VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Two hackers arrested over an international scam that saw the theft of about USD 60 million in Covid-19 aid intended for US citizens left jobless by the pandemic, at a press conference in Surabaya. (AFP /STR)

Two Indonesian hackers have been arrested over an international scam in which $60 million was stolen from a COVID-19 aid program helping Americans left jobless by the pandemic, authorities said.

Text messages were sent to 20 million Americans directing them to more than a dozen fake US government websites, police in East Java said late Thursday.

Thousands of victims supplied personal information, including social security numbers, to the fake sites in the hopes of securing $2,000 offered under a real assistance programme for the unemployed, authorities said.

But their data was instead used by scammers to steal millions of dollars from the programme.

"Some 30,000 US citizens were scammed and the government's financial loss is up to $60 million," said East Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Nico Afinta. 

The two suspects were arrested last month in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya after police were notified by US authorities. The National Police did not say how long the scam had been running.

The pair could face up to nine years in prison under Indonesia's electronic information law. Police said they were investigating the possible involvement of a third person who may have secured funds illicitly//JP

West Aceh district head Ramli MS (center) and his staff pose for a photo with Chinese investors on Friday (April 16, 2021). (ANTARA/HO-Dok. Pemkab Aceh Barat)

A group of Chinese investors held talks with the West Aceh district administration on Friday as part of their preparations to invest in the district’s energy and mining sector.

West Aceh district head Ramli MS said on Friday that The West Aceh district administration warmly welcomes the audience team of Chinese investors who will invest in West Aceh district.

May this meeting be a good start for the development of investment in West Aceh district. He said the district government is very open to domestic and foreign investment.

However, the investors must have good accountability and credibility, as this would ensure their investment can have an impact on the economy and development in West Aceh. 

The flow of investments will create more jobs for local residents.The investments must be able to absorb local workers, so they can reduce the unemployment rate in the district. 

He invited PT Mayvision Indonesia as the audience facilitator along with a representative of a Chinese company planning to invest in the district to observe and survey the natural resource potential of its land//ANT

Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia, Djauhari Oratmangun, attends an international webinar on China-West Kalimantan’s economic potential, held on the Zoom meeting platform.

China has confirmed plans to invest US$1.38 billion in Indonesia, especially West Kalimantan, Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia, Djauhari Oratmangun, informed on Friday.

He disclosed at an international webinar on China-West Kalimantan's economic potential that so far, China has invested much in West Kalimantan.

This year, (Chinese) investors plan to invest in Indonesia, particularly in West Kalimantan and Batang district, Central Java. The value of investments in the furniture industry will reach US$1.38 billion. 

A Chinese business delegation is scheduled to visit West Kalimantan and Central Java in April or May, 2021. West Kalimantan currently accounts for 10.13 percent of Indonesia's exports to China. Interestingly, Indonesia’s exports (to China have) increased, with West Kalimantan contributing a significant 10.13 percent (of the total exports to China). With the increase, we have been able to reduce problems related to Indonesia-China trade. 

Indonesia ranks fourth among ASEAN member states exporting to China. During the pandemic, Indonesia-China relations remained good. Chinese investment in Indonesia reached US$4.8 billion in 2020. 

Indonesia's exports to China also rose 15 percent in 2020 compared to a year earlier. Last year, Indonesia recorded a 15-percent increase (in its exports to China).

(The export of) key commodities rose, with iron and steel exports swelling 136.52 percent, paper and paperboard jumping 133.25 percent, and tin and products skyrocketing 544.07 percent.

The total trade between the two countries topped US$78.48 billion during the period//ANT

A craftswoman paints a bag at a home industry in Gelam village, Candi, Sidoarjo, East Java. (ANTARA FOTO/Umarul Faruq/hp.)

The development of home-based industries can add value to women’s role in the economy, the deputy governor of Bank Indonesia (BI) has said.

BI deputy governor Destry Damayanti wrote in DRI’s Pulse Check Special Edition Danareksa on Friday that The home industry development can add very significant value, if well-managed. 

Home-based industries are expected to boost family incomes as well as foster self-confidence in women. The home industry program, which is being conducted in 21 districts and towns, is a leading program that has been prepared by the government to improve women’s access to the economy and push past any limitations placed on them. 

Detailing the benefits of home-based industries, Damayanti said 70 percent of workers in such industries are women, 53 percent of home industries are located in rural areas, 70 percent manufacture food products, and more than 50 percent of home-based enterprises are ultramicro-scale businesses employing one-three people from the same family. 

She highlighted that there is no critical obstacle to women playing a bigger role in the national economy. Women, she said, should be able to collaborate with anyone and adapt to a very fast-changing era.

Moreover, social stigmas which put greater limitations on women than men still exist and remain a challenge for women to meetMany Indonesian women have made noteworthy achievements, built a reputation, and have been acknowledged as influential persons in the economy, even on international platforms, such as Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, who formerly served as managing director of World Bank, and International Affairs Minister, Retno Marsudi, she said. They are a great source of inspiration for women//ANT