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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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March
The spokesperson for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, has said that Indonesia has passed the peak of Omicron transmission.
"Indonesia has successfully passed the Omicron peak, which is shown by the improving trend of overall cases data," he said at the Press Conference on the Development of COVID-19 Handling in Indonesia, which was accessed online here on Tuesday.
In three consecutive weeks, data related to COVID-19 cases in Indonesia managed to show an improvement, he informed.
Weekly COVID-19-positive cases showed a 64-percent decrease after reaching the highest peak in mid-February 2022 earlier, Adisasmito said.
The number of fatalities also showed a decreasing trend of up to 10 percent compared to the previous peak.
As of March 6, 2022, the number of active cases in the country was recorded at 475,951 or 8.28 percent. However, as of March 13, 2022, there were only 342,896 active cases or 5,82 percent.
The decrease in active cases was in line with the increasing number of recoveries. It was recorded that as of March 13, 2022, the number of weekly recoveries reached 272,731 or 91.60 percent, after previously on March 6, 2022, the number of recoveries reached 305,179 or 89.11 percent.
A downward trend was also seen in the hospital bed occupancy rate (BOR). On March 6, 2022, the figure stood at 29.28 percent, and by March 13, the figure had fallen to 21.61 percent.
The spokesperson attributed Indonesia's success in passing the Omicron peak to the community's hard work in following the health protocols and government policies on handling the pandemic.
He also lauded the dedication and performance of the central and regional governments who have continued to formulate policies to control the rate of COVID-19 cases.
Adisasmito appealed to all parties to keep complying with the health protocols and immediately get vaccinated against COVID-19.
"We thank the community for participating in protecting each other," he remarked. (Antaranews)
March
Indonesia's trade with Russia, Ukraine not too large: BPS
Written by Nur Yasmin
Head of Statistics Indonesia (BPS) Margo Yuwono has said that Indonesia's trade with Russia and Ukraine, which are currently involved in war, is not too large.
"If we look at the contribution, both exports and imports are not too big with the two countries," Yuwono said during a virtual press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Indonesia's trade with Russia in 2021 recorded a surplus of US$239.8 million. Meanwhile, trade in January–February 2022 experienced a deficit of US$15 million.
According to Yuwono, Indonesia's exports to Russia contributed only 0.65 percent to national exports. Meanwhile, the contribution of imports was only 0.64 percent.
Meanwhile, in January–February 2022, the contribution of exports to Russia was only 0.84 percent and imports was 1 percent.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's trade with Ukraine during 2021 experienced a deficit of US$623.9 million. Meanwhile, Indonesia-Ukraine trade in January–February 2022 also recorded a deficit of US$6.9 million.
"The contribution of Indonesia's exports to Ukraine in 2021 was 0.18 percent. Imports were 0.53 percent. Cumulatively, in January–February 2022, Indonesia's total exports to Ukraine were 0.07 percent and imports were 0.10 percent," Yuwono said.
The state budget deficit will potentially widen in 2022 due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) economist Eisha M. Rachbini predicted earlier.
"Looking ahead, if oil price persistently hovers at a high level of above US$100 per barrel and essential commodity prices increase, the government will likely conduct price intervention, provide subsidies and social assistance, which will eventually put pressure on the state budget deficit," he said.
Each US$1 per barrel rise in the Indonesian crude price (ICP) will raise the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) subsidy by Rp1.47 trillion, kerosene subsidy by Rp49 billion, compensation to state oil and gas firm Pertamina by Rp2.65 trillion, and electricity subsidy by Rp295 billion, he projected.
In the meantime, state revenues from tax receipts and non-tax state revenues will increase by Rp0.8 trillion and Rp2.2 trillion, respectively, so the budget deficit could potentially widen, Rachbini said.
The government is expecting the 2022 state budget deficit to reach Rp868 trillion, or 4.8 percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP), he noted.
"The state budget needs to be managed accurately and efficiently by prioritizing economic recovery, maintaining the people's purchasing power and economic growth," he said.
The government also needs to increase subsidies to maintain the purchasing power of the community, particularly low- and middle-income people, to prevent them from falling into deeper poverty, he said.
"The future risk is that inflation threat may lower the purchasing power of the community and may have the risk of impeding economic growth," he said. (Antaranews)
March
G20: Marsudi highlights three global digital economy cooperation modes
Written by Nur Yasmin
Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi drew attention to three focused forms of international cooperation on digital economy during Indonesia’s G20 Presidency.
The first is collaboration to support inclusiveness, Marsudi remarked during “The 2020 G20’s Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) Kick Off” held virtually here on Tuesday.
“Global digital divide continues to occur due to accessibility and affordability issues,” she noted.
