Cempaka Land, Water and Air

Cars for high officials to switch from gasoline to gas

2012-01-16T21:45:00.001+07:00

Bagus BTSaragih, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Mon, 01/16/2012

Thegovernment plans to equip all official cars used by President Susilo BambangYudhoyono’s Cabinet members and other high-level state officials with gasconverter kits as part of the oil-to-gas conversion program.

“We haveappointed [state-owned aircraft maker] PT Dirgantara Indonesia to produce thekits. But if the company fails to provide all the demanded kits, we will importmore kits to fill the gap,” Coordinating People’s Welfare Minister AgungLaksono told reporters at the presidential office on Monday.

Agung addedthat the government expected to reach its goal by April.

Theoil-to-gas conversion campaign was launched to support government plans tolimit the amount of subsidized fuel used by private cars in Java and Bali,which will be gradually carried out from April.

Thegovernment hopes the program will allow it to reduce the fuel subsidy.(dic)

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Dutch car fuel prices at record high

2012-01-14T07:41:00.001+07:00

RNW, 13January 2012

The priceof petrol has never been so high in the Netherlands as at present. The recommendedretail price for gasoline stands at over 1.75 euros a litre. Diesel is now atnearly 1.5 euros a litre, just one euro-cent short of the record high.

“At presentprices, the average motorist will spend about 100 euros more on fuel this yearthan in 2011,” says a spokesperson from the United Consumers group.

Prices havebeen driven up on the international oil market over recent months. This isbeing blamed on tensions between Iran and the West and on the unrest in Syria.

Dutch fuellevies also went up at the start of 2012. They are now reported to be thehighest in Europe. The fall of the value of the euro against the US dollar hasalso had an effect as oil is paid for in dollars. This has also pushedDutch fuel prices up.

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Ford Bullish on Indonesia’s Car Market

2012-01-08T05:57:00.000+07:00

Jakarta Globe, MuhamadAl Azhari, January 06, 2012

Senior executives at Ford Motor Company have said
Indonesia could host a production facility for the US
automaker in the near future as the country shows
potential to overtake Thailand as the biggest car market
in Southeast Asia. (AFP Photo/File)

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Belligerentcompanies like RIM BlackBerry can take a leaf from Ford Motor and GeneralMotors press releases and/or their corporate/commercial commitment.

Previous1Next

New Delhi.Senior executives at Ford Motor Company have said Indonesia could host aproduction facility for the US automaker in the near future as the countryshows potential to overtake Thailand as the biggest car market in SoutheastAsia.

Thailand iscurrently Ford’s primary production hub in Southeast Asia, producing 425,000 unitsannually that serve demand in the region.

“We thinkIndonesia will be the largest market in Asean. I cannot say exactly when.Thailand is a larger market today, but we believe Indonesia will pass Thailandeventually,” Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of the Asia Pacific and Africa,said at a dinner with journalists in New Delhi on Wednesday.

“Webelieved Indonesia’s growth potential is significant, and I am so excited aboutFord’s presence there.”

Thereporter was in New Delhi at the invitation of Ford, which paid for the trip.

Thailandwas the largest car market in Southeast Asia in 2010, with 857,00 units sold,while Indonesia came second with 764,000 units sold.

BullishIndonesian automotive executives in December estimated that the nation was ontrack to sell about 870,000 units in 2011.

SudirmanMaman Rusdi, the chairman of Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries(Gaikindo), has projected that Indonesia could sell 1 million units by 2013.

Analystssay consumer-related sectors, including automotive, will see stronger demand asrising per capita incomes and a low-interest environment spur consumption.

AlanMulally, president and chief executive of Ford, echoed Hinrichs. “Over time,we’ll have our operation there, too, because the market is great,” he said.

He also didnot mention a specific timeframe for the siting of an Indonesian productionfacility.

Fordintroduced a new compact sport utility vehicle, called the Ford EcoSport, atthe Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. The company did not indicate when the productwould enter the Southeast Asian market, but it said it would be the third outof eight products the company aims to introduce by mid-decade.

Ford doesnot manufacture in Indonesia. Rival carmaker General Motors announced last yearthat it would invest $150 million to reactivate its assembly plant in Bekasi.

Although asmall player in the Indonesian car market compared with Japanese giants such asToyota and Mitsubishi, Ford has seen strong growth in its car sales. In thefirst 10 months of 2011, it sold 13,819 units, a 152 percent rise from the sameperiod in the previous year.

Lawmakers Now Interested in Student-Made Car

2012-01-04T15:01:00.003+07:00

Jakarta Globe, AnitaRachman & Antara, January 04, 2012

The Solo mayor’s Kiat Esemka brand sport utility vehicle, which is priced
at Rp 95 million ($10,500), was built by students at SMK (vocational school)
2 Solo and assembled using almost all locally produced components. (JG Photo)

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Somelawmakers, who last year were criticized for ostentatious lifestyles and flashycars, have expressed interest in following the Solo mayor’s example and drivinga locally made car.

Solo MayorJoko Widodo, or Jokowi as he is better known, is now using a car assembled bySMK 2 Solo students along with Kiat Motor, while his deputy, F.X. HadiRudyatmo, is using a car assembled by the students of SMK Warga Solo, also incooperation with Kiat Motor.

The1.5-liter engine Sport Utility Vehicles cost about Rp 95 million (Rp 10,500)each.

OnWednesday, House Speaker Marzuki Alie said that he wanted to see and try outthe car branded “Kiat Esemka” — a reference to how SMK (vocational high school)is pronounced, and Kiat Motor, one of the biggest car repair shops anddealerships in Solo.

“I willvisit it,” Marzuki said. “We should support its production so we could have anIndonesian built car.”

Askedwhether he would buy the car, Marzuki said: “If I have enough money, I’ll buyit.”

A number oflawmakers are reportedly planning to order the car.

A lawmakerfrom the United Development Party, Arwani Thomafi, said he really wantedone.

“I’m notonly interested, but desperate to see and try the car made by our people,”Arwani said. “Who else should buy it but us?”

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Is this really Jakarta?

2011-12-26T17:27:00.001+07:00

The Jakarta Post, Nurhayati, Jakarta, Mon,12/26/2011

Is this really Jakarta?: Jl. Sudirman in Central Jakarta looks relatively
empty on Monday following the Christmas holiday. In normal days, the street is
fully packed with cars and other vehicles. (JP/Nurhayati).

Thai Army: Mystery bang mid-air explosion

2011-12-24T23:44:00.001+07:00

Bangkok Post, 22/12/2011

Metal debris were scattered over an area in Si Sa Ket on Dec 22, 2011

following a mysterious loud bangs. The army reckons the loud bangs

were from an unidentified mid-air explosion. (POST PHOTO)

Themysterious loud bangs heard near the Thai-Cambodian border in Si Sa Ket thismorning were from an unidentified mid-air explosion, 2nd Army chief Lt GenThawatchai Samutsakhon on Thursday.

He saidthere three or four reports of loud bangs about 11am.

Theyoccurred about 10,000 feet above tambon Sao Thongchai in Kantharalak district.

Metaldebris was later found scattered over the area. No one was injured, Lt GenThawatchai said.

Two orthree similar incidents had previously been reported in this area but the causeremained unknown. He did not believe the explosions indicated an attack byCambodian troops.

The reportstriggered panic in the communities in this border tambon as the villagersassumed it was another shelling by Cambodian artillery.

Shortlyafter the explosions were heard, a piece of metal about 1 metre long and half ametre wide was found in a field at Phumsarol Witthaya School, said ChokchaiSaikaeo, president of tambon Sao Thongchai administration organisation.

The sameschool was hit by artillery fire during the fighting between Thai and Cambodianforces earlier this year.

Mr Chokchaialso said several more bits of similarly burned yellowish metal were laterfound in nearby spots in the tambon.

Troops whowent to investigate the reports said the metal debris could be from asatellite, reports said, but there wasno confirmation.

Accordingto Space.com, Russia's troubled, toxic fuel-loaded Phobos-Grunt spacecraft,which is stuck in low-Earth orbit due to an engine failure rather than on itsway to Mars, appears to be doomed, with small pieces of the wayward probe alreadyfalling to Earth. There was no confirmation that the incident in Si Sa Ket waslinked to this.

Thesatellite was expected to fall back to Earth in January.

Metaldebris were scattered over an area in Si Sa Ket on Dec 22, 2011

following amysterious loud bangs. The army reckons the loud bangs

were from an unidentifiedmid-air explosion. (POST PHOTO)

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Mind the sleigh! Airlines given permission to fly over North Pole for the first time slashing the hours to exotic destinations

2011-12-24T17:21:00.001+07:00

Daily Mail, by Ray Massey, Transport Editor, 24 Dec 2011

Long-haulflight times reduced by up to 50%
'Whole newworld opened up,' says Branson

Airpassengers will be able to cut the times of long-haul flights by as much ashalf and fly faster to exotic destinations under a new relaxation of aviationrules.

It couldalso mean cheaper and cleaner flights for British holidaymakers.

The newrules will allow carriers operating in the South Pacific, to take a 'short cut'over the North Pole for the first time.

Shorter flights: A British Airways Boeing 777 which will be able to
take a 'short cut' over the North pole

Whilepassenger jets from Australia to South America will be able to fly the mostdirect routes.

FLIGHTSFROM LONDON

Fiji(10,000 miles) - current time via Los Angles or Seoul: 24 hours. New time:18 hours non-stop using 'polar express' short cut.
Tahiti(9,600 miles) via Los Angeles: 23 hours. New time:17 hours.
Honolulu(7,300 miles) via Los Angeles: 18 hours. New time:13 hours.
Anchorage(4,500 miles) via Seattle: 16 hours. New time: 8hours

Until now,Boeing’s 777 and the new 787 ‘Dreamliner’ jets had for safety reasons to staywithin a three hour range (180 minutes)of the nearest diversion airport.

Under thenew rules, that has been nearly doubled to five and a half hours, (330 minutes)taking account of improvements in aircraft and engine technology.

It means,for example, that planes from the UK will be able to take a non-stop flight - dubbed 'Santa's short cut' -over the North Pole to destinations suchas Hawaii, Alaska or French Polynesia.

It alsomeans shorter journeys, cheaper flights, less fuel, and lower emissions ofcarbon dioxide (CO2) - the so-called greenhouse gas’ blamed for global warming.

The‘extended operations’ rules define the time that an aircraft is permitted to befrom an emergency landing site in case of an engine failure and is applied totwo-engine jets.

It followsa decision by the U.S. Federal AviationAdministration to allow up to330-minutes ‘extended operations’ for Boeings' 777 fleet.

Frozen: An aerial view of the North Pole which passenger carriers
will now be able to fly over to exotic destinations

It allowsairlines operating Boeing 777-300ER(extended range), 777-200LR (longer range), 777 Freighter and 777-200ER modelsequipped with General Electric engines to fly up to 330 minutes from apotential ‘diversion’ airport.

Approvalfor the Boeing 777-200ER equipped with British Rolls-Royce and American Pratt& Whitney engines is expected to follow over the next few months.

The firstairline to take advantage of the new longer ‘extended operations’ option is AirNew Zealand which earlier this month flew from Los Angeles to Auckland.

Capt. DavidMorgan, chief pilot for Air New Zealand said: ‘What this means is that theaeroplane is able to fly a straighterroute between pairs of cities and that's good for the environment.

‘Less fuelis burned and less carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. It's alsogood for customers because flights are potentially shorter and passengers couldarrive sooner at their destinations.’

VirginAtlantic airline president Sir Richard Branson said: 'This new developmentreally does open up a whole new world.

'Our newfleet of 787s could well be flying to Honolulu or even Fiji one day.'

LastOctober The European Aviation Safety Agency granted a 207-minute rating afterreceiving an application from Air France to fly a 777-300ER from Los Angeles toPapeete, Tahiti. The European agency is also expected to adopt the 330-minute rule.

Planes onceflew over the North Pole during the Cold War in the 1950s to avoid CommunistBloc airspace.

