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June
North Korea, China, and Russia Accelerate Expansion of Nuclear Arsenals
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
Ilustrasi Photo by : AntaraNews
VOINews, Jakarta: U.S. National Security Council official Pranay Vaddi highlighted the rapid acceleration of nuclear arsenal expansion by North Korea, China, and Russia.
As reported by Antara According to Vaddi, "North Korea, China, and Russia are rapidly expanding and diversifying their nuclear weapons stockpiles, displaying little to no interest in arms control measures," as reported by Yonhap on Saturday.
Serving as the Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation at the National Security Council, Vaddi noted that these countries' actions are compelling the United States and its allies to brace for an unrestrained nuclear arms competition.
He further stated, "The increased collaboration and coordination among these three nations, along with Iran, are creating dynamics that threaten peace and stability, posing risks to the United States, its allies, and partners, while aggravating regional tensions."
Vaddi emphasized that in response to the evolving nuclear landscape, President Joe Biden has recently issued updated nuclear weapons usage guidelines.
"This move underscores our commitment to utilizing arms control and other strategies to minimize the necessary number of nuclear weapons to meet U.S. objectives," he explained.
Vaddi cautioned that the U.S. must adapt its stance and capabilities to counter the growing threats from these countries, should there be no shift in their current nuclear policies.
He clarified, "Should adversaries' nuclear arsenals remain unchanged, we may find it necessary to increase the number of deployed weapons in the coming years."
Moreover, he underscored that Washington has proactively implemented "prudent" measures, including the development of modern versions of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb and efforts to extend the operational life of certain Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines during the transition to advanced capabilities.
He concluded by affirming that the U.S. is fully committed to ensuring its "extended deterrence" pledge, which involves leveraging its comprehensive military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its allies and contribute to global nonproliferation efforts.//Antara/VOI.
June
Indonesia and 13 Countries Agree on Clean Economy at IPEF
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Singapore: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto together with partner country ministers successfully signed the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) agreements for the Clean Economy Pillar, Fair Economy Pillar, and IPEF Institutional Agreement (Overaching Agreement) at the IPEF Ministerial Meeting on Thursday (6/06) at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.
As quoted from written statement received on Thursday (6/6/2024), the achievement of an agreement on the IPEF agreement is one of the historic events that creates a new breakthrough in efforts to build clean and fair collective welfare through a cooperation agreement between countries in the Indo-Pacific region. "Pillar III of the Clean Economy is part of the IPEF agreement to realise a clean and environmentally responsible global economy. In this pillar, IPEF member countries are committed to increasing environmentally friendly economic activities through sharing information and experiences, exploring the potential of each country, and opening up broad investment opportunities for private parties in IPEF member countries that have a business orientation in line with the green economy,’ wrote the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
It is known that some of the derivative initiatives from Pillar III are the Cooperative Work Programme (CWP) and the Clean Economy Investor Forum (CEIF), which also includes the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund as a funding scheme for several high-quality climate infrastructure projects of up to USD 3.3 billion.
In order to support the effective implementation of commitments under the Pillar IV (Fair Economy) Agreement, IPEF partners welcomed the announcement of Capacity Building and Technical Assistance (TACB) programmes through the TACB Initiative Catalogue. ‘These programmes are designed to strengthen efforts to prevent and combat corruption, including money laundering and terrorism financing, as well as improve transparency and exchange of tax information,’ he continued.
The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economic further explained that The TACB Initiative Catalogue will provide various opportunities for IPEF partners to develop effective anti-corruption policies and tax administration, through training for government officials in the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases, as well as workshops to improve integrity and online reporting systems. Indonesia hopes that in the future there will be more offerings from IPEF partners related to TACB, in order to assist IPEF partners in achieving Pillar IV high commitments.
"Indonesia and partner countries will take necessary strategic steps, including domestic consultation and ratification process of the IPEF Pillar III and IV Agreements which enter into force on 7 June 2024. In addition, IPEF partner countries will continue to commit to collaborate on clean economy and fair economy within the broader IPEF framework", concluded The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economic.
Source: ekon.go.id.
