“ … Here is another one. A change in what Human nature will allow for government. "Careful, Kryon, don't talk about politics. You'll get in trouble." I won't get in trouble. I'm going to tell you to watch for leadership that cares about you. "You mean politics is going to change?" It already has. It's beginning. Watch for it. You're going to see a total phase-out of old energy dictatorships eventually. The potential is that you're going to see that before 2013.

They're going to fall over, you know, because the energy of the population will not sustain an old energy leader ..."
"Update on Current Events" – Jul 23, 2011 (Kryon channelled by Lee Carroll) - (Subjects: The Humanization of God, Gaia, Shift of Human Consciousness, 2012, Benevolent Design, Financial Institutes (Recession, System to Change ...), Water Cycle (Heat up, Mini Ice Ace, Oceans, Fish, Earthquakes ..), Nuclear Power Revealed, Geothermal Power, Hydro Power, Drinking Water from Seawater, No need for Oil as Much, Middle East in Peace, Persia/Iran Uprising, Muhammad, Israel, DNA, Two Dictators to fall soon, Africa, China, (Old) Souls, Species to go, Whales to Humans, Global Unity,..... etc.)
(Subjects: Who/What is Kryon ?, Egypt Uprising, Iran/Persia Uprising, Peace in Middle East without Israel actively involved, Muhammad, "Conceptual" Youth Revolution, "Conceptual" Managed Business, Internet, Social Media, News Media, Google, Bankers, Global Unity,..... etc.)
.

Monday, November 29, 2010

US partnering with Indonesia to stem deforestation

Antara News, Monday, November 29, 2010

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - USAID is partnering with the government of Indonesia to stem deforestation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support climate change adaptation, according to the US embassy here on its Website.

The USAID Indonesia Forestry and Climate Support (USAID IFACS) project supports the new U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership announced during the recent trip by President Barack Obama.

The USAID IFACS project will reduce the threats of deforestation and climate change, and help the Government of Indonesia to conserve the country`s tropical forests and wildlife (including orangutans).

In doing so, the project will support activities to reduce carbon emissions and soil erosion and increase the availability of clean water. The project will work with Indonesian central, provincial, and local government agencies as well as NGOs, local communities, and the private sector.

This four-year $40 million project is expected to result in a 50 percent reduction in the rate of forest degradation and loss from conversion, illegal extraction, over-harvesting and climate change for six million hectares.

It will improve management of 3.5 million hectares of selected tropical forest to deter illegal logging. Changes in land use practices and improved forestry management will result in a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the targeted areas.

The project provides strong support for Indonesian climate change objectives by supporting Indonesia`s REDD+ National Strategy as well as leveraging Norway`s $1 billion effort to increase forest conservation and reduce carbon emissions in Indonesia.


Related Article:

Kadin hosts EU-Indonesia Business Dialogue

Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 11/29/2010

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and five European business chambers launched the 2-day EU-Indonesia Business Dialogue in Jakarta on Monday to boost trade and investment.

Indonesia and the EU were strategic partners that shared complementary economic interests, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Hatta Rajasa said on Monday.

Senior EU trade relations official Rupert Schlegelmilch said that the EU was Indonesia’s second largest export partner.

“The EU is also a [foreign direct investment] source for Indonesia with around 50 billion euro ($US66.19 billion) and over 700 European companies in the country,” he said.

Leaders of Indonesia companies will meet high-level representatives from European companies to discuss strategic business during the conference.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

RI Software Developers Invited to Help Solve Humanitarian Issues

Antara News, Saturday, November 27, 2010 15:43 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s top software engineers are invited to participate in the the Jakarta-leg of Random Hacks of Kindness global event which is to be hosted by the Australia-Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction on December 4-5, 2010.

A media release from Australian Embassy in its official website said on Saturday that the event would bring together software engineers and disaster management experts for a 48-hour "hackathon."

The participants will create software solutions to improve responses to natural disasters, reduce their impact and help save lives.

Random Hacks of Kindness will take place simultaneously in 20 cities around the world.

The Jakarta event is supported by the Australian Government, Indonesia`s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and DailySocial.net.

Dr Matt Hayne, the Co-Director of the Australia-Indonesia Facility for Disaster Reduction, said he was proud to host the third global "hackathon."

"Indonesia is extremely prone to natural hazards, so this is an important event," Hayne said.

"It will bring together some of Indonesia`s brightest software engineers to help us develop innovative solutions to disaster management problems," he added.

The hackathon concept was developed by Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, NASA and The World Bank.

The first event was held in California in November 2009 and resulted in applications used on the ground during the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.

The winning application from the second hackathon, from Washington D.C, helped engineers visualize landslide-risks to help guide urban and rural planning and development.

