Indonesia’s Target: Spices Export IDR 29.6 Trillion

Director General of National Export Development (PEN) of the Ministry of Trade, Didi Sumedi, said that the export target of Indonesian spices could reach US $2 billion or IDR 29.60 trillion (exchange rate of IDR 14.800) in 2024. This target is carried out through the Spice Up The World program according to the mandate of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
“This is also an important part of the government program, the mandate of the President, Spice Up the World. This is launched in 2024 we can increase the spices and various kinds of spices to US $2 billion. While we export US $1.03 billion,” He said in the release of spice export products and fast food to Saudi Arabia at PT Pangansari Utama Head Office, Jakarta, Friday (12/5/2023).
For information, Indonesia Spice Up The World is one of the government programs that involve across ministries/institutions in an effort to increase the marketing of Indonesian spices or food products and spices. Through this program, the government also wants to build an Indonesian culinary business in foreign countries. The target in 2024 Indonesia will have 4.000 restaurants abroad. At present, there are already around 1.700 restaurants abroad.
Indonesia is now competing with Thailand in business in the culinary sector. Yet according to Didi, Indonesia is seeded with the presence of more significant natural resources. He also encouraged increased trade with Saudi Arabia. It is planned that billionaires from Saudi Arabia will meet Indonesian representatives on 30-31 May.
“We convey to increase the intensity of trade with Saudi Arabia. On May 30-31, we will do business forums by inviting some big brothers from Saudi. What can be done,” he concluded.

May 12, 2023, detikFinance
(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-6717516/pepet-thailand-ri-incar-ekspor-bumbu-masak-tembus-rp-296-t)

30 Thousand Tons Indonesian Steel Penetrates the Italian Market

Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan released a steel export of 30 thousand tons of PT. Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk to Italy. Steel is the third largest export commodity in Indonesia.
“Overall, the steel industry is the 3rd largest export contributor from Indonesia, number one is coal and number two is palm oil,” Zulkifli said at the Port of Krakatau Bandar Samudera, Friday (4/28/2023).
Last year, said Zulhas, steel steel exports experienced a surplus and were recorded in the highest in Indonesian history. The value of steel exports reached IDR 900 trillion was recorded since 2022 ago.
“We are grateful to these red and white fighters who are able to increase the value of steel exports so that our surplus yesterday was the highest during the history of total exports in Indonesia which reached nearly IDR 900 trillion or equivalent to US $54 billion,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director of PT. Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk, Purwono Widodo said, the steel that was exported to Italy was a type of Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) produced by the national steel company. Through the HRC export, PT. Krakatau Steel is said to have contributed the country’s foreign exchange of IDR 315 billion.
From 2022 to April 2023, Krakatau Steel Group has recorded exports with a total of 393,503 tons in 2022. As of April 2023, Krakatau Steel has exported 80,802.78 tons. Krakatau Steel’s export destination countries so far include Italy, Portugal, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Pakistan.
“This is proof that domestic steel products can compete well even in developed countries in Europe. We will continue to improve the quality of our products so that more Krakatau Steel Group steel products will be absorbed for domestic steel needs and export steel needs,” he said.
On the same occasion, KIP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Djohan said that KIP was always ready to be an export gate from Indonesia, because the facilities and infrastructure were very ready and the best quality, especially had a qualified digital system.
“The release of steel exports by the Minister of Trade proves that the economy is growing for a better direction, and the main element is an integrated port and one of the in Indonesia is the Krakatau International Port,” Akbar said.
Akbar added that the KIP Group also has an integrated port service, which not only has port service facilities, but also integrated logistics services carried out by KIP subsidiaries.

April 28, 2023, detikFinance
(https://finance.detik.com/industri/d-6694537/baja-indonesia-tembus-pasar-italia-30-ribu-ton-meluncur)

Jokowi Will Lead 7 Meetings at the ASEAN Summit andMalaysian Prime Minister 1 Agenda

