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Minister of Agriculture: Palm oil should be supported as it is strategic

30

Nov

Minister of Agriculture: Palm oil should be supported as it is strategic

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Indonesia to Hike Biodiesel Output to Meet New Mandate

27

Nov

Indonesia to Hike Biodiesel Output to Meet New Mandate

Indonesian biodiesel producers plan to raise output capacity by nearly a fifth to eight million kiloliters next year to meet higher mandates, a [...]

Indonesia to Hike Biodiesel Output to Meet New Mandate.

Indonesian biodiesel producers plan to raise output capacity by nearly a fifth to eight million kiloliters next year to meet higher mandates, a senior industry official said. 
Indonesia has been pushing for greater local use of biofuel, made from vegetable oils, to cut its fossil fuel import bill and create more demand for palm oil, of which the nation is the world's largest grower and exporter, as well as Malaysia. 
`Our capacity now is 6.8 million kiloliters for biofuel; next year we expect it to be eight million kiloliters,” Paulus Tjakrawan, chairman of Indonesia’s Biofuel Producers Association, told an industry conference on the resort island of Bali on Thursday (Nov 26).
`That will be more than enough to support B15 and B20 next year,” he said, referring to the country's biodiesel program requiring a minimum 15 percent bio content in diesel fuel, set to rise to 20 percent in 2016.
Malaysian benchmark palm oil prices stand to gain if Indonesia absorbs more of its crude palm oil to blend into biodiesel as the country moves towards B20, leaving less tropical oil available for export. 
The Indonesian Automotive Association is working to ensure vehicles can run on 20 percent biodiesel. 
`Based on our road test, we are quite positive we can implement B20,” said Abdul Rochim, a board member of the Automotive Industry Association.
`We cannot avoid (implementing B20), we have to follow, but we need an increase in specification,” so it does not damage engines, he added. 
Paulus said producers were working to raise quality standards. 
Higher biodiesel consumption is seen as important for Indonesia to meet its commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Last year, biodiesel use contributed to 11.8 percent of the country’s energy and transportation sector emission savings, Paulus said earlier this week. 
Indonesia is the world's fifth-biggest greenhouse gas emitter when deforestation is included in the equation. The country faces international pressure to tackle carbon-rich peatland and forest destruction that causes choking smoke haze to spread across much of Southeast Asia each year.
Ahead of a U.N. climate conference in Paris next month, the government has also pledged to cap its rising greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. [hd]
http://www.voaindonesia.com/content/indonesia-akan-naikkan-produksi-biodiesel-untuk-penuhi-mandat-baru/3077090.html

Businessmen Ask Oil Palm to be Strategic Commodity

27

Nov

Businessmen Ask Oil Palm to be Strategic Commodity

Secretary of (Gapki) the North Sumatra provincial chapter, Timbas Prasad Ginting, said that the request was made by the chairman of (Gapki), Joko [...]

