We Are Waiting for You to Invest in Indonesia, Jokowi Tells APEC in Speech

Jakarta Globe, Nov 11, 2014

President Joko Widodo delivers a speech at the APEC CEO Summit as part of the
 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit at the China National Convention
Center in Beijing on Nov. 10, 2014. (AFP Photo/Pool/Andy Wong)

Jakarta. Indonesian President Joko Widodo addressed business leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO summit in Beijing on Monday, where he put out a call for greater investment in the archipelago and promised a friendlier climate for doing business in the country.

The following is his speech:

Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen and CEOs.

First, on behalf of Indonesian government and the people of Indonesia I would like to thank you for coming to my presentation. Today I am very happy to be among with you because you know I was a businessman years ago. So this morning I am very happy because we can talk about business, about investment with all of you.

This picture shows you our map of Indonesia. We have a population of 240 million and the distance is like from London in the UK to Istanbul in Turkey. And imagine, we have 17,000 islands.

Our national budget in 2015 is $167 billion and the fuel subsidy [allocation] is $27 billion. It’s huge. So we want to channel our fuel subsidy from consumption to productive activities. We want to channel [the money] to farmers for seed, for fertilizers, and also for irrigation. And we want to build dams — 25 dams in five years from our fuel subsidy to maintain the water supply to farming areas.

Some subsidy [funds] we want to channel to fishermen, to give them boat engines [and] refrigerators. We want to increase the income of the fishermen. Some fuel subsidy [funds] we want to [give to] micro and small enterprises in the villages. We want to help them raise working capital. And some subsidy [funds] we want to channel to the health program [and] the education program. And the subsidy [funds] we [also] want to channel to infrastructure.

In five years we want to build 24 seaports and deep seaports. We have 17,000 islands, so we need seaports and deep seaports. And this is your opportunity: 24 seaports and deep seaports.

This picture shows our Jakarta port, Tanjung Priok Port. In 2009, the capacity was 3.6 million TEUs a year. And our plan in 2017 is around 15 million TEUs a year. This is the potential [for] ports in Indonesia. This is your opportunity. We want to build in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, Sulawesi, Maluku, also in Papua. And we plan to build our [railway network]. We already [have railway lines] in Java and we want to build in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua. This is your opportunity.

Now we talk about mass transportation. We want to build mass transportation in six big cities in Indonesia. We started in Jakarta last year, and we want to build in Medan, Makassar, Semarang, Bandung [and] Surabaya. So, this is also your opportunity. Because you know our national budget is limited.

Now we [will] talk [about] our maritime agenda. We want to build [a] sea toll. What is [a] sea toll? [A] Sea toll is [a] maritime transportation system to make our transportation costs lower [and] more efficient. We want to build from the west to the east. We hope not only the vessels can enter our sea toll but also mother vessels can enter the sea toll. So the price, the cost of the transportation, [becomes] more efficient.

For example, the price of [...] one sack [of] cement in Java is $6 [...] But in Papua the price is $150 [...] Imagine, 25 times [as much]. So we hope with our sea toll the price in our islands [will be] the same.

Electricity. We need power plants. We need around 35,000 [megawatts] to build our industries, projects, industrial zones, [manufacturing] zones. So we need power plants. This is also your opportunity to invest in this project. Because we need our power plants for manufacturing, for industrial zones.

Many investors, a lot of investors, when they come to me most of them [...] always complain about land acquisition. I will push my ministers, my governors, my mayors to help clear this problem. I have experience with land acquisition when I was a governor. We [had the] Jakarta Outer Ring Road [project that] started 15 years ago but stopped eight years ago, because we had a problem. One point five kilometers [was] unfinished because there [were] 143 families [who did] not accept [...] the compensation price. So last year I invited them [...] to lunch and dinner. Four times. Ah, this is me. I invited them and then we talked about the problem. Four times. And the problem [was] cleared.

And now the toll road has been [in use since] seven months ago.

Now [let’s] talk business permits. We have a national one-stop service office that can help you, that will serve you, that will facilitate you, that will give you your business permit. For example, [a] principle business permit [will take] three days to process.

Finally, again on behalf of the Indonesian government and the people of Indonesia I would like to thank you for your listening my presentation. We are waiting for you to come to Indonesia. We are waiting for you to invest in Indonesia. Thank you.

