Indonesia Bans Public Transports Starting on First Day of Ramadan
The Indonesian government bans its citizens in areas severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak from leaving for other cities and limits travels in other areas to logistics and medical supplies, effective from Friday when Muslims begin to observe Ramadan.
— Jakarta Globe
Indonesia to ban air, sea travel to early June over COVID-19
Indonesia will temporarily ban domestic and international air and sea travel starting on Friday (Apr 24), barring a few exceptions, to prevent further spread of coronavirus, Transport Ministry officials said on Thursday.
— CNA
Space Running Out for Coronavirus Dead at Jakarta Cemetery
The Pondok Ranggon public cemetery in East Jakarta is starting to run out of graves to bury Covid-19 victims.
— Jakarta Globe
Indonesia reports 357 new COVID-19 cases, 11 new deaths
Indonesia on Thursday (Apr 23) reported 357 new COVID-19 cases and 11 new deaths, taking the total number of infections and fatalities to 7,775 and 647, respectively, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.
— CNA
ADB grants US$1.5 bln to support Indonesia’s COVID-19 response
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$1.5-billion budget support for Indonesia to help the nation deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on public health, livelihoods, and the economy.
— Antara News
People Insist on Mudik Will Face Rp100mn Fine: Govt
The Transportation Ministry was set to charge people violating the ban on Ramadan mass exodus or mudik with Rp100 million fine and one-year imprisonment at maximum as noted in the Law No. 6/2018 regarding Health Quarantine.
— Tempo.co
Forest fires in Indonesia set to add toxic haze to COVID-19 woes
Forest fires are starting to break out in parts of Indonesia as the dry season gets underway, threatening to compound respiratory illnesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Mongabay
CNN Indonesia apologises for using K-drama actor photo in Kim Jong Un story
The hit K-drama series Crash Landing On You introduced many viewers to the world of North Korea – but an Indonesian channel may have taken it a step too far after literally using an image of its famous lead actor in an actual story about the country.
— CNA
Jokowi Tells Indonesian Muslims to Embrace ‘Quiet’ Ramadan Amid Pandemic
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo asks Indonesian Muslims to get prepared for “a very different” Ramadan which starts on Friday, urging them to maintain physical distancing and stay at home while observing the fasting month during the coronavirus pandemic.
— Jakarta Globe
Indonesia should turn to VAT, digital tax to offset shortfall in state revenue: Analysts
Indonesia should turn to value-added tax (VAT) and large tech companies to address the widening shortfall in state revenue, analysts have said.
— The Jakarta Post
Indonesia’s household spending to tank as people lose jobs: Fitch
Household spending in Indonesia, a major contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), is expected to tank this year as more people lose their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic that has upended business activities, Fitch Solutions projects.
— The Jakarta Post
Jokowi Postpones National Games in Papua Till Next Year
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Zainudin Amali announced that the 2020 National Games, or PON, in Papua, which was going to be held from Oct. 20 to Nov. 2, would be postponed until next year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
— Jakarta Globe
Indonesia Extends Tax Breaks to Include All Sectors
The government would soon extend a series of tax breaks issued to counter the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic to all sectors, eyeing to inject $2.3 billion into Southeast Asia’s largest economy for the next six months, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said on Wednesday.
— Jakarta Globe
Semarang launches first drive-thru PCR test for COVID-19
Diponegoro National Hospital (RSND) in Semarang is offering drive-thru polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for COVID-19, lauded as the only such service in Central Java.
— The Jakarta Post
NU, Muhammadiyah Declare Same First Day of Ramadan, April 24
Two of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, have declared the start date of Ramadan 1441 Hijri on Friday, April 24, 2020.
— Tempo.co
Why Indonesia can’t close its virus credibility gap
Something is missing from Indonesia’s otherwise blanket coverage of the coronavirus pandemic that may go a long way towards explaining why there is a yawning gap between the official statistics and public perceptions of how bad the health crisis really is.
— Asia Times
Government critic faces incitement charges after WhatsApp hacked
An independent researcher who has been critical of the government on social media is facing incitement charges after a message calling for nationwide riots on April 30 was broadcast from his WhatsApp account, which he says was hacked.
— The Jakarta Post
Bank Indonesia buys $108m of government bonds at auction, first time since rule change
Bank Indonesia (BI) directly purchased Rp 1.7 trillion (US$108 million) worth of sharia sovereign bonds during an auction held by the government on Tuesday, the first such direct purchase since the government issued the COVID-19 stimulus playbook.
