VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesia shares its experience of economic resilient growth after Covid-19 with Thailand. Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto on Wednesday (26/6), welcomed a delegation from the Thai Parliament at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office, Jakarta.

According to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs' website, Thursday (27/6/2024), the Thai delegation led by Parit Wacharasindhu, Chairman of the Thai Parliament's Commission for Political Development, Mass Communication and Public Participation, wanted to know the policy direction and potential for cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand.

"Indonesia is a country that has three time zones, so decentralisation is the key, as growth is not to be centralised. Indonesia wants each region to have the same growth so that development does not only occur in Java Island, but also around eastern and western Indonesia," Airlangga explained.

Airlangga added that one of the efforts is to develop Special Economic Zones. The Indonesian government has nearly 22 special economic zones throughout Indonesia, and one of Indonesia's policies is to develop downstream industries.

Airlangga also explained that for the manufacturing industry, Indonesia has launched Indonesia 4.0. Indonesia has also focused on critical minerals which only two years ago the United States and Europe realised the importance of critical minerals. 

Airlangga also explained that Indonesia produces 50 million tonnes of CPO and is developing biodiesel 35. According to Airlangga, Thailand's strength in producing sugar, including raw sugar, in the next phase Thailand can build ethanol which can be another opportunity for cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand. 

"We need to make investments that increase energy self-sufficiency in ASEAN countries. And I think that's important for this sector. So, I think in those two issues, regarding palm oil and natural rubber, I think we have to work together," Airlangga said.

Furthermore, regarding EV, Airlangga said that critical minerals such as nickel, copper, cobalt, and aluminium, which are raw materials for new and renewable energy, are found in Indonesia. On the occasion, Airlangga explained that there are opportunities for cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand in the electric vehicle development chain. 

In the digitalisation sector, under Indonesia's leadership in the 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship, a digital economy framework agreement (DEFA) has been launched, one of which is expected to facilitate transactions. 

"So with the spirit of ASEAN, we want to further integrate people and establish economic relations between ASEAN countries. For digitalisation itself, with the digital economy framework agreement, the ASEAN economy can increase to 2 trillion dollars (USD)," he said.

During the meeting, Airlangga also explained in more detail other matters asked by the Thai Delegation, one of which was related to policies that support MSMEs. 

Airlangga also explained about Indonesia's support for start-ups not only through funding but also training. During the meeting, Indonesia and Thailand were open to potential cooperation that could be established between the two countries. 

"In ASEAN, if Indonesia and Thailand work together, I think there are many things we can achieve for our ASEAN," Airlangga concluded.

Source: Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs

VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesia's economy continues to grow amid the global economic slowdown. Recorded in the first quarter of 2024, national economic growth reached 5.11% (yoy). A number of strategies have also been pursued by the Government, including using a flexible, responsive, and accommodative fiscal and monetary policy mix, encouraging consumption and investment, not least through improving business relations between Indonesia and the European Union through the European Chamber of Commerce or EuroCham.

"In line with our efforts to improve the investment climate, Indonesia has taken steps to increase tax incentives to attract foreign and domestic investment to the country," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said at the European Business Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Indonesia 20th Anniversary Night Gala Dinner in Jakarta, Wednesday (19/06).

It is known that EuroCham is celebrating its 20th anniversary as well as commemorating EuroCham's long-term contribution in improving business relations between Indonesia and the EU which has contributed to the development of Indonesia's national economy. The European Union (EU) and its member states are among the parties that play an important role in Indonesia's foreign trade and investment. In 2023, total trade was recorded at USD30.8 billion and EU investment in Indonesia over the past five years (2019-2023) reached USD12.1 billion.

To optimise and enhance the potential for higher economic cooperation, Indonesia's CEPA negotiations with the EU are also being accelerated and substantially completed. Once the agreement is finalised, the partnership between Indonesia and the EU is expected to be at a new level with the ability to facilitate and create new market access, increase trade between the EU and Indonesia, and expand direct investment. "All of these negotiations are very important for both parties, and President Joko Widodo has also directed that this agreement be reached quickly, so that it can increase investment, and provide greater welfare to the community," Airlangga explained.

The Gala Dinner was held by EuroCham to celebrate the cooperation that has been established so far between Indonesia and the European Union. "The theme of tonight's Gala Dinner is 'Igniting Two Decades of Excellence' which is also in line with Indonesia's transformative journey to achieve momentum towards the Golden Indonesia 2045. We hope that the EU, especially EuroCham, can be Indonesia's partner in achieving this vision by providing access to new markets, technology, and investment opportunities through strong collaboration," said Airlangga.

