Indonesia
INDONESIA
AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE
expand. In trade, Denmark remains important for Indonesia as one of the main trading partners in the Nordic region. The opportunities are still there for us to further increase our trade relations. Indonesia especially exports products within footwear, vegetable fats and oils, and furniture to Denmark. On the other side, Denmark provides Indonesia with medical/ pharmaceuticals, general industrial machinery and equipment as well as chemical materials. Regarding investment, the Indonesia Investment Coordination Board (BKPM) reported Danish investment in Indonesia of a total volume of 32.8 million US dollars between 2015 and Q1 2020, ranking Denmark 43rd among other FDI’s countries of origin. We invite more Danish companies to invest and capitalise in the huge Indonesian domestic market. In addition, as part of the ASEAN Economic Community, Indonesia is in a good position to serve as an alternative supply chain in the region.
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n the occasion of the 76th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings to the friendly people of Denmark as well as my best wishes to the Indonesian diaspora in Denmark. This year we celebrate the 71st anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Denmark. Collaborating closely to build a strong partnership, the two countries have commitments to become a part of the solution in addressing traditional and non-traditional challenges at bilateral, regional and global levels. The architecture of our bilateral relationship is strong and robust. Our co-operation encompasses governmentto-government, military-to-military, business-to-business and people-to-people. Recently, Indonesia and Denmark established the Innovative Partnership for the 21st Century in 2015 and the Plan of Action of 2017-2020. We will sign the second Plan of Action of 2021-2024 this year. Our bilateral co-operation is aimed at making contributions to regional and global collective efforts in dealing with non-traditional challenges faced by people around the world. The unprecedented global pandemic has made health diplomacy a priority in our ties with other countries. In this connection, on 25 June 2021, both sides signed the MoU on Health Co-operation covering areas of cooperation, among others, including health services, the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (diabetes), pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Other strong bilateral co-operation has become a part of the solution to challenges faced regionally and globally in the fields of sustainable development, climate change and renewable energy. Our economic relations still have plenty of room to
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The Indonesian government is continuously improving Indonesia’s economic environment and improving the ease of doing business. Recently the Indonesian Parliament issued Law the Omnibus Law, which simplifies bureaucracy and regulation, improves good governance, protects the workers in accordance with the International Labour Organization’s Convention, and protects the environment to attain the goals of Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. Indonesia also remains committed to being the main tourism destination in the region. We expect that Danish tourists will remain interested in visiting Indonesia postpandemic. The Embassy stands ready to work together with stakeholders from the Danish tourism industry to welcome Danish travellers. In the area of sustainable development, as one of the fastest-growing economies in the ASEAN region, Indonesia has a growing energy consumption. The renewable energy potential in the country is significant, and tapping into this potential will contribute Indonesia to fulfilling its demand to produce energy sustainably. We appreciate Denmark’s partnership in the Sustainable Island Initiative in Lombok and Riau Islands and expect this initiative to be extended to other islands or cities. Promoting democracy and interfaith dialogue have continued to be a priority between the two countries. An exchange of visits and knowledge has taken place between the two countries. This includes co-operation on countering extremism, allowing both countries to share their
respective experiences. People-to-people links are an important foundation in our bilateral relations. Social and cultural collaborations have strengthened better understanding between the peoples of both countries. Many individuals, such as the Indonesian and Danish diaspora in both countries, have played important roles in contributing to better understanding. Among them are Henning Andersen, a Danish scholar and expert on volcanoes who wrote the book ‘Indonesiens Ildøer’, or Awang Berhartawan, a Copenhagen-based Indonesian artist whose solo exhibition ‘Round in Circles’ will run in Copenhagen from 12 August to 18 September 2021. Given that the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan/ LPDP) Scholarship has listed six universities in Denmark as its foreign partner institutions this year, we expect to see more Indonesian students aspiring to excellent academic achievement and acquiring strong leadership qualities as they continue their studies on master’s or doctoral programs in Denmark. This will, in turn, enhance more people-to-people relations. Indonesia stands ready to work together for a stronger multi-stakeholder partnership to ensure that our bilateral relations continue to flourish. Opportunities and the room for improvement are abundant. We have the momentum and both countries will strive to enhance our bilateral rapport for the benefit of our two peoples and people around the world. Nevertheless, I believe that we can also draw lessons from the success of bilateral and regional co-operation in other parts of the world. One lesson that we can learn is that these successes are nurtured through long years of confidence-building and close co-operation. Finally, the 76th anniversary is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm the Indonesia and Denmark relationship, to learn more from each other, as well as to strengthen the bilateral ties in many areas of co-operation. With this in mind, I would like to convey my gratitude to The Copenhagen Post for offering this precious opportunity to introduce a glimpse of wonderful Indonesia to the people of Denmark. We hope this supplement will serve you well in intriguing your interests and guiding you to know more about doing business and travelling to Indonesia. Happy reading. Thank you very much and mange tak.
