Indonesia Economy Forum

[ahojunk]

New policy package to deal with e-commerce
Minggu, 23 Oktober 2016 05:16 WIB |
Pewarta: Andi Abdussalam

Illustration of electronic commerce (e-commerce). (signumcomunicacion.com)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The business of e-commerce in Indonesia, like in many other countries, is now developing, recording a total transactions of US$12 billion in 2014. This year it is estimated to reach $24.6 billion.

The volume of e-commerce transactions in Indonesia is still relatively small, namely about one to two percent of the total retail transactions. It is smaller than the worlds average eight percent, or the 16 percent in South Korea and 12 percent in the United States.

Yet the government is taking an anticipatory step to tackle the rapid growth of e-commerce transactions in the country. It will include it in its 14th economic policy package to be announced in the near future.

Now, various sides, including the relevant ministries/state agencies, are discussing matters on the inclusion of such transactions in the governments Economic Policy Package XIV. One of the issues that is a focus of discussions is related to taxation. It is expected that imposition of taxes would not put too much burden on the businesses.

The government will issue the XIV economic policy package, probably in the next two weeks, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution.

"Perhaps in two weeks. It is still being discussed," Darmin said in Jakarta recently (October 5).

Therefore, the next economic policy package is expected to sufficiently address the issue.

"E-commerce should not be treated as a general form of trading. The tariff should be lower as it is a fledgling industry, an early adopter," Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto underlined while speaking on the sidelines of the launch of a book on "Developing Populist Economy and Winning ASEAN Economic Community" last week.

Indonesian businesses hope that the tax tariff for e-commerce business will be lower than the non-e-commerce industry.

"We hope the government will take sides (with businesses) with regard to the issuance of the Economic Policy Package XIV on e-commerce," Fredy Ongko Saputro, chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) for East Nusa Tenggara, said.

Apindo hailed the planned issuance of the package to be issued in the near future. Businesses badly need the governments support, particularly on the fiscal system with regard to the issuance of the economic policy package on e-commerce, Fredy said.

"The tax tariff should be lower than non-e-commerce because this is a new industry. We hope the tax traffic would be set at a modest rate," the Apindo chairman for East Nusa Tanggara, said.

The regulation to be issued would determine the success of e-commerce in Indonesia as it has the potential to guarantee the survival of fledgling businesses using e-commerce, economic observer Agustinus Prasetyantoko said, elaborating the point.

Agustinus is also of the opinion that tax exemption would help boost e-commerce in the country.

"In certain cases, tax could even be abolished during the start-up phase," he underscored.

Singapore could be used as the reference country to study ways to develop and expedite the expansion of e-commerce. It provides tax facilities and a low tax for start-ups in addition to assistance in the form of access to cheap capital.

Industry Minister Airlangga therefore reminded that the government would have to pay special attention, especially to the fiscal system applicable.

One important point being discussed is tax which should not pose any hindrance in the development of e-commerce, Airlangga disclosed.

The e-commerce market has begun to grow in Indonesia. In 2014, transactions were valued at $12 billion. E-commerce spending in Indonesia was only 1 to 2 percent of the total retail sales as against 16 percent in South Korea, 12 percent in the United States and the world average of 8 percent.

However, it is worth noting that the performance in 2014 represented a significant increase from $8 billion in 2013. In 2016, the value of transactions is predicted to rise to $24.6 billion.

Therefore, many people have predicted that Indonesia would be among the top ranked countries in e-commerce in the future after China and India in Asia.

Meanwhile, the government has prepared a roadmap and it would be issued in the near future, Telecommunication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara said.

"The concerned ministers have initialed the roadmap document and we hope it will be issued in the near future," Minister Rudiantara stated.

President Joko Widodo is most likely to sign the roadmap document this month, Rudiantara noted. It outlines a human resources development program and the funding pattern for e-commerce, and he forecast that Rp1 trillion could be required.

"The amount of funds involved is big and the plan should be appropriate for the startup. A model of revolving funds could be adopted," the minister noted.