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Richard Branson said the airline industry should aim for 50% sustainable
fuels by 2020. Photograph: Mark Lennihan/AP

INDONESIA: BMW starts assembling 5-series in Indonesia

2011-12-15T19:13:00.001+07:00

Just-Auto, Tony Pugliese, 15 December 2011

BMW hasbegun assembly of its 5-series in Indonesia, at the PT Gaya Motor plant inJakarta which is owned by its local distributor PT Astra International.

The plant,which also makes the 3-series model as well as vehicles of other brands, has aninitial capacity of four 5-series units a day. This will be increased to eightin early 2012. Around 80% of local 5-series sales are expected to be assembledat the plant.

BMW sold1,399 units in the January-November period of 2011, including 496 3-series and394 5-series.

Aviation could switch to low-carbon fuel 'sooner than thought'

2011-12-08T02:13:00.001+07:00

RichardBranson says aeroplanes have few 'filling stations' compared with othertransport, making it easier to supply them

guardian.co.uk, John Vidal, environment editor, Monday 5 December 2011

Richard Branson said the airline industry should aim for 50% sustainable
fuels by 2020. Photograph: Mark Lennihan/AP

The world's7,000 airlines could switch to low-carbon jet fuels much faster than othertransport because aeroplanes have very few "filling stations", saysRichard Branson.

"Unlikecars where there are millions of filling stations, there are only about 1,700aviation stations in the world. So if you can get the right fuel, likemass-produced algae, then getting it to 1,700 outlets is not sodifficult," Branson said in an interview with the Guardian from theBritish Virgin islands.

Branson,who announced last month he hoped Virgin would soon be able to use waste gasesfrom industrial steel and aluminium plants as a fuel, said the industry shouldaim for 50% sustainable fuels by 2020.

"Iwould be very disapointed if not. Once the breakthrough takles place, gettingto 50-100% is not unrealistic. Aviation fuel is 25-40% of the running costs ofairlines so the industry is open to new fuels."

Branson,whose Virgin group owns 51% of Virgin Atlantic Airways, was speaking in advanceof the launch in Durban of RenewableJetFuels.org, an open access website thatassesses and updates the progress of companies planning to producecommercial-scale renewable fuel for aviation.

It suggeststhat of the 40 companies claiming to have the potential to deliver large-scaleamounts – about one third of them are "credible" from an economic,scalable and sustainability perspective in their current state.

In the nextfive years, according to the website published by business NGO Carbon War Roomand academic publisher Elsevier, some renewable jet fuel companies "couldbe producing enough renewable fuel to replace 10-20% of the fuel of a typicalmid-sized airline".

The data,said Branson, should allow airlines to accelerate linkups with fuel companies.

"Producerscan continually update and re-submit data. This is then reviewed by experts,enabling RenewableJetFuels.org to be the independent, gold standard forinvestors and airlines in the market," said Suzanne Hunt, head ofoperations at Carbon War Room.

"Tryingto address climate change makes business sense", said Branson, whoseVirgin airline spends around $3bn a year on jet fuel.

"Thejet fuel industry can charge what they like at present. New fuels will compete.You could finds the price of aviation fuel comes down."

Three yearsago Virgin flew a plane to Holland on coconut fuel and no one took itseriously, said Branson. "The industry thought it was PR. BA was prettydismissive, saying planes will never fly on bio-fuels. But it actuallykickstarted thinking. Since then, even BA has started investing in newbiofuels.

"We'reheading in the right direction. The industry could go from one of the dirtiestto one of the cleanest in 10 years. We are investing in different companies andreally beginning to see traction".

The fiveleading alternative jet fuel companies identified by Carbon War Room areLanzatech, SG biofuels, AltAir, Solazyme and Sapphire.

FAA chief resigns over drunk drive charge

2011-12-07T05:35:00.001+07:00

Reuters, WASHINGTON,Tue Dec 6, 2011

FederalAviation Administration head Randy Babbitt is

seen in this Fairfax CountySheriff's booking

photograph released to Reuters on December 5, 2011.

(Reuters/FairfaxCounty Sheriff's Office/Handout)

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US aviation boss on leave over drunk driving arrest

(Reuters) -The top U.S. aviation safety official resigned on Tuesday over a drunkendriving charge.

FederalAviation Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a statement that his resignationwas accepted by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Babbitt,65, was arrested on Saturday in Fairfax, Virginia, and charged with drivingwhile intoxicated.

A formerpilot and union official, Babbitt has led the FAA since 2009.

(Reporting by John Crawley)

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Missing Cessna found in Majalengka

2011-11-28T21:24:00.001+07:00

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Mon, 11/28/2011

Authoritiessay they have discovered the remains of a small aircraft that went missing lastweek.

The CessnaC172-PK NIP belongs to PT Nusa Flying School was found at the forested area ofKawah Burung in Mt. Cireme, Majalengka, West Java.

Theaircraft, used to train aviation students, left Halim Perdanakusuma Airport inEast Jakarta at 7:33 a.m. on Wednesday last week. Air traffic controllersreported the aircraft missing at 8:53 a.m. after losing contact.

Threepeople were on board the aircraft: pilot instructor Capt. Partogi Sianipar, 25,and students Muhammad Fikriansyah, 19, and Agung Febrian.

Kompas.comreported that the fuselage remained intact, but both wings were reportedlybroken.

It wasfound at around 7 a.m. The Nusa Flying School said it had sent a team to thelocation.

Three die in Borneo as suspension bridge collapses

2011-11-27T07:16:00.001+07:00

BBC News, 26November 2011

The bridge was reported to be the
longest in Borneo

At leastthree people have died and 17 others have been injured after a bridge collapsedon Indonesia's Borneo island.

A bus, carsand motorcycles plunged from the bridge, which connects Tenggarong andTenggarong Seberang town, into the Mahakam River below.

The bridge,720m long and completed in 2002, is reported to be the longest suspensionbridge in Borneo.

Witnessesdescribed survivors screaming as they swam to the shore after the bridge gaveway.

Many of theinjured were reported to be suffering from head wounds.

Rescuersfound the bodies of three men who had apparently drowned in the river, while 17others were taken to Parekesit hospital in Tenggarong, the capital of KutaiKertanegara district.

The bridgewas built to resemble San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. The cause ofthe collapse was not immediately clear.

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Bicycles demonstrate Indonesia's new spending power

2011-11-21T03:31:00.001+07:00

BBC News, ByKarishma Vaswani, Jakarta, 20 November2011

Indonesians can now afford to spend more money on their expensive hobbies

It's justpast dawn on a Monday morning and the streets of Jakarta are still and quiet.

It is avast contrast to what this city of 12 million is like during the day, when theroads are packed with cars and motorcycles buzz around the streets.

Only thesounds of the call to prayer, wafting through the suburbs and slums of thecapital of the world's most populous Muslim nation, breaks the silence.

In Jakarta,there's no time to breathe. The stresses of work and life are felt deeply bysome in the country's middle classes.

But somehave found novel ways to unwind.

Adrianka, adigital imaging artist who runs his own successful business in Jakarta, is onesuch person.

A couple oftimes a week, the 27-year-old and his friends hit the back streets of Jakartato relax - by going mountain biking.

He works inthe advertising industry and is always rushing to meet deadlines. It's anexpensive sport - but he thinks its worth it.

"Thefirst I was shopping for bicycles, I thought even spending $500 was toomuch," he says as he takes a break from the rigorous morning bike ride."But then I tried my friends bicycles that cost more - and they felt verycomfortable."

"So Ikept buying more expensive bikes - because the more they cost, the better theyare. When my parents heard how much my bicycles cost they said I was crazy. Butmy work is very demanding - so I need this hobby to let off some steam."

Posh bikes

Foreignbicycles were rarely seen in Jakarta's shops just over a decade ago.

But now thelatest models from Europe and the US are becoming increasingly common.

Most of thebicycles on these roads are relatively inexpensive - but some Indonesianswillingly pay up to $5,000 for one.

Jimmy Liestarted a series of upmarket stores selling branded bicycles a few years ago,because he recognised a growing trend amongst affluent and aspirationalIndonesians.

They weretaking to the streets on Sundays, to find some way of working out the stressesof daily life and biking was becoming fashionable.

So Mr Liecapitalised on the new expensive tastes of his consumers and is now in themidst of opening another branch in the city.

Mr Lie saysIndonesians these days are far more exposed to what's going in the rest of theworld, and want to have access to the same standard of goods they see theircounterparts enjoy overseas.

"Peoplenowadays, they get a lot of their information from the internet, or fromwatching the Tour De France," he says in between serving customers in hisbusy store.

Growingmiddle class

Just over adecade ago, it would have been unthinkable for an average Indonesian to spend afew thousand dollars on a bike.

Todaythough Indonesia's middle classes are far more confident about the future.

Indonesiahas one of the fastest growing middle classes in the region - up from 80million five years ago to 130 million now.

That's morethan half of this country's 240 million strong population.

Not all parts of Jakarta are experiencing a boom
in living standards

And thatnumber is expected to grow - by 2020, many think that Indonesia's middle classwill be wealthier than many in Asia.

Indonesia'seconomy has been one that has managed to continue to grow, despite bumps in theglobal economic environment.

Largelyinsulated from the troubles overseas because of strong domestic demand,economists say Indonesia will see growth rates stay stable or possibly evenrise next year, at a time when many in the region are cutting their growthforecasts.

All thishas meant Indonesian consumers are feeling far more confident about theirprospects than ever before.

Theyconsistently rank as some of the most optimistic in Asia about their economicfuture.

And you cansee signs of that all over the streets of Jakarta these days - but especiallyon Sundays.

The localgovernment has made some Sundays in a month a car-free day - an opportunity forIndonesians to get some fresh air after a busy week at their desks.

Indonesia'snext generation has the ability and the desire to spend money on what it wantsand not necessarily what it needs.

Not solucky

But whilethe future may look bright for some Indonesians, for others not much haschanged at all.

In thedistrict of Menteng Dalam, just outside one of the poshest areas in Jakarta,life still moves at a much slower pace.

Tiny shacksare packed densely against one another, and people living in them spill out onto the streets.

The strongeconomic growth that is so visible just a few kilometres away has yet to touchthis part of Jakarta.

Sewi, 62,has lived here for the last two decades.

He hasowned his tattered, worn out and old fashioned bicycle for just as long.

Sewi says he prefers to look after things from the past

Even if hewanted to he wouldn't be able to buy a new one - he just doesn't have that kindof money.

"I'vealways liked old bicycles like this," he says as he tinkers with his rustyold machine.

"I'mnot tempted by newer models. The young generation - they like to change theirbicycles all the time and throw the old ones away. But I like to look afterthings from the past. "

Sewidoesn't understand how some young Indonesians are so eager to spend their hard earnedcash.

He's from ageneration that still remembers the hard times here. Millions like him have yetto taste the benefits of growth.

Indonesia'sfuture generations need to ride the waves of prosperity for this country'seconomic rise to be considered a true success.

Govt chooses Karawang as location for new airport

2011-11-20T19:26:00.001+07:00

The Jakarta Post, Sun, 11/20/2011

Thegovernment has chosen Karawang, West Java, as the location for a new airport,an official from the Transportation Ministry has announced.

“At themoment we are still studying it. By early next year we will know how much moneywill be needed. But the location has been chosen, which is Karawang,” ministrydirector general for air transportation Herry Bhakti said on Sunday as quotedby tribunnews.com.

He saidthat the government planned to build a new airport in response to complaintsabout services at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Cengkareng due to overcapacity.

“Soekarno-HattaAirport there are two runways, the Karawang airport will provide a thirdrunway,” he said.

Herry wasunsure when construction of the new airport would begin, but said that the needfor a new airport would become urgent by 2015.

U.S, Indonesia Agree on F-16 Transfer

2011-11-19T07:32:00.001+07:00

U.S. Department of Defense, by KarenParrish, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON,Nov. 18, 2011 – The U.S. and Indonesian presidents issued a joint statementtoday from Bali, Indonesia, reaffirming their deepening engagement andannouncing the planned transfer and upgrade of 24 Excess Defense Article F-16sto the Indonesian air force.

