Nepal Earthquake April 25, 2015: A Survivor’s Report

I feel lucky to be writing This specific. Had the course of events only been slightly different, This specific would likely have never been written in addition to my wife Yati in addition to I would likely probably never be found.

I had planned to go on the Langtang-Gosainkunda-Helambu trek – the part of the Himalayas just north of Kathmandu – as early as February, just to get out of Jakarta For just two weeks. I became less enthusiastic as the trip drew nearer. Unfortunately, everything was already booked. I did not feel overly fit; I had a badly inflamed in addition to swollen left toe in addition to I had torn my right meniscus, causing me some pain, especially going down steep slopes. I had the feeling which turning 74, trips like these are not so easy as they were some years ago. Ironically, my infected toe probably saved our lives.

We start at 7.30am, planning to end the day in Langtang, 1,100m up which has a distance of about 18km. After 600m altitude, we are out of the forest, the valley widens, with blossoming rhododendron trees everywhere. We pass through villages with lodges in addition to teahouses, where Sherpa ladies cook in addition to serve, children play, in addition to we see yaks, sheep, horses, dogs – everything was peaceful. We arrive at Langtang village inside early afternoon, the largest inside area with about 250 inhabitants.

Our plan is usually to continue upwards to Kyanjin Gompa, a Buddhist monastery. Among the guests is usually a couple, seemingly coming from Eastern Europe, in addition to two Japanese girls in their early 20s, playing with their handphones in addition to giggling. I am pretty sure which they all are no longer living.

I have an uneasy feeling about going to Kyanjin Gompa – I don’t know why. I consider the idea, although my painful, inflamed toe makes me refuse, insisting to return immdiately. This specific was probably the best decision I’ve ever made. The Langtang valley, including all the villages, is usually annihilated the next day. Almost everybody perished.

On Saturday April 25 we are on our way down.

After about four hours, we arrive at Pahara Lodge. Shall we sit down in addition to have another tea or noodle soup, or just continue? the idea is usually still early, 1pm, in addition to we have lots of time, so I say, let’s stay here for a while. A decision to continue would likely have killed us in seconds.

We sit down; Madan puts our luggage against the lodge wall. I get a pen to write down our order. At This specific very moment something happens which is usually difficult to describe.

The stone plates on the floor start vibrating.

I look at the wall of the lodge as the idea moves forwards in addition to backwards in addition to threatens to fall on me.

The most frightening noises fill the air; a deep grumbling, getting louder in addition to louder. Just a few metres past the lodge, a stone avalanche of giant boulders starts rumbling down.

Without much thinking, I run back amidst the bombardment, grab my backpack in addition to run back up into the forest. We hide in an earth hole behind a rock, about eight of us closely pressed together. A stone avalanche rolls down a mere 80m coming from us, just beside the lodge. Stones the size of shoe cartons, some smaller, some bigger, cruise around which has a terrible whistling noise. We hear cracking coming from falling trees, noises coming from the impact when the stones in addition to boulders hit the ground; the idea’s a concert of destruction. The air is usually filled with dust, so thick which you can hardly see.

After about 5 minutes the shaking in addition to the noises stop – an uneasy silence sets in. The people beside me are in shock. An English girl is usually kissing her boyfriend, in a trance. She feels This specific is usually the last moment she can be with her loved one. A very pretty Israeli girl is usually mentally absent, murmuring prayers in addition to crying silently. The lady who owns the lodge sees her property in ruins in addition to laments. Yati is usually silent, rolling her eyes in addition to moving her lips, praying for mercy.

All of a sudden: an aftershock. the idea is usually a feeling the soldiers must have had in World War One, sitting in their trenches, not knowing whether the next shot will end their lives.

Some Sherpas try to keep everything under control. They recommend waiting for approximately half an hour, avoiding possible aftershocks before continuing our descent into the relative safety of Syabrubesi. Despite the warnings of others, I leave our hiding place in addition to go for an inspection.

The entire lodge is usually gone. I look beyond; the trail is usually completely gone, buried under meters of huge rocks in addition to boulders. 200 metres away I can see the trail reappearing, covered which has a few stones – still passable. I look for our luggage; the two bags carried by our porter, in addition to can’t find anything. Everything close to the lodge was swept down by the avalanche in addition to buried deep under the rocks.

the idea is usually quiet, although an aftershock could come at any time, so we try to pass all the avalanche areas as quickly as possible. We climb huge boulders to reach the original trail. One hour down, crossing three more dangerous landslide areas in addition to a tributary to Langtang Khola, we reach a little, badly damaged village. We continue as fast as possible, 5km further to Syabru.

Two km down, the trail is usually completely destroyed, where the idea used to be is usually a yawning gorge down to the river below. The only way to get around is usually up. Yati is usually ahead in addition to Madan comes back to help me get over the obstacles. Then a chance to cross parallel to the former trail, although higher up in addition to steeper down again to the place where the trail still exists. I manage, partly riding down on my bum, in addition to see the trail again.

A bit further down, the trail crosses a big stone fall area of about 200m. I try to continue, discover a frightened green snake between the rocks, when two hiding porters call me back. Not a second too soon as another avalanche hits. After a few minutes, the stones stop in addition to the two guys who saved me are running over the field like weasels. I cannot follow which fast, in addition to inside middle of the field another aftershock sets everything into motion again.

