ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with Brunei Darussalam’s Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and the GIZ, explored Brunei’s strategies to tackle plastic pollution and the private sector’s role in championing plastic circularity.

Titled “Private Sector Initiatives to Reduce Marine Plastics: Brunei’s Journey to Plastic Sustainability: Hands-on Initiatives in Action,” the event, organised as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series, brought together professionals from the public and private sectors, along with civil society, to explore innovative solutions and best practices in addressing plastic pollution. Over 108 attendees from the ASEAN region and beyond took part in the event, actively participating in the Q&A session.

The seminar began with the Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre, Mr Reo Kawamura emphasising the critical importance of collaboration between governments, private companies, and academia to address the global plastic pollution challenge and achieve peaceful coexistence with the natural environment. Ms Hajah Martinah Haji Tamit, Director of Brunei Darussalam’s Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, outlined the challenges of plastic waste management and reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to tackling plastic pollution alongside other ASEAN member states. She also highlighted Brunei’s active involvement in United Nations negotiations to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution.

Mr Phong Giang, Advisor for GIZ 3RproMar and AMUSE programmes in ASEAN, detailed GIZ’s initiatives across ASEAN countries, which include supporting government regulations, promoting circular economy solutions, and engaging with the private sector on upcoming global plastic treaties.

Mr Michikazu Kojima, Senior Research Fellow on Environmental Issues at ERIA, highlighted Asia’s plastic pollution crisis and underscored the need for a life cycle approach. He emphasised the private sector’s role in developing sustainable materials, designing reusable products, and improving waste management systems. Mr Mims Sidi from Tebalik Plastik shared their goals to close the loop of plastics, by transforming plastic waste into sustainable products, supporting a circular economy and aligning with regional and global sustainability objectives.

Ms Trish Lai of Kaimana Brunei discussed the challenges of the refill business which can contribute to reduction of packaging waste, for example, high consumer spending abroad, a small local market, expensive shipping, lack of manufacturing capacity, and the necessity of focusing on niche products with anchor points. Ms Wendy Han from Precious Plastic Brunei highlighted initiatives aimed at raising awareness and mobilising local communities against plastic waste. She also showed how local communities can create a plastic recycling facility on their own.

Prof Scott Valentine provided insights into how the lack of perceived value in plastic waste is a root cause and proposed economic solutions like deposit schemes and plastic bag surcharges to incentivise responsible plastic use and recycling. He also responded to a participant’s question as to how to tackle the overwhelming plastic waste issue, by encouraging citizens to support businesses like Tebalik Plastik, Kaimana, or Precious Plastic, and start contributing in a small way.

This seminar highlights the continuous involvement of ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris in tackling the intricate challenges linked to marine plastic debris. By encouraging collaboration and advancing innovative approaches, the Centre remains dedicated to assisting and showcasing companies and organisations actively addressing marine debris issues

List of Abbreviations

ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia)

ERIA is an international organization established in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2008 by a formal agreement among Leaders of 16 countries in the East Asian region to conduct research activities and make policy recommendations for further economic integration in the East Asia

Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation

The formation of the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation under the Ministry of Development took effect in 2002. Currently, the department handles matters pertaining to Waste Management, Environmental Conservation and Management, Management of Landscape and Recreational Areas and also Environmental Cooperation at National, Bilateral and International level.

GIZ

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH or GIZ is the main German Government development agency with headquarter in Bonn and Eschborn and provides services in the field of international development cooperation and international education work. The main commissioning party is Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

GIZ 3RproMar Programme

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Protect the Marine Environment and Coral Reefs (3RproMar) is a GIZ project (2020-2025) is an ASEAN-German cooperation project implemented by GIZ in coordination with the ASEAN Secretariat.

GIZ AMUSE

ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management Enhancement (AMUSE) is implemented by GIZ (2022 -2025), having its objective to improve environmental quality in small and medium-sized cities in the ASEAN region by optimising waste disposal and recycling.

