Indonesia Refuses to Abide Prohibition of Blue Fin Tuna Trading

October 11, 2011 by

Indonesia refuses a suggestion on banding blue fin tuna trading. In an international trading convention for wild plantation and animals species in Doha, March 12-25, blue fin tuna which mostly lives in the Atlantic Ocean is proposed to be categorized as protected species from any trading activities or Appendix 1.

Chief of Data, Statistics Information Center of Aqua Culture and Fisheries Ministry, Soenan Hadi Purnomo, conveyed in a press conference that there is a raising concern toward categorizing blue fin tuna as a protected species. 175 countries, including Indonesia, are now expecting CITES court which will be held in Bali, Indonesia to discuss about issues regarding Blue Fin Tuna (read Blue Fin Tuna Conference 2011 Opened in Bali).

The raising concern toward Blue Fin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) will be a highlighted topic particularly on the thoughts to include it in Appendix 1. This means that Blue Fin tuna will be protected from any forms of commercial trading internationally under the reason of extinction possibilities. Soenan affirms that Indonesia will not agree on this proposal. The reason is because so far there is no valid and accurate data regarding exact population number of this species. Other than that, the prohibition on tuna trading cannot be seen only from environmental aspects but also economical. Indonesia thinks that ICCA as the international commission for tuna conservation under RFMO is more appropriate to regulate about this. “There is a possibility that CITES uses a look a like species approach which potentially includes all varieties of tuna inside Appendix 1,” said Soenan. Not only Indonesia, Japan as one of the biggest tuna importer also refuses to include blue fin tuna into Appendix 1.

Related articles:

•Signing As A Member of International Tuna Organization, Indonesia Spends Rp. 2 Billion

•Government of Indonesia Intensely Approach Japan on Tuna Prospect

•Blue Fin Tuna Conference 2011 Opened in Bali

•Illegal Practices Threat International Trade of Tuna

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , ,

Illegal Practices Threat International Trade of Tuna

October 11, 2011 by

INDONESIA – The effort to optimize international trading of tuna meets its drawback dealing with illegal trading towards. Indonesia is suspected smuggling blue fin tuna to Japan and is subject to sanctions because of that. General Secretary of People Coalition for Just Fisheries (Kiara), Riza Damanik, stated in one of his visit to Jakarta that based on current reports, the illegal tuna trading took place in 2010.

Blue fin tuna is sold with a commodity name as yellow fin. This is wrong and is a loss for sellers. Blue fin tuna is a high value commodity which can be sold up to 1,500 – 3,000 yen per kilogram while yellow fin tuna can only be sold around 600 – 1,200 yen per kilogram, depending on the freshness and size.

The Minister of Aqua cultural and Fisheries, Fadel Muhammad, admits that Indonesia is indeed accused on smuggling illegal tuna to Japan. “This case is still under further investigation. We don’t have any exact number yet. What I know is only the news that Indonesia is suspected on illegal trading,” so he said. Fadel affirmed comprehensive investigation is needed considering tuna trading at international level is highlighted due to keeping the fish from extinction.

If it’s proven that Indonesia smuggles Blue Fin Tuna to Japan, it will cause a huge damage to its trading activities. Not only it will ruin its image internationally, but will also cause sanction to its quota. International may apply sanction by decreasing Indonesia’s quota in tuna fisheries. “Our government needs to immediately anticipate the possibilities of any sanctions. Thus, we can overcome issues and problems at international level which may hit our credibility in global tuna trading communities,” said Riza.

Director of Fisheries department of Aqua Culture and Fisheries Ministry, Agus Budhiman, confirms that the contraband tuna issues have been tackled by the government. CCSBT has accepted Indonesia’s clarification without any objection as long as no such case will occur again in the future. Other than joins with CCSBT, Indonesia is also a member of Indian Ocean Tuna Comission (IOTC) and temporary member of West Coast Pacific Fisheries Comission (WCPFC).

