#International
Indonesia's active role in UN peacekeeping force
The United Nations peacekeeping force was a unit established by the UN to prevent conflict, reduce violence and strengthen security. Many countries have contributed to the UN peacekeeping force by sending their troops. Indonesia is one of them.
5 countries contribute the most to Indonesia's FDI in 2022
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia has surprisingly raised the value of its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from 2020 until 2022. As one of the most favorite FDI destination, Indonesia's FDI value increased 63.6% or IDR 168.9 trillion (US$ 10.83 billion) in Q3 2022 or 54.9% of the total expected FDI for 2022, according to Minister of Investment/Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Bahlil Lahadalia.
Bauxite ores export ban likely to attract more investments
The government's ban on the bauxite ores export is likely to increase investments in the bauxites processing and refining industry. Economist at the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University Fahmi Radhi said one of the challenges faced by the government after the ban would be the limited bauxites smelters capacity.
Special Autonomy Fund not enough to bring prosperity for Papuans
The Special Autonomy Fund has failed to become a push factor to eliminate the so-called natural resources curse in Papua and West Papua provinces. The fund has been used to increase gross domestic product but it did not improve other sectors especially education, health sanitation and forest condition in those provinces.
Bank Indonesia raises rate to 5.5%, expects low inflation
Bank Indonesia (BI) decided to increase its benchmark 7-day reverse repurchase rate on December 22, 2022, by 25 basis points to 5.5%. The central bank also raised its deposit facility and lending facility rates by the same amount to 4.75% and 6.25%, respectively.
Government to ban bauxite ores export starting June 2023
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo announced that Indonesia would start banning the export of bauxite ores starting June 2023 to encourage the development of bauxite processing and refining industry at home. His statement came days after Indonesia filed an expected appeal against a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel ruling that was in favor of the European Union (EU) in a dispute over the ban on nickel ore exports.
New TNI chief should have new approach on South China Sea, Papua issues
The newly appointed Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Yudo Margono should have a new and breakthrough concept that prioritizes the role of Indonesian Navy in the future. This is due to the heightened tension of military competition in the South China Sea between the United States and China.
Energy transition in Indonesia needs more international supports
Indonesia has invited Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden to invest in the new renewable energy sector in the country through the Indonesia-Nordic Energy Investment Day: Collaboration to Achieve Net Zero Emission Target. This is part of the Bali Compact G20 2022, where the host country sees that forging international partners is critical in the energy transition process, supports new economies and increases investment in net zero energy systems.
Soccer gambling is an undying phenomenon
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has entered the quarterfinal stage. Brazil and France have become the most favorite team to lift up the coveted trophy. Indonesia, despite its national team has never reached the World Cup, is not an exception. The country has 69% of its 270 million population as soccer lovers, according to databoks.katadata.co.id.
Sweden, Indonesia sign 10 points of cooperation
Sweden and Indonesia have agreed on 10 points of cooperation during Sweden-Indonesia Sustainable Partnership (SISP) 2022.
Sweden, Indonesia sign renewable cooperation agenda 2030
Sweden and Indonesia have committed to establish an agreement for Sustainable Development Goals and established the Agenda 2030 through the Sweden-Indonesia Sustainability Partnership 2022 (SISP). Both countries' representatives signed the partnership in Jakarta on December 5, 2022.
Jokowi insists to promote downstream nickel industries despite loss at WTO
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo reiterated that Indonesia would continue to develop the nickel downstream industry program despite losing the lawsuit by the European Union at the World Trade Organization over the nickel ore export ban. In response to the WTO ruling in favor of the EU, Jokowi instructed his ministers to appeal the decision. He argued that the decision did not have an absolute and binding power, and an appeal is still possible.