Indonesia Economy Forum

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Indonesia becomes favorite destination for Chinese new year 2016
Senin, 1 Februari 2016 04:56 WIB | 617 Views

Preparation for Chinese New Year at Klenteng Kwam Im in Palembang, South Sumatra (ANTARA FOTO/Feny Selly)

Beijing (ANTARA News) - Chinas largest online travel agency, Ctrip.com, has revealed that Indonesia is one of the ten favorite destinations for Chinese tourists who want to celebrate Chinese New Year 2016 abroad.

The ten favorite destinations based on the bookings made by the customers since mid January 2016 are Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, United States of America, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia.

Easy access in obtaining visas is one of the strong reasons they chose such countries, one of local media quoted the Publicity Manager of Ctrip, Yan Xin as saying here on Sunday.

Indonesia ranked eighth of the ten countries that became the favorite destinations of Chinese tourists.

Deputy of Sales affairs Director for the Asia Pacific Mission of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, Jordi Paliama said it was a good news to consider Indonesia as one of the Chinese tourists favorite destinations.

"We would continue to improve our a variety and innovative promotions to attract more and more Chinese tourists," he said in the event of "Indonesia Direct Promotion", Beijing.

The Ministry of Tourism has set a target of 200 visits of Chinese tourists for January-February 2016. It increased around 50 percent from the amount of 137,181 Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia at the same period in 2015.

To increase the number of Chinese visits, the Ministry of Tourism also conducted a promotion programs in Wuhan, Shanghai, and Beijing.

Ctrip.com estimated around six million Chinese people would spend their Chinese New Year holiday in foreign countries, starting from 7 February, with some 100 countries to be visited including Antarctic.

East Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea remained the most popular destinations, while Singapore and Thailand became two Southeast Asian countries which attracted a lot of Chinese tourists during the celebration of the Year of Monkey.

Around ten thousand Chinese tourists have been making reservations for holidays in Thailand, while some other preferred to choose Universal Studio, Singapore, to enjoy the warmth of tropical breeze.

For a cruise tourism, around 90 percent of Chinese people chose to go to Okinawa and Kagoshima in Japan, and Jeju Island in South Korea.

The Office of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) reported that in 2015 there were 5.2 million Chinese people spent their Chinese New Year holiday abroad. The number was increased around 10 percent compared to the same holidays in 2014.

Reported by Rini Utami
(Y013/b003/B003)
(T.Y013/B/KR-BSR/B003)

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1...avorite-destination-for-chinese-new-year-2016

 

[Nike]

Lampion Imlek Di PatiPengunjung melihat lampion di kawasan klenteng Hok Tik Bio, Pati, Jawa Tengah, Minggu (31/1). Selain untuk menyambut perayaan Tahun Baru Imlek 2016 lampion-lampion tersebut untuk memperindah kawasan klenteng Hok Tik Bio yang merupakan kawasan kampung pecinan di wilayah tersebut. (ANTARA FOTO/Yusuf Nugroho)

Atraksi Barongsai Di Pusat PerbelanjaanKelompok barongsai menunjukan atraksinya kepada pengunjung sebuah pusat perbelanjaan di kawasan Serpong, Tangerang Selatan, Banten, Minggu (31/1). Pertunjukan barongsai di pusat perbelanjaan merupakan salah satu daya tarik untuk pengunjung mal dalam rangka menyambut datangnya Imlek Tahun 2567. (ANTARA FOTO/Muhammad Iqbal)

Pasar Imlek Bumi Mina TaniPengunjung memilih barang saat mengunjungi pasar imlek bumi mina tani di Pati, Jawa Tengah, Minggu (31/1). Pasar yang di gelar di area klenteng Hok Tik Bio sepekan sebelum perayaan hari raya imlek yang diramaikan kurang lebih 350 stan yang menjual pernak-pernik imlek serta makanan khas daerah tersebut sebagai agenda budaya serta upaya meningkatkan perekonomian rakyat. (ANTARA FOTO/Yusuf Nugroho)