The roadmap comes as part of the support that the government is extending to e-commerce in Indonesia. By 2020, it is expected to reach a value of Rp130 billion.
(T.A014/INE/KR-BSR/O001)

 

[Boss Dragun]

Indonesia lures Japanese to invest in Batam

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/10/24/indonesia-lures-japanese-to-invest-in-batam.html

The Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BP Batam) is working with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) to promote Batam to Japanese investors, eyeing to raise up to US$750 million in foreign investment by the end of the year.

Gusmardi Bustami, BP Batam’s deputy chairman, said investing in Batam has become simpler and faster with the newly introduced three-hour investment licensing services for foreign investors.

“With a minimum investment plan of Rp 50 billion [$3.84 million], investors could get eight types of licenses in three hours,” he said during a Japanese investor forum held at BKPM’s headquarter in Jakarta on Monday.

BKPM’s director of investment approval, Iwan Suryana, said the eight licenses included investment licenses, deeds of establishment and approval, tax registration numbers and foreign worker recruitment plans.

To boost foreign investment, Gusmardi said the government has reformed the land management system by simplifying the procedures for land acquisition.

In 2015, Japan was the third largest investor with a $47.44 million total investment in Batam, 10 percent of the total foreign investment in the region, after the Singapore with $125.12 million and Hongkong with $107.07 million.

“We will focus on attracting foreign investors in various sectors, especially electronics, shipyard industries and marine tourism,” Gusmardi said.



Australia to invest in Indonesian cattle breeders, minister says

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...indonesian-cattle-breeders-minister-says.html

Australia aims to invest in Indonesia’s cattle breeding industry, for which it has expressed its readiness to adapt to the latter’s new “5-plus-1” import policy, a minister has said.

Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said under the new policy, the Indonesian government was committed to import one cow intended for breeding for every five cattle imported for feedlotting.

Such a policy would hopefully encourage local-breeding businesses, increase cattle populations and in the end, reduce beef imports, he went on.

Enggartiasto further said as the main beef supplier to Indonesia, Australia had to find ways to adapt with the new policy. “So, we invited them to start investing in our breeding and cattle feed industry, as well as in the processed beef industry. They welcomed our invitation,” he said after a meeting with a delegation from the Australian Livestock Exporter Council at his office on Monday.

The council’s chairman Simon Crean said as the first start, they would find land suitable for their breeding business, in which they planned to partner with local small-scale breeders.

“There is a desire to involve small holders to develop their ability and to get themselves out of poverty by engaging them in our breeding activities. But before we can do so, there should be a partnership between government and business entities,” said Crean.

The Australian delegation and related Indonesian ministry staff have established a working group to discuss the investment plan. It is expected they can bring the proposal during President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s visit to Australia next month.



Australia ready to compete with Mexico, Brazil on beef

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...dy-to-compete-with-mexico-brazil-on-beef.html

Australia is ready to face competition, namely Brazil and Mexico, which are new players in the Indonesian beef market following Indonesia’s decision to diversify its beef import sources, an Australian official has said.

Australian Livestock Exporters Council chairman Simon Crean said Brazil and Mexico had a potential to reduce Australia’s domination in the Indonesian beef market. Along with India, Brazil and Mexico offered cheaper beef prices compared to Australian sources. However, he said price was not everything.

“To compete with them, it’s not a big problem for us. Australian products are well received by customers. They are reliable, safe and clean. We have a significant disease-free status that is globally recognized,” Crean said after a meeting with Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita in Jakarta on Monday.

He said what made Australian beef price high was actually not the meat itself but logistics costs, which partially occurred in Indonesia. Citing an example, he further said, the issuance of import permits from Indonesia was often late, causing uncertainties among exporters on when they should rent vessels for cargo deliveries.

“The beef price has not always been related with the cattle price but also the shipping cost. It is high because it often happens that the vessels have to be rented only at the last minute,” Crean said.

Some exporters even are charged a demurrage penalty for failing to load a cattle shipment within the scheduled time frame.

“We are here to seek 'certainty' in the supply chain,” Crean said.



Indonesia aims to be the biggest military uniform exporter

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...be-the-biggest-military-uniform-exporter.html

The country is embracing the opportunity to be one of the biggest exporters of military uniforms in the world, aiming for market expansion in Africa and the US.

