Currently, the negotiating team at the Directorate of World Trade Organization (WTO) Negotiations, which falls under the Directorate General of International Trade Negotiations of the Ministry of Trade, is preparing negotiation materials for the upcoming 13th WTO Ministerial Conference. This conference is scheduled for February 2024 and will be held in Abu Dhabi. Among them is Mary, a Junior Trade Negotiator, one of the key team members tasked with negotiating rules pertaining to subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing as part of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA).
Recently, a capacity-building workshop was conducted to explore the trends, scope, and implementation of trade and environmental provisions in current international trade cooperation frameworks, with a particular focus on implications for Indonesia. Organised on January 24, 2024, by the Directorate General of International Trade Negotiation (DG ITN) of the Ministry of Trade (MoT), in collaboration with ARISE+ Indonesia, this hybrid event convened trade negotiators and policymakers from various ministries, including Trade, Foreign Affairs, Environment and Forestry, and National Development Planning/Bappenas.
The expansion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia, combined with technological advancements, has led to a growing and diverse demand for calibration services. This emerging trend offers a lucrative opportunity for the expansion and diversification of calibration laboratories in the country.
In the last ten years, the calibration service industry in Indonesia has witnessed notable growth and advancements. This development has been focused on broadening the calibration scopes, as well as enhancing the quality and reliability of calibration services, crucial for sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. A concerted effort has been made to improve metrological traceability, ensuring that calibration measurements align with international best practices. Indonesia's expansion in calibration services mirrors its rising industrial and technological stature, keeping pace with global metrology trends and underscoring its commitment to upgrading its quality infrastructure.
The Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) hosted the sixth and final meeting of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for ARISE+ Indonesia, marking the culmination of a five-year program aimed at bolstering EU-Indonesia trade and investment cooperation. The gathering convened key stakeholders, including representatives from Bappenas, the Ministry of Trade, and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, who are at the helm of coordinating the four Priority Areas/Components of the programme. The European Union (EU) Delegation and the ARISE+ Indonesia Technical Assistance Team were also present, alongside other key beneficiaries like the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Industry, and the National Standardization Agency.
Indonesia is renowned for its exceptional diversity of cocoa varieties, a trait stemming from the widespread distribution of cocoa plantations across various regions of the country. Each region imparts unique flavour profiles to the cocoa, shaped by the local soil and climate conditions. These distinct characteristics make Indonesian cocoa an ideal candidate for recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI) product. Such designation could significantly enhance the market value of Indonesian cocoa products and, consequently, improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
West Papua, the emerald jewel of Indonesia, is a treasure trove of natural resources, extending far beyond minerals and gas. Nestled in the easternmost part of the archipelago, this region is also home to a 'brown gold' – the premium cocoa beans that flourish in the Ransiki District of South Manokwari Regency. The region's fertile soil and ideal equatorial climate serve as the perfect nurturing ground for these valued beans, which not only contribute significantly to the region's economy but also bring joy to chocolate aficionados across the globe.
In today's interconnected world, the significance of global networking for Indonesian Geographical Indications (GI) cannot be overstated. One of the foremost insights from the oriGIn 2023 Biennial Meeting was the emphasis on the importance of forging international connections. These networks offer unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, market expansion, and exchange of invaluable knowledge and practices, underscoring the interconnectedness of the GI community.
The upcoming Indonesia-EU Investment Attraction Plan will be set to facilitate bankable projects seeking financing from EU investors. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Investment/BKPM in collaboration with ARISE+ Indonesia, the Plan aims to connect Indonesia's vast investment opportunities with innovative EU investors, clusters and centres of excellence. The investment synergies between Indonesia and the EU are poised to propel both economies forward.
Aiming to strengthen its commitment towards a sustainable future, Indonesia has been steadily making headway in carbon trading. Under the aegis of Presidential Regulation No. 98 of 2021, the nation seeks to harness the economic value of carbon using trading instruments like carbon pricing. The initiative aims to expedite and fund the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, aligned with the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets. On 26 September 2023, President Joko Widodo officially launched the Indonesia Carbon Exchange, signifying Indonesia's dedication to proactively combatting the climate crisis.