Permintaan Parcel ImlekSeorang pekerja menyusun parcel Imlek di Jalan Gatot Subroto Medan, Sumatera Utara, Minggu (31/1). Menjelang Tahun Baru Imlek, permintaan parcel meningkat 80 persen dengan harga jual Rp60 ribu hingga Rp1,5 juta per buah tergantung isi dan bentuknya. (ANTARA FOTO/Septianda Perdana)

 

[Nike]

Bank Mandiri channels Rp
1t to Kalbe Farma
thejakartapost.com, Jakarta | Business | Sun, January 31 2016, 7:23 PM

Drug loans: State pharmaceutical company Kalbe Farma has obtained Rp 1 trillion (US$73.09 million) in loans from state lender Bank Mandiri in order to fulfil its cash-flow needs. (Illustration by Kontan/Cheppy A.Muchlis)
- See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...s-rp-1t-kalbe-farma.html#sthash.ACRDTqpV.dpuf
State-owned lender Bank Mandiri has channeled Rp 1 trillion (US$73.09 million) worth of working loans to state pharmaceutical company Kalbe Farma. The credit is aimed at helping to fulfil the company’s cash flow needs in providing medicines for the country.

Bank Mandiri is also providing a treasury line facility worth $8 million that Kalbe Farma can use to meet its foreign exchange needs in the procurement of raw materials for drug manufacturing.

Bank Mandiri corporate secretary Rohan Hafas said the channeling of the credit facility was part of the company’s commitment to supporting the government in developing the health sector, especially through financing schemes for companies in the health and pharmaceutical industries.

“We hope that this partnership can give as much benefit as possible to both parties and be a contribution to support national economic growth,” Rohan said as quoted by kompas.com in Jakarta on Sunday.

He added that the credit provided for Kalbe Farma was short-term financing and would take effect for one year.

The treasury line facility, which Kalbe Farma could use for hedging needs, would also take effect for one year, he said.

“Indonesia’s pharmaceutical sector needs to be continuously supported due to a high demand for medicines in the country, along with the growing population,” said Rohan.

In 2015, Bank Mandiri channeled Rp 2.45 trillion worth of financing to the pharmaceutical sector, up by 40.80 percent from Rp 1.74 trillion in the previous year. (ebf)




- See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...s-rp-1t-kalbe-farma.html#sthash.ACRDTqpV.dpuf

Rupiah strengthens 0.7%
to regain 13,600 level
thejakartapost.com | Business | Mon, February 01 2016, 11:29 AM

The rupiah has continued its positive move by regaining the 13,600 level on Monday morning. (Antara/Ismar Patrizki)
- See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...-regain-13600-level.html#sthash.7JmBOori.dpuf

The rupiah has continued its positive move by regaining the 13,600 level on Monday morning as the US dollar retreated amid disappointing US gross domestic product (GDP) data.

After scoring a 0.7 percent rise to 13,778 per US dollar on Friday last week, the rupiah on Monday morning strengthened by another 0.7 percent to Rp 13,697 as of 9 a.m.

Monex Investindo Futures researcher and analyst Faisyal said the US dollar was under pressure after US economic growth slowed to 0.7 percent in the last quarter of last year.

"It’s a big punch, as GDP was the main indicator referred to by the US Federal Reserve before increasing its key interest rate," he said in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted by Kontan.co.id.

He projected the rupiah would hover between Rp 13,670 and Rp 13,850 against the Greenback, with a wider opportunity for a further increase.

Meanwhile, in the stock market, the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) reversed direction, from a 0.11 percent increase to 4,620.36 points at the opening to a 0.3 percent drop as of 10.30 a.m, sending the JCI back to 4,600.89.

The volatility occurred while investors were anticipating inflation data, Universal Broker Indonesia head of research Satrio Utomo said in Jakarta on Monday as quoted by the Antara news agency.

"The traders are waiting for inflation data in January, which will be released today [Monday]. The analyst consensus estimates the consumer price index would be 0.64 percent, down from 0.96 percent in the previous month," he said.

