VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the countries involved in the Maritime Task Force of the United Nations (UN) peace mission, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In addition, Indonesia is also one of countries that donate one warship, namely KRI Usman Harun to be placed in Port of Beirut, Lebanon. Therefore, during her visit to Lebanon on February 24^th, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs  is scheduled to conduct an inspection and dialogue with 110 troops at KRI Usman Harun. It was delivered by the Director of International Security and Disarmament of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Grata Endah Werdaningtyas in her press conference at Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Jakarta, Thursday, February 22^nd.

"The minister will also make an inspection to check the completeness of our ship. As a note, there are 15 countries joined in the Maritime Task Force, but only five countries including Indonesia donated the ship. The other four countries are Bangladesh, Brazil, Germany and Turkey. The Minister will also hold a dialogue with our personnel on board and will have lunch on the ship," Director of International Security and Disarmament of the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Grata Endah Werdaningtyas said in her press conference at Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Jakarta, Thursday, February 22^nd.

Grata added that the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs during her visit to Lebanon will also visit Garuda Satgas Indobatt XXIII-L Task Force located at UNP 7-1 Adshits Alqusayr Battalion Headquarters in South Lebanon. In addition Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs will also hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Lebanon.

The main contingent of the Indonesian troops in Indobatt is the 850 personnel and 330 troop Mechanic Battalion, spread in the head quarter under the commander of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In addition to the Mechanic Battalion, there is also the Medical Battalion, the Civil Military Cooperation Battalion (CIMIC). CIMIC is part of the added value which has activities of conducting social approach to the people around Indobatt area such as providing health education and cultural and social exchange. (VOI/Rezha/ahm)

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi will make a visit to Lebanon on February 24^th. The visit was specifically conducted to meet Indonesian troops serving as the Garuda Contingent involved the UN peacekeeping force, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). It was conveyed by the Director of International Security and Disarmament of Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Grata Endah Werdaningtyas in her press conference at Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Thursday, February 22.

"The Minister's is scheduled to depart on February 24^th. Insha Allah she will arrive on February 25^th in Lebanon, in the morning. The Minister's visit will focus on visiting UNIFIL in two areas, considering our troop is asigned in the two areas, namely an infantry battalion working at Indobatt in the area named Adit Alqusayr and at a location under the Maritime Task Force in Port of Beirut," Grata Endah Werdaningtyas said in the press conference.

Grata added that the visit of Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Lebanon is an example of appreciation to Indonesian troops who joined in UNIFIL. During his visit Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs will hold a series of discussions and dialogue with Indonesian military personnel, to further explore the challenges and obstacles faced by the Garuda Contingent. Grata also believes the visit of Foreign Minister Retno to UNIFIL has its own value for Indonesia. First, this visit shows Indonesia's commitment and support to the peace efforts in Lebanon. In addition, this visit will have a positive impact on Indonesia as part of its nomination as a permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2019-2020 period. (VOI/Rezha)

Indonesian Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Djauhari Oratmangun, who was just inaugurated on Tuesday, February 20^th, said the increase of Chinese tourists to Indonesia has become one of his main priorities. Djauhari said he has a special strategy to achieve this, which called 5 S strategy. It was conveyed at Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Jakarta, Thursday, February 22.

"One is the sun, because the sun rarely shines there and we have the sun. Second is the sea, the sea is very far away from there. Third is sand or beach. Fourth, Indonesian people always smile, they are happy to meet people who always smile. Fifth is service. So 5S, in spite of the beauty of nature and culture," Jauhari Oratmangun said.

Djauhari Oratmangun added that he had used similar strategy in Russia when he was serving as Indonesian Ambassador to Russia. So far, tourist arrivals from China to Indonesia has reached about two million people by 2017 and it is targeted by 2018 the number will increase 20%. According to Djauhari Oratmangun's observations, Chinese tourist destinations are usually Jakarta, Bali, and Manado in North Sulawesi. He added that currently direct flights from China to Medan, North Sumatra and Padang, West Sumatra is being designed. (VOI/Rezha/AHM)