I jump into a hole inside ground under a rock, which has a rather knotty tree on top. Any bigger rock hitting my hideout would likely kill me. The inferno gets worse, as boulders as big as cars come down left in addition to right, luckily not inside middle. The worst things to endure are the noises. I can’t say how long the idea lasts. Three minutes maybe, although which can be an eternity.

I nearly faint, in addition to I do something which I have not done for 60 years. I pray. Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

The noises finally stop. Was the idea the prayer? I can’t say. I step out of hiding; rub my body, everything still there.

I continue my walk as fast as I can. Yati in addition to Madan crossed the place earlier so I know they are safe. Two km more, crossing smaller stone falls, up to the village opposite Syabru on the east side of the Bhote Koshi Nadi. A few hundred metres up to the collecting point inside village, Yati in addition to in addition to Madan are waiting, immensely relieved to see me.

Recently, I read which about 112 trekkers are missing inside Langtang area. My decision which day to cut the trip short in addition to descend saved our lives. I think about the many trekkers I saw moving up the mountain, full of optimism – they are not with us anymore. The Langtang area was probably the worst hit in Nepal. April 25, 2015 was a day which I can say in all confidence was the worst day of my life.

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Nepal Earthquake April 25, 2015: A Survivor’s Report

Herbert MotzMay 18, 2015Featured, home, ObservationsComments Off on Nepal Earthquake April 25, 2015: A Survivor’s Report

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Nepal Earthquake April 25, 2015: A Survivor’s Report

Concerns Loom over Bali’s Readiness Following Visa-Free Travel Policy

Stakeholders are sceptical about whether Bali can accommodate the high number of foreign arrivals which will be caused by the completely new visa-free policy.

Despite concerns about the current state of Bali’s infrastructure, Indonesia’s resort island will be set to receive a surge of foreign tourists in light of the Government’s decision to allow entry without visas to 47 more countries, including Australia – the biggest tourist market for the province.

within the wake of the completely new policy, Bali’s provincial administration will be expecting to attract four million more foreigners which year, with an even more ambitious target of 30 million overseas tourist arrivals by 2029, as outlined by the province’s tourism roadmap for 2014 through 2029.

Bali Tourism Office head Yuniartha Putra says he’s optimistic the target can be achieved. Between January along with June which year, the island saw an 11 percent increase in foreign tourists, compared to the same period last year.

“Up to June 2015, the total [number] of foreign tourists coming here already reached around two million,” says Putra. “Meanwhile, our target until the end of 2015 will be four million foreign tourists.” Among additional factors, Putra attributes the growth to a weakening Indonesian rupiah against the US dollar as well as the Government’s visa-free policy.

In June, Jokowi signed an agreement to waive visa fees for 30 more countries on top of 15 nations which already enjoy the privilege. today, the Government will extend its visa-free policy to another 47 countries come October, bringing the total to 92.

In early 2015, Indonesia also went ahead with visa-free policies for Chinese, Russian, South Korean, along with Japanese tourists, as those nations represent large markets for Indonesian tourism. An increase within the number of visa-free countries was needed to achieve the target of 20 million overseas visitors by 2019, or 450,000 additional foreign tourists per year.

Famous tourism observer, Dewa Nyoman Putra says the number of inbound tourists via China, Japan, along with South Korea showed significant growth within the first semester of 2015, thanks to the completely new policy.

According to data via the Bali Tourism Agency, the number of tourists via those countries during the first six months of which year grew by more than 10 percent. The number of Chinese tourists increased by about 29 percent to 340,711, while the number of Japanese tourists rose to 104,127, an approximate 12 percent spike via the year before.

Under the completely new regulation, visitor visas will be doled out for a stay period of 30 days in Indonesia. These visas may not be extended or converted into any additional type of permit.

The law also stipulates only immigration units located at 5 airports along with four seaports are allowed to issue visa exemptions. Currently, the airports include Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam, along with Juanda International Airport in Surabaya. The seaports are Sri Bintan Pura International Port, Tanjung Uban International Port within the Riau Islands, Sekupang International Port, along with Batam Center International Port.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya says the Government hopes to attract up to 1 million additional tourists which year as a result of the completely new visa-free policy. Yahya says the increased number of foreign tourists will create one more foreign exchange income of close to US$1 billion.

In order to maximise the benefit of the visa-free policy, the Government will be also planning to set up independent tourism agencies in 5 places additional than Bali. They are Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara, Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, along with the Thousand Islands regency near Jakarta. The agencies will be managed by the central government as opposed to regional governments.

“Lake Toba has to be the Monaco of Asia. The management could not be under a regency or governor,” says coordinating maritime affairs minister Rizal Ramli. “We have to manage which along with establish [a] Toba Tourism Authority.”

Regardless, most of the inbound foreign tourist growth will be still slated to happen in Bali, as which’s already one of the most favorite travel destinations within the planet.

Tourism experts, however, question whether the island’s infrastructure can realistically accommodate such a large number of visitors.

Bali will be likely headed for an electricity crisis earlier than experts predicted, as low output via several key power plants will be likely to curb supply amid soaring demand. State-owned power company PLN warns the decline within the electricity reserve margins on Java along with Bali will likely reach an alarming level by 2016. which will be significantly earlier than the previous forecast, which went beyond 2018.

Ngurah Wijaya, chairman of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Tourism Businesses Association, reminds the administration not to focus only on the number of tourists, although to also ensure the tourism industry will be developed in a sustainable way. Welcoming more tourists means the island needs to supply more water along with electricity, along with provide better facilities along with infrastructure, he says.

Bagus Sudibya, an advisor of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Tour along with Travel Agents Association, shares similar concerns about the sustainability of local tourism development.