“We are eyeing new markets in the US and African countries. They have big markets there,” Iwan Kurniawan, vice president of PT Sri Rezeki Isman, known as Sritex, told The Jakarta Post during a visit to the Sritex factory, recently.

Sritex, a garment company in Sukoharjo, Surakarta, currently produces around 5 million military uniforms annually, of which around 1.5 million are exported to 30 countries around the globe.

Indonesia has more than 400,000 active military members.

“We have exported our products to 30 countries, including NATO. All orders are with certain specifications, for example, fire proof or bug proof. It depends on the clients,” Iwan said.

Besides fire and bug proof specifications, Sritex is also able to produce uniforms with chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear (CBRN) specifications, as well those that are infrared proof.

“Germany and Malaysia have ordered the CBRN uniform from us,” Iwan said.

Besides military uniforms, Sritex also produces military paraphernalia, including pockets for grenades and magazines as well as protectors for the elbow, knee and face.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen Djundan Eko Bintoro said just like any other strategic industry in Indonesia, Sritex had given Indonesia a good name. He said being an exporter had proven that Indonesia could produce high-quality products.



Chinese company wants to develop high technology industrial estate

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1...-to-develop-high-technology-industrial-estate

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Chinese developer - China Fortune Land Development (CFLD)- is seeking to build high technology industrial estate in Indonesia, an official said.

"They wanted to build high technology industrial estate including industries," Director General of Development of Industrial Areas Imam Haryono said when accompanying Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto in a meeting with the leaders of CFLD International and CFLD Indonesia here on Monday.

According to Imam, Indonesia has offered a number of locations considered suitable for high technology industrial estate such as Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Malang and Bali.

Imam said the government offered the five places as they are close to a number of high learning institutes and quality human resources.

CFLD is expected to also develop a number of industries to Indonesia, such as electronic industry and information technology.

Currently, CFLD is seeking to approach a number of local industrial estate operators before embarking on its plan, Imam said.

"They are approaching JIIPE, and Wilmar. They would soon start work when everything is okay," he said.

He said CFLD has five advantages that the could utilize to develop new industrial estates in Indonesia including capital, experience, market, access, and innovation skills.

CFLD is also considered credible as it currently has 52 projects , and has built an industrial estate in an area with original regional income leapfrogging from only US$19 million in 2013 to US$1 billion in 2015.



Indonesia remains key investment hub for Japanese

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/107360/indonesia-remains-key-investment-hub-for-japanese

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia, which is the most populated nation and the largest economy in Southeast Asia, remains one of main destinations for Japanese investment.

Indonesia has offered a number of advantages in terms of geographical location, manpower and rich natural resources, President Director of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Jakarta Daiki Kasugahara said at a Japanese Investor Forum, held at the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) here, on Monday.

These advantages have attracted Japanese investors to Indonesia, he added.

"Since 2009, more companies have entered the Indonesian market. During the first semester of 2016, Japanese investment flow reached US$2.8 billion or 20 percent of the total foreign investment," he noted.

Japan is interested in investing in automotive, food and beverages, logistic goods, household equipment, information technology and retail.

Indonesias commitment to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the discussions on the ratification of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) are considered crucial points for Japanese investment global markets.

Therefore, Japan lauded the efforts of the Jokowi Administration in improving the countrys investment climate.

"We have also given quite a high rate, including the deregulation efforts and economic policy packages that have been issued and the revision of the Investment Negative List. We hope the deregulation continues to upgrade Indonesias competitiveness," he said.

In the meantime, the government has been trying to boost the economy through investment and exports, according to Ikmal Lukman, promotion director of BKPM.

Besides, the government is also determined to change the economic growth pattern, that has so far been dominated by household consumption, into a more productive sector, he added.

"Our investment target is Rp3,500 trillion for five years (from 2014 to 2019) or a double from the target of the previous five-year period," he noted.



Denmark explores cooperation with North Sulawesi

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/107385/denmark-explores-cooperation-with-north-sulawesi

Manado (ANTARA News) - Danish Ambassador to Indonesia Casper Klynge met with North Sulawesi Governor Olly Dondokambey here on Monday to explore cooperation with the province.

"Accompanied by Head of Development Jacon Stensdal Hansel, the Danis ambassador discussed efforts to cooperate in various fields with North Sulawesi," Governor Dondokambey remarked.