Most Asian stock markets were in positive territory, lifting the MSCI Asia Pacific index by 0.7 percent. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 index increased 0.8 percent, the South Korean Kospi added 0.6 percent, while New Zealand’s NZX 50 grew by 0.2 percent.

Bank of Japan’s unpredicted move to reduce its benchmark interest rate to minus 0.1 percent had a positive effect on markets, as investors expected looser monetary policy to create more liquidity for the capital markets. (ags) (+) - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...-regain-13600-level.html#sthash.7JmBOori.dpuf

 

[MarveL]

MONDAY, 01 FEBRUARY, 2016 | 15:30 WIB
Jokowi, Hungarian PM Sign Bilateral Agreements

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, held a bilateral meeting and signed a number of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, February 1, 2016. Jokowi said that there were several key sectors included in the cooperation between both countries.

"We have just accomplished a very friendly and productive bilateral meeting. There were a number of matters discussed as well as cooperation in several areas," Jokowi said after the meeting at the National Palace on Monday, February 1, 2016.

Jokowi said that the priority sectors include water management of water supply projects in 34 sub-districts throughout Indonesia, cooperation in the renewable energy project in Central Tapanuli, and cooperation in the information technology, digital economy and agriculture sector. "This is the focus that we will be working on and we expect to improve the cooperation of both countries," said Jokowi.

Jokowi appreciated the visit from the Hungarian delegations and said that he is honored with the fact that the Prime Minister brought nearly half of his administration during his visit to Indonesia. The Prime Minister Orban also brought dozens of Hungarian entrepreneurs to Indonesia as part of an economic collaboration.

http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/02/01/055741156/Jokowi-Hungarian-PM-Sign-Bilateral-Agreements

 

[Nike]

Kunjungan DPR Ke INKAAnggota komisi VI DPR RI dari Fraksi Gerindra, Bambang Haryo Soekartono (kanan) berbincang dengan Sekretaris Perusahaan PT Industri Kereta Api (Inka), Surjono di dalam kereta eksekutif saat melakukan kunjungan kerja di PT Inka Madiun, Jawa Timur, Senin (1/2). Menurut Bambang, PT Inka sebaiknya tidak mengerjakan mega proyek kereta cepat (High Speed Train) rute Jakarta-Bandung, dan tetap fokus pada produksi kereta-kereta konvensional pengangkut penumpang dan barang seperti selama ini. (ANTARA FOTO/Siswowidodo)

INKA Siap Kerjakan HSTPekerja menyelesaikan pembuatan gerbong datar di PT Industri Kereta Api (Inka) Madiun, Jawa Timur, Senin (1/2). Dengan peralatan dan teknologi yang dimiliki, PT Inka bersama konsorsium Badan Usaha Milik Negara (BUMN) menyatakan siap mendukung dan mengerjakan mega proyek sarana kereta cepat (High Speed Train-HST) rute Jakarta-Bandung senilai Rp76 triliun bersama China. (ANTARA FOTO/Siswowidodo)

 

[anas_nurhafidz]

garuda.indonesia: we are very glad to welcome our new family member, the 10th Boeing 777-300ER at GMF AeroAsia Hangar 4.

Also they received Airbus A330-300 with diamond seat businees class.

 

[pr1v4t33r]

Night traffic in Jakarta

 

[pr1v4t33r]

Invest in remarkable Indonesia

 

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President to consider participating interest from Masela Block: Lebu Raya
Jumat, 5 Februari 2016 19:36 WIB | 267 Views


Kupang (ANTARA News) - East Nusa Tenggara Governor Frans Lebu Raya said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) will consider the participating interest (PI) from the Abadi gas drilling site in Masela block.

"Ive talked directly with the President related to the rations from the Masela block, and also submitted a written proposal, and the President will consider it," said Governor Lebu Raya here on Friday.

Governor Lebu Raya said that the East Nusa Tenggara should receive a ration from the Masela Block participating interest, as the region receives the direct impact from the Masela oil drilling site.

In the proposal, the Governor requested that East Nusa Tenggara also obtain a share of the participation rights.

"The participation right is usually set at 10 percent, and I asked, if possible, to split at 5 and 5 percent with Maluku province," said Lebu Raya.