Some 2.9 billion people in the world are still offline and 96 percent of them are from developing countries, while broadband data is still relatively expensive for half of the global population, she explained.
Hence, concrete efforts are required to bridge the gap, not only between developed and developing countries but also between rural and remote areas, she affirmed.
“G20 becomes a driving force of global investment to build qualified, reliable, and affordable digital infrastructures for all, especially for those in developing countries,” she remarked.
The second is digital literacy cooperation that is very important to be continually bolstered, Marsudi stressed.
According to International Financial Cooperation, the digital sector in African Sub-Sahara is projected to create 230 million jobs and generate US$120 billion by 2030.
To meet the target, capacity building is necessitated to be provided for 650 million people, she stated.
“Digital literacy is crucial to help public gain full benefit from digital transformation, including encouraging more local MSMEs to participate in the digital platform,” she remarked.
Not only for MSMEs but capacity building is also aimed for the government sector to build infrastructures and draft conducive regulation for digital economic growth, according to the minister
“To this end, international cooperation is required to facilitate strengthening digital capacity for developing countries, including the financing aspect,” she noted.
The third is international cooperation to build a secured digital ecosystem, she stated.
Concerns over the security aspect of the digital ecosystem are still growing, according to Marsudi.
One in four people do not trust the internet and eight in 10 members of the global community feel anxiety about their online privacy, particularly in developing countries, she noted.
“The concerns are reasonable,” she affirmed.
Potential losses due to global data breaches is forecast to reach US$5 trillion by 2024.
“International collaboration, therefore, is necessitated to improve global trust in the utilization of digital platforms,” she noted.
In terms of the digital economy, Marsudi stated that trust can be built through guaranteed security and data privacy in relation to secured digital payment and clear consumer protection. (Antaranews)
March
COVID-19: 14.6 million Indonesians receive booster shot
Written by Nur Yasmin
At least 14.6 million Indonesian citizens have received the third or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday, the COVID-19 Handling Task Force reported.
According to data provided by the task force, the number of booster dose recipients rose by 27,984 on Monday, taking the total number of people who have received the booster shot to 14,628,765.
For the second dose vaccinations, the number of recipients increased by 107,698 to reach 151,486,424 on Monday, the task force's data showed.
Meanwhile, the number of people receiving their first vaccine dose rose by 73,543 people, as per the task force's data. Thus, the total number of first dose recipients has reached 193,474,037 people so far.
As part of efforts to boost community immunity against COVID-19, the Indonesian government launched a nationwide vaccination program on January 13, 2021.
The government is targeting to vaccinate as many as 208,265,720 citizens in the country.
Government Spokesperson for COVID-19 Handling Reisa Broto Asmoro has also appealed to the community to get vaccinated immediately to maintain immunity and prevent the worst risks of COVID-19.
According to Asmoro, completing vaccinations, both for the primary and booster doses, is essential because the body's immunity can decrease over time after the first injection is given.
Therefore, she asked the public to immediately go to the nearest health facility to get vaccinated so that vulnerable groups, such as older adults, people with comorbidities, and children who cannot be vaccinated, can be protected from the virus.
"The immunity in our body does not last forever. It does not mean that with one injection, the immunity lasts forever. Therefore, it must continue to be improved. As soon as the immunity goes down, it must be boosted so that the immunity does not drop and it can provide protection for us," she explained. (Antaranews)
March
Nusantara is a chance to develop world's best city: governor
Written by Nur Yasmin
The development of the new capital city (IKN), Nusantara, from the early or zero stage is an opportunity for Indonesia to create the best city in the world, Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil said.
At the kilometer-zero point for Nusantara, East Kalimantan, on Monday, he said that the new capital city can become No.1 in terms of its system.
This means that Nusantara can be a smart and green city that produces zero carbon.
Moreover, Nusantara can also become the best city in terms of design, he remarked.
The development of Nusantara is also a historical moment for Indonesia because this is the first time the nation is building a city from scratch and not just simply relocating the capital to another city.
Hence, this is an opportunity for the government to design a smart and sustainable city from the start.
"Usually, a designed city is created by a private party. There has never been any city created by the state," he noted.
The development of Nusantara, with the goal of creating a modern, smart, and green city, will require a relatively long amount of time, Kamil opined.
To this end, he said he expects that the people understand that the development of Nusantara will not be complete within three to five years.
"Cities in the world start from a vision. Some complete this vision within 10 years. It is not realistic to finish this vision under 10 years; so it will take time," he explained.
He also noted that there are challenges to making people volunteer to relocate to Nusantara.
Thus, the government should provide adequate facilities so that the people voluntarily want to relocate to Nusantara.