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Ministry eyes desalination technology to mitigate potential water crisis

The Jakarta Post,  Sun, 09/04/2011

The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has developed sea water desalination technology to convert sea water into fresh water to cope with the possibility of a water crisis.

“Making mineral water from the sea is a strategic step in anticipating the possibility of a clean water crisis in the future,” Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad said on Saturday, as reported by kompas.com.

The desalinated water could be a pivotal shift in fresh water supplies. The process could also produce salt.

According to the ministry, Indonesia has several potential locations where this technology could be developed. The areas include Nusa Penida and Gondol in Bali, Lombok Strait in West Nusa Tenggara, Biak Island in Papua and Pelabuhan Ratu in West Java.

Around 70 percent, or 5.8 million kilometers, of Indonesian territory is comprised of water.

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Rp 1t Port Planned for Remote West Papua

Jakarta Globe, Faisal Maliki Baskoro, July 26, 2011

The proposed $118 million West Pacific Port in West Papua
would have  a capacity 30 times greater than the existing
Sorong Port. (JG Photo/Yudhi Sukma Wijaya)

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State port operator Pelindo II plans to start building a new port in Sorong, West Papua, as soon as next year, as part of government efforts to reduce logistical and shipping costs to the remote eastern region.

Richard Joost Lino, president director of Pelindo II, said on Tuesday that the company had formed a consortium with major shippers including Samudera Indonesia, Meratus Line, Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines, and Temas Line to build the port, which will cost Rp 1 trillion ($118 million).

“Pelindo will act as the leader in the consortium, and we will contribute 30 percent [of the cost],” he said. “We will put the project up for tender [for contractors] later this year while construction will start early next year.”

West Pacific Port, which will replace the existing Sorong Port, will be able to handle 750,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) once it is completed in 2013, Richard said.

Sorong Port can handle 25,000 TEUs, while cargo traffic to the region averages 700,000 TEUs a year, he said.

West Pacific Port, Richard added, would also serve as a regional port for traffic to and from Papua New Guinea and the Bismark Islands, East Timor, Darwin in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. The new port is also expected to halve distribution costs to Papua, he said.

Pelindo II operates 12 seaports across the archipelago, including the busiest, Tanjung Priok, in North Jakarta.

Analysts have said that Indonesia must boost the development of infrastructure such as roads, airports and seaports to create more jobs and achieve its target of 7 percent economic growth by 2014.

Juniman, an economist at Bank Internasional Indonesia in Jakarta, said the government’s plan to build the port in Papua was the right move to reduce bottlenecks in shipping.

“The project will help create jobs and boost economic growth,’’ he added.

Pelindo II is also bidding on the rights to operate a new port in Jakarta.

It signed a Rp 11 trillion loan with Bank Mandiri, the country’s largest lender, on Tuesday. That standby loan would be used to finance the first phase of its North Kalibaru Port project in North Jakarta, if Pelindo were to win the rights to build the port.

The Transportation Ministry has not yet closed the tender for the project, which will cost an estimated Rp 20 trillion.

“The new port is vital because the busiest port in Indonesia will exceed maximum capacity this year, and this will cause higher logistic costs and longer loading and unloading times,” Richard said.

North Kalibaru Port would add between 4 million and 6.5 million TEUs of cargo capacity to Tanjung Priok Port — which has a maximum capacity of 5 million TEUs.

Richard said the North Kalibaru facility, which would span 3.5 square kilometers and include an oil and gas terminal, could be completed in 2017.

Pelindo posted a 30 percent increase in profit last year to Rp 1.2 trillion and, according to Richard, is on track to meet its target of Rp 1.6 trillion in profit this year.

UNDP To Finance Wakatobi International Fishery School

Antara News, Fri, July 8 2011

UNDP provides the funds of Rp100 billion for the construction of the Wakatobi International Fishery School, the first of its kind Asia....

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Kendari, SE Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) will fully finance the construction of the International Fishery School (SPI) in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi, a local official said.

Illustration of a Fisherman
(ANTARA PHOTO/Zabur Karuru)

Wakatobi Mmarine and Fishery Office Chief Hajiu said on Friday that Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad would lay the first corner stone next Saturday, July 16, 2011.

"UNDP provides the funds of Rp100 billion for the construction of the Wakatobi International Fishery School, the first of its kind Asia," Hajiu said.

According to him, Wakatobi district government would only provide 100-hectare plot of land for the construction of the school in two stages, financed by UNDP.

