VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Chairperson of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) Marciano Norman in ANTARA's podcast in Jakarta, Thursday (March 14, 2024). (ANTARA/FAJAR SATRIYO) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : Chairperson of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) Marciano Norman expressed optimism that Indonesian athletes will perform better in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11.

He underlined that KONI and the community, especially sports fans, support the Indonesian contingent.

"Of course, we hope and believe that the performances of Indonesian athletes will be able to make surprising achievements," he said in a statement issued on the KONI website that ANTARA accessed here on Sunday.

In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Indonesia grabbed one gold, one silver, and three silver medals.

Norman expressed appreciation for the efforts that have been made by athletes and sports associations to qualify for the prestigious multi-sport event.

"To all Indonesian athletes and coaches who have worked hard to secure tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics, I express my gratitude, highest appreciation, and respect," the KONI chairperson remarked.

Earlier, Chairman of the Indonesian National Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Oktohari stated that the number of Indonesian athletes qualifying for the Paris Olympics can increase, as the qualification competitions are still underway for several sports until June 2024.

The KOI will set a medal target for the 2024 Paris Olympics after all qualification matches end in June 2024.

"After all sports undergo qualification, we will sit along with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to determine the medal target at the Olympics," he remarked//Antara-VOI

Some prospective passengers wait at the Bakauheni Port in Lampung, to cross to the Merak Port, Banten, on April 14, 2024. ANTARA/Aloysius Lewokeda - 

VOInews, Jakarta : Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the return flow on the third day after Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijri from Sumatra Island to Java Island had not shown a significant increase in passengers or vehicles.

"With the relaxation carried out yesterday, today (the return flow) is relatively flat," he told reporters at the Bakauheni Port here on Sunday.

Minister Sumadi on Sunday visited the Bakauheni Port in Lampung in order to monitor the Eid return flow condition.

At the location, he was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Head of the National Police Traffic Corps Inspector General Aan Suhanan, President Director of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry Ira Puspadewi, and several officials.

He said the relaxation in the form of making ticket invalid for the first 24 hours which is being enforced on April 11-21, 2024 has significantly reduced the return flow density.

He said the number of ferries can still accommodate the numbers of travelers in the return flow from Sumatra to Java.

On that occasion, Sumadi praised the Lampung Regional Police that has implemented the red-green-yellow mechanism for handling return flow.

The red return flow condition means that it is very dense so that many ferries must be operated quickly from Bakauheni Port to Merak Port.

"So the ferries must go directly from here (Bakauheni Port) to there (Merak Port), unload the passengers, and return again from there without loading," he said.

To anticipate the surge in passengers at Bakauheni Port, his side operates Lampung's Panjang Port for ferry crossings to Ciwandan Port in Banten, he said.

He hoped that travelers can take advantage of Panjang Port to get crossed to Java Island//Antara-VOI

VOInews, Jakarta: Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lalu Muhammad Iqbal emphasized that as of today Indonesia has no plans to open diplomatic relations with Israel. Moreover, according to him, currently Israel continues to commit atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza.

VOINews, Jakarta: Eid in Japan this year is a unique moment because it coincides with the cherry blossoms, adding to the beauty of the holiday atmosphere.
"This Eid we are blessed with bright sunshine and cherry blossoms at their peak. So that the solemnity of worship is accompanied by a bright and happy atmosphere. We are very grateful for this gift for Indonesian citizens in Japan," said Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi in Tokyo, Wednesday (10/4).

Cherry blossoms in Japan usually start blooming from late March to mid-April, so the beauty of the flower season which is a symbol of the Samurai country can be enjoyed during Eid al-Fitr 1445 H which coincides with April 10, 2024.
The Indonesian diaspora and other citizens certainly do not want to miss the momentum just like that because next year it may no longer coincide because the Ramadan period is getting ahead of the Gregorian date.

Cherry blossoms grew in abundance in front of the Tokyo Indonesian Mosque and the Tokyo Ambassador House, where Indonesian citizens, diplomats and representatives of friendly countries gathered. Almost all participants of the gathering captured the moment of Eid with the cherry blossoms in the background.

Ambassador Heri hopes that with the friendship, the brotherhood between Indonesian citizens will be stronger and also become a bridge of friendship with Japanese citizens and other citizens.

"To the residents, I convey to keep in touch and strengthen harmony, and continue to maintain the good name of Indonesia," he said.

In addition to being shaded by sakura, the gathering was complemented by Indonesian dishes and religious music by Indonesian musicians.  The warm atmosphere was also felt by one of the Indonesian citizens, Kiara, who has lived in Tokyo for two years.

"The event was really fun and warm. Especially since we are far from home. It's nice to be able to gather with Indonesian people," she said. (Daniel)

Source: ANTARA