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February
In his speech before the participants of the extraordinary meeting of religious leaders at the Presidential Palace, in Bogor, West Java on Saturday (10/2/2018), President Joko Widodo expressed his gratitude to the religious leaders and community leaders. They are considered to have strengthened the harmony of the nation, and are committed to strengthening the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia -NKRI, the state principle of Pancasila, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in diversity). Indonesia is a pluralistic country that has people with different ethnic and religious backgrounds. But the pluralism does not make Indonesia split. Indeed, the pluralism itself unites the Indonesian nation. Religious issue and diversity often pose tension in the social life of the community. The presence of a group of fanatics towards a particular religion may result in tension, conflict, violence, and even murder in the name of religion. In addition, ethnic, religious, racial and interreligious issues (SARA) sometimes so quickly spread to various layers of society. As a result, this may create an atmosphere of conflict that is quite dangerous in the life of the nation. The escalation of disputes in the matter of SARA issues often poses violent and distressing conflicts. Indonesia used to undergo conflict in the name of religion. Since the reform era exactly in 1998, Indonesian people have experienced the era of freedom of expression and expression of opinion. At the time, there had been several conflicts in the name of religion. Let’s take for example, the conflict that occurred in Poso, Central Sulawesi in 1998-2000; conflict Ambon, Maluku in 1999; and in South Lampung 2015. Religious conflicts that have occurred in a small part of Indonesia became a historical note for Indonesia. This proves that Indonesia is still very vulnerable to conflicts due to different beliefs. In this regard, the religious leaders must play a major role to reduce the possible conflicts in a bid to strengthen the national unity. In addressing the conflicts with motives of ethnic, religious, racial and interreligious issues (SARA), the religious leaders must play their key role, especially in 2018 on which Indonesia will hold a Regional Head Election (Pilkada) simultaneously, and in 2019, the presidential election will take place. Both of these events are particularly vulnerable to conflicts, especially if some individuals and groups relate to SARA issues. Basically, any conflict may occur not because of different views of beliefs. However, it is caused with the actions of individuals or groups that incite the anger of one other group. Of course, this should be coped with, especially by religious leaders. Because if this is not immediately addressed, the impact not only harms those who are in conflict, but also can threaten the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
February
The Defense Ministers of ASEAN member countries held a meeting in Singapore, 5-7 February 2018. Unfortunately, the expected result of the settlement of code of conduct with China in the South China Sea is still not reached. In a statement after the meeting, Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen on Wednesday (7/2) admitted that a year's deadline to complete is unrealistic. Complex issues in the South China Sea issue have not yet been settled. Last year, ASEAN and China adopted a draft framework of code of conduct in the South China Sea region. China agreed to start talks with ASEAN member states claiming the South China Sea. This year the binding and approved code of conduct with the People's Republic of China have become the goal of ASEAN claimant countries. But the results are still not as expected. Why do they want this code of conduct to be realized immediately? Some think China does not respect the sovereignty of countries in the South China Sea region. However, the PRC through a foreign ministry spokesperson, Geng Shuang said, Beijing has been working with ASEAN countries to develop a code of conduct that can satisfy all parties. On the other hand, ASEAN through Foreign Minister Vivian Balakhrisnan from Singapore, which is chair of ASEAN this year, expressed the ASEAN ministers' concerns over the increase of China's activities on artificial islands in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, Indonesia has its own concept related to the Indo-Pacific region which also includes the South China Sea. Hopefully, the code of conduct designed by ASEAN and China can be finalized soon, so that conflicts in the South China Sea region can be ended. This process should be done comprehensively so that the parties can accept this code of conduct with an open heart.
February
To boost the activities of oil and gas sector, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources -ESDM is revoking 32 regulations in the sector of oil and gas. The effort is expected to boost investment, economic growth and employment. The policy is distributed in the oil and gas sub-sectors, such as minerals and coal (minerba), electricity, renewable energy and energy conservation (EBTKE). In addition, the Ministry also simplifies the regulations on the Special Unit for Upstream Oil and Gas business activities (SKK-Migas).
This step is a government effort to eliminate the obstacles that have been a stumbling block, especially for entrepreneurs. Thus, investment is expected to grow as expected by the government and the people. Minister of the ESDM, Ignasius Jonan said that the government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will continue to implement the strategy so that the business sector is getting better and better. The efforts to facilitate investment through the revocation or simplification of regulations and licensing will continue to be encouraged. Of the 32 regulations revoked, 11 are from the oil and gas sector. Secretary General of the ESDM, Ego Syarial explained that some businesspeople complained about some irrelevant regulations that must be simplified. Meanwhile, the regulations of the ESDM that are not revoked cover the derivatives of the mandate of the Constitution on the management of natural resources as much as possible for the welfare of Indonesian people.
