Indonesia-EU Forestry Agreement Breakthrough In Fight Against Illegal Timber Trade

The long-waited Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade - Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT-VPA) was finally signed recently by Indonesia and the European Union (EU) following six years of negotiations involving government officials, civil society, and the private sector.

Indonesia is the first Asian country and the largest timber exporter to enter into such an agreement, which aims to ensure that all Indonesian timber entering the EU market is produced legally and has passed all legal verification channels with the EU. 

Four African countries---Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and Ghana---have already signed similar agreements with the EU.

The pact is expected to help fight the trade in illegal timber, a driver of environmentally damaging deforestation in the Asian country, which has the world`s third-largest forest coverage after Brazil and the Congo. 

The Indonesia-EU FLEGT-VPA was signed by Indonesia`s Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan; European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik; and Environmental Affairs Minister Valentinas Mazuronis, representing the Lithuanian presidency of the EU Council of Ministers, in Brussels, Belgium, on Sept. 30, 2013.

The deal, which covers a licensing system related to timber exported by Indonesia to the 28 EU member nations based on the Timber Legality Verification System, was hailed by parties engaged in environmental preservation as well as the forestry industry.

Director of the Multi-stakeholder Forestry Program (MFP) at the Indonesian Biodiversity Foundation (KEHATI) Diah Raharjo said the agreement reflected the EU`s trust in Indonesia`s forestry management and forestry industry through its application of the Timber Legality Verification System (TLVS).

Diah recalled that the TLVS, which is inspired by the 2001 Bali Declaration on Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG), was drafted by various stakeholders, including the government, academicians, and NGOs, between 2003 and 2009. 

The long process toward the signing of the FLEGT-VPA was facilitated by KEHATI through the MFP, a bilateral cooperation agreement between the government of Indonesia and the British government, represented by UK AID.

"We are pleased that the FLEGT-VPA has been signed because it will help enhance the growth of forestry management in Indonesia," said Diah Raharjo.

From the industry`s perspective, the agreement reflects Indonesia`s progress in entering the European market, according to Sinarmas` Director Sandrawati Wibowo.

"We are pleased that Indonesia`s timber is being recognized by the European economic community," she noted. 

Potocnik also expressed happiness that Indonesia and the EU have finally agreed to fight illegal logging and its trade.

"This agreement is good for the environment and good for responsible business," said the EU`s Environment Commissioner.

Hoping that the agreement will be implemented smoothly and successfully, EU President Mazuronis said the signing of the agreement had marked a new and significant chapter in the relationship between Indonesia and the EU. 

For Minister Zulkifli Hasan, the agreement is a breakthrough and has signaled strategic cooperation between producing and consuming countries, particularly between Indonesia and the EU.

"This agreement demonstrates that both parties do not tolerate illegal logging or an illegal timber trade. It also reflects our mutual commitment to timber trade that is guaranteed by legal certification," the minister added. 

Following the signing of the agreement, Indonesia and the EU will begin the ratification process for its implementation. 

Indonesian Ambassador to Belgium and the EU Arif Havaz Oegroseno hailed the signing of the agreement, which has taken seven years. He hopes the agreement will be ratified by April 2014.

Indonesia`s timber must comply with EU Timber Regulation No. 995/2010, which bans illegal timber products from entering the EU`s markets, once the agreement is fully implemented. 

Indonesia is Asia`s leading exporter of timber to Europe, with Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, and Italy as its main destinations.

The EU imported $1.2 billion worth of timber and paper from Indonesia in 2010, about 15 percent of the country`s total exports in the forestry sector.

Minister Hasan, before leaving for Brussels last month, said the agreement was expected to contribute to the government program to eradicate illegal logging in the country.

Timber-importing countries, however, should fully accept Indonesian timber products that bear a legal certificate without restriction, he remarked.

Consumer countries are expected to refuse the import of illegal timber products, he added.

"It would be unfair if consumer countries continued to import illegal timber products when we have worked so hard to eradicate illegal logging," he explained.

Indonesia has already signed the TLVS agreement with several other countries such as the United States and Australia.

Earlier, the minister had claimed that Indonesia was ready to enter the global market with the application of the TLVS.

The TLVS certificate, which has been translated into 22 languages in the EU, indicates that the timber products were made from legally harvested logs.

The minister said last year that Indonesia had shipped timber with a V-Legal certificate to eight EU member countries to test the credibility of the system.

"Therefore, I think it is right to say that Indonesia is absolutely ready to enter the global market with its legal timber products," he stated.

KEHATI`s Executive Director MS Sembiring pointed out that most of Indonesia`s timber and furniture, which are exported, come from small and medium-scale enterprises. Therefore, the MFP-KEHATI is focused on assisting small-scale businesses, added Sembiring.

Sembiring hopes that the VPA will be implemented smoothly and that the civil society will help monitor the implementation for optimal results. 

The biggest challenge for Indonesia now is to help small-scale businesses to integrate with the system, he noted. 

Sources : Antara

Read More..

Jakarta index up

The composite share price index of the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) rose in Friday`s morning session to follow the trend in the regional markets. 

The index rose 28.56 points or 0.71 percent to 4,033.33 with the index of 45 most liquid stocks (LQ45) up 1.08 percent to 687.96 points.

"Asian markets have continued with the rising trend since yesterday boosted by commitment announced by European Central Bank (ECB)to curb increase in yields of bonds issued by European Union countries," Christine Salim, analyst from Samuel Sekuritas, said. 

Positive sentiment also came from US economic data showing better than expected progress made in coping with unemployment and durable goods orders, Christine said here today. 

Meanwhile, market players are expecting first half of the year financial reports of issuers such as Astra International (ASII), the country`s largest automotive company and Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI) second largest lender to be relatively in line with estimate .

"A number of banking, automotive and crude palm oil stocks are expected to strengthen after past week correction," she said. 

