Latest News BorneoTribun English Today

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Redaksi Thursday, October 27, 2022 Comment

President Signs Regulation On Government Food Reserves

President Signs Regulation On Government Food Reserves.

Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has signed Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 125 of 2022, which stipulates that government food reserves (CPP) must consist of 11 commodities.

Based on a copy of the regulation, which was obtained from the website of the Legal Documentation and Information Network (JDIH) of the State Secretariat, Jakarta, on Thursday, to maintain food availability throughout Indonesia, it is necessary to master and manage CPP, whose implementation has been assigned to state-owned enterprises (BUMN).

CPP in the form of certain staple foods will be determined based on the type and amount. Certain staple foods are defined as staple foods produced and consumed by the majority of the Indonesian people. If their availability and price are disturbed, they can affect economic stability and cause social unrest in the community.

"Certain staple foods that are designated as government food reserves (CPP) include rice, corn, soybeans, onions, chilies, poultry meat, poultry eggs, ruminant meat, consumption sugar, cooking oil, and fish," according to Article 3 of the presidential regulation, which was signed by President Widodo on October 24, 2022.

However, the President can determine other types of food as CPP as per Article 3 paragraph (4) of the regulation.

Even though it stipulates 11 commodities, Article 3 paragraph (6) of the presidential regulation states that the first stage of CPP implementation is for rice, corn, and soybeans.

In relation to the implementation of CPP, Article 5 states that the National Food Agency shall carry out CPP planning, including setting distribution targets and CPP procurement targets.

To carry out CPP, which will include procurement, management, and distribution, Article 12 states that the government may involve the State Logistics Agency (BULOG) and/or BUMN in the food sector.

"The government has assigned Perum Bulog to organize the first stage of CPP, which includes rice, corn, and soybeans," Article 12 paragraph (2) states.

As per Article 11, the government can distribute CPP to tackle food shortages, food price fluctuations, natural disasters, social disasters, and emergencies.

The CPP can also be distributed for stabilizing food prices, handling food problems, overcoming food crises, implementing food assistance, and as part of international cooperation, foreign food assistance, and other needs determined by the government.

Pewarta : Azis Kurmala/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Redaksi Wednesday, October 26, 2022 Comment

Ministry, BPOM Conduct Cyber Patrols To Oversee Syrup Drug Circulation

Ministry, BPOM conduct cyber patrols to oversee syrup drug circulation.

Jakarta - The Ministry of Communication and Informatics will help the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) to conduct cyber patrols to oversee the circulation of syrup drugs.

"We will fully monitor and assist BPOM to protect the public from syrup drugs, with high toxic elements," Minister of Communication and Informatics Johnny G. Plate stated here, Wednesday (26/10/2022).

Plate explained that his ministry routinely conducted cyber patrols with other institutions. During this patrol, the ministry will help BPOM to oversee the circulation of syrup drugs to anticipate acute kidney disorders in children.

Head of BPOM Penny Kusumastuti Lukito noted on Monday that there were several drugs circulating on the e-commerce platform that did not meet the safety requirements set by her agency.

"There are 1,400 links that we have to follow up as part of the BPOM cyber patrols," Lukito remarked.

Until now, the BPOM has announced five drug brands that are considered ineligible, as they contain ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG) compounds that exceed the threshold.

The Ministry of Health also found at least 102 types of syrup drugs that had been consumed by patients with acute kidney disorders.

The hundreds of drugs are being investigated by BPOM to see the level of EG and DEG content in the syrup.

As of October 24, the Health Ministry found 255 cases of acute kidney disease in children from 26 provinces. A total of 143 patients died or equivalent to 56 of the total number of cases.

Results of the investigation showed that cases of acute kidney disorders were caused by syrups containing these compounds.

The Jakarta Health Service, on October 24, 2022, had received 90 reports of cases of acute kidney disorders in children, with almost 50 percent of the patients having died. In addition, the health service opened information services regarding acute kidney disorders through cellular numbers belonging to 44 community health centers (puskesmas) in the city.

In a bid to treat the patients, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin reported that his ministry had brought Fomepizole medicine from Singapore and Australia to cure acute kidney disorders patients at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital as a referral hospital for this disease.

He said that patients receiving Fomepizole injections started to show improvement and were in a stable condition.

Oleh : Natisha Andarningtyas, Resinta S/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Wednesday, October 26, 2022 Comment

Stay Alert To Coastal Flooding During New Moon, Perigee: BMKG

Archive--A resident passes through a street inundated by coastal flooding at Medan City, North Sumatra Province, on Tuesday (October 25, 2022). (ANTARA PHOTO/FransiscoCarollio)

Jakarta, (26/10/2022) - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) appealed to people living in coastal areas to stay vigilant to high tidal waves and floods during the new moon and perigee.

Head of BMKG's Maritime Meteorology Center Eko Prasetyo stated here on Wednesday that the new moon took place on October 25, 2022, and the perigee that would occur on October 29, 2022, potentially increase the maximum height of sea tides.

Hence, the sea water can overflow and cause coastal flooding in areas affected by the increase in the maximum height of sea tides.

Based on the data of water level and tidal predictions, coastal flooding might hit several coastal areas throughout Indonesia, such as the coast of North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Lampung, on October 25-31, 2022, the official noted.

He stated that the coastal areas of Banten, East Java, southern region of Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, western region of West Kalimantan, as well as North Sulawesi are also likely to experience flooding.

