West Java to ensure earthquake-resistant building regulation applied

Redaksi    Sunday, February 12, 2023    Comment   

West Java to ensure earthquake-resistant building regulation applied

West Java to ensure earthquake-resistant building regulation applied.

BANDUNG - The West Java administration has reviewed the the implementation of regulations on the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings in districts and cities across the province in an effort to curb risks when powerful earthquakes occur. 

West Java Governor M Ridwan Kamil noted that provincial government would check whether district and city governments had implemented the regulations mandating the construction of buildings with earthquake-resistant structures.

"The regulations have already existed, specifically in the cities," he said in a statement issued by the provincial government on Sunday.

However, the provincial government will examine cities or regions beyond Bandung and Bogor that have yet to have regulations that mandate the construction of buildings with earthquake-resistant structure, he added.

Speaking at the Real Estate Indonesia (REI) anniversary event on Saturday, he said that the earthquakes that shook Cianjur on November 21, 2022 and Turkey on February 6, 2023  need to be taken as an important lesson.

Specifically, it is a lesson on the importance of building construction regulation to minimize the impact of earthquake, he explained.

The buildings in Cianjur only have one floor, but the buildings in Turkey are tall and have multiple floors which exacerbate the earthquake's impact. Many of them are not earthquake-resistant, he said.

The governor urged companies within REI to construct buildings with earthquake-resistant structures. On Thursday, the Indonesian city of Jayapura in Papua Province was struck by a 5.4-magnitude earthquake that killed four people.

According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), these four victims were found from the ruins of a cafeteria that was destroyed due to the earthquake.

The agency also informed that 2,136 people were displaced by the earthquake and they seek refuge at evacuation locations spread across 15 areas.

Oleh : Ajat Sudrajat, Fadhli Ruhman/Antara

Editor : Yakop

Collaboration to revive Indonesia's tourism after pandemic

Redaksi    Sunday, February 12, 2023    Comment   

Collaboration to revive Indonesia's tourism after pandemic

Collaboration to revive Indonesia's tourism after pandemic

JAKARTA - Indonesia has an abundant natural beauty that stretches from Sabang to Merauke. The uniqueness and characteristic in every corner of the country offer their own charm for travelers from around the world. In short, Indonesia is rich in tourism destinations.

From the west end, Aceh offers the Bukit Cinta or Love Hill tourist attraction with a distinctive culture. For those who want to experience a religious trip, the grandeur of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is certainly the right destination.

Moving on to the North Sumatra region, tourists can enjoy various water-based natural tourist destinations such as Lake Toba, Lake Siombak, and Dwi Warna Sibolangit Waterfall.

Meanwhile, the eastern region of Indonesia also offers interesting tourist destinations. The famous Raja Ampat archipelago, for instance, presents breathtaking views for tourists who set foot in Papua.

The variety of Indonesian tourism does not only stop in its nature. The country is also rich in cultural customs. Many heritage traditions, arts, and culture also attract tourist visits. In addition, various culinary choices with unique and interesting experiences from each tourist destination in Indonesia complement the country’s tourism industry.

With so many potential tourist destinations, the government has mapped out and focused on developing potential tourist destinations to become super-priority tourist destinations.

The five super-priority destinations are Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Likupang in North Sulawesi, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lake Toba in North Sumatra, and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

These destinations, according to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, become one of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)'s direct instructions as an effort to increase Indonesian tourism.

“President Jokowi instructed us to focus on developing five super-priority destinations first. We must make sure that in the midst of a pandemic, we can still improve, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in terms of the creative economy,” Uno conveyed.

President Jokowi hopes that the five super-priority destinations will grow and develop first before a similar thing is done in other tourist areas.

After the development of five super-priority destinations in finished, in the coming years they will be expanded and developed into world-class tourist destinations.

The minister is optimistic that the target for developing these super-priority tourist destinations will be completed by the end of 2023 or mid-2024 by the latest.

