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Editorial (922)
January
In a Limited Cabinet meeting on 28 December, the Indonesian government decided to prohibit foreign nationals from entering Indonesia from 1-14 January 2021. Exceptions were made for officials at the ministerial level and above, diplomatic visa holders and several other permit holders while still strictly implementing Covid-19 health protocols.
The emergence of a new mutated variant of the coronavirus, which is named VUI-202012/01 and has a very fast transmission rate, is the reason for the government to pass the prohibition policy.
The virus, originally identified in southeastern England, is spreading faster than the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. This new variant of Covid-19 has also been found in several other countries.
This condition has certainly hit the tourism sector again. Although during the pandemic, foreign tourist visits did decline sharply. Even in some areas no one visited. According to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, the government is currently focusing on domestic tourist visits, especially in the creative economy sector of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. At least, this step makes the tourism sector breathe a little again. The reforms that will be carried out from now on will certainly be of great potential when tourism is fully opened.
Chairman of the Association of Bali Travel Agents, Putu Winastra even said that the 14 days tightening of foreign citizens entering Indonesia would have a positive effect on Balinese society. Until now, international flights to Bali have not opened yet. This ban will be an opportunity to sterilize the Island of the Gods from Covid-19 transmission.
The government's policy of prohibiting entry to foreign nationals for 14 days is indeed correct in anticipating and minimizing the transmission of the new variant of Covid-19 which has currently entered several European and African countries.
December
The number of Covid-19 cases that have spread in Indonesia since early March 2020 increases day by day. As of Sunday (27/12/2020), the number of positive cases of the Covid-19 increased by more than 6.500 cases in a day so that the total positive cases of Covid-19 in Indonesia reached more than 713 thousand.
The recent increase in positive cases of Covid-19 is partly due to the family cluster which began to appear in September 2020. This was said by a pulmonary specialist from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, dr. Anna Rozaliyani in Jakarta, Sunday (17/12). She reminded the public to be aware of the transmission of Covid-19 that occurs in the family cluster.
So far, people have considered family as a safe place from Covid-19 transmission. In fact, according to dr. Anna, the family environment also has a risk of transmitting Covid-19. Especially. if there are family members who are still working or doing oudoor activities and do not properly implement health protocols when outside or when returning home. She also stated that it was possible that family members could become "super spreaders'', or carriers of the virus and could infect many other family members without realizing that they had been infected with the Covid-19 virus.
Community activities due to economic factors and other reasons such as boredom or prolonged stress due to staying at home for too long cannot be avoided. People are getting bored at home. In addition, many of them still have to leave their homes because they need financial income to meet their daily needs. Restaurants, cinemas and tourism attractions have begun to open so that the economy can run, even with strict health protocols. Especially towards the end of the year holidays, some people feel they need refreshment and local governments and entertainment and tourism businesses need income to survive from the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is a dilemma. On the one hand, people must get healthy and avoid this deadly virus by limiting social and economic movements. On other hand, people also need income to survive.
The increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Indonesia in the family cluster, requires people to adhere to health protocols properly and be disciplined. Do not let someone come home with the virus and consider themselves healthy because they do not feel symptoms so that they eventually infect other family members. People’s compliance and discipline must be improved. It is not easy to do this, because there are still many who ignore it and think that the Covid-19 virus does not exist.
In addition to adhering to and being disciplined in health protocols, the public must also increase the body's immunity with a good diet or nutritional intake, sunbathing and exercising.
December
The atmosphere of Christmas celebrations in Southern England amid the outbreak of the new Corona variant which is said to originate from the region is really hard to imagine. Although there is no official data on whether the British variant corona is more dangerous than the Covid-19, its contagious power has proven to be devastating. Today, more than 1.000 people in Southern England have been infected. In fact, it is said that the anxiety about this new Corona strain has started spreading to the USA. The Christmas celebration this time feels different, because people choose to stay at home due to the new virus. The probability of this virus entering the United States is a prediction from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The new Covid-19 variant, named SARS-CoV-2, is even said to have spread to Africa with temporary findings attacking young people there. But it has not been proven whether Sars-Cov-2 is more deadly or not. However, the spreading power is said to be very fast. On Thursday (24/12), the virus was found in Singapore.
To anticipate the spread of Coronavirus, whether the Covid-19 or Sars-Cov-2, the Indonesian government also urges people not to travel far and stay at home during the holidays and celebrations of Christmas and New Year 2012.
Various countries have now started vaccinating their citizens. It is hoped that this vaccine will later be able to overcome the Covid-19, including the various possibilities for the emergence of other new variants such as Sars-Cov-2.
It seems that this Christmas 2020 celebration must indeed be passed with deeper prayers and hope so that this deadly virus shakes off from the earth.
