VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo confirmed to have pocketed the name of his companion candidate for presidential and vice-presidential candidate for 2019-2024 period. It was delivered after attending the closing ceremony of the National Conference of ‘’98 Activists on Saturday, July 7th in Jakarta. On the occasion, Jokowi also expressed the hope that all parties can hold back until the right time for the announcement of the name of the vice presidential candidate who will accompany him in the 2019 presidential election.

“At the right moment we will announce. Just wait, for the right time. I already have and it will be announced,” President Joko Widodo said.

Meanwhile, responding to the vetting discourse of Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, President Joko Widodo said he appreciated the plan. Jokowi said, the addition of candidates for presidential candidates and vice presidential candidates who will fight in the 2019 presidential election will increasingly provide opportunities for people to exercise their right to vote based on their respective choices. Election Commission will open the registration forpresidential and vice presidential candidates for 2019 presidential election on August 4 to 10, 2018. The commission is scheduled to appoint Presidential Candidate 2019 on September 20th which will be followed by the start of legislative election and presidential campaign process on  September 23rd. (VOI/Ndy/DP)

Singaporean Consul General in Medan, North Sumatra, Mark Low ended his six-year term in Medan. He is succeeded by the new Consul General, Richard Grosse. The farewell-welcome event of Singaporean Consul General took place in Medan, North Sumatra on Thursday. In his speech, Mark Low said that during his six-year assignment in Medan, he witnessed the intensive development in this city, especially the airport. He is optimistic that Richard Groose has good ideas on how to improve cooperation between Singapore and North Sumatra. Mark Low will return to Singapore, and he will serve as Consul General of Singapore in Batam.

“For me, this six-year term is very pleasant in Medan. With the new Consul General, Richard will bring new ideas and ways of working to make this relationship better,” Mark Low said.

Meanwhile, representing North Sumatera Governor, North Sumatra Province's Economic Development Assistant, Ibnu Sri Hutomo expressed his gratitude for the good relationship developed by the government of Singapore and North Sumatra administration as well the people of North Sumatra. Ibnu is optimistic that the relationship will be better in the future. (KBRN/Dewi/Trans by Rhm)

Russia and Indonesia are two friendly countries with a long history of relationships in various fields, including politics. Relations between the two countries have been in existence for more than six decades. At that time, the Russian Federation Republic was called the Soviet Union. In the political sphere, the Russian Federation shows its close relationship with Indonesia through its full support to Indonesia in the election of UN Security Council members period 2019-2020. The Russian Federation expects Indonesia to be able to properly implement its foreign policy agenda through the UNSC. This was conveyed by the Russian Federation Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobieva in her speech at the Russian National Day in Jakarta, Friday evening, July 6th.

“Russia in Indonesia have a long history of relationship, through this strictly based on friendship, mutual understanding and the dialogue. As the natural demonstration about perfect political relationship was Russia support to Indonesia to be elected as non permanent member of UN Security Council for the period of 2019-2020. We councily congratulate Indonesia on this victory and wish all success in implementing its political agenda in the framework of international manifestion. Indonesia is one of main partner in the Asia Pacific region and among ASEAN Countries,” Lyudmila Vorobieva said.

On the same occasion Ambassador Vorobieva also congratulated Indonesia that will host the 2018 Asian Games in August. According to her, the 2018 Asian Games has significance for Russia because the main activities will be performed at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium, Jakarta which was built by the Soviet Union from the special request of First President Sukarno in 1962. Ambassador Vorobieva also thanked the presence of one of President Soekarno's daughter, Rachmawati Soekarnoputri in the event. (VOI/Rezha/DP)

Indonesian Double mix, Tontowi Ahmad / Liliyana Natsir finally managed to end the 'curse' of Istora, after seven times failed to become champion in Indonesia Open held in Istora, this time they finally became champion in Blibli Indonesia Open 2018 HSBC BWF World Tour Super 1000. Tontowi / Liliyana after defeating Chan Peng Soon / Goh Liu Ying (Malaysia), with the score 21-17, 21-8.
 
This victory at once makes Tontowi / Liliyana successfully defended the title they won last year when the tournament was held at JCC Senayan. Tontowi / Liliyana will also re-rule the top of the mixed doubles rankings.
 
"Finally, after a long time in Istora we can win, I was tense first because there were a lot of spectators, but in my heart there is confidence to win, because we can apply our game pattern," said Tontowi.
 
"Actually I am happy at the same time sad because this possibility last time I compete in Indonesia Open We are glad to be able to give title, Istora mythology haunted for Owi / Butet have no need to be discussed again, paid in full," said Liliyana.
 
"The meaning is great for us, honestly even though I say do not want to think, but still think I can not win in Istora?" he added.
 
Liliyana revealed that although they are ahead 9-1 in the meeting record, but they do not want to be careless and keep preparing themselves by studying the opposing game video.
 
"They must be disturbed by the crowd of supporters, especially I read Goh's statement about fighting a stadium, maybe he's also shaking against that much supporter," said Liliyana.
 
Meanwhile, Chan / Goh wishes they had another chance to meet Liliyana before he retires. Chan / Goh hopes to win the game and improve their meeting record to 2-10.
 
"I was having trouble talking to Chan, the crowds put a lot of pressure on us, we did not play well, we were not satisfied with our performance, and the short and long service they combined made us confused," Goh said.
 
"Actually we want to try to play one hundred percent but we have already lost, but the opponent is heavier, after the Olympics, Tontowi / Liliyana still look consistent while we are still unstable," Chan added.
 
Indonesia again added the title in Blibli Indonesia Open 2018 through the victory of men's doubles pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo / Marcus Fernaldi Gideon. ( Badminton Indonesia twitter )