VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita affirmed he will expand Indonesia’s export market to improve the trade balance that was still in deficit until the end of 2018.

"For exports, we have opened new markets, and we will still conduct trade agreements," Lukita noted while visiting the "Omo! Healthy Snack" factory on Jalan Magelang , Yogyakarta on Thursday.

The trade minister said Indonesia`s trade balance until the end of 2018 is still in deficit, as exports have decreased, while the imports of raw materials had, in fact, increased.

Although both export-oriented and domestic markets have experienced a sharp increase, the machines used are still imported from abroad, the minister pointed out.

"Our exports are declining, and the purchasing power of the world is also decreasing. The construction of our infrastructure is extraordinary, but consequently, the import of capital goods has also increased," he noted.

Lukita said the export activity of palm oil is currently experiencing the biggest correction owing to the high cost still incurred in palm oil entering the region.

"The correction in palm oil is rather sharp, especially to India and Europe. India has hiked import duties to 45 percent, or three times the increase. I have spoken with the Indian trade minister," he noted.

Lukita admitted to not being too hesitant and concerned about the economic condition since he along with Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartarto had constantly monitored to see the extent of development of the Indonesian industry in future.

To reduce the trade balance deficit, he noted that the Ministry of Trade had opened new export markets and entered into trade agreements with various countries.

"Cooperation with Australia is just a matter of time. Starting January 2019, hopefully, (cooperation will be forged) with Mozambique and Tunisia, followed by Morocco," he added. (ANTARA)

Deputy for Infrastructure Sector from the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry Hambra Samal, along with ministry officials, visited the site affected by tsunami in Pandeglang Sub-district to observe infrastructure improvements, on Thursday (Dec 27, 2018) According to a statement received here, Thursday, the visit kicked off at the SOE Assistance Post, coordinated by PT Krakatau Steel, located in Cinangka and Labuan in Pandeglang Sub-district.

Located at the SOE Assistance Post, the Ministry of SOE and Jamkrindo handed over logistical assistance and continued with a coordination meeting with Chief of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Willem Rampangilei and Sub-district Head of Pandeglang Irna Narulita.

"This visit aims to monitor the area that was temporarily isolated, including in the Sumur area. Thank God, although the road is not in good condition, the group can arrive here," Samal noted.

Earlier, on Tuesday night (Dec 25), the volunteer team from Krakatau Steel had built a post in the village of Cimanggu, Sumur Sub-district, to channel aid pouring in from various SOEs.

Samal further said he also gave special attention to infrastructure in the region.

"At the moment, our priority is to clear out (debris from) the disaster area, so that assistance and help can come through and reach even the furthest area. Today, we have urged Pertamina to have fuels ready in case they are needed for the heavy equipment operated to clear out the ruins," he noted.

The ministry will continue the effort by collecting data of the damaged infrastructure, so that it can be reconstructed. (ANTARA)

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is scheduled to visit tsunami-affected victims and also the Bob Bazar Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Kalianda, South Lampung.

"Yes, I really want to come, but I do not know when it will be clear, not today," Colonel Kav Erwin Djatniko, commander of the 043/Gatam Military Command, remarked when contacted telephonically from South Lampung on Thursday.

The Military Resort Command, or Danrem, confirmed the president`s plan to first conduct his working visit to the South Sumatra region (Sumsel).

"It could be right to go to South Sumatra. The president stopped by first at the location of the tsunami disaster. What is clear is that we are ready to secure both the victims affected by the tsunami and welcome the president," he stated.

President Jokowi earlier on Monday, Dec 24, departed for Banten Province to review the handling of the impact of the tsunami disaster that hit the coast around Sunda Strait, especially in Pandeglang District, South Lampung, and Serang.

From the Atang Sendjaja Air Force Base, Bogor, West Java, Jokowi and his entourage flew to Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province, aboard the Indonesian Air Force EC725 Caracal Helicopter, at 9 a.m. local time.

"After arriving in Pandeglang District, President Jokowi immediately visited several locations affected by the tsunami," Deputy Secretary of Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin noted in his press statement.

The president will also visit several community health centers and hospitals in Pandeglang for treating tsunami victims.

Machmudin said Jokowi was keen to ensure swift and efficient handling of the impact of the tsunami disaster.

"This especially pertains to the evacuation of victims and the existence of health service assistance," he added. (ANTARA)