"Potential coastal flooding may occur at different times (days and hours) in each region," he remarked.

He assessed that flooding could affect loading and unloading activities at ports, salt extraction at salt evaporation ponds, inland fisheries activities, as well as daily activities of residents living in coastal areas.

"The public is advised to always remain vigilant and stay alert to anticipate the impact of the maximum height of sea tides as well as pay attention to the updates on maritime weather information from the BMKG," Prasetyo remarked.

In addition, he urged coastal communities to be aware of high waves up to four meters in height that could appear in several areas of the Indonesian waters on October 26-27, 2022.

"The potential for high waves in the areas can also pose a risk to the safety of cruise activities," he added.

Oleh : Zubi Mahrofi, Uyu Liman/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Wednesday, October 26, 2022 Comment

Curiak Island special site within Meratus Geopark area: GGN

Secretary General of the Global Geopark Network (GGN) Dr Guy Martini plants a mangrove rambai tree accompanied by chairperson of the Indonesian Bekantan Friends (SBI) Foundation Amalia Rizki at the Bekantan Research Station on Curiak Island, Barito Kuala District, South Kalimantan, Tuesday (October 25, 2022). HO-SBI

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan - Curiak Island in Barito Kuala, South Kalimantan, is a special site within the Meratus Geopark area that cannot be found in any other geopark, Global Geopark Network's (GGN's) Secretary General Dr Guy Martini stated.

"You have conservation here, there are proboscis monkeys, NGOs, and local community (involvement)," Martini noted during a discussion at the Bekantan Research Station on Curiak Island, Barito Kuala District, South Kalimantan, Tuesday.

Martini visited South Kalimantan from October 25 to November 2, 2022, to evaluate readiness of the Meratus Geopark to become a UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp).

Based on results of the analysis, Martini will provide opinions and recommendations for the government for developing the geopark.

Martini stated that the geopark is not only about geology but it also connects all elements, including nature, culture, intangible heritage, local languages, and folklore.

The fundamental question for an earth park is how the community is involved in its development, so that they can build a sense of belonging, he remarked.

Curiak Island in the Barito River delta is a conservation site for proboscis monkeys, a typical primate of Kalimantan, managed by the Indonesian Bekantan Friends (SBI) Foundation.

The area is an ecotourism destination visited by several students, including foreign students.

SBI Chair Amalia Rizki said they involve local communities in ecotourism development, such as by preparing mangrove rambai tree seeds.

Local villagers can also benefit from the klotok (wooden boat) rental.

Rizki remarked that visitors were invited to conduct planting of mangroves that are the staple diet of proboscis monkeys.

The increased number of rambai trees is expected to increase the proboscis monkey population and also boost fish population in the river, so that local fishermen can derive economic benefits, she remarked.

Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of the Meratus Geopark Management Agency Ali Mustofa said Curiak Island could be included in one of the sites in the Meratus Geopark.

The island will be included in the dossier that would be submitted to UNESCO in mid-November for the UGGp status, Mustofa stated.

Pewarta : Sri Haryati

Editor : Yakop

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Redaksi Tuesday, October 25, 2022 Comment

State-run food holding ID FOOD Willing To Support G20 to Anticipate The Global Food Crisis

Ilustrasi. State-run food holding ID FOOD Willing To Support G20 to Anticipate The Global Food Crisis.

Jakarta - State-run food holding ID FOOD expressed readiness to support the plans of G20 members to establish an integrated and balanced upstream as well as downstream food ecosystem to anticipate the global food crisis.

"ID FOOD is ready to collaborate to support the G20 to improve the food ecosystem," President Director of ID FOOD Frans Marganda Tambunan noted in a statement on Tuesday.

Tambunan remarked that the holding supported Indonesia’s 2022 G20 Presidency to address the food crisis by cooperating with various strategic partners to bolster food processing technology and optimize its representative offices (RO) in G20 members.

The holding had also conducted knowledge transfer between G20 members, conducted research collaboration to develop the upstream and downstream food ecosystem, as well as established bilateral and multilateral cooperation with various G20 members to increase the trade value.

"It is in line with the directive of SOEs (State-owned Enterprises) Minister Erick Thohir (who has urged us) to work together in building Indonesia’s (food) ecosystem with the central government, regional governments, institutions, ministries, private sector, MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises), and farmers," the president director affirmed.

There is vast potential for food actors and the G20 members to collaborate in anticipating the global food crisis, including by developing international market networks and strengthening export opportunities for food products.

Recently, ID FOOD Group had begun exporting big blue octopus (Octopus cyanea Gray) as well as tuna loins to several Asian and American countries in 2022.

"We also manage the Modern Fish Market as a fishery culinary center that can be visited by the G20 delegates to enjoy fresh fish captured by Indonesian fishermen," Tambunan stated.

ID FOOD's integrated food ecosystem attempts to balance the upstream and downstream sector's several food commodities, including rice, corn, sugar, fish, day-old chicks (DOC), cattle, and salt.

In addition to food processing and cold storage, ID FOOD also manages food trade and logistics to maintain food availability to meet the needs of the community.

Oleh : Aji Cakti, Uyu Liman/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Tuesday, October 25, 2022 Comment

PAEI Calls for Bolstering Health Protocols To PreventXBB Spread

PAEI Calls for Bolstering Health Protocols To PreventXBB Spread. (Antara/Pixabay)

Jakarta - Head of the professional development division of the Indonesian Epidemiologists Association (PAEI), Masdalina Pane, has urged the community to strengthen the health protocols to prevent the spread of the XBB variant of COVID-19.