PresidentBarack Obama is in Indonesia participating in the East Asia Summit. The summithas occurred annually since 2005, following the annual Association of SoutheastAsian Nations leaders’ meeting. The United States and Russia participated inthe summit for the first time this year.

Obama’sjoint statement with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono today notedthe two leaders affirm the summit is the region’s premier forum for leaders todiscuss strategic political and security issues.

Accordingto a White House fact sheet, Indonesia’s addition of 24 F-16s will allow thatnation’s government to significantly bolster air defense capacity withoutcompromising the defense budget and other national priorities.

The factsheet notes that when the regeneration is complete, the aircraft will beupdated with advanced modular mission computers, improved radar and avionics,and the capability to carry and field more advanced weaponry and sensors. Atleast 30 Indonesian pilots will receive F-16 training in the United States, andmobile training teams from the United States will train Indonesian aircraftmaintainers.

Accordingto the fact sheet, the Defense Department is currently working with theIndonesian Ministry of Defense to develop a letter of offer and acceptance forthe 24 aircraft while awaiting completion of the final required congressionalnotification. The notification is expected to be complete and the offer andacceptance letter ready to be signed in early 2012.

The U.S.government is working to begin delivery of aircraft by July 2014, as requestedby the government of Indonesia.

The newagreement represents the largest transfer of defense articles in the history ofthe U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relationship, the fact sheet said.

The jointstatement also reflected discussion between the two countries on issuesincluding human rights, clean energy, education, climate change andenvironmental projects.

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Indonesia’s Lion Air Roars with Record Boeing Order

2011-11-18T17:16:00.001+07:00

Jakarta Globe, Janeman Latul, November 18, 2011

Indonesia's Lion Air has placed the largest ever commercial airplane
order in Boeing's history, valued at $21.7 billion. (AFP Photo)

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Little overa decade ago, Indonesian budget airline Lion Air served a single route onremote Borneo island. On Friday, it placed a $21.7 billion order with Boeing,the airplane giant’s biggest commercial order on record.

LionMentari was founded with just $10 million in start-up capital in 1999 by Kusnanand Rusdi Kirana, who ran a travel agency until they spotted a growthopportunity when the Indonesian government deregulated the aviation industry.

Lion Air --48-year-old Rusdi is now CEO, and Kusnan is president commissioner -- was oneof dozens of new carriers to emerge around that time in Southeast Asia’sbiggest economy, including Sriwijaya Air and the now bankrupt Adam Air.

The Boeingdeal for 230 short-haul jets takes Lion Air’s orderbook to more than 400planes, which they aim to use to fly across an Asia-Pacific region still seeingrobust passenger growth despite the shaky global economy.

The dealincludes options for another 150 aircraft valued at $14 billion, bringing itspotential total value to $35 billion.

Theaggressive buying spree comes ahead of regional air liberalization in 2015,part of a planned Southeast Asian free trade economic community.

At themoment, some Southeast Asian nations shut out airlines to protect theirnational carriers.

“If you’relooking at a short term view, people will call us nuts, but we’re talking aboutan opportunity here and we’re taking a long term view,” said Edward Sirait, aLion Air director. “Look at the growth in the region -- China, India andSoutheast Asia. It’s tremendous and what we’re doing now is to anticipate 5-10years ahead,” he said.

The dealfor 201 of Boeing’s updated 737 MAX planes and 29 Next-Generation 737-900extended range planes -- announced as US President Barack Obama attended aregional meeting in Indonesia -- will be financed in part by the U.S. EximBank, Sirait said.

The restwill come from a consortium of international banks, which is still beingfinalized. Delivery of the planes will be in 2017-25.

Lion Airplans an initial public offering next year to raise more than $1 billionthrough the sale of a 20-30 percent stake, to help finance its rapid expansion.

It aims tofly to China, India, South Korea, Japan and Australia.

Much of thegrowth in Asia’s air travel industry has been driven by budget carriers, butLion Air plans to use the blueprint of regional leader AirAsia and set up apremium airline, too. Space Jet is expected to launch in a year’s time.

Lion Airoperates 92 planes and has a load factor of above 80 percent. The latest ordercomes on top of a $14 billion deal signed in 2008 with Boeing for 178 737-900s,which will be delivered in stages until 2016.

Apart fromflights around the sprawling Indonesian archipelago, Lion Air flies to Jeddahand Singapore, but is banned from flying to the European Union because ofsafety concerns.

The EU lastyear allowed flag carrier Garuda Indonesia to resume flights after a similarban.

No Lion Airplane has crashed in a domestic industry that regularly sees deadly aviationdisasters, but its planes have skidded off runaways and it has been criticizedfor regular flight delays.

As the airindustry takes off, analysts say Indonesia must revamp overloaded anddilapidated infrastructure, including airports and power supply, to sustaincurrent growth levels.

Reuters

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Chinese Shenzhou craft launches on key space mission

2011-11-01T05:58:00.002+07:00

BBC News, ByJonathan Amos, Science correspondent, 31October 2011

RelatedStories

It will be a couple of days before Shenzhou 8 is in
a position to attempt the docking

China hastaken the next step in its quest to become a major space power with the launchof the unmanned Shenzhou 8 vehicle.

Thespacecraft rode a Long March 2F rocket into orbit where it will attempt torendezvous and dock with the Tiangong-1 lab, launched in September.

It would bethe first time China has joined two space vehicles together.

Thecapability is required if the country is to carry through its plan to build aspace station by about 2020.

The LongMarch carrier rocket lifted away from the Jiuquan spaceport in the Gobi Desertat 05:58, Tuesday (21:58 GMT Monday). TV cameras relayed the ascent to orbit.

Shenzhouseparated from the rocket's upper-stage about nine minutes into the flight.Confirmation that its solar panels had been deployed was received a short whileafter.

It will bea couple of days before Shenzhou is in a position to attempt the docking, whichwill occur some 340km above the Earth.

Thevehicles will be using a radar-based system to compute their proximity to eachother and guide their final approach and contact.

The pairwill then spend 12 days circling the globe before they separate and attempt are-docking. Finally, Shenzhou 8 will detach and its re-entry capsule will headback to Earth.

This willallow experiments carried into orbit to be recovered for analysis. The Germanspace agency has supplied an experimental box containing fish, plants, worms,bacteria and even human cancer cells for a series of biological studies.

Tiangong-1was launched in September on a Long March 2F rocket
Theunmanned laboratory unit was put in a 350km-high orbit
Shenzhou 8will will try to rendezvous and dock with Tiangong-1
The projectwill test key technologies such as life-support systems
China aimsto start building a 60-tonne space station by about 2020

Assumingthe venture goes well, two manned missions (Shenzhou 9 and 10) are likely totry to make similar dockings in 2012.

Shenzhou 8 carries experiments developed
with the German space agency

Chineseastronauts - yuhangyuans - are expected to live aboard the conjoined vehiclesfor up to two weeks. There is speculation in the Chinese media that one ofthese missions could also include the country's first female yuhangyuan.

The 10.5m-longTiangong-1 module was launched on 29 September and has been operating well,according to Chinese officials.

Its orbithas been lowered slightly and the vehicle turned 180 degrees in preparation forits upcoming union with Shenzhou 8.

Beijingsees the Tiangong and Shenzhou dockings as the next phase in its step-by-stepapproach to acquiring the skills of human spaceflight operations.

It is alearning curve China hopes will eventually lead to the construction of a spacestation, starting at the end of the decade.

At about 60tonnes in mass, this future station would be considerably smaller than the400-tonne international platform operated by the US, Russia, Europe, Canada andJapan, but its mere presence in the sky would nonetheless represent aremarkable achievement.

Tiangong-1 was launched in September

Conceptdrawings describe a core module weighing some 20-22 tonnes, flanked by twoslightly smaller laboratory vessels.

Officialssay it would be supplied by freighters in exactly the same way that roboticcargo ships keep the International Space Station (ISS) today stocked with fuel,food, water, air, and spare parts.

China isinvesting billions of dollars in its space programme. It has a strong spacescience effort under way, with two orbiting satellites having already beenlaunched to the Moon and a third mission expected to put a rover on the lunarsurface.

Next weekshould see its first Mars orbiter - Yinghuo-1 - begin its journey to the RedPlanet.

The Asiancountry is also deploying its own satellite-navigation system known asBeiDou-Compass.

Biggerrockets are coming, too. The Long March 5 will be capable of putting more than20 tonnes in a low-Earth orbit. This lifting muscle, again, will be necessaryfor the construction of a space station.

Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET@bbc.co.uk

Lombok International Airport starts operations

2011-10-01T16:33:00.001+07:00

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Sat, 10/01/2011

Premierlanding: A Garuda Indonesia airplane carrying West Nusa
Tenggara GovernorZainul Majdi and his entourage from Jakarta lands
at Lombok InternationalAirport on Saturday. The plane was the first
commercial aircraft landing at thenew airport, officiated on Saturday.
(Antara/Ahmad Subaidi)

The WestNusa Tenggara administration officially opened, on Saturday, LombokInternational Airport in a move to boost tourism in Lombok, an island next toBali which is becoming popular among both local and foreign tourists.

The newairport is located in Pujut district in Central Lombok regency, about 40kilometers to the south of Mataram, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara.

It ismanaged by state airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I, and replaces the oldSelaparang Airport, which had been the main portal for entering Lombok.

A Boeing737-800 JR airplane operated by national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia was thefirst commercial aircraft to land at the new airport, carrying West NusaTenggara Governor Zainul Majdi and his entourage, as well as TransportationMinistry director general for air transport Harry Bhakti, from Soekarno-HattaInternational Airport in Jakarta, Antara reported.

3 Killed in Philippine Military Helicopter Crash

2011-10-01T15:23:00.001+07:00

Jakarta Globe, October 01, 2011

Manila. ThePhilippine military says three air force personnel were killed when ahelicopter carrying supplies to troops fighting militants on a southern islandcrashed after its engine failed.

Regionalmilitary spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang says the Vietnam War-vintageUH-1H Huey helicopter lost engine power as it approached a military camp inPatikul township on Jolo island Saturday.

Thehelicopter hit the ground hard and rolled down a hill.

Three crewmembers were killed and the fourth was injured.

The Huey isthe Philippine air force's workhorse and is used extensively in troopdeployment, resupply and disaster operations. The troops are battling theal-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group, which is on Washington's terrorist list.

Associated Press

Plane hits Ferris wheel north of Sydney, trapping four

2011-10-01T15:20:00.003+07:00

BBC News, 1 October2011

No-one was seriously injured in
the incident, officials say

A lightplane has crashed into a Ferris wheel in a village north of Sydney, trappingfour people, Australian officials say.

The CheetahS200 plane with two men aboard did not topple the wheel after hitting it duringa festival in the village of Old Bar.

The men andtwo children at the top of the wheel were trapped for hours before beingrescued by a crane.

There wereno serious injuries in Saturday's incident, the officials say.

Plane With 18 Aboard Feared Crashed in Indonesia

2011-09-29T15:26:00.003+07:00

Jakarta Globe, September 29, 2011

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Medan. Asmall aircraft with 18 people on board is feared to have crashed on Thursday inIndonesia’s Sumatra island, officials said. The Cassa 212, carrying 15passengers and three crew, was flying from Medan city in North Sumatra to thenearby province of Aceh when it lost contact with air traffic control, BambangErvan said.

“It tookoff at 7:18 and was supposed to land at 8:00,” the spokesman said, adding thata search and rescue team was trying to find the aircraft.

“Mostprobably it crashed as it sent an emergency signal,” he said, adding it was notknown whether there were foreigners on board.

Localsearch and rescue chief Suhri Sinaga said that the aircraft sent an emergencysignal in the Bahorok area of North Sumatra province.

“We aretrying to locate the aircraft,” he told.

A helicopterchartered by US giant Newmont Mining crashed on Sunday in central Indonesia,killing two people on board.

