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August
Today, August 17, the Indonesian people commemorate the 76th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. Today's Commentary title is the anniversary theme for 2021.
In his state address at the Annual Session of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in Jakarta, Monday (16/8), President Joko Widodo linked the phrase 'Indonesia Resilient' with Indonesian nation to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. According to President Joko Widodo, this pandemic is like a candradimuka crater that tests, teaches, and sharpens at the same time. All pillars of life are tested; all pillars of strength are honed. Patience, persitence, togetherness, intelligence, and speed, all of these are tested and honed at the same time.
The pandemic mentioned by President Joko Widodo has also spurred people to change, develop new ways, leave old habits that are irrelevant, and break through the impossible. In fact, he believes, the capacity of state institutions in responding to the pandemic is also increasingly consolidated and more responsive.
The implementation of the phrase 'Indonesia Growing' can be seen from the economic growth in the second quarter of 2021, which reached 7.07% with a controlled inflation rate at 1.52%. Even during the period, restrictions on community activities were implemented in many places due to the spread of Covid-19 transmission. The government's optimism for Indonesia's growth can also be seen from the 2022 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget Bill which was submitted by the President on the same occasion. In 2022, the Government plans a fiscal policy that remains expansive to support the acceleration of socio-economic recovery, but is also consolidative to increase the state budget by strengthening structural reforms.
President Joko Widodo affirmed that there are six main focuses in the 2022 State Budget policy: first by continuing efforts to control Covid-19 while still prioritizing the health sector, second by maintaining the sustainability of social protection programs for the poor and vulnerable, third by strengthening the agenda for improving human resources with superior, integrity and competitiveness, fourth by continuing infrastructure development and improving technology adaptability, fifth by strengthening fiscal decentralization to increase and distribute welfare among regions and sixth by continuing budgeting reform in implementing zero-based budgeting to encourage more efficient spending, strengthening central and regional synergies, focusing on priority and results-based programs, and anticipating conditions of uncertainty.
What was affirmed by President Joko Widodo in the two speeches may enliven optimism for a better Indonesia. To make it come true, discipline is needed so that the plan is carried out on time according to the target. Hopefully, all stakeholders can move at the same acceleration to realize “Indonesia Resilient, Indonesia Growing.”
August
People's Consultative Assembly Annual Session for Strengthening and Building National Character
Written by Maryati
The Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly –MPR holds its Annual Session, Monday (16/8). Same as in previous years, the session which is held ahead of the commemoration of Indonesian Independence Day on 17 August, is attended by the President, Vice President, cabinet ministers, members of the Assembly, and other dignitaries whose number is limited due to the Covid19 pandemic.
In the MPR’s Annual Session held along with the House of Representative -DPR and Regional Representatives -DPD this time, President Joko Widodo delivers a speech on the performance reports of state institutions. Afterwards, he also gives a speech delivering the government's introduction/information on the Draft Law on the Indonesian State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) for the 2022 Fiscal Year and its Financial Note.
This is the second time that the MPR’s Annual Session has been carried out in a simple, not too long, yet effective and efficient manner due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Quoting Antara News Agency, Chairperson of MPR, Bambang Soesatyo said that amid conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic, social cohesion and national solidity had become a vulnerable and crucial point. Therefore, the MPR annual session this year focuses on strengthening and building the nation's character. This must continue to be fought for so that it becomes a collective spirit amid the social, national and state life which is being slumped due to the Covid-9.
It is hoped that the MPR Annual Session will be able to become a momentum for the MPR to convey various national messages related to the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, and not only focuses on health and economic aspects but also to be able to remind all elements of the nation that in handling the pandemic must also include aspects of strengthening the life of the nation and state in a bid to be able to build optimism in dealing with the Covid-9.
As is known, the Covid-19 pandemic has multi-dimensional impacts. The economy contracted, unemployment increased, debt increased, not to mention other social impacts.
