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Monday, November 14, 2022

G20 Preparations For Pandemic Fund To Handle Future Pandemics

G20 Preparations For Pandemic Fund To Handle Future Pandemics
G20 Preparations For Pandemic Fund To Handle Future Pandemics.
Jakarta - World War II, which raged on from 1939 to 1945, was the deadliest human tragedy triggered by conflict between the two military alliances of the Allies and the Axis bloc.

The war mobilized no less than 100 million people from various military forces strengthened by economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities, causing around 70 million deaths and destroying the world economy.

The world's major crisis due to war was devastating. However, on the other hand, it opened up a great opportunity to build fundamental changes to the global financial architecture in recovering from the economic impact of the war.

In 1944, the Bretton Woods Conference brought together world leaders to discuss the restructuring of the global financial system as the main support in facing the world crisis.

One of its achievements was the establishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank that played an important role in supporting the Indonesian economy when it was hit by the 1998 and 2008 monetary storms.

On March 11, 2020, the world was again hit by a crisis, this time triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries, with fragile health systems, collapsed instantly and even those with stronger conditions were also affected by the pandemic.

Indonesian Health Minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, remarked that the world health sector was lacking support from the main pillars of funding, such as those owned by the economic sector in the form of the IMF and the World Bank.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was created only to issue health regulations globally in times of threat of an outbreak.

Learning from this historical journey, Indonesia is keen to make the most of the opportunity to lead the G20 presidency this year. The country aims to weave a safety net for future pandemics, through the support of 19 countries that affect 90 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP), 80 percent of the total world trade, and two-thirds of the world population.

Indonesia utilizes this global momentum presented by the pandemic) to change the global health system architecture, akin to earlier leaders when they changed the world financial architecture.

Pandemic Fund

Indonesia's series of diplomacy in the G20 health sector since March 2022 resulted in an agreement on the importance of establishing a pandemic fund or pandemic emergency fund.

For the Indonesian government, this achievement is the most successful of the four other agreements: the formalization of the Global Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator COVID-19 (ACT) Cooperation Agency, the establishment of a genomic network, harmonization of health protocols, and equal access to diagnostic tools, medicine, and vaccines.

The additional achievements are strengthening global commitment to tackling Tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as well as the One Health or integrated health approach inherited from the previous G20 Presidency.

The Pandemic Fund, or earlier known as the Financial Intermediary Fund (FIF), is Indonesia’s initiative from the agreement of finance ministers and health ministers of the G20 countries in the G20 Joint Finance and Health Minister Meeting (JFHMM) meeting in Yogyakarta, June 22.

The World Bank and WHO are two international organizations that will act as implementing entities for funds from G20 countries to purchase diagnostic tools, medicines, and vaccines.

All of these needs are distributed through the support of the world body Global Fund, The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

GAVI has the biggest role during the pandemic as the world body that oversees the purchase and distribution of vaccines around the world.

GAVI was originally part of the FIF mechanism initiated during the G20 Tokyo 2019. During the pandemic, GAVI has helped vaccinate more than one million children and prevent 600 million deaths outside of COVID-19.

In addition, the Global Fund, as a global entity that focuses on combating HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, plays a role in collecting and investing money in a three-year cycle known as replenishment.

The three-year approach was adopted since 2005 to allow for more stable and predictable financing for countries to ensure the program's sustainability.

Meanwhile, CEPI works as an implementing entity to advance collaborative efforts among global health institutions by placing a strong and necessary network to implement the response to the pandemic.

Equal access

Indonesia's diplomacy among the G20 countries has succeeded in raising a total of US$1.4 billion for pandemic funds from the commitments of 18 global institutions, with 15 of them being G20 member countries and three international philanthropic institutions.

The commitment to raise pandemic funds is projected to reach US$12.5 billion over the course of the next five years.

Medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic tools are the components of emergency health countermeasures (EHC) that are the most difficult to access, especially in countries with weak economic levels during a pandemic emergency crisis.

The achievements of the pandemic fund and ACT will be used to meet the funding needs for EHC procurement, especially for poor countries.

WHO has brought together all agencies involved in EHC in the informal ACT forum comprising several global bodies, including, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CEPI, GAVI, and Global Fund.

ACT can strengthen global collaborations between governments, scientists, manufacturers, businesses, civil society, philanthropy, and global health organizations to accelerate development, production, and equal access to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination.

The pandemic fund agreement is planned to be inaugurated during the agenda of the Joint Finance G20 and Health Ministers Meeting that will take place in Bali on November 12-14, 2022.

Oleh : Andi Firdaus, Resinta S/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Jokowi presses for progress in IEU-CEPA negotiations to bolster trade

Jokowi presses for progress in IEU-CEPA negotiations to bolster trade
Jokowi presses for progress in IEU-CEPA negotiations to bolster trade.
Nusa Dua, Bali - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) called for significant progress in the negotiations of the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) to boost trade between both parties.

"The 12th negotiation (was already held in October) was scheduled at the end of 2022. I hope that the negotiation will result in progress, including on the issues of government procurement of goods, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and export tax," Jokowi remarked during a meeting with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, here on Monday.