The proposal is based on the consideration that the Masela block is outside Maluku province and East Nusa Tenggara.

Although the site is approximately 300 km closer to Maluku, it remains outside because the provinces authority is only 12 miles, he said.

The distance from Masela block to East Nusa Tenggara, particularly to Alor island, is 800 kilometers, thus the Masela block management authority lies within the central government.

"I was proposing this participation interest because, considering that this area is still in an underdeveloped areas category, the resources are limited. Therefore, I asked the President, if possible, to share at 5 and 5 percent. Hopefully, the request will receive a positive response," said Governor Lebu Raya.
(Uu.A050/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

President to consider participating interest from Masela Block: Lebu Raya - ANTARA News

Investment climate improving: CIMB Niaga CEO
Jumat, 5 Februari 2016 05:30 WIB | 555 Views

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Niaga, Tigor M Siahaan, said a positive sentiment has emerged marked by the influx of around Rp20 trillion worth of foreign funds into the domestic bonds market earlier this year.

"The positive sentiment has already been felt, marked by the inflow of around Rp20 trillion to the domestic bonds market," he said at a CIMB Economic Forum here on Thursday.

Tigor said the economic policy package launched by the government in 2015 to boost the domestic economy has been one of the factors for investors confidence improving in Indonesia.

"With a variety of economic policy packages issued by the government, we are optimistic that investment climate in Indonesia is now friendlier for industrialists and the situation will make capital inflows into the country sustainable," he said.

Tigor further stated that the governments focus on infrastructure development would also increase investors optimism.

"Positive sentiment has started to form. The cement sector, for example, has started to move in the third and fourth quarter of 2015. We hope it will continue in line with infrastructure development. It is not only the cement sector, but derivatives industry as well," he said.

Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono said after experiencing difficulties in 2015, he would speed up infrastructure development in 2016.

"The acceleration of infrastructure development is expected to be able to address the challenge of disparity between regions," he said.

Basuki said this year his office plans to build eight new dams after it built 14 in 2015 in addition to a number of toll road sections in Java, including the Kertosono-Ngawi and Kertosono-Mojokerto, which are expected to be completed in 2017 and Mojokerto-Surabaya in 2018.

Meanwhile, outside Java there will be a 4,345 kilometer long Trans-Papua road development project.

The minister said given the framework of spreading economic activities, his office has decided to hand contracts worth below Rp50 billion to provincial governments or local businessmen.

"Contracts worth below Rp50 billion will be prioritized for local businessmen and not for big businessmen," he said.

He said his ministry has also asked state-owned companies (BUMN) that carry out large-scale projects to not cooperate among themselves.

"We will direct them to cooperate with private companies. We wish to spread economic activities evenly across regions," he said.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Luhut Panjaitan said the government is optimistic that national economic growth will reach 5.3 to 5.6 percent this year.

"I will focus on three issues:narcotics, terrorism and economy," he said.

He also said terrorism had emerged because the economy was still weak and there was economic disparity.

"The economic acceleration program is expected to be able to reduce poverty, which is the source of all of the problems," he said.(*)

Investment climate improving: CIMB Niaga CEO - ANTARA News

 

[pr1v4t33r]

Awal tahun 2016 prospek ekonomi indonesia cukup cerah.

 

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Investment board inaugurates first plant in Suge Industrial Zone
Jumat, 5 Februari 2016 18:24 WIB | 347 Views


Belitung, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA News) - Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Franky Sibarani inaugurated the first plant operating in the Suge Industrial Zone, Belitung District, Bangka Belitung Province, on Friday.

The PT Billiton Plywood factory is engaged in the U$20 million worth plywood manufacturing industry.

"The company has realized the investment plan amounting to Rp161 billion. The factory is located on a 22-hectare plot of land and is supported by 300 workers," Sibarani noted here on Friday.

Based on BKPMs data, the company has invested in the Suge Industrial Zone.

"President Joko Widodo has urged me to promote investment opportunities in Belitung, particularly the development of the Suge Industrial Zone and the Port of Tanjung Batu in Belitung district," he revealed.