To register for the Jakarta-leg of Random Hacks of Kindness visit: http://www.rhok.org/events/rhok-2/.

Related Article:

Seven gas sales contracts signed

Alfian, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Sat, 11/27/2010 12:55 PM

Seven gas sales contracts worth US$1.88 billion were signed Friday, upstream oil and gas regulator BPMigas said.

The total gas volume covered within the seven contracts reached 269.9 trillion British thermal units (BTUs), BPMigas’ chairman R. Priyono said, adding that the gas utilization has been designated for the domestic market, including the power sector, manufacturers and fertilizer and petrochemical producers.

“The agreements are expected to support economic growth in the regions,” Priyono said. Included in the seven contracts was a gas sales agreement between PT Pertamina EP and PT Pertamina Gas, both subsidiaries of state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina.

Under the agreement Pertamina EP will supply 19.5 billion BTUs of gas per day (BBTUD) to Pertamina Gas’ LPG plant in Pondok Tengah, Bekasi, West Java. The contract will last four years starting from 2011. Pertamina EP will also supply 0.5 BBTUD of gas to PT Bumi Wiralodra, a company owned by the Indramayu regency administration. The agreement is for three years and will be effective starting next year.

Domestic oil and gas company Lapindo Brantas also signed two gas sales agreements Friday. The company will supply Sidoarjo regency administration companies Aneka Usaha and PT Petrogas Jatim Utama with two BBTUD of gas each.

The first contract will be effective next year for a period of 10 years, while the second contract is effective as of this year lasting for six years. Three other companies that secured gas agreements on Friday were Kodeco Energy CoM Ltd., Santos Sampang Pty., Ltd, and a consortium of Pearl Oil Sebuku, Total E&P Indonesie, and Inpex. Kodeco extended a contract to supply 6 BBTUD of gas to PT Petrokimia Gresik for three months starting November.

Santos signed a gas sales agreement with PT Indonesia Power, a subsidiary of state power firm PT PLN. Under the agreement, Santos will supply Indonesia Power with 30 BBTUD of gas for six years. The contract will be effective next year. The consortium of Pearl Oil Sebuku, Total E&P Indonesie and Inpex also signed a Head of Agreement (HoA) with fertilizer producer PT Pupuk Kaltim. In the HoA, the consortium will supply 80 BBTUD of gas to Pupuk Kaltim, effective 2012.

The contract will last for 10 years. Domestic gas demand has soared given increasing industrialization.

Although Indonesia’s net gas production is still higher than domestic demand, gas supply for industry remains in deficit because of the lack of transport facilities and receiving infrastructure.

State gas distributor PT PGN estimated that the gas deficit for industry would reach 385 BBTUD this year, and will continue to increase, reaching an estimated 713 BBTUD in 2015. PGN and Pertamina are preparing plans to build several LNG receiving terminals in anticipation of the deficit.

Friday, November 26, 2010

BP awarded exploration block in Indonesia

The Jakarta Post, The Associated Press, London | Fri, 11/26/2010 7:28 PM

BP PLC says it has been awarded an oil and as exploration block in Indonesia and plans to commence seismic operations in the "near future."

The London-based company said Friday that it has received a 100 percent interest in the North Arafura oil and gas production sharing contract in onshore Papua Province.

The block is located on the coast of the Arafura Sea, 480 kilometers (300 miles) southeast of the BP-operated Tangguh plant, covering an area of just over 5,000 square kilometers (1,900 square miles).

BP has over 35 years experience in Indonesia, including its Tangguh LNG operations in Papua Barat province, and is one of the largest foreign investors in the country.

BP shares are down 1.5 percent at 430.75 pence ($6.76) on a lower overall London Stock Exchange.

Bali to build int’l standard hospital

The Jakarta Post | Fri, 11/26/2010 10:52 AM

The Bali administration announced plans to develop an international-standard hospital in Sanur to cater to local and foreign visitors.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika said Thursday that his administration was conducting a comprehensive feasibility study on the construction.

“We have allocated Rp 4 billion [US$446,000] from the 2011 provincial budget to plan and design the project,” he said, adding that an additional Rp 100 billion from the 2012 budget would be used for the construction.

“We expect to complete the project by 2013 when Bali hosts the APEC meeting,” Pastika added.

The hospital, which the administration claims would feature high-tech facilities, would be built on 3.4 hectares in Sanur.

“Bali is an international tourist destination. We have to provide excellent healthcare services for our guests. Visitors may be able to spend their holidays while also having medical check-ups done here,” Pastika said.

There are a number of so-called “international” hospitals in Denpasar despite the Health Ministry’s ban on using the word “international” in the names of the hospitals.

