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.
The Indonesian government is looking into the possibility of cooperation with the United States and Japan in developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) business to support their respective energy security, an official said.
"There are many possible kinds of cooperation discussed at the forum of three countries this time, including the development of technology and the export and import of LNG," Chief of the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKK Migas) Dwi Soetjipto stated during the opening of trilateral meeting between Indonesia, the United States, and Japan on Tuesday.
Soetjipto further noted that the market for Indonesia`s LNG is still widely open and that investors will have a lot of business opportunities if they invest in Indonesia.
Director General of Oil and Gas of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Djoko Siswanto stated at the Indonesia-US-Japan LNG workshop that Indonesia has natural gas reserves of 135.55 trillion standard cubic feet (TSCF).
"Indonesia still has the potential, and so we need to cooperate with other parties to manage the potential and invite investors," Siswanto remarked.
Of the total gas reserves, 99.06 TSCF are proven reserves, 21.26 TSCF are potential reserves, and 18.23 TSCF are probable reserves, he said.
Meanwhile, representative of the US Embassy in Indonesia Heather Variava explained at the workshop that the US has huge LNG reserves and is capable of developing LNG production technology.
"We have experiences in processing LNG and developing technology that I think is quite reliable. In the future, such thing may become mutually beneficial cooperation with Indonesia," he added.
Representative of the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia, Keiichi Ono, revealed that Japan is a longstanding buyer of Indonesia`s LNG.
He noted that both Japan and Indonesia need to step up cooperation in LNG trade in view of declining global LNG supplies.
Looking ahead, the three countries hope to realize the LNG business cooperation more intensively by integrating their capability in fulfilling energy needs. (ant)
Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa(Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar (in 2019, it falls on March 7). It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali, Indonesia. Nyepi, a public holiday in Indonesia, is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation for the Balinese. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New Year's Day. On this day, the youth of Bali in the village of Sesetan in South Bali practice the ceremony of Omed-omedan or 'The Kissing Ritual' to celebrate the new year. The same day celebrated in India as Ugadi.
Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection, and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and, for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali's usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.
Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents and tourists are not exempt from the restrictions. Although they are free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles responding to life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.
On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni (Relighting the Fire), social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another and to perform certain religious rituals together. Fires and electricity are allowed again, and cooking of food resumes. (WIKIPEDIA)
Indonesian Foreign Minister Madame Retno Marsudi arrived in Amman, Jordan, and convey warm welcome while officially opening the "International Training of Trainers on Business Planning for Women in Refugee Camps: Women Empowerment to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals" in Amman, Jordan (5/3). This Training was organized from 5-7 March 2019.
Women hold an important role in the development of the Palestinian people. The empowerment of women will not only economically profitable but also will strengthen the socio-economic infrastructure
The training (ToT) was attended by about 30 women of Jordan and Palestine that also plays an active role in the handling of Palestinian refugee women Indonesia also submit help drugs drugs and desalination projects in Gaza.
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi inaugurated One-step Public Service Buildings in Abu Dhabi (the United Arab Emirates) and in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to improve services for Indonesians overseas.
"The one-step public services, or integrated public services, have become a need nowadays, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Integrated services have been made easy by technological progress at present," Marsudi was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the ministry, here, on Tuesday.
Marsudi inaugurated the buildings in Abu Dhabi and in Jeddah on March 2 and 4, 2019, respectively. The integrated public service buildings are the first in Indonesia`s representatives in the Middle East.
"To facilitate public services, which are easy, fast, and convenient in the Foreign Affairs Ministry and in Indonesia`s Representative Offices, is a dream that we continue to strive for. Hence, we have made public services as a main point to measure the performances of Indonesia`s Representative Offices. Alhamdulillah (Thank God), Indonesian Representative Offices overseas have started to apply a one-step public service concept gradually since 2018.