June
Airlangga Encourages IPEF to Generate Projects and Jobs
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Singapore: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto is pushing for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) cooperation to result in tangible projects that create jobs in the region. This was conveyed at the
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting held on Thursday (6/6) in Singapore. "We must realise concrete projects next year. No one is left behind. The progress of the projects is there. The projects hopefully will create jobs in the regions,’ said Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto.
According to a written statement received by Voice of Indonesia on Thursday (6/6/2024), Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo viewed the IPEF meeting as a very important momentum in regional cooperation in the Indo Pacific region. ‘The meeting brought together senior Ministers from the 14 IPEF partner countries, which represent more than 40% of the world's GDP and 28% of global trade in goods and services,’ the Ministry wrote.
It is known that this meeting affirmed a joint commitment to strengthen and realise a clean, fair and holistic economy in the Indo-Pacific region, in line with the focus of cooperation stated in the 4 pillars of the IPEF agreement, namely the pillars of trade, supply chain, clean economy and fair economy.
Since the launch of IPEF two years ago in Tokyo, Japan, each meeting involving the 14 IPEF member countries (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam), has achieved many significant achievements. At this meeting, the main focus was on three of the four IPEF pillars.
Firstly, the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement (Pillar II) which aims to strengthen regional supply chains, ensure smooth distribution of goods and services, and enhance cooperation among countries.
Secondly, the IPEF Clean Economy Agreement (Pillar III), which is an effort to reduce environmental impacts, has signed an agreement related to the clean economy. This includes the development of environmentally friendly technologies and the application of renewable energy.
Thirdly, the IPEF Fair Economy Agreement (Pillar IV) which aims to create a fair economy for all parties, including workers and businesses. Collaboration on economic regulations and policies is the main focus.
Indonesia and other IPEF partners are committed to continue the steps towards ratification and implementation of the signed agreements. The IPEF partners will continue to monitor progress under the three pillars of IPEF and gauge concrete outcomes at the next ministerial meeting in September 2024 in Washington DC. In addition, the meeting launched the Clean Economy Investor Forum (CEIF) as a forum among IPEF member countries that will help mobilise funds for clean energy technologies in IPEF countries.
US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo gave special appreciation to Indonesia, for its active participation in IPEF. Secretary Raimondo gave a very positive response and fully supported Coordinating Minister Airlangga's request, which emphasised the importance of IPEF providing concrete results and tangible benefits for the community, particularly in job creation and improving people's welfare. ‘IPEF must bring job creation and opportunity for our people,’ said Secretary Raimondo, supporting Airlangga's statement.
Source: Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economics
June
VOInews, Jakarta: Argentina's image cannot be separated from its success in football. Throughout history, the Argentine national team has collected 22 gold medals, starting from the World Cup, Panamerican, Confederation Cup to the Copa America. Sulaiman Syarif, Indonesian Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, shared four interesting facts about football in Argentina.
Firstly, the Argentine people who are fanatical about football are the club's capital to grow. "I have watched the BOCA Junior twice at the Bombonera Stadium here. I saw with my own eyes how firstly, grandparents, grandchildren, all watched (football match). Some brought babies, some brought children, how in one family for generations they are very fanatic about the football club, so we can say that fanaticism is very, very strong, and it is also an asset to support the club. Because they are already fanatics in one club, so they become members, there are dues and various kinds,’ said Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif.
Secondly, football facilities, especially the existence of stadiums in Argentina are very abundant. "Argentina is also one of the countries with the most stadiums.
I think in Buenos Aires there are very many football stadiums everywhere,’ Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif continued. It is known, there are at least 25 stadiums in Buenos Aires and 76 stadiums with various levels of capacity throughout Argentina.
Thirdly, Argentina has a series of football legends who are an inspiration for young seeds who are actively playing football from various corners of the country. ‘They (football players) are very supported by their people, from the community, the interest in football is very high so that the young seeds I can see for myself in the provinces that people like to play football to achieve their goal of becoming Maradona, becoming Messi, becoming Mario Kempes,’ said Sulaiman Syarif.