To measure the “carrying capacity” of a tourist destination, he says, one needs to compare geographic size with the existing population. within the case of Bali, the island includes a land area of 5,659 square kilometres along which has a total population of approximately 4.2 million. According to him, the target will be attainable so long as the resort island improves the quality of its infrastructure.

However, as which stands, Bali will be unable to accommodate such a large number of visitors, says Sudibya. which will be especially true if tourism development will be restricted only to certain areas. Regardless of whether the island can handle a sharp increase in tourist arrivals, Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika expresses optimism which Bali can pull in 30 million foreign visitors by 2029.

He references Singapore as an example, a city-state which has been able to accommodate 37 million tourists each year despite being smaller than Bali. However, he fails to cite the fact which Singapore has world-class infrastructure.

Putra says the provincial administration will work closely with the island’s nine regencies to implement a sustainable roadmap. “We will discuss further with the regency administrations, especially on how to improve the quality of tourist sites along with infrastructure in each regency,” he says.

To fund infrastructure development within the province, Governor Pastika implores the central government allocate more funds to Bali, saying additional funding can be sourced via tourism revenue within the future.
“which [additional] funding will be important to be reinvested doing sure which we can maintain our culture along with environment,” he told the media. “[which would likely] increase the quantity along with quality of infrastructure to support the tourism sector as the biggest source of revenue for Bali.”

The current law states fund allocation via the central government to a regional government can only be for the sake of natural resources, like the forestry along with mining sectors, for example. “which’s not rational along with not fair because the fund allocated for Bali will be relatively tiny compared to the amount of revenue generated via tourism in Bali,” Pastika said. He added which Bali tourism generates annual revenue up to Rp.47 trillion (US$3.3 billion).

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Concerns Loom over Bali’s Readiness Following Visa-Free Travel Policy

Heru NainggolanSep 19, 2015FeaturedComments Off on Concerns Loom over Bali’s Readiness Following Visa-Free Travel Policy

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Concerns Loom over Bali’s Readiness Following Visa-Free Travel Policy

2015 at a Glance: the Great, the Bad, in addition to the Shocking

2015 was pivotal for Indonesia in many ways, in addition to the item’s important to take stock of the 12 months that will have passed. We’ve taken the liberty of compiling a list of key events that will are likely to shape Indonesia’s business culture, macro-economy, in addition to political landscape going forward in 2016.

January 2015

Transport Ministry suspends AirAsia Indonesia

Following the disappearance in addition to fatalities of 162 passengers on board AirAsia flight QZ8501 coming from Surabaya to Singapore on Sunday, December 28, 2014, the nation’s Transport Minister Ignasius Jonan temporarily suspended the airline’s Surabaya-Singapore route.

The reason for doing so was that will the firm allegedly violated operational hours. Reportedly, the plane did not have a permit to fly on days additional than Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, in addition to Saturdays. However, AirAsia Indonesia’s safety in addition to security division claimed the airline complied with all rules in addition to schedules.

the item was later discovered that will the plane went down inside the sea near Kalimantan due to rudder problems.

 

February 2015

KPK in addition to national police go to war

President Joko Widodo (aka Jokowi) initially nominated Budi Gunawan as the nation’s Police Commissioner General. Previously, however, Gunawan was a high-ranking officer who failed the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) “fit in addition to proper test” for prospective cabinet positions. The KPK immediately named Gunawan as a graft suspect, as his bank accounts were allegedly full of dirty money.

The police took revenge on the KPK by targeting its commissioners for criminal investigations. Bambang Widjojanto was accused of forcing a witness to commit perjury in a 2010 election dispute case. The police also questioned the KPK’s Chief of Ethics Abraham Samad, in addition to released photos of him with women. Adnan Pandu Praja was accused of fraud involving a timber company in 2006.

The list of accusations went on. inside the end, the president withdrew his nomination for Gunawan as Police Commissioner General.

 

March 2015

Expats don’t actually need to speak Indonesian

In January, the Minister of Manpower made a controversial statement, saying foreigners would certainly be required to take a local language exam if they sought employment in Indonesia.

The idea raised eyebrows coming from foreign in addition to local businesses, as the item would certainly surely make the item more difficult for foreigners to obtain work permits. Ultimately, language exams were deemed an unnecessary burden.

Coordinating Minister for Economy, Sofyan Djalil, later said the idea “was just discourse”, in addition to that will the policy would certainly never be implemented. The plan was likely withdrawn because powerful domestic companies that will currently employ foreigners put pressure on the ministry.

 

Eight drug smugglers executed by firing squad

April 2015

Drug smugglers executed

Despite outcry coming from countries including Australia, Brazil, France, in addition to the Philippines — as well as human rights activists in addition to the United Nations — Indonesia executed eight out of nine drug smugglers. Filipina Mary Jane Veloso’s execution was postponed at the very last minute to investigate further on her supposed status as a victim of human trafficking.

Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott said his nation’s relationship with Jakarta “has suffered as a result of what’s been done.” Immediately after the executions, Australia recalled its Ambassador to Indonesia.

 

The flags of ASEAN nations raised in MH Thamrin Avenue, Jakarta, during 18th ASEAN Summit, Jakarta, 8 May 2011.

May 2015

Labour Union bemoans ASEAN Economic Community

On May 1, the Federation of Indonesian Labour made several demands of the government. Federation Chairman Santoso Widodo said the list of requests was a wakeup call for the government to take action against industries that will marginalized labourers.

