VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - Indonesia has been elected as a member of the Executive Board of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), representing the East Asia and Pacific region, for the 2023-2027 period.

The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, said that the accession to the UNWTO executive board shows that the global community trusts Indonesia to encourage the revival of the tourism sector.

"I am grateful and moved by the trust that has been given to Indonesia," Uno said in a statement released on Tuesday.

He mentioned that Indonesia received 16 votes in the election, surpassing China (15 votes), Japan (14), South Korea (12), and Thailand (11).

Indonesia will represent the East Asia and Pacific region on the executive board, alongside China, Japan, and South Korea, he added.

Uno stated that Indonesia and other members of the East Asia and Pacific region would be responsible for developing UNWTO programs in the region, which will be reported to the organization's General Assembly in October 2023.

The minister emphasized that Indonesia's membership on the UNWTO Executive Board would strengthen its role in national and global tourism development.

Last year, Indonesia hosted the World Tourism Day commemoration in Bali, coinciding with the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting.

With Indonesia's new role at UNWTO, Uno urged all stakeholders and citizens to unite for the progress of the tourism sector.

"The world has bestowed much recognition on us (Indonesia)... We are not just developing our tourism, but also regional and global tourism," he said. (Antaranews)

VOINews, Jakarta - The United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel J. Kritenbrink, has outlined several objectives of the visit of US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to Beijing, China.

The visit took place on June 18–19, 2023.

"He had candid, substantive, and constructive conversations with President Xi, Director Wang, and State Councilor Qin," Kritenbrink informed during a digital press briefing that was attended from here on Tuesday.

He made the statement in reference to meetings between Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping; director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Office, Wang Yi; and People’s Republic of China State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, in Beijing.

Kritenbrink said the first objective for Blinken's visit to Beijing was to strengthen high-level channels of communication to make clear positions and intentions in areas of disagreement.

The visit was also carried out to explore areas where they might work together and where their interests align on shared transnational challenges.

Another objective was to emphasize the importance of maintaining open channels of communication across the full range of issues so as to reduce the risk of miscalculation, Kritenbrink informed.

"He made clear that while we will compete vigorously, the United States will responsibly manage that competition so that the relationship does not lead to conflict," he said.

The secretary stressed that the US will continue to use diplomacy to raise areas of concern, as well as areas of potential cooperation where their interests align, Kritenbrink added.

During his meetings, the secretary also discussed key priorities in the bilateral relationship and a range of global and regional issues. (Antaranews)

The keynote speakers pose after the first day Seminar - 

In an International Seminar with the theme Science Literacy in the Digital Era which was held in a hybrid manner, on Tuesday, Indonesian National Library and Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) signs Memorandum of Understanding on synergizing their resources, facilities and infrastructure in developing and optimizing libraries and improving science and technology. 

This is in line with the current library paradigm which prioritizes the library as a center for knowledge transfer. Currently, the library policy for collection management is 10 percent, for knowledge management is 20 percent, and for knowledge transfer is 70 percent.

"In substance, National Library has prepared digital science content rather than creating applications in the digital era," said Head of National Library Muhammad Syarif Bando said. 

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday, the Head of National Library of Indonesia explained that the library paradigm has led the library to transform into a library based on social inclusion or known as Social Inclusion-Based Library Transformation (TPBIS), which is National Library's flagship program.

"The TPBIS program helps people in rural areas to gain knowledge and improve skills," he explained.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro revealed that scientific literacy is currently not only important for individuals, but also for the health and welfare of communities and society as a whole.

"Contemporary scientific literacy involves an understanding of scientific processes and practices, familiarity with how science and scientists work, the ability to evaluate science products, and involvement in civic decisions related to the value of science," he said.

The seminar which was attended by many prominent figures also raise the awareness in reducing the impact of climate change that has to be done as soon as possible//VOI

VOINews, Jakarta - As one of the efforts to increase the number of foreign tourist visits to Indonesia, the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra in collaboration with the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) organized a cultural promotion activity with the theme "Betawi: The Melting Pot of Culture" at the Indonesian Ambassador House in Canberra, Australia, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. This event is part of the regular activities of the Indonesian Circle (IC), which is a forum within the Women's International Club (WIC) Canberra organization that aims to further introduce Indonesia's rich and diverse culture through cultural diplomacy, gastro diplomacy, and fashion diplomacy.

The event, which was held to commemorate Jakarta's 496th birthday on June 22, was attended by members of international women's organizations as well as the wives of ambassadors and diplomats from various countries in Canberra. In the event, Lina Mauludina Rosalind managed to attract the attention of invited guests who attended through her interesting explanation of Betawi history and culture.

Dr. Marsia Gustiananda Pramono, DWP Chairperson of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, who is also the IC Leader, stated "Through Indonesian Circle activities, DWP of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra introduces the distinctiveness of each province in Indonesia. The Betawi theme was chosen because of its unique blend of cultures and is not widely known to Australians," said Marsia.

In addition to the presentation of Betawi history and culture, the introduction of Betawi culture was also carried out through a kebaya and batik fashion show typical of Betawi, the performance of the song Kicir - Kicir and Keroncong Kemayoran collaboration between the WIC ukulele group and DWP, which was closed festively with the Ondel-Ondel dance performance which invited the invited guests to dance together.

After the performance, participants were invited to sample Betawi specialties. "After the dance and song performances, of course, it is not complete without the introduction of Betawi culinary specialties such as Kerak Telor, Soto Betawi, Ketoprak, Nasi Uduk, Kue Dongkal and Kue Pancong," said Marsia, who was greeted with enthusiasm by all the guests present.

WIC President, Dr. Maya Kayali expressed her high appreciation for the event. "I always find new things from Indonesia's diverse traditions, thank you for inviting us and providing complete and clear information about Betawi culture to IC-WIC members," Maya said. (VOI)