President Jokowi is looking forward to the ASEAN and European Union intensifying cooperation as Indonesia will lead the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023.

One of the focus areas of Indonesia's chairmanship is to realize cooperation in the Indo-pacific region, according to the head of state.

Furthermore, Jokowi called on the European Commission and the G7 to convey their support and flexibility, so that the G20 Summit can result in a declaration.

"I want the G20 concrete work results, which the world is waiting for, to be realized. Once again, Your Excellency's support will be greatly appreciated," the president affirmed.

Meanwhile, von der Leyen praised Indonesia's leadership in the G20 that strives to formulate joint solutions to the global crisis. Indonesia is viewed as a trusted partner on several strategic issues, including renewable energy and food security.

At the meeting, President Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto; Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi; Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan; and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif.

The trade value between Indonesia and the EU recorded an increase in 2021, reaching US$29.03 billion, from US$23.26 billion in 2020. Indonesia's main export commodities to the European Union countries are palm oil, fatty acid, leather footwear, textile, footwear, and natural rubber.

Hence, expediting IEU - CEPA negotiation resolutions is crucial to enhance trade transactions and provide benefits for Indonesia and all EU member states. 

Oleh : Rangga J, Kenzu/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Air Force, BRIN conduct weather modification to support G20 activities

Air Force, BRIN conduct weather modification to support G20 activities
Air Force, BRIN conduct weather modification to support G20 activities.
C Lombok, NTB - The Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Air Base in Central Lombok district, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), is carrying out weather modification along with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to support the implementation of the G20 Summit.

"This weather modification aims to support the (series of) G20 (activities) in Bali so they can run smoothly," Commander of the air base, Flight Colonel R. Endri Kargono, said while reviewing aircraft as they conducted the weather modification here on Monday.

The G20 Summit will be held in Nusa Dua, Bali, on November 15–16, 2022.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as the chairman of the 2022 G20 Presidency, is scheduled to hold a number of outdoor activities with other heads of state/government participating in the summit, such as a visit to the Ngurah Rai Mangrove Forest in Denpasar city.

To support the activities, the air base has dispatched three Cassa planes for cloud seeding, or spreading clouds with salt, over Bali region to prevent rainfall at the locations that will be used during the summit.

"The target of this weather modification is the north (area of Bali) to prevent clouds from entering (Bali), thus it will not rain," the air base commander informed.

The weather modification operation involving 30 personnel is being carried out from November 13 to 16.

"Hopefully, the weather modification attempt will run safely and the G20 will run smoothly and successfully," Kargono stated.

An expert on limnology research at BRIN, Tri Handoko, said that the potential for rain during the ongoing rainy season is quite large, therefore the weather modification operation is necessary.

"We expect this operation to be successful, thus the president and the heads of state can carry out G20 activities safely and comfortably," he added.

The Banyuwangi Air Base has also deployed one aircraft to assist in cloud seeding.

The Indonesian Air Force and BRIN are working with the weather modification technology (TMC) team of the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) in carrying out the operation.

Each of the modified Cassa aircraft used in the operation can carry up to 800 kilograms of salt. The planes are equipped to spread salt at an altitude of 7 thousand to 10 thousand feet.

Oleh : Akhyar Rosidi, Uyu Liman/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Indonesian G20 Presidency bolsters global collaboration: BRIN

Indonesian G20 Presidency bolsters global collaboration: BRIN
Indonesian G20 Presidency bolsters global collaboration: BRIN.
Jakarta - Indonesia, as the G20 president, has a strategic role to continue and bolster the spirit of global collaboration for addressing global challenges, head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Laksana Tri Handoko has said.

"Indonesia, as the (holder of the) G20 Presidency, has a strategic role to continue the spirit of global collaboration in addressing global issues," Handoko told ANTARA here on Monday.

He said that Indonesia's leadership of the G20 this year has been essential to rallying global solidarity and cooperation in addressing global crises.

"The post-pandemic G20 momentum this year is appropriate to rally global solidarity and cooperation to face global crises, including the food and energy crises and climate change," the BRIN head added.

The global community faced a completely unique situation during the COVID-19 pandemic as they were urged to unite in facing the pandemic, he said and expressed the hope that the spirit of synergy would be continued in the future.

Earlier, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin had said that the financial losses due to the pandemic had prompted the G20 to shift its focus from economic to healthcare issues.

Indonesia's diplomacy in the G20 has been pivotal to the establishment of the Pandemic Fund, which emulates the International Monetary Fund and World Bank architecture in the healthcare sector to help countries prepare for future pandemics, he added.

"The Pandemic Fund is not as sophisticated as the financial architecture. I have scores of years of experience in the financial sector, and we want the Pandemic Fund to be (as established) as the World Bank with clear mandate and management," Sadikin said during the Joint Finance Health Ministers Meeting (JFHMM) press conference in Bali on Saturday (November 12, 2022).

As of August 24, a total of US$1.4 billion has been pooled from 15 G20 countries and three major philanthropic organizations for the fund, he informed.

Oleh : Martha HS, Nabil Ihsan/Antara
Editor : Yakop

G20 Encouraging Health Architecture Strengthening: Ministry

G20 Encouraging Health Architecture Strengthening: Ministry
G20 Encouraging Health Architecture Strengthening: Ministry.
Jakarta - G20 implementation has encouraged the realization of health architecture at the global level, according to the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture.