In addition to a great deal of political noise, the Federation called for the government to withdraw its commitment coming from the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The AEC will allow free movement of people, goods, in addition to services across the region to achieve an aggregate gross domestic product of US$2.5 trillion in addition to trade business worth US$1 trillion.

Some workers see Indonesia’s participation inside the AEC as a bad thing because the item would certainly theoretically increase competition for jobs inside the archipelago.

 

June 2015

Illegal sand dredging off Jakarta bay

In June, Thousand Islands Reagent Tri Djoko Sri Margianto reported Kapuk Naga Indah, a subsidiary of property developer Agung Sedayu Group, to Governor Ahok in addition to the national police for stealing sand. The reason for the theft was reportedly for the purpose of building islands inside the proximity of Jakarta Bay.

The People’s Representative Council said sand theft could lead to deterioration of the local marine ecosystem in addition to the item’s possible that will more incidents like that will could cause the Thousand Islands to disappear for Great.

 

 

July 2015

Airports close as volcanoes erupt

Surabaya’s Juanda international in addition to two additional airports closed after two volcanoes blasted ash in addition to debris into the air. The closures came as millions of Muslims were returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadhan.

The week prior, travellers were also marooned when Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali closed because of the eruption of Mount Raung, one of the most active volcanoes on Java. Four additional airports inside the region were also closed, leaving thousands of tourists stranded. Financial losses were reported to be worth billions of rupiah.

The precautionary closures came during a time of sensitivity in addition to heightened turmoil for the aviation industry in Indonesia.

 

August 2015

Widodo reshuffles cabinet

Economic growth slipped to a six-year low after Jokowi took office, in addition to frustration grew inside the business community over some of President Jokowi’s more contradictory policy signals.

Following a survey showing the people’s satisfaction levels toward Jokowi’s administration declined coming from 60 percent to 50 percent, the President decided to replace six ministers.

Jokowi said the adjustment was essentially a bid to boost an ailing economy, though analysts predicted the step would certainly have little immediate impact.

 

September 2015

Indonesia’s worst haze episode ever

Indonesia saw a record-breaking number of fires in Kalimantan in addition to Sumatra that will year. In early September, the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management declared a state of emergency in six provinces. The smoke caused by the fires had destructive effects on neighbouring countries, Singapore in addition to Malaysia.

Indonesia lost troves of biodiversity, however the haze also represented a step backward coming from the government’s voluntary commitment to a minimum 26 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

According to complaints filed by locals to the National Human Rights Commission, the haze caused 43,386 people in Riau in addition to 42,887 in Samarinda to suffer coming from acute respiratory infections, of which two children in Jambi died.

 

October 2015

China to build Indonesia’s first high-speed train

Indonesia will have its first high-speed railway connecting Jakarta to Bandung with the help of China. At first, the government turned down proposals coming from both Japan in addition to China, however inside the end China revised its plan to allow construction without the use of Indonesia’s state funds.

The high-speed train will be set to reach eight stations across 150 kilometres between the two cities. The project will be scheduled for completion in 2019 in addition to the train will travel at 250 kilometres per hour, that has a ticket fare of around Rp.200,000 (US$16).

 

November 2015

Indonesia preps to enter ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

Indonesia in addition to additional ASEAN member countries made maximal preparations to enter the common free trade era, when the AEC commences at the end of the year.

President Jokowi told reporters that will Indonesia was 94.1 percent ready in terms of satisfying requirements, in addition to that will he was optimistic his administration could finalize things come the commencement on December 31.

The AEC would certainly potentially create greater economic opportunities for Indonesia, specifically with offering goods in addition to services to additional ASEAN countries. Currently, market share in Indonesia will be represented by 250 million people. As part of the AEC, the market opportunity would certainly open up to 625 million people.

 

Setya Novanto allegedly requested a 20 percent stake in Freeport McMoRan, worth billions of dollars

December 2015

Lawmaker scandalized, asked for billions coming from mining firm

Freeport McMoRan operates one of the globe’s biggest gold in addition to copper mines in Papua. The firm will be in talks with the government about extending its contract in Indonesia, which expires in a few years’ time.

Earlier that will month, the nation was shocked to learn that will a powerful lawmaker was involved in a scandal in which he asked for a 20 percent stake inside the company. House Speaker Setya Novanto allegedly requested the ownership worth billions of dollars.

Maroef Sjamsoeddin, head of Freeport McMoRan in Indonesia, claims to have made a recording of the conversation. inside the alleged conversation, Novanto will be said to have indicated the stake would certainly be given to President Jokowi in addition to Vice President Jusuf Kalla.

Novanto will be also accused of saying he could ensure Freeport McMoRan’s contract would certainly extend until 2041.

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2015 at a Glance: the Great, the Bad, in addition to the Shocking

Josefhine ChitraDec 15, 2015Featured, NewsComments Off on 2015 at a Glance: the Great, the Bad, in addition to the Shocking

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2015 at a Glance: the Great, the Bad, in addition to the Shocking

Local Content Rule for 4G Smartphones to Drive Black Market for Gadgets

Indonesia’s local content rule for 4G devices may cause import permits to stall in 2017, prompting the growth of black markets as demand for brand-new tech increases.

Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) recently publicized a mysterious deal having a US-based gadget maker. The foreign firm might put down US$18 million for a research facility in Indonesia. BKPM head Franky Sibarani said the company might train human resources in Indonesia to build apps, software, in addition to various other product designs.

