PIDI 4.0: A ONE-STOP SOLUTION FOR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION By Fardah

Jakarta, 31/12 / 2021 (ANTARA) - With 196.7 million Internet users, Indonesia is currently accelerating the digital transformation process, especially in the economic field.

In the current digital era, the Internet has triggered the Fourth Industrial Revolution, marked by the development of the digital economy globally, among others.

"Digitalization is a means to push for the transformation to a new economy with added value and better competitiveness," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, once said.

Digital technology has opened up the possibility of greater collaboration among economic stakeholders for expediting trade, creating jobs, and improving access to public services, he noted.

"This momentum must be used to push the digital transformation process," he stressed.

The value of the digital economy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has crossed US$100 billion, he noted. It is predicted to grow threefold by 2025 to more than US$300 billion, the minister said.

The largest contributor to the ASEAN digital economy has been e-commerce, followed by transportation and food delivery, online media, and travel, he said. Healthtech and edutech have also grown into promising sectors, he added.

Indonesia's digital economy is currently valued at US$44 billion, making it the largest in ASEAN, he pointed out. This figure is predicted to grow eightfold by 2030, according to Hartarto, who is also the chairman of the Golkar Party.

Most of the value of the digital economy has been contributed by e-commerce transactions, which are estimated to increase to US$32 billion by 2025, reflecting a growth of 54 percent, the minister said.

 

REPARING INDONESIANS TO BE FULLY DIGITALLY LITERATE By Fardah

 Jakarta, 29/12/2021 (ANTARA) - The socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the Indonesian government to expedite the digital transformation process.

Out of the over 276 million people living in Indonesia, 196.7 million are Internet users.

Digital literacy in Indonesia is currently in the medium category and needs to be improved, according to the Communication and Informatics Ministry.

World Bank data shows that Indonesia is experiencing a digital talent gap as the nation needs at least 9 million digital talents in 15 years, or an average of 600 thousand digital talents each year, the ministry pointed out.

Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate launched the National Movement of Digital Literacy to raise public awareness on the importance of digital competency on April 16, 2021.

The movement was followed by the launch of the National Digital Literacy Program by President Joko Widodo on May 20, 2021, which coincided with National Awakening Day. The program was aimed at accelerating the countrys digital transformation.

In facing the digital era, Indonesia plans to make its people capable and competent in using information technology, particularly the Internet, for productive activities and educational purposes.

Digital literacy events have been deemed necessary as the nation is preparing its human resources to master digital technology, apart from building various telecommunication technology infrastructures necessary for national digital transformation.

Without involving all people in the digital space, the established information and communication technology infrastructure cannot be used optimally, Plate said.

To support digital transformation, the Ministry of Communications and Informatics has carried out several activities by involving many stakeholders since 2017, he added.

This is our joint task to ensure that every child of the nation is able to optimize Internet use. Digital literacy is a necessity to fortify netizens from the negative impacts of the Internet, Plate remarked.

The ministry has set a target of improving the digital competence of some 100 million Indonesians by 2025, he informed.

To support the target, the ministry has carried out the Digital Talent Scholarship (DTS) Program, offering around 100 thousand scholarships annually for non-degree digital literacy courses, in collaboration with 197 partners, including global technology companies, local governments, state-owned enterprises, polytechnics, and universities, he noted.

"A number of studies have found that we need at least 600 thousand digital talents with intermediate skills every year for the next 15 years. Hence, the ministry has taken the talents development initiative for several years," Plate informed.

In 2021, the program ran quite extensively, reaching 131,204 participants, he noted.

The curricula of the program includes the development of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, and coding, he said.

Furthermore, it is hoped that the program's participants will increase to 200 thousand, in collaboration with more than 100 universities in Indonesia, he added.

Meanwhile, for developing advanced digital skills, a Digital Leadership Training program is being offered, which was attended by 306 participants in 2021.

The program is being provided in collaboration with four globally renowned universities -- the National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, Harvard University, and Oxford University, he noted.

The program will target 400 participants and be further improved in 2022 through collaborations with eight world-class universities, including Cornell University, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he informed.

In 2021, the National Digital Literacy Program sought to organize 20 thousand trainings with modules and curricula covering four pillars of digital literacydigital ethics, digital safety, digital skills, and digital culture, the minister said.

At least 110 institutions and community organizations supported the training program, which aimed at providing an understanding to the people on navigating the digital space and building the requisite skills to utilize the advancements in digital technology, he added.

By the end of 2024, 50 million Indonesians are expected to receive basic digital training, he said.

The program will target 12.4 million training participants per year in 514 districts and cities in 34 provinces across Indonesia, he added.

Indonesia's digital transformation is focused on 10 priority sectors and aims to expedite the realization of digital infrastructure for the government, economy, and society.

The sectors are digital transportation and tourism, digital trade, digital financial services, digital media and entertainment, digital agriculture and fisheries, digital real estate and urban, digital education, digital health, industrial digitization, and government digitization.

The government has compiled a Digital Indonesia Roadmap for 20212024 as a strategic guide to drive the nation's digital transformation process.

The guide contains 100 key initiatives that will be implemented in collaboration with all ministries, central and regional institutions, business actors, and the general public.

Indonesias National Movement for Digital Literacy (Siberkreasi) has been awarded the 2020 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize in the category of Capacity Building by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

In the meantime, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government has allocated a state budget of Rp75 trillion (US$5.2 billion) for investment in digital infrastructure for the 20192022 period.

The channeling of large investments, satellites, fiber optic cable networks, and base transceiver stations (BT) can serve the entire territory of Indonesia, she affirmed.

Over 20 thousand villages that currently lack good Internet access can be connected to a reliable Internet system, she noted.

Schools, Islamic boarding schools, and community health centers can be digitally connected to the Internet, she added.

Thus, digital infrastructure can support digital transformation not only in the economic sector but also in the health and educational sectors that are also of great significance, she said.

