*Due to the latest information regarding the passport situation, EKONID will no longer be updating this article* The German Embassy in Indonesia recently announced that Indonesian passports without signature columns cannot be processed for visa applications. The announcement, published on August 11, 2022, stated that the issue was being collaboratively examined by the relevant German and Indonesian authorities. Based on the latest information obtained by EKONID, the problem affects Indonesian passports, both the electronic and non-electronic versions, issued in 2021 and after. If there is a change in the situation, the German Embassy in Jakarta will update their website with the relevant information. Those affected by the problem are also urged to contact their nearest immigration office for a possible solution. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can I apply for a new visa with an Indonesian passport that does not have a signature column? Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to apply for a Schengen or a German Visa with this passport. Your application will not be accepted. The German Embassy in Jakarta recommends that you to check again with the relevant Indonesian authority on whether you can obtain an Indonesian passport with a signature column for Schengen or German Visa applications. What if I have an Indonesian passport without a signature column that has already been granted a visa? If you have a visa, the German Embassy in Jakarta recommends that you postpone your trip to Germany as you will likely be refused to enter German territory. My passport is currently being processed for a visa application and I do not know whether or not my passport has a signature column. What should I do? The problem affects Indonesian passport issued in 2021 and after. If your passport does not meet the requirement as stated above, the German Embassy in Jakarta will send you an e-mail statement. Please check your e-mail regularly. Do I need to apply for a new passport to be able to travel at this time? Only passports (either electronic or regular) with a signature column will be processed for visa applications. As per Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. M.HH-01.GR.01.03.01.3059/2019 on Technical Specifications on Regular Passport and Passport Equivalent Travel Document Security, Indonesia no longer issues passport with a signature column. What is the next process? The situation as stipulated above is effective until stated otherwise by the German authorities. Sample of the Indonesian Passport page with and without the signature column as required by the German Embassy in Jakarta: here LATEST UPDATES - On August 18, 2022, the German Embassy in Jakarta announced that, effective immediately, Indonesian passports without a standardized signature field can be validated with an officially, certified signature by an Indonesian passport authority, and that the German Embassy and the external visa provider VFS Global will immediately inform Indonesian visa applicants about the relevant visa procedures - On August 13, 2022, the Indonesian immigration office issued a statement saying that Indonesian passport holders who are affected by the problem can apply for an endorsement signature in the immigration office. However, it should be noted that this does not guarantee the processing of a visa application, as the German Embassy in Jakarta has stated that it does not recognize an endorsement as a valid replacement of the signature column. Link here Please be informed that EKONID will not be answering individual questions regarding this topic. However, we continue to coordinate with the German Embassy in Jakarta for the latest information. We encourage our readers to check the latest official information from the official sources here: The German Embassy in Jakarta The Indonesian Immigrations Office
The Indonesian medical device and lab equipment industry continues to grow significantly. According to data from the International Trade Administration at the US Dept. of Commerce, the market size of the Indonesian medical device and lab equipment is expected to reach US$3.85 billion in 2022 from $2.85 billion in 2019. The International Trade Administration calculates market size by adding the amount of imported medical devices with the amount of devices produced locally, and then subtracting the total with the amount of devices that are exported. That estimate is further supported by data from the Ministry of Investment, also known as the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Agency or BKPM, which recorded a marked increase in the number of medical device and equipment production facilities – from 193 in 2015 to 891 in 2021, or a 361.6% increase in just 5 years. One reason for this development is the implementation of a national health insurance scheme known as Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional, or JKN. Introduced in 2014, the JKN aims to include all of Indonesia’s 270 million citizens – the world’s fourth largest population – under its wings. As of 2020, an estimated 83% of that population has been covered by JKN. Another possible reason for the rapid expansion is the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic has had an adverse effect on various sectors, the global medical device and lab equipment sector experienced double-digit growth – as much as 38% in 2020, according to data from the WTO. Alongside these developments, Indonesia has aspirations of producing its own advanced medical technologies. The country has traditionally been an importer medical technologies such as dental x-ray machines, CT-scanners, and ventilators. Some 94 percent of medical device circulating in the country are imported, as stated in a 2020 Ministry of Health report. In 2021, Indonesia imported Rp 12.5 trillion worth of medical devices and equipment, according to the Indonesian Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut B. Pandjaitan. Domestic production is mostly oriented toward disposable items such as surgical mask, gloves and hospital bed. In this regard, the Indonesian government continues to encourage the development of the local medical device industry, most recently with the issuance of Presidential Instruction (Inpres) No. 2/2022 on accelerating the utilization of domestically produced goods for government tenders. Through this Inpres, the government expects local manufacturers of medical devices to eventually produce middle-class medical technology and healthcare devices by 2035 to meet domestic demand. Resilient opportunities for foreign investors For the foreseeable future, the Indonesian market will continue to grow with relatively low competition from local manufacturers and the country will remain heavily reliant on imports for its medical devices. On the other hand, medical device manufacturers/distributors, pharmaceutical companies, and medical technology firms can tap into a large market while helping Indonesia to improve its medical facilities. Indonesia has acknowledged the need to work with foreign investors by easing regulatory hurdles to give foreign investors a larger stake in certain sub-sectors of the medical device and equipment industry, especially for raw materials production for hospitals and pharmaceuticals, as well as technologically advanced medical devices. Additionally, Indonesia now allows 100% foreign ownership of medical device subsidiaries. This was stated in Presidential Regulation No. 10 of 2021 on "Investment Business Fields" issued in February 2021. Indonesia’s large population and consistent economic growth present excellent opportunities for foreign companies. These opportunities have already attracted various leading foreign medical device companies such as Siemens Healthcare Indonesia and GE Healthcare Indonesia to the archipelago. Furthermore, the Indonesian medical device regulatory and importation requirements has become more transparent in recent years. These conditions, as well as the numerous tax incentives available to foreign middle and small sized medical device businesses, means that there are significant business opportunities for foreign companies when they enter the Indonesian market.
