Live Streaming
Program Highlight
Company Profile
Program Highlight (3019)
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.
more news
March
APEC Strives to Find Common Ground on Intellectual Property Rights
Written by Ani HasanahAPEC members sought to find common ground on intellectual property (IP) rights, including the protection and administration of IP rights in the Asia-Pacific region during a dialogue on IP policy, according to a written statement issued by APEC's IPEG and received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The dialogue was held at the semi-annual gathering in Santiago, Chile, conducted by APEC’s Intellectual Property Rights Experts Group (IPEG), to discuss important matters relating to IP rights. Successful strategies against counterfeiting were some of the important lessons shared at the gathering.
The IPEG meeting is also a forum where APEC economies share information on IP strategies, current initiatives, accomplishments, and generate projects aimed at capacity building.
A major point highlighted during the meeting was the growing threat of intellectual property theft. The financial losses due to this are estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually and IP theft dampens entrepreneurial innovation and investor confidence.
Participants felt that economies eager to build knowledge-intensive industries but who lag in IP protection will continue to lose out on investments.
APEC's IPEG also reiterated that the presence of strong IP rights bolsters economic growth. For instance, according to the United States Department of Commerce, IP protection has helped create more than 45 million high-paying knowledge-intensive jobs in the U.S., which amounts to some 38 percent of value-added GDP.
To highlight the importance of a strong IP regime, Canada held a workshop on its "Project Chargeback" initiative, which relies on cooperation between banks, credit card companies, consumers and law enforcement to fight against the sale of counterfeits and to protect consumers. The workshop, funded by APEC, shared know-how and best practices on how economies can establish their own domestic version of the initiative.
At the IPEG forum, Chile and Hong Kong China also presented their anti-counterfeiting initiatives, sharing experience on the benefits of these measures. The United States also shared a Resource Compendium on Trademark Infringement Determinations in the Border Enforcement Context.
Host economy Chile highlighted its first registered certification mark linked to a "sustainability code", which has been adopted and used successfully by the Chilean wine industry.
Meanwhile, Australia discussed its TM LINK, the internationally linked trademark database utilizing information from the IP offices of certain APEC economies, and its Blockchain Discovery Initiatives, including the use of blockchain in licensing (IP rights exchange) and in combating counterfeits (Smart Trademark).
The forum has been a platform for constructive dialogue, sharing of information, and project delivery, according to Nicholas Gordon, the Chair of APEC's IPEG.
"It’s the dialogue that helps find commonalities and gaps," said Gordon, who is also Deputy Director of the Intellectual Property Trade Policy Division at Global Affairs Canada.
"When there is clearly a shared interest or something new and cutting edge, you get real constructive engagement. Frequently this occurs in (the area of IP) administration, and that’s important for small and medium sized enterprises. Learning what you can do to reduce costs, simplify administrative processes, or raise IP awareness are keys to assisting creators and innovators increase their capacity to engage in the global economy," Gordon remarked.
"You find that coalition of wanting to be on the same page and further enhancing dialogue for the benefit of the region," he added.
The IPEG’s work program also includes studying measures for the effective enforcement of intellectual property rights, and facilitating technical cooperation to help economies implement the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). (ANTARA)
March
Indonesia,Thailand Enjoy Increased Trade under LCS Framework
Written by Indonesia's direct bilateral trade with Thailand, under the local currency settlement framework, reached Rp121 billion during the period from January to February, a fourfold increase compared to Rp30 billion during the same period in 2018.
Indonesia's central bank (BI) Governor Perry Warjiyo noted in a statement on Monday that the bilateral trade, on an average, has reached Rp58 billion per month.
"Since its implementation on December 11, 2017, the total trade transaction, under the local currency settlement framework, has shown an increase," Warjiyo remarked.
The local currency settlement (LCS) is a framework of bilateral trade transaction using local currencies.
Indonesia and Thailand had first implemented the LCS framework in December 2017. The framework is aimed at reducing both countries' dependency on the US dollar and increase the bilateral trade volume.
Implementation of the LCS became the main topic of discussion at the bilateral meeting between BI Governor Warjiyo and Governor of Bank of Thailand Veerathai Santiprabhob in Jakarta.