HE Dewi Savitri Wahab
WEIBEL RADAR TECHNOLOGY WATCHES OVER INDONESIAN ARCHIPELAGO World-class Danish radar technology watches over the Indonesian archipelago With its strategically important, unique geographical location, Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, faces unique security challenges. The nation’s 17,500 islands – of which around 6000 of them uninhabited – form the world’s largest archipelago. Approximately 1.9 million square kilometers of Indonesian land and sea stretch between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, flanked by Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines in the north and Australia in the south. Maintaining sovereignty is understandably a crucial element of the country’s aim to maintain regional security and domestic stability. Such a large, geographically diverse area surrounded by several close neighbors and easy access via major seaways requires a robust infrastructure of air surveillance capabilities. Robust, accurate air surveillance capabilities For several years, Denmark-based Weibel has been a valued supplier to the Indonesian National Air Defense Forces Command, Kohanudnas TNI, the unit within the Indonesian National Armed Forces responsible for air surveillance, early warning systems and air defense. Strategically placed radar stations are an important element of Indonesia’s air defense systems and there is a constant need to cover potential blind spots. Currently, two Weibel medium-range air surveillance radars are operating in the country. Weibel is well-positioned to help Indonesia meet its air defense requirements through its comprehensive product program of operational Doppler radars, which are based on unique technology and utilizing recognized military standards and protocols.
the Weibel radar’s unique performance. The simultaneous use FMCW/CW waveforms provides superior detection of targets, and the continuous-wave waveform uniquely suppresses clutter, ensuring very low flying targets can no longer “hide below the radar”. Furthermore, Weibel radars’ mobility and rapid deployment capabilities, combined with accurate real-time tracking, are valuable to help meet the unique challenges of Indonesia’s air surveillance. The units can be quickly moved to new locations and deployed as necessary.
Detecting and identifying airborne objects Weibel’s Phased-Array and 3D Digital Array Doppler radars for short and medium-range air surveillance and tracking enhance the capability of traditional air surveillance systems, especially in detecting and tracking objects flying at low altitudes. Potential targets can include anything from aircraft, helicopters and drones to missiles and rockets.
Improving artillery performance Artillery is another important aspect of a nation’s defense capabilities. Weibel’s comprehensive capability portfolio includes muzzle velocity radars, which provide accurate, reliable measurement and analysis of artillery muzzle velocity in realtime. Muzzle velocity data is as important as meteorological data and projectile characteristics to ensure the best possible firing accuracy.
The patented combination of X-band FMCW and CW waveforms in one unit underpins
Several factors can affect a round’s muzzle velocity, including weapon conditions, tube
wear and tear, ammunition lot variance, propellant conditions, crew performance, recoil system conditions and deployment. It is critical to compensate for these factors to achieve the desired accuracy by adjusting gun settings based on the actual muzzle velocity. Weibel’s muzzle velocity radar is a straightforward, single-unit add-on to a weapons system. The system consists of an antenna with an integrated processor, which may be integrated with the fire control system. The muzzle velocity radars see use on not only ground based artillery, but also heavy mortars, naval guns and more. Through features such as self-calibration and active motion compensation technologies, these muzzle velocity radars enable measurement of modern artillery with minimum maintenance and logistic requirements. Weibel is proud to support the Indonesian National Military, Tentara Nasional Indonesia, in its task to protect the sovereignty of this magnificent country.
INCOMPARABLE INDONESIA
Super-state in the south Just 76 years old, the diversity of this island nation’s human and natural worlds needs to be seen to be believed By Ben Hamilton
With 270.6 million people, the Republic of Indonesia has the fourth biggest population in the world. This makes it the planet’s third largest democracy and the home to the largest number of Muslims.Its vast resources do not stop there! As the world’s largest island nation (just over 1.9 million sq km, which makes it the 14th biggest overall), its biodiversity (#3), number of endemic species (#2) and tropical rainforests (#2) know no bounds.
THE MAKING OF OBAMA Comprising over 17,000 islands (of which 6,000 are inhabited) – including Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi, along with parts of Borneo and New Guinea – it is an immense land with 1,300 distinct ethnicities and 700 linguistic groups, a poster country for diversity.
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As US President Barack Obama, who spent four years of his childhood in Indonesia, once remarked: “Because Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, hundreds of languages and people from scores of regions and ethnic groups, my time here helped me appreciate the humanity of all people.” It is a testament to its success that a single language and shared identity developed last century, under the motto ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ (unity in diversity; many, yet one), thanks in part to its history of colonialism and rebellion – mostly due to a huge drive started by nationalists in the 1920s. Indonesia is accordingly a super-state like the USA, or the now defunct Soviet Union or Yugoslavia, but with more advantages. Founded amicably in the modern age, it is not waiting for
history to catch up with it. It is the sum of its parts … and more.
DELIVERING ON THE HOPE Indonesia was born in 1945, a year of great hope for the world, and now after three-quarters of a century it is very much delivering on the potential its founders so proudly believed in. This century it has been developing quickly – to the extent that it today has the 16th largest economy in the world – but not at the cost of its amazing environment. The capital region around Jakarta has also been a fast grower. With a population of over 31.2 million people, it is today the second largest urban area in the world, behind only Greater Tokyo. While Java, its home, is the most populated
island in the world, accounting for 56 percent of Indonesia’s population.