Head of SKK Migas, Amien Sunaryadi said that there are a number of points that hamper the investment rate of upstream oil and gas sector. There is still a pending or unrealized investment today due to exploration problems to find oil reserves. The reason is that t the world’s oil prices are very cheap nowadays. In addition, there is also impact of the regulation. Amien Suryadi explained that the government has issued a new regulation that is expected to create favorable condition for investment in the oil and gas sector.
The government is pursuing economic growth of 5.5% by 2018. Thus, various efforts are carried out by the stakeholders to boost some sectors. The revocation of 32 regulations that hamper economic acceleration, particularly in the fields of oil and gas and renewable energy, is an option that is considered significant today, especially in meeting the target of economic growth.
Although macroeconomic indicators are now improving, the reality is that this is not a high economic growth. The policy of regulation simplification is expected to boost investment activities across Indonesia.
February
Through Palm Oil Diplomacy, Indonesia Attempts To Build Its Palm Oil Image
Written by Nouvarah Ahdiba
Palm oil is Indonesia's superior product. The Central Bureau of Statistics -PBS noted that it was similar to 2016 that in 2017, Indonesia’s export of palm oil and its derivative products was still the largest foreign exchange contributor to Indonesia. Prof. Bustanul Arifin from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung predicts that up to 10 years, the volume and export value of palm oil and its derivative products will continue to increase. However, he reminds business-people and government actors that sustainability matter will continue to be an obstacle to palm oil export.
During the 40th Annual Summit of ASEAN-EU Partnership Cooperation in Manila, the Philippines on 14 November 2017, President Joko Widodo asserted before the participants of the summit that palm oil is very close to alleviating poverty in Indonesia, narrowing the gap, and building an inclusive economy..
Otherwise, the European Parliament supported the ban on the use of palm oil as environmentally friendly fuel by 2021. In fact, Europe is one of the main export destinations of Indonesian palm oil. Minister of Trade, Enggartiasto Lukita and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi said that this is a "black campaign" in Europe towards Indonesian palm oil products. The EU policy is considered discriminatory
President Joko Widodo requested that the discrimination of the EU against palm oil be stopped. A number of attitudes and policies that are considered to harm economic interests and damage the image of palm oil producing countries must also be eliminated.
Meanwhile, economic observer from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef), Bhima Yudhistira believes that Indonesia is still dependent on traditional markets which reach about 70% of the total export destination countries. He views that in 2018, Indonesia should find out alternative markets, such as Pakistan, South Africa and North Africa which are considered very potential.
Since 2011, Indonesia has established a policy mandating a sustainable palm oil governance and certification system so-called ‘Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil’ (ISPO). This policy is intended to improve the competitiveness of Indonesian palm oil in the global market, with more attention to environmental issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions and so on. To build the image of the palm oil products that has ISPO around the world, especially in export destination countries, Indonesian diplomats overseas must play a major role. This policy is known as palm oil diplomacy.
To support the government's efforts to carry out palm oil diplomacy, the Policy and Development Agency (BPPK) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cooperates with Pertamina University to conduct an applicative study. The study of International Relations of Pertamina University is focused on the energy sector in Indonesia. On February 1, 2018, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two institutions.
The BPPK of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers Pertamina University to be a cooperation partner in producing studies and recommendations related to Indonesia's foreign policy, including strategic commodity sectors such as palm oil.