Since 2015, the Foreign Ministry has begun to develop integrated service system in every Indonesian representative offices overseas. The system was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in October 2018 in Indonesia`s embassy in Seoul, South Korea. Other Indonesian representative offices that have applied the one-step public service concept include those in Tawau (Malaysia), and in Indonesia`s Consulate in Chicago, the United States of America. (ant)
President Joko Widodo received the Executive Board of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday morning. During the meeting, the President was accompanied by Minister of Religion Lukman Hakim Syaifuddin and Special Staff of President, Ari Dwipayana. After meeting the President, the Chairperson of the Parisadha Hindu Dharma Indonesia Wisnu Bawatenaya said that during the meeting, PHDI reported the plan to commemorate the Day of Silence or Nyepi Day to be celebrated on March 7, 2019. Related to that, Wisnu said that the PHDI would organize rituals at Prambanan Temple on Wednesday as part of the series of Nyepi Holy Day Celebration. In addition, he conveyed that the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) will also carry out the Santi Dharma activities as the culmination of the Nyepi Day commemoration in Bali Province. President Joko Widodo is scheduled to attend the peak of Nyepi Day commemoration. Responding to the report, according to Wisnu Bawatenaya, the President has instructed that the whole series of Nyepi Holy Day celebration activities can be carried out in an orderly and safe manner.
"We come to report to the President on the occasion of the Nyepi holy day which falls on March 7. Then tomorrow, on Wednesday, March 6, we will carry out a ritual at Prambanan temple, then we will also carry out the Dharma Santi in Bali at the Art Center. The time will be adjusted to the president’s schedule. We will carry out around April 5 in Bali. President Jokowi has told us to carry out this activity in an orderly and safe manner," said Wisnu Bawatenaya.
Wisnu Bawatenaya further said that the Dharma Santi celebration which is scheduled to be held in April, will be a means to unite all Hindus which spreads throughout Indonesia. At the peak of the Nyepi Holy Day celebration, all Hindus will form a joint commitment in building a more advanced Indonesia in the future. (VOI/Ndy/AHM)
The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) will also cover the investment and service sectors, such as health and education, in addition to the trade sector, Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated.
"The two countries will build partnership that combines service and partnership in sectors attractive for Indonesia, such as the health and education sector, as well as training," Kalla noted at the signing of IA-CEPA in JS Luwansa Hotel here on Monday.
In the service sector, the two countries will explore cooperation in the sectors of mining, energy, iron and steel, finance, vocational and higher education, tourism, health, and agribusiness.
Kalla said investment in the vocational and higher education sector has become one focus of cooperation to improve the quality of human resources.
"The next major agenda for Indonesia is to improve the quality of human resources to make us more competitive. I am waiting for investment in university and training and vocational education in Indonesia," he elaborated.
The vice president has expressed hope that the agreement would enhance bilateral ties and open wider business opportunities for people in both countries.
"IA-CEPA is a different agreement from those we have with other countries. IA-CEPA is based on strategic aims to grow together as neighboring countries," he remarked.
IA-CEPA was signed by Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita and Australian Trade, Tourism, and Investment Minister Simon Birmingham.
Lukita said the agreement will strengthen economic cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, including in trade, investment, and vocational training.
"It is a precious moment, as after nine years of negotiations, finally the Indonesia-Australia CEPA can be signed," he remarked.
The partnership was first launched in 2010, but it was stalled in 2013 and reactivated in March 2016.
The agreement will eliminate 100 percent of tariff on goods from Indonesia to Australia, and 94 percent of tariff on goods from Australia to Indonesia.
In investment and services, both countries will have greater access, including in the training program.(ant)
President Joko Widodo has expressed hope for free halal certificate for micro businessmen including street food vendors such as meatball and chicken noodle sellers.
"I hope there would be no fee for these micro businessmen," the president, or Jokowi as he commonly known, said after a mass gathering at Deltamas Square in Hegarmukti Village of Bekasi District on Sunday.
The president admitted that micro businessmen have asked the authority to provide halal certificate for their products. "Other micro businessmen, street vendors, also seek for halal certificate."
On the draft government regulation on halal product assurance, Jokowi said, it has been discussed by the government.
"It (the regulation) is related to many small and micro businesses, home industries, in kampongs and villages," he said.
According to Jokowi, halal certificate ideally could be issued in one day.
Previously Secretary General of the Indonesian Noodle and Meatball Traders (Papmiso) Bambang Hatyanto has expressed hope for halal certification for their products.
Any issue regarding to halal certification of their products could reduce their turnover by 50 percent, he said.
President Joko Widodo appreciates the diversity of the Indonesian sarong. This was revealed by the President when he and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo attended the Sarong Festival at the Southeast Plaza of Bung Karno National Stadium Complex, Jakarta, Sunday, March 3, 2019.
"I saw from several provinces that we all have sarong production. Both in the form of weaving, some in the form of songket, some in the form of batik, and other types of sarongs. This is a cultural diversity that is not owned by other nations," said the President .