Earlierthis month, an Australian and a Slovak pilot were killed when their smallCessna Grand Caravan aircraft, which was carrying fuel and food to a remotearea in Papua province, went down.

Anothersmall aircraft, which was also transporting supplies to remote villages for aChristian humanitarian association in Papua, crashed last week, killing itsAmerican pilot and two passengers.

Indonesiarelies heavily on air transport and has a poor aviation record.

Agence France-Presse

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After seven years, no progress seen in pursuit of justice for slain rights activist Munir

2011-09-06T05:37:00.001+07:00

MarielGrazella, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 09/05/2011

TheCommission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) said that itcondemned the government for erasing resolution of the murder case of humanrights activist Munir Saib Thalib from its list of priorities.

Munir Saib Thalib

Munir diedof arsenic poisoning on board a Garuda Indonesia flight to Amsterdam in 2004.

Thecondemnation came during the approach of the seventh anniversary of Munir’smurder, which falls on September 1.

“There havebeen so many dynamics within the Munir case over these seven years. However,over the last three years, the justice agenda has ended in weakening the lawon” Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar said on Monday in a press statement to TheJakarta Post.

“TheSupreme Court has freed Muchdi Purwoprandjono and gave Pollycarpus a number ofprison sentence reductions that have been challenged based on accusations ofobscure and vague reasoning,” he added.

PollycarpusBudihari Prijanto, who was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in 2008 for thepre-meditated murder of Munir, has been granted remissions every IndependenceDay and Christmas Day since his imprisonment. He recently received a 9 monthsand 5 days remission on Independence Day.

Muchdi, whowas the former deputy chairman of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), was puton trial for Munir’s murder but has been declared innocent.

He furthersaid that it was befitting that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the SupremeCourt, the Attorney General’s Office and the Law and Human Rights Ministry “sittogether and evaluate progress made in this case and ensure that justice isfulfilled”.

“We areconcerned that if President Susilo Bambag Yudhoyono remains quite and lawenforcers mum, the Munir case would be erased from notes on legal processes.Those responsible will be free, physically and politically, meaning that therewould not be any correction on that crime for Indonesia’s law and justice inthe future,” he added.

Toyota to make hybrid car parts in China to boost sales

2011-09-05T14:18:00.004+07:00

BBC News, 5September 2011

Global CarIndustry

Toyota isplanning to manufacture key components for its hybrid cars outside Japan forthe first time, in a bid to boost sales.

Toyota is a pioneer in hybrid car technology
and more environmentally friendly cars

It willstart making parts at its research and development facility in China to caterto growing demand from the mainland.

China isone of the world's biggest polluters but sales of hybrid vehicles are expectedto grow steadily in coming years.

Toyota isthe world's biggest carmaker.

"Everybodyrecognises that China is going to be a very important market for all carmanufacturers," Paul Nolsco, a spokesperson for Toyota, told the BBC.

"Giventhe scale that we hope to achieve in China, it makes more financial sense tomake these parts there", he added.

The companysaid it is likely to manufacture electric motors and batteries at its Chinesefacility, but a final decision was yet to be made.

'Moreaffordable'

China wasalso the first country outside Japan where Toyota started to assemble andproduce its Prius hybrid cars.

However,the key components for those cars were manufactured in Toyota's Japanesefactories and then sent over to the assembly lines in China.

Analystssaid that had pushed up sale prices in China.

"Thatcar basically flopped as the parts were too expensive," said ChristopherRitcher of CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets. The Chinese production of the Prius waseventually suspended by the company.

Mr Ritchersaid Toyota's decision to shift the manufacture of these parts to China wouldresult in cheaper parts and eventually translate into better sales.

"Bymaking hybrids more affordable they can try and capture some of the marketshare and make this an attractive concept for consumers," he said.

Up, up and Away

2011-08-14T04:24:00.002+07:00

Jakarta Globe, Karamjit Kaur-Straits Times Indonesia | August 13, 2011

A plane flies over a Garuda Indonesia facility at Jakarta International
Airport Soekarno-Hatta last month. The Singapore-Jakarta sector is
Changi's No. 1 air link in terms of number of flights. (AFP Photo)

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Singapore.The skies between Singapore and Jakarta are getting crowded as airlinesincrease flights to meet growing demand for seats on the route.

Fueled bystrong business and social links between the two countries, theSingapore-Jakarta sector has overtaken Singapore-Kuala Lumpur as ChangiAirport's No. 1 air link based on the number of flights.

There arenow 13 carriers operating about 500 flights a week between Singapore and theIndonesian capital, compared with eight airlines and about 440 flights forSingapore-KL.

'Indonesiais a major market for us, and Singapore-Jakarta is one of our strongest routesthat has seen significant growth over the years.'

SingaporeAirlines spokesman Nicholas Ionides

The growthis expected to continue with Singapore Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, TigerAirways, Valuair and Jetstar Airways planning even more Singapore-Jakartaservices by the end of December.

In thefirst half of the year, 1.93 million passengers flew on this route, a 20 percent jump compared with the same period last year.

There is agood mix of business and leisure traffic on the route, say the carriers thatply the sector.

A growingnumber of Indonesian travellers are also using Changi Airport as a hub toconnect to other destinations.

InSingapore, travelers can choose from 71 foreign carriers that connect theairport to 154 international destinations, compared with 31 airlines and 33city links at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Datacompiled by the Trade and Industry Ministry shows strong growth in bothbusiness and leisure links.

Last year,Singapore-Indonesia trade hit close to $68 billion, compared with $58.5 billionin 2009.

Singaporeis also Indonesia's top source of foreign direct investment, totaling US$4.4billion (S$5.3 billion) in 2009 and US$5 billion last year.

On theleisure side, Indonesia is Singapore's top tourist market, with 2.31 millionarrivals last year.

The overallboom in traffic is good news for airlines.

Garudaadded an eighth daily flight on the route last week. The Jakarta-Singaporesector is the airline's busiest outside Indonesia, said its senior generalmanager in Asia, Risnandi.

He said:'It is also our fastest-growing route. Passenger traffic grew more than threetimes in the last six months compared with the same period in 2010.'

To capturethe high-end premium market, Garuda is using an all-new Boeing fleet on theroute, he said.

Not to beoutdone, SIA will also operate eight flights a day, adding another service nextmonth.

SpokesmanNicholas Ionides said: 'Indonesia is a major market for us andSingapore-Jakarta is one of our strongest routes that has seen significantgrowth over the years.

'This couldbe due to promising economic growth and development in both countries in recentyears.'

The boostin flight numbers and competition on the route has benefited travelers who nowenjoy more options and lower fares.

AndrewZhou, 40, a Singapore- based vice-president of an American manufacturingcompany, is especially pleased that Garuda has improved its level of service.

He said:'Previously I flew mainly SIA, but now that Garuda offers a much better productand service level than it did before, there is another good option.'

Like otherbusiness travelers, he appreciates the more frequent flights.

Zhou, whotravels at least once a month to Jakarta, said: 'When you are on a businesstrip, you want to maximize your time, so I usually catch the early morningflight out of Singapore and leave on the late flight which departs from Jakartaat about 9pm.

'For abusiness traveler, flight frequency and timing are most important.'

Reprintedcourtesy of Straits Times Indonesia. To subscribe to Straits Times Indonesiaand/or the Jakarta Globe call 021 2553 5055.

Indonesia helicopter crash kills 10

2011-08-04T14:38:00.003+07:00

Charteredflight by mining company hits mountain after leaving Manado, leaving allpassengers and crew dead

guardian.co.uk,Associated Press in Jakarta, Thursday 4 August 2011

Rescuers carry a survivor of the helicopter crash on Sulawesi island,
but he later died from his injuries. Photograph: AP

Ahelicopter chartered by an Australian mining company slammed into a mountain ineastern Indonesia, killing all 10 passengers and crew, the head of the searchand rescue team has said.

The Bell412, carrying two Australians, two South Africans and six Indonesians, lostcontact with authorities Wednesday afternoon minutes after takeoff from thecity of Manado on Sulawesi island, said Lucky Pondaag, an airport spokesman.

It washeading to Newcrest's Gosowong Mine on the island of Halmahera.

Asearch-and-rescue team discovered the wreckage in the early hours of Thursday,said Ludianto, head of the operations, who goes by only one name.

There wasonly one survivor at the scene, he said, an Indonesian who later died of hisinjuries at the hospital. The bodies of the nine others have been transportedto Manado.

Thehelicopter was chartered by PT Nusa Halmahera Minerals, a joint venture betweenNewcrest Mining Ltd and PT Aneka Tambang, the Australian company said in astatement. It was not clear what caused the crash.

Airport body scanners raise alarm bells with German police

2011-07-31T03:38:00.001+07:00

Deutsche Welle, 30 July 2011

Bodyscanners are already in
use in several EU countries

Police inGermany have rejected body scanners at Hamburg airport for being too sensitive.The scanners were found to have set off an alarm in seven out of 10 cases afterthey were confused by clothing and even postures.

Bodyscanners at Hamburg airport have failed trial tests, police said, frequentlytriggering alarms even when they weren't supposed to.

Thescanners, which have been an a ten-month at Hamburg airport, triggered anunnecessary alarm in seven out of ten cases, the German weekly newspaper Weltam Sonntag reported on Saturday.

They weresaid to have been confused by layers of clothing, boots, zip fasteners and evenpleats. In 10 percent of cases the passenger's posture set them off.

Accordingto a police report, the scanners set off alarms more than once in 35 percent of730,000 cases where they should not have.

Thescanners have been rejected by federal police until the software is improvedand more effective models are made available.

Several EUcountries, including Britain, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Finland, aswell as Germany, have conducted body scanner tests after the machines wereapproved for use by the European parliament on July 6 on the condition thatpassengers could refuse to walk through them and go through traditionalsecurity checks instead.

Nakedscanners

Bodyscanners are controversial, particularly in the United States where peopleexpressed outrage at the thought of their producing a graphic image of thebody. The devices were often dubbed "naked" scanners.

In spite ofthe public wariness, the US stepped up their use after a Nigerian man wascaught trying to ignite explosives concealed in his underwear during aChristmas day flight from Amsterdam to Detroit in 2009.

The US soonencouraged the EU to introduce the scanners, but it was decided that theirimpact on health and privacy would first have to be tested.

Author:Charlotte Chelsom-Pill (AFP, dpa)

Editor: Kyle James

UFO Near Guernsey (UK) - Pilot Interview

2011-07-27T01:02:00.006+07:00

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Nissan to invest $320 mn in Indonesia plant

2011-07-26T15:13:00.002+07:00

Yahoo/AFP, 26 July 2011

Japanese Nissan Motor said Tuesday it plans to invest $320 million in Indonesia to more than treble production capacity at its West Java factory and set up a new engine assembly plant nearby.

"We plan to increase production capacity at the plant from 50,000 vehicles per year to 180,000 vehicles for each year by 2013," Nissan Motor Indonesia vice president of sales and promotion Teddy Irawan said.

"This September we'll complete the first phase of the capacity expansion to increase production from 50,000 units to 100,000 units. In the next phase, we'll raise capacity from 100,000 units to 180,000 units," Irawan said.

Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, is seeking billions of dollars in foreign investment to help it achieve target of 7.0-percent growth by 2014.

The archipelago aims to attract private investment of up to $465 billion by 2025.

Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Get $1.37b Face-Lift

2011-07-26T15:11:00.001+07:00

Jakarta Globe, July 26, 2011

Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers conducting search operations in an
attempt to clean up Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on the outskirts of
Jakarta recently. The substandard airport is to get a Rp 11.7 trillion
($1.37 billion) overhaul, the Ministry of Transportation said on Tuesday.
(JG Photo/F. Raharjo)

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Jakarta’ssubstandard Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is to get a Rp 11.7 trillion($1.37 billion) overhaul, the Ministry of Transportation said on Tuesday.

HerryBhakti Gumay, director general of aviation transportation at ministry, wasquoted by Detik.com as saying the revamp would be entirely funded byState-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura II.

“Constructionwill start in 2012 and in 2014, Soekarno-Hatta will become a world-classairport,” Herry told the news portal.