Yudhoyono then returned the gesture by travelling to Copenhagen in 2009 to attend COP15, the UN Climate Change Conference.
OCEANS AND CONTINENTS
It was testament, therefore, to the countries’ strong relations, and the regard held by the Danish business sector, when Queen Margrethe I and her husband accompanied a culture and trade delegation to the country in October 2015.
Straddling the Pacific and Indian oceans, as well as the continents of Asia and Oceania, trade has been central to Indonesia’s development since the 7th century, most significantly as the hub of the Netherlands’ enterprises for nearly 350 years up until World War II. Japan’s invasion brought an end to the Dutch dominance and, despite their best efforts to oppose independence, they eventually caved under international pressure to formally recognise Indonesia in 1949. The country formed its first diplomatic relations a year later. The country’s first ruler, Sukarno, oversaw a period of consolidation, and it was not until Suharto (1968-98) acceded to power with his ‘New Order’ administration, which encouraged direct foreign investment, that the country began to see significant economic growth – a period brought to an end, like Suharto’s presidency effectively, by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
SOUTHEAST ASIAN POWERHOUSE Economic progress and strengthened regional autonomy helped to bring about political reform in 2004 with the country’s first ever presidential elections, and today Indonesia functions as a presidential, constitutional republic with an elected legislature, which oversees 34 provinces. The country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor and the eastern part of Malaysia, while nearby countries include Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Australia, Palau, and India (the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Regionally it is considered a power, and it is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, East Asia Summit, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Globally it is a middle power, and it is a member of several multilateral organisations, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization and G20.
STRONG DANISH CO-OPERATION
In total 50 companies, representing four sectors (maritime, urban and clean technology, agribusiness, and design and lifestyle), took part.
PROOF IS IN THE DIALOGUE It was on that visit that the two countries made bilateral relations history. Both foreign ministers, Kristian Jensen and Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, signed a joint declaration on an innovative partnership for the 21st Century “to promote democracy, human rights, transparency and accountability; and to promote freedom of religion, religious tolerance, and the advancement of interfaith dialogue”. Following that, since 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia and Denmark have held regular bilateral consultations that discuss co-operation in all aspects. Bilateral co-operation was brought to the next level in 2017 when ministers Retno Marsudi and Anders Samuelsen signed the Plan of Action 2017-2020 for the Partnership between Indonesia and Denmark. The Plan of Action has become the platform for the co-operation between the two countries in many aspects: politics, the economy, investments, trade, defence, the green economy, tourism and culture, as well as people-to-people contact. Indonesia and Denmark have also established Interfaith Dialogue, a soft power diplomacy initiative to maintain harmony and stability that has gone on to become one of the main features of Indonesia’s foreign policies and diplomacy. Two more dialogues duly followed, with more expected once corona permits it. The latest, in 2019, was organised by the Indonesian Embassy in Copenhagen in co-ordination with the Danish Foreign Ministry. It discussed three main themes: ‘Understanding cultural diversity & religious freedom’, ‘Role and
Responsibility of Religious Leaders and Society in Building Peaceful and Inclusive Societies’, and ‘Addressing Blasphemy: Youth & Media Involvement’.
IMPORTANT HEALTH DEAL Corona has merely put bilateral relations on hold, and this was evident in June when the two countries’ health ministers, Budi Gunadi Sadikin and Magnus Heunicke, signed an important MoU on health co-operation during a hybrid meeting. Co-signed by Novo Nordisk Indonesia, it specifically relates to non-communicable diseases and diabetes and concerns five areas of co-operation. They are ‘Health services, especially basic health services, remote medicine and digital health’, ‘Disease prevention and control with a focus on non-communicable diseases’, ‘Pharmaceuticals and medical devices’, ‘Human resources development in the health sector’, and ‘Research and development in the health sector’. Indonesia and Denmark will implement the cooperation by information, knowledge and technology sharing; increasing partnerships and co-operation with NGOs, academic institutions and community organizations; organizing training, seminars and workshops; and joint project management.
OVERCOMING ITS CHALLENGES Indonesia continues to face many humancaused challenges: the legacy of its civil war and occupation of East Timor, while it has also had to deal with terrorism opposted to its moderate Islam – most notably the Bali bombings in 2002. But its biggest obstacle is undoubtedly the one posed by nature. The December 2004 tsunami claimed the lives of 130,000 Indonesians, and there are fears climate change could claim a larger toll in the future. Several studies suggest that Indonesia stands to lose more than most if emissions are not reduced and rising global temperatures kept at bay. Drought, food shortages, diseases, wildfires and failed harvests are all likely results, but it is rising sea levels the country fears the most, as the majority of its population lives in low-lying coastal areas.
Diplomatic relationships commenced with Denmark in 1950 – today Denmark has an embassy in Jakarta, opened in the same year, and Indonesia an embassy in Copenhagen – but it was not until 14 years ago that they really started to prosper. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono met Danish PM Anders Fogh Rasmussen for talks in New York City, and shortly afterwards in the same year the foreign minister, Per Stig Møller, visited Indonesia, becoming the first Danish dignitary to do so.