For the first stage he said the local government has prepared a 50-hectare plot of land for school which was to be inaugurated by the maritime affairs and fisheries minister.

"On the 50-hectare plot of land for the first stage, the International Fishery School will be built in addition to other facilities such as students dormitory, and Muslim and Christian houses of worship," Hajiu said.

He said both Muslim and Christian houses of worship were needed because the students and lecturers would be from various countries, especially the six countries at the world`s coral reef triangle area.

According to Hajiu, the the prospective students who wanted to study at the school would undergo tight entry test, especially related to their academic competence on coral reefs conservation.

"In principle, the students who are accepted to study at such as school will be taught and trained in such away to master the knowledge about coral reefs conservation," Hajiu said.

He said the first-corner-stone laying ceremony

would also be attended by Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, Southeast Sulawesi Governor Nur Alam, and a number of other invitees.

Editor: Ade Marboen

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• Indonesia - Korea to Build Marine and Fisheries Institute in Karawang

Indonesia - Korea to Build Marine and Fisheries Institute in Karawang

Antara News, Wed, July 6 2011

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Jakarta, July 6, 2011 (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and Korea Marine Institute (KMI) agree to build national Marine and Fisheries Institute in Karawang, West Java.This educational institution which was built in 2012 is the development from Fisheries College (STP) and Fisheries Academy (AP) to become a world-class educational institution. "To realize this program, Karawang Regency has prepared a land area of 65 Hectares. While the budget of 300 billion rupiah will be borne together by the Indonesian and Korean Government for each 150 billion rupiah," explained Head of Marine and Fisheries Human Resources Development, Syarief Widjaya, after opening Indonesia-Korea Ocean and Fisheries Forum (IKOFF) today (6/7) in Jakarta.

The effort to realize this program, KKP previously has done the partnership with the Ministry of National Education so that this marine and fisheries institution can be a world-class higher educational institution and become the Top ten marine and fisheries vocational education in the world. This higher educational institution aims to make superior and characteristic experts to compete in the world of work for national or international level, as well as for make the young enterpreneurs in marine and fisheries sector.

The International Seminar of Indonesia Korea Ocean and Fisheries Forum (The 1st IKOFF) filled with the explanation from leading experts and practitioner in marine, maritime, and fisheries from Indonesia and Korea with three sub-themes, which are sustainable preservation and development of marine and coastal; new source of technology and creative activities of marine. One day before, KKP and KMI has done the signing of Letter of Intent (LoI) to increase partnership in marine and fisheries sector between Indonesia and Korea. This agreement signed by Secretary General of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Gellwynn Jusuf with the President of Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), Hak So Kim, also witnessed by Chairman of Land, Transportation, and Marine Affairs Comission of the Korean House of Representatives, Kwang Keun Chang.

KKP and KMI will be looking for the opportunity to increase partnership in scientific and marine and fisheries research, development and enhancement the capacity of marine technology, marine resources for alternative energy, sustainable and integrated management of marine ecosystem and coastal, fisheries biological resources conservation, the establishment of marine policy study centre, including marine and fisheries," explained Fadel. According to him, these opportunities will be achieved by training, workshop and increasing of other building capacity, such as research and joint development, exchange of experts, information, and related data. For the implementation of this agreement, KKP and KMI will appoint each vocal point to discuss more about operational stride.

For further information, please contact Dr. Yulistyo Mudho, M.Sc, Head of Data, Statistics and Information Center, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Mobile: 0811836967)

Malaysian investors to develop Pulau Bawah as tourist resort

Antara News, Thu, June 9 2011 

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Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA News) - Malaysian investors are ready to develop Pulau (island) Bawah in the district of Anamabas, Riau Islands province. into a marine tourist resort, the province`s governor, HM Sani, said.

"I have discussed it with the investors. They plan to invest Rp1.5 trillion to develop a tourist object in Pulau Bawah," he said here on Thursday.

He said Pulau Bawah has an undersea natural beauty which is good for being developed into a snorkeling and diving area.

"The development of Pulau Bawah is also aimed at developing a prime economic driver in the tourism sector," he said.

Sani said negotiations were still going on such as with the district administration of Anambar, the customs service and other offices concerned which are expected to conclude in September 2011.

"The development is expected to take 1.5 years to complete while the operation is expected to start in 2013," he said.

Sani said the marine tourist object is expected to be able to attract 5,000 foreign tourists at the initial stage and create jobs for the local population.