Changesincluded completing development of Terminal 3 by 2013, renovating terminals oneand two, building a new cargo terminal by 2013.

Otherimprovements include an automated transportation system linking the terminalsas well as a shopping mall and a hotel.

Herryacknowledged that Soekarno-Hatta was now incapable of coping with the number ofpassengers, which continue to grow.

“Currentlythe airport’s capacity is designed for 22 million passengers [annually] but inreality, the number of passengers has grown to 44 million,” Herry said.

The plan toredevelop the airport was first announced by Vice President Boediono in May.

VicePresidential Spokesman Boediono’s said it was hoped that the number ofpassengers would increase to 62 million people by 2014.

“That willmean increasing the apron capacity from the current 125 aircraft to 174aircraft.

Chrysler Unveils $100m Indonesia Plan

2011-07-24T05:20:00.001+07:00

Jakarta Globe, Faisal Maliki Baskoro, July 22, 2011

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US automotive giant Chrysler is planning to spend $100 million in the next three years to expand its business in Indonesia, capitalizing on the fast-growing demand for premium cars, a company executive said on Friday.

The Detroit-based Chrysler will use the funds to open 18 dealerships across the country, said Ferial Fahmi, president director of Garansindo Inter Global, the sole licensed distributor of Chrysler cars in Indonesia.

“Since 2009, we have spent $10 million to open five dealerships across Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali. We want to have 23 dealerships across Indonesia in the next three years,” he said .

Chrysler may also be looking to open a factory in Indonesia, he said, but did not elaborate.

Speaking on the sideline of the 19th Indonesian International Motor Show, Ferial said the expansion was aimed at boosting Chrysler’s market share in the premium segment in Indonesia. “We’re hoping we can become one of the top two brands in the premium segment,” he said.

In Indonesia, Chrysler plans to sell brands including the Chrysler 300C, Cabriolet Sebring, the Dodge Journey and Jeep models Wrangler Sahara, Wrangler Rubicon and Patriot. The brands are all completely built-up units.

According to the Indonesia Car Industry Association (Gaikindo), an estimated 5,000 premium cars were sold last year. The segment is currently dominated by European car makers, including BMW and Mercedes Benz.

Ferial said that Garansindo Inter Global was on track to reach its sales target of 700 units this year.

Meanwhile, Panggah Susanto, director general for manufacturing industry at the Industry Ministry, said Chrysler was considering opening a factory in Southeast Asia.

“Meeting with Peter MacKenzie [Chrysler’s Southeast Asia regional manager] on Thursday, he said the company was looking to build a manufacturing base in Southeast Asia,” Panggah said. “Indonesia is one of the countries they are eyeing.” No further details were provided on the development of a manufacturing plant.

Industry analysts welcomed plans by Chrysler and other global automotive producers to consider setting up manufacturing plants in Indonesia as a show of confidence in the automotive industry in the country. Car makers ranging from Indian low-cost manufacturer Tata Motors to premium brand BMW have stated an interest in expanding their business here.

It was revealed on Thursday that Tata had launched a feasibility study into the notion of opening a factory to produce its Nano model in Indonesia.

Astra Daihatsu Motor, the sole distributor of products from Japanese firm Daihatsu, has announced a Rp 2.1 trillion ($246 million) investment plan to build an 80-hectare factory in Karawang, West Java, to raise annual output to 430,000 units.

The BMW group has announced it would be spending Rp 100 billion to double its capacity, while Suzuki has announced an $800 million expansion over the next two years.

As many as 32 authorized sole license holders and 227 automotive-related industries are participating in the motor show at Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran.

AirAsia to Move Base to Jakarta

2011-07-23T03:38:00.001+07:00

Jakarta Globe, A. Lin Neumann | July 22, 2011

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia speaks during a joint company
press conference with AirAsia in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday. AirAsia has
chosen Jakarta to be its regional headquarters in an effort to be seen as a
Southeast Asian airline rather than just a Malaysian one.
(EPA Photo/Everett Kennedy Brown)

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Tokyo. AirAsia has chosen Jakarta to be its regional headquarters in an effort to be seen as a Southeast Asian airline rather than just a Malaysian one.

The region’s largest low-cost airline plans to open its base in the capital at South Jakarta’s Equity Building in October, group chief executive Tony Fernandes told the Jakarta Globe on Thursday.

It plans to take advantage of easy access to the Asean secretariat in advance of the “open skies” agreement that will go into effect in 2015.

That agreement will lower barriers for air travel between the region’s capitals.

Asked why he chose to move the fast-growing airline’s principal corporate base to Jakarta from Kuala Lumpur, Fernandes said: “Asean is based in Jakarta, and Indonesia will be the largest economy in Asean in times to come … And I like it there.”

Fernandes, who is Malaysian, said he had already bought a home in Jakarta within walking distance of the new office. “I don’t like the Jakarta traffic,” he said.

The Equity Building is in the Sudirman Central Business District, near the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). According to aviation experts, AirAsia’s relocation to Jakarta highlights the country’s growing importance in the region’s aviation sector.

“This will be great for our aviation industry,” said Dudi Sudibyo, an aviation industry analyst in Jakarta. “This will push us to be better.”

To match AirAsia’s ambitious strategy, the Indonesian government will have to continue to improve infrastructure to accommodate more passengers flying into and around the country, said Bambang Ervan, a Transportation Ministry spokesman.

“This is very positive, we welcome AirAsia’s plan,” he said. “It shows that AirAsia, one of the world leaders in the aviation industry, has confidence in Indonesia’s strong growth.”

The Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (Inaca) forecasts passenger growth at 10 percent to 15 percent this year.

Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data showed that air traffic in Indonesia grew 22 percent to 53.4 million passengers in 2010 on the back of demand from the middle class for domestic flights.

That is higher than the 9 percent average increase recorded by Asia-Pacific carriers, according to data from the International Air Transport Association.

“Indonesia is among very few countries that managed to record strong growth in air traffic last year,” Bambang said. “The lack of available airlines compared to population and geographic conditions is only a sign that there’s a lot of opportunity here.”

Fernandes was in Tokyo for the announcement of AirAsia Japan, a new joint venture with Japan’s largest carrier, the ANA Group, to launch Japan’s second budget airline next year.

He confirmed his airline’s recent order for 300 Airbus A320neos. The deal, originally for 200 planes, was increased with an option for 100 more. It was the largest single aircraft order until Wednesday, when American Airlines ordered 460 Airbus and Boeing aircraft in a $38 billion deal.

Fernandes played down concerns raised by some analysts about the possible debt implications of such a deal, saying the company was cash rich, with a turnover of more than $4 billion last year, and operated as a group with a profit margin of about 20 percent.

Lufthansa begins flights with biofuels

2011-07-16T05:15:00.005+07:00

Deutsche Welle, 16 July 2011

Lufthansa's modified A321 looks like a
regular jet but runs in part on biofuel

For half ayear, Lufthansa will be testing a flight between Hamburg and Frankfurt. Theplane will use a blend of biofuel and regular kerosene – but not in bothengines. Green groups are criticizing the fuel source.

With theworld's population growing and becoming increasingly wealthy, reliance on airtravel has become of a fixture of life for many. But as passenger counts grow,airlines are needing ever-more fuel to keep their fleets in the sky.

Germany'sLufthansa group alone burns through 11 million liters of fuel each year - theequivalent of 1,000 full tanker trucks per day.

Given thosefuel amounts, it's no surprise that the air-travel industry suffers from anegative environmental image. Still, according to the International AirTransport Association (IATA), the industry is only responsible for 2 percent ofhumans' global greenhouse gas emissions.

With oilprices rising and European emissions trading slated to begin in 2012, airlineswill be faced with new expenses. Not only will they have to pay for the fuelthe industry consumes, they'll also need to acquire certificates for each tonof CO2 emitted into the atmosphere.

IATA estimates 16 billion passengers
will fly each year by 2050

Fuel costsaccount for 30 percent of airlines' expenses - part of the reason why theindustry is searching for an alternative source of fuel.

Biofuel forjet engines

This monthLufthansa is starting a half-year of test of biofuel on domestic flights.

Whilebiofuel has been tested successfully with jet engines before, the technologywill now be put into practice. Individual test flights have taken place since2008.

Themodified Airbus A321 will fly between Hamburg and Frankfurt four times a dayfor half a year.

One of theplane's two engines will be fueled with kerosene, while the other will befueled with a mixture of kerosene and biofuel.

Lufthansaplans to measure the CO2 emissions generated by the flights and examine the newfuel's effect on maintenance and engine lifespan.

ManfredAigner, director of the Institute for Combustion Technology at the GermanAerospace Center, says he's optimistic about the tests. Members of hisinstitute will be studying the jet's engines during flight and at night whenthe plane is idled.

"Lufthansaconsulted us when choosing a biofuel and mixing it," Aigner told DeutscheWelle. "In a soundproofed hall we run the engines as if the plane wereflying. Then at regular intervals we measure the ways in which the engineschange during use."

Aigner saysthe research has convinced him of one thing: Biofuel is more efficient thankerosene and emits less greenhouse gas when burned. Depending on how thebiomass used to make the fuel is produced, results could range between 50 and80 percent less CO2 emissions, Aigner estimates.

Scientists will study the Lufthansa
plane's engines throughout the test

Lufthansahopes it will save about 1,500 tons of CO2 emissions during the six month test.

Food orfuel?

Palm oil,rapeseed and animal fats form the basis of the fuel used in Lufthansa's biofueltest.

The airlinedemanded from its suppliers that its biofuels carry certification that theirproduction neither damages rainforests nor moors, nor impacts food production.

Accordingto Aigner, that sustainability requirement made it difficult to secure enoughbiofuel in advance of the test.

He addedthat biofuel is still difficult to acquire as a commodity. Airlines seeking touse the fuel are sure to find themselves competing with demand from automobilesand electricity providers.

"Thequestion becomes: 'Who gets the biofuel first, and who gets what percentage ofit?'" Aigner said.

Whileelectricity providers can turn to the wind or the sun to gain energy, andautomobiles can be propelled using hydrogen, airlines have limited othersources of fuel.

Kerosenefor jet engines can only be replaced by liquefied coal, liquefied gas orbiofuel.

Electricityisn't an option for air travel, as batteries are too weak and heavy to supplythe energy needed for flight.

However,power generated by wind turbines could be used to produce methane gas, whichcould be liquefied and used for flight. The method would require carefulattention to make sure little efficiency is lost in production, according toAigner.

Environmentalistsalarmed

Whilebiofuels undoubtedly burn more cleanly than fossil fuels, not everyone agreesthey're good for the environment or humans. Environmental organizations saythey're not sold on the sustainability of even certified biofuels.

Massive Jatropha cultivation may
cause problems for humans and nature

ReinhardBehrend, of Rainforest Rescue in Hamburg, says that with a global population ofnearly seven billion humans, spare land for agricultural energy productionsimply isn't available.

"Productionof enormous amounts of agricultural energy will be at the expense of humans -primarily in the tropics - and the natural environment," he told DeutscheWelle.

And Behrendis also critical of Lufthansa's plan to increase use of the oil-rich Jatrophaplant for its biofuel.

While theairline contends that Jatropha can be planted in soil otherwise unfit foragriculture, Behrend says that's not the point.

"Allinvestigations - by the German development service GIZ, for instance - haveshown that if soil is poor, the plant doesn't produce enough oil to beeconomical," he said.

Accordingto Greenpeace, Jatropha production would eventually suppress food supplies.

Author: Insa Wrede (gps)

Editor: Nathan Witkop

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World’s Cheapest Car to Be Made in Indonesia: Report

2011-07-11T15:27:00.001+07:00

Jakarta Globe, July 11, 2011

Netherlands Ambassador to India Bob Hiensch posing at the wheel of
a Tata Nano in New Delhi in 2010. The world’s cheapest car is likely to
be manufactured in Indonesia, a report said on Monday. (AFP Photo)

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The world’s cheapest car, the Nano produced by Indian carmaker Tata Motors, is likely to be manufactured in Indonesia, a report said on Monday.

