EQUATOR I N D O N E S I A N N E W S - M AY 2 01 1 , V O L . X I V/0 5

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BELGRADE - SERBIA

Aceh in Serbia

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in cooperation with City of Belgrade has the honour to invite You to the humanitarian concert

“ Aceh in Serbia “ on Friday, 24 June 2011, at 8.00 p.m.

Indonesian Cultural Dance & Musical Performance by Sanggar Cut Nyak Dhien at The “Ilija M. Kolarac” Foundation Studentski trg 5 Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia 011/3635666, 3635633, 3635602 [email protected], www.kemlu.go.id/belgrade

For ticket service 011/2630550

Ambassador’s Note

May 2011

Distinguished readers, I am happy to present you the Equator of May where some of important events had occured and provides important based for the increased of relation between Indonesia and Serbia. I would like to start it with the 78th International Fair of Agriculture where Indonesia participates for the second time since 2009. We had the pleasure to receive Indonesia’s Vice Minister for Trade, Mr. Mahendra Siregar and representatives of Indonesia’s leading companies in food and agriculture products. Top managers and Directors from Indofood, Sinar Mas Group and BT Cocoa presents their leading products at this Fair and receives warm responds from their counterparts in Serbia. Many potential follow-ups were resulted during their participation in the Fair and particularly when visiting some of Serbia’s leading companies. In other ends, I would like to draw your attention to the 16th Non Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting in Bali, Indonesia from May 23 to 27 2011. The NAM meeting which also marks with the 50th anniversary of the Movement, on Wednesday (May 25) adopted a “Bali Commemorative Declaration”. His Excellency Marty Natalegawa, Indonesian Foreign Minister, said in his closing remarks that the meeting had been a fruitful conference and a meaningful commemorative meeting. The holding of this meeting in Bali and the next commemoration in Belgrade, on September 2011 is hoped to bring more significant measures for the challenges ahead. I would like to relate this event specifically to what will happen in Belgrade on September 2011 this year. It is an important opportunity both for Serbia and Indonesia in rejuvenating the long established relations and use it in promoting more specific targets of cooperation. We hope that this meeting on September could generate final decision on the signing of the Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investment. For the coming month of June, we would like to invite the people of Belgrade to Kolarac on 24 June 2011 at 8 PM for the cultural dance and music performance of the province of Aceh. We are grateful with the cooperation from Belgrade City Assembly in making this performance possible. Cultural group “Cut Nyak Dhien” is a traditional Acehnese dance and musical group that has existed for more than 30 years and has been invited to performed all over the world. Their performance in Belgrade will be dedicated to spread a message of hope, courage and strength to the people of Serbia and other international communities. The performance will be dedicated as a humanitarian effort to help victims in other parts of the world which was struck with this grave disaster, in this case the people of Japan and also people of Serbia during the earthquake disaster in Kraljevo on 2010. I am looking forward to see all of you there.

Semuel Samson EDITORIAL BOARD

Highlights

President opens 16th Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting NAM meeting produced five documents RI Foreign Minister: NAM never as strong as now ASEAN leaders agree on three joint statements President: ASEAN has made meaningful progress RI elected to UN Human Rights Council for third time JP Morgan praises RI’s economic policies RI aim to be ASEAN production center President: RI to be one of world’s 10 largest economies

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Focus

Thailand-Cambodia one step closer to peaceful settlement ASEAN considering transactions in local currencies Maluku to support RI tuna export to US Community gives President Yudhoyono UN award

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Business

Indonesia’s best export products: Rice Culture

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Travel

Tampaksiring, Bali: Valley of the Kings

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Embassy

Indonesia participated at 78th International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad Courtessy visit to Serbian Prime Ministers Meeting with Aleksandar Broz and Budimir Loncar Book launching by Viktor Lazic “Sumatra” Article in Politika: Pola veka Pokreta nesvrstanih

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SUPERVISOR H.E. Semuel Samson EDITOR IN CHIEF Ance Maylany BOARD OF EDITORS Zamardi Eko Himawan Col. Agoes Joesni Indah Mekawati Yudi Tetra Mulya RESEARCHERS Eni Diponegoro Friedo Hubert LOGISTIC & DISTRIBUTION Prima Setiani Dono Legowo Published by: Social & Culture Section Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karadjordjevića 18 11040 Belgrade - Serbia Ph. 3674062, 3635666 Fax. 3672984, 3574239 [email protected] www.kemlu.go.id/belgrade

EQUATOR I N D O N E S I A N N E W S - M AY 2 01 1 , V O L . X I V/0 5

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA BELGRADE - SERBIA

PHOTO ON THE COVER: Bali, Ubud - The Balinese rice terraces go back over 2,000 years when hard-working farmers with primitive hand tools began carving the stepped terraces out of steep hill sides. Generation after generation has extended and kept them in meticulous shape out of necessity - rice is the staple food of the islanders. Rice, to the Balinese, is more than just the staple food; it is an integral part of the Balinese culture.

EQUATOR is a compilation of news taken from National News Agency (ANTARA) and other news sources from Indonesia. The contents does not reflect particular policy or position of the Embassy of the Republic Indonesia and its beholders. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia takes the privilege to sort out news material taken from the above mentioned sources and presented in accordance with the coverage of the materials (political & security, economy, social & culture and international relation issues).

Highlights

President opens 16th Non Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting Nusa Dua, Bali (ANTARA News) President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono opened the 16th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on Wednesday (May 25). The Head of State arrived at the venue at around 9 am local time in the company of Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa, Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Al-Araby, and the 65th UN General Assembly President Joseph

“Today, we celebrate half a century of our Movement`s long struggle for a better world. As a founding member of the NonAligned, Indonesia is honored and humbled to be part of this largest movement for peace in history,” Yudhoyono said in his opening address Deiss. In his opening address, President Yudhoyono said Bali was a Hindu island at the heart of the world`s largest archipelago where the Muslims, Christians,

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Hindus, Buddhists live in peace and harmony. “I believe such “unity in diversity” is also what sustains the Non-Aligned Movement,” said the Indonesian Head of State. President Yudhoyono on the occasion said he was pleased to commend the Arab Republic of Egypt for its stewardship of the Movement since 2009, and for carrying the distinguished baton of Chairmanship that went back 50 years ago. “Today, we celebrate half a century of our Movement`s long struggle for a better world. As a founding member of the Non-Aligned, Indonesia is honored and humbled to be part of this largest movement for peace in history,” Yudhoyono said in his opening address. “As we mark our achievements, this is also a good time for all of us, to determine how the Non-Aligned can be a greater force for peace, justice and prosperity in the 21st century,” he added. According to Yudhoyono, the Movement could take pride in what it has

achieved in the last 50 years, and has significantly grown from a Movement of states of 25 countries in 1961 to 118 countries. The President said the Movement has helped shape the world order, contained the spread of conflicts, and preserved and expanded peace where it could. “We also successfully advanced decolonization by supporting the struggle of nations for liberation and selfdetermination. We effectively helped to end apartheid. We worked very hard, to advance a vision of a world of zero nuclear weapons,” the President said. Before President Yudhoyono opened the conference, Marty Natalegawa said 16th Ministerial Convergence of the NAM aimed to standardize a common vision NAM`s member countries for the next 50 years. “The conference will also adopt several documents, one of them is about Palestine,” Marty said, adding that the conference was attended by the delegates from 128 countries.

Highlights

NAM meeting produced five documents Nusa Dua, Bali - Indonesian Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Hasan Kleib said the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) at its 16th Ministerial Meeting on May 23-27 produce five documents. The documents include Bali Commemorative Declaration, the Declaration on Palestine, Draft Statement on the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, Draft Declaration on Palestine Political Prisoners and a Final Document. He said the meeting which was held to follow up and discuss the movement`s journey after the last Summit in Sharm El Sheik in Egypt in July 2009 produced five important documents regarding the organization`s vision for the next 50 years. The first document was a final comprehensive document containing 630 paragraphs while the second one is a “Bali Commemorative Declaration”

to mark the NAM`s 50th anniversary containing not thematic issues but the NAM`s position with regard to challenges and opportunities in the next 50 years, he said on the sidelines of meetings. Hasan said the meeting also produced new declaration consisting of three paragraphs about the NAM`s position on total nuclear arms eradication. He said two other documents would relate to Palestine, one of them is about Palestine in general, the NAM`s general stand towards injustices happening in that country and on whether the political and refugee issues and independence issue would be brought to the UN General Assembly next September. Hasan said the fifth document is a Declaration on Palestine political prisoners in Israel. “We will discuss it and then issue a condemnation and call for their release,” he said. The 16th NAM Ministerial Meeting

is attended by Ministerial-level officials, Vice Ministers from 118 countries and a Vice President from Honduras, Fiji and Azerbaijan as the new members, observers from 18 countries (such as Argentine, Bosnia, Brazil, China, Serbia, Mexico and Ukraine), 10 observer organizations (among others the African Union, the United Nations, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference – OIC), 26 guest countries (such as the US, Japan, and Russia), and 23 guest organizations (among others UNIDO, UNESCAP, and ICRC). During the meeting, NAM also formally accept new members, namely Fiji and Azerbaijan, and bring the number of the organization members to 120 countries. The NAM is now led by Egypt which together with Indonesia is now organizing the ministerial meeting under the theme “Sharing Vision for Contributing to NAM for the next 50 years.”

RI Foreign Minister: NAM never as strong as now Jakarta - Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa said the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is still important as a forum to share experiences in solving world problems. “At its establishment in 1961, our Movement was far from the robust force for peace and progress that it is today,” Marty said in his speech at the opening of the 16th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on Wednesday (May 25). Inspired by the Bandung Principles and the UN Charter, NAM had planned a more peaceful world, he said. “We must make sure that our Movement is more than ready to face the challenges in the 21st century, because the current challenges are very complicated, varied and transnational,” he said. In the beginning, the founding fathers of NAM represented newly-independent countries, which had suffered under colonial powers and had been burdened by underdevelopment and

death of resources. Minister Marty said the Movement had to become part of the solutions to global challenges in the next 50 years. The Minister also quoted the opening speech of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who stated that the Movement could become a net contributor to a culture of global peace and security. The President, who officially opened the 16th NAM Ministerial Meeting, said NAM must encourage the major powers to maintain stable and cooperative relations. “We must help to ensure that the seismic power-shifts do not lead to new strategic tension. Where possible, we should encourage a constructive process of cooperative security, so that enemies become friends, and friends become partners. “In the tradition of the Non-Aligned, we also need to ensure, that better relations among the big powers do not take place at the expense of smaller

states. This is why a win-win approach is totally necessary,” the Head of State said. The NAM meeting is taking place in Nusa Dua from May 23 to 27, 2011, and is being participated in by around 600 people, including representatives of the 118 NAM member countries.

Equator - May 2011 5

Highlights

ASEAN leaders agree on three joint statements Jakarta - ASEAN Leaders have agreed on Indonesia`s proposals related to three joint statements of the 18th ASEAN Summit held on May 7-8, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday (May 8). The three Joint Statements deals with ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations, Establishment of an ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and Enhancing Cooperation Against Trafficking in Persons in South East Asia, the Ministry said in a statement. In addition, the ASEAN Leaders at the

The three joint statements deal with ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations, Establishment of an ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and Enhancing Cooperation Against Trafficking in Persons in South East Asia Plenary Session of the Summit also discussed the implementation status of a Blue Print for three ASEAN Communities

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and developments in the implementation of ASEAN Charter, the statement said. It said the ASEAN Leaders also discussed a number of other strategic issues including promotion and protection of migrant workers, handling of sea pirates, fight against terrorism, and enhancing cooperation under the framework of ASEAN Defence Ministers, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and East Asia Summit (EAS). In the economic sector, the statement said the ASEAN Leaders discussed a number of issues, including enhancing cooperation to increase ASEAN food security by among others implementing ASEAN+3 food reserves, carrying out integrated food production cooperation, and conducting food research and development. In the socio-cultural field, the ASEAN Leaders agreed to speed up the function of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) based in Jakarta, it said. For the first time ever, the ASEAN leaders discussed intensively the implementation status of the Master Plan on

ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) agreed at the 17th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi in 2010 and asked the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) to accelerate the realization of MPAC including the formation of ASEAN infrastructure fund, it said. The 18th ASEAN Summit was participated by Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah Mu`izzaddin Waddaulah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato` Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein, Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, Senior Minister of Singapore S. Jayakumar representing Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the host and the ASEAN Chair 2011. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong could not show up because of general elections in the island state.

Highlights

President: ASEAN has made meaningful progress Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that ASEAN has made meaningful progress in realizing the three priorities outlined by Indonesia as the Association`s Chair. “As the Chair of ASEAN, Indonesia identifies three main priorities for which we have to make extra efforts,” the Head of State said in his speech at the opening of the 18th ASEAN Summit at the Jakarta Convention Hall on Saturday (May 7). The three priorities are : to ensure the attainment of concrete progress in realiz-

ASEAN must enhance a multidimensional cooperation both internally among ASEAN members and the cooperation with dialog partners as well as with countries from other regions ing the ASEAN Community; to ensure the maintenance of order and condition in the region favorable for the achievement of development objectives,through the East Asia Summit, while maintaining the centrality of ASEAN; and to ensure successful

discussion on the urgent need for a “post 2015 ASEAN” vision, namely the role of the ASEAN Community in the global community of nations.” “This means that, good willing, by the time we form an ASEAN Community in 2015, we are well equipped to elevate ASEAN`s role to meet the global challenges ahead of us,” he said. The President stated that all ASEAN member countries` endeavors should be people-centered and all societies in ASEAN must be engaged in order to develop a sense of ownership and get their participation. “Our people will be central and they will benefit the most from our initiative,” he added. ASEAN must enhance a multidimensional cooperation both internally among ASEAN members, and the cooperation with dialog partners as well as with countries from other regions. He also expressed hope that ASEAN Summit could agree on steps towards the East Asia Summit which will be organized next October or November this year in

Bali. “We share the hope that East Asia Summit will make further contributions to the promotion of a stable and peaceful region that brings prosperity to all of us,” the President stated before the ASEAN Leaders attending the Summit being held in Jakarta, on May 7-8, 2011.

