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”

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , , ,

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.

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , , ,

9/11 Ambon: Another Horizontal Conflict in Indonesia

October 7, 2011 by

Not only the world commemorates the mourning of 9/11 tragedy, this year on September 11th Indonesia also mourns on a horizontal Ambon conflict between civilians in Ambon. Ambon is the capital city of Maluku. The conflict was a result of a simple misunderstanding of a traffic accident. It started when Darkin Saimen, a local people, rode his bike and crashed to a house on his way to Pos Benteng, a place in Ambon. He died. However, there was a rumor which said that Darkin was killed by the angry surrounding neighborhood because he caused damage to the house he crashed into. It is said that he was beaten to death by the people.

As a response, Darkin’s family and friends could not take the beating and they took revenge to the people where the accident took place. This expanded to a big chaos and fight. 4 people died as a result of this conflict.

The Head of PR Department of Indonesia Police Department stated that despite the autopsy report saying that there is no proof that Darkin was abused to death and that was pure single traffic accident, people lost their temper and created a big chaos in Ambon. He also said that the fight was between 2 infamous groups that often caused civilians conflicts.

“There were 2 groups throwing rocks to each other and vandalize several public facilities. However, police managed to control them. They were 2 well known groups, well… I don’t need to mention the name. Most importantly, now police has managed to stop the fight and control the situation. We are monitoring the situation and updates”, said Anton (kompas.com)

Ambon is one of the most beautiful cities in Indonesia. It has magnificent beach with superb corals and reefs. However, civilian conflicts often occurs there mostly are caused by tribal and religion issues. It is a classic problem to an area where a lot of transmigrates take place. To read about Ambon and its conflicts history read Ambon Conflict: A Closer Look to Indonesia

Filed Under: Social Politics Tagged With: , , ,

Another Bombing Terror, Now It’s for Garuda Indonesia

October 7, 2011 by

An aircraft of Garuda Indonesia, flight number GA-601 from Manado to Jakarta was threaten with a bomb. Currently the plane is still quarantined by police at a remote area of Soekarno-Hatta International airport.

Garuda Indonesia’s spoke person Pujobroto acknowledges that he was informed of the bomb terror. The threat was in a form of faxed blackmail sent to one of national media right after the plane took off at 2 p.m. The letter also said that there is a C4 with a time detonator placed on the body of the plane. The bomb was planned to explode by 3.30 p.m. or 30 minutes before the plane landed. The flight was advised to conduct emergency landing and that the land crews should prepare for firearms. However, until theplane actually landed at Soekarno-Hatta there was no explosion or whatsoever as informed.

Filed Under: Social Politics Tagged With: , , ,

Suspected to Involve in Garuda Indonesia Bombing Terror, 6 Arrested

October 7, 2011 by

Indonesia National Police Department arrests 6 people as suspects of Garuda bombing terror on Wednesday, October 10th. It was flight Garuda GA-601 from Manado to Jakarta terrorized with bomb. “Upon further interrogation to those suspects it is revealed that there was no bomb placed at the plane. It was just a threat. We have arrested the suspects, there are 6 of them. Initials? We cannot yet inform that,” stated Head of PR Division Indonesia Police Department, General Inspector Anton Bachrul Alam this Thursday.

Furthermore, Anton also stated police cannot yet reveal the motives behind this terror as further investigation is still ongoing. Thus, they will wait for the final investigation result then announce to public about that. At the same time, Head of PR Department of Garuda Indonesia, Pujobroto, said that the threat was received in form of faxed letter sent to one of national press’ office right after the plane took off. It was around 2 p.m. at noon. The letter said the plane that has just taken off carrying approximately 105 passengers is advised to do emergency landing back to Sam Ratulangi airport, Manado or to the nearest airport because there is a bomb inside.

Until the plane was landed at Soekarn-Hatta International airport, Jakarta, no explosion happened as informed in the blackmail. Even so, management team of Garuda Indonesia immediately anticipated that by isolating the aircraft. A team from police checked the craft but found no bomb.

Filed Under: Social Politics Tagged With: , , ,

Raja Ampat, Discovering the Sea Ghost at the Island of the Four Kings

October 5, 2011 by

Raja Ampat in English means The Island of The Four Kings. It is an island surrounded by magical sea with enchanting natural phenomenon full of biological varieties one can best imagine. It has 1,320 species of fishes with 75% of total world’s coral varieties.

Raja Ampat has 10 times more of total coral species can be found in the whole Carribbean that is over 600 recorded varieties. Moreover, it has 5 species of rare sea turtles, 57 species of mantis, 13 of sea mammals and 27 fishes that can only be found in this island, they live only in Raja Ampat.

At Raja Ampat we can witness the Sea Ghost, particularly at the eastern Waigeo, in the front of Urbinasopen and Yesner. There is this superb natural phenomenon and can only be seen every end of year. It is an array of light from the ocean depth circling the surface. It only appears for 10-18 minutes. Locals called this the sea ghost. This phenomenon is more than just an ordinary sunset, it is a splendid one.

The magnificent sea view both on the surface and the depth is chance that most photographers won’t want to miss. The natural realm of Raja Ampat is very unique. It has endemic land structure, diverse sea biota, coastal ecology and culture. It tempts us to dive down the sea and explore the richness. It calls people to sail and explore every bit of the island or even just kayaking around.

More to that, in Raja Ampat we can see the national bird of Indonesia, Cendrawasih. We can also go tracking into caves and see traces of pre historical era in forms of huge palm prints and paintings of animals. Raja Ampat is one magical spot on the earth waiting to be discovered.

Filed Under: Indonesia Hot Issues, Travel and Leisure Tagged With: , , , ,

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.

Filed Under: Economy Tagged With: , , ,
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