VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Implementing a green economy can support national economic growth of more than 6% and create more than 4.4 million jobs by 2045. Green economy is one of the supporting factors for economic transformation to get out of the middle income trap. This was conveyed by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto in his virtual speech at the opening of the Green Economy Expo 2024, themed "Advancing Technology, Innovation and Circularity", in Jakarta on Wednesday (3/7).

"The implementation of the green economy in the long term is projected to stabilise economic growth at an average of 6.22% until 2045, reduce emissions by 86 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent and create up to 4.4 million jobs," he said.

According to a written statement from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, obtained by Voice of Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday (4/7/2024), there are two opportunities that can be exploited in developing a green economy. "The first opportunity is the transition of existing economic activities. In the energy sector, transition efforts are directed through the application of new and renewable energy such as solar, wind, hydro and biomass energy," the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs wrote.

The green and circular economy will help industries in Indonesia to be competitive in terms of sustainability. "Currently, there are 152 companies that have Green Industry Certificates, and of course the number is expected to increase in the future. These Green Industry Certificates provide economic benefits, including energy savings worth Rp 3.2 trillion per year and water savings worth Rp 169 billion per year," he continued.

The second opportunity is to create new economic growth centres through the development of innovative circular sectors and activities, including sustainable natural resource-based industries or bio-economy, blue economy and waste utilisation. "As one of the megabiodiversity countries, the bio-economy industry in Indonesia has great potential for development. The government has developed 22 special economic zones (SEZs), which need to be encouraged to adopt green and circular economy principles so that they can be widely recognised and attract green investment," said the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.

It is known that many start-ups and new companies have emerged whose core business is based on the 9R principles of circular economy, namely Refuse - Rethink - Reduce - Reuse - Repair - Refurbish - Remanufacture - Recycle - Recover. The startup is an innovation of creative young people, who see an opportunity gap in the implementation of the circular economy and green economy. "MSMEs can also be the main actors in the transition to a circular economy. For example, repair businesses, used electronics collection and waste recycling businesses. Both start-ups and MSMEs need mentoring and financial support for their business development to grow big and contribute significantly to the national economy," Airlangga said.

Airlangga also welcomed the launch of the Circular Economy Roadmap and Action Plan and the Food Waste and Waste Management Roadmap. "These two documents will be a milestone for the future of Indonesia's green and sustainable economy, which will benefit both society and the archipelago's nature," Airlangga concluded.

VOInews, Jakarta: The cyber attack incident on the National Data Centre 2 (PDN2) is an important lesson regarding digital security. Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics (Wamenkominfo), Nezar Patria emphasised that it encourages Indonesian Government to increase vigilance against cyber attacks. 

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria ensured that cybersecurity is an aspect that receives attention from Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics. "This awareness has existed in the ministry too when designing what is called digital transformation, it includes its security, cyber security," he explained at The One Table Forum Programme in Central Jakarta, Wednesday (26/06/2024) evening.

The Ministry of Communication realises that the design of digital transformation cannot be separated from the security or cyber security aspects in it. "This awareness already exists in Kominfo as well when designing what is called digital transformation, it includes its security, cyber security," he explained.

It is known that the Government is accelerating digital transformation. Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Nezar Patria stated that the spirit to realise digitalisation and digital transformation will not recede due to the cyber attack incident on the Temporary National Data Centre (PDNS).  

"We must not go backwards, we must move forward! Digitalisation continues and Indonesia must be able to be in front, this should not discourage us from digital transformation," he said.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria assessed that digital transformation can increase efficiency, simplify business processes, and make it easier for people to access government services. According to him, the cyber attack incident is a valuable lesson to strengthen cybersecurity in the digital transformation process. "I think we learnt an important lesson here and it is very critical," he said.

The Deputy Minister stated that digital transformation is not only the responsibility of the Ministry of Communication and Information but must be carried out by all elements of the nation. "Digital transformation is the transformation of the nation," he said. 

On the same occasion, Deputy Minister Nezar Patria stated that on behalf of the Ministry of Communication and Information, he apologised to the public who experienced problems due to disruption of public services. 

"This attack has occurred, which means it shows weakness. Kominfo as the institution that oversees this issue has apologised, especially to the public whose services were disrupted," he said.

According to the Deputy Minister, President Joko Widodo gave a directive to restore public services as soon as possible. 

"The President's orders the system to be recovered as soon as possible, so our priority is public services, do not let the public be disrupted, and government functions that use digital platforms are disrupted," he concluded.

Source: The Ministry of Communication and Informatics

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