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INDUSTRIOUS INDONESIA
A Deep-Value Economy Indonesia is a global power-in-waiting… if it can harness its own resources By Lena Hunter
Indonesia’s economy is something of an idiosyncrasy in Southeast Asia. Unlike that of neighbours, Singapore and Thailand, the driving force is domestic activity rather than exports – something which cushioned it during the 2008 financial crisis. Its self-reliance extends to its market-based economy in which the government sets the price of goods like fuel, rice and electricity. The Indonesian system is supported by relative political stability and strategically located among its main trading partners – Japan, China, Singapore and South Korea – some of the world’s fastest growing economies. Major industries are petroleum and natural gas, textiles and apparel, mining, plywood, rubber and chemical fertilisers, while its main
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exports are oil and gas, minerals, crude palm oil, electrical appliances and rubber products. But despite Indonesia’s vast resources, the economic base has shifted since the 70s from the primary sector to manufacturing, trade and services. Now, rigorous infrastructure development and a focus on public education and health are raising Indonesia’s international investment profile.
AN UPWARD TRAJECTORY
Like most world economies, Indonesia’s saw a dip in 2020 with GDP falling 2.1 percent. Partly to blame was its sluggish vaccination drive – a trend in Southeast Asia – which harmed investor confidence and led to the dumping of risky assets.
However there’s cause for optimism as a sustained trade recovery, revival in manufacturing and the large recovery budget for 2021 point to a trajectory of growth. Compared to the previous year, the first quarter of 2021 saw an increase in both public and private consumption. The spike in domestic demand led to a 2.45 percent growth in the food and beverage industry, 2.95 percent in the agricultural sector, and 11.46 percent in the chemical, pharmaceutical and traditional medicine production industries.
STRATEGIES FOR GROWTH
As the second quarter draws to a close under similar momentum, a series of strategies are in place under the National Economic Recovery Program (PEN) to ensure the trend continues.
Incentives for strategic sectors include credit restructuring to support hospitality businesses, relaxation of sales tax on luxury goods (PPnBM) and of VAT on properties. It’s having an effect: in March, car sales leapt by 28.2 percent and home sales by 39.6 percent compared to the same time in 2020. However, for Indonesia to unlock its considerable growth potential the IMF advises it “prioritise strengthening government revenue” – which is currently below that of most other emerging countries. So, as well as the PEN growth strategy, the Ministry of Investment (BKPM) has laid out a 4-stage roadmap for national investment promotion.
THE 4 STAGES
The low-hanging fruit of Indonesian investment is its natural resources. Therefore, in the short term the plan entails optimising their production and processing. Next, investment will be channelled towards infrastructure including roads, airports, ports and power-generation, as well as health services and education. The third stage will see continued investment in creating a highly skilled, educated workforce to lay the foundation for industrialization. Fiscal and non-fiscal incentives will play a large role here in the transition to the final stage: formation of a knowledge-based economy fuelled by a globally competitive workforce.
GREEN GROWTH
On top of all that, Indonesia has pledged to transition to a circular economy – a move estimated to add 593 to 638 trillion Rp to Indonesia’s GDP by 2030, according to the National Development Planning. The sweeping implementation of low-carbon production is key in the final stage of the investment roadmap: increased investment in science and innovation will generate huge income opportunities for researchers and tech companies. A newly established sovereign wealth fund presented by President Joko ’Jokowi’ Widodo will also bolster upcoming development. He cited the successes of the United Arab Emirates, China, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Kuwait and Qatar, who established their own sovereign funds decades ago to fund internal development.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN INDONESIA
Of 190 countries, Indonesia ranks 73rd on the Ease of Doing Business index designed by the World Bank. Specifically, it excelled in the ease of getting credit and electricity, protecting minority investors and resolving insolvency. New regulations have made starting a business and registering a property easier, while judiciary system reform has decreased court backlogs and case processing time.
The recent Omnibus Law, which saw a slew of amendments to laws in a broad range of sectors has also shaped a more conducive environment for foreign investment.
initiatives like the 1,624 ‘tourist villages’ – destinations in rural areas that will allow travellers to get off the beaten path and explore local culture and cuisine.
The changes aim to attract investment and create new jobs by simplifying licensing processes, providing incentives, removing existing restrictions on foreign investment, and easing requirements on the Visit Visa and Limited Stay Visa.
Village-owned enterprises in tourist villages receive government assistance, helping to unlock economic growth in remote regions.
THE SILICON VALLEY OF ASIA
With that in mind, venture capitalists would be wise to look to Indonesia’s technology and digital sector, which has exploded in the past five years.
Overall, resource-rich Indonesia stands in good stead to generate the government revenue needed to boost spending on education, infrastructure, health, welfare and sustainable growth, as well as tackle challenges related to climate change in its transition to a green economic future.