Panin Sekuritas analyst Purwoko Sartono said the index tended to strengthen driven by expectation of improved financial reports of most issuers for the first half of the year. 

"Market players will be prompted into buying action anticipating good financial reports," Purwoko said. 

He recommended buying of a number of potential gainers like Garuda Indonesia (GIAA), Surya Semesta Internusa (SSIA), Gudang Garam (GGRM), Bank Negara Indonesia (BBNI), Bhakti Investama (BHIT).

Regio9nal markets reporting rise in index included Hang Seng up 1.92 percent to 19,255.65, Nikkei-225 up1.41 percent to 8,561.98 and Straits Times up 0.32 percent to 3,013.83 points.

Jakarta index extends gains

The Jakarta composite share price index continued to gain closing 31.61 points or 0.70 percent higher at 4,578.18 points on Monday.

The index of the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) rose on market players buying more than selling shares especially shares of consumer goods companies.

The index of 45 most liquid stock rose 0.79 percent to the level of 773.75 points. 

"The increase in the consumption shares bought by investors followed growing strength of rupiah that contributes to purchasing power of consumers," Kresna Graha Sekurindo`s analyst Ryya Rusdiana Putra said. 

Gudang Garam the cigarette maker led an increase in the price of consumption shares after the cancellation of plan to raise tobacco excise tax next year. 

Etta Rusdiana Putra said the rise in the BEI index was also attributable to domestic sentiment such as inflation that has returned to a normal level in September, and positive global sentiment. 

"The pressure on global market has been lifted after the US agreement to raise its debt ceiling saving the wolrd`s largest economy from default and stronger growth of 7.8 percent recorded by China in the third quarter," she said. 

Trade on Monday on the BEI recorded 151,765 transactions with 4.113 billion shares worth Rp5.111 trillion changing hands. 

Gainers outnumbered decliners by 162 to 104 with 116 shares flat. 

Regional market such as Hang Seng recorded a 0.42 percent increase in index to 23,438.15 points with Nikkei-225 index up 0.91 percent to 14,693.57 points and that of Straits Times gaining 0.09 percent to 3,195.76 points.

Sources : Antara

Read More..

Indonesia, S. Korea agree to sign currency swap deal

Indonesia and South Korea have agreed to sign Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement (BCSA) worth US$10 billion or around Rp115 trillion which is effective for three years.

"The Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement is aimed at promoting bilateral trade and strengthening beneficial financial cooperation between the two countries," Executive Director of Bank Indonesia`s Communication Department Difi Johansyah said here on Sunday.

Bank Indonesia and Bank of Korea believed that the agreement, which was signed on Saturday, would contribute positively to the regional financial market, and to strengthen bilateral economic as well as financial cooperation amidst the global economic uncertainty.

Earlier, on October 1, 2013, the Indonesian central bank, Bank Indonesia (BI), and its counterpart, Chinese Central Bank, extended their Bilateral Swap Agreement (BSA) which they signed in 2009 in an effort to reinforce their countries` financial systems.

"The document for the extension of the agreement was signed yesterday evening," BI Deputy Governor Perry Wirjiyo said on the sidelines of a working meeting with the House Budgetary Body.

He added that the extension of the BSA worth US$15 billion was a follow-up step taken by BI to guarantee available foreign exchange reserves for partner countries, particularly when reserves are needed quickly.

BI had previously also signed a BSA extension with the Bank of Japan. The agreed value in the BAS was US$12 billion, which went into effect on August 31, 2013.

By signing currency swap agreements with the three economic partner countries, the government has received commitment worth US$37 billion for protecting the resilience of foreign exchange reserves.

The government has also had standby loan worth US$5.5 billion from multilateral partners to maintain the economic growth rate and macro economic stability comprehensively.

Sources

Read More..

Indonesia needs to change production, consumption patterns: WWF

Indonesia should make changes in production and consumption patterns to avoid an ecological crisis in 2016, according to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia.

"It is absolutely necessary for us to make a change in the patterns of production and consumption," CEO WWF Indonesia Efransjah said in a written statement made available to ANTARA here on Saturday.

He noted that if Indonesia failed to make the required changes, there would be an ecological crisis in 2016, limiting Earth's capacity to meet the needs of human consumption. Changes are needed to preserve sustainable development and to realize equitable economic growth, he said.

Efransjah said that WWF Indonesia has been working to transform the production and consumption patterns for wood products, oil palms, seafood, and energy efficiency, among other areas.

As was reported earlier, the Ministry of Environment and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) have agreed to the implementation of the "Ten Years Sustainable Consumption and Production Initiative."

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya said all stakeholders should play an active role in the implementation of this initiative.

"With regard to Kadin, the business world should certainly become the main partner of the government in advancing sustainable consumption and production," the minister said.

Sources

Read More..

Indonesia serious about advancing prosperity in Papua

The Government of Indonesia is fully aware of the problems existing in its easternmost province of Papua and has taken steps to reduce the gap and eliminate the feelings of injustice felt by the residents of the province.

The scarcely populated regions in the province do not seem to be at par with the rest of the country in terms of economic and social development, but the government is serious about advancing prosperity there.

During a joint press conference held with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott at the Merdeka Palace on Monday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stated that the government was sincere and serious about advancing prosperity in Papua.

"To the Australian Prime Minister, I say that the Indonesian policy to manage Papua is very clear, for we take the approach of welfare, justice and democracy," the President said.

The head of state further pointed out that Papua was the region to which the highest development funds had been allocated in Indonesia, although there were local and structural problems that had to be managed well.

"Indonesia is a democratic country, and the problems in Papua are part of democracy because the region is an integral part of Indonesia. Indonesia`s sovereignty covers Papua as well," Yudhoyono noted.

On the occasion, Yudhoyono also extended his gratitude for the Australian government`s statement regarding the country`s respect for Indonesia`s sovereignty.

