VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: PT Pertamina (Persero) has launched a Sustainable Finance Framework that aims to ensure the company's sustainability efforts are integrated into its funding strategy. The framework is the basis for Pertamina and its subsidiaries to access funding for green projects and energy transition projects. "The strategic step to develop the Sustainable Finance Framework is in line with efforts to provide a broader commitment to create long-term value and sustainability for stakeholders and have a positive impact," said Pertamina's Finance Director, Emma Sri Martini, as reported by pertamina.com, Thursday (20/6/2024).

According to her, the Sustainable Finance Framework also strengthens Pertamina's commitment to achieving the 32% emission reduction target from the business as usual (BAU) scenario by 2030 and supports the Indonesian Government's efforts to achieve Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060 or even sooner, while ensuring national energy security.

ISS-Corporate, as an independent opinion provider, has issued a Second Party Opinion (SPO) validating the consistency of the Sustainable Finance Framework with Pertamina's sustainability strategy.

In addition, the platform conforms to international sustainability funding standards, namely the Green Bond Principles (GBP) issued by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the Green Loan Principles (GLP) issued by the Loan Market Association (LMA). "Through this Sustainable Finance Framework, Pertamina and its subsidiaries can issue green or transitional funding instruments to finance or refinance eligible green or transitional projects in nine categories," said Emma.

The nine categories include renewable energy, green hydrogen, transmission and distribution networks for renewable and low-carbon gases, green buildings, clean transport, low-carbon fuels, sustainable management of living natural resources and land use, emission reduction, and to transition in the shipping sector.

It said the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Framework also includes a robust governance and reporting process for transparency and visibility for investors and lenders, regarding the positive environmental impact of Pertamina's green investments or energy transition. "The presence of the Sustainable Finance Framework is expected to be one of Pertamina's concrete steps as a leader in energy transition, which can contribute to Indonesia's sustainability journey," added Pertamina's VP Corporate Communication, Fadjar Djoko Santoso.

With the support of Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB) who acted as Structure Advisor during the process, the development of the Sustainable Finance Framework not only strengthens Pertamina's commitment to sustainable business practices.  But more than that, it also demonstrates Pertamina's intention to use the Sustainable Finance Framework as a reference for integrating sustainability in future funding.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition sector, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuing to encourage programmes that have a direct impact on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"All of these efforts are in line with the implementation of Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) in all lines of business and Pertamina's operations," she concluded.

VOInews, Jakarta: The government has issued a licence to establish a branch campus of King's College London (KCL) in the Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Malang district, East Java. Singhasari SEZ is the first exclusive area designated to develop the digital economy and education sectors.

Located at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs on Thursday (20/06), the Government handed over the King's College London (KCL) Branch Campus Establishment Permit in the form of Decree of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology Number 238/E/O Year 2024 on the KCL Branch Campus Establishment Permit granted to Yayasan King Singhasari Indonesia. "This is a new history for education in Indonesia because of the arrival of universities from the UK that are top 100 or number 40 best in the world. So this is present in Malang and hopefully, this can encourage the HR education cluster in Malang to become a superior cluster. And of course, the Singhasari SEZ is expected to be a hub for collaboration of major universities in the world and this synergy is certainly needed to prepare our human resources to enter the future of works," said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto as Chairman of the SEZ National Council at the event.

For education, KCL will take a full role in the implementation of the master's degree programme, from the implementation of the lecture curriculum to the teaching staff. The initial phase will focus on the digital economy through the MSc Digital Economies programme in September 2024, followed by the MSc Digital Futures programme in January 2025.

In addition, KCL's Place-Based Trans-National Education (TNE) is the first of its kind to be offered in Indonesia and half of KCL's faculty at the London campus have been involved in establishing TNE in Indonesia. This also demonstrates KCL's commitment to the delivery of its campuses in Indonesia. "And of course, the presence of King's College London will also facilitate Indonesian students who will study at King's College London. So it will be a two-sided agent. First to train the Indonesian people and then second to open access for Indonesian citizens to study at King's College London. So there will be 2 traffic and of course, we hope that the number of students in Indonesia will be more," said Airlangga.

In the future development plan, one new programme will be launched each year. The planned advanced programmes include an MSc in Digital Law in year 3, an MSc in Psychology in year 4, and an MSc in Cyber Security in year 5. Meanwhile, Singhasari SEZ will take a full role in providing infrastructure, facilities, and learning facilities for students.

On the occasion, Airlangga also gave directions to KCL to be able to accommodate at least 1,500 students, one of which is by working with the LPDP which is committed to providing scholarships for Indonesian students who will study at KCL Indonesia. "Of course, we hope that more universities will come to Indonesia. So that we have many top 100 human resources, and this will be in line with the demographic bonus in Indonesia and I hope that our young people become productive young people and can fill the needs of the digital economy," concluded Coordinating Minister Airlangga.