"The community must strengthen the health protocols because the XBB variant has been found in Indonesia," she said when contacted on Tuesday.

Pane, who is also a researcher at the Public Health Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), explained that the XBB or the BA.2.10 variant has become a reminder of the need for compliance in wearing masks, washing hands, and avoiding crowds.

"The emergence of the new variant has also highlighted the need for protecting vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, and people with comorbidities from infection," she added (26/10/2022).

Through good compliance with the health protocols, a potential surge in cases may be suppressed, she said.

"What's important is the capacity of testing, tracing, and treatment must be continuously improved as part of efforts to prevent COVID-19 spread," she added.

She further noted that the capacity of testing, tracing, and treatment is also very important in order to support the transition to the endemic phase.

According to her, by increasing the capacity of testing, the actual number of cases in the community can be obtained.

Earlier on Friday (October 21, 2022), Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the XBB variant had been detected in Indonesia, and the government was monitoring the development of the case.

The minister emphasized that the country is not yet safe from the pandemic.

The first case of COVID-19 in Indonesia was confirmed in March 2020. According to data from the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, as of October 25, 2022, the nation has recorded 6,475,672 COVID-19 cases, 6,297,282 recoveries, and 158,475 deaths.

Oleh : Wuryanti Puspitasari, Raka Adji/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Tuesday, October 25, 2022 Comment

Ministry to Directly distribute AKI antidote to health facilities

Ministry to Directly distribute AKI antidote to health facilities.

Jakarta - The Jakarta Health place of job has mentioned that the Ministry of Health will Directly distribute the antidote for acute kidney damage (AKI) to health facilities that are treating AKI patients to expedite its dealing with.

"it really is Allotted to health facilities that raise out remedy (of AKI patients)," head of the Jakarta Health place of work, Widyastuti, pointed out here on Tuesday.

The health administrative center head did Not deliver further Details on the antidote allocation that Jakarta would receive because it would be Supplied Right away to health facilities.

The Jakarta Health administrative center recorded 90 acute kidney damage cases in Children in the Period from January to October 24, 2022. Of the number, practically 50 percent died.

Consistent with Widyastuti, AKI patients who are still undergoing treatment are being treated in vertical hospitals owned by means of the Principal executive.

In Jakarta, Cipto Mangunkusumo Health center (RSCM) and Harapan Kita Mother and Baby Clinic are serving A. referral hospitals.

The Jakarta Health workplace has increased the bed abilitythe los angeles pediatric intensive care devices (PICU) in hospitals in the province from 197 to 219The l phase of efforts to address AKI in Teenagers.

The Health place of work has also increased the competency of doctors and nurses to take care of the limited selection of nephrology consultants or medical experts who playThe lrole in diagnosing and treating kidney troubles in Childrens, children, and teens.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health will accelerate the advent of Fomepizole, an antidote to drug poisoning seen in acute kidney damage patients. The Remedy Will be Provided free of price to all patients.

In keeping with the ministry’s Records, the condition of 10 out of 9/11 acute kidney damage patientsThe la Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital--who had consumed syrup drugs suspected of being contaminated with Distinctive chemical materials—has gradually multiplied after taking Fomepizole.

"We can conclude that this medication (Fomepizole) has A.high-quality affect, and we can accelerate its arrival to Indonesia so that Youngsters will probably be saved," Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin observed all throughthe los angelespress conference on Monday.

Monday, October 24, 2022

Redaksi Monday, October 24, 2022 Comment

Exploring Papuan Sea, Forest Areas For An Honest, Fair Election

Exploring Papuan Sea, Forest Areas For An Honest, Fair Election.

Biak - General Elections Commission's (KPU's) Verification Team is challenged by the hilly topography of Papua encompassing forests, open sea, and several terrains while factually verifying nine political parties as candidates for 2024 General Election in Papua.

In addition to the challenges due to natural factors, there are security issues in various districts in mountainous areas.

Meanwhile, the factual verification of political party membership in coastal areas, such as Mamberamo Raya, Sarmi, Biak Numfor, Supiori, Waropen, Nabire, and Yapen Islands District, must part the Papua North Pacific Ocean.

However, this challenge did not dampen the enthusiasm of KPU commissioners to conduct the factual verification of political parties as candidates for the 2024 General Election, which is now being carried out by KPU commissioners in 29 districts and cities in Papua.

“The KPU office in Biak is conducting factual verification of 1,600 members of nine political parties to remote island villages in the Padaido and Aimando Islands to Numfor Island," head of KPU Biak Mathias Jan Morin remarked.

According to Morin, direct face-to-face visits by KPU commissioners with members of certain political parties in remote areas are a consequence of the mandate of Article 178, paragraph (2) of Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning General Elections (Election Law) that regulates the stages of registration and verification of election participants that must be conducted 14 months before voting day.

In addition, KPU Regulation Number 4 of 2022 concerning Registration, Verification, and Determination of Political Parties Participating in the General Election of Members of the People's Representative Council and Regional People's Representative Council also requires the same regulation.

Another regulation, specifically the General Election Commission (PKPU) Regulation Number 3 of 2022 concerning the Stages and Schedule for the Implementation of the 2024 General Election, stated that registration and verification of election participants would take place from July 29, 2022, to December 13, 2022.