"Strengthening health architecture at the global level is a very important matter," Deputy for the Coordination of Health Quality Improvement and Population Development at the ministry Agus Suprapto told ANTARA here on Monday.

G20 is a multilateral cooperation group that comprises 19 countries and the European Union (EU). Indonesia, which is holding the presidency of the grouping this year, will host the G20 Summit in Bali on November 15 and 16, 2022.

By strengthening their health architecture, all G20 nations can ensure that their health systems have adequate capacity to deal with crises at the national, regional, and even global levels, he explained.

"With this, every country will be more prepared with adequate health capacity to anticipate the likelihood of another pandemic in the future," he said.

The Indonesian G20 Presidency in 2022 will benefit, directly and indirectly, efforts to build health resiliency in the country, he added.

"For instance, the direct benefit of G20 to Indonesia is the expansion of access to health, technology, science industry, as well as research in the health sector," he highlighted.

Indonesians should be proud because Indonesia’s G20 Presidency has opened a large opportunity for the country, especially in the health sector.

G20 countries' collaboration is expected to become their strength in responding to future global health crises, Suprapto said.

At least 17 heads of state and government will attend the G20 Summit in Bali.

The Indonesian G20 Presidency, which is themed "Recover Together, Recover Stronger,” is focusing on three main agendas: global health architecture, digital transformation, and sustainable energy transition.

Oleh : Wuryanti P, Fadhli Ruhman/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Education An Important Part Of Sustainable Development: Minister

Education An Important Part Of Sustainable Development: Minister
Education An Important Part Of Sustainable Development: Minister
Jakarta - Education is an important part of sustainable development, Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, said in Serangan Island, Bali, on Monday.

"Education has become an important part of our strategy to create a sustainable future for Indonesia," he added.

In the past 20 years, there has been the most radical transformation in education, Makarim noted.

In the past three years, the Ministry of Education and Culture has changed the way of measuring the quality of education in Indonesia, he said.

Currently, the ministry is focusing on the building of basic competencies, such as computing, logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving, he said. This is a major transformation in the world of education, the minister added.

"We have changed the way we assessed the system and have sent a signal of massive change in the whole image of educational institutions today. Some 140 thousand schools, or almost 50 percent of our schools in this country, have implemented a new curriculum focused on project-based learning," he informed.

In addition, the ministry has also carried out projects related to climate change, inter-religious tolerance, and entrepreneurship related to local diversity, among others.

Besides, Makarim said that his ministry is also cooperating with world-class industries and world-class non-profit institutions.

"As many as 400 thousand students in tertiary institutions have, in the last two years, started project-based learning that conducts research and shares knowledge in the field of technology," he added.

All parties bear the responsibility of ensuring that the next generation is able to grow up and take over leadership positions in the country, he said.

Meanwhile, president of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Jeffrey Sachs, lauded the educational transformation carried out by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

"Indonesia must be proud to have a minister like him. What Minister Makarim is doing and all the transformations that are being carried out in Indonesia's education sector are being discussed by the world," Sachs remarked.

Oleh : Indriani, Resinta Sulistiyandari/Antara
Editor : Yakop

L20: Public-private cooperation crucial for tackling employment issues

L20: Public-private cooperation crucial for tackling employment issues
L20: Public-private cooperation crucial for tackling employment issues.
Kuta, Bali - Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto underscored the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to address various employment issues.

"Workers and the government are partners for (national) development," he remarked while attending the Labor 20 (L20) Summit here on Monday.

The L20 is an engagement group of the G20 Sherpa Track that discusses various employment aspects involving several labor unions of G20 countries and global union federations.

The L20 Summit was held on November 12-14, 2022, in Bali.

The government is highly aware of the importance of strengthening social protection, improving the skills of the new workforce, as well as increasing the skills of the existing workforce, the coordinating minister remarked.

Hartarto assessed that the skills are necessary for workers to adapt to various changes in the employment sector due to digitalization.

"(Encouraging workers in) gaining new skills is the essence of L20 that emphasizes the importance of (post-pandemic) recovery of workers, so that they become more resilient to challenges," he stated.

At the forum, he said that the Pre-Employment Card Program is one of the Indonesian government's attempts to prepare the workforce to have a set of skills required by the industry.

The program also supports the acceleration of digitization in Indonesia through online learning.

The Pre-Employment Card is also a form of financial inclusion for the community. The government directly transfers cash assistance of the program to the recipients’ bank account or electronic wallet.

"This is a government-to-people program," Hartarto remarked.

He also appealed to all business players to prepare a conducive work environment for all workers, including those with disabilities.

The Indonesian government has necessitated all companies to employ disabled people to constitute at least one percent of the total number of their employees.

"With an inclusive and conducive work environment, high (work) productivity can be achieved," the coordinating minister remarked.

Hence, Hartarto's side will strive to strengthen cooperation between the government and the L20 in dealing with various challenges amid the ongoing pandemic and current global crises.

"We have to work together and be united, so we can recover together (and) recover stronger," he added.