Thereby, the 2021 MPR Annual Session should not just be a normative event that will pass, but also be able to answer a number of current and future challenges or the post-pandemic era, with seriousness in creating national independence. In line with the theme of the 76th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, namely "Indonesia Resilient, Indonesia Grows", with the hope that Indonesia will remain strong in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
August
State-owned oil and gas company, PT Pertamina officially takes over the Rokan block from the previous operator PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia -a subsidiary of a multinational energy company Chevron Corp. Since Monday (09/08), the management of the oil field in Rokan block, Riau Province has been in the hands of PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan.
Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif said the takeover was a milestone in Indonesian upstream oil and gas industry.
Yes, the government handed over the Rokan block to PT Pertamina. But, can they really manage the Rokan Block? Can they maintain the oil production or even surpass the current oil production?
Based on data from Oil and Gas Special Regulatory Task Force (SKK Migas) as per June 2021 under PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia, Rokan block produced 165,000 barrels of oil per day or around 24 percent of total national oil production.
The greatest challenge faced by PT Pertamina is maintaining the production number or increasing it. Maintaining the production is not easy. Therefore, as posted by PT Pertamina on their Instagram on Wednesday (11/8), President Joko Widodo asked the company to work its fingers to the bone for the sake of the Rokan block's continuity.
PT Pertamina needs to work hard so that bad history does not repeat. When PT Pertamina took over Blok Mahakam, the production dropped significantly. Another decrease in production will be a bad precedent.
To increase production after the takeover, PT Pertamina targets to drill 161 new oil wells in August-December 2021, in the hope that Rokan can maintain their current production and become one of the nation's main oil producers.
In achieving this goal, PT Pertamina needs qualified human resources who truly understand oil block management. It will also need sophisticated techs or at least the ones in the same level with Chevron's in managing the oil well.
PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan must show the world that they can manage the Rokan block and even do better than PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia. Therefore, PT Pertamina will be able to support national energy security.
August
Saudi Arabia has begun to accept applications for Umrah from international Muslim pilgrims on condition that they have received the Covid-19 vaccination. The announcement was made through state media, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Sunday (8/8). SPA reported, the relevant ministry would receive Umrah applications from various countries in the world starting Monday 9 August 2021.
Thus, even though the Covid-19 pandemic is not over, Saudi Arabia is estimated to have started granting permits for 60,000 Umrah pilgrims who have been vaccinated. That number will gradually be increased to two million per month. Umrah pilgrims from abroad who are allowed to perform worship in the Holy Land must include an officially recognized Covid-19 vaccination certificate along with other requirements for Umrah.
Saudi Arabia's move to reopen Umrah for international pilgrims is quite bold. It needs cooperation at the international level so that there is no transmission of Covid-19 in Mecca. For Muslims outside Saudi Arabia who want to perform Umrah in the Holy Land, the decision is a breath of fresh air and encouraging.
However, the Saudi Government also imposes quite strict regulations, especially for pilgrims who, even though have been vaccinated, come from nine countries on the list of prohibited entry to Saudi Arabia. They are India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, and Lebanon. They will be quarantined for 14 days in third countries before entering Saudi Arabia. The reason is because Saudi Arabia has recognized only four types of vaccines, namely Pfizer, Moderna, Johnsons & Johnsons, and AstraZeneca. In fact on one hand, the Covid-19 vaccinations obtained by the 9 countries have already been approved and permitted by the World Health Organization -WHO. On the other hand, these countries, especially Indonesia with the largest Muslim population in the world, are known for their large number of Umrah pilgrims and bring in considerable income/foreign exchange for Saudi Arabia. The question is whether Saudi Arabia will relax the conditions in question given this fact.
Each country certainly needs to convince Saudi Arabia that the vaccines given to their citizens, although not included in the list of the Saudi Arabian government, have been tested and received permission from the WHO.