About RKCMPD

The Centre was established in 2019 under the ERIA, is mandated to support ASEAN+3 Member States in addressing marine plastic pollution. Its activities include supporting research and data collection to inform science-based policy, disseminating scientific knowledge, facilitating capacity-building at national and regional levels, fostering collaborative networks and regional partnerships, and promoting private sector innovations in the region.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

This is in line with SOE transformation carried out by Minister of SOEs, Erick Tohir, to encourage more state-owned companies to become global preferences.

In addition to acknowledging operations abroad, Pertamina has also managed to become only company from Indonesia to be included in 2021 Fortune Global 500 list at position 287.

According to Erick, this recognition is evidence of ongoing improvements to company organization.

“I am optimistic that Pertamina performance will be even better and frame for Pertamina is to compete with competitors at world level. Because Pertamina has all requirements, both quality and capability to support it as one of world big companies,” said Erick in a press release 3/8/2021 From business side, Pertamina role in global arena is carried out in scope of several activities, namely upstream oil and gas, export and product sales, to shipping cooperation.

Through PT Pertamina Internasional EP (PIEP), Pertamina moves to innovate in acquiring and managing overseas oil and gas fields as well as looking for oil and gas sources in various countries.

The goal is to fulfill domestic oil and gas needs and support national energy security. Until now, Pertamina already has overseas oil and gas field assets spread across 13 countries, namely Algeria, Malaysia, Iraq, Canada, France, Italy, Namibia, Tanzania, Gabon, Nigeria, Colombia, Angola and Venezuela.

Until 2021, PIEP has contributed as much as 49.9 million barrels of oil or a value of around USD2.8 billion which was sent to Indonesia to meet needs of domestic refineries, as well as to contribute to improvement of Indonesia Balance of Payments (Current Account Deficit).

“In total, 76% of oil produced from abroad is sent to domestic refineries to support national energy security. The largest oil contribution came from three assets in Algeria, Malaysia and Iraq,” said Fajriyah Usman, Acting SVP Corporate Communication and Investor Relations at Pertamina.

At same time, Pertamina through Pertamina International Marketing & Distribution Pte. Ltd. (PIMD) continues to expand export of its superior products to global market.

Pertamina various superior products that have been accepted by international market include Avtur, MFO, DCO, HVR-1, LCO and Paraxylene. During January – June 2021, Pertamina product sales volume in export market reached 3,999 MT with a value of USD 1.9 billion.

“PIMD income is supported by upward trend in product prices in line with increase in oil prices and sales volume,” added Fajriyah.

In lubricant business, PT Pertamina Lubricant (PTPL) also strengthens its position in world market. Currently, Pertamina lubricant exports have penetrated 14 countries with largest markets in Asia, Africa and Australia.

Pertamina business movement as a global player is also shown by Pertamina International Shipping (PIS). Eleven PIS fleets have docked and docked at international ports.

Even three managed to obtain a Certificate of Compliance from United States of America Coast Guard. In midst of COVID-19 pandemic, it also succeeded in inaugurating giant tankers VLCC Pertamina Pride and Pertamina Prime and protecting Petronas subsidiaries, namely Petco Trading Labuan Company Limited (PTLCL).

With a Net Profit performance that reached 127% of target this semester, PIS continues to provide best service as an Integrated Marine Logistics Company that is trusted in international market.

“Pertamina incessant business innovation in world market and Pertamina positive performance cannot be separated from restructuring that has been going well so far. So that all Subholdings and subsidiaries have succeeded in focusing on business and being more flexible in business development,” concluded Fajriyah.

The existence of report then Bareskrim Polri searched luxury home and assets belonging to boss of EDDCash.

From this case, Police Criminal Investigation Unit finally named 6 suspects related to an alleged investment fraud case called EDCCash.

Head of Public Relations Division of Police, Kombes Ahmad Ramadhan said. Of 6 people named as suspects, one of them is President Director of EDCCAsh, Abdulrahman Yusuf.

