Indonesia’s trade deficit touches US$1.33 billion inb November
Indonesia recorded a trade deficit of US$1.33 billion in November 2019, with exports reaching $14.01 billion and imports, $15.34 billion, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS).
— Antara News
Indonesia Education Lags Behind Region
Indonesian students are among the lowest performers in Southeast Asia, according to a recent report, The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), released this month by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
— VOA News
Lack of Birth Certificates Exposes Children to Risks of Exploitation
At least 25 percent and up to 49 percent of Indonesian children under the age of five are never issued a birth certificate, putting them in danger of being exploited – even losing their citizenship, according to a study by the United Nations Children Fund, or Unicef, released last week.
— Jakarta Globe
Indonesia’s palm replanting reaches 93,702 hectares, behind schedule
Indonesia, the world’s top palm oil producer, has disbursed funds to replant 93,702 hectares (231,543 acres) of palm plantation area as of Dec. 10 and is behind schedule, according to the country’s palm fund agency.
— Reuters
High oil, gas imports inhibited economic transformation: president
High oil and gas imports are one of the factors impeding economic transformation in Indonesia, according to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
— Antara News
President targets 14-percent reduction in stunting rate in five years
President Joko Widodo is zeroing in on reducing the prevalence of stunting or chronic hunger in Indonesia by at least 14 percent in the next five years to improve the quality of Indonesian human capital.
— Antara News
Jakarta gasps for air: 2019 marks history in fight against severe air pollution
For the longest time, the two main urban woes infamously attached to Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta have been severe traffic congestion and perennial floods, visible and affecting the everyday lives of many Jakartans.
— The Jakarta Post
Indonesia takes EU to WTO over ‘discriminatory’ palm oil policy
Indonesia added fuel to its ongoing feud with the European Union last week by filing a lawsuit to the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the bloc’s palm oil policy, which Indonesia has deemed discriminatory to its palm oil sector.
— The Jakarta Post
Indonesia to reduce retail bond sales in 2020 after weak 2019
Indonesia plans to cut back its retail bond issuance next year after a sharp increase in 2019 led to weak sales, a finance ministry official said on Monday.
— Nasdaq
E. Java Police Seize 14 Luxury Cars, Hundreds More Targeted for Unpaid Taxes
The East Java Police have seized fourteen luxury cars worth billions of rupiah for a lack of valid ownership documents and unpaid taxes in recent operations, a senior officer said on Monday.
— Jakarta Globe
Indonesia to return baby orangutan to habitat after smuggling attempt
Indonesian authorities on the resort island of Bali on Monday saw off a baby orangutan, who will be brought back to its natural habitat on Sumatra island after an aborted attempt to smuggle it to Russia earlier this year.
— Kyodo News
6 percent economy growth requires Rp35.4T investment: Bappenas
Indonesia’s plan to reach a six percent economy growth requires at least Rp35.428 trillion investment for the 2020-2024 period, the Ministry of National Development Planning/the National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas) estimated here, today.
— Antara News
Chinese, Indonesian FMs pledge closer economic cooperation
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi here on Monday, with the two officials pledging to work with all parties to ensure the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal as soon as possible.
— Xinhua
Indonesia eyes emerging overall champion in 2020 ASEAN Para Games
Indonesia has set a target to emerge as the overall champion in the 2020 ASEAN Para Games scheduled on January 18-25 next year.
— Antara News
Oil refinery development will reduce imported fuel: President
If the development of oil refineries in Indonesia could be completed soon it could reduce the value of imported fuel and petrochemical products, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) believed.
— Antara News
Bappenas: New Capital City Will Be Autonomous Province
The National Development Planning Agency or Bappenas Head Suharso Monoarfa stated that the new capital city would be an autonomous province.
— Tempo.co
Bappenas reveals strategies to attain economic growth of six percent
The National Development Planning Ministry/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) highlighted numerous strategies to accomplish the average national economic growth of six percent in the National Medium-Term Development Plan 2020-2024.
