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PLN Gradually Recovers Electricity Supply (0)
State-owned electricity firm PT PLN has recovered electric power to Balaraja Extra High Voltage substation in Banten Province, and furthermore it will be channeled to Suralaya steam-fueled power plant (PLTU) to gradually recover its operation to reach its capacity of 2800 MW of electricity.
In addition, power supply from Gandul Extra High Voltage substations in Depok, West Java Province, will be channeled to Muara Karang gas and steam power plant (PLTGU) to supply electricity to the Indonesian capital city, Jakarta.
Acting President Director of PLN Sripeni Inten Cahyani said here on Sunday that the power supply to Jakarta was expected to recover within three hours.
"We apologize for the inconvenience today, and currently all efforts have been made to recover the Java-Bali power system, especially in the area of West Java, Banten, and Jakarta," Cahyani said.
The company has focused on power supply to PLTGU Muara Karang and PLTGU Priok to recover the system in the capital city.
Previously, PLN has recovered the operation of hydro-generated power plant (PLTA) Saguling and PLTA Cirata which are functioned as power stabilizer, and, at the same time, supply the electricity to PLTU Suralaya through Cibinong, Depok, Gandul, Lengkok, Balaraja and Suralaya extra high voltage substations.
PLTU Suralaya is expected to return to its normal operation within six hours to normalize power system in West Java and Banten.
Blackout that affected thousands of homes and public facilities in West Java, Jakarta, and Banten was caused by several troubles in the extra high voltage 500 kV transmission of Ungaran - Pemalang.
"PLN has taken its best efforts and will have evaluation to prevent recurrence of today's incident," Cahyani said.
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December
Medical workers to get COVID-19 vaccine first: expert
Written by Nur Yasmin The 1.2 million vaccines recently procured by the government will be prioritized for groups that are most at risk of contracting COVID-19, especially medical personnel, said Dr. Masdalina Pane from the Indonesian Epidemiologists Association (PAEI).
“So, what we need to know is that the vaccine for now is a vaccine for emergency conditions, not for normal conditions," Pane, M.Si, who is head of professional development at PAEI, said at a press conference for the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 at Graha BNPB in Jakarta on Tuesday.
She said the Indonesian government has imported 1.2 million doses of Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine. However, the current stock of the vaccines is not sufficient for them to be administered to all Indonesian people, she pointed out.
Therefore, the vaccines will be prioritized for the groups of people who are most at risk of infection, and particularly medical personnel, she explained.
“So, the vaccine is not to be given to the whole community. But, it is to be given to groups at risk. The first (group) is, of course, the one with a higher risk, (and that) is health workers, because they are in constant contact with those who are confirmed (COVID-19 patients) or unknown, but have symptoms (of the virus). Suspect (cases), we call them,” she said.
The next group that would get priority in vaccination will be people who provide services to the community, and then people with high mobility, she informed.
"So this (the vaccine) is not for all people. Because this is an emergency condition, the government's priority is to (inoculate) those who are at risk," Masdalina said.
She then appealed to the public to remain disciplined in implementing the 3M protocols, namely wearing masks, washing hands with soap, maintaining distance and avoiding crowds, to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is not expected to disappear any time soon. Therefore, by applying the 3M protocol, communities would be able to carry out activities, while continuing to live with COVID-19, Masdalina said. (Antaranews)
December
EU and ASEAN hold the first expert dialogue on COVID-19 vaccines
Written by Nur YasminExperts from the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened today (8/12) to exchange best practices on policies and to identify further opportunities for collaboration on COVID-19 vaccines.
As two leading regional organizations, the EU and ASEAN share a common interest in pursuing a multilateral approach to affordable, fair, and equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
The 23rd ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting on 1 December confirmed this commitment and vowed to continue to support vaccine multilateralism and the provision of COVID-19 vaccines as global public goods. In line with its commitment to vaccine multilateralism, the EU contributed € 500 million in grants and guaranteed loans to support the COVAX Facility. COVAX aims to accelerate the development and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines and to guarantee fair and free equitable access for every country in the world. As of today, 189 economies are part of the COVAX Facility.
The cooperation on vaccines builds upon extensive assistance to Southeast Asia provided by the EU, most notably the € 800 million “Team Europe” package to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in ASEAN. Last week, the EU announced a new € 20 million support programme on “South East Asia Health Pandemic Response and Preparedness”.