Businessmen Ask Oil Palm to be Strategic Commodity. Secretary of (Gapki) the North Sumatra provincial chapter, Timbas Prasad Ginting, said that the request was made by the chairman of (Gapki), Joko Supriyono, before Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) when opening the Indonesian Palm Oil Conference (IPOC) in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday (July 26). `This request is very important for the development of the palm oil industry in Indonesia,` he told MedanBisnis through a phone call.Gapki is holding the 11th IPOC in Nusa Dua, Bali, for two days, November 26-27, 2015. This IPOC is attended by 22 countries, namely Australia, Singapore, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and many others.IPOC is a forum for business actors and stakeholders, owners, CEOs and executives, and policy makers at both the national and international levels, to jointly discuss strategic issues related to the palm oil industry from upstream to downstream.IPOC is also an event for business actors to expand their business networks, either through product exhibitions, sponsoring, or face-to-face meetings. `One of the main topics this time is also a solution to boost CPO prices in the international market,` Timbas added.Nationally, Timbas said, at least 16 million Indonesians depend on the palm oil industry for their livelihoods, either as entrepreneurs, farmers, or workers in palm oil mills. Similarly in North Sumatra, the regional economy is also largely supported by the palm oil industry.Foreign exchange earnings from this sector are also quite large. Last year, for example, palm oil was the largest contributor to non-oil and gas foreign exchange earnings at approximately USD21 billion, or 13.4 percent of the total national export value. Meanwhile in North Sumatra, despite pressure on export performance, the contribution of CPO export earnings still exceeded 43 percent of the total export value of North Sumatra. CPO has also remained the main commodity contributing the largest foreign exchange earnings in North Sumatra up to now.Therefore, by making the palm oil industry a strategic commodity, attention to the development of this industry has become more focused. At the very least, it could receive the same treatment as the oil and gas industry. `That way, the palm oil industry will grow even more and contribute more to the economy,` he said.Meanwhile, he added, the government will support the plan. Quoting Vice President JK's statement in his speech, the government considers the palm oil industry as one of the strengths in boosting the Indonesian economy. `The palm oil industry has also helped to improve the welfare of many communities,` he said, quoting JK.Palm oil has now become a global food and energy source. To support the development of this industry, the government plans to build ports in a number of regions. This is to facilitate the distribution of CPO for inter-island trade and exports. The centers of the palm oil industry will also find it easier to obtain supporting raw materials and production machinery because they are closer to the ports.However, the government also asked palm oil entrepreneurs not to deposit their foreign exchange earnings overseas. This is intended to increase the country's foreign exchange reserves and in turn strengthen the economy. If it is deposited overseas, then other countries that will become stronger. `If the palm oil entrepreneurs fulfill and carry out all of their obligations under government regulations, then the government is also ready to facilitate the palm oil business in the country,` JK said firmly.The appeal for entrepreneurs to deposit their export earnings in the country has actually been included in the economic policy package of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)'s administration, which was announced some time ago. The main objective of this measure is to strengthen foreign exchange reserves and strengthen the position of the rupiah currency. (daniel pekuwali)
http://www.medanbisnisdaily.com/news/read/2015/11/27/201001/pengusaha-minta-sawit-jadi-komoditas-strategis/#.Vlf3Ml5na1s

Interfering with the Palm Oil Industry, NGOs Could Be Banned From Indonesia

27

Nov

Interfering with the Palm Oil Industry, NGOs Could Be Banned From Indonesia

The government also claimed that it would take firm actions against foreign NGOs that hinder the Indonesian palm oil industry. Expulsion is even an [...]

Interfering with the Palm Oil Industry, NGOs Could Be Banned From Indonesia. The government also claimed that it would take firm actions against foreign NGOs that hinder the Indonesian palm oil industry. Expulsion is even an option. `I want to see the economy running well. So, if someone causes disturbance, we will investigate, and evaluate. If the disturbance affects our economy, we will issue a warning,` said Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan after attending the Indonesian Palm Oil Conference in Nusa Dua, Bali, Wednesday (25/11/2015).`If they do not heed our warning, according to regulations, we will expel them,` he continued.Luhut reminded foreign NGOs not to give instruction to Indonesia. He said Indonesia also did not want environmental destruction as often campaigned by foreign NGOs.`Do not tell Indonesia what to do (foreign NGOs). We also issue regulations, I have to say. We do not want environmental degradation because our children must also enjoy the environment,` Luhut said.The activities of several foreign NGOs have been banned in several countries. For example, in India, a ban was imposed because the campaigns conducted by the NGOs were seen as impeding the economic growth of the country.

Authors
: Yoga Sukmana

Editor
: Bambang Priyo Jatmiko

http://bisniskeuangan.kompas.com/read/2015/11/26/134256026/.Ganggu.Industri.Sawit.LSM.Asing.Bisa.Diusir.dari.Indonesia?utm_source=WP&utm_medium=box&utm_campaign=Ktswp

Coordinating Minister: Unilever boosts investment in Sei Mangkei KEK

27

Nov

Coordinating Minister: Unilever boosts investment in Sei Mangkei KEK

Darmin said it while inaugurating PT Unilever Oleochemical Indonesia (UOI) Factory in Special Economic Zone (KEK) Sei Mangkei, Simalungun District, [...]

