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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
Indonesia to raise marine management issue at G20 EDM-CSWG
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia will raise three priority issues at the 2022 G20 Environment Deputies Ministerial-Climate and Sustainable Working Group (EDM-CSWG) meetings, including marine management to achieve climate change mitigation targets.
"In addition to encouraging environmental and climate change aspects to be included in the global recovery agenda, Indonesia has raised the importance of marine issues to be discussed at the G20 forum," Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said.
At the ‘Kick-Off G20 on EDM-CSWG: Leading for Sustainability’ event, which was held online on Tuesday, she stated that the marine issue will be raised considering the great potential of blue carbon, especially in the mangrove ecosystem, for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As the chair of the 2022 G20 Presidency, Indonesia will promote three main issues at the G20 EDM-CSWG, including supporting a stronger sustainable recovery, she added.
The other issues will be promoting effective land and marine ecosystem management as well as encouraging the mobilization of resources to support environmental conservation attempts and achieve climate change mitigation targets, she said.
"The agenda of encouraging the mobilization of resources, such as technology and finance, is important to push developed countries to fulfill their commitments in providing US$100 billion in assistance to help developing nations tackle climate change impacts," the minister added.
She then informed that three 2022 G20 EDM-CSWG meetings have been scheduled and they will end with a ministerial-level meeting at the end of August 2022.
Considering that the issues raised by G20 EDM-CSWG are also related to other 2022 G20 agendas, a number of joint meetings will be conducted with other working groups, such as energy transition, sustainable finance, business, and youth, she said.
"Through the 2022 G20 Presidency, we want to show that Indonesia has an important global role, especially regarding the issues of environment and climate sustainability," Bakar added. (Antaranews)
March
99 Indonesians evacuated from Ukraine: minister
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi informed that 99 Indonesian citizens (WNI) have been evacuated from Ukraine so far.
"A total of 99 WNI have left Ukraine. The number has included the five WNI who were conducting self-evacuation," she said during a press briefing on Tuesday.
In addition to the WNI, the government has evacuated four foreigners who were related to the Indonesians, she added.
The first evacuees—25 WNI who were evacuated from Odessa, Ukraine — arrived in Bucharest, Romania, on February 27, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. local time, the minister said.
All of the evacuees were well, she informed. However, one of them had tested positive for COVID-19, she said. Currently, the person is being treated, she added.
During the government’s second evacuation, six Indonesians and one foreigner -- who is related to one of the WNIs -- were evacuated from Lviv, Ukraine, Marsudi said.
They arrived at the Indonesian Embassy in Warsaw’s safe house in Rzeszow, Poland on February 27, 2022, at 8:45 p.m. local time, she added.
Meanwhile, in the third evacuation, four Indonesian citizens as well as two foreigners who were spouses of the WNI were picked up by a team from the Indonesian Embassy in Warsaw from Lviv, Ukraine, and brought to Poland, she said.
The evacuees reached the Indonesian Embassy in Warsaw’s safe house on February 28, 2022, at 7:40 p.m. local time, she added.
The last group of evacuees comprising 59 WNI and one foreigner were evacuated from Kyiv, Ukraine, to Moldova and are on their way to Romania, she said.
"Previously, the evacuation attempt from Kyiv was planned to be carried out on February 27, 2022. However, due to the implementation of curfew policy and the damaged road due to the war, the evacuation had to be rearranged," Marsudi said.
She was involved directly in the evacuation plan rearrangement.
Currently, all Indonesian citizens are in two safe houses -- Bucharest, Romania, and Rzeszow, Poland, she said.
However, there are still four WNI in Kharkiv and nine WNI in Chernihiv in northern Ukraine who have not been evacuated since the battle is still taking place in the region, she added.
“The Indonesian Embassy in Kyiv and the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow continuously keep in contact with them. They are healthy and have adequate logistical supplies," the minister said.
The Indonesian government is still waiting for the right time to evacuate them, she said.
Furthermore, there are 24 Indonesian citizens who have chosen to stay in Ukraine since they are married to local citizens, she informed. (Antaranews)
March
Russia-Ukraine conflict may slow down Indonesia's recovery: expert
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Russia-Ukraine conflict may slow down economic recovery in Indonesia and other developing countries, Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF) researcher Eisha M. Rachbini has predicted.
“The Russia-Ukraine conflict that has had a negative impact on global economic growth will impact and slow down economic recovery, particularly in emerging markets such as Indonesia,” she said in a written statement released here on Tuesday.
If the conflict gets drawn out, it may prompt several countries to ban imports of Russian commodities such as oil, nickel, aluminum, palladium, and wheat, and consequently, global commodity prices will increase, she projected.
A rise in global crude prices could increase the domestic prices of fuel oil and other essential commodities, including foodstuffs, she said.