Besides, digital technology has offered opportunities to conduct increasingly democratic and equitable development, she noted.

However, the minister pointed out that increasingly democratic and equitable development will not materialize if some elements of the community are unable to access technology and the Internet. Hence the development of human resources in the digital field is crucial, she added. 

 

INDONESIA'S UNSHAKABLE SUPPORT FOR PALESTINE'S QUEST FOR FREEDOM By Fardah

Jakarta, 27/12/2021 (ANTARA) - The question of the possibility of Indonesia establishing diplomatic ties with Israel has again attracted the media spotlight, similar to speculation in Israeli media in December 2020 after several Arab nations agreed to normalize relations with Israel.

Axios (www.axios.com), an American news website, on December 22, 2021, reported that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had raised the possibility of Indonesia normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel during meetings with officials in Jakarta, December 13 and 14.

The report, however, added that Israeli officials had stressed that no such step was imminent.

The US media outlet also wrote that the Biden administration is trying to build on the Trump-era Abraham Accords, and in this case, looking beyond the Middle East to the largest of the countries that do not recognize Israel.

The Abraham Accords refer to agreements between Israel and four Muslim-majority countries -- the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan -- for normalizing relations.

We are always exploring additional opportunities for normalization, but well leave those discussions behind closed doors until the right moment," State Department spokesperson Ned Price told Axios.

The Indonesian Foreign Ministry later confirmed that Blinken did raise the issue during talks with Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno LP Marsudi.

The ministry's spokesperson, Teuku Faizasyah, told the media on December 24 that during the meeting, Marsudi "conveyed Indonesia's consistent position towards Palestine that Indonesia will continue, with the Palestinian people, to fight for justice and independence."

This stance is in accordance with the policy of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), who has affirmed that Indonesia will continue to stand with the Palestinian people until the day they gain independence.

Indonesia has consistently supported Palestine's claims, the President said while speaking at the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2020.

The consistent stance against colonialism and occupation is in line with the mandate of Indonesia's 1945 Constitution and its Preamble, which states that colonialism must be abolished in this world, he added.

 

 

 

During a bilateral meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh on the sidelines of the Conference of Parties (COP) 26 World Leaders Summit in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 1, 2021, President Jokowi reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment to supporting Palestine's struggle to become an independent, fully sovereign, and self-determined state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

"Palestine has always been an important concern for Indonesia," the President said, as quoted by the press bureau of the Presidential Secretariat.

Furthermore, the head of state noted that Indonesia has several concerns regarding Palestine.

First, Indonesia is very concerned and condemns the various violations being done by Israel, he said.

Hence, on various occasions, Indonesia has proposed the establishment of an international peacekeeping mission to serve as the international community's "ears" and "eyes" to various incidents occurring in Jerusalem, he explained.

"In addition, the mission aims to ensure the safety of the residents in the occupied territories and maintain its status as a holy city for three religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism)," he affirmed.

Second, Indonesia also encourages credible multilateral negotiations, Jokowi said.

"Indonesia is willing to encourage the Middle East Quartet to restart peace negotiations to achieve a two-state solution that can coexist peacefully," he added.

The quartet is a group of nations, international organizations, and the supranational entity of the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and Russia, which are mediating the peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel.

President Jokowi pledged that Indonesia will continue to support Palestinians' struggle at various international forums, for instance, the meetings of the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Lastly, the Indonesian President urged Palestine to strengthen unity among Palestinians, saying national unity is crucial to the success of their struggle for independence.

In the meantime, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Puan Maharani, affirmed Indonesias support for Palestine's independence and urged all member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to pledge their support to the Palestine cause, too.

The House Speaker delivered the statement during the inauguration of the Parliamentary Network of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Madrid, Spain, in November 2021, on the sidelines of the 143rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly.

"The parliaments of member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) should encourage their respective governments to support Palestine's independence," Maharani said.

NAM countries have jointly sought Palestine's independence since the Bandung Conference in 1955, but the goal has still not been realized, she noted.

"The Bandung Conference principle has mandated NAM countries to support Palestine in their struggle for justice," she added.

Considering the number of member countries (120), NAM has the potential to make a significant contribution to resolving global issues, she said. However, this potential must be interpreted by each member country so it becomes a positive influence and can make a real contribution, she added.

"This requires all of us to be solid and work together in unity," Maharani affirmed.

Recently, an expert on the Middle East at the University of Indonesia (UI), Yon Machmudi, said that the interests of Palestine have become a major consideration for Indonesia in deciding whether to establish diplomatic ties with Israel or not.

This is because the Palestinian cause is part of the main core of Indonesian diplomacy, he added.

"If America and Israel think that normalization (between Indonesia and Israel) is necessary, then it must be balanced with their seriousness in materializing a solution for Palestines independence, Machmudi said.

As long as Palestine is still under the occupation of Israel, establishing diplomatic ties with Israel would trigger domestic political instability in Indonesia, he added.

He said that normalization with Israel must be one package with the independence of Palestine. When Palestine gains its independence, there will be no more reason to deny diplomatic ties with Israel, he added. 

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION HELPING MSMES NAVIGATE COVID CRISIS By Fardah

 Jakarta, 23/12/2021 (ANTARA) - The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions in the global economy, particularly at the beginning of the outbreak, which forced economic activities, including shipping, supply, and production, to come to a standstill.

The Indonesian economy was also battered by the pandemic, which left micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the countrys economic backbone, struggling for survival.

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, MSMEs accounted for 60 percent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) and employed around 97 percent of its workforce.

The pandemic's impact on MSMEs included sales declines, product distribution halts, marketing problems, and capital and raw material shortages.

To keep MSMEs afloat, the government decided to intervene and prepared long- and short-term strategies such as tax incentives, credit relaxation and restructuring, working capital financing, and digital transformation training, among others.

Digital transformation is key for ensuring MSMEs can survive and thrive post-COVID-19, according to Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.

