January 8, 2022 – Indonesia News Gazette

January 8, 2022

As blackouts loom, Indonesia’s energy crisis highlights its addiction to coal

Published by
Mongabay

JAKARTA — An abrupt ban on coal exports by the Indonesian government for the whole month of January, on fears of a domestic supply shortage, should be a wake-up call to hasten the country’s transition away from the fossil fuel, experts say. In announcing the ban on Jan. 1, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources said it was a necessary move to avoid power outages for 10 million households. “If the export ban is not imposed, then nearly 20 coal-fired power plants with [total] capacity of 10,850 megawatt will go out,” Ridwan Jamaludin, the ministry’s director-general for coal, said as quote… Continue reading “As blackouts loom, Indonesia’s energy crisis highlights its addiction to coal”

January 8, 2022

VinFast taps HERE to accelerate in-car navigation for its smart electric cars

VinFast VF 9

HERE Navigation provides VinFast with a highly customizable and upgradeable navigation experience throughout the life cycle of its smart electric cars
HERE SDK offers users a seamless driving experience via VinFast’s mobile application

CES 2022 / Singapore – VinFast, Vietnam’s leading manufacturer of premium automobiles and the first Vietnamese automotive brand to launch in global markets, today announced that its first three smart electric car models VF e34, VF 8, and VF 9 will be deploying HERE Navigation, a one-stop navigation application, for its connected in-vehicle navigation experience. VinFast will also be integrating HERE’s software development kit (SDK) into its dedicated smartphone mobile application to deliver a seamless and smart driving experience.

HERE Navigation will offer VinFast’s Electric Vehicles (EVs) drivers a peace of mind by providing multi-stop route planning based on the charge level of the car, as well as automatic addition of charging stops should drivers decide to make a re-route, all powered by the HERE EV Charge Points Point of Interest (POIs) and application programming interface (API). With daily updates to the EV Charge Points POIs, global coverage and up-to-date availability information of EV Charge Points, drivers will be reassured to always stay charged and drive efficiently with routes planned for the EV’s maximized range.

HERE Navigation further enables VinFast to take advantage of the navigation as a service model provided by HERE to achieve a simplified infotainment supply chain and development process. This enables the Vietnamese automaker to update and upgrade its navigation offerings with new features and services throughout the vehicle’s life cycle. The benefit of doing so includes lowering costs and improving scalability, allowing VinFast to deliver a unique In-Vehicle-Infotainment (IVI) system and having an edge over its competition.

VinFast EV drivers will enjoy a rich and embedded experience that includes online and offline search and routing, traffic information, active lane assistance, and turn-by-turn voice guidance that allows drivers to stay focused while driving. With HERE SDK integrated into VinFast’s mobile application, users can leverage advanced location services at their fingertips to support their journeys.

“In the era of connected vehicle, it’s important for us to remain competitive by being agile and flexible with our offerings,” said Hong Sang Bae, Chief Technology Officer at VinFast. “The services put forth by HERE are outstanding and they offer one of the most customizable, reliable, and accurate navigation systems for electric vehicles. Not only are these services cost-effective and highly scalable, they provide our drivers with an upgraded overall navigation and driving experience. Thanks to the collaboration with HERE, we are able to carry out our mission to offer one of the best intelligent mobility experiences to our customers.”

Abhijit Sengupta, Director and Head of Business for Southeast Asia and India at HERE Technologies said, “VinFast has been making impressive headway in the Southeast Asia automotive industry, and are continuing to do so globally. We’re proud that they have chosen our services for their first smart electric vehicle line-up. End-users can expect to be greeted with a unique IVI system that can also be connected to their mobile phones, providing a truly connected driving experience.”

The VF e34 electric cars are now available in Vietnam. A handover ceremony for the first batch of the cars to its customers was held in December 2021, at VinFast’s manufacturing complex, located in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

Media contacts
HERE Technologies
Camy Cheng
+65 9088 4127
Camy.cheng@here.com

VinFast
Tobias Nguyen
v.trongnh4@vingroup.net

About HERE Technologies
HERE, a location data and technology platform, moves people, businesses and cities forward by harnessing the power of location. By leveraging our open platform, we empower our customers to achieve better outcomes – from helping a city manage its infrastructure or a business optimize its assets to guiding drivers to their destination safely. To learn more about HERE, please visit www.here.com and http://360.here.com.

About Vingroup and VinFast
VinFast – a member of Vingroup – envisioned to drive the movement of global smart electric vehicle revolution. Established in 2017, VinFast owns a state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing complex with globally leading scalability that boasts up to 90% automation in Hai Phong, Vietnam.

