INDONESIA'S DIVERSITY SLOGAN SHOWCASES HARMONY TO UNAOC

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 29 (Antara) - Amid different conflicts arising from diversities in the global arena, Indonesia is promoting its "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity) slogan in creating national harmony during a United Nations forum on civilizations in Bali.          "In our world, many people with respective reasons are suspicious about differences and diversities, which is why they create hostilities," Indonesian President Susilo Bambang  Yudhoyono stated at the opening of the Sixth Global Forum of United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), on the Indonesian island of Bali on Friday.          According to Yudhoyono, Indonesia has been cultivating its diversity through its 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' slogan, as the basis for developing harmony.          He cited Indonesia as an example, which is situated along the trade route linking the Pacific and Indian Ocean, for managing, for centuries, its relationships with different world cultures and civilizations.          "In a process that has been taking place for centuries, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and western cultures merged with local cultures to become part of our nation's cultural heritage," he asserted.

PERTAMINA LIFTS SUBSIDIZED FUEL OIL SALE RESTRICTION

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 28 (Antara) - Subsidized fuel supplies are expected to return to normal, once state-owned oil and gas Pertamina lifts sale restrictions that are causing long queues at refilling stations in several regions in the past several days.         "We have lifted the sale restriction policy to normalize supplies and hope that long queues at refilling stations will end in the next three days at the latest," Hanung Budya, marketing and commercial director of Pertamina said, Wednesday.          Pertamina took the step after the government provided a guarantee to bear up to 30 percent of the cost above national need if consumption exceeded the subsidy quota, Hanung explained.          The government has set the subsidized fuel quota of 46 million kiloliters in the revised 2014 state budget. However, this quota is predicted to run out by the end of November or early in December 2014, prompting Pertamina to rearrange its distribution so that it will not finish until the end of the year.

JOKOWI WARNED OF ECONOMIC "TIME BOMB" THREAT

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 26 (Antara) - The next government will face various issues in improving people's welfare and in developing the country's economy amid low economic growth and high rates of poverty and unemployment.          "The next government under President-elect Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, must take bold steps such as conducting a budget 'revolution', removing economic distortions, and raising economic growth," Thomas Ola Langoday, dean of the Economic Faculty of the Widya Mandira Catholic University (Unwira), East Nusa Tenggara, said on Monday.          He noted that the next government should focus on increasing economic growth to about seven percent in order to prevent the emergence of time bomb threat.          If economic growth remains at only about five percent, as at present, the new government will encounter a vicious circle, which will be difficult to overcome, Thomas Ola Langoday warned.          "It should focus on maintaining annual economic growth at over seven percent," he added.

PANIC BUYING TRIGGERS LONG QUEUES AT FUEL STATIONS

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 25 (Antara) - The government's move to restrict subsidized fuel sale to maintain quota, so that stock will not run out until the end of the year, has sparked panic paying and queues at refilling stations in several regions.          "People have the impression that stocks of subsidized fuels are running out and that the government will raise fuel prices. This has triggered hoarding and panic buying," Ikhsan Modjo, a politician of the Democrat Party, told a TvOne Talkshow on Monday evening.          Media reports have stated that President-elect Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has plans to meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the end of this month to discuss fuel oil subsidy reduction in the Draft 2015 State Budget.          Fuel subsidies have so far been considered a burden to the state budget.          "Yes, we want to obtain approval. We will hold a meeting first and then understand its calculation," Jokowi was quoted by Tempo.co as saying on Monday.          Ikhsan Modjo noted that the rumor that fuel oil prices will be raised has resulted in panic buying and hoarding. He, however, categorically did not agree if the price of subsidized fuel will be raised.

JOKOWI EXPECTED TO BUILD SUNDA STRAIT BRIDGE

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 24 (Antara) - The next government under Joko Widodo, or better known as Jokowi, is expected to continue its predecessor's plan to realize the Sunda Strait Bridge (JSS) project which can boost economic development in Java and Sumatra.          Acting Governor of Banten Province Rano Karno hoped that the central government through the new president will realize the construction of the Sunda strait bridge.          The JSS construction plan has virtually been included as one of the strategic projects of President Susilo Bamang Yudhoyono.          Unluckily, the project is still untouched while Yudhoyono's tenure will already end next October.       "The regional government of Banten province is waiting for the central government's decision. After all, the central government has set up a team of seven to dealt with the JSS project. So, let us wait," Rano Karno said after opening the  'Banten Beach Festival' in Anyer on Saturday.          A couple of years ago, the central government formed a team of seven in charge of working out a term of reference (ToR) for the construction of the project.          The members of the team consist of Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, then Finance Minister Agus Martoardjojo, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Law and Human Rights Minister Amir Syamsuddin, Industry Minister MS Hidayat and Minister for National Development Planning Armida Alisjahbana.          The team was discussing the funding system of the 27.4 km bridge project that spanned over the Sunda Strait. To be built at a cost estimate of Rp250 trillion, the bridge will link Java and Sumatra islands.