According to Governor Dondokambey, the areas that could be developed include the Bitung Special Economic Zone, port infrastructure, maritime connectivity, tourism industries, marine waste reduction, and other priorities.

"The development of these sectors can be supported by the Danish government and the private sector," according to Ambassador Casper Klynge.

Governor Dondokambey welcomed the Danish ambassador to Indonesia, seeking to establish cooperation with the North Sulawesi provincial government.

The governor noted that Denmark has technology that can convert waste into renewable energy sources.

 

[Nike]

Govt deregulated 99 percent of basic regulations: Minister
Selasa, 25 Oktober 2016 18:51 WIB | 696 Views

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government has deregulated and simplified 99 percent of the basic regulations covered in the economic police package 1 to XIII, that have been issued since September 2015, Chief Economic Minister Darmin Nasution said.

"The number of basic regulations that were deregulated through the economic policy package I to XIII totaled 204," Darmin said in a press briefing on "Two Years of Jokowi-JKs Government Performance," at the Presidential Staff Office, here on Tuesday.

He said that out of the 204 basic regulations, about 202 or 99 percent have been deregulated and simplified.

Besides basic regulations, there were also 26 derivative regulations, which were deregulated through the economic policy package I to XIII.

"We have issued 13 economic policy packages to reform regulations in an effort to provide ease of doing business," the minister said.

He said that with regard to the ease of doing business, the World Bank will on Wednesday announce its rating. "Tomorrow, the WB will announce the (ease of doing business) rating. The WB said it is still embargoed till 12 hours tonight. We hope that the Indonesian rating will increase," Darmin said.

Based on the WB survey, Indonesia ranks 109 out of 198 countries in the banks ease of doing business rankings. President Jokowi has called for Indonesias rating to be increased to 40.

Indonesias position is behind other ASEAN countries such as Singapore in the first position, Malaysia in the 18th position, Thailand in the 49th position, Brunei Darussalam in the 84th position, Vietnam in the 90th position and the Philippines in the 103rd position.(*)

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/107389/govt-deregulated-99-percent-of-basic-regulations-minister

 

[pr1v4t33r]

It’s getting easier to do business in Indonesia: Report
Indonesia is among the top-five most improved nations worldwide with regard to ease of doing business, but it is no time for complacency as President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s ambitious target remains unmet.

The country’s ranking on the ease-of-doing-business index in the World Bank’s flagship annual report has jumped 15 places to 91st position, one of the best improvements among 190 countries in the survey, although Jokowi is looking for the country to achieve 40th position.

“The economies showing the most notable improvement in performance on the “Doing Business” indicators in 2015/2016 were Brunei Darussalam, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Belarus and Indonesia,” reads the report, which also names New Zealand as the easiest country in which to do business, taking over the top spot from Singapore for the first time in a decade.

The significant jump in Indonesia’s ranking is based on improvements made in starting a business, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, paying taxes, trading across borders and enforcing contracts.

Jokowi in April issued the 12th economic stimulus package that specifically targeted a significant improvement in the World Bank’s index — regarded as a parameter for investors around the world – by scrapping many procedures and reducing both the time and cost involved in starting a business.

In total, the deregulation package has seen 94 procedures slashed by almost half to 49. The time spent on procedures dropped from 1,566 days to 132 days. Costs have also dropped from Rp 92.8 million (US$7,036.10) to Rp 72.7 million, among other reforms.

World Bank Indonesia country director Rodrigo Chaves said the government had done a lot to enhance the quality of the business environment for the private sector, particularly in the last three years. For one, it now takes 58 days for a business entity to connect to the power grid, compared with 79 days previously.

Still, many areas remain wide open for improvement to achieve Jokowi’s ambitious target of securing the 40th place, including abolishing illegal levies and regulatory overkill by regional governments, as well as digitalization of the bureaucracy, economists say.

“Governments in other countries have utilized comprehensive IT systems to expedite processes, rather than relying on manual procedures,” Bank Central Asia (BCA) chief economist David Sumual said, highlighting the pressing need for a more efficient bureaucracy to reduce costs for businesses.