The Bangkok Post reported that Indonesia had appeared to win out over Thailand as the production base for the vehicle.

The newspaper, quoting an unnamed source, said that as Indonesia had “offered more attractive incentives, Tata decided to shelve the expansion plan in Thailand.”

Reasons included Thailand’s lack of political stability and automobile tax structures.

The Post reported that Tata was hoping to produce 50,000 Nanos a year at a plant in Jakarta from 2013.

“It plans to export the cars to Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines as it is banking on their large populations and big demand for low-cost cars.”

RI, EU ink agreement on 'open skies' aviation market

2011-06-30T21:31:00.001+07:00

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Thu, 06/30/2011

Indonesia and the European Union (EU) signed a “horizontal agreement” on Wednesday on the aviation industry, aiming for a more liberalized or “open skies” aviation market between the two parties.

“The Agreement between The Government of the Republic of Indonesia and The European Union on Certain Aspects of Air Services” was signed in Brussels on Wednesday evening by Indonesian Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi, Hungarian Ambassador to the EU Agnes Vargha and European Commission Vice President and commissioner responsible for transport Siim Kallas.

“The transportation minister said during the signing of the agreement that it was an important step to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and the EU in the future, through the implementation of high standards of air transportation security and safety,” Indonesian Transportation Ministry spokesperson J. A. Barata said in a Thursday press release.

“The horizontal agreement between Indonesia and the EU will serve as a legal ground for bilateral agreements on certain aspects [of air services], such as aviation safety, taxation requirements and compliance with regulations on competitions,” he said.

Barata said the new agreement would complement existing bilateral agreements on aviation Indonesia had earlier signed with 18 member states of the EU: Austria, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Czech, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Greece.

“The agreement is expected to encourage more intensified flows of goods and humans, increases in investments and the growth of tourism between the two parties, which in turn is expected to boost our national welfare and economic growth,” Barata said.

Royal Brunei pays the price of decades-long wrong strategy

2011-06-24T16:31:00.001+07:00

eTurbo News, by Luc Citrinot, ETN | JUN 23, 2011

BANGKOK (eTN)- Arrogance? Probably. Lack of vision? Certainly. Royal Brunei Airlines remains a mystery among Southeast Asian carriers. The carrier serves Southeast Asia’s second wealthiest country after Singapore with a GDP per capita of over US$ 20,000. But at the same time, the Sultanate of Brunei is the less populated countries among ASEAN members with a population of 360,000 inhabitants. Although Brunei population is small, the airline’s catchment area is rather attractive. Brunei is the only independent Kingdom located on Borneo Island with its population of 20 million inhabitants. Southern Borneo (Kalimantan) belongs to Indonesia, while a large part of Northern Borneo opted half a century ago to rally the Malaysian Federation. An independent and neutral Brunei could then position itself as the ideal international gateway to connect Borneo with the rest of the world…

"I had a dream". RBA Airbus A320 in front of
Bandar Sri Begawan air terminal./
Photo: L. Citrinot.

Except that RBA has preferred to concentrate until today on prestigious routes such as long haul flights. Its fleet is composed of Airbus A320 and Boeing 777-200 ER, leased from Singapore Airlines. And instead of offering flights to Sandakan (Malaysia), Balikpapan, Pontianak and Makassar (Indonesia), or Davao (Philippines) –they all desperately look for more international connections!-, the airline’s management found more rewarding to propose flights to Auckland, Brisbane, Dubai, London or Melbourne. Of course, in the tiny Kingdom, RBA has been long considered as a toy, an object of pride to be exhibited worldwide.

Unfortunately, this strategy cannot survive anymore in current world air transport. RBA is losing money, a lot of money on long haul flights due to the absence of O&D° passengers. Flights in transit to Australia from Southeast Asia or London were also wrongly timed, making Bandar Sri Begawan an unattractive alternative. Finally, low cost carriers in the region –especially AirAsia in neighbouring cities of Kota Kinabalu and Miri but also in Kuala Lumpur- slowly made Brunei national carrier’s own regional network moribund and its proposed fares rather expensive.

The airline’s pays now the price of its overrated ambitions. By appointing ex-Aer Lingus executive Dermot Mannion, the airline’s shareholders (in reality the Sultanate of Brunei) show finally that they understand the urgency of the situation. RBA is probably close to financial asphyxia, even its management will never admit it. But the decisions now taken by Dermot Mannion show that the situation at the airline has been seriously addressed. From August, RBA will terminate flights to Kuching in Sarawak and from October, it will end most of its intercontinental flights, abandoning Auckland, Brisbane, Perth as well as Ho Chi Minh City. From an intercontinental network which still had Frankfurt and Sydney a decade ago, RBA will be only left with three overseas destinations: London via Dubai and Melbourne. And nobody is now certain that those destinations will not be eliminated in a second phase of restructuring.

Meanwhile, Bandar Sri Begawan could be turned into the missing international gateway to Borneo Island and even to neighbouring Celebes and Mindanao Islands… Opening new routes in a circle of up to three or four hours around Brunei, offering a more competitive fare structure matching low cost airlines could dramatically change RBA destiny. A good example to take inspiration from is Singapore-based Silk Air, Singapore Airlines’ regional subsidiary. The carrier managed to grow its traffic volume despite low cost competition by offering a simplified service without compromising on high quality for but passengers. RBA Management’s announcement this week certainly marks the end of a dream… but probably also of an increasingly frightening nightmare.

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Airbus A320neo shines at the Paris Air Show

2011-06-24T03:51:00.011+07:00

English.news.cn 2011-06-23

PARIS, June 22 (Xinhua) - The influx of orders and commitments for the Airbus' eco-efficient A320 New Engine Option ( A320neo) Wednesday has made it a super star during the ongoing Paris Air Show.

A320neo (Photo: Airbus)

IndiGo, India's largest low-cost carrier, confirmed its historic order of 150 A320neo and 30 A320. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concerned was signed earlier in January.

Demand from South American region was also strong as two local leading airlines, namely LAN Airlines and AviancaTaca booked a total of 53 A320neo aircrafts.

LAN Airlines placed a firm order for 20 A320neo while AviancaTaca signed an MOU for 51 A320 Family aircrafts, including 33 A320neo planes.

Another MOU came from Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. The American company ordered 40 A320neo and 40 A319neo in the MOU.

Besides, Kuwait-based international Aviation Lease and Finance Company, ALAFCO, signed an MOU for 30 Airbus A320neo and six more Airbus A350 XWB aircraft in Le Bourget airport, where the 49th Paris Air Show is held.

The shower of orders from Airbus may leave its arch rival Boeing red-faced with only one booking on the third day of the show.

UTair Aviation from Russia announced an agreement to purchase of 40 Next-Generation Boeing 737 airplanes, including seven 737- 900ERs and 33 737-800s.

The huge success of A320neo may contribute to the soaring fuel prices, which have driven airlines to search for more economic ways to fly.

The A320neo would save 15 percent in fuel cost with Airbus' Sharklets wing tip devices and the latest generation engines, according to the France-based aero giant.

Editor: Chen Zhi

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AAA Will Offer Roadside Charging Service For Stranded Electric Vehicles

2011-06-23T02:39:00.001+07:00

POPSCI, by Rebecca Boyle, 06.22.2011

Needs Roadside Assistance / Pat Hawks via Flickr

One of the biggest obstacles facing electric vehicles is their range — the best models on the market can only drive about 100 miles on the highway on a single charge, which is pretty limiting in a world with very few EV charging stations. But AAA, the biggest roadside assistance service in the country, plans to offer a solution that has helped many a stranded motorist who runs out of fuel: An emergency supply of juice.

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The automobile club plans to deploy mobile charging units for battery-electric vehicles starting this summer, according to a report initially posted by Edmunds.com. AAA already has at least one working unit and plans to post additional vehicles in California, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington, Edmunds said.

Roadside assistance trucks will have Level 2 and Level 3 chargers, offering 240 volts and 500 volts of alternating current, respectively. The auto club plans to unveil its first mobile charging unit at an electric vehicle conference in Raleigh, N.C., next month. The first trucks will start operating in August, Edmunds reported.

Nissan, maker of the Leaf battery-powered car, is reportedly working with a company to offer the same service in Japan, and AAA’s announcement came on the heels of Nissan’s news last week.

Using a 240-volt charging dock, the Leaf's 24 kilowatt-hour battery fully charges in four to eight hours, so it's not exactly speedy. But a few minutes' charging time could be enough to get a stranded car back home or to a charging station. Cars with 500-volt ports would recharge even more quickly.

As electric vehicles increasingly make their way onto roadways, auto service suppliers will have to keep up with changing demands. The Department of Energy is already working to install Level 2 chargers at filling stations in 19 states, for instance, and other entrepreneurs are offering solutions like towable extra batteries.

The ability to call AAA for a quick recharge, just as easily as one could call for a tow truck or a few gallons of gas, could be one more option to put electric vehicle drivers’ minds at ease.

Now if the cars would just come down in price...

[Edmunds.com via Bloomberg]

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Biofuel to power KLM flights

2011-06-22T16:28:00.002+07:00

RNW, 22 June 2011

(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Beginning in September, KLM flights between Amsterdam and Paris will run on used cooking oil. The move is an important new step towards aviation sustainability, the airline announced Wednesday.

“KLM has again shown it is stimulating the development of biokerosene,” said Managing Director Camiel Eurlings. “The route to 100 percent sustainable energy is enormously challenging. We need to move forward together to attain continuous access to sustainable fuel.”

More than 200 KLM flights will operate on biokerosene, biofuel derived from used frying oil and tested to meet the same technical specifications as traditional kerosene.

The move is part of the airline's efforts to secure a positive recommendation from the Dutch Sustainability Board. It is also an expression of support for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) research suggesting alternative fuels from biomass are the only replacement for fossil fuels used in the airline industry.

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Garuda Orders 25 Airbus A320 Planes to Replace Boeing 737 Fleet

2011-06-22T14:44:00.004+07:00

Jakarta Globe, Femi Adi | June 22, 2011

PT Garuda Indonesia ordered 25 Airbus SAS A320s, including 10 A320neos, as it replaces a fleet of Boeing Co. single-aisle aircraft at its low-cost unit.

The contract, worth about $2.2 billion at list prices, also includes options for another 25 A320neo planes, Garuda Chief Financial Officer Elisa Lumbantoruan said by e-mail today.

The Citilink unit, which operates five 737s, will receive the new Airbus aircraft from early 2014, he said.

The deal builds momentum for the A320neo after Toulouse- based Airbus yesterday won 90 orders for the plane on the first day of the Paris Air Show.

Boeing is deciding between joining Airbus in offering a revamped single-aisle aircraft with new engines and developing an all-new model.

Garuda, Indonesia's biggest carrier, picked the Airbus planes because of lower operating costs and because they were more quickly available than Boeing models, Lumbantoruan said.

Slots for the 737 are sold out until 2016, Jim Albaugh, the head of Boeing's commercial-plane unit, said in an interview yesterday.

Airbus markets the A320neo as 15 percent more fuel efficient than current planes. Deliveries of the new aircraft are due to begin in 2015.

Citilink also plans to add four leased Airbus A320s this year to support traffic growth that's three times as fast as last year, Garuda said earlier this month. The unit flies to domestic cities including Jakarta, Surabaya and Denpasar.

Bloomberg

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Antwerp-Amsterdam rail line gets solar power

2011-06-15T03:46:00.002+07:00

RNW, 14 June 2011

Europe’s first solar panelled train tunnel

Europe’s first solar panelled train tunnel opened in June, bringing green energy to trains on the high-speed line between Antwerp and Amsterdam. The 16,000 solar panels on the roof of Antwerp Central Station will also power railway infrastructure and trains using the Belgian rail network.

The project, known as Solar Tunnel, is expected to generate 3.3 megawatts of energy – the equivalent of the average annual electricity consumption of about 1,000 homes. According to a press release from project partners Enfinity, the tunnel will decrease CO2 emissions by 2,400 tons a year.