"The government needs to exercise caution in responding to the crude oil and wheat price hike. It also needs to keep inflation under control by maintaining the stable domestic prices of fuel oil and foodstuffs and preventing them from becoming more volatile," she added.
The government's spending on energy subsidies may increase if the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues, she said. As a result, the state budget (APBN) may come under pressure, Rachbini added.
The energy subsidy skyrocketed by 347.2 percent to Rp10.42 trillion year-on-year in January 2022 compared to Rp2.3 trillion in January 2021, she noted.
"The consequence of counter-cyclical policy, for instance, by intervening in prices or providing subsidy, will put pressure on the budget deficit. Thus, the state budget needs to be managed efficiently by prioritizing economic growth and considering suspending the relocation of the capital city," she advised.
In connection with the US sanctions on Russian money market players and technological companies, coupled with potential for higher inflation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict may prompt the Fed to raise interest rates to a higher-than-expected level, she said.
"This may lead to the rupiah's depreciation, capital outflows, and a negative impact on the balance of payments (BoP). In the money market, conflict can also have an impact on credit distribution and corporate performance," she added. (Antaranews)
March
Ministry presents media center for Indonesia's G20 Presidency
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has provided a media center to disseminate information on Indonesia's G20 Presidency pertaining to events during discussion forums and the country's role in chairing the international event.
Director General of Information and Public Communication (IKP) of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics, Usman Kansong, stated that the existence of the media center will facilitate communication between ministries and institutions as well as serve as an information bridge for people keen to know about Indonesia's role in the G20 international forum.
"The media center for Indonesia's G20 Presidency is in accordance with the direction of President Joko Widodo, who pressed for public communication management in echoing Indonesia's role in the G20 Presidency. In accordance with Presidential Decree No. 12 and Presidential Decree No. 18 of 2021 on implementation of the G20 Event, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics is in charge of coordinating the execution of communication," Kansong noted in a statement here on Tuesday.
The media center for Indonesia's G20 Presidency will be located in the Kominfo Building, Jalan Merdeka Barat 9 Jakarta. The facility will be a means of coordinating public communication activities and media services of ministries and institutions in the series of Indonesia's G20 Presidency.
According to Kansong, the agenda for activities in the media center encompasses interactive dialogs, media briefings, and chief editorial meetings with competent sources in their respective fields.
"Various data and information in the form of press releases, photos, and graphics are also presented in the media center. These contents can be used by the media and the public for re-distribution. There is also QnA, including G20pedia," he noted.
G20pedia is an electronic book divided into two major themes: G20 Overview and the G20 Presidency of Indonesia. The G20 theme at a glance discusses information about members, roles, agenda, and the importance of the G20. Meanwhile, based on the theme of the G20 Presidency, Indonesia highlights information on Indonesia's progress in the G20, priority issues that are brought up, and benefits for Indonesia while assuming the G20 Presidency.
The Ministry of Communication and Informatics also provides access to information related to the G20 Indonesia Presidency to the public through the websites https://g20-indonesia.id/ and https://www.indonesia.go.id/g20/.
"Other ministries and institutions are also expected to make the most of the existence of the media center to convey information to the media and the public at large regarding the 2022 G20 Indonesia Presidency," Kansong stated.
The Director General of IKP of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics spoke of his plan to disseminate information on the G20 Presidency of Indonesia to several media abroad.
In coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kominfo will collaborate with several communities, such as the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in various countries, in the hopes of invigorating Indonesia's spirit to lead the G20 in 2022.
During the G20 Summit held on November 16, 2022, in Nusa Dua Bali, Kominfo will also build a media center located at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Nusa Dua, Bali. The media center will become operational since November 13, 2022.
According to Kansong, the G20 Summit media center can accommodate some 534 journalists with work area facilities, press conference rooms, interview corners, health rooms, relaxation rooms, dining areas, and media booths.
"The media center will provide various information content as well as facilitate and make it easier for journalists to conduct reporting work around the implementation of the summit," he explained.
The series of activities for Indonesia's G20 Presidency in 2022 has officially started since December 1, 2021. While serving as the G20 chair to last until November 2022, Indonesia is focusing on three main issues: global health architecture, digital-based transformation and energy transition.
In the Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) under Indonesia's G20 Presidency in 2022, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, as the leading sector, raised the issue of digital connectivity after the COVID-19 pandemic, digital expertise, and literacy as well as cross-country data flow and the free and reliable flow of data. (Antaranews)
March
Prioritize research, innovation to anticipate future crises: VP
Written by Nur Yasmin
Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has urged all stakeholders to prioritize research and innovation for formulating modern policies and building systems that are more resilient to future crises and shocks.