"One thing is clear that Indonesia will take full responsibility to overcome the problems in Papua properly and wisely," he went on.

Meanwhile, the Australian Prime Minister also appeased Indonesian sensitivities by taking an unusually tough line against protesters in Australia agitating for independence of the Indonesian territory of Papua.

"The government of Australia takes a very dim view... of anyone seeking to use our country as a platform for grandstanding against Indonesia. We will do everything that we possibly can to discourage this and prevent this," Abbott said.

He also the admired Indonesian Government`s efforts to improve the autonomy and life of the people of West Papua.

The Australian Prime Minister stated that he believed that the people in West Papua could lead a better life and have a better future as an integral part of Indonesian nation.

The people of Papua were yet to enjoy the fruits of development and therefore felt isolated, Velix Wanggai, President Yudhoyono`s special aide for regional development and autonomy had said in August.

He added that the feeling of injustice with regards to economic and social gaps had been further exploited by the outlawed Free Papua Organisation (OPM), which had incited a fight for independence.

According to Wanggai, backwardness, disappointment, and dissatisfaction of the people of Papua had served as ammunition to incite resistance against the government.

However, Marinus Yaung, an international law and political observer at the University of Cenderawasi (Uncen) opined that a peaceful dialogue between Papua and Jakarta was the best possible solution for the problems of Papua.

"We agree that Papua-Jakarta Dialogue will help solve the problem in Papua," Yaung said in Jayapura recently.

He noted that the problem in Papua was not limited to economic and social development; but was a political problem that had to be solved through peaceful dialogue with Jakarta.

Meanwhile, a hearing of the People`s Assemblies of Papua`s two provinces--Papua and West Papua--at the end of July had indicated that the majority of people in Papua were in favor of a dialogue.

Therefore, the Director of the Democracy Alliance for Papua (ALDP) Latifah Anum Siregar said that all stakeholders in the region should support the Papua People`s Assembly (MRP) in recommending a Papua-Jakarta dialogue immediately.

"The regional administrations of Papua and West Papua, the regional legislative assemblies, and people of the two provinces should support MRP`s recommendations," added Siregar.

Meanwhile, Manokwari-based Institute of Research, Analysis and Development for Legal Aid (LP3BH) Director Yan Christian Warinussy had noted in August that the Papuan people had repeatedly urged Jakarta to open a peaceful, neutral and transparent dialog, facilitated by a third party in a neutral place.

Such a dialog had long been called for, but the Papua People`s Council (MRP) and West Papua People`s Council (MRPB) had only shown appreciation for the call and given their recommendations now, he said.

"Therefore, LP3BH of Manokwari, which serves as an advocate for human rights in Papua, had urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono not to close the door for a proposed Papua-Jakarta dialog in 2013," Warinussy stated.

He said the proposed dialog should be held immediately, adding there was no reason for a delay.

Warinussy further stated that so far no response or appreciation had been shown despite the offer to facilitate a dialog with a system universally acceptable by the Papua Peace Networks.

As a result of the hearings held by official institutions, such as the MRP and MRPB, Jakarta was expected to react favorably to a proposed Papua-Jakarta dialog before the general elections in 2014, he added.

"A Papua-Jakarta dialog should be held to honor the aspirations of the 99 percent majority of the Papuan people," he pointed out.

The MRP-MRPB hearing, which evaluated the implementation of the Law on Special Autonomy in the two provinces, had issued a number of recommendations including the holding of a Papua-Jakarta Dialog.

Supporters of the move are being drawn from youth organizations in Papua for immediate implementation of the proposed dialog.

Sources

Read More..

Indonesia-Nigeria discuss strengthening of trade cooperation

Indonesian and Nigerian trade ministers with their respective delegation in a bilateral meeting in Abuja discussed the spirit of strengthening trade and investment cooperation between the two countries on Saturday.

During the meeting at Hilton Hotel, Indonesia Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan was accompanied by the Head of Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Muhammad Chatib Basri and several business makers.

While the Nigerian delegation was made up of the Trade and Investment Minister Olusegun Aganga Olutoyin and a number of businessmen and representatives of Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Besides the cooperation, several other issues will also be discussed in the bilateral meeting.

For Indonesia, the crucial issues are about Regulation of Nigeria Finance Ministry about the ban of imports and absolute import list, include 109 products and 22 product groups, as well as issues related to the challenges of investment and agricultural cooperation.

Related to the regulation of import ban list that also inhibits a number of Indonesia`s export products, Nigeria should review the regulations in line with the provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Indonesia also encouraged Nigeria to freed the import ban on potential Indonesian products such as textiles and textile products, footwear, furniture, pharmaceuticals, and household items.

Both minister attended business forum which is filled with the business matching of both country major businessman.

Among the businessmen in attendance was President Director of Garuda Indonesia Emirsyah Satar, President Director of PT GMF AeroAsia Richard Budihadianto, Chairman of Chamber of Commerce and Industry African Commission Mintardjo Halim, Chairman of Indofood in Nigeria Adhi Narto, Alhaji Barau Mangal (Max Air Ltd), Tonny ezzena (Orange Drugs Ltd.), Herbert A. Ajayi (NACCIMA), and B. Jamodu Kolawole (Nigeria Manufacturing Association).

Indonesia`s import rate of Nigeria increasing with the average growth per year reach 21 percent, but bilateral trade between Indonesia and Nigeria is deficit due to the value of mineral fuel imports reached 2.37 billion US dollars in 2012.

Besides mineral fuels, Indonesia also imports non-oil products to Nigeria such as cotton, aluminum tin black, red leather, paperboard, articles of wood, Machinery and mechanical appliances, coffee, tea, spices and soap and cleaning preparations.

Sources

Read More..

Indonesia, S. Korea expected to complete CEPA negotiations soon

Gita Wirjawan.

Indonesia and South Korea are seeking to sign a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will soon pave the way for the two countries to enhance bilateral cooperation.