INDONESIA TRIES TO CONTROL TOBACCO WITHOUT TREATY

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 23 (Antara) - The Indonesian government has long tried to protect people from the injurious effects of smoking, while at the same time continuing to enjoy significant amounts of tobacco taxes, reaching over Rp80 trillion annually.          The World Health Organization (WHO) has, since May 21, 2003, circulated a treaty, called the FrameWork Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), in an effort to control tobacco consumption.          The Indonesian government, however, has not yet displayed its intention to ratify the convention, as many favor and oppose the treaty at home.          Of course, the ultimate goal of the treaty is to reduce the number of smokers, something that will have an impact on tobacco farmers and industries, as well as state revenues from cigarettes and tobacco taxes.          Despite the fact that Indonesia has yet to ratify the convention, the government has been attempting to launch anti-smoking campaigns.          To this end, the government has begun a campaign banning smoking in public locations. It has also issued Regulation No. 109, 2012, which bans the sale of cigarettes to youths below 18 years old.

GOVT TO EVALUATE IMPACT OF PICTORIAL WARNING ON CIGARETTES

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 23 (Antara) - Facing opposition from various quarters as it looks to accede to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FWCTC), the government has asked cigarette companies to put gruesome pictures on cigarette packets to discourage smokers.          Indonesia has been launching anti-smoking campaigns with written warnings on cigarette packets but it seems it is not effective enough. According to reports in Kompasiana publication on May 4, 2014, Indonesia has the third largest number of smokers in the world with cigarette consumption at about 305 billion pieces in 2012.          Ideally, the government would like to accede to the FWCTC which aims to reduce the number of smokers and protect the present and future generations against health damage. Yet, that move is opposed by many quarters, including tobacco farmers and the sections of the industry.          Therefore, it is now doing its best to discourage smokers. Beginning June 24, 2014, cigarette packets will carry pictorial warnings with gruesome images of people suffering from different tobacco-related diseases such as oral, gangrene, mouth, neck and lung cancers.          The pictorial warning on cigarette packets will be effective in reducing the number of smokers and preventing young people from taking up the habit, Health Minister, Nafsiah Mboi, believed.

JOKOWI EXPECTED TO FIND BREAKTHROUGHS FOR SUBSIDY PROBLEM

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 22 (Antara) - President-elect Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, has said that the subsidy set by the current government  at Rp433.5 trillion in the Draft 2015 State Budget is too big and needed to be studied.          "We are still studying it. I think the amount of subsides set in the draft state budget is too big," Jokowi said during the commemoration of Indonesia's 69th independence anniversary at the State Palace last Sunday.          President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who will end his tenure next October, announced on Friday last week a budget plan for 2015 amounting to Rp2,019.9 trillion, including a subsidy expenditure of Rp433.5 trillion.          The subsidy in the draft budget consists of Rp363.5 trillion for energy subsidy and Rp70 trillion for non-energy subsidy. The energy subsidy in the meantime comprises Rp291.1 trillion for fuels and Rp72.4 trillion for electricity.          Compared with this year, subsidy for fuels next year increases by Rp44.6 trillion, or from 46 million kiloliters to 48 million kiloliters.

PRABOWO CAMP LOSES LEGAL BATTLE AT CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 21 (Antara) - The Constitutional Court (MK), on Friday, finally rejected the Prabowo - Hatta camp's plea on the dispute over the July 9, 2014, presidential election results.          "The (Court) rejects the plaintiff's request entirely," said the Constitutional Court (MK) judge Hamdan Zoelva when reading the MK's verdict on Thursday evening.          The Prabowo-Hatta duo had filed a petition on the presidential election results with the MK alleging structured, systematic, and massive election fraud during the implementation of the 2014 presidential election.          The General Election Commission (KPU) had declared, on July 22, Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and his running mate Jusuf Kalla as president and vice president elect.          Jokowi, as the governor is popularly known, and Jusuf Kalla won the July 9 presidential election with more than 53 percent of the votes. The presidential poll was only contested by the two pairs, KPU said.          Prabowo and his running mate Hatta Rajasa, however, refused to accept defeat and accused KPU of being unfair and of rigging the election.          At a press conference in his official residence in Central Jakarta, President-elect, Joko Widodo, thanked the MK for having worked professionally, fairly and transparently in issuing its verdict which he described as the highest level of legal decision.          Thus, all legal processes have been completed with the MK decision over the presidential election result dispute. Jokowi promised to immediately take necessary steps to prepare his government.

