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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
No Indonesians Reported Injured in Hong Kong: MOFA
Written by Wenny ZuliantiNo Indonesian worker in Hong Kong has been reported injured and the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong has advised migrant workers not to engage in any dangerous activity, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday.
"They have complied with our recommendations, and we are yet to receive any news about any Indonesian working in Hong Kong being in trouble, so it’s good news," Foreign Affairs Ministry's acting Spokesperson, Teuku Faizasyah, said.
According to the Association of Indonesian Migrant Workers (ATKI), migrant workers from Indonesia comprise more than 40 percent of the total foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has been hit by multiple widespread strikes since June due to the opposition to a bill that would allow extraditions to China.
In terms of the current situation in Hong Kong, Faizasyah said that he couldn't comment because it is an "internal situation" of the city.
However, the ongoing protest in Beijing's "One country, two systems" will not only impact the economy in Hong Kong and China, but also the countries in the region, Faizasyah added.
August
EU Criticizes 'Militarization' Of South China Sea
Written by Wenny ZuliantiThe "militarization" of the South China Sea is threatening peace in the contested waterway, the EU's top diplomat said Monday in Hanoi, echoing warnings from the US as pressure mounts against Beijing's ambitions in the region.
China has been accused of deploying warships, arming outposts and ramming fishing vessels in the resource-rich sea, sparking ire from other claimants.
On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was concerned over "increasing tension" in the area.
"We believe that this tension, this militarization, is definitely not conducive to a peaceful environment," she added.
Beijing says it has sovereignty over the majority of the sea based on the so-called nine-dash line it uses to back its claims.
The long-running spat was center stage at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers last week, where US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged countries to push back against Chinese "coercion" in the sea.
Hanoi has emerged as one of Beijing's most vocal critics in the waterway, a key global shipping route believed to hold vast oil and gas reserves.
Tensions between the communist neighbours have soared after a Chinese geological survey vessel entered waters around the Spratly Islands claimed by Hanoi in early July.
Vietnam has repeatedly called for the ship to leave, while Beijing has refused to confirm the vessel's presence.
It is not clear if the ship remains in Vietnam-claimed waters, and the foreign ministry did not respond to AFP's request for comment.
The US, EU and Australia have all called for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, which is also contested by Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.
August
Cause Of Major Blackout Remains Under Police Investigation
Written by Wenny ZuliantiNational Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) is conducting a full root-cause investigation to identify the reason behind the major over-six-hour blackout in Jakarta, Banten, and West Java on August 4, 2019, a police spokesman stated.
The investigation is designed to ascertain whether the blackout resulted from human error, Chief of the Public Relations Bureau of the National Police Brigadier General Dedi Prasetyo stated on Monday.
"It is being investigated to establish its cause. It could be the result of technical disruption, human error, or some other reason," he noted.
To this end, the police have established an investigating team, led by the department's criminal offence director, which will cooperate with state-owned electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN).
He desisted from divulging details on how long the investigation will last.
"It largely depends on the team on the field. For the time being, it was caused by disruption at the extra high-voltage power line between Pemalang and Semarang in Central Java," he pointed out.
The blackout affected thousands of homes and public facilities in the areas of Greater Jakarta, Banten, and West Java on Sunday afternoon. The electricity went out at 11:48 a.m. local time.
The blackout also affected Jakarta's commuter train and MRT services.
PT PLN has gradually recovered the power supply. It has tendered an apology for the inconvenience caused and would conduct an evaluation to prevent recurrence of the incident.
August
President Leads Cabinet Meeting on Draft 2020 State Budget
Written by Ani HasanahPresident Joko Widodo (Jokowi) led a plenary cabinet meeting to discuss the draft 2020 state budget and its financial notes at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday.
The plenary cabinet meeting took place before the head of state delivers the draft 2020 state budget and its financial notes to the House of Representatives (DPR) normally on August 16, a day before the nation celebrates its independence.
Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla was also present at the meeting.