"We hope that negotiations on CEPA can be completed as scheduled since both countries have agreed to several things," Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said after holding bilateral talks with the South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Yoon Sang-jick on Sunday night.

At the meeting, Yoon Sang-jick praised the Indonesian government for paying more attention to the importance of CEPA for the two countries, Wirjawan said.

Yoon Sang-jick will also unveil investment sectors at the Indonesia-Korea Business Investment Luncheon Meeting, which will be held during the South Korean president`s visit to Jakarta on October 11 and 12, he added.

"The Korean government will also encourage Korean companies engaged in the electronic and petrochemical industry (Lotte Chemicals) and automotive industry (Hyundai) to invest in Indonesia," he said.

Trade between the two countries has exhibited an upward trend since 2008. During the past five years, trade between the two countries has always favored Indonesia. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$26.9 billion in 2012, with Indonesia enjoying a surplus of US$3.1 billion.

Indonesia`s exports to South Korea during the first half of 2013 touched US$5.8 billion, while its imports from the East Asian country were pegged at US$6.1 billion.

Sources

Read More..

Indonesian president to attend ASEAN summit in Brunei

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the company of First Lady Ani Yudhoyono left Bali on Wednesday for Brunei Darussalam to attend the 23rd ASEAN Summit.

Boarding special presidential aircraft Boeing 737-800 of Garuda Indonesia, the Indonesian head of state and his entourage left Denpasar`s Ngurah Rai International Airport at 7 am local time.

President Yudhoyono will be in Brunei Darussalam from October 9 to 10 to attend a series of the 23rd ASEAN Summit.

On the first day, the president is scheduled to attend among other things the 16th ASEAN-Japan Summit, 16th ASEAN-Korea Summit, and ASEAN-US Summit.

Then on the second day, President Yudhoyono will attend ASEAN+3 Summit, the 11th East Asia Summit, the 11th ASEAN-India Bilateral Meeting, and the 5th ASEAN-UN Bilateral Meeting.

The 23rd ASEAN Summit will be closed with the handover of ASEAN chairmanship from Brunei Darussalam to Myanmar as ASEAN chairman for the first time. 

Sources

Read More..

RI`s cultural heritage prone to claim by others

"Actually, it will not pose a problem if other countries seek permission before imbibing our cultures and do not claim them as their own," said Surahno, coordinator of the National Team for the Handling of Intellectual Property Rights Violations 

Indonesia`s cultural heritage is prone to claim by other countries because the draft law on Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expression, which could protect the country`s cultural heritage, has not been endorsed yet.

The Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, which constitutes the country`s intellectual property rights institution, is unable to do anything to protect the country`s cultural heritage because of the absence of the law.

"Actually, it will not pose a problem if other countries seek permission before imbibing our cultures and do not claim them as their own. Yet, if there is a country which claims them, our institution will not be able to protect them," said Surahno, coordinator of the National Team for the Handling of Intellectual Property Rights Violations, during a workshop on intellectual property rights here on Wednesday.

Surahno said the draft law on Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expression (PTEG) had been drafted five years ago. A total of 24 meetings had been held by 167 member countries of the World Intellectual Property Rights Organisation (WIPO) but there have been no outcomes.

"To protect communal properties, we have proposed international legal protection to protect bio-diversity resources, cultures and others. However, the proposal has yet to be approved. Advanced countries such as the United States and those in Europe have rejected it because they do not have details about the sources," he said.

Sources

Read More..

Indonesia reiterates need for greater connectivity at ASEAN Summit

"It is in line with the APEC Summit. Indonesia wants greater connectivity among ASEAN countries, as well as between ASEAN countries and their strategic partners," presidential special aide for economic and development affairs Firmanzah said.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be reiterating the need for connectivity at the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit being held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on Wednesday.

Presidential special aide for economic and development affairs Firmanzah said on the sidelines of the Summit that Indonesia had earlier conveyed the idea at the recently concluded Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bali.

"It is in line with the APEC Summit. Indonesia wants greater connectivity among ASEAN countries, as well as between ASEAN countries and their strategic partners," he noted.

Firmanzah pointed out that this position had also been conveyed during bilateral meetings between ASEAN and Japan and ASEAN and Korea.

He added that connectivity was needed to boost the region`s economy. It will also support the creation of an ASEAN Community by 2015, Firmanzah said.

He however said that the framework for cooperation in infrastructure development, aimed at reducing the gap between countries was yet to be discussed further.

While leading the APEC Summit in Bali on Tuesday, President Yudhoyono had also encouraged a discussion on connectivity among countries in the APEC region, as well as with non-APEC countries.

A number of meeting agendas were set on Wednesday, including the ASEAN Summit, as well as the bilateral summit between ASEAN and Japan, ASEAN and Korea, ASEAN and China and ASEAN and the US.

Sources

Read More..

Not time yet for Jokowi to be presidential candidate

Joko Widodo.

This is not the right time for Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to be nominated as a presidential candidate, according to a political observer.

"To prove his ability to overcome complex problems, he (Jokowi) should concentrate on his present position and finish his term of office as Jakarta governor first," said Prof. Rubijanto Misman, from the Jenderal Sudirman University (Unsoed), here on Monday.

He stated that Jokowi could pass the test by turning Jakarta into a better place than what it was at present.

However, Rubijanto continued, there was nothing wrong with calls for the Jakarta governor to nominate himself as a presidential candidate for next year`s presidential race.

"Although surveys show that he is still the country`s favorite political figure, I think it will be a pity if he runs for president so soon. Let him first successfully tackle the complex challenges facing Jakarta. The problems faced by a President are far more difficult," he pointed out.

Rubijanto, who is also a former rector of Unsoed, said Jokowi must first establish a good track record in Jakarta before moving on to bigger things.

"For him to be President of the country, the time must be ripe like a fruit ripening on a tree and not made ripe by use of carbide," he explained.

