The SBA Networking cocktail (every 2^nd Wednesday every month) will be at Club Macanudo in Shangri-La Hotel, from 19.00 to 21.00 on Wednesday August 12 and we offer free flow of drinks (wine, beer, whiskey, soft drink) between 19.00 and 21.00. The self cost is IDR 150,000 per person. No prior registration needed, just come.

The Swedish Business Associations Luncheon at le Bistro Restaurant in Jaya Building, Jl. Thamrin, Thursday July 30 at 13.00. There are plenty of Ärtsoppa and cold Punsch followed by Swedish Pancakes. Please register to our secretary Ola Dahlman at medidocola@gmail.com. The cost is IDR 250,000 per person.

2. Embassy News

Mr. Anders Backman who has been in charge of the Embassy since April will leave the Republic of Indonesia in the end of July. Mr. Gustav Hannerz replaces Mrs. Annet Karlsson Fouda as second secretary and consul at the Swedish Embassy.

The Embassy arranged together with SBA an information meeting regarding the present (security) situation in Jakarta/Indonesia.  

3. European News

There are several events organized by EuroCham and many of them in cooperation with other bilateral chambers. Take a look at the event calendar at www.eurocham.or.id .

4. Security

It is with great sorrow I write this months security comments. The terrorist attack against JW Marriot and Ritz Carlton took the whole security community by surprise. There was not a single indication of an imminent terror attack. All previous attacks had clear indications that something was going on.

The SBA Networking cocktail (every 2^nd Wednesday every month) will be at Club Macanudo in Shangri-La Hotel, from 19.00 to 21.00 on Wednesday July 8 and we offer free flow of drinks (wine, beer, whiskey, soft drink) between 19.00 and 21.00. The self cost is IDR 150,000 per person. No prior registration needed, just come.

2. Embassy News

To the Swedish citizens and family members who will be leaving Indonesia permanently: The Embassy of Sweden keeps a roster of registered names of Swedish citizens. We would like to remind those of you who have registered your family members’ stay in Indonesia with the Embassy of Sweden to please “unregister” by sending an email to ambassaden.Jakarta@foreign.ministry.se informing us about the name(-s) of the person(-s) who are leaving, email address and the date of departure. The purpose is to reach Swedish citizens in times of crises and to convey certain events et cetera and we would like to have the roster as updated as possible.

The Government of Sweden has decided on major increases in fees for passports and other documents as of July 15, 2009. We would like to specifically draw your attention to the following changes:

Document                 Swedish Crowns

Regular passport               1 400
Temporary passport          1 600
National ID card                1 400  

3. European News

From 1 July 2009 and for six months Sweden will hold the Presidency of the EU. Preparedness for the unexpected and readiness to coordinate EU action in situations of crisis will be of crucial importance for a successful presidency. With an economic downturn in Europe, negotiations on a climate change agreement approaching and changes in the EU institutions, it will be intensive six months in the driving seat.

Managing the financial crisis and unemployment and addressing climate change will be the two main priorities of the Swedish Presidency. On www.se2009.eu you can find information, news and events related to the Swedish Presidency.

There are several events organized by EuroCham and many of them in cooperation with other bilateral chambers. Take a look at the event calendar at www.eurocham.or.id .

The SBA Networking cocktail (every 2^nd Wednesday every month) will be at Club Macanudo in Shangri-La Hotel, from 19.00 to 21.00 on Wednesday June 10 and we offer free flow of drinks (wine, beer, whiskey, soft drink) between 19.00 and 21.00. The self cost is IDR 150,000 per person. No prior registration needed, just come.

Next Swedish Business Luncheon on May 28 at 13.00 in Le Bistro with the traditionally Ärtsoppa served and the cost is IDR 200,000. For more information and Registration contact Ola Dahlman direct at medidoc@indosat.net.id or telp 0818 0786 8874. 

SBA is actively participating in the creation of KADIN Economic Roadmap 2009 together with all other chambers and associations. If you are interested in or have input, please don't hesitate to contact me.

2. Embassy News

Please be informed that voting at the elections to the European Parliament can be done at the embassy between 18 May and 2 June at 09:00 - 12:00. For further information, please visit our website at www.swedenabroad.se/Jakarta.

The Embassy participated in the World Ocean Conference (WOC) in Manado 11-15 May together with Professor Emeritus Hugu Tiberg from Stockholm University. The WOC 2009 was a forum for the world community to discuss current issues in the marine field which are related to climate change, and how the world can wisely utilize the ocean to weather crisis. Furthermore, WOC 2009 is expected to create a more aligned global vision and commitments from participating governments and institutions to work together to improve marine resource management. 

3. European News

EuroCham has been updating their web site and you can there also subscribe on their weekly newsletter. It has a little bit different layout and content compare to this newsletter. Take a look at www.eurocham.or.id .