Increased internet access and mobile-phone use has created a fertile ecosystem for the emergence of tech startups and e-commerce. Government focus on growing the digital sector has resulted in the largest and fastest growing digital economy in Southeast Asia. Indonesia lists five unicorns amongst its many homegrown startups: e-commerce companies Tokopedia and Bukalapak, ride-hailing service Gojek, travel booking platform Traveloka, and fintech company OVO. Last year, Facebook, Google and Microsoft were the latest to bet big on Indonesia, cutting a swathe of deals to invest in the archipelago’s unicorns. The internet market – currently valued at $44 billion according to a report by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company – is estimated to reach $124 billion by 2025.
LOOKING AHEAD
So, what are the big forces in play for Indonesia’s economic future? President Jokowi is expected to see out his term until 2024, renewing efforts to tackle the high-level corruption fuelled by tycoons, oligarchs and politicians. This will rest on supporting social and press freedoms, fiscal transparency and financial monitoring. The tourism industry is being revived with
Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen Journalists: Ben Hamilton, Lena Hunter, Arzia Tivany Wargadiredja, Puck Wagemaker Layout: CPH POST • Info: hans@cphpost.dk Tel: +45 2420 2411
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INNOVATIVE INDONESIA
Nurtured growth
How the country is adeptly switching over to a sustainable green growth program By Arzia Tivany Wargadiredja Indonesia has been experiencing consistent economic growth for the past 15 years, with GDP on average rising 6 percent every year. Currently the world’s 15th biggest economy, its goal of entering the top ten by 2025 is within reach. However, while it is supported by rich natural resources, the Southeast Asian country is doing its best to not grow at the expense of its environment, and it has accordingly targeted a 29-41 percent reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Furthermore, its government has prepared a long-term sustainable economic plan to not only safeguard its industrial sectors but also to take care of its human and environmental sectors.
GREEN GROWTH PROGRAM
A green growth program is accordingly central to its economic development plans. In 2012, the Green Growth Program Indonesia was implemented jointly by the government through the Ministry of National Development Planning and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). It involves a number of national and sub-national governments. This initiative is a result of the belief that economic growth and environmental sustainability is vital for the future. Since 2013, the program has developed approaches to be implemented in the green growth plan, and it was made possible by the support of the Norwegian government as one of the global leaders in green economic growth.
ROADMAP TO GREEN INDONESIA The National Green Growth Roadmap has become a reference for green growth planning, investment and performance monitoring. It has three main objectives. Firstly, it will develop strategies to integrate green growth goals, concepts, methods, tools, and practices into development planning. Secondly, it will identify short, medium, and long term needs to design, plan, and implement interventions that can drive green growth. Thirdly, it will generate capacity, tools and case studies to facilitate the mainstreaming of green growth into national socioeconomic development planning.
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FIVE DESIRED OUTCOMES OF GREEN GROWTH
Green growth economy focuses not only on economic growth but also on the ability to present economic, social and environmental benefits that will ensure people’s quality of life. social, and environmental stability in a critical state
The country aims for five outcomes in the future: •
sustained economic growth that is efficient, robust, and will support its people’s development
•
inclusive equitable growth that will empower diverse communities
•
social economic and environmental resilience that focuses on the ability to maintain or restore economic, financial,
•
healthy and productive ecosystems providing services where natural resources are sustained and respected in order to create continues benefits
•
greenhouse gas emission reduction as a part of global efforts to prevent climate change, while at the same time strengthening energy security.
percent by 2030, which will be surpassing what the government targeted; adding 15.3 million jobs by 2045 that are greener and better paid; preventing 16 million hectares forest land lost by 2045; reducing extreme poverty by 4.2 percent by 2045; improving air quality and living conditions; and avoiding 40,000 deaths each year.
PARTNERING WITH DENMARK Indonesian households produce more than 65 million tonnes of waste annually.
LOW CARBON DEVELOPMENT In 2017, Indonesia launched the Low Carbon Development Indonesia Initiative to integrate climate action into its development agenda. The initiative combines aspirations of economic growth while at the same time achieving Indonesia’s climate objectives by preserving its natural resources. This will be the first low carbon development plan in the country’s history. A government’s report, ‘Low Carbon Development: A Paradigm Shift Towards a Green Economy in Indonesia’, finds that if this low carbon growth path is successfully implemented, it can result in an average 6 percent GDP growth increase annually until 2045. Moreover, the shift will make impacts in: reducing greenhouse gas emission by 43
With current economic growth and massive industrialisation, Indonesia is estimated to produce more waste by 2-4 percent per year. Waste ends up in landfills and some of it is damaging to the sea and nature, causing environmental damages and waste problems. Due to this escalating environmental problem, Indonesia is committed to partnering with a country that has been the leader in a green sustainable economy, Denmark.
something new. In this case, waste is also an opportunity for innovative business. The areas discussed mostly surround circular economy and green transition; general and organic waste management and treatment; waste banks and recycling facilities; and waste collection and data management. The project and activities include: policy dialogue on green and sustainable transition and development; technical advice related to circular economy and waste management; training, education and applied research; and the enhancement of commercial opportunities in the sector. The partnership is expected to not only strengthen the Indonesia-Denmark partnership, but also to create a better world through the pursuit of a green economy together.
A century-old friendship between Denmark and Indonesia resulted in the Circular Economy and Waste Management co-operation. The partnership aims to foster a green sustainable economy.