"According to the existing rules, PKPU Number 4 of 2022 regulates the task of KPU Biak Numfor to carry out factual verification of nine political parties as candidates for the 2024 General Election," he explained.

Three ways of verification

Head of Papua Province KPU Diana Dortea Simbiak noted that factual verification of the membership of nine political parties, as candidates for the 2024 General Election in 29 districts and cities of Papua Province, is still ongoing amid several natural challenges that must be faced with high level of difficulty.

For instance, the KPU verification team must travel to a remote area, passing through forests and valleys, to reach the verification points.

Verification officers in the coastal areas of the islands had to face strong sea waves to conduct factual verification.

"KPU commissioners in 29 districts and cities in Papua are currently carrying out a challenging task because they are verifying the factual membership of nine political parties as candidates for the 2024 General Election. In fact, some have chartered an airplane to go to the location and meet members of political parties that will be verified," she remarked.

Despite the challenges, the verification of membership of nine political parties is still ongoing until November 4, 2022.

She later outlined three methods of factual verification of political party membership. First, to come and meet directly at the house of the member of the political party concerned while the second method involves gathering all members to be verified by KPU at the political parties’ offices.

“While the third method will use communication technology with video calls via android cellular phone services," Simbiak added.

However, for factual verification through video calls with members of political parties whose names are included in the list, the KPU is often constrained by unstable cellular networks and inaccessible roads to certain village and district areas.

Although the challenges are complex, the KPU commissioners in 29 districts and cities throughout Papua that are carrying out the task can still work with enthusiasm to realize the 2024 Election in Papua to be democratic, clean, honest, fair, and with integrity.

Whatever on-field challenges arise while conducting duties must be accepted with sincerity as a form of dedication by KPU members to maintain democracy in Papua.

Anticipating political party lawsuits

Meanwhile, the Law Division of the KPU Papua Province, Zandra Mambrasar, reminded the factual verification team to work honestly and fairly while following applicable rules to avoid lawsuits by political parties.

Mambrasar addressed that the KPU, as an independent institution that carries out the duties of the 2024 General Election, should comply with the applicable laws and regulations.

Anticipating lawsuits from the factual verification stage must be considered carefully by the verification team.

"In order to avoid administrative dispute lawsuits at the General Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) and the State Administrative Court (PTUN), the verification team must conduct its duties in accordance with the rules and do it correctly and professionally," he affirmed.

The KPU's Legal Division in 29 districts and cities throughout Papua has been given technical guidance in handling the prevention of potential administrative disputes from political parties through the Papua KPU workshop in Biak.

Results of factual verification of the membership of political parties, as candidates for the 2024 General Election in Papua, are expected to be the start of the success of an honest and fair direct democratic process to introduce a trustworthy representative of the people to improve the welfare of Papua residents.

Nine political parties, as candidates for the 2024 General Election that have undergone factual verification of membership, include PSI, Garuda Party, Perindo, Crescent Star Party, Hanura Party, Labor Party, Gelora Party, Ummat Party, and the Nusantara Awakening Party.

Oleh : Muhsidin, Resinta Sulistiyandari/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Redaksi Sunday, October 23, 2022 Comment

Kopontren expected to advance economic independence: minister

Kopontren expected to advance economic independence: minister.

Jakarta - The Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Ministry is striving to realize the community’s economic independence by establishing Pondok Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) Cooperatives (Kopontren).

"The government is committed and very serious about helping Islamic boarding schools become economically independent," Cooperatives and SMEs Minister Teten Masduki remarked at the National Santri Day commemoration and the kick-off of the centenary of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), according to a press release received on Saturday.

Islamic boarding schools can become centers of community economic empowerment through the development of micro waqf institutions as well as baitul maal wa tamwil (BMT/sharia cooperatives), he added.

Several programs have been carried out by the ministry for developing a Kopontren-based economy, including the provision of revolving fund financing with a very low interest rate of three percent.

The government is also providing cluster people's business credit (KUR) with a budget ceiling of Rp373.17 trillion in 2022 and Rp400 trillion in 2023, the minister informed.

"We will develop a pilot project for the development of cluster KUR (in the schools) since Islamic boarding school can become a place to (learn about) business, not only a place to seek knowledge," he stated.

Through the Kopontren, Islamic boarding schools can take advantage of the social forestry program so that students and communities who are members of cooperatives can manage government-owned land to earn their livelihoods, he added.

The government will provide easy access to smallholder entrepreneurs to get up to 2 hectares of land, Masduki said. The government has prepared 12.7 hectares of land for entrepreneurs to manage.

"Through the management of the forests for productive activities (program), it is expected that the community's economy will improve," he added at the event, which took place at Pondok Pesantren An-Nur 2 Al-Murtadlo, Malang, East Java province.

The caretaker of the Islamic boarding school, Fathul Bari, lauded the government's efforts and policies, which have consistently supported all Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia.

In the future, he said he expects the schools to advance their economy and science aspects through various government programs.

"Thanks to the support from the minister (Masduki), the economy of Islamic boarding schools can become more independent and run well. Hopefully, the minister can continue to support Islamic boarding schools in East Java (specifically) and throughout Indonesia generally," he added.

Oleh : Baqir Alatas, Uyu Liman

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Sunday, October 23, 2022 Comment

Indonesia hosts Conference of Library Directors in Asia and Oceania

Indonesia hosts Conference of Library Directors in Asia and Oceania.