Source: Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs

VOInews, Jakarta: The Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs invited a number of business associations and importers to discuss a number of important issues related to the implementation of halal certification obligations for products that enter, circulate and are traded in the territory of Indonesia from October 2024. "We invite leaders or representatives of business associations and importers to discuss together, discussing various matters relating to the implementation of the halal certification obligation which will be gradually implemented starting October 2024," said the Head of the Halal Cooperation and Standardisation Centre, Abd Syakur, after leading the FGD at the Oakwood Hotel, East Jakarta, Tuesday (11/6/2024).

Quoting a written statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs received on Wednesday (12/6/2024), the activity was attended by BPJPH Secretary E. A Chuzaemi Abidin, and Head of the Halal Registration and Certification Centre Siti Aminah, as well as representatives of associations, including APINDO (Indonesian Employers Association), HIPPINDO (Indonesian Association of Retailers & Shopping Centre Tenants), AFFI (Indonesian Flavour and Fragrant Association), ASPIDI (Indonesian Meat Importers Association), ASPADIN (Association of Indonesian Bottled Water Companies), APRINDO (Indonesian Retail Association), Gabungan Perusahaan Makanan & Minuman Seluruh Indonesia (GAPMMI), American Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, European Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, APREGINDO (Indonesian Global Brand Retailers Association), British Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, and US-ASEAN.

Furthermore, Syakur said that through this FGD, BPJPH as a government agency responsible for the implementation of Halal Product Guarantee (JPH) has an interest in ensuring the realisation of an understanding of JPH regulations and technical implementation between the government and industrial circles in a harmonious and equitable manner. Apart from being a means of socialising JPH policies and regulations, the FGD is also a forum to absorb the aspirations of business actors. "This constructive discussion aims to mitigate and build a conducive situation to ensure the implementation of halal certification obligations, including those related to foreign halal certificate registration, will run well and it is even expected that the sustainability of the supply chain will run better." continued Syakur.

Syakur appreciated active participation of the FGD attendees that gave various insights into the discussion. "I also appreciate a number of associations that have attended and provided many constructive views from various points of view according to their respective fields." he continued. "This is important, because we want the policies we make to be consistent but also facilitate the supply chain of halal products. However, these policies must also pay attention to differences in laws and regulations in other countries." Syakur concluded.

Source: Ministry of Religious Affairs

VOInews, Batam: Indonesian President Joko Widodo has established the Tanjung Sauh Special Economic Zone (SEZ) through Government Regulation (PP) Number 24 of 2024. The SEZ, which is located on Tanjung Sauh Island, Batam City, Riau Islands Province, has an area of 840.67 hectares.

The establishment of the Tanjung Sauh SEZ was carried out to accelerate job creation, the development of the Batam city area in supporting regional economic development and the national economy. "With the development of the Tanjung Sauh SEZ, it is expected to boost Indonesia's competitiveness, as well as have a significant impact on the regional economy through investment receipts reaching Rp199.6 trillion and job creation, both direct and indirect, of 366,087 people when fully operational for 30 years," said Acting. Secretary General of the National SEZ Council, Rizal Edwin Manansang, as quoted from an official statement on Wednesday (12/6/2024).

Mr Manansang further explained that the optimised development of the area is expected to contribute to the Riau Islands' GRDP, reaching Rp166.81 trillion cumulatively. "The Tanjung Sauh SEZ has an investment realisation commitment of Rp199.6 trillion and is expected to be able to absorb a workforce of 366,087 people until 2053," the statement read.

It is known that the Tanjung Sauh SEZ has a production and processing business plan, energy development, and logistics and distribution. In this SEZ, the electronic component industry (PCB, RFID, GPS, CCTV, and Semiconductor) will be developed, as well as the electronic product assembly industry. "In terms of ports, the existence of the port in Tanjung Sauh SEZ between Batam and Bintan is an important bridge for logistics mobilisation between the Riau Islands and the national and international markets. Tanjung Sauh SEZ will also act as a modern gateway port, able to accommodate up to 5 million TEUS, and become a logistics centre in the region between Batam and Bintan," he continued.

Tanjung Sauh SEZ will also become a centre for research and development in the energy sector, as well as a producer of alternative energy, renewable energy and primary energy, which is predicted to meet the needs of industries and households in Batam-Bintan. According to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, through Government Regulation No. 24 of 2024, there are already 21 SEZs spread across Indonesia, and have recorded an investment of Rp187.5 trillion with the creation of 126,506 workers by March 2024. "The development of SEZs generally aims to increase investment, exports, import substitution, create jobs, create a breakthrough model of regional development through industrial and service development. The targets are globally competitive industries, international tourism services, education and health services, and the digital economy," he concluded.

Source:  Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economy