VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo said the Central Bank is considering to further raise its benchmark interest rate to meet external pressure on the national currency.

The central bank would take further monetary steps by the end of June that could be another increase in benchmark interest rate and relaxation of loan for house (Loan to Value), Perry said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said the Central Bank would be consistent in applying the pre-emptive policy and to continue to be ahead of the curve to meet the pressure against stability as a result of the increase in the fund rate of the U.S. Central Bank, and the policy of the European Central Bank.

"Bank Indonesia is ready to launch a pre-emptive , front loading and ahead of the curve policy . Further step could be raising the interest rate and at the same time relaxation of LTV policy to boost the housing sector," he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

In addition the central bank would continue to optimize double intervention in the state securities and foreign exchange market and while keeping a loose liquidity, he said.

He said he was confident the Indonesian economy, especially financial asset market will remain strong that would attract foreign as well as domestic investors.

Bank Indonesia already raised its benchmark interest rate twice this year from 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent and to 4.75 percent in a bid to meet the global financial market pressure on rupiah.

The external pressure came with the normalization of the U.S. monetary policy and improvement in the U.S. economic data that resulted in reversal in the flows of funds previously flowing into developing economies including Indonesia.

Bank Indonesia is now applying a monetary policy heading toward tight bias and is set to optimize the room still available for raising the benchmark interest rate depending on the economic condition.

On Monday , Perry said Bank Indonesia will focus on maintaining economic stability such as by creating stability of the rupiah value against the U.S. dollar.

"Currently creating stability of rupiah value is the top priority for Bank Indonesia," he said in Sukoharjo.

Perry, however, predicted that foreign funds would return back to the country later this month.

"We will provide the best service in welcoming the funds flowing back to the country starting June 19," he said. (ANTARA)

The United Kingdom (UK) Visas & Immigration service is easing visa application processes for Indonesian students by reducing the documentation requirements for Tier-4 student visa applicants.

The adjustment is being made under changes to the UK’s Immigration Rules, due to come into effect on July 6, as revealed in a statement received Jakarta, Tuesday.

British Ambassador to Indonesia Moazzam Malik stated that the changes mean Indonesian students will no longer be required to provide evidence of finances, qualifications, or their English language ability along with their visa application.

"This simplification of the UK visa process for Indonesian students is great news for thousands of young people starting courses this autumn and for those considering to take up studies in the UK in years to come," Ambassador Malik noted.

Changes in the visa application processes also mean that Indonesian students will no longer need to apply from within Indonesia to be eligible to benefit from the new rule.

Malik explained that the UK is making it easier for Indonesian students to come and study in its educational institutions.

"I am proud that the quality of our education is continuing to attract the brightest and best from Indonesia and am grateful for the contribution they make to education in Britain," he added.

In the year ending March 2018, the UK had issued around 2.5 thousand Tier-4 study visas to Indonesian students, and 96 percent of those who applied were successful. (ANTARA)

Indonesia welcomes the meeting between the US President, Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore, on Tuesday (12/6). President Joko Widodo conveyed that Indonesia had hopes that the outcome of the meeting could contribute to the Korean Peninsula region, the ASEAN region, and to the world peace.

“I warmly welcome, Indonesia welcomes and supports the summit of the United States and North Korea in Singapore. We hope the outcome of this summit can contribute to peace, in the Korean Peninsula region, in our region, and to world peace. I think that’s the hope,” the President said in a press statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at a meeting on Tuesday signed an agreement document. The content of the document is, among other, President Trump committed to building a lasting and stable peace on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un affirms his commitment to a comprehensive denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. (KBRN/Pradipta/AHM)

Indonesia welcomes the meeting between the US President, Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Singapore, on Tuesday (12/6). President Joko Widodo conveyed that Indonesia had hopes that the outcome of the meeting could contribute to the Korean Peninsula region, the ASEAN region, and to the world peace.

“I warmly welcome, Indonesia welcomes and supports the summit of the United States and North Korea in Singapore. We hope the outcome of this summit can contribute to peace, in the Korean Peninsula region, in our region, and to world peace. I think that’s the hope,” the President said in a press statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Tuesday (12/06/2018)

The US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at a meeting on Tuesday signed an agreement document. The content of the document is, among other, President Trump committed to building a lasting and stable peace on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un affirms his commitment to a comprehensive denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. (KBRN/Pradipta/AHM)