"If we are only relying on the civil servant population, the city will certainly become a lonely one," he remarked.
The governor, who comes from an architectural background, said he believes that the Capital City Nusantara Authority’s head, Bambang Susantono, is capable of creating Nusantara in accordance with many people's expectations and President Joko Widodo's vision and mission.
Kamil informed that he is good friends with Susantono and attended the same universities as him, namely Bandung Institute of Technology, West Java, and the University of California, Berkeley, United States of America. (Antaranews)
March
Indonesia strives for sustainable management of clean water: VP
Written by Nur Yasmin
The government is striving to manage sufficient and sustainable utilization of clean water through various programs, including by building 61 dams during the 2015-2025 period, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin stated.
Amin conveyed the statement in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, on Monday, while opening the 2nd Asia International Water Week (AIWW) organized by the Asia Water Council (AWC) in collaboration with the Indonesian Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry.
"We will continue to optimize the potential of water for the development of hydropower and floating solar plant to produce clean energy," he remarked.
The government also establishes irrigation facilities and one thousand retention basins to realize national food security.
"In addition, we encourage integrated sustainable water management and the improvement of access to clean water for households," he stated.
Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded that access to clean water only covered 68 percent of the total households, with the coverage increasing to 90 percent in 2020.
Furthermore, Amin noted that although water covers 71 percent of the Earth’s surface, only about 13 percent of the total water is found on land and can be used to meet the water requirements of more than seven billion people around the world.
About two-thirds of the world's population experienced water scarcity at least for a month every year. Meanwhile, more than two billion people live in countries with insufficient water supply.
It is estimated that by 2025, half of the world's population will experience water scarcity and by 2030, around 700 million people will be displaced due to water scarcity.
The Asia-Pacific region only holds 36 percent of the world's total water resources, so the region has the lowest water availability per capita in the world.
Moreover, it is projected that groundwater use will increase by 30 percent by 2050.
The problem is worsened by high levels of water pollution, as more than 80 percent of the wastewater generated in developing countries is unmanaged.
Another crucial issue is the unsustainable extraction of fresh water. More than half of the total available fresh water has been extracted.
In addition to the vice president, Coordinating Minister for the Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, as well as Deputy Governor of NTT Josef Nae Soi attended the event.
Furthermore, President of the Asia Water Council Jae Hyeon Park and former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon were present. (Antaranews)
March
Indonesian, Greek defense ministers discuss greater cooperation
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto met with Greek Minister of National Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos in Athens, Greece, on March 11, 2022, according to an official statement received here on Saturday.
During the meeting, they discussed efforts toward increasing defense cooperation between the two countries, including for defense equipment as well as joint education and training.
The ministers also talked about other strategic defense issues.
The Indonesian minister was welcomed with an honorary ceremony for higher ranks.
"We had a productive discussion. Greece and Indonesia have good relations. Greece is one of the first European countries to recognize our sovereignty," Subianto remarked.
The two nations established cooperation in the defense industry in 2015 through the inking of an agreement between Greek company Theon Sensors and Indonesian state-run weapons company PT Pindad (Persero) for the joint production of night vision rifles (TBSM) in Indonesia.
The joint project aimed to optimize the utilization of Indonesian domestic products for the TBSM.
The two enterprises also collaborated to establish an assembly line and conduct joint sales of the product.
The collaboration, which was titled Pindad Optronics Workshop, was launched at the 2016 Indo Defence Expo and Forum.
The cooperation sought to optimize the technology transfer process to enrich technology application in the domestic industry.
Meanwhile, Panagiotopoulos said that his country plans to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Indonesia in the political, economic, and defense sectors, especially in trade, maritime, shipping, research and development, tourism, as well as industry.
During the meeting, the Indonesian minister also expressed his concern over the escalating situation in Ukraine.
"We urge all parties to immediately start a peaceful dialogue and resolve the problem. We hope and pray that the crisis will be resolved through a peaceful resolution,” he added. (Antaranews)
March
President brings Nusantara City leaders to capital's point zero
Written by Nur Yasmin
President Joko Widodo brought the Head and Deputy Head of Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority, Bambang Susantono and Dhony Rahajoe, to the IKN zero point located in the Sepaku Sub-district, North Penajam Paser District, East Kalimantan.
"God willing, I will come to the Capital City," IKN Authority Deputy Head Dhony Rahajoe, said when confirmed in Jakarta, Sunday.
As a symbol of the government's commitment to relocate the capital city to East Kalimantan, President Joko Widodo is scheduled to camp at the point zero of the Nusantara City area on Monday, March 14, 2022.
He is scheduled to arrive in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Sunday, March 13, and stay in Balikpapan beforehand.
"This is my first time to (come) to the capital city," Rahadjoe said.