“Until now, in this case there are 6 suspects who have been detained and examined at Police Criminal Investigation Unit.” He explained, on Tuesday (20/4/2021).

Furthermore, six suspects include Abdulrahman Yusuf as CEO of EDCCash and H.

Bareskrim Polri itself has searched Abdulrahman Yusuf house. “The search was carried out at house of suspect AY (Abdulrahman Yusuf).” He explained.

In addition, a search was also carried out at house of suspect H in Sukabumi, West Java. There, police confiscated a number of evidence.

The suspects were arrested based on report number LP / 135/2021 / Bareskrim dated March 22, 2021. The suspects were charged with suspicion of criminal acts, embezzlement and money laundering (TPPU).

“The victim has been examined and victim continues to send him home,” he said.

Furthermore, Ramadan revealed that EDCCash was declared illegal.

Then, illegal crypto investment or trading without permission of OJK and Bappebti by using EDCCash application, he said.

Both of these products are made from palm oil, as proof of RU IV commitment to producing environmentally friendly fuel oil.

Area Manager Communication, Relations, & CSR of Pertamina RU IV Cilacap, Hatim Ilwan, explained that Green Diesel trial will start on January 9-16, 2021.

“Meanwhile, Green Avtur trial was conducted at end of December 2020,” He said.

According to Hatim, Green Diesel (D 100) uses RBDPO (Refined, Bleached and Deodorized Palm Oil), namely palm oil that has been refined to remove free fatty acids and purification to remove color and odor. “Meanwhile, Avtur uses RBDPKO (Refined, Bleached and Deodorized Palm Kernel Oil) or palm kernel oil,” He added.

With various facilities and facilities that have been prepared, Pertamina RU IV plans to produce D-100 BBM, as much as 3MB or 3,000 barrels per day.

“This trial will continue until it is ready and safe to use as fuel that can be used by community,” said Hatim.

Prior to preparation of trial facilities and facilities, among others, means of receiving palm oil through Jetty 67 (pier) in refinery complex to RBDPO tank. From pier, then prepare a feed stock (tank) facility that is close to location of treatment unit at Distillate Hydro Treating (TDHT).

With development of D-100 product, Hatim stated, this is a proof of Pertamina commitment to creating environmentally friendly, renewable products. The development of BBM D-100 product is expected to have a broader positive effect. Among other things, in order to reduce crude oil that comes from fossil energy, ” he said.

As for Green Avtur, he continued testing this product to ensure its quality. “Commercially, this product will not be sold to market yet. What we are doing is real evidence of carrying out mandate of law, to optimize environmentally friendly domestic products,” Added Hatim.

According to Teten, movement has considerable economic power because it involves all levels of society.

“Therefore, I am preparing a program to strengthen food stalls that will become a trade chain for our food distribution with traditional food stalls,” Teten said after meeting Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo in his office on Friday, July 24, 2020.

Technically, Teten said that his party would prepare everything from downstream side. While equipment from upstream side will be prepared by Ministry of Agriculture.

For example, he said, KUKM has prepared thousands of food stalls in Jabodetabek which are ready to market agricultural products.

“So we have prepared thousands of stalls in Jabotabek that are connected through application. I have seen practice including inventory management. It means that once there is a need for groceries, goods will automatically be input to digital data,” he said.

Teten said, in broad outline two Ministries will work together to run all visions of President Joko Widodo.

The cooperation includes corporatization of farmers who have an integrated workflow from smallholders to large scale cooperatives.

“We will consolidate individual farmers who work on narrow land, then operate in form of large-scale cooperatives. We need help of Ministry of Agriculture because he has many farmer groups,” he said.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Syahrul Yasin Limpo welcomed collaboration between two Ministries.

He said, agricultural sector is a definite choice because it is a daily necessity. On other hand, agriculture is also great power of an agrarian country.

“This is what we are responding to between Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Cooperatives. More specifically, we will certainly prepare activities upstream in increasing agricultural productivity, especially in horticulture subsector, food crops plantations and livestock,” he said.

