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Why you should watch Jokowi’s latest vlog with King Salman

JESSICHA VALENTINA
THE JAKARTA POST

Jakarta | Fri, March 3, 2017 | 01:32 pm
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo brings video blogging (vlogging) to a whole new level.

On Wednesday, the President posted a video of him having lunch with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, allowing audiences to get an up close and personal view of the meeting.

“He just started eating,” said the president, adding that the king’s visit was preceded by his visit to the kingdom in 2015.

In the video, he mentioned that King Salman’s visit was historical as it had been 47 years since a Saudi king visited Indonesia.

Jokowi then moved the camera to King Salman, requesting him to say a few words.

Read also: New vlogger in town: President Widodo

Through his translator, the king said that he was very happy to be in Indonesia and that he loves Indonesians.

“For us, Indonesians are our brothers and sisters. Very noble people,” said King Salman.

Jokowi responded by thanking him. “Hopefully this visit could strengthen the relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. A relationship that would benefit [both countries],” he said.

The vlog caught netizens’ attention, and it has already been viewed more than 1 million times.

A global multi-platform media and entertainment company Mashable mentioned Jokowi as one of Indonesia’s most unlikely YouTube celebrities. The article mentioned a YouTube spokesperson's comment who said that Jokowi’s channel was interesting as it shows how the president likes to experiment. (kes)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/life/...tch-jokowis-latest-vlog-with-king-salman.html

 
State firm, Saudi firm sign $2b commitment to build low cost housing
  • Stefani Ribka
    The Jakarta Post
    Jakarta | Fri, March 3, 2017 | 12:35 pm
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud wave at Bogor Palace in West Java on Wednesday on the king's first day in Indonesia. (Antara/Puspa Perwitasari)
State construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA) signed a US$2 billion (US$26.7 trillion) commitment with Saudi Arabian firm Adil Makki Contracting Company (AMCO) on Thursday to build 8,000 low cost housing units, as part of government infrastructure improvement.

“The realization of the MoU can take place next year,” said Roslan Roeslani, chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), after the signing ceremony during the Indonesia-Saudi Arabia Business Forum in the Grand Hyatt on Thursday.

KADIN invites more Saudi businesspeople to invest in infrastructure amid Indonesia's limited state budget and vision to accelerate development of roads, ports, water, sanitary systems and other public facilities.

The country is targeting to build thousands of kilometers of toll roads, dozens of dams, airports and seaports as well as an additional 35,000 MW of power plants within the 2015 to 2019 period to cut down its high logistics cost that now accounts for more than 20 percent of its Gross Domestic Product.

(Read also: Saudi Arabia confirms investment in Cilacap refinery: Minister)

According to an assessment by the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), the total investment needs for the period amount to Rp 4.8 quadrillion (US$369.2 billion), of which national and regional budgets can only cover Rp 1.98 quadrillion.

WIKA and AMCO signing took place during the Indonesia-Saudi Arabia business forum attended by businesspeople and high officials from both countries, including Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Thomas “Tom” Lembong, Trade Minister Enggartiasto “Enggar” Lukita and Governor of the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises from Saudi Arabia, Ghassan Ahmed Al Sulaiman. (bbn)
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...-2b-commitment-to-build-low-cost-housing.html
 

16 Heads of states to attend IORA Summit in Jakarta
Kamis, 2 Maret 2017 22:45 WIB - 0 Views

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Indian Ocean Rim Association countries. (onetikk.com)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - As many as 16 heads of states have confirmed their participation in the 16th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) summit in Jakarta on March 7, 2017.

"Based on the latest update, I can confirm that the representatives from 21 IORA member states will be attending the summit, including 16 VVIP guests consisting of presidents, vice presidents, and prime ministers," Foreign Ministrys Director General for Asia-Pacific and African affairs Desra Percaya noted here on Thursday.

Among the heads of states attending the summit are five presidents, four vice presidents, four prime ministers, and three deputy prime ministers.

South African President Jacob Zuma, Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena, and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull are included on the list of leaders participating in the IORA Summit.

The series of meeting of IORA Summit will take place from March 5 to 7, starting with the high official meeting on March 5, ministerial meeting on March 6, and concluding with the summit on March 7.

The summit will be held under the theme "Strengthening Maritime Cooperation for Peaceful, Stable, and Prosperous Indian Ocean."

As part of the event, there will also be an IORA Business Summit which will be attended by 250 international businessmen from IORA member states.

The theme for the business summit is "Building Partnership for Sustainable and Equitable Economic Growth."

"In this business meeting, President Joko Widodo is scheduled to deliver a speech," Percaya noted.

(Reported by Yuni Arisandi/KR-BSR/H-YH/B019)
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA 2017

http://m.antaranews.com/en/news/109717/16-heads-of-states-to-attend-iora-summit-in-jakarta
 
AWE completes drill stem test at AAL-4XST1 well offshore Indonesia


AWE has completed a drill stem test (DST) on the G Sand reservoir at the Ande Ande Lumut (AAL) 4XST1 appraisal well in offshore Indonesia.

Following the DST, results exceeded pre-drill expectations and are 58% higher compared with the previous G-sand tests conducted at AAL-3X.

Conducted over a 3.5m perforated interval in the sidetrack well bore, the DST was assisted by an electrical submersible pump (ESP).

During the process, bulk oil samples were recovered for further testing. However, well site measurements indicates that the G-sand oil has a specific gravity of 10.7 API at 60°F.

AWE managing director and CEO David Biggs said: "The better than expected flow-rates achieved and excellent reservoir quality underline the significant potential of the AAL oil project.

