Indonesia morning news for May 18

Indonesia morning news for May 18
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Indonesia morning news

Indonesia’s foreign debt reached US$389.3 billion in Q1 2020
Indonesia’s external debt at the first quarter (Q1) end of 2020 was recorded at US$389.3 billion, a 0.5-percent growth year-on-year (yoy), representing a slowdown in annual growth rate, from the previous quarter’s 7.8-percent yoy growth.
— Antara News

59 more die as Indonesia records second-highest daily spike in COVID-19 deaths
After weeks of relatively low official numbers of daily deaths, the Health Ministry announced 59 more COVID-19 deaths on Sunday, the highest one-day spike in over a month.
— The Jakarta Post

Health certificate must to enter Indonesia: Ministry
Indonesian and foreign nationals seeking to enter Indonesia need to obtain a health certificate from the country of origin and undergo a COVID-19 rapid test, or a laboratory-based test, according to the Health Ministry.
— Antara News

Indonesia to Start Collecting 10% VAT From Netflix, Spotify in July
Indonesia will start collecting 10 percent value-added tax on over the top digital services from abroad on July 1, potentially adding the bills of local customers of movie streaming service Netflix, game distribution Steam, music streaming Spotify and many others, according to the latest regulation from the Finance Ministry made public on Friday.
— Jakarta Globe

Australian vegetable exporters turn to Indonesia
According to industry association AUSVEG, the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) will help Australian vegetable exporters trade into the growing Indonesian market, welcoming the new agreement.
— Fresh Plaza

Soekarno-Hatta Airport Changes Rules to Avoid Another Passenger Pile-Up
State-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura II has issued a new policy to prevent more passenger pile-ups at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after hundreds ignored physical distancing guidelines to board their planes on Thursday.
— Jakarta Globe

Indonesia books US$350 million trade deficit in April 2020: BPS
Indonesia posted a US$350-million trade deficit in April 2020 on the back of exports slumping 7.02 percent to Rp12.19 billion and imports plummeting 18.58 percent to $12.54 billion, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced, Friday.
— Antara News

Epidemiologist claims easing PSBB could prolong COVID-19 crisis until 2024
An epidemiologist has claimed that the government’s plan to ease large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) could extend the outbreak until 2024.
— The Jakarta Post

Again, videos on burial at sea of Indonesian on Chinese boat go viral
Three videos showing a burial at sea of an Indonesian crew member aboard a Chinese fishing boat went viral, following a similar incident recently.
— Antara News

Indonesia, Australia explore solution to Rohingya refugee crisis under Bali Process
Amid pressure from humanitarian organizations, Indonesia and Australia have moved to follow-up talks under the Bali Process framework to prepare for the possibility of another refugee crisis in the Andaman Sea, where hundreds of asylum seekers died in 2015.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesia Trials Quinine as Covid-19 Treatment
Indonesian health authorities are trialing quinine as a possible treatment of Covid-19 while also acquiring other kinds of medication touted as promising drugs in some other countries, a senior official has said.
— Jakarta Globe

51 Workers Contract to Covid-19; Freeport Continues Operation
Freeport Indonesia has decided to continue its operation in Tembagapura, Mimika Regency, Papua, despite 51 of its employees testing positive for COVID-19.
— Tempo.co

Indonesia to host US companies relocating from China
Indonesia is clearing up 4,000 hectares of land in Central Java to accommodate US companies planning to relocate from China in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and an escalating trade war, a top official said.
— Anadolu Agency

Court summonses Jokowi, House to next hearing in COVID-19 response judicial review
The Constitutional Court will proceed with the judicial review petition filed against the executive order on the COVID-19 pandemic response as it has summonsed President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and the House of Representatives to the hearing next week as witnesses.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesian Government Plans $8.6 Billion Coronavirus Bailout for State Firms
Indonesia is planning an $8.6 billion bailout for 12 state-owned firms, to reduce the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, mostly as cash compensation and working capital investments, according to government documents reviewed by Reuters.
— The New York Times

Indonesia must boost recovery spending to $40b to keep businesses afloat: Kadin
The government should boost economic recovery spending to Rp 600 trillion (US$40.17 billion) to help businesses cope with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, as many businesses only have enough cash flow to maintain their operations for the next two months, a business lobby group has said.
— The Jakarta Post