In addition, Indonesia became the first ASEAN member to start the OECD accession process, and potentially the third OECD member in Asia after Japan and Korea. The OECD accession process is expected to catalyse the formulation or improvement of superior policies and regulations. "Thailand will also follow, and our entry from Southeast Asia will make the OECD stronger, because the OECD needs global south partners like us. For that, concrete steps must be taken and I expect the European business world to work together in the future, so that EuroCham's contribution to Indonesia is expected to remain loud and clear," Airlangga concluded.

Source: Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs

VOInews, Lombok: Internet technology can be utilised for various purposes, including to make shelves commonly used in kiosks or MSME stalls. SMKN 1 Praya Tengah, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is one of the schools that has successfully utilised technology to produce useful products, namely smart shelves based on the internet of things (IoT).

According to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research's vocational website on Thursday (20/6/2024), the IoT-based smart shelf by SMKN 1 Praya Tengah is equipped with a system of sensors and communication devices connected to the internet. It can monitor and manage stored items automatically and provide real-time information on the presence, quantity, and condition of the items. With IoT integration, this smart shelf can be accessed and controlled remotely through mobile or web applications.

Head of SMKN 1 Praya Tengah, Rias Sandi Miwardani, said that the smart shelf is a collaborative project between students of the Software Engineering (RPL) and Computer Network Engineering (TKJ) Expertise Concentrations. This tool is designed to detect the number of items placed in it and calculate the weight of food ingredients automatically. The product is one proof of the application of knowledge that has been obtained by the students.

"This innovation is the result of their hard work and creativity in applying the knowledge they have learnt at school. We continue to encourage students to produce new technology-based innovations that are not only beneficial for schools, but also for the wider community," said Rias Sandi.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Computer Network Engineering (TKJ) Expertise Concentration, Lia Ulfa, said that the students worked together to design and make the necessary hardware and software. The development process also involved teachers who acted as mentors. In addition to detecting the number of items and the weight of groceries, the smart shelf is also equipped with a notification system that will send information to the store manager if the stock of goods is approaching a predetermined minimum limit. The advanced technology carried by this tool allows store managers to monitor stock items in real-time, reduce the risk of shortages or overstocks, and increase efficiency in inventory management. 

The Smart Shelf will later be used at Aislah Sapta BC's school shop, SMKN 1 Praya Tengah to display items for sale. "This is the first step for us to continue developing other IoT-based technologies that can provide wider benefits. Education and technology must collaborate to prepare a young generation that excels in technology," said Ulfa.

VOInews, Jakarta: PT Pertamina (Persero) has launched a Sustainable Finance Framework that aims to ensure the company's sustainability efforts are integrated into its funding strategy. The framework is the basis for Pertamina and its subsidiaries to access funding for green projects and energy transition projects. "The strategic step to develop the Sustainable Finance Framework is in line with efforts to provide a broader commitment to create long-term value and sustainability for stakeholders and have a positive impact," said Pertamina's Finance Director, Emma Sri Martini, as reported by pertamina.com, Thursday (20/6/2024).

According to her, the Sustainable Finance Framework also strengthens Pertamina's commitment to achieving the 32% emission reduction target from the business as usual (BAU) scenario by 2030 and supports the Indonesian Government's efforts to achieve Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060 or even sooner, while ensuring national energy security.

ISS-Corporate, as an independent opinion provider, has issued a Second Party Opinion (SPO) validating the consistency of the Sustainable Finance Framework with Pertamina's sustainability strategy.

In addition, the platform conforms to international sustainability funding standards, namely the Green Bond Principles (GBP) issued by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the Green Loan Principles (GLP) issued by the Loan Market Association (LMA). "Through this Sustainable Finance Framework, Pertamina and its subsidiaries can issue green or transitional funding instruments to finance or refinance eligible green or transitional projects in nine categories," said Emma.

The nine categories include renewable energy, green hydrogen, transmission and distribution networks for renewable and low-carbon gases, green buildings, clean transport, low-carbon fuels, sustainable management of living natural resources and land use, emission reduction, and to transition in the shipping sector.

It said the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Framework also includes a robust governance and reporting process for transparency and visibility for investors and lenders, regarding the positive environmental impact of Pertamina's green investments or energy transition. "The presence of the Sustainable Finance Framework is expected to be one of Pertamina's concrete steps as a leader in energy transition, which can contribute to Indonesia's sustainability journey," added Pertamina's VP Corporate Communication, Fadjar Djoko Santoso.

With the support of Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB) who acted as Structure Advisor during the process, the development of the Sustainable Finance Framework not only strengthens Pertamina's commitment to sustainable business practices.  But more than that, it also demonstrates Pertamina's intention to use the Sustainable Finance Framework as a reference for integrating sustainability in future funding.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition sector, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuing to encourage programmes that have a direct impact on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"All of these efforts are in line with the implementation of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) in all lines of business and Pertamina's operations," she concluded.