Despite admitting that Jokowi has a strong chance of winning the 2014 presidential elections, Rubijanto said it would be better if the Jakarta governor nominated himself as a presidential candidate ahead of the 2019 presidential elections.

"Also, I do not think Jokowi should be nominated as a vice presidential candidate. He has the potential to become a president, and solving the Jakarta problem first will further boost his image later," he said, adding that many Indonesians may not approve of Jokowi being elected as president in 2014 without having solved the problems of Jakarta.

Besides, Rubijanto noted, that Jokowi`s road to the presidency would be smoother if the former Solo city mayor successfully completed his term of his office as Jakarta governor.

"Hopefully, we will find the right presidential candidate for next year`s presidential elections, who can serve the country for five years. In time, I believe support for Jokowi will get even stronger. But I can never be too sure because politics is dynamic and things can change very fast. If Jokowi is really needed now, it is still OK," he added.

Sources

Read More..

109 Indonesians repatriated from Syria

About 109 Indonesians residing in Damascus, Syria, were evacuated to Lebanon last Friday following tension in Syria.

"They will stay in Indonesian Embassy in Lebanon for a while waiting to be sent back to Indonesia," Director of Information and Media from Foreign Affairs Ministry PLE Priatna said in a press release received on Saturday.

Recent repatriation is the third so far in 2013. About 302 Indonesians have been repatriated from Syria this year.

"354 more Indonesians are still waiting for their documents to be ready. We have targeted to repatriate 400 people in January," he added.

Earlier Indonesian Ambassador to Syria Wahib Abdul Jawad stated the embassy will enhance repatriation process of Indoesians from Damascus. 

Sources

Read More..

Indonesia asks UNSC resolve Syrian crisis

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the permanent member states of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to quickly resolve the crisis in Syria.

"President Yudhoyono has sent a letter to the UNSC permanent member states and asked them to overcome the Syrian crisis as soon as possible, presidential special staff for international relations Teuku Faizasyah said here on Thursday evening.

On his Twitter account on Thursday evening, President Yudhohono also said he has sent the letter.

"Seeing the worsening situation in Syria, the Indonesian president has sent a letter to the UNSC member states and asked them to do something about it," Yudhoyono said on his Twitter.

As the security situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, the number of refugees pouring across its borders into neighboring countries is increasing.

Over one million refugees have fled Syria into neighboring countries, and around 8,000 are leaving the country every day.

The UN estimates that a million Syrian refugees now need help, 80 percent of them women and children.

Some of the refugees have lost homes and family members in the conflict.

Therefore President Yudhoyono said it was time for the UN Security Council to make a collective act to resolve the conflict in Syria.

Yudhoyono also asked the UN Security Council and five of its members that have the veto power to provide a political solution for the Syrian people affected by the conflict. 

Sources

Read More..

Yudhoyono hopes Geneva conference to end Syria conflict

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed his hope that the Geneva Conference, which will be participated in by warring parties in Syria conflict, could produce solution to end the country`s civil war.

"On this occasion of Isra Mi`raj (Prophet Muhammad journey to the sky) celebration, lets we pray together that the Geneva Meeting which will be held in the near future can be implemented smoothly and result in an everlasting peace for the people of Syria, Lebanon and the whole Muslims all over the world," said Yudhoyono in his speech in the State Palace, here, Friday evening.

Yudhoyono said the condition in Syria is still very tense. He hoped that the conflict would not become a prolonged civil war.

Previously, President Yudhoyono sent letters to several members of the United Nations Security Council to decide resolution to end the Syria conflict.

President`s Special Staff for the International Relations Affair Teuku Faizasyah said the letters were addressed to several permanent members of UN Security Council.

"The letters were addressed to the permanent members of UN Security Council," Faizasyah said.

Yudhoyono as quoted from the social media Twitter said his side had sent a letter to UN Security Council in supporting the immediate resolution to end Syria conflict.

"As the condition in Syria is worsening and could spread to the region in Middle East, the President has sent a letter to the UN Security Council," said the Twitter message.

He added the UN Security Council should conduct collective approach to ease the tension in Syria, particularly to save civilians.

"Yudhoyono also asked five permanent members of the UN Security Council who have veto rights to provide political solutions for Syria," the Twitter message added.

The Syrian Observatory for the opposition side noted, on May 2013 there are at least 82,000 persons died and 12,500 people were vanished in the two years civil war.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Government loyalist data noted that there are 16,729 soldiers and 12,000 militants that supported President Bashar Al Assad were died.

Besides, 2,500 government`s soldiers also disappear and predicted being arrested by the civil rebellions.

Sources

Read More..

Simon of Kernel Oil ready to unveil more graft cases

Simon G Tanjaya, leader of PT Kernel Oil Indonesia is ready to implicate more companies bribing Rudi Rubiandini, the dismissed chief of the Upstream Oil and Gas Regulation (SKK Migas).

Rudi and his golf trainer Deviardi, from whom Rudi received the money, were arrested after caught red handed by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) earlier this month.

Simon, who Devi Ardi said, provided the money, was also arrested later on charge of bribing Rudi via Devi Ardi.

Simon`s lawyer Junimart Girsang said his client is ready to name other companies involved the bribery case .

"Simon wants me to ask KPK to be objective in handling the case. KPK should not continue to attack only Kernel Oil. Other companies should also be involved," Junimart said here on Monday.

He said Widodo Ratanachaithong, the director Kernel Oil Pte Ltd of Singapore asked Simon to give US$300,000 to Devi Ardi.

The money was believed to have been part of the bribe money received by Rudi.

Rudi received US$400,000 more money from Devi Ardi the night they were arrested by KPK at Rudi`s house in Jakarta.

Last week Junimart said the total of US$700,000 given by Kernel Oil via Devi Ardi belonged to Devi Ardi, who entrusted the money earlier to Widodo when they met in Singapore.