In addition to an international hospital, the local government also announced plans to build another hospital for patients covered by Bali Mandara Healthcare Insurance.

The scheme is a free healthcare program for Balinese residents across all eight regencies and one municipality. The program began in 2009 using Rp 181 billion in funds from the local budget.

The scheme allows residents to get free medical treatment at Denpasar’s Sanglah General Hospital and a number of other hospitals.

Pastika said profits from the operation of the planned international hospital would be used to fund the Bali Mandara hospital.

Karyasa Adnyana, the deputy chairman of the Bali Legislative Council’s Commission IV, said he fully supported the idea of a “cross-subsidy”.

“The development of an international-standard hospital will certainly enhance the image of Bali as a world-class tourist destination. Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia have been doing this for a long time,” he added.

Adnyana said the construction of the two hospitals would be funded by the provincial budget, and that therefore the administration had to be cautious in using public money. “We hope the money is spent in a transparent manner.”

— JP/Ni Komang Erviani

Santos approves $102m Indonesia project

Smh.com.au,  AAP, November 26, 2010 - 3:14PM

Santos Ltd has approved the development of the Wortel gas project in Indonesia for an estimated $US100 million ($A101.91 million).

First gas is expected from the project, offshore from Madura Island in East Java, by the end of 2011.

Wortel will be developed as a tie-back to the existing Oyong oil and gas field, operated by Santos.

Gross production rates from the combined Oyong and Wortel fields are expected to be about 90 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d) at plateau production.

Oyong currently produces about 60 mmscf/d gross of gas and 3,500 barrels per day gross of oil.

Both Wortel and Orong are projects undertaken by the Sampang PSC joint venture, which is 45 per cent held by Santos and 40 per cent by Singapore Petroleum Company, while Cue Energy Resources has the remaining 15 per cent interest.

Shares in Santos were up fove cents at $12.38 at 1458 AEDT while Cue shares were steady at 38 cents.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

US praises how RI handles Merapi eruptions

Antara News, Thursday, November 25, 2010 20:43 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The United States has commended the ways in which Indonesia handled the impacts of the recent Mount Merapi eruptions in one of Central Java`s most densely populated rural areas where a minimum number of casualties occurred.

The praise was given through the head of the US Volcanological Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP) chief, John S Pallister, and US Ambassador to Indonesia Scot Alan Merciel during a meeting with Vice President Boediono here Thursday, said Yopie Hidayat, the vice president`s spokesman.

"The handling (of the impacts) by the government has been rated excellent as thousands of residents around the mountain were saved," Yopie said.

He made the statement to the media after accompanying the vice-president at the meeting with the two US officials. Pallister conducted research on Mt Merapi in 2006.

Yopie quoted Pallister as saying that the efforts of Dr. Surono, head of Indonesia`s Volcanological and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG), in monitoring the volcano`s activities had been very accurate and quick so that the number of casualties could be kept at a minimum.

Although VDAP was equipped with the most sophisticated instruments available for monitoring active volcanoes, its personnel intended to learn from Indonesia about the handling of the impacts of volcanic eruptions, Pallister told Boediono, accoridng to Yopie.

"This is possible because Indonesia has so many active volcanoes that it is deemed highly experienced in monitoring volcanic activity," Yopie said, noting that Indonesia lay in a part of the so-called "Pacific ring of fire", with its main islands hosting 129 active volcanoes, including Merapi on Java island.

At the meeting with the vice president, the VDAP, an agency under the US Department of Interior, donated sophisticated volcano monitoring equipment valued at 241,000 US dollars to replace equipment incinerated during Mt Merapi`s recent eruptions.

Mount Merapi began its series of deadly eruptions on 26 October 2010 and calmed down in mid November. Seismic activity around the volcano increased from mid-September onwards, culminating in repeated outbursts of lava and ashes. Large eruption columns formed, causing numerous pyroclastic flows down the heavily populated slopes of the volcano.

Merapi`s eruption was evaluated by central and provincial authorities to be the largest since the 1870s when the volcano that is located amid two provinces, Yogyakarta and Central Java, where live about 1.5 million people.

At least 275 people were killed during the latest eruptions, many as a result of pyroclastic flows that have also displaced over 350,000 people.


Related Articles:




Indonesia govt to sign oil, gas contracts with four companies

Antara News, Wednesday, November 24, 2010 23:58 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government will sign contracts with companies for the operation of four oil and gas blocks on Friday, an Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry official said.

The four blocks were part of concession put to the first round of tender held this year, the ministry`s director general of oil and gas Evita Legowo said here on Wednesday.

The government announced the winners of the oil and gas blocks last Thursday (Nov 18), she said.