"The role of digital technology is paramount for MSMEs as the pandemic has hastened the transition to a digital economy," she said at a Google for Indonesia event on December 2, 2021.

Entrepreneurs could utilize digital technology to enhance product quality, access new capital opportunities, and expand market reach, she pointed out.

The government has established cooperation with various stakeholders, including the private sector, to ramp up MSME recovery and growth by supporting their access to digital technology, the minister noted.

The government has also collaborated with technology company Google, whose digital literacy class has covered more than two million MSMEs, she said.

Indrawati lauded Google's collaboration with international non-profit organization KIVA to cooperate with local partners to distribute low-interest business loans with a total value of US$10 million.

INDONESIA REMAINS VIGILANT OF OMICRON THREAT DURING HOLIDAY SEASON By Fardah

Jakarta, 22/12/2021 (ANTARA) - Indonesia recorded a low COVID-19 transmission rate in the last several months after surviving the second Delta variant-triggered wave in June-September 2021.

During that period, the daily cases peaked at 56,757 on July 15 and daily deaths at 2,069 on July 27.

With COVID-19 infections being successfully brought under control, normalcy has gradually been restored in the lives of Indonesians.

The nation recorded 179 daily confirmed COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths on December 22, 2021, thereby bringing the total count of COVID-19 cases so far to 4,261,072, and deaths to 144,034 until now.

Tourist attractions, restaurants, places of worship, and amusement centers are reopening under compliance to strict health protocol measures.

Wedding receptions, religious events, sports matches, and conferences are allowed to be held, albeit with several restrictions to stem the spread of COVID-19.

The Health Ministry quoted the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as reporting that Indonesia is included as a country with a low risk of COVID-19 transmission.

"Indonesia is included in the level one category, which is the low category," Siti Nadia Tarmizi, spokesperson of the ministrys COVID-19 vaccination affairs, noted.

As the nation breathes a sigh of relief after being able to bring the COVID-19 transmission under control, the world has once again been shaken by reports of a new COVID-19 variant called Omicron that was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on November 24, 2021.

The risk of COVID-19 reinfection is more than five folds higher, with the omicron variant than with the delta variant, according to a new study by the Imperial College London.

Researchers also noted that there was no sign that the infections were any milder, though data on hospitalizations is still very limited.

As a precautionary response, the government has appealed to every Indonesian to remain alert by tightening the implementation of health protocols, utilizing the PeduliLindungi COVID-19 application, and getting vaccinated quickly.

MORE INDONESIAN GEOPARKS VIE FOR PLACE ON UGGP LIST By Fardah

Jakarta, 16/12 /2021 (ANTARA) - Indonesia is the worlds largest archipelagic nation with some 17 thousand islands scattered between the Pacific and Indian oceans.

So far, six Indonesian geoparks have been put on the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) list of 169 geoparks from 44 countries.

To get on the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) list, a geopark does not only need to be an area of unique geological interest, but a place where visitors can discover extraordinary landscapes, places, and people.

UNESCO carefully selects the sites because geoparks represent geological, cultural, natural, and intangible heritage, which is protected, preserved, and developed sustainably by involving the local population.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UNESCOs Global Geopark Network (GGN) has launched a 'Territories of resilience' initiative on April 2,1 2021, to support the population of geoparks.

According to the GGN, a resilient territory does not only try to respond to disruption and crisis by making efforts to bring the system back into balance, but also attempts to develop solutions that bring a system in a new state that is capable of dealing with present and future challenges.

A geopark is not just a geological park, Guy Martini, president of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council, once said.

The presence of geoparks helps preserve nature and culture and improve the economy as well as contribute to the prosperity of local communities, he explained.

Indonesia sees huge potential in developing geoparks in order to support nature and cultural conservation efforts, develop the creative economy, and promote the tourism industry.

Currently, Indonesia has 13 national geoparks, with 6 included on the UGGp list.

The country has at least 110 regions that can potentially be developed into geoparks, according to officials.

To demonstrate the nations seriousness in developing its geoparks, the government established a National Committee of Indonesian Geoparks (KNGI) in 2018.

It is currently making preparations to propose at least 12 more geoparks for the UGGp list, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, while informed at the Indonesian Geopark Summit on November 22, 2021.

This ambition has been outlined in the 20202024 national medium-term development plan, he added.

The 12 geoparks include Ijen in Banyuwangi in East Java province, Maros-Pangkep in South Sulawesi, Raja Ampat in West Papua, Meratos in South Kalimantan, Silokek Sijunjung in West Sumatra, and Merangin in Jambi, he informed.

KNGI said it has been making preparations for getting on the UGGp list by involving the local people, particularly the younger generation, to raise awareness about the preservation of geoparks and derive economic benefits from them.

Speaking at the geopark summit, President Joko Widodo described a geopark as a place to learn and preserve the wealth and biodiversity of Indonesia.

INDONESIA TO PUSH FOR SUPPORT FOR ENERGY TRANSITION DURING G20 PRESIDENCY by Fardah

Jakarta, 28/11/2021 (ANTARA) - Energy transition will be a topic of discussion during the Sherpass meeting of the G20, which will be the first activity to be held during Indonesias G20 Presidency.

There will be 11 working groups and 1 initiative under the Sherpa Track, with the first Sherpas' meeting scheduled for December 78, 2021, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi informed in Jakarta on November 26, 2021.

A green energy transition is crucial for many developing countries, including Indonesia, which has voiced its commitment to helping achieve the target of the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The country has pledged to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2030 by cutting gas emissions by 29 percent under a business-as-usual scenario or 41 percent with international support.

In fact, Indonesia has created a roadmap for its energy transition to achieve the target of net-zero emissions by 2060, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif said recently.



To achieve the target, it has outlined strategies that encompass an extensive development of new and renewable energy and gradual retirement of fossil fuel-fired power plants, in accordance with their age, he informed.

