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April
Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) on Monday, 16 April, disclosed that the Indonesian Human Development Index (HDI) in 2017 reached 70.81 points or an increase of almost one percent compared to the previous year. When viewed from the trend side, there is increasing Human Development Index in Indonesia every year. By 2015, it was still below 70, in 2016 it increased to 70.18 and in 2017 to 70.81.
Head of BPS Suhariyanto said that Indonesia's Human Development Index (HDI) is currently included in the high category. However, there are still significant inequalities, such as between Jakarta and Papua. The calculation of HDI is compiled using three dimensions, namely health as measured by life expectancy indicator. Then the knowledge or education, measured by the expectations and the average length of schooling. The last is decent living dimension approached in accordance to per capita expenditure.
Meanwhile, UNDP Country Program Director for Development - UNDP Indonesia, Christophe Bahuet (read: kristop baue) said the rise in Indonesia's HDI shows there has been a lot of progress. The next step towards high human development is the inclusion and reduction of gaps. Especially for remote provinces and between men and women.
For the Government, the BPS report on the rise in HDI is quite encouraging. Because it means that the policy of Nawacita (nine development program) has given a significant correlation. Even so, the Government's homework is still waiting, that is, accelerating the equality of development, especially in eastern Indonesia.
The Human Growth Index is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015. Indonesia itself supports it, with Presidential regulations on the implementation of Sustainable Development in July 2017, which is closely linked to Indonesia's Development. Not only physical but also non-physical oriented, which will end up on the Human Development Index.
April
After having been quite a long time Japan and China’s relationship have not been good due to territorial dispute issues, last Monday (April 16, 2018), Japan welcomes Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi 's visit to Tokyo with an invitation to have warm bilateral relations. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe conveyed his call amidst a vulnerable security situation in Northeast Asia due to North Korean missile threats. Abe wants cooperation with China to encourage the North Korean ruling regime to stop its nuclear program. The role of the PRC is expected to bring North Korea to the negotiating table with the United States and Japan. Some time ago, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Beijing and met with President Xi Jin Ping. Instead Abe will meet President Trump to discuss the halt of China's nuclear-assisted program. In an effort unsupported by North Korea, Japan supports a trilateral meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with Chinese Prime Minister Li Ke Qiang and South Korean President Moon Jae-in scheduled to be held in May. The positive signs on Korean peninsula issues are North and South Korea’s plans for bilateral meetings as well as meeting between Kim Jong Un and President Trump. China and Japan have good reason to agree to improve relations. In addition to security concerns in the region, it seems also due to the policy of the US President Donald Trump in the form of import tariff plans from China and Japan. Trump even requested that the two countries open up a wider market for US goods. Although not specifically talking about US policy plans, the meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Foreign Minister Taro Kono remained to discuss global economic changes. The Japanese Foreign Minister said that both countries are aware, if starting a trade war, can affect the prosperity of the global economy. Instead Wang said that Japan understands how to keep the rules of the game in the WTO. Both countries are taking measures to maintain a free trade system under the WTO and to build a more open economy together. Improving relations between China and Japan is certainly something positive. Both have a great influence because they are world economic power today.For Indonesia this becomes an opportunity and a challenge. It is opportunity because because improving relationships makes Indonesia free to build relationships with both countries. But it becomes a challenge because Indonesia's products become more difficult to enter the market as they have to compete with similar products from both countries. But more importantly, what is the common desire of all parties are creating peace in the East Asia region.
April
This week, , Spring Meeting of IMF and World Bank Group will take place in Washington DC, the Unites States of America. This meeting is really a regular thing for IMF and WB, because it is held every year. But for Indonesia, this meeting is something special because it is related to the preparation of Indonesia to host the Annual Meeting of IMF and WB group in October. Indonesian team led by Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan attended the meeting. In addition, Minister of Communication and Informatics, Rudiantara and Director General of Public Communication and Information at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Niken Widiastuti were also present at the meeting. The annual meeting of IMF and WB Group 2018 is very prestige for Indonesia. The place is in Nusa Dua, Bali and will be attended by about 15 thousand participants and supporters. Some time ago, Managing Director of IMF, Christine Lagarde came to Jakarta in a bid to carefully check Indonesia's preparations to hold the IMF-WB’s annual meeting. She appreciated all aspects that are very well prepared by the organizers in Indonesia. Besides, she also checked the area to be used for the IMF-WB’s annual meeting at Nusa Dua Convention Center in Bali. As we know, Indonesia is believed to host the implementation of the IMF-World Bank annual meeting in October 2018.This great event will be a moment of business and tourism promotion to delegate guests estimated to reach more than 15,000 people, consisting of finance ministers, governors of central banks, bankers, and CEOs from around the world. The current condition of Bali is also very safe. Mount Agung has stopped erupting. Everything has been prepared carefully by Indonesia, including security guarantees. Indonesia will implement extra-high security standards for the meeting in Bali. Currently, One of Indonesia’s best elite forces –the special force (Kopassus) is ready to safeguard unexpected happening in the next meeting of IMF-WB in Bali. In addition, there is also detachment of Jala Mangkara which is a special amphibious force. As for the National Police -Polri, Indonesia has a Special Detachment 88 Anti-Terror which is highly respected. Thus, it’s hoped that the participants who will participate in the annual meeting of IMF-World Bank 2018 can either attend the meeting or enjoy the beauty of Bali which well-known as the God’s Island. Bali is unique, interesting and sophisticate.