The four are PT Ephindo Oil and Gas Holding Inc which will manage the North Sokang block off the eastern coast of Natuna, Riau Islands, a consortium of Awe Limited-PT Baruna Recovery Energy and PT Sillo Maritime Perdana for the Titan block off the northern coast of Pati, Central Java.

The others are Mitra Energy Limited for the Bone block off the Bone coast, South Sulawesi, and BP Exploration Indonesia Limited for the North Arafura block in Akimeugah, Papua.

In the first round of tender held 2010 the government offered six blocks through a direct tender.

However, none of bidders for the other two blocks were named winners due to a lack of data. The two blocks are East Baronang block off the eastern coast of Natuna, Riau Islands, and Onin block off the Bintuni-Misool coast, Papua.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Coca-Cola to Double Spending in Indonesia

Jakarta Globe, Camelia Pasandaran & Bloomberg | November 24, 2010     

Jakarta. Coca-Cola Amatil, Australia’s biggest soft-drink maker, announced on Wednesday that it planned to double annual spending in Indonesia to 100 million Australian dollars ($97 million) through 2013 to tap rising incomes with new products.

In this file photo, models put on clothing made from  recycled
Coca-Cola cans. Coca-Cola Amatil, Australia’s biggest soft-drink
 maker, announced on Wednesday that it planned to double annual
 spending in Indonesia. (Antara Photo/Fanny Octavianus)
 
“Tomorrow we’ll be announcing that we’ll be increasing our investment in Indonesia by $100 million per year for at least the next three years,” chief executive Terry Davis said after a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

He said that political and economic reform in Indonesia had sent a positive signal to Australian investors.

“It [reform] is very important for a company like Coca-Cola Amatil. Obviously we need good access to power and we need good infrastructure — that was one of the reasons for the meeting.”

The company’s investment will cover all area of the business, Davis said, including extra bottling lines and expanded warehouse facilities and distribution.

“We have nearly 10,000 Indonesian employees so we’re hoping that we can continue to provide strong employment,” he said.

The bottler also confirmed its forecast for pre-tax earnings to rise by 7 percent to 8 percent in the six months ending on Dec. 31.

Davis said that rising per-capita consumption and a growing middle class will drive growth in a market that is the company’s biggest by population, yet its smallest by contribution to profit.

While Indonesia accounts for a quarter of the company’s sales volume, it represents just 15 percent of revenue and 10 percent of earnings, Ian Abbott, an analyst at Goldman Sachs & Partners Australia, said in a Nov. 18 report.

Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co., the world’s largest soft-drink maker, owns 30 percent of the Australian company.

Govt invites Chinese investors to develop ports

Antara News, Wednesday, November 24, 2010 02:44 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government is inviting Chinese investors to increase their investment in the shipbuilding and port sector in Indonesia, an official said.

The Chinese investment in the sector would pave the way for the government plan to develop national connectivity and logistic system, Deputy for Industry and Trade Coordination to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Edy Putra Irawady said at a seminar on the prospects for Indonesia-China relations here on Tuesday.

He said the government had prepared a blueprint for national logistic system covering the development of ports and shipbuilding businesses to create regional connectivity.

China which had more advanced technology in the shipbuilding and port sector could participate in the development of port and shipbuilding industry in Indonesia, he said.

Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Suryo Bambang Sulisto meanwhile said China was one of Indonesia`s potential partners to develop regional connectivity through the development of port and shipbuilding sector.

"What is badly needed by the eastern parts of Indonesia is connectivity. The development of port and shipbuilding businesses will be the starting point for the development of the region," he said.

He said the eastern parts of Indonesia covering Maluku, Papua, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara offered bright prospects for port and shipbuilding businesses.

"The government must encourage the development of the businesses there," he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Zhang Qiyue said although Chinese investors constituted newcomers in the development of infrastructure facilities in Indonesia he would encourage them to expand their businesses in Indonesia.

"Since the development of infrastructures is high on the list of the Indonesian government`s priorities we will encourage the Chinese investors to get involved in it. We will guide and support the Chinese companies to expand their investment not only in the energy and natural resource sector but also in other sectors, such as services, agriculture, fisheries and telecommunications," he said.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

President launches women plant trees campaign 2010

Antara News, Tuesday, November 23, 2010 15:07 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched a "Women Plant and Cultivate Trees Campaign 2010" at the Manggala Wanabhakti auditorium here Tuesday.

Present on the occasion were also First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hassan, Marine and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad and a number of foreign ambassadors in Jakarta.

The Women Plant Trees Campaign is a yearly activity which was started four years ago with different themes and formats of activity each year. In 2010, the program was focused on the activity of planting trees such as Ketapang and mangroves in coastal areas. It is expected that the program will improve the people`s economy and boost their awareness to preserve forests in coastal area.

