President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received the Order of Zayed from United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his great endeavors to strengthen the two countries' bilateral relations. ANTAR/HO-Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden - 

VOInews, Jakarta : President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received the Order of Zayed from United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his notable endeavors to strengthen both nations' bilateral relations.

The prestigious award was conferred to the seventh Indonesian president when the two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Presidential Palace, Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The Order of Zayed is the highest civilian honor that the UAE leader confers to world leaders and heads of state. The recipients include Xi Jinping from China, Narendra Modi from India, and Vladimir Putin from Russia.

According to the Indonesian government's press statement that ANTARA received here, Thursday, Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto is also noted as the recipient of a similar award.

The UAE leader was quoted as saying that the Order of Zayed granted to Jokowi was proof of his appreciation for the Indonesian president's profound endeavors to push forward the bilateral relationship.

The UAE leader, better known as MBZ in Indonesia, also prayed for President Jokowi's good health and the advancement and prosperity of the Indonesian people.

In response to the granted award, President Jokowi expressed his high appreciation and pride, saying that the Order of Zayed conferred to him reflected the two countries' special relations.

On a separate occasion, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also conferred the Order of the Union on Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan for his contribution to endeavors to strengthen strategic partnership between the UAE and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, regarding the result of Wednesday's bilateral meeting, the two presidents witnessed the announcement of eight deliverables of the agreements:

• An MoU between the Indonesian Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises and UAE real estate developer Eagle Hills on tourism and air transportation;
• An MoU between the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) and the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority on establishing a financial center in Nusantara;
• An MoU between Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and Emirates Nuclear Energy (ENEC) on nuclear energy;
• An MoU between Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Central Bank of the UAE (UAECB) on payment systems;
• An MoU between the finance ministries of Indonesia and the UAE on public finance management;
• A framework agreement between PT Dirgantara Indonesia and PAL Aerospace on technology transfer of maritime patrol aircraft and anti-submarine warfare;
• An MoU between PLN Icon+ and an Emirati state-owned renewable energy company for joint assessment and a commercial and industrial study for rooftop solar installations in Indonesia;
• An MoU between the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund of the UAE on developing the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Center in Bali//ANTARA-VOI

Screenshot—President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the inauguration of the Jokowi Learning Center at Kebangsaan High School, South Lampung district, Lampung, on Thursday (July 11, 2024). (ANTARA/Andi Firdaus) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) opened the Jokowi Learning Center, an educational facility, at Kebangsaan High School, South Lampung district, Lampung, on Thursday.

"The goal of building this school is to improve people's quality of life, especially the lower middle class," he said in his speech at the inauguration event.

According to him, students at the facility represent 28 provinces of Indonesia. It is supported by a neat building landscape, a beautiful environment, and modern learning equipment.

He underlined that Indonesia currently needs excellent human resources to respond to the competition between countries.

"No matter how good the infrastructure is, if the quality of human resources is bad, it would be unfortunate. It would be visible in the ranking; now, every year, there is World Competitiveness Ranking from IMD," he said.

The competitiveness ranking, he added, is based on achievements in infrastructure, technology, and innovation, including education and health.

"Unfortunately, in terms of competitiveness, even though ours rose seven levels, very good, but for education and health, we are ranked 57th, 58th. Our rank in the World Competitiveness Ranking is already at 27th," he pointed out.

He then invited investors to invest in facilities like the Jokowi Learning Center.

He said that with more facilities like the one at Kebangsaan High School, Indonesia's ranking would climb.

According to the President, global competitiveness is determined by the speed of development based on the capacity of competitive human resources.

"It is not about big countries beating small countries, no, not superpower countries beating small countries, no. But, fast countries will beat slow countries and we want to be a fast country, with human resources who master everything, technological innovation, everything," he said//Antara-VOI

President Joko Widodo inspects the ceremonial troops using jeeps (Photo : Muklis Jr. Setpres) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : President Joko Widodo acted as the ceremonial inspector leading the 78th Bhayangkara Day Commemoration Ceremony in 2024 which was held at the National Monument (Monas), Jakarta, on Monday, July 1 2024. At exactly 16.00 WIB, the ceremony began with a national greeting.