CIRCULAR APPROACH The partnership was initiated in 2018 involving central and local authorities, civil society, organisations and private sectors in both countries in managing waste. Through a circular economy, waste should no longer be the end of consumption but also the beginning, as all materials retain potential to be recycled into
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INDONESIAN INSIDERS
Successfully settled
The inspiring stories of those who swapped Sumatra for Sjælland or Java for Jutland By Arzia Tivany Wargadiredja The voyage from Batavia, the stronghold of the Dutch East India Company in the early 17th century, to Europe was fraught with danger, but the rewards were lucrative.
Overcoming hurdles The right to work, and then employment, can be hard to obtain, and let’s not get started on the difficulty of learning the language!
Four centuries later, many Indonesians continue to make that same journey, from the city that has since been renamed Jakarta, but today the challenge begins when you reach these shores.
CPH POST caught up with five members of the Indonesian diaspora in Denmark to discover how they have managed to successfully settle here.
PARUNTUNGAN SIHOMBING
packaging, after they won a Dean Challenge competition at Aarhus University in 2017. Fellow co-founder Deby Fapyane is also Indonesian, and all three continue to run the company on a daily basis.
Raining down awards In 2018, Cellugy was one of the winners at the Agro Business Park Innovationkonkurrence, an innovation competition in agriculture, biomass and environmental technology that gives the winners the chance to turn their ideas into business. In the same year, the startup was also selected among the 24 Europe’s best high growth potential technology companies by the European Venture Contest final. Paruntungan Sihombing is one of three cofounders of Cellugy, a Danish biotech startup working hard in the sustainable biotechnology industry to replace fossil-based plastic in food
AWANG BERHARTAWAN
The work of Palembang-born visual artist Awang Berhartawan, which has been exhibited at some of the most prestigious galleries in Yogyakarta and Copenhagen, is a representation of both worlds. In his art, he combines his eastern life philosophy and mathematical science; in life, he considered both Indonesia and Denmark as his home. He uses fractal pattern – an endlessly repeating visual pattern
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Good country for business “Denmark is a good country to start a business – especially a biotech company. There are clear rules and regulations, and plenty of resources
that he draws inspiration from to explain the endless repetitive cycle of life – as well as mathematical pattern, fibonacci sequence and golden ratio to illustrate daily lives. He creates continuity and repetitions that mimics the life process through the past, present and future at his studio at Kastetvej 8 in Østerbro.
Establishing relations Awang has been an important figure in helping both countries to establish cultural relations. He wants to challenge misconceptions
are available,” he contended. “Research facilities and experts are adequate, and generally Denmark and the EU are generous with funding for startups that focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” But hard work is needed! “Reach out to people, network. Be present in the media, because credibility is important. Join various accelerators, cause they will always be eager to help you succeed,” he advises.
Bigging up Indonesia Sihombing believes that the start-up climate in Indonesia is also promising. With a population 60 times bigger than Denmark, it is a huge market for tech companies. “In Indonesia, tech companies are more into e-commerce, ride-hailing, health and finance. With great potential, it is no wonder that there are several startups that have become unicorns,” he enthused.
by demonstrating that Indonesia is so much more than the “traditional exotic” culture often portrayed in western countries. He has assisted Danish artists in travelling to Indonesia to discover its modernity for themselves. “On one occasion I sent a curator from the Danish National Museum to Indonesia,” he recalled. “And he was surprised and said that ‘if I didn’t send him to Yogyakarta, he wouldn’t know that Indonesia has very modern contemporary art’.”
DINI BANOWATI Jakarta-born Dini Banowati moved to Aarhus in 2004. Her intention at the time was to start building a family. However, one thing led to another, and she is now the owner of Dini’s (Grønnegade 13, Horsens), one of a few Indonesian restaurants in Denmark. Who knew back then that her love of Indonesian food would help her integrate into Danish society. At first, Banowati found it hard to integrate, as she found the people quite reserved in the company of outsiders. But then she discovered that making Indonesian food to bring to parties, work and other social events was a good conversationstarter and way to bond.
Thorough planning “Indonesian food and culture really helped me to integrate into Danish society. I made friends and started building networks. It gave me confidence,” revealed Banowati.
Dini therefore first consulted a culinary businesswoman regarding the best strategy to penetrate the market. “The only way to do it was not to make it ‘authentic’,” she said. “We did a lot of alterations to the menu so it will be acceptable to Danish society. We also make sushi in the restaurant.”
Successfully established Banowati serves an Indonesian menu with a tapas concept, which according to TripAdvisor is one of the best places to eat in the town. In the future, she hopes more Indonesians will step forward to introduce ths cuisine to Denmark. “Indonesian food has really helped me to integrate into a new country. To me it’s more than just food,” she said.
“However, while my Danish friends loved my dishes, my husband told me that ‘maybe they loved your food because you gave it to them for free; you won’t know how much they love it until they buy it themselves”.
