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October
The United States of America feels inconvenient to see the value of Yuan fall. US Treasury Secretary, Steven Munchin in Nusa Dua, Bali on Wednesday (10 October 2018) warned China not to devaluate its Yuan. The US wants this monetary move is discussed in the US-China trade agenda. In fact, that China devaluated its Yuan is not done for the first time when the US has imposed tariffs on Chinese products. Several years earlier, China also devalued its Yuan against the US dollar. In August 2015, this action was carried out by China in a bid to boost the performance of Chinese exports which experienced a decline. A weaker Yuan makes the competitive edge of products made in China be able to compete in the global market. When this was carried out, Trump has not been in power in the US and has not yet begun trade war between US and China. As a result, Yuan's devaluation at that time made the flow of funds worth US$8 trillion dollars withdrawn from stock exchanges throughout world. Last April, US President Donald Trump accused Russia and China devalued their currencies, when the US raised interest rates. Since in January 2017, Trump has served as US president, the US dollar value actually has dropped against Yuan, reaching more than 8%. Why does the United States object to the devaluation of the Yuan, Ruble or other foreign currencies? The answer is if the value of the foreign currencies is low, the products are more competitive. High interest rates in the US make the dollar value rise and make US products more expensive. In addition, if Yuan is evaluated, the application of high tariffs carried out by President Trump towards Chinese products will be in vain. This is due to the high price of Chinese products because of the US tariff, it drops as the value of low Yuan makes the tariffs decrease. In addition to the Yuan or Ruble whose value may be deliberately lowered, Indonesia does not reduce the value of its money. But, Indonesia’s need for dollars is high because of the debt payment needs and imported product. Consequently, this causes the US dollar value has risen significantly so far. Actually, this makes the value of Indonesian products is more competitive. The question is that whether we will take the opportunity to devaluate rupiah to boost revenue though there is an economic slowdown due to the US-China trade war.
October
Brazil is still on the democratic process to get a new president. The first round of the Presidential Election which has taken place still cannot determine who the President of Brazil is. None of the candidates who participated in the Election received a majority votes of above 50 percent. Candidate President Jair Bolsonaro for instance, although leading still has not managed to collect votes beyond the threshold. Of the almost 99 percent of votes that have been entered, Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing member of parliament has only won 47 percent. In the second position was Fernando Hadad, a left-wing MP with 28 percent of the votes. Based on the results of the vote, Jair Bolsonaro and Fernando Haadad will advance to the second round. The first phase of elections in Brazil is not only colored by the bustle of democracy, but also violence. Jair Bolsonaro, when campaigning was stabbed and had to be hospitalized. The racist-leaning figure of parliament succeeded in advancing to the next round to get rid of other figures who got party support in parliament and got a large portion of coverage on television. Jair Bolbonaro, successfully utilizing social media namely Twitter and Facebook to influence voters. Jair Bolbonaro spread his message and vision and mission with promises to end corruption, crime and economic sluggishness. He also promised to restore the traditional value of his country. The effort and the way Jair Bolbonaro feels remind many people of what Donald Trump did when fighting to win the US election. The slogans echoed by Jair Bolbonaro to restore Brazil's glory sound like what Trump said, “Make America Great Again”. Even the racist-leaning approach is also taken by Jair Bolbonaro. However, the fate of Jair Bolbonaro, who in the first stage of the election won surprisingly, will still be determined in the second stage of the elections which will be held on October 28. The majority of the Brazillian people will determine who is the future President who will be driving Brazil to a better future.
October
Asian Para 2018 Games: There are Abilities Behind Imperfectness
Written by Maryati
Asian Para Games 2018 was officially opened last Saturday (6/10). President Joko Widodo using sign language opened the third Asian Disabled Sports event. For more than a week, until October 13, 2018, the attention of the Asian community, especially sports lovers will return to Indonesia, especially Jakarta. After last month, the Asian Games 2018 ended its implementation, with a record of Indonesia's success, being a successful host, and success in medal achievements. Indonesia is again committed to being successful as an organizer and medal gainer through the Asian Para Games. The Asian Para Games 2018 is an arena for more than 2,700 athletes from 43 countries to compete in 18 sports. In the sports event that is held once every 4 years, athletes who have physical limitations display their best to win medals for their country. The community is certainly waiting for the record of achievements. The opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Para Games has been witnessed by many people who assessed the success of organizing a sports event from its opening ceremony. Indonesia has successfully held the opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games 2018. The opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games 2018 had a lot of meanings from the theme “We Are One” until the programs. This theme embodies not only the motto of the Indonesian people, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika –Unity in Diversity, but also the unity of nations in Asia. One of the contents of the Asian Para Games 2018 opening event that attracted the attention of many people was the presence of the word "Ability". President Joko WI dodo along with the disabled athletes and a small girl with a disability tore down the "DIS" from the word "Disability". So, what was left behind was the word "Ability". Through the ability word, Indonesia reminds that those who have physical limitations still have the ability, ability and ability. The word reminds that everyone has the ability in his or her way, and has the right to get equal treatment. Disability is no longer shortage, but is strength. All Asians can take advantage of the momentum of the Asian Para Games 2018 to provide equality and opportunity for anyone. They may compete in a healthy manner, support equality and unite Asia. More importantly, they strengthen brotherhood. As stated by President Joko Widodo, a lot of values have emerged from the 2018 Asian Para Games event: the spirit of competition, human values and brotherhood. Everyone can certainly do that. Have a fair competition and record achievements at the Asian Para Games 2018!