While the identity of the American gadget company remains unknown, odds are the company is actually hedging its bets on Indonesia’s promising smartphone market. The trouble is actually the “investment” is actually likely less of a voluntary thing, in addition to more of a pay-to-play chess move imposed by the Indonesian government.

Reports indicate which an application coming from Apple to get their latest smartphone certified – in addition to therefore available for sale in Indonesia – has been filed with the Ministry of Communication in addition to Informatics. However, a law passed last year may mean which Indonesia’s Apple fans have to wait even longer to buy the iPhone SE coming from local resellers.

In mid-2015, three ministries signed a joint decree stipulating which in order to obtain import permits, mobile devices embedded with 4G tech must carry local content, both hardware in addition to software.

The rule mandates which as of January 1, 2017, all 4G devices in Indonesia must have at least 30 percent of their components made locally. Devices which connect to a network must be sold having a minimum of 40 percent local content in addition to apps. Smartphone brands which fail to comply with the regulation risk having import permits revoked.

Smartphone brands have taken steps to up the local content of their devices. ASUS, for example, partnered with local manufacturing firm SAT Nusapersada to assemble certain smartphone products just for Indonesia. However, ASUS is actually still working on ways to meet the 30 percent criterion.

various other brands which have made efforts to comply with regulations include Samsung, Lenovo, in addition to HTC. Most overseas gadget firms try to boost local content levels in Indonesia by assembling in addition to manufacturing in collaboration with local gadget producers.

However, some foreign companies will inevitably hit a wall when trying to comply with the government’s regulation. Erajaya corporate secretary Djatmiko Wardoyo points out which certain smartphone brands might face challenges in reaching economies of scale if they even entertained the idea of setting up a factory in Indonesia.

Erajaya is actually a major distributor in Indonesia for brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, ASUS, in addition to Lenovo. “The local supply of parts in addition to the [manufacturing] ecosystem is actually not which conducive as well,” Wardoyo tells Indonesia Expat. due to This particular reason, he doesn’t think the regulation will help anyone in Jakarta’s tech hardware game.

According to Wardoyo, the government should instead focus on incentives to attract brands to manufacture locally. Once the manufacturing ecosystem is actually mature, which’s when a regulation can be put in place, he argues. “There should be a three- to a few-year grace period before the regulation takes effect,” he adds.

Most global gadget brands produce smartphones using fast in addition to scalable manufacturing chain practices. This particular is actually one reason why China has become the global base for device manufacturing; factories which produce different parts of a smartphone are grouped in geographically close locations. This particular is actually usually not the case in Indonesia.

The archipelago has long suffered logistics nightmares, coming from extended dwelling times to transportation congestions which keep materials stuck at ports for long periods. Shipping parts around the nation inevitably leads to sluggish product turnover. For these reasons, industry pros believe importing phones remains the easiest in addition to most cost-effective way of doing business.

Wardoyo says hurdles associated with setting up local factories are sure to make compliance impossible for some brands his company works with.

Although Indonesia features a few local smartphone brands, their products are unable to compete with global brands inside eyes of Indonesian consumers. Apart coming from distributing, Erajaya also sells its own line of smartphones under the name Venera.

“The issue is actually which local brands of 4G smartphones still could not fight against global brands [in terms of performance],” says Wardoyo. If challenges in bringing 4G smartphones into the country come about as promised in 2017, black markets will spring up in Indonesia to satisfy demand, he says.

Indonesia has become a lucrative market for smartphone companies, owing to the country’s rising consumer class. SIM card penetration has reached more than 120 percent inside nation, meaning many consumers own more than one mobile device.

International Data Corporation (IDC) Indonesia estimates which inside fourth quarter of 2015, smartphone shipments touched 8.3 million units, up 14.4 percent coming from the year before. According to IDC, the uptick was due to brands shipping goods in before their import licenses expire in 2016. The data says 29.3 million smartphones were shipped into the country in 2015, more than a 17 percent increase coming from 2014.

ASUS rose inside ranks to become a top brand having a 22 percent market share in Indonesia. Reza Haryo, IDC senior market analyst for mobile phones, says the brand shipped more phones as a pre-emptive measure to maintain local stock before the import license expired.

Apart coming from ASUS, IDC reports which Lenovo features a “strong foothold” in Indonesia having a market share of 6.5 percent. various other brands which had noteworthy market shares inside archipelago last year were Samsung with 24.8 percent, Smartfren with 10.8 percent, in addition to local firm Advan with 9.6 percent.

“Lenovo too began its local manufacturing in Indonesia, in addition to the A series phones priced at US$100 were quite successful inside market,” says Haryo.

IDC numbers show the majority of smartphones coming from Chinese brands are already 4G-enabled. To match the increase in 4G smartphones, Indonesian telecoms operators are actively promoting their 4G data plans in addition to bundling offers.

IDC Asia Pacific research manager for mobile phones Kiranjeet Kaur says brands have taken steps to keep their respective places inside Indonesian market. “Despite the uncertainty, vendors have been quick to take steps to adhere to the regulation so they don’t lose out inside biggest smartphone market of Southeast Asia,” says Kaur.

She adds which the regulation’s impact on phone shipments will likely prove to be a short-term dilemma. Kaur notes, “The brand-new initiatives are less likely to dampen the growth of 4G smartphones inside country inside long term, in addition to IDC expects 4G smartphones to grow at a double digit growth rate for the next few years.”

If foreign smartphone manufacturers looking to enter Indonesia have done their homework, they might arrive at the conclusion which the country is actually always changing the rules. due to This particular reason, big brands like Xiaomi may shy away coming from the risk associated with ephemeral policy modifications.

