President Indonesia Underscores Importance of Road Infrastructure for Production Activities

Yakop    Saturday, February 05, 2022    Comment   

President Indonesia Underscores Importance of Road Infrastructure for Production Activities

President Jokowi talks to an orange farmer in Orange village, Karo regency, North Sumatra province, Friday (02/04). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

BorneoTribun.com - Proper road infrastructure is essential to support production activities in an area, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

The President made the statement on Friday (02/04), after inspecting Liang Melas Datas Road in Karo regency, North Sumatra province, which is an access to orange-producing area Orange Village.

“After observing on the ground, proper roads are highly needed because it deals with the cost structure of oranges. If the price of oranges is Rp5,000, the delivery fee must not reach Rp8,000. It will not add up,” he said.

The President expressed hope that the repair of Liang Melas Datas Road can reduce the logistics cost to produce oranges in the area, so the price of oranges produced by local farmers can compete with that of imported oranges.

“We hope that with this production road repair, the cost structure, especially for logistics fees, logistics cost can decrease, so oranges can be sent to all cities with a competitive price and can compete with imported oranges,” he said, adding that the repair will also increase profits for farmers.

Therefore, the Government will continue to repair production roads to make the prices of domestic commodities more competitive, he added.

“It has been calculated by Minister of Public Works [and Public Housing] that we need approximately 40,000 kilometers of production roads that need repairing, building so that the cost structure, especially logistics cost can fall to a truly normal price,” he said.

The President has also ordered Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno to improve the packaging and branding of all commodities produced by farmers in the country so that they have a higher sales value.

“I order for better packaging, better brand building, and quality check for every orange. All of this will increase the sales prices of our farmers’ products,” he said.

Data from Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing shows that the repair of 37.2-kilometer-long Liang Melas Datas Road will require a budget of Rp164.8 billion and take up two years of working period, from fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

The road repair is expected to bring real benefits for local communities in shortening traveling time, decreasing logistics fees, facilitating agricultural commodity transportation, and support the development of Liang Melas Datas and its surrounding areas, as well as boost the economic growth of Karo regency.(*)

Jokowi to Visit Jeruk Village and Inaugurate Binjai-Stabat Toll Road

Yakop    Saturday, February 05, 2022    Comment   

Jokowi to Visit Jeruk Village and Inaugurate Binjai-Stabat Toll Road

President Jokowi is welcomed with Batak traditional ceremony during a working visit to North Sumatra province, Wednesday (02/02). (Photo: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

BorneoTribun.com - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo headed towards Karo regency during his third day of working visit to North Sumatra province, Friday (02/04). The Head of State took off from Soewondo Air Force Base, in Medan city onboard the Air Force’s Super Puma helicopter at around 08.35 Western Indonesian Time.

Upon his arrival in Kutambelin village (Liang Melas Datas), Karo regency, President Jokowi together with his entourage headed towards Jeruk village to observe road infrastructure as well as to meet and talk to orange farmers.

Afterwards, President Jokowi will continue his working visit to Langkat regency by using the Air Force’s Super Puma helicopter. 

In Langkat regency, President Jokowi will inaugurate Binjai-Stabat Toll Road at the Stabat Toll Gate, Stabat district.

President Jokowi is also scheduled to distribute direct cash assistance to the merchants at Kebun Lada Market in Binjai city.

After performing Friday prayer at a mosque in Binjai city, the President and the entourage will head towards Soewondo Air Force Base, Medan city, to return to Jakarta by using Indonesia-1 Presidential Aircraft.

Accompanying President Jokowi in this working visit were Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, and Governor of North Sumatra Edy Rahmayadi. (*)

Jokowi Will Attend the Inauguration of the NU Executive Board in Balikpapan

Redaksi    Monday, January 31, 2022    Comment   

Jokowi Will Attend the Inauguration of the NU Executive Board in Balikpapan

President Jokowi departed for East Kalimantan Province, from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, Monday (31/01/2022) morning. (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev)

BorneoTribun Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Monday (31/01/2022), left for East Kalimantan Province for a working visit. 

Using the Indonesia-1 Presidential Plane, the President wearing a suit and cap, as well as a green-red-patterned sarong took off from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, at around 07.00 WIB.

Upon arrival at Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman International Airport, Balikpapan City, the President will go directly to the Balikpapan Sport and Convention Center to attend the Inauguration of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2022-2027 Solemn Period and the 96th Harlah of NU.

After the event, the President will move to Sepinggan Market, Sepinggan District, Balikpapan City to hand over direct cash assistance for traders.