Oleh : Natisha Andarningtyas, Uyu Liman/Antara
Editor : Yakop

G20 Success Collective Responsibility Of Member States: RI President

G20 Success Collective Responsibility Of Member States: RI President
G20 Success Collective Responsibility Of Member States: RI President.
Badung, Bali - The success of the G20 Summit is the collective responsibility of G20 member states and the global community has high expectations from the grouping, according to Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

"The success of G20 (Summit) is the collective responsibility of the entire G20 member states," Widodo said during a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday ahead of the G20 Summit in Bali.

The President affirmed that the global community has high expectations that the G20 will be a catalyst for global recovery.

He also expressed gratitude for Japan's continued support for Indonesia's G20 Presidency.

Regarding economic cooperation with Japan, the President pushed for the completion of the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA).

Widodo also lauded the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the Jakarta MRT expansion project earlier on Monday and the joint feasibility study for the third phase of the Jakarta MRT last October.

"I hope for Your Excellency's support to ensure the MRT project could complete on time," he said.

During their meeting, Widodo and Kishida also discussed regional cooperation, with the Indonesian President highlighting the importance of maintaining regional stability and peace as well as developing regional green industry.

Widodo pointed out that Indonesia's ASEAN chairmanship in 2023 will coincide with the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations.

"I encourage the concrete and synergic implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). Next year, Indonesia will also encourage the engagement of the Pacific countries with the ASEAN. Indonesia also invites Japan to bolster cooperation with Pacific countries," he said.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif, and director general of Asia-Pacific and Africa at the Foreign Ministry, Abdul Kadir Jailani, accompanied President Widodo to the bilateral meeting.

Oleh : Rangga Pandu AJ, Nabil Ihsan/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Indonesia Denounces Lethal Terrorist Attack On Istanbul's Taksim Area

Indonesia Denounces Lethal Terrorist Attack On Istanbul's Taksim Area
Indonesia Denounces Lethal Terrorist Attack On Istanbul's Taksim Area.
Jakarta - The Indonesian Government condemned a terrorist attack on Turkey's city of Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue in the Taksim area on Sunday in which six people were killed and 81 suffered injuries.

According to a statement issued by the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara on Monday, none of the Indonesian citizens in Istanbul had fallen victims to the bomb blast.

As of Monday, no reports were received of Indonesians falling victims to the blast, the embassy revealed.

Moreover, the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara and the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul continue to coordinate with local authorities and Indonesian community members staying near the Taksim area," the embassy remarked.

The pedestrian street where the bomb explosion occurred is one of the popular destinations for Indonesians and other foreign tourists visiting Istanbul.

According to the Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul, some 500 Indonesians currently reside in the city. Hence, Indonesians are urged to stay alert and avoid crowded places unless necessary.

The Indonesian Government in Jakarta condemned the attack and expected that those responsible for the deadly blast could immediately be brought to justice.

The Indonesian Government also highly lauded Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his decision to continue to participate in the G20 Leaders' Summit in Bali Island scheduled to be held on Nov 15-16.

Meanwhile, according to TRTWorld, Istiklal Avenue has been reopened to pedestrian traffic, and local authorities had apprehended the suspect, who left the bomb on the crowded street.

"The order for the deadly terror attack came from Ayn al Arab in northern Syria, where the PKK/PYD has its Syrian headquarters," Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu was quoted as saying on Monday.

"Terror attacks against civilians are direct and indirect consequences of some countries' support for terror groups," Turkey's Communications Director Fahrettin Altun was quoted by TRTWorld as saying.

According to TRTWorld, PYD and YPG are the political and armed wings of the PKK in Syria, while Turkey, the United States, and the European Union recognize PKK as a "terrorist organization."

Pewarta : Rahmad Nasution/Antara
Editor : Yakop

G20: MP Urges Indonesia To Remain Alert To Security Threats

G20: MP Urges Indonesia To Remain Alert To Security Threats
G20: MP Urges Indonesia To Remain Alert To Security Threats.
Jakarta - A member of parliament urged the Indonesian government to maintain constant vigil to all forms of security threats despite its all-out efforts to secure and safeguard Bali's two-day G20 Summit that commences on Tuesday.

"I appeal (to the government) to continue intensifying security measures to (prevent) those looking to disrupt the G20 Leaders' Summit from going ahead with their unlawful plans," Christina Aryani stated here, Monday.

Aryani, a member of the House of Representatives' (DPR's) Commission I that oversees security and foreign affairs, said she remains optimistic about Indonesia's readiness for safeguarding and securing the summit.

With the G20 Summit taking place in Nusa Dua, Bali Island, on November 15-16, Indonesia's reputation and credibility are at stake, so any form of security disturbance must be wiped out, she remarked.

"Considering the attention that Mr President, chiefs of the Indonesian Defence Forces and National Police, as well as other state officials have paid to this G20 Summit, we must appreciate the government's hard work," she affirmed.

Meanwhile, several G20 leaders, including US President Joseph R. Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, had arrived in Indonesia's resort island of Bali to attend the summit.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan confirmed that preparations were 100-percent complete for the summit.

While visiting the Bali Police Command Centre on November 10, the coordinating minister said that security arrangements had been finalized by the military and police, and advanced technologies would be applied to maintain security at the G20 Summit.