The governor said the province needs around Rp12 trillion to increase economic growth over the next five years.

The province`s economic growth at present was recorded at 7.2 percent. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono meanwhile has asked for the growth to reach 10 percent.

Sani said investors were also interested in developing tourist objects in Pulau Kepala Jeri and Pulau Janda Berhias in Batam with an investment of Rp2 trillion.

Riau Islands borders Vietnam and Cambodia in the north, Malaysia and West Kalimantan province in the east, Bangka Belitung islands and Jambi provinces in the south and Singapore, Malaysia and Riau province in the west.

The Sumatran province with a population of more than 1.6 millions consists of more than 2,000 big and small islets and some of them are not populated yet.

Editor: Jafar M Sidik

U.S. donates patrol boats to RI national police

Antara News, Fri, June 3 2011

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The U.S. Departments of Justice and State recently delivered two boats to the Indonesian National Police as part of the Indonesia Maritime Security Project (MARSEC), The U.S. Embassy here said in its official website on Friday.

The two boats increase to 19 the total number of boats provided to Indonesia as part of the MARSEC program. The patrol boats are deployed throughout the archipelago to assist Indonesia in securing vital maritime borders, sea lanes, natural resources, and ports.

In the first year of operation, the U.S.-provided boats seized over $10 million USD in contraband and continue to be an integral and effective component of Indonesia`s maritime security efforts.

Currently, the patrol boats are deployed in Batam-Riau, Sumatra; Bangka Island Straits, Balikpapan; Tarakan, Kalimantan; Bitung, North Sulawesi; Sorong, Papua; and Ternate-Sofia, North Maluku.

The United States Department of Justice International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program`s (ICITAP) mission in Indonesia is to support the development of the operational and organizational capacity and competencies of the Government of Indonesia`s law enforcement agencies.

ICITAP is funded by the U. S. Department of State`s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and provides organizational development interventions, technical assistance, training, and equipment donations to augment Indonesia`s law enforcement efforts.

ICITAP support helps the Indonesian National Police continue its transition to a professional democratic law enforcement organization utilizing internationally accepted law enforcement standards and practices.

Editor: Jafar M Sidik

Govt aims to produce 4,000 qualified sailors a year

Arghea Desafti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 05/25/2011

The Transportation Ministry has announced plans to produce 4,000 sailors annually to meet increasing demand.

“We are currently producing 1,500 [graduates] a year from our state-owned sailing academies [STIP]. Hopefully we can increase the number of graduates to 4,000 next year,” Transportation Ministry Education and Training chief Bobby Mamahit said Wednesday at a discussion on improving the quality of human resources in the transportation sector.

Ministry data reveals that Indonesia will require at least 43,800 new sailors over the next five years.

The ministry is currently operating sailing schools in Jakarta, Tangerang, Semarang, Makassar, Surabaya, Barombong and Serang.

“One of the challenges we face is that we are still seeing graduates preferring to work for companies overseas rather than here in [Indonesia]," Bobby said.

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Minister, ambassador launch Coral Reef and Climate Change Guide

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 05/20/2011

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty on Friday launched the Indonesian version of the University of Queensland’s publication Coral Reefs and Climate Change: A Guide for Education and Awareness.

Fadel, working in collaboration with the University of Queensland, had arranged for the book to be translated into Indonesian.

“Australia is widely recognized for its world-class research in environmental sciences. We are pleased that through this book we will be able to contribute and work together in conserving the beautiful reefs of Indonesia,” Moriarty said in a release received by The Jakarta Post on Friday.

The book aims to increase awareness of coral reef science and preservation. It includes recent scientific research with informative images and covers topics including oceanography, coral reef biology and the implications of climate change.

It provides practical tools and recommendations to chart and measure the health of coral reefs and a program to encourage public involvement in reef conservation.

The original publication was launched in Australia in November 2009 and was produced and published by the Coral Watch Foundation at the University of Queensland.

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Govt To Offer 7,000 Jobs At Int`l Marine, Fisheries Fair

Antara News, Otniel Tamindael, Sat, May 14 2011

Jakarta,  (ANTARA News) - The government will offer at least 7,000 job opportunities in the marine and fishery sector to job seekers at an upcoming International Job Fair on Marine and Fisheries (I`JO F.M 2011).

As part part of the government`s effort to reduce unemployment and to improve the people`s welfare, the I`JO F.M 2011 will be held in Jakarta May 23-25, 2011 to net as many workers as possible.