Related articles:

• Indonesia Refuses to Abide Prohibition of Blue Fin Tuna Trading
• Blue Fin Tuna Conference 2011 Opened in Bali

• Signing As A Member of International Tuna Organization, Indonesia Spends Rp. 2 Billion

• Government of Indonesia Intensely Approach Japan on Tuna Prospect

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , ,

Blue Fin Tuna Conference 2011 Opened in Bali

October 11, 2011 by

The commissioner meeting for the South Blue Fin Tuna Conservation Programme (CCSBT) is held in Bali, Indonesia, from October 10 – 13, 2011. The conference will focus on the main issue, additional quota for blue fin tuna fisheries in the whole world, including Indonesia.

Participants are 6 big members; Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, India and Taiwan. Other than those, also attend the meeting, Philippines, South Africa and Europe. CCSBT is an organization which regulates regional fisheries focusing on South Blue Fin tuna. Indonesia’s quota for tuna fisheries for 2011 is 651 tons, same as the previous year. As for the world’s annual for this fish is 9,749 tons.

Related articles:
•Illegal Practices Threats International Trade of Tuna

•Indonesia Refuses to Abide Prohibition of Blue Fin Tuna Trading

•Signing As A Member of International Tuna
Organization, Indonesia Spends Rp. 2 Billion

•Government of Indonesia Intensely Approach Japan on
Tuna Prospect

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , ,

Indonesia Investment Board is Optimistic on Google

October 10, 2011 by

Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) confirms on Google’s investment plans in Indonesia this year. BKPM is sure the permit issuance will be smooth and there will be no regulation difficulties that may hinder Google from investing. “They (Google) have confirmed their investment here,” said Gita Wirjawan, Chief of BKPM.

However, Gita admitted that he hasn’t known yet about the numbers invested. He predicted investment value in Indonesia will be bigger than the ones in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. “According to calculation, the value will be much bigger,” he stated. For BKPM, this plan is a positive signal for global business that Indonesia can be a profitable investment destination. “This can be a good branding for Indonesia. It shows to all investors in the world that a company as big as Google trusts its investment portfolio in Indonesia.”

The Director of Investment Deregulation, Indra Darmawan, adds Google needs to settle all matters regarding regulations in online advertising and security of data center. This far Indonesia hasn’t yet had clear and firm regulations about those subjects particularly about advertising through online media. “Google asks for clarity on whether or not it is permissible to generate revenue through online advertising because so far it’s not clear yet,” he said.

BKPM admits on the rigidity to regulate businesses involve in cross-border internet trading. On the other hand, a company as big as Google wants the policies, rules and regulations firm and standardize. Moreover, as stated by Indra, BKPM hasn’t yet had any instruction from Ministry of Information and Communication regarding policies on data center. He promised to monitor the progress closely and find the best solution so that this grand investment plan can go smoothly. BKPM informs that it has communicated all aspects of regulations regarding development of data center to Google. “We help in terms of making sure that no problem occurs in issuing business permit. But, so far all is clear,” he said. For more reading, go to “About Google’s Plan in Indonesia, The Minister of Economics is Not Yet Sure”

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About Google’s Plan in Indonesia, The Minister of Economics is Not Yet Sure

October 10, 2011 by

Regarding Google’s plan to have its representative office in Indonesia; the Minister of Economics, Hatta Rajasa, said that he has not been informed yet. Many have been waiting for his comments and strategies to make use of this momentum. “I’m not yet informed about that. Thus, I haven’t made any strategy and not even ready to make any comments on that matter. I will consult with Mr. Gita immediately,” he said after a Master plan of Economic Development and Expansion meeting. Mr. Gita is the Chief of Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board.

As reported, Google Inc. announces through a press release last Wednesday that it’s planning to build its data centers in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Indonesia itself has signed up to be one of the Asian destinations for the data centers but Google is still worry about the insufficient electricity supply. Regular blackouts raise doubts that it may disturb stability of data processing.