RI elected to UN Human Rights Council for third time New York - Indonesia has been elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2011-2014, Indonesian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Hassan Kleib said on Saturday (May 21). The election which made Indonesia a member of the Council for the third time was held last Friday (May 20) in New York with representatives of 188 out of the UN`s 192 member countries attending. The meeting was asked to elect 15 members of the UN Rights Council and, among a number of candidates, Indonesia won the highest number of votes, namely 184. The 14 other countries elected to the Council were Italy, Austria, Chile, Romania, Georgia, Costa Rika, Peru, Nicaragua, Congo, Botswana, Benin, Burkina Faso, India and Kuwait. Hassan said, Indonesia getting the

highest number of support from UN members was an indication of the international world`s trust in the development of human rights protection in the country. “It is also considered a recognition of Indonesia`s active role in initiatives related to the promotion of human rights protection in the Southeast Asia region such as the ratification of ASEAN Charter and the formation of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights,” said the Ambassador. Indonesia had been member of UN Rights Council two times before, namely in the periods 2006-2007 and 2007-2010. The latest success also add the list of Indonesia`s active role in the UN`s 65th General Assembly Meeting from the period of September 2010September 2011. Indonesia has been appointed as Vice President of the UN`s 65th General Assembly Meeting, Chair-

man of Commission on Population and Development, Member of Governing Council UNEP and Governing Council UN Human Settlements Program (UNHABITAT). Indonesia is also listed as Member of Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Member of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Executive Board Member of UN Women, Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA and Executive Board Member of UNICEF. Indonesia is also member of Peace Building Commission (PBC), Member of Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Member of Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Member of the Council of Administration of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and Member of the Postal Operations Council of the UPU. Equator - May 2011 7

Highlights

RI exploring possibility of expanding European market through Serbia Jakarta - Indonesia is exploring the possibility of expanding its export markets in European countries through Serbia, a country located on the crossroads between Central and Southeast Europe. Serbia has great potential to become an entry gate to reach more markets in Europe because of its strategic location and primary land and water distribution lines, Deputy Trade Minister Mahendra Siregar said on May 20, 2011. “During an official tour with domestic cocoa and palm oil businessmen, we held talks with the parties concerned there on the possibility of direct marketing and making the country the place for transfer of shipments for distribution in other regions in Europe,” he said. He said Serbia was a potential market for Indonesian palm oil and cocoa. After the government had improved the image of Indonesian palm oil, he said, Serbia could become a new access for expanding Indonesia`s palm oil market to the European region.

“This makes us more confident to expand markets and make breakthroughs because we no longer depend on marketing access used so far,” he said. He said, so far Rotterdam (in the Netherlands) and Hamburg (in Germany) have been the access to Europe through East Europe. “Now we have seen a lot of new direct access which could be reached such as through regions in the Balkan and East and Southeast Europe,” he said. Countries in the European region are Indonesia`s potential trade partners as seen from the value of trade between Indonesia and 27 members of the European Union that tends to increase from year to year. According to the data at the Ministry of Trade, the total value of Indonesian trade with 27 European Union member countries in 2010 reached US$26.99 billion rising by 21.3 percent from the year before. Indonesia`s exports in 2010 were recorded at US$17.14 billion and imports at US$9.86 billion. Indonesia has always recorded a surplus in its trade with the Euro-

pean Union from 2006 to 2010. In 2010, the surplus reached US$7.26 billion, up 48 percent from the year before. Meanwhile in January 2011 the surplus reached US$953.8 million. Indonesia mainly exports palm oil and its derivative products, copper, rubber, coal, footwear, plastic, furniture and copra while it imports mainly electronic equipment, aircraft, motor vehicles, machinery and medicines.

JP Morgan praises RI’s economic policies Jakarta - International financial company JP Morgan praised Indonesia`s economic policies that had made the country one of the world`s most attractive investment destinations.

“The Indonesian government has worked well and we believe Indonesia has become an attractive place for investment and it will continue to develop,” JP Morgan Chase`s Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said to newsmen after meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono “The Indonesian government has worked well and we believe Indonesia has become an attractive place for investment and it will continue to develop,” JP Morgan Chase`s Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said to newsmen after meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday (May 3). He said he had discussed a number of economic issues with President Yudhoyono in the meeting including invest8 Equator - May 2011

ment, energy and development. “We have also been briefed about the Indonesian economic development acceleration program (MP3EI) and hope we can help and be involved in it,” he said at a press conference with Head of the Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Gita Wirjawan. Gita Wirjawan meanwhile said President Yudhoyono in the 30-minute meeting with Dimon had explained about the government`s plan in implementing the program. He said President Yudhoyono had expressed wish for banks like JP Morgan to help with funds as the program would require a lot of funds. Besides discussing MP3EI they had also talked about Indonesia`s position which has become better and more attractive as an investment destination country as well as the settlement of global bonds with JP Morgan worth UD$2.5 billion. “Several days ago, they just helped the Indonesian government through the Finance Minister to settle the global bonds

worth US$2.5 billion with yields at the lowest so far. This gives a good prospect as the pricing of global bonds has already reflected Indonesia`s eligibility as an investment grade country,” Gita said. He said “we hoped persons like Jamie Dimon could tell his colleagues in the international financial institutions that Indonesia has a right to be given an investment grade status.” Regarding the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) meeting, Gita said Indonesia would be the host for the meeting with minimally 250 businessmen from the United States from various sectors. “This is the initiative of the US government for Indonesia. The business leaders that would come are from companies operating in infrastructure, renewable energy. We hope there would also be technology companies so that we could conduct joint investment and production,” he said. The 7th OPIC has a theme of “Access to Opportunity in Southeast Asia” was held from 3 - 5 May 2011.

Highlights

RI aims to be ASEAN production center Jakarta - Indonesia has proposed to ASEAN for it to become the centre of rattan production in the bloc, after the member countries agreed that rattan should be the icon of Southeast Asia’s furniture industry. The ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) plans to make rattan an icon among ASEAN countries with Indonesia as the production centre, having the biggest rattan production, an executive says. Aryan Wargadalam, the Forest Industry and Plantation Director at the Ministry of Industry said rattan was chosen as the icon as ASEAN countries were the major rattan producers. “Each ASEAN country will have its own design but production will take place in Indonesia as we have the largest rattan production,” he said on May 5, 2011. “Each member country will market their products.” The Indonesian Furniture Industries and Handicraft Association Chairman, Ambar Tjahyono, said there could also be a joint marketing effort to enter markets outside ASEAN. “We can have a joint marketing drive under AFIC too, for example, China.” AFIC members held a meeting to face the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). Indonesia, with a sustainable rattan production of about 140,000 tons per year from

a potential of around 620,000 tons, contributes between 75 percent to 80 percent of the world’s rattan production. Aryan expected the plans to help increase the export of Indonesian rattan products, which declined from US$300 million in 2009 and $167 million in 2009 to $133 million in 2010. “I hope exports this year grow by at least 15 percent,” he said at the sidelines of the AFIC meeting. Ambar said rattan export declined following the appearance of synthetic rattan. “That is why we ask all ASEAN member countries to start producing original rattan and sell the products among us,” he said. Jerry Tan, executive committee member of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC), shared Ambar’s view, saying AFIC members must cooperate to strengthen their rattan industry after suffering declining exports in recent years. He said that in the past, the rattan-based furniture industry slowed down after Indonesia banned exports of certain types of rattan several years ago, resulting in a shifting demand for rattan products. “Demand for natural-rattan products dropped and rattan importing countries developed synthetic rattan products,” he said. He added that to gain the market, AFIC

members needed to enhance their cooperation by making best use of their comparative advantages. “For example, Indonesia is strong in raw materials, while the Philippines is strong in design,” he said. Responding to the idea, vice president for market development of the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines, Emmanuel P. Padiernos, said several Filipino companies were keen to form joint ventures with Indonesian firms to set up factories here. The Philippines furniture companies, he said, had benefited from the wider market access enabled by the ACFTA.

RI hopes trade with EU to increase 20 percent Jakarta - Indonesia hopes its trade with the European Union will increase by up to 20 percent this year, due to increasing economic cooperation with the region. “Although no negotiations have been held, the two parties` interest in each other has been very strong and there has been an increase in relations between government and business players. So I could set a growth target at 20 percent,” Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said on the sidelines of a meeting with EU Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht on Wednesday (May 4). She said she was optimistic the target would be met as in January this year Indonesia`s trade with the EU had already increased very high by 42.2 percent from the same period last year to US$2.64 billion.

Karel de Gucht also expressed conviction the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement which is now being designed would increase trade relations between the two sides. “There are still a lot of opportunities which have not yet been exploited. I am convinced trade may still increase twice bigger,” he said. He said the European Union plans to provide support worth around 30 million euros to promote Indonesia`s export infrastructure quality. The EU is one of Indonesia`s important trade partners and so is Indonesia for the EU. According to the Trade Ministry`s data, total trade between Indonesia and the EU in 2010 reached US$26.99 billion rising by 21.3 percent from the

year before. Indonesia`s exports to the region in 2010 were valued at US$17.14 billion while its imports at US$9.86 billion. Indonesia has always enjoyed a surplus in its trade with the EU from 2006 to 2010. In 2010 its surplus in its trade with the EU was recorded at US$7.26 billion which was up by 48 percent from the previous year. In January 2011 the surplus reached US$953.8 million. Indonesia`s main exports to the EU are palm oil and its derivatives, copper, rubber, coal, footwear, plastic, furniture and copra. The country`s main imports from the region meanwhile are electronic equipment, aircraft, motor vehicles, machinery and medicines. Equator - May 2011 9

Highlights

RI among emerging economies redefining global economic structures Jakarta - Indonesia and five other major emerging economies - Brazil, China, India, South Korea, and Russia - are redefining global economic structures, according to a new World Bank report. “By 2025, six major emerging economies will account for more than half of all global growth, and the international monetary system will likely no longer be dominated by a single currency,” the Washington-based World Bank said in a press release Wednesday (May 18), quoting its latest report on “Global Development Horizons 2011 - Multipolarity: The New Global Economy”. As economic power shifts, these successful economies will help drive growth in lower income countries through cross-border commercial and financial transactions. The report projects that as a group, emerging economies will grow on average by 4.7 percent a year between 2011 and 2025. Advanced economies, meanwhile, are forecast to grow by 2.3 percent over the same period, yet will remain prominent in the global economy, with the euro area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States all playing a core role in fuelling global growth.

“The fast rise of emerging economies has driven a shift whereby the centres of economic growth are distributed across developed and developing economies - it`s a truly multipolar world,” said Justin Yifu Lin, the World Bank`s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics. “Emerging market multinationals are becoming a force in reshaping

The report projects that as a group, emerging economies will grow on average by 4.7 percent a year between 2011 and 2025 global industry, with rapidly expanding South-South investment and FDI inflows. International financial institutions need to adapt fast to keep up,” he said. To sustain growth and cope with more complex risks, economies that are home to emerging growth poles need to reform their domestic institutions, including in the economic, financial, and social sectors. China, Indonesia, India, and Russia all face institutional and governance challenges. Human capital and ensuring access

to education is a concern in some potential growth poles, particularly Brazil, India, and Indonesia. According to the report, emerging economies that used to rely on technological adaptation and external demand to grow will have to make structural changes to sustain their growth momentum through productivity gains and robust domestic demand. Global Development Horizons maps out the challenges that a multipolar world economy poses for developing countries over the next twenty years. The authors use empirically-based indices to identify high-growth countries with strong human capital and technological innovation, and that also drive economic activity in other countries. Growth spillovers are likely via cross-border trade, finance, and migration, which will induce technological transfer, and increase demand for exports. The report highlights the diversity of potential emerging economy growth poles, some of which have relied heavily on exports, such as China and Korea, and others that put more weight on domestic consumption, such as Brazil and Mexico.

RI’s CPO output expected to reach 40 million tons Jakarta - Indonesia`s crude palm oil (CPO) output is projected to reach 40 million tons in the next 10 years, former Agriculture Minister Bungaran Saragih said. The target could be achieved if the government focused on increasing the productivity of palm oil plantations, he said at an international conference & exhibition on palm oil (ICE-PO) at the Jakarta Convention Center on Wednesday (May 11) . “Today the area of land is limited so it is impossible to expand palm oil plantations. What we can do to raise production is increasing the productivity of palm oil plantations,” he said. The productivity of palm oil plantation currently reached 3 tons per hectare and the national CPO output stood at 2210 Equator - May 2011

23 million tons per year, he said. To reach CPO production of 40 million tons a year, the productivity of palm oil plantation must be raised to 6 tons from 3 tons per hectare, he said. He put the blame on poor cultivation for the low productivity of the country`s palm oil plantations. Meanwhile, Chief of the Indonesian Plantation Businessmen Association (GPPI), Soedjai Kartasasmita predicted that the palm oil industry would have bright prospects in the future. In the next five years, the global population would increase, leading to a rise in food demand particularly vegetable oil, he said. “The increase in the use of bio-fuels will increase CPO demand,” he said.