"Research and innovation must be prioritized to formulate modern policies," he said while joining the Merdeka Economic Forum via video conferencing from Jakarta on Monday.
In economic policy, research and innovation are needed to change the economic order and make it sustainable through the development of a green economy and a blue economy with inclusive participation, he explained.
The Vice President also emphasized several requirements for accelerating economic recovery from the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Amin, strengthening the national health system and controlling the pandemic are vital for scripting an economic recovery.
Therefore, the government has continued to strengthen support for health facilities, health workers, and the availability of medicines, he noted.
"The development of domestic vaccinations, the application of health protocols, as well as public health services must also continue to be strengthened," he said.
Furthermore, the Vice President said, structural reform, as a prerequisite for economic recovery, must also be guarded.
"The focus of sustainable development is directed at strengthening quality human resources, infrastructure development, creating a conducive business and investment climate, including support for MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprise) players, creating quality jobs and digital transformation," he explained.
In addition, Indonesia's Presidency of the G20 Forum in 2022 must be used to increase trade cooperation, industrialization, mastery of technology, and handling the climate crisis, he said.
"Similarly, the direction of Islamic economic and financial development that prioritizes justice, inclusion, and sustainability must continue to be encouraged to strengthen national economic resilience," the Vice President remarked. (Antaranews)
March
Indonesia's position in international forums should be optimal: VP
Written by Nur Yasmin
Indonesia's position in various international forums must be optimal in order to boost public welfare as well as a form of Indonesia's contribution to the world, Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin stated.
The vice president conveyed the statement during his virtual speech at the Merdeka Economic Forum held in Jakarta, Monday.
"Indonesia's position in various international forums must also be optimized, especially this year's G20 Presidency. We want to increase cooperation in the fields of trade and industrialization, as well as for gaining mastery in technology to handle the climate crisis, both for the welfare of the Indonesian people and as Indonesia's contribution to the world," the vice president noted.
The vice president affirmed that the direction of Islamic economic and financial development, which prioritizes justice, inclusion, and sustainability, must also continue to be encouraged to strengthen national economic resilience.
In addition, Amin remarked that the pandemic had spurred contemplation. The pandemic has forced changes in several aspects of life and humans, as individuals, inevitably have to adapt.
"Hence, it is time for us to increase competence and strengthen hard and soft skills, so that we become human beings, who are empowered and able to overcome future challenges," he remarked.
It was also stated that a series of national economic recovery agendas must be implemented in an integrated, collaborative, and inclusive manner through active participation of people from every societal strata, the central government and local governments, large entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, as well as academics, practitioners, and individuals.
"Hence, I invite all parties to move together, rise together, and become strong together for the recovery of the economy of our beloved country," Amin affirmed.
The vice president is optimistic that the Free Economic Forum would produce several new ideas that support the realization of the welfare of the community, nation, and state. (Antaranews)
February
9.8 million Indonesians have received booster dose
Written by Nur Yasmin
The COVID-19 Handling Task Force reported that as of Saturday, 9.8 million Indonesian citizens have received the third booster COVID-19 vaccination.
According to the task force data, the number of people receiving the booster dose rose by 267,325 on Saturday, taking the total number of people who have received the booster dose to 9,809,490.
Meanwhile, the number of people who have received at least the first dose under the national COVID-19 vaccination program reached 190,672,288, with 141,174 Indonesians receiving their first dose on Saturday.
As for the second dose vaccinations, the number of recipients increased by 494,396 on Saturday to 143,774,691, as per data.
The Indonesian government is targeting to inoculate 208,265,720 citizens, in a bid to achieve community or herd immunity.
The government continues to increase administering COVID-19 vaccinations in various regions in order to accelerate the completion.
The Ministry of Health has reduced the waiting period for people to receive the booster COVID-19 vaccine, from initially six months after their second dose to three months.
"It means the vaccine (shot) interval for all target groups is now three months, from initially six months after completing a primary vaccination series," spokesperson of the Ministry of Health Siti Nadia Tarmizi stated.
Tarmizi remarked that the latest provision was regulated in Circular Number SR.02.06/11/1180/2022 on Adjustment for the Implementation of COVID-19 Booster Vaccination for the general public, issued on February 25, 2022.
"Protection for the community against COVID-19 should be increased, including by administering the booster shot," she said.
The Indonesian government launched a nationwide vaccination program on January 13, 2021, as part of the efforts to boost the community's immunity against COVID-19. President Joko Widodo was the first vaccine recipient under the program.
The government commenced booster vaccinations for the general public on January 12, 2022. (antaranews)
February
Indonesia's defence equipment procurement on right track: analyst
Written by Nur Yasmin
Defense analyst Beni Sukadis assessed that the government's efforts to modernize Indonesia's defence equipment have been on the right track as the threats of war may occur at anytime.