Minister of Agriculture hopes, with this cooperation price of basic food stays in a stable condition and is able to break chains that are too large.

“So of course market reach of this commodity can be better can be more effective. Of course we hope to be able to break chain that is too large so that price and price stability of agricultural commodities can we guarantee better,” he concluded. (*)

The request for support was attended by Director of PAG Arif Widodo, Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Tri Tharyat, together with Labor Attache and Economic Team. On this occasion to discuss employment agreements in Kuwait, system tax & tenders and Foreign Investment in Kuwait.

In his presentation, Arif explained assets of former Arun LNG Plant leased through State Asset Management Institute (LMAN) as well as potential to use other former Arun assets as development activities such as LPG Hub Fuel Oil & LNG Bunkering.

“The assets of former PT Arun that we have utilized, namely five units of LNG tank with a total capacity of 636,000 m3, 1 unit of Jetty LNG [at] 80,000 DWT, six units of Power Plant with an output capacity of 220 MW, Utility Factory as well as office and residential areas.” Arif explained.

Through that competency, Arif continued, PAG can develop O&M business abroad. “In addition to achieving vision, of course we have opportunity to contribute in field of work to launch regasification in Kuwait.” He added.

On this occasion, PAG has made a stakeholder mapping that will occur. “We also want to know about conduct of business in Kuwait. For that, through Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait, we ask for help with support.” Added Arif.

According to Tri, PAG has had a highly qualified, credible and reputable business review for international LNG center and LNG regasification company as well as licensing as a bonded industrial zone (PLB) for LNG products in Indonesia.

Tri also submitted, a 95 percent increase in Kuwait was needed on oil. Even though gas has not been optimized.

“Kuwait has a vision called Kuwait 2035, country will reduce dependence on oil and gas sector, and encourage other industries to become financial centers in region.” Tri explained.

“Regarding business potential, we will facilitate PAG. Hopefully everything can run well according to existing regulations,” he added. * PAG / HM

The inauguration was carried out directly by General Manager of Pertamina MOR VII, C.D. Sasongko, who was accompanied by Region Sales Retail Manager VII, Remigius Choerniadi, Region Manager Marine VII, Yada Prawira Ganta, Sales Area Manager for North Sulawesi and Gorontalo (Sulutgo), Fachrizal Imaduddin and Sales Branch Manager Rayon I Sulutgo, Parrama Ramadhan Amyjaya. Also present were West Likupang Sub-District Head, Swengly Takaingin and Serei Village Chief, Emma Marasi.

Sasongko explained that Pertashop is here to answer community need for fuel products (BBM), especially for those who are located far from Public Fuel Filling Station (SPBU). “Pertashop is Pertamina official distributor agency in areas that have not been covered by gas stations,” he explained.

This pertashop, continued Sasongko, was result of collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs through Minister of Home Affairs Letter No. 117/3015 / SJ dated 28 April 2020 concerning Implementation of Pertashop Program in Village. “Pertamina and Ministry of Home Affairs are committed to providing Pertashop in 418 villages in first phase and a total of 2,300 villages in second stage which are spread throughout Indonesia,” he continued.

Pertashop, located in Serei Village, will be fully managed by BUMDes (Village-Owned Enterprises) with a capacity of 3,000 liters over an area of ​​200 square meters. “All this time, our community has relied on fulfillment of its fuel from nearest gas station, a distance of around 44 km,” said Head of Serai Village, Emma Marasi.

BBM products which are marketed at Pertashop are best quality BBM such as Pertamax and Dexlite. Although size is mini, but products it sells are classified as complete because Pertashop also provides Pertamina other superior products namely LPG Bright Gas and Pertamina lubricants. The prices of Pertamina products sold at Pertashop are also in accordance with applicable standards and conditions.