Fourthly, not many people know that one of the Argentine football legends Mario Kempes palyed and even became a coach at the Pelita Jaya club. ‘Mario Kempes has played in Indonesia, and has been the coach of one of our teams, Pelita (Pelita Jaya, ed.) if I'm not mistaken, and many people here don't know, so I also convey how Argentina's contribution is quite large in Indonesia and we hope that in the future this can still be the case,’ hoped Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif.
June
Indonesia Boosts Exports, Chasing Trade Deficit in Argentina
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Buenos Aires seeks to reduce the Indonesia-Argentina trade deficit through diversification of Indonesian exports to Argentina. This was conveyed by Sulaiman Syarif, Indonesian Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay in an interview with the Ranah Diplomasi programme aired on Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday (11/6/2024). ‘We are currently trying to reduce the trade deficit by diversifying the entry of export opportunities from Indonesia into the Argentine market,’ Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif said.
It is known that the trade volume between Indonesia and Argentina reached USD 2.57 billion. The surplus on the Argentine side amounted to USD 1.6 billion. Indonesia is the second largest export destination from Argentina to Asia after China, while Argentina is the second largest importer of Indonesian products in South America after Brazil. (OEC 2022 data). This, according to Sulaiman Syarif, illustrates Argentina's position as a world food producer and Indonesia's domestic food needs. "Argentina is a country rich in natural resources and rich in agricultural products. People always say Argentina would provide the food to the world. Argentina is the largest producer of wheat and corn in the world. So indeed they export a lot, including to Indonesia. On the other hand, for Indonesia, it is a necessity that we need agricultural products related to food security,’ said the Indonesian diplomat who graduated from the University of North Sumatra.
Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif identified opportunities for a number of Indonesian commodities in the Argentine market. "We see the market for furniture products, it has great potential here, we have met in the last 6 months with our economic working team, working on approximately 10 importers who annually import 50 to 60 containers, we will continue to work on this, this is one of the opportunities," Ambassador Sulaiman explained.
In addition to furniture products, Indonesian products that are very potential in the Argentine market include palm oil, rubber products and fertilisers. "Palm oil is also one of the opportunities from sustainable palm oil, we are also working on this.
In addition, Indonesian exports to Argentina include rubber products, footwear, spare parts, and electronic devices, as well as fertilisers," Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif told Voice of Indonesia.
June
Indonesia and Argentina Commit to Optimising OECD Membership
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesia and Argentina are both in line for accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Both countries have agreed to optimise the benefits of membership of the organisation. This was conveyed by Sulaiman Syarif, Indonesian Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to Voice of Indonesia in a Ranah Diplomasi programme on Tuesday (4/6/2024). ‘We have agreed with the Argentine Foreign Minister that we will share our experiences so that we, Indonesia and Argentina, can optimally utilise our membership in the OECD,’ said Sulaiman Syarif.
The commitment is in line with President Javier Milei's policy that makes partnership with ASEAN countries one of his priorities. ‘Under President Milei, who just took his oath in December, President Milei now sees policy towards ASEAN as one of his priorities. So this is one of the good opportunities,’ Ambassador Sulaiman continued.
As is known, Indonesia and Argentina obtained a road map towards OECD membership at the 2024 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) on 2-3 May 2024 in Paris, France. ‘Regarding the OECD, of course we can share experiences, it is said that Indonesia and Argentina both received the Accession Road Map in Paris last month, so we share how it is related to for example omnibus law, here they also have made the same regulation, created an omnibus law which among others is to gain investment, then also related to simplification of procedures for investment which I think we also do,’ said the Ambassador who began serving in Buenos Aires on 25 October 2023.
Indonesia and Argentina's membership in the OECD ecosystem is expected to be a way to increase investment and trade volume between the two countries. "So related to the OECD, first of course this is an opportunity for us to share information, then secondly it will encourage the entry of investment, and our task here is also interesting, it is time to encourage outbound investment and in-bound investment. Then of course in terms of trade, with the new policy of President Milei who wants to engage more, wants to be closer with ASEAN, especially Indonesia. Now we are of course talking about trade. Trade relations will be more open and tariffs may be reduced, and we are working on this between Indonesia-Uruguay-Paraguay there is an Indonesia-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement,’ Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif concluded to Voice of Indonesia.