Moreover, the government will, in stages, make optimum use of pump storage, battery energy, storage system (BESS), and hydrogen fuel cells from 2031, he said.

It will also take into account an option for nuclear power plant development in 2045, with a plan to boost capacity by up to 35 gigawatts by 2060, he added.

In addition, it will increase network reliability by building intra- and inter-insular connections and developing smart grids and smart meters, he disclosed.

We will also push for the use of electric vehicles, with the target of stopping the sales of conventional motorcycles by 2040 and conventional cars by 2050 and provide massive public transportation modes, the minister said.

On November 20, 2021, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that the energy transition from fossil energy to green energy can no longer be delayed.

He urged state oil and gas company PT Pertamina and state electricity company PT PLN to use their time as efficiently as possible to strengthen the foundation for the energy transition.

Protecting Indonesia's geoparks means preserving nature, culture by Fardah

Jakarta, Nov 25 , 2021 (Antara)-  A geopark is not just a geological park, Guy Martini, president of the Global Geoparks Council of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ), once said.

This is because a geopark has meaning and functions beyond a geological park. It serves as a link between the geological heritage and all other aspects of an area’s natural and cultural heritage. It aims to reconnect human society with the planet and celebrate how the Earth, and its 4,600-million-year-long history, has shaped every aspect of people's lives and societies.

The presence of geoparks helps preserve nature and culture and improve the economy as well as contribute to the prosperity of local communities.

Indonesia sees huge potential in developing cooperation between nations having geoparks in order to support nature and cultural conservation efforts, develop the creative economy, and promote the tourism industry.

No less than 110 Indonesian regions can potentially be developed into geoparks, officials have said. Currently, Indonesia has at least 15 national geoparks, including 6 that have been included on the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) list.

The six geoparks are Batur in Bali, Ciletuh-Pelabuhanratu in West Java, Gunung Sewu in Yogyakarta, Rinjani in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Toba Calderas in North Sumatra, and Belitong in Bangka Belitung Province, Sumatra Island.

Speaking at a virtual conference on Indonesia's national geoparks on November 22, 2021, President Joko Widodo reminded all stakeholders and the public to protect the country’s geoparks, and prevent them from getting damaged and overexploited.

A geopark is a place to learn and preserve the wealth and biodiversity of Indonesia, according to Widodo.

"Please protect our geological wealth by preserving the geological heritage and the values in it, such as the archaeological, ecological, historical, and cultural values, so that they can continue to be passed on to the future generations," he said.

Geoparks might fit in with a tourism trend that has emerged during the pandemic, which is prioritizing ecotourism and wellness tourism, he added.

He called for a good management system for geoparks that balances nature conservation and economic interests. The formulation of the management system must involve environmental activists, academics, and local communities, he said.

Indonesia Pavilion entices visitors to experience Land of Diversity by Fardah

Jakarta, Nov 24, 2021 (Antara) The Indonesia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has whetted the curiosity of thousands of visitors about the Southeast Asian country, prompting them to learn more about the archipelago, including its culture, arts, culinary products, and investment opportunities.

The Trade Ministry has set a target of attracting at least 10 percent of visitors at the international expo, which is being held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is hoping to receive around 25 million people from October 1, 2021 until March 31, 2022.

The Indonesia Pavilion is among the most popular at the international exhibition, with the number of visitors to the pavilion reaching the 200 thousand-mark on November 2, 2021, according to Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi.

Children, in particular, are coming to the pavilion to see exotic animal species such as the komodo dragons and rhinoceros projected on the screen at the pavilion's Today Zone, Lutfi noted.

Children are also keen to see Indonesian kids dressed in traditional attire and reciting an oath to protect the Earth in several languages, such as Arabic, Indonesian, English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Russian, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, and Korean, he said.

"Visitors to the Indonesia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai are offered to catch a glimpse of Indonesia by experiencing and witnessing its civilization, development, and opportunities. This is important, as we are aiming to showcase Indonesia's important role in global development in the past, present, and the future," Lutfi remarked at the pavilion on November 3, a day prior to the inauguration of the Indonesia National Day by President Joko Widodo in Dubai.

FIRST OVERSEAS TRIP DURING PANDEMIC TO TAKE WIDODO TO THREE NATIONS by Fardah

 

Jakarta, Oct 30, 2021 (Antara) A special Garuda Indonesia airplane, GIA-1, departed for Rome, Italy on October 29, 2021 with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and his entourage on board, marking the start of his three-nation working visit.

Widodo's trip—which is his first since the pandemic began in 2019 and has come at a time when COVID-19 transmission has begun to slow in many countries, including Indonesia—will take him to Italy for the G20 Summit, Great Britain for COP26, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is an important business partner for Indonesia.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung are accompanying the President on the trip.

G20

Currently, Widodo is in Rome for the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders' Meeting, scheduled for October 30-31, 2021. He will take over the grouping’s Presidency from Italy at the meeting. 

The G20 members are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. Spain is a permanent guest.

Indonesia will hold the Presidency of the G20, which represents 85 percent of the global economy and 75 percent of the global trade, from December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2022. The theme for Indonesia's Presidency is “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”.

He has also been invited to deliver a speech on women’s engagement in micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) at the meeting.

Preserving Indonesia's mangroves to nurture blue carbon potential by Fardah

 Jakarta , Oct 27, 2021 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has set an ambitious target of restoring 600 thousand hectares of mangrove forests across the country by 2024.

The world’s largest archipelagic country sees the preservation of mangrove forests as crucial because of their role in providing habitats for aquatic and terrestrial fauna and flora, protection from strong winds and waves, soil stabilization and erosion prevention, nutrient retention and water quality improvement through filtration of sediments and pollutants, flood mitigation, sequestration of carbon dioxide, and protection of associated marine ecosystems.

As high carbon storage ecosystems, mangrove and peatland ecosystems play a strategic role as nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Peatlands and mangroves store up to 2 to 10 times more carbon than forests.