"The strategic meeting has discussed the development of both countries' economy, direction, and implementation of the central banks' policy, especially regarding the payment system," Warjiyo remarked.
He said the two central banks had emphasized the importance of economic and digital financing development with the latest innovations in technology, including the implementation of the quick response code (QR Code), to boost both countries' economic growth.
BI and the Bank of Thailand have mitigated the potential risk of the development of the payment system regarding the stability of the financial system as well as anti-money laundering and prevention of funding for terrorism.
"The (central banks') governors have enhanced commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation between the two central banks and continuing the bilateral meetings at the level of the central banks' leaders as well as technical meetings," he added. (ant)
March
Vice President Jusuf Kalla and leaders of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) on Monday discussed the plan to build the Indonesian Hospital in Hebron, the West Bank, Palestine.
"This is because the area, with a population of 800 thousand people, of which some 200 thousand are Jews and 600 thousand are Arabs, has yet to have a special trauma healing hospital," Muhyidin Junaidi, chairman of the committee for construction of the Indonesian Hospital in Hebron (RSIH), noted.
Speaking to journalists after the 60-minute meeting with the vice president in Jakarta on Monday, Junaidi, who is also head of MUI's head of international relations, noted that the hospital will serve all residents in Hebron.
"Currently, the Arabs have received discriminative treatment by Israelis in the hospital in Hebron," he noted.
The Indonesian Hospital is expected to relieve the suffering of the Arabs in Palestine, he added.
The hospital will be built on an endowment land measuring four thousand square meters, with a total cost of some US$7 million.
Muhyidin noted that the local government will help the MUI to check the legal documents of the land.
Vice President Kalla has fully supported the plan to build the RSIH.
"He (Jusuf Kalla) said, (this plan) should be well-executed, and he shared his optimism for this humanitarian mission," Muhyidin added.(ant)
March
Indonesia Encourages Women to Become Agents of Peace and Tolerance
Written byIndonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, at the 5th World Assembly for Women (WAW!), encouraged women to become agents of world peace and tolerance, noted the Ministry's written statement issued and received here, Monday.
"I strongly believe in the power of women's involvement in promoting peace. Let us work together to promote the role of women as the agents of peace and tolerance," Minister Marsudi remarked at the 5th WAW! in Tokyo, Japan, that was attended by the vice president of Panama and women foreign ministers from eight countries.
At the meeting, Indonesian Foreign Minister Marsudi expressed strong belief that women have high qualities of leadership, empathy, protection, and solidarity, so they are able to serve as effective agents of peace.
The minister emphasized that those qualities are well represented by Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Arden in her approach and handling of the terror attacks in Christchurch last week.
"The steps taken by Prime Minister Arden to address the shooting tragedy in Christchurch demonstrate great empathy that is able to boost the people's solidarity, and she is able to perform her role as the 'mother' of the nation," Marsudi stated.
According to Minister Marsudi, Prime Minister Arden's leadership has demonstrated that women, in fact, have the ability to be actively involved and contribute to peace.
Furthermore, Minister Marsudi highlighted the importance of increasing women's participation and empowerment, especially as negotiators and mediators. In this regard, Indonesia and the ASEAN will hold Regional Training on Women, Peace, and Security for women diplomats from all ASEAN countries. The program is expected to create a momentum for establishing a network of women negotiators and mediators for peace in Southeast Asia.
Minister Marsudi also urged women ministers to take similar actions in their respective regions in order to build the capacities of womankind as peace negotiators and mediators.
"I believe women negotiators and mediators will give deeper contribution to maintain global peace and stability," Foreign Minister Marsudi remarked.
The 5th WAW! Meeting was held by the Government of Japan in cooperation with Women 20, an engagement group of G-20 that promotes the issues of women's empowerment, gender equality, and inclusive development in international economics. The WAW! Forum is an embodiment of Japan's commitment to mainstreaming gender issues and women's empowerment in various sectors
March
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked the Jakarta government to start the construction of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Jakarta East – West corridor this year.
"This year, in parallel with the second phase MRT construction for HI traffic circle-Kota section, I hope the East – West corridor can also be started," President Joko Widodo said at the inauguration of the first phase of Jakarta's MRT routing Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to Lebak Bulus in Jakarta on Sunday.
