The lack of a new fleet procurement over the last five years become the main drivers continue to decline in the container ship market share of total national commercial transport fleet.

Based on data Kemenhub within the last five years, the number of national container fleet increase by 50 units from 107 units in 2005 to 157 units in 2009.

Head of Cooperation and Foreign Relations Board of Indonesian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) said the container ship during the first principle of cabotage policy apply.

However, he said, the procurement of the ships of this type more to rejuvenate the old-old, not a new provision so that growing relatively more slowly than other types of fleets.

“Actually, the first container cabotage subject, but more fleet procurement to replace the old ships, not the addition of a new fleet,” he told Bisnis.com today.

Market share of the total container ship fleet of the national commercial transportation in Indonesia in the last five years despite the continued decline in number at the end of 2009 continued to grow compared to the position in 2005.

Kemenhub data mentioned though the number of ships still growing, but market share container fleet in the country to the total national merchant ships during the last five years tended to decline.

In 2005, the share of container ships to reach 2.30% of total national commercial fleet recorded 4659 units, down 2.92 basis points to just 2.08% in 2009 from a total of 7546 units ship.

Wages in Japan during December fell because the company cut employee bonuses to become a signal that consumer spending can not encourage economic recovery.

Labor Department data released in Japan today said Tokyo monthly wages, including overtime, down 6.1% from last year to U.S. $ 5056 (549,259 yen). Decrease in salaries in Japan have higher than the December figure, which is 7%, in June.

Although Japan getting out of the worst recession since World War II, the benefits of the company in the country, ranging from All Nippon Airways Co. to Noritsu Koki Co., not yet recovered.

Before the announcement that data, BNP Paribas economist Azusa Kato Tokyo said the drop in unemployment is not enough to encourage domestic consumption during the business is still cutting labor wages.

“You have to consider improvements to overcome the employment decline in wages. During the employee’s income falls like this, households have not benefited from economic recovery, “said Kato.

Separately, the Japan Business Federation’s report last week showed a big company to cut winter bonuses by 15% to 755,628 yen. The sharpest decline since the survey of wages conducted occurred in 1959

WINA – State Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries (Opec) agreed to maintain current production quotas, 24.84 million barrels per day.

It was stated Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Nuaimi, preceding the official announcement of OPEC meeting in Vienna. “No further questions, is there an agreement to that,” said Nuaimi.

He added that the ministerial meeting of member countries of OPEC in Austria’s capital was in order to keep the situation was conducive assessed at this time. The emergence of these comments from Nuaimi yesterday boost world oil prices return to levels of USD82 per barrel.

A friend once vent frustration at the government statistics issued by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). He was angry and said that nonsense BPS data and BPS did not see the field conditions.

“Read in the paper what? He said, inflation rate fell, from 0.84 percent in January 2010 to 0.30 percent in February 2010. In fact, the market prices keep rising. If you do not believe, let’s go to the market! “I tried to calm my friend. I said to the friend that it was entered in March 2010. BPS announced data for February 2010.

That way, we can not reconcile it with the BPS data that is now happening in the market. “Fine. If so, you trust me. Almost every week I go to the market. Last month I was also into the market. Even last month and I see that the price increase. Now, does this fit with BPS data? “I asked the friend, what he bought last month.

My friend rather inflamed with my question. “Of course I buy rice. Also chili sauce, which became my hobby. “You buy fresh fish and eggs or not?” I said. “Of course not, I’m a vegetarian.” Then, what is it? You buy cooking oil? “I stated again. “I follow a healthy lifestyle I rarely fry.” “Last month, you buy clothes or not?” “I am a simple person. Berhobi not buy clothes. Months ago I did not buy clothes. Your question just getting weird! “” Buy gold! ”

“What question is this. I do not have the money to buy gold. “Seeing my friends getting upset with my question, I was later told him that just so happens that the things he did not consume (fresh fish, eggs, cooking oil, clothing, and gold) were price decline in February.

Unfortunately, the price of rice and chili sauce, which he consumed, it increases a lot. I told him that he was upset at the BPS data because he consumed the goods whose prices rise. He also happens to rent a house and rent the house was up in February.

My friend was silent, but he looked very dissatisfied. He understood that the inflation rate at 0.30 percent in February 2010 that the average rate. Which fell from January to February is the average number. Suddenly he turned the issue. “You remember that in 2009 the inflation rate is much lower than the inflation rate in 2008?” “Yes, remember. Inflation reached 11.06 percent in 2008, then fell sharply to 2.78 percent in 2009. “” So, the average price in 2009 was much lower than in 2008 is not it? “Asked my friend with a half-mocking laugh. “Oh.Tidak.” “Then, am I right that the BPS nonsense,” my friend said with a grin.

