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November
The Central Statistics Agency noted that Indonesia's economic growth in the third quarter of 2020 contracted by minus 3.49 percent. Even though it is still contracting, this achievement is better than the position in the second quarter of 2020 which was recorded at minus 5.32 percent.
Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati stated on Thursday (6/11) that the achievement of economic growth in the third quarter of 2020 was quite good compared to the previous position. This shows that currently, there is a process of economic recovery and a reversal in the direction of national economic activity towards a positive direction. The improvement in economic growth is driven by fiscal stimulus or the role of the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget instrument, mainly in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and the National Economic Recovery program
In the third quarter of 2020, the absorption of state spending experienced an increase in acceleration. Until the end of September, the national economy grew 15.5 percent. The absorption of the budget was supported by the realization of social assistance and support for the business world and small and micro enterprises. Based on the Central Statistics Agency data, during this period, the government consumption grew 9.76 percent from the previous period.
What is happening now can certainly be used to improve growth in the fourth quarter. But keep in mind, this will be largely determined by current and future conditions and policies. Thereby, the government must maintain this positive trend and not be careless. Because it is possible that Indonesia will be trapped in a prolonged recession as experienced by many other countries during the pandemic. An acute recession would increase the unemployment rate which until last August alone was recorded at 9.77 million. An increase of 2.67 million compared to the same period in 2019.
It is hoped that the government will be able to put a brake on the increase in unemployment by encouraging economic growth from quarter to quarter. All components of growth both in terms of expenditure and production must move up.
The government has said that it will continue to accelerate the Covid-19 handling program and the absorption of the National Economic Recovery budget, which amounts to Rp 695 trillion. However, until early November, the budget that had been used was only around 54 percent. This means that efforts are still needed to encourage budget absorption so that the growth trend can be maintained or even increased.
November
Waiting for the Final Result of the US Presidential Election
Written by Maryati
The World is waiting for the final vote count results for the United States Election. The Incumbent, President Donald Trump, said that if only legal votes were counted, he would easily win. Even without evidence, Trump and his campaign team have claimed fraud in the election and wanted to stop vote counting in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia and Michigan.
In fact, in the weeks leading up to the election, Donald Trump has stated that if the vote gap in the Presidential Election is slim, he will accuse his Democratic opponent of election rigging and trying to steal victory from him.
Democrats and even some of the president's supporters responded immediately. Donald Trump's accusation of cheating in the 2020 US election is considered to have hurt the trust of citizens. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which monitors elections in western countries and the former Soviet Union, has found no evidence of fraud.
The transition of power is a transition mandated by the 20th Amendment to the US Constitution and the United States' most important democratic tradition. Constitutional and election experts argue that a president cannot ignore election results and retain power. Trump has not stated his stance on whether to accept the election results or not.
US election officials in states that are major battlefields of the two camps warned vote counting would take longer as many voted via mail due to the pandemic.
If usually the results of the presidential election can be known directly on the night after the election, this time it looks a little different. The existence of a pandemic and claims of fraud by Trump's side mean that the election results cannot be immediately known for sure. The waiting period will be a tense day, not only for the US but for the world.
November
Handling the Covid-19 Pandemic for Indonesia's Economic Recovery
Written by nuke
Handling the Covid-19 Pandemic for Indonesia's Economic Recovery - Editorial Global Busines guide Indonesia
Indonesian President, Joko Widodo reminded again his ministers to remain focused on managing and maintaining a balance between coping with health and economic recovery. This was conveyed during a briefing at the Plenary Cabinet Session at the State Palace in Jakarta, Monday (2/11). Indeep, he has conveyed this to his aides many times.
Two focuses are presented: addressing health and economic recovery. In handling health, especially handling the Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesia is still struggling to reduce the number of active cases. As of November 1, 2020, Indonesia's active cases of Covid-19 were 13.78 percent, the world average of active cases was 25.22 percent. President Joko Widodo also instructed that active cases should be continuously suppressed and minimized.
President Joko Widodo's request is certainly very appropriate, considering that several countries in Europe are currently facing a second wave of Covid-19 attacks. The increase in cases was drastic. Indonesia must not be complacent and must increase its control so that active cases can be continuously suppressed, as well as to suppress the emergence of possible second wave.
The second focus emphasized by President Joko Widodo is economic recovery. As experienced by other countries, Indonesia is also struggling to increase economic growth. In the second quarter, Indonesia's economic growth was at minus 5.32%. Although it was still minus in the third quarter, the minus was only 3 percent. It is expected that it will continue to rise in the fourth quarter. President Joko Widodo warned that the fourth quarter is very important to improve. The hope can go into the positive. Thereby, President Joko Widodo asked for state and government spending to be implemented at the beginning of the year. Thus, the increase in the fourth quarter does not fall at the beginning of the year.