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad said here early this week that many countries had expressed their interest in recruiting Indonesian sailors in overseas marine and fishery related industries.

"Following increasing demand for Indonesian sailors from many countries, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry (KKP) will make a new breakthrough to accommodate the request," Fadel said on Wednesday.

The maritime affairs and fisheries minister admitted that during his visits to Europe, many shipping companies had told him that they needed a lot of Indonesian manpower for their cruise ships.

Fadel said many countries in Europe needed more Indonesian sailors because their own people were no longer interested in seafaring jobs.

According to him, there were a lot of job opportunities abroad for Indonesian sailors and therefore his office would make a breakthrough by creating a cross-ministerial program in the form of International Job Fair on Marine and Fisheries (I`JO F.M 2011).

The minister explained that his office in cooperation with Manpower and Transmigration Ministry, National Education Ministry, and Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry would organize the I`JO F.M 2011.

Meanwhile, head of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry`s Department of Human Resources Development, Syarief Widjaya, said the I`JO F.M 2011 would be the biggest event this year.

Syarif said the event would be participated in by at least 50 leading national and international companies in maritime and fisheries fields, such as fishing companies, fish farming companies, marine and fisheries product processing companies, labor recruitment agencies and other companies.

The International Job Fair on Marine and Fisheries will be a perfect event for job seekers, marine and fisheries related education and training promotion, consultation, job applicants interview, direct recruitment for job applicants, and for opportunity to go abroad.

Syarif also explained that the national and international leading companies in the I`JO F.M 2011 would provide the Indonesian job seekers with around 7,000 job opportunities.

He said various job opportunities were among others in the fields of fishing, aquaculture, and fishery products processing and marketing would be offered to around 30,000 people who were expected visit the international job fair.

Other sectors to be offered to the job seekers in the fair are coastal regions and small islands management especially the area management and conservation of marine tourism, captains, the crews, vessel mechanics, and chefs, fish packing or canning officers, and fisheries shipping transportation services.

In a bid to arrange and manage the increasing overseas demand for marine and fisheries related manpower from Indonesia, Syarif said the government would soon build a marine manpower office.

"The joint marine manpower office is supported by Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, Manpower and Transmigration Ministry, National Education Ministry, and Transportation Ministry," Syarief Widjaya said.

He said the joint marine manpower office, expected to permanently organize the International Job Fair on Marine and Fisheries every year, would be declared at the closure of the I`JO F.M 2011.

Besides, he added that the office of the cross-ministerial cooperation would also provide Indonesian job seekers in marine and fishery field with information about job opportunities.

He also said a lot of Indonesian sailors were working abroad at present in the fields of shipping sector, fishery management industries, and aquaculture.

Therefore Indonesian Seamen Association (KPI) Secretary Sonny Pattiselano said the government should consider the protection and safety of Indonesian sailors who were working abroad.

Sonny also highlighted the gap between domestic legislation and international policy, and said that there should be well integrated consolidation rules.

"The involvement of labor union in industrial relations in the maritime and fisheries sector should also be taken into account," Sonny said.

According to maritime affairs minister Fadel Muhammad, around 12,000 Indonesian men are currently working on board various ocean liners across international waters.

"There are around 12,000 Indonesian workers on board both domestic and foreign ships which sail across international waters at present," Fadel said in an economic-related dialog on April 12, 2011.

Fadel admitted that he obtained the data about the number after a hijacking incident of an Indonesian ship with 20 crews by Somali pirates in March.

The minister explained that thousands of Indonesian sailors spread in various regions in Asia and Europe.

According to the minister, there were around 2,000 Indonesian sailors in Spain, 600 in Taiwan, and 400 in Thailand, and 3,000 in Japan.

Therefore he said the sailors had been asked to form an association amongst Indonesian seamen.

"I have asked them to form the association and to remain getting in touch with with Indonesian embassies abroad," Fadel said.

Meanwhile, data from Transportation Ministry in 2010 indicated that the Indonesian sailors working abroad could generate foreign exchange to about one billion dollars per year. 

US Agriculture Under Secretary visits seafast facility

Antara News, Thu, April 7 2011

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Bogor, W Java (ANTARA News) - US Agriculture Undersecretary Michael T Scuse and his delegation visited the Southeast Asian Food and Agricultural Science and Technology Center (SEAFAST) in Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), Thursday to observe the facility.