The Head of State is then scheduled to chair a limited meeting to evaluate the implementation of the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) virtually from Balikpapan City before taking off back to Jakarta.

Minister of State Secretary Pratikno accompanied the President on the flight to East Kalimantan Province.(*)

Indonesia Pushes for B20 Contribution on Green Energy Transformation

Redaksi    Sunday, January 30, 2022    Comment   

Indonesia Pushes for B20 Contribution on Green Energy Transformation

President Jokowi launches a groundbreaking of Indonesia Green Industrial Zone, at Bulungan, North Kalimantan province, Tuesday (21/12). (Photo: BPMI/Laily Rachev)

Borneo Tribun Jakarta - Indonesia Pushes for B20 Contribution on Green Energy TransformationTransformation towards green energy is one of the main focuses in Indonesia’s G20 Presidency, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

In line with that, the President has call for contribution of B20 in the effort to boost this energy transformation.

The statement was made when the President officially opened the B20 Preliminary Meeting or B20 Inception Meeting 2022 virtually from Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java province, last thursday.

“We hope B20’s contribution can accelerate a smooth energy transformation without bringing negative impacts on small communities,” he said.

Global solutions in terms of funding and partnerships, the President added, are an agenda that must be the main concern, including technology transfer to encourage green economy-based production.

“The potential in the renewable energy sector must be followed by a clear scenario and roadmap, including funding and investment,” he added.

President Jokowi went on to say that Indonesia has a new and renewable energy potential of 418 gigawatts, including from water, geothermal, wind and solar sources.

Indonesia also has a wealth of metallic mineral resources needed to drive the transition to a sustainable green economy, he added.

“We are rich in nickel, bauxite, tin and copper. We will make sure we will supply enough of these materials for the world’s needs but not in the form of raw materials, but in the form of finished or semi-finished goods with high added value,” he said.

The President also explained that nickel downstreaming, which began in 2015 in Indonesia, has brought a positive impact on job creation, increased export value, and Indonesia’s trade balance.

According to the President, the value of Indonesia’s exports has increased by US$230 billion that was greatly influenced by the increase in steel exports.

In the meantime, steel exports in 2021 will reach US$20.9 billion, increasing from that in the previous period at US$1.1 billion in 2014.

As for 2022, President Jokowi estimated that the value of Indonesian steel exports can reach the range of US$28-30 billion.

“After nickel, we will encourage investment in the bauxite, copper and tin sectors,” he said, adding that the mechanism for the transition of energy from fossil energy to new and renewable energy will continue to guarantee investment certainty.

The Indonesian Government, he added, is also encouraging the “early retirement” of steam power plants (PLTU) in the islands of Java and Sumatra and switching to new and renewable energy such as geothermal and solar panels.

“We will enable participation of the private sector to invest in this energy transition. There are currently 5.5 gigawatt steam power plants ready for this early retirement program,” he added.

The Indonesian Government, according to the President, has also decarbonized the transportation sector by building mass urban transport, such as the LRT and MRT in capital Jakarta, as well as encouraging investment in electric car factories.

“We are inviting investment that can encourage mutually beneficial added value,” he remarked. 

(TGH/UN) (EST/EP)

President Jokowi: The Government is Working Hard to Guard Indonesia's Great Transformation

Redaksi    Saturday, January 29, 2022    Comment   

President Jokowi: The Government is Working Hard to Guard Indonesia's Great Transformation

President Jokowi at the Opening of the 2022 ICMI National Working Meeting, from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Saturday (29/01/2022). (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr)

Borneo Tribun Jakarta - The government is carrying out a number of major transformations so that Indonesia will be more competitive in facing a world full of uncertainty and competition today. Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that the government is working hard to oversee the course of this transformation.

“The government is currently working hard to oversee some major transformations. We are carrying out a structural transformation so that Indonesia is more competitive to face today's hyper-competitive world," said the President at the inauguration of the 2022 ICMI National Working Meeting (Rakernas) from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Saturday, (29/01/2022) virtually.

Various transformations carried out by the government ranging from industrial downstreaming, digital transformation, the transition to green energy, to the development of the National Capital City (IKN).

"We have to open up the widest possible job opportunities, we have to prosper farmers, fishermen, industrial workers, we have to facilitate so that MSME players can advance to class with digitalization, we have to support the improvement of domestic products, there are lots of things that really need to be done. we do," said the President.

The Head of State also emphasized the importance of investment in supporting the ongoing efforts.