Highlights

President: RI to be one of world’s 10 largest economies Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has expressed optimism that Indonesia will eventually become one of the world`s ten largest economies. “Indonesia is now the world`s 17th largest economy. But our aim is to be in the top 10. And why wouldn`t we have such optimism, when even the IMF is predicting that Indonesia`s economy will be larger than Australia`s within less than a decade,” the Head of State said in his opening speech at the ASEANEuropean Union (EU) Summit Thursday. (May 5) Indonesia`s economy grew by 4.5 percent in 2008, and then 6.1 percent in 2010, while the rest of the world continues to grapple with the repercussions

of the global financial crisis, he said. “This year, we expect to grow by around 6.3 percent. And there are even predictions that growth could reach more than 7 percent by 2014,” he added. The country`s export is expected to reach close to US$200 billion by this year, or double from $100 billion in 2006, and its reserves stand at over US$ 100 billion, the highest in the nation`s history, according to Yudhoyono, who was speaking before around 400 European and Southeast Asian businessmen. Indonesia`s inflation rate came down in 2011. The inflation for the first four months dropped to 0.39 percent or 6.16 percent year on year, and the nation was keeping a prudent fiscal

policy, with deficit below 2 percent, he explained. He elaborated further that the country`s debt to GDP ratio has shrunk dramatically, from 77 percent in 2001 to 26 percent in 2010. “These statistical achievements have manifested in our credit rating evermore improving. Agencies such as Moody`s and Fitch`s have improved Indonesia`s Sovereign Rating to only 1-2 level below Investment Grade, and Indonesia`s outlook to stable and positive,” he said. In 2010, Indonesia`s investment rebounded to an all-time high of Rp208,5 trillion - or about US$ 22.95 billion.

Indonesia to lead thermal coal export growth through 2020 Nusa Dua, Bali - Indonesia will lead global growth in thermal coal exports in the next decade with producers Bumi Resources and Adaro Energy becoming two of the top three coal exporting companies worldwide by 2015, Energy Consultancy Wood Mackenzie said on Tuesday (May 31). The Southeast Asian country, already the world’s top thermal coal exporter, will make up 39 percent of global increases in coal exports, with Australia coming in a close second, accounting for 36 percent of export growth. “Indonesia will be the largest country for growth in thermal coal exports [Bumi Resources and Adaro Energy] each own mines at the top of the 10 largest mine expansions for thermal exports in the world,” Rudi Vann, a coal analyst with Wood Mackenzie told Reuters, adding that six of the 10 largest mine expansions globally will be in Indonesia. By 2020, Indonesia’s annual production will be above 500 million tons, a more than 50 percent increase from last year’s production of 320 million tons. About a quarter of that, some 130 million tonnes, will be from new greenfield projects, and about 60 percent of which will be exported.

Indonesia’s coal export growth will be fueled in large part by China and India, where power demand is expected to lift coal imports significantly over the next five years. Chinese coal imports could more than double by 2015, trading house Noble Group said, and Wood Mackenzie estimates that China, the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, will produce an additional 1 billion tons through 2015 to meet that demand. “If you put that into context with all the other coal producing countries around the world, there is far greater growth happening in China than you’re seeing anywhere else in the world,” Vann said. But with skyrocketing demand for fuel, Chinese domestic production will lag demand. “We think it’s going to become a structural shift where the local coal industry will not be able to keep up physically with them in China. For them to physically increase their production, there’s a lot of infrastructure that needs to be built, a lot of coal projects that need to come online,” Vann said. Still, India, which will overtake Japan as the biggest buyer of Indonesian coal in 2011, will stay ahead of China in the com-

petition for supply from Indonesia, where it gets most of its exports. More than 50 percent surge in Indonesia’s coal production will require significant investment, particularly as newer mines move farther inland, requiring additional infrastructure for export. “With opportunities for thermal seaborne exports, Indonesia needs to continue to attract new investors to sustain production increase ahead of its largest competitor — Australia,” Vann said. Despite complaints from some in the industry that Indonesia’s recent overhaul of mining laws has stymied growth, Wood Mackenzie said Indonesia is relatively well placed to attract investment. “Royalties have actually reduced as Indonesia tries to attract more investment into the country and the tax rate has also reduced for producers of coal from previous years to the current system,” Vann said. “Despite this uncertainty with the new regulations in place, Indonesia’s continually increased its production and exports over the last few years... they always seem to find a way to work around these challenges.”

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Highlights

First Lady opens ACWO meeting Jakarta - First Lady Ani Yudhoyono opened the ASEAN Confederation of Women`s Organization (ACWO) General Assembly at the State Palace on Friday (May 6). The meeting also marked the inauguration of the “3rd ACWO Board Meeting & Kowani Fair 2001” organized by the Indonesian Women`s Congress (Kowani). ACWO is a framework used to bring together women`s organizations in the ASEAN region to work towards the full integration of women in development. ACWO President who is concurrently general chairperson of Kowani, Dewi Motik Pramono, said the meeting was a venue where the women of ASEAN countries would exchange views at regional level. “Indonesian women will play their greater role in both national and regional development process,” Dewi said. ACWO was formally established at a meeting in Jakarta on November 20, 1981 in conjunction with the reactivation of the ASEAN Women`s Program (AWP), the ASEAN Governments` grouping charged with the responsibility of women in development programs. It comprises the National Council of Women`s Organizations in each ASEAN member country.

It is the regional forum for ASEAN women to exchange views on problems, and experiences, to assist in the implementation of strategies and programs adopted by the ASEAN governments, for the enhancement of women`s participation in both national and regional progress. The First ACWO General Assembly was held in Jakarta on February 21, 1984, jointly with the 3rd Meeting of the ASEAN Women`s Programme.

From its inception, ACWO has had close ties and working relations with AWP (now the ASW - ASEAN Subcommittee on Women), the ASEAN Government`s Committee on Social Development. It holds affiliated status as a NonGovernmental Organization recognized by the ASEAN Standing Committee and is accredited to the United Nations Information Center (UNIC).

South Sulawesi to host “Tour de Toraja” in 2012 Makassar, South Sulawesi - South Sulawesi is to host an international cycling event dubbed “Tour De Toraja” in 2012 as part of the Regional Administration`s efforts to promote the province`s tourism, a local cycling sports official said. To be organized in parallel with a “Visit South Sulawesi 2012” program, one of the main goals of the event was to make Toraja region`s tourist attractions better known to the international community, Baharuddin Makkasau, Chairman of the South Sulawesi chapter of the Indonesian Cycling Association (ISSI), said on Thursay (May 12). At least 25 cyclist teams from 20 countries, including Indonesia as the host, were to compete in the Tour de Toraja which would take place in sev12 Equator - May 2011

eral stages on routes passing through a number of towns in the region. “ISSI has entrusted the hosting of the international cycling event to the South Sulawesi administration but we are also preparing ourselves to help make the event a success,” Baharuddin said. Baharudin said smooth road surfaces were an important requirement for the racing event and therefore the regional government must ensure that this requirement was met, especially on the race`s routes in the Topraja region. Whatever road repairs needed to be done in view of the international cycling event must be completed as soon as possible as the Tour de Toraja would be held in early 2012, he said.

Highlights

ASEAN to enhance arts, cultural exchange Jakarta - ASEAN member countries in their 18th summit in Jakarta on May 7 and 8, 2011, have come up with an idea to further enhance arts and cultural exchange program, a Minister said. “The arts and cultural exchange program is a very good idea in strengthening relations among the ASEAN countries,” Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik said on Sunday (May 8). In addition, inter-state relations in the field of arts and culture will also become more flexible,” he said. Jero Wacik also wished there would be an increase in the number of tourists from ASEAN countries.

“And in the future ASEAN member countries need to encourage their citizens to increase their visits to the ASEAN region,” the Minister cited. According to him, the Culture and Tourism Ministry will also encourage Indonesians to make the other ASEAN countries their tourist destinations. The 18th ASEAN summit was attended by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu`izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Laotian Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato `Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Myanmarese Prime

Minister Thein Sein, Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, Senior Minister of Singapore S. Jayakumar represented by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. The ASEAN Summit was opened by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on 7th May 2011 morning. ASEAN groups consist of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Sail Indonesia 2011 to be held in Wakatobi, Belitong Jakarta - The government will organize the international marine event “Sail Indonesia 2011” in two locations, namely Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi) and Belitong (Bangka Belitung), Sumatra, a Minister said. “Sail Indonesia will be held in two locations, namely Wakatobi, and Belitong,” Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, said on Tuesday (May 10) after chairing a coordinating meeting on Sail Wakatobi-Belitung. The meeting was also attended by Youth and Sports, Minister Andi Mallarangeng, Social Affairs Minister, Salim Segaf Al Jufrie, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister, Fadel Muhammad, Southeast Sulawesi Governor, Nur Alam, Bangka Belitung Governor, Eko Maulana Ali, and representatives of the Navy. The Sail Indonesia 2011 is continuation of Sail Indonesia 2009 in Bunaken, North Sulawesi, and Sail Indonesia 2010 in Banda, Maluku. “The objective of the event is to promote the economy and tourism in the host regions,” Minister Agung Laksono said. The Sail Indonesia 2011 will also feature invitees such as the Surya Bhaskara Jaya operation, civic missions, seminars and youth events. “We will also invite other ASEAN member countries to participate in the event,” he said.

The event in Wakatobi will be organized in August and in Belitong in October.

“The peak event will be attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono or Vice President Boediono,” he said.

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Highlights

Provincial govt seeking world heritage status for Muaro Jambi site Jambi - The Jambi Provincial Administration is striving to have the ancient Muaro Jambi temple site at Muaro Jambi village in Maro Sebo sub district, Muaro Jambi district, recognized as a world heritage, Governor Hasan Basri Agus said Monday (May 1). He said, according to the findings of research conducted by a stakeholder, the site was a Buddhist education center that flourished during the 7th and 8th centuries. “The results of archaeological research also showed there was a similarity between

According to the findings of research conducted by a stakeholder, the site was a Buddhist education center that flourished during the 7th and 8th centuries the bricks used to build the Muaro Jambi shrine and those making up Buddhist temples in India,” the Governor said. The Jambi provincial government had done its best to preserve the remnants of the Muaro Jambi shrine so that it could always be shown to participants of national and international events held in the province who were expected to testify about its conditions as being worthy of world heritage status. The Society of Muaro Jambi Temple (SOMT) also continued to fight for Muaro Jambi temple site in Muaro Jambi district to be recognized by the world community as a world heritage. “The SOMT continues to fight for the Muaro Jambi temple in order to be known in foreign countries through various activities and publications as well as seeking the Organization of Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)`s recognition,” a management member of SOMT, M Romy said. The SOMT already engaged in the introduction of the temple site since a year ago through a program that has been prepared and planned. The SOMT has also been working with the district and provincial administration through the Culture and Tourism office to jointly fight for Muaro Jambi temple in order to make it well-known and recognized as one of the world heritages. The various activities have been con14 Equator - May 2011

ducted of which is to establish a cooperation with the Government of India, especially Nelanda, an area that has a similarity with Muaro Jambi temple, as there is an inscription on the teachings of Buddhism that also found in the Muaro Jambi temple site. The cooperation is already underway, the both parties have visited each other to their respective countries. In the area of the Muaro Jambi enshrinement site, there are some temples namely Astano, Tinggi, Gumpung, Kembar Batu, Gedong, Kedaton and Koto Mahligai. Seen from their architecture, the buildings were a Buddhist cultural heritage in the fourth and fifth centuries AD. In the Muaro Jambi enshrinement complex, there also Kembar Batu temple which is located about 250 meters southeast of the Tinggi temple which is restricted by a fence around a rectangular with a size that is not the same at each sides. At this location, there was also found a Chinese Gong by the archaeologists. Until the beginning of 21st century, there has been identified approximately 110 buildings, consist of 39 groups of temple at the Muaro Jambi enshrinement site. The temple building is a legacy of the Malay kingdom until the kingdom of Srivijaya eras, with a Buddhist Malay cultural background and it is expected that the temples was constructed since the fourth century AD. Among the group of the temples is Gumpung temple. Meanwhile, the Director General of History and Archaeology, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Arurora Tambunan also promised aid for the development of the Muaro Jambi temple site. “We will seek funding to develop the

Muaro Jambi temple site because it is a potential to be developed as a cultural heritage of Jambi,” she said. According to Aurora, the Muaro Jambi temple site is a priceless treasure. The Muaro Jambi enshrinement site length reaches to 7.5 km and consists of many temples. The Culture and Tourism office of Jambi province will create a tour package through Batanghari river toward Muaro Jambi temple site, which is equipped with cultural and culinary tours of Muaro Jambi district, Head of Jambi provincial Culture and Tourism office, DR Didy Wurjanto, MSc explained. The location of the site extends along 7.5 kilometers along with the Batanghari river banks flow and at the some points of the river edge there are ancient canals or artificial river that connect with the Batanghari river site area. Through the ancient canal that encircled the site, in the past a row of buildings of the temple location could be reached. The Muaro Jambi enshrinement site area which has the area of 2,062 hectares has at least 82 ruins of ancient buildings made of brick structures. A total of seven pieces of the temple buildings have been extensively conserved, while the rest are still in ruins, covered with the primary and secondary forest vegetation, and the local people`s farm lands. The seven buildings of the temple are Gumpung, Tinggi I, Tinggi II, Batu Kembar, Astano, Gedong I and Gedong II as well as Kedaton. Besides, some parts of the ancient canals and ponds vegetation that were originally covered by water plants had been cleaned, such as Jambi river ancient canal and Telago Rajo ancient pond.