Indonesia hosted the 42nd ASEAN Summit this year. Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi revealed the peak activities of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on May 10-11 will be made in the format of plenary and retreat.
The leaders of ASEAN countries will hold eight meetings at the Summit. Seven of the agenda of the meeting was led by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). One other agenda was led by the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
“Seven of them were led by the President,” Retno said after accompanying President Jokowi to check the final Waringin Puncak readiness as a Spot Spouse Program at the ASEAN Summit, Tuesday (4/25/2023).
Retno explained several meetings of the ASEAN state leadership that would be led by Jokowi at the Summit, namely a meeting with parliament, a meeting with youth. Then, a meeting with businessmen, and a meeting with a high level task force that will prepare the vision of ASEAN 2045. Then, the IMT-GT Summit, namely the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Treangle meeting.
The meeting led by the Prime Minister of Malaysia was Bimp-Eaga Summit, namely the meeting of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines in the East Asean Growth area. “Led by the Prime Minister of Malaysia because the leader of the meeting was carried out rotating and this year it was Malaysia’s turn to lead the meeting,” Retno said.
Retno said the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo was not only attended by the leaders of ASEAN countries, but also business people to parliament members. At the peak of the ASEAN Summit there is also a Forestry Spouse Program for the wife of the Head of State who attended the ASEAN Summit. In the spouse program, First Lady Iriana Jokowi will invite the wives of ASEAN heads to visit Puncak Waringin.
“For two days (ASEAN Summit) there will be a ladies program that had been checked by Mr. President and First Lady with several directions for organizing a spouse program,” Retno said.
She added two days before the summit of the Summit there was also a meeting of ministers and other meetings. On May 8 a senior official meeting will be held, and on May 9 there will be a meeting of the Foreign Minister of ASEAN State Meeting.
“The summit was held May 10-11, but the series of events had a senior official meeting meeting, there was a meeting of the Foreign Minister. 10-11 May of the Summit, namely ASEAN leaders,” said Retno.

April 25, 2023, detikBali
(https://www.detik.com/bali/nusra/d-6689441/jokowi-bakal-pimpin-7-pertemuan-di-ktt-asean-pm-malaysia-1-agenda)

TransNusa Officially Operates China-Made Aircraft

PT. TransNusa Aviation Mandiri (TransNusa) officially operates its new fleet comac (Commercial Aircraft Manufacturing) ARJ21-700 which is the first in Indonesia. The new fleet made in China has a PK-TJA registration code and 8B flight code. The operation of the COMAC ARJ21-700 is one of TransNusa’s steps in presenting the rejuvenation of the fleet which also supports the expansion of the low-cost carrier (LCC) flight business brought by the airline.
“Until now, TransNusa has been known to operate using Airbus A320-NEO and A320-CEO. As of April 19, the first COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft will help strengthen the TransNusa fleet in Indonesia and as a beginning will enliven the Jakarta-Bali sky,” said the President Director TransNusa, Bayu Sutanto in his statement, Friday (4/21/2023).
“We greatly appreciate and thank the government, regulators, airport managers, as well as all parties and institutions that have been involved so that the presence and operation of the first COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft in Indonesia from TransNusa can be realized and enjoyed by each of our services,” he continued.
COMAC ARJ21-700 TransNusa has a 3-2 single aisle configuration with a capacity of 95 seats. Bayu further explained that the specifications of the COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft were the best choice of the airline today.COMAC ARJ21-700 presents excellence in its class such as modern devices and the level of reliability with good high-flying skills. This can be seen from the wing curve (sharklets) from the COMAC ARJ21-700 which has a range of up to 27 meters and is supported by two General Electric (GE) CF34-10A machines.
Director and Stakeholder TransNusa Leo Budiman said, the aviation business is a sector that is closely related to the tourism industry. Therefore, it fully supports the program launched by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism which aims to increase the number of tourists visiting Indonesia, while supporting the economic growth of the tourism sector.
“As part of our support for this initiative, we introduce COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft with extraordinary technology, which is also suitable for the current market, and geographical conditions in Indonesia,” he said.

April 21, 2023, detikFinance
(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-6684875/TransNusa-resmi-operasikan-pesawat-buatan-china)