Strongly committed to the mission for a sustainable future for everyone, VinFast constantly innovates to bring high-quality products, advanced smart services, seamless customer experiences, and pricing strategy for all to inspire global customers to jointly create a future of smart mobility and a sustainable planet. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.com.

Established in 1993, Vingroup is one of the leading private conglomerates in the region, with a total capitalization of $35 billion USD from three publicly traded companies (as of November 4, 2021). Vingroup currently focuses on three main areas: Technology and Industry, Services and Social Enterprise. Learn more at: https://www.vingroup.net/en.

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January 8, 2022

Global Gate Capital Acquires Multifamily Asset in Atlanta

NEW YORK, Jan. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Gate Capital has acquired Walton Ashwood, a 160-unit Class A multifamily asset in the Perimeter Center submarket of Atlanta, Georgia, one of the city’s top employment markets. The property, which has been re-branded to Westmount Ashwood, is located at 1000 Ashwood Parkway and features an outdoor pool deck, resident lounge, complimentary coffee bar, fitness center, grilling stations, outdoor fire pit with seating areas, two dog parks, bike storage, on-site dry cleaning and valet trash pickup.

Westmount Ashwood’s excellent location within Perimeter Center is in close proximity to Interstate 285 as well as four MARTA rail stations providing convenient regional connectivity and access to downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The property is walkable to an abundance of retail and dining options including Super Target, Walmart Supercenter and a newly constructed Publix. Perimeter Mall is also located nearby with over 150 retailers.

The new ownership intends to make improvements to the common areas and amenities as well as renovate the unit interiors with new appliances, quartz countertops, kitchen backsplashes, updated cabinetry, upgraded lighting, vinyl plank flooring, keyless entry locks, and smart thermostats. Westmount Realty Capital will act as operating partner and will be supported by Greystar for property management. Debt financing for the project was provided by CIBC Inc.

Rudy Sayegh, CEO of Global Gate Capital, said: “We are pleased to complete this transaction which represents our 6th US multifamily investment this year. We have been investing in US multifamily since 2014 and are excited to continue to grow our portfolio.”

Philip Tager, Head of US Real Estate at Global Gate Capital, said: “We are delighted to be making our second multifamily investment in Atlanta this year, a market Global Gate is keen to invest more in. Investing in sunbelt states across the southeast and southwest is integral to Global Gate’s investment strategy.”

Global Gate Capital is an investment and wealth management firm that invests in multiple asset classes including real estate, private equity, credit, and listed securities. Global Gate has been investing in real estate since its inception and has deployed significant AUM in the asset class. With offices in Geneva, London, New York and Dubai, Global Gate has grown its assets under management to over $4.5B since its founding in 2013.

Media Contact:

Philip Tager, Managing Director

Global Gate Capital US, Inc.

philip.tager@globalgatecapital.com

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

January 8, 2022

Development of Solo-Semarang railroad commenced

Solo The Transportation Ministry has officially started the construction of the Solo – Semarang phase 1 double-track elevated railway for the Solo Balapan – Kalioso segment along 10 kilometers spoor (Km’sp), or 1.8 kilometers.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi affirmed that the railway construction is the longest elevated rail construction plan in Indonesia that is expected to overcome congestion at the Joglo Intersection crossing, Surakarta.

“Traffic at the Joglo Intersection is very packed. With this arrangement, we hope that the elevated railway would be able to solve road traffic problems and train movement,” Sumadi stated at the groundbreaking for the Solo Balapan – Kalioso Double Track in Surakarta, Saturday.

Sumadi explained that his ministry had collaborated along with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Central Java provincial government, and Surakarta city government to develop railroad crossings at the Joglo Intersection.

The first arrangement was to build a 1.8-km elevated double-track train by the Directorate General of Railways of the Ministry of Transportation.

The design of the flyover bridge’s construction adopts the local wisdom that exists in Solo, specifically in Batik Sidomukti, Klewer Market, and Keraton.

The Solo Balapan – Kalioso double-track project was built at a cost of some Rp920 billion through cash and the State Sharia Securities (SBSN).

The construction is targeted to be completed by the end of 2023.

Secondly, the PUPR Ministry will construct a national road underpass connecting the Ki Mangunsarkoro Street and Sumpah Pemuda Street underneath the elevated railroad.

Thirdly, land acquisition for provincial and district and city roads will be conducted by the Central Java provincial government and the Solo city government.

Source: Antara News

January 8, 2022

Sumadi inaugurates construction of Solo Balapan-Kalioso double tracks

Solo is an agglomeration city. The construction marks the point where we connect some cities in Central Java

Solo Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi inaugurated the construction of the Solo Balapan-Kalioso double tracks at Simpang Joglo, Surakarta city, Central Java on Saturday.