"I see that the police and military become the ones to secure the G20 Summit. While bolstering their professionalism, the police have also utilized newer technologies that could be linked with the military," he noted.

At the Command Centre, he assessed that the deployed police and military officers as well as non-uniformed security officers are ready to conduct their duties at their respective posts.

Formed in 1999, the Group of Twenty (G20) currently has 20 members: the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Turkey, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, China, Germany, Britain, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Italy, France, Russia, and the European Union.

In connection with Biden's participation in the summit, according to a press statement issued recently by the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, President Biden would be in Bali until Nov 16.

"In Bali, the president will commend President Widodo's leadership of the G20," she noted in her statement on Biden's travel plans to North Africa and Asia that was released by the White House on October 28.

At the G20 Summit, Biden will highlight the US commitment to the premier forum for economic cooperation whose members represent over 80 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), she remarked.

"He will work with G20 partners to address key challenges, such as climate change, the global impact of Putin's war on Ukraine, including on energy and food security and affordability, and a range of other priorities important to the global economic recovery," she added. (INE)

Pewarta : Rahmad Nasution/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Jokowi praises Japan's support for Indonesia's G20 Presidency

Jokowi praises Japan's support for Indonesia's G20 Presidency
Jokowi praises Japan's support for Indonesia's G20 Presidency.
Bali - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) commended Japan's support for Indonesia's G20 Presidency as well as for other concrete projects that have been established.

"Your Excellency, (I am) very happy that we are able to meet again today, and I laud Japan's support for Indonesia's G20 Presidency and for the support of various concrete projects," Jokowi told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a bilateral meeting here on Monday.

PM Kishida also praised Jokowi for welcoming him to a side meeting ahead of the implementation of the G20 Summit to be held on November 15-16.

Regarding the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Indonesia in 2023, Kishida believes that the partnership between the two countries will continue to strengthen.

"Next year (2023), Indonesia will become the chairman of ASEAN, and Japan will become the G7 Chairman. Next year also coincides with the historic 50th anniversary of ASEAN and Japan cooperation. I want to continue to work closely with Indonesia in addressing issues in the region and issues globally, including efforts to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific," the prime minister remarked.

PM Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida arrived in Bali early Monday morning at around 12:30 a.m. local time to attend the G20 Summit.

Based on the Communication and Informatics Ministry's YouTube live stream, Kishida arrived following other G20 leaders that had landed first in Bali, including US President Joe Biden.

Heads of state and delegates and other invited guests will continue to arrive until November 15, the day before the G20 Summit on November 16.

At the I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport after landing from Cambodia on Sunday evening (November 13), President Jokowi stated that the presence of 17 leaders of G20 countries is positive news on account of the fact that the global situation is currently challenging.

Oleh : Rangga J, Kenzu/Antara
Editor : Yakop

L20 Discusses Social Protection Issues For Workers

L20 Discusses Social Protection Issues For Workers
L20 Discusses Social Protection Issues For Workers.
Kuta, Bali - Delegations at the L20 summit event discussed three key issues that they raised in the G20 engagement group, including social protection for workers.

Various tragedies that occur significantly affect human prosperity across the world, Head of Indonesia G20 Presidency's L20 Elly Rosita Silaban noted here Sunday.

L20 is an engagement group from the G20 sherpa track that discusses the issue of manpower. The forum comprises trade unions from G20 members and Global Union Federations.

G20 is a multilateral cooperation group that comprises 19 countries and the European Union (EU). Indonesia, which is holding the presidency of the grouping this year, will host the G20 Summit in Bali this month.

In Indonesia's G20 Presidency, L20 raised the theme of New Social Contract described within the three main issues of digital platform workers' protection, decent job, and national social insurance coverage.

The crises that occur recently comprised the COVID-19 pandemic, war, inflation, climate crisis, and rising living cost, thereby make it difficult for several countries to provide social protection benefits based on need.

These crises highlight the need to develop an inclusive and rapid delivery system from social protection benefits to those in need of it, Silaban said.

She deemed that the challenge can be resolved by expanding manpower protection, work safety and health, and social protection scheme coverage to digital platform workers.

Manpower regulation should also reach digital platform workers, so that they receive protection and access to social insurance, she noted.

The L20 meeting also discussed the climate crisis, specifically for the Southeast Asian region that bears the risk of losing residential area and infrastructure due to the rise in sea levels.

L20 is supported by the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSBSI), the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and Trade Union Advisory Committee (TUAC) within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Oleh : Natisha A, Fadhli Ruhman/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Government To Tag More Provinces For Language Revitalization Programme

Government To Tag More Provinces For Language Revitalization Programme
Government To Tag More Provinces For Language Revitalization Programme.
Semarang, Central Java - The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology's Language Development and Fostering Agency is planning to tag more provinces as targets for the regional language revitalization programme in 2023.

The Language Agency's Secretary, Hafidz Muksin, revealed that the agency had planned to increase the number of target provinces for the language revitalization programme, from 13 to 19 provinces.

The agency secretary in a statement  on Monday said that regional authorities should play their part in protecting regional languages and literature.

