Gorontalo: In 2024, until October, the achievements of PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi (BJA) include exporting wood pellets 14 times with a total value of approximately IDR 335.58 billion. The workforce at BJA together with PT Inti Global Laksana (IGL) and PT Banyan Tumbuh Lestari (BTL) is currently 1,130 people, of these, the number of local workers is 76%, the largest absorption of local labor in Pohuwato Regency.

Up to 2024, based on data from the Regional Secretary of Gorontalo Province, BJA and its partners have contributed non-tax state revenue (PNBP) of IDR 47.5 billion. The PNBP is divided into three parts, i.e., 30% for the central government, 30% for Gorontalo Province, and 40% for Pohuwato Regency.

The North Sulawesi Customs Regional Office (Kanwil) also awarded PT BJA as the largest contributor to foreign exchange exports in Gorontalo. The company contributes more than 55% of foreign exchange exports from this province.
“As a wood pellet producer company operating in Pohuwato, Gorontalo, we run this wood pellet business in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations. Including running product exports to Japan and South Korea in collaboration with the Quarantine Center, Customs, and other authorized institutions,” PT BJA Director Burhanuddin explained, from the company statement.

While acting Pohuwato Regent Suharsi Igirisa, expressed his support for investment in Pohuwato. This is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's administration's program, which supports investment aimed at bringing prosperity to the community.

“Undeniably, with the presence of IGL, BTL, and BJA, the economic growth in Pohuwato has been extraordinary. The presence of the companies, thank God, has helped promote the growth of the local economy,” Suharsi said in his speech.

Familial bond among employees

Through the Family Gathering activity, thousands of employees and families from PT BJA, PT BTL and PT IGL also came together against hoaxes or fake news levelled by a number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) at the Company, potentially harming the future of the Pohuwato community.

“In recent months, we have seen, heard and read a lot of provocative information that obscured the facts and which continued to be disseminated by a number of NGOs suspected of being affiliated with foreign interests. They accuse and spread false information about the BJA Group, where we make a living and which has become a source of livelihood that protects families from poverty, allowing children to enjoy a better future,” said Eko Widarto A. Mudi, a representative of the Extended Family of Employees of PT IGL, PT BTL, PT BJA when reading out a declaration at the Family Gathering event of the Extended Family of PT BTL, PT BJA, PT IGL at Popayato Field, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo, Sunday, November 3rd 2024.

Eko revealed that the Extended Family of Employees of IGL, BTL, BJA has identified a systematic effort from NGOs from outside the Gorontalo region to dismantle PT BJA Group and disassembling the economy in Popayato which was vulnerable to begin with. This posed a significant threat to the future, livelihoods, and the struggle of the Pohuwato people battling poverty and stunting.

Due to unfavorable circumstances and the barrage of hoaxes about BJA Group from NGOs from outside Gorontalo has gained in intensity, the Extended Family of Employees of IGL, BTL, BJA has voiced the following demands:
1. Demanding that the Gorontalo Provincial Government, Gorontalo DPRD, Pohuwato Regency Government, and Pohuwato DPRD provide protection and guarantee for investments to PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi (BJA) Group in order to protect the fate of thousands of workers and their families, and ensure a better future for the people of Pohuwato.

2. Demanding the Gorontalo Provincial Government, Pohuwato Regency Government, and Law Enforcement Officials to take firm action against the perpetrators of the spread of hoaxes that have obstructed real facts and are misleading from harming the business activities of PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi (BJA) Group which can threaten the wellbeing of the thousands of workers.

3. Condemning and demanding non-governmental organizations such as FWI, Trend Asia, Auriga Nusantara, and other NGOs from outside Gorontalo and Pohuwato cease the spread of hoaxes, slander, and attempts to create divisions in Pohuwato society to destroy the future of children in Pohuwato.

4. Calling on community leaders, community organizations, the younger generation, and all elements of society to unite and not be instigated by various hoaxes created by parties outside Gorontalo and Pohuwato which aim to divide, destroy the future of the people and impoverish Pohuwato by mounting anti-biomass company campaigns in Pohuwato.

5. Support for PT Biomasa Jaya Abadi (BJA) Group to carry out its investment and business in Pohuwato, Gorontalo, in accordance with prevailing laws and continue to create jobs for the realization of community welfare, reduce poverty and stunting in the Pohuwato and Gorontalo regions.

Eko, accompanied by Dania Lorongasal, who is also a representative of the Extended Family of IGL, BTL, BJA Employees, said that he would continue to monitor the spread of hoaxes and efforts to divide and conquer by NGOs from outside Gorontalo who made Pohuwato and Gorontalo a campaign ground to obtain foreign funding.

“The Extended Family of Employees of IGL, BTL, BJA will be at the forefront to defend the interests of companies that have carried out business according to applicable laws and regulations for the welfare of the people of Pohuwato and the creation of a better future. A Vow of Unity, Fight Against Hoaxes and Foreign Interests that are likely to jeopardize the economy of Pohuwato and Gorontalo,” Eko said.

PT BTL, PT BJA, PT IGL held a Family Gathering for their extended families at Popayato field, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo on Sunday morning, November 3, 2024. The event themed 'Realizing the 11th Million Tree Planting of Gamal' was attended by more than 2,500 employees and their families from the three companies.

In addition to employees and families, the event was also attended by the management of the three Companies. Also present as guests were a number of community leaders, 15 fostered village heads, Pohuwato and Popayato local governments including the Head of Sub-District, Head of Popayato and Lemito Police, and Popayato Commander of the Army Administrative Unit.