DEJAN ALANKHAN In 2006, Bandung-born Dejan Alankhan left Asia for Denmark. He had previously lived in West Java and Japan pursuing a career as an IT programmer, whilst photography only remained a hobby. But in Japan, he met his partner, a product designer, and they decided to move to Denmark 2006, where he took a huge leap to train to become a photographer at a media school in Viborg. Not only did he go on to become a leading photographer in fashion and retail, but he also specialises in architecture and design photography to the extent that today he lists many of Denmark’s major architectural and design companies as his clients.
Shining a light
Merging the two
The pair work with Indonesian metal craftsmen in Java to work on their Caldera pendant lamp.
Alankhan and his partner aim to empower his homeland in his works: Indonesian design products that merge the simplicity of Scandinavian design with locally-sourced products and manpower.
“At first it was hard to work with Indonesian craftsmen, because they are naturally great at making the product but they generally don’t have the knowledge in reading 3D design,” he said.
“It is hard to sell Indonesian design products because the aesthetic does not match the Scandinavians’ taste for simplicity and functionality,” he said.
“It took a long time to understand the cultural differences in producing designs but in the end it all pays off.”
“That’s why we try to collaborate and produce a Scandinavian design in Indonesia with locally-sourced manpowers and materials.”
The caldera pendant lamp will be exhibited at the ‘3 Days of Design’ event in Copenhagen from September 16-18. To find out more, visit his website at dejanalankhan.com.
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INDONESIA INTUITION
Why education is key
Not only is a university course in Indonesia an attractive prospect for foreigners, but the country is also of huge interest to researchers By Arzia Tivany Wargadiredja Most populations in the Developed World are ageing, but Indonesia is the opposite, so it’s no surprise to note that Southeast Asia’s biggest economy is prioritising quality education to unleash the potential of its younger generations. Its blossoming higher education set-up, coupled with the achievements of its people – UNESCO estimated in 2017 that 45,000 Indonesians study abroad – are helping to cement the country’s growing reputation as a hotbed for academic excellence and breakthroughs in research. On top of its 122 state universities, it has countless more private institutions that offer students the world over a unique and affordable study package.
OF HUGE ACADEMIC INTEREST Indonesia as a country will always be of interest to academics, not least thanks to its rich biomega diversity. Its famous ‘Ring of Fire’ accounts for 90 and 75 percent of the world’s seismic and volcanic activity. Anthropologists also flock there, from Benedict Andersen (concept of Imagined Communities) and Clifford Geertz (symbolism) to none other than Barack Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, who completed her research in economic anthropology and rural development in Indonesia. It’s not unheard of for Danes to study there. Favoured subjects include social science and humanities studies, along with Islam, democracy, forestry, agriculture and, of course, anthropology.
SCHOLARSHIPS IN DENMARK Indonesians also study in Denmark, particularly now the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) has reopened its scholarship program to Danish universities. The government-sponsored scholarship aims at funding Indonesian students to pursue higher education in master’s and PhD programmes at world-class universities. The scholarships are open to Indonesian citizens with outstanding academic
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achievement and strong leadership qualities. The University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Technical University of Denmark and Copenhagen Business School are all included in the program. Aside from that, each year Danish higher education institutions receive scholarships to fund students from non-EU/EEA countries to study in Denmark. The students are eligible for either full or partial tuition fee or grants to cover living costs.
EMBASSY’S LANGUAGE CLASSES Learning Indonesian can be tricky for Danes interested in studying in the country, but help is at hand. In order to help foreign students to learn and improve their Indonesian language proficiency, in spoken and written forms, and in formal and informal contexts of situation, the Indonesian Embassy in Copenhagen organises an annual
online Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers course. It is open to residents in Denmark and Lithuania with certified tutors by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture.
GAP YEARS Indonesia is a good choice for Danish students taking a gap year. Since 1974, it has offered an annual short course program to international students to learn the Indonesian language, and also about its art and culture. Some 9,000 students from more than 135 countries have taken the course. Check out darmasiswa.kemdikbud.go.id to find out more.
INDONESIANS IN PLAY
The Shuttlecock Exchange Badminton is the ultimate ice-breaker when Danes travel to Jakarta, or vice-versa, as both nations are world-leaders in the sport By Puck Wagemaker If you think about what Denmark and Indonesia have in common, you may need to pick your brain until you think about badminton. In both countries, it’s one of the most popular sports, and they both have some of the best badminton players in the world. But this mutual interest in badminton is more than just winning games, as it also helps embassies to establish partnerships. It’s the perfect ice-breaker between Indonesia and Denmark. There’s always a good match to talk about.
Successful tour Badminton has helped the countries’ business sectors to forge long-lasting links. In 2014, the Danish Badminton Inspiration Team toured Asia, as well as Indonesia, to visit badminton clubs, universities and schools, arranging several matches to showcase the sport. Assisted by the Royal Danish Embassy in Jakarta, the team established good relations within the Indonesian business community.
DANISA Denmark Open, he showed off his new skill by sending greetings to all the Indonesian players – stealing the hearts of all Indonesian badminton fans in the process! There’s no doubt that such a gesture will only strengthen ties, which are being increasingly referred to as ‘shuttle diplomacy’, in the future.