"We will undertake efforts to promote the industrial zone," Sibarani remarked.

The plywood manufacturing company is the first to build a factory in the industrial zone.

It was earlier proposed that the Suge Industrial Zone would be given national priority, but the special area in Tanjung Kelayang for the development of tourism was selected in its place, District head of Belitung Sahani Saleh pointed out.

"This is a new page in the history of the country. Finally, the industrial zone was inaugurated by the central government. We believe that the inauguration will encourage the industry here," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Director of PT Billiton Plywood Franky Tjin noted that the company processed sengon into export-oriented plywood.

With a production capacity of one thousand to two thousand cubic each month, the company will increase its export capacity by 80 percent.

The raw material for the factory was sourced from farmers and community partners around Belitung.

"For now, our export market is China, with a value of US$300 per cubic," he stated.

Earlier, the BKPM had recorded investment commitments worth Rp206 trillion in January 2016, a year-on-year increase of 119 percent.

The BKPM chief noted that the increase reflected high investor confidence in conducting business in Indonesia.

"The investment climate is still good in general as indicated by the investment commitments and principle licenses that rose by 119 percent to reach Rp206 trillion. This is a good signal at the start of the year," Sibarani affirmed.

Investment commitments in January included Rp38 trillion in domestic investment (PMDN), or an increase of 261 percent, and Rp168 trillion in foreign investment (PMA), or an increase of 101 percent year-on-year.

Sibarani affirmed that one of the key drivers of investment commitments in January is political stability and favorable security conditions in the country.

He pointed to the quick handling of Januarys terror attack in Jakarta.

Other factors included the countrys success in managing positive economic growth, especially in the second half of 2015, and the focus, which was considered positive in terms of development as well as reform in the investment policy, he explained.

Simplification in the licensing procedures that enables to issue an investment license also contributed to the significant increase in investment commitments in January, he added.

Seven companies planning to invest a total of Rp31.8 trillion, or 15 percent of the total investment plans, used the three-hour licensing facility, he stated.

Singapore accounted for the largest share of the investment commitment, with investment plan of US$7.5 billion, followed by China accounting at US$2.6 billion, South Korea US$280 million, Japan US$132 million, and Malaysia US$105 million.

"Investment commitments by Singapore rose 413 percent year-on-year," Sibarani said.

A strong growth of 164 percent year-on-year, or Rp90 trillion, was recorded in investment commitments in the manufacturing sector in January.

"The manufacturing sector accounted for 43 percent of the total value of investment commitments," he added.

(A063/INE/B003)

Investment board inaugurates first plant in Suge Industrial Zone - ANTARA News

KAI to be single operator of LRT
Kamis, 4 Februari 2016 05:31 WIB | 700 Views

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - State railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia will be the single operator of Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system in and around Jakarta (Jabodetabek), Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan said.

"PT KAI is assigned to operate LRT in Jabodetabek according to the presidents directives. So, there is no need to put it to auction because that will take a long time," he said after a coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs to discuss LRT here on Wednesday.

The meeting, led by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution, was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Resources Rizal Ramli, National Development Planning Minister/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Sofyan Djalil, and West Java Vice Governor Deddy Mizwar.

Jonan gave the assurance that the state budget-funded project will run on schedule although several technical problems will still have to be resolved.(*)


KAI to be single operator of LRT - ANTARA News

 

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Australia, Indonesia boosting tourism and economic growth
Kamis, 4 Februari 2016 19:49 WIB | 1.388 Views

Ambassador Paul Grigson. (ANTARA/Didik Suhartono)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Australia is expanding efforts to encourage two-way tourism between Australia and Indonesia as a key driver of shared economic growth and more knowledge of each others country.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Paul Grigson said tourism powers economies and supports communities.

"We want to increase tourism in both directions. The Indonesian Government has already recognised the potential economic boost a strong tourism industry can deliver," the ambassador was quoted as saying by the Australian Embassy here on its website.

According to the ambassador, Australian tourism can help Indonesia realise that vision. More than a million Australians visit Indonesia every year. Australian tourists contribute 18 trillion IDR (AUD$1.8 billion) a year to the Indonesian economy, Ambassador Grigson said on Tuesday.