"Strengthening defense must be carried out during peaceful condition in order to anticipate the threats of war that can occur at any time," he said in a written statement received here on Sunday.
He cited Russia's invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022 has turned into an open battle.
He expressed his opinion as China is still waiting for the United States' (US') response to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the superpower's possible involvement in the conflict.
"If (the US) is directly involved, it will break its concentration, while China can take the opportunity to invade Taiwan when the US is caught off guard," he explained.
Sukadis assessed that the invasion of Ukraine showed that conflict and war could occur any time in any country.
Hence, Sukadis argued that Indonesia's efforts to purchase defense equipment in recent times were believed as a right step.
The Indonesian Government has previously planned to modernize the defense equipment system by procuring Dassault Rafale fighter jets, Scorpene submarines, Airbus A400M aircraft, and the Arrowhead frigate warship.
Indonesia, on February 10, 2022, had officially acquired six Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft made by Dassault Aviation from France. The acquisition of the six aircraft was carried out after the Defense Ministry, represented by the Head of the Defense Facilities Agency Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, and a representative of Dassault Aviation, signed the purchase of the aircraft in Jakarta.
Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and French Defense Minister Florence Farly were also present and witnessed the signing of the contract. (antaranews)
February
G20's economic impact should be directly felt by locals: minister
Written by Nur Yasmin
The G20 Summit Ministerial Meeting in Belitung District, Bangka Belitung Islands, on September 7-9, 2022, should positively impact the economy for the betterment of the community, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno stated.
“We want the people to directly feel the impact of the implementation of the G20 Summit," Uno noted after reviewing the Nam Salu Open Pit Geosite in Kelapa Kampit, East Belitung, on Saturday.
The minister affirmed that in the last two years, the tourism sector in Indonesia was battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Many people were out of work, and incomes were declining," he pointed out.
Hence, implementation of the G20 Summit Ministerial Meeting is expected to offer a momentum to drive economic revival and tourism in Belitung, Uno explained.
"Hence, the economic revival that is triggered by the G20 Summit event should be fair for the community," he stressed.
Uno pointed out that preparations to be made by Belitung District to host the G20 Summit Ministerial Meeting were not solely limited to physical infrastructure.
"The prepping also entailed readying Human Resources (HR) and creative economic products," he stated.
Uno also expressed confidence that Bangka Belitung Islands Province was ready to host the G20 Summit Ministerial Meeting on September 7-9, 2022.
"Belitung is very ready on account of the fact that several international events had been held in Sungailiat (a village) in Bangka Belitung," he stated.
The minister also noted that in addition to being a priority destination area, Belitung is a National Tourism Strategic Zone (KSPN).
Furthermore, Belitung is a venue for hosting the G20 side events apart from Jakarta, Bali, Bintan, Batu, Bogor, Sorong, Surabaya, Makassar, Palembang, Solo, Banjarmasin, and Pontianak.
The G20 side events held in several regions can potentially support the local economy by promoting the local culture and products, Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi noted. (antaranews)
February
Ministry discusses satellite cooperation with British Ambassador
Written by Nur Yasmin
Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate welcomed cooperation from the UK for the construction of Satellite of the Republic of Indonesia-2 (SATRIA-2) during a meeting with the British Ambassador to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor Leste, Owen Jenkins.
“Today, I was visited by British Ambassador to Indonesia, Jenkins, to follow up on the talk about UK Export Finance supporting SATRIA-2," Plate informed here on Friday.
According to the minister, SATRIA-2, Indonesia's second High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) that will have a capacity to carry 150Gbps, will be designed like SATRIA-1 and built by Airbus.
During the discussion, he noted that the presence of SATRIA-2 is targeted to strengthen satellite services for Indonesia and is supported by the UK government.
Plate confirmed that he will travel to the UK for further discussions on SATRIA-2 with Airbus and the UK government.
Furthermore, he said that SATRIA-2 has been included in the Green Book of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).
"The scheme has been made possible through direct lending to the Indonesian government. For this reason, the financing documents will be discussed by the Indonesian Ministry of Finance and UK Export Finance as this is to increase economic cooperation between Indonesia and the United Kingdom," he explained.
Meanwhile, Jenkins expressed his appreciation for the meeting with Plate. According to him, the meeting will strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and the UK, especially in the information and communication technology sector.
"The UK government and Airbus, supported by the UK Export Finance, can help the Indonesian government to prepare its Internet access needs in this extraordinary archipelago," he said.
Plate is scheduled to attend the Global System for Communication Association International Communication Union Congress (GSMA ITU Congress). He will also make working visits to Spain and France.
"We are waiting for Mr. Plate to come to the UK and wanting to show him many UK's offers in technology and finance," Jenkins remarked. (Antaranews)