The Tuesday inauguration also featured an exhibition and conference themed "Protection of Coastal Forests and Improvement of the People`s Prosperity."

Earlier, the People`s Coalition for Fishery Justice has appealed to the government on the need to preserve and improve mangrove forests.

The mangrove preservation is necessary to prevent them from disappearance from the face of the earth because the forests provide ground for fishes, shrimp, and mollusks for spawning and rearing.

According to data of the People`s Coalition for Fishery Justice (Kiara), damage of mangrove forests in the 1997-2008 period reached 68 percent.

Kiara program coordinator Abdul Halim said damage of the mangrove ecosystem was caused by industrial anthropogenic waste in coastal areas.

Besides, the other causes include coastal land conversion for industrial purposes, commercial centers and luxury residential areas. The wastes caused damage of the mangrove ecosystem, and consequently making it difficult for fishermen to earn a living, he said.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Marine and Fishery Affairs set itself a target that by 2014, some 1,440 hectares of coastal areas would be preserved preventing them from environmental damage along national coastal areas. And of the 1,440 ha, some 101.7 percent could be preserved each year.

Related Article:

Monday, November 22, 2010

Two power plants in Jayapura to operate in 2011

Antara News, Monday, November 22, 2010 21:40 WIB

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - Two power plants which have been built in recent years by state electricity company PT PLN`s Jayapura region will start operation in mid-2011, director of PT. PLN, Dahlan Iskan, said here Sunday (21 Nov).

"It is hoped that in mid-2011 Holtekamp thermal power plant and Orya hydropower plant will become operational," he said.

With the operation of the two power plants in Jayapura, PLN could save Rp30 million to Rp50 million per month. The funds saved would be used to finance other needs such as engine generators as well as some operational costs that can be given to other areas in Papua especially those which have not yet received adequate electricity support, Dahlan added.

"When these two power plants have become operational, PLN Jayapura region will save tens of billions of rupiahs a month or half a trillion rupiahs a year," he said.

The Holtekamp thermal power plant is located in Muara Tami sub district, Jayapura city and the Orya hydropower plant in Genyem sub district, Jayapura district with a capacity of 200 megawatt each.

PLN meanwhile supports the administration`s plan to build Urumuka hydro power plant with a capacity of 350 MW in Timika, Mimika, which the installation was the initiative of the Papua provincial administration.

Muhammadiyah University to cooperate with Chinese counterparts

Antara News, Monday, November 22, 2010 21:38 WIB

Ternate, N.Maluku (ANTARA News) - The visit of academicians from North Maluku`s Muhammadiyah university (UMMU) to China on November 7 - 19, 2010 has yielded encouraging results, UMMU Rector Kasman Hi Ahmad said here Monday.

On the memorandum of understanding between UMMU and Huazhong Normal University Wuhan which was signed by Prof.Dr.Ma Min as the president of Huazhong Normal University on November 12, 2010, he said it was an agreement to cooperate in certain respects.

It was agreed to exchange lecturers and students, training and lectures, collaborative research and joint academic meetings, information exchange, publication of research results in scientific journals and other academic interests, he said.

According to Kasman, the cooperation accord with Huazhong Normal University was also followed by the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Hubei University`s Department of Medicine to cooperate in the health field, research, development and training for lecturers and students.

The protocol agreement of the cooperation with Huazhong Normal University will be followed up by Muhammadiyah`s development and research department to conduct dual degree program between China universities and Muhammadiyah`s high learning institutions.

The program will begin with a Mandarin language training for the UMMU students who will continue their studies in China, Kasman added.

Meanwhile, the training of teachers to build their capacity would be facilitated by Muhammadiyah`s development and research department and Chinese universities.

The program will be followed up by UMMU under the coordination of the National Education Ministry and North Maluku`s institute of education quality development (LPMP).

Kasman hoped the students of North Maluku who want to continue their studies in China would take advantage of the cooperation between UMMU and the China universities.

Govt to disburse Rp 500b for reconstruction of Wasior, Mentawai

Erwida Maulia, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 11/22/2010 8:19 PM

The government will disburse a total of Rp 509 billion (approximately US$57 million) for rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in disaster-struck Wasior in West Papua and the Mentawai archipelago in West Sumatra.

Secretary to the Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Indroyono Soesilo said Monday the government would allocate Rp 141 billion for Wasior and Rp 368 billion for Mentawai. Wasior is recovering from a crippling flash flood, while the Mentawai Islands are dealing with the impacts of a powerful tsunami. Both disasters occurred last month.

“The funds will come from the state and regional budgets. We will start to move on January 1,” Indroyono said after a Cabinet meeting at the Vice Presidential Office held to discuss disaster relief in Wasior, Mentawai and around Mount Merapi.