The tunnel is hailed as the first ever railway infrastructure to be used to generate green energy. “It is the perfect way to cut the carbon footprint because the spaces used have no other economic value,” Bart van Renterghem, Enfinity’s UK head told The Daily Mail.

Among those collaborating on the tunnel were Belgian rail operator Infrabel and solar construction company Solar Power Systems.

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Scandal in Russia Over Official's Plane Hold-Up

2011-06-14T21:31:00.003+07:00

Jakarta Globe, June 14, 2011

An Aeroflot pilot is being hailed as a hero by bloggers for refusing
to delay a flight to allow a top official to board. (AFP Photo)

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A pilot for Russia's flag carrier Aeroflot was Tuesday hailed as a hero by bloggers for indignantly objecting to a command by air traffic control to delay his flight to allow a top official to board.

The pilot on the flight last week from the Siberian city of Irkutsk to Moscow was told he could not take off until regional governor Dmitry Mezentsev had arrived for the flight from an over-running meeting.

The Aeroflot pilot's indifference to the ranking of the official have made the leaked tapes of the exchange an Internet sensation in Russia and the latest example of the increasing use of the net to expose the excesses of the elite.

"I'd rather vote for him in the elections than (President Dmitry) Medvedev," wrote one user on YouTube, where the exchange has now been listened to almost 350,000 times after its posting by prominent blogger drugoi.

"Bravo comrade!"

Showing a defiance of authority still rare in Russia, the pilot bluntly says the governor has no right to hold up passengers and even suggests the press should be invited to find out what is happening.

Pilot: "I was told to get in touch with you, what's the problem?"

Controller: "The top official needs to get here and then we will allow take-off."

Pilot: "Well, let the top official fly on his private jet and I will fly these passengers.

"This not a charter but a scheduled flight ... kindly make sure your top official does not turn up late for the flight and then he can fly with us.

"I have already closed the doors and I am not going to allow anyone else on the plane."

Controller: "We are not going to let you take off."

Pilot: "Please invite the television and journalists here to find out why a scheduled flight is being delayed."

Eventually, the flight took off one hour late with Mezentsev on board.

"Courageous pilot! Respect to these guys," wrote another blogger on Youtube.

The Kommersant daily said the resonance of the scandal risked ending the career of Mezentsev, who is already enduring low popularity and is under pressure from ruling party United Russia after poor local poll results.

"I apologized to the passengers, I explained the situation," Mezentsev said in an interview with the pro-government Izvestia newspaper Tuesday in a clear attempt at damage-limitation.

"I only use scheduled flights. I have headed this region for two years and not once have I used a private VIP jet"

AFP

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Gov expects bike lane in South Jakarta to spread across Jakarta

2011-05-22T15:45:00.003+07:00

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Sun, 05/22/2011

Cyclists riding down a freshly painted bike lane which stretches
1.4 kilometers along Jalan Mahakam from Ayodya Park in South Jakarta
to Melawai on Jalan Iskandarsyah. Governor Fauzi Bowo called on all
motorists to respect the lane and leave it clear for bicyclists.
(Antara Photo/Reno Esnir)

Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo said Sunday he expected new bike lanes in South Jakarta will spread across Jakarta as part of efforts to help reduce traffic and create a healthy environment.

"Five mayoralties in Jakarta should follow South Jakarta’s effort to build bike lanes,” Fauzi said at the inauguration of the bike lane at Ayodia Park, Blok M, South Jakarta, as quoted by tribunnews.com.

He added that riding a bike was healthy and could help reduce pollution.

He also called on car and motorbike owners to tolerate bicyclists by not using the bike lane.

Electric Cars Take Off in Norway

2011-05-11T14:03:00.004+07:00

Jakarta Globe, Pierre-Henry Deshayes, May 11, 2011

Christian Blakseth, who traded his bicycle for an electric car, charging
his vehicle's batterie. They speed past big-engine cars in traffic, ignore
congestion charges and mock parking meters: in a country's whose wealth
is fueled by oil, Oslo has become the world capital of the electric car. (AFP Photo)

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Oslo. They speed past gas guzzlers in traffic, ignore congestion charges and get city center parking for free. In a country whose wealth is fueled by oil, Oslo has become the world capital of the electric car.

"There are more electric cars per capita here than in any other capital of the world," said Rune Haaland, the head of the electric car users association Norstart, standing in a city center car park forbidden to other car users.

Almost 4,000 of the small, clean and silent vehicles are on the roads of Norway, although they are found mainly in the cities, and the number is climbing as new models come onto the market.

From the tiny, locally made Buddy, to the sporty Tesla, which can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers (62 miles) an hour in less than four seconds, all sorts of electric cars have taken to the roads of the Norwegian capital.

Norway may be one of the world's top fossil fuel exporters, but it has set ambitious climate policy objectives, aiming to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent by 2020.

"The electric car is a very important tool for that, knowing that 40 percent of our emissions come from the transport sector and 60 percent of those come from road transport," Transport Minister Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa told AFP.

According to some estimates, the country's 3,891 electric cars allow it to save over 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

To persuade drivers to switch to electric cars, Norway has introduced a string of incentive measures.

Electric cars can use bus lanes and thus bypass traffic jams, they don't have to shell out congestion charges and can park for free on municipal car parks.

New father Christian Blakseth traded his bicycle for an electric car.

"It's very advantageous to be able to park for free downtown and to escape traffic jams," the young train conductor said.

"And you don't get drowned in day-to-day spending: it's a car that is expensive to buy but cheap to use," he said.

Charging an electric car's batteries at home costs about two euros ($2.90). Norwegian petrol prices are among the highest in Europe.

With growing demand, car-makers are rushing to put out new models.

And consumers are responding with just as much enthusiasm: in the first quarter this year, an electric car, Mitsubishi's i-MiEV, topped small model car sales in Norway, ahead of all time favorites.

"We were planning to sell 400 units [cars] in Norway this year, and we are already at 700. We think we will ultimately reach 1,000," the head of Mitsubishi Norway Bernt Jessen said.

Despite technological advances, distance remains a problem for electric vehicles, however, with cars only able to go for around 150 kilometers before needing to be recharged.

And with Norway's cold winters slashing battery efficiency, optimal performance is hard to achieve.

To get around this obstacle, Norway has decided to put in place a national network of charging stands across the country allowing drivers to "fill up" their cars in about 20 minutes, just long enough to enjoy a roadside cup of coffee, compared to the seven or eight hours normally needed.

The mountain cottage, sacrosanct for Norwegians, could soon be only a few kilowatts away.

AFP

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Merpati plane crashed due to bad weather

2011-05-07T15:54:00.007+07:00

Mariel Grazella, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Sat, 05/07/2011

Ministry of Transportation Director General Herry Bhakti said that heavy rains were the probable cause of the Merpati MA 60 plane crash on Saturday.

The airplane crashed at around 2 p.m on Saturday near the Utarung Kaimana Airport in West Papua.

“The weather was bad as there was heavy rainfall, which shortened the [pilot’s] range of vision. It was also very dark. Thus, the airplane did not reach the runway,” Herry told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

He added that the plane had crashed approximately 500 meters before the runway. It crashed into deep water, as the Utarung Kaimana Airport is situated next to the sea.

He further said that the body of the plane broke apart upon impact, which decreases any chances of survival.

The plane, which has a capacity of 50 people, was flying from Nabire, Papua, to Kaimana carrying 21 passengers and six crew members, he said.

He further added that a team of Search and Rescue officers, airport officials and local fishermen were conducting a search around the crash location.

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Video of plane dangling in the air, pilot shows death-defying skills

2011-05-01T15:47:00.001+07:00

Now, caught on camera...A pilot struggles to regain control of his aircraft. This footage shot by a plane spotter at an airport in the Moscow region shows a Tupolev-154 apparently going out of control shortly after take off. No passengers were onboard the Ministry of defense plane at the time. The film released on the Internet has bloggers praising the skills of the pilot as he manages to regain control and land safely. Aviation authorities are investigating the incident.

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South Jakarta's First Bike Lane to Be Ready Next Month

2011-04-26T19:59:00.003+07:00

Jakarta Globe, Dofa Fasila | April 26, 2011

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South Jakarta will have its first ever bicycle lane by the end of May — though it runs a mere 1.5 kilometers.

South Jakarta Mayor Syahrul Effendi said on Tuesday that a gubernatorial decree would be issued to provide the legal umbrella for the lane, which will run from the Ayodya Park to the Melawai commercial area.

"The physical work for the lane is not yet completed," he said, adding that about 40 percent of the work had already been done.

"It's been a bit slow because we have to work in the evenings so as not to hinder traffic during the day. What is important is that this lane would be inaugurated in May and can be used for cycling."

The mayor said the construction of the Rp 500 million, 1.6-meter wide bike lane was being financed by funds raised by the Indonesian Bicycling Committee.

Syahrul added that they would work to develop more bicycle lanes and try to have them interconnected.

Bike lanes, he said, were part of the city's regional zoning plan for 2010-2030.

The head of the South Jakarta zoning office, Gamal Sinurat, said they were looking at putting bicycle lanes under elevated highways, including under the Antasari-Blok M elevated highway and along the parts of the Eastern Flood Canal that runs through the municipality.

Biking enthusiasts and advocates have long campaigned for the creation of dedicated bicycle lanes in Jakarta. Toto Sugito, chairm an of Jakarta’s Bike to Work (B2W) cycling community, says the administration lacked the political will to make the city friendlier for those not using motor vehicles.

EU lifts flight ban of 4 RI cargo airlines

2011-04-22T14:03:00.002+07:00

Erwida Maulia, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Fri, 04/22/2011

Four Indonesian cargo airlines have been removed from the list of airlines banned from entering the European fly zone, after a meeting of the European Union (EU)’s Air Safety Committee on Apr. 5-7.

The ban removal was outlined in the Official Journal of the European Union as the EU released its latest update of the “List of airlines banned within the EU” on Thursday.

“This update removes the previous ban on the operations of four Indonesian all cargo air carriers – Cardig Air, Republic Express, Asia Link and Air Maleo,” the European Commission says in a press statement published on its website, http://ec.europa.eu.

“This is due to solid enforcement action taken by the Indonesian authorities to ensure that their operations are safe,” it adds.

The commission further explained in the official journal that the removal of the ban came after its video conference with the Indonesian authorities on March 11, during which the latter informed that all air carriers in Indonesia, with the exception of Wing Air, had undergone re-certification.

The Indonesian directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) also informed the commission that only 9% of the aircraft operating in Indonesia had yet to be fitted with the required International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) equipment.

“The DGCA [also informed that it] had issued an exemption permitting operations until the end of 2011 and that aircraft not fitted after this date would be grounded.

“The Air Safety Committee takes note of these developments and encourages the competent authorities of Indonesia to continue their efforts to enhance the oversight of air carriers under their regulatory responsibility,” the journal says.

A total of 10 Indonesian airlines have thus far been removed from the EU flight ban list, including Garuda Indonesia, Airfast Indonesia, Mandala Airlines, Ekspres Transportasi Antarbenua, Indonesia Air Asia and Metro Batavia.

Electric Vehicles Hold Promise of Bluer Skies for Manila (ADB)

2011-04-13T15:52:00.002+07:00

Asian Development Bank, 13 April 2011

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III today transferred 20 Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded electric tricycles (e-trikes) to the City of Mandaluyong, marking an important first step towards a sustainable, energy-efficient transport model for the country.

Emissions from the transport sector currently represent 30% of all pollution in the country, and approximately 80% of air pollution in Metro Manila. A sizeable proportion of vehicle emissions are attributable to inefficient public transport, particularly from tricycles, jeepneys and buses.

The 20 e-trikes are part of an ADB-funded project to introduce energy-efficient transportation alternatives in the Philippines. ADB is currently in discussions with the government and other development partners on a proposed project to significantly scale up the rollout of energy efficient e-trikes in Manila and other urban areas as early as 2012.