Devi Ardi asked Widodo to keep the money for him in Singapore as it would be difficult for him to bring that much cash to Indonesia, Junimart said, quoting his client as telling him.

According to Widodo Kernel Oil had nothing to do with bribing Rudi as the money all belonged to Devi Ardi.

Widodo via Kernel Oil only returned the money as asked by Devi Ardi, Junimart said.

Sources

Read More..

Australia Spares No Mercy For Asylum Seekers

Indonesian military evacuated bodies of refugees killed in boat sinking in Indonesian waters

In Indonesia, there is an old saying expressing one`s love of country, regardless of problems.  As the saying goes, "It is better to live in our own country, although there is rain of rocks, than in another country, even though it has rain of gold".

But, in countries which are in turmoil or embroiled in war, many people have no choice but to leave their countries
to live elsewhere, as they seek normal lives. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were 15.4 million refugees worldwide as of the end of 2012.

During the year, conflicts and persecution forced an average of 23,000 persons per day to leave their homes and seek protection elsewhere, either within the borders of their countries or in other countries.

Last year, 46 percent of those listed as refugees were under 18 years old. This was similar to 2011, but higher than a few years ago. Further, women and girls accounted for 48 percent of the refugee population.

Australia has become a favored destination for Asian immigrants seeking a better life, particularly those from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and Iran.

The majority have attempted to enter Australia illegally by boat, resulting in hundreds dying because their overcrowded boats capsized in rough waters, including in the Indonesian maritime territories which share a border with Australia.

Indonesia is known as a transit country for asylum seekers and refugees heading to Australia. This year, the number of registered asylum seekers and refugees entering Indonesia increased from 7,945 in 2012 to about 10,340, said Mitra Salima from the office of the UNCR Jakarta office recently.

"Until June 2013 there were 8,262 asylum seekers and 2,078 refugees in Indonesia. The cumulative number of asylum seekers and refugees is increasing, compared to last year`s 7,945 people," she said.

Registered asylum seekers came from Afghanistan (46 percent), Iran (12 percent) and Myanmar (10 percent), while unregistered refugees originated in Afghanistan (42 percent), Myanmar (15 percent) and Somalia (13 percent), he said.

Having a population of around 245 million people, Indonesia is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, so the country has not agreed to be obligated to permanently accommodate refugees.

Although it is not a signatory country, Indonesia has been busy processing thousands of refugees and asylum seekers entering its territory illegally before proceeding to third countries, particularly Australia, by boat. Many of them, however, failed to reach their hoped-for destination as they lost their lives in rough seas. According to media reports quoting Australian sources, more than 15,000 asylum seekers have arrived by boat on Australian territory this year. Since 2001, however, some 1,000 people have died making the crossing.

Another deadly sea mishap occurred on July 23, 2013, when a tugboat carrying more than 200 refugees sank off the coast of West Java`s district of Cianjur, en route to Christmas Island Australia.

Indonesian authorities rescued 202 survivors and recovered 16 dead bodies from the accident site. Following the incident, Indonesian police arrested four men for trying to smuggle out the ill-fated boat`s passengers including women and children from Iran, Iraq and Sri Lanka, to Christmas Island, Australia.

A couple of days after the deadly accident, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono reportedly received a telephone call from, and began discussions with, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd regarding cooperation on stopping trans-boundary human crimes, particularly human smuggling.

Teuku Faizasyah, the special presidential staff member for international relations, said in a press statement that the president received the telephone call from Rudd on July 25, 2013.

"During the telephone conversation, both sides discussed bilateral cooperation in the handling of trans-boundary crimes, particularly human smuggling," he said.

But, media did not mention whether the two leaders expressed their condolences or sympathies to the refugee families who lost their relatives in the sea mishap.

So far, there has been hardly news about leaders offering their sentiments for refugees or asylum-seekers who died in rough seas. In fact, Australia and Indonesia signed a bilateral treaty in 2006 which specifically referred to co-operation on transnational crimes, such as smuggling people.

The Indonesian government passed laws in 2011 declaring the smuggling of people to be a crime, with sentences of five to 15 years in prison for people found guilty. In addition to the treaty with Indonesia, Australia`s Prime

Minister Rudd and his Papua New Guinea (PNG) counterpart, Peter O`Neill, on July 19, 2013 signed the Regional Settlement Arrangement in the Australian city of Brisbane as part of the new hard-line policy.
Under the new policy, boat-people headed to Australia will have their claims processed by PNG, and be resettled permanently in PNG if successful.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the arrangement would send "a very clear message to people-smugglers to stop sending people by boat to Australia".

"As of today, asylum seekers who come here by boat without a visa will never be settled in Australia. Under the new arrangement signed with Papua New Guinea today - the Regional Settlement Arrangement - unauthorised arrivals will be sent to Papua New Guinea for assessment and, if found to be a refugee, will be settled there," Rudd said in a
joint press release with the PNG prime minister.

"Australians have had enough of seeing people drowning in the waters to our north. Our country has had enough of people smugglers exploiting asylum seekers and seeing them drown on the high seas.

We are sick of watching our servicemen and women risking their lives in rescues in dangerous conditions on the high seas," he said.

However, critics have accused Australia of avoiding responsibility and passing on its problem to a developing nation.
The BBC reported recently that the UN High Commission for Refugees said there were "significant shortcomings" in PNG`s legal system for processing asylum seekers.

"Australia`s Regional Resettlement Arrangement (RRA) with the Government of PNG raises serious, and so far unanswered, protection questions," the UNHCR said in its first review of Australia`s new policy.

"UNHCR is troubled by the current absence of adequate protection standards and safeguards for asylum seekers and refugees in Papua New Guinea," it said.

Speaking during the Special Conference on the Irregular Movement of Persons organized by the Indonesia government on August 20, 2013, UNHCR`s Director of International Protection, Volker Turk, in fact urged that "Opportunities for legal channels of migration should be encouraged. Capacity should be built to promote timely search and rescue operations to reduce loss of life at sea."