"At present, the revitalization works are ongoing on 39 regional languages in Indonesia, and this reflects the (central) government's presence, along with regional authorities, the people, and language and literature communities, to preserve regional languages," he affirmed.

Meanwhile, Central Java Provincial Language Agency Head Ganjar Harimansyah said that the regional agency is promoting regional languages through the 2022 Central Java provincial Mother Language Sprout Festival (FTBI) that involves students from regions in the province.

"Students from primary and junior high school levels participating in the festival are their regions' selection," he stated.

Harimansyah then lauded stakeholders in Central Java for having participated and collaborated in the movement to revitalize Javanese language.

He expressed optimism that the collaboration would be intensified to ensure goals in the language revitalization movement were achieved.

"We are impressed by the support from primary and junior high school students, schools and students' parents, as well as the province's Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports Office that are enthusiastically participating in the FTBI to celebrate those who help preserve the Javanese language," Harimansyah stated.

Moreover, 2022 FTBI organizing committee head Agus Sudono remarked that the Semarang City contingent emerged victorious in the festival. He said the Purworejo District contingent won the Javanese language chants competition that was newly added to the festival.

Oleh : Wisnu Adhi N, Nabil Ihsan/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Pertamina supports NZE realization through decarbonization initiatives

Pertamina supports NZE realization through decarbonization initiatives
Pertamina supports NZE realization through decarbonization initiatives.
Jakarta - State-owned energy company PT Pertamina committed to support the Indonesian government to achieve net zero emissions (NZE) by 2060 through the decarbonization initiatives program currently implemented by the company.

Senior vice president of strategy and investment at Pertamina Daniel S Purba conveyed this information during an ASEAN Panel Discussion on the sidelines of COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on Friday (November 11, 2022).

At the discussion, Purba delivered a presentation on "Decarbonizing the ASEAN Way – Harnessing the Collective Actions of ASEAN Private Sectors Driving Net-Zero: Pertamina's Overarching Plan in Decarbonization".

He explained that Pertamina as a state-owned energy company has the responsibility to provide energy needs in Indonesia -- a country with a population of nearly 300 million people with high energy demand.

"At the same time, Indonesia has a strong commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2060, and Pertamina as a state-owned company fully supports this commitment," Purba said.

"Pertamina has now developed a clear program for efforts to achieve the target of net zero emissions by 2060, even more ... if possible, we want to reach the target faster by 2050," he added.

He further added that Pertamina views the energy transition effort as a good opportunity to build a green business.

Such a view, according to him, is part of the main mission to ensure the company remains sustainable and grows in line with efforts to fulfill the commitment to achieving net zero emissions through a detailed decarbonization program in accordance with the company's well-prepared NZE roadmap.

"Pertamina has prepared a decarbonization plan especially for its existing businesses, for instance by reducing gas flaring, using renewable energy in all of our activities both upstream, production sites, shipping transportation and even batteries," Purba pointed out.

In addition, regarding the implementation of Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) aspects, Pertamina is currently at the medium risk level and at the second place for the category of the best ESG score in the oil and gas industry, based on Sustainalytics -- an ESG rating agency that has conducted assessment towards the company.

Meanwhile, stakeholders, investors, rating agencies and insurance companies are also interested in finding out and learning about how Pertamina -- as an oil and gas company -- manages ESG aspects in its efforts to produce sustainable energy.

At the ASEAN Panel Discussion of the COP 27, Purba said that a number of ASEAN countries actually have considerable energy resource potential, such as to produce LNG and gas.

He mentioned ASEAN countries that have such a potential including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei Darussalam.

He also revealed that the low carbon energy transition is a very good practice to be implemented by ASEAN countries in order to reduce the carbon footprint in the region.

Furthermore, still on the effort of reducing carbon footprint, Purba highlighted that Indonesia owns many forests that have the potential to be utilized in the aspect of nature based solutions.

"Therefore, collaboration (among ASEAN countries) can be a brilliant idea because each country has a different position and potential so we hope that the collaboration can establish a carbon market in the ASEAN region," he stated.

"However, this certainly requires concrete steps from all parties so that we can really collaborate together to achieve the net zero emission target," he concluded.

Pewarta : Yuni Arisandy Sinaga/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Friday, November 11, 2022

SAR Collects Data On 150 Submerged Houses In Jambi City

SAR Collects Data On 150 Submerged Houses In Jambi City
SAR Collects Data On 150 Submerged Houses In Jambi City.
Jambi - The Jambi Search and Rescue (SAR) Agency collected data on 150 inundated houses in several sub-districts in Jambi City on Friday.

"We recorded that 50 houses in several sub-districts in Jambi City were affected and submerged by floods today (Nov 11), with water levels reaching 1-1.5 meters, but only a few residents evacuated," commander of the Jambi SAR team Widodo noted.

According to Widodo, only some of the residents were keen to evacuate, while most of them chose to stay in their homes to wait for the waters to recede soon.

Meanwhile, the joint SAR team had readied personnel to assist in the evacuation of residents whose homes were flooded due to protracted heavy rains since early morning, especially in Jelutung Sub-district and its surroundings.

The Jambi SAR Agency has deployed its team to monitor flood conditions in the Jambi city area by coordinating with the local military command (TNI), police, and the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) to evacuate flood victims quickly if they receive reports from the residents or team.

