Asean-India: Billion dollar smiles

Secretary General of ASEAN Surin Pitsuwan (right) shakes hand with India’s Minister for External Affairs Shri Pranab Mukherjee (second right), and President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Rajeev Chandrasekhar (second left) during the Delhi Dialogue in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday.

The dialogue is discussing further cooperation between ASEAN and India on Economy and Security issues. India and ASEAN plan to sign free trade agreements (FTAs) in April. Trade volume between ASEAN and India last year was estimated at more than US$40 billion, up from US$37.08 billion in 2007.

Alternative power to the people

Indonesia is rich in alternative energy sources, but only political will and private sector investment can change our dependency on fossil fuels.

Kanis Longguk smiles as he switches on his reading lamp. Along with 30 other families in this rural hamlet, the 55-year-old farmer from the remote village of Pagal in East Nusa Tenggara has finally seen his long-term dream to have electricity become a reality.

The government this year provided solar power panels with a capacity of 5 kilowatts, enough for every family in the village to have access to more than 350 watts of electric – enough to provide light and basic household needs.

Indonesia vows to support free trade

Indonesia will remain committed to free trade and will avoid protectionism as it copes with fallout from the global financial crisis, the Foreign Minister says.

Delivering his annual foreign policy address in front of scores of foreign ambassadors Thursday, Hassan Wirajuda said Indonesia would “anticipate a global crisis that threatens to trigger a global economic recession — even depression with an appeal to free trade”.

“Anticipating this [crisis], Indonesia appeals that we remain committed to free trade and will avoid protectionism.

Fishery industry in Madina is on the move

Fishery industry in Madina district of North Sumatera in on the move due to the fall of oil price. Madina district is one of the fastest growing region in North Sumatera in term of business development.

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Indonesia FDI surges by 43.8% in 2008

Indonesia's foreign direct investment in 2008 rose sharply by 43.8 percent to 14.87 billions U.S. dollars from that of at 2007, according to data from the country's investment board.

Most of the investment was in the sectors of transportation and communication, it said.

Indonesia's Bank BTPN to develop SME funding

Indonesia's Bank BTPNplans to develop the funding of small and medium eterprises (SME). To achieve the plan, the Bank has inaugurated a special branch called BTPN Mitra Usaha Rakyat. See the news

Biofuel plant in Madina need revitalisation

According to Medanbisnis, a bio fuel plant in Madina need to be revitalized due to non-functioning of the plant.

Sumut will boost agriculture production output

The government of North Sumatera plans to plant paddy in 805.831 Ha with production capacity 3.487.882 tonnes. The plan revealed by Head of Local Administrative in Agriculture Ir Ardhi Kusno as reported by beritasore

Indonesia-Russia education Cooperation

Indonesian Deputy Chief Representative in Moscow Antonius Agus Sriyono encouraged here Tuesday an academic exchange between Russia and Indonesia.

Less than a week after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Indonesia (UI) and the Russian Polytechnic University of St. Petersburg was signed, Sriyono discussed closer ties between the two countries in a bid to further secure their bilateral ties.

Many Indonesian Workers Entrapped in Gaza Massacre

According to republika online, one Indonesia's migrant worker entrapped in war and massacre in Gaza. Umi Saodah working in a doctor family in Gaza appeal to be rescued and ousted from gaza.

Its very amazing, the trouble Gaza still have an amount of rich family that can rent a house maid to do house job.

How can they (migrant worker) go to Gaza??? Do they have Palestine Visa or Israeli Visa??? How can they extent their passport since no Indonesia's representative office in Gaza. Could Umi Saodah be included as a victims of Human trafficking???? There are so many question to be answered.

And one other big question is: are there Indonesia's migrant worker become the vuctims of Israeli bombardment??? How many death toll??? etc..etc..

Will SBY be remembered as a father of Indonesia's space program??

This is absolutely not a presidential campaign. But in Indonesia no body realize that SBY or the current Indonesian President is already make a good foundation that make Indonesia an alternative destination for commercial satellite launcher beside India, China and Pakistan.

If SBY elected for the second term, Indonesia will witness the renaissance of space program on 2014 as per the plan described by LAPAN.

So, in history, SBY will be remembered as a father of Indonesian space program since the first launch will be held in his term of presidency.

If this program held successfully i will rather vote for Agus Yudhoyono to be the next Presdient in 2014 general election.

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SLV-LAPAN: First Indonesian Satellite Launch Vehicle

Lapan SLV will be first tested in 2009. Indonesia plans to enter new era in satellite and rocket launcher technology.

The first launch will held on 2012 as an experimental launch that will give Indonesian scientist to explore more data from space.

Full commercial launch will be held two year later, in 2014, where Indonesia wil become a compatible competitor for commercial space launch to China and India.

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