had lost contact on January 9, 2021 at 2:40 p.m. Western Indonesia time (WIB) shortly after take-off and crashed between Lancang Island and Laki Island, Thousand Islands, Jakarta. The plane had taken off from Jakarta and was headed to Pontianak.
Based on the manifest, the plane was carrying 50 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Of the total passengers, 40 were adults, seven were children, and three were infants.
All the passengers and crew members were killed in the crash.
The search operation for the Sriwijaya Air flight was officially ended on January 21, 2021, in accordance with the rules.
However, the search for the CVR memory had continued as it had gotten separated from its casing, which was retrieved on January 15, 2021.
After the search operation for the Sriwijaya Air flight was called off, the KNKT continued a manual search for the CVR.
"The search for the CVR memory has continued without the help of the underwater location beacon. So, we are searching for it ourselves on the seabed. That is the peculiar difficulty we are facing," KNKT chief Soerjanto Tjahjono had said during a hearing with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta recently.
A CVR plays an important role in recording voices from four canals in an airplane — voice from the pilot's microphone, voice from the co-pilot's microphone, voice from the cockpit, and the reserved canal (cockpit and cabin interphone).
"FDR and CVR are important components in an investigation since they record flight data such as time, altitude, speed, coordinates and so on," he added.
The FDR of SJ-182 was located on January 12, 2021, three days after the plane crashed and was retrieved the following day. (Antaranews)
April
Govt not to extend disbursement of cash transfer fund: Ministry
Written by Nur Yasmin
Jakarta. The Indonesian Government has no plan to extend disbursal of cash transfer fund (BST) that has been a crucial instrument to revive the economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic after its expires in April 2021, Social Affairs Ministry stated.
"We have no budget for that," Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini stated at the 19th anniversary of the Disaster Preparedness Team (Tagana) in Pangandaran, West Java, on Wednesday.
Moreover, Rismaharini remarked that since the country had enforced micro-scale social restrictions, people could slowly return to their normal activities that would further aid in reviving the economy.
"People in need of help can apply to us, and we will deliver the aid as non-cash food aid (BPNT)," Rismaharini noted, adding that the BPNT package was worth Rp200 thousand.
An advisor of the Social Affairs Minister for Social Accessibility Sonny W. Manalu earlier noted that the ministry had only prepared cash transfer fund until April 2021.
Since early 2021, the ministry has disbursed Rp12 trillion per month to 10 million beneficiary families, with each expected to receive Rp300 thousand through the state-run postal service company PT Pos Indonesia. (Antaranews)
March
With eyes on China, Japan and Indonesia bolster security ties
Written by Nur Yasmin
Jakarta. Japan and Indonesia pledged on Tuesday to tighten security ties and signed a deal to facilitate transfers of defence equipment and technology, as their near neighbour China expands its economic and military might.
China’s territorial claims in the East and South China seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-U.S. relationship and also raise significant security concerns for Japan.
“I think this is (a) historical first in bilateral relations between Japan and Indonesia,” Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto said, referring to the transfer pact.
“We invite the Japanese side to participate in the modernization of Indonesia’s defence capacity. We also encourage joint training between our services - maritime and also land forces,” he told reporters.
Prabowo made the comment at a joint media appearance in Tokyo following a meeting of the Japanese and Indonesian foreign and defence ministers.
“We exchanged views on the situation in the East and South China seas and shared serious concern about the continuation and strengthening of unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force,” Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said.
The meeting followed a visit to the region by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who warned China over “coercion and aggression” and criticised what he called Chinese attempts to bully neighbours with competing interests.
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members, which include Indonesia, remain wary of losing access to China’s economy, and are reluctant to become entangled in any confrontation between Washington and Beijing.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi also sharply criticized ongoing violence against civilians in Myanmar following its Feb. 1 military coup. “Indonesia strongly denounces this kind of act. It is unacceptable,” she said.
Retno has emerged as a voice for the region as she works to broker talks with the Myanmar military, which has killed more than 500 protesters since staging the coup.
Japan, which has extensive business interests in Myanmar, has so far refrained from meting out sanctions against the military leadership.
But Motegi told parliament on Tuesday that Tokyo, which had been the largest provider of economic assistance to Myanmar, had put its official development assistance on hold. (Reuters)