Google has been the most powerful search engine so far. It plays an important role in bringing the World Wide Web into another level. Nowadays, millions of people access it everyday for many purposes, from browsing for information to online business. In business, it helps people to advertise their websites, blogs, profiles, etc. It opens up new business opportunities such as SEO services, web designs, web hosting and many more. Not even mentioning work from home opportunities like pay per click, pay to review, press release writing, AdWords, AdSense, affiliate business and many more.

For the data centers in Taiwan and Hong Kong, Google spends more than USD 100 million of investment on each country. Meanwhile, in Singapore Google doesn’t give away the investment numbers. On Indonesia, even though it’s still not ready to build the data center but it commits to have a representative office. This rep office is planned to be launched by Barack Obama on his visit to Indonesia this November. To read more news on this, go to Indonesia Investment Board is Optimistic on Google.

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Samsung for Apple: His Innovative Spirit will Stay Forever in the World’s Hearts

October 7, 2011 by

The tension between Apple and Samsung due to tablet issue is easing as the world is mourning on Steve Jobs’ death. CEO of Samsung, Choi Sung Gee, stated his condolences through his official corporate e-mail. “His remarkable spirit of innovation will be forever remaining in this world,” he said.

Both companies currently are at legal dispute regarding smart phone and tablet patent. Apple claims that Samsung violates its patent by having Samsung Galaxy Tab. It accuses Samsung does plagiarism on the designs of both iPhone and iPad. On the other hand, Samsung accuses Apple violates their patent on wireless technology. These 2 IT giant has been arguing in the USA, Europe, South Korea and Australia since April 2011.

In September, Samsung had to pull out its newest product, New galaxy Tab 7.7 from German market after the court granted Apple’s request to forbid Samsung selling their product in there. Samsung is also forbid to sell its product Galaxy Tab 10.1 in Australia.

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The U.S. Plans to Write off Indonesia Debts by USD 40.8 Million

October 4, 2011 by

Amid the crisis, the U.S. has a plan to write off some of its receivable in Indonesia. It plans to wipe USD 40.8 million of Indonesia’s debts. At the same time, it request for Indonesia to strengthen its conservation efforts.

Indonesia and the U.S. government have just signed an agreement regarding Debt for Nature Swap with The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC last Thursday at Ministry of Economy department, Jakarta. Debt for Nature Swap is an agreement to write off some of a country’s debts in exchange of managing forest conservation areas.

Indonesia was represented by General Secretary of Forestry Protection and Ministry of Forestry Conservational Efforts, Hartono. There was also The Director of Debts and Portfolio of National Finance Department, Ayu Sukorini. The U.S. was represented by Deputy Chief Ambassador James Caruso.

Debt for Nature Swap enables countries with tropical forests to fund their conservational activities as an effort to protect their biological varieties. This pact is regulated in the U.S. Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA). Inside the policy, the U.S. government will relocate debts of countries with tropical forests for conservation purposes.

According to Indonesia WWF CEO, Efransjah, this pact is a great step towards nature conservation in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the Director of WWF Conservation, Nazir Fuad, stated that TNC programs have been launched twice. First was in mid July 2009 continued in September 2011 in Borneo, Kalimantan.

Regarding debt swap for nature purposes, in 2009 the U.S. has written off USD 20 million of Indonesia’s debts. This year only it has written off USD 28.5 million and the number has reached USD 40.8 million in total.

This program needs help from many parties mainly the society. It should take active roles as executors. Government will then help them by appointing an administrator. James Caruso thinks that this program is an example of goodwill of the U.S. government also a symbol of good cooperation for both countries. Thus, it needs to be wholeheartedly supported. “The U.S. government is very proud of this agreement and we really appreciate the trsong commitment from Indonesia,” he said.

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Indonesia’s Debt to USA Amounted to USD 725K, This Time on Parking Tickets !

October 4, 2011 by

New York has account receivables in the forms of parking tickets of diplomats to almost USD 17 million a year. That number most probably will increase by this week as most of world’s leaders will gather there for the UN meeting.