February
The Asia-Pacific region is increasingly a concern for the United States to expand its arms marketing network. Similar attention is also made by West European countries that produce weapons, including Italy. For that purpose, Washington seems to apply two approaches, namely diplomacy and trade. Efforts to expand the US arms market are visible from the US arms manufacturers’ plan to participate in an international arms exhibition to be be held in Singapore. The reason Washington is expanding the marketing of weapons production in Asia Pacific, especially in Asia, can be seen from at least two points. First, there is an interest of some Asian countries in equipping themselves with more weaponry, and the second point is the expansion of China's influence in the Asia Pacific region. Various security issues at home and in the region, at least, become the reason for some Asian countries to strengthen their defense, such as from the armaments side.Singapore and the Philippines, for example, seem to increasingly feel the need to improve weaponry in connection with the continued strengthening of terrorism issues in Southeast Asia. In another perspective, Japan also feels an interest in strengthening its defense. This is related to the US plan to reduce its role in the Japanese defense. Japan itself feels quite concerned about North Korean maneuvers, which repeatedly conducted missile tests and sometimes, the missile seems to be heading toward Japan. Vietnam is also one of the countries in Asia that feels the need to improve security and defense, especially in the maritime area. The frequent occurrence of Chinese maneuvers in the disputed South China Sea makes Vietnam feel the need to strengthen its arsenal in the region. In terms of defense approaches, the United States also needs to keep pacing with China's strategic and assertive measures. Meanwhile, Italy as one of the arms manufacturers in West Europe also sees the same opportunities as the United States. Although the reason may be about more business than politics. In such a perspective, it can be seen that both the United States and West Europe feel the need to take strategic steps and approaches to expand their arms trade in the Asia Pacific region.
January
The implementation of the 18th Asian Games is few months ahead. The Asian Games will be held from August 18 to September 2, 2018. Various preparations continue to be done by the government of Indonesia, whether by the central government, as well as the two regional governments to host the implementation, Jakarta and Palembang.
The preparation of all infrastructures and facilities has at least satisfied the Asian Olympic Council. This was expressed by the Chief Organizer of the 2018 Asian Games 2018 –INASGOC, Erick Thohir after attending the 8th Committee Coordination Meeting in Jakarta on last Sunday (14/1). The Asian Olympic Council has seen significant progress made by INASGOC, the central government and the government of South Sumatra.
The success of Indonesia as the host for the second time is certainly expected. In 1962, Indonesia had successfully hosted the 4th Asian Games and grabbed second place in the achievement of medals after Japan. This could at least be an inspiration to achieve success in this event. In addition, because this activity is international scale, the eyes of the world at least Asia, will be on Indonesia. It is no exaggeration for Indonesia to expect a positive impact from the 18th Asian Games in various fields, including social, political and economic spheres.
The spirit to make the 2018 Asian Games successful must be echoed by not only Indonesian government, event organizers and athletes, but also all stakeholders, especially Jakarta and Palembang. The spirit of promoting the activities that will be themed "The Energy of Asia" should continue to be intensified.
Some ornaments of the 2018 Asian Games have been already installed in Jakarta and Palembang. Office Buildings of the government and recreation areas have been colored by the distinctive ornaments and attributes of the Asian Games. The spirit of hosting the Asian Games has also been felt, not only in the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex, but in other places of the sport implementation.
The involvement of all stakeholders to resound the implementation of the 2018 Asian Games should continue to be strengthened. The utilization of all promotional media, including social media, should be further improved. So, the 2018 Asian Games fever can be widespread in Indonesia in particular and Asia in general.
January
Indonesia as information center of tropical peat-land ecosystem
Written by nukeOf the total peat-land in the world reaching 400 million hectares per February 2016, the area of tropical peat-land is only eight percent. Of that amount, as much as 60 percent are in Southeast Asia. Tropical peat-land is the one which has the richest type of peat in carbon stocks. The benefit of the peat-land, that is only 3% of the total land area in the world, is capable of storing 75% carbon in the atmosphere. Indonesia is known to have the largest tropical peat-land which covers around 11.5 million hectares, while Malaysia has only 7 million hectares.
As the country with the largest tropical swamp peat-land ecosystem in the world, it is natural that Indonesia offers itself to be the world's tropical peat-land center. Indonesia’s experience for year in dealing with forest and land fires and restoring and providing peat protection should be a mainstay. Central Kalimantan and Sumatra are among those nominated as tropical peat-land candidate because they have done a lot of research, utilization and all related things to peat-land management programs.
The international response that appreciates Indonesia's performance in the protection, management and restoration of the burnt peat-lands is one of the reasons why Indonesia deserves to be the world's tropical peat-land center. Head of Research, Development and Innovation Agency of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Agus Justianto said that the concept is being discussed.
The management of the tropical peat-land center is planned to be under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and in collaboration with the Peat-land Restoration Agency (BRG). Currently, the BRG is working on restoration on 2 million hectares of land in 7 provinces until 2019.