Jakarta - Indonesia is to host the 28th Conference of Directors of National Libraries in Asia and Oceania (CDNLAO) in Jakarta, on October 24-27, 2022.

The 28th CDNLAO's theme would be Library Service Impacts on Community: Sustainability, Inclusion, and Innovation, Head of the National Library of Indonesia Muhammad Syarif Bando said here, Sunday.

The meeting has three primary goals including exchanging information and promoting cooperation in the development of libraries in Asia and Oceania.

The second goal concerns helping libraries in less developed countries through cooperation and the third goal involves understanding the development of library art between libraries in Asia and Oceania.

Indonesia had hosted CDNLAO in 2007 and 2012.

The 28th CDNLAO should have been held in 2020 in Indonesia, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conference will feature nine speakers who will speak on three sub-themes: sustainability, inclusion, and innovation.

Bando also highlighted that the 2022 International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)-UNESCO manifesto stated that public libraries serve as a strength for education, culture, inclusion, and information.

Moreover, they also act as an agent for sustainable development and they meet individuals' demand over spiritual prosperity and peace of all individuals.

"To this end, UNESCO encourages central and regional governments to actively participate and support the development of public libraries," he noted.

The manifesto also stated that public libraries are the center for local information which make all types of knowledge and information available for their users.

"Libraries provide a space that the public can access to produce knowledge, share and exchange information and culture, as well as promote the public's involvement," Bando said.

This aligns with the priority program promoted by the Perpusnas, namely Social Inclusion-Based Library Transformation (TPBIS).

Starting from 2018, TPBIS has managed to develop knowledge insight and various beneficial skills for the people to raise living standard.

Presentation on TPBIS will be delivered by the Head of Perpusnas during speaker special session.

Oleh : Indriani, Fadhli Ruhman

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Sunday, October 23, 2022 Comment

Health Minister Highlights That Many Indonesians Lack Vitamin D

Health Minister Highlights That Many Indonesians Lack Vitamin D.

Jakarta - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that there are still many people in Indonesia that experience vitamin D deficiency and remind the public to actively exercise and expose themselves to sunlight to avoid the condition.

There were many elderly people in Indonesia that experienced vitamin D deficiency even though it was necessary to avoid bone loss, he noted after an event in commemoration of National Osteoporosis Day here, Sunday.

"There are many Indonesians that, surprisingly, even though sunlight is abundant, experience vitamin D deficiency, which leads them to experience osteoporosis," he remarked.

Osteoporosis is a condition wherein the body has a low bone mass accompanied with declining bone tissue quality which can cause bone fragility.

This condition can be experienced by all individuals, both children and adults. However, osteoporosis occurs more frequently toward women who enter the menopause period.

Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining calcium and phosphor that can maintain bone density.

As a result, deficiency of vitamin D leads to deficiency of these two minerals which can make bones to become more fragile and at risk of osteoporosis.

"To this end, exercise more frequently and do activities outdoor, specifically before nine o'clock in the morning," she noted.

The data from 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) shows that around 36,4 percent of males and 30,7 percent of females over the age of 10 lack physical activities.

During the occasion, Sadikin informed that a total of 26 Fomepizole drug vials to medicate atypical progressive acute kidney injury will brought into the country today.

Indonesia received 10 vials of Fomepizole drug from Singapore and 16 from Australia that will be directly delivered today from the two countries, he informed.

Oleh : Prisca T V, Fadhli Ruhman

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Sunday, October 23, 2022 Comment

New Capital Construction Workers Dwellings Functions As Shared Office

Ongoing progress of the development of accommodation for construction workers in new capital Nusantara, East Kalimantan. ANTARA/HO-Kementerian PUPR.

Jakarta - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono said that accommodation for construction workers in new capital Nusantara project must become a shared office for all workers.

The minister also asked all workers involved in the new capital construction, including contractor staff, managers, and consultants, to live in a single complex to ensure easy coordination.

"Besides as an accommodation, (the building) can also become a shared office. Do not place (the office) in another area to help ease coordination," Hadimuljono stated, as per the statement on Sunday.

The ministry has commenced the basic infrastructure development for the new capital project, including the construction of 22 towers of accommodation spaces expected to accommodate at least 15,600 construction workers.

The ministry is developing infrastructures within the central government core zone (KIPP), and has completed the construction of 117.8-metre Sepaku Semoi Dam expected to help control floods and provide clean water for the new capital and Balikpapan City, located south of the new capital.

Meanwhile, the ministry's directorate general of housing affirmed that they would prioritise modular technology developed by Indonesians for the construction of workers' accommodation in the new capital.

The project is implemented under a multi-year contract scheme from 2022 to 2023 and is expected to be functional by 2022 end.

Last August, the Nusantara Capital Authority confirmed that the focus of the new capital’s development until 2024 will be building the KIPP as a livable city with complete facilities for residents.

The spokesperson for the national capital relocation plan communication team, Sidik Pramono, said that the KIPP development would include the construction of presidential and vice presidential palaces, coordinating ministry offices, Bank Indonesia office, ministry and state apparatus accommodation, and places of worship, complete with utility systems and road access.

The government expects the relocation of state apparatus to the new capital to begin in 2024, hence the urgent need to prioritise the development of relevant facilities for their accommodation, he said.