Speaking the language Also, on an individual level for players, it’s useful to have good connections with Indonesia. Top Danish badminton player Mathias Christiansen, who regularly plays against Indonesians, got bored during lockdown and ended up learning Indonesian! In a post-match interview after his first round match at the 2020
INDONESIAN INFIGHTING Pencak silat is an Indonesian martial art that is smooth, rhythmic and almost looks like dancing. It merges the two main branches of martial arts practiced in Indonesia. Pencak was traditionally performed in Madura, Java and Bali, while the silat was applied to the Sumatran style. Four different aspects It’s an art, a form of self-defence, a spiritual exercise and a sport. These four aspects combine in the specific movements of pencak
silat, which consists of several key components and basic techniques. Smooth movements Pencak silat has different styles, but common elements of all styles are smooth movements, elements resembling and influencing traditional dance, and self-defence. These smooth movements are targeted at redirecting and using the enemy’s force. The goal is to make a flowing transition of movements instead of opposing with a counterforce. (PW)
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INCREDIBLE INDONESIA
Bali and beyond
The island nation has so much more to offer than the tourists’ favourite Bali, which explains why the government is investing heavily in encouraging visitors to discover other options By Puck Wagemaker Indonesia is famous for its relaxing and world-class tourism destination Bali, but it’s time to visit the ‘New Bali’ now.
MANDALIKA – WEST NUSA TENGGARA
The Indonesian archipelago is filled with many more destinations that each have unique offerings yet to be discovered.
Along the south coast of Lombok Island lies Mandalika. Once a surfers’ best-kept secret, but it has now developed into the island’s capital of leisure. With its crystal seawater and breezy wind, Mandalika is the best place to enjoy nature and relax.
That’s why President Joko Widodo and his ministers announced the ‘Ten New Bali Project’ back in 2016 – a government initiative to establish ten new tourist hubs and spread tourism all over Indonesia, instead of just Bali. SPECIAL POTENTIAL The ten ‘New Balis’ are destinations picked for their potential to become outstanding tourism attractions. Each is a blank canvas, but with special features that with the right type of development have the potential to be the ‘next place to be’ in Indonesia. Over the next two years, Indonesia will focus on optimising five priority tourist destinations out of the ‘New Bali’ locations.
LABUAN BAJO – EAST NUSA TENGGARA This fishing village is stationed on the western side of Flores Island. The name ‘Labuan Bajo’ means ‘place where the sea gypsies stop over’, but nowadays it’s much more than just a stopping place for boats. With a new marina and five-star resort opened in 2018, and more luxury accommodation to follow, it’s officially no longer a low-key fishing town
The largest Buddhist monument in the world is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia. The temple houses 2,672 painted reliefs and 504 Buddha statues and is a UNESCO World Heritage site – which put Indonesia on the circuit of cultural world heritage tourism.
Photo: Facebook
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BOROBUDUR TEMPLE – CENTRAL JAVA
LAKE TOBA – NORTH SUMATRA
LIKUPANG BEACH – NORTH SULAWESI
It’s the largest volcanic lake in the world, and really a natural wonder of the world. Not only is the crater lake enormous, but there is also an island nearly the size of Singapore in its centre.
The beach is white and sandy and the stunning seawater is crystal-clear. It’s the perfect place to snorkel, dive and fish in the area. Indonesia’s World Wildlife Fund observed a green sea turtle in the area in 2007 – a sign that the ocean ecosystem is in a good condition.
INDONESIAN INGESTION: COMFORT IN A BOWL Simply said, Nasi Goreng is just fried rice, but it’s simply delicious. THE RECIPE Ingredients for Nasi Goreng for two people 200g jasmine rice 2 tbsp oil 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 2 eggs, beaten 2 tbsp kecap manis 2 tsp soy sauce 4 spring onions 1 red chilli, sliced, to serve
It’s the perfect comfort food. It doesn’t take long to make and is actually a leftover recipe – it’s best when you use yesterday’s rice. That’s why it’s originally a breakfast recipe. Yes, Indonesians eat rice for breakfast. In the morning you use the leftover rice from dinner the evening before. But of course, it tastes very good for dinner as well. Just make sure that you let your rice chill. It needs enough time to cool down and become a bit hard, otherwise, it will be impossible to make the perfect Nasi Goreng. So, so without soy though Also important for the perfect Nasi Goreng, you really try to find kecap manis. It’s Indonesian sweet soy sauce, and the dish won’t be complete without it. You can buy it at an Asian store and, if you’re lucky, you can sometimes buy it at Danish supermarkets. Nasi Goreng has many variations, but below is the basic recipe. Feel free to add anything, for example, mushrooms, shrimps, chicken or beef.
For the paste 50g shallots, peeled and roughly chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped 1 large medium red chilli, deseeded 1 tbsp oil How to make it: Boil the rice and let it chill for at least 3-4 hours. Mix all the ingredients for the paste together until it’s a smooth mix. Heat the oil in a wok on high heat. Fry the garlic, add the eggs, and fry them until they’re a bit brown. Add the spices and cook for a minute. Now, add the rice bit by bit and fry it. While stirring add the kecap manis, soy sauce, spring onion and chilli. Fry and stir it for another minute and it’s ready to eat.
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