The US agriculture delegation`s visit in Bogor was to observe the research infrastructure at the facility, Scuse said here Thursday.

"So the main purpose is to see the SEAFAST facility, and see how the researchers work, " he said.

Scuse also expressed his amazement at the completeness of the facility`s equipment.

Scuse also said Indonesia and the US had a comprehensive partnership which gives an opportunity for cooperation to assist people`s welfare programs.

IPB SEAFAST Center head Purwiyanto Hariyadi said that Michael Scuse`s visit would open better and broader opportunities fot agricultural cooperation in the future.

"Further, the assistance needed will be more in the form of capacity building, agricultural student and researchers exchanges, and many more forms," he said.

According to the US Embassy to Indonesia`s Senior Information Specialist Public Affairs Section Indar Juniardi said that Michael Scuse was appointed as the USDA Acting under Secretary for the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS) by the US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on April 2009.

Scuse`s main task is to handle programs within the FFAS`s mission scope, where the FFAS is appointed to broaden and form a new market for American products, increase US agriculture competitive position also to provide technical assistance and food grants abroad.

Scuse had bee the chairman of the Association of State Agricultural Department in the northeast region, and during his tenure he managed to eradicate the avian flu virus with the help of the University of Delaware and local poultry industries.

Editor: Jafar M Sidik

Timor Leste interested in buying Indonesia-made ships

The Jakarta Post, Associated Press, Antara | Wed, 03/23/2011

Leste is interested in buying fast patrol boats produced by Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL and has asked Indonesia to provide an export credit for the purpose.

Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said at the presidential palace after accompanying President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in a meeting with visiting Timor Leste Primer Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao here on Tuesday that Timor Leste would buy two FPB boats each worth around US$20 million.

"They discussed it just now and the government is ready to provide an export credit through Indonesia`s export financing body. The price is about US$20 each and they (Timor Leste) have ordered two units," he said.

Besides fast patrol boats Timor Leste was also interested to increase military cooperation especially in the field of training by sending its officers to participate in Indonesia`s National Defense Institute (Lemhanas), Staff and Command College (Sesko) and Defense University (Unhan).

"(They) wish to increase military cooperation and military education. They wish to participate in Lemhanas, Sesko and Unhan. We have so far also received participants from other countries," he said.

Besides Timor Leste a number of countries in Southeast Asia have also been interested to buy Indonesia`s strategic industry products such as the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.

Purnomo said the Philippines had expressed its interest in landing platform dock (LPD) ships which could accommodate helicopter and be used for transporting troops and in natural disaster handling operations.

Malaysia meanwhile has ordered ANOA tactical vehicle produced by arms industry PT Pindad while South Korea has ordered CN 235 aircraft produced by PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Purnomo said.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao would be in Indonesia until March 25. Besides meeting with President Yudhoyono he was also scheduled to give a lecture at state University of Indonesia and attend an international defense convention here.

Australia donates 3 patrol boats to RI to curb people-smuggling

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 03/16/2011

The Australian government will donate three patrol boats worth a total of US$5 million to Indonesia to help tackle the issue of people-smuggling through Indonesian-Australian waterways.

"The high-speed patrol boats will be placed in a number of strategic locations in Indonesia,” Australian Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said on Wednesday after meeting with Indonesian National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo at the National Police headquarters in Jakarta, tempointeraktif.com reported.

The three boats are currently being worked on by an Australian company in three different locations: Perth, Australia, Vietnam and Singapore.

Australia also donated $4.8 million to upgrade equipment and facilities at the Indonesian National Police's cyber crime center.

Jakarta sinking fast in wake of construction boom

Hans David Tampubolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 02/07/2011

A recent study concluded that land subsidence in Jakarta accelerated at an alarming pace in the past four decades, and if no remedial measures were taken, the northern part of the city could sink below sea level in the next decade.

Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) researcher Heri Andreas said the persistent inundation of North Jakarta would only get worse in the future.

“Several areas in the northern coastal region of Jakarta will subside by 60 centimeters by 2020. In 2050, the area could sit 2.2 meters lower than in 2008,” said Heri, who is also a member of the Jakarta Coast Defense Strategy (JCDS).

Heri predicted that if no action was taken to mitigate land subsidence, flooding and high tides would contribute to 5,100 hectares of land in North Jakarta being submerged in 2020 and another 6,000 hectares in 2050.

A worst-case scenario, however, put the figures at 16,200 hectares in 2020 and 18,100 hectares in 2050.