Highlights

President to visit factories on “May Day” Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has visited two factories in Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and and Bekasi) on Sunday when workers are celebrating Labor Day or May Day. He visited PT Industri Keramik Kemenangan Jaya at Gunng Putri sub district, Bogor, and PT Tirta Investama at Ciluengsi sub district, West Java Province. Over the past few years, the head of state has always visited factories during the commemoration of Labor Day which falls on May 1. Thousands of workers are expected to stage a rally and march from Hotel of Indonesia Circle to the Presidential Palace near the National Monument (Monas). Jakarta police are to stand by to deal with any possible terrorist activity during the commemoration of Labor Day on May 1. “We have prepared a maximum security to anticipate possible terrorist actions during the commemoration of Labor Day,” Jakarta Metropolitan Police chief Inspector General Sutarman said on Saturday (April 30).

He however believed that no terrorist would conduct actions that would sacrifice people of the low- and middle-income brackets. Sutarman said the police also anticipated possible intrusion by irresponsible persons in the rally raising issues such as on social security and outsourcing. He said the police would declare a full security alert on the Labor Day and on the occasion of the ASEAN Summit. He said he would deploy 14,000 police in stages according to developments on the ground.

Among the vital objects to be given special attention are the Presidential Palace, the parliament building, the Hotel Indonesia roundabout and the ministry of manpower. He said the police would also ask for help from the military, city administration police and community groups to assure security. He said the Jakarta police would coordinate with the West Java and Banten police commands for escort at provincial border areas.

Ministry to organize Sabang international regatta to attract tourists Jakarta - The Culture and Tourism Ministry will launch a marine sports event called Sabang International Regatta 2011 to attract domestic and foreign tourists. The event would be organized jointly by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the Aceh Provincial Administration, the Sabang City Administration, and the Indonesian Sailing Association , the Ministry said in a press statement on Friday (May 13). Sabang International Regatta will be organized on September 13 to 25, 2011. “Sabang International Regatta is a new program of the culture and tourism ministry to promote marine tourism in the western part of Indonesia. This event will invite participants from various countries,” Sondi Sampurno of the organizing committee, said after attending a coordinating meeting on the Sabang International Regatta here recently. Countries expected to take part in the event will include Australia, the United States, England, Germany, Malaysia, Singa-

pore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Participants will sail by yachts and motor yacht rally from Phuket (Thailand) to Langkawi (Malaysia). The event is aimed at placing Aceh in the world`s tourism map through international-scale sailing sport and to recover Sabang`s image as a safe and comfortable tourist destination. “Sabang city which is located on Weh Island, is a city of natural seaport in the western part. It has rich marine potential, attractive marine tourism and rich and extraordinary beautiful undersea wildlife,” he said. Sabang International Regatta is also aimed at attracting investors to do businesses in Aceh and Sabang in particular. “We will make the Sabang International Regatta as a permanent international event,” he said. The “Visit Indonesia Fremantle-Bali International Yacht Race 2011” was recently held in Bali.

“The race was participated in by 23 yachts which started from Fremantle harbor in Australia on April 23, and reached the finish line at Benoa harbor in Bali on Mei 7, 2011,” the Tourism and Culture Ministry`s marketing Director General, Sapta Nirwandar, said at Hotel Sanur Beach, Bali, (May 10).

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Focus

Thailand, Cambodia one step closer to peaceful settlement by Amie Fenia Arimbi Jakarta - Efforts to bring about a peaceful settlement of the Thai-Cambodian border conflict seem to be making headway with both sides reported to have agreed to Indonesia`s proposal to deploy observers in the disputed area near the Preah Viehar temple. Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa confirmed the good news after holding separate meetings with Cambodia`s Foreign Affairs Minister Hior Namhong and his Thai counterpart Kasit Piromya on the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center. “I am pleased to inform you that both Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to the Terms of Reference (TOR) proposed by Indonesia including the possibility of sending an independent observers team to the disputed area. Cambodia has sent a diplomatic note to us confirming their agreement to the TOR while Thailand through its foreign minister had also confirmed the same agreement,” said the minister. However, Marty noted that the main focus now was to create a conducive situation in the border area. He emphasized the need to soon realize the deployment of Indonesian observers in the border on the consideration that it will symbolically induce a sense of trust between Cambodia and Thailand while also preventing more conflict between the two parties. As to Cambodia`s refusal to withdraw its military troops as what Thailand had asked before agreeing the TOR, Marty said the issue could be discussed later in the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee (GBC) forum which he hoped will be realized soon. “What matters now is for Thailand and

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Cambodia to create a conducive situation in their border area,” he said. Cambodia and Thailand had a border conflict just a week after Cambodia`s Preah Vihear temple was enlisted as a World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008. The conflict erupted after Thailand laid claim to 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of shrubs next to the temple. The exchange of artillery fire that ensued killed and wounded many soldiers and civilians on both sides, and caused tens of thousands of the two countries` villagers nearby the disputed area to flee to safe shelters. Since the past years Indonesia and other members of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have tried to support both Thailand and Cambodia to solve their

As Chairman of ASEAN in 2011, Indonesia represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa conducted several bilateral meetings with his Cambodian and Thai counterparts separately. Both Cambodia and Thailand welcomed Minister Marty to help in their search for an amicable and peaceful solution to their differences, as ASEAN continued to strengthen its dispute settlement mechanism, in line with the ASEAN Charter, Secretary General of ASEAN Dr Surin Pitsuwan stated border problem through peaceful negotiations. As Chairman of ASEAN in 2011, Indonesia represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa conducted several bilateral meetings with his Cambodian and Thai

counterparts separately. Both Cambodia and Thailand welcomed Minister Marty to help in their search for an amicable and peaceful solution to their differences, as ASEAN continued to strengthen its dispute settlement mechanism, in line with the ASEAN Charter, Secretary General of ASEAN Dr. Surin Pitsuwan stated. However, despite the commitments made by the conflicting nations, a couple of armed clashes had occurred again in their border. There had also been a report saying that Thailand did not wish Indonesia`s facilitating role in its conflict with Cambodia, but the report was later denied by Thai officials. Marty also denied the report saying that Thailand was open for ASEAN involvement. “ASEAN is a big family to which Thailand also belongs, so it is no longer considered as a third party in this process,” Marty told the press. Meanwhile, an Indonesian legislator, Fayakhun Andriadi, called on ASEAN to end its border conflicts. “It will be hard to realize ASEAN unity in 2015 if the members are still in clash over their border lines,” the member of the House of Representatives (DPR)`s Commission I dealing with defense and security said. He took an example of the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia which took casualties from both sides and other potential Malaysia-Indonesia, PhilippinesMalaysia, Indonesia-Singapore and Indonesia-Vietnam conflicts. “Border conflicts are among vital issues which can trigger people`s anger. I hope Indonesia as the 2011 Chairman of ASEAN can play a role in solving border problems among members of ASEAN,” the legislator

Focus

RI appointed host of D-8 Ministerial meeting in 2012 Jakarta - Indonesia has been appointed to host the third ministerial meeting of Developing-8 (D-8) Organization of for economic cooperation in 2012.

Indonesia is the largest fishery product exporters among the D-8 member states “Indonesia has been appointed to host the Third Ministerial Meeting of D-8 in 2012,” Yulistyo Mudho, the head of the marine affairs and fisheries ministry`s statistic data center, said here Wednesday, May 18, 2011. The decision to let Indonesia host next year`s D-9 ministerial meeting was made at the D-8 Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held in Tehran, May 17, 2011. At the SOM, the Indonesian delegation was led by the agriculture ministry`s research and development unit head, Dr Haryono. The Second D-8 Ministerial Meeting

is to be held on May 18, when Indonesian Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad is to lead the Indonesian delegation. “At the meeting this time, all D-8 member countries are committed to increasing the role of the private sector,” Yulistyo said. Minister Fadel earlier said Indonesia would submit project cooperation proposals to boost trade among the D-8 member states. The proposals include harmonization of fishery safety and quality guarantee systems, certification of fish catch results, and promotion of investment in Indonesia`s small islands. Fadel said Indonesia will also encourage the establishment of a Working Group on Marine Affairs and Fisheries (WGMAF). Indonesia is the largest fishery product exporters among the D-8 member states. In 2007, the country exported fishery products worth 43,627 million US dol-

lars to the D-8 members. Pakistan is in the second place with fishery product exports valued at 7,145 million US dollars, and Malaysia at 3,193 million US dollars. In November 2010, Indonesia`s fishery product exports to all D-8 member states increased to over 78 million US dollars. D-8 is a regular forum for development cooperation among the following countries: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. The establishment of D-8 was announced officially through the Istanbul Declaration of Summit of Heads of State/ Government on June 15, 1997. The objectives of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation are to improve member states` position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at international level, and improve standards of living.

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Focus

ASEAN considering transactions in local currencies by Andi Abdussalam Jakarta - The idea to create a single currency for the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) seems difficult to realize soon due in part to the different levels of gross domestic product among the ASEAN members and the absence of a strong institution to deal with threats in the financial sector. Yet, conducting trade transactions using local currencies within the region is another choice that could be implemented to avoid risks that might arise when using a third party currency like the US dollar. Finance Minister Agus Martowadojo said the 10 ASEAN members + 3 (Japan, China, South Korea) will consider the use of local currencies in making trade transactions among member countries. “We also discussed efforts to encourage the use of local currencies in trade transactions, namely the local currency in respective country. This would be effective in the trade transactions within ASEAN members or in the trade between ASEAN states and China, Japan and South Korea. We are still discussing this matter,” the finance minister said. As preparations for the realization of this idea, the central banks of ASEAN countries and those of the three partner states are now studying the possibility of implementing a bilateral swap agreement. “The bilateral swap agreement will be implemented using local currency, for example between Indonesia and Japan, Indonesia and China and Indonesia and South Korea. Ideally, the central banks of these countries should work together and study the possibility of the implementation of a bilateral swap agreement,” the minister said. According to the ASEAN Secretariat`s website, finance ministers from China, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN have several years ago agreed to expand their system of bilateral currency swaps under the Chiang Mai Initiative to a more multilateral system. The ministers, meeting as the “ASEANplus-3” on the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) annual meeting in Istanbul, said this would make the Chiang Mai Initiative a “more effective and disciplined framework.” Under the currency swaps, an Asian country hit by a foreign exchange crisis like the one in 1997 could borrow foreign currency usually US dollars from another country to bolster its reserves until the crisis had passed. 18 Equator - May 2011

According to Pedro Paez Perez, former minister for economic policy coordination of Ecuador, the formation of regional monetary could increase coordination of monetary policies among states and help prevent currency fluctuations. “Cooperation of among states in the region could prevent them from unnecessary debts and could develop their own natural resources to increase the working productivity of their people,” he said. He said that Asian countries need to stabilize their regional currencies and set up multilateral loan agency such as the one done by Latin American countries. “Countries in the South need to do this so that they would no longer depend on the economic system of the Western Countries,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday. In this case, ASEAN needs to stabilize its local currencies for trade transactions, including the utilization of the currency swap facility.

place. Yet, if all have the commitment, it could be realized soon,” the minister said. At least this could be implemented before hand, before a single currency is created. Virtually, ASEAN has a good prospect for a single currency like the euro by the European Union, as the regional association`s trade

The use of local currencies in trade transactions could minimize risks compared with using a third party currency such as the US dollar. Thus, the plan of ASEAN members to use local currencies is a good breakthrough. “I think this is a good breakthrough and this needed to be followed up. If we use the third party currency in conducting trade transactions the value can usually change, thus risks can emerge,” Finance Minister Agus Martowardojo said. However, the minister could not yet assure when the local currencies would be realized because it still needed optimal preparations and popularization. “Maybe it is still a long way to go. It would still be discussed at the deputy prime ministerial level in the first

With ASEAN having a single currency, he said, the strong effect of the US dollar in that part of the world would be sterilized and thus strengthening the monetary position of the ASEAN countries. “Indeed, it would take a very long time. The European Union alone needed 60 years before agreeing to use the euro as a single currency, bit it would be better to discuss the foundation of an ASEAN single currency from now on,” he said. He said Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines may serve as a driving power for the formation of a single currency because they have a dominating trade volume among the ASEAN member countries, he said.

ASEAN has a good prospect for a single currency like the euro by the European Union, as the regional association`s trade has been accumulating hundreds of millions of US dollars each year has been accumulating hundreds of millions of US dollars each year. Diponegoro University economist Nugroho SBM said that ASEAN remains an important geopolitical and economic power in Asia, and even in the world, and therefore a single currency will strengthen it against pressure from the US dollar for instance.

Focus

Maluku to support RI tuna exports to US Jakarta - Having been declared as a national fish barn, Maluku province is now making every effort to support Indonesia`s tuna fish exports to the United states. The government has declared Maluku as national fish barn because the area has a big fishery potential of 1.64 million tons per year for the prosperity of the province and the nation. Maluku has 600,000 sq km of sea with extensive marine resources for the local people`s prosperity, and to support economic growth. No wonder President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the apex of Sail Banda marine event in Ambon in August last year declared the province as the country`s fish barn for the abundant fishes in its waters. Interestingly, Ambon Mayor Jopi Papilaja said in Ambon early this week that a South Korean company, Japtora, would help manage the Eri fish landing port in the city to support tuna export to the United States. Papilaja said he had made a coordination with local marine and fisheries office chief Pieter Saimima after the South Korean company offered a number of facility improvements to support the tuna export activity. According to him, the first stage of tuna export to the United States would be made through Makassar city in South Sulawesi, and Jakarta. “I let the company to propose the design of optimizing the use of Eri fish port to support the export activity,” Papilaja said. He was of the opinion that Japtora would be able to make a strategic breakthrough to the US market with tuna export from Maluku province. “The management of Eri fish landing port will absorb manpower, improve the fisherman`s welfare, and reduce unemployment in Ambon city,” Papilaja said, adding that the local fishermen would be empowered intensively and facilitated with fishing equipment to increase their catch for the export activity. “Marine and Fisheries Ministry`s Director GeneralofAquacultureProcessingand Marketing Victor Nikijuluw inspected the Eri fish port recently and said he was ready to optimize the facility to support the export,” Papilaja said. Earlier, Victor Nikijuluw said in Jakarta some time ago that Indonesia also exported tuna to Japan but it dropped by about 50 percent in the aftermath of the massive earthquake and tsunami which devastated the eastern coast of Japan on March 11, 2011.