Given the significant role of mangrove and peatland ecosystems, the government has recently converted the Peatland Restoration Agency (BRG) into Peatland and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM).

Mangroves, however, have been disappearing more quickly than inland tropical rainforests, particularly due to clear-cutting for shrimp farms.

The loss of mangroves has led to a decline in fisheries, degradation of clean water supply, salinization of coastal soils, erosion and land subsidence, as well as an increase in gas emissions, among other things.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), while visiting Tana Tidung district, North Kalimantan province, on October 19, 2021 had revealed that the country’s existing mangrove forests covered a total area of 3.6 million hectares.

Rehabilitation efforts are being undertaken to protect coastal areas from sea waves, seawater intrusion, and preserve the habitat of species, including birds, fishes, crabs, monkeys, and other flora and fauna, living in and around the mangrove forests, according to him.

Accompanied by several foreign ambassadors, Widodo planted mangrove trees in North Kalimantan as part of the mangrove restoration program.

The program’s funds were derived from various sources, including state and regional budgets, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs of private and state-owned companies, and the community in general, he noted.

BALI PREPARES TO WELCOME TOURISTS AS COVID CASES DECLINE by Fardah

 Jakarta, 20/10/2021 (ANTARA) - Indonesia has seen a drastic slump in COVID-19 cases over the past several weeks, which has triggered optimism of tourism reopening, particularly in Bali, one of the most famous tourist resorts globally.

Indonesia added 903 daily COVID-19 cases on October 19, 2021, bringing the total tally to 4,236,287, the Task Force for COVID-19 Response reported. Meanwhile, it recorded 50 daily deaths, bringing the total toll to 143,049, it added.

The nation has recorded a total of 4,076,541 COVID-19 recoveries so far, as per task force data.

Despite the significant fall in the number of COVID-19 cases, the government is still urging the public to remain disciplined in implementing the health protocols by wearing face masks, washing hands frequently, and keeping a safe distance.

The authorities have also maintained the frequency of 3Ts (testing, tracing, and treatment) to prevent virus spread.

In view of the decline in cases, the government reopened the provinces of Bali and Riau Islands, which shares a maritime border with Singapore, to foreign tourists on October 14, 2021.

The government has said it will consider reopening other tourist destinations to foreign tourists if the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline and the handling of the pandemic keeps improving.

NORMAL LIFE BEGINS TO RETURN, BUT WITH CAVEATS by Fardah

Jakarta, 13/10/2021 (ANTARA) - With COVID-19 infections brought under control, over the last couple of weeks, the life of Indonesians has slowly begun to return to normalcy.

Tourist attractions, restaurants, places of worship, and amusement centers are reopening under strict health protocol measures.

Wedding receptions, religious events, sports matches, concerts, festivals, conferences, exhibitions are being held, albeit with several restrictions to check COVID-19 spread.

While deciding on allowing large-scale events, the government has considered many factors, such as the recovery rate of COVID-19 patients, vaccination rate, intensified 3Ts (testing, tracing, and treatment), and a significant drop in COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths.

"We should be grateful the current pandemic in Indonesia is getting under control. National COVID-19 data as of October 10, 2021 shows confirmed cases from 34 provinces, or 514 districts and cities, were below one thousand894 people to be exact," Dr. Reisa Broto Asmoro, spokesperson for national COVID-19 handling and behavior change ambassador, explained.

The nation recorded 1,233 daily confirmed COVID-19 cases, 48 deaths, and 2,259 recoveries on October 13, 2021, bringing the total COVID-19 cases so far to 4,231,046, deaths to 142,881, and recoveries to 4,067,684.

The daily confirmed cases showed a significant drop compared to 56,757 on July 15, 2021. The highest daily deaths were recorded at 2,069 on July 27, 2021 when the country was battling the second COVID-19 wave that was triggered by the Delta variant.

"Of course, this is all due to the hard work of all parties, both the government through its 3T, or testing, tracing and treatment, efforts, as well as expanding vaccination rate and coverage, and the public adherence to health protocols and the government's vaccination program," Dr. Asmoro said.

Based on data from the website asia.nikkei.com, as of September 30, 2021, the COVID-19 recovery index in Indonesia has increased, making it the leading country in terms of the recovery rate (54.5 percent) in Southeast Asia.

PON CONTINUES WITH STRICTER HEALTH PROTOCOLS AFTER COVID CASES EMERGE by Fardah

 

Jakarta, 12/10/2021 (ANTARA) - The Papuans have enthusiastically welcomed the 20th National Sports Week (PON), Indonesia's largest sports event, by following strict health protocol measures against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The PON, which is being held in the country's easternmost province till October 15, 2021, has drawn 6,400 athletes and 3,500 officials from 34 provinces across Indonesia.

It was officially opened by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at Lukas Enembe Stadium, East Sentani sub-district, Jayapura district, Papua, on October 2.

"Huwe foi, onomi rehmay, wa wa wa. Cheers to sports!" the President greeted spectators in the native language of Papua at the opening ceremony and garnered resounding applause from the audience, whose numbers were restricted to 25 percent of the stadium's total capacity of 40 thousand people.

Jayapura City and the districts of Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke are co-hosting matches of the first-ever PON organized in Papua Province that is featuring 37 sports branches.

PON Papua has enforced strict health protocols for athletes and those involved in the games from the time of their landing in the province, with each participant required to undergo PCR tests for COVID-19.

On October 9, 2021, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Zainudin Amali confirmed that the PON has been running smoothly despite the emergence of several COVID-19 cases.

"The situation is quite safe in the four clusters. The event will not be halted as there are no major problems," he said.

All participants, including athletes, coaches, and officers are present at every designated match, with no fear or excessive concern, he added.

COVID-19 cases during PON were first detected in Timika and announced on October 5 evening.

STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL UNDER STRICT HEALTH PROTOCOLS by Fardah

 

Jakarta, 30/9 /2021 (ANTARA) - Indonesia has managed to overcome a drastic COVID-19 spike triggered by the Delta variant and culminating in July 2021 after imposing tough public activity restrictions dubbed as PPKM level 4 for nearly two months.