The online dialogue that took place today provided a platform for the EU’s and ASEAN’s leading policy practitioners and medical experts for debating strategies and practical aspects of vaccine authorization, production, and distribution in two separate panels.
“Working together in the prevention, detection, and response to the virus, the ASEAN and EU have coordinated and cooperated at various levels and through various stakeholders in responding effectively to this pandemic,” said His Excellency Kung Phoak, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. “This webinar dialogue on vaccine further deepens and facilitates innovations in health cooperation between ASEAN and EU, and further builds a robust relationship in the exchanges of policies towards affordable, fair and equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines,” His Excellency added.
“Safe and effective vaccines have a key role to play in emerging from the COVID-19 crisis,” said Professor Peter Piot, Special Advisor to the President of the European Commission on COVID-19 and the Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. “But no country is safe until every country is safe. EU-ASEAN collaboration and leadership are more important than ever in ensuring that everyone, everywhere can benefit from these vital tools,” he added.
December
Health Minister Prioritizes Health Workers as First Vaccine Recipients
Written by Nur YasminThe distribution of 1.2 million doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine for the Covid-19 pandemic that has just arrived from China is confirmed to be in accordance with good drug distribution methods so that the vaccine can be accepted by the public.
This was said by the Minister of Health, Terawan Putranto, during a virtual press conference on Monday regarding the vaccine. Minister Terawan said the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination would be prioritized for health workers.
"For this first shipment of vaccines, the first target will be health workers, health worker assistants, support personnel working in health service facilities. In this case, the ministry of health has prepared the number of targets and vaccine needs per district/city. these are included in the information system team of KPCPEN (Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery-red), which will prepare target data by name by address," Terawan said.
Health Minister Terawan Putranto further emphasized that the government only provides vaccines that are proven safe and clinically tested and recommended by the World Health Organization.
Terawan added that the government had discussed the implementation of vaccine distribution in order to ensure the quality of vaccines was accepted by the public.
The program scheme starts from the provincial health office and then circulates it to the health office under it. (VOI)
December
Foreign Minister Seeks to Get Covax Vaccine in 2021
Written by Nur YasminThe Foreign Affairs Ministry continues to support the government in managing the pandemic both in terms of health and socio-economy through cooperation with other parties.
This was said by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, on Monday, during a virtual press conference about the arrival of 1.2 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine from China.
He added that diplomacy is also active to support efforts to provide vaccines, with the main task of opening access, paving roads, and overcoming various obstacles that arise.
After successfully procuring vaccines from China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on obtaining the COVAX vaccine from WHO.
"Currently, together with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuing to communicate with Geneva for the procurement of multilateral vaccines. As is known, Indonesia is one of the 92 countries COVAX AMC (Advance Market Commitment-ed), which will receive 3 vaccines up to 20 percent of the population is from the GAVI COVAX Facility, "Retno said.
Retno Marsudi explained that Indonesia had sent a vaccine request form to the COVAX Facility on December 7 according to the deadline.
It is hoped that the multilateral vaccine can also enter Indonesia gradually in 2021. Retno Marsudi confirmed that diplomacy will guard other efforts, so that Indonesia can immediately overcome this pandemic. (VOI)
December
Gov't ensures information about Covid-10 vaccine is conveyed accurately
Written by Nur YasminIndonesia is one of the countries that has shown concrete steps to bring the COVID-19 vaccine domestically as soon as possible.
The Indonesian government is committed to providing accurate information regarding the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccine and vaccination.
This was conveyed by the Minister of Communication and Information, Johnny G Plate, during a virtual press conference regarding the Arrival of the COVID-19 Vaccine, Monday.
"The government ensures that information regarding the arrival of vaccines and the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination continues to be conveyed to the public in an accurate, credible and proactive manner," Johnny said.
Johnny Plate added that information regarding the latest developments related to vaccines and vaccination against COVID-19 is expected to be a reference for all parties in supporting, guarding, and encouraging the success of COVID-19 vaccination throughout Indonesia.
Around 1.2 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine from China arrived in Indonesia last Sunday, December 6.
The shipment was part of the first phase procurement of 3 million doses of the SARS-CoV-2 type from China. (VOI)
December
Finance Minister Exempts Rp 50b in taxes for Sinovac vaccines
Written by Nur YasminMinister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati provided fiscal facilities in the form of tax exemption worth IDR 50.95 billion for the 1.2 million Sinovac vaccines that arrived in Indonesia on Sunday (6/12) with an estimated import value of US $20.5 million.