June
Journalists syndicate condemns Israeli arrest of WAFA journalist
Written by steve
June
Zelensky, the First Ukrainian President to Visit the Philippines
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May
VOInews, Jakarta: One of Turkey's airport ground handling service providers Celebi Aviation is expanding its business in Indonesia. In a special interview with Voice of Indonesia, after the introduction of Celebi Aviation in Jakarta on Thursday (30/5), Turkish Ambassador to Indonesia Talip Küçükcan said Turkey continues to seek cooperation with Indonesia in all fields. According to Ambassador Küçükcan, aviation is an interesting and dynamic thing to work on.
"Aviation industry is one of very dynamic industries in Indonesia, which is a great market for Turkish companies. Today Celebi Aviation which is one of the largest in Turkey actually which is operating in several countries decided to invest here. I think that shows the confidence in the economy and the future of Indonesia by Turkish companies. We would also like to see, of course, Indonesian companies to invest in Turkey. So, this is a good beginning for our country to have closer economic relations.
Ambassador Talip Küçükcan is optimistic that Turkish companies will come to Indonesia considering historical factors and other similarities. Celebi Aviation invested around 7.5 million Euros in the field of ground handling and warehousing spread across 26 airports in Indonesia, after acquiring Indonesian service manager PT. Prathita Titiannusantara. Currently, the Turkish company, which was established in 1958, operates on 3 continents and in 6 countries including Indonesia, with more than 60 branches worldwide, and has more than 300 customers.
May
Indonesian Government Continues to Maximise OECD Accession Process
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: The Indonesian government, in this case the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, continues to oversee several important matters related to international economic cooperation. One of them is Indonesia's accession process to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Indonesia became the first Southeast Asian country to become an OECD accession country, after the approval of Indonesia's Accession Roadmap which was officially handed over at the OECD Ministerial Meeting (PTM) on 2-3 May 2024. Currently, there are 7 OECD accession countries, namely Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Croatia, Peru and Romania.
After reaching the stage of adopting the OECD roadmap, the next step that will be taken by the Government is the self-assessment process, and the preparation of an initial memorandum which is planned to be completed within the next 250 days. For the national coordination process, the President of Indonesia has issued Presidential Decree Number 17 of 2024 on the OECD National Team. The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs is appointed as the Chairman of the Implementation Team with the Vice Chairmen being the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Finance.
‘The government has taken strategic steps related to OECD accession, to commit to becoming an OECD member within the next three years, including the integration of OECD accession in the RPJPN and RPJMN to the plan to establish a Project Management Office (PMO) to support the OECD National Team,’ said Deputy for Coordination of International Economic Cooperation Edi Prio Pambudi, in a Media Briefing to journalists at the Media Centre of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Jakarta, Thursday (30/5).
After the OECD PTM, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann visited Indonesia on 28-29 May 2024. During the visit, the OECD Secretary-General met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, 2024-2029 President-Elect Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian Parliament, the OECD National Team, and relevant stakeholders such as labour organisations, civil society, business representatives, academics, and others.
‘By becoming a member of the OECD, our access to the markets of other OECD member countries will be more open and will encourage investment as well. There is already a national team consisting of various stakeholders, and even later, media friends will also be involved in terms of press freedom. As a big nation, we must be united to achieve this,’ said Deputy Edi.
Furthermore, the OECD will also help with the development of the semiconductor ecosystem. Indonesia is one of the countries that will be reviewed by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with the OECD. It is expected that from the results of the review, Indonesia can contribute to strengthening the global semiconductor supply chain through the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund mechanism and increase foreign investment into Indonesia in the semiconductor sector. The review process is expected to last for 6-8 months and the OECD Semiconductor Team is planning to come to Indonesia in early-mid 2024 to complete a fact-finding mission for the review of Indonesia's semiconductor industry.
‘Semiconductors are important as we have continued to negotiate since a long time ago, and there is quite fierce competition in the semiconductor world today. Now the United States still holds many standards for it, for example for smartphone production. You can imagine that if we don't manage that, we will be left far behind. Here we have built a semiconductor ecosystem involving ambassadors, entrepreneurs, and others, because this is a broad industry so we have to know where to start,’ Deputy Edi concluded.
Source: Indonesian Coordinating Minister of Economic