He lauded the government’s recent efforts to fight illegal levies and implementing “e-logistics”, which is the digitalization of the logistics process that could help streamline bureaucracy.

Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) economist Latif Adam said his group had found in a 2010 study that there were many illegal levies charged for freight transportation on a route between Jakarta and Bandung, an example of a high cost of doing business.

Another example of high logistics costs is the long dwell time in ports, particularly Jakarta’s Tanjung
Priok Port, which has almost reached saturation level, said Gadjah Mada University economist Tony Prasetiantono.

The government’s efforts to boost the ease-of-doing-business ranking is part of a greater plan to make Indonesia more competitive in the international business community, as Southeast Asia’s largest economy grew the slowest in six years in 2015.

Direct investment is among the top growth contributors for the economy even though it is expected to slow to 12 to 14 percent this year, compared with 19 percent in 2015, according to Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Thomas Lembong.

The methods used to create the index have faced criticism, however. An independent panel appointed by World Bank president Jim Yong Kim found it used a narrow source of information and had the potential to be misinterpreted, according to a 2013 report. The ranking should not be used to apply a one-size-fits-all template for development, the panel found, as reported by Bloomberg.

“God willing, this will create confidence and instill greater faith” among businesses, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said with reference to Indonesia’s improved performance.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...asier-to-do-business-in-indonesia-report.html

 

[pr1v4t33r]

Miss Grand 2016: Indonesia wins its first ever Grand Slam title!
Indonesia´s Ariska Putri Pertiwi made history in Vegas as she was crowned Miss Grand International 2016. In addition to winning the contest´s new crown, US$ 40.000 in cash and a luxury apartment to live for her entire year of reign, she became the first woman from Indonesia to win a Grand Slam title. “Indonesia, I did it!”, were some of her first words after being crowned by Australia´s Claire Elizabeth Parker, the 2015 title holder.

It is interesting to note that the “top 3” not only had three women from Asia, but who were also from countries with millions of pageant followers, all very present in social medias.

During the show, an exciting announcement was made: Vietnam will be the host country for Miss Grand International 2017.

The new Miss Grand International is 21 years old, 1.73 m-tall, and a student of Medicine at the Medical Faculty of the Islamic of North Sumatera University.

The winner: Indonesia was always a favorite for the crown, and although Puerto Rico gave the best answer to the controversial final question and had a flawless performance all night long, we had mentioned that it would be difficult for Puerto Rico to take the crown after three other Spanish speaking Caribbeans were chosen in 2013, 14 and 15 (In 2015 the Dominican Republic had the original winner, but she was dethroned 5 months after being elected). She deserved at least 2nd place, but the judges´ decision must be respected. As a student of Medicine with lots of discipline, we believe Ariska will do an excellent job as an ambassador for the “Stop the War” campaign.

Congratulations to the winner and to Indonesia, well deserved!!

http://www.globalbeauties.com/blog/...donesia-wins-its-first-ever-grand-slam-title/

 

[Nike]

It’s getting easier to do business in Indonesia: Report
Indonesia is among the top-five most improved nations worldwide with regard to ease of doing business, but it is no time for complacency as President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s ambitious target remains unmet.

The country’s ranking on the ease-of-doing-business index in the World Bank’s flagship annual report has jumped 15 places to 91st position, one of the best improvements among 190 countries in the survey, although Jokowi is looking for the country to achieve 40th position.

“The economies showing the most notable improvement in performance on the “Doing Business” indicators in 2015/2016 were Brunei Darussalam, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Belarus and Indonesia,” reads the report, which also names New Zealand as the easiest country in which to do business, taking over the top spot from Singapore for the first time in a decade.

The significant jump in Indonesia’s ranking is based on improvements made in starting a business, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, paying taxes, trading across borders and enforcing contracts.

Jokowi in April issued the 12th economic stimulus package that specifically targeted a significant improvement in the World Bank’s index — regarded as a parameter for investors around the world – by scrapping many procedures and reducing both the time and cost involved in starting a business.

In total, the deregulation package has seen 94 procedures slashed by almost half to 49. The time spent on procedures dropped from 1,566 days to 132 days. Costs have also dropped from Rp 92.8 million (US$7,036.10) to Rp 72.7 million, among other reforms.