He expressed the hope that the construction would help build people better a life and drive the economy in the city and its surroundings.

“Solo is an agglomeration city. The construction marks the point where we connect some cities in Central Java,” Sumadi remarked.

The elevated double tracks at Simpang Joglo area will help cut congestion and anticipate flood risk in the region, he explained.

Source: Antara News

January 8, 2022

Papua’s public kitchen readies 600 meal portions daily

Jayapura, Papua The Papua provincial government has readied 600 portions of ready-to-eat food every day through its public kitchens for refugees of floods and landslides in Jayapura and its surroundings.

Head of Prevention and Preparation of the Public Order Security Agency and Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Papua Province Paminto Widodo noted that each shift will cook 300 portions that his side will distribute twice.

“We will cook 300 portions for lunch and 300 portions for dinner,” Widodo informed here on Saturday.

The ready-to-eat food will be distributed to victims of floods at three evacuation points, including the Youtefa Market, Jayapura.

“This food will not only be given to refugees but also to officers in the field,” Widodo noted.

He noted that the Papua provincial government’s public kitchens, so far, had sufficient stocks for refugees, but his side will increase the portions if the demand rises.

“Several parties are involved in cooking in our public kitchens, including those from the Provincial BPBD and Jayapura City BPBD, community organizations, NGOs, and the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Task Force, among others,” he revealed.

Earlier, heavy rains triggered floods and landslides that struck Jayapura on January 6 in which seven people lost their lives, while at least 160 families were forced to evacuate in Jayapura City, Papua Province.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) explained that the atmospheric dynamics caused the floods and landslides.

“The sea surface temperature around Papua’s waters is warm enough to increase convective activity,” Head of the Public Meteorology Center of the BMKG Fachri Radjab explained.

In addition, the northern region of Papua has wind bend areas. This trend is closely related to the meridional gradient of the westerly monsoon winds, with a wet characteristic, he added.

Another factor causal to the high rainfall in Jayapura is the humidity of moist air from the surface layer to the layer of 200 mb, he explained.

Source: Antara News

January 8, 2022

“Indonesia Mendengar” expands communication access for disabled: gov’t

This is a part of our effort to help our disabled brothers.

Jakarta The Social Affairs Ministry unveiled the “Indonesia Mendengar” (Indonesia Hears) program as part of efforts to expand communication and information access for people with disabilities in Baleendah, Bandung District, West Java, on Saturday.

The program’s unveiling was marked by the handover of hearing aids, whistles, adaptive sticks, wheelchairs, three-wheeled motorcycles, smartphones, tablets, and laptops to people with disabilities from across Indonesia.

“There are many problems that our disabled brothers encounter which gave birth to ideas. This is a part of our effort to help our disabled brothers,” Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini said during the event.

For people with hearing disabilities, the ministry has provided smartphones installed with a voice-to-text application, which will allow them to communicate with the general public, she explained.

“They could follow what I am saying. They could read here (on the smartphone) and understand even though they could not hear,” she said.

Source: Antara News

January 8, 2022

Ministry asks Umrah operators to follow One Gate Policy

Jakarta The Ministry of Religious Affairs has reminded operators of Umrah pilgrimages (PPIU) to comply with the One Gate Policy to streamline administrative formalities and minimize the potential for COVID-19 transmission.

“Together, we must support the One Gate Policy set by the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” Director General of Hajj and Umrah (PHU) at the ministry Hilman Latief said in a statement here on Saturday.

The One Gate Policy is a centralized system for the pilgrims’ embarkation, he explained.

“This One Gate Policy stipulates that all Umrah pilgrims must depart from Soekarno-Hatta Airport and undergo quarantine in Jakarta upon their arrival,” Latief informed.

The policy also regulates health checks, PCR swab tests, vaccination status checking, immigration, and other documentation, he said.

“The point is to protect the pilgrims by providing maximum protection, and ensure that they are in a healthy condition with valid and maintained documents,” Latief added.

The policy must become a common concern of all elements considering that during the Umrah pilgrimage, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is responsible for facilitating and coordinating pilgrims, he said. Meanwhile, PPIUs are responsible for Umrah implementation, he added.

“Umrah is business to business, meaning that if you get a visa, you can go for Umrah,” he said.

Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs had embarked 419 Umrah pilgrims, Indonesia’s first batch in the two years since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

Latief said the pilgrims had followed the One Gate Policy. Thus, health protocols implementation in both Indonesia and Saudi Arabia can be monitored properly, he added.

“Because the first Umrah in this year can determine the next Umrah, even for the implementation of Hajj this year. This is a long wait after being delayed many times and finally, we can realize it today. At least there are tens of thousands of Umrah pilgrims in Indonesia whose departures are still pending,” he informed.

Source: Antara News