#Public Affairs
Indonesia, WRI join forces to achieve FOLU Net Sink 2030 targets
Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research non-profit organization, have teamed up on February 17, 2023, to achieve the objectives of the FOLU (Forestry and Other Land Uses) Net Sink 2030. These objectives include decreasing emissions from the forestry and other land use industry and increasing carbon absorption, Antara news agency reported.
Indonesia, Iran strengthen ties through 8th policy planning dialog
Indonesia and Iran are strengthening their diplomatic ties for 44 years since the formation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to Ambassador of Iran to Indonesia Mohammad Azad. The ambassador highlighted the close relations between the two countries in global affairs, human rights and economic and cultural exchanges.
Indonesia's hajj pilgrimage fee rises to IDR 49.8 million while Saudi Arabia lowers it by 30%
The government and the House of Representatives (DPR) have agreed to set the 2023 hajj pilgrimage fee at IDR 49.8 million (US$ 3,281.13) per individual, far from the 2022's cost of IDR 39.89 million. Ironically, the decision was taken after the Saudi Arabia government announced that it would lower the hajj cost by 30%.
Outlets shut down: Are retailers facing doomsday?
The closing down of Transmart’s 12 outlets has affirmed the tight competition among retailers and the shifting of consumers behavior. Transmart is not the first player in the retail industry that had to close down its outlets. Giant, a hypermarket chain originated from Malaysia, permanently closed down its business in 2021.
Cigar industry in Indonesia - a potential rival to cigarettes?
The cigar business has the potential to bring great profits as they are seen as a potential replacement for cigarettes. People make cigars from rolled tobacco leaves, instead of chopped tobacco wrapped in papers like cigarettes. However, both cigars and cigarettes have similar health risks. According to online health consultation sehatq.com, smoking cigars can result in various forms of cancer, lung and heart diseases, addiction, dental and oral disorders and fertility problems.
Jokowi's ASEAN vision: Securing stability and prosperity for 2045
As the ASEAN 2023's Chairman, Indonesia hopes to bring stability and prosperity in the region on various issues, including climate change, cyber security, digital economy and disruption of the regional supply chain. Therefore, the government must create a strong foundation of cooperation so that ASEAN can face all kinds of challenges in a responsive manner as a region.
NGO mapping and financing in Indonesia
NGOs in Indonesia have served as a significant factor in advancing public or social welfare goals. There are countless NGOs in Indonesia, both international and national/local.
The ‘BTS effect': How Indonesia should learn from South Korean soft 'economy' power
As the current biggest Korean boy band in the world, BTS has been proving its status by breaking barriers and records - in or outside music industry - around the world.
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.
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.
G20 electric vehicles are up for sale with a discount and allocated for government needs
The electric vehicles used for the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022 are currently being sold at a discounted price or allocated for other government needs. Indonesia has committed to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy by using electric vehicles - cars, motorcycles and buses - for the event’s mobility needs.