Clouds thicken over Indonesia’s economic growth as uncertainties persist

Capital or not, Jakarta looks toward urban regeneration

The Indonesian economy faces gloomier skies this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to show any signs of subsiding, forcing government officials, the central bank, economists and international institutions to project weaker and weaker growth as the outbreak unfolds. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) projected Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) to shrink 1 percent this year, the weakest since the 1998 Asian financial crisis as the coronavirus pandemic has inflicted a "significant economic disruption" in the country. The forecast is a down revision from 2.5 percent growth it projected in April, according to the ADB's Asian Development Outlook Supplement. "The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant economic disruption globally and in Indonesia, with adverse impacts on jobs and livelihoods, especially among the most vulnerable segments of society," ADB country director for Indonesia Winfried Wicklein said in a statement on Thursday. READ MORE Capital or not, Jakarta looks toward urban regeneration "Jakarta will continue to serve as the center of business and the economy," Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said. Communist phobia sinks Pancasila bill at House The country's two largest Muslim organizations and the Indonesian Ulema Council have called the bill "atheistic". So much work, so little time: KPU under pressure over regional polls KPU Commissioner Pramono Ubaid Thantowy said the health equipment procurement was supposed to start on Monday, right after the commission sought approval from the House.  Jakartans hit streets on first Car Free Day since start of PSBB, raising concerns of new outbreak The Jakarta Police have deployed personnel on Jl. Thamrin to ensure that residents obey health protocols such as wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing. Plant nursery helps people reconnect with nature, grow their own food Artist Iwan Wijono, together with fellow artists, has founded a plant nursery called Public Farm Yogyakarta in Bantul, Yogyakarta, amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The nursery gives visitors free vegetable and fruit seedlings in the hopes of helping them reconnect with nature and grow their own food.  ▶ WATCH VIDEO Hacker allegedly breaches govt database on COVID-19 test-takers An unknown hacker has allegedly breached a government database of 230,000 people who have undergone COVID-19 testing. COVID-19 apps: Fear of tyranny by data The usage of tracking apps comes with the cost of increasing privacy and security risks of individuals and communities. Clear skies ahead: Indonesian private jet business unscathed by pandemic Commercial air travel in Indonesia may have taken a hit as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet some private jet service providers are reportedly not only surviving the economic downturn – they are even experiencing an increase in revenue. Education ministry's partnership with Netflix met with criticism in Indonesia Starting on Saturday, the ministry is to broadcast several Netflix original documentaries as part of its Belajar dari Rumah (Study from Home) program. The Jakarta Post app is now available on Android and iOS Copyright © 2020 PT. Niskala Media Tenggara, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: PT. Niskala Media Tenggara Jl. Palmerah Barat No. 142-143 Jakarta 10270, Indonesia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.