He said as Indonesia seeks to develop its tourism industry beyond Bali, ease of travel is integral to its success. Indonesia has already experienced a 19 per cent increase in tourists from countries which were granted visa free access in 2015.

"A quarter of all tourists to Bali are Australian. We want to see more Australians come to Indonesia and experience sunrise at Mount Bromo, taste the spices of Padang and watch the sunset at Borobudur," Grigson told Indonesian tourism industry representatives in a speech in Jakarta.

Beyond these economic benefits, tourism builds links between people. It challenges stereotypes. It opens up new worlds and greater understanding.

"I want more Indonesians to visit Australia.We have world class cuisine, galleries and unique experiences. With famous wildlife, fabulous wine and fantastic weather, Australia beats any other destination," he said.

Australia was the tenth most popular destination for Indonesian tourists in 2014 with a total of 149,800 visitors, up 7.6 per cent from 2013.

More Indonesians travelling to Australia will make expanded flight routes between Australia and Indonesia more viable in the long-term, bringing benefits to both our economies.

"Indonesian investors may also be missing out on opportunities to capitalise on some of the major tourism infrastructure projects currently underway in Australia. In 2014 alone, investment in the Australian tourism industry was valued at $53.7 billion," he said.

He added that the more Australians and Indonesians experience each others countries, the deeper their connections become.

"The tourism industry is integral to the prosperity of both our countries. Now is the time for us to reach out to each other as neighbours and shape our futures together," Grigson said.
(Tx.A014/F001)

Australia, Indonesia boosting tourism and economic growth - ANTARA News

 

[Nike]

Investment commitments up 119% in January
Rabu, 3 Februari 2016 19:26 WIB | 757 Views

Franky Sibarani. (ANTARA/Widodo S. Jusuf)

Jakarta - The Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) recorded a 119 percent increase in investment commitments year-on-year to Rp206 trillion in January, 2016.

BKPM chief Franky Sibarani said the increase reflected high confidence of investors in doing business in Indonesia.

"The investment climate is still good in general as indicated by the investment commitments and principle licenses that rose 119 percent in value to Rp206 trillion. This is a good signal at the start of the year," Franki said.

Investment commitments in January included Rp38 trillion in domestic investment (PMDN) or an increase of 261 percent and Rp168 trillion in foreign investment (PMA) or an increase of 101 percent year-on-year.

Franky said one of the main drivers of investment commitments in January is political stability and favorable security in the country.

He pointed to quick handling of Januarys terror attack in Jakarta.

Other factors included the countrys success in managing positive economic growth especially in the second half of 2015, and the focus, which was considered positive in development as well as reform in investment policy, he said.

Simplification in licensing procedure that takes only three minutes to issue investment license also contributed to the significant increase in investment commitments in January, he added.

Seven companies planning to invest a total of Rp31.8 trillion or 15 percent of the total investment plans used the three-hour licensing facility, he said.

Singapore accounted for the largest part of the investment commitments with investment plan of US$7.5 billion, followed by China accounting for US$2.6 billion, South Korea US$280 million, Japan US$132 million and Malaysia US$105 million.

"Investment commitments by Singapore rose 413 percent year-on-year," Franki said.

A strong growth of 164 percent yoy was recorded in investment commitments in the manufacturing sector to Rp90 trillion in January.

"The manufacturing sector accounted for 43 percent of the total value of investment commitments," he added.
(U.H-ASG/O001)

Investment commitments up 119% in January - ANTARA News

Ministry encourages pharmaceutical industry to capitalize on ASEAN market
Selasa, 2 Februari 2016 22:16 WIB | 929 Views

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Ministry of Industry has urged the domestic pharmaceutical industry to capitalize on opportunities to boost sales to the ASEAN market of 650 million people.

"The ASEAN market of 650 million people offers an opportunity for our existing advanced upstream pharmaceutical industry," Director General of Chemical Industry of the Ministry of Industry Harjanto informed ANTARA here on Tuesday.