"For now, what the joint SAR team is doing is patrolling the residents' houses that are flooded by asking if they need evacuation or other (needs) while controlling the water levels that had not receded at this time," Widodo said.

The SAR team patrolled by using inflatable boats while some walked, carrying the evacuation equipment for residents.

Furthermore, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast heavy rains accompanied by lightning and strong winds to occur in several provinces in Indonesia, including Jambi, on November 11.

The Jambi Provincial BMKG also advised residents to be vigilant against the potential for floods and landslides, as the region has entered the peak of the rainy season.

Oleh : Nanang M, Kenzu/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Mount Merapi spews 1,000m hot clouds twice toward Boyong River

Mount Merapi spews 1,000m hot clouds twice toward Boyong River
Mount Merapi spews 1,000m hot clouds twice toward Boyong River.
Yogyakarta - Mount Merapi, on the border of Central Java Province and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, ejected hot clouds twice, with a gliding distance of one thousand meters toward Boyong River on Friday.

Head of the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Center (BPPTKG), Agus Budi Santoso, noted in his official statement received here on Friday that the first hot cloud avalanche occurred at 9:05 local time, with a gliding distance of approximately one thousand meters to the Boyong River or southwest.

"Hot cloud avalanches were recorded on a seismograph, with an amplitude of 18 mm and a duration of 135 seconds," he remarked.

Furthermore, hot clouds of avalanches were observed again at 12:08 local time, with a gliding distance of one thousand meters to the southwest, with an amplitude of 23 mm and a duration of 104 seconds.

According to Santoso, the Merapi Mountain last spewed hot clouds on June 22, 2022.

During BPPTKG's observations from 6:00 to 12:00 local time, the smoke from the weak pressure crater was observed to be white, with medium to thick intensity, reaching as high as 30-150 meters above the peak of the Merapi crater.

Meanwhile, based on visual observations of the activity of Mount Merapi from October 28 to November 3, 2022, the BPPTKG stated that there were no significant morphological changes, both in the southwest dome and the middle dome of Merapi.

Santoso remarked that the volume of the lava dome in the southwest part of Merapi was recorded at 1,626,000 cubic meters and the middle dome at 2,772,000 cubic meters.

"The volume of the dome is relatively stable," he added.

Until now, the BPPTKG still maintains the status of Mount Merapi at Level III or Alert.

Lava flows and hot clouds from Mount Merapi can impact areas in the south-southwest sector that include the Boyong River, for a maximum of five km, and the Bedog, Krasak, and Bebeng Rivers, for a maximum of seven km.

In addition, lava flows and hot clouds from Mount Merapi can impact areas in the southeastern sector that included the Woro River, for a maximum of three km, and the Gendol River, for a distance of five km, he stated.

If the volcano erupts, the ejection of volcanic material can reach an area within a radius of three kilometers from the top of the mountain, Santoso stated.

Oleh : Luqman Hakim, Resinta S/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Jokowi calls for end to violence in Myanmar

Jokowi calls for end to violence in Myanmar
Jokowi calls for end to violence in Myanmar.
Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) outlined six important points related to the crisis in Myanmar, including the affirmation of the call to end violence in the ASEAN country hit by a political crisis.

President Jokowi accentuated several important points related to the Myanmar crisis at the retreat session of the 41st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, which specifically discussed the implementation of the 5-point consensus (5PC) in Myanmar, as quoted from a written statement by the Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau, Friday.

"The first point is that the implementation of the 5PC remains as the main reference for ASEAN in helping Myanmar to get out of its political crisis," Jokowi noted.

Under the second point, he emphasized the call for an end to violence in order to immediately create conducive conditions in Myanmar.

Thirdly, President Jokowi proposed the assignment of the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the AHA Center (the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management) to continue to seek access to complete the Comprehensive Needs Assessment immediately.

He affirmed that humanitarian assistance to sustain life has become more important at this time for Myanmar.

According to the fourth point conveyed by the president, the decision on non-political representation from Myanmar should also be applied in addition to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) and High-Level Conference.

"Fifth, ASEAN's engagement with all Myanmar stakeholders must be carried out immediately. It is because only by opening dialogue with all parties can the ASEAN be able to facilitate the national dialogue mandated by the 5PC," he remarked.

The sixth point is to respect the principle of non-interference. ASEAN does not provide support for elections that are not inclusive and are not prepared based on national dialogue, he remarked.

"We have a responsibility to the people of ASEAN and the world. If we do not act appropriately, ASEAN's credibility and relevance are at stake," he affirmed.

During the event, President Jokowi was also accompanied by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi.

Oleh : Indra Arief P, Resinta S/Antara
Editor : Yakop

No Ban On Religious Activities During G20 Summit: Bali Official

No Ban On Religious Activities During G20 Summit: Bali Official
No Ban On Religious Activities During G20 Summit: Bali Official.
Denpasar, Bali - The Bali provincial authority underscored that religious activities would not be prohibited during the G20 Summit hosted in the province on November 15-16, 2022, as opposed to information circulating among residents.

"It is incorrect that religious activities are prohibited (during the G20 Summit). There will only be restrictions on activities," Bali Communications, Informatics, and Statistics Office Head Gede Pramana stated here, Friday.