LEGAL BATTLE ON ELECTIONS FUELS VIOLENCE OUTSIDE COURT

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 21 (Antara) - Tense faces were visible inside and outside the Constitutional Court (MK) which was hearing a dispute on the presidential election result in Jakarta, Thursday.          The MK was holding its final session to issue a verdict on a dispute filed by the Prabowo - Hatta presidential and vice presidential pair on the result of the Indonesian July 9, presidential elections.          The Prabowo - Hatta team sued the General Elections Commission (KPU), accusing it of having organized a structured, systematic and massive election fraud. The KPU has declared the Joko Widodo - Jusuf Kalla duo the winner of the presidential contest.         During the court proceedings, tense faces were seen inside the court, while outside thousands of Prabowo supporters rallied and packed the Merdeka Selatan and the Merdeka Utara Streets.          Before the MK issued a ruling that rejected Prabowo legal suit, a brief scuffle broke out between security officers and demonstrators around the nearby Horse Statue circle. Police officers fired a tear gas shell to disperse demonstrators. A number of people were injured but police claim no victims suffered from gunshot wounds.

PEOPLE CONCERNED ABOUT POSSIBLE ABUSE OF ABORTION RULE

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 21 (Antara) - The government's regulation number 61/2014 on Reproductive Health, which allows abortion in certain emergency situations and in case of victims of rape, is giving rise to apprehensions of possible abuse by unscrupulous elements.          The National Commission for Prevention of Violence Against Women (NCW) suggested that the implementation of this regulation should be supervised by all stakeholders to prevent any misuse by those indulging in free sex and illicit relations.          "Actually, undergoing abortion is not a must for any rape victim. It is only an option since some victims could be ready to carry through their unwanted pregnancy. Not everyone may be ready to abort the foetus," Safitri Andriani of the NCW said here on Wednesday.          According to Safitri, the government's regulation on reproductive health was still to regulate all aspects concerning women victims because some clauses still had loopholes.          Ratna Batara Munti, director of the Legal Aid Institute of Women for Justice (LBH APIK), is of the view that abortions carried out on ground of rape should be based on recommendations of professionals and medical experts so that the regulation is not abused.          "Abortions must be carried out based on recommendation and medical evaluation by obstetricians, psychiatrists and psychologists. Provision needs to be made for counselling, particularly for the family members of the victim," Ratna Batara Munti said during a discussion in Jakarta on Wednesday (Aug. 20, 2014).

IDEAL FUNDS FOR VILLAGES SHOULD BE SET AT RP64 TRILLION

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 20 (Antara) - The government announced its 2015 budget plan last week, which comprised Rp640 trillion funding for regions, including 1.4 percent in funds for village development, amounting to Rp9.1 trillion.          Finance Minister Chatib Basri said that, ideally, the village development allocation would be Rp64 trillion, or 10 percent of the transfer of funds for regions, set at Rp640 trillion in the draft 2015 state budget.     "Based on the law on villages, it should be set at 10 percent of the transfer of funds to regions. So, if the amount of fund transfers to regions is Rp640 trillion, the allocation for village development should be set at Rp64 trillion, or ten percent," the finance minister said.          Chatib admitted that the allocation of Rp9.1 trillion for village development funds is not adequate, as the funds were taken from ministries and state institutions' old budgets for village prosperity improvement programs.          "The Rp9.1 trillion is a budget for ministries and state institutions which is to be used for village improvement development. Thus, the draft state budget will only serve as an initial allocation for village development. If it is not adequate, the next government can increase the amount," the minister said.