Oleh : Aji Cakti, Nabil Ihsan

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Sunday, October 23, 2022 Comment

Banda Aceh, Kamaishi City Continue Disaster Mitigation Partnership

Senior Deputy Director of JICA's Partnership Program Division Fujihara Reiko (right) and representative of Nebama Mind Institute Eri Hosoe (left) met with Banda Aceh Mayor Bakri Siddiq (middle) on Oct 21, 2022. (ANTARA FOTO/Irwansyah Putra)

Banda Aceh - The Banda Aceh administration in Aceh Province continues its earthquake and tsunami mitigation partnership with Japan's Kamaishi city government, Banda Aceh Mayor Bakri Siddiq said.

"We are keen to intensify the collaboration to enable our students and children to be more disciplined as their peers in Japan in implementing the disaster-risk reduction practices," Siddiq said.

The disaster management cooperation for the Banda Aceh and Kamaishi city governments is initiated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), he said in a statement that ANTARA quoted here Sunday.

In the near future, JICA would organize several disaster management-related programs, including a training for trainers, workshop, and disaster mitigation training in Japan, he said.

In addition to disaster resilience programs, Siddiq also urges JICA to help the Banda Aceh administration develop tourism sector in the city.

To this end, Senior Deputy Director of JICA's Partnership Program Division Fujihara Reiko visited Banda Aceh this week.

Her visit was aimed at strengthening the urban disaster resilience related to the Banda Aceh and Kamaishi sister city relationship.

The programs would be centered at the Aceh Tsunami Museum and two public junior high schools -- SMPN 11 and SMPN 17 -- by focusing on improving locals' disaster mitigation capabilities, she said.

In conducting the programs, JICA would involve the Syiah Kuala University, Aceh Disaster Mitigation Agency, and Banda Aceh Education Office, she said, adding that there would be a disaster mitigation training in Japan in 2024.

Earthquakes regularly rock various parts of Indonesia since the country lies on the Circum-Pacific Belt, also known as the Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet and cause frequent volcanic and seismic activities.

The city of Banda Aceh had experienced the deadliest ever earthquake, followed by tsunami, on December 26, 2004.

The catastrophe that also affected certain coastal areas in countries, such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, reportedly killed some 230 thousand people.

In addition to Banda Aceh's deadliest earthquake and tsunami, the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has repeatedly borne witness to deadly earthquakes.

On September 28, 2018, for instance, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit several parts of Central Sulawesi Province.

The strong earthquake that was followed by a tsunami and soil liquefaction in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi Province, claimed 2,102 lives, injured 4,612, and rendered 680 others missing.

A total of 68,451 homes incurred serious damage, while 78,994 people were displaced.

Pewarta : Rahmad Nasution/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Sunday, October 23, 2022 Comment

Three killed in North Jakarta fire

Three killed in North Jakarta fire.

Jakarta - A fire ravaged a densely populated area in Pademangan, North Jakarta, on Saturday night, leaving three people dead, police said..

The fire killed a 28-year-old mother and her two children aged 10 and five years, Chief of the Pademangan Police Precinct Commissioner Happy Saputra said.

"According to information from local residents, the victims could not save themselves when the fire got bigger . They were sleeping soundly (when the fire occurred)," he said.

Saputra said the bodies of the three people were found after fire fighters put out the blaze at around 07.30 p.m. local time.

It was believed the fire was caused by a short circuit on the second floor of a rented house, he said.

The fire later spread to other buildings and burned eight semi-permanent homes.

At least 20 fire trucks were deployed to extinguish the blaze.

"The fire caused Tanjung Priok-Kampung Badan commuter line to stop operating as fire hoses and fire fighting appliances obstructed the railway track," he said.

Oleh : Abdu Faisal, Suharto/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Sunday, October 23, 2022 Comment

Indonesia bags 2 silvers, 1 bronze in in ACC in South Korea

Indonesia bags 2 silvers, 1 bronze in in ACC in South Korea.

Jakarta - Indonesia's mountain bike (MTB) racing team bagged two silvers and one bronze during the 2022 Asian Continental Championships (ACC) in Suncheon, South Korea, October 19-23.

Indonesia's young athletes Feri Yudoyono won a silver in the Men's Junior Cross Country Olympic (XCO) and Sayu Bella Sukam Dewi contributed another silver from the Women Under 23 XCO on Friday.

Meanwhile, the bronze medal was won by Zaenal Fanani who participated in the Men's Elite XCO on Saturday.

"In Men;s Elite, Zaenal Fanani got a bronze and opened an opportunity toward the Olympics," Indonesian Bike Race National Team's Manager Budi Saputra told ANTARA here, Saturday.

For Fanani, he finished third place after recording one hour 30,31 minutes.

The athlete from Lumajang, East Java, was behind Japan's athlete Riki Kitabayashi who bagged the gold with one hour 29,30 minutes and the host athlete Mino Kim on second place with one hour 30,05 minute.

For the Men's Elite XCO, Indonesia also deployed Ihza Muhammad who managed to settle for seventh place with the time record of one hour 35 minutes and 46 seconds.

A day earlier, Yudoyono bagged silver after logging 56 minutes 25 seconds, He was behind Sho Takahashi from Japan who finished with 54 minutes 14 seconds.

Meanwhile, Dewi, despite falling down, managed to bring herself back up and landed in the second place with one hour 13,15 minutes. Japan's representative Akari Kobayashi became the winner with one hour 9,10 minutes.

For the Women Under 23 XCO, the other Indonesian representative, Dela Anjar Wulan, finished in the sixth place with one hour 25,41 minutes.