The event also involved 60 MSMEs that operated stalls along the Trans Sulawesi road, Popayato Serumpun area. All Family Gathering participants were able to sample delicacies from these MSMEs by simply redeeming vouchers provided by the company. The company spent IDR 63 million which was distributed to the MSMEs.

PT BJA Director Burhanuddin said the Family Gathering was held as a form of gratitude and appreciation of the Company to employees and families of BJA Group in line with the achievement of the 11th million Gamal tree planting. The planting was carried out on Friday, November 1, 2024 in the PT BTL work area.

“We are grateful and thankful for the dedication and hard work of all of the employees, as well as for the support of all parties, including local governments, community leaders and security forces, so that the Company could come this far and continue to contribute to society, the environment and of course, the country,” Burhanuddin said.

Acting Pohuwato Regent Suharsi Igirisa, in his speech, expressed his support for investment in Pohuwato. This is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's administration's program, which supports investment aimed at bringing prosperity to the community.

“Undeniably, with the presence of IGL, BTL, and BJA, the economic growth in Pohuwato has been extraordinary. The presence of the companies, thank God, has helped promote the growth of the local economy,” Suharsi said in his speech.

Suharsi added that the family gathering, which was intended as a form of gratitude for the 11th millionth Gamal tree planting, was expected to strengthen the relationship between employees as well as with the local government and the company. After all, nearly 80% of IGL BTL BJA employees are Pohuwato people.

“Hopefully, the planted Gamal will continue to grow, and the company will continue to care for employees so that their welfare will improve,” Suharsi concluded.

(FJR)

Jakarta: Over the past week dozens of police officers were injured and shops, cars and homes damaged in disorder in the United Kingdom.

The violence erupted the night after three children were killed in Southport in a stabbing attack last Monday. This followed false rumours which spread online that a suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Over the weekend the prime minister condemned the riots as "far-right thuggery" and on Monday he vowed to "ramp up" the law to deal with the violence.
British Embassy in Jakarta release a statement from British Deputy Ambassador, Matthew Downing about violent disorder.

“In light of the violence and disorder that has taken place in a small number of locations in the UK, on behalf of the British Government, I want to publicly condemn this mindless thuggery and hooliganism, carried out by minority of people. I also want to reassure the people of Indonesia that visitors to the UK remain warmly welcome,” said Downing as stated from the Embassy release.

Downing added that Britain is a tolerant, open and multi-cultural country, and what you are witnessing does not represent British values.

“The UK Government has been clear that we will not, as a country, tolerate attacks on mosques, on Muslim communities or against anyone because of their religion or the colour of their skin,” Downing said.

The criminals who are carrying out these acts, and those who have incited them with hatred and disinformation online, will face the full force of the law.

Downing also emphasized the importance of relations between Indonesia and Britain. As the two countries mark our 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, the UK’s friendship with Indonesia will continue to thrive.

“I look forward to us strengthening and growing the political, cultural, educational and trade and investment relationship between our two countries,” said Downing.

(FJR)

London: Nearly 400 people have been arrested after six days of riots in parts of England and Northern Ireland, police say.

On Monday evening police were attacked in Plymouth as they attempted to keep rival protesters apart, petrol bombs were thrown at officers in Belfast and police dealt with unrest in the east of Birmingham.

Over the past week dozens of police officers were injured and shops, cars and homes damaged in disorder in the UK. It erupted the night after three children were killed in Southport in a stabbing attack last Monday. This followed false rumours which spread online that a suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker.
Over the weekend the prime minister condemned the riots as "far-right thuggery" and on Monday he vowed to "ramp up" the law to deal with the violence.

In Plymouth, police said on Monday night there had been a "level of violence" shown towards officers and a police van had been damaged.

"We are taking action against individuals who are intent on criminality," Devon and Cornwall police said, quoted from BBC.

Supt Russ Dawe added "several" officers had been injured. He said a number of arrests had been made for a "range of public order offences and assaults".

Speaking at a media briefing, Supt Dawes said he wanted to reassure the community the force was "fully resourced at this time, with a strong police presence".

Supt Dawe added that those intent on committing crimes and public order would be "dealt with robustly". He said a number of arrests had been made for a "range of public order offences and assaults".

In Birmingham on Monday evening, there were disturbances after hundreds of people gathered in the Bordesley Green area of the city following false reports that a far-right march had been planned there.

Palestinian flags were waved and anti-English Defence League chants were heard. While, a group of youths later broke away from the gathering and attacked several vehicles and a pub.

West Midlands Police released a statement late on Monday which said officers were investigating reports of an assault and damage to a pub.

The force said: "No arrests have been made at this stage but there were sporadic incidents and we are investigating reports of an assault, incidents of criminal damage to a pub on Stoney Lane, a car which had its windows smashed on Alcombe Grove, Stechford, and further criminal damage to a vehicle which had its tyres damaged on Belchers Lane, Bordesley Green’’.

"We are also investigating reports of a man who was in possession of an offensive weapon,” said West Midlands Police.

Ch Supt Richard North added: “Fortunately rumours of the significant protest activity in the city didn’t materialise. There were several sporadic incidents of criminality during the evening and we will work hard to arrest those responsible."

In South Belfast, PSNI officers came under attack as riot teams were deployed to Sandy Row. It follows a weekend of violence which saw businesses damaged after an anti-immigration protest in the city on Saturday.

On Monday, at least one petrol bomb and stones were thrown towards officers. Police were stood down just after midnight.

On Monday, a week on from the attack in Southport in Merseyside, crowds gathered for a vigil there to remember the three young girls who were killed.

(FJR)