#International
Indonesia signs IDR 717 million cocoa powder export deal with Egypt
PT Kans Agro Indonesia will export 25 tons of cocoa powder to Egypt through a contract worth IDR 717 million signed with A to Z for Import & Export on March 27, 2023.
Indonesia-China strengthen ties through trade, investment, and cooperation
From March 22nd to March 28th 2023, the "Indonesia-China (Shandong) Exchange Week" was conducted by the Indonesian Embassy and Bank Indonesia Representative Office in Beijing in collaboration with the Dezhou City Government and the Shandong Provincial Government.
Indonesia, Papua New Guinea meets, discuss issues related to border and bilateral relations
On March 21, 2023, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi met Papua New Guinea (PNG) Minister Tkatchenko at Bogor Botanical Garden to conclude the 3rd Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
I'm the optimistic type that hopes… we can make a change for ourselves: Nicolas Parrot
Nicolas Parrot is the President Director at PT Bank BNP Paribas Indonesia and an Executive member of the Indonesia International Banks Association and board member of the Indonesian French Chamber of Commerce. He recently spoke to Indonesia Business Post on his career at BNP Paribas, being a banker in Indonesia and his views on Indonesia’s biggest challenges.
Government plan to grant early extension of Freeport permit will violate mineral and coal law
The Indonesian government is awaiting the submission of PT Freeport Indonesia's request for an early extension of its special mining business permit. The current permit will expire in 2041. "We are currently waiting for Freeport to request an extension," Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif stated on March 17, 2023.
Air Products withdraws from their Indonesian projects following incentive offer from the US
Air Products and Chemical Inc. has decided not to pursue two downstream coal development projects in Indonesia. The company decided to withdraw from its coal gasification into DME collaboration with PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) and PT Pertamina. It also decided not to continue their engagement in developing methanol gas production facility in cooperation with Bakrie Group companies, PT Kaltim Prima Coal and PT Arutmin Indonesia.
Russia gives simplifying visa for 'friendly countries'
Moscow is working on simplifying visa procedures for six of its friendliest countries, including Indonesia, due to the recent drop on tourist number in Russia. The other nation receiving the simplifying visa procedures are Angola, Vietnam, Syria and the Philippines.
PepsiCo, FrieslandCampina suspend palm oil sourcing from Astra Agro Lestari
PepsiCo and FrieslandCampina have suspended imports from Astra Agro Lestari (AAL), Indonesia's second-largest palm oil company, following an investigation into environmental and human rights violations committed in Central and West Sulawesi, Indonesia. The US and Dutch multinationals are the latest in a long line of consumer brands to cut ties with the company.
Indonesian, Japanese universities sign MoU for collaborative research, educational exchange
The Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) Rector Arif Satria and the Chancellor of Shizuoka Professional University of Agriculture (SPUA) Shigehiko Suzuki signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) related to agriculture and vocational education on March 2, 2023.
Indonesia, Sri Lanka explore collaboration to boost bilateral cooperation
To enhance collaboration and bilateral ties in different domains, the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dewi Gustina Tobing met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the latter's office in Sri Lanka on March 4, 2023.
BPK, South Korea's BAI work together in audit institutions
Chairman of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) Isma Yatun met with Chairman of the Korean Board of Audit Inspection (BAI) Choe Jaehae in Seoul on March 3, 2023, to create an action plan for future bilateral cooperation. The potential cooperation includes arrangements for the two institutions to exchange examiners for secondment at each other's Supreme Audit Institution (SAI).
Green groups concern about Hyundai's purchase of dirty aluminum from Adaro
Hyundai Motor Company and PT Adaro Minerals Indonesia Tbk's memorandum of understanding received a backlash from environmental organizations from both countries over the South Korean carmaker's planned annual purchase of 100,000 tons of aluminum from Indonesia's second-biggest coal firm.