Mudik Allowed Before May 6
The continuing and sometimes confusing saga over government policy on the annual Lebaran mudik homecoming continued with the pilgrimage now allowed before May 6, according to Indonesian Police Traffic Corps Head Inspector General Istiono, provided Covid-19 health protocols are followed. In Java, Sumatra, and Bali, any vehicle caught traveling for mudik from May 6 to 17 will still be forced to turn back. The police are preparing 333 inspection posts to prevent mudik along all main routes and some alternative roads.
Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said that according to a survey by his ministry, should there be no restrictions, 33 percent of Indonesians (81 million) intend to travel for mudik, while the number would plummet to only 11 percent (27 million) if restrictions are imposed. In 2020, so-called early mudik was blamed for allowing millions of travelers to avoid a similar ban on travel.
Related link:
Indonesia’s Trade Surplus Hits $1.57bn
Indonesia’s exports hit $18.35 billion in March according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), an increase of 20.31 percent from $15.26 billion in February, and 30.47 percent from March 2020. This is the largest figure since August 2011 ($18.64 billion), said BPS Head Suhariyanto. The increase was due to Indonesia’s economic recovery from the pandemic and currency depreciation. The rupiah depreciated 1.9 percent against the US dollar in the past month.
BPS also announced Indonesia’s trade surplus was $1.57 billion in March. The total trade surplus for January to March was $5.52 billion, compared to $2.62 billion for the same period in 2020.
Related links:
- https://www.cnnindonesia.com/ekonomi/20210415133214-532-630328/kenaikan-ekspor-maret-tertinggi-sejak-agustus-2011
- https://www.cnnindonesia.com/ekonomi/20210415113417-532-630275/neraca-dagang-surplus-us-157-m-pada-maret-2021
Take the HSBC Expat Survey
In recent years, the HSBC Expat Explorer survey has told how expats move abroad for a better quality of life, career progression or simply to experience another culture. More recently, many expats have faced unexpected challenges and have had to adapt to a new way of life, yet their resilience brings renewed confidence and optimism.
This year’s Expat Explorer survey takes 10 minutes to complete and uncovers unique perspectives about what life is like for the expat community.
The survey is open to all those living and working away from home and those who have returned in the last six months.
HSBC looks forward to sharing the results and insights later this year.
AmCham Cares: Caterpillar
Torrential rain in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) province has caused widespread floods, landslides, and cold lava flow. News outlets are reporting more than 117 people have died, with many more injured. The Indonesia Red Cross is working around the clock to save lives – performing search-and-rescue, first aid, and helping people to evacuate. The American Red Cross and the global Red Cross network are closely monitoring the situation as it develops.
The Caterpillar Foundation is a member of the American Red Cross US Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). Its $2 million annual investment helps provide a funding base that allows the Red Cross to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families impacted by disasters worldwide, enabling the organization to pre-prepare supplies for those in need. This model has proven to be efficient and effective in immediately meeting disaster relief needs, ensuring the Red Cross has the funds to prepare for disasters before they occur.
Container Service Charges Rising
Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) will implement a two-fold increase in service charges for export-import containers starting today, April 15.
- Container stacking fees:
- 20’ containers: Rp 42,500 per box (previously Rp 17,500)
- 40’ containers: Rp 85,000 per box (previously Rp 35,000).
- Lift on/lift-off charges:
- 20’ containers: Rp 285,000 per box (previously Rp 168,000)
- 40’ containers: Rp 428,250 per box (previously Rp 252,000)
- Containers larger than 40’ will be charged with additional fees of up to 25 percent of the base fee.
There will also be a new policy for stacking fees at ports. The first day of stacking will be free of charge, the second day will be charged 300 percent of the base fee, and for the third day and going forward will be charged 600 percent of the base fee.
Indonesian Logistics Association Head Mahendra Riyanto has raised concerns over the increase in charges, as logistics companies are facing multiple burdens from the increase in Jakarta-Surabaya toll fees, and adjustments to the exemption for over-dimension overloading (ODOL) trucks.
Related link:
Get Katadata and Stay Updated on News and Trends
In this fast-paced world, it is often hard to stay informed on the latest political issues and business trends that may affect our lives. This is why Katadata’s D-insights provides the information we need on a daily basis, plus weekly and quarterly reports that summarize the trends and give background on the business, politics, markets, and energy.
Katadata D-insights offers a special rate for all AmCham members. The subscription for D-Insights are as follows:
Individual Subscriber:
Visit the link https://dinsights.katadata.co.id/account/subscribe for more details. Use the code "AMCHAM1" to get a special price for AmCham Members
Corporate Subscriber:
Up to four users with a special price at Rp 40,000,000 annually. Send names, emails, and quote “AMCHAM2” to [email protected]
Support Independent Journalism: Subscribe to The Jakarta Post
In these difficult times, our hometown English language newspaper, The Jakarta Post, is more important than ever. Given the difficulties of physical circulation and the economic slump, the Post needs to boost its online subscribers – a goal we heartily support at AmCham Indonesia. Quality English language news is vital for our businesses, our home offices, and the flow of information out of Indonesia. It is for this reason, that we are urging all of our members and readers to subscribe to JP! Information is what will help get us through this crisis. Below is information about how to sign up.
JP Premium Digital Subscription Packages
https://www.thejakartapost.com/packages
Monthly subscription – Rp 50,000
Yearly subscription – Rp 600,000
Now is the Time to Join AmCham!
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We offer a full slate of meetings, events, and information for our community online. But we can only do this through the support of our members. If you are not yet an AmCham member, please join now.
AmCham Indonesia is open to all companies with an interest in US business relations and we have many non-American members. We are a community and we welcome you!
Reach us at [email protected] or click below!
AmCham Office and Events
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The AmCham Office is on work from home status and all face-to-face meetings and events have been postponed. We are having a number of meetings online using the Zoom platform. You will be notified of virtual meetings as they are scheduled.
What is Your Company Doing on COVID-19?
Please let us know what measures your company may be taking in the form of donations and other assistance to help Indonesia during this time of confusion and concern. Contact [email protected] with your news. We would like to publicize the ways that our AmCham companies are pitching in.
Stay well
We urge you to send us press releases and other information that we can pass on to the broader AmCham community. If you have items of interest, please email material to [email protected]. Follow this link to information provided by the US Embassy
Stay safe, call a doctor if you have a high fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. Stay healthy above all else.
AmCham Update is AmCham's regular newsletter on developments related to the pandemic crisis and other issues in Indonesia. It is edited by AmCham Managing Director A Lin Neumann and written by the AmCham Staff. Paul L Goddard is the Managing Editor
