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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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September
BMKG Pushes Research On Earthquakes, Tsunamis To Strengthen Mitigation
Written by Nur YasminThe Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) encourages research and studies on earthquakes and tsunamis to strengthen mitigation to prevent and minimize casualties and damage due to disasters.
"Studies should always be encouraged with the aim not to cause public anxiety and panic, but to support the strengthening of the disaster mitigation system," BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati said in a press release received in Jakarta, Tuesday.
He explained that since several years ago researchers had made studies on the potential for tsunamis, including due to the megathrust earthquake on the South Coast of Java, which could reach 20 meters high and the waves could arrive at the coast in 20 minutes.
Research on tsunamis such as that conducted by Widjo Kongko (2018), Ron Harris (2017-2019), and a cross-agency team led by the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and supported by BMKG are needed to strengthen earthquake mitigation and tsunami early warning systems.
Strengthening the earthquake mitigation system and tsunami early warning is very important considering the potential for earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia does not only cover certain areas such as the southern coast of Java.
Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis with varying wave heights and has the potential to occur in coastal areas facing the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean and beaches adjacent to active faults in the sea (back-arc) or stretching out to sea.
According to the latest ITB research based on seismic data analysis and tsunami modeling, in the worst-case scenario assuming an earthquake occurs simultaneously in two megathrust segments in the southern part of Java, the western part and the eastern part, a tsunami with a maximum wave height of 20 meters can occur in either area south of Banten and reached the coast within 20 minutes of the earthquake.
The mechanism of the tsunami event is based on modeling similar to that of the 2004 Aceh tsunami, the tsunami caused by an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 which reached the coast in less than 20 minutes.
Based on the modeling, land on the coast is at an altitude of over 20 meters is relatively safer from the threat of a tsunami hazard. The modeling results can be used as a reference in preparing evacuation routes and places as well as land arrangements in tsunami-prone areas.
Dwikorita said that since 2008 BMKG has built an early warning system to monitor earthquake events and provide tsunami early warnings.
Within three to five minutes after the earthquake, the Early Warning and Monitoring System operated with the Internet of Things (IoT) and strengthened by supercomputers and artificial intelligence can automatically disseminate tsunami early warning information to communities in earthquake and tsunami-prone areas through various information channel.
With the use of this tsunami early warning system, there are still 15 to 17 minutes left for the evacuation process if a tsunami is estimated to arrive in 20 minutes. (Antaranews)
September
Five Regions In West Java Declared COVID-19 Red Zones
Written by Nur YasminThree cities and two districts in West Java have been declared red zones, or areas with a high risk of COVID-19 transmission, prompting local authorities to tighten public activities and conduct mass testing.
“Red zones in West Java this week are Bogor city, Depok city, Bekasi district, Cirebon city, and Cirebon district,” West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil said at a press conference held after the West Java Provincial Task Force for COVID-19 Response gave its weekly report on Monday.
The governor said the provincial government is also focusing on clusters of COVID-19 transmission at several Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Kuningan district.
"Right now, West Java has pesantren clusters (of COVID-19 transmission) in Kuningan district, where we will conduct mass testing, according to the pattern in Ciayumajakuning. There is an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in several areas there," he elaborated.
In Kuningan, micro-scale social restrictions (PSBM) have been imposed at the pesantren, village, and sub-district levels. The PSBM has so far been considered effective in containing the spread of COVID-19 in West Java.
The pesantren cluster emerged as many students and teachers often go out of pesantren compounds, he said.
West Java Vice Governor Uu Ruzhanul Ulum said the provincial government is coordinating with concerned parties to apply health protocols at pesantren.
The local authorities will conduct swab testing at several pesantren this week, he added. (Antaranews)
September
Gov't Delineates Five Key Agendas To Drive Digital Transformation
Written by Nur YasminCommunication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate shed light on five main agendas of his ministry to aid in boosting digital transformation, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"During this pandemic, nearly every activity is based on the telecommunication and telecommunication infrastructure that is reliable," the minister noted while delivering remarks during an event to observe the 75th anniversary of Post and Telecommunication Civic Mission Day here on Monday.
The ministry's five main agendas on accelerating digital transformation in Indonesia comprised increasing access and intensifying digital infrastructure development as well as preparing a digital transformation road map in strategic sectors.
The third agenda targets expediting data center integration while the fourth agenda pertains to the availability of digital talent in Indonesia. The last agenda aims to prepare regulations as well as financing and funding schemes.
Moreover, the government is focused on developing digital talent possessing sufficient and sustainable capabilities and formulating primary legislation, he explained.
In addition to working on boosting digital transformation, the ministry is striving to increase the Internet ratio in Indonesia by conducting equitable and quality infrastructure development.
