VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid (second from the left) meets with U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago (second from the right) and U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir (third from the right) in Jakarta on Monday (November 19, 2024). ANTARA/HO-Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry

VOInews, Jakarta : Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid met with U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago to discuss strengthening cooperation in digital technology.

"This meeting is a strategic step in strengthening relations between Indonesia and the United States, particularly in the field of digital technology, which is a key driver of inclusivity and economic growth," Hafid said in a statement released by her ministry on Tuesday (November 19).

The meeting, which took place on Monday (November 18), was also attended by U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir.

The discussion covered a range of topics, including AI development, smart cities, and strategies for creating an inclusive and equitable digital transformation in Indonesia, according to the statement.

Regarding smart cities, Hafid noted that 12 American companies are eager to cooperate on their development and are scheduled to visit Jakarta, Denpasar, and Nusantara.

She expressed hope that this growing interest from companies would lead to concrete investments and support the development of smart cities in Indonesia, particularly in the new capital, Nusantara.

"We greatly appreciate the support of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency in advancing digital infrastructure in Indonesia, including smart cities," Hafid said.

"The plan to increase connectivity and expand access to information technology is crucial to the success of this transformation," she explained.

To support digital transformation, the collaboration will also include a joint study focused on strengthening cybersecurity and advancing AI-based technology.

The minister emphasized the importance of adopting a responsible and inclusive approach to the implementation of AI in Indonesia, in line with principles of sustainability and ensuring positive impacts on the wider community.

"Through this partnership, we aim to ensure that AI not only drives innovation but also contributes to sustainable socioeconomic progress," Hafid added//Antara-VOI

An officer assists airplane passengers using the automatic gate for immigration checks at Terminal 3 of Soekarno Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten, Wednesday (3/1/2024). (ANTARA FOTO/SULTHONY HASANUDDIN)

VOInews, Canada : The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections revealed the new design of the Indonesian passport, which features the Red and White flag, at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Symposium in Montreal, Canada.

The ministry's director of immigration cooperation, Anggiat Napitupulu, explained the features of the latest generation of electronic passports, which will not only function as travel documents but also represent Indonesian identity and culture.

"The new Indonesian passport is equipped with various sophisticated security features. So, the use of 33 traditional batik motifs printed with special technology is not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for security reasons," Napitupulu said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

At the forum attended by representatives of 193 ICAO member countries, he informed that the passport chip has been connected to a radio antenna to allow for safer storage of biometric data and the holder's digital signature.

"The biodata page made of polycarbonate also makes this passport more durable and difficult to counterfeit," he said.

In addition, he emphasized that the new design of the Indonesian passport is an effort by Immigration to strengthen travel documents.

"The use of a combination of security features, raw materials, and other latest techniques according to ICAO standards is a major concern to ensure that the passport can be protected while being used for international crossings while promoting Indonesian culture with its beautiful design," he said.

During the symposium, the technique of changing shape or morphing, which poses a threat to the security of international travel documents, was discussed.

"Morphing allows someone to combine the faces of two different people in a photo so that it can be used to forge identities. To anticipate this threat, countries in the world continue to develop more sophisticated security technologies and procedures, including Indonesia," Napitupulu informed.

The ICAO Symposium took place in Montreal, Canada, from November 13–15, 2024. The forum discussed current issues in managing traveler identities.

Indonesia joined the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) network in 2019. PKD is a central repository controlled by ICAO as a medium for authenticating travel documents for each registered country and as per the format of the travel document reader machine to ensure its validity.

ICAO PKD membership allows Indonesia to exchange information with other countries to verify the authenticity of travel documents and increase cooperation in combating transnational crimes involving document misuse.

"We have joined the ICAO PKD network. Thus, our passports have been registered in the international travel information system and thus, information regarding the travel document will be shared with all international crossings of ICAO members that have registered for PKD," he added//Antara-VOI

Dancers in 'Betawi' traditional costumes perform at the opening of a sustainable fashion parade at the Thailand Pavilion during the COP29 Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday (November 18, 2024). (ANTARA FOTO/Andika Wahyu/foc)

VOInews, Baku : The Indonesian delegation promoted sustainable fashion at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, by showcasing traditional clothing made from natural materials at a fashion parade at the Thailand Pavilion.

According to the Environment and Forestry Ministry's director of forest product processing and marketing development, Ristianto Pribadi, fashion can play a role in efforts to control climate change.

For example, the use of sustainable fashion products can support efforts to cut carbon emissions and control climate change.

"Fashion must evolve to prioritize sustainability, reduce carbon and environmental footprints, and champion ethical practices. When designers, consumers, and businesses collaborate, they can forge new paths that align style with sustainability," Pribadi said in a statement released on Tuesday.

One of the natural materials used to make clothing is viscose fiber, which comes from industrial plantation forests.

According to him, cultural diversity and efforts to foster inclusiveness would strengthen bonds between the peoples of the world.

"Cultural exchange broadens our horizons and fosters mutual understanding, making us more empathetic and connected global citizens," he expounded.

Pribadi also emphasized the importance of climate action considering that climate change will have a broad impact on the balance of ecosystems at the current time and in the future.

He explained that climate action requires joint efforts from all sectors, including society, government, business actors, and individuals. All stakeholders are encouraged to actively implement sustainable practices, reduce carbon emissions, and promote renewable energy sources.

The fashion industry can set an example in implementing sustainable practices by applying circular economy principles and creating environmentally friendly innovations, he said.

"Do not forget traditional clothing. Traditional clothing can also inspire us to learn and adopt local wisdom for our more substantial commitment to climate action," he added//Antara-VOI

Irish fighter Aaron Clarke (right) lands a kick on his opponent Indonesian fighter Sony Rizaldi (left) at a competition held in Jakarta, Saturday (16/9/2023) night. ANTARA FOTO/Indrianto Eko Suwarso/foc

VOInews, Jakarta : Indonesia is set to host the GAMMA World Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship in Dewa MMA Arena of Banten province from December 11–14, 2024, which will draw participation from about 500 athletes representing 42 countries.

At a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Tuesday, Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo lauded the Mixed Martial Arts Association of Indonesia (Pertacami) for successfully bringing the international tournament to Indonesia.

He also urged the national association to scout Indonesian MMA athletes who have the potential to represent the country at similar competitions.

Ariotedjo underscored that Indonesia needs talented and skilled MMA fighters to compete at the SEA Games, Asian Games, or even the Olympics once MMA is included in the world's largest sporting event.

"We are looking forward to witnessing many fighters representing Indonesia and being successful in the MMA professional scene," he said.

The minister also expressed the hope that the MMA scene in Indonesia will develop on a massive scale.

Pertacami chair Tommy Paulus, on his part, confirmed that the Global Association of MMA (GAMMA) has given Indonesia the honor to organize the fourth iteration of the world-level championship this year.

He stated that the association has taken several preparatory steps despite facing some challenges. He hinted that the number of athletes competing at the tournament could increase, considering that the registration period has been extended till November 20.

He then called for support from all parties for the smooth running of the global tournament, which is expected to further strengthen Indonesia's image as a reliable host of international events//Antara-VOI