Indonesia also sent other athletes in other events such as Ade Agung Dian Tara who finished sixth place with one hour 15,35 minutes for the Men Under 23 XCO.

Oleh : Muhammad Ramdan, Fadhli Ruhman

Editor : Yakop

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Redaksi Thursday, October 20, 2022 Comment

BI Sees Core Inflation Sliding Below 4% In 2023 First Half

BI Sees Core Inflation Sliding Below 4% In 2023 First Half.

Jakarta - Bank Indonesia (BI) has forecast that the country's core inflation will fall below four percent year-on-year (yoy) in the first half instead of the third quarter of 2023 as projected earlier.

The earlier-than-projected decline in core inflation is based on BI's policy to raise its key interest rate by 50 basis points (bps) this month to 4.75 percent from 4.25 percent a month ago.

Overall, the key interest rate has increased by 125 basis points (bps) this year.

"That way the economic stability will remain under control, the people's purchasing power will improve, and private consumption will increase," BI Governor Perry Warjiyo explained while announcing the results of the meeting of the central bank’s board of governors, which was accessed online from Jakarta on Thursday.

Core inflation in September 2022 remained low at 3.21 percent yoy along with the low subsequent impact of the fuel oil price adjustment and low inflationary pressure from the demand side.

Although core inflation will be lower than four percent in the first half of 2023, the BI governor predicted that the consumer price index (IHK) will likely be above 4 percent during the period due to the base effect of fuel price adjustment.

However, the base effect will be lower from month to month, he added.

Close coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities will make the second round effect of fuel price adjustment lower or faster than usual. Moreover, transport fares will also be lower than expected.

According to Warjiyo, the granting of incentives for controlling regional inflation, coupled with coordination between the central bank, the central government, and regional governments through the National Movement for Food Inflation Control (GNPIP) will help keep food inflation under control.

"We can also control imported inflation so that the expectation of inflation and core inflation will decline earlier in the first half of 2023 and will not exceed four percent," he said.

Close synergy and collaboration would help mitigate the global impact properly, he added. As such, the inflation, the key interest rate hike, and the rupiah's depreciation are not expected to be as high as the levels seen in other countries.

Oleh : Agatha Olivia V, Suharto/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Thursday, October 20, 2022 Comment

PSSI Rejects Recommendation For Executive Board Revamp

PSSI Rejects Recommendation For Executive Board Revamp.

Surabaya, E Java - The All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) has turned down a recommendation from the joint independent fact-finding team (TGIPF), which probed the Kanjuruhan tragedy, to revamp its executive board by calling an extraordinary congress.

"Call for resignation is just a recommendation. Proposal and decision are all stipulated in the regulation," PSSI executive committee member Ahmad Riyadhi said at the East Java Provincial Police Headquarters in Surabaya on Thursday.

Calling an extraordinary congress is the PSSI members' right, he added. If they request a congress, then PSSI will hold it.

"If the members' request aligns with the statute, then it will be realized," he said.

Riyadhi, who is also the chief of the PSSI referees commission, informed that he had no problem with football supporters' intention to stage a rally to urge the PSSI executive board members to resign.

"No, we have no problem. How many times has Indonesia (PSSI) held extraordinary congresses? It has held four congresses since 2012. But the result remains unchanged. We must concentrate to be better. We respect the public. We cannot work alone. PSSI needs supporters and observers," he said.

Without any request, PSSI will hold an extraordinary congress in 2023, he added.

He said that PSSI Chief Mochamad Iriawan has taken responsibility for the October 1, 2022, stampede at Kanjuruhan Stadium in East Java's Malang District.

As a form of this responsibility, he cooperated during questioning at the East Java Provincial Police Headquarters on Thursday.

Iriawan and his deputy chief Iwan Budianto on Thursday answered a police summons to undergo questioning as witnesses in connection with the stampede at Kanjuruhan Stadium.

The stampede, which broke out following a football match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya, left 133 people dead and hundreds of others injured.

Police have so far named six suspects in the case.

Oleh : Abdul H/Willy I, Suharto/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Thursday, October 20, 2022 Comment

Govt seeks to improve hospitals' competence in handling TB

Govt seeks to improve hospitals' competence in handling TB.

Jakarta - The Health Ministry is committed to improving the competence of hospitals in treating tuberculosis (TB) to realize the national goal of TB elimination by 2030.

"We make the capability of hospitals that are under the superintendence (pengampuan or guardianship program) align with the surveilling hospitals so that there is an equitable distribution of health services," Head of the Health Referral Service Transformation Work Team at the ministry Yout Savithri said here on Thursday.

According to her, tuberculosis is one of the 10 dangerous diseases that require serious treatment, so the hospital network needs to be organized to optimize the superintendence program.

It would take the commitment and role of various stakeholders to improve equitable access to tuberculosis treatment services in Indonesia, Savithri said.

According to the Health Ministry, pulmonary tuberculosis accounts for 91 percent of TB cases in Indonesia and can potentially infect healthy people in the surrounding area.

Currently, the discovery of TB cases and treatment have been carried out in several regions, including Banten, Gorontalo, Jakarta, North Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi.

TB cases are mostly concentrated in Java, such as Jakarta, West Java, East Java, and Central Java.

Hence, to support TB handling, the ministry has appointed the Persahabatan Central General Hospital (RSUP) as a "national respiration center" to carry out the superintendence program.