Manpower Ministry Provides Online Complaint Center to Monitor Holiday Bonus Payment
The Manpower Ministry has set up an online complaint portal and mediators to ensure the timely payment of holiday bonuses, or THR, to workers.
— Jakarta Globe

COVID-19 Taking Mental Toll on Medical Workers: Report
The United Nations (UN) has recently warned the COVID-19 pandemic could cause a global mental health crisis.
— Tempo.co

Govt Intervention Needed to Suppress Poverty Rate Amid Pandemic
Not only has the COVID-19 pandemic taken its toll on Indonesia’s economy, but it has also affected the sustainable development goals (SDGs), which, according to the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), will affect the employment aspect and the goal to reduce inequality.
— Tempo.co

Health Ministry’s COVID-19 lab reverses decision to suspend testing following public backlash
The Health Ministry’s Jakarta Environmental Health and Disease Control Center (BBTKLPP) has stated that it will continue receiving and testing COVID-19 samples throughout the Idul Fitri holiday season, just one day after issuing a letter saying it would not accept samples between May 20 and 26.
— The Jakarta Post

Jakarta Emergency Hospital Discharges 1,264 COVID-19 Patients
Wisma Atlet Emergency Hospital (RSDl) in Kemayoran has discharged a total of 1,264 patients recovering from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), since March 23 until May 13, 2020.
— Tempo.co

East Java councilor allegedly offers to pay rape victim to drop charges against aide
A member of the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) of Gresik in East Java has allegedly offered Rp 1 billion (US$67,211) in compensation to the family of a 16-year-old in exchange for the latter’s withdrawal of rape accusations against the councilor’s close friend.
— The Jakarta Post

Hemodialysis patient group to challenge BPJS Kesehatan premium increase for second time
The Indonesian Hemodialysis Patient Community (KPCDI) will once again file a judicial review to the Supreme Court against the government’s decision to increase the premiums of the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan) after the former annulled a similar policy earlier this year.
— The Jakarta Post

Govt Urged to Assist Media Outlets amid COVID-19 Pandemic
A legislator urged the Indonesian Government to assist the country’s mainstream media to enable them to survive the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic owing to their important role in disseminating accurate and credible information on COVID-19 to community members.
— Tempo.co

Indonesia’s falling imports signals cooling economic activity
Indonesia’s imports have fallen for 10 consecutive months in April as manufacturing companies cut production output while consumer demand continues to shrink amid the COVID-19 pandemic, signaling cooling economic activity going forward.
— The Jakarta Post

MPR Donates Food Packages for Journalists
The People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) has donated hundreds of food packages, instant noodles, frozen chickens, vitamins and hand sanitizer for journalists affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
— Tempo.co

239 residents sent to Surabaya haj dormitory for 14-day quarantine
As many as 239 residents of the East Java city of Surabaya who may have suffered symptoms of new coronavirus have been sent to the Surabaya haj dormitory for being quarantined for 14 days, a local government official said.
— Antara News

Criminalizing adultery in Criminal Code will do more harm than good: Activists
A young couple from Cikupa, Banten identified only as R and M experienced what could be considered the worst night of their lives in November 2017.
— The Jakarta Post

58 COVID-19 Patients Recover in Batam
hree more people have recovered from coronavirus infection in Batam City, taking the total count of recoveries to 58 as of Saturday, according to the city’s Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling.
— Tempo.co

Rapid test result for COVID-19 comes reactive for five people
The result of a COVID-19 rapid test on five of the 78 people at Mawar Market in the West Kalimantan provincial capital of Pontianak, on Saturday, came reactive for coronavirus, a health official stated.
— Antara News

111 Indonesians Arriving from Sabah Test Negative for COVID-19
All 111 Indonesian migrant workers who arrived at Tunon Taka Port in Nunukan District from the Malaysian state of Sabah on Friday tested negative for COVID-19, according to a medical team.
— Tempo.co

Rice stocks to reach 1.8 million tons by June: Bulog
The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) is expected to have 1.8 million tons of rice in stock by June, 2020, the peak harvesting season, the agency’s president director, Budi Waseso, said here on Friday.
— Antara News

Indonesia’s SOEs ordered to anticipate new normal with COVID-19
State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir has ordered all state-owned companies to set up their respective COVID-19 task forces and prepare guidelines for anticipating the implementation of new normal scenario within the companies.
— Antara News