The total estimated financial losses caused by the flash flood in Wasior and the tsunami in Mentawai were Rp 280 billion and Rp 315 billion, respectively, he added.

Rehabilitation and reconstruction activities include the construction of temporary housing, basic infrastructure and restoring economic and social activities, Indroyono said.

Financial losses and rehabilitation and reconstruction needs for areas around Mount Merapi could not yet be estimated because the volcano was still erupting, he said.

RI admits lack of cooperation with Saudi over migrant workers

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 11/22/2010 9:54 AM

The Indonesian government has admitted it proposed but never signed a draft of a memorandum of understanding intended to improve protection for Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, a top official says.

Manpower and Transmigration Ministry Secretary-General Setyoko said Sunday that Indonesia had a long time ago proposed a legal basis to guarantee protection for Indonesian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

“We proposed the MoU a long time ago. But, the agreement requires the political will from both parties to sit together and cooperate,” Setyoko said as quoted by Tempointeraktif.com.

Setyoko declined to comment on why both Indonesian and Saudi Arabian had not signed the agreement.

“We keep trying to use our diplomatic channels to talk about the issue. We are still waiting for the outcome of the talks,” he said.

“We will also invite the Saudi Arabian manpower ministry to discuss the draft of the agreement as soon as possible,” he added.

More than 4,300 Indonesian migrant workers were currently facing hardship, ranging from illness to sexual abuse, the Indonesian government said earlier.

That number constitutes 0.1 percent of the total 3.27 million Indonesian migrant workers worldwide.


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Indonesia, US Sign Up to Preserve Nusa Penida’s Marine Environment

Jakarta Globe, Made Arya Kencana | November 21, 2010

Nusa Penida, Bali. The Indonesian and US governments have announced a new initiative to establish a marine conservation area in the waters around Nusa Penida Island, to the southeast of Bali.

The conservation area will cover 200 square kilometers of waters around the island, and become part of the larger national conservation area totalling 200,000 square kilometers across the archipelago by 2020.

The Nusa Penida initiative has already received Rp 100 billion ($11.2 million) in funding from USAID, through the Coral Triangle Support Partnership, according to Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad.

Of the fund, Rp 960 million will go toward helping seaweed farmers improve productivity, as part of the government’s target to boost seaweed production in Nusa Penida from 117,000 tons a year to 500,000 tons a year.

Fadel said the richness of the marine diversity around Nusa Penida deserved to be studied in greater depth.

“We’ll manage this conservation area in the same way that Brazil successfully manages the Amazon,” he said at a ceremony to inaugurate the area on Sunday.

The biodiversity around the island, he added, was apparent in a 2009 marine survey performed by scientists Emre Turak and Gerry Allen, which uncovered 296 coral species and 576 fish species, five of which were previously undiscovered.

Fadel also noted that a study by the Nature Conservancy’s Indonesian Marine Program had found 1,419 hectares of coral reef, 230 hectares of mangrove forest with 13 species of mangroves, and 108 seaweed patches with eight types of seaweed.

“We’ll also build a seaweed cultivation center here as well as a seaweed processing plant,” the minister said.

“In addition, we’ll build fish processing plants so that the fish caught in these waters will be ready and packed for shipment.

“We’ll also enlist the local community’s assistance in helping safeguard the waters.”

He added other aims of establishing the conservation area included to encourage fishermen to adopt sustainable fishing practices, and to boost tourism in the area.

US Ambassador Scot Marciel, who also attended Sunday’s event, said Indonesia was well-placed to support global conservation efforts, which made it an important partner for the United States, including in efforts to preserve marine ecosystems.

“We see the marine environment as key to the sustainability of humans,” Marciel said.

President asks Papua to finish its mega project concept soon

Antara News, Monday, November 22, 2010 01:49 WIB

Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked Papua and West Papua provinces to finish their mega project concepts soon for presentation to the central government early in January 2011.

The president made the call in his address at the opening of a budget accountability and financial management course for Papua and West Papua regional administrations here on Sunday evening.

The mega project plan in Papua covers an integrated agribusiness area in Merauke and the development of a green economic area in Embrano and Jayapura.

In the meantime, the mega project plan in West Papua covers a cattle industry area, a cement factory and electricity power plants in Manokwari, Fak Fak and Sorong.

"I hope the mega project concepts could be presented to me by the Papua and West Papua governors at the end of December or early in January 2011," the president said.

President Yudhoyono hoped that the mega projects would have been realized in a medium term and would have a big impact on national economic growth, of course the economic growth of the two provinces in the eastern Indonesia region.