"Exemption from import duty and/or excise is not subject to Value Added Tax (PPN) and Luxury Goods Sales Added Tax (PPnBM) and exemption from Article 22 Income Tax (PPh)," Sri Mulyani said in a virtual press statement in Jakarta, Monday.
Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani specified that the exemption from import duty was Rp. 14.56 billion and import tax of Rp. 36.39 billion for 1.2 million vials for one dose of vaccine, and 568 vials for one dose of vaccine for the test sample.
The minister explained that 1.2 million COVID-19 vaccines were imported from Sinovac Lifescience Corporation Limited China as SARS CoV-2 or verocells with BUMN recipients, Bio Farma.
The vaccine, continued by the former World Bank Managing Director, was packaged in 33 packages with a gross weight of 9,229 kilograms according to AWB Number PEK-99463221.
According to him, the fiscal facility was provided to help import the COVID-19 vaccine based on Presidential Regulation Number 99 of 2020 and the derivative regulations of the Minister of Finance Regulation (PMK) 188 / PMK.04 / 2020.
The PMK regulates the provision of customs and/or excise facilities as well as import taxation of vaccines for handling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subjects in the PMK, he said, are the central government, namely the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), local governments, and legal or non-legal entities that have been assigned or appointed by the Ministry of Health.
Meanwhile, the objects given this fiscal facility include vaccines, vaccine raw materials, equipment for vaccine production because vaccines will also be sent in the form of bulk materials and equipment for vaccination.
In addition to the 1.2 million vaccines, the government is also working on 1.8 million doses that will arrive in early January 2021.
Apart from being in finished form, the plan is that in December 2020 there will also be 15 million doses of vaccine and in January 2021 the plan is as many as 30 million doses in form of bulk raw materials which will be further processed by Bio Farma. (Antaranews)
December
COVID-19 Vaccine Must Go Through BPOM and Ulema Council, Minister Says
Written by Nur YasminJakarta - Voice of Indonesia. Indonesia received 1.2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in finished form on Sunday (06/12) at around 09.00 WIB.
This vaccine arrives using a Garuda Indonesia plane with special cargo via the Jakarta-Beijing-Jakarta route.
This was conveyed by Airlangga Hartarto, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy who is also Chairman of the Committee for Handling Covid-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPC-PEN) in his statement delivered online Sunday night.
Airlangga added that the vaccine must pass the evaluation stage from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) and wait for the fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) regarding its halal aspects.
"Even though the vaccines have arrived and are in Indonesia, implementing vaccination must pass the evaluation stage from the POM (Drug and Food Control) to ensure aspects of quality, safety, and effectiveness," Airlangga said.
In addition, they also have to wait for the fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for the halal aspect.
Furthermore, Airlangga Hartarto conveyed that in completing testing, tracing, and treatment or 3T efforts and wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining distance or 3M, vaccination is a very important effort in ending a pandemic.
Airlangga added that these 3 things, namely 3T, 3M, and vaccination must always go hand in hand until the entire population of Indonesia and the world is completely free from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his statement, Airlangga Hartarto stated that vaccination would be carried out in stages by prioritizing health workers and public service workers who had been technically regulated by the Minister of Health. (VOI)
December
Indonesia welcomes 1.2 million doses of Sinovac vaccine
Written by Nur YasminThe Indonesian government received 1.2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Sinovac, Sunday night (06/12).
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in his speech delivered virtually on Sunday night, said the Sinovac vaccine had been clinically tested in Bandung since last August 2020.
In addition to the 1.2 million doses of vaccine that have just arrived in Indonesia, President Joko Widodo said the government is still working on 1.8 million doses of the vaccine which will arrive in early January 2021.
The President also added, besides the finished vaccine, 15 million dosages will also arrive in December, and in January 2021 there will be 30 million doses of vaccine in bulk raw materials which will be further processed by Bio Farma.
In his remarks, President Jokowi also expressed his gratitude for the COVID-19 vaccine.
"We are very grateful. Alhamdulillah, the vaccine is available, meaning that we can immediately prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. But to start vaccination still requires steps from the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM)," the President said.
Apart from delivering the good news about the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine, President Jokowi also emphasized several things related to the COVID-19 vaccine.