"For that we must facilitate large, medium and small investments, from within and from abroad. That is our goal in enacting the Job Creation Law, to create as many job opportunities as possible and increase added value in the country," he said.

Downstream

Furthermore, the President explained, the government is currently conducting downstreaming, one of which is in the mining, oil and gas sectors. This is done to provide great added value in Indonesia, to create job opportunities, and at the same time to save foreign exchange.

"I don't think it's the time anymore, since the VOC era we have always sent and exported raw materials whose added value was enjoyed by other countries," he continued.

The government has proven that with downstreaming, the added value obtained in the country is very large. For example, nickel downstreaming which has been carried out since 2015 has had a significant impact in terms of exports and the trade balance.

“Exports of iron and steel in 2021 will reach US$ 20.9 billion, approximately Rp. 300 trillion, an increase from the previous only US$ 1.1 billion in 2014. From Rp. 15 trillion and then jumping to Rp. 300 trillion, it is due to the increase in added value in the market. domestically," he said.

Not only nickel, the President added, the government will also gradually stop the export of other mining raw materials, ranging from bauxite, copper, tin, to gold and carry out downstream processing. In addition, the government will also carry out downstreaming in other sectors, one of which is the agricultural sector

“Farmers must be strong on the farm, innovation in the agricultural and livestock sectors must be strong, but don't stop there, fertilizers, seeds, and others. Farmer and breeder groups, farmer and rancher cooperatives must also go to off farm, go downstream. Once again, so that the added value can be enjoyed by farmers because the biggest profit is on the off farm and of course it can create more new jobs," he said.

Digital Transformation and Transition To Green Energy

Currently, the government is also aggressively transforming the digital economy. Indonesia's digital economy potential in 2025 is estimated to reach 124 billion US dollars.

"We also have 2,229 start-ups, we have 1 decacorn and 8 unicorns, and there are already 8.4 million of our MSMEs which in the past five years have entered digital platforms to sell their products, and it is certain that this data will continue to grow," said the President. .

The government also continues to make efforts to realize the transformation of energy towards green. The President said that Indonesia has new and renewable energy (EBT) of 418 gigawatts, in the form of geothermal, wind, solar panels, biofuels, undersea currents, and hydro power.

"The decarbonization of the transportation sector has also started with the construction of mass urban transport. We have also started the construction of the world's largest green industrial park in North Kalimantan," he added.

The President emphasized that the national capital development program (IKN) in East Kalimantan is an important part of this transformation. According to him, the IKN program is not just moving government buildings, but also changing ways of working and thinking based on a modern economy and building a more just and inclusive social life.

"We will make IKN as a showcase of transformation, both in the field of environment, working methods, economic base, technology, and others, including in the fields of higher quality health and education services. A more pluralistic and tolerant social order that upholds ethics and noble character which we also promote," he said. (FID/UN)

Officially Signed, This is the Timeline of the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement

Redaksi    Thursday, January 27, 2022    Comment   

Officially Signed, This is the Timeline of the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement

President Jokowi received a visit from Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong, at The Sanchaya Resort Bintan, Riau Islands, Tuesday (25/01/2022). (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev).

BorneoTribun Jakarta – The Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Treaty was officially signed on Tuesday (25/01/2022), in Bintan, Riau Islands. The agreement was signed by the Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights (Menkumham) Yasonna H. Laoly and the Minister of Home Affairs and Singapore's Minister of Law K. Shanmugam and witnessed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Singaporean Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong.

Menkumham Yasonna Laoly explained that the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement had a retroactive period (retroactive from the date of its promulgation) for the past 18 years. This is in accordance with the provisions on the maximum expiration as stipulated in Article 78 of the Indonesian Criminal Code.

"In addition to the retroactive period, this Extradition Agreement also agrees that the determination of the nationality of the perpetrator of a crime is determined at the time the crime is committed. This is to prevent the privileges that may arise as a result of changing the nationality of the perpetrator of a criminal act in order to avoid legal proceedings against him, "said Yasonna after the signing.

According to this Extradition Agreement, there are 31 types of criminal acts whose perpetrators can be extradited, including corruption, money laundering, bribery, banking, narcotics, terrorism, and the financing of activities related to terrorism.

“Indonesia has also succeeded in convincing Singapore to agree on an Extradition Treaty that is progressive, flexible, and anticipatory towards the current and future developments, forms and modes of criminal acts. The Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement allows both countries to extradite criminals who, although the types of crimes are not explicitly stated in this agreement, have been regulated in the legal systems of the two countries," he explained.

