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October
photo : JP
Indonesia and UN Habitat commemorate World Habitat Day 2020. Surabaya is hosting the Global Observance of World Habitat Day 2020 (The Global Observance of World Habitat Day 2020) on 5 and 6 October 2020. The theme raised at this year's commemoration is “Housing for All: A Better Urban Future, Housing for All: A Better Urban Future. President Joko Widodo considered this theme very appropriate. In his speech delivered virtually, on Monday (5/10), he said, home is everyone's basic need. Home strengthens the family as the main pillar of the nation's strength. Homes are also a main stronghold against various health risks, including the Covid-19 pandemic. Facts have shown that amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it is the house that becomes the major stronghold against the spread of the new coronavirus. Appeals to stay at home, school from home, work from home and worship from home, have been implemented in almost all affected countries, since the World Health Organization -WHO declared Covid-19 a pandemic.
Then, a question arises ‘Do all families have a house that can be a strongholdfor their family?’ Housing is indeed a problem faced by a lot of countries. The UN Secretary General, Antonio Gutteres, in his statement on World Habitat Day 2020, said that currently, one billion people live in crowded settlements with inadequate housing. To meet global demand, more than 96,000 housing units must be completed every day - and they must be part of the green transition. The housing issue is also a special concern of President Joko Widodo's administration. Since 2015, Indonesia has planned to build one million housing units every year. Data shows that in 2018 and 2019, this target had been exceeded. In 2019, more than 1.2 million housing units were completed. This year’s the achievements are different from the previous years’ achievements. Based on data from the Directorate General of Housing of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing until the third quarter of August 2020, there were 264,457 housing units that have been built. The Covid-19 pandemic has a very significant impact on the implementation of the One-Million Home Program. However, Indonesia is optimistic that the target of one million houses this year can be achieved.
It’s hard to realize the construction of a million houses every year, especially for low-income residents. The awareness of all related stakeholders to provide adequate housing is a shared responsibility to support the construction of a million houses. The full involvement of the government, financial institutions, the private sector and the community towards the One-Million Home Program can accelerate the achievement of the Indonesian government's target for fulfilling the rights of every citizen to housing. So, every family in Indonesia can have a livable house that can be a stronghold for every occupant. In the future, the houses that are built will not only function as housing, but also become a place of livelihood. Covid-19 has provided such lessons. The One-Million Home Program every year is a real proof of the responsibility of the Indonesian government that no one is left behind.
October
The Role of Indonesian National Military in Facing COVID-19 pandemic
Written by Maryati
Every October 5 is commemorated as the birthday of the Indonesian National Military (TNI). Since its establishment on October 5, 1945, the TNI has undergone many organizational developments and improvements in carrying out its role in maintaining national security and defense.
Before Indonesia's independence, there was a military institution formed by the Dutch East Indies colonial government, consisting of indigenous soldiers. It was known as the Koninklijke Nederlands (ch) -Indische Leger (KNIL) or the Dutch East Indies royal army. Then after the Dutch lost to Japan in World War II, there were also PETA soldiers (The Homeland Defenders) formed by the Japanese government to fight the allies at that time. All of this became the forerunner to the formation of the Indonesian National Military with various names during the war for independence until now.
Besides being tasked with maintaining security and order of the people and the Indonesian state, The Indonesian National Military amid the COVID-19 pandemic like today also supports the government's efforts in handling Covid-19.
The role of the TNI in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic was emphasized by Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Bambang Soesatyo on Sunday (4/10). He said that the commemoration of the Anniversary of the TNI was also a momentum to show its major role in breaking the chain of Covid-19 transmission. He perceived that the TNI as an element of the nation's strength is obliged to take part in the process of solving this problem.
The TNI was involved long before the Covid-19 was decided to become a pandemic. For example, the personnel of the TNI evacuated Indonesian citizens from Wuhan, China, and set up quarantine on Galang Island. When President Joko Widodo declared Covid-19 as a pandemic, a task force was formed and this was also filled by the Regional Governments, the interrelated Ministries and other stakeholders.