December
Ten days before the end of 2020, Britain and the European Union still have not fully agreed on matters related to Brexit or the UK leaving the European Union. The UK and the European Union still disagree on two important rules for both of them, concerning fishing and business competition. According to schedule, Britain and the European Union would have to settle differences regarding those matters on 20 December 2022. The two days delay indicates that the two sides are holding on to their respective positions. The delay in the agreement has further shortened the deadline, ahead of Britain's exit from the European Union on January 31, 2021. Britain has also had to sign a number of agreements related to its relationship with the European Union on January 1, 2021. Regarding the possibility of an agreement not being made, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his optimism that it would not occur. After a deadlock on fishing and business competition talk, the British Prime Minister insisted that Britain would still benefit even if there was no agreement.
As reported by the Associated Press and quoted by CNN Indonesia, from the European Union, it is France which has a strong interest in the fisheries sector agreement. The country really hopes that with the Brexit deal, French fishermen can fish in British waters. So far the British have full control over their waters. Both the UK and the European Union maintain their respective positions on fishing rules. Britain asked that the quota for fishing by EU countries in its waters be reduced to 25 percent of the quota before Brexit. The two sides also differed regarding the transition period. The UK considers that a 3-year transition period is enough for EU fishermen to adjust to the new rules. But the European Union asked for a longer period of six years. The British Prime Minister emphasized that Britain has the right to fully determine the rules within the country.
For both parties a UK exit without a deal or a Brexit No Deal can have benefits but also disadvantages. In the trade sector, the two parties will impose different import tariffs for commodities and customs regulations. Both the UK and EU member states will face problems in this regard. For Britain, trade barriers with the European Union can have a negative impact on its economy. While still a member, the European Union was the largest single market. But by leaving the European Union without a deal, Britain must comply with WTO rules. British companies that rely on exporting their products to the European Union countries will be affected by the absence of a trade agreement.
Apart from trade, Brexit no Deal will also have an impact on employment issues. Different rules post Brexit will affect the fate of British citizens working in the European Union countries, and vice versa.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now being tested for his skills in solving the Brexit issue. The failure of negotiations which resulted in Britain leaving the European Union without an agreement had consequences for the country. Brexit no Deal will have an impact on the UK economy which is now trying to rise from the downturn caused by Covid 19. Johnson also has to convince the British people and his political opponents in parliament that the decisions he has taken are correct and for the dignity of Great Britain and the good of the people.
December
Indonesia affirms its commitment to the use and development of battery-based electric vehicles. This commitment was realized by a Public Launching of Battery-Based Electric Motorized Vehicles last week.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has compiled an Energy Grand Strategy, with one of its programs being the use of Battery-Based Electric Motorized Vehicles. The road map to the program has also been supported by plans for the construction of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at 2,400 points, and Battery Exchange Stations at 10 thousand points by 2025. In addition, there is also an increase in electrical power in user households.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif said that Indonesia has the potential to produce electric vehicles because the technology and components used are simpler than conventional ones. In addition, Indonesia has also the potential for domestic capacity to produce batteries, supported by the large potential of nickel mining as raw material for batteries.
The government and business actors are committed to providing around 19 thousand units of 4-wheeled electric vehicles and 750 thousand units of battery-based 2-wheelers by 2025. This has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 283 thousand tons of carbon dioxide and reduce the cost of imported fuel oil.
Most of the pollution in big cities, especially in Jakarta, is generated from the exhaust emissions of motorized vehicles passing through the streets. The Commission for the Elimination of Leaded Gasoline, in the first quarter of this year, claimed that 47 percent of air pollution in Jakarta was contributed by motor vehicles.
Intensive collaboration and interaction between the government and business actors will enable Indonesia to encourage the use of battery-based electric motorized vehicles. This will bring about an impact on the development of related industries, saving foreign exchange, increasing energy security, and reducing greenhouse gases.
December
As vaccines began to be discovered in various countries, it turned out that the number of Covid19 cases continues to increase. The United States has the largest total number of cases in the world, which has so far recorded nearly 17 million in various regions. Malaysia reported nearly 1,300 new cases of the Covid-19 virus and it is said that the total positive cases in the country have passed China. At a press conference, Wednesday (16/12) Malaysian Minister of Health, Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah announced that positive cases in Malaysia were close to 88,000. That number continues to increase and can infect anyone.
Many world leaders began to experience Covid-19 attacks. French President, Emanuel Macron is known to have undergone tests after experiencing Covid-19 symptoms and has to be isolated for seven days. Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, 48, and European Union Council President, Charles Michel, 44, went into self-isolation after meeting President Macron for lunch on Monday. Portuguese Prime Minister, António Costa, 59, has also canceled all official trips, and is in isolation and awaiting test results, after having lunch with President Macron in Paris on Wednesday (16/12).