The second phase construction of MRT would connect Hotel Indonesia (HI) traffic circle to Ancol in North Jakarta. While the East – West corridor would connect Cikarang to Balaraja.
On the occasion, the president has also launched the second phase construction of MRT that covers a 8.7-kilometer long track from HI traffic circle to Kota.
The operation of MRT Jakarta, he noted, would mark a new era of transportation in the capital city.
"For those who have yet to try the MRT, please try it for free," the president said.
Jokowi has also called on MRT users not to litter at the station or in the train and practising self-discipline by not vandalizing the train, arrive on time, and queue.
"Please keep it clean," he said.
The President also expected that the construction of Greater Jakarta light rail transit (LRT), especially those connecting Depok, Bekasi to Jakarta, could be completed by the end of 2019. (ant)
March
A number of Jakarta residents have expressed their pride on the presence of the country's first Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).
"I am proud of it. Jakarta finally now has its own MRT," a local resident Jefri said at the National Monument (Monas), Jakarta, on Sunday.
Jefri said that he had read reviews on the MRT which was looked so clean, and expressed hope for users to practise self-discipline.
"Hopefully the government would not stop to innovate," he said.
Another resident Yudi expected that the MRT could facilitate Jakartans to go to their workplaces and do their daily activities.
Yudi called on the government to continue improving MRT services for its users.
A Jakartan Trisno said that he had been waiting for the operation of the MRT since early 2019.
"I come to Monas today with my family as I heard that President Joko Widodo would inaugurate the MRT from Hotel Indonesia to Lebak Bulus," Trisno said.
President Joko Widodo earlier officially inaugurated the country’s first MRT line in Jakarta on Sunday.
President Widodo, accompanied by his Cabinet ministers and dozens of VVIP guests, led the inauguration in a signing ceremony. (ant)
March
Indonesia Appointed Honorary Guest of World Franchise Expo
Written by Ani HasanahIndonesia has once again been appointed as an honorary guest of the World Franchise Exhibition to be held in Saudi Arabia from April 27 to 29 this year, the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh announced in a written statement released on Tuesday.
"Indonesia and Saudi Arabia are currently in the golden era, where Indonesia receives a special place in the eyes of the Saudi government and the people," Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Agus Maftuh Abegebriel said.
The Saudi General Authority for Small and Medium Businesses will organize the expo in cooperation with the East Provincial Government under the control of Prince Ahmed Bin Fahd Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of East Province.
Indonesia becomes an honorary guest of the expo this year thanks to the efforts of the embassy.
At the expo, the Indonesian Pavilion which covers an area of 144 square meters will feature several companies which have the potential to sell Indonesian franchise brands to Saudi Arabia, including those engaged in the food, beverage and garment industries.
By participating in the expo, more and more franchise brands of Indonesian products will hopefully be marketed in Saudi Arabia. Many Indonesian product brands, including Indomie, J-C0, ABC and Sasa are currently quite successful in Saudi Arabia.
Some 150 domestic and foreign companies with 600 brands will take part in the expo expected to be attended by some 100 thousand people from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.
The ambassador said the appointment of Indonesia as an honorary guest at the expo reflects close relations between the two countries, which enter the golden era, particularly after King Salman's visit to Indonesia in March 2017.
According to data from the Trade Ministry, trade between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia reached US$6.1 billion in 2018, up 34.94 percent compared to the previous year.
However, Indonesia suffered a deficit of $1.7 billion in its trade with Saudi Arabia last year due to high oil imports. Through economic and cultural promotion, Indonesia aims to increase its exports to Saudi Arabia. (ANTARA)
March
Freedom of Religion or Belief and Freedom of Expression in Southeast Asia
Written byA Regional Seminar and Workshop for Journalist was organized in Bali, Indonesia. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs AM Fachir has delivered a Keynote Speech at the Regional Seminar and Workshop for Journalists: “The Nexus between Freedom of Religion or Belief and Freedom of Expression in Southeast Asia”, in Ayodya Resort, Bali (18/3).