Character: Sporty exterior and modern, luxurious interior design Comfort: Improved roominess, new seat designs with memory seats, Keyless Go and Hands free access Connect: Latest generation MBUX multimedia system Control: Easy to operate big central display, Parking Package, EQ boost engine, Blind Spot Assist and Active lane keeping Assist Choi Duk Jun, President Director PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia explained, "PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia welcomes our customers to Mercedes-Benz STAR DRIVE. We are glad to be able to conduct this annual event again, as part of our commitment to continue providing Best Customer-Experience. At this year's STAR DRIVE, Mercedes-Benz is launching three of its latest products in 2022, The All New C-Class (C 200 AVANTGARDE Line and C 300 AMG Line) and The new CLS 350 AMG Line Coupé. The All New C-Class is a highly awaited model, which predecessors have been our best-selling products worldwide, including in Indonesia. Since 1982, more than 10 million Mercedes-Benz C Class units have been sold globally, and in the last decade, the C-Class has been the highest-volume Mercedes-Benz model. In Indonesia, the total sales of the C-Class have surpassed 32,000 units, making the C-Class one of our best-selling models during our 51 years in Indonesia. We are proud to be able to assemble The All New C-Class locally at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wahanerang, Bogor. We hope our customers will get the chance to see and experience The All New C-Class during Mercedes-Benz STAR DRIVE" The All New Mercedes-Benz C-Class highlights four main elements: Character, Comfort, Connect and Control. Character The All New -Class comes with improved exterior and interior designs. For its exterior, this new model has a sportier touch, and when viewed from the side, elaborately sculptured surfaces create unique light effects. The C 200 AVANTGARDE line has decorative single louvre elements and the radiator grille and front apron feature chrome elements. The C 300 AMG Line is the first model in Indonesia with a new grille design that is sprinkled with chrome Mercedes-Benz stars known as the Mercedes-Benz pattern. As for its interior, The All New C-Class has a modern and luxurious design with its dashboard divided into an upper and a lower section. The driver area features a high-resolution 12.3 inch LCD screen that sets the driver display apart from traditional cockpits with classic round dials. The central display of The All New C-Class is also different with a 11.9 inch touchscreen that appears to float above the expanse of trim. The driver display and media display of The All New C-Class offer a holistic, aesthetic experience. Comfort Comfort is one of the highlights of The All New C-Class, The car's dimensions, which is considerably larger than its predecessors, offers more space in the front and rear. The seat design of The All New C-Class have been upgraded with memory seats feature, which can save 3 different seat settings. The Keyless Go and hands free access feature in The All New C-Class provides easier access in opening and starting the car. Connect Multimedia is an important feature in a car, for both entertainment and navigation. The All New C-Class is equipped with the latest generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, similar to the one available on the S-Class, The interior of the car becomes even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: brilliant images on the LCD screens make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The latest generation MBUX is equipped with "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant that can make phone calls, turn on the navigation system, change ambient lighting and many more. Control Controlling the multimedia system and vehicle settings becomes easier with the large LCD screen at the central display of The All New C-Class. Driving The All New C-Class becomes more controlled with features such as Parking Package that makes it easier when parking the car; EQ Boost Engine that combines petrol engine with battery technology that makes the car more efficient and powerful; Blind Spot Assist that gives additional safety when driving; and Active Lane Keeping Assist (available for the C 300 AMG Line) to ensure the car is on the right lane. "With The All New C-Class, Mercedes-Benz encourages customers to Stay in Your Comfort Zone, where Mercedes-Benz highlights Comfort as one of its main focuses in every vehicle model, especially The All New C-Class. We have increased the comfort level, that all this time has been the main highlight of the C-Class, the favorite model throughout the past years. In addition to comfort, The All New C-Class also highlights improvements in character, connect and control to give the best experience for customers. Will all its upgrades, The All New C-Class can become a comfort zone and continue to become the favorite model of Mercedes-Benz loyal customers in Indonesia* said Choi Duk Jun. The All New Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with two engine aptions, 1.496 cc with 204 hp & 300 Nm (C 200 Avantgarde line) and 1,999 cc with 258 hp & 400 Nm (C 300 AMG Line). Mercedes-Benz