The current reality is that the Covid-19 virus attack knows no boundaries. Anyone can be infected whether old or young people, world leaders or ordinary people. It remains how each individual takes care of themselves by following strict health protocols and enhancing the body's immunity. This applies to everyone, including world leaders.
The vaccine has indeed been discovered. Some countries have even started vaccinating their citizens. However, given the massive attack of Covid-19, it seems that the world still has to wait for several months or maybe more, before it is free from the pandemic which damages not only health but also various aspects of life in many countries.
December
The United States now has its 46th President, the result of the 2020 General Election which is full of dynamics. The results of the Electoral College appointed Joe Biden from the Democratic Party as President of the United States. This decision was made after the voting process Monday night December 14, 2020 local time. Joe Biden became President because the election results showed that he and Kamala Harris received more than 270 votes, namely 306 votes. Much higher than Donald Trump who obtained only 232 electoral votes.
With the Electoral College decision, the lawsuit that was echoed by Donald Trump and his camp were dismissed. Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he does not recognize the provisional results of the election which was won by Joe Biden and has accused fraud and forgery in the election, especially in vote counting.
Hours after the Electoral College decision in his favor, Joe Biden delivers his Victory Speech. He stated that the rule of law, the constitution and the choice of the United States people had won. Phrases that may be directed against Donald Trump, have not received a response from Donald Trump. Traditionally, after the official stipulation from the Electoral College, the losing Presidential candidate would immediately give a national speech admitting his defeat. In the past, this tradition was made even after the quick count results. What Donald Trump has done has happened only once in the history of democratic Presidential election in America. Trump's attitudes and actions could affect the process of transitioning in government from the old President to the newly elected President.
However, it cannot be denied that the 2020 United States Presidential Election has broken the record for the most participation during the Presidential election in that country. Joe Biden hopes that the Electoral College decision and the 302 electoral votes will soon inspire Donald Trump's willingness to recognize the results of this election.
For the 46th President of the United States, the time has come to start with a certainty the transfer of power. His commitment to fighting the Covid 19 pandemic in his country will certainly be realized as soon as he enters the White House. The United States ranks first in terms of the number of citizens infected with Covid 19.
The eyes of the world are now fixed on the figure of the 79-year-old Democrat. Will Joe Biden change the course of US foreign policy? Even though it may have high hopes, the international community still has to wait for the steps and breakthroughs that Joe Biden will undertake in the future.
December
Pre-employment Card Program Needs Improvement to Continue in 2021
Written by nuke
Pre-employment Card Program Needs Improvement to Continue in 2021 - editorial
Indonesian government launched the pre-employment card program on April 11 2020. This is a program for working competency and entrepreneurship development aimed for job-seekers or anyone needing competence improvement, including micro and small business people. All Indonesian citizens at least 18 years old and not undergoing formal education can register for the pre-employment card.
According to the early concept initiated by President Joko Widodo, the pre-employment card is an effort to increase working competency, productivity, and competitiveness of Indonesian manpower. This program aims to realize the vision of top human resources which is the priority of Joko Widodo's second tenure. However, the Covid-19 pandemic expanded the pre-employment card function, namely as social security during the pandemic. Every pre-employment card owner receives aid worth around 3,5 million rupiahs consisting of scholarship for training and incentive that are given for four months.
In the ecosystem of pre-employment card programs, currently there are 7 digital platforms and 165 training agencies providing more than 2,000 types of training. Until now, there are seven favorite training categories namely sales and marketing, foreign language (english, korean, mandarin, japanese, and arabic), IT, office, food and beverage, lifestyle, and finance.
Since launching on April 11 2020, many people have been enthusiastic about the program. According to data from the Coordinating Ministry for Economy, the registration for pre-employment cards on prakerja.go.id until September 4 2020 had reached 15.9 million registrants. In 6 registration periods, three million people from 34 provinces of Indonesia were granted the pre-employment card. Some 849 thousand had finished their first training and 610 thousand had received incentive.
Considering the positive result from the pre-employment card, Indonesian government has decided to continue this program in 2021. If continued, the government will need to improve the learning module and expand the pre-employment card recipient. The module improvement aims to guarantee the training quality. The training contents of the pre-employment card program must be more practical to fulfill the participants' need in seeking a new job or a capital to begin a new business amid Covid-19 pandemic.
December
Waiting for Covid-19 Vaccination - editorial bbc.com
The recent arrival of 1.2 million Covid-19 vaccines is certainly very positive news for the Indonesian people. The vaccines produced by the Chinese company, Sinovac arrived in December 6, 2020. Indonesians are also waiting for the time when the Covid-19 vaccination will be carried out.