April
The Indonesia-Africa Forum –IAF was officially opened by Vice President, Jusuf Kalla in Nusa Dua, Bali on Tuesday (April 10, 2018). The two-day forum was the first held between Indonesia and 47 African countries.
Organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the IAF was also supported by Ministry of Trade. The event was attended by 575 delegates from 47 African and the African Union , consisted of policymakers, state-owned enterprises -BUMN, and the private sectors.
The Indonesia-Africa Forum is a platform for governments and businesspeople of Indonesia and African countries to explore and enhance economic and trade cooperation. Besides promoting investment and technical cooperation, the IAF is in line with the efforts of the Ministry of Trade in applying diversification of export products to non-traditional markets, such as African countries.
Based on the records of the Ministry of Trade, the total trade between Indonesia and Africa in 2017 reached $8.85 billion dollars. This value increased by 15.49 percent compared to that of the previous year. The products exported to Africa include palm oil, textiles and textile products, paper, soap, and coffee.
On the first day of the Indonesia-Africa Forum, 10 economic cooperation agreements were signed with a trade value reaching over $586 million dollars. In addition, business plans were announced by 11 companies in Africa with potential trade worth about $1, 3 billion dollars.
Until the second day, Indonesia-Africa Forum -IAF managed to increase the value of trade transactions about $500 million dollars. The total potential trade agreement for the two-day event amounts to $2.3 billion dollars.
Seeing the potential cooperation that can be developed between Indonesia and countries in Africa, it is natural that this event is expected to be held regularly. The Indonesia-Africa Forum is an effective place to explore the African market which is now a new promising one for Indonesian trade. However above all, there needs synergic cooperation among the stakeholders in boosting Indonesian trade in the African market.
April
People of Syria, still suffer from the prolonged war in the country. The hope that bombings in some parts of the country, with the provision of a ceasefire, has not yet materialized.
There was another bomb attack on Tiyas, one of Syria's air bases, said to be used by Russia, an ally of the Syrian government. The Syrian government said the bomb attack, dropped by a jet fighter, was done by the United States. Another ally, Iran, also declared the attack was carried out by the United States. But Washington denied the allegations.
In a statement, the Iranian government said that the US attack was based on unfit reasons. Last week rumors circulated that the Syrian government has launched attacks using chemical substances.
As reported by Iran's official news agency IRNA, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said the United States and Western countries made allegations of chemical gas strikes, the reason for military action against Damascus. Bahram Qasemi confirmed that the allegations were untrue. Iran is a supporter of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad in a war against US-backed insurgents and their allies.
Countries supporting opponents of Bashar Al Assad government condemned the use of chemical weapons in Douma, the base city of the opposition. From Berlin, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert stated, his government condemned the use of toxic gases. Germany insists that the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is responsible for the attack.
The issue of chemical attack followed by air strikes on Syrian territory proves that the turmoil in Syria is still far from being resolved. Hostilities in the country have involved several other foreign parties and become entangled. The result is a prolonged war which has killed many civilians. In the end, it is the Syrian people that have to bear the consequences.
April
Today's young people seem to have very little interest to cultivate the field of agriculture, especially in planting rice. They seem to forget that rice is the staple food of Indonesian people in which geographical area and large food consumption would require thousands of young people who want to cultivate agriculture. The Desema Gema Institution has been established to provide excellent community resources in Agriculture and want to reduce people's dependency on chemical fertilizers. Trained youths can make their own fertilizers based on their local potential. They are prepared to be a generation of farmers now and then. Farming training for the youths is important to create a reproduction of agricultural human resources, which until now is still dominated by the senior, so the existence of the youths is rejuvenation of agricultural human resources.
The government of Indonesia has realized national food sovereignty and security. Thus, the matter of agriculture is the responsibility not only the Ministry of Agriculture, but also other related ministries such as Ministry of Sports and Youth, Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Area, and Transmigration, and Ministry of Manpower.
The organic program of young farmers based on local wisdom and established by the Ministry of Youth and Sports has produced positive results. On Saturday 7 April, there was first organic rice harvest in Kaligerman village, Karanggeneng sub-district, Lamongan regency, East Java. The rice produced is completely organic because the process of planting did not use any chemical fertilizers or insecticides at all.