Indonesia Becomes a Partner of Hannover Messe’s Largest Industrial Exhibition

          Indonesia became the first ASEAN country to be the country partner for the third time at the International Industry Exhibition, Hannover Messe 2023. This prestigious event will take place on April 17–21, 2023, in Hannover, Germany.
“Indonesia’s participation as the Official Partner Country (Indonesia Country-IPC) is in line with the strategic initiative of ‘Making Indonesia 4.0’ in order to answer the challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution. This will also lead to an increase in inclusive sustainability, business startup, and technology development, as well as support for supports the circular economy, “said the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the German Federal Republic, Arif Havas Oegroseno, in a written statement quoted Friday (4/14/2023). Through Hannover Messe 2023, Indonesia will again display a number of industrial technology 4.0 innovations and investment opportunities for the industrial sector from 157 co-exhibitors. In addition, Indonesia will also hold a series of activities, such as the opening of Pavilion Indonesia at Hannover Messe Fairground with an area used around 3.000 m2, the Business Summit, Indonesia Country Night, and several industrial-themed conferences.
To increase public awareness of the Hannover Messe 2023 event, the government has also carried out several promotional and publication activities, both at home and abroad. In fact, promotional activities have been carried out in advance of the exhibition. Through these promotional and publication activities, it is expected that four main targets of Indonesia’s participation at the Hannover Messe 2023 event can be achieved, namely: 1) to introduce Indonesia’s vision on the Making Indonesia 4.0 road map; 2) promoting industrial cooperation; 3) promoting investment and exports; 4) improving bilateral cooperation relations with Germany and entering the Global Supply Chain network.
The performance of the Indonesian manufacturing sector is still stretching. As of 2022, the industrial sector is still the biggest contributor to GDP, which is 16.48%. In addition, the industrial sector also contributed significantly to national tax revenue, namely 28.7%. In addition, the value of the Industrial Trust Index (IKI) until March 2023 still shows the expansion value of 51.87. The increase in IKI value from November 2022 to March 2023 was 1.93%, with an average increase since the release of IKI from November 2022 to March 2023 at 0.48%.

April 14, 2023, detikFinance
(https://finance.detik.com/industri/d-6673092/ri-jadi-mitra-pameran-industri-terbesar-hannover-messe-ini-misi-pemerintah)

Indonesia’s Participation in Hainan Expo 2023 Strengthens Relations With China

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo conveyed that Indonesia’s active participation in ‘Hainan Expo 2023’ is a form of commitment to strengthen relations with China. Especially, in developing tourism through connectivity and the creative economy.
“The relationship between Indonesia and China in trade and tourism over the past few years has shown a big progress. Where in 2021 alone, we exported goods worth US $ 53.78 billion to China,” she said in a written statement on Thursday, (13/4 /2023).
The ‘Hainan Expo 2023’ itself is one of the largest Consumer Goods product trading products in China which was attended by 65 countries. Indonesia itself became one of the main participants in the exhibition, which took place from April 11–15, 2023. Brands such as Kapal Api and Good Day became one of a number of products that were in the 198 m2 booth.
Angela hopes that Indonesia’s participation can open more opportunities for market expansion and further cooperation between the two countries. Because the contribution of Indonesia’s creative economy to national GDP is the third largest in the world, which is almost 8%, with the main driving force of the culinary, fashion, and craft subsectors.
“Realizing this potential, Indonesia focuses on developing tourism products and innovative, high-quality, high-quality and high-quality creative economy products. And in line with our vision to carry out sustainable economic development,” she said.
Angela explained that during the pandemic there was a paradigm shift, where the perpetrators of Ekraf could reach a wider market with technology. To fulfill this request, business actors must continue to innovate to remain competitive and competitive. Therefore, she continued, since 2020 the Indonesian government has empowered the creative economy’s MSMEs to adapt. Through the proud national movement made in Indonesia, which involves various stakeholders in training, assistance, marketing, and digitalization to support MSMEs.
“As a result, the value of Indonesia’s creative economy exports increased from US $ 18.8 billion in 2020 to US $ 25 billion in 2022,” she added.
Angela also added that at this time Indonesia’s creative economy was focused on the game industry and events through the program to accelerate the development of the game industry, as well as ease of regulation in the licensing of the event.

April 13, 2023, detikFinance
(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-6671354/partisipasi-ri-di-hainan-expo-2023-pererat-hubungan-dengan-china)