COVID-19 positive man refuses to be taken to hospital, hugs neighbors in rage
A 40-year-old man initialed as AR, who has tested positive for COVID-19, has caused a commotion as he refused to be taken to the hospital by a team of medical workers and fumed at his neighbors in the city of Tasikmalaya, West Java.
— The Jakarta Post

DBS Indonesia donates test kits, food assistance worth Rp 26 billion
Private lender PT Bank DBS Indonesia has donated thousands of test kits and staple food assistance worth Rp 26 billion (US$1.7 million) to support the government’s coronavirus response.
— The Jakarta Post

Industry Minister urges people to buy domestic products
Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has urged the public to buy domestic products, in a bid to improve the competitiveness of the Indonesian manufacturing industry, which has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Antara News

COVID-19: #IndonesiaTerserah trends as frustration mounts over physical distancing violations, govt policies
Social media users are deploying the hashtag #IndonesiaTerserah (#WhateverIndonesia) to express their frustration over the public’s apparent disregard for physical distancing measures and the government’s inconsistent COVID-19 policies.
— The Jakarta Post

UI, private partners join hands to produce local-made flocked swabs for COVID-19 testing
As part of its social responsibility and public contribution in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Indonesia (UI) and its various industrial partners are set to produce local-made test kits to support testing in the country.
— The Jakarta Post

Prosecutors demand seven years’ imprisonment for inactive Medan mayor in bribery case
Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors have demanded seven years’ imprisonment and a Rp 500 million (US$33,564) fine for Tengku Dzulmi Eldin, the inactive mayor of Medan in North Sumatra, for his alleged involvement in a bribery case related to projects and positions in the city administration.
— The Jakarta Post

Ministry distributes free masks to MSME makers
The Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises distributed protective masks for free to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) makers as well as the general public to maintain and adhere to health protocols.
— Antara News

COVID-19-free hospital letters offered on e-commerce platforms
Hospital letters declaring the holder COVID-19-free is being offered on a number of e-commerce platforms for people hoping to travel amid the mudik (exodus) ban.
— The Jakarta Post

Coal miner Adaro’s profit falls 17 percent in Q1 as coal prices slump
Coal miner PT Adaro Energi’s profit shrank by 17.36 percent year-on-year (yoy) to US$98.17 million in the first quarter amid falling coal prices and slumping demand in the coronavirus-ridden Asian economy.
— The Jakarta Post

Jokowi Donates 5,000 Basic Aid Packages to Kupang Residents
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has donated 5,000 basic aid packages to residents bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in the East Nusa Tenggara provincial capital of Kupang.
— Tempo.co

Companies still hiring now looking ahead to post-epidemic recovery: Mekari survey
While most businesses have been forced to downsize and have halted recruiting new staff, a recent survey has found that some companies are continuing to hire new employees as part of their strategy for faster recovery after the health crisis ends.
— The Jakarta Post

Bali Police arrest seven for allegedly selling COVID-19 travel permits at Gilimanuk Port
Bali Police have arrested seven people of two alleged syndicates selling fake health certificates to people wishing to travel during the COVID-19 outbreak, in violation of the mudik (exodus) travel ban.
— The Jakarta Post

Ministry Comments on Farmers Giving Away Free Vegetables on Road
Agriculture Ministry official Sukarman commented on the viral video showing farmers gave away their farming products for road users in Malang, East Java.
— Tempo.co

COVID-19: Central Java farmers donate rice, eggs to affected residents
Farmers in Central Java have set aside 5 tons of rice and 500 kilograms of eggs to be donated to residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in another community-based movement promoting gotong royong (mutual cooperation), as harvest time came recently.
— The Jakarta Post

Floods Submerge 292 Homes in Aceh Jaya District
Floods triggered by incessant heavy rains have submerged 292 houses in Setia Bakti and Darul Hikmah Sub-districts, Aceh Jaya District, Aceh Province, since Saturday night.
— Tempo.co

 

 

Feature photo Swiss Beekeeping for Development
This week’s Indonesia morning news feature photo focuses on World Bee Day, May 20.

 

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.

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Justhine De Guzman Uy completed a Bachelor of Arts Major in Mass Communication at New Era University, Quezon City, the Philippines in 2016

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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