The national task force for COVID-19, on September 19, 2021, recorded 1,954 fresh confirmed cases and 117 deaths over the last 24 hours, bringing the tally to 4,213,414 cases and the death toll to 141,826.

The figures showed a sharp decline compared to 56,757 fresh confirmed cases recorded on July 15, 2021, and daily deaths at 2,069 on July 29, as Indonesia's daily COVID-19 cases hit a record when the country faced the second COVID-19 wave that had overwhelmed the nation's medical facilities.

Following the significant drop in new cases, the government has decided to ease the semi-lockdown measures and lower the PPKM levels to 2 or 1 in several regions.

Another factor leading to the decision is that the country's vaccination rate is relatively high, even higher than the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The authorities have administered 90,361,002 first shots, accounting for 43.3 percent of the target of over 208 million, and 50,688,220 second shots, or 24.3 percent of September 29, 2021, afternoon.

The government rolled out its COVID-19 vaccination program on January 13, 2021, for healthcare workers, public service officers, elderly people, and teachers. Later, students aged 12 years old and above were also covered.

As nearly all teachers and many students have been vaccinated, a face-to-face learning process becomes possible, so several schools are allowed to open under strict health protocols.

"We hope to start (face-to-face learning activities) as soon as possible because we want the students to immediately get the knowledge back in school," President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said recently while reviewing COVID-19 vaccinations at the State High School 3 in Wajo District, South Sulawesi.

INDONESIANS PREPARE TO LEARN TO LIVE WITH COVID-19by Fardah

 

Jakarta, 29/9/2021 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government has been racing to inoculate over 208 million citizens as the nation prepares to learn to live with COVID-19, which has continued to linger since early 2020.

The nation, which rolled out its COVID-19 vaccination program on January 13, 2021, has administered 89.8 million first shots, accounting for 43.1 percent of the target, and 50.4 million second shots, or 24.2 percent of the target, as of September 29, 2021.

According to the task force for COVID-19 handling, Indonesia added 2,057 daily COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the tally to 4,211,460, while total recoveries reached 4,031,099 and deaths touched 141,709.

Indonesia is listed among the top 10 countries with the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the world, Reisa Broto Asmoro, spokesperson and ambassador for the Adaptation of New Habits, pointed out.

The achievement has exceeded the vaccination target of 10 percent of the population of each country by September 2021, 40 percent of the population in each country by the end of 2021, and 70 percent of the world's population by mid-2022, as set by the World Health Organization (WHO), she noted.

Globally, 43.9 percent of the world's population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, she said. A total of 6.03 billion doses have been administered and 28.15 million vaccines provided to the global population each day, she said.

She revealed that as of September 24, 2021, Indonesia has obtained more than 273.6 million vaccine doses through direct purchase, global cooperation through the Covax facility, and donations from countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and France.

From January to late September 2021, the government has distributed about 200 million doses across Indonesia, she said.

In the beginning, Indonesia relied on the CoronaVac vaccine purchased from Chinas Sinovac pharmaceutical company, Asmoro noted. The vaccine was purchased both in finished form and in bulk for further processing by Indonesias state-owned Bio Farma, which has also established cooperation for CoronaVac production with Sinovac, she said.

INDONESIA TO FOCUS ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY DURING G20 PRESIDENCY by Fardah

 

Jakarta, 22/9/2021(ANTARA) - Indonesia will assume the Presidency of G20 in late 2021 for the first time since the forum was established in 1999. Indonesia was invited to join the forum in 2008.

Italy, the current G20 president, will hand over the presidency to Indonesia at the Rome Summit, which is scheduled on October 30-31, 2021.

Indonesia was elected to the G20 Presidency for 2022 during the G20 Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November 2020.

It will hold the G20 Presidency, themed Recover Together, Recover Stronger to reflect the spirit of collective recovery, from December 1, 2021 till November 2022.

The Group of 20 or G20 is an international forum that brings together the worlds major economies. Its members account for more than 80 percent of global GDP (gross domestic product), 75 percent of global trade, and 60 percent of the population of the planet.

The G20 members comprise Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. Spain is also invited as a permanent guest.

In fact, Indonesia, the worlds fourth most populous nation, is the only ASEAN (Association of the Southeast Asian Nations) state that was invited to join as a G20 member.

To ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the G20 events that will be hosted by Indonesia next year, President Joko Widodo has issued decree No. 12 of 2021 on the National Organizing Committee (OC) of the Indonesian G20 Presidency.

The OC members include Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, as chairman I of Sherpa Track; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno L. P. Marsudi, as chairman II of Sherpa Track; Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, as chairman I of Finance Track; the Governor of Bank Indonesia as chairman II of Finance Track; Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law, and Security, Mahfud MD, as chairman of events; and Minister of Communication and Informatics, Johnny G. Plate, as chairman of communication and media for the G20 Summit.

Indonesia will have seven priority agendas for the finance track for Indonesia's G20 Presidency in 2022, according to Minister Indrawati.