Amnesty International (AI) has expressed its objection to this new policy, saying that the policy flouts key articles of the Refugee Convention, including Article 31, which forbids discrimination against asylum seekers due to how they arrive in a country.

Although asylum seekers will be sent to PNG within weeks, no facilities have yet been built, no staff trained and no health or education provided in PNG to ensure that the rights of the asylum seekers are upheld, AI said in a statement on July 25, 2013. This "cart before the horse" approach seriously risks abusing the rights of asylum seekers under numerous international human rights laws, it added.

Sources

Read More..

Dahlan Iskan wants to improve democrat party

Dahlan Iskan.

State-owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan has said he wanted to improve Democrat party from its negative image if he is permitted to do so.

"Democrat, a middle party, is now corrupt but it can be improved. I will improve it if I am permitted to do so," Dahlan said here on Sunday.

Dahlan made the statement in response to a question on the negative image of Democrat in relation with corruption issue which involved a number of party`s former caretakers.

The minister in Jakarta on Thursday announced his willingness to

participate in the Democrat Party presidential candidate convention, but he said he was simply waiting for the official announcement.

"This time, I guess I cannot avoid the question on the Democratic Party convention. This time, I have to talk about it," he said.

Dahlan remarked that he had sent a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono a few months ago as part of his application to join the upcoming convention.

Earlier, on Wednesday night, the Democratic Party Convention Committee announced the names of 18 nominees who will participate in the presidential candidate convention.

In addition to Dahlan, the other nominees include Gita Wirjawan, Dino Patti Djalal, Vice President Boediono, Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, Head of East Kutai District Isran Noor, and House of Representatives` Speaker Marzuki Alie.

Until recently, Dahlan has always avoided answering questions on his readiness to compete in the Democratic Party convention.

He had previously stated that he did not want to compete in the convention or was waiting for destiny to call.

With the presidential candidate convention around the corner, Dahlan admitted that he was still waiting for the committee`s official announcement on whether he was qualified to participate.

Sources

Read More..

Sorghum planting movement in Belu successful

Sorghum planting movement initiated by State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan early 2013 on 200 hectares of land in Atambua, Belu district, East Nusa Tenggara province, have been successfully harvested.

Speaking at the harvest event in Atambua on Saturday, Dahlan said the sorghum planting movement as part of Environmental Partnership Programs and Community Development (PKBL) could increase local people`s food resources.

The minister noted that with the successful harvest in Atambua, PT Bogasari Flour Mills company was ready to buy the sorghum flour from there, no matter how much it is.

It may sound exaggerating but Dahlan said, "Even the sorghum flower in Belu is as high as a mountain, PT Bogasari and other flour mill companies are ready to buy it."

He noted that Atambua has barren land, which is unsuitable for growing rice and corn but is good for growing sorghum. In fact, sorghum grows well in arid and dry areas because of its adaptation to extreme weather conditions.

The minister explained that sorghum that is planted on 200 hectares of land can feed a thousand households.

He pointed out that besides the seeds, the stalks of the plant can be harvested and crushed like sugar cane to produce sorghum syrup.

Dahlan added that the State Enterprises Ministry is training about 40 students in vocational high schools in the East Nusa Tenggara provincial city of Kupang to come up with a sorghum pressing machine.

According to Belu district head Joachim Lopez, the sorghum planting movement was part of effort to make the district the nation`s sorghum producing center.

"State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan has become the motivator who challenges Belu district government and the farmers to cultivate sorghum in the area," Lopez said.

He noted that for the first phase, sorghum was planted on 200 hectares of land in Weliman and Wewiku sub-districts, and would soon be developed as well in the districts of Timor Tengah Selatan and Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara.

"Dahlan has asked the farmers in Belu to support their food security by developing sorghum in an effort to reduce their dependence on government," Lopez said.

To reduce Indonesia`s dependence on imported wheat, the country should now start to think of cultivating sorghum as an alternative staple diet.

As one of the top cereal crops along with wheat, corn, rice, and barley, sorghum has been in use as staple diet in much of the developing world.

Sorghum is very high in fiber, iron, and protein, and is extremely drought tolerant.

Therefore, State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan has expressed hope that sorghum can be planted all over the country to reduce dependence on rice and imported wheat.

Now sorghum is being cultivated in a number of districts including Belu in East Nusa Tenggara, Bantul in Yogyakarta, South Lampung in Lampung, and Mukomuko in Bengkulu.

Meanwhile, Bantul district department of agriculture and forestry in Yogyakarta special province also plans to plant sorghum on 400 hectares of land this year.

"The Ministry of Agriculture will this year provide Bantul district with funds to develop sorghum on 400 hectares of land as a follow up to 2012 program of 50 hectares," local agriculture and forestry department chief Edy Suhariyanta has said in Bantul.

Edy noted that sorghum was a food crop commodity and therefore there would be an addition of 400 hectares of land for farmers to plant it.

"Each group of farmers will get Rp2.5 million to open new land and to procure fertilizer and sorghum seeds," Edy said, adding that idle and half idle lands in the district would be developed for sorghum plantation area.

"The local agriculture department has explained that the sorghum planting program will be implemented only in Bantul district because the similar program in Gunung Kidul district in 2010 was not effectively realized," he went on.

Further, he said Bantul has wide idle areas in the villages of Poncosari, Srandakan, Sedayu, Bambanglipuro, Pleret, Imogiri and Pajangan where sorghum plantation could be developed.

Meanwhile, the farmers in Lampung Selatan district, Lampung province, are also developing sweet sorghum, another type of sorghum for the raw material of bio-ethanol and the manufacture of syrup.

"This type of sorghum grows well in Lampung Selatan district and the farmers are now harvesting it," local farmers association spokesman Sutono said in the provincial city of Bandarlampung recently.