BRG itself was set up to deal with peat-land matters and strengthen peat-land regulation through government regulations and ministerial regulations, following the case of forest fires by 2015. According to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the effort contributed significantly to the reduction of hotspots. In 2015 – 2017, the number of hotspots dropped dramatically from nearly 22,000 spots to fewer than 2000 spots. This became a successful story of Indonesia in a bid to become a tropical peat-land center.
Head of the Peat-land Restoration Agency, Nazir Foead said that Indonesia will build a center of tropical peat-land ecosystem in Bogor, West Java. This centre will be a place for information sharing. While the peat-land laboratory is located in Riau, Jambi and Kalimantan. The center of this tropical peat-land ecosystem will be a place of learning for other countries that want to know about tropical peat-land and how to restore and care for tropical peat-land. Nazir also remarked that Indonesia has a lot of research on peat-land, and the research should be featured in the center of the tropical peat-land ecosystem. Indonesia also opens up the economic potential of the swamp peat-land whose moisture and humidity are kept. The potentials include genuine timbers of swamp peat-land as a substitute for acacia, peat-land coffee, forest honey, rubber and pineapple.
The efforts made by Indonesia are certainly not meaningful if not supported by similar activities by other countries. However, Indonesia is only a small part of this vast earth. All countries in the world must have the same responsibility to care for the earth.
January
President Joko Widodo established ‘Siber and State Encryption –BSSN’. This body was formed through Presidential Regulation No. 53/2017 which was then revised to be Presidential Decree -Perpres No. 133/2017. In the regulation, Head of the BSSN and his deputy are directly responsible to the President. The threat in cyberspace is an infinite threat. A serious threat to cyber-terrorism is the threat of terrorism and warfare via cyberspace.
In regard to the establishment, President Joko Widodo said that the existence of the BSSN is very important and in the future, it is needed by the state, especially in anticipating the rapid development of cyber-crime in the world. In addition, the threats are increasingly diverse from the development of cyber abroad. So, Indonesia must immediately respond the challenge.
Previously, Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto in presenting his vision and mission before Commission I of the House of Representatives –DPR said that terrorism, the threat of war, and conflict are global challenges that need anticipating. Among the possible threats, Hybrid war is the one that combines conventional, irregular, and cyber wars. Marshal Hadi also said that on one hand, the rapid development of information technology is also increasingly supporting the movement of individuals or groups of terrorism to realize their interests. On the other hand, cyber warfare must also be a major consideration in the implementation of national defense and security functions.
Meanwhile, during the discussion of Policy Paper of Indonesian Cyber Diplomacy: Now and Later, November 2017, in Yogyakarta, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that cyber diplomacy is absolutely necessary to respond to the challenges and problems arising from the development of cyber technology that cannot be separated from millennial communities nowadays. In this regard, Head of the Center for Policy Review and Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fikry Cassidi said that nationally the cyber-technology challenge is well responded by the government. He views that the policy paper is prepared to support national policy in the field of cyber by contributing ideas on defining the position and strategy of Indonesian cyber diplomacy.
The technology of the virtual world is growing rapidly without a clear boundary. Indeed, the government of Indonesia should respond and be pro-active in facing cyber governance through multilateral and regional forums. Without the regulation and legal basis for addressing cyberspace, Indonesia will be powerless in its efforts. At present, almost all aspects use cyber technology in the activity. Moreover, the growth of the Internet and information technology has increased more than eight times since 2000 with more than 3 billion users. Based on the growth and development, colonization and crime can now happen not only in the real world, but also through the virtual world. Therefore, without clear legal basis, the handling of cyber threats and other devices will threaten the existence of the state, not only in terms of security, economy but also socio-culture.
February
Ulamas play a major role in keeping diversity and unity of Indonesia
Written by Maryati
Indonesia is a country that lives in diversity, having more than 1,100 regional languages, 714 tribes and six official religions, namely Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. This diversity and difference, of course, requires a sense of mutual understanding. Otherwise, it will lead to friction that sometimes triggers disunity.
Islam becomes the majority religion, with the number of believers in Indonesia reaching 88 percent. However, this does not mean that Islam controls all aspects of socio-political life, nation and state. Muslims in Indonesia are very concerned about harmony among religious followers and they have a high tolerance of other faiths.
So far, Islamic scholars or ulamas are considered very instrumental in maintaining harmony and diversity in Indonesia. Throughout the history of the founding of Indonesia, they have been able to maintain the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia -NKRI. Their contribution in maintaining unity is also unquestionable. It is not surprising that President Joko Widodo in his speech at Haul Majemuk Masyayikh at Pesantren (Ponpes) Salafiyah Syafi'iyah Sukorejo, Situbondo, East Java on Saturday (03 Feb), said that the preservation of Indonesia's diversity is due to the major role of the ulamas.