At a limited cabinet meeting held at the Presidential Office in Jakarta on July 15, 2019, President Jokowi gave directives to draw up the indicative ceiling of the draft 2020 state budget.
"We keep it sound and responsive to strengthen the competitive edge and boost economic growth," he explained.
The president highlighted four aspects to draw up the indicative ceiling of the draft 2020 state budget.
"Firstly, as I have stated, the 2020 state budget prioritizes the promotion of human resources through education, healthcare, training, and so on," he stated.
Secondly, five percent of the state budget allocated to the health sector will be able to improve the quality of health across the country, and more importantly, eradicate cases of stunting and malnutrition, and promote the health and safety of pregnant women as well as the immunization program.
Thirdly, the development of infrastructure must be focused, followed by the development of production centers in special economic zones, tourist resorts, and small industrial estates.
Fourthly, the draft 2020 state budget must be able to reduce the poverty rate. "The poverty control program (PKH), village fund, and subsidized basic necessities must reach those really entitled to them, and so also capital assistance for micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs," he remarked.
Speaking in connection with the personnel budget, the president reiterated that all must be related to bureaucratic reforms, both at the central and regional levels.
"Utilize the budget fund as efficiently as possible, reduce unproductive budget, and ensure that everything will meet target," he added. (ANTARA)
August
President Discusses Power Supply Recovery Efforts
Written by Ani HasanahPresident Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met with state-owned electricity firm PT PLN's board of directors, Monday, to discuss efforts to recover power supply following a major blackout in Jakarta, West Java, and Banten on Aug 4.
"In a big company, such as PLN, I think a risk management system must be in place. Of course, there are contingency plans, back up plans," Jokowi remarked during the meeting held at PLN's office in Jakarta.
The president delved at depth to unearth the reason behind the company's failure to run its risk management system.
At the meeting, the president was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, and Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara.
Also present at the meeting were Acting President Director of PLN Sripeni Inten Cahyani, some regional directors, and its board of commissioners.
The blackout that affected thousands of homes and public facilities in West Java, Jakarta, and Banten was caused by several issues in the 500 kV extra high voltage transmission in Ungaran and Pemalang.
PT PLN has gradually recovered the power supply and tendered an apology for the inconvenience and will conduct evaluation to prevent recurrence of such incident, Acting President Director of PLN Sripeni Inten Cahyani remarked at a press conference on Sunday. (ANTARA)
August
Death Toll of Banten's Earthquake Has Climbed to six
Written by Wenny ZuliantiThe death toll of the strong earthquake that rocked Banten Province on Friday has increased to six, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
"The casualties are recorded in Pandeglang, Lebak and Sukabumi Districts," Spokesman of the BNPB Agus Wibowo said in a statement ton Sunday.
In Pandeglang District, one resident died and two others got injured while in Lebak District, three residents died. Pandeglang and Lebak Districts are located in Banten Province. Two other dead victims were the residents of Sukabumi District in West Java Province.
The strong earthquake also wounded another resident of Sukabumi and forced 114 families to take refuge to their relatives' houses.
In Lampung Province, some 1,000 residents fled their homes as they could also felt the tremor. But, they had already returned to their houses.
The 6.9-magnitude quake's epicenter was located at 7.54 degrees southern latitude and 104.58 degrees eastern longitude, at a depth of 10 kilometers (km) below sea level, and 147 km southwest of Sumur, or 164 km southwest of Pandeglang in Banten Province.
The National Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) promptly issued a tsunami early warning, though it was revoked two hours later.
The tremor was felt in Pandeglang at Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of IV-V; Jakarta, at III-IV MMI; Bandung, Serang, Bekasi, Tangerang, Bandar Lampung, Purwakarta, Bantul, and Kebumen at II-III MMI; and Nganjuk, Malang, Kuta, and Denpasar at II MMI.
The BMKG noted that the earthquake was due to the Indo-Australian plate subducting under the Eurasian plates.