Of course, the Indonesian National Military –TNI is not alone in carrying out its role in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Synergy and strong cooperation between government agencies and the community is needed so that the spread of the Covid-19 virus and the number of positive cases in Indonesia can be reduced.
September
The tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia is increasing. The two countries, which have a history of conflict for decades, have re-engaged in armed clashes. On Sunday, September 27, 2020, the military forces of each country reportedly attacked each other in a border area that has long been a critical area of dispute. Military officials from both sides accused and blamed each other for the heavy artillery fire. It was reported that the incident has taken some lives including a child and a woman near Nagorny Karabakh. This region is an area on the border of Azerbaijan and Armenia which has been disputed by the two countries for many years. History records the conflict of Nagorny Karabakh has its roots in 1921. At that time, the Soviet Union included Nagorny Karabakh to become part of Azerbaijan, even though the majority of its population is ethnic Armenian.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union as a result of Perestroika in 1991, provided an opportunity for the Armenian people to separate Nagorny Karabakh from Azerbaijan. Armenian separatists supported by the Armenian government then took over and declared it a separate territory which until now was not recognized by the United Nations.
The recent chaos began to occur in July 2020. This has raised fears of a resurgence of war which could result in the death of large numbers of civilians. Data says that in the post-Soviet Union war, at least 30 thousand people from both ethnicities were killed. Meanwhile, thousands of people living on the border were forced to flee. The region of the Caucasus, known for its fertility and beauty, was devastated by war.
With mediation by the United States, Russia and France, Azerbaijan and Armenia finally concluded a ceasefire. Even so, the disputed areas around Nagorny Karabakah are still prone to conflict, as happened last July. In 2016, a violent clash had also occurred which resulted in the deaths of 110 people.
As with the internal conflicts or between neighboring countries that have occurred in several regions in the world, such as North Korea and South Korea, as well as the war in Syria, the feud between Azerbaijan and Armenia also involves foreign parties. Turkey supports Azerbaijan which is an oil rich country. In addition, historically, Armenia is known to have a hereditary grudge against Turkey. During the first world war, it was recorded that at least one and a half million Armenians were killed in the Turkish expansion, which was then under the Ottoman Empire. Armenia itself is known for a long time relying on Russia as its support, including from the military side and war equipment. Apart from historical factors, Turkish intervention also appears to be driven by political interests, namely to strengthen its influence in the Caucasus region.
The international community also paid attention to the chaos of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Economically, concerns arise because not far from the conflict area there is a pipeline that supplies fuel oil to various countries in the world.
History shows that war or armed conflict is not the ideal solution for resolving disputes. Negotiations to seek peace are the best way. However, in the conflicts of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the resentment and hatred that has been ingrained since decades can become an obstacle to peace. Especially when the political and economic interests of other countries have played a major role.
September
The villages in Indonesia, which reaches more than 75,000, should become the backbone of the economy amid the Covid-19 pandemic. To encourage the rural economy, village infrastructure must, of course, continue to be improved by providing cash-intensive stimulus village funds which are aimed at maintaining productivity.
President Joko Widodo in a limited cabinet meeting on Thursday (24/9), emphasized that the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic should be a momentum to carry out reforms and to plan a grand strategy in a bid to support the economy, especially in the villages.
The President asked that all program schemes related to rural social protection nets, such as the family hope program, cash social assistance, village cash transfers and so on can run effectively and appropriately.
Likewise with the implementation of cash for work in rural areas, it must be escorted by adhering to health protocols. So, it can reduce the burden on rural communities who may lose their jobs or have difficulty finding work in amid the Covid-19 pandemic, or those from underprivileged circles.
Furthermore, President Joko WI dodo also instructed relevant officials to consolidate the ministries’ programs that can improve the village economy.
According to President Joko Widodo, each ministry should not run the program independently. They must integrate themselves into program schemes that complement each other. Unless, the results will not be visible.
In addition, each village must also be directed to develop its local potential in order to strengthen the village's economic leverage.