October
Iraq carried out the first parliamentary election in May this year. The result of the election was not immediately announced, because disputes occurred among the participants of the general election. This is the first election in Iraq, since ISIS, which controlled Iraq, could be defeated. Based on the result of this election, none of the parties won absolutely. Among 329 parliamentary seats, the clerical group Shia, Moqtada Al Sadr won 54 parliamentary seats, the Shiite group won 47 seats and the former Prime Minister Alliance Group, Haider al Abadi won 42 seats. The remaining was won by other groups, including Kurdish parties. In accordance with conventions made since the United States intervened in the Iraqi issue, the President's position will be held by the Kurds, the Prime Minister by the Shiites and the Speaker of Parliament by the Sunnis. However, there is no agreement on who the Kurdish representative becomes president. This has made two Kurdish parties: the Democratic Party of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Patriotic Union in parliament propose their respective candidates. Voting was conducted to determine who the President of Iraq is. As a result, Barham Salih, a veteran politician who was the Deputy Minister won 219 votes against 22 votes obtained by Fuad Hussein. Salih has 15 days to appoint a Prime Minister. During the next 2 weeks, Salih will move quickly by appointing a senior Shia politician, Adel Abdul Mahdi as the prime minister who has 30 days to form a government. Although no one is a majority winner in the parliament, and there may be challenges in forming a government. This is good news for the democratic festivity in Iraq. We do not expect any more splitting in Iraq because heavy duty awaits anyone who is the leader of Iraq. Rebuilding Iraq that was destroyed by war requires hard work by all parties.
October
After more than one year of the referendum that resulted in Britain out of the European Union, or Brexit, the two sides continue to negotiate. The talks are expected to pave the way so that Brexit does not to make economic relations between the UK and European Union member states fall apart. Michel Barnier, who was appointed as European Union Brexit Chief Negotiator, recently met Spain's Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Maroto Reyes. As written on his Twitter account, Michel Barnier implies his view that Brexit must not damage the economic order of the European Union countries. He said that the European Union continues to strive so that the formal exit of the British government will still ensure good economic cooperation. In fact, the referendum did not necessarily make Britain leave the European Union. It takes a long time to prepare both sides. Politically, some EU countries want Brexit not to make domestic politics shaken. Various approaches in negotiations were also considered so that the British Prime Minister Theresa May would not go deeper into internal political conflicts. As is known, there has been a difference between Theresa May and two Brexit supporters that led to a government crisis. David Davis and Boris Johnson, two of Brexit's main supporters in the Theresa May government had resigned in protest, When negotiations take place with the European Union, Prime Minister Theresa May must be able to ensure that her government is in a stable and safe condition. Theresa May's political efforts were carried out as the Conservative Party Congress took place 3 days ago. Theresa is facing a tough test both domestically and out. The grace period until the signing of the agreement between the UK and the European Union in November, will really determine whether the Brexit referendum decision will run smoothly, or cause new problems, both for Britain and European Union countries. This is where ideality interferes with reality.