After being on the podium of honor, President Jokowi received a report from the ceremony commander who on that occasion was the Police Commissioner. I Ketut Gede Adi Wibawa. President Jokowi then carried out an inspection of the troops using an open jeep.

In his message, President Jokowi conveyed his congratulations on the 78th Bhayangkara Day to the entire National Police family. The President also expressed his gratitude for the dedication and hard work of members of the National Police in maintaining security stability and the national development agenda.

"Thank you for your hard work, for the dedication of all members of the National Police in maintaining the stability and security of the 2024 Election democratic process and Indonesia's big development agendas so that our nation is able to continue to grow amidst the current global challenges and uncertainty," said the President.

On this occasion, President Jokowi also awarded the Bhayangkara Nararya Star as part of a series of events to commemorate the 78th anniversary of Bhayangkara Day. Officially, the President bestowed this honor through Presidential Decree Number 59/TK/TH 2024 dated 14 June 2024 to 3 representatives who received the title, namely:
1. Police Commissioner. Dedy Murti Haryadi, Koorspriprim Polri;
2. AKP Tati Rusmiati, Kaurreglittap Subbagrehabpers Bidpropam West Java Regional Police; And
3. Aipda Dwi Kuntoro, Danton 2 Kie 3 Yon B Men II Paspelopor Korbrimob Polri.

After the ceremony, President Jokowi together with Mrs. Iriana and other invited guests watched the presentation of the Police Academy Cadets' Drum Corps and the parachuting attraction. President Jokowi also witnessed the troop march.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Monday (01/07/24), President Jokowi cut the tumpeng which was then handed over to the National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and Ipda Adira Rizki Nugroho (2022 Adhimakayasa winner). Meanwhile, pieces of tumpeng from Mrs. Iriana were handed over to Mrs. Juliati Listyo Sigit and AKP Yuni Utami (2023 Hoegeng Award winners).

Also accompanying the President and Mrs. Iriana Joko Widodo at the ceremony were Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and Mrs. Wury Ma'ruf Amin, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and his wife, and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto and his wife. Apart from that, there were also leaders of high-ranking state institutions, Ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, as well as ambassadors of friendly countries//VOI

President Joko Widodo after delivery an introduction while leading a plenary cabinet session at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (Jule 1, 2024). ANTARA/Hafidz Mubarak A/YU - 

VOInews, Jakarta : President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) extended wishes to the Indonesian Police (Polri) on the 78th anniversary of Bhayangkara Day on July 1, 2024, and called on the personnel to continue to serve the public with dedication.

The president conveyed this via the social media account X @jokowi monitored in Jakarta on Monday.

"Happy 78th Birthday Bhayangkara," the president wrote while starting his greeting.

President Jokowi expressed hope that the momentum offered by Bhayangkara's 78th anniversary would drive the spirit to uphold courage and innovation in safeguarding Pancasila and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). He also called on the Polri to always serve the people.

"The spirit to always uphold the courage, innovation, solidarity, and honor of the Polri in protecting Pancasila and NKRI always serving the community wholeheartedly," he remarked.

The big theme of this year's anniversary is "Polri Precision Supports the Acceleration of Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Transformation Towards Golden Indonesia."

Head of the Public Information Bureau at Polri's Public Relations Division, Brig. Gen. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, stated that the peak of the commemoration of Bhayangkara's anniversary was enlivened by the people's party at Monas, Jakarta.

On this occasion, Andiko also expects Polri to garner greater love from the public//Antara-VOI

Indonesian President Joko Widodo shoke hands with World Water Council President Loic Fauchon after opening the ceremony at Bali International Convention Center on Monday (20/05/24) (Photo : Infopublik.id) - 

VOInews, Bali : Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo opened the High-Level Meeting of the 10^th World Water Forum at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Bali, on Monday morning, 20 May.

President Jokowi stated that countries worldwide should use the largest global water forum as momentum to revitalize real action and joint commitment to water by sharing knowledge, encouraging innovative solutions, and implementing integrated water resources management.