In his address, the president praised the progress of development in Jayapura as he could witness changes after he visited the province in 2006.

The president called on the governors of Papua and West Papua to involve all relevant parties in carrying out development in the Indonesian eastern provinces.


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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Russian investment in RI projected to reach US$7 billion

Antara News, Saturday, November 20, 2010 02:48 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Russian investment in Indonesia may increase to five to seven billion US dollars in the years to come, Russian ambassador to Indonesia Alexander Ivanov said here on Friday.

He said Russia`s total investment in Indonesia was at present recorded at more than US$1 billion.

"Our investment value in Indonesia has the potential to increase to five to seven billion US dollars," he said.

He said investment cooperation between the two countries in the form of joint ventures had kept increasing from year to year and had even intensified after a recent global financial crisis.

"We must always be optimistic to increase the two countries` cooperation," he said.
He said he would encourage more Russian businessmen to come to Indonesia and conduct partnership with local businessmen.

"For us Indonesia is a market giant which is just growing and one of the emerging countries which is accounted for," he said.

Russia and Indonesia have had diplomatic relations for 60 years. The two countries are common members of the G20, the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC), the UN and Russia has also been the good partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)in which Indonesia is also a member.

"With regard to human resources we hope our cooperation will also increase in student and tourist exchanges," he said.

On the occasion the ambassador had also called on Indonesians not to hesitate to visit Russia which he described as beautiful and friendly.

"I invite more Indonesians to come to Russia that has a lot of beautiful places to visit not only Moscow but also others," he said.

He said it was time for Indonesia as an Asia Pacific neighbour to interact more often with Russia as in the current global era distance has no longer become a problem.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Radios for Refugees

Tempo Interactive, Thursday, 18 November, 2010

TEMPO Interactive, Yogyakarta:An agribusiness company, Wilmar Foundation, has donated 2.000 radios and batteries to refugees of the recent Mount Merapi eruption.

The radios were handed by Wilmar Group’s Commissioner, M.P. Tumanggor, to Yogyakarta governor, represented by Murprih Antoro Nugroho, the National Welfare and Community Protection Chief, yesterday.

“We hope the refugees will get the right information from the radio,” said Murprih. He said the National Disaster Management Agency and the Radio Republic Indonesia (RRI) had launched the Merapi Radio station last Sunday.

PITO AGUSTIN RUDIANA

China Harbour donates Rp 500m to disaster survivors

Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 11/19/2010

China Harbour Engineering Co. Ltd, a China-based Infrastructure construction company, donated Friday Rp 500 million (US$56,000) in funds to disaster survivors.

"This donation will assist survivors of disasters in Indonesia," Liu Guo Fang, the deputy general manager of China Harbour Engineering, said on Thursday in Jakarta.

The company is donating Rp 500 million in total. Rp 100 million will be disbursed to tsunami survivors in Nias, while Merapi and Wasior flood survivors will receive Rp 200 million respectively.

Zhang Qiyue, the People's Republic of China to Indonesia ambassador, said previously that China had contributed US$1.5 million to disaster survivors in two phases.

Indonesian Government Opens 4 New Blocks for Oil, Gas Exploration

Jakarta Globe, Ririn Radiawati Kusuma | November 18, 2010

Jakarta. Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has awarded four oil and gas blocks to local and foreign companies, including BP Exploration Indonesia, a unit of oil major BP, a government official has confirmed.

Indonesia has awarded four oil and gas blocks to local
and foreign companies. (AFP Photo)
As much as $28 million was expected to be spent on exploration activities in the newly opened blocks, including $4.2 million going straight to the government for so-called signature bonuses, Evita Legowo, director general of oil and gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, said on Thursday.

Aside from BP Exploration Indonesia, the other companies awarded the oil and gas blocks were Ephindo Oil and Gas Holding, the Awe Consortium and Mitra Energy.

BP Exploration Indonesia is set to spend $3.4 million on exploration in the North Arafura block in Papua.

Ephindo was granted rights to explore the North Sokang block in Riau, with an investment plan totaling $10.2 million.

The Awe Consortium, which consists of Baruna Recovery Energy and Sillo Maritime Perdana, was awarded the Titan block in Java, although no details were provided about which provinces would be covered by the project.

Its total investment is estimated at $8.3 million.

Mitra Energy is set to explore the Bone block in South Sulawesi, with a total investment of $6.1 million.

“The companies have three years to explore the oil and gas potential of those blocks,” Evita said.

Indonesia has so far this year awarded 42 blocks across the country for exploration.

While the North Sokang block is estimated to hold 600 billion cubic feet of gas, and the Titan block is believed to hold 300 bcf, Evita said the companies might find more oil and gas reserves in those blocks.