"The better than expected flow-rates achieved and excellent reservoir quality underline the significant potential of the AAL oil project."
"The positive results of the G-sand DST, together with a forecast lower cost environment and an improving long-term outlook for the oil price are all encouraging in respect of a decision to develop the AAL field."

The AAL-4X well has been drilled in water depths of 72m using the Raniworo jack-up drilling rig.

After completion of preliminary analysis, it was noted that wireline log data indicated an 8m oil column in the G-Sand and good quality reservoir.

AWE is currently carrying out operations to commence a second DST test in the main AAL field K-sand reservoir.

The AAL oil project is part of the Northwest Natuna PSC, which is located offshore Indonesia in the Natuna Sea.

It consists of the K Sand reservoir and the underlying G Sand reservoir.

The primary target of the AAL-4X well is the G Sand reservoir, which is estimated to contain 289 million barrels gross oil in place with 36 million barrels gross recoverable oil.

The Northwest Natuna PSC is equally owned by AWE through its subsidiaries and Santos (the operator).
http://www.offshore-technology.com/...at-aal-4xst1-well-offshore-indonesia-4937854/
 
Saudi Arabia to to explore non-oil investments in Indonesia
2nd March 2017 | 1.970 Views
Pewarta: Aria Cindyara
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Saudi Arabia's King, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud (left) praying at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, March 2, 2017. (ANTARA FOTO/Hafidz Mubarak A.)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Saudi Arabia will be exploring investment opportunities in Indonesias non-oil and gas sectors, especially in the tourism, housing, healthcare, and logistics sectors.

Saudi Arabia is looking to expand its investment outside the oil and gas sector as there are other business areas that can boost their economy, Deputy Governor of Investment Affairs from the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), Faisal Bassarat, said after the Indonesia-Saudi Arabia Business Forum event in Jakartas Grand Hyatt hotel on Thursday.

"We cannot rely on one commodity to drive the economy, because there are true potentials in the other sectors too," he remarked.

In the forum, held in alignment with the visit of King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, three private Indonesian companies signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three of their Saudi Arabian counterparts as a form of commitment to further explore the cooperation between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

Indonesias state-owned enterprise PT Wijaya Karya TBK and Saudis Abdul Munif Makki Group signed an agreement for infrastructure and low-cost housing cooperation, while Bunda Medik and Aloula Medical Care inked their MoU for cooperation in the healthcare sector.

Lastly, Koperasi Produsen Anugerah Bumi Hijau signed their agreement with Saudis Alfanar Energy for partnership in Biomass Energy.

Bassarat further stated that the cooperation in these varying sectors is in line with Saudi Arabia Governments Vision of 2030.

"The essence of the vision 2030 is to explore beyond the oil and gas sector," he noted.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Rosan Perkasa Roeslani remarked that the total trade between Indonesia and Saudi was recorded to be at US$5 billion, which is a significant decrease compared to the previous year, in which the total trade reached $8 billion.

"For that reason, we strive to find breakthroughs in the trade relations. All along, our transactions (with Saudi Arabia) often involve the oil and gas sector, and we are now trying to explore other areas to boost an even bigger growth," he stated.

In his remarks, Roeslani underlined that Saudi Arabia is one of the most potential trade partner for Indonesia in the Middle East and that he believed that there are enormous opportunities for Saudi Arabia to engage in Indonesias development efforts by increasing its investment in Indonesia.

"The Indonesian government is now actively accelerating the implementation of its physical infrastructure programs like toll roads, railways, sea, airports, and bridges," he pointed out.

Industrial zone developments and tourism were also highlighted by the KADIN Chairman as Indonesias priority sectors.

"Vast opportunities are also open in the power sector since the government of Indonesia launched its program to develop 35 thousand MW power over the next 10 years," he revealed.

(T.KR-ARC/INE)

EDITED BY INE/H-YH.

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/109716/saudi-arabia-to-to-explore-non-oil-investments-in-indonesia

Indonesia to export corn to Malaysia
3rd March 2017 | 1.442 Views

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman said Indonesia has agreed to export 3 million tons of corn grains to Malaysia in the next three years.

"Malaysia would be ready to import corn from Indonesia," Amran said after a meeting with Malaysian Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Dato Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek here on Friday.

Malaysia has wholly relied on import for corn importing the commodity mainly from Argentina and the United States.

Amran said Indonesia would export corn only after domestic requirement is fully met, but was convinced that Indonesia could export corn to Malaysia in three years.

He said the two countries agree to grow corn in the border area of Entikong in West Kalimantan and Sarawak across the border in Malaysia.

The corn fields would be 50,000 hectares that could be expanded to 100,000 hectares in Entikong and 60,000 hectares in Sarawak, he said.

Amran said and his Malaysian counterpart would start the planting in Entikong in the middle of this year.

"Malaysia has been almost 100 percent dependent on import from far off countries. We think the project is not impossible based on the initiative of Indonesia," Dato Sri Achmad said.

Indonesia also agreed to supply organic rice and live cows to Malaysia. (*)

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/109733/indonesia-to-export-corn-to-malaysia
 
Pembangunan DDT Manggarai - Cikarang
Jumat, 3 Maret 2017 18:00 WIB | 396 Views
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Pembangunan DDT Manggarai - CikarangSejumlah alat berat dioperasikan untuk mengerjakan pembangunan proyek rel dwiganda atau Double-Double Track (DDT) Manggarai-Cikarang di kawasan Jatinegara, Jakarta, Jumat (3/3/2017). Proyek yang ditargetkan selesai pada 2019 itu diharapkan dapat memaksimalkan perjalanan commuter line dan kereta jarak jauh. (ANTARA FOTO/Reno Esnir)

Indonesia promotes tourism at Belgrade Fair
3rd March 2017 | 1.563 Views

London, UK (ANTARA News) - Indonesia has promoted the top ten tourist destinations in the 39th Belgrade International Fair of Tourism Sajam Turizma in Belgrade, Serbia.

A statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia received by ANTARA here, Thursday mentioned that the exhibition was opened by Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic.

The Indonesian pavilion under a theme of Nature and Adventure - Wonderful Indonesia showcased natural and adventurous travels in various tourist destinations across the nation.

The participation of Indonesia at the prestigious event is expected to introduce Indonesias tourist sites to Serbian people and those from Southeast Europe region.

The largest tourism exhibition in the Southeast Europe region was participated in by 1,150 participants from 56 countries.

In addition to showing travel destinations, the Indonesian Pavilion also served Indonesian specialty coffee, featured traditional dances, and interactive quizzes for visitors.

On the sidelines of the fair, the Indonesia Embassy held a gala cocktail with media representatives and tour operators in Serbia.

In the event the Ambassador of Indonesia to Serbia, Harry Kandou, explained the development of tourism in Indonesia as well as promoted cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector.

During the four-day exhibition, more than 300 travel package inquiries to Indonesia have been received.(*)

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/109730/indonesia-promotes-tourism-at-belgrade-fair
 
Saudi Businesses Invest $2.4b in Indonesia During King Salman's Visit


Jakarta. Indonesian and Saudi Arabian companies finalized four investment agreements totaling $2.4 billion during a meeting between delegates from the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry and its Indonesian counterpart in Jakarta on Thursday (02/03).

Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) said that King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud's visit to Indonesia this week has reinvigorated Saudi investments across the archipelago.


"The king's visit to Indonesia has spurred investment here," Rosan said. "Saudi businessmen readily admit that they seriously considered investing in Indonesia before King Salman's visit. This momentum must be seized, because the memorandum of understanding will amount to nothing if we do not follow through on this progress."

The state-owned construction company Wijaya Karya signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Adil Abdul Munif Makki Group, which will see the two companies develop a housing project in the Gulf kingdom in the coming years, Rosan noted.

He said that the project will include the construction of 8,000 housing complexes and is estimated to cost $2 billion.

Saudi's Alfanar Energy has also agreed to invest in a biomass power plant in Indonesia, valued at approximately $100 million. The company will work with Koperasi Produsen Anugerah Bumi Hijau, a local farmers cooperative, in developing the power plant.

In the medical services sector, Healthcare Bundamedik System, an Indonesian hospital operator, signed an agreement with the Saudi Aloula Medical Care organization to initiate mutual cooperation in the field, Rosan said. Details of that cooperation have yet to be released to the public.

Kadin and the Saudi Chambers of Commerce have also agreed to explore further cooperation in the country's tourism industry, with the Saudi chamber planning to bolster investment into local travel agents specializing in facilitating hajj and umrah pilgrimages for the nation's 202 million Muslims, Rosan said.

Both chambers have also agreed to establish what will be known as the Indonesia Saudi Arabia Business Council, which will aim to promote investment projects between the two countries in sharia financing and infrastructure projects.

In previous years, Saudi Arabia has shown meager interest in investing in the country, with last year's total investments from the Gulf kingdom amounting to only $900,000.

Saudi investment between 2010 to 2015 totaled only $34 million, or 0.02 percent of total foreign direct investment in that period.


http://jakartaglobe.id/business/sau...indonesia-on-the-heels-of-king-salmans-visit/
 
King Salman`s visit to Bali expected to boost Arab tourists
Sabtu, 4 Maret 2017 00:25 WIB - 0 Views

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Sauds visit for holidaying in Bali is expected to help boosting the number of Arab tourists the most famous island of Indonesia.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya assured that the visit of King Salman to Bali would be able to increase 50 percent of the number of Arab tourists to Bali from 240 thousand people in 2016 to 360 thousand tourists this year.

"King Salman is the best endorser to promote Indonesias tourism in Middle East market," Yahya noted here, on Friday.

To support all the publication regarding the king visit in Bali both domestic or internationally, Ministry of Tourism even cut 50 percent of its budget of tourism promotion with the usual cooperation with Al Jazeera, a Doha-based state-funded broadcaster.

King Salman and his entourage of 1.5 thousand delegates will be staying in Bali on March 4 to March 9, after his short state visit to Brunei Darussalam.

Regarding the visit, Bali provincial government has made various preparations including welcoming ceremony, facilities and accommodation, as well as security personnel to ensure that the king and his delegates would be pleased and comfortable during their stay in Bali.

The local government is striving to highlight the Balinese art and culture as the identity of the province, which is popular worldwide as "The Land of Gods", to the Saudi King.

During his five-day holiday in Bali, King Salman and his delegates will stay in five luxury hotels in Nusa Dua, a resort area in the southern part of Bali.