The President emphasized that villagers must be provided space for participation and creation in advancing the village's leading sectors, such as those related to agriculture, village tourism, and craft industry in rural areas.
Currently, more than 75 percent of Indonesia's population is in rural areas. This means that the future of this country should no longer be located in cities but in rural areas, especially in the current pandemic conditions. In the future, the city should only be a service provider, while the centers of production activities will be in the villages.
September
Many people guess what relationship will occur between the United Arab Emirates -UAE and Israel after being mediated by the United States of America. It turned out that the move was followed by a series of announcements about business deals and contracts between companies of both countries. What has caught the eye is that a number of the UAE companies have signed contracts with Israeli companies and banks. Although they are on the UN blacklist for supporting illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, it is known that among the contracts announced by the UAE media, one of them involved Bank Leumi, whose name is on the UN blacklist.
According to the official Emirati media, this Israeli bank has signed agreements with the top three UAE banks namely Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), First Abu Dhabi Bank and Emirates NBD. Bank Leumi is Israel's largest bank based on total assets as of 2015, with branch offices in several countries such as Luxembourg, United States, Switzerland, the UK and China. Although it was nationalized in 1981, most of the bank's shares are now in private hands. The Israeli government is still the largest shareholder with 14.8% of the shares (as of June 2006).
In 2016 and 2018, the UN Human Rights Council approved resolutions to compile a blacklist of companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The development of settlements and infrastructure has caused Palestinians to lose their freedom of movement and religion, including access to education. Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammed Shtayyeh, in an Arabnews post said that these companies are scooping up the natural resources of the Palestinian territories, thereby reducing the population of their natural wealth. For this reason, PM Mohammed Shtayyeh demanded that they immediately close their headquarters and branches in illegal Israeli settlements. According to PM Mohammed Shtayyeh, the presence of these companies is against the attitude of the international community and the UN resolutions.
From the cooperation with Leumi Bank which is blacklisted by the UN, it is clear that both the UAE and Israel are prioritizing their interests without caring for other parties, including the UN, let alone Palestine.
Naturally, this matter will be in the spotlight and it causes concern. Will this disrespect of the international community's concerns regarding the Palestinian issue continue?
September
The 2020 Simultaneous Regional Head Election to take place on schedule
Written by nuke
PHOTO : MONITORKEADILAN
Apart from the Covid-19 pandemic, something that has received full attention of the Indonesian people is the 2020 simultaneous Regional Head Election (Pilkada 2020). The 2020 Pilkada is scheduled to be held simultaneously on December 9, 2020, in 270 cities and regencies across 9 provinces in Indonesia. Over the last few days, proposal for postponement of the Pilkada 2020 hasarisen due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The proposal to postpone the 2020 Pilkada came from various groups, such as the Governors, the largest Religious Organization in Indonesia, and the 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla. In an interview with a TV station, Jusuf Kalla said that the implementation of the Pilkada on schedule is a choice, namely the choice of taking risks to the people or the choice of choosing a leader who could actually be postponed.
The choice has been made by the Indonesian Government. Presidential Spokesperson, Fadjroel Rachman in a media release published Monday (21/9) entitled ‘Pilkada on schedule, democratic and safe for Covid-19.’ He said that the Pilkada will be on schedule to safeguard the people's constitutional rights, the rights to be voted and the rights to vote. The 2020 Pilkada will be held with the application of strict health protocols. President Joko Widodo reaffirmed that the 2020 Pilkada will continue to be held on schedule. Because no single country knows when the Covid-19 pandemic will shake off. Thereby, the implementation of Pilkada must follow strict health protocols in order to be safe and remain democratic. The implementation of the Pilkada according to schedule also shows the international community that Indonesia is a constitutional democracy and maintains the sustainability of a democratic government system in accordance with the Pancasila ideology and the 1945 constitution.
