Jakarta – The Palm Oil Workers Coalition (KBS) has criticised the government for not involving workers in efforts to resolve the crude palm oil (CPO) dispute between Indonesia and the European Union. Yet the government frequently uses palm oil plantation works as a “shield” in the dispute.

Kristian Erdianto, Jakarta – Coordinating Minister for Security, Politics and Legal Affairs Wiranto is proposing an additional budget of 60 billion rupiah to fund diplomatic efforts related to the Papua problem.

Puti Aini Yasmin, Jakarta – The Jakarta provincial government (DKI) through the company PT Food Station Tjipinang Jaya is importing garlic from China. Approximately how much will this garlic cost by the time it reaches the Indonesian market?

Dwi Andayani, Jakarta – The Indonesian Workers Trade Union Confederation (KSPI) will announce its choice for presidential candidate (capres) on May Day. A number of names such as President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Greater Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) chairperson Prabowo Subianto are still being considered.

Aditya Mardiastuti, Nusa Dua – Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has emphasised that the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) cannot be challenged.

Ryacudu made the remark at a meeting with Australian government representatives during the 2+2 Meeting in Bali on Friday October 28.

Jakarta – The government is determined to stimulate investment in import substitution, a move which it says is certain to reduce demand for US dollars as a result of the high dependency on imports.

Man: Wait until July 22

Say no to corruption!
Say no to the drug mafia!
Say no to illegal rice imports!
Say no to... such-and-such... eh... accountability!

Businessmen: Ah, absolutely delicious

Man: Duh, very bitter and hard

Jakarta – The Australian government does not have the authority to stop its citizen from sailing out of Australian ports as long as it is legal. However Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr confirmed that the Indonesian government has the authority to deal with the matter if the ships enter Indonesia illegally.