All stakeholders must take immediate and appropriate steps. The real action of all parties to jointly fight the Covid-19 pandemic, to reduce its spread and to break the chain of its spread must be increased. Hopefully, vaccinations can also be carried out according to schedule. Because of this, all related stakeholders and the public have to contribute greatly to the economic recovery and economic growth of Indonesia.
November
For approximately 8 months, people in Indonesian have been forced to live side by side with the Covid-19 pandemic. Their lifestyles have also changed since the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Communication and community life, which usually takes place face-to-face, have to be limited to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
However, the existence of restrictions does not necessarily limit creativity in society. In fact, with the pandemic, people's creativity has increased in order to survive.
President Joko Widodo, when opening the 2020 National Culture Week virtually on Saturday (31/10) night, said the pandemic would not be a barrier for arts and cultural activists to keep creating. He assessed that currently people are getting more creative because they have succeeded in responding to crisis situations. According to the President, during the Covid-19 pandemic, they are actually trying to revive local culture or wisdom, such as traditional herbal medicine which is efficacious in increasing body immunity.
All over the world, people are asked to maintain their health and increase their stamina so that they are not easily infected with the Covid-19 virus. One of the ways that the Indonesian people do is by consuming herbal medicine. The popularity of jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal drink made from natural ingredients such as roots, herbs and spices, has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently more and more people are consuming jamu or herbal medicine regularly because they believe that it can increase body immunity.
The herbal medicine industry, especially the cottage industry, is increasingly developing during the pandemic. Jamu, which is usually consumed by older generation, is now increasingly popular in almost all circles, including young people and millennials, of course with a modern twist. Jamu, which is usually bitter in taste, now has many flavors that are familiar to young people. The packaging is made attractive and modern to attract all generations, especially young people.
Indeed, the market share of herbal medicine in the pandemic era should not be limited in the country. It is time for the herbal medicine industry to expand its market share abroad. Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Jamu Entrepreneurs Association, Thomas Hartono, in a webinar on “Modern Jamu, Breaking the Market of Middle Eastern Countries”, Friday (30/10) said that currently, Indonesian herbal medicine exports are only around 1-2% of the total world exports of herbal medicines. This is of course very unfortunate. For this reason, the Jamu Entrepreneurs Association seeks to increase market share in the world by encouraging exports to various countries, especially the Middle East region.
It is hoped that efforts and innovations made by herbal medicine producers will increase the popularity of herbal medicine in all circles at home and abroad.
October
It seems that the relationship between France and the Islamic world is being tested. A series of acts of violence have occurred, such as the murder of Samuel Paty, a history teacher in France by a Muslim Cheznya, and an attack on a church in Nice, Southern France which left 3 people dead. These incidents immediately prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to issue a statement that currently, France is being attacked by Islamic terrorists. Security was immediately increased. If previously President Macron deployed up to 3000 security personnel, then with the attack in Nice, 7000 security personnel were positioned in various public places such as schools and churches. Interestingly, the French Muslim Faith Council criticized and expressed sorrow and regretted the attacks. Muslims throughout France are even asked to cancel all forms of celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammmad yesterday (29/110).
Shortly after the attack on the Notre-Dame Basilica Church, Nice, the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a statement that a person with a knife had attacked security guards outside the French consulate in Jeddah.
The conditions are not simple; President Macron's statement about Islam which he said is experiencing a crisis, and the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, which features Turkish President Erdogan in a caricature related to a disagreement with President Macron about the murder of Samuel Paty, was immediately responded to by calls for a boycott on French products by Muslim communities in various countries. Charlie Hebdo is known to have published a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad, whose figure for Muslims is forbidden to be depicted, causing a wave of protest in some countries in the world some time ago.
In Malaysia, former PM Mahathir Muhammad conveyed that the strong response of Muslim World to President Macaron's statement was something that was very reasonable, even though it did not need to happen. The Malaysian government has also summoned French Ambassador to inquire about this statement. In Indonesia, Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council –MUI, Muhyiddin Junaidi advised Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi to do the same. However, MUI also asked the public to carefully understand first what is the problem and not to react immediately.
It is rather difficult to predict how the chaos due to President Macron's statement will end. Protests and boycott against French products in Islamic countries could be even more massive if the situation is not handled immediately.
Indeed, it takes special cautions to understand universal boundaries and an attitude of mutual respect for the teachings and symbols of various religions in the world. In addition, maturity and understanding to what extent the limits of freedom of opinion and expression are. So, many problems can be resolved peacefully without violence.