October
Indonesia is in grief again. A tectonic earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter Scale shook Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi on Friday, September 28, 2018 at around 17.02 WIB. This earthquake caused a tsunami that hit Palu and Donggala. The earthquake with tsunami left more than 830 people dead and hundreds more injured. This disaster is one of the most tragic tragedies in the history of Indonesia. The central government immediately assisted local governments in Palu and Donggala, Central Sulawesi to deal with earthquake and tsunami affected the victims. This is needed considering that the disaster causes significant infrastructure destruction and hampers the distribution process. President Joko Widodo came directly on the hit locations to monitor the current situation at several points affected by the disaster, including the evacuation posts and hospitals. The earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Palu and Donggala become the world's spotlight. Some foreign media highlighted how the tsunami in Palu and Donggala occurred dramatically. Meanwhile, other media reported that the death toll was estimated, at least, 1,000 and more than 800 bodies had been found in Palu, not including in Donggala area and others that are difficult to access. Among the victims, there are 71 foreign nationals who are casualties of the earthquake and tsunami in Palu City and Donggala Regency. Some foreigners are still unknown. Head of the Data, Information and Public Relations Center of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency -BNPB, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that most of the foreigners in Central Sulawesi during the earthquake in Palu and Donggala were reported to be safe. Some foreign tourists have also been evacuated to Jakarta. The grief of Palu and Donggala is the sorrow of not only the people of Central Sulawesi Province, but also all Indonesian nation and the world. Expression of sympathy and sorrow over the disasters that struck Palu and Donggala, even offers of humanitarian assistance from various circles and friendly countries begin to arrive. The European Union, for example, will distribute emergency assistance amounting to 1.5 million Euros or Rp25.97 billion for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Palu and Donggala. In addition, the United States and China also offers assistance to the Indonesian government. The earthquake and tsunami in Palu and Donggala should further strengthen the brotherhood. Amidst the political temperature that is starting to heat up ahead of the legislative general elections and 2019 Presidential Elections, the Indonesian nation should be increasingly united by helping each other who are in trouble. Because the grief of Palu and Donggala is the grief for all.
September
Strategy of European Union to Face Chinese Control in Asia
Written by Maryati
More dominant control of China in Asia through the initiative of One Belt, One Road Policy seems to trigger less conducive situation for European Union. The reason is that China’s initiative brings about debt burden for countries joining in the program. Some countries in Asia have taken part in the cooperation scheme. Sri Lanka, for instance, builds a seaport worth US$1,5 billion dollars. In fact, the country cannot return its foreign debt and has to let China control the seaport for 99 years, exactly until 2116. Another project in Malaysia is also put off by Malaysian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad. In Indonesia, project of express train funded by China has not shown significant progress and it has been criticized. Another country in Asia, Pakistan tries to consider some aspects before continuing the project with China. Why does European Union pay more attention to Asia? Asian is the region that has developed dynamically. Total population of Asia reaches about 4,5 billion people, including 600 million people of ASEAN, as one of the regions of the world’s economic driver. Huge population can be potential market for European Union and its growth is less favorable. European Union is aware that China’s control is easy to be overcome because China is royal to help some Asian regions. Meanwhile, European Union with some problems are difficult to disburse huge funds to cope with China. What has European Union offered to Asia? European Union has offered employment, economic growth with environmental and social standards. According to European Union, these points become crucial for China. European Union expects its member states to support Asian Connectivity Strategy. Based on the planning, the draft will be one of main discussions in the summit of European Union and Asian leaders in October. Of course, there is no rivalry between China and European Union for good initiative to trigger new conflict in the region. Both sides should develop multilateral cooperation in Asia which being shaken by US President, Donald Trump.
September
The commemoration of World Tourism Day which has taken place on every 27th September since 1980 can be a significant momentum for Indonesian people in developing tourism potential spread throughout Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke and from Miangas to Rote Island by applying the principles of tourism development. Indonesian nature which has natural potential, flora and fauna, and a fairly sustainable environment is the main capital that can be utilized sustainably.
Improved awareness of various parties on the environment and issues concerning environmentally sound development has contributed to the view of the importance of sustainable tourism principles. Tourism development and environmental management have two major points: mutually complement and attract tourists. Precisely, we can say that the more sustainable the environment is, the more prosperous the people are. With good-quality tourism management and development, Marine Tourism, Environmental Tourism, Eco Tourism, Exploration, Adventure, Cultural Heritage, Religion & Pilgrimage Tours, Art & Culinary Tourism, Urban & Rural Tourism, Sports tourism can certainly attract more foreign tourists to come to visit Indonesia.
In regard to the world of tourism, Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya targets that in 2019, 20 million foreign tourists will visit Indonesia. Until now, Bali is still a favorite destination for foreign tourists visiting Indonesia. There are 10 tourist destinations in Indonesia that are set to be a priority known as 10 New Bali. The ten destinations are Lake Toba in North Sumatra), Belitung Island in Bangka Belitung, Tanjung Lesung in Banten, Seribu Islands in Jakarta, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Mount Bromo in East Java, Lombok Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Wakatobi National Park in Southeast Sulawesi, and Morotai in North Maluku. Of the ten destinations, four destinations will be the main projects to be developed. They are Mandalika, Lake Toba, Borobudur, and Labuan Bajo Island of Komodo. The government is now building various supporting infrastructure and facilities such as roads and hotels to implement the program.