— The Jakarta Post
Jakarta Emergency Hospital records rise in COVID-19 inpatients
The Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital (RSD) for COVID-19 treatment in Kemayoran on Thursday morning treated a total of 694 inpatients, rising 42, from 652 inpatients on the previous day.
— Antara News
Ramadan starts early in Maluku villages, people flock to mosques
While the majority of Muslims in Indonesia are waiting for a formal government announcement on the start of Ramadan, some Muslims in Maluku started fasting on Wednesday, performing their first tarawih (Ramadan night prayers) of the holy month on Tuesday.
— The Jakarta Post
Defense Ministry Bans the Use of Zoom Over Security Concerns
The Indonesian Defense Ministry, confirmed by its spokesman Brig. Gen. Totok Sugiharto, on Thursday, issued a circular that effectively bans its employees from using the video conference app Zoom.
— Tempo.co
ASEAN-US ties should boost COVID-19 handling efforts: Minister
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, at a ministerial-level videoconference meeting between ASEAN and the US, Thursday, emphasized that the strategic partnership between both sides should be utilized to optimally handle the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Antara News
Authority to spend Rp 4 billion to help Labuan Bajo tourist industry
The Labuan Bajo and Flores Tourism Authority (BOPLBF) will spend up to Rp 4 billion (US$257,549) to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hard-hit tourist industry in the region, the agency’s top official has said.
— The Jakarta Post
Pandemic Relief; BI Mandates Credit Card Rate Cut Starting May
Starting May 1, 2020, credit cardholders are eligible to, among others, lower interest rates ceiling and lower minimum payment.
— Tempo.co
AICHR Indonesia concerned over reports of Malaysia refusing Rohingya
Indonesian representative to the AICHR, Yuyun Wahyuningrum, expressed deep concern over reports of Malaysian maritime authorities denying entry to Rohingya refugees arriving by boat on April 16 on grounds of containing COVID-19 transmission.
— Antara News
Anies Baswedan Says 50pct Budget Used Up for COVID-19 Handling
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said the 2020 Regional Budget has dropped by over half due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
— Tempo.co
COVID-19: Jokowi draws criticism for statements on lockdown, ‘mudik’
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has conveyed his skepticism over strict emergency protocols amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that there is no conclusive evidence that indicates lockdowns are effective.
— The Jakarta Post
COVID-19 Task Force urges NTT to remain vigilant for dengue fever
Doni Monardo, Chief of the Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Response, reminded the East Nusa Tenggara government to remain vigilant in watching for outbreaks of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
— Antara News
15 MV Lambelu crew members test negative for COVID-19
As many as 15 crew members from MV Lambelu have tested negative for the coronavirus, while two others tested positive for the virus and were transferred to Dadi Special Hospital in the South Sulawesi provincial capital of Makassar for treatment.
— Antara News
Jump in death sentences highlights ‘hasty’ court cases
The staggering increase in capital punishment verdicts last year has fueled criticism of Indonesia’s justice system, with activists accusing judges of ignoring basic human rights and underlining the ineffectiveness of the death penalty in reducing crime.
— The Jakarta Post
Papua extends large-scale social restrictions until May 6
The Papua provincial government has extended large-scale social restrictions in Indonesia’s easternmost province until May 6 owing to a continued rise in the number of residents testing positive for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
— Antara News
Less traffic, but violations reported: Greater Bandung’s first day of partial lockdown
Traffic on the streets of Greater Bandung, which includes Bandung city and its surrounding areas in West Java, declined significantly during the first day of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB), authorities claimed, although violations of protocols during the partial lockdown were reported.
— The Jakarta Post
Indonesia to delay infrastructure projects, including Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail
April 23 (The Jakarta Post/ANN) – The Public Works and Public Housing Ministry will suspend a number of infrastructure projects following the ministry’s decision to reallocate a large part of its budget funds to efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
— The Star
Goodyear Indonesia suspends production to comply with PSBB policy
Publicly listed tire manufacturer PT Goodyear Indonesia has temporarily shut down its production activity to comply with the large-scale social restriction (PSBB) measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
— The Jakarta Post
Govt Asked to Review Plan to Turn Schools into COVID-19 Isolation
Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) speaker Prasetio Edi Marsudi suggested the government review its plan to turn schools into isolation venues for patients diagnosed with the novel coronavirus disease or COVID-19.