Yasonna explained that the scope of the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement is that both countries agree to extradite any person found to be in the territory of the requested country and sought by the requesting country for prosecution or trial or execution of punishment for extraditable criminal acts.

"This extradition agreement will create a deterrence effect for perpetrators of criminal acts in Indonesia and Singapore," he said.

In addition, continued the Minister of Law and Human Rights, the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement will narrow the space for criminals in Indonesia to escape. This is because Indonesia already has agreements with partner countries in the region, including Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, the Republic of Korea, the People's Republic of China, and Hong Kong SAR.

In particular, for Indonesia, the enactment of the Extradition Agreement can effectively reach perpetrators of past crimes and facilitate the implementation of Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia Number 6 of 2021 concerning the Task Force for Handling State Collection Rights for Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance Funds.

Prior to the official signing of the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement, the Indonesian government had begun working on it since 1998. Following is the timeline for the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement:

1. Efforts to establish the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Treaty have been initiated by the Government of Indonesia since 1998 at every opportunity, both in bilateral and regional meetings with the Government of Singapore.

2. On December 16, 2002, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong held a bilateral meeting to discuss matters relating to the development of cooperation between the two countries in all fields. One of the outcomes of the meeting was an agreement that Indonesia and Singapore would draw up an action plan or an action plan for the establishment of the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Treaty.

3. On 27 April 2007, at the Tampaksiring Palace, Bali, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hassan Wirajuda and Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo signed the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement witnessed by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong .

4. The Indonesia – Singapore Extradition Treaty signed in 2007 cannot be enforced by the two countries because the Governments of Indonesia and Singapore have not ratified the Treaty.

Note: The reason the two countries have not ratified the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Treaty is because the Governments of Indonesia and Singapore agreed that the ratification of the Extradition Treaty be carried out in parallel with the ratification of the Indonesia-Singapore Security Cooperation Agreement. In its development, Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives for the period of 2004 – 2009 in a Working Meeting with the Indonesian Foreign Minister on June 25, 2007, refused to ratify the Security Cooperation Agreement that had been signed so that it had an impact on the ratification process of the Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Treaty.

5. On October 8, 2019, the Indonesia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat was held to re-discuss the Agreement to Adjust the Indonesia-Singapore Flight Information Area Boundary (Realignment Flight Information Region/FIR) and the Security Cooperation Agreement.

6. Following up on the results of the 2019 Leaders' Retreat, the Indonesian Minister of Law and Human Rights then proposed that the Extradition Agreement which was paralleled from the beginning with the Security Cooperation Agreement was also re-discussed in the framework for discussion.

7. The Indonesia-Singapore Extradition Agreement was signed at the Indonesia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat, in Bintan, Riau Islands, January 25, 2022.

(PR of KEMENKUMHAM/UN)

Number 1 Person in RI Gives Capital Assistance to Traders at Bintan Center Market

Redaksi    Wednesday, January 26, 2022    Comment   

Number 1 Person in RI Gives Capital Assistance to Traders at Bintan Center Market

President Jokowi handed over cash assistance to traders at Taman Batu 10 in the Bintan Center Market Area, Tanjungpinang City, Monday (25/01/2022). (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr)

BorneoTribun Jakarta – Ending a series of working visits in the Riau Archipelago Province, the number 1 person in Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) handed over cash assistance for traders at Taman Batu 10 in the Bintan Center Market Area, Tanjungpinang City, Monday (25/01/2022).

The Head of State provided assistance of IDR 1.2 million per person which could be used to increase the capital of traders affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the children's toy traders named Eva admitted that she was greatly helped by the capital assistance. He also said that the assistance was the first time he had received during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Alhamdulillah, I'm very happy, I want to make a table first, yesterday the iron was financed by myself, I want to build a table to add more capital to it. I am very happy, this is the first time I have received assistance during this COVID-19," said Eva.

Similarly, Royadi, a banana molen seller, also admitted that he was greatly helped by the capital assistance provided by President Jokowi. He did not expect to meet and talk directly with the number one person in Indonesia.

"I didn't expect it at all, this is the luck of a lifetime. For additional capital, thank God, no matter how much he gave, "said Royadi.

After handing over the aid, President Jokowi and his entourage went straight to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport, Tanjung Pinang City, to take off to Jakarta, using the Indonesia-1 Presidential Aircraft.

Also accompanying the President in the activity were Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad, Tanjungpinang Mayor Rahma, and Tanjung Pinang Deputy Mayor Endang Abdullah.

Source: BPMI SETPRES/UN