The king is also scheduled to visit some popular tourist attractions, such as the Besakih Temple, Tanah Lot, and Kuta Beach.(*)
Editor: Heru

COPYRIGHT © ANTARA 2017

http://m.antaranews.com/en/news/109741/king-salmans-visit-to-bali-expected-to-boost-arab-tourists
 
SAUDI ARABIA
Landmark visit to Indonesia by King Salman will usher in new era: Envoy
RASHID HASSAN | Published — Wednesday 1 March 2017

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Indonesian Ambassador Agus Maftuh Abegebriel. (Courtesy photo)

RIYADH: The landmark visit by King Salman to Indonesia beginning today, the first by a Saudi monarch since 1970, will usher in a new era of bilateral relations, Indonesian Ambassador Agus Maftuh Abegebriel told Arab News.
“King Salman is scheduled to tour Indonesia ... after the official visit of President Joko Widodo to the Kingdom in late 2015,” said Abegebriel.
“This historic visit is expected to mark a new level of relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia... in various fields and at all levels, including the government level as well as people-to-people exchange.”
He added: “Of all the fields of cooperation, I believe economic cooperation will be top of the list. This is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Indonesia’s priorities for economic cooperation. As members of the G20, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have so much untapped potential in economic sectors, from trade and investments to the mining sector.”
Drafts of joint declarations, memoranda of understanding and agreements in various fields have been exchanged by the relevant ministries and institutions in both countries, including cooperation in the fields of trade, education, health, culture, information, science, technology, civil aviation, fisheries and combating transnational crimes, Abegebriel said.
“I think the fact that both governments are working as a team and hand-in-hand to make this visit a success in itself outweighs any agreement that may be signed thereof,” he added.
“I believe strategic and defense cooperation will be among the topics to be discussed... since Indonesia and Saudi Arabia signed a defense cooperation agreement in 2014, and it was discussed during the state visit of the president of the Republic of Indonesia in 2015.”
The envoy said the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), whose headquarters are in Riyadh and Jakarta respectively, have had relations since 1990.
There is a lot of potential in enhanced cooperation between the two regional blocs, in light of impressive growth in trade and investment between them in the past decade, he added.
“Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, being one of the key players in ASEAN and the GCC respectively, will surely take into account the potential between these two inter-governmental organizations and ways to further enhance relations,” he said.
As Indonesia sends the largest number of Haj pilgrims annually, on the increased Haj quota Abegebriel said Indonesia “conveys its highest appreciation” to King Salman “for continuous efforts in very successfully organizing the most important rituals in Islam.”
The envoy said bilateral bonds started in the 13th century, when Muslim traders and Islamic scholars from the Arab world arrived in the Indonesian archipelago.
“Take for example, the high number of Arabic words that have been immersed into the Indonesian language, or the ways of celebrating Islamic festivals. All these signify the strong bonds between the peoples of the two brotherly countries,” he added.
“I believe cultural cooperation, designed among other things to further promote people-to-people contact, is also on the table and currently being discussed by the relevant ministries of the two governments. This visit is an important showcase of how strong cultural relations have been, and will be, between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.”

King Salman decorated the Indonesian president with the prestigious King Abdul Aziz Medal when he visited the Kingdom in September 2015.
To welcome King Salman, the Indonesian government has made elaborate civil and security arrangements with the Transportation Ministry, issuing a notice to all stakeholders to facilitate the smooth arrival and stay for the monarch, who is also expected on a private family trip to the island of Bali during his tour of the archipelago.

SAUDI ARABIA
Crowds welcome King Salman in Indonesia

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AP, Reuters | Published — Wednesday 1 March 2017
Warm welcome for King Salman in Jakarta

The king is on the second leg of a tour of Asian countries to drum up business and improve ties. The visit will see the two nations sign a pact to combat terrorism, according to the Saudi envoy to Indonesia.

King Salman will hold talks with Widodo and attend a reception. He will also meet religious leaders and visit Southeast Asia’s biggest mosque Istiqlal before heading to the vacation island of Bali for more than a week.

Indonesia hopes to attract billions of dollars of investment from Saudi Arabia, though the trip will also focus on building cultural and religious ties and promoting education.
Saudi Arabia aims to open more Islamic schools in Indonesia, which will teach religion using the Arabic language, and step up the number of scholarships for students.

The king’s visit to Indonesia also comes as fringe Islamist groups grow in influence and Muslim leaders take an increasingly strict line on Islamic issues, which is at odds with Indonesia’s traditional brand of moderate Islam.

Indonesian police killed a militant on Monday after he detonated a small bomb in the West Java city of Bandung. Security officials said they were investigating whether he had links to a radical network sympathetic to Daesh.

King Salman started his Asia trip in Malaysia and also plans to visit Brunei, Japan, China, the Maldives and Jordan.

Check our photo gallery for more pictures: A Sea of Love: Indonesians flock to greet Saudi King Salman

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1061506/saudi-arabia



SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia, Indonesia sign range of deals at start of King Salman's visit
Darren Whiteside | Reuters | Published — Wednesday 1 March 2017

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King Salman reads a statement as Indonesia's President Joko Widodo looks on at the presidential palace in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, on Wednesday. (Adi Weda, Pool Photo via AP)
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King Salman, second from left, attends a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, center at right side, at the presidential palace in Bogor, Indonesia, on Wednesday. (Adek Berry/Pool Photo via AP)

BOGOR, Indonesia: King Salman held talks with Indonesia’s president on Wednesday and signed a range of cooperation agreements at the beginning of a 12-day visit to the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.
King Salman and Indonesian President Joko Widodo oversaw, among 11 pacts, the signing of agreements to take down trade barriers and a new agreement between state energy companies Saudi Aramco and Pertamina, building on an existing $6 billion plan to expand Indonesia’s biggest refinery.
The king was also greeted by Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, Jakarta’s Christian governor.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Indonesia, Osama Mohammad Abdullah Alshuaibi, told Reuters the two countries would cooperate in tackling terrorism and that military officers were training in each other’s countries to counter Daesh militants.
Secular Indonesia has grown increasingly concerned about security, after several attacks over the past year blamed on supporters of Daesh, and has deployed at least 9,000 police and military for the 12-day visit.
Roads were closed to traffic and snipers stationed along the route the king’s convoy took from the airport to the presidential palace in the town of Bogor.
Thousands of people holding Indonesian and Saudi flags welcomed the king.