We hope that the World Tourism Day commemoration can be a better momentum to improve understanding of the importance of sustainable tourism development. In addition, the country's foreign exchange will increased with the arrival of foreign tourists to Indonesia. In 2018 at least, the tourism sector is expected to contribute US$17 billion dollars. The following year, it will be US$20 billion dollars. All can only be realized if it is supported by a conducive security in all tourist destinations, including in the 10 new destinations that have been attempted.
September
Indonesia Needs to Deliver the Message of Reconciliation and Peace through UN 2018 General Assembly
Written by
Today at local time in New York, United Nations Organization commences 2018 General Assembly. About 200 high-level representatives of members of the world body are present and they take turns to express their views in the general debate in a bid to discuss various international issues. Of the most important events in the world, we can say that the public debate in this year's general assembly will cover at least five main issues. The five points that become the main agenda seem to be the Rohingya problem, the Civil War in Syria, Iran and the actions of the American and its allies, North Korea and of course the Palestinian Issues.
Discussions about Myanmar and Rohingya correlate with the statement of the fact-finding body of the UN human rights body which says that the Rohingya military is fully responsible for the mass murder of the ethnic Muslim group, Rohingya in Rakhine state. The issue of Syria will be also a debate because until now, the war is still raging, even refugees continue to be a problem in a number of countries. The intervention of other countries, including the United States, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia is predicted to make the debate warm, and can even address the issue of the humanitarian tragedy of the Syrian people. As for the Palestinian issue, the talks will remain warm. We hope the debate will create solutions that benefit the Palestinians. Regarding the issue of Iran, Tehran in the UN General Assembly may get fresh air because European countries disagree with the United States which insists imposing sanctions on Tehran. The debate about Iran might get different perspectives. The fifth crucial issue that will emerge in the UN General Assembly is, of course the issue between South and North Koreas. The last reconciliation process of both countries is marked by the visit of the President of South Korea, Moon Jae-in to North Korea.
Of the five crucial issues that we expect to be the main items of debate, Indonesia will certainly express its position. Vice President Yusuf Kalla, who leads the Indonesian delegation, will convey Indonesia's attitudes and views on this crucial issue. Speaking to the World Peace Summit to commemorate Nelson Mandela's 100th anniversary the day before the General Assembly, VP Jusuf Kalla called for the importance of reconciliation and justice dialogue to build the world peace. This appeal certainly needs to be reaffirmed through a speech before the UN General Assembly. Indonesia's experience in realizing peace in Aceh, improving good relations among religions and maintaining the quality of democracy, becomes a good trust when Indonesia is present before the highest leaders of UN member states.
September
The United States and Iran are still in conflict. The United Nations General Assembly this year which began Tuesday was one of the signs of the two countries' conflict. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has stated that he will not hold a meeting with Donald Trump during the General Assembly. Iran also remains in a position to oppose the United States' initiative to continue the boycott. Iran may feel that the refusal of some European Union countries on the continuation of sanctions to him, is one of the reason in its resistance to the United States. In the meantime, the United States will continue to carry out Donald Trump's policy of hostile to Iran. There was news that Washington would force Tehran to negotiate. A government source in Washington said that the United States Government would use the same method as it did to North Korea. The United States argues that Washington has succeeded in forcing Pyongyang to end nuclear disarmament. Also under pressure from the United States, the reconciliation process took place, marked by the visit of the President of South Korea to North Korea. The coercive actions on Iran have been seen from the announcement of the US sanctions for the automotive sector, gold trading, precious metals and several other commodities. Donald Trump has also announced its withdrawal from the nuclear agreement agreed upon in the Barack Obama era. Pressure on Iran is no longer because of the nuclear production, but the United States accuses the Tehran government of interfering in the Middle East conflict especially in Syria and Yemen. The ongoing 2018 UN General Assembly will raise the issue of two crucial issues, namely the conflict in Syria and the position of Iran. From the statements of the United States and Iran and the countries that are allied with it, it will be known where the Syrian conflict and the Iranian issue will be directed. Is it true that eventually Iran will obey to the pressure of the United States and finally be treated like North Korea, we are still waiting for further developments.