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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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December
Gov't mulls extending quarantine to 14 days for Indonesian travelers
Written by Nur Yasmin
The government is reviewing the option of extending the quarantine period for Indonesian citizens arriving from abroad to 14 days from 10 days, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has informed.
"The government is strongly considering to lengthen the quarantine period to 14 days if the Omicron variant becomes more widespread. So, I beg all of us to refrain, we do not want to repeat the very grim period in July this year," the minister said at an online press conference on public activity restrictions (PPKM) here on Monday.
The government has started to witness an increase in travelers arriving from abroad (PPLN) at some of Indonesia's entrance gates, Pandjaitan, who is also the Java-Bali PPKM coordinator, added.
Therefore, he said, the government will tighten the entry points to Indonesia via air, land, and sea.
"We keep urging the people not to travel abroad if it is not essential. I repeat, the government urges people not to travel overseas because of the world's current situation regarding Omicron," he stressed.
In anticipation of a surge in the number of travelers arriving in Indonesia, the government will prepare new quarantine locations to keep their return conducive and in accordance with the existing protocols, he added.
"The head of BNPB (National Disaster Mitigation Agency) is readying the Surabaya Juanda Airport as a new entrance for travelers who will return to the country," he informed.
Furthermore, he assured that COVID-19 cases in Indonesia have remained low after the first Omicron case was confirmed in Indonesia.
As of Monday, Indonesia has passed 157 days since the peak of the Delta variant wave, he noted. Since then, the number of new cases, active cases, and patients being treated in hospitals in Java-Bali has shown a decreasing trend, meaning that the COVID-19 pandemic has been under control, Pandjaitan highlighted.
Meanwhile, the vaccination coverage among the general public and elders has been increasing, he said. However, the government has continued to encourage some regions in Java-Bali where first dose vaccinations are still under 50 percent, he said.
"Although cases are under control at a low level, the government will continue to closely monitor case developments and anticipate spikes due to the Omicron variant. The government will still use PPKM levels as a basis for restricting communities activities," Pandjaitan remarked. (Antaranews)
December
Need for SDG funding up due to pandemic: ministry
Written by Nur Yasmin
The need for funding to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an official from the National Development Planning Ministry/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) has said.
"Efforts to achieve SDGs amid the pandemic are even more challenging," expert staff on social affairs and poverty eradication at the ministry Vivi Yulaswati said on Monday.
For Indonesia's SDG roadmap for 2030, the funding required to achieve the projected SDG targets is estimated at Rp67.083 trillion, with the gap in funding pegged at around Rp14.1 thousand trillion, she informed.
"After the pandemic, this funding need has experienced a significant increase globally. It is estimated to increase by around 70 percent. If we use that benchmark, of course, Indonesia's needs would be even bigger,” she said.
At the SDGs Annual Conference at the end of 2020, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had directed that the SDG targets not be changed despite the pandemic, Yulaswati added.
Given the increasing need for development funding and the limited government budget, the government needs breakthrough efforts to meet the funding requirement, she said.
"New breakthroughs are needed to accelerate our efforts for achieving the SDG targets, both through innovation and developing and also fighting for more effective and efficient ways to achieve maximum results," she remarked.
Yulaswati said the President has specifically asked the Minister of National Development Planning/Bappenas to expedite the achievement of SDG targets in a sustainable manner, including in terms of financing.
The SDG funding strategy cannot rely on government budgets and other conventional funding sources but requires various other sources, including companies or business actors, philanthropy, capital markets, impact investing, and crowdfunding, she pointed out.
"These sources are potential to close the gap in the need for SDG funding," she noted.
Therefore, Yulaswati emphasized the importance of synergy and integrated efforts that can link all potential innovative funding to achieve the SDG target.
“One of the things we are trying to do is to develop an SDG financing hub. This concept will be discussed further in various agendas at the G20," she noted. (Antaranews)
December
Legislator asks government to reduce garlic import
Written by Nur Yasmin
Legislator Andi Akmal Pasluddin of the House of Representatives' Commission IV has, asked the Ministry of Agriculture to reduce the imports of garlic which reach more than 450,000 tons annually .
The lawmaker said in a statement here on Sunday that 99 percent of Indonesia's garlic imports came from China, while the rest, amounting to hundreds of tons to 2,000 tons at the most, were from India, Taiwan, the United States, and Egypt.