I then explained that the inflation figures showed the average price increase. Inflation rate is not the average price, but the average price increase. If inflation falls, the fall is the ascent. While still rising, although the increase down, the price would continue to become more expensive. That’s what causes seems there is a “discrepancy” in statistics and in the market.

Inflation is declining to say price is not declining. While there is inflation (as long as inflation is still positive), prices will rise still continues. My friend was silent.

Tried to reflect the difference between price increases and the price itself. Lower inflation means rising prices decline, while prices were still rising. Another example is very obvious that occurred in 2005 and 2006. Inflation rate fell very sharply from 17.11 percent in 2005 to 6.60 percent in 2006.

Prices fell dramatically? Increase people’s purchasing power? Because inflation is still positive, the average price in December 2006 nearly 25 percent higher than the average in January 2005. If there was no increase in income, purchasing power actually decreased. BPS is not wrong because of inflation around the world are showing price increases, not price itself.

My friend nodded. He understands about inflation statistics. BPS is not wrong. “But,” my friend is still wondering, “we should not provide other statistics so that we may better understand the prices and purchasing power?” He said that we need statistics other than inflation. So far he had always assumed that the falling inflation means that prices are falling.

According to him, many others who think like him. He said that, if not economists, would not have known this. I replied, “There are economists who do not know about it ……. But, should it just a coincidence.” “Tom, what if every month the government also said that prices continue to rise, and not just say if inflation falls or rises. Price said to come down, when inflation is negative. ”

“According to economic theory, prices down was a sign of economic doldrums. Thus, the price decline is not good for the economy, “I tried to explain to a friend. “Tom, you are saying? Each month prices go up. But, fee I get from teaching is not up every month. Even a year or even two years is often not up. If increased, it was not because of adjustments to the price increase. My income increased only if I teach more. Sorry, I’m not an economist. “I paused. Can not answer this question. I pondered again all the economic theories I have ever learned.

Indeed we need to learn more (re-learn) economic theory. We need friends who are not economists to provide a fundamental question for economists force (including me) reviewed the “dogma” that often we have learned, including statistics that we use.

Maybe if the economists tried to “socialize” the economic concept widely not to let the economists (and economists) do not misinterpret economic statistics. Any announcements of economic statistics need an explanation of what the statistics show that. Inflation is one example.

BALIKPAPAN – The presence of 25 thousand Warga Negara Indonesia (WNI) in Tawao Malaysia recognized very sustaining economic Tawao adjacent directly to the district Nunukan, East Kalimantan. Although they are estimated not to have a legal document or illegal.

“At present the Government of Malaysia is conducting The bleaching of the presence of Indonesian citizens in Malaysia,” said Chairman of the Youth Umno region Tawao Arifin Eunuch, when visited with 10 young UMNO to Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Wednesday (17/3/2010).

According to Arifin Kasim, currently approximately 200 thousand people inhabit Tawao, 50 thousand of whom are Indonesian. Their presence greatly affects economic development in Tawao, Malaysia.

“They’re a lot of work in the plantation sector, the fields, gas stations and so on. So we are grateful to the existence of brothers allied us in Malasyia,” said Arifin.

According to him, as a nation allied presence of Indonesians in Malaysia are like brothers because Indonesia-Malaysia was taped by a grove of wither. “We are closely allied, even the PM Datuk Najib descendants of Bugis,” he said.

Therefore he hoped the youth of UMNO still uphold the brotherhood allied with Indonesia. This is not out of mutual attachment and dependence

Chavez said Bolivar currency has two exchange rates are 2.60 per dollar for the transaction of government priorities and the 4.30 per dollar for other transactions. This led to the devaluation of the exchange rate Bolivar down 17% or 50%, depending on his tier.

High exchange rate, or so-called oil dollars, will double the Venezuelan oil company earnings when converted into local currency. Over half the oil and gas revenues from the government budget, but the income was shrunk due to lower world oil prices over the past year.

Chavez said the main exchange rate will be used for food, health products, school supplies, supplies for economic development and others.

He said the policy of the new exchange rate aims to improve economic productivity, eliminate unnecessary import, and export mestimulasi.

Imports expected to fall in exchange rates are less favorable such as automotive, telecommunications products, computers, home equipment, alcohol, and tobacco.

Government official exchange rate set at 2.15 per U.S. dollar Bolivar since 2005.

Devaluation was expected to move domestic economy and limit the international impact. The Government has introduced a system of strict exchange rates since 2003 to prevent capital flight.

Chavez also stressed the government will intervene in the bond market.

Trust can be seen from petumbuhan export performance during the last quarter of 2009 which can be used as indicators of the improving world economic conditions, according rocked by the global crisis in 2008.

Chairman of the Association of Industry and Handicraft Permebelan Indonesia (Asmindo) Komda Surakarta David R. Wijaya said the symptoms of increased orders from abroad seen in recent months.