— Antara News
Garuda to Issue $900m in Global Bonds in 2020 to Restructure Debts
Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is seeking to raise up to $900 million from issuing dollar-denominated Islamic bonds, private placement or peer-to-peer lending next year.
— Jakarta Globe
Businesspeople Dominate Govt’s Omnibus Bill Task Force
The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has named members of prominent business lobby groups along with government officials, academics and journalists in a task force to lead public consultation on the omnibus bill on job creation and taxation.
— Jakarta Globe
Experts advise watchfulness as Papua Police confirm one ‘terror’ arrest
The fear of active terrorist groups has resurfaced in Papua province following the arrest of an alleged terrorist and seizure of homemade explosives on Dec. 5 in Sentani district, Jayapura.
— The Jakarta Post
Minister seeks investment from UAE in hydroelectricity development
Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan offered Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan an opportunity to invest in Indonesia’s hydroelectricity power plant development.
— Antara News
Turtle found stranded, covered in net and oil on touristy Bintan Beach
A sea turtle has washed up on Angsana Bintan private beachfront resort at the Lagoi integrated tourism zone in Bintan regency, Riau Islands.
— The Jakarta Post
Internal Affairs to Investigate Tamansari Eviction Police Abuse
Indonesian National Police’s public relations chief, Grand Commissioner Asep Adi Saputra says there are at least 25 police members from the Bandung’s Kota Besar police precinct involved in the Tamansari eviction that will be questioned by the internal affairs division (Propam).
— Tempo.co
Private equity fund led by former World Bank boss to invest $3b in Indonesia: Luhut
Private equity fund Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is interested in investing in three projects in Indonesia, a high-ranking official has said.
— The Jakarta Post
Jokowi’s Performance Affects Gibran’s Electability: Survey
The executive director of Media Survei Nasional or Median pollster, Rico Marbun, said the electability of Gibran Rakabuming Raka was also affected by the performance of his father, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
— Tempo.co
President urges PSSI to prepare to host U-20 World Cup
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) urged the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to make all necessary preparations to host the upcoming Under 20 (U-20) World Cup to be held in Indonesia in 2021.
— Antara News
Indigenous communities fear eviction amid investment push as rights bill remains on back burner
It has been more than 15 years since the House of Representatives officially proposed a bill on the legal protection of indigenous people.
— The Jakarta Post
Hopes high for Bank Permata after acquisition by Bangkok Bank
Hopes are high for publicly listed Bank Permata after it was revealed that a majority stake in the lender is to be acquired by Thailand-based Bangkok Bank, effectively putting an end to wild rumors about the acquisition since early this year.
— The Jakarta Post
Jokowi Wants New Capital as Transformation towards Smart Economy
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expected the new capital city to be designed as a transformation towards a smart economy country.
— Tempo.co
Indonesia faces uphill battle to achieve B50 biofuel goal
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to implement a 50 percent-blended biodiesel (B50) requirement but has acknowledged that under current oil production projections, it will difficult to achieve within the next five years.
— The Jakarta Post
Indonesia-Timor Leste open direct land transportation of Kupang-Dili
The provincial government of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, and the government of Timor Leste have agreed to open land transportation access that directly connects Kupang and Dili, the capitals of both regions.
— Antara News
Circular economy going around in circles, experts say
The circular economy has been hailed as the best way to solve the ever-piling plastic waste problem in Indonesia, but observers argue that the country lacks the integration to make it work.
— The Jakarta Post
Gojek closes in on deal to buy 5% of taxi operator Blue Bird
Gojek, the Indonesian all-purpose super app provider, is nearing an agreement to buy 5 percent of top local taxi operator PT Blue Bird, according to people familiar with the matter.