The organic rice was successfully developed by a young farmer, Husni Mubarok in Lamongan, East Java, who has received special training of organic farming from Gema Desantara institution. He tried to use organic fertilizer in the form of Microbe 5 whose all ingredients are from nature, such as rice, soil of bamboo, brown sugar, banana stems, cow compost and others. Besides being good at health, another of the organic fertilizer use is being cheaper than the chemical fertilizers. Once the making of Microbe 5, it can be used up to four growing seasons. Economically, this is more profitable.
The government of Lamongan regency does support this program that can attract young people to cultivate farming in agriculture. The result was already proven during the first harvest of organic rice. This is stated by Secretary of Youth and Sports of Lamongan regency, Bambang Didik Suparto. The program of young farmers at Youth and Sports Ministry was held in 10 provinces throughout Indonesia, and the number of the participants reaches 1.000 young people.
Indonesia will face demographic bonus. Youth potential must be well managed. Otherwise, demographic bonus will be terrible for Indonesia. Organic program of young farmers is part of the farmer regeneration who can continue to serve the profession of being farmers. This program can be one of the most effective ways to make the country prosperous.
April
April 9 has always becomes an important day for the Indonesian Air Force -TNI AU. That is the day when the first President Soekarno in 1946 declared the establishment of the Air Force. The date is also celebrated as National Aviation Day.
The establishment of the Air Force cannot be separated from the establishment of the People's Security Service -BKR on August 23rd, 1945. Later, on October 5, 1945, BKR changed into the People's Security Army -TKR. The then air force was named TKR Flight Bureau under Air Commodore, Soerjadi Soerjadarma as the first Air Force Chief of Staff.
On January 23, 1946, TKR was upgraded again to the Army of the Republic of Indonesia -TRI, as a continuation of the development of the Air Force. So on April 9, 1946, TRI Bureau of Flight was removed, and it was then replaced with the name of the Air Force of the Republic of Indonesia. Since then, April 9 has been celebrated as the birthday of the Indonesian Air Force -TNI AU.
In addition to the short birth process of TNI AU about seven months since the independence of Indonesia, the main equipment of the weaponry system Alutsista) owned by the Air Force at that time was only used aircraft obtained from the loot of Japanese soldiers, such as Chureng, Nishikoreng, Guntei and Hayabusha. The number of aviators and technicians was very limited.
With the limited defense equipment owned at that time, the Air Force was able to inscribe gold ink in the history of Indonesian struggle. For the first time, a plane with a Red-and-White identity was flown by Air Commodore, Agustinus Adisutjipto on October 27, 1945.
The Air Force is now 72 years old. Although the condition of the main equipment of the weaponry system -Alutsista of the Air Force has not been in accordance with the need to support its operations, this does not de-motivate the spirit to guard and maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia in accordance with the motto “Swa Bhuwana Paksa”or "The Wing of My Homeland". May the Indonesian Air Force always be the protector of the entire territory of Indonesian sovereignty and can elevate the dignity of the nation and build a glorious Indonesia in the air. Long live the Air Force!
April
April 9 has always become an important day for the Indonesian Air Force -TNI AU. That is the day when the first President Soekarno in 1946 declared the establishment of the Air Force. The date is also celebrated as National Aviation Day. The establishment of the Air Force cannot be separated from the establishment of the People's Security Service -BKR on August 23rd, 1945. Later, on October 5, 1945, BKR changed into the People's Security Army -TKR. The then air force was named TKR Flight Bureau under Air Commodore, Soerjadi Soerjadarma as the first Air Force Chief of Staff. On January 23, 1946, TKR was upgraded again to the Army of the Republic of Indonesia -TRI, as a continuation of the development of the Air Force. So on April 9, 1946, TRI Bureau of Flight was removed, and it was then replaced with the name of the Air Force of the Republic of Indonesia. Since then, April 9 has been celebrated as the birthday of the Indonesian Air Force -TNI AU. In addition to the short birth process of TNI AU about seven months since the independence of Indonesia, the main equipment of the weaponry system Alutsista) owned by the Air Force at that time was only used aircraft obtained from the loot of Japanese soldiers, such as Chureng, Nishikoreng, Guntei and Hayabusha. The number of aviators and technicians was very limited. With the limited defense equipment owned at that time, the Air Force was able to inscribe gold ink in the history of Indonesian struggle. For the first time, a plane with a Red-and-White identity was flown by Air Commodore, Agustinus Adisutjipto on October 27, 1945. The Air Force is now 72 years old. Although the condition of the main equipment of the weaponry system -Alutsista of the Air Force has not been in accordance with the need to support its operations, this does not de-motivate the spirit to guard and maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia in accordance with the motto “Swa Bhuwana Paksa” or "The Wing of My Homeland". May the Indonesian Air Force always be the protector of the entire territory of Indonesian sovereignty and can elevate the dignity of the nation and build a glorious Indonesia in the air. Long live the Air Force!