Coordinating Minister: Unilever boosts investment in Sei Mangkei KEK. Darmin said it while inaugurating PT Unilever Oleochemical Indonesia (UOI) Factory in Special Economic Zone (KEK) Sei Mangkei, Simalungun District, North Sumatera Province, Thursday. In a press release received in Medan, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy mentioned that the plan for UOI's investment expansion until 2017 which reached Rp4 trillion is expected to be able to create bigger investment revival in the country. According to him, PT UOI is the first investor and becomes the anchor in KEK Sei Mangkei.  `The Government's expectation is that KEK Se Mangkei which is designed to accommodate more than 200 industry units, can play a role in the acceleration of development and manifestation of Indonesian nation's competitiveness,` he said. The presence of KEK Sei Mangkei is also expected to reduce Indonesia's dependency on imported goods.  Moreover, Darmin said, KEK Sei Mangkei is the first KEK which president Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially opened its readiness to be operated, on January 27th, 2015.  KEK Sei Mangkei, said the minister, has access to Malacca Strait which will also be directly connected to Kuala Tanjung Harbor.  `With its strategic value, the Government has made various efforts to manifest the KEK such as providing connection infrastructure, easy permitting, and giving a package of facilities and conveniences for the industries in KEK,` he said. The minister emphasized that KEK Sei Mangkei still needs commitment, consistency, and support from all related parties, both from the government and business world,. Director of Planning and Marketing of PTPN III, Alexander Maha, said that the impact of the development of PT UOI factory is estimated to absorb up to 600 direct labors and create 5,000 indirect labors.  PT UOI factory itself stands on an 18-hectare land and is planned to expand another 9 hectares with total investment value of Rp4 trillion. Furthermore, the factory is designed to process 165,000 tons of Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO) and produce 206,000 tons of oleochemicals products per year, such as fatty acid, surfactant, glycerin, and soap noodle.  `With such UOI's performance, the factory's operationalization will also boost UMKM (micro, small, and medium enterprises) such as catering services, housing, transportation, and cleaning,` he said. Alex said that in the next 20 years, the investment value in KEK Sei Mangkei is estimated to increase to Rp46 trillion which consists of Rp38 trillion for industry zone, Rp5.5 trillion for logistic zone, and Rp2.5 trillion for the development of zone and tourism zone.  As the Development and Management Business Entity (BUPP) of KEK Sei Mangkei, he said,  PTPN III hopes more investors will enter the KEK.
Editor: B Kunto Wibisonohttp://www.antaranews.com/berita/531736/menko-unilever-dorong-investasi-kek-sei-mangkei

RUBBER PRICE Nov 24: Falls Sharply With Other Commodities, Pressured by Fed Sentiments

24

Nov

RUBBER PRICE Nov 24: Falls Sharply With Other Commodities, Pressured by Fed Sentiments

Rubber for April 2016 delivery, the most active contract on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange, settled 3.13% lower at 154.70 yen a kilogram. The rubber [...]

RUBBER PRICE Nov 24: Falls Sharply With Other Commodities, Pressured by Fed Sentiments. Rubber for April 2016 delivery, the most active contract on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange, settled 3.13% lower at 154.70 yen a kilogram.
The rubber price dropped along with other commodities as investors sought safety ahead of a possible Federal Reserve interest rate increase and the long holiday break.
The dollar rose after hawkish comments from Federal Open Market Committee members reinforced speculation that U.S. rates will start to rise in December.
Commodity prices tumbled on the London Metal Exchange, with copper, aluminum and zinc all dropping to their lowest prices since 2009. Nickel touched its weakest level since 2003.
“The market is worried about a U.S. rate hike pushing down on rubber,” Naohiro Niimura, an analyst at Market Risk Advisory Co. in Tokyo, told Bloomberg.
“This is pushing down prices of risk assets across the board, including rubber.”
March 2016 Rubber Futures on TOCOM

Date

Level

Change

24/11/2015

154.70

-3.13%

23/11/2015

20/11/2015

159.70

+1.33%

19/11/2015

157.60

+0.06%

18/11/2015

157.50

—

Source: Bloomberg

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