Speaking in connection with the Personal Data Protection Bill, Plate noted that the political process was still ongoing.
"We are optimistic of it being completed soon, so that the loophole existing in the protection of rights and obligations, as well as duties and responsibilities of the entire state ecosystem, can be addressed by ensuring a sufficient legal force," Plate stated. (Antaranews)
September
President: Prepare Covid-19 Vaccination Plan In Two Weeks
Written by Nur YasminPresident Joko Widodo asked related government officials to prepare a detailed plan for the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination within two weeks.
"So when the vaccine is available, we are ready to implement it directly," he said in a virtual limited meeting regarding the Report of the Committee on Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery, at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.
"The vaccination plan have to be planned in detail as early as possible," the President said.
He said that vaccination planning must include the timing, location, implementing agency, and vaccination targets.
Indonesia has two choices of sources for the COVID-19 vaccine, the first is the Merah Putih vaccine, which is being developed by the Ministry of Research and Technology, the National Research and Innovation Agency, and the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology.
The Ministry of Research and Technology hopes that mass production of the Merah Putih vaccine can begin in late 2021.
The second option is the vaccine produced in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies from other countries, namely vaccines produced by the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac, vaccines in collaboration with Sinopharm and Group 42 from the United Arab Emirates, and a vaccine from a collaboration between Genexine from South Korea and PT Kalbe Farma. (Antaranews)
September
Indonesia Dismisses Vanuatu's Accuse To Human Rights Violation Against Papua
Written by Nur YasminThe Indonesian government emphasized that Vanuatu was not a representative for Papuans, when replying to the allegations of human rights violations that the Pacific country had brought against Indonesia.
"You are not a representation of the Papuan people, and stop fantasizing about being one of them," Silvany Austin Pasaribu, a young diplomat representing Indonesia said at the UN General Assembly, on Saturday.
In the official UN video footage, Silvany said Vanuatu had an excessive and unhealthy obsession with how Indonesia should act or govern its own country.
The reason is, almost every year in the UN General Assembly, Vanuatu always touches the issue of alleged human rights violations experienced by the Papuan people - an accusation that Indonesia considers deliberately echoed to support separatism.
"Indonesia will defend itself from all advocacy for separatism that is conveyed under the guise of artificial concern for human rights," Silvany said.
He emphasized that since 1945, Papua and West Papua are part of Indonesia which is a final and irreversible decision. This has also been strongly supported by the United Nations and the international community for the last few decades.
"The principles of the UN Charter that Vanuatu clearly does not understand are respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Silvany.
In his answer, Silvany also questioned how Vanuatu, which has not ratified international conventions on the elimination of racial discrimination and signed international treaties on economic, social, and cultural rights, actually “lectures” Indonesia on human rights issues in Papua.
“We call on the Vanuatu Government to fulfill your human rights responsibilities to your people and the world. So before you do that, please keep your sermon to yourself,” the diplomat who is also the Second Secretary for Economic Functions at Indonesian Permanent Representative Office in New York said.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Bob Loughman accused Indonesia of committing human rights violations in Papua, and it continues to this day.
According to him, allegations of human rights violations in Papua are of particular concern to Pacific countries who have called on Indonesia to allow the UN Human Rights Council to visit Papua.
However, said Loughman, the Government of Indonesia did not respond to the call.
"I ask the Indonesian government to respond to the calls of the Pacific leaders," he said.
Last year, Vanuatu also accused Indonesia of not giving permission to the UN Human Rights Council to visit Papua.
"We are concerned about the Indonesian Government delaying the confirmation of time for the Human Rights Commissioner to visit Papua," Vanuatu's Permanent Representative to the United Nations for Sumbue Antas said in 2019. (Antaranews)
September
Ambassador To US Invites US Businesses To Invest in Indonesia
Written by Nur YasminThe Indonesian Ambassador to the United States (US) Muhammad Lutfi seeks to promote Indonesia as a US investment destination to hundreds of US businessmen who are members of the US Chamber of Commerce (US Chamber of Commerce) and the US-ASEAN Business Council.
On Sep. 23 and 24, Ambassador Lutfi held a marathon meeting with more than 30 members of the US Chamber of Commerce and more than 70 representatives from US-ASEAN Business Council member companies scattered in various parts of the world.
"To achieve the target of economic growth before 2036 and get out of the middle-income trap, Indonesia needs to increase its investment contribution to GDP by creating a good investment climate," Ambassador Lutfi said in the release of the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC on Friday.
Particularly related to Indonesia-US economic cooperation, Lutfi prioritized investment, two-way trade, digital connectivity, health, and human resources.
"In addition, Indonesia needs to maximize the contribution of exports and imports to GDP, as well as encourage manufacturing and industrialization. through innovation, technology transfer, and improvements to the education and health system," he added.