“Our (tuna) exports to Japan dropped by around 50 percent,” Victor said, adding that Indonesia usually exported 300 tons of tuna per week to Tokyo, but after the tsunami disaster the export volume was just 150 tons. However, the export of tuna, an important commercial fish, to Nagoya and Osaka run normally because the two regions were not affected by the tsunami. Japan is the biggest tuna consuming nation and is also the leader in tuna farming research.

The country first successfully farm-hatched and raised bluefin tuna in 1979 and in 2002 it succeeded in completing the reproduction

European Union, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has urged the EU to lift a regulation requiring Indonesian tuna to undergo expensive heavy-metal tests before being exported to the region. Saut Hutagalung, the Ministry`s Director of Foreign Trade, said Indonesian tuna has been proven to be free of heavy metal over the past two years. He made the statement when with members of a trade delegation went to Brussels in February last year to negotiate the matter with the EU. There he expressed hope that the European Union would lift that requirement for most of its member countries had agreed to lift the heavy metal test obligation for Indonesian tuna. A safety ruling issued by the EU in 2006 required farmed and ocean fish imported from Indonesia to be tested for antibiotics and heavy metals.

cycle, then in 2007 completed a third generation. Earlier the Ministry`s Secretary General, Gellwyn Jusuf, had said that the Japan earthquake and subsequent tsunami had affected Indonesia`s fishery products exports to Japan, especially tuna and shrimp. The shrimp exports to Japan in the future might reach only one third of the usual shrimp export volume, Gellwyn said in March and added that Indonesia would look for alternative countries of destination such as the United States and China, and the European Union as their demands for shrimp have increased. In an effort to increase tuna export to the

Hutagalung said at the time that if all EU members agreed to lift the testing requirement for ocean fish products, it would help ease the cost burden suffered by Indonesian exporters who had to pay a test fee of $1,000 per shipment as well as other costs associated with the testing process. Eddy Yuwono, chairman of the Indonesia Tuna Association (Astuin), welcomed the ministry`s attempt to renegotiate the testing requirement. According to him, tuna is one of Indonesia`s most lucrative fishery exports contributing US$360 million to the the country`s annual export revenue.

Tuna is one of Indonesia`s most lucrative fishery exports contributing US$360 million to the the country`s annual export revenue

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Focus

SWB 2011 to become biggest international marine event by Otniel Tamindael

Jakarta - Themed “The Ocean for Future Life,” Sail Wakatobi-Belitung 2011 (SWB 2011) is expected to be the biggest international marine event in Indonesia after Sail Banda 2010 and Sail Bunaken 2009. During the SWB 2011, two of Indonesian paradise islands besides Bali, namely Wakatobi and Bangka Belitung will be presented to foreign tourists who have been quite familiar with the island resort of Bali. In a bid to make the upcoming event a great success, Southeast Sulawesi Governor Nur Alam has called on all related government agencies in the province to fully support it. “I call on all related parties to help make the Sail Wakatobi-Belitung 2011 a great success,” Governor Nur Alam told all district heads and mayors at a preparatory meeting for the event at his office in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi on Wednesday. For him, the SWB 2011 will be the greatest international marine event ever held in Indonesia after Sail Bunaken 2009 in North Sulawesi and Sail Banda 2010 in Maluku. Sail Bunaken 2009 was held from August 12 to 20, 2009 in North Sulawesi and participated in by 28 warships, a number of fighter planes, and 165 yachts from at least 30 countries which joined an International Fleet Review. A year later, Sail Banda was organized in Maluku from July 24 to August 17, 2010 when Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfara Agung Laksono flagged off 49 of 106 foreign yachts at Cullen Bay in Darwin, Australia, to mark the start of Sail Banda international yacht rallies. The Sail Wakatobi-Balitung 2011 yacht rally will start from Darwin Australia on July 23, and the participants will pass 21 districts and cities in Indonesia until finish in Singapore. Governor Nur Alam said the event with various marine activities would be a precious opportunity to promote the regional 20 Equator - May 2011

potential including Wakatobi as the center of the world coral reefs triangle with underwater paradise. Therefore the governor called on all district heads and mayors in the province to prepare various facilities and infrastructure for the international marine event. Meanwhile, Southeast Sulawesi Marine and Fisheries Department spokesman Abdul Salam said that various activities such as Surya Baskara Jaya health operation, exhibitions, maritime shipping traffic, and international seminars would be conducted as part of Sail Wakatobi-Belitong 2011. In addition, Abdul Salam said the event would also be enlivened undersea mass wedding activity, undersea photo taking competition, and culture and art competition in each district. He said Sail Wakatobi-Belitung 2011 was a national program and therefore it should run as planned. For the success of the international marine event, the 50-kilometer Wangi-wangi ring road in Wakatobi will soon be asphalted before President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s visit to the district to open the event in August this year. In addition, three docks, namely Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, and Pulau Tomia in the district, have been fixed for the international marine event. Wakatobi Transportation Department head Syarifuddin said in the Southeast Sulawesi provincial city of Kendari recently that the repair of the three piers would cost around Rp70 billion from the state budget through the Transportation Ministry. “The funds have been disbursed and the work to fix the three quays is expected to be completed by the end of July this year,” Syarifuddin said. According to him, the quays would be used by the participants of event and the divers from around the world. Besides, they will also be used by naval ships to conduct a so-called Surya Baskara Jaya health operation. Especially for the Wangi-wangi pier, Syarifuddin said it would be used by the sail participating yachts to moor and a command post. Meanwhile, head of Wakatobi Public Works Agency, Tawakal, said in Kendari that the project of Wangi-wangi ring road was expected to be completed early Au-

gust before the arrival of President Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono to open the Sail Wakatobi-Belitung. To welcome the Sail Wakatobi-Belitung event in which world-class divers will take part, Tawakal said the Wakatobi district government and the local people have started to prepare cultural attractions of Kabuenga, Bangka Mbule-mbule, and Karia to entertain the participants of the international marine event. Besides, the participants of Sail Wakatobi-Belitung 2011 and the divers from around the world are expected to have a great opportunity to go diving in magnificent diving facilities at Wakatobi Marine National Park. As stunning as Wakatobi, Bangka Belitung is also blessed with beaches having blue sea waters, coral reefs, fine white sand, and giant granite rock formations awaiting the SWB 2011 participants. Belitong exotic beaches include Tanjung Kiras beach, Tanjung Pendam beach, Tanjung tinggi, Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Binga fisherman village, Panyaeran beach, Tanjung Kubu, Gembira bay and Tanjung Ru, which are ideal sites for diving, scuba, snorkeling, fishing and sailing. The island also has other tourist attractions such as Golf Babute driving course, Lengkuas island, Gurok Beraye waterfall, Batu Baginde hill, Tirta Marundang natural pool and Dayang Seri Pinai Pool. Meanwhile, the marine affairs and fishery ministry`s director general of marine and fishery resources surveillance Syahrin Aburrahman said the SWB 2011 would be highlighted with six main activities, namely a yacht rally, a Bhakti Surya Bhaskara Jaya civic mission, national and international seminars on marine and fishery resources management, a youth marine event, and marine and fishery product exhibition. Abdurrahman said the Bhakti Surya Baskara Jaya civic mission would be held in Riau Island Province, Bangka Belitung Province, West Kalimantan Province, Gorontalo Province, Southeast Sulawesi Province, and South Sulawesi Province. “After successfully breaking two world diving records during Sail Bunaken 2009 and Sail Banda 2010, Sail Bunaken-Belitung 2011 will be highlighted with underwater chess games trying to break another world record,” he said.

Focus

Community gives President Yudhoyono UN Award by Ageng Wibowo Jakarta - Community leaders and their knowledge on reducing risk of natural disasters in Indonesia have given President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the UN Global Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction award.

National, regional and global programs aim not only to disaster preparedness but also build solidarity across the country, according to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono The President emphasized that the award is a recognition people for their determination and hard work in responding challenges of natural disasters. The head of state made the statement on receiving the award announced in Geneva, Switzerland , by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on Tuesday (May 10), ANTARA said from Geneva on Wednesday. The President delivering a speech on a video conference expressed his gratefulness for the award that reflects the nation`s hard work. “I accept the award as a recognition of determination and hard work of the Indonesian people in dealing with natural disasters,” the president said The president said that the government cannot do this alone without the community. “We have formed a local disaster management team ready to act in emergencies,” he said. He said that local leadership is more important during disasters, and their role is needed during disasters for communication and solving logistic problems. President also mentioned that he tried to take advantage of local knowledge, and this is what the people on Simeulue Island, Sumatra, tried to prevent damage by the tsunami in December 2004. “They fled to the hills when they noted the local tsunami signs,” he said. Other regional Disaster Cooperation Regionally, Indonesia has submitted a variety of initiatives of disaster preparedness, such as joint exercises in the region and adopting early warning system. In Southeast Asia, ASEAN is trying

to achieve a common vision of disasterresistant country in 2015, while at global level, through the United Nations, Indonesia fostered more effective disaster management coordination and cooperation. In June 2011, Indonesia will launch the World Economic Forum`s Third Country Disaster Resource Network of Partnership. National, regional and global programs aim not only to disaster preparedness but also build solidarity across the country, according to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. According to the president, Indone-

“We completed our disaster risk map this year to help plan and raise awareness at provincial level,” said the Head of State. He said national safety, prevention and preparedness is also need because it is better to react than mourn.

sia is prone to natural disasters, and the consequences of dealing with them have become a national mindset. “If there is something new in the short, medium and long term in our development strategy it would be disaster risk reduction,” he said. In 2007, Indonesia has issued a regulation on disaster risk reduction at factories, buildings, infrastructure, offices, schools, houses, and others. According to the President, there many lessons to be learned over the past few years which he would like to share with all congregation members. “First, we need to change our paradigm from reactive to proactive, from disaster response to risk reduction, and from governments to members of the civil society,” he said. Then make the action to be more comprehensive and covers all aspects of national development.

made to 82 state delegates including 17 led by ministers and ministerial-level officials, 24 international organizations, and attended by 2500 delegates from around the world, including an Indonesian delegation led by Head of National Disaster Management Agency Syamsul Maarif. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said that the awards are expected to become a driving force for the international community to imitate the success of the Indonesian Government in increasing awareness on the importance of disaster prevention, and apply them in effective national policies. The UN chief took this opportunity to express his appreciation to President Yudhoyono as global champion in the Disaster Risk Reduction for Indonesia`s success in applying and implementing the policy in the field properly.

Global Champion of Disaster Risk Reduction Award The award was made in conjunction with the opening of the 3rd Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction attended by World Bank Director Sri Mulyani Indrawati. The announcement of the award was

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Business

Indonesia’s best export products

Rice Culture: Nourishing Body & Soul Rice terrace nature has endowed Bali with ideal conditions for the development of agriculture. The divine volcanoes, still frequently active, provide the soils with great fertility. Copious rainfall and numerous mountain springs supply many areas of the island with ample water year-round. And a long dry season, brought on by the southeasterly monsoon, brings plentiful sunshine for many months of the year. Bali is, as a result, one of the most productive traditional agricultural areas on earth, which has in turn made possible the development of a highly intricate civilization on the island since very early times. Rice as the staff of life Wet-rice cultivation is the key to this agricultural bounty. ‘The greatest concentration of irrigated rice fields is found in southerncentral Bali, where water is readily available from spring-fed streams. Here, and in other well-watered areas where wet-rice culture predominates, rice is planted in rotation with so-called palawija cash crops such as soybeans, peanuts, onions, chili peppers and other vegetables. In the drier regions corn, taro, tapioca and beets are cultivated. Rice is, and has always been, the staff of life for the Balinese. As in other Southeast Asian languages, rice is synonymous here with food and eating. Personified as the “divine nutrition” in the form of the goddess Bhatari Sri, rice is seen by the Balinese to be part of an all-compassing life force of which humans partake. Rice is also an important social force. ‘The phases of rice cultivation determine the seasonal rhythm of work as well as the division of labor between men and women within the community. Balinese respect for their native rice varieties is expressed in countless myths and in colorful rituals in which the life cycle of the female rice divinity are portrayed from the planting of the seed to the harvesting of the grain. Rice thus represents “culture” to the Balinese in the dual sense of cultura and cultus - cultivation and worship. Irrigation cooperatives (subak) Bali traditional rice historical evidence indicates that since the 11th century, all peasants whose fields were fed by the same water course have belonged to a single subak 22 Equator - May 2011

or irrigation cooperative. This is a traditional institution which regulates the construction and maintenance of waterworks, and the distribution of life-giving water that they supply. Such regulation is essential to efficient wetrice cultivation on Bali, where water travels through very deep ravines and across countless terraces in its journey from the mountains to the sea. The subak is responsible for coordinating the planting of seeds and the transplanting of seedlings so as to achieve optimal growing conditions, as well as for organizing ritual offerings and festivals at the subak temple. All members are called upon to participate in these activities, especially at feasts honoring the rice goddess Sri. Subak cooperatives exist entirely apart from normal Balinese village institutions, and a single village’s rice fields may fall under the jurisdiction of more than one subak, depending on local drainage patterns. The most important technical duties undertaken by the subak are the construction and maintenance of canals, tunnels, aqueducts, dams and water locks.

just 108,200 hectares or about 19 percent is irrigated rice fields (sawah). Another 157,209 hectares are non-irrigated dry fields (tegalan) producing one rain-fed crop per year. A further 134,419 hectares are forested lands mostly belonging to the state, and 99,151 hectares are devoted to cash crop gardens (kebun) with tree and bush culture. Compared with the figures for 1980, a gradual decrease in the total area under cultivation may be noted, resulting mainly from population pressures and tourism development. This includes a real estate and building boom in the coastal resort areas and tourist handicraft villages such as Celuk and Ubud. Other crops include Balinese coffee, famous the world over for its delicate aroma and still an important export commodity. Lately, the production of cloves, vanilla and tobacco has also stepped up, and in mountainous regions such as Bedugul, new vegetable varieties are under intensive cultivation to supply the tourist trade. Other export commodities include copra and related products of the coconut palm.