Pramana remarked that the circular issued by the authority restricts several activities only in some regions in Badung District and Denpasar City, the provincial capital.

"The circular clearly stated that restriction on public activities will be observed only in Kuta and South Kuta Sub-district, Badung, and South Denpasar region from November 12 to 17, 2022," the official noted.

According to the circular, public activities restricted during the G20 Summit comprised activities in the education sector and government and private offices, as well as religious and customary activities, he stated.

The government has no intention to prohibit or dismiss religious or cultural activities during the G20 Summit and only appealed to postpone or limit crowds if such activities proceed during the restriction period, the office head emphasized.

Pramana said that the circular also instructs heads of the Bali Customary Village Assembly (MDA) and Bali Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) to encourage residents living along roads leading to the G20 Summit venues to postpone customary activities and limit crowds during religious activities.

"(The authority) encouraged (residents) to postpone customary activities and limit crowds in religious activities taking place on November 12-17, 2022," he remarked.

He then expressed optimism that after preparations made by the authority and through popular support, the G20 Summit hosted on the island would be successful.

Pramana opined that the G20 Summit is a historically significant event, as it will determine how the world will advance towards a new era after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Let us support G20 forum events to be smooth, comfortable, secure, peaceful, and successful. We must persevere in supporting the international event, which will be the focus of the global community," he remarked.

Oleh : Ni Putu Putri M, Nabil Ihsan/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Widodo asks ASEAN to Remain Vigilant Against Wave Of Crisiss

Widodo asks ASEAN to Remain Vigilant Against Wave Of Crisiss
Widodo asks ASEAN to Remain Vigilant Against Wave Of Crisiss.
Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to remain vigilant against the wave of crisis that is currently engulfing the world.

Despite the wave of crisis, ASEAN has still shown positive economic performance, he noted while addressing a meeting between ASEAN leaders and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Thursday.

"The total ASEAN gross domestic product (GDP) still exceeds US$3 trillion and ASEAN is the fifth biggest economy in the world. In this state of financial turmoil, of course, we all must be vigilant. The partnership between the business world and governments must be intensified. The private sector plays an essential role," Widodo said, according to a press statement released by the Presidential Secretariat's press bureau.

In the short term, efforts must be made to strengthen ASEAN’s economic resilience, the President said. This will require the implementation of countermeasures and adaptive macro-prudential government policies to stabilize the financial system and stimulate economic mobility.

"The private sector must also be forward-looking. This means that they must be careful to see the crisis, exercise caution, and act quickly to adapt. The speed and accuracy to adapt is the key to ASEAN economic resilience," he said.

The President also stressed the importance of improving ASEAN’s competitive edge through innovations in the long run.

"Make sure that we will be competitive in the future through innovations. Digital economy and green economy are ASEAN's future. The digital economy enables (us) to increase productivity and expand market access. Through the green economy, make sure that ASEAN continues to grow in a sustainable way," he said.

At the meeting, the Indonesian leader also underscored the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for the ASEAN economy. More than 90 percent of business undertakings in the region are MSMEs, and 65 million MSMEs are in Indonesia alone.

"The advancement of MSMEs has a significant impact on the ASEAN economy. Thus, our synergy becomes highly crucial to be strengthened," he remarked.

Oleh : Indra Arief Pribadi. Suharto/Antara
Editor : Yakop

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Jakartans Urged To Meet Daily Water Needs To Prevent Kidney Problems

Jakartans Urged To Meet Daily Water Needs To Prevent Kidney Problems
Gambar ilustrasi. Jakartans Urged To Meet Daily Water Needs To Prevent Kidney Problems.
Jakarta - The Jakarta Health Office has asked residents to meet their daily water requirements to prevent dehydration, which can affect and even harm their kidneys.

"The human need for eating and drinking must be well met, which includes having enough liquid volume within the body," head of the office, Widyastuti, said at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday.

According to Widyastuti, the ideal liquid volume for adults is 2 liters while for infants, it is 800 mm, based on weight.

"Usually, if children are being fussy, it means that they are still thirsty or hungry," she explained.

From birth till six months of age, infants require breast milk, while children aged 7–12 months need 800 mm of liquids per day or equivalent to three glasses, the office informed.

Children aged 1 to 3 years need 1,300 mm of liquids per day, equivalent to five glasses.

Meanwhile, children aged 4 to 8 years need 1,700 mm of liquids per day or six glasses.

These liquids can come from mineral water, milk, or fruit juice.

Meanwhile, to anticipate atypical progressive acute kidney injury in children, Widyastuti urged people to pay attention to urination frequency, in addition to ensuring that children drink water properly.

"As soon as a child experiences a reduction in urine volume or urination frequency, which may usually be six times, but it declines all of a sudden, you should be suspicious," she said.

"There may be a problem with their urinary system," she added.

Meanwhile, in relation to acute kidney injury cases in children, the Jakarta Health Office said that no additional cases have been recorded since October 31, 2022.

As of November 8, the office has reported 154 cases based on a survey of hospitals in Jakarta 

Oleh : Dewa Ketut S W, Fadhli Ruhman/Antara
Editor : Yakop

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