Therefore, the government is preparing numerous policies to support investment in the pharmaceutical industry in Indonesia.

Besides preparing the road map for the pharmaceutical industry, the government is also preparing the investment deregulation policy in the field of medicine.

One of the formulated policies is to provide fiscal incentives, such as tax allowance and tax holidays to investors who invest in Indonesia.

Harjanto also remarked that the policy to ease the permit issuance process for pharmaceutical production and distribution was also important.

"We have faced many obstacles in the path to ease the process of issuing production permits. It is important, and the Ministry of Industry is not in charge of the provisions," noted Harjanto.

Currently, 170 pharmaceutical industries are operating in Indonesia, with most of them producing ready to distribute medicines.

The chemical, pharmaceutical, and traditional medicine industry in Indonesia has become one of the drivers of the nations industrial growth as the economy grew 10.21 percent in the third quarter of 2015.

The figure skyrocketed as compared to the 1.12 percent growth recorded in the same period in 2014.

The highest growth was observed in 2012 when the figure reached 12.78 percent.(*)
Ministry encourages pharmaceutical industry to capitalize on ASEAN market - ANTARA News

 

[Nike]

From top left, clockwise: Tugu Monument, Jalan Malioboro, Kraton Yogyakarta, Bank Indonesia Yogyakarta, Gadjah Mada University.

Yogyakarta (/ˌjɒɡjəˈkɑːrtə/ or /ˌjoʊɡjəˈkɑːrtə/; also Jogja or Jogjakarta) is a city and the capital of Yogyakarta Special Region in Java, Indonesia. It is renowned as a center of education (Kota Pelajar), classical Javanese fine art and culture such as batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry, and puppet shows. Yogyakarta was the Indonesian capital during the Indonesian National Revolution from 1945 to 1949, with Gedung Agung as the president's office. One of the districts in Yogyakarta, Kotagede, was the capital of the Mataram Sultanate between 1575 and 1640. The city is named after the Indian city of Ayodhya from the Ramayana epic. Yogya means "suitable, fit, proper", and karta, "prosperous, flourishing" (i.e., "a city that is fit to prosper"). Its population was 388,627 inhabitants at the 2010 census and its built-up (or metro) area was home to, 4,010,436 inhabitants spread on 2 cities (Yogyakarta and Magelang) and 65 districts spread on Sleman, Klaten, Bantul, Kulon Progo and Magelang regencies. While urbanization sprawls, Yogyakarta-Magelang and Surakarta are being agglomerated in a few years. The Dutch name of the city is Djokjakarta.

Prambanan temple in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta beach had a famous natural scene, and iconic sands

Malioboro streets, a historical place near Yogyakarta central authority area.

 

[Nike]

Solar eclipse to attract tourists to Bangka Island
Sabtu, 6 Februari 2016 16:29 WIB | 226 Views
Pewarta: Otniel Tamindael

Lighthouse of Tanjung Kalian in the seaside town of Muntok, Bangka Belitung province, which is also relied upon to witness the total solar eclipse on March 9, 2016. (ANTARA News)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Bangka Island in the Indonesian province of Bangka-Belitung (Babel) is gearing up for a total solar eclipse that will attract a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Both local and foreign tourists are keen to visit the Babel provincial capital of Pangkalpinang on Bangka Island to witness the total solar eclipse, forecast to occur March 9, 2016.

They are expected to pack Pasir Padi beach in Pangkalpinag to observe the rare but very beautiful natural phenomenon.

Accordingly, numerous hotels in Pangkalpinang are ready to welcome the arrival of tourists who would like to watch when the sun darkens the sky during the day in a matter of minutes.

On March 9 this year, people in Bangka and some other areas in Indonesia such as Palembang, Belitung, Balikpapan, and Luwuk, in addition to Halmahera, will have the rare opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse.

For a few minutes, up to 98 percent of the sun will be hidden from the view in those areas, when the moon entirely covers the sun, leaving the suns radiant corona shining behind it like a crown.

Menumbing Hotel is very supportive and hopes that the tourists from different countries will get what they really want while holidaying in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Island.