In 2015, Indonesia's garlic imports from China reached 482,000 tons, in 2016 was 445,000 tons, in 2017 was 550,000 tons, in 2018 was 585,000 tons, and 2019 was 472,000 tons.
"I really regret that there has been no change in the situation of domestic garlic imports," he said.
The PKS (Prosperous Justice Party) politician said that government allocated funds amounting to Rp1,14 trillion at least in the 2021 State Budget for the Agriculture Ministry's Directorate General of Horticulture Ministry of Agriculture.
He asked the ministry to support the country's garlic farmers by providing seeds, giving guidance and other necessary facilities in order to increase the country's garlic production and reduce the garlic imports.
The lawmaker quoted a prediction of garlic importers that Indonesia might face a garlic scarcity following the issuance of the Trade Minister's Regulation No 20/2021 on import licensing.
Andi Akmal Pasluddin asked the Agriculture Ministry to respond to the challenge by guaranteeing the availability of garlic adequately and at affordable price. (Antaranews)
December
BMKG issues heavy rain warning in Aceh to North Sulawesi
Written by Nur Yasmin
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued an early warning for heavy rain in regions from Aceh to North Sulawesi on Monday.
Several regions are urged to be aware of the likelihood of heavy rains accompanied by lightning and strong winds in Aceh, North Maluku, and North Sulawesi.
The agency stated that Bali, Bangka Belitung, Banten, Bengkulu, Jakarta, Gorontalo, Jambi, West Java, East Java, and West Kalimantan could also receive rains of moderate to heavy intensity.
Rains of the same intensity can also lash South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, Lampung, Maluku, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.
Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains could also likely occur in Papua, West Papua, Riau, West Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, and North Sumatra.
Meanwhile, the BMKG also warned of the likelihood of coastal flooding on December 18-22, 2021, on account of the full moon phase.
Moreover, the agency warned of likely sea-level rise in Natuna Islands, Riau Islands, Bangka Belitung, Lampung, Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, West Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Ternate, Halmahera, northern West Papua, and northern Papua. (Antaranews)
December
Mount Semeru emits 3 km long of hot clouds avalanche
Written by Nur Yasmin
Mount Semeru again emitted hot clouds as far as 3 kilometers in the southeast direction, according to visual observation on Sunday.
"Based on visual observations at the Mount Semeru Observation Post on Mount Sawur from 00.00 to 06.00 am local time on Sunday, hot clouds of avalanches were observed with a sliding distance of 3 kilometers towards Besuk Kobokan," the Head of the West Region Volcano Mitigation Sub Division of National Volcanological Survey, Nia Khaerani, said in Lumajang District.
"As for seismic activity, there was one hot cloud avalanche with an amplitude of 20 mm for 720 seconds, and then eight avalanches with an amplitude of 2-8 mm for 30-60 seconds," she informed.
Mount Semeru also experienced one gust earthquake with an amplitude of 7 mm for 65 seconds, and one distant tectonic earthquake with an amplitude of 7 mm for 120 seconds.
"The hot clouds that fell from Mount Semeru came from two sources, namely the top (the growth of the lava dome) and the bottom (the tip of the lava)," Khaerani added.
When the mountain was observed on Sunday at 06.00-12.00 am local time, it was clearly visible and an avalanche occurred with a sliding distance of 200 meters in the direction of the Curah Kobokan.
Seven avalanches happened, with an amplitude of 7-22 mm for 42-125 seconds, and one shallow volcanic earthquake with an amplitude of 10 mm for 13 seconds.
"The status of Mount Semeru is at level III or alert, so people are advised not to carry out any activities in the southeast sector along Besuk Kobokan as far as 13 kilometers from the summit (the center of the eruption)," she warned.
She warned that beyond that distance, the public should do things within 500 meters of the riverbank along Besuk Kobokan because there was a risk that the hot clouds and lava would extend up to 17 km from the summit.
"People are also banned from doing activities within a 5 km radius from the peak of Mount Semeru because there is a risk of the mountain throwing out stones," she remarked.
The public must also remain cautious of the risk of hot clouds, lava, and lava along rivers or valleys which originates from the peak of Mount Semeru, particularly along Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar, and Besuk Sat, as well as the potential for lava in rivers which started from Besuk Kobokan. (Antaranews)
December
Indonesia's G20 presidency boosts global investor confidence: Hartarto
Written by nuke
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenko Perekonomian) -
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has said Indonesia's G20 presidency helps boost global investor confidence and accelerate the national economic recovery.