Encouraging domestic tourists

Indonesia, which consists of a group of islands, is united by the ocean. This condition is one of the challenges for the government to provide adequate tourism infrastructure, facilities, and infrastructure in general.

Airplanes are one of the choices for travelers to enjoy the beauty of Indonesia from one island to another. This flying vehicle cuts travel time shorter than other modes of transportation. However, airplanes are not always the first choice because they depend on airport availability and capacity as well as fluctuating ticket prices.

Especially during certain seasons such as school holidays, Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, and New Year, flight ticket prices can increase by up to 100 percent of normal prices.

Looking at the end of 2022 when the community activity restriction (PPKM) was revoked, the Jakarta-Bali ticket was observed to be around Rp1,6 million for economy class. Even though during normal times, ticket prices were in the range of Rp700,000 to Rp900,000 per passenger in the same class.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, which oversees the tourism sector, is striving to help stabilize the commercial flight ticket prices by coordinating with the Ministry of Transportation to increase the number of flights and ensure the availability of seats with several airlines.

This year, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is targeting the movement of domestic tourists to reach 1.4 billion.

To achieve this target, the ministry and related staff will carry out movement called fast movement (gercep), joint movement (geber), and gaspol (working on all potential employment) or called 3G to revive domestic tourism, including with the ranks of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry for the procurement of aviation fuel.

With these various efforts,the ministry hoped it would be able to reduce the price of avtur for domestic routes. At Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, the price of avtur, based on the First One Solution data, was reported to have decreased.

On January 15-31, 2023, the avtur price was at Rp15,136,8 per liter for domestic flights and US$0,88,2 per liter for international flights. While in the period of February 1-14, 2023, the price fell to Rp14,947.59 per liter for domestic flight routes and increased to US$0,88.9 per liter for international flights.

Regarding the price of airplane tickets that increased significantly, Minister Uno noted that this was influenced by the load factor, the availability of aircraft, and the price of avtur.

Garuda Indonesia’s contribution

The state-owned airline, Garuda Indonesia, is making a positive contribution to the recovery of the national tourism sector by gradually optimizing the frequency of various flight routes with high levels of occupancy to Indonesia's leading destinations.

"We can ensure that in determining ticket prices, Garuda Indonesia always refers to the rules set by the government, especially regarding the Upper Limit Tariff (TBA) and Lower Limit Tariff (TBB) policies," Garuda Indonesia President Director Irfan Setiaputra said.

In a prudent manner, the implementation of ticket prices is carried out by considering the supporting aspects namely aviation fuel, to maintain the ticket price in accordance with the regulations.

In line with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy which strives to help solve the existing problems, the Ministry of Transportation is also committed to improving the quality of infrastructure, one of which is at Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali, which is said to be the busiest airport managed by the state-owned airport operator, PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I), in 2022.

The airport is attempting to expand its capacity to 35 million passengers per year or three times higher than the current capacity.

"With the Emirates airline's plan to operate the Wide Body Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-2023, it is necessary to increase capacity such as extending the runway and developing terminals and aprons as our effort to provide better service to passengers,” Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said.

In addition, the Ministry of Transportation is also committed to increasing connectivity in Bali which is also a tourist magnet for Indonesia by connecting the resort island with surrounding areas such as Lombok and Banyuwangi.

Regional development is also expected to bring a greater impact on the progress of the tourism sector, rather than building a new airport.

By strengthening synergy and collaboration among related stakeholders, Indonesia’s tourism sector is expected to revive after the PPKM revocation.

Oleh : Sinta Ambarwati, Resinta S/Antara

Editor : Yakop

G20 Preparations For Pandemic Fund To Handle Future Pandemics

Redaksi    Monday, November 14, 2022    Comment   

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

Redaksi    Monday, November 14, 2022    Comment   

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

Redaksi    Monday, November 14, 2022    Comment   

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