2) Police alerted over possible unrest linked to freeport workers` layoff
3) Malcolm Turnbull and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo patch up differences
4) Australian and Indonesian leaders boost relations
5) Jokowi, Australia PM Agree to Continue Military Cooperation
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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/02/26/jokowi-turnbull-start-day-with-relaxed-morning-walk-around-royal-botanical-gardens.html
1) Jokowi, Turnbull start day with relaxed morning walk around Royal Botanical Gardens
Ina Parlina The Jakarta Post
Sydney | Sun, February 26, 2017 | 10:21 am
Good relations: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo have a short walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens on Sunday. (Courtesy of the Presidential Office/File)
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull took President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo for a short walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens on Sunday morning as the two leaders prepare to get into more serious business during a bilateral meeting around lunch time.
About a year ago, President Jokowi took the Australian leader to Tanah Abang Market in Central Jakarta for a blusukan (impromptu visit).
Just like any other Sunday, people were seen walking and jogging through the park, which borders the waters across the famous Sydney Opera House. Jokowi and Turnbull walked together without any apparent excessive security.
In a relaxed ambience, Jokowi was introduced to some passersby, including a young Australian father carrying his infant in a baby-strap on his chest.
"This is an example of a good father," said Turnbull when he and Jokowi chatted with the man.
(Read also: Jokowi arrives in Sydney)
After wrapping up the morning walk, the two leaders will engage in a one-on-one meeting to discuss efforts to improve bilateral ties amid recent tensions in military training cooperation.
Following the row, Jokowi reportedly suggested allowing Canberra to take part in joint patrols in the South China Sea, an issue that has sparked concerns from various elements at home.
Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi refused to confirm whether the matter would be discussed during the meeting.
Jokowi’s two-day visit to Australia is set to focus on strengthening trade and investment and maritime cooperation. Jakarta will push for the finalization of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). It is expected that the IA-CEPA will be concluded this year.
Jakarta and Canberra are also set to sign two memorandums of understanding on cooperation in maritime affairs and the creative economy. (ebf)
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http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/109628/police-alerted-over-possible-unrest-linked-to-freeport-workers-layoff
2) Police alerted over possible unrest linked to freeport workers` layoff
24th February 2017 | 1.306 Views
Timika, Papua (ANTARA News) - The Mimika Resort Police and other security officers are taking necessary steps to anticipate possible unrest as a result of massive layoffs of workers at PT Freeport and its affiliated privatization and contractor companies.
Mimika Resort Police Chief Adj. Sr Comr victor Dean Mackbon said here on Thursday that the sending home and layoffs of workers by PT Freeport and its privatization and contractor companies have impact on the security and order in Mimika in general.
"This needs serious attention as the impact of the crisis at PT Freeport has led to many employees to be sent home and to be laid off," Mackbon said.
He said that the halt of PT Freeports concentrate exports since January 12 and stoppage of mining production activities since February 10, 2017 created social and economic impacts for workers and their families.
Even, the conditions in Freeport could have wide impact on the political situation in the region.
"We will continue to provide calls and open communication center which we have agreed together with the regional governments and other stakeholders to provide solutions to the problem that is being faced now," Mackbon said.
On Wednesday morning, the Mimika Resort Police held a special roll-call to check the readiness of personnel in anticipating the emergence of security and order disturbance after the layoff of workers at PT Freeport Indonesia.Out of the Shadows: Manila's Meth Dealers Back on the Streets as Cops Pull Back
Based on the latest data, PT Freeport Indoinesia and its privatization and contractor companies have sent home and laid off over 1,000 workers in the last one week.
It was earlier reported that PT Freeport Indonesia had stopped its production activities with effect from Feb 10, this year, following the governments objective to have greater control on raw mineral resources.
The government has proposed that the Special Mining Operations Permit (IUPK) should be used in place of the existing Contract of Work (CoW).
PT Freeport is reluctant to agree to the Indonesian governments proposal, especially since IUPK holders are obliged to divest up to 51 percent of the shares, which means they will no longer be in full control of the company.
(A014/H-YH)
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/A/H-YH)
Mimika Resort Police Chief Adj. Sr Comr victor Dean Mackbon said here on Thursday that the sending home and layoffs of workers by PT Freeport and its privatization and contractor companies have impact on the security and order in Mimika in general.
"This needs serious attention as the impact of the crisis at PT Freeport has led to many employees to be sent home and to be laid off," Mackbon said.
He said that the halt of PT Freeports concentrate exports since January 12 and stoppage of mining production activities since February 10, 2017 created social and economic impacts for workers and their families.
Even, the conditions in Freeport could have wide impact on the political situation in the region.