ANOC and Qatar Support Indonesia Title World Beach Games

The Association of National Olympic Committee (ANOC) and Qatar expressed their support for Indonesia’s bid to hold the 2023 World Beach Games in Bali. Chairperson of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI), Raja Sapta Okto, who delivered the statement following the rejection of the Governor of Bali regarding the participation of Israeli athletes at the ANOC WBG, which will be held on the Island of the Gods on August 5–12, 2023.
Okto said that after the dynamics of the participation of Israeli athletes emerged, even to the point of being heard abroad, many showed sympathy and gave support to friendly countries both directly and indirectly. Especially after FIFA revoked Indonesia’s status as the host of the U-20 World Cup.
“I got a response, especially from ANOC, who tried to find solutions so that activities (WBG) could still be carried out and all parties could not be disturbed. Like the first host country, Awbg, Qatar, even provided full support after hearing about the situation that occurred today. Because they want to make sure that the activity can take place well, “Okto said in a press conference at the KOI office in Jakarta on Thursday (6/4/2023).
However, Okto, who had served as the 2016 Olympic Chef de Mission in Rio de Janeiro, stressed that Indonesia must be able to pass this precedent for the ideals of the host country of the 2036 Olympics. Where, Qatar became one of its competitors.
“I have communicated from the beginning with them. They said this competition is not about winning or losing winning but about supporting each other. And that we build with other countries. Like the countries in our regional Southeast Asia, Asian countries, and countries around the world. In relation to ANOC, we will intensively communicate. We are looking for solutions, building communication, and diplomatizing with other countries. That is what I say sports as a unifying medium as well as a media for diplomacy, “Okto said.

April 6, 2023, detikFinance
(https://sport.detik.com/sport-lain/d-6659838/anoc-dan-qatar-dukung-indonesia-gelar-world-beach-games)

ADB Lowers Indonesia’s Growth Forecast for 2023-2024

          Indonesia’s economy is expected to grow 4.8 percent in 2023 and 5.0 percent in 2024, which would mark a significant slowdown from the 5.3 percent it achieved last year, according to the latest Asian Development Bank (ADB) assessment.
“Booming commodity exports drove growth to 5.3 percent in 2022, making up for modest domestic demand,” ADB country director for Indonesia Jiro Tominaga said on Tuesday as the multilateral development bank presented its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) for April 2023.
Countries like Indonesia that rely strongly on commodity exports benefited from high prices in 2022 as economies reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic and drove up demand for metals, fossil fuels, and other commodities. Meanwhile, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other geopolitical developments disrupted the supply of some goods and also contributed to a rise in prices. At the same time, Indonesia recorded a strong rebound in domestic consumer spending as mobility restrictions were gradually lifted, which fueled further acceleration of GDP growth.
“Global headwinds in 2023 are projected to cut export growth, although the current account should continue to be close to balance. But because private consumption accounts for a large share of Indonesia’s economy, as consumer spending further normalizes and benefits from the tapering off of inflation, this should put a floor on growth. Investment, however, is likely to remain modest as businesses wait and see,” Tominaga added.
The report, which was published Tuesday, notes that Indonesia’s public finances improved as a result of last year’s solid performance: “The export boom generated windfall revenues that enabled Indonesia to cut the budget deficit below the statutory ceiling of 3 percent of [GDP], one year ahead of schedule.”
While GDP growth held up well in Indonesia last year, in stark contrast to the significant slowdown logged in many developed and some emerging economies, the country was not left unscathed as global inflation accelerated. Consumer prices jumped, particularly in September 2022, when the government hiked subsidized fuel prices to alleviate pressure on the state budget. “Inflation peaked at almost 6 percent in September, way above the central bank’s 4 percent inflation ceiling,” the report states, although it notes that inflation has been moderating since and is “projected to fall to about 3.5 percent by December and to average 4.2 percent in 2023”.
Beyond the short term, the ADB report states that “a concern for the medium- to long-term is that earnings losses by workers and learning losses by children during the pandemic could reduce potential growth”. The ADB was established in 1966 and is owned by 68 member countries, including 49 from Asia and the Pacific. Its assessment for Indonesia comes just days after the World Bank published a statement saying that it anticipated growth in Indonesia and other countries in the region, aside from China, ” to be moderate”.

April 4, 2023, The Jakarta Post
(https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2023/04/04/adb-lowers-indonesias-growth-forecast-for-2023-2024)

Failed to Hold the U-20 World Cup, Indonesia Suffered Losses and Domino Effects

Indonesia canceled to host the U-20 World Cup 2023. This was conveyed by FIFA through its official website on Wednesday (29/3) yesterday. This suddenly made football lovers in Indonesia disappointed. In fact, this is one of the international events that have been awaited since 2021 but was forced to be postponed to 2023 because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Indonesia itself has also made all preparations for the event. The trillions of rupiah have been disbursed for the big event.

According to Yoyok Sukawi, PSSI Executive Committee, said that the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) requested a funding of around IDR 400 billion for the implementation of the 2021 World Cup U-20 which was postponed to the U-20 2023 World Cup. Then, in June 2022, additional Funds of IDR 3 trillion, which amounting to IDR 500 billion is used in preparation for the U-20 World Cup.

