VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Ministry of Trade has revised steel import rules in Minister of Trade Regulation No. 22 of 2018, concerning Provisions on the Import of Iron or Steel, Alloy Steel, and Derivative Products to become Minister of Trade Regulation No. 110 of 2018.

"We will evaluate if the control is post-border and if the upstream industry would be disrupted. Therefore, we have revised the rules and returned supervision to the border," Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said in Jakarta on Thursday.

Since it was promulgated on Dec 20, 2018, Regulation of the Minister of Trade 110 of 2018 concerning Provisions on the Import of Iron or Steel will take effect one month later, namely on Jan 20, 2019.

Lukita explained that as much as 52 percent of national steel consumption needs, which reached 13.6 million tons in 2017, included imported products.

In 2018, use of imported steel increased to 55 percent to meet the demand of 14.2 million tons.

In view of this trend, the Minister of Trade proposed to the Coordinating Minister for Economy Darmin Nasution that supervision be returned to the customs.

It is known that Permendag (the ministerial decree) 22 Year 2018 has changed three times. The change was intended to accelerate the process of goods flow at the port (dwelling time) for iron and steel products.

However, the regulation was actually used by importers to replace the harmonized system number (HS) from carbon steel to alloy steel.

With the presence of Minister of Trade Regulation 110 of 2018, the Minister of Trade has ensured that steel imports will be re-regulated even though the supervision is still carried out by customs officials at the border. (ANTARA)

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno LP Marsudi emphasized the neutrality of Indonesian diplomats in the political year 2019. In Jakarta on Wednesday (1/9), she instructed all Indonesian diplomats under her Ministry to help make the 2019 General Election a success, which will be held next April across Indonesia.

"Entering the political year, I want to emphasize that all Indonesian diplomats must be neutral and continue to uphold professionalism in their work. I have asked all Indonesian Representatives abroad to help make the 2019 Election a success. Every vote of the Indonesian people, including Indonesian citizens abroad, is valuable in determining Indonesia's future, " Retno Marsudi said.

Minister Retno LP Marsudi further expressed his appreciation to all diplomats and staff at the Center and at Representatives, especially in representatives that are vulnerable and dangerous for their dedication and hard work. Appreciation was also conveyed to the Indonesian House of Representatives, especially Commission I for the cooperation that has been established in supporting Indonesia's foreign diplomacy. Minister Retno also pointed out that diplomacy is inclusive so that it is no longer dominated by diplomat work, but also by various other stakeholders. (VOI/Ndy/AHM)

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the Palestinian issue will always be prioritized in its foreign policies throughout 2019 amid Indonesia’s role in the United Nations’ Security Council. This was stated by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi in Jakarta Wednesday (09/01.2019). She noted the Indonesian Government is deeply concerned with the shift in political stance of several countries on the Palestinian issue, as it opposes the United Nations` resolutions that should, in fact, be respected and serve as foundations for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One of the countries that has changed its political stance on the Palestinian issue is the United States, which has moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. However, she emphasized, this reality will never make Indonesia recede its support for the Palestinians. Instead, Jakarta will continue to be on the forefront to help the people of Palestine achieve the goal pursued through their relentless struggles. Marsudi reiterated Indonesia`s support for a two-state solution as the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and as a corridor for creating peace. (ANTARA)

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno LP Marsudi said that 2019 would be a busy year for Indonesia's foreign diplomacy. She remarked that Indonesia would continue to work hard on the priority sectors of foreign policy. The attention of Indonesia's foreign policy will also be devoted to Indonesia's membership in the United Nations Security Council. Minister Retno said in Jakarta on Wednesday (9/1) that the UN Security Council team at the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia in New York has been strengthened since October 2018. In its position as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Indonesia would encourage various issues related to maintaining peace and synergy between regional organizations and the United Nations.

"Indonesia will hold the Security Council presidency in May 2019 and mid-2020. Issues related to peacekeeping; eradication of terrorism; synergy between regional organizations and the United Nations, Palestine, and many others, will be Indonesia's priority," said Retno LP Marsudi.

Minister Retno Marsudi further stated that Indonesia views the role of the region in supporting world peace to be strengthened. In this regard, Indonesia will keep working to strengthen the architecture of the Indo-Pacific region. In addition, in 2019, Indonesia also takes several initiatives, such as efforts to build dialogue between Indonesia and various regional organizations in the world. Indonesia will also prioritize the role of women in humanity and peace. (VOI/Ndy/AF/AHM)