World Bank Indonesia country director Rodrigo Chaves said the government had done a lot to enhance the quality of the business environment for the private sector, particularly in the last three years. For one, it now takes 58 days for a business entity to connect to the power grid, compared with 79 days previously.

Still, many areas remain wide open for improvement to achieve Jokowi’s ambitious target of securing the 40th place, including abolishing illegal levies and regulatory overkill by regional governments, as well as digitalization of the bureaucracy, economists say.

“Governments in other countries have utilized comprehensive IT systems to expedite processes, rather than relying on manual procedures,” Bank Central Asia (BCA) chief economist David Sumual said, highlighting the pressing need for a more efficient bureaucracy to reduce costs for businesses.

He lauded the government’s recent efforts to fight illegal levies and implementing “e-logistics”, which is the digitalization of the logistics process that could help streamline bureaucracy.

Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) economist Latif Adam said his group had found in a 2010 study that there were many illegal levies charged for freight transportation on a route between Jakarta and Bandung, an example of a high cost of doing business.

Another example of high logistics costs is the long dwell time in ports, particularly Jakarta’s Tanjung
Priok Port, which has almost reached saturation level, said Gadjah Mada University economist Tony Prasetiantono.

The government’s efforts to boost the ease-of-doing-business ranking is part of a greater plan to make Indonesia more competitive in the international business community, as Southeast Asia’s largest economy grew the slowest in six years in 2015.

Direct investment is among the top growth contributors for the economy even though it is expected to slow to 12 to 14 percent this year, compared with 19 percent in 2015, according to Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Thomas Lembong.

The methods used to create the index have faced criticism, however. An independent panel appointed by World Bank president Jim Yong Kim found it used a narrow source of information and had the potential to be misinterpreted, according to a 2013 report. The ranking should not be used to apply a one-size-fits-all template for development, the panel found, as reported by Bloomberg.

“God willing, this will create confidence and instill greater faith” among businesses, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said with reference to Indonesia’s improved performance.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/...asier-to-do-business-in-indonesia-report.html

We must taking over the Malaysian position

 

[pr1v4t33r]

We must taking over the Malaysian position

Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are stalled in their position, going back and forth in the last 4 year. Brunei is too small to compete with us, but Vietnam will give us a good race, a sense of real competition. The rest are negligible.

Jokowi's target is around 40. If we can achieve that rank, outdoing Malaysia would be relatively easy.

 

[afiq0110]

Miss Grand 2016: Indonesia wins its first ever Grand Slam title!
Indonesia´s Ariska Putri Pertiwi made history in Vegas as she was crowned Miss Grand International 2016. In addition to winning the contest´s new crown, US$ 40.000 in cash and a luxury apartment to live for her entire year of reign, she became the first woman from Indonesia to win a Grand Slam title. “Indonesia, I did it!”, were some of her first words after being crowned by Australia´s Claire Elizabeth Parker, the 2015 title holder.

It is interesting to note that the “top 3” not only had three women from Asia, but who were also from countries with millions of pageant followers, all very present in social medias.

During the show, an exciting announcement was made: Vietnam will be the host country for Miss Grand International 2017.

The new Miss Grand International is 21 years old, 1.73 m-tall, and a student of Medicine at the Medical Faculty of the Islamic of North Sumatera University.

The winner: Indonesia was always a favorite for the crown, and although Puerto Rico gave the best answer to the controversial final question and had a flawless performance all night long, we had mentioned that it would be difficult for Puerto Rico to take the crown after three other Spanish speaking Caribbeans were chosen in 2013, 14 and 15 (In 2015 the Dominican Republic had the original winner, but she was dethroned 5 months after being elected). She deserved at least 2nd place, but the judges´ decision must be respected. As a student of Medicine with lots of discipline, we believe Ariska will do an excellent job as an ambassador for the “Stop the War” campaign.

Congratulations to the winner and to Indonesia, well deserved!!

http://www.globalbeauties.com/blog/...donesia-wins-its-first-ever-grand-slam-title/

I am not proud about this achievement... a woman should be measured by her brain and attitude... not by her body... i am a man, and thats the way I value a woman...

A woman is a backbone of a country... a well educated, smart woman with a nice attitude will bring her country rise and prosper... hence she is the first teacher her son or daughter will get...