“It aims to strengthen commitment and formulate real actions related to inclusive and sustainable water management,” Jokowi said.

The President also emphasized water’s crucial and central role in human life. Water’s importance is so great that it is often referred to as the next oil of the future.

From the economic perspective, President Jokowi said that water shortages could slow economic growth by up to 6 percent by 2050.

Therefore, before the participants of the 10th World Water Forum, President Jokowi revealed that in the last 10 years, Indonesia has strengthened its water infrastructure by building 42 dams and 1.18 million hectares of irrigation networks; rehabilitating 43 million hectares of irrigation networks; and constructing 2,156 kilometers of flood control and coastal protection.

Indonesia also utilizes water resources by building the Ciatra Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS). The PLTS is the largest in Southeast Asia.

“But all these efforts are not enough. Water and sanitation problems will become increasingly serious in the future. These efforts must be strengthened at the global level, involving the state, the private sector, and civil society. The 10th World Water Forum is a strategic step to take real action and to make a joint commitment to realize integrated water resources management,” the President said.

According to the President, Indonesia has consistently pushed for three things at the forum. First, it aims to enhance the principles of solidarity and inclusiveness to address common challenges, especially for small island countries that experience water scarcity.

The second is empowering hydro-diplomacy for concrete and innovative cooperation according to the needs of recipient countries while preventing competition in managing cross-border water resources based on international law. 

The third is strengthening political leadership as the key to the success of various forms of cooperation toward sustainable water security.

For those reasons, Indonesia has adopted four new initiatives, namely the establishment of World Lake Day; the establishment of the Center of Excellence in the Asia Pacific Region for water and climate security; sustainable water management in small island countries, and the promotion of water projects to ensure political commitment, translating our words into tangible action.

“Water is more than just a natural resource, it’s a collaborative force that binds us together and unites us. Preserving water is our collective responsibility,” President Jokowi concluded in his remarks.

Previously, World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon encouraged the heads of state and delegations present to incorporate the right to water into the constitutions, laws, and regulations of their respective countries. He emphasized that this step would expedite the achievement of justice for access to water and sanitation worldwide.

“So, step by step, we can advocate for the right to access water to be upheld for everyone,” he said.

On that occasion, Loïc Fauchon announced that his organization would introduce the "Money for Water" coalition at the upcoming United Nations conference and extend invitations to all countries to join. The coalition aims to address sub-sovereignty and water debt cancellation for the world's poorest countries.

“We aim to ensure that majority climate funding is primarily dedicated to water, including wastewater,” he stated.

In concluding his remarks, Loïc Fauchon also called on international action to ensure more active and decentralized governance based on multilateral cooperation.

“As we do in this forum, it is also important to strengthen mediation rules for rivers, lakes, and watersheds. Water diplomacy brings peace to the shores, instead of bringing war to the river,” he added.

Apart from that, hydro-diplomacy represents a concrete and innovative approach to managing cross-border water resources.

As an outcome of the forum, a ministerial declaration will be ratified, incorporating three of Indonesia's national interests, namely proposing World Lakes Day, establishing a Center of Excellence for Water and Climate Security, and advocating for integrated water resources management on small islands.

In addition to opening the High-Level Meeting, President Jokowi is also scheduled to visit Tahura Ngurah Rai, Bali, accompanied by state leaders and delegates from the 10^th World Water Forum//VOI

President Joko Widodo delivers his remarks while officiating Panua Airport, the newest domestic airport in Pohuwato District, Gorontalo Province, Monday (April 22, 2024). ANTARA/HO-Diskominfotik Provinsi Gorontalo/nbl - 

VOInews, Gorontalo : President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expected Panua Airport, the newest domestic airport in Gorontalo Province's Pohuwato District to bolster the regional economy as well as the mobility of passengers and logistics.

"I am glad, praise be to God that Panua Airport in Pohuwato District has been completed. Transportation Minister (Budi Karya Sumadi) told me that Rp473 billion (US$29.14 million) has been spent for the development," the president stated while officiating the airport here on Monday.

He said the airport development proved Indonesia is keen to make faster progress in its national economy and development.

"(It is) because in the future, the case is not