August
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 in Depok, West Java, 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. (ANTARA)
August
Indonesian Pilgrims Receive Advisory as Mecca Gets Hotter
Written by Wenny Zuliantihe weather in Mecca is very hot and extreme, especially for Indonesian pilgrims who are not used to high temperatures, and therefore they have been asked to reduce outdoor activities before the peak Hajj season.
Indonesia's Head of the Hajj Organizing Committee's Working Area of Mecca Subhan Cholid called on the pilgrims to reduce their outdoor activities, here Wednesday. "At present, the weather in Mecca is quite hot. We hope pilgrims can manage their activities by reducing outdoor activities or not do activities that could expose them to direct sunlight," Subhan reminded.
Pilgrims should focus on preserving their energies and preparing their physical condition so that they are fit to perform all the rituals in Arafat on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, or August 10, 2019, according to him.
"Please, save your energy. In the meantime, do not perform umrah or other sunnah (optional) worship repeatedly. Keep having good rest and consume healthy meals. Remember, the key for the Hajj pilgrimage is to stay in Arafat. And this requires you to be in good physical condition," he asserted.
The exact time of performing wuquf (where the pilgrims will stay in contemplation and prayer) in Arafat will be intimated by the Saudi government through a meeting of isbat (a meeting to decide the date of the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah or the peak day of Hajj rituals), which will be held on August 10, 2019, Subhan noted.
August
Rupiah Strengthens as Investors Brace for Fed's Announcement
Written by Wenny ZuliantiThe exchange rate of the rupiah transacted between banks in Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon strengthened, as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve's (The Fed’s) key announcement of the monetary policy.
The Indonesian currency strengthened six points, or 0.04 percent, to Rp14,022 per US dollar, from the earlier Rp14,028 per US dollar.
"The market is in a wait and see mode and looks ahead to the outcome of the Federal Reserve meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since 2008," PT Garuda Futures' Managing Director Ibrahim Assuaibi noted here on Wednesday.
With the market forecasting the Fed to cut interest rates by 25 basis points, Assuaibi noted that the main focus is whether the Fed will leave the door open for further policy easing in a bid to protect the world's largest economy from slowing global growth and the impact of trade conflicts.
On the domestic front, the movement of the rupiah today was influenced by the Deposit Insurance Agency (LPS) Board of Commissioners’ meeting that decided to cut the interest rates on rupiah deposits in commercial banks by 25 basis points (bps), i.e., 6.75 percent, and in rural banks to 9.25 percent, while the guaranteed interest rate in foreign exchange at commercial banks remained at 2.25 percent.
Changes in the deposit guarantee interest rates are based on several factors including the banking interest rates being monitored at a stable level as well as potential to decline, conditions and risk of banking liquidity being relatively well-maintained amid the trend of rising deposit growth, and domestic financial system stability being monitored in accordance with easing volatility in financial markets.
The rupiah opened at Rp14,020 in the morning. During the day, the rupiah hovered in the range of Rp14,009 per US dollar to Rp14,028 per US dollar.
In the meantime, Bank Indonesia's middle exchange rate on Wednesday showed that the rupiah strengthened to Rp14,026 per US dollar as compared to Rp14,034 per US dollar on the previous day.
July
President Jokowi Keen to Intensify Cooperation with UK
Written by Wenny ZuliantiIndonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) congratulated Boris Johnson on being elected as prime minister of the United Kingdom (UK) and is upbeat about relations between both nations improving.
"Congratulations to the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party and UK Prime Minister @BorisJohnson @10downingstreet," the president stated through his Twitter handle @jokowi as quoted by Antara on Thursday.
In his tweet, Jokowi expressed optimism that bilateral relations between Indonesia and the United Kingdom would intensify following Johnson's election as the UK prime minister.
Close cooperation between the two countries would hopefully evolve into mutually beneficial cooperation, he affirmed.
"Looking forward to working closely with you to advance mutually beneficial relations between our two great nations," he noted.
Johnson was elected on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, as British prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party after trouncing his close rival, Jeremy Hunt.
Johnson secured 92,153 votes from the Tory Party members, leaving Hunt behind, with 46,656 votes.