'Best practices'
King Salman held talks with Widodo as torrential rain lashed the palace grounds.
He will also meet religious leaders, make a speech at parliament, and visit Southeast Asia’s biggest mosque, Istiqlal, on Thursday before a brief trip to Brunei and then an extended break on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali.
Indonesia hopes to attract billions of dollars of investment from the kingdom, though the trip will also focus on building cultural and religious ties and promoting education.
Saudi Arabia aims to open more Islamic schools in Indonesia, which will teach religion using the Arabic language, and step up the number of scholarships for students.
The king’s visit to Indonesia comes as fringe Islamist groups grow in influence and Muslim leaders take an increasingly strict line on Islamic issues, which is at odds with Indonesia’s traditional brand of moderate Islam.
“The two countries face the same challenge of rising radicalism and intolerance so cooperation in those areas will be beneficial,” said Yenny Wahid, a moderate Indonesian Muslim figure and head of the Wahid Foundation. “Saudi Arabia has been aggressive in de-radicalization and rehab programs for terrorists. We can learn best practices from each other.”
King Salman started his Asia trip in Malaysia and as well as the Brunei stop he will visit Japan, China, the Maldives and then Jordan.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1061601/saudi-arabia




Naser Al-Tamimi | Published — Tuesday 28 February 2017

The growing importance of Asia represents a profound shift in the balance of global oil markets, and may provide Saudi Arabia for decades to come with a stable market for its energy exports.

According to ClipperData, Asia was the destination for 68 percent of Saudi crude exports last year, while North America accounted for some 16.5 percent of volumes. Tellingly, nearly a third of Saudi Arabia’s total oil exports, and more than a quarter of its exports, were shipped to the countries that King Salman will visit in the next few weeks.

Asian countries can play an important role in Saudi efforts to diversify the economy away from oil, going beyond their traditional role of purchasing crude oil and other energy products.

Renewable push

Saudi Arabia seriously considers the introduction of renewable and nuclear energy an option to counter rising oil consumption, and to diversify its energy mix and the industrial structure for the Kingdom’s future development.

Under the ambitious National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), the Kingdom will develop a total of 9.5 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2023, which will increase the share of renewables in the power mix from 0 to 4 percent. Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih says the program will require investment of $30-$50 billion in the next 6 years.

From the Saudi perspective, Asian countries would be very attractive partners to build a clean energy industry. They will also be useful to address a broad range of things the Kingdom needs, such as technologies, training of human resources, investments, high standards of safety and security, research and development and so on.

Solar-powered water desalination will be an integral part of the Kingdom’s long-term energy strategy. The Kingdom is also starting its nuclear program and has made progress with the design for two reactors with a combined capacity of 2.8GW. However, BMI research noted that reforming the fuel-subsidy systems is needed if renewables are to become more cost-competitive with fossil fuels in power generation.

Stable supplies

Despite the efforts of economic diversification, Saudi Arabia will remain dependent on oil exports for a long time. HSBC predicts that the oil sector will remain dominant, but its contribution to the rise in exports will ease from 87 percent in 2016-20 to 78 percent in 2021-30. In this context, Saudi Arabia is participating in oil processing and storage projects in Asia.

These actions are to improve access to markets, protect the Kingdom’s future oil shares in the region, and offer a stable source of supply. Saudi Aramco has stakes in Asian refineries via joint ventures in Japan (Showa Shell), South Korea (S. Oil) and China (FREP). The company also plans to invest in new refineries to cement its position in countries including China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

There is a growing push in the Kingdom to develop and apply clean energy technologies and reduce dependence on oil consumption. A successful model to follow may be Japan.

Naser Al-Tamimi

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak on Monday said Saudi Aramco will invest $7 billion into a 300,000-barrel-per-day Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) project in the southern state of Johor, which is valued at $27 billion. According to Reuters, Aramco will also supply at least 50 percent of the crude that will be processed at RAPID, with an option to increase supply.

Saudi officials are in talks with the Indonesian government about constructing an oil refinery in Cilacap, Central Java, as the result of cooperation between Saudi Aramco and Pertamina, with an investment of $6 billion. Aramco is also in advanced negotiations with the China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) to build the Yunnan refinery in southwestern China.

Energy efficiency

Saudi Arabia has identified energy efficiency as a key national priority and sees renewable energy sources as supplementing existing sources. There is a growing push in the Kingdom to develop and apply clean energy technologies and reduce dependence on oil consumption. A successful model to follow may be Japan, which has one of the most energy-efficient economies in the world.

One of the most ambitious targets for the Saudi government within Vision 2030 is to boost the ratio of non-oil exports as a percentage of non-oil gross domestic product (GDP) from the current 16 percent to 50 percent by 2030.

The Asian countries King Salman will visit may provide a very useful experience of how to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of growth of the non-oil sectors, and which the Kingdom desperately needs to increase employment and productivity.

Finally, Saudi officials are keen to court Asian investors for the sale of a 5 percent stake in Aramco next year, which is expected to be the biggest public offering in history. This is part of a broader privatization program of state-owned companies and increasing the role and effectiveness of the private sector in the Kingdom.

• Dr. Naser Al-Tamimi is a UK-based Middle East researcher, political analyst and commentator with interests in energy politics and Gulf-Asia relations. Al-Tamimi is author of the book “China-Saudi Arabia Relations, 1990-2012: Marriage of Convenience or Strategic Alliance?” He can be reached on Twitter @nasertamimi and e-mail: nasertamimi@hotmail.co.uk.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1061176

Kingdom, Indonesia sign 11 pacts

Mar 2, 2017

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Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Indonesian President Joko Widodo wave to the crowd from the presidential palace in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, Wednesday. — Reuters
Bogor, Indonesia — Saudi Arabia and Indonesia Wednesday signed agreements in areas ranging from trade to aviation as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman visited the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.