“In this scenario, the northern coast of Jakarta could be 2 meters under water by 2020 and 6.9 meters under water by 2050,” Heri said.

Global sea levels have risen at a rate of about 1 to 2 millimeters per year on average, and this rate is expected to increase to 5 millimeters per year by 2050.

A recent study by ITB showed that the sea level in the Jakarta northern coastal region rose at a rate of 5.7 millimeters per year.

The most recent finding by the JCDS showed that around 40 percent of land in Jakarta was already below sea level.

Given the finding, the JCDS predicted that within between the next 10 to 20 years, 50 percent of the city would lie below sea level.

The JCDS data also showed that between 1974 and 2010, the Muara Karang area in North Jakarta had sunk 4.1 meters. West Cengkareng in Tangerang had sunk 2.5 meters in the same period.

The Daan Mogot area in West Jakarta and Ancol in North Jakarta sank 1.97 meters and 1.88 meters respectively in the same period.

Between 1974 and 1982, land subsidence rates were not as significant as today. The problem became worse after the region saw a construction boom in property and industry.

A number of dikes constructed by the city, including in Muara Angke, Muara Karang, Pluit, Cilincing and Marunda, are no longer capable of holding back the water that has increased rates of land subsidence.

Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo recently admitted that the city was sinking at an alarming rate.

“We have no other choice but to construct a new embankment in Jakarta Bay,” Fauzi said.

He said the city needed a giant seawall to protect the capital from flooding, but added that construction could only begin in 2025.

The construction of the seawall is a joint project run by the city administration and the JCDS, which is funded by the Dutch government.

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Jakarta to Build Sea Wall

Tempo Interactive, Friday, 04 February, 2011

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Researchers from Jakarta Coastal Defense Strategy (JCDS) Consortium recommended that the Jakarta Government build a giant sea wall to manage floods. The sea wall will extend 60 kilometers from Tangerang, Jakarta up to Bekasi. “The construction is made possible because the technology has been applied in New Orleans, US,” said member of the JDCS Consortium, Heri Andreas, last Tuesday.

The sea wall was recommended to manage two big threats causing frequent flooding in Jakarta, which are ground subsidence by 10- centimeters per year and the rise of the sea level by 5 millimeter per year. The construction of the sea wall along the North coast of Jakarta is judged to be effective in reducing the threats.

Heri admitted sea walls were not the only way to manage the floods. Another method would be to stop ground water usage and refilling it back. But total stoppage would be unlikely because it is one of the main sources of water.

Even though there are plans to a water refilling plant at the Jatiluhur dam area, the Jakarta Government is still not ready to do this. “By reducing ground water intake, the ground will still subside by 10 to 15 centimeters per year. Even if we refill the water, the ground will still subside in 5 years time,” said Heru,” Meanwhile the danger of rising sea levels cannot be solved because it is caused by global warming.

Heri said that the government has tried to solve the problem partially by building embankments in Kamal Muara and other sites. But it is still regarded as insufficient.

RENNY FITRIA SARI | ENDRI K

TNI asks Netherlands to support frigate building project

Antara News, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The National Defense Forces (TNI) has asked the Dutch government to consistently support the development of a light frigate by Indonesian ship-building company PT PAL.

"Yes, we have asked the Dutch to be more consistent in supervising the development of the ship as there are things that PT PAL cannot yet do," TNI spokesman Commodore Iskandar Sitompul said here on Tuesday.

PT PAL is developing a light frigate-type missile destroyer under supervision of Dutch ship-building company Schelde.

Asked about the program after he had attended a closed-door meeting between TNI Commander Admiral Agus Suhartono and Dutch ambassador Tjeerd F De Zwaan, Sitompul said Dutch consistency in helping carry out the program was needed.

"This is done in the framework of revitalizing national defense industry especially PT PAL to meet the needs of TNI weaponry including a light frigate," he said.

The Indonesian navy is striving to improve its combat power in the framework of meeting its minimum strength requirements by modernizing its weaponry. Right now it has 154 warships of various types and the number is to be increased to 274.

With regard to that the defense ministry has launched a light fregat destroyer development program in cooperation with the Netherlands. The ministry expects to build 20 units.

The program is estimated to cost US$220 million and take four years to finish.

Besides discussing the frigate development program they had also discussed various matters relating to the two countries` bilateral relations including the relations between the two countries` armies, he said.

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.