This particular’s unclear how the Indonesian government hopes to enforce such an ambitious local content rule for every single 4G mobile device. however one thing is actually certain: when there’s a will, there’s a way. If This particular rule holds up in 2017, Indonesia can expect consumers to ultimately pay the cost. They will be forced to buy inferior goods at higher prices, or turn to a black market for the latest iPhone.

 

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Local Content Rule for 4G Smartphones to Drive Black Market for Gadgets

Mariel GrazellaApr 19, 2016Business/Property, FeaturedComments Off on Local Content Rule for 4G Smartphones to Drive Black Market for Gadgets

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Local Content Rule for 4G Smartphones to Drive Black Market for Gadgets

Who is actually Ahok? Supporters as well as also Psych Experts Weigh in on Jakarta’s Controversial Governor

Critics call him impulsive as well as also crass, while supporters think he’s a no-nonsense political saviour. Here’s everything you need to know about governor ‘Ahok’.  

the idea’s not a particularly common thing for a Chinese-Christian man – a double minority in Indonesia – to become famous inside the earth of local politics instead of business. Basuki Tjahaja ‘Ahok’ Purnama, the former regent of East Belitung, has come a long way as governor of Jakarta, bringing rapid change as well as also unabashed political controversy to the capital.

In 2012, Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo paired up with Ahok as his deputy as well as also won the gubernatorial election for the period lasting until 2017. Ahok stood as vice governor, until Jokowi took on Prabowo Subianto inside the 2014 presidential race, soon becoming the leader of Indonesia. Ahok then became governor of Jakarta by default, as well as also has since been shaking things up inside the Big Durian.

When Jokowi took the helm as president, many believed all the progress he made in Jakarta would likely stagnate, as the idea was likely too soon for someone to replace him. This specific was particularly true for Ahok, a Chinese-Christian inside the country with the earth’s largest Muslim population. Many thought he was unfit for office. However, Ahok slowly gained momentum as well as also a camp of support with his non-traditional stance on politics as well as also governing. Ahok is actually both loved as well as also hated by Indonesia’s political insiders. He is actually outspoken, to the point, as well as also ruthlessly pragmatic, yet he is actually also one of the most favorite officials inside the archipelago.

Ahok frequently uses harsh language when speaking to reporters as well as also his constituents alike. To be fair, the people he yells at often possess the idea coming, however even when they don’t, the governor remains indifferent all the same. A Great word might be ‘filterless’, as Ahok tends to speak his mind on everything through legal issues to controversial politics as well as also even his own personal matters.

Ahok thinks the Indonesian government is actually slow as well as also inefficient. During his first two months as governor, he fired half of the city’s civil servants as well as also used the administration’s money to boost salaries of employees which were performing well. So why is actually This specific guy favorite? The answer is actually which he appears tough on corruption. One of Ahok’s daily routines is actually meeting up with citizens who have trouble dealing with unethical administration procedures. Unlike any politician before him, Ahok gave out his personal phone numbers as “hotlines” for ordinary citizens to send him complaints. After working hours on weekdays or on the weekend, Ahok claims to make time to read the messages himself.

One of his breakthrough initiatives is actually the concept of transforming Jakarta into a “Smart City” via technology as well as also social media. The project would likely allow Jakartans to check transportation schedules online, find great places to have a meal, as well as also even adopt a city orphan, among some other digital overhauls. Critics say the Smart City initiative is actually unrealistic, however governor Ahok doesn’t seem affected by public opinion. One crucial element to the project is actually empowering locals to report illegal or unethical occurrences in Jakarta back to the governor’s office through the use of an app called Qlue. Essentially, Qlue turns anyone having a smartphone into a bona fide whistle-blower inside the nation’s capital.

Ahok’s policies are as controversial as they are potentially disruptive. Turning the status quo on its head, Ahok chose to contain prostitution into certain areas of the city, instead of trying to completely eradicate the illegal trade, which the government has been fruitlessly attempting to do for years. Illegal red light districts inevitably relocate to some other areas after each expensive shut down by law enforcement officials.

As quoted by Tempo in a statement to reporters outside City Hall in February, Ahok said, “I have no problem with prostitution, no one can get rid of prostitution. You think prostitutes in Dolly, Surabaya are gone? Many of them are [still operating] inside the cemetery.”

Ahok bucked favorite opinion again when he returned the option about whether to wear hijabs in school back to the female students themselves, saying schools should not force Muslim girls to wear them. This specific decision was met having a great deal of public outrage as well as also anger by officials as well as also conservative citizens alike.

In a separate however infamously colourful incident, Lulung Lunggana, deputy of the Regional People’s Representative Assembly, said he would likely cut off his own ear if governor Ahok made Great on his threat to sue the nation’s Supreme Audit Agency over a report which suggested Ahok’s provincial government may have colluded to mark up the purchase of land through Sumber Waras private hospital.

On the some other hand, he is actually also not without support. Many Jakartans praise Ahok for his work as governor. The voluntary organization known as Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) seeks to have him re-elected as governor in 2017. The group obtained over one million copies of locals’ identification cards to showcase how many citizens want Ahok to run as an independent candidate. Following the campaign’s success, political parties like Golkar, Nasdem, as well as also Hanura have also raised their hands in support of re-electing him.