King Salman was received at Halim International Airport by President Joko Widodo, Foreign Minister Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin and a number of officials.

Crowds of flag-waving schoolchildren lined the route as a convoy of vehicles carrying the King and his entourage sped through pouring rain to a presidential palace in the nearby city of Bogor where a band played the two countries’ national anthems.

King Salman and President Widodo oversaw the signing of 11 cooperation agreements following Wednesday’s talks at the Bogor palace.

The agreements included a Saudi commitment to provide $1 billion of financing for economic development and cooperation to combat transnational crime such as people smuggling, terrorism and drug trafficking.

Apart from trade and aviation, they included agreements on boosting cooperation in science, health and fighting crime.

Jakarta and Riyadh also inked an agreement that builds on an existing $6 billion deal between state-owned energy firms Aramco and Pertamina to expand an Indonesian oil refinery.

On Thursday the King is due to give a speech to parliament and visit a major Jakarta mosque.

He is also due to meet leaders of some of Indonesia’s major Muslim organizations during the trip.

President Widodo hailed King Salman’s visit as “historic” and said he hoped it could lead to closer economic ties.

“As the country with the biggest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia will always have a special bond with Saudi Arabia,” he told the King at the palace.


Extremely happy about this visit and looking very much forward to increased ties on all fronts with brotherly Indonesia for the benefit of both peoples and countries. KSA/GCC/Arab relations with South East Asia have been neglected for too long and it cannot continue like this and hopefully this visit will cement a new successful era.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/kingdom-indonesia-sign-11-pacts/

King stresses need to deepen ties with Indonesia to confront challenges

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Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo decorates Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman with the country’s highest medal “Star of the Republic of Indonesia” in Jakarta on Wednesday. – SPA​




JAKARTA – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman underlined the need for deepening the Kingdom’s ties with Indonesia to confront the challenges facing the present day world.

The King made the remarks in a speech during a session of official talks with Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo at Astana Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday evening.

King Salman said that improving bilateral relations would positively contribute in tackling the regional and international crises. He also highlighted the significance of enhancing cooperation among Islamic countries based on good neighborliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and resolving of disputes through peaceful means in accordance with the charters of United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and principles of international law.

While highlighting the need to intensify efforts in confronting the challenges, mainly the phenomenon of terrorism, King Salman appreciated the position of Indonesia in supporting Islamic solidarity as well as the just cause of the Palestinian people.

“There is a need to consolidate the ties of cooperation between us in all fields,” the monarch said while pointing out the fact that Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are members of UN, OIC and G20.

Thanking the Indonesian leaders and people for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation, the King expressed hope that the visit would contribute to developing this relation to higher horizons in a way serving the interests of the two countries.

At the outset of the meeting, President Widodo welcomed King Salman and highlighted the current deep-rooted bilateral relations between the two countries. He expressed the keenness of his country on enhancing and promoting the relations in all fields to the best interests of the two countries and peoples. He also shared readiness of his country to become a strategic partner of the Kingdom in achieving the Vision 2030.

Earlier, the King and Widodo oversaw signing of 11 pacts between the governments of the two countries. These included a joint declaration, six memoranda of understanding, and several cooperation programs.

Following the signing ceremony, Widodo decorated King Salman with the “Star of the Republic of Indonesia,” which is the highest medal of Indonesia in recognition of the King’s efforts in various fields.

The King also attended a luncheon banquet hosted by Widodo.

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-ar...ed-deepen-ties-indonesia-confront-challenges/


Hopefully even closer ties to the 5 million big Arab-Indonesian community will be pursued as well so they won't be forgotten.

Anyway God bless Indonesia.




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Dr. Naser Al-Tamimi | Published — Friday 3 March 2017
Saudi-Indonesian ties set to strengthen

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman this week arrived in Indonesia accompanied by a large contingent of high-ranking officials and business people, which reflects the importance attached by Riyadh to developing relations with Jakarta.

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority state and the fourth most populous country in the world. International Monetary Fund (IMF) data indicate that Indonesia boasts the largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the 16th largest worldwide. In this context, it is vital for the Kingdom to cultivate strategic relations with this future rising economic power.

Saudi Arabia has been Indonesia’s largest global supplier of crude oil and its biggest trading partner in the Arab world, Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Two-way trade decreased to $4.1 billion in 2016, as the decline in global oil prices hit trade between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia very hard. The volume between the two countries dropped significantly last year by almost 26 percent from 2015 and by over 53.2 from 2014.

Indonesia’s main exports to Saudi Arabia include cars, palm oil, tuna, rubber products, plywood, paper products, pulp, charcoal and textile products; the Kingdom’s top exports are mainly oil products and petrochemicals. Looking forward, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia are pushing to triple or quadruple their bilateral trade value by 2020 as the two countries believe they have a lot of potential for expansion.

Potential investments

Indonesia continues to implement measures to open up its economy and attract more investment and foreign companies. Foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to flow into Indonesia although volumes have decreased by over 29 percent year-on-year to $15.51 billion in 2015, according the latest data from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Saudi Arabia’s investment in Indonesia is still low, but could increase significantly after the visit of the Saudi king. Based on data from Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board, Saudi Arabia only invested $900,000 in Indonesia last year, hence being ranked 57th in terms of the biggest foreign investors. Saudi investment between 2010 to 2015 totalled only $34 million, or 0.02 percent of total FDI in the period. However, during King Salman’s visit, Saudi Arabia pledged $1 billion in development finance for Indonesia, while the Indonesian government hoped the visit would bring Saudi investments of up to $25 billion.