The appointment of Muhammad Lutfi as the new Indonesian Ambassador to the US received a positive response from US business circles.
"The election of Ambassador Lutfi as the Indonesian Ambassador to the US shows President Jokowi's seriousness in improving relations with the US in all fields, including the economy," the President of the US-ASEAN Business Council Alex Feldman said.
John Goyer, Executive Director of Southeast Asia affairs, US Chamber of Commerce, stated that Indonesia is a top priority for the US Chamber of Commerce.
The companies that attended the virtual meeting with Ambassador Lutfi came from various sectors, including the digital economy, infrastructure, energy, aviation, and health.
The US is Indonesia's 16th trading partner with total value of trade reached $30 billion (around Rp 448 trillion), the trade balance showing a surplus on the Indonesian side.
Based on data from the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board in 2019, the US is the 7th source of foreign investment (PMA) with an investment value of $989,348.9 million (around Rp. 14.7 trillion) in 791 projects. (Antaranews)
September
Only 3 Percent Market Merchants Knows Health Protocol
Written by Nur YasminOnly three percent of the mechants and buyers at markets in the Greater Jakarta area are aware of the significance of following health protocols, especially social distancing, during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey.
"The survey was conducted by interviewing traders and buyers at markets about the awareness of market merchants viewed as being one group prone to contracting COVID-19," Secretary-General of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Sudirman Said noted in a press statement here on Thursday.
The survey was conducted by PMI, the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The survey conducted on traders and buyers at markets in Jakarta and its suburban satellite cities of Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi aimed to curtail the transmission of COVID-19.
The survey showed that 85 percent of the respondents were unaware of ways to prevent COVID-19, some 80 percent still made payments through cash, while 69 percent think there is not enough space to maintain a safe required distance between traders and buyers.
The lack of moving space posed a challenge for market visitors to practice social distancing, he pointed out.
Said opined that market operators or associations should integrate audio in their campaign for observing health protocols, including the correct way to use masks, maintain social distancing, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Market operators should routinely call on market merchants to always wear masks while conducting their activities. (Antaranews)
September
Jakarta Governor Extends Large-Scale Social Restrictions Till Oct. 11
Written by Nur YasminJakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has decided to extend large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in the capital city, which were scheduled to end on September 27, 2020, by another week till October 11.
The step was taken since the number of new COVID-19 cases will increase if the PSBB is relaxed, the governor said in a press statement released on Thursday.
Based on the results of monitoring and evaluation undertaken by the Jakarta Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling, the PSBB will be extended by another two weeks if the number of COVID-19 cases does not drop significantly.
“The coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment has also approved the automatic extension of PSBB in Jakarta by another two weeks,” the governor said. (Antaranews)
September
Integrate Ministries' Strategy To Build Village Economy, President Says
Written by Nur YasminPresident Joko Widodo told ministries and institutions to implement an integrated and solid strategy in growing the village economy and mitigating the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Jokowi, in a closed meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, Thursday, asked the ministries and institutions not to carry out sectoral programs independently and to complement one another.
"If we do not integrate it, we would not see the results. Everything should be in a solid and integrated grand strategy," President Jokowi said at a meeting on the Acceleration of Village Economic Improvement.
President Jokowi asks that rural economic development must also coincide with poverty alleviation programs.
Rural economic growth must be a concern because rural areas are now an economic buffer for big cities after the reverse flow of population movement from cities to villages due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is a momentum to reinstall, improve, and also carry out reforms regarding the big strategy in transforming the village economy," President Jokowi said.
The President gave an example that the Ministry of Rural Affairs must ensure that they use the Village Fund budget for productive expenditure allocations.
Then add the rural basic infrastructure development program from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing to the strategy.
He said the Ministry of Transportation could plan and build rural connectivity. The Ministry of Social Affairs can also focus on handling underprivileged residents. The Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Micro Enterprises can focus on empowering small and micro business actors.
"This must be properly integrated," President Jokowi said. (Antaranews)
September
President: Make Sure Social Protection Net Scheme Works Effective
Written by Nur YasminPresident Joko Widodo asked his staff to ensure that programs in the social protection net scheme run effectively and on target.
"In the short term, all program schemes related to social protection nets such as PKH, cash assistance, village cash assistance, need to run effectively," he said on a limited meeting via video conference on accelerating village economic improvement, in Jakarta, on Thursday.
The President said that the social protection net scheme must reach people in need, especially rural communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We need to observe the implementation of cash (program) for the village so it can reduce the burden on rural communities who have lost their jobs or come from poor families in the village," he said.
The President also said that the COVID-19 pandemic should be used as a momentum to improve and reform the grand strategy of transforming the village economy. (Antaranews)