There are several events organized by EuroCham and many of them in cooperation with other bilateral chambers. Take a look at the event calendar at www.eurocham.or.id .

The SBA Networking cocktail (every 2^nd Wednesday every month) will be at Club Macanudo in Shangri-La Hotel, from 19.00 to 21.00 on Wednesday May 13 and we offer free flow of drinks (wine, beer, whiskey, soft drink) between 19.00 and 21.00. The self cost is IDR 150,000 per person. No prior registration needed, just come.

Our Scandinavian colleagues invites us to a joint DBA and INBC dinner on Wednesday April 29 at 18.30 in Sun City with the guest speaker Bambang Harimurti from Tempo magazine. Cost is IDR 200,000. Registration and more information from Hani at inbc_sec@inbc.or.id or telp 0813-1839 9090.

The Swedish Business Luncheon at Le Bistro on March 26 went very well and you can read more about it at http://www.sba.or.id/SBL_March_26.asp where we have put some pictures of the event. Next Swedish Business Luncheon on April 30 at 13.00 also in Le Bistro with the traditionally Ärtsoppa served. Guest speaker is Andreas Isaksson from Spectre and the cost is IDR 200,000. Register to Ola Dahlman direct at medidoc@indosat.net.id or telp 0818 0786 8874.

2. Embassy News

Indonesia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Hassan Wirajuda visited Sweden on Friday 3 April. He met Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling. Dr Wirajuda also met Speaker of the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament) Per Westerberg and members of the Riksdag. The agenda for the talks included regional and global issues in the light of the upcoming Swedish Presidency of the European Union and how to further deepen relations between the two countries.

The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, also visited Stockholm on the 3rd of April. He met with all three of the Foreign Ministry’s cabinet ministers, Carl Bildt, Gunilla Carlsson and Ewa Björling, for consultations.

As of May 11, 2009 the processing of Swedish passport applications at the Embassy of Sweden in Jakarta will include finger printing. Applicants under 12 years of age are exempt from this rule. All European Union countries will implement finger printing when issuing passports no later than June 28, 2009. Valid passports do not have to be renewed.

Ambassador of Sweden Ann Marie Bolin Pennegård completed her mission in the Republic of Indonesia April 10, 2009. Pending the arrival of her successor, Mr. Anders Backman will be in charge of the Embassy. Lisbeth Hellvin Stålgren has returned from her maternity leave and resumed as Counselor for Economic and Commercial Issues. .

3. European News

EuroCham has been very active and there have been meeting with the president and a lot of renewed contacts with Kadin and Apindo to plan a new strategy for the 2009 economic roadmap.

The next number of EIQ is finished. It is being distributed as your read this, please mail me at Michael_olsson@bmolsson.net so I get your copy sent to you. Next edition, due to release in July, will be a special edition on Climate Change. Contact me if you would like to advertise and / or contribute to it.

EuroCham will have its annual golf tournament on May 14 and there are still places for both sponsorship and participation left. Contact EuroCham direct at busdev@eurocham.or.id for more information.

The SBA Networking cocktail (every 2^nd Wednesday every month) will be at Club Macanudo in Shangri-La Hotel, from 19.00 to 21.00 on Wednesday March 11 and we offer free flow of drinks (wine, beer, whiskey, soft drink) between 19.00 and 21.00. The self cost is IDR 150,000 per person. No prior registration needed, just come.every 2nd Wednesday every month) will be at Club Macanudo in Shangri-La Hotel, from 19.00 to 21.00 on Wednesday April 8 and we offer free flow of drinks (wine, beer, whiskey, soft drink) between 19.00 and 21.00. The self cost is IDR 150,000 per person. No prior registration needed, just come. Host and sponsor this time is Per Brandt and Combibox.

The annual meeting was held at Ericsson’s office in Pondok Indah and the new board was elected as follows: Chairman: Michael Olsson, BMOlsson, Vice Chairman: Ted Boman, Oriflame, Treasurer: Mats Karlsson, Ericsson, Secretary: Ola Dahlman, Medidoc, Board members: Per Brandt, Combibox, Per Thuresson, Lux and Deputy Board member: Bert-Åke Wahlgren, Swedavia. We welcome the new board and wish them all the best for the coming year.

All members are welcome to the Swedish Business Luncheon at Le Bistro on March 26 at 13.00. Please contact Ola Dahlman for registration and more information at medidoc@indosat.net.id. There will be information on the EU flight ban as well as a presentation from our Ambassador on news from the Embassy.

2. Embassy News

The Embassy is currently working closely with SBA on a project with the Swedish and Indonesian customs to improve the trade efficiency. The project is still in the initial stage but all parties’ views it very positively.