However, Fitch rating agency noted in a recent report that structural reform since September 2015 has also put Indonesia on solid footing when it comes to its growth outlook in the medium term. Indeed, Indonesia’s growing role as a manufacturing hub became more attractive to foreign investors particularly with its huge, fast-urbanizing domestic market and a rising middle class. The country’s domestic financial market is also well developed, providing opportunities for investment whilst Islamic banking will add another dimension for investors, particularly those from Saudi Arabia. Indonesia has the second biggest Islamic finance industry in Asia in terms of asset size, next to Malaysia. Additionally, Indonesia continues to suffer from a sizable infrastructure deficit and this leaves significant potential for the sector to attract investors in future. Above all, Indonesia’s membership of the ASEAN free trade agreement will lower tariff and non-tariff trade barriers with the country’s neighbors.

Though trade between the countries fell during the oil-price crash, there are signs of closer economic relations between Riyadh and Jakarta going forward.

DR. Naser Al-Tamimi

Yet investors in Indonesia face a variety of challenges that hinder the business environment in the country. Chief among these risks are the resource nationalism policies and restrictions on FDI; high levels of bureaucracy and legal risk; corruption; inefficient state-owned enterprises; an inflexible labor market; and threats to foreign workers and businesses from crime and terrorism. The IMF noted in a recent report that “unlocking Indonesia’s full economic potential will require policy reform success — particularly in the areas of bureaucratic efficiency, corruption and investment promotion — and progress on this front could take place at a slow-to-moderate pace.”

Oil interdependence

A recent analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA) stated that Indonesia’s oil sector is characterised by declining production. Since it peaked at 1.7 million barrels per day (mbpd) in 1991, oil production has been declining steadily, and the current levels, at 0.8 mbpd in 2016, covers only about half of the Indonesia’s oil demand. IEA’s New Policies Scenario forecasts Indonesia’s oil production to remain flat at around 0.8 mbpd in the medium term to 2020, and decline over the long term to reach 0.5 mbpd.

Thus, Indonesia will remain a net importer of both crude oil and refined fuels over the next two decades. The country currently relies on fuel imports for about 52 percent of its annual needs and this percentage is expected to increase to 61 percent by the end of the decade. In this context, the $6 billion agreement signed between Saudi Aramco and Indonesia’s Pertamina seems very logical and will strengthen the presence of the Saudi company in the promising Indonesian market and wider ASEAN region. Aramco, which currently supplies the Cilacap refinery with 120,000-125,000 barrels per day (bpd), could increase the supply to up to 270,000-300,000 bpd after an upgrade is completed.

The next economic giant

The IMF expects Indonesia’s growth to rise modestly to 5.1 percent in 2017, with the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) hitting over a trillion dollars by the end of the year, for the first time in Indonesian history. Indonesia is also expected to post impressive real GDP growth over the medium term, with the forecast annual average real growth rate coming in at 5-6 percent between 2017 and 2021. Importantly, Indonesia’s growth outlook remains positive over the long term, supported by the country’s large domestic consumption base, favorable demographics and a gradual improvement in exports and business environment. BMI Research forecasts real GDP growth to average at 6 percent over the next decade.

Consequently, Indonesia is projected to rank among the global top 10 economies in market exchange rate terms by 2030, according to London-based Center for Economics and Business Research. Indonesia’s positive economic outlook is however challenged by global uncertainties, including those around policies from the Trump administration, the possible impact from China’s economic slowdown, and potential domestic political polarization, which could slow the economic reforms.

• Dr. Naser Al-Tamimi is a UK-based Middle East researcher, political analyst and commentator with interests in energy politics and Gulf-Asia relations. Al-Tamimi is author of the book “China-Saudi Arabia Relations, 1990-2012: Marriage of Convenience or Strategic Alliance?” He can be reached on Twitter @nasertamimi and e-mail: nasertamimi@hotmail.co.uk.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1062431

4 million Indonesians on Twitter used the hashtag “raja Salman,” meaning “welcome King Salman” in Indonesian.

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/me...onesian-hashtag-welcoming-the-Saudi-King.html

I don't speak Indonesian but just by taking a look at Indonesian videos covering this visit on Youtube, one can easily spot the million of views and kind comments.






Fantastic reception by the Indonesian public.

@Indos
 
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PLN Will Buy Excess Power From Coal-Fired Plants at 90% of Production Costs: Ministry
Jakarta. The government guarantees that state-owned utility company Perusahaan Listrik Negara, or PLN, will purchase excess electricity produced by coal-fired power plants at a maximum price, equivalent to 90 percent of the cost to supply electricity, director general at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said on Friday (03/03).

Director general of electricity at the ministry, Jarman, said the scheme is expected to ease the burden of independent power producers in dealing with their costs, and offers a better business option for PLN's power suppliers.

PLN is the biggest electricity distributor in the country.

The new scheme is regulated by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation No. 19 of 2017, which has just been released.

The regulation permits power plant owners, including industrial estates that have their own power plants, to sell their excess energy to PLN for one year. The period can be extended after an evaluation by the government.