October
The end of the United Nations arms embargo against Iran on October 18, 2020 is expected to bring about a new era of heavy arms competition between the United States and Russia. The absence of an embargo opens up opportunities for Iran to be able to buy and market weapons from and to the country. The United Nations has previously rejected a US proposal to extend the embargo on Iran. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared Iran's independence in the field of defense shortly after the arms embargo ended.
One possibility that will happen is, Tehran will move closer to Moscow to cooperate in the field of advanced air defense. This is in line with the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry through Levan Jagarian, Russia's Ambassador to Iran. He told an Iranian newspaper that most likely his country would sell S400 air defense system to Iran. The Russian ambassador's remarks appeared to be a response to Washington's warning against taking steps that could cause new tensions. The Russian Ambassador in Tehran firmly stated that Russia was not afraid of the threat of the United States.
A number of mass media in Russia have written news about the sophistication of the country's S400 air defense system. It is reported that the development has used a new generation digital processor, capable of detecting radar frequencies as well as a sophisticated computerized system. It is even believed that the latest variant of the S400 can destroy US-made fifth-generation stealth fighters and even B-2 bombers. The issue of the planned sale of this advanced air defense system to Iran, suggests that Russia is likely to want to test the S400 through Tehran's hands.
In this perspective, the end of the UN arms embargo on Iran could trigger an escalation in competition for modern heavy weapons, especially weapons for air strikes and defense between countries, in this case the United States and Russia. However, the issue that Iran will realize the purchase of S 400 air defense weapons still needs proof. It seems that the Iranian government still has to take careful steps by considering the so-called Iranian defense doctrine. Based on this doctrine, decisions regarding defense matters are very dependent on the people. This includes preventing steps that are considered extravagance in buying weapons from abroad.
October
Last Saturday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed his deepest gratitude to Indonesian doctors on National Doctors Day which is commemorated every October 24.
The President highly appreciates the dedication, struggle and sacrifice of Indonesian doctors who are at the forefront of prevention and management of health problems in all corners of the country. The resilience of doctors who choose the path of fighting for humanity, sacrificing time and energy to save others deserves respect. They provide services in health facilities in villages, in the border, in the frontier islands, and in remote areas that are difficult to reach.
In addition, President Joko Widodo also expressed his deep condolences to the families of 136 doctors who passed away while handling the Covid-19 pandemic. He remarked that the examples shown by the doctors during this pandemic have inspired millions of people to help each other. Indonesian people are also encouraged to care for each other, to unite to ease the burden on others, to work together to overcome the pandemic and to struggle to recover and rise.
As of Saturday (24/10), the number of confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 in Indonesia was recorded at around 386,000 people with nearly 310,000 recovered and 13,205 people died.
Given the high spread of Covid-19, the government urges all people to spend national holidays related to the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW 28 October - 1 November 2020, to stay in their respective homes.
The President emphasized that to overcome the spread of Covid-19, cooperation of all components of the nation is needed. People must appreciate the sacrifices of medical personnel by obeying the government's appeal and implementing health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently and maintaining physical distance from each other to avoid crowds.
Thanks to the doctors and other medical personnel for the sacrifices that have been given. Happy Indonesian Doctors Day!
October
The Visit of US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo to Asia & South China Sea issues
Written by Maryati
US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo will conduct a series of working visits to several Asian countries from October 25-30. Some of the countries to be visited are India and Indonesia as well as several other countries.
In Jakarta, US Secretary of State, Pompeo will deliver a public remark and meet his Indonesian counterpart, Retno Marsudi to emphasize the vision of the two countries about a free and open Indo-Pacific. Pompeo's visit was carried out after Indonesian Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto visited the United States last week to discuss defense cooperation with US Defense Secretary, Mark T Esper.
Prior to Indonesia, US Secretary of State, Pompeo and Defense Minister Esper are going to New Delhi, India to lead the third annual US-India ministerial level dialogue. It also aims to advance the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and expand cooperation to promote stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and the world.
Interestingly, many observers suspect that Pompeo's visit to Jakarta will carry a special mission, namely the empowerment of the Indonesian-American strategic partnership related to the conflict in the South China Sea. This has something to do with the US concern regarding the close relationship between Indonesia and China. Moreover, recently China has been very aggressive in the South China Sea. With its economic strength and the discovery of the Covid-19 vaccine, China is said to have expanded its influence in regional countries.
Relations between the two superpowers, the United States and China, have indeed heated up again regarding the South China Sea which is believed to have abundant natural resources.
In mid-July, the United States rejected China's disputed claims for offshore resources in large parts of the South China Sea. China is seen as providing no coherent legal basis for its ambitions in the South China Sea.
