Indonesia Morning News For February 8

Indonesian-made solar panels exempt from US tariffs
The Trade Ministry’s international trade director general, Oke Nurwan, said on Wednesday that Indonesian solar panel exports to the United States would not be subject to a 30 percent import tariff that the country recently imposed.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesia eyes South Asia to expand and diversify its exports
Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)`s recent tour of five South Asian nations has significant meaning not only to foster friendship but also to increase trade with the countries.
— Antara

Two Indonesian companies said to be part of $1.5b Go-Jek funding round
Two Indonesian companies, Astra International and Grup Djarum, have reportedly participated in the $1.5-billion funding round for ride-hailing app GO-JEK.
— DealStreetAsia

Government Adamant to Import Rice Despite Widespread Refusal
Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko reassured that the government`s rice import program that is being shipped will not be canceled despite numerous refusals from rice farmers and the public.
— Tempo

Vietnam, Indonesia step up cooperation in coffee sector
The Embassy of Indonesia in Hanoi and the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association on February 6 hosted a workshop to boost Indonesia – Vietnam cooperation in the coffee sector.
— VietnamPlus

Indonesia to ratify ASEAN act to liberalize banking
The government and the House of Representatives have agreed to swiftly ratify a protocol to implement the Sixth Package of Commitments on Financial Services under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS).
— The Jakarta Post

Widodo steams towards easy second term
It is still early days but Indonesian President Joko Widodo is reportedly open to the idea of trying to persuade Vice President Jusuf Kalla to run with him again in Indonesia’s 2019 presidential election, an arrangement that would see the latter veteran politician step away part-way through his five-year term.
— Asia Times

Central Sulawesi records economic growth of 7.14% in 2017
Central Sulawesi’s economy expanded by 7.14 percent in 2017, supported by significant growth in the industrial sector.
— The Jakarta Post

Digital Revolution Will Cause 50 Million Job Opportunity Losses in Indonesia
The digital revolution or the fourth industrial revolution (4.0) could create economic storage that would potentially cause Indonesia to lose 50 million job opportunities.
— Netral News

Ban on BBC reporter only temporary, Indonesia says
A ban on an Australian journalist thrown out of Indonesia’s Papua province after posting tweets that offended the military is only temporary, according to officials.
— UCA News

Bank Mandiri Credit Disbursement Grows 10.2 Percent in 2017
PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (BMRI.JK) posted credit disbursement of IDR729.5 trillion throughout 2017, up 10.2 percent from the previous year’s gains.
— Netral News

PHE-Medco E&P Indonesia Sign Gas Sale Purchase Agreement with PLN
PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) through its two subsidiaries PT PHE Simenggaris in partnership with PT Medco Energi E&P Simenggaris and PT PHE Tomori Sulawesi in partnership with PT Medco E&P Tomori Sulawesi and Tomori E & P Ltd. signed a Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) with PT PLN (Persero) (PLN) for 37.23 Trillion British Thermal Unit (TBTU) of gas.
— Netral News

Visa Inc. appoints Riko Abdurrahman as Visa Indonesia boss
Financial services company Visa Inc. has appointed Riko Abdurrahman as the president director of its Indonesian subsidiary, PT Visa Worldwide Indonesia.
— The Jakarta Post

Indonesia strives for conclusion of RCEP talks
Indonesia is committed to accelerating negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), said Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita said at the 21st round of RCEP negotiations, recently.
— The Jakarta Post

BNN, Customs Foil Smuggling of 110 Kg Crystal Meth
The Finance Ministry through the Directorate General of Customs and Excise together with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) exposed three cases of drug smuggling.
— Tempo

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