New York Finance bureau stated unpaid tickets reach USD 16.7 million until the end of July. Egypt is accounted for the most outstanding payment with USD 1.9 million, followed by Nigeria with USD 1 million then Indonesia with USD 725,000. Some US congressmen, Michael Grimm, Peter King and Edolphus Towns have carried out new regulations which apply sanctions to countries fail to pay their outstanding tickets in New York. “We can only imagine how much burden for New York this week caused by this,” stated Grimm through his spokesperson Carol Danko.

According to the current regulations, 110 percents of the total penalties due to the outstanding tickets will be debited from foreign aid and debtor countries. Most important is, as Danko said, New York will make sure the debts are paid. Moreover, the new regulation refuses to renew diplomatic car licenses of countries with outstanding tickets payment.

New York is a place for 289 foreign consulates and missions. “If we receive tickets in New York, there is no exception. The budget is quite tight. It doesn’t make sense for foreign diplomats to get free parking and give that burden to New York tax payers,” said Danko.

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Indonesia is Still Attractive for Foreign Direct Investments

September 28, 2011 by

Amid the US and European uncertain economy, Indonesia is still confident to be an attractive FDI country. The central bank, Bank Indonesia, is optimistic foreign investment until the end of year 2011 will reach USD 16 billion not far from the initial forecast.

According to Eric Sugandi, an economist from Standard Chartered, foreign direct investment isn’t influenced by economic fundamentals. Good economy guarantees rapid flow of FDI however even in the turbulent economy FDI will still come in. The effect isn’t instant for this portfolio market.

In contrast, turbulence in economy will instantly affect the financial market. This is because this sector is heavily influenced by so called market perspective. Furthermore, may speculative actions takes place here. Perry Warjiyo, the Director of Research and Monetary Policy of BI, stated that investment at the financial market predicted to not reach USD 10 billion for the year 2011 while it was predicted to reach USD 12 billion.
Investors got panic and withdraw their fund from Indonesia at the early stage of global crisis. In addition to that, Eric adds that it takes 6 to 9 months for financial portfolio investments to recover.

A brief record from FDI and financial investments, the 1st trimester of 2011 recorded USD 4.79 billion which has increased to 5.25 billion for FDI. While for financial market, the record is USD 4.11 billion increased to 6.28 billion at the 2nd trimester. In 2009, FDI was USD 4.88 billion, smaller than financial investment at USD 10.5 billion. In 2010, financial investment was USD 15.71 billion bigger than FDI at USD 13.4 billion.

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A Glimpse on Franchising Luwak Coffee

September 27, 2011 by

Luwak coffee, originated from Indonesia, is well known as the most expensive coffee in the world. It gains its huge popularity due to low acid concentration despite the fact that it’s produced from weasel feces.

Because of its global fame, an Indonesian entrepreneur, Mifta Khur Rokhman dares to franchise his luwak coffee business. He claimed this business to be very profitable. Sonce last March he already got 3 kiosks on his own and franchisee from Batam, Bandung, Lumajang and Surabaya. He also claims that his coffee is not only exclusively for upper class market. Instead, it also targets middle class too.

Luwak coffee actually is Arabican coffee excressed by weasels bred at Southern Lampung, a ciy in Sumatra Island. According to coffee experts, Luwak coffee’s quality from breeding farm is not as good as produced by wild weasels. However, nowadays it’s difficult to capture wild weasels to get their feces. Coffee from wild weasels is highly demanded because of its taste. Indulging taste combined with the scarcity cause the high price of this coffee. That’s why there’s a growing trends for coffee resulted from bred weasels which is done by Mifta.

Moderation on the price of coffee Luwak allows bigger market for this product. This is including wider export market as this commodity becomes much more affordable. The downside of cheaper price is buyer may doubt the originality of this coffee which may harm the image and exclusivity of this world’s most expensive coffee.

Luwak Coffee

Indonesia’s Luwak Coffee: the most expensive coffee in the world

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