The newly opened blocks are expected to help the country meet its increased oil production targets over the coming years.

The government had hoped to see oil production reach 965,000 barrels per day for the year.

But a number of recent incidents, including a major leak in a pipeline operated by Transportasi Gas Indonesia at the end of September that caused disruptions to about 20 percent of the nation’s total production capacity, have made reaching the ambitious target all but impossible.

Chevron Pacific Indonesia’s Duri oil field in Riau also stopped production in October after one of its pipelines burst. CPI accounts for some 40 percent of the nation’s total oil output.

Oil production is now forecast to reach an average of 955,000 bpd for the year, lower than the 2010 state budget target, Evita said in September.

Indonesia has been struggling to attract foreign investment to develop new oil and gas fields.

Although it has offered incentives, including favorable tax treatment and production sharing, an uncertain regulatory environment has hampered investment in the sector.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Timor Leste donates one million US dollar for disaster victims

Antara News, Thursday, November 18, 2010 14:59 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Democratic Republic of Timor Leste has provided donation worth one US million dollars for victims of the Wasior flash flood, Mentawai tsunami and Merapi eruption.

The Timor Leste government represented by Social Solidarity Minister Maria Dominggas Fernandes and Deputy Minister of Finance Rui Manuel Hamjam presented the assistance to Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, Health Minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Triyono wibowo at Minister Laksono`s office, here, Thursday.

Minister Maria Dominggas Fernandes on the occasion said the government and people of Timor Leste expressed deep sympathy for the natural disasters which have hit several parts of Indonesia lately.

The one-million-dollar assistance was to demonstrate Timor Leste`s solidarity toward the victims of the disasters.

"Our presence here is on a special mission assigned by Prime Minister Kayrala Xanana Gusmao and to show a determination of the Timor Leste`s people to help Indonesia," he said.

She said her country has been following the developments on the recent disasters in Indonesia from the media reports.

Minister Agung Laksono said the Indonesian government appreciated the assistance provided by the Timor Leste government.

The donation would be use for rehabilitation and reconstruction works in the disaster-hit regions.

The minister hoped that Timor Leste`s assistance could strengthen the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Taiwan donates $300,000 for disaster victims

Antara News, Monday, November 15, 2010 22:40 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Taiwan has donated US$300 thousand in funds to finance reconstruction efforts in disaster-hit regions in Indonesia.

The funds, along with 1,000 blankets, 7,000 clothes, 25,255 pairs of shoes, and 10,000 pairs of footwear will be distributed among victims of natural disasters in stages, the Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO) said in a press release on Monday.

The donation will be channeled through the Indonesian natural disaster mitigation board, the office said.

TETO, along with Taiwanese companies operating in Indonesia is planning the next phase of relief aid for the victims of natural disasters, it said.

The Indonesian government said early this month it would draw up blueprints for the reconstruction of the disaster-hit regions of Wasior, Mount Merapi and Mentawai islands.

"We anticipate that funding for the reconstruction of the areas hit by natural disasters will come from various sources, both internal and from foreign assistance," Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono said.

Wasior in West Papua province was devastated by a flash flood that killed more than 160 people on Oct 4.

On Oct 25, a tsunami triggered by a magnitude-7.7 undersea earthquake engulfed the Mentawai islands off the coast of West Sumatra, killing at least 430 people and leaving some 15,000 people displaced.

Mount Merapi, located on the borders between Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces, erupted at least five times since Oct 26, spewing hot clouds 1.5 km into the air and sending lava down its many slopes. The lives of at least 168 people were lost, and the homes of about 70,000 others were destroyed.

Japan to help business recovery process in Yogya

Antara News, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 11/15/2010 6:45 PM

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has pledged a program to support economic recovery activities of small and medium enterprises in Yogyakarta and Central Java affected by the eruptions of Mount Merapi.

Speaking after a meeting between Indonesia’s Vice President Boediono and JICA president Sadako Ogata in Tokyo on Monday, Vice Presidential spokesman Yopie Hidayat told reporters the program was being prepared.

“Mrs Ogata said JICA was preparing a program to help the recovery of small and medium enterprises after the natural disaster that has wiped out markets and buyers and disrupted businesses,” Yopie said, as quoted by Antara.

“The recovery is important not just to the victims, but also for the economy. It is crucial to reinstate life, to mend ruined jobs and businesses in Yogya, such as the craft industry, which had been developing well using local sources, but is now badly impacted by the volcanic eruptions,” he said.

JICA’s support will come in the form of financial and technical supports, including management counseling for small and medium enterprises, Yopie said.

The cooperation with JICA, he added, will be part of the government’s rehabilitative measures in Yogyakarta and Central Java in the aftermath of the Mount Merapi disaster.