He pointed out that to instill peace and tolerance in the age of hoaxes and fake news, a closer collaboration among independent and objective journalists, moderate religious and social leaders, vibrant CSOs, and government is important
In the region, ASEAN has taken important measures to foster freedom of religion and expression. Yet, regulations are not enough. A strong regional network of journalists that champions tolerance and develops a powerful narrative against toxic extremist arguments, is needed.
Vice Minister AM Fachir invited all participants to join a minute of silence for the Christchurch Terror Attack. The barbaric attacks served as a strong reminder that terrorism remains a real threat, irrespective of any religious denominations or cultural backgrounds.
March
The Indonesian Elections Commission, KPU, has reiterated the commitment of the elections of transparent, integrity and fair. The commission hoped the debate of the vice president candidate could be reference for the citizen to make choices on Wednesday April 17. Head of the commission KPU, Arif Budiman said before the debate, Sunday March 17 in Jakarta.
The third round of debate of two Indonesian vice presidential candidates, broadcast and live streamed by the country's national TV channels on Sunday evening, highlighted educational, employment, health, as well as social and cultural issues.
In terms of educational issues, the debate's panelists challenged both Ma'ruf Amin and Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno with a question on Indonesia's budget in enabling research to emerge as the world's big five in 2045.
Both Amin and Uno promised to pay a serious attention to the availability of sufficient research funds though these two vice presidential candidates seemed to have a different approach in enhancing Indonesia's research and innovation programs.
Sandiaga Uno who was requested by the debate's moderator to speak first echoed the Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno pair's pledge to prioritize innovation and research programs by emphasizing the importance of a link and match approach.
The link and match approach is so significant that the research outcomes meet the demands of private sectors to help create more job opportunities for the people. However, many research projects in Indonesia have yet to get linked to the needs of business sector.
Therefore, in strengthening the link and match, Uno said Indonesia's reputable universities' research projects need to be linked to the needs and demands of private sectors.
Under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno, the government would also consolidate and synergize the innovation and research programs. It would also provide the private sectors successfully applying their research and development activities with fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.
"I have ever managed the research and development funds, I do know that we have so many capable and creative young people," Uno revealed his strong belief that Indonesia would be able to emerge as a well-developed country in the future.
Meanwhile, Ma'ruf Amin vowed to consolidate and synergize the research funds allocated to various ministries and government agencies under a national research agency.
Amin also revealed that the Joko Widodo-Ma'ruf Amin pair would also develop a research endowment fund and empower the implementation of a national research roadmap to strengthen Indonesia's research and development activities. (kpu and ant)
March
Indonesian Citizen Victim of Terror Attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand
Written byChristchurch, March 16, 2019: At 10:10 p.m. (New Zealand time) the Indonesian Government through the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington has received confirmation that the Indonesian citizen is a.n. Mr. Lilik Abdul Hamid (Pak Lilik) who was previously reported missing was declared as one of the dead victims in the event of a mosque terror in Christchurch.
The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs has conveyed his condolences directly to the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Nina Lilik Abdul Hamid via telephone.
The Indonesian Ambassador along with all Indonesian people in Christchurch also visited the family residence of the late Pak Lilik in Christchurch to provide support for this disaster.
Previously, the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington had also visited Indonesian citizens who were victims of the shooting a.n. Mr. Zulfirman Syah at the Christchurch Public Hospital, who still continues to receive medical treatment from the hospital. The condition of the child of Mr. Zulfirman Syah who was also shot, is now known to be stable.
The Indonesian Embassy in Wellington continues to coordinate with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the various needs of families of victims affected by the shooting in Christchurch. In addition, a temporary post was opened after the shooting incident which worked for 24 hours since Friday, March 15 2019. The Command Post was tasked with monitoring the progress of the situation and helping Indonesian citizens who needed assistance in connection with the shooting in Christchurch.
The KBRI Wellington hotline which can be contacted for 24 hours is
Mr. Rendy Ramanda (+6421 1950 980)
Ms. Luth's Grace (+6422 3812 065)
The New Zealand Police opened a service for people who were informed about the shooting in Christchurch to help investigate the case on the following website:
https://forms.police.govt.nz/forms/christchurch-attacks
If there are Indonesian citizens who cannot contact their family members in Christchurch, the New Zealand Government opens at www.familylinks.icrc.org/new-zealand/en/ (kemlu)