The United States has long challenged China's vast territorial claims in the South China Sea by sending warships regularly through the strategic sea route. This action is intended to demonstrate freedom of navigation in the area. It also hints that Beijing's claims to offshore resources in large parts of the South China Sea are completely illegal.
So far, Indonesia has not made any claims in the South China Sea and emphasized that it only respects international maritime law. Since a long time ago, Indonesia has submitted various legal bases to the United Nations regarding the boundaries of Indonesia's maritime sovereignty and China has not filed any protests at all. The most important thing to show is that Indonesia's attitude towards the right to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the region bordering the South China Sea can be demonstrated clearly and consistently.
October
Beware Human Trafficking amid Covid-19 Pandemic - Editorial Security Magazine
Cross-country crime threat is a global issue amid Covid-19 pandemic. An organized cross-country crime that is under the highlight during the pandemic is trafficking in persons. According to the United Nations, the traffickers are targeting migrant workers who lose their job to school drop-outs. Global economic slowdown made many people lose their jobs, including the migrant workers. This condition is very prone to be exploited by transnational criminal organizations.
According to data from the UN, many from 164 million migrant workers globally are stranded in foreign countries and they cannot return to their home countries, or even do not seek help because of country lockdown and tight immigration policy. Then these people are vulnerable to be human trafficking victims. Meanwhile, Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded that there were 276,553 Indonesian migrant workers abroad in 2019. This data covers only migrant workers abroad with official documents.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, many Indonesian migrant workers abroad were affected. Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry data showed there are two affected groups of Indonesian migrant workers namely ship crews, especially on cruises and migrant workers with limited mobility. Indonesian migrant workers in 16 countries were affected by mobility limitation policy.
Then, what is Indonesia's effort in protecting their migrant workers abroad from organized transnational criminal groups?
Indonesia has already enough legal basis to protect their citizens, especially the migrant workers from trafficking in persons. Indonesia has Law No. 8/2017 on Migrant Worker Protection. This law becomes a form of Indonesia's presence in providing service and protection for every migrant worker.
Still, the implementation of this law requires partnership from all. This partnership includes tight cooperation with law enforcer, private sector, labor union, recruitment agency, and bodies that monitor worker departure. International cooperation is also necessary to be increased, in order to prevent the transnational criminal organizations.
October
Since the first case of the corona virus was identified in Wuhan, China 10 months ago, the Covid-10 pandemic is still ongoing. New cases are reported every day in various countries around the world. Launching data from the Worldometers page, Monday (19/10/2020), the total number of Covid-19 cases is currently more than 40 million cases. Of these, there have been 1.1 million deaths and more than 30 million patients have been declared cured.
The increasing number of Covid-19 cases affects not only the health sector but also the economic sector. The pandemic caused lags in economic activity which automatically forced many business actors to undertake efficiency to reduce losses. As a result, not a few workers were dismissed or even laidoff. This has led to an increase in the poverty rate.
According to the World Bank, as reported by the BBC, Thursday (8/10), due to the Covid-19 pandemic, extreme poverty is predicted to increase this year, experienced by around 115 million people. This increase has been recorded for the first time since 1998 or over the last two decades. At that time, the financial crisis in Asian countries rocked the global economy.
The World Bank also noted that in 2021, the number of extreme poor people will increase to a total of 150 million people. In fact, before the pandemic, the extreme poverty rate was estimated to fall to 7.9% in 2020. But the poverty will actually affect between 9.1% and 9.4% of the world's population this year. This percentage appears in the World Bank's Joint Poverty and Wellbeing Report.
Extreme poverty is defined as living on less than US$ 1.90 a day. According to the World Bank, in Indonesia, the extreme poverty rate is estimated to be 3% in 2020. Meanwhile, the Central Statistics Agency -BPS recorded the number of poor people in Indonesia reached 26.42 million people in March 2020. With this number, the poverty rate in Indonesia is equal to 9.78 percent of the total national population.
To alleviate poverty amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indonesian government has made various efforts through the National Economic Recovery program, such as by distributing social assistance and non-cash food assistance to the community and funding the Pre-Work Card amounting to Rp 20 trillion. Through the Pre-Employment Card, people who do not have a job can receive guidance and training. The government also provides subsidies for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the placement of government funds in the banking sector as assistance for business actors.
All of the efforts made by the Indonesian government are in line with the theme of World Poverty Eradication Day which is commemorated on 17 October 2020, namely "Acting together to achieve social and environmental justice for all".
Hopefully, the efforts made by the Indonesian government can reduce poverty even though it is impossible to eliminate it. At least, the poverty rate in 2021 can remain at the rate estimated by Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani, which is 9.2 to 9.7 percent.