The role of the ulamas became a decisive factor in several heroic events prior to and after the proclamation of Indonesian independence. Ahead of the proclamation of independence, the involvement of KH Abdul Wahid Hasyim, the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, in the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence (PPKI) has an important meaning in maintaining cultural, ethnic and even religious diversity. The tough debate about the Jakarta Charter at that time could be solved well, because of its broad Islamic views, without having to be trapped in the formalization of religious teachings.
In addition, after the proclamation, when there were many separatists in various regions in Indonesia, who want to separate themselves from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Islamic scholars have played a major role in maintaining, and upholding Indonesia’s unity.
Indonesia is a country with belief in one God, humanity, and a sense of unity and it always tries to solve problems through deliberation, and social justice. It is the duty of the Indonesian nation to keep the state based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitutions ass mandated by the founders of the nation who have struggled to fight for the sovereignty of the nation and the state in the sense of ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ or Unity in Diversity’.
February
The first information is that the United States of America - Indonesia explore cooperation on Halal certificate.
The United States of America‘s Trade Department wants to explore cooperation with the Ministry of Religious Affairs n in Halal Certificate. This was stated by Deputy Assistant of the US Trade Department for Asia, Diane Farrell when visiting the Ministry of Religious Affairs recently.
Diane Farrel was received by Head of the Halal Product Security Guarantee Board, Sukoso and also his staffs. Diane wanted to make sure that the US products have been suitable with standard, in accordance with existing law when the process of halal certification has been officially conducted by the Board.
Responding to the case, Head of the Board, Sukoso said that the Halal Product Security Guarantee Board will officially operate on October 17, 2019. He also explained that his office is preparing the steps of halal certification and technological information system which supports halal certification. Sukoso also said that his office is intensively introducing the Board to the stakeholders and arrange the plan of memorandum of Understanding -MoU with the countries which market their products in Indonesia.
The MoU with other countries is much needed, because the system and standard of halal products in certain country is different from the system and standard of halal which is used in Indonesia. Sukoso further said, that in addition to the labeling of halal, non-halal product is also required to attach non-halal label. This is aimed to protect the consumers. He views that if non-halal label is not listed on product’s package, it will make consumers confused because not all consumers understand the terms which are listed on product’s composition.
The next information is that Gadjah Mada University Vocation and Jeonju Volunteer Center of South Korea strengthen cooperation in culture.
The Vocational School of Gadjah Mada University and Jeonju Volunteer Center of South Korea have strengthened cooperation in social and cultural field recently. The strengthening was implemented through the signature of MoU. The signing was conducted by Dean of the University, Wikan Sakarinto and Director of the Center, Park Jeong Seok at the Vocational School of Gadjah Mada University. The cooperation was initiated by Diploma-3 program of Korean language of the University which was addressed to increase volunteer’s culture.
Previously, the social organization focused on children throughout the world and the Gadjah Mada University had run cooperation in similar field. Last year, there was social action at Patuk II Elementary School, Gunungkidul regency. For two weeks, students of Jeonju Volunteer Center’s volunteers renovated school infrastructure and taught Korean culture and language to students. Wikan Sakarinto appreciated the cooperation which was conducted by Vocational School of Gadjah Mada University and Jeonju Volunteer Center of South Korea. Wikan also hoped that the next cooperation which has been agreed by both sides, can be developed.
We end Diplomatic Corner with the news on the Indonesian embassy in Seoul holds writing competition.
The writing competition is oriented for more Indonesian students in Indonesia and South Korea. Beginning early February, the competition will be closed at the end of February. Meanwhile, the prize will be distributed in March. The Indonesian Ambassador to Korea, Umar Hadi said that based on the regulation, the winner of the competition, who lives in South Korea, will be given tour package to Bali. Meanwhile, the winner, who lives in Indonesia, is provided a visit package to South Korea.
The theme of the competition is "To Interpret special strategic partnership in Indonesian and South Korean relations". As it is known, at the visit of South Korean president to Jakarta at the end of last year, the relations of the two countries was improved through 'Strategic Partnership' which was initiated in 2006 to become 'Special Strategic Partnership'. The competition is conducted in the frame of President Joko Widodo’s visit to South Korea which is scheduled this year.