The 2020 Pilkada must continue. What must be prepared so that it will take place according to the schedule is democratic and safe from Covid-19. On schedule and democratically, God’s willing; Indonesia is able to implement it. The fact is that success of the 2019 simultaneous general election has proven. Heavy duties and responsibilities for organizers, Pilkada participants, supporting parties, supporters and citizens are safe from Covid-19. There is a habit of Indonesian people who are always enthusiastic in every Democratic Party by getting to know the candidates who will be selected. It is undeniable that this could still occur. Obedience to maintaining health protocols is possible to ignore. This is the hard work for the 2020 Pilkada organizers, namely the General Election Commission -KPU. Hopefully, there is still enough time to prepare more appropriate methods and models in the preparation process until the Pilkada implementation. Maybe it can make proposals from many parties to carry out Pilkada by e-voting. Candidates for regional heads and their success teams must think about a more appropriate campaign method by prioritizing the health of their citizens. Of course, prospective voters must improve their awareness of implementing health protocols. Because it cannot be denied that the key success of the 2020 Pilkada which is on schedule, democratic and safe from Covid-9 is the prospective voters.
Hopefully, the Covid-19 pandemic will soon fade away and the world will come to healthy life.
September
The Covid-19 pandemic that has hit the world since the end of 2019 has brought about an impact on all aspects of human life in the world. Besides health sector, almost all sectors are affected both socially and economically.
Various efforts have been carried out by countries in the world to overcome the effects of this pandemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), no country is fully prepared to deal with it.
Take for example Indonesia; to deal with the impact of the pandemic, the government has made various efforts by strengthening the health sector in a bid to ensure access for everyone to good-quality health services. In addition, the Indonesian government is also carrying out economic recovery efforts, namely by providing support to affected communities, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and the business world.
Efforts to overcome the impact of the pandemic are carried out by not only the Indonesian government at home, but also other countries such as those who are members of the G20 to jointly pursue collaboration.
Indonesian Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati in her official statement in Jakarta, Sunday (20/9), said that member countries of the G20 have agreed to continue to co-work and carry out global actions, especially to deal with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the health, social and economic sectors. The G20 countries will continue to implement policies to protect lives, jobs and incomes, support the global economic recovery, and boost the resilience of health and financial systems.
In the health sector, global cooperation among the G20 countries is carried out on vaccines. The G20 countries are expected to be the driving force for equal access to the Covid-19 vaccine at an affordable price for everyone.
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about not only negative impacts on social, economic and health sectors, but also improvement of the world cooperation and solidarity. Countries, that are less affected or that have recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, are helping countries that are still affected. All have to account for and take part in the global action against the Covid-19 pandemic.
September
The United Arab Emirates -UAE and Bahrain are the third and fourth Arab countries to recognize Israel since its inception in 1948. Previously, only Egypt and Jordan signed peace treaties with Israel in the Middle East in 1979 and 1994 respectively.
The peace agreement between the UAE and Bahrain with Israel, called the "Abraham Accords", was conducted at the White House in Washington D.C, the United States of America. US President, Donald Trump has praised the peace agreement between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain and called it "the dawn of the new Middle East".
For decades, most Arab states have boycotted Israel, insisting that they would only establish relations after Israel's dispute with Palestine is resolved. President Trump has claimed that as many as five or six other countries will soon undertake a similar deal with Israel. However, he did not mention the names of the countries that would normalize relations with Israel
Will the signing of this peace agreement change international support for Palestine ahead?
Indonesia, which is one of the supporters of Palestine, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the peace agreement between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain will not change its position towards Palestine. Indonesia will continue to defend the rights of the Palestinian people. Because basically, the settlement of the Palestinian issue must respect the UN Security Council resolutions related to it, as well as the internationally agreed parameters, including a two-state solution.
Spokesman of Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Teuku Faizasyah said that the peace agreement could not invalidate the Arab Peace Initiative decision in 2002. It stated that Arab countries could establish diplomatic relations with Israel once the Palestinian issue is resolved. Arab countries should remember and comply with this agreement. Unfortunately, this didn't happen. Naturally, Palestinians feel betrayed.