— Tempo.co
Coalition Urges President Jokowi to Release Ravio Patra
A public coalition identified as the “Koalisi Tolak Kriminalisasi dan Rekayasa Kasus” has pressed President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to release Ravio Patra from prison after the member of the Open Government Partnership Steering Committee (OGP SC) was arrested on late Wednesday night, April 22.
— Tempo.co
Jakarta Hospital Looks After 24 Babies Born to COVID-19 Patients
Jakarta Persahabatan Hospital (RSUP) was looking after a total of 24 babies born to COVID-19 positive women and patients under monitoring (PDP).
— Tempo.co
COVID-19 Task Force Talks of Indonesian-made PCR Reagents
The expert team head of the National COVID-19 Mitigation Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, revealed that Indonesia was striving to produce reagents needed to conduct the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests.
— Tempo.co
RUU Cipta Kerja Deliberation Partially Postponed, Says KSPI
Leader of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions (KSPI) Said Iqbal revealed that Wednesday’s meeting between three labor organizations and President Jokowi mainly discussed the omnibus bill on job creation (RUU Cipta Kerja) and the aspects contained within the draft bill.
— Tempo.co
East Aceh police rewarded for busting drug trafficking operation
Seven East Aceh policemen were rewarded by acting Aceh Governor Nova Iriansyah for foiling an attempt by a drug ring to smuggle 45 kg of crystal methamphetamine into Naleung Village, Julok Subdistrict, East Aceh District.
— Antara News
Kupang policeman donates first salary to help corona-affected families
A low-ranking policeman in East Nusa Tenggara Province has donated his first salary — Rp7.8 million — for purchasing aid packages for 20 COVID-19 affected families in Penfui neighborhood of Kupang city.
— Antara News
Online Kamisan: Activism goes digital during COVID-19 pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic forces people to stay indoors, human rights activists have embraced digital platforms to have their voices heard and express their demands.
— The Jakarta Post
Three East Java students arrested for ‘inciting fight against capitalism’
Three student activists in Malang, East Java, have been arrested for alleged vandalism with the intention of inciting the public.
— The Jakarta Post
‘I need to protect my family’: Jakartans nix homecoming trips following COVID-19 ‘mudik’ ban
For many Indonesians, the Idul Fitri mudik (exodus) is an important tradition that they must prepare for months ahead of Ramadhan, with train and bus tickets in high demand.
— The Jakarta Post
Feature photo Bank Indonesia
This week’s Indonesia morning news feature photo focuses on World Book and Copyright Day, April 23
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).
—
About Indonesia morning news.
Indonesia morning news roundup is the most comprehensive hand-curated selection of Indonesia English language news headlines published. Each weekday we scour hundreds of local and international news sites and websites to find the most recent Indonesia English language news today.
We filter our the dull, the boring, the repetitive, and the click-bait and package all of the Indonesia daily news that you need to know to start your day into an easy to read, time saving format of Indonesia news headlines and first paragraphs before 7.15am Jakarta time.
We clearly identify the source of all the Indonesia news headlines, whether it is behind a paywall, a media release, or whether the news site uses annoying pop-up advertising or auto-play video, in case those things annoy you too. If a website uses particularly invasive pop-up adverts, we’ll tell you.
This enables you to make an informed choice of whether you want to learn more by clicking directly through to the original Indonesia news article, or keep on reading the remaining Indonesia daily news headlines.
Click here to get your Indonesia English language news today by email before 8am Jakarta time daily. Remember to watch out for the confirmation email from us to confirm your subscription. Check your trash folder if you do not see it.
For more immediate updates download the AEC News Today Mobile App from the Apple or Google stores, or follow us on Twitter.
#Independentmedia
Governance, not government; policies not politics.
Indonesia morning news for April 24 added by Justhine De Guzman Uy on
View all posts by Justhine De Guzman Uy →
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.
Latest posts by Justhine De Guzman Uy (see all)
- Fintech startup to provide greater financial inclusion for Malaysia’s migrant workers – July 25, 2020
- Indonesia morning news for July 24 – July 24, 2020
- Singapore morning news for July 24 – July 24, 2020
- Indonesia morning news for July 23 – July 23, 2020