— The Jakarta Post
Insp. Gen. Sigit installed as Bareskrim chief
National Police Chief General Idham Aziz inaugurated former chief of the Profession and Internal Security Division Inspector General Listyo Sigit Prabowo as new chief of the Criminal Investigation Division (Bareskrim) on Monday.
— Antara News
Former minister Susi slams successor’s plan to roll back lobster larvae export ban
Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo has announced a plan to allow the export of lobster larvae after a ban was put in place by his predecessor Susi Pudjiastuti in 2016 over conservation concerns.
— The Jakarta Post
PKS to Anies Baswedan: Don’t Pass Policy Harming Muslims
The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) faction of the Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) reminded Governor Anies Baswedan to be more considerate when issuing policies related to indecency.
— Tempo.co
Ministry encourages fishery businesspersons to avail KUR benefits
Marine and Fisheries Affairs Minister Edhy Prabowo has encouraged businesspersons in the sector to capitalize on the micro business loan (KUR) since the government has eased requirements to avail the credit.
— Antara News
Riau Islands police chief conducts bike patrolling around Batam City
Riau Islands Police Chief Inspector General Andap Budhi Revianto conducted a bike patrol around Batam City on Sunday to observe the readiness of his men in securing this year’s Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
— Antara News
Anies Baswedan Annuls Award to Colosseum After FPI Protest
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has revoked the Adikarya Wisata 2019 award honored to Colosseum Club 1001 on Monday, December 16.
— Tempo.co
Suspicious bag found near Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque not bomb, police say
An unclaimed bag was found on the sidewalk between Istiqlal Mosque and Sriwijaya Hotel in Central Jakarta on Monday afternoon, prompting suspicions about what could be inside.
— The Jakarta Post
Step up, step in: Anti-harassment campaigns urge bystander intervention
Aprilia Resdini was taking the train from Bogor to Jakarta when she saw a man rubbing his crotch against the back of a female passenger, who looked uncomfortable and helpless.
— The Jakarta Post
Lurking inside? Tens of cobras terrorize toilets in West Jakarta
The terror of creeping cobras continues in the capital as residents of Kembangan district in West Jakarta made the terrifying discovery of tens of the venomous snakes appearing from inside their toilets on Sunday afternoon.
— The Jakarta Post
Orange troops’ contract test in gutter as ‘inhumane’
As if managing waste on a daily basis was not enough, Public Facility Maintenance Agency (PPSU) officers in Jelambar, West Jakarta, have been apparently told to take a dip in a gutter to qualify for a contract extension – according to a viral video that made the rounds on social media over the weekend and triggered criticisms from netizens and city officials alike.
— The Jakarta Post
Woman dies, granddaughter injured after being hit by Harley Davidson rider in Bogor
It was still early on Sunday morning when Siti Aisyah, 52, was taking her 4-year-old granddaughter Anya to Sempur Park in Bogor, West Java.
— The Jakarta Post
Likupang awaits its time in the tourism sun
When the government named Likupang in North Sulawesi as one of Indonesia’s top-five new tourist destinations, many eyebrows were raised with people asking, “Where?”.
— The Jakarta Post
How to see next week’s annular solar eclipse in Indonesia
An annular solar eclipse will finish out the 2019 calendar year. Scientists have calculated that the event will take place on Dec. 26, Thursday of next week.
— The Jakarta Post
Makassar student allegedly kills girlfriend after unplanned pregnancy
Police in South Sulawesi have arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of killing his girlfriend, also 21, after she told him she was pregnant. Both were students at Makassar State Islamic University (UIN) Alauddin.
— The Jakarta Post
Feature photo Tazkia IIBS
This week’s Indonesia morning news feature photo focuses on Arabic Language Day, December 18.
Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).
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Indonesia morning news for December 17 added by Justhine De Guzman Uy on
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Justhine De Guzman Uy
After graduation she worked at the Philippine Broadcasting Service performing transcription and business news writing, before moving to Eagle Broadcasting Corporation where she worked as a news editor, translator and production assistant.
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