INDONESIA TIGHTENS SUPERVISION OF EBOLA VIRUS

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 19 (Antara) - Although it sees little possibility of the Ebola virus spreading through Indonesia, the country remains cautious and has alerted its citizens, particularly those working overseas, to remain vigilant and avoid contracting this deadly disease.          The Indonesian Health Ministry has said it will continue to take steps to prevent the spread of the Ebola infection, which has broken out in a number of African countries, though there is little possibility it could reach Indonesia.           "The possibility of the virus spreading in Indonesia is small because we have no direct flights with Central and Western African countries where the virus infection has broken out.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed these countries under its supervision," Acting Director General for Disease Control and Sanitation of the Health Ministry Agus Purwadianto said in Jakrata on Friday.          As an anticipatory step, the Health Ministry has assigned 100 hospitals to handle Ebola virus victims if the disease is discovered among Indonesian citizens.          The 100 hospitals had been earlier designated to treat bird flu victims, who contracted the Avian influenza during the outbreak in Indonesia several years ago.

INDONESIA BOOSTS MEDICINAL PLANT DEVELOPMENT

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 19 (Antara) - Rich in medicinal herbs, Indonesia, like China and other countries where herbal medicines are a popular alternative to conventional medicine, is boosting the cultivation of medicinal plants.          Indonesia has at least 3,000 types of herbal medicines, locally known as "jamu." Jamu has long been used as a popular alternative treatment in Indonesia for various health concerns.          Although most of the country's medicinal herbs have yet to receive scientific recognition of their medicinal properties, jamu attracts consumers who wish to avoid the side effects of modern prescription drugs.           Based on data provided by the Health Ministry's Research and Development Center, about 50 percent of the country's population in 2010 used jamu for healing their health complaints.          Therefore, the government, particularly the Ministry of Forestry, is encouraging the cultivation of medicinal plants in forest areas and the development of the medicinal herb industry as a whole.          "I am convinced that the medicinal plant forest development concept will help boost the herbal medicine industry, which could boost income, provide informal education, and ensure the conservation of Nature and the prosperity of the locals," Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan said in Surabaya, East Java, on Monday.

INDONESIA BOOSTS ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 18 (Antara) - With its oil reserves expected to run out in ten years, Indonesia is making efforts to develop alternative energy, particularly biofuels, to replace its fossil fuel energy.          Based on data released by the National Energy Council (DEN) at a workshop in July last year, Indonesia's reserves for oil, gas, and coal will run out in 10 years, 30 years, and 80 years, respectively.          From now on, Indonesia should develop sources of renewable energy to prepare for its future requirements and to reduce and gradually eliminate its energy subsidies, which have continued to burden state budget.          Finance Minister Chatib Basri said in an effort to alleviate the subsidy burden of the state budget, the government will increase its efficiency on subsidy budget, reduce energy subsidy in stages, continue its previous fuel-to-gas conversion program, resume its fuel consumption control, and push ahead the development of its new and renewable energy program.          In his address before a plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR), President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivered the budget plan for 2015 where fuel subsidies were raised from Rp246.5 trillion in the revised 2014 state budget to Rp291.1 trillion in the Draft 2015 State Budget.

TRANS-SUMATRA TOLL ROAD PROJECT STARTS NEXT MONTH

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 18 (Antara) - The government will soon begin construction of two sections of the Trans-Sumatra toll road, which stretches across 2,771 kilometers from Lampung in eastern Sumatra to Aceh in the western tip of the island.          Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto reported that his ministry will push ahead with the groundbreaking of the construction of two sections of the Rp200-trillion Trans-Sumatra toll road project by the end of September or early October, 2014.          The construction will mark the beginning of the project, which is expected to help overcome connectivity problems and smooth transportation across Sumatra Island. It is hoped to help improve the flow of goods and transportation of the public, as well as generate economic development on the islands of Sumatra and Java.          With the project, transportation between Sumatra and Java will also be smooth, as it will link Bakauheni Ferry Port in Lampung with Merak Ferry Port in the western tip of Java Island.          Minister Kirmanto expressed hope that the groundbreaking will happen before President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's term of office ends on October 20, 2014.          "The groundbreaking is expected to be launched before the end of the Yudhoyono government's cabinet this year. We hope it will be launched at the end of September or early in October," stated Minister Kirmanto on Friday last week (Aug 15, 2015).

GOVT RAISES FUEL SUBSIDY FOR 2015

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 16 (Antara) - The government has projected a fuel subsidy of Rp291.1 trillion in the Draft 2015 State Budget, up from Rp246.5 trillion in the current Revised 2014 State Budget, anticipating increasing vehicle numbers and fuel consumption.          In the current revised budget, the government has set subsidized fuels at 46 million kiloliters, yet it predicts that the stocks of subsidized fuels based on the quota of 46 million kiloliters will finish by mid-December, unless consumption restriction is imposed from now.           "The 46 million kiloliters can be used up by mid-December. So, how do we meet the need for fuel for the remaining two weeks?" Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jero Wacik, asked when he addressed a press conference after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono unveiled the government's Draft 2015 State Budget (RAPBN 2015), Friday.          The President unveiled the government's budget plan for 2015 totaling Rp2,019.9 trillion, of which Rp1,379.9 trillion was projected for the central government's spending and Rp640 trillion for  transfer to regional governments and for village funding.

INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT UNVEILS RP2,019.9 TRILLION BUDGET PLAN

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 15 (Antara) - Indonesian government has unveiled its 2015 budget plan worth Rp2,019.9 trillion balanced with state revenues amounting to Rp1,762.3 trillion and a deficit of Rp257.6 trillion or about 2.32 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).          "The deficit in the Draft 2015 State Budget is Rp257.6 trillion or 2.32 percent of the GDP, down from the deficit in the revised 2014 state budget set at 2.4 percent of the GDP," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced when delivering a speech on the Draft 2015 State Budget and its Financial Notes at the plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) here on Friday.         In broad lines, the 2015 state budget comprises state revenues worth Rp1,762.3 trillion, which consists of tax receipts amounting to Rp1,370.8 trillion, non-tax income of Rp388.0 trillion, and a grant of Rp3.4 trillion.

INDONESIAN SLOW ECONOMIC GROWTH SEEN NOT TOO BAD

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 14 (Antara) - The slow economic growth in the second quarter of 2014 was seen by the government as "not too bad" and still relevant to the 5.1-5.5 percent target set in the revised 2014 state budget.          "I see that the slow economic growth in the second quarter of this year is not too bad," Firmanzah, Presidential Special Staff for Economic and Development Affairs, said referring to the 5.12 percent growth, which was lower than the 5.21 percent in the first quarter.          The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) has stated that Indonesia's economic growth in the first quarter of this year stood at 5.21 percent while the second quarter growth was only 5.12 percent.  The economic growth in the second quarter of the previous year was much higher at 5.81 percent.          The government has set an economic growth assumption of 5.5 percent in the revised 2014 State Budget, down from the one set in the previous state budget at 6.0 percent.          Indonesia's realistic economic growth this year is between 5.2 and 5.5 percent, Chief Economic Minister, Chairul Tanjung, said.

BATAM GEARING UP FOR INVESTMENT IN FACE OF AEC

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 13 (Antara) - Adjacent to Singapore, the tiny Batam island, which is a free trade zone (FTZ) and an industrial hub in Indonesia's Sumatran Province of Riau Islands, is preparing for investment growth.          In the face of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which will begin in late 2015, Batam has to boost the growth of its industry, trade, and investment. In view of that, the quality of its human resources will play an important role.          Chairman of the Economic and Polytechnics Research Center of Batam, Bambang Hendrawan, said the government should pay attention to the quality of its human resources in the face of steady investment growth of Batam's FTZ.          "The quality of human resources should be improved, so that Batam will no longer rely on standard quality that so far has laid emphasis on labor-intensive industries. This also should serve as an effort to face the flow of expatriates after the implementation of the AEC in 2015," Bambang noted.

GOVT URGED TO RAISE SUBSIDIZED FUEL PRICES

by Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 12 (Antara) - The government's efforts to restrict time for subsidized fuel transactions to reduce consumption and alleviate subsidy burden on the state budget has received response from various observers.          An observer opined that it will be better for the government to raise subsidized fuel prices than to restrict the hours for subsidized fuel transactions, especially for diesel oil.          "There is no problem with time restriction, but it should not disturb the public requirement of diesel oil. We need a special regulation for public transportation and for land transportation organizations," Frans Kongi, chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association for Central Java, said.          The chairman is of the view that the government will do better if it raises the price of subsidized fuel oils (premium gasoline and diesel oil) rather than restrict sale hours.          He noted that the government should (raise the price), as the subsidy quota has become irrational causing heavy burden to the state budget.          "In a year, the budget for fuel subsidies could reach Rp300 trillion, while in fact, those who enjoy it are the middle and upper classes of the society," he pointed out.            The economist Tony Prasetyantono of the University of Gajah Mada agreed, saying that the next government under the Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla leadership should raise subsidized fuel prices.