"Working together, we can give Manila cleaner air, bluer skies, and a more livable environment," said Kunio Senga, Director General of ADB's Southeast Asia Department. "The Philippines is assuming a leading role in Asia in supporting green transportation alternatives, and if e-trikes are followed by new fleets of electric buses and jeepneys, the effect could be transformative."

Over 3.5 million motorized tricycles are currently operating in the Philippines, producing more than 10 million tons of carbon dioxide and using close to $5 billion of imported fuel each year. Motorized tricycles - which are motorcycles with sidecars - are popularly used as low-cost public transport for short distances.

"Every 20,000 e-trikes that are introduced to Manila's streets will save the Philippines 100,000 liters of foreign fuel imports each day, saving the country about $35 million annually," said ADB's Principal Energy Specialist Sohail Hasnie. "This initiative not only benefits the environment, but it also supports the Philippines drive to become more energy independent."

Though the new e-trikes have higher up-front costs, older petrol tricycles are more than twice as expensive to operate and maintain in the long run. The cost savings will directly increase the incomes of e-trike operators.

The new ADB-supported e-trikes use lithium ion batteries, commonly used in laptop computers and mobile phones. The batteries can be recharged approximately 2,000 times, in contrast to lead acid batteries used in older e-trike models that need to be replaced every two years.

A recently concluded phase-one ADB pilot project demonstrated that the Philippines has the local manufacturing capacity and technical skills base to build and maintain a large e-trike fleet. Once thousands of e-trikes begin to be manufactured, many new jobs could be created.

Factoring in electricity required for charging the batteries, the e-trikes' carbon footprint will be less than one quarter of petroleum-fueled tricycles' carbon dioxide emissions.

As part of the pilot project, ADB will install four charging stations in Mandaluyong City, which will be able to charge the e-trike batteries to 50% capacity in less than 30 minutes. One of the charging stations will use solar energy.

About ADB

United States Companies Eye Railways, Airports in Indonesia: Official

2011-04-05T03:54:00.003+07:00

Jakarta Globe, April 04, 2011

United States firms are eying investments in Indonesian infrastructure
such as railways and airports but are concerned about graft and a lack of
protection of intellectual property rights, the US under secretary of
commerce said on Monday. (Reuters Photo)

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United States firms are eying investments in Indonesian infrastructure such as railways and airports but are concerned about graft and a lack of protection of intellectual property rights, the US under secretary of commerce said on Monday.

Under President Barack Obama, the United States is trying to improve ties with the world’s most populous Muslim country, including through investment and by boosting bilateral trade of $23 billion a year, which is two thirds of Indonesia’s trade with China.

“We have some American companies that are interested in supporting Indonesian transportation infrastructure needs, particularly in the railway system,” Francisco Sanchez said in an interview with Reuters.

He declined to identify the companies.

Indonesia’s government plans next week to offer investors $32 billion worth of infrastructure projects, including a railway, toll road and power plant, as Southeast Asia’s largest economy struggles to fund an overhaul of its transportation network.

Inadequate infrastructure is seen as both an investment opportunity and an obstacle to growth, and was cited by Fitch Ratings last month as a key risk to the chances of the country winning an investment grade rating in the next 12-18 months.

Other sectors US investors are interested in are health care, agriculture and green energy, said Sanchez, in Jakarta to explore closer commercial ties.

Indonesia opened up health care for foreign investment last year, and is looking to boost food security and expand geothermal power, where U.S. energy major Chevron is already an investor.

Foreign direct investment has picked up in Indonesia in the past year, but there has been far more investment from Asia than from US or European firms, with Japan having pledged more than $50 billion in infrastructure investment.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang has vowed to tackle corruption, a concern for many investors, though progress appears to have stalled.

Sanchez said further reforms on transparency were needed to attract more investment.

“Corruption, protection of intellectual property rights and overall transparency, all of these will have more long-term impact and positive impact on the Indonesian economy,” he said, adding businesses also wanted an opportunity to have a say on proposed regulations and laws.

Policy flip-flops have been a major concern for investors, particularly in the resources sector with rules aimed at reducing foreign ownership or involvement.

ExxonMobil has been in protracted negotiations over gas fields, while Indonesian regional authorities are competing with the national government to grab a stake in a nickel mine operated by US miner Newmont.

Reuters

Large hole discovered after Southwest flight makes emergency landing

2011-04-02T15:00:00.008+07:00

CNN News, By the CNN Wire Staff,April 2, 2011

A 3-foot hole formed in the fuselage of Southwest Airlines Flight 813
on Friday.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Passengers arrive in Sacramento, California, on a second plane
A 3- to 4-foot hole is discovered in a plane's fuselage
FAA: The captain made a rapid descent from 36,000 feet to 11,000 feet
A passenger commends airline personnel for their control of the situation

(CNN) -- A Southwest Airlines flight landed safely at a military base in Yuma, Arizona, on Friday with what passengers described as a 3-foot hole in the fuselage of the Boeing 737.

"I heard a loud popping sound about three or four minutes before it blew open on us," passenger Greg Hansen told CNN.

"(Then) a big explosion happened. A big noise, and from there, you felt some of the air being sucked out. It happened right behind me, in the row behind me and it covers about two and a half rows," he said from seat 11C.

Hansen, 41, a regional sales manager for a biotech company, was flying home to Sacramento, California, from a business trip. Some people panicked and screamed as the blue sky and sun began to shine through the cabin in mid-flight, he said.

"Most people were just white knuckles holding onto the arm rests. The pilots did a great job and were under control to get us to a manageable level," he said.

But just behind him, Hansen said he could see the jagged edge of the aircraft where the rivets used to be.

"You can see the insulation and wiring. The interior ceiling panel was bouncing up and down with the air," he said.

"It was surreal, when you're riding in a modern aircraft. You're used to being enclosed and not having the window rolled down," he said.

Hansen described the hole as being about 3 or 4 feet long and about a foot wide.

Passenger Brenda Reese told CNN affiliates KCRA and KOVR she began to fear for her life.

"I was texting my sister to make certain that she told my kids that I loved them," Reese said.

Southwest Flight 812 made an emergency landing at Yuma Marine Corps Air Station/International Airport at 7:07 p.m. ET.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the captain made a rapid, controlled descent from 36,000 to about 11,000 feet after the cabin lost pressure.

"We do not know the cause of the decompression," said Ian Gregor of the FAA.

Hansen said the incident took place about 35 minutes into the flight. He says that it took about 45 seconds or a minute before the oxygen masks came down after the hole blew open.

"The crew was pretty calm about it. They walked around and checked on everyone," he said. "But it wasn't like the movies where papers get sucked out of the hole, but you could feel it and hear the noise."

One of the passengers told KOVR that the incident occurred shortly after flight attendants took drink orders.

"There was a hole in the fuselage about 3 feet long," said the passenger, identified only as Cindy. "You could see the insulation and the wiring. You could see a tear the length of one of the ceiling panels."

Southwest said in a statement that the flight crew "discovered a hole in the top of the aircraft."

Hansen said that most of the passengers were complaining of a pain in their eardrums from a rapid descent.

Southwest Airlines said only one injury was reported.

RELATED TOPICS

"There are no reported customer injuries," according to a statement released by the airline. "One of the flight attendants, however, received a minor injury upon descent."

Hansen said one male flight attendant appeared to fall and was bleeding from a facial injury.

Yuma International Airport spokeswoman Gen Grosse said passengers were tended to and given refreshments because the temperature on the tarmac was close to 100 degrees.

Hansen said passengers deplaned and boarded another Southwest Airlines plane for Sacramento. He said the airline offered passengers accommodations in Yuma, but did not know if any passengers chose to stay.

The second flight landed in Sacramento on Friday night.

But one passenger, Debbie Downey, opted to take a small Cessna aircraft back to the Phoenix area.

"Just wanted a change of scenery," said Downey, who was traveling with her husband. "My uncle is a retired pilot with Northwest Airlines and offered to come get us in his Cessna 182."

In a written statement, Boeing spokeswoman Julie O'Donnell declined to comment on possible causes of the incident.

"Boeing is dedicated to the safety of its airplanes and the people who fly on them," O'Donnell said. "We are providing technical assistance to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board as it investigates the incident.

In accordance with international convention, we cannot speculate on either the cause or whether this incident is similar to or different from anything in the past; any questions about the investigation must be directed to the NTSB."

The NTSB said an investigative team will arrive in Yuma on Saturday.

CNN's John Branch, Rich Phillips, Deborah Doft and Greg Morrison contributed to this report.

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Video: Elektra One All-Electric Plane Makes Successful Maiden Flight

2011-03-30T21:32:00.003+07:00

Meanwhile, jet contrails found to be a worse climate-change culprit than carbon

POPSCI, By Clay Dillow, 03.30.2011

ELEKTRA ONE via PS-Aero

German company PC-Aero is trying to win NASA’s CAFE Green Flight Challenge, and Saturday they took a big step toward doing just that. The company’s ELEKTRA ONE aircraft, designed by PC-Aero’s founder and president Calin Gologan, made its successful first flight. But this one-seater isn’t your average single-prop. ELEKTRA ONE flies on electricity alone.

The Green Flight Challenge seeks a demo aircraft that can fly 200 miles in less than two hours on the energy equivalent of less than one gallon of fuel per person. ELEKTRA ONE didn’t push the envelope that far just yet--the maiden flight hit a ceiling just above 1600 feet and lasted just 30 minutes, burning just half the 6 kWh stored up in its batteries. But the fact that the lightweight aircraft was able to comfortably circle the airfield for half an hour-- more or less silently, we might add--is nothing short of impressive.

RELATED ARTICLES

And the timing for such a flight couldn’t be better. A study released Tuesday claims that airplane contrails--those long, white condensation trails jets leave in the sky--may warm the planet more on the average day than all of the carbon emissions spewed from airplanes in the history of modern aviation.

The carbon lingers longer of course--the contrails and any heat-trapping cirrus clouds they cause dissipate in hours or days, while the carbon remains for decades--but still, that’s a lot heat being trapped on any given day. Electric planes, as you may have surmised, wouldn’t contribute to warming on either front. See ELEKTRA ONE take flight in the video below.

[Treehugger, Reuters]

Lawmaker Involved in Another Plane Seat Incident

2011-03-26T17:08:00.002+07:00

Jakarta Globe, March 26, 2011

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Indonesian Twitter users woke up on Satuday to an early morning plane seat mix-up incident that ended with lawmaker Roy Suryo being asked to leave a Lion Air flight.

Twitter user @ernestprakasa said he boarded the 6:15 a.m. flight to Yogyakarta with his friend only to find their seats occupied by the Democrat Party lawmaker and his wife.

“When it was checked, it turned out that Roy Suryo's tickets were for the 7:45 flight, instead of 6.15 a.m. but he refused to leave the plane, dropping the name of Lion Air's director,” Ernest wrote.

Ernest said he and his friend decided to just leave the plane, but suddenly some of the other passengers shouted, “Don't let officials beat you!” and “Hey, Roy Suryo, don't pull a Nurdin Halid. You must step down now!”

In the midst of the chaos, the pilot, identified only as Capt. Vino, came out to the cabin to ask what was going on because the flight was already 15 minutes late.

After receiving an explanation from a flight attendant, the captain walked into the cockpit, grabbed his bag and angrily walked over to the plane's door, cursing government officials as he did so.

The captain refused to take off if Ernest and his friend were not on the plane.

Shortly after, a group of airport officers approached Roy Suryo, and the lawmaker finally got up and apologized to the passengers.

“I am sorry for having disturbed your flight,” he said, to the applause of the passengers.

After Suryo left, the captain returned to the cockpit and started the take-off procedure.

However, Suryo said he was simply a victim of Lion Air's mistake.

“Tweeps, I was the one who became the bigger man and took the blame for Lion Air's mistake in the double-seat incident. As the people's representative, I know ethics require me to apologize and prioritize others,” he wrote on his Twitter account.

Roy claimed Lion Air has apologized to him for the "miscommunication."

Lion Air refused to comment on the incident, saying they will verify the flight documents first.

Related Article:

The seven months pregnant woman told to give up her British Airways seat... just so Gordon Brown could fly Club Class