Other crops Traditional rice work often gets the impression that nothing but wet-rice is grown on Bali, because of the unobstructed vistas offered by extensive irrigated rice fields between villages. This is not so. Out of a total of 563,286 hectares of arable land on Bali,

For subsistence cultivators, the coconut palm in fact remains, as before, a “tree of life” that can be utilized from the root right up to the tip. It provides building materials (the wood, leaves and leaf ribs), fuel (the leaves and dried husks), kitchen and household

Business

items (shells and fibers for utensils), as well as food and ritual objects (vessels, offerings, plaited objects, food and drink). The ‘green revolution’ Recent changes in Balinese agricultural practices have brought about fundamental changes in the relationship of the Balinese to their staple crop. Rice production can no longer be expanded by bringing new lands under cultivation. Nor is mechanization a desirable alternative, given the current surplus of labor on the island. For these reasons, the official agricultural policy since the mid1970s has been to improve crop yields on existing fields through biological and chemical means. The green revolution, the cultivation of new, fast-growing, high yielding rice varieties, in concert with the application of chemical fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides, lies at the core of the government’s agricultural development program (Bimas). Further aims are to improve methods of soil utilization and irrigation, and to set up new forms of cooperatives to provide credit and market surplus harvests. Over 80 percent of Bali’s wet-rice fields are now subject to these intensification steps.

Since 1984, Indonesia has been able to meet most of its own rice needs, thus relieving some of the pressures responsible for the original “green revolution.” As a result, an ecologically more meaningful “green evolution” is now possible, and rice varieties better suited to local conditions and better able to find an anchor in the traditional system of faith are being introduced to the island. Since 1988, many fields now display new altars for Sri, and the hope is that her rice cult one of the basic elements of Balinese civilization and culture - will remain strong well into the future. (Source: www.indonesia-bali.com)

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Travel

Tampaksiring - Valley of the Kings The sacred spring of Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring is revered by all Balinese. They say that it is created by the god Indra when he pierced the earth to create a spring of amerta, the elixir of immortality, with which he revived his forces who were poisoned by the evil king, Mayadanawa. Be that as it may, the bathing place was built under the rule of Sri Candrabhaya Singha Warmadewa in the 10th century. The waters are believed to have magical curative powers. Every year people journey from all over Bali to purify themselves in the clear pools. After leaving a small offering of thanks to the deity of the spring, men and women go to opposite sides to bathe (please remember that it is offensive to photograph the Balinese while they are bathing). On the full moon of the fourth month (October), the villagers from nearby Manukaya bring a sacred stone, which is housed in the Pura Sakenan in Manukaya, to be cleansed at Tirta Empul. Early this century, the Old Balinese inscriptions on this stone were deciphered for the first time by the Dutch archaeologist Stutterheim. The inscriptions read that one the anniversary of the construction of Tirta Empul, falling on the full moon of Kartika (the fourth month) the stone would be purified at the wells. It was dated October, A.D. 962.

Denawa did not believe in god, and objected the people to worship god. Later the punishment for the king came. The warior of Bhatara Indra arrived to attack Maya Denawa and put him away from the throne. But Maya Denawa used chemical weapons causing all the warriors of Bhatara Indra were poisoned to dead. Seeing this Bhatara Indra than planted his pole to the earth, and sprang water. This water was used to spray the dead warriors, and they alive back. So this water source until now is believed to be the source of life and prosperity. It is especially correct if we associate this water spring with the irrigation system around the area, as it gives hundreds of hectares of rice field from Tampaksiring until Pejeng areas. Historically Tampak Siring with Tirta Empul temple is a continuation of Pejeng areas of archaeological sites,

where along Petanu river that split the area of Gianyar and Bangli preserved a great number of ancient remains although it is a small stroke of chisel on the steep drop of the river up to the intricate rock carving such as Gunung Kawi temple, and Mangening stone shrine which are only less than 2 kms each others. The inscription mentions the construction of Tirta Empul temple in 960 AD, when the king Chandrabhaya Singha Warmadewa ordered this which is already 1042 years ago. It seems that this place was not interesting for ancient king but the first Indonesian president Soekarno had built his presidential villas just at the west side of the temple. This villa has brought also the name of Tampaksiring become known world wide.

History It is a myth described on a manuscript called Usana Bali says that a Balinese arrogant king named Maya

Tampaksiring highlights TIRTA EMPUL Tirta Empul Temple or Tampak Siring Templeis a holy spring water temple located in Tampak Siring Village, Gianyar regency and it is about 39 km eastwards from Denpasar town

24 Equator - May 2011

Travel

TAMPAKSIRING PRESIDENTIAL PALACE Tampak Siring Palace was located in the Tampak Siring Village, Tampak Siring Sub District, Gianyar District, Bali Province, Indonesia. Tampak Siring Palace was the only Presidential Palace that was built after Indonesian Independent. The five other palaces that were building since the Dutch colonialism time, including the Country Palace and Merdeka Palace (Jakarta), Bogor Palace (Bogor), Cipanas Palace (Cipanas), and Agung Building (Yogyakarta). The president to rest, carry out the working meeting, and carry out foreign talks usually uses Tampak Siring Palace. The name of Tampak Siring came from two words in Balinese, that is Tampak (appearance) and Siring (gutter): “Telapak (palm)” and “Miring (askew)”. An architect named R.M. Soedarsono on the initiative of President Soekarno built Tampak Siring Palace. The development of this Presidential Palace was divided in two periods, that is 1957 and 1963. During 1957, in this complex was built by Wisma Merdeka and Wisma Yudhistira. Tampak Siring Palace was built in the hilly area with the height around 700 meters above sea level. The tourists who visited this place could witness the story and the function of the historic building that had been used by the Republic of Indonesia Presidents. At Wisma Merdeka that had the area 1.200 m2, for example, the visitor could see President Sleeping Room I and Sleeping Room II, Family Sleeping Room, Guests Room, and the Office with the beautiful arrangement. In this building tourists also could see decorations took the form of the statue as well as choice paintings. Wisma Yudhistira was the place spent the night the party of the presidency and the party of the guest of the country. Wisma that was located in the middle of Tampak Siring Palace complex had the area around 1.825 m2. Whereas Wisma Bima building widely around 2.000 m2 usually used as the place of the rest of the president’s guards and the guest guard of the country. The site is open for the visitors, but you cannot enter the buildings. Depend on the story, there are some important person who had visit Tampaksiring. Such as Ne Win, Birma Now Myanmar) President, President Tito from Yugoslavia, President Ho Chi Minh from Vietnam, Queen Juliana from Netherland, and Lord Hirihito from Japan.

Tampaksiring highlights HOLY SPRING The holy spring in the inner courtyard of the Tirta Empul in Tampak Siring is said to have magical curative powers

TEMPLES OF GUNUNG KAWI The temples are believed to be constructed in the 11th century (1080 AD) by king Anak Wungsu in honor of his father, the great Balinese ruler of Udayana

KECAK Performance of Kecak (Balinese Monkey Chant) at temple in Tampaksiring

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Embassy News

Indonesia participated at 78th International Agriculture Fair in Novi Sad From 14 – 21 May 2011, the Indonesian Embassy in Belgrade attended the 78th International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad, Serbia. The Embassy’s Participation in this Fair is a manifestation of the mission as stated in the Indonesian Embassy Strategic Plan 2011 - 2013, namely to increase bilateral ties with Serbia in all fields, especially economic and trade and also the manifestation of a very close and warm bilateral relations between Indonesia and Serbia. To further strengthen our bilateral economic and trade cooperation, the Embassy made several strategic, comprehensive, integrative and concrete steps in the level of G to G, B to B and P to P. Prior In order to describe the mission, a major concept that consists of various stages needed in drawing a roadmap as guidance in the implementation of activities to achieve an increase of economic and trade bilateral relations. Those initial stages are: An approach to policyholders and interests and the business communities, in both Serbia and Indonesia; The visits to the ports of Koper in Slovenia and Rijeka in Croatia. The initial stages are designed to achieve strategic purposes as a foothold in such as: To realize a common perception; The creation of a favorable business climate; Brings about the relevant parties on both sides and mapping the entrances for Indonesian commodities and products to Serbia and the region. The next concrete stage of various approaches mentioned above is by promoting the potential of both countries that are complementary and not in competition. Since both countries are an “agricultural countries”, the 78th International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad, Serbia is a very significant event for the purpose. The Embassy’s participation during 2011 Agricultural Fair was the second time in a row and considered as the only Asian countries with direct participation. The participation are intended to bring about the Indonesian business people to see directly the potential market of Serbia, the Balkan region, Central and East European, to promote the finest Indonesian agricultural commodities and products and to encourage closer cooperation between companies to companies through the facilitation of both Chambers of Commerce. To be able in bringing direct participation of the Indonesian business people, the Indonesian booth should be different compares to the last year booth. The booth should be: More business attractive and friendly; Informative and eye catching; A clear message of the themes and design; Featuring a minimalist design but modern and functional; The laying order of images and lighting, and spatial planning which dominated by white color in the background should reflect the concept mentioned above. Dissemination of strategic information on the various steps that have been and going to implemented and its significant manifestations through the participation in the Fair, to the Indonesian stakeholders and business communities, is a next strategic stage that should be guarded closely. Activities during this stage are concentrated in the distribution of letters and working visit to Jakarta in order to have direct contact with the Indonesian stakeholders and business communities. The main purposes of this stage are: To supply information to the Indonesian stakeholders and business communities on the real potential of Serbia, the Balkan, Central and East European market; To convince the seriousness of the Indonesian Embassy in Belgrade in facilitating both needs and offers; To urge the participation of the Indonesian stakeholders and business communities at the Fair and to inform about the readiness of the Serbian business communities in expanding economic and trade relations with their Indonesian counterpart. Further thought needs to be specifically categorized the commodities and products that are going to be display in the booth so as not to deviate from the target and remain within the main strategy lines. Products and commodities that appear on the Indonesian booth this time are commodities and products superior in terms of production rank in the world. The main intention in categorizing the agricultural commodities and products are: To selectively choose the finest Indonesian agricultural commodities and products; To selectively choose the Indonesian agricultural commodities and products that have potential market in Serbia, the Balkan, Central and East Europe; To selectively choose the finest Indonesian agricultural commodities and products those are competitive in the world market. During The results of active communication, strategic approaches and efforts, some Indonesian key actors in the agricultural field, such as the Sinar Mas Group, BT Cocoa and Indo Serbia Food attended the Fair. The presence of the Vice Minister of Trade, Mr. Mahendra Siregar, who accompanied by the Director of Agriculture and Forestry Products Export, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia Eximbank, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the representatives of Indonesian businesspersons from Sinar Mas Group, BT Cocoa and Indo Serbia Food, adds weight to the participation of Indonesia at the Agricultural Fair 2011. During the presence of the Indonesian Vice Minister of Trade, various meetings and discussions with relevant parties of Serbia are arrange with the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management; the Serbian Chamber of Commerce; the City Council and the Regional Chamber of Commerce of Novi Sad and the Institute for Field and Vegetables Crops, NS Seme, before visiting the Indonesian booth. These strategic moves are design to: Get the Serbian and Indonesian policy holders more acquainted; Field visits and review of the Serbian major businessrelated and cut and shorten the contact point between entrepreneurs of both parties. Besides the main event, the Indonesian booth organized daily activities such as: Promotion on daily themes based on the finest ; Indonesian products and commodities (palm oil, cocoa; Indomie, tea, coffee, spices and rubber); Cocktails event in support of the daily themes; Obtaining inquiries from Serbian and foreign companies; Providing information on the best Indonesian products and commodities and Facilitating business talks between Serbian and foreign companies with their Indonesian counterpart. 26 Equator - May 2011

Embassy News

With the general theme “Remarkable Indonesia Products” and the above activities, the Indonesian booth won an award for the stand with the best Visualization Identity. During the field tour after the opening of the Fair, H.E. Mr. Boris Tadic, the President of Serbia, stop by the Indonesian booth and have a discussion with the Indonesian Ambassador and the Indonesian business people who attended the Fair. The visit is a reflection of a close relation between Indonesia and Serbia and a commitment in enhancing bilateral future cooperation. The above design concept expected to be a model of execution for the future activities of the Indonesian Embassy in Belgrade. Synergies between functions and between the Indonesian representatives abroad, are the key of successful implementation of an activity. In this case, the participation in the 78th International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad, Serbia, is a test case and the cornerstone in the implementation of an activity that is complex and extensive. The process of preparation should made long before the time of execution of the various stages of planning regarding the substance and non-substance in a rigorous and coordinated ways to achieve maximum results. Initial results from the various activities before and during the Fair are potential business contacts between the Serbian business communities and the Indonesian companies who participate at the Fair. Inquiries comes not only from Serbian companies, but also from foreign companies participating at the Fair, such as from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Egypt and other countries. Inquiries are forwarded for Indonesian palm oil, cocoa, coffee, spices, tea, coconut, rubber and instant food. The Indonesian companies such as Sinar Mas Group, BT Cocoa and Indo Serbia Food, were particularly satisfied with their attendance at the Fair. They noted down all inquiries forwarded to them and will make further assessment of all the business potential in Serbia and the region.