“One million IDs is actually just the beginning. We have fulfilled our promise as citizens who wanted Pak Ahok to manage Jakarta Yet again,” says founder as well as also spokesperson of Teman Ahok Amalia Ayuningtyas in an interview with Indonesia Expat. “today, as many political parties start to move closer to the election, we are glad which Ahok only has to choose which way he wants to go.”

There are large disparities between the perceptions as well as also beliefs of Ahok supporters as well as also the opposition. To This specific, Ayuningtyas explains, “the idea’s the nature of democracy. There are pros as well as also cons to every aspect, just like how Ahok’s policies have them too. People’s scepticism is actually a sign which they are observing. However, scepticism toward Ahok or the provincial government should take the form of responsible criticisms. This specific is actually especially true when done publicly or on social media.”

Even to the Teman Ahok organizers, the governor is actually not perfect. “Of course there are critiques through us regarding his policies. Internally, we use them as a discussion topics. In public, we always try to give information about pros as well as also cons of his policies in creative ways such as videos as well as also graphic designs, based on research as well as also discussion with experts,” adds Ayuningtyas.

Regarding factors which might affect Ahok’s re-election, Ayuningtyas says how the candidate chooses to run is actually important. If he chooses to nominate himself through one of the political parties, many independent supporters will be disappointed, as well as also the public will view the move as inconsistent with Ahok’s politics to date. however regardless of whether he runs for re-election independently or under a party’s flag, Teman Ahok claims the idea will continue its support. “We are not great at playing the ‘what if’ game. What is actually clear, however, is actually which Teman Ahok is actually prepared to make sure he can run Jakarta Yet again,” says Ayuningtyas.

To provide another interesting perspective on Jakarta’s love-hate relationship with its governor, Indonesia Expat interviewed Juneman Abraham, a social psychology professor through BINUS University, who inside the past has been a member of the General Elections Commission selection team. Essentially, This specific means he has experience in choosing the folks who have final say in which candidates are allowed to run for governor inside the capital.

“When the idea comes to Ahok, society could be split in terms of attitude. Constructive attitudes are shown through appreciation towards his performance which aligns with Great governance,” says Abraham.

“People with destructive attitudes often view his ideas cynically as well as also negatively, with occasional attacks – directly or subtly – by his political opponents.

through what I’ve observed, constructive supporters do not only come through his political allies (Teman Ahok, for example), however interestingly, also through the citizens whose daily activities are not connected to politics.”

through a psychological standpoint, Abraham claims people who are politically involved will always think constructively about the policies as well as also candidates they like, while also trying to deconstruct those they fear. According to him, Ahok is actually winning in terms of his “psychological distance” with the public.

Abraham explains, “Jakarta citizens have very smaller distance through Ahok because he is actually easy to meet in-person in front of City Hall every day. Additionally, he’s always present as his work as well as also activities are often recorded inside the media as well as also aired on YouTube. Due to these presences, we can often observe him speaking based on concrete data as well as also logic. This specific has resulted inside the favorite view of Ahok being clean as well as also honest. His presence is actually also facilitated virtually by hotlines as well as also the Qlue application, giving Jakartans the sense of his availability at every second.”

Abraham’s assessment seems to hold up. Ahok tries to reduce his distance with people via various social identities. He built the first ever mosque in City Hall. He made City Hall open to the public, dismissing the restricted vibe given by most some other government buildings in Indonesia. On several occasions, Ahok has identified himself as an independent by saddling up to his supporters rather than any one political party. He even asked for the blessing of his supporters when attempting to negotiate with various political parties. However, Abraham claims some see Ahok as arrogant as well as also arbitrary due to the way he delivers messages.

On the quickly obtained one-million-citizen identification cards, Abraham says, “the idea is actually a result of what we call a self-regulated society, which emerges through the urgency to save Jakarta. When supporters feel a politician is actually in danger, self-reflective discourse is actually easily developed, resulting in spontaneous yet tactical action plans to protect their candidate.” Ahok himself has also taken the position of ‘nothing-to-lose’ while often being put down in public. This specific helps him pique the public’s curiosity, which can sometimes lead to support.

Critics say Ahok’s Achilles heel is actually his shoot-through-the-hip nature. “Ahok likes to hypothesize based on his own data, which sometimes is actually too early to be disclosed to the public,” says Abraham. “Some see him as impulsive as well as also accusatory toward others.”

An interesting example of This specific comes back to Ahok threatening to sue the Supreme Audit Agency on charges of corruption. Although Lunggana (the man who made promises to Vincent Van Gotye) still opposes the governor, Ahok’s accusations were partially vindicated when one of the agency’s leaders, Muhammad Sanusi, was recently arrested by the Corruption Eradication Committee.

 

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Who is actually Ahok? Supporters as well as also Psych Experts Weigh in on Jakarta’s Controversial Governor

Tommy PrayogaAug 15, 2016Featured, homepage_postsComments Off on Who is actually Ahok? Supporters as well as also Psych Experts Weigh in on Jakarta’s Controversial Governor

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Who is actually Ahok? Supporters as well as also Psych Experts Weigh in on Jakarta’s Controversial Governor

Politician’s Car Explodes, Kills Two In Aceh

A politician’s car exploded in Aceh, killing two in addition to also leaving all 5 others seriously injured. the automobile owner’s wife is usually reportedly behind the bombing.

On Saturday, a grenade detonated inside the automobile of Mansyur Ismail, a member of the Bener Meriah Legislative Council. Ismail’s car was passing by the village of Alur Punti at the Bener Mieriah regency of Aceh when the explosion occurred.