"And I need to emphasize. First, all procedures must be followed properly in order to ensure public health and safety as well as vaccine effectiveness," Jokowi said.
"Scientific considerations, the results of this clinical trial will determine when vaccination can be started. Second, the vaccine distribution system to the regions, this is very important as well as supporting equipment, human resources, and vaccination management," he added.
"Third, because it is not possible to vaccinate simultaneously for all residents, I hope all parties will follow the announcements and instructions from the officers who are currently preparing vaccinations," he closed.
At the end of his remarks, President Jokowi advised that even though vaccines were available, the public was asked to remain disciplined in carrying out health protocols, namely wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands. (VOI)
December
Forty-three Indonesian human-trafficking victims repatriated: Foreign Minister
Written by Nur YasminAt least 43 Indonesians who reportedly fell prey to human-trafficking operations in the Middle Eastern countries were repatriated to Indonesia in November this year, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told journalists in Jakarta on Thursday.
“Forty of them were repatriated by the Indonesian Embassy in Damascus, Syria, on November 27, 2020, while three others were sent back home by the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on November 30, 2020,” she informed.
Many Indonesians remain vulnerable to human-trafficking operations in the Middle East, with migrant workers frequently moving there to take up jobs as maids, in spite of the government’s moratorium policy, she said.
To deal with this problem, the Foreign Ministry is coordinating with the Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency (BP2MI) and the National Police to investigate those responsible for sending the Indonesian migrant workers to the Middle East, she added.
The Indonesian government has imposed a moratorium on sending of maids to the Middle East since 2015 in view of several cases of abuse and given the vulnerability of migrant workers in countries in the region.
However, several parties, including Migrant Care, have criticized the government's moratorium policy, arguing that it has triggered uncontrolled human-trafficking by syndicates, with many Indonesians falling victim to them.
According to Anis Hidayah, head of Migrant Care's Research Center, many Indonesians are continuing to head to the Middle East for work through unofficial or even illegal routes.
As a result, they cannot be monitored properly, which makes them prone to getting into trouble in their destination countries, Hidayah told ANTARA last year.
To resolve this problem, Hidayah suggested that the Indonesian government lift the moratorium and ensure they are well protected through sufficient protection instruments.
Transnational human-trafficking syndicates do not just pose a serious threat to Indonesians wanting to get employed as maids in the Middle East, but also those wanting to work in Malaysia.
In March this year, for instance, police in Riau province had thwarted an attempt by a transnational human-trafficking syndicate to smuggle 15 Indonesians and two Indian nationals to Malaysia through Rupat Island in Bengkalis district.
Members of the Malaysia-Indonesia-India syndicate tried to transport the 17 victims by speed boat through the waters of Sungai Cingam village in Rupat Island, Bengkalis district, Riau province, said Riau Police spokesperson Sen.Coms.Sunarto.
Police arrested five suspects -- identified as AM alias Ahmad, AR alias Abdul, KH alias Irul, HL alias Lina, and SP alias Pian -- who played different roles in the human-trafficking operation.
Ahmad served as the boat's skipper, while Abdul and Irul were crew members. Lina served as the recruiter and enticed the victims to travel to Malaysia by promising them high-wage jobs, while Pian coordinated the operation, said police.
The trafficking attempt came at a time when Indonesian and Malaysian authorities were busy battling the outbreak of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Antaranews)
December
Indonesian envoy receives Friendship Order from Vietnam
Written by Nur YasminIndonesian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ibnu Hadi, has received the Friendship Order from Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong for his “positive and active” contribution to encouraging and promoting the friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.
On behalf of the Vietnamese government, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dzung presented the award to the Indonesian ambassador at the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry on Thursday morning, the Indonesian Embassy in Hanoi said in a statement released on Thursday.
The Friendship Order is the second award Ibnu has received from the Vietnamese government during his remaining term in office. He had earlier received the Medal of Peace and Friendship Among Nations from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) on November 24, 2020.
"In the past few years, the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia in multi aspects have grown well," the embassy quoted Quoc Dzung as saying.
Trade between Indonesia and Vietnam rose to US$9.01 billion in 2019 from US$6.82 billion in 2017, according to official data.
Ibnu Hadi said 2020, the last year of his term in office, coincides with Vietnam's chairmanship of ASEAN, Indonesia's and Vietnam's non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and commemoration of 65 years of Indonesia-Vietnam diplomatic relations. (Antaranews)