In October 2022, Persahabatan RSUP carried out pilot mentoring programs at two hospitals in Banten.

President Director of Persahabatan RSUP Agus Dwi Susanto said that the hospital will expand the mentoring program to various regions in Indonesia by involving "vertical hospitals" or hospitals that are under the auspices of the Health Ministry, as the program's superintendents.

He said that, through the program, it is expected that hospitals can help reduce the number of deaths caused by TB.

Oleh : Sugiharto P, Kenzu

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Thursday, October 20, 2022 Comment

UNESCO Global Geoparks Team Members Visit West Papua's Raja Ampat

UNESCO Global Geoparks Team Members Visit West Papua's Raja Ampat.

Sorong, W Papua - Two members from the UNESCO Global Geoparks secretariat team have observed how locals are managing the Piaynemo Geosite in Raja Ampat district, West Papua, as a tourist destination, a Konservasi Indonesia officer informed on Wednesday.

During their visit last week, UNESCO’s Charalampos Fassoulas and Alireza Amrikazemi met with Pamembuk NGO activists and Jaga Laut (Guarding Sea) team members, who are seeking to preserve sustainable tourism in Piaynemo Geosite.

They observed and discussed the necessary issues with personnel from Pamembuk and Jaga Laut, Konservasi Indonesia's tourism and capacity building manager, Meidiarti Kasmidi, said in Waisai on Wednesday.

Konservasi Indonesia is a national foundation that aims to support the sustainable development and protection of critical ecosystems in Indonesia.

According to Kasmidi, Fassoulas and Amrikazemi visited Raja Ampat to assess the government's proposal for making the district's geosite a part of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

During their visit, they also talked to several native Papuan women who are producing and selling virgin coconut oil, skin moisturizer, and coconut hand-made soaps to tourists.

They lauded the management system applied in the villages of Saukabu, Saupapir, and Fam, which reflects the people-based tourism at the Piaynemo Geosite, Kasmidi said.

Meanwhile, Raja Ampat district head Abdul Faris Umlati said earlier that the visit of the UNESCO Global Geoparks personnel was aimed at evaluating a plan to make Raja Ampat a part of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

"We hope the Raja Ampat Geopark will be able to become a part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks so that our people can gain benefits from the status," he added.

According to UNESCO's official website, UNESCO Global Geoparks are "single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development."

ANTARA reported earlier that Raja Ampat is often called "Heaven on Earth,” "Miracle of Papua,” "Underwater Paradise on Earth,” or "Real Wonder of the World" for its mesmerizing marine panoramas.

The district has a geopark that is touted to be more beautiful than the one in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

In 2012, Raja Ampat was included in the list of the Real Wonders of the World. It has been recognized as one of the world's 10 most beautiful diving sites, and rated number one for its rich marine flora and fauna diversity.

Raja Ampat district has around 1,700 islands, including the Isle of Wayag, which is made of karst or limestone from other isles.

The waters of Raja Ampat have approximately 603 hard coral species, representing 75 percent of the total coral reefs in the world, according to information posted on rajaampatlodge.com.

Based on various studies by global conservation agencies, such as Conservation International and Nature Conservancy, Raja Ampat’s waters are estimated to host 1,397 fish species. The waters of Raja Ampat are, therefore, also called the “Capital for Fish in the World.”

There are 60 varieties of crayfish, 699 types of soft animals or species of mollusks, comprising 530 species of snails (Gastropoda), 159 species of shells (Bivalvia), two species of Scaphopoda, five species of squids (Cephalopoda), and three Chiton species in the waters of Raja Ampat.

Pewarta : Rahmad Nasution/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Redaksi Thursday, October 20, 2022 Comment

Nusantara City Prioritized In Expediting Internet Coverage

Nusantara City Prioritized In Expediting Internet Coverage.

Penajam - Part of Penajam North Paser, which is Sepaku Sub-District, as the new state capital Nusantara's main area is prioritized for internet network expansion, and a base transceiver station (BTS) or communication tower will be built there.

On Wednesday, Secretary of the Penajam North Paser District's Communication and Information Office, Herlambang, opined that the extension of internet network at a core area of the government in Nusantara City was a priority due to which BTS construction was deemed necessary.

The district government and PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) collected data on areas that had yet to receive communication signals or internet coverage.

The efforts to expedite internet coverage in that area had only received attention or priority of the Communication and Informatics Ministry. The district government only pursued the internet network extension program that was delayed due to budget constraints.

Improvement in internet network services in the Nusantara City area is included in the priority of the East Kalimantan Government, as support for the digital village program.

As for areas that had yet to be included in signal or internet coverage, the district government coordinates with the Ministry of Communications and internet service providers to include them in the network.

"There are still seven blank spots, (among them being) Labangka Village and Sumber Sari Village in Babulu Sub-district, Bukit Subur Village and Sesumpu Village in Penajam Sub-district, and Karang Jinawi Village in Sepaku Sub-district," he remarked.

Penajam North Paser District's Communication and Information Office has prepared an internet network to improve public services and installed Wi-Fi for district and sub-district and village government offices.

In providing and extending internet services in the area, the district government is collaborating with PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero).

The office aims to improve internet services to support the transfer and development of the new state capital.

Data collection on areas that had yet to get communication network coverage continues to be conducted as a means to improve the internet network to ensure all people can receive services.

Oleh : Novi A, Bagus P, Mecca Yumna/Antara

Editor : Yakop