The wRap Indonesia: VP hospitalized, economic stimulus unveiled

JAKARTA, Indonesia – From the government’s new economic stimulus to rare baby rhinos spotted in Java island, here’s the top news to start your day.

1. VP Kalla hospitalized

Vice President Jusuf Kalla is confined in Cipto Mangunkusumo public hospital (RSCM) due to a heart disease. 

Kalla was not seen at the President’s unveiling of the government’s much-awaited stimulus package. Muhammad Husain, Kalla’s spokesman, thanked supporters for their concern. “Thank you for your prayers for Pak JK. He is already smiling now.” Read more.

2. Economic policy package 

Indonesian President Joko Widodo unveiled a series of stimulus measures to lift slowing growth in Southeast Asia’s top economy and shore up the country’s plunging currency.

In a televised address, Widodo was joined by key policymakers to announce a broad range of measures including the slashing of red tape to woo investors, moves to bolster the rupiah, and programs to help the poor. Read more.

3. LRT on its way

Jakarta will soon enjoy a mass light rail transit (LRT) system.

President Joko Widodo inaugurated the LRT in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta on Wednesday, which will connect the capital to satellite cities like Bekasi and Bogor. The first phase is expected to be completed in 2018.  Read more.

4. Hopes for bullet train

Will Jakarta get a bullet train or not?

Days after Jokowi’s government announced it would no longer push through with a bullet train from Jakarta to Bandung, Minister of State Owned Enterprises (SOE) Rini Soemarno said the SOE will still continue the project – but rather than bidding it to Japan or China, businesses will fund it. Rini expressed confidence that plans for the train would still push through. Read more.

5. Rhino calves spotted

Three critically endangered Javan rhino calves have been filmed in an Indonesian national park, taking to 60 the total population of the world’s rarest rhino and offering hope for the creature’s future.

One female calf and two males were spotted in recent months in Ujung Kulon park, on Java island, and were all likely born in the past year in a newly established sanctuary. In 2014, only one calf was spotted in the entire year. Read more. – Rappler.com