#Government
VKTR to provide West Java public transportation firm with electric buses
PT Vektr Teknologi Mobilitas (VKTR), a subsidiary of Bakrie and Brothers conglomeration, will supply electric bus fleet to West Java-owned enterprise PT Jasa Sarana. VKTR Chairman Anindya Bakrie said the company would provide solutions to reduce emissions from public transportation.
One strategy to avoid the government's subsidy burden will be to raise fuel prices
The energy subsidy scheme, which is right on target for the community group, cannot be pushed through because the government's subsidy burden will continue to grow and burden state finances. The magnitude of community-subsidized fuel consumption may be caused by the current subsidy mechanism being open and applied to energy products. "This means that anyone can access the subsidized fuel without restriction," said Bank Permata Chief Economist Josua Pardede in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 30th.
Labor Party and Labor Unions to protest on September 6, 2022, rejecting fuel price increase plan and the Omnibus Law on job creation
The Labor Party and other labor organizations will hold simultaneous actions in 34 provinces on September 6, 2022. In Jakarta, it will be centered in the DPR RI with an estimated attendance of around 5,000 people, while in the regions it will be held at the Governor's Office followed by the recovery of thousands of workers. Protesters in Jakarta came from Jabodetabek with demands to reject the increase in fuel prices, reject the ratification of the Omnibus Law on Ciptaker, and increase labor wages by 10 to 13% in 2023.
Indonesian workers are skeptical of three social aid schemes aimed at increasing subsidized fuel prices
The government plans to implement three social aid schemes worth US$1.62 billion (IDR 24.17 trillion) to boost people's purchasing power amid the risk of inflationary pressures as a result of an expected increase in subsidized fuel prices.
Russia's offers cheap oil to Indonesia sparks pro and contra issues
Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said that Russia offered Indonesia 30 percent lower oil prices than the international market and that India had previously purchased the oil from Russia. Sandiaga said President Jokowi wanted to accept the offer but several ministers refused because purchasing Russian oil would result in a U.S. embargo.
Government's Plan to Increase Fuel Prices, Inflation threat still waiting
Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, in a virtual public lecture at Hasanuddin University on Friday, said that next week President Jokowi would announce the decision on whether the government will increase the prices of subsidized fuel types of Pertalite and Solar. He said the option to increase the fuel price is needed because the fuel price in Indonesia is below its economic price due to the subsidy by the government. On the other hand, world oil prices have increased.
The distribution of targeted energy subsidy programs using the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS)
Arifin Tasrif, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) stated that he strongly supports the distribution of targeted energy subsidy programs through the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS). He claims that DTKS can be used to buy fuel and distribute direct cash assistance (BLT).
Indonesia accelerates, boosts development of new capital in East Kalimantan
The Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry is currently constructing the Sepaku ring road as the main access road to Nusantara, Indonesia's new capital, in East Kalimantan. The average physical progress has now reached 77%.
Indonesia to develop Membramo hydropower plant for smelter industry
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has ordered Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan to develop two biggest hydropower plants in Indonesia in Kayan River, North Kalimantan, and Membramo River, Papua, to help smelter industry in both areas. However, the project has yet to attract foreign investors.
Effectiveness of coordinated Sulu Sea Trilateral Patrols in handling criminal activities
Defense ministers of Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia decided in March 2022 to expand the trilateral patrols of the Sulu Sea as an important step toward confidence-building and securing the safety trade routes at sea. The effectiveness of the patrols remain a question whereas there are improvements. But most importantly, it is seen as a symbol of unity.
Indonesia's downstream mineral industry ambitions still have a long way to go
Indonesian authorities are optimistic about developing the downstream mineral industry and prohibiting the export of raw minerals. The downstream sector, however, has a long way to go, according to some industrialists and market players.
Indonesia needs to stay vigilant against online radicalization although IS weakens in Mid-East
The government should remain vigilant against the potential threat to the state ideology, the nation's peace and harmony, despite the decline in online radicalization following the defeat of the Islamic State (IS) in the Middle East and worldwide.