Understandably, the regulations are enforced solely to ensure that Umrah activities in the Holy Land are carried out in a safe manner by implementing all preventive measures and strict health protocols. This is considering that Umrah activities inevitably involve a great number of people with the potential to crowd. Thus, Umrah pilgrims are expected to be protected from the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
August
US-South Korea, and China-Russia Joint military Exercises in geopolitical perspective.
Written by Maryati
Shows of strength and military cooperation are taking place in Asia. Three major countries, the United States, China, and Russia are holding massive military exercises there. If Russia holds joint military drills with China. The United States cooperates with South Korea, its ally on the Korean peninsula.
As reported by the French news agency, AFP, South Korea and the United States began holding preliminary joint military exercises Tuesday, August 10, before entering the full-scale Exercise from August 16-26. The joint action of the two countries was immediately responded to by North Korea. Kim Yo-Jong, the younger brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, considers the joint military exercises a form of betrayal by South Korea. The accusation was made on the basis that communication between Seoul and Pyong Yang that had been cut off, was just re-opened last month in the hope that relations would improve.
At almost the same time, two close neighbors of the two Koreas, namely China and Russia, are also holding military exercises. The location is indeed not in the eastern part which is close to the Korean peninsula. The joint Russian and Chinese exercises, which are being carried out on a large scale, take place in the northwestern region of China and involve at least 10,000 troops.
Seeing the selection of locations that are far from the Korean Peninsula when the United States and South Korea also hold military exercises, it can then be assumed that there are different objectives. Although both have interests and influence on the two Koreas, it seems that the joint Russian and Chinese exercises this time are meant as a show of strength against Europe and America.
The cold war, which gave rise to the terms west bloc and east bloc, politically ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, the struggle for influence between the big countries is still and will continue.
What is interesting now is the joining of Russia and China through large-scale military exercises. Even though it is just a joint military exercise, this could make the United States carry out new foreign strategies and policies, in anticipation of China and Russia's movements. As is known, the relationship between China and the United States, still has problems. Likewise between Washington and Moscow.
Efforts to find a balance of power and influence between the big countries have made the development of international politics more dynamic.
August
Islamic New Year of 1 Muharram 1443 Hijri is Momentum of Effort for Strong and Growing Indonesia
Written by Maryati
Today, August 10, 2021, Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year 1443 Hijri. For Indonesia whose majority of the population is Muslim, the Islamic New Year is a significant momentum. This year's Islamic New Year is even more extraordinary, because it falls one week prior to the 76th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia and is still struggling to handle the Covid-19 pandemic.
President Joko Widodo in his remarks on the Commemoration of the Islamic New Year of 1 Muharram 1443 Hijri expressed his hope that the momentum of this 1 Muharram could be used to multiply efforts to fight against Covid-19. In his remarks broadcast through the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube account, Monday (9/8), the Head of State also conveyed that the Proclamation of August 17, 76 years ago, was a manifestation of the migration of the Indonesian people to escape from colonialism to become an independent and sovereign nation. President Joko Widodo also emphasized that this momentum must be used to multiply the outward and inward efforts to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
President Joko Widodo's hope, of course, must be supported by all Indonesian people. Indeed, the Covid-19 pandemic has further strengthened the spirit of Mutual Cooperation (Gotong Royong) for the Indonesian people. Anyhow, this is not enough. Awareness, compliance and discipline of everyone in Indonesia to implement health protocols are the foremost factor. Their strong effort is to precisely make the Indonesian nation shake off from the Covid-19 pandemic. Discipline and compliance in implementing the set health protocols can be the basis for discipline and obediently applying any rules, policies, and appeals in all sectors. The effort looks simple, but it contributes greatly to Indonesia becoming more resilient and continuing to grow.