We often speak about national identity... showing off women body in swimming suit is not part of our national identity...

I am not proud at all... there are other kartini that we can be proud of...

 

[pr1v4t33r]

You don't have to. It's her who won the title. She won, at least that's good enough for her and her supporters.

 

[afiq0110]

You don't have to. It's her who won the title. She won, at least that's good enough for her and her supporters.

Yup... i can see that... have a good day bro...

 

[Nike]

Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are stalled in their position, going back and forth in the last 4 year. Brunei is too small to compete with us, but Vietnam will give us a good race, a sense of real competition. The rest are negligible.

Jokowi's target is around 40. If we can achieve that rank, outdoing Malaysia would be relatively easy.

That'a a decade worth efforts but i will try to contend and vote for Jokowi in the next election

 

[skyhigh88]

Indonesian Bonds Eclipse Malaysia’s on Central Bank Tailwind
Y-Sing Liau Yumi Teso
Bloomberg
October 27, 2016 — 6:40 AM SGT Updated on October 27, 2016 — 11:22 AM SGT

• Bank Indonesia flags more rate cuts possible after six in 2016
• Sentiment toward Malaysia damaged by 1MDB probes, Pioneer says

Indonesia’s bonds have returned three times as much as Malaysia’s this year as policy makers in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy embark on the longest easing cycle since the global financial crisis.

Government securities in Indonesia returned 18.2 percent in 2016, while Malaysia’s rose 5.8 percent, less than the regional average. Rupiah sovereign debt has drawn more than $8 billion of inflows, versus $4.8 billion for ringgit bonds. Aberdeen Asset Management Plc says it is still positive on Indonesian debt, while Pioneer Investment Management Ltd. says Malaysia sentiment has been hurt by probes into a state investment arm.

The two Southeast Asian nations are commodity exporters with economies highly correlated to raw material prices. Yet Indonesia’s central bank has been able to cut interest rates six times, as its Malaysian counterpart has acted just once.

“Indonesian government bonds have just a bit more tailwinds going for them,” said Eugene Leow, a fixed-income strategist at DBS Group Holdings Ltd. in Singapore. “With growth still lackluster by Indonesia’s standards, there is considerable support for bonds. Malaysia’s absolute yields are not as high and Bank Negara Malaysia has not shown the same kind of enthusiasm for lower policy rates.”

The yield on Indonesia’s 10-year bonds has fallen 168 basis points this year to 7.07 percent as the central bank has lowered its benchmark interest rate six times and said more easing was possible. That’s the longest run of reductions since the central bank delivered nine straight rate cuts from December 2008 to August 2009.

Piling In

Global funds have also piled into Indonesian debt amid a positive perception of President Joko Widodo’s reforms. Widodo, elected in 2014, has introduced measures making it easier to do business and a tax amnesty which the government estimates will bring in as much as 165 trillion rupiah ($12.7 billion) in revenue. The rupiah has appreciated 6 percent this year even with the 150 basis points of rate cuts.

“With the rupiah remaining stable and volatility falling, fund inflows to Indonesia bonds are likely to continue,” said Takahide Irimura, an economist at Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co., which oversees about $120 billion. “Better-than-expected revenue from the tax amnesty program can also prevent the nation from increasing bond issuance.”

Indonesia’s 10-year bond yield dropped to 6.77 percent in August, the lowest level since 2013, before climbing back to their current level as global risk sentiment waned amid signs the Federal Reserve is moving closer to raising interest rates. Foreign ownership of Indonesian sovereign debt has dropped to 673 trillion rupiah from the peak of 686 trillion rupiah earlier this month.

‘More Cautious’

“Investors are not so much turning bearish on Indonesian debt, but are instead turning more cautious on risk assets given the upcoming global backdrop,” said Leong Lin-Jing, a Singapore-based investment manager at Aberdeen Asset Management Plc, which oversees about $400 billion globally. “We are still relatively positive on Indonesian bonds versus other lower yielding, more U.S. Treasury-like markets, such as Hong Kong and Singapore.”