In addition, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) in 2020 said that the stadium renovation project for the U-20 World Cup requires funds of around IDR 400 billion with a scheme in the plural contract (MYC), so the allocation was carried out in 2020 and 2021. And this year, the Ministry of PUPR has disbursed funds of IDR 175 billion for the revitalization of the stadium that will be used for the U-20 2023 World Cup event. Spend around IDR 1.4 trillion.

National tourism observer, Taufan Rahmadi said in the tourism sector, Indonesia would lose 50 thousand tourists who watched the event. Indonesia suffered a big loss by failing to host the U-20 World Cup. Especially in terms of tourism, because it is certain that foreign tourists who will watch the event will not come to Indonesia.

With the cancellation of the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia, the potential loss will also be felt by the hospitality. The cancellation of the arrival of 50,000 foreign tourists will certainly make hotels in the city that became the U-20 World Cup venue did not get income. The potential loss from the failure of Indonesia to hold the U-20 World Cup will also spread and present domino effects to other industries such as culinary, MSMEs and transportation which will certainly lose the potential income from the world class event.

“With the failure to be the host of the U-20 World Cup, Indonesia will lose the potential of foreign exchange, both at the center or in the area of the number of spectators who are expected to reach more than 1.2 million people,” concluded Taufan.

March 30, 2023, detikFinance and detikTravel

(https://travel.detik.com/travel-news/d-6646926/gila-gagal-gelar-piala-dunia-u-20-indonesia-bakal-kehilangan-50-ribu-wisman)

(https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-6647435/menghitung-boncosnya-ri-dari-batalnya-jadi-tuan-rumah-piala-dunia-u-20)

PT Freeport Indonesia Speeds Up IDR 45 Trillion Smelter Project Will Produce 52 Tons of Gold Bars per Year

PT Freeport Indonesia is speeding up the construction of a purification facility (smelter) in Gresik, East Java. This smelter is planned to start operating in May 2024. The smelter project is located in the Java Integrated Industrial and Port Estate (JIIPE) industrial area. The Freeport smelter project occupies an area of 100 hectares (ha). The capital expenditure or capital expenditure for this project is US$ 3 billion or around IDR 45 trillion (exchange rate of IDR 15,000). The budget includes the construction of precious metal refinery (PMR) facilities. Some products will be produced from these facilities, among others, copper cathodes, gold and silver bars, and Platinum Group Metals (PGM). The following facts:

1. Production of 52 tons of gold bars per year

PT Freeport Indonesia’s Technical Affairs and Smelting Project Support Manager, Erika Silva said the smelter will produce 600,000 tons per year of copper cathodes. Then, the smelter will produce a side product in the form of 6,000 tons of anode mud per year. The anode mud is then purified through PMR which produces several products such as 52 tons of gold, 210 tons silver, 0.03 tons platinum, 0.375 tons paladium, 285 tons selenium, 220 tons bismut, and 2,200 tons of lead.

“The gold bar product is around 50 tons per year, the company is around 200 tons,” he said at Jiipe Gresik, East Java, Wednesday (3/29/2023).

2. Will be purchased by PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam)

For gold, his party is conducting a discussion with PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) to absorb the product. Then, it will also conduct explorators for bullion banks or gold banks.

“For the gold that will be produced by the PMR, it is also being intense discussion with Antam to offer our gold take. “Then Bullion Bank, Bullion Bank, this plan will be planned from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs whether later we will cooperate with Bank Indonesia, we still do not know in detail, but this is also still being explored,” he explained.

3. Smelter progress 56%

The progress of the construction of copper and PMR smelters reached 56.5% as of February 2023. The project was targeted to be completed in December 2023.

“In terms of progress progress, our physical total progress is at 56.5% of the 56.5% plan means we match the target,” he said. Pre commissioning and commissioning were carried out until the end of May 2024. Then, the smelter was targeted to start operations at the end of May 2024.

“Starting in May we will be run up until hopefully it will be fully operational at the end of 2024 or early 2025,” he said.

March 30, 2023, detikFinance

(https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-6644642/freeport-kebut-proyek-smelter-rp-45-t-di-gresik-begini-penampakannya)

(https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-6645486/smelter-freeport-bakal-produksi-emas-batangan-52-tontahun-ini-3-faktanya)