The core essence of the year and age turn is a change. Of course, it must be in a better direction and conditions. That essence has been stated in the theme of the 76th Independence Day Commemoration, namely "Indonesia is Tough, Indonesia is Growing". This is the duty and obligation of all Indonesian people to make it come true. This effort can be proven by supporting the acceleration of vaccination program. All related stakeholders have to be creative and innovative to rise from the economic downturn affected by the Covid-19. With the real effort by strong belief and prayer of all Indonesian people without exception, God willingness, Indonesia will be more resilient to shake off from the Covid-19 pandemic and grow in all sectors.
August
There was good news for the Indonesian people last week. The Central Statistics Agency [BPS] announced on Thursday (5/8) that Indonesia's economic growth in the second quarter of 2021 or the April-June period reached 7.07 percent on an annual basis and 3.31 percent on a quarterly basis. This positive growth has pushed Indonesia out of a recession due to negative growth that occurred in the second quarter of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Head of the Central Statistics Agency, Margo Yuwono, Indonesia's economic growth in the second quarter was better than the first quarter of 2021. Meanwhile, in the same period last year, it was minus 5.32 percent. He also explained that apart from the onset of economic recovery, another factor for the second quarter's economic growth was the low base effect of last year's growth. In addition, economic growth was also driven by an increase in exports. Indonesia's total exports were recorded at US$53.97 billion, up 10.36 percent compared to the previous quarter. According to Margo Yuwono, the global economy in the second quarter also experienced an increase. This could be seen from the movement of the Purchasing Manufacturing Index in March and June 2021, which continues to increase.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto said that the government's next homework is to further increase efforts to control the Covid-19 virus. Even though the number of positive cases of Covid-19 has started showing a decline, it has not been fully resolved. The engine of growth, according to Minister Airlangga Hartarto, has moved and is growing positively, while the global potential has also moved.
Meanwhile, according to Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani, one of Indonesia's successful economic recovery strategies came from social assistance. It is able to maintain the level of poverty and household consumption of the lower class. She hopes that the recovery in consumption will also spread to the upper middle class.
Hopefully, with the right fiscal and monetary policies, accelerated vaccination, provision of social assistance, and discipline from all parties in strictly implementing health protocols, the momentum of economic growth will continue until the third quarter, which is predicted to be around 3.7-4.5%.
August
Joint Military Exercises between Indonesia and the United States
Written by Maryati
Indonesia is one of the largest archipelagic countries in the world and does need a strong military capability to maintain the sovereignty of the nation and state. In addition to requiring the main weaponry system as a defense requirement to maintain sovereignty, Indonesia also conducts joint military exercises with other countries to improve military capabilities both in terms of tactics, use of weapons and personnel capabilities. To achieve this, the Indonesian National Army –TNI AD is conducting joint military exercises with the United States in South Sumatra. This joint exercise, entitled 'Garuda Shield 15/2021', is the largest exercise ever carried out by the two countries and involves 2,161 Indonesian Army soldiers and 1,547 US Army personnel. This exercise takes place from August 1-14, 2021.
Quoted from Kompas (4/8), Army Chief of Staff General Andika Perkasa accompanied by Commanding General of The United States Army Pacific, General Charles A Flynn when opening a joint exercise with the Indonesian Army and the United States Army in The Indonesian Army Combat Training Center, Martapura-Baturaja, Ogan Komering Ulu Timur, South Sumatra, Wednesday (4/8) said that the 15th Garuda Shield in 2021 is the largest exercise in the history of military cooperation between Indonesia and the US.
Meanwhile, based on information from the United States Embassy, this military exercise aims to strengthen the US-Indonesia Main Defense Partnership and encourage cooperation in supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. In addition, the United States also believes that Garuda Shield 2021 can provide excellent opportunities for professional and cultural exchanges that strengthen the partnership between the two countries through joint learning and training.