“It’s getting better, I’ll be looking right in February 2010. Late this year or early next year, orders have started coming,” he told Bisnis.com, today.

According to him, the world financial crisis that caused the United States economy struggled and the other European countries faltered, apparently did not take place in a long period of time.

As a result, he tells the market conditions began to passionately and export activities to many countries the main purpose of Surakarta businessman, showed a positive trend.

“We are worried the crisis had lasted longer, in fact just a moment. Including crisis worries Dubai, receive the effects do not disturb the world economy,” he said.

With the improving performance of commodity exports of furniture Surakarta, he expects the bank’s role was strengthened in supporting business activities in the region.

In fact, the Indonesian Government is now confident to set on the Draft 2010 Standard Oil Palm Plantation Development Sustainable or Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) will be applied to the stakeholders.

ISPO is the background conditions that tend to RSPO rules put the interests of consumers than producers.

ISPO which will apply this government will be adjusted to the situation in Indonesia, and aims to set national oil palm development with environmental safety remain.

Directorate General of Plantation Department of Agriculture, Achmad Mangga Barani tells the government and the stakeholders are doing a discussion about ISPO.

“We ask for input to the company about what needs to be included in this ISPO,” he said, yesterday.

ISPO is being discussed this, still accommodate the parties involved. For example, will adopt some rules set out in the on Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

Some of them are commitments about the economy, long-term finance, transparency, development of plantations in charge, and adherence to regulations and laws in the country.

Although the Director General admitted that all this loss obtained many oil producers [with reference to the RSPO]. He gave an example of palm plantation in Indonesia’s peatlands may be approved even with regulations. “This is legal. But why should other countries that noise” he said.

No doubt, even among the oil industry to open your heart to accept the government’s plan. Joint Secretary General of Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs (Gapki) Joko Supriyono, for example, there are government efforts to encourage the immediate enactment of this ISPO.

“We listened to the exposure of the government. In the future we will enter,” he said.

Input form is expected to be included in the ISPO. He pointed out that such input certification forms for oil commodities in Indonesia.

According to him, the draft ISPO in the hands of this government is very open the possibility for change. “The important thing, the desire of government to make this ISPO should be encouraged and hasten it,” he said.

Not tricked

Thus, he added, as the belle of commodity producers, Indonesia is not easy to be tricked by the buyer.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Indonesian Palm Oil Commission Rosediana ISPO Suharto declared it was intended to apply the rules consistently governments to palm oil.

“The government alone has the right to set rules so that law-abiding employers oil and follow the rules of sustainable palm oil production,” he said.

Thus, he added, if later there are protests from other countries, Indonesia had evidence that oil production from Indonesia has been in accordance with the principle of ISPO. What is clear, he said, in that there ISPO criteria which must be passed by the government began to control the level of coaching.

Since the beginning of December 2009, the government began to prepare the development standards of sustainable oil palm plantations nationally or ISPO.

Because, so far in the development of oil palm plantations in the country often refer to the rules set by the RSPO developed countries.

However, the rules of the RSPO, is based on the interests of developed countries, so sometimes detrimental palm oil industry in the country.

“Why go around other countries make the rules according to the interests of his country, whereas we can not” said the Director General of Plantation.

Ministry of Trade reported overseas shipments rose 18.2% to U.S. $ 13.2 billion in November from a year earlier after declining an average of 21% per month since October 2008.

Imports fell 2.6% to U.S. $ 22.8 billion in November, thus narrowing the trade deficit to U.S. $ 9.6 billion from U.S. $ 12.3 billion last year.

The low interest rates and government stimulus package of U.S. $ 2 trillion more than all the world to restore demand clothing made by Gokaldas Exports Ltd..

Exports from South Korean automakers, Hyundai Motor Co., up 33.7% in December, the highest in 17 months. This is supported by the economic recovery of Asia from China to Singapore from the worst global recession since the 1930s.

“We see the movement of a rebound in overseas sales following the improved conditions in the U.S. and Europe as well as spikes in demand around Christmas,” said NR Bhanumurthy, an economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy in New Delhi.

Export growth is able to increase production at a number of Indian companies undergoing expansion of 7.9% in the 3 months to 30 September from the previous year. That number is the fastest in 6 quarters.

A number of sectors began to show visible recovery signal. Overseas sales for jewelry surged 54.8% to U.S. $ 21.4 billion in November.

While the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers vehicle export record, up 25% in November from a year earlier.

Bhanumurthy said exports in November should have marked the beginning of a positive trend for the economy of India. Even so, exports and economic difficulties have not ended.

“Spurt of inflation becomes a threat as rising costs are forcing exporters price rises that could affect competition in the international market,” he said