INDONESIA FIGHTING AGAINST ISIS PRESENCE

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 9 (Antara) - Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim populated country, is doing its best to prevent the influence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), alerting all regional police forces and Muslim organizations.          The Indonesian move to fight the influence of the ISIS follows the uploading of a video on YouTube, depicting an Indonesian calling himself Abu Muhammad al-Indonesia appealing to Indonesian Muslims to join the ISIS.          The man in the video footage titled "Join the Ranks" is now wanted by the police.          "I have already instructed the chiefs of the regional police forces across the country to take appropriate measures in cooperation with other offices concerned to prevent the people from being influenced by the ISIS," National Police Chief General Sutarman said, Friday.          The Indonesian government has prohibited the ISIS movement because of its radical ideology, which runs against the state ideology of Pancasila and principles of unity in diversity and the Unitary State of Indonesia (NKRI).          In view of that the organization, which is affiliated to international terrorist network al-Qaeda, is banned in the country.          "The government has clearly banned the ISIS. The coordinating minister for political, security and legal affairs has stated that the government rejects the ISIS. In view of that, we have taken tactical and technical measures to prevent and, at the same time, enforce the law against anyone affiliated to the ISIS," he noted.

INDONESIANS WARNED OF ISIS INFILTRATION

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Aug 4 (Antara) - The Indonesian people are being alerted over the infiltration of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)'s ideology, which could cause disintegration, conflict, and disharmony in the country.          Various parties have also called on the people to prevent the spread of the ISIS influence following an ISIS video propaganda uploaded in the YouTube. Through the 7:32 minute video, the ISIS activists have offered a chance to Indonesians to join ranks in developing a "Daulah Islamiah" (Islamic state).          "As a Muslim, I call on the Indonesian Muslims to not let themselves be provoked by the ISIS propaganda, which has entered Indonesia," former chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Hasyim Muzadi said in a written statement on Sunday.          Meanwhile, the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) for Central Kalimantan has issued an alert of possible infiltration by ISIS members. "We need to be on alert, as ISIS ideology must not infiltrate into our region," MUI Secretary for Central Kalimantan H Syamsuri Yusuf said.          The ideology of ISIS runs against the country's Pancasila ideology and also has radicals condoning the use of violence in its struggle.          The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Gen. Moeldoko stressed that the ISIS issue should not penetrate Indonesia, as it could create disintegration and conflict among the people.

IDUL FITRI BOOSTS INDONESIAN URBANIZATION

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 2 (Antara) - After the post-fasting Idul Fitri or Lebaran festivities in Indonesia seasonal migration of people from small towns or villages to urban areas or big cities has become an annual event.          Civil servants, private company employees, traders and other urban dwellers of different professions traditionally celebrate the Lebaran festivities in their hometowns.          But when they return to their urban environment after the festivities, some bring back family members, relatives or friends who are willing to try their hand in the cities.          After the Idul Fitri festivities last year, the National Family Planning and Population Board (BKKBN) estimated that about one million people would migrate to cities across the country, or about 5.5 percent of the 18.1 million home-bound Idul Fitri holiday-makers.          This year, in the current Idul Fitri season, the Ministry of Transportation has predicted that the number of home-bound travelers will reach about 24 million.      Supposing urbanization accounts for 5.5 percent of the 24 million holidaymakers, big cities in Indonesia will have to receive some 1.3 million people migrating from villages or non-urban regions to cities.

GOVT RESTRICTS SUBSIDIZED FUEL CONSUMPTION

By Andi Abdussalam

Jakarta, Aug 1, (Antara) - The government has regulated the use of subsidized fuels in order to alleviate subsidy burden in the state budget, which in the 2014-2015 period had reached Rp300 trillion.          It has downsized the volume of subsidized fuels from 48 million kiloliters that had been set in the previous budget of 2014 to 46 million kiloliters in the revised 2014 state budget.          Beginning this month, the government has restricted locations of refilling stations and time of transactions on subsidized diesel oil and premium gasoline with consumers.          With effect from August 1, 2014, the government has banned the sale of subsidized diesel oil at fuel stations in Central Jakarta.          From August 4, diesel oil can only be purchased between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. in certain regions. The time restriction applies to those regions or provinces that are prone to crime.          With regard to subsidized premium gasoline, the government has banned its sale at fuel stations located at toll road sections beginning August 6, 2014.         "From August 6, 2014, premium gasoline services by fuel refilling stations in toll road sections will be abolished," Ibrahim Hasyim of the Downstream Oil and Gas Regulator (BPH Migas) was quoted by detikFinance online media as saying on Thursday.         Ibrahim said that vehicle drivers need not worry however, because they could still buy other kinds of non-subsidized fuels such as Pertamax and Pertamax Plus.         "Refilling stations at toll road sections should be selling adequate non-subsidized fuels," he said.