The vaccines have arrived. But, vaccinations are not immediately implemented. Indonesian people still have to be patient to wait. Because there are still steps to go through to determine when vaccination can be carried out. In fact, the clinical trials of the vaccine to be produced by PT Biofarma have not been completed, yet. In fact, the Food and Drug Agency -BPOM has not been able to issue a distribution permit for emergency user authorization. Head of BPOM, Penny Lukito said that the permit would, of course, be issued while still prioritizing three main aspects, namely safety, efficacy and product quality, including the validity of product information. One of the reasons for this emergency use distribution permit is that the drug or vaccine development process is still ongoing.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs who is also Chairperson of the Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery, Airlangga Hartarto hopes that BPOM can immediately issue an emergency use permit. But of course, Indonesian people have to wait for the results of clinical trials in Bandung, West Java and Brazil, which are scheduled to be completed today (15/12). Airlangga Hartarto expressed his hope at the Bisnis Indonesia Award 2020 event, which was delivered virtually on Monday (14/12). On that occasion, he also remarked that the presence of vaccines is a change agent or game changer in handling Covid-19. It is hoped that the presence of vaccines can reduce the spread of the virus and encourage public confidence to resume activities. While waiting for the results of clinical trials, the Indonesian government has prepared health workers. About 440 thousand health workers and 23,000 vaccinators continue to prepare themselves for the implementation of the Covid-19 vaccination throughout Indonesia.
But there is something necessary for the Indonesian people to be aware of. If all clinical trials are successful, and vaccinations are carried out, unnecessarily all Indonesians will get vaccinated. Based on the ready number, there are three million doses. It is clear that only one percent of the Indonesian people will receive the first vaccine. Of course, the people must be willing to give vaccines to the first priority group, namely those who are at the forefront of handling Covid-19. They are medical personnel, contact-tracing paramedics, and public servants, including the personnel of Indonesian Armed Forces -TNI, the National Police -Polri, and other legal officers. Eventhough the number has reached 3.4 million, the need is around 6.9 million doses.
Another thing that must be considered is that not all people can get free vaccines. Minister of Health, Terawan Putranto has said that the government has made two schemes of Covid-19 vaccination. Of the total 107 million citizens who need to get vaccinated, 35 million people are included in the government's immunization program. This means that they get a free vaccine. Meanwhile, the others will buy their own vaccines.
In addition, the most important thing that the Indonesian people should do now is that they have to strictly implement health protocols. Maybe, the people have often heard the calls to wear masks, wash their hands with soap, keep their distance and avoid crowds. In reality, this step is very effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19. The regional governments can more strictly enforce health protocols, such as heavy sanctions imposed on those who violate the health protocols, not issuing permits for crowds, especially ahead of the Christmas and New Year. Because at present, if the vaccination could not be carried out, enforcement of health protocols by all parties becomes a powerful weapon to fight against the Covid-19.
December
Introducing Indonesia's Maritime Potentials Through Nusantara Day
Written by Maryati
Indonesia commemorates Nusantara Day every 13 December. The history of Nusantara Day began with the declaration of the then Indonesian Prime Minister, Djuanda Kartawidjaja, on December 13, 1957 regarding Indonesia's maritime boundaries. This statement which became known as the Djuanda Declaration stated to the world that the Indonesian seas include the surrounding seas, between and within the Indonesian archipelago, becoming a unitary territory of the Republic of Indonesia -NKRI.
Legally, the designation of Indonesia as an archipelagic country as well as a maritime country is stipulated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea -UNCLOS 1982. Through this, Indonesia's area was increased to 5.8 million square kilometers consisting of the territorial sea and inland waters covering 3.1 million square kilometers and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering 2 million square kilometers.
As the largest archipelagic country in the world, which has the second longest coastline in the worldafter Canada, or along 108,000 km, Indonesia has excellent potential, from geo-political, geo-strategic and geo-economic points of view. Indonesia also has abundant marine natural resources, both living and non-living resources and marine services that have not been optimally exploited.
Indonesia's maritime potential has an important role in restoring Indonesia's unstable economy since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in early 2020. This maritime potential is not only the marine and fisheries sector but also the potential for marine tourism, which needs to be improved even amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition, the presence of digital technology also plays a major role in boosting and introducing marine potential, both marine and fishery products as well as the potential for marine tourism. Fisheriescommunities and marine tourism businesses can also use digital technology to introduce products, seek opportunities and plan marine tourism trips. This is in accordance with the theme of Nusantara Day 2020, namely "Strengthening Maritime Culture for the Increasing Economy of the Digital Age".
Hopefully, the 2020 Nusantara Day can bring new strength and solidarity to the Indonesian people in introducing Indonesia's maritime potential. So, it can rebuild the national economy amid the pandemic.