Indonesian exports have fallen in all except one of the past 24 months amid weakness in the nation’s key commodity shipments. Inflation slowed to 3.07 percent in September, from as much as 8.4 percent at the end of 2014, allowing for stimulus to bolster an economy slowing in each of the past five years.

1MDB Scandal

While Malaysia’s central bank is also easing amid a crude oil slump, it said the case for another rate cut depends on economic data. Global funds trimmed holdings of the nation’s bonds for the first time in a year in September and the 10-year yield climbed this month to the highest since August.

Demand for ringgit bonds has also been hurt by the scandal over 1Malaysia Development Bhd, a state fund at the center of investigations in at least 10 countries. Both 1MDB and Prime Minister Najib Razak have denied any wrongdoing.

“Investor perception for Indonesia is far better than Malaysia,” said Hakan Aksoy, London-based portfolio manager of emerging markets at Pioneer Investment Management, which oversees about $250 billion. “In this yield hunt, Indonesia was one of the best performers. We still have our positive standing.”

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...lipse-malaysia-s-due-to-central-bank-tailwind


Our current goverment is already on the right track! JKW is walking the talk.

We just have to keep this trend and accelerate it.

I am not proud about this achievement... a woman should be measured by her brain and attitude... not by her body... i am a man, and thats the way I value a woman...

A woman is a backbone of a country... a well educated, smart woman with a nice attitude will bring her country rise and prosper... hence she is the first teacher her son or daughter will get...

We often speak about national identity... showing off women body in swimming suit is not part of our national identity...

I am not proud at all... there are other kartini that we can be proud of...

Its okay bro.. Semua ada tempatnya.. Banyak juga wanita yang agak kosong otaknya tapi cantik dan hobby dandan.. nah ini wadahnya untuk mereka berkreasi.. Kan juga bisa promosi nama Indonesia dan mudah2an bisa endorse produk2 kecantikan domestik kita untuk tembus ke pasar internasional

 

[pr1v4t33r]

Its okay bro.. Semua ada tempatnya.. Banyak juga wanita yang agak kosong otaknya tapi cantik dan hobby dandan.. nah ini wadahnya untuk mereka berkreasi.. Kan juga bisa promosi nama Indonesia dan mudah2an bisa endorse produk2 kecantikan domestik kita untuk tembus ke pasar internasional

Ariska calon dokter lo, jagan salah

Our current goverment is already on the right track! JKW is walking the talk.
We just have to keep this trend and accelerate it.

JWK walking the talk is a great and highly anticipated news. Imagine if it's Duterte. Duterte walking the talk, what would happen to the Philippines?

 

[Kalazan]

World Bank Names Indonesia as Top Improvers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As many as 137 countries have adopted the key reforms that make it easier to start and operate small and medium-sized businesses, based on World Bank's annual report on the ease of doing business entitled "Doing Business 2017: Equal Opportunity for All."

"Simple rules that are easy to follow are a sign that a government treats its citizen with respect. They yield direct economic benefits – more entrepreneurship; more market opportunities for women; more adherence to the rule of law," Paul Romer, World Bank chief of economist and senior vice president said in a press release received by Tempo on Wednesday, October 26, 2016.

Doing Business 2017 awarded New Zealand and Singapore with top spots as countries with business efficiency, followed by Denmark, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, United Kingdom, Norway, United States, Sweden, and Yugoslavia.

The world's top 10 developing countries based on reforms undertaken are Brunei Darussalam, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Belarus, Indonesia, Serbia, Georgia, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

Countries to adopt the Doing Business 2017 are those that demonstrate better performance compared to the previous year and those who made efforts to lower levels of income inequality in a bid to alleviate poverty and boost shared prosperity.

As one of the top improvers, Indonesia has set a target to provide ease of doing business in several sectors, such as electricity, contract, taxation, property and business start.

In terms of electricity, Indonesia has planned to secure electricity supplies by reducing power when it is not being used by industries. The country will also simplify the process of contract preparation, as well as providing an online system for tax payments.

In the property sector, the government will create simpler way to register properties through digitalization and geographic information system. The government will also create a single platform for company registration and trade license to simplify the process. The government has planned to remove the minimum capital requirement for small and medium-sized businesses and promote an online system to register company names.

tempo.co

 

[afiq0110]

[emoji38]