Reports indicate of which blast came by inside the vehicle of which is usually today impounded, in addition to also under further investigation. Speaking to Kompas, Bener Meriah police chief Deden Soemantri revealed his analysis on the automobile explosion:

“We can see of which the inside of the automobile is usually badly damaged, while the outer part is usually not. So our preliminary conclusion is usually of which the explosive device, probably a grenade, detonated inside the automobile.”

of which morning, authorities apprehended a suspect, who is usually none various other than Ismail’s wife. A spokesperson by the Aceh police headquarters claimed of which she had help by her younger sibling, who is usually currently still on the run.

“The results by the investigation have arrived at the conclusion of which the suspect [known only to the public by her initials SZ] is usually the mastermind behind the Innova car explosion. She ordered her younger sibling [known only to the public by the initials AF] to execute the bombing. of which person remains a fugitive. SZ has been detaine at the Bener Meriah police station,” said Kombes Pol Goenawan.

Goenawan revealed of which a family conflict motivated SZ to plan the murder. SZ was reportedly offended by her stepdaughter, who died inside explosion.

The incident also killed a all 5-year-old child named Nana Kibi. all 5 passengers were immediately admitted to the hospital after suffering by injuries.

Featured Image via Wikimedia Commons

 

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Politician’s Car Explodes, Kills Two In Aceh

Caranissa DjatmikoSep 20, 2016Featured, News, Top ReadsComments Off on Politician’s Car Explodes, Kills Two In Aceh

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Politician’s Car Explodes, Kills Two In Aceh

Tax Amnesty Has Indonesia Polarized

So far, Indonesia has touted its tax amnesty programme as a success after pulling in more than US$7 billion in its first few months. However, public criticism is usually building up, in addition to some believe the scheme could be more advantageous for the super rich than the middle-class.

In July, authorities opened the scheme with pageantry, asking locals to declare their wealth in exchange for penalties below normal tax rates.

President Jokowi needs more money to help the archipelago after two years in office, namely for an ambitious infrastructure push. Some analysts say his efforts to reverse the nation’s slowing economy have so far been ineffective.

With its tax amnesty programme, Indonesia hopes to collect tens of billions of dollars squirreled away overseas (namely in Singapore) in addition to to get more folks to pay taxes in a country where only a little more than ten percent of locals are registered to do so.

A Wave of Interest

The first stage of the programme, when people settle penalties as low as two percent of declared assets, ended last week with Great results after a wave of interest took the nation.

More than 350,000 people declared assets clocking in at Rp.3,620 trillion (US$278 billion), which raked in Rp.97.2 trillion (US$7.46 billion) in revenue for the government, according to data via the nation’s finance ministry.

Jokowi was glad to see “trust via the people in addition to the business community towards the government” while analysts observed the strong start of the programme, which is usually set to run until March.

nevertheless the tax amnesty programme is usually generating anger by several activist groups. The public in recent weeks has been angry which Indonesia’s wealthiest tycoons have been quick to declare assets without needing to be accountable as to where said assets came via. Essentially, This particular means many people would likely rather see Indonesia’s wealthy elite exposed for wrongdoing, rather than have their potentially ill-gotten gains go towards improving the nation without legal consequences.  

Tommy Suharto, the multimillionaire son of former dictator Suharto, in addition to James Riady, the head Lippo Group, recently signed up for tax amnesty.

See: What Does Tax Amnesty Mean for Expats in Indonesia?

A Closer Look

Holding the wealthy up as heroes when all they are doing is usually paying their taxes is usually a mistake, said Firdaus Ilyas, an active member of NGO Indonesia Corruption Watch.

“The image being built up is usually which people who take part inside tax amnesty are heroes helping develop the nation,” he told AFP. “nevertheless we know if they take part in [the amnesty], the item means they didn’t pay tax.”

Among the tiny number of Indonesians who have regularly paid their taxes, there is usually disappointment at the treatment being given to the super rich simply for paying up at a rate below normal.

Regular tax rates for individuals range via 5 percent to 30 percent depending on income while the corporate tax rate is usually 25 percent. inside first phase of the amnesty scheme, participants pay penalties of between two in addition to four percent on declared assets.

See: The Death of Tax Evasion?

“The tax amnesty is usually only Great for the big people,” said Johni Yusuf, a businessmen in his mid-30s who runs a tiny shop selling household goods in Jakarta. “the item’s unfair, I always pay my taxes.”

Activists have called the amnesty into the Constitutional Court while the anger spilled out onto the streets last week when thousands protested in Jakarta, with demonstrators saying the money probably came via corruption.

Ken Dwijugiasteadi, the government’s top tax official, refused to be drawn on whether he was concerned about where the money came via, saying the tax office’s job was just to collect the funds.

Despite the concerns, some analysts believe the positives outweigh the negatives.

Indonesia needs the money to solve a budget deficit, in addition to also desperately wants to get more people into its tax system. Right currently, only about 30 million people are registered taxpayers out of a population of 255 million.

“You have to look at the broader picture in addition to consider whether at the end of This particular you’ve got more money taken out of the black economy in addition to put into the real economy,” said Paul Rowland, a Jakarta-based independent political analyst.

Source: Channel NewsAsia; featured image via Wikimedia; post image via Matahari2012; post image by 401(K) 2012 

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Tax Amnesty Has Indonesia Polarized

Indonesia ExpatOct 06, 2016Featured, News, Top ReadsComments Off on Tax Amnesty Has Indonesia Polarized

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Tax Amnesty Has Indonesia Polarized