China-Japan Competition Continues
Commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan, some high profile figures were in Tokyo late last week to discuss infrastructure projects. They include Basuki Hadimuljono (minister of public works and housing) and Bambang Brodjonegoro (minister of national development planning).
A Path to Progress: Trans-Sumatra
Even The Jakarta Post linked Jokowi’s ambitious infrastructure program with the collapse of Babat-Widang bridge in Tuban, East Java, which was built by Soeharto government in 1983. The largest English daily then came out with a headline ‘Safety standards still poor’, pointing to six other work accidents in infrastructure projects this year.
Bright Spot of The Economy: Metal-to-Steel
Indonesia exported US$533 million worth of iron and steel products last month, jumped 65% from February. In the first three months of 2018, Indonesia’s export skyrocketed 125% to US$1.25 billion, cutting significantly down its deficit in the sector. At the same time, export of mineral ores soared 193% to US$1.36 billion.
Revisiting Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
Minister of state-owned enterprises Rini Soemarno said today that development of Mandalika special economic zone (SEZ) is the most advanced among 11 SEZs established by President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo. State-owned company PT Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), developer of the famous Nusa Dua resort area in Bali Island, is main developer of Mandalika SEZ.
Warburg Pincus’ Bet in Retail Mall
Three years ago Warburg Pincus LLC decided to subscribe new shares issued by PT Nirvana Wastu Pratama (NWP), then subsidiary of Nirvana Development (NIRO), for US$34 million. NWP, now known NWP Retail, has since, grown its portfolio of malls all over the archipelago.
Equity Policy in Action: Artesian Well
Limited access to clean water system is among factors contributing to welfare gap in the country. Tens of millions of Indonesian families have to pay more. The recent ruling from the Constitutional Court gives the government no option than spending more of its resources to develop clean water infrastructure.
A Pathway to Progress: Runway-3
After decades of waiting, cost everybody hours of delay, PT Angkasa Pura II, operator of Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Banten province, has finally kicked off construction of the third runway (Runway-3). Public have been told to wait another 16 months to see completion of the new runway, which will significantly boost reliability of the airport as main entrance gate to the country.
Mass Transportation: A Path to Progress
So, train sets for Phase I of Jakarta light-rail transit (LRT) connecting Kelapa Gading and Rawamangun (5.8 KM) areas have safely arrived Friday (Apr 13). Four months before its scheduled operation in August, physical construction progress of Jakarta LRT has reached 70%. After commercial operation of train service connecting Jakarta city center and Soekarno-Hatta international airport, this will be the first modern mass transportation system in the city.
Greater Jakarta Toll Projects
Compared to trans-Java, trans-Sumatra, and other projects outside Java, progress of toll road projects in the Greater Jakarta area has been relatively slow due to difficulties in land acquisition. Completion of Phase I of Depok-Antasari, for example, is pushed back several months. Initially scheduled for commercial operation this month, the toll road needs few more weeks to complete its construction.
Food Security: Elders Leaving Indonesian Feedlot
ASX-listed company Elders have decided to divest its feedlot and processing assets from its Indonesian subsidiary PT Elders Indonesia, following a comprehensive performance review of its feed and processing business unit.