In fact, the first joint Garuda Shield exercise held in Bandung, West Java in 2009 is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and can also be said to be a real form of defense diplomacy to strengthen military relations of both countries. In addition to the United States, Indonesia also builds joint military exercises with various neighboring countries, such as MALINDO and Malaysia which sometimes includes other countries such as Singapore, Australia and several other ASEAN countries. The purpose of this military exercise is to build strategic cooperation and partnerships with various countries. In addition, the increasing tension in the South China Sea could be a joint military exercise with major countries that will enhance alertness and improve the capability of Indonesian military personnel in dealing with all possibilities that may occur in terms of security and the effects of threats from outside Indonesia's territory. In addition to conducting joint military exercises in Baturaja, South Sumatra, the Indonesian Army and the United States Army also conduct exercises in two other locations: Amborawang, Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan and Makalisung, Minahasa, North Sulawesi.
August
ASEAN now has a new dialogue partner. The addition came after Britain officially agreed to become an ASEAN dialogue partner which previously consisted of only China, the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and New Zealand.
The country has proposed to become an ASEAN dialogue partner since June 2020. By becoming a Dialogue Partner, the UK will formalize its relationship with ASEAN, including attending the annual Foreign and Economic Ministers' meeting and other Ministerial-level meetings.
Britain's participation as a dialogue partner of ASEAN, can make the 10-member organization expand the discourse on Cooperation and play its role not only in the ASEAN region but beyond. As is known, the UK is a country that has considerable influence in the European Union. It is also very likely, the UK's participation as a dialogue partner, will be able to increase understanding and cooperation for the Indo Pacific region. ASEAN can discuss more broadly important issues such as transnational crimes and maritime security. England in history was recorded as a country with not so wide land and sea area, yet had triumphed in the sea due to to its naval power. Thanks to its wide influence, English has now become the main international language of communication and has become the main foreign language taught in schools, including in Indonesia.
But in addition to the benefits that ASEAN will get, the UK can actually benefit from its status as an ASEAN dialogue partner. Britain's exit from the European Union membership which brings economic consequences, is very possible to be balanced by becoming a dialogue partner of ASEAN which consists of 10 countries, including Indonesia. Data shows that the value of trade between the UK and ASEAN in more than a year until the last quarter of the 2021 is worth more than 32.3 billion euros.
The principle of mutual complementarity, mutual giving, and mutual acceptance and seeking joint solutions to increase benefits, must always be put forward in relations between countries. Be it bilaterally, multilaterally, or through regional organizations.
August
Closing to the complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, China began to exert influence in Afghanistan. Among other things, by receiving a visit from a Taliban delegation led by one of its founders, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, to meet with high-ranking Chinese officials, last week. The official website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs posts a photo of Foreign Minister Wang Yi with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and his delegation in Tianjin before starting the talk. Meanwhile, the conflict between the Afghan government military and the Taliban was still ongoing. The Taliban continues to spread its wings, especially in northern Afghanistan. On the other hand, the government forces, apart from defending themselves, also retaliated against attacks.
The diplomatic narrative emerged from a meeting between the Taliban leadership and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who stated that his government was adhering to a policy of not interfering in Afghanistan's internal affairs. The Taliban said via twitter that Afghanistan would not be a hotbed for terrorists.
The United States has responded to the Taliban meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on the sidelines of his visit to India, Thursday, July 29, stated that China's involvement could be a good thing, if Beijing could seek a peace resolution.
Meanwhile, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani responded to the visit of Taliban to China. In essence, he doubts the Taliban's statements or narratives regarding a political solution in Afghanistan.
Whatever the implications, the Taliban's visit to China has happened. The friendly reception by Foreign Minister Wang Yi could at least imply that the Taliban were politically recognized by China. It seems that China sees the strategic position of the Taliban after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. China recognizes that the factor of the Uyghur Muslim minority in its country is a sensitive matter, especially for countries with Muslim majority populations. Including Afghanistan, especially the Taliban, who are known as hard-line Muslims. In addition, China does have a special interest in Afghanistan because parts of the territory of the two countries are bordering each other.