"We will continue to provide calls and open communication center which we have agreed together with the regional governments and other stakeholders to provide solutions to the problem that is being faced now," Mackbon said.
On Wednesday morning, the Mimika Resort Police held a special roll-call to check the readiness of personnel in anticipating the emergence of security and order disturbance after the layoff of workers at PT Freeport Indonesia.Out of the Shadows: Manila's Meth Dealers Back on the Streets as Cops Pull Back
Based on the latest data, PT Freeport Indoinesia and its privatization and contractor companies have sent home and laid off over 1,000 workers in the last one week.
It was earlier reported that PT Freeport Indonesia had stopped its production activities with effect from Feb 10, this year, following the governments objective to have greater control on raw mineral resources.
The government has proposed that the Special Mining Operations Permit (IUPK) should be used in place of the existing Contract of Work (CoW).
PT Freeport is reluctant to agree to the Indonesian governments proposal, especially since IUPK holders are obliged to divest up to 51 percent of the shares, which means they will no longer be in full control of the company.
(A014/H-YH)
(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/A/H-YH)
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3) Malcolm Turnbull and Indonesia’s Joko Widodo patch up differences
PRIMROSE RIORDANThe Australian12:00AM February 27, 2017
Indonesia and Australia have patched up their defence relationship after a dramatic public spat, on Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s long-awaited visit to Sydney, as the countries consider how to lower tension in the South China Sea.
Indonesia also agreed to lower sugar tariffs for Australian exporters from 8 per cent to 5 per cent, while Australia will cut tariffs for pesticides and herbicides coming into the country from Indonesian suppliers.
Indonesia will also give Australian live cattle exporters more certainty by introducing longer, one-year permits and increasing export weight limits. Along with an increase in the age limit, the weight limit will increase from 350kg to 450kg for live feeder cattle.
“The potential for us to expand our economic relationship is very clear,” Mr Turnbull said yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the sugar and beef deals were significant wins because they enabled Australian sugar farmers to compete with other ASEAN countries on a more level playing field.
Trade with Indonesia is worth $15 billion a year but compared with other nations, Indonesia is only the 11th largest trading partner with Australia.
After Mr Widodo told The Australian last week he would raise the issue of joint Australian-Indonesian patrols in the South China Sea on the visit, foreign policy experts and Indonesian officials dampened expectations such a move would occur.
“Indonesia is very wary of being seen to be aligned with a US ally on this particular issue.” Lowy Institute research fellow Aaron Connelly said.
An Australian government source said the two governments were considering “co-ordinated’’ rather than joint patrols, which could involve intelligence sharing or staggered missions.
One Indonesian government source said these co-ordinated patrols could occur in the Sulu Sea, off The Philippines, rather than in the South China Sea.
The Indonesian military announced in January that it would suspend defence ties after offensive material was found at a Perth base where both countries’ special forces conduct joint training.
The head of Indonesia’s armed forces, General Gatot Nurmantyo, said the reason he made the decision to suspend military co-operation was “hurtful” teaching materials saying that West Papua, which Australia recognises as part of Indonesia, should be independent and other materials mocking Indonesia’s founding principles, the Pancasila.
The suspension was then downgraded so it applied only to language courses partaken by Indonesian special forces.
Malcolm Turnbull said these classes would now resume and full co-operation was restored.
The leaders issued a joint statement and were careful to avoid direct criticism of China.
The statement called on all countries to abide by the international court ruling against Chinese-constructed islands in the contested waters.
The leaders also signed a maritime co-operation agreement focused on “maritime border protection” and illegal fishing. Asked about the possibility of South China Sea patrols, Defence Minister Marise Payne simply pointed to the co-operation agreement.
In a sign of the sensitivity of the West Papua issue, Mr Widodo began his statement by saying the Australian government had agreed not to interfere in Indonesia’s domestic affairs.
The Prime Minister reiterated Australia’s commitment to the Lombok Treaty, where Australia agreed to respect Indonesian sovereignty over West Papua.
“The bedrock of (the Australia/Indonesia relationship) is the Lombok Treaty and our absolute respect for, support for, solidarity with Indonesia, its territorial integrity,” Mr Turnbull said.
The leaders said they expect to finish negotiations for the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of the year. Mr Widodo said Indonesia would push for lower tariffs and restrictions on paper and palm oil.
His comments came after the head of Indonesian investment policy, Thomas Lembong, said Australia imported too much palm oil from Malaysia. Meanwhile, Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission has been probing alleged dumping of A4 paper into the market by Indonesian firms.
Australia will open new consulates in Surabaya, and Indonesia is set to open three more Bahasa language institutes in Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney.