Official activities

Opening by the President of Serbia, His Excellency Mr. Boris Tadić

Courtesy visit to the Vice President of Serbian Chamber of Commerce

After The participation of the Embassy at the 78th International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad is not the end of a process, but should be followed-up to gain maximum benefits for both Indonesia and Serbia. Subsequent stages for the Embassy after participating at the Fair are: To encourage and facilitate the initial business contact between the Serbian and Indonesian business communities; To nurture until both parties find a common solution that are mutually benefiting; Urging the policy stakeholders either in Serbia or Indonesia to support and gives favourable business climate in order to intensify business to business contact amongst Serbia and Indonesia; Urging a direct participation of the Indonesian companies in the next International Agricultural Fair, as a logical expectation for a better and comprehensive attendance of the Indonesian business communities; Acting as a facilitator for the success of an Indonesian booth in the spirit of “Indonesian Incorporated”.

Courtesy visit to the Vice Minister of Agricultural, Trade and Water Management

Courtesy visit to the President of City Assembly of Novi Sad

Overall In general, the 78th International Agricultural Fair from 14 until May 21, 2011, in Novi Sad, Serbia, went well. The addition number of participants up to 1500 from 1300 a year ago shows the increasing desire and expectation of Serbian businesspersons as well as other participating countries in view of economic development for years to come. The presence of the President of Serbia, Boris Tadic, to officially open the exhibition, shows that the agricultural sector and related industries and research institutes continues to be a favored sector in supporting the country’s economy.

Meeting with Director of Institute for fields and vegetables “NS Seme”, Prof. Dr Borislav Kobiljski Equator - May 2011 27

Embassy News

Photo Gallery of 78th International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad

28 Equator - May 2011

Embassy News

Equator - May 2011 29

Embassy News

Meeting the Director of Bambi Banat, Mr. Miroslav Miletic Meeting with Director of Swisslion Takovo factory, Mrs. Aleksandra Pausan

Meeting the Technical Director of Doncafe company, Mr. Zivan Stanisic

Meeting with the Executive Board of Victoria Group, Mr. Nikola Vujacic and Mr. Goran Blagojevic

Visit to the Manual company

Meeting with the Director of “Dijamant” at the Agricultural Fair

Visiting the Agrounija company of MK Group 30 Equator - May 2011

Meeting Director of the bio-fuel production company “Victoria Oil”, Mr. Rajko Cavorovic

Embassy News

Photo Gallery - visit to the regional companies in Slovenia and Croatia

Meeting with Director of “Gorenjka Ljubljana” (Slovenia), Mr. Balozic Anton

Meeting with President Manager of Port of Kopar (Slovenia), Dr. Gregor Vaselko

Meeting with the President of County Commerce of Rijeka (Croatia), Mr. Vinko Micetic

Visit to the Port of Rijeka (Croatia) and meeting with Deputy Executive Mr. Zeljko Glavan

Port of Rijeka in Croatia Equator - May 2011 31

The opening of the 78th International Ag

President of the Republic of Serbia, His Excellency Mr. Boris Tadic visiting the Indonesian stand on the opening of 78th International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad

gricultural Fair in Novi Sad - 14 May 2011

Embassy News

Courtesy visit to the Serbian Prime Minister On 12th May 2011, Ambassador Semuel Samson made his courtessy visit to the Serbia Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Mirko Cvetkovic. During the meeting Ambassador conveys the strategic plans of the Embassy in increasing the bilateral cooperation especially on the economic and trade relation. Mr. Mirko Cvetkovic supports the effort and suggested to contact some prominent Serbian companies. Ambassador also explains about Indonesia’s participation at the 78th International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad which receives positive response from Jakarta with the visit of Vice MInister of Trade to Serbia during the Fair. Serbia Prime Ministers welcomes the innitiatives and commitment from Indonesia to increase import to Serbia and further on reaching a more rewarding economic relation.

Courtesy visit of the RI’s Vice Minister of Trade to the Vice President of Serbian Chamber of Commerce During the visit to the Serbian Chamber of Commerce on 16 May 2011, the Indonesian Vice Minister of Trade Mahendra Siregar explained about the Indonesian economic development in terms of economic growth, investment and agricultural sector. While the Vice President of Serbian Chamber of Commerce Mr. Mihailo Vesovic explained about the development of the Serbian economy especially the agricultural sector which contribute significantly in the overall economic sector. Both parties also discuss about the draft MOU that has been send to the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).

34 Equator - May 2011

Embassy News

Meeting with Vice Minister of Agricultural, Trade and Water Management Other courtessy visit was made on 16th of May was to the Vice Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Water Management, Mr. Igor Momcilovic. During the meeting, both parties exchange views on the economic development of both countries. Talks also touch on the possibility of having an Agreement on Agriculture and the development of the draft Agreement on Trade. The Indonesia Vice Minister, Mahendra Siregar also explains about the shifting of future strategic in developing economic and trade relations with countries in the Balkan, Central and Eastern Europe. The Indonesian participation during the 78th International Agricultural Fair was part of the main discussion and request that further supports could be given in realizing future cooperation in agrciulture trade.

Meeting with President of City Assembly of Novi Sad The agenda of the Vice Minister was topped up with courtessy visit to the President of City Assembly of Novi Sad, Mr. Aleksandar Jovanovic, on 16th of May 2011. The delegation conveys their appreciation for the hospitality and arrangement of the meeting and invites them to visit Indonesia’s stand at the Fair. The visit was also coupled to other important place in Novi Sad for agriculture development, the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops “NS Seme”. During the visit to the Institute, the discussion were focused on the possibility of cooperation between the Institute and some of Indonesian related agencies. Cooperation was elaborated in the field of research, short courses, exchange knowledge, etc. The Indonesian Vice Minister was impressed with the development of the Institute and hoping that there will be a concrete and strategic cooperation with the Institute. NS Seme achievements in seed development has been a major benefactor to the whole visit of the delegation. Key subjects for establishing cooperation between related agencies in Serbia and Indonesia is hoped to increase potential for market sharing of the Balkan region and also Asia. Both sides are looking forward to seek short-term type of cooperation that could be established.

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Embassy News

Meeting with Aleksandar Broz On 6 May 2011 in Zagreb, Ambassador Semuel Samson during his visit to Croatia had the pleasure to met with H.E. Mr. Aleksander Broz, former Ambassador of Croatia in Jakarta. The two discussed views and matters relating to the organizing of NAM meeting in 2011. Mr. Broz express his views that NAM requires new ideas to maintain its position to the current global challenges today. NAM need to find other goals and ability to establish international cooperation to promote global solutions on topical issues faced by many of its members, especially in the fields of health, food security, poverty and others. On the other side, Mr. Broz also informed on Croatia’s recent situation regarding the election process and that Croatia supports the organizing of the NAM Commemoration in Belgrade, September 2011. Croatia together with Serbia are observer to the Non ALigment Movement.

With Ambassador Aleksandar Broz in Zagreb

Meeting with Budimir Lončar On May 6, 2011, Ambassador Semuel Samson arranged a meeting with H.E. Mr. Budimir Lončar, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Croatia (Previously served as Ambassador to Yugoslavia in Jakarta from 1965 to 1969) During the meeting, Mr. Loncar expressed his opinions and views related to the development of the Movement, especially with the NAM meeting in Bali, May 2011 and Belgrade, September 2011. Mr. Loncar was actively participate at the NAM meeting in New York in 1960 on the preparation and establishment of the NAM, meeting in Cairo in 1961 on the preparation of the organizing of the First NAM Summit in Belgrade, to his assignment as UN Chief Envoy to the NAM in Jakarta after the breakup of Yugoslavia. To his opinions, the 50th anniversary of NAM in 2011 is a very interesting event.

A warm meeting with Ambassador Budimir Lončar

Indonesian Ambassador visited the former premises of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono In between his visit to Croatia, Ambassador Semuel Samson also had the previliges to visit the former house for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Croatia. In 1995 he had a reputation for integrity and respect for human rights that led to his appointment as Chief Military observer with the United Nations peacekeeping force in Bosnia, and as head of a contingent of Indonesian soldiers there. The visit was considered very rewarding with the findings of important archives. The visit to the former house was intended to recollect some of the important archives related to Indonesia’s contingent during their assignment in UN Peace Keeping Force. Indonesia has actively contributed to the development of strategic concept for global peacekeeping missions around the world. 36 Equator - May 2011

Former premises of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Embassy News

Book launching – “In the heart of Sumatera” by Viktor Lazić The long waited book was finally in town. On 15th of May 2011, the writer of the book titled “Sumatra”, Viktor Lazic had arranged his book launching at Ruski Dom which attended by more than 400 people. The event succesfully captures peoples attention of the exotic concept of Sumatra which poetically and interestingly described by the writer in his book. The writer arranged beautifully sections of the book that could draws people’s interest to find out more about the book. Indonesian Embassy supports the launching of the book and arranged two performance. The first performance was initiated to invite people’s attention on one of Sumatra’s popular dance called “Tari Piring” which was performed by the Embassy dance group. This performance was beautifully invites people’s attention of the dynamics and movements of the dancers in describing the moments put out in the book. On other end, an ensemble of Gamelan added more energy to the events. Gamelan plays song like Tamo Daleko, Kalinka, Mission Impossible soundtrack and Ajde Kato. The event end with performance from violin orchestra who plays beautifully and captures the whole character of culture and magnificent story of the book.

Traditional wedding costumes from West Sumatra Ambassador Semuel Samson, Madame and the Author, Mr. Viktor Lazic

Tari Piring dance in action

Gamelan with Kalinka song

Indonesian Ambassador delivered the Opening Speech Equator - May 2011 37

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50 Tahun GNB Rabu, 25 Mei 2011 Semuel Samson

Saat Dasasila Bandung menggema 56 tahun lalu, semangat dan jiwa tersebut kemudian menjalar ke kawasan lain dan menggelora sebagai semangat yang melandasi suatu gerakan yang menghormati kemerdekaan, kedaulatan, dan integritas wilayah tiap negara. Selain itu juga menentang imperialisme, kolonialisme/neokolonialisme, rasisme, segala bentuk agresi asing, pendudukan/dominasi, campur tangan ke dalam urusan dalam negeri negara lain, dan hegemoni serta menolak kebijakan blok-blok dan kebijakan negara-negara adikuasa. Enam tahun kemudian, tahun 1961, tokoh-tokoh besar seperti Soekarno, Tito, Nasser, Nehru, dan Kwame Nkrumah sepakat bertemu dan melahirkan Konferensi Tingkat Tinggi Gerakan Nonblok I di Beograd, Serbia. Soekarno kemudian diutus ke Amerika Serikat dan Nkrumah ke Uni Soviet untuk menyampaikan ”pesan” pembentukan ”Gerakan” ini, yang tentu berkaitan dengan dominasi corak kepemimpinan politik luar negeri global kala itu, perang dingin antara Blok Timur dan Blok Barat. Tahun ini, 50 tahun GNB diperingati di Bali dan Beograd. Semangat tersebut mendapatkan penegasan dalam Deklarasi Havana 1979. Eksistensi GNB saat ini, seiring dengan berjalannya waktu dan terjadinya transformasi modelmodel hubungan antarbangsa dan negara serta ”lenyapnya” eksistensi Blok Timur dan hanya tinggal Blok Barat sebagai kekuatan uni polar, memunculkan pertanyaan apakah gerakan ini masih diperlukan. Kaum ”bersyukur” yang tahu memberikan harga atas investasi sejarah dan berpaham optimistis tentu akan berespons: ya, perlu! Bukankah dimulai dengan hanya 25 anggota pada tahun 1961 dan kini terus bertambah mencapai 119 negara anggota, melingkupi dua pertiga dari 192 negara anggota PBB serta 18 negara pengamat; memiliki kekuatan demografis 55 persen dari 7 miliar penduduk dunia, yang tersebar di hampir semua benua; memiliki spirit solidaritas dalam hubungan aktual antarsesama anggota, tentu memberikan arti penting akan eksistensi dan harapan atas perannya ke masa depan. Tidak berlebihan apabila Bandung dan Beograd dianggap sebagai kota pahlawan pembela perdamaian saat itu, juga kota harapan perdamaian dan kerja sama pada masa mendatang. Tantangan GNB Merumuskan tantangan transformasi GNB dapat merujuk pada pandangan Ryan K Beasly dan Michael T Snarr dalam Foreign Policy in Comparative Perspective (2002). Terdapat lima faktor berpengaruh di internal suatu negara yang akan terbawa dalam ekspresi hubungan kerja sama antarnegara. Faktor itu meliputi perimbangan pengaruh antara aliran ”rezim lama vs rezim baru” merespons dinamika tatanan baru dunia/global, skala ketergantungan hubungan ekonomi, perumusan identitas dan kultur baru intrabangsa, pengaruh aspirasi publik dan kelompok elite dalam perspektif demokratisasi, serta kepemimpinan formal suatu negara pada tiap kurun masa. Dalam term ekonomi regional dan global saat ini, anggota GNB sering disebut sebagai the emerging market or countries. Politik pangan dan energi serta pertumbuhan pasar ekonomi dunia mau tak mau harus menoleh ke Asia, di mana terdapat 38 anggota GNB, Amerika Latin dan Karibia (26), serta Afrika (53). Sumber kekayaan alam yang melimpah dan pasar lebih dari setengah penduduk dunia di