 

 

Puisi

Coretan untuk Penantara

Aku tak pandai menulis puisi
Juga tak biasa berfantasi
Ku hanya  sampaikan coretan sederhana
Sebagai tanda ku turut serta
Berlayar dalam bahtera  Penantara

Di penghujung usia kita
Tetap menjalin silaturahim lewat WA
Tutup ruang  syak wasangka
Hilangkan rasa dengki dan iri
Pelihara kesucian  hati

Kenanglah  hal yang indah-indah saja
Saat muda dan berkarya di Antara
Bekerja  siang dan malam
Menjalin kebersamaan
Serta bercanda bersama teman-teman

Buang jauh kenangan pahit
Agar sehat dan jauh dari penyakit
Selagi masih ada rezeki, jangan pelit
Mari selalu berbagi, walau hanya sedikit

Biarkan hal-hal sepele berlalu
Tak berguna kita terpaku
Mari saling menyapa dan tersenyum
Hidup terlalu singkat untuk muram dan murung

Wadah bagi para lansia
Yang terkadang ceriwis, kadang ceria
Ruang untuk melepas rindu dan bercanda
Damai dan maju selalu Penantara tercinta

Pondok Gede, 31 Agustus 2021
Fardah


Dirundung COVID-19

Di penghujung tahun  dua ribu sembilan belas
Muncul hantaman yang sangat keras
Tanpa diduga, dunia dilanda COVID
Yang membuat  kehidupan morat marit

COVID membuyarkan rencana dan impian
Banyak orang terpapar bergantian
Korbanya  pria mau pun wanita
Tak memandang  tua  atau muda

Rumah sakit penuh  berjejalan
Hingga tenaga kesehatan kewalahan
COVID-19  banyak memakan  korban
Menyebar petaka dan kemalangan

Sejumlah dokter dan perawat pun gugur
Tak sedikit anak-anak melihat orangtua dikubur
Mendadak menjadi  yatim  dan hati hancur

Perekonomian dunia  terjungkal
Pariwisata global mati suri
Manusia  dalam rumah terkunci

Orang miskin bertambah papa
Mereka tak bekerja dan tak berdaya
Anehnya,  banyak pejabat makin kaya raya
 
Namun, takdir membawa hikmah
Keluarga makin dekat
Alam mulai bersih dan sehat
 
Pondok Gede,  14 September 2021
Fardah

Bionarasi:
Fardah terlahir di Surabaya,  Jawa Timur pada  17 November 1961, dari ibu kelahiran Gresik dan ayah dari Banjarmasin. Tumbuh dan besar di Kota Pahlawan,  sekeluarga pindah ke Jakarta pada tahun 1979 karena tuntutan pekerjaan ayah.
Setelah  lulus Program Diploma Inggris, Universitas Indonesia (UI) di Kampus UI Rawamangun pada tahun 1984,  langsung mulai bekerja di LKBN Antara di bagian Redaksi Inggris.
Bekerja aktif sebagai redaktur di Antara hingga tahun 2019,  membuat impian menjadi nyata, yaitu mengunjungi berbagai negara , mengenali sejumlah suku bangsa, dan menikmati keindahan alam semesta.

INDONESIA PUSHES VACCINATION DRIVE FURTHER IN COVID-19 FIGHT by Fardah

 

Jakarta, 7/9/2021 (ANTARA) - After a long battle since June 2021, Indonesia has finally emerged from the second tsunami wave of COVID-19 infections.

This has been made possible through the assistance of all stakeholders at the national level and several countries that have donated vaccines, medicines, oxygen, and other medical equipment to aid Indonesia's COVID-handling efforts.

Triggered by the Delta variant, the drastic COVID-19 spike overwhelmed the nation, with daily cases hitting a record 56,757 on July 15, 2021. The highest daily deaths were recorded at 2,069 on July 27, 2021.

Following the implementation of strict restrictions on peoples movement since July 3, 2021 and an accelerated vaccination program, the country managed to bring down daily cases to 7,201 on September 7, 2021, bringing the total COVID-19 tally to 4,140,634. Meanwhile, the daily deaths stood at 683, taking the total toll to 137,156.

The Health Ministry highlighted the positive trend in developments pertaining to efforts to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, as evidenced by a decline in the case count.

The number of confirmed cases have declined up to 25 percent, the mortality rate has gone down by 37 percent, and the positivity rate has decreased by 10.36 percent, while the recovery rate has continued to increase, it said.

"The key to successful handling of COVID-19 is strongly influenced by several factors, including the vaccination program, which plays a vital and very important role," Vice President Maruf Amin said while reviewing a vaccination program at UI Salemba in Jakarta on September 7, 2021.

Amin appealed to people, who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, to continue to follow strict health protocols. He also asked regional authorities to intensify the 3Ts (testing, tracing, and treatment).

Despite geographical constraints, the government is targeting to vaccinate 208 million people, or 77 percent of the total population, against COVID-19 before the end of this year.

COVID WAKE UP CALL FOR INDONESIA TO IMPROVE MEDICAL INDUSTRY CAPACITYby Fardah

 

Jakarta, 1/9/2021 (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo, in a video that later went viral, visited a pharmacy in Bogor, West Java on July 23, 2021 to buy oseltamivir and other COVID-19 medicines only to be told they were not available.

He was told that the medicines were not available as the pharmacy had not received supplies of the anti-virus drugs for a long time.

In July this year, Indonesia saw a record jump in COVID-19 cases due to the spread of the Delta variant in Java and Bali in particular.

The country's daily COVID-19 cases hit a record of 56,757 on July 15, 2021, while the daily deaths touched 2,069 on July 27, 2021.

The grave situation forced the government to enforce strict peoples movement restrictions (PPKM), or semi lockdowns, as the Widodo administration avoided using the term lockdown in handling the pandemic.

The drastic COVID-19 spike overwhelmed the nation. Hospitals became overloaded with COVID-19 patients and the demand for drugs and medical oxygen jumped significantly, forcing the country to import them in larger quantities and accept the helping hand offered by other countries.

More worryingly, Indonesia barely produced three percent of medicines and medical equipment, while the remaining 97 percent were imported, particularly raw materials, according to Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

"For medicines, only three percent are produced domestically. We still import 97 percent (of them), since out of the 1,809 drug items in the e-catalog, only 56 drug items are produced domestically," the minister stated at a virtual press conference held to discuss efforts to bolster the use of domestically made medical equipment products.

Out of the 10 major medicinal raw materials, only two are produced domestically, specifically Clopidogrel and Paracetamol, while the rest are still imported, the minister informed. Similarly, most of the country's medical devices are imported, he added.

He then expressed concern over the high percentage of imports in the procurement of medical equipment, medicines, and raw materials for medicines.