A number of facilities at President Joko Widodo's camp site have been prepared, including bathing, washing, toilet facilities, telecommunications networks, electricity and water. On camping days, the President and his entourage will sleep in a tent.
The Governor of East Kalimantan, Isran Noor, disclosed that President Joko Widodo had also invited all governors across Indonesia to joint the event. Each governor is required to wear the traditional clothes of each province. However, only five governors from throughout Kalimantan will stay with the President.
The President will also perform the 'Kendi Nusantara' ritual with 33 governors across Indonesia. It is a ritual in which the governors are instructed to bring water and soil from each province of origin, which will be combined in a jug to be placed at the point zero of Nusantara Capital City.
President Joko Widodo officially inaugurated Bambang Susantono and Dhony Rahajoe respectively as Head and Deputy Head of the Nusantara IKN Authority at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, March 10, 2022.
The President said that the pair was a very good combination because Susantono was a graduate from Bandung Institute of Technology majoring in civil infrastructure, as well as urban planning. He also has master and doctoral degrees and had experience in transportation and finance, and most recently held the position of Vice President at the Asian Development Bank.
On the other hand, Dhony Rahajoe had an extensive experience in the property sector. Prior to his inauguration, he worked as Managing Director President Office of Sinarmas Land. (Antaranews)
March
Indonesia to host 2nd Asia International Water Week
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry will host the 2nd Asia International Water Week (AIWW) along with the Asia Water Council (AWC) on March 14-16, 2022, in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province.
"The 2nd AIWW will show that the latest technology application and public participation can provide practical solutions to solve water problems in Asia as well as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)", PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimulyono remarked in a statement received here on Sunday.
Vice President Ma'ruf Amin is scheduled to open the 2nd AIWW along with President of the AWC Jae-hyeon Park, while former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon will deliver the key speech.
AIWW was established to address the urgency of solving water problems, explore potential water project opportunities, strengthen public-private partnerships, and accelerate global water action.
The 2nd AIWW is themed Sustainable, Clean, and Sufficient Water for All.
The event will be attended by a number of ministers, heads of public institutions and companies, as well as experts and lawmakers to share the best practices, innovative policies, and technical solutions regarding water management.
According to the website of the 2nd AIWW, at the opening of the event, there will be a declaration of the Asia-to-World Statement by various water institutions in Asia to improve water management in their respective countries since it is a critical and limited human resource.
The statement contains 12 commitments to address water issues, establish collaboration-based water projects with multilateral development banks and global financial institutions, as well as to conduct technical approach to solve water problems in Asia.
The plenary session of the event will also discuss the development smart eco-friendly city in the new capital of Indonesia and the connection between the 2nd AIWW and the 9th World Water Forum -- which will be held in Dakar, Senegal on March 21-26, 2022.
The event also holds special sessions regarding eight different themes and an exhibition. (antaranews)
March
President Jokowi to camp at ground zero of new capital
Written by nuke
Officers prepare facilities and utilities at ground zero for the new capital, Nusantara, in Sepaku, Penajam Paser Utara district, East Kalimantan, where President Joko Widodo is scheduled to camp on Monday (March 14, 2022). (ANTARA/HO/KT) -
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is scheduled to camp at the site for the new national capital, Nusantara, which is currently under construction in Sepaku, Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, on Monday (March 14, 2022).
He will be accompanied by the governors of East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and North Kalimantan.
"Some 33 governors are expected to come to the camping site (where the President will stay)," East Kalimantan Regional Secretariat Administrative Bureau head H.M. Syafranuddin informed in Penajam on Saturday.
"But only five governors will stay and camp with the President at the zero point of Nusantara," he said.
As part of the camping activities, President Widodo will perform the Kendi Nusantara ritual with the 33 governors.
The governors have been instructed to bring water and soil from their regions, then combine and store them in Kendi Nusantara, or the Nusantara Jug, at ground zero.
East Kalimantan Governor Isran Noor has been asked to bring water and soil from two regions in his province: the districts of Kutai Kartanegara and Paser, Syafranuddin informed.
This is because Nusantara spans the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate as well as the Paser Sultanate, so the water and soils will serve as a symbol representing the two sultanates of East Kalimantan.
"The President's ritual and camping activities will be held on Monday (March 14) and Jokowi is scheduled to arrive at Balikpapan on Sunday (March 13), one day before the event, so he will stay in Balikpapan first," Syafranuddin said.
A number of facilities and utilities have been prepared at the camping site such as toilet and washing facilities, telecommunications networks, electricity, water, and others.
"The tent and others which the President and his entourage will use are 100-percent ready," Syafranuddin said.
The camping activities will end on March 16, 2022//ANT