However, it is quite interesting to see the steps of other Arab countries regarding support for Palestine amid improving relations between the UAE and Bahrain with Israel. Saudi Arabia, for example, in the Arab League meeting recently emphasized its support for the birth of an independent Palestinian state, an attitude that Saudi Arabia has not shown for a long time. So far, it has been suspected that Saudi Arabia's closeness to the USA has brought it closer to Israel.
Apart from Indonesia, which has firmly demonstrated its stance, how various countries will respond to the normal relations between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain is not seen yet, especially those who have expressed support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
September
photo : JP
On September 15, Indonesian Statistics Agency (BPS) announced that Indonesian import grew negatively in August 2020. However, the trade balance experienced a surplus, because the export was higher than import. BPS announced that Indonesia's import in August 2020 was US$10.74 billion dollars. Meanwhile, the export was US$13.07 billion dollars. Therefore, Indonesian trade balance in August 2020 was surplus US$2.33 billion dollars. The surplus was a surprise amid Covid-19 pandemic which caused a sluggish economy not only in Indonesia but also in almost every country. Based on Indonesia's economic development in this difficult time, Asian Development Bank (ADB) projected that Indonesian economic growth will improve in early 2021. ADB Economist for Indonesia, Emma Allen in a webinar on Asian Development Outlook 2020 in Jakarta on Tuesday (15/9) said that ADB projected the recovery will occur quickly along with domestic demands which can increase purchasing manager's index on manufacturing until surpassing 50 limit in August. Therefore, in its annual economic publication, Asian Development Outlook 2020 which was just released maintains its prediction for Indonesian economic growth next year around 5.3 percent after experiencing 1 percent contraction in 2020.
ADB's projection about Indonesian economy is not too different from the government's explanation to the House of Representatives last year. Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati in a working meeting with the House's Budget Committee stated last week that the economic growth in State Budget Draft 2021 which was targeted between 4.5 to 5.5 percent, now becomes 5 percent. She also explained that the economic growth target change was a right decision which represents the hope and caution towards uncertainty in 2020.
Covid-19 epidemic is truly a bad hit against economic growth in almost every country. For Indonesia, 1 percent contraction in the 4th quarter was a rare occurrence after the 1997-1998 monetary crisis. However, many policies taken by the government, such as cash aid to boost domestic purchasing as well as investment and business leniency, had given hope for economic recovery. Although Indonesia is facing the 2nd wave of Covid-19, the joint effort against Covid-19 with some countries, mainly in vaccine development which had been in the final clinical test had also given hope for the people to live healthily and normally so it moves again the domestic economy namely in industry, service, manufacture, and tourism.
September
The 2020 United States Presidential Election is only two and a half months away. The American people in November will elect a President for the next four-year term. It is still not known who will lead the country next. Whether Donald Trump will come to power as President for the second time, or his Democratic opponent who will replace him.
What is certain is that the Democrats and Republicans must convince the people of the United States to choose one of the candidates. The progress of democracy in that country is increasingly felt.
To reassure voters, the two presidential candidates, the incumbent Donald Trump and Joe Bidden of the Democratic Party, have started their campaign. Both are working hard to become the 46th President of the United States.
Observers and several surveys named Joe Bidden as the favorite candidate. Joe Bidden, who in the past accompanied Barack Obama as Vice President, based on research results last week or since the official campaign began, shows his national superiority over Donald Trump. Even so, the two presidential candidates still have to fight to win in several places often called swing states.
Swing states are several states in the United States where voters tend to flip between the two parties in each election cycle and could determine the victory of the presidential candidate. Based on the results of an interim survey, the two presidential candidates, namely Trump and Bidden, have an equal chance of winning in those states. Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin are often said to be swing states where tough competition occurs.
Along with the campaigns carried out by the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, opinions are usually voiced by various survey institutions. Experts and observers will also speak up through the mass media. Survey results and opinions as well as news coverage may influence people's choices. But four years ago, the facts showed that the campaign method and content as well as the strategic approach to voters largely determined election results.
If in November, the Democratic party candidate manages to win over most of the votes, the US state policies then, both internal and external, are very likely to change.