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BritCham Business Snapshots EXTRA
#27 March 2020
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A Personal Message From Executive Director (Friday, March 27)
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Dear Members and Friends,

On Monday, Boris Johnson effectively locked down the UK.

Everybody must stay at home unless your need is essential -shopping, a stroll or jog, or healthcare needs. 

This follows a very poor response to government requests for personal discipline as it relates to social distancing.

From the UK, I have received clips of Food areas (kaki Lima and tenda) in Jakarta that clearly don’t understand the need for a change in habits. Even expat-managed bars and restaurants are open for food and beverage because closing up isn’t yet mandatory. Indonesia could have the mitigating factors of lack of information and education, But, for the BRITISH public, no such excuses. So... lockdown, of sorts.

In my role, I receive so many critical papers, but the consistent point is that ‘social distancing’ is the key to flattening the level of new cases. And that is the first sign that the war is beginning to be won.

I sincerely hope the expat community in Indonesia will resolve to set a proper example to follow. This is a time for support, leading by example, not complaints about capability or capacity. Mainstream BRITISH businesses have been swift to implement safer working practices and make the welfare of their Indonesian workforces and clients a priority. Many Indonesian businesses are also moving to action. We hope more will follow a strong and responsible lead.

But then there is also the issue of commercial reality for businesses that employ and daily needs of the millions of Indonesians in the informal sector, relying on daily incomes for essentials. Many countries are able to meet those challenges of lost profit or income with quick reassurance. In the UK, last night the 5m self-employed became the latest group to have a safety net laid equal to 80% of the last 3 years declared profits, paid monthly from June. It really is more difficult for Indonesia. Data is lacking. Reporting is slower and the most needy probably don’t find themselves on any system.

We know President Jokowi and teams are working frantically to come up with solutions. The motivation is definitely there. We hope they will be inspired.

We will share details and comment of any fiscal easing that is intended to relieve businesses, particularly in the context of their workforces.

At a human level and at a slight tangent....
As our UK roadshow concluded on March 13, my oppo in Vietnam was lucky enough to get a last flight out of London to HMC but also unlucky enough to be moved to quarentine. I felt for him when I saw his photos. However his message to our readers below suggests he is in caring hands.

Peter Rimmer’s message to us follows:
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WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM BRITCHAM?
On a daily basis, I am in contact with stakeholders around the world, the Chamber movement, leaders of trade groups, trade advisors and our umbrella lead organization, The BRITISH Chambers of Commerce. Our BritCham Board has abundant experience and expertise across all sectors and business disciplines and are very actively engaged with my team. As many of you, I am signed up to WA Groups and I am talking to members. It seems that right now you are preoccupied with your own challenges of adjustment and there is little spare bandwidth unless it is for something critically important.
 
WEBINARS
WEBINARS
Therefore, we won’t be seeking to fill gaps in events with webinars unless the context will serve up some solutions. We will create a schedule of expert discussion around the following: managing teams working from home, regulatory easing, IT, and E-challenges and opportunities, business continuity and security and how education is responding. These will be free.

Have we missed anything? Please drop me a note with any additional suggestions
 
THE BRITCHAM BUDDY SYSTEM
THE BRITCHAM BUDDY SYSTEM
Our BritCham team has been in personal contact with those of your teams that they are often in communication during more normal times. Your team is therefore buddied-up with one specific person in the BritCham team. The message is simple. If there is anything at all that you think BritCham may be a resource or channel for -information, intelligence, connecting you, just SHOUT!
 
SNAP SURVEYS
SNAP SURVEYS
Again, respecting how precious your time is now, we will not be pushing our sentiment-style surveys at this time. We will however send out 1-3 question Snap Surveys that will be specifically targeted. These will take no more than 2 minutes to respond. Your answers will be treated with anonymity but will serve to inform us on our approach to media, in discussions with stakeholders and actions for us to take on your behalf.
 
Enough from me. A quiet and responsible weekend is beckoning.

Best wishes, be safe.

Chris Wren
WA: +44 7561 485733
 
COVID-19
Exceptional Travel Advisory Notice
(updated on 27/03)
KITAS and DOCUMENTATION EXPIRIES Number 8 of 2020
(updated on 26/03)
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For sponsors & events partner opportunities, please contact salesmkt@britcham.or.id
 
Are you a member? Want to announce or share something? contact us at communications@britcham.or.id
 
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