"Economically, this will boost the confidence of global investors, accelerate the national economic recovery," Hartarto said in a statement here on Sunday.
During the presidency, Indonesia is expected to enjoy domestic consumption surge by Rp1.7 trillion, GDP increase by Rp7.47 trillion, and involvement of some 33 thousand workers in various industrial sectors.
In addition to providing benefits for national economic recovery, Airlangga Hartarto also said that as the G20 President, Indonesia has an important role in bridging the diversity that exists in the G20 Forum.
Indonesia, which has a philosophy of deliberation and consensus, is expected to be able to bridge between various groups of countries, according to the minister.
"Indonesia and the world community are waiting for the Indonesian G20 Presidency to foresight, inclusive policies and take concrete steps beyond political narratives," he stated.
President Joko Widodo hoped to see the G20 as a platform for economic cooperation in three sectors, namely global health architecture, economic transformation through digitalization, and the transition to sustainable energy, he noted.
"We feel the benefits of digital technology in various sectors and of course we will continue to encourage sectors that can become new growth engines as the value of the digital economy itself," he said.
He expected input from all stakeholders, including experts and academics, to maximize the benefits of Indonesia's G20 Presidency, so that Indonesia is able to make new breakthroughs, including in the energy transition sector for all countries by promoting the adoption of affordable technology, co-financing mechanisms, and sustainable energy transition priorities.
"In this efforts, we will involve the participation of scientists and academics who are members of Think 20 and Science 20 and expected to contribute to the three fields, especially the energy transition," he said//ANT
December
VP asks varsities to strengthen collaboration with industries
Written by nuke
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin. (ANTARA/HO-Setwapres) -
Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has urged all higher education institutions and universities to strengthen collaboration and cooperation with industries to face the changing reality.
"To face challenges of change, higher education institutions must continue to transform and strengthen collaboration with the business and industry world," he said at the 5th International Seminar and Conference on Global Issues (ISCoGI) 2021, which he virtually from here on Saturday.
Aside from collaborating with industries, higher education institutions must also expand cooperation with governments, organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the media, he added.
"Transformation and collaboration are necessary to help (higher education institutions) become world-class higher education institutions," Amin said.
To harmonize the application of science with the industry's needs, the Vice President asked universities to develop research with related parties, such as with other universities and the business world.
Higher education institutions must also rejuvenate the governance and management of the education system by developing good governance and the values of transparency, accountability, responsibility, independence, and quality assurance, he said.
"Higher education institutions, as activators of innovation, can initiate collaboration in the form of joint research. This is essential so that financing is more efficient, and the development of science and technology is in line with the needs of industry and society," he remarked.
In addition, the Vice President also said that the research conducted by universities must be adaptive to current advancements in technology.
"For example, many research institutions have utilized artificial intelligence and big data in mass surveys. The results of the analysis and policy recommendations are close to real-time, so it is difficult to be matched by manual survey methods," he expounded.
The Vice President expressed the hope that higher education institutions in Indonesia would become cultural centers and movers of social change to help build a democratic society that thinks ahead and has a noble character//ANT
December
Transportation Ministry responds to Omicron variant finding
Written by Nur Yasmin
Responding to the first Omicron infection in Indonesia, the Transportation Ministry has said it will continue monitoring the implementation of the health protocols by travelers using all modes of transportation, both domestic and international.
"The Transportation Ministry refers to the Domestic Instructions and Circulars of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force to regulate travel requirements for all modes of transportation, both domestic and international, with adjusting to the dynamics of the development of conditions and situations on the field," spokesperson for the ministry Adita Irawati said in a statement here on Thursday.
For international travel requirements, the ministry is currently referring to the Circular Letter of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force Number 25 of 2021, Irawati informed.
Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi has instructed authorities and operators of all modes of transportation to ensure the proper implementation of health protocols, both at infrastructures such as terminals, stations, ports, and airports, as well as facilities namely buses, trains, ships, and planes, she said.
The ministry is also continuing to maintain and improve coordination with related parties, especially the National Police and Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) who have helped a lot in the implementation of the health protocols, she added.
Earlier, state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura I (AP I) had carried out tightening and supervision at airports.