Therefore, the President said that there will be a certain day in one month to wear sarongs together. "It can be once a week, it can be every two weeks, it can be once a month. We'll see later," said the Head of State.
The cultural diversity contained in this sarong, according to the President, must be placed in the best place. This is a form of our appreciation for the work and production of sarongs from every province that has a variety of patterns, motifs and colors, and has a high philosophy.
"I really appreciate the Festival of Sarong that was held today. Hopefully we all give awards, give appreciation to the works exhibited today," said the President as reported by the press release of the Deputy of Protocol, Press and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, Bey Machmudin.
On that occasion, the President and Mrs. Iriana both wore a long-sleeved white shirt and gloved in maroon. Upon arrival at the venue, both of them first reviewed the existing stands, including the Dekranasda booth in NTT and Belu, Rusari booth, to the sarong craft stand from the Donggala, Sigi, Lombok, Lampung and Banten affected areas.
After giving a speech, the President took the time to try the sarong weaving on the stage with Syamsudin, a weaving craftsman from Gresik.
Previously, the President also attended and greeted at the Blangkon Association and Nusantara Shawl Gathering at the West Plaza Bung Karno National Stadium Complex.
Accompanying the President and Ms. Iriana in this event included, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Religion Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, and Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi.
In addition, there was also present the Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the President Sri Adiningsih, member of the Advisory Council of President Sidarto Danusubroto, and Chair of the Manila IGK 2019 Glove Festival. (biro pers )
Vice President Jusuf Kalla left for Singapore on Sunday ( 3 / 3 ) to visit Ani Yudhoyono, the wife of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) who is being treated at the Singapore National University Hospital for blood cancer.
The vice president, accompanied by his wife, Mufidah Kalla, departed from the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta at 01.30 p.m. local time by Presidential Plane Bae RJ - 85.
Kalla and entourage including former coordinating minister for economic affairs Chairul Tanjung, former environment minister Rahmat Witular and the vice president`s chief secretary, Mohamad Oemar were expected to arrive at Changi Airport in Singapore at 04.20 p.m. local time.
Ani Yudhoyono has been treated at the hospital since Feb 2, for blood cancer at the recommendation of the president`s medical team.
Earlier, on Feb 21, President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo also visited Ani Yudhoyono.
The other state officials and former officials who had visited Ani Yudhoyono were Chairman of the People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Zulkifli Hasan, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, former chief of the National Police General (ret) Sutarman, former Jakarta governor Sutiyoso, and former foreign minister Marty Natalegawa.
Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have also visited the wife of Indonesia`s sixth president at the hospital. (ant)
Representatives of APEC economies are aiming to raise global public awareness on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in order to reduce poverty and food insecurity.
IUU fishing has undermined the region`s food security, according to the APEC`s Oceans and Fisheries Working Group in a written statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.
"Illegal fishing takes money out of the hands of those playing by the rules. It takes food out of people`s mouths. It undermines the governments` efforts to achieve sustainable fisheries," Patrick Moran, Lead Shepherd for APEC`s Oceans and Fisheries Working Group, stated.
The fisheries industry is a global juggernaut, valued at US$144 billion annually. Small-scale fishing accounts for 90 percent of the sector, which feeds more than 50 percent of the population of developing countries, including in the Asia-Pacific region.
However, 20 percent of the fish captured globally is lost to IUU fishing that exacerbates food insecurity and poverty, robs families of income, and undermines attempts at sustainable fisheries, while also encouraging crime.
Hence, Chile hosting APEC for 2019 has declared its commitment to improving the health of oceans -- that includes addressing marine debris as well as the fisheries sector -- as one of its priorities.
Multiple instruments, binding and non-binding, are available to rein in IUU fishing, but execution of treaties can be improved and require supportive policy and legal implementing frameworks.
Better monitoring and tracing of fishing-related vessels, including refrigerated transport vessels, can also help rein in illegal activity. APEC can help its economies prepare the tools to achieve these goals.
"APEC can harness its great power to help its economies. The greatest enemies of IUU fishing are communication and collaboration, because the fish have to be sold. If there is illegal fishing somewhere in APEC, it can be communicated to everyone in the region, so action can be taken. The idea is to deny market access. We can help develop the tools (for this) and help the economies implement those tools," Moran stated. (ant)