Indonesia accelerates vaccination drive to achieve herd immunity by Fardah

 Jakarta, Aug 31, 2021 (Antara) - Indonesia has seen a continuous decline in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases lately thanks to the enforcement of strict public activity restrictions (PPKM), in Java and Bali Islands in particular, since July 3, 2021.

Besides, the authorities have also carried out massive efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic through increased testing, close-contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine as well as enforcement of health protocols to break the chain of virus transmission.

After nearly two months of implementing the semi-lockdown, the country recorded 5,436 new cases on August 30, 2021, bringing the total COVID-19 tally to 4,079,267, while the daily deaths stood at 568, taking the death toll to 132,491.

The figures showed a sharp decline compared to 56,757 fresh confirmed cases recorded on July 15, 2021, as Indonesia's daily COVID-19 cases hit a record due to the emergence of the Delta variant of COVID-19. The highest daily deaths were recorded at 2,069 on July 27, 2021.

Despite the decline in new cases, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on August 30, 2021, announced that once again PPKM would be extended until September 6, 2021.

Several regions have seen improvement in COVID-19 handling, hence the government has lowered the PPKM level from 4 to 3 for Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek), Surabaya, Bandung, Malang, and Solo, while Semarang's level has been reduced to 2.

In general, the COVID-19 handling in Java and Bali has shown improvement, hence the government will loosen PPKM in stages, the President said.

Despite the relaxation of the PPKM implementation, the public has been told to remain vigilant and adhere to the health protocols, including wearing face masks and keeping a safe distance.

INDONESIA REDOUBLES EFFORTS TO REDUCE CHILDHOOD STUNTING by Fardah

Jakarta, Aug  25, 2021 - Indonesia's children are its future and its most valuable asset. In fact, the present condition of children under the age of five is a reflection of Indonesia’s future.

 

Therefore, the government is eager to make sure that the younger generation grows healthy and becomes a golden generation by prioritizing and accelerating a drastic reduction in stunting rate among Indonesian children.

 

The national stunting rate, recorded at 37 percent in 2013, declined to 30.8 percent in 2018, and 27.6 percent in 2019. Currently, the stunting rate is around 27.7 percent. The government has set a target of reducing the stunting rate to 14 percent by 2024.

 

Four Indonesian districts have continued to report a very high number of cases of stunting, a growth disorder caused by chronic malnutrition in children — Jeneponto (41.3 percent) and Bantaeng districts (21 percent) of South Sulawesi, Minahasa district (38.6 percent) of North Sulawesi, and South Nias district (57 percent) of North Sumatra.

 

However, the government has been facing a huge challenge in the implementation of the stunting reduction program owing to the COVID-19 pandemic that started in early 2020.

 

"The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a challenge in reducing the stunting rates. Achievements from the last seven years must be maintained to achieve the 14-percent target by the end of 2024," Vice President Ma'ruf Amin noted at the virtual National Coordination Meeting on stunting prevention on August 23, 2021.

 

The government is determined that despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the stunting reduction program continues and is expedited, and has asked all regional heads to assess all work programs, activities, and local government budgets. 

GOVT TAKING CARE OF CHILDREN ORPHANED BY COVID-19 by Fardah

 

Jumat, 20 Ags 2021 20:44

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Gahazy Pranatayudha, 12 years old boy living in Pemalang, Central Java, suddenly became an orphan as he lost both his parents to COVID-19 this August.

His father succumbed to the coronavirus on August 6, 2021, and two days later, on August 8, his mother also died of the virus, leaving the only child in the family all alone.

In Samarinda, East Kalimantan, June 10, 2021, was the saddest day for the Mansyur family, as Dila, Manda and Ade lost their parents, Mansyur and his wife, who both died of COVID-19 at a hospital in less than 24 hours. Their father was buried at 1:00 p.m. local time, and in the evening, their mother also passed away.

In East Java Province, 5,082 children lost their parents to the virus, according to Andriyanto, head of the local women's empowerment and child protection office on August 3.

"Those children will be counseled by psychologists who will assess them and help strengthen their mentality," he said.

A total of 11,045 children had become orphans due to COVID-19 as of July 20 this year. As per provisional data, Indonesia has around four million orphans, not including children who were victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data will continue to be updated with inputs from local governments, the Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini reported.

Her ministry is developing concepts and models for handling children who have lost their parents due to COVID-19, the minister said.

"It has been mandated in the 1945 Constitution that the poor and neglected children be looked after by the state. At the Social Affairs Ministry, the handling is carried out by the Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation," Rismaharini said on August 13, 2021.

The handling of orphans must involve various related parties, as its implementation must have a legal and budgetary basis, she pointed out.

INDONESIA MARKS 76TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH LOW-KEY CELEBRATIONS y Fardah

Jakarta, 18/8/2021 (ANTARA) - For the second consecutive year, the Indonesian people celebrated the country's Independence Day, which falls on August 17, at home as the nation was forced to hold events virtually owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the 76th anniversary of Indonesia's independence was held amid the strict enforcement of level 4 public activity restrictions (PPKM), imposed by the government since July 3, 2021 to tackle an alarming surge in cases caused by the more contagious and deadly Delta variant of the coronavirus.

Owing to the pandemic, the annual tradition of holding competitions for people across the country to celebrate Independence day had to be discarded as such events usually pull large crowds.

According to the National Task Force for COVID-19 Handling, Indonesia added 20,741 new cases in a single day on August 17, 2021, bringing the total tally to 3,892,479, and recorded 1,180 new deaths, taking the total death toll to 120,013 deaths.

The data showed that restriction measures have managed to bring down daily cases from a high of 56,757 on July 15, 2021, the task force said.

On Tuesday midnight, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) paid tribute to fallen freedom fighters at Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery, South Jakarta, as part of the Independence Day commemorations.

"We pledge and promise that the struggle of those heroes is also our struggle, and their path of services is also our path," he emphasized.