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negara-negara GNB pada dekade 1980-an telah memunculkan kelompok kerja sama ”SelatanSelatan”, Kelompok 77, dan dialog ”Utara-Selatan” dalam perspektif Tata Ekonomi Dunia Baru, di mana kepemimpinan Indonesia lewat peran Soeharto ikut menentukan arah transformasi GNB kala itu. Prospek positif GNB tentu beriringan dengan berbagai masalah sebagai isu global saat ini, seperti kemiskinan, kebodohan, keterbelakangan, kelaparan, perdagangan manusia bahkan organ manusia, terorisme, kejahatan terorganisasi, korupsi, pengungsian, polusi, perubahan iklim, dan pengangguran, justru banyak ”bersumber” dari negara-negara GNB. Tantangan GNB adalah bagaimana mengatasi permasalahan tersebut di intranegara anggota, dan pada saat yang sama memunculkan kekuatan perimbangan baru dalam tata pengaruh dunia saat ini yang didominasi kerja sama ekonomi antarkawasan dan global. Penanggulangan masalah internal anggota lewat kerja sama erat antar-GNB paralel dengan partisipasinya dalam berbagai fora kerja sama regional dan global akan melepaskan GNB dari budaya ”tangan menadah di bawah” berbalik jadi ”tangan memberi di atas”. Akselerasi peran baru Presiden SBY sebagai wakil GNB di G-20 secara terbuka menyuarakan kepentingan GNB di forum ekonomi bergengsi ini. Selain pendiri GNB, Indonesia juga memiliki peran penting dalam mengelola program di dalam gerakan ini sebagaimana dikatakan Duta Besar Budimir Loncar dari Kroasia. Dalam posisi strategis dan berpengaruh di global, Indonesia dapat lebih mendorong untuk meletakkan dasar fundamental pada gerakan ini sebagaimana tema ”Shared Vision on the Contribution of NAM for the Next 50 Years” yang diusung pada The 16 Ministerial Conference and Commemorative Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) di Bali, 2327 Mei 2011. Sebagaimana sukses Indonesia dalam mengelola keberagaman, pengalaman ini juga bernilai bagi GNB. Salah satu program yang diusung Indonesia adalah Interfaith Dialogue. Premis yang mengatakan penyelesaian masalah secara alami dengan memerhatikan keseimbangan, bukan melalui langkah penyelesaian dipaksakan yang jadi trademark negara adikuasa, akan menghasilkan nilai-nilai keabadian dalam penanganan masalah. Meski muncul berbagai pandangan skeptis terhadap GNB, nilai solidaritas sesama dan tukar-menukar best practice antarnegara anggota serta nilai-nilai dasar Dasasila Bandung dan pilihannya untuk menjadi ”Gerakan”—melampaui sekadar menjadi organisasi yang melembaga—menjadikan gerakan ini memiliki nilai strategis dan seharusnya dapat bergerak lincah dengan komitmen kultur yang kuat sebagai penyumbang perdamaian, pembangun kerja sama dan stabilitas internasional yang langgeng. Hal penting yang meminta kesadaran kita ialah bahwa kebijakan adu kekuatan, kebijakan perluasan wilayah pengaruh, kebijakan fait-a-compli, kebijakan yang mengabaikan prinsipprinsip hukum internasional dan prinsip penghormatan atas kedaulatan dan integritas wilayah tiap negara, serta prinsip persamaan derajat adalah kebijakan antarnegara yang selalu tergoda untuk eksis dan tentu mempertaruhkan keabadian ini. Sekali lagi, kemitraan Barat dengan GNB merupakan keniscayaan. Pada akhirnya, efektivitas embanan misi GNB sangat ditentukan oleh faktor kepemimpinan GNB, model kepemimpinan ”Troika” yang khas GNB, khas prinsip Dasasila Bandung, khas toleransi, kiranya juga merupakan komposisi harmonis yang berkapasitas serta dapat diterima oleh mitra dialog untuk membangun kepercayaan dan peluang kerja sama. Semuel Samson, Duta Besar RI untuk Serbia

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Pogledi

Pola veka Pokreta nesvrstanih Deset principa bandungske konferencije i princip tolerancije mogli bi da budu čvrsta osnova za harmoniju međunarodnih odnosa, koja je prihvatljiva za sve učesnike u dijalogu u cilju stvaranja poverenja i uspešne saradnje

Novica Kocić

Proslava 50-godišnjice pokreta nesvrstanih, u okviru Ministarske konferencije nesvrstanih koja se održava na ostrvu Baliju u Indoneziji,i proslava dana Afrike u Beogradu su dva veoma važna i nezaboravna događaja u ovoj nedelji. Oba nas podsećaju na veoma važna zbivanja pre 56 godina koja su, prilikom konferencije azijskih i afričkih zemalja u Bandungu 1955. godine, pokazala da postoji čvrsta veza između azijskih i afričkih država. Ovaj istorijski događaj takođe je predstavljao početak bliske saradnje, bratstva i jedinstva između azijskih i afričkih zemalja u njihovoj borbi da brane svoju egzistenciju nakon oslobođenja od kolonijalizma i borbi za dalji razvoj u situaciji koja je posle Drugog svetskog rata vladala u međunarodnim odnosima. Deset principa konferencije održane u Bandungu, odrazili su se i na druge krajeve sveta i odjeknuli kao izuzetna duhovna snaga za stvaranje novog pokreta koji poštuje nezavisnost, suverenost i teritorijalni integritet svake države. Šest godina kasnije, tj. 1961, susret velikana kao što su bili Sukarno, Tito, Naser, Nehru i Kvame Nkrumah rezultirao je održavanjem Prvog samita pokreta nesvrstanih u Beogradu – Jugoslavija. Tadašnji predsednik Indonezije Sukarno bio je poslat kao izaslanik nesvrstanih u Ameriku, a predsednik Nkrumah u Sovjetski Savez sa zadatkom da prenesu „poruku” o formiranju pokreta nesvrstanih i o drugim pitanjima u vezi sa situacijomu tadašnjoj globalnoj spoljnoj politici, kao što je hladni rat između istočnog i zapadnog bloka. Ove godine proslava 50-godišnjice održaće se osim na ostrvu Baliju takođe i u Beogradu. S obzirom na promene u svetu do kojih je vremenom došlo, posebno u međunarodnim odnosima, kao i nestanak istočnog bloka, postavlja se novo pitanje o daljoj potrebi postojanja pokreta nesvrstanih. Pokret nesvrstanih se 1961. godine sastojao od samo 25 država članica, čiji se broj popeo na današnjih 119 (što predstavlja dve trećineod 192 države članice Ujedinjenih nacija), i od 18 država posmatrača. 40 Equator - May 2011

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Pokret nesvrstanih u današnje vreme sačinjava 55 odstood sedammilijardi stanovnika sveta i prostire se po skoro svim kontinentima. Važno je napomenuti da 18 država posmatrača nesvrstanih, između ostalog i države bivše republike SFRJ imaju važan strateški značaj za zemlje članice pokreta nesvrstanih u njihovoj međusobnoj saradnji i u sadašnjim kao i u budućim međunarodnim odnosima uopšte. Ne preterujemo ako gradove Bandung i Beograd nazovemo herojskim gradovima, braniocima mira u tadašnje vreme, ali i gradove nade za mir, saradnju i stabilnost u budućnosti. Politika prehrane i energije, kao i razvoj svetske tržišne ekonomije, htela-ne htela, mora biti usmerena ka Aziji gde postoji 38 država članica pokreta nesvrstanih, Južnoj Americi i Karibima (26 država članica), i Africi (53 države članice). Ekonomski potencijal pokreta nesvrstanih predstavlja snagu koja svakako zaslužuje pažnju Srbije u pogledu njene saradnje sa tim državama. Veliko prirodno bogatstvo i tržište koje zauzima više od polovine sveta, nalazi se u zemljama nesvrstanih. Prosperitet pokreta nesvrstanih bio je praćen globalnim problemima, kao što su siromaštvo, zaostalost, glad, trgovina ljudima i trgovina ljudskim organima, terorizam, organizovani kriminal, korupcija, problem izbeglica, zagađivanja, promena klime i nezaposlenosti, koji su pretežno dolazili iz zemalja pokreta nesvrstanih. Predsednik Indonezije Susilo Bambang Judhojno, zajedno sa liderima Indije, Saudijske Arabije i Južne Afrike, kao predstavnici pokreta nesvrstanih, na sastanku G-20 otvoreno su zastupali interese pokreta nesvrstanih u tom eminentnom ekonomskom forumu. Osim što je Indonezija jedna od osnivača pokreta nesvrstanih, ona takođe ima važnu ulogu u planiranju i realizaciji programa pokreta nesvrstanih. Kao što je rekao ambasador gospodin Budimir Lončar, Indonezija ima stratešku i uticajnu poziciju u globalnom svetu i s time može da podstiče formiranje platforme pokreta nesvrstanih što je spomenuto i u temi 16. ministarskog sastanka pokreta nesvrstanih, održanog na ostrvu Baliju od 23. do 27. maja 2011. godine. Jedan od važnih programa koji Indonezija realizuje jeste međuverski dijalog. Valja spomenuti uspeh prvog indonežansko-srpskog bilateralnog međuverskog dijaloga, koji je održan u Beogradu od 6. do 10. aprila ove godine, kada su se susreli lideri svih verskih zajednica koje postoje u Indoneziji i Srbiji. Rešavanje problema na osnovu principa balansiranja, a ne prisile, koja predstavlja brend velikih sila, imaće trajniju vrednost.

Bilateralni susreti izmedju Indonezije i Srbije na Baliju, maj 2011 godine

Stvar koja je veoma važna i zahteva uključivanje naše svesti, jeste da politika konfrontacije sila, širenja uticajnih sfera, politika svršenog čina, politika koja zanemaruje principe međunarodnog prava i principe poštovanja suvereniteta i teritorijalnog integriteta svake države, kao i principe ravnopravnosti – predstavlja politiku međudržavnih odnosa čije je postojanje nestabilno i problematično u pogledu trajnosti. Na kraju, liderstvo pokreta nesvrstanih,koje je sada pod rukovodstvom Egipta, ima veliki značaj za efikasnost misije pokreta, a model liderstva „Troika”, kao i 10 principa bandungske konferencije i princip tolerancije mogli bi da budu čvrst osnov za harmoniju međunarodnih odnosa koja je prihvatljiva za sve učesnike u dijalogu u cilju stvaranja poverenja i uspešne saradnje, upravo onako kako je definisano u Balijskoj komemorativnoj deklaraciji koju je istakao ministar inostranih poslova Indonezije Marti Natalegava pri zatvaranju ministarske konferencije nesvrstanih na Baliju 27. maja 2011. godine. *Ambasador Republike Indonezije u Srbiji Semuel Samson Objavljeno: 30.05.2011. Equator - May 2011 41

Photo News

AMBASSADOR’S ACTIVITIES

Meeting with Mrs. Tatjana Pašić, Assistant to the Mayor of Blegrade in charge for International relations

Reception on the ocassion of Europe Day

Reception on the ocassion of African Day

Lecturer about “Yugoslavia and Indonesia”, Prof. Dr Ljubodrag Dimic

Opening of the exhibition on the ocassion of International Day of Peacekeepers

Courtesy visit to the Ambassador of India, H.E. Mrs. Nengcha Lhouvum Mukhopadhaya

Reception on the ocassion of National Day of the Republic of Italy

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Photo News

VISIT TO MEDVEDJA

Visit to lead and zinc mine of Farmakom MB in Medvedja with the CEO of the company, Mr. Miroslav Bogičević

Received by Mayor of Medvedja, Mr. Slobodan Draskovic Visit to white gold mining in Medvedja, accompanied by Mayor of Medvedja, Mr. Slobodan Drašković

At the economy presentation hosted by Mayor of Medvedja, accompanied by other City Authoritative of neighboring Muncipalities With the Mayors of Medvedja, Presevo, Jablanica, Bujanovac, Leskovac, Lebane, Bojnik and Vlasotince

On May 10 2011, in seeking out the potentials of the Medvedja region, Ambassador Semuel Samson and staff of the Embassy received by Mayors of Medvedja, Presevo, Jablanica, Bujanovac, Leskovac, Lebane, Bojnik and Vlasotince. The visits had numerous sites to acknowledge by the Embassy’s delegation with the visit to textile factory, one of newly invested potentials of the municipality, visit to gold mine in Farmakom MB Concern and also visit to the Mosque and met Mufti Djemaledin Hasani. The visit was considered rewarding to Indonesia knowing of new development occuring in the Municipalities close at this region. Together with other municipalities, it is considered a good potentials for further enhancement of economic cooperation, especially in wood products.

At the textile factory “NITEX” in Medvedja Equator - May 2011 43

Balinese dancer Wonderful

Indonesia 2011