In near future in Pertamina MOR VII operational area, 44 Pertashop points will be rebuilt with details of 13 in South and Southeast Sulawesi Sales Area, 11 in Central and West Sulawesi Sales Area and 20 outlets in North Sulawesi and Gorontalo Sales Area. “It is hoped that public will more easily obtain a variety of quality Pertamina products at affordable prices and by paying attention to safety factors in their services,” concluded Sasongko.

There are three categories of Pertashop available based on area and distribution capacity per day, namely Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. For official information about Pertashop and its registration procedure, please contact Pertamina Call Center 135.

Pertamina President Director, Nicke Widyawati, explained that Pertamina had a duty and an important role in carrying out mandate of government to maintain national energy security, for this reason Pertamina continued to bring innovations that could have a wide impact on Indonesian nation and state.

This step is in line with direction of President Joko Widodo who stresses importance of producing Biofuel by utilizing domestic natural resources to build national energy security, independence and sovereignty.

“Pertamina expresses its gratitude for support of government and all parties so that Pertamina continues to develop green energy such as B30 and B50 and D-100. Pertamina has completed preparation of red and white refinery and catalyst, which will be followed by an economic study.” Nicke said on sidelines of a visit to RBDPO processing facility at Dumai Refinery, Riau, Wednesday (15/07/2020).

During a visit to Dumai refinery, Deputy Director of PT Pertamina International Refinery, Budi Santoso Syarif said that besides Green Diesel, Pertamina is currently also developing other oil-based biofuel, namely Green Gasoline and Green Avtur

“For Green Gasoline, Pertamina has conducted trials since 2018, 2019 and 2020 in Plaju and Cilacap Refineries. However, trial was only able to process RBDPO palm oil by 20%. While trial to process palm oil into Green Avtur will be carried out at end of 2020 also at Cilacap Refinery.” He said.

According to Budi, although Green Gasoline trial conducted by Pertamina is only able to process palm oil by 20%, this is first in world considering that processing palm oil into Green Gasoline has never been carried out on an operational scale.

“Processing palm oil into green diesel has also been carried out by several other companies in world, but processing palm oil into green gasoline has never been done in world and Pertamina is first because so far it is still limited to laboratory scale for research.” Added Budi.

Besides Dumai, Pertamina will also build a Standalone Biorefinery in Cilacap with a capacity of 6,000 barrels per day and Standalone Biorefinery in Plaju with a capacity of 20,000 barrels per day. Both standalone Biorefinery will one day be able to produce Green Diesel and Green Avtur with 100% vegetable oil as raw material.

Budi added, challenges ahead, Pertamina would not only develop green energy from CPO or palm oil, but also from other resources such as algae, wheat, sorghum and so on. Pertamina will continue to utilize all domestic natural resources, to support independence and national energy sovereignty.

At present, continued Budi, Pertamina continues to strive to optimize existing resources in Indonesia by optimizing existing domestic market, because it is quite large. Processing palm oil into fuel has a very high TKDN (Total Domestic Content) and has potential to reduce country transaction deficit, because palm oil is a domestic raw material whose transactions are carried out in rupiah currency, and thus will have a positive impact on national economic growth.

As is known, Pertamina has been using FAME for biodiesel program since 2006 and until 2017, for 11 years, FAME absorption reached 9.2 million KL. In 2018, Pertamina implemented B20 Program in which FAME absorption of 3.2 million KL was mixed in 69 locations. Through B30 Program, in 2019, FAME absorption will increase sharply by 5.5 million KL and by 2020 it is targeted to increase to 8.38 million KL.

The implementation of B20 and B30 programs in 2019 has saved country foreign exchange by Rp 43.8 trillion and in 2020, Pertamina is targeting foreign exchange savings of Rp 63.4 trillion with employment absorption of 1.2 million people.