The Indonesian government also prohibited the entry of foreign nationals who have visited countries where the Omicron variant has been detected in the 14 days prior to their travel to Indonesia.
The countries include South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong (China), and countries that are geographically close to the Omicron transmission countries, namely Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho.
Earlier, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin announced that one positive case of the Omicron variant had been detected in Indonesia: a janitor on duty at the Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital. (Antaranews)
December
Omicron case: Minister asks people to stay calm
Written by Nur Yasmin
Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate appealed to the public to not panic but stay calm and follow the health protocols after the first case of the Omicron COVID-19 variant was reported in Indonesia.
“The government, through the Health Ministry, has announced the finding of the Omicron variant of concern (voc) in Indonesia. As we know, (the new variant) spreads very fast," he said.
In responding to this, the public will hopefully not panic, Plate said in a written statement that ANTARA received in Jakarta on Thursday.
"Stay calm, stay vigilant, adhere to health protocols, and get full vaccination. Also help the government strengthen the implementation of 3Ts (testing, tracing, and treatment),” he said.
Plate further appealed to the public to refrain from unnecessary mobility and going on non-essential trips ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He reminded the public to always follow the suggestions of health experts in relation to health protocols.
If people follow the health protocols properly and stay disciplined, they will be able to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus from infecting human beings, he said.
In addition, residents who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 should get vaccinated soon so that if they are exposed to the virus they will not suffer serious symptoms that will have a detrimental effect on their health, he added.
Earlier, Minister Sadikin had said that three workers at Wisma Atlet were confirmed positive for COVID-19 on December 8, 2021. On December 10, 2021, whole-genome sequencing testing was carried out and the result on December 15, 2021, showed the presence of the Omicron variant in one of the three samples, he informed.
The minister said the worker with the Omicron infection showed no symptoms.
Additionally, five cases of possible Omicron infection were also detected, Sadikin said. Two of the suspected patients are currently quarantined at Wisma Atlet, he informed. They are Indonesian citizens who recently returned from the United States and the United Kingdom, he said.
The other three suspected patients are foreign nationals from China who visited Manado, the minister said. They are currently undergoing quarantine in Manado, North Sulawesi, he added. (Antaranews)
December
Jokowi asks people to stay calm after first Omicron case detected
Written by Nur Yasmin
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Thursday asked the people to stay calm after the first Omicron infection was reported in Indonesia.
"It is important to be vigilant, but do not panic," he said.
Earlier on Thursday, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin had announced that the first case of the new coronavirus variant had been detected in Indonesia.
The first person to be infected by the new variant was a janitor working at Wisma Atlet, he informed. The case was detected after three workers at the location were found positive for COVID-19, he said.
"So far, the Omicron variant has not shown severe symptoms, especially in patients who have been vaccinated," Jokowi said.
He also asked the public to immediately get vaccinated to protect themselves.
"Therefore, I ask people who have not received the vaccination to immediately get it at health facilities," he emphasized.
In addition, the head of state expressed the hope that the public will continue to implement strict health protocols.
"Although the situation in the country is approaching normal, please keep wearing masks, keep your distance, and wash your hands," he reiterated.
The President also asked local governments to intensify testing and tracing of close contacts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Earlier, Minister Sadikin had said that three workers at Wisma Atlet were confirmed positive for COVID-19 on December 8, 2021. On December 10, 2021, whole-genome sequencing testing was carried out and the result on December 15, 2021, showed the presence of the Omicron variant in one of the three samples, he informed.
The minister said the worker with the Omicron infection showed no symptoms.
Additionally, five cases of possible Omicron infection were also detected, Sadikin said. Two of the suspected patients are currently quarantined at Wisma Atlet, he informed. They are Indonesian citizens who recently returned from the United States and the United Kingdom, he said.
The other three suspected patients are foreign nationals from China who visited Manado, the minister said. They are currently undergoing quarantine in Manado, North Sulawesi, he added.
Meanwhile, data from Health Ministry at 6 p.m. local time on Thursday showed more than 149 million people, or 71.64 percent of the targeted recipients had received their first vaccine dose, while more than 105 million people, or 50.53 percent of the target had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Meanwhile. 1,263,846 people had received the booster vaccine. The government is targeting to vaccinate 208,265,720 people in Indonesia in an effort to build herd immunity. (Antaranews)