April
Bangladesh plans to move around 100,000 Rohingyas to a remote island starting on June 2018. The plan was presented by the Bangladeshi Secretary of Disaster Management to the UN in Dacca on Wednesday (April 4, 2018). It is an effort of Bangladesh to relocate the Rohingyas who are currently crowding the Cox Bazaar area. The place has become a temporary shelter for refugees who fled from Myanmar, after the conflict in 2017.Bangladesh doubts Myanmar's promise that it will take back the Rohingya ethnic, as the country only verifies about 300 of the thousands of refugees’ files. Myanmar argues that in the files, there are 3 people related to terrorism.With the placement, Bangladesh has to accommodate 700 thousand refugees around the border. The relocation plan is considered to have not solved the problem. Currently, the Rohingyas are living in a very unfit environment in refugee camps. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi Navy have planned to build around 1.400 shelters ready to be lived in by the end of May.The relocation itself is carried out on a voluntary basis. In Cox Bazaar, their life is difficult because of disease prone, especially facing the rainy season next June. But their placement on the island is also not without problems. The place to be inhabited is known to be prone to tropical cyclone disaster.Earlier, in February, Myanmar agreed to take back 6,000 Rakhine refugees, in the no-man's area of Tombru. Bangladesh argues that those in the region have not been considered refugees and Myanmar agrees to repatriate them. But it remains agreement; there is no guarantee of security, and the Rohingyas are still afraid of returning.The Rohingya ethnic shouldn’t be displaced and live for long in such an uninhabitable place like now. It is also not fitting to let their fate in an uncertain situation.Indonesia has been very concerned about their fate and has provided humanitarian assistance. President Joko Widodo also had a direct view of their condition when making a visit to Bangladesh some time ago. Now, all that needs to be done is to keep the refugee repatriation process going on. Myanmar should also be willing to open up and provide security for the returning Rohingya ethnic, as well as giving them the rights as citizens.
April
The House of Representatives -DPR has officially appointed Perry Warjiyo as Governor of Bank Indonesia –BI for the period 2018 - 2023 in a plenary session taking place last Tuesday (3rd of April). Perry Warjiyo's appointment process was quite smooth, because after undergoing a fit and proper test by Commission XI at the DPR, 10 factions were actively approving the single candidate proposed by President Joko Widodo. This means that all factions in the House were fully confident of Perry Warjiyo's capacity to become the new governor of Bank Indonesia for the next 5 years.
Indeed, Perry Warjiyo, who was a farmer and born 59 years ago in Sukoharjo, Central Java, will only serve his governorship of Bank Indonesia on next May 23rd, 2018, after the current position of Governor of Bank Indonesia, Agus Martowardoyo officially ends. However, a lot of homework and expectations are waiting for the man who has started his career at Bank Indonesia since 1984. Moreover, the performance of Bank Indonesia over the last 5 years under the leadership of Agus Martowardoyo is considered successful enough to maintain the national economic stability of the global economic turmoil. Perry Warjiyo will continue Bank Indonesia’s leadership which over the last five years has received a good "label" both domestically and globally. Even last year, Governor Agus Martowardoyo was awarded as the best central bank governor in Asia Pacific based on an international institution.
Thus, Warjiyo must be able to prove that President Joko Widodo's choice of him is not wrong. Perry must prove the trust of the DPR and must be able to prove that he can work better than the performance of the previous governor of BI. Certainly, we do hope that for a few decades of experience as an internal man of Bank Indonesia, and having held the position of one of IMF International Monetary Fund Executive Directors, Perry Warjiyo will be able to answer the expectations of many stakeholders. Maintaining the monetary conditions in the country becomes one of the heavy tasks faced by Perry. Macro-economic stability, inflation control and rupiah exchange rate will be the wishes of all stakeholders to be maintained. At the same time, another severe task is how Bank Indonesia can support policies that encourage Indonesian economic growth.
Maintaining the influence of the global economic turmoil is also a serious challenge to be faced by Perry Warjiyo when later he officially serves as governor of Bank Indonesia. Trade war that has occurred between the United States and China more recently may bring about impact on the domestic and regional economy. Perhaps, the closest challenges to be faced Perry Warjiyo as the new chief of Bank Indonesia are the simultaneous elections and the stages ahead of the legislative and presidential elections. In these political years -2018 and 2019, the stability of the rupiah, the stability of the economy and the enormous amount of money in circulation must be maintained in order not to influence the implementation of the democratic festivity. May the great hope of the new governor of Bank Indonesia be realized for monetary stability and positive economic growth! Congratulations to Mr. Perry Warjiyo! (danang prabowo)