He pointed out that besides the seeds, the stalks of the plant can be harvested and crushed like sugar cane to produce sorghum syrup.

"The stalks of sorghum are used not only for the raw material of bio-ethanol but also to produce syrup because the sugar content is high enough," Sutono said, adding that sorghum can be harvested three times with the production of around 430 ton per hectare per year.

In addition, the Mukomuko district government in Bengkulu province will this year develop sorghum cultivation pilot project as a food source besides rice, corn, and wheat.

"The idea of cultivating sorghum has been in our mind for a long time but the implementation will start soon this year," Mukomuko plantation, animal husbandry and agriculture department spokesman Sunandi has said.

He noted that besides sorghum, other grain crops would also be developed in Mukumuko district as one of alternative diet besides rice and corn.

On a separate occasion in October last year, the state enterprises minister said Indonesia imported 7 million tons of wheat per year because the demand for the commodity continued to increase.

He noted that with a population of about 240 million, Indonesia was listed as the world`s second biggest wheat importer next to Egypt.

"Therefore, we will plant sorghum because we have many unemployed sorghum experts," Dahlan said.

According to him, the government wanted to develop sorghum plantations after state-owned company PT Hijau Lestari in West Java has successfully developed the commodity in the province. 

 

Sources

Read More..

Prices of Indonesian shrimp surge

The prices of Indonesian shrimps almost doubled in August in the country to follow the trend in the world market and the falling value of rupiah.

The prices of that commodity has increased in the world market on shortfall in supply as a result of harvest failure in a number of major shrimp producing countries, the Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI) said.

Chairman of the eastern Indonesia SCI H. Hasanuddin Atjo said the price of the farmed shrimps of the Windu and Vaname types in East Java reached Rp75,000 to Rp90,000 per kilogram depending on the size.

The prices from the farms are Rp75,000 per kg for smaller ones (70 shrimps per kg) and Rp86,000 per kg for medium size (50 shrimps per kg) and Rp49,000 for bigger one (40 shrimps per kg).

"The prices are almost twice higher than an average of Rp48,000 per kg last year," Atjo, who is head of the Central Sulawesi maritime and fishery service, said here on Sunday.

Atjo has a shrimp breeding farm with a production of 153 tons in a harvest per hectare in the regency of Baru, South Sulawesi.

He said the prices of shrimps climbed as world`s major shrimp producers like China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Mexico suffered harvest failure as a result of the outbreak of EMS (early mortality syndromes) pest.

The attacks of the pest resulted in dwindling world stocks while major world consumers like the United States , the European Union and Japan restricted imports of shrimps from the countries known to have been hit by the disease.

The falling value of rupiah against the US dollar now weakening to the level of 11,000 per dollar also contributed to the rise in the prices of shrimp in the country.

Shrimp producers in the country should take advantage of the condition in the world market as Indonesia is one of a number of major shrimp producers still free from the disease, Atjo said.

In 2012,Indonesia produced 405,000 tons of shrimp and this year the production is forecast to rise to 500 million tons.

Atjo predicted the world`s shrimp breeding industry would recover only in two to three years.

He said in a bid to protect the country from the EMS attacks, the maritime and fishery ministry and SCI have cooperated in tightening control of entry of facilities and infrastructure for fish breeding from countries infested by the EMS and improve the quality of breeder shrimps and socialization of modern and sustainable breeding system among the farmers.

Pilot projects have been opened for modern farming in a number of production centers like East Java, West Java, Banten, North Sumatra, Lampung and South Sulawesi.

Opportunity in Central Sulawesi
Atjo said Central Sulawesi is one of a number of areas having comparative advantages making it potential to become a leading shrimp producer in the country.

The condition of the sea in the Makassar Strait , Tomini bay and Tolo bay and surrounding areas are favorable, he said.

In addition the city of Palu and Bitung have been listed as areas to be developed as special economic zones that will certainly increase the competitiveness of commodities form the region,he said.

In 2013, Central Sulawesi already has surplus of energy reserve which will contribute to faster industrial growth including shrimp breeding industry in the region, he said.

The problem of the region is inadequate infrastructure including roads and clean water, and investment security, he said.

"If conducive climate could be created, Central Sulawesi could grow to become one of the country`s leading shrimp producing regions with production of at least 200,000 tons of shrimps a year," he said.

Sources

Read More..

Poison causes deaths of lions, tiger at Jambi zoo: Consultant

Illustration. African lions (Pantera leo) in the animal museum in Malang, East Java.

The deaths of two African lions and one Sumatran tiger at Jambi`s Taman Rimba Zoo were caused by poisoning, the zoo consultant Wisnu Wardana said.

"The test results reveal that the animals die after they are poisoned," Wisno said when contacted by a cellular phone here on Monday.

He said the incident took place last week but the results of the laboratory test were known only in the last couple of days.

"The animals` samples were taken to Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, to be tested in the laboratory. The test results indicated that the deaths of the rare species were caused by `triegmin` poison," the Jambi zoo consultant said.

Wisnu said that to assure the causes of the deaths of the animals, their samples were then sent to Bogor, West Java, for another test. The results of the Bogor test confirmed the Bukittinggi laboratory test results.

Former head of Jambi`s Nature Conservation Agency (BKSD), Trisiwo Rahardjo said he was socked to hear the deaths of the three animals.

"I cannot make a comment on it. I have no more authority about the matter because I have been rotated from Jambi. However, as a former Jambi BKSDA chief, I express regret on the deaths of two lions and one tiger at Tamban Rimba zoo," Trisiwo said.

He said that animals were sent to Taman Rimba Zoo when he was Jambi`s BKSDA chief. However, he could not comment in the incident.

Two lions respectively named Sirosi and Sonia and one tiger named Piter died in ther cages. Another tiger named Uni is now in critical condition.

Sources

Read More..