“Over time there is a trend of shifting to use of fuels, which was originally fossil fuels slowly shifted to renewable fuels. The pattern of meeting national energy has also changed from previously relying on foreign supply into domestic supply. For that we must continue to strive to maximize in terms of empowerment and management of local resources that we have.” Concluded Budi. **

“They (countries) are becoming more aware of importance of preventing and thwarting cyber attacks that can potentially disrupt businesses, as we have seen in last few years,” said country manager of Palo Alto Networks Indonesia, Surung Sinamo, during an online discussion on Wednesday.

The survey involved 400 leaders of tech companies from Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore, and was conducted from 6 to 15 February, 2020, before spread of coronavirus widened.

Palo Alto believes survey’s findings remain relevant amid pandemic as more work is being done virtually.

“There are a lot of virtual meetings, companies have accelerated their need (for such meetings) to ensure that their businesses and workers are protected,” Sinamo said.

Of 100 companies surveyed by Palo Alto in Indonesia, four out of five, or 84 percent businesses, had increased their budget for cyber security in 2020, higher than average in region, with 73 percent companies reporting higher cyber security budgets.

Almost half of 84 percent companies that responded said they allocated most of their total tech budget for cyber security, with 71 percent saying they increased budget as cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated.

Furthermore, 70 percent of respondents said that cyber attacks had increased, and 69 percent felt need to boost their security capacities, including through automation.

Seventy-six percent of respondents saw solutions such as antiviruses and antimalwares as important aspects of cyber security, while 61 percent said they had also invested in cloud-based servers.

Meanwhile, 56 percent of Indonesian companies used software-defined wide area network security and 51 percent opted for firewalls.

The growing awareness on cyber security was also reflected in measures to review standard operational procedure policies annually. These were carried out by 92 percent of respondents.

Companies also used other measures, with 83 percent reporting they updated their software, while 92 percent said it was necessary to report any hacking attempts.

Although a majority of companies said they had invested in cyber security measures, 44 percent reported they were still not confident about their cyber security.

Over half (54 percent) of respondents reported there was a lack of understanding among employees on cyber security, while 42 percent said that security problems also arose through business partners, supply chains, or third-party providers.

Company managements which display a lack of understanding on cyber threats can also pose a challenge, according to 40 percent of respondents. (Antara)

“We need an agreement between central government, local governments, businessmen, farmers, researchers, academicians and environmental observers to establish a commitment develop accountable and sustainable eel farming,” ministry Director General of Aquaculture Slamet Soebjakto said in a statement here on Sunday.

The ministry would continue to encourage development of eel farming but it would need sustainable management to preserve eel habitat, since seeds were captured in wild to replenish stock on farms.

The government has issued a Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Regulation no. 19/2012 on ban to export juvenile eel weight less than 150 grams.

“The use of environment-friendly net and young eel for stock at required size would become one factor behind success of an eel farm,” he said.

Eel spent most of its life in fresh water, from phase of glass eel, elver to mature eel. They will return to sea to breed and after that they will die.

Soebjakto said, a species of eel Anguilla bicolor bicolor can be found in waters off Mentawai trench in Sumatra, while Anguilla marmorata can be found in western part of North Pacific.

The species can also be found in Pelabuhan Ratu and Cilacap in southern coast of Java along year and will reach its peak in December to February. Most of species are Anguilla bicolor bicolor and few are Anguilla marmorata.

Eel production in Indonesia in 2019 has reached 515.18 tons, increased 59 percent compared to production in previous year.

Head of agribusiness firm Aquaculture JAPFA Group Ardi Budiono said company has held partnership with some local businessmen to grow eel from stage of glass eel to elver also known as shirasu process.

The process will take some 4-5 months for young eel to reach weight of 2-3 gram.

“We will buy juvenile to grow them further until they reach ideal size of 250 grams for harvesting. Then we will send them to processing factory to make ready-to-eat product,” Ardi said.

JAPFA Group produced more than 100 tons of eel per year on average or some 380 tons during past three years.

Eel export in 2019 has recorded at Rp437 billion. In January to June 2020, export has reached Rp216 billion.

The major producers of eel are European countries, Scandinavian countries, China, Australia and Morocco, with largest single producer being Japan.