Mr Widodo and his wife, Iriana, left Australia last night.
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4) Australian and Indonesian leaders boost relations
February 26, 2017 11:30 pm JST
From trade to military relations, the two neighbors are moving closer
SIMON ROUGHNEEN, Asia regional correspondent
JAKARTA -- Two neighbors with a fractious history sought to put recent disputes behind them as Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull agreed at the weekend to restore military cooperation and reduce restrictions on some exports ahead of a possible free trade deal later this year.
"Great result for Australian farmers. It will now be easier to export more sugar and beef to Indonesia," Turnbull tweeted on Sunday, referring to Indonesia's agreement to reduce tariffs on Australian sugar to 5% and allow more live cattle exports from Australia to the country of 250 million people.
Widodo's Feb. 25-26 visit to Sydney was his second trip to Australia since he took office in 2014, and the first since he personally showed Turnbull around Jakarta in November 2015. That meeting came shortly after the Australian prime minister took power in Canberra, on the back of an internal Liberal Party coup against incumbent Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Just as Widodo took Turnbull on a meet-and-greet walk through some Jakarta street markets back then -- reprising his electoral campaign walkabouts known as blusukan -- Turnbull on Sunday took Widodo for an early morning amble through a downtown Sydney park, where the two leaders stopped to shake hands and make small-talk with joggers. In an earlier display of renewed bilateral bonhomie, the two former businessmen struck a cordial pose outside Turnbull's private residence in Sydney's eastern suburbs before a Saturday night dinner, posing with their wives in photos later posted on Widodo's official Twitter account.
In a Sunday morning press conference, Widodo alluded to a litany of recent disputes between the neighbors, saying that a "robust" bilateral relationship "can be established when both countries have respect for each other's territorial integrity, noninterference into the domestic affairs of each other and the ability to develop a mutually beneficial partnership."
Military diplomacy
Ahead of the weekend announcement that the two countries had restored military cooperation, Australia apologized after Indonesia's defense forces complained about Australian army training material that allegedly insulted pancasila, Indonesia's official political philosophy. The Australian training manual also questioned Indonesia's governance of its territory on the island of Papua, the eastern half of which was controlled by Australia prior to Papua New Guinea's independence in 1975.
That row that came more than a year after Canberra unsuccessfully sought to prevent the execution of Australian citizens Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, who were executed by firing squad in April 2015 after spending more than a decade in Indonesian jails on drug trafficking charges. Australian efforts to have the two men spared were dismissed by Jakarta as unwarranted interference in Indonesia's domestic judicial affairs.
"There are plenty of serious problems that the two countries share and about which they differ," said Ariel Heryanto, lecturer in Indonesian studies at Australia's Monash University. "Neighbors sometimes have to live with the fact that some recurrent tensions will stay. Keeping them under control is what they can do."
Widodo's two-day visit to Australia was a rescheduling of a four-day trip that had been planned for November 2016 but was postponed after Islamist groups staged mass demonstrations in Jakarta against the city's Christian governor, a Chinese-Indonesian ally of Widodo's. That resurgence of political Islam in Indonesia has caused disquiet in Australia, while Indonesia, for its part, has expressed "concern" over the revived prominence of the nativist One Nation party, along with party leader Pauline Hanson's recent calls for Australia to stop Muslim immigration and install surveillance cameras in mosques.
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5) Jokowi, Australia PM Agree to Continue Military Cooperation
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian government and Australia have agreed to respect each others` sovereignty.
In a bilateral talk held in Kiribilli House, Sydney, on Sunday (26/2), both leaders will continue to maintain good relationship.
President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that good relationship can be attained if both countries respect each others’ territory.
"We must not interfere in others’ domestic affairs and we must develop mutually beneficial relationship," Jokowi explained.
In the meantime, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull expressed that Australia will recognize and respect Indonesia’s sovereignity. He added that commitment towards 2006 Lombok Treaty has laid a foundation for strategic relationship and the securityof both countries.
"Australia is fully committed to recognizing Indonesia’s sovereignity and territory," he said.
Furthermore, both countries have also agreed to hold cooperation in several sectors. In defense and security, both countries agreed to continue a cooperation in military training.
In the economic sector, both countries are committed to complete the proces of Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IACEPA) at the end of 2017. Perticularly in trade, President Jokowi expects the aolishment of tariff and non-tariff fee for Indonesian products such as paper and coconut oil.
"In politics, I welcome a cooperation in terrorrism eradication and trans-national organize crime," President Jokowi added.
Lastly, President jokowi and PM Turnbull witnessed the signing of memorandum of understanding in the filed of maritime.
ADITYA BUDIMAN
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