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Edition 12 May 2020
Cover Story
The Biozek Controversy
The Biozek rapid test kit, which is imported by Kimia Farma from the Netherlands, seems to be questionable. An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in collaboration with Tempo reveals that Biozek test kits are, in fact, manufactured in China. A number of studies also point to Biozek’s low accuracy. Sold at hundreds of thousands to millions of rupiah per unit, Biozek has spread to various places in the country, including the State Palace.
Cover Story
The Problem with Rapid Testing
International journalists have found issues with Covid-19 rapid test kits. India and Spain are complaining about the inaccuracy of Chinese-manufactured test kits.
Cover Story
Crying Over a False Result
Rapid testing in various regions has yielded inaccurate results. Psychosomatic symptoms may occur after a false positive.
Cover Story
Profiting in the Midst of Panic
Rapid testing services are mushrooming. The result of minimal health monitoring by the government.
Cover Story
Biozek is made in China
Chief Executive Officer Inzek International Trading BV Zeki Hamid:
News Capsule
Unrealistic Rice Field Program
PRESIDENT Joko Widodo’s instruction to create new rice fields in peatland areas has received strong criticisms. Some argue that such program had been done and failed.
Economy
Two Disappearing Acts
The newest regulation regarding sustainable oil palm plantation certification draws a barrage of criticism. Two added considerations—human rights and traceability of raw materials—are deleted.
Economy
Expanding Costs for the Biodiesel Program
The decrease of crude oil prices is endangering the biodiesel program. The price difference of biofuels and diesel fuel has driven up the amount of funds needed to pay incentives to biodiesel producers.
Market Pulse
A Back Alley to Avoid Economy Contraction
AS it turns out, Covid-19’s toll on the Indonesian economy exceeds many analysts’ expectations.
Law
Last Footprint in South Jakarta
The KPK lost track of fugitives Nurhadi Abdurrachman and Harun Masiku. Six other suspects are on the run from the KPK, their whereabouts unknown.
Interview
Interview
Mochamad Ridwan Kamil, Governor of West Java: Incomplete Data Will Get Me into Trouble
Law
Troublesome Quarter
KPK’s Supervisory Council is evaluating the performance of Commissioner General Firli Bahuri and his colleagues. Most of the problems are in the enforcement division.
Environment
Gone with the Flood
An ITB researcher estimates that more than 100 coastal regencies and municipalities could disappear under the sea flood. Climate Central predicts 23 million residents in coastal regions of Indonesia would be affected by tidal flood due to rising sea level by 2050.
Letters
Heroes of Healthcare
Covid-19 has become a national problem, even a global quandary.
Outreach
Safe Place for Students
Many classrooms in Kupang Regency are constructed from makeshift materials. Some schools got assistance for renovation. It is for the sake of student safety.
Photo
Picture Window
Virtual Vesak
A Buddhist monk speaks during a ritual on Vesak Day streamed live through social media amidst concerns over the spread of Covid-19, at a closed temple in Bogor, West Java, May 7./REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan
Opinion
Beware of Pandemic Fraud
As well as giving rise to heroism, crises often lead to tales of theft.
Opinion
Toothless Supervisory Council
Evaluation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Supervisory Council fell on deaf ears. Further evidence that the revised KPK law is hampering corruption eradication program.
Opinion
Irregular Regulation
President Jokowi has issued a regulation on the sustainable management of the oil palm industry. Ironically, it does not include critical elements such as enforcement of human rights or traceable supply chain.
Opinion
Misplaced Arrest
A journalist in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, has been arrested and charged with spreading interethnic hatred in an article about a land conflict involving a plantation company. This should have been resolved through the Press Council.
Sidelines
One and a half hours before my brother breathed his last, I visited him in the Intensive Care Unit where he had been treated for a few days.