"Since January 2016, the number of local and foreign tourists who book hotel rooms continues to grow, and to date almost all hotel rooms have been booked," Menumbing Hotel Manager Supriadi remarked in Pangkalpinang Friday (Feb. 5).

Almost all Menumbing Hotel rooms and those of other hotels in Pangkalpinang have been booked by local and foreign tourists, and some scientists who will observe the total solar eclipse and simultaneously conduct research on the natural event, according to him.

"Hotel reservation is dominated by local and foreign research teams, rather than tourists who want to spend their holiday in Bangka," he noted.

Supriadi expressed hope that the beautiful phenomenon of the total solar eclipse will encourage the development of tourism on Bangka Island, as well as providing a positive impact on the progress of the hotels.

Bangka Island is known to have many marine, natural, cultural, and historical tourism attractions.

In addition, the island is also endowed with several pristine white sandy beaches, which are ideal for family outings, and Pasir Padi beach in Pangkalpinang is one such location worth visiting.

Hence, the Pangkalpinang city administration has continued to develop the Pasir Padi beach, overlooking the South China Sea, as a family tourism area.

Situated about eight kilometers away from Pangkalpinang city, Pasir Padi is the most visited location by the citys communities to unwind and enjoy its beautiful coastal scenery.

Susanto, the head of the parking and terminal unit of the local transportation office, recently stated that Pasir Padi beach is the favorite destination of the people of Pangkalpinang and other districts due to its proximity to the city, thereby making it easier to reach.

According to Susanto, various supporting facilities such as gazebos, food stalls, prayer rooms, and public toilets have been provided by the local government and will continue to be improved and upgraded for family outings.

Susanto said the Pasir Padi beach is frequented by more than a hundred people every weekend.

With its breathtaking panoramic views, the Pasir Padi beach has huge potential to be developed into a main tourist attraction in Pangkalpinang, and therefore, it must be supported by adequate facilities.

"We will continue to develop the beach into a leading tourist attraction in Bangka," he emphasized.

Visitors enjoy seeing the white sandy beach of Pasir Padi with its tranquil and crystal clear waters.

"Indeed, Pasir Padi beach is a special attraction for visitors who arrive at Bangka Island for the first time," said Gwendoline and Madeleine, the visitors from Bekasi, West Java.

Strolling on the white sands of the pristine Pasir Padi beach and taking in the views of the South China Sea was a humbling experience for Gwendoline and Madeleine.

"Therefore, it becomes difficult for us to remember why we ever got stressed as life seems to take on entirely different perspectives in Bangka," Gwendoline pointed out.

In the meantime, Nuryo, a ticket seller at Pasir Padi beach, stated that it was one of the most favorite beaches in Bangka that offered picturesque views.

"Pasir Padi beach is a favorite place to visit for the people from Pangkalpinang and other districts on the weekends and during the holiday seasons," Nuryo remarked.

According to Nuryo, the beach has a good hotel and offer water sports facilities. The visitors can also indulge in recreational activities such as swimming and sunbathing, or just relaxing.

"The visitors can also explore this beach with the local fishermen who always spend their days looking for fish in the sea. Besides this, the calm and fresh sea wind will greet the visitors when they arrive there," he noted.

Yuni, a visitor from Sampur village, said she preferred visiting Pasir Padi beach as it was not far from her house, or it took just around 15 minutes on motorcycle.

She opined that Pasir Padi is one of the numerous alluring beaches on Bangka Island.

"Bangka Island has several beautiful and astounding tourist resorts, and one of the famous resorts is the Pasir Padi beach, which is still a frequently visited destination for both domestic and foreign tourists," Yuni affirmed.

Pasir Padi beach stretches around 300 meters. Motorcycles and cars can easily ply on the beach, which has a long stretch of white, dense sand.

Besides enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery, the visitors can swim, fly kites, play beach volleyball, soccer, motor cross, or simply unwind while taking in the sights and sounds of the beach.
(T.O001/INE/KR-BSR)

Solar eclipse to attract tourists to Bangka Island - ANTARA News