Previously, each purchase needed to approved by the ministry.
http://jakartaglobe.id/economy/pln-...al-fired-plants-90-production-costs-ministry/
 
Cerita pastor Katolik yang menyambut Raja Salman di Bali
Minggu, 5 Maret 2017 13:00 WIB - 11.850 Views

Pewarta: Yashinta Difa

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Pesawat Boeing 744 yang membawa Raja Arab Saudi Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud melintas di atas jalan sebelum mendarat di Bandara Internasional Ngurah Rai, Denpasar, Sabtu (4/3/2017). Raja Arab Saudi berwisata ke Bali selama lima hari bersama 1.500 anggota rombongan termasuk putra mahkota, 25 pangeran, 14 pejabat setingkat menteri dan keluarga kerajaan. (ANTARA FOTO/Nyoman Budhiana/foc/17.)

Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) - Romo Evensius Dewantoro Pr menceritakan pengalamannya saat menyambut kedatangan Raja Arab Saudi Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud di Bandar Udara Internasioanal I Gusti Ngurah Rai pada Sabtu (4/3).

"Saya salaman sambil mengatakan ahlan wa sahlan ya malik. Kemudian Raja tersenyum, tampak heran sambil memegang jubah saya," ujar Romo Evensius saat ditemui Antara di Gereja Katolik Paroki Bunda Maria Segala Bangsa, Nusa Dua, Minggu.

"Dari omongan dia (dalam bahasa Arab), saya yakin kurang lebih Raja menanyakan apakah saya Katolik," kata Romo Evensius, yang menyambut kedatangan Raja Arab Saudi bersama lima pemimpin agama yang lain kemarin.

Pastor yang berasal dari Larantuka, Nusa Tenggara Timur, itu mengaku senang bisa bertemu langsung dan berjabat tangan dengan Raja Salman.

Kedatangan Raja Salman ke Bali yang mayoritas penduduknya beragama Hindu, menurut dia, menunjukkan toleransi dan penerimaan yang tinggi terhadap masyarakat yang berbeda keyakinan dengannya.

"Melihat dari senyum dan wajahnya, jelas sekali bahwa Raja Salman membawa Islam yang teduh," kata Romo Evensius.

Sebelum bertolak ke Bali, Raja Salman juga sempat berdialog dengan tokoh lintas agama di sela kunjungan kenegaraan tiga harinya di Jakarta.

Raja Salman berada di Bali hingga Kamis pekan depan untuk liburan pribadi bersama keluarga dan delegasinya.

Agendanya selama di Bali tertutup untuk media, namun Pelayan Dua Tempat Suci (Makkah dan Madinah) itu disebut-sebut akan mengunjungi objek wisata seperti Pura Besakih, Tanah Lot, dan Pantai Kuta.

Editor: Maryati

COPYRIGHT © ANTARA 2017

http://m.antaranews.com/berita/616115/cerita-pastor-katolik-yang-menyambut-raja-salman-di-bali
 


Taspen books close to Rp 200 trillion in assets in 2016
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    News Desk
    The Jakarta Post
Jakarta | Sun, March 5, 2017 | 03:52 pm
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PT Taspen president director Iqbal Latanro (center) explains the pension insurance firm's 2016 performance at a press briefing in Bogor on Saturday. (Kompas.com/Pramdia Arhando Julianto)
Pension insurance firm PT Taspen saw its total assets grow close to Rp 200 trillion (US$14.95 billion) in 2016, supported by a surge in its investment portfolio.

Company data shows its assets increased 15.3 percent last year to reach Rp 198.62 trillion.

“Rp 2 billion more and we will surpass the Rp 200 trillion [benchmark],” Taspen president director Iqbal Latanro said at a press briefing in Bogor, West Java, over the weekend, as reported by Kompas.com.

(Read also: Association, financial authorities to launch pension fund campaign)

Taspen attributes the result to the 17.6 percent growth in the amount of investment assets, especially bonds and stocks.

With such growth, the state-owned company managed to reap Rp 15.21 trillion in investment returns in 2016, 23 percent higher than in 2015.

“We changed our investment strategy last year by reducing our time deposit portfolio due to the very low interest rate. We’re stepping up the bond [portfolio],” he said.

The positive performance in assets, however, was not reflected in its net profit, which dropped by more than half to Rp 247.25 billion.

Higher insurance claim payments—which almost doubled to Rp 8.1 trillion—and the implementation of tax on insurance funds chipped away at its profitability, Iqbal said. (dra/tas)

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...ose-to-rp-200-trillion-in-assets-in-2016.html
 
GDP growth may reach 5.1% in first quarter: Analyst
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    Grace D. Amianti
    The Jakarta Post
Jakarta | Mon, March 6, 2017 | 05:24 pm
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A railway car made by state-owned train manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) is loaded onto a cargo vessel for export to Bangladesh. (thejakartapost.com/Wahyoe Boediwardhana)
Indonesia’s economy may grow at a year-on-year rate of 5.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, slightly exceeding the central bank’s prediction, a senior economist has said.

At that rate, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first three months would be in line with the government’s target for the full year, said Bank Mandiri chief economist Anton Gunawan.

Bank Indonesia (BI) has predicted that the economy would grow at a rate below 5.05 percent.

“We have yet to arrive at the exact calculation, but more or less growth in first quarter tends to be pushed higher by the agricultural sector due to the harvest season in February and March,” he said in a press briefing on Monday.

So far, he said, there was improvement in growth in several industries, such as food processing, automotive and pharmaceuticals as well as in telecommunication and banking.

(Read also: Indonesia’s GDP to reach $9.1 trillion by 2045: Jokowi)

Stable private consumption and a slight improvement in exports would be major contributors to the economic activity in the first quarter, with some help in a small rise in public investment, the bank’s assessment shows.

Meanwhile, government spending typically remains slow in the first three months due to seasonal factors. It tends to increase in later quarters, according to the assessment. (bbn)
 

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