recommends customers to use fuel with Research Octane Number (RON) higher than 95 for best engine performance and to maintain engine warranty. This new model also comes with features including large central display, premium ambient lighting, wireless charging, Parking Package, Keyless Go, Active Brake Assist and Blind Spot Assist. The All New Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered at a recommended off the road prices of Rp. 970,000,000 for the C 200 AVANTGARDE Line and Rp. 1,095,000,000 for the C 300 AMG Line and is available now at the authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships across Indonesia, Every new Mercedes- Benz is equipped with 5-year StarService with unlimited kilometers applied and 2-year StarTire coverage, providing more peace of mind to own a Mercedes-Benz. The All New Mercedes-Benz C-Class debuts in Indonesia at Mercedes-Benz STAR DRIVE 2022 event held at Senayan City from 14-17 July 2022. In addition to The All New C-Class, Mercedes-Benz introduces The new CLS 350 AMG Line Coupé and also displays other Mercedes-Benz models including GLA 200 AMG line, GLB 200 Progressive line, GLC 200 AMG Line Night Edition, GL$ 450 AMG Line, E 200 Avantearde Line, Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and Mercedes-AMG A 35. Visitors of Mercedes-Benz STAR DRIVE can be the first to test drive The AlL New C-Class and experience its comfort. Exclusive promotions are available for Mercedes-Benz STAR DRIVE visitors, including: 0% installment up to 1 year for every purchase of The All New C-Class at Mercedes-Benz STAR DRIVE 30% discount for Mercedes-Benz Collection exclusive products Special offer for Mercedes-Benz Dashcam And many other interesting offers "PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia would like to thank our loyal customers for their support, which has enabled us to once again conduct Mercedes-Benz STAR DRIVE event this year We hope we can provide Best-Customer-Experience for every Mercedes-Benz' STAR DRIVE visitor through our new displayed models as well as activities available throughout the event. Through our latest product, The All New C-Class and Mercedes-Benz STAR DRIVE event, Mercedes-Benz continues moving forward to realize our vision to become the most loved luxury brand in Indonesia." concluded Choi Duk Jun. To download high-resolution pictures, kindly use the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rQFURo3iQ4W1RBHOahz18&bhoNkMGV4?usp-sharing
The potential of hydrogen to replace fossil fuels used in all sorts of industrial processes and consumption is immense and can subsequently help realize economy-wide decarbonizations. Its versatility to multiple end-use sectors makes it an attractive driver for global energy transition and energy security through both decentralized production and consumption. It was thus interesting to watch the debate surrounding “Nikuba”, a device invented by a local citizen from West Java that could allegedly transform water to fuel for motor vehicles. Around May 2022, local and national news outlets began widely covering Mr. Aryanto Misel (67) from Lemahabang Wetan in Cirebon Regency, West Java, who developed the Nikuba independently and had gone on to sell more than 200 units of his device for the price of roughly US$166 each. The device itself functions based on a technique known as electrolysis. A process in which ionic substances in water (H2O) are broken down into Hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (O2). Mr. Misel said he succeeded in developing a catalyst required to break down the H2O. Mr. Misel declined to share more information regarding the catalyst, calling it his trade secret. Subsequently, the news caught the attention of many experts, the majority of whom went on to debunk the claim of water-to-energy conversion. Regardless of the debate surrounding Nikuba, the idea of clean hydrogen as alternative energy cannot be dismissed. Various reports suggest that green hydrogen is a popular candidate to replace traditional fuels. A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealed that demand for hydrogen had grown more than threefold from 1975 until 2018. In addition, growing support in terms of policy for investment in hydrogen technologies is also increasing. Based on the IEA report, approximately 50 targets, mandates, and policy incentives are in place that directly supports hydrogen, with the majority focusing on transportation. Today, a significant number of countries are coming out with an actionable roadmap to develop renewable energies for Hydrogen-based economies. The Southeast Asian region in particular has significant potential for transitioning to green Hydrogen in the mid-to-long term, which would be both beneficial for the region's domestic consumption and global integration to the world economy. The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MoEMR) encourages the development of green hydrogen to accelerate the transition to clean energy as Indonesia’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29% on its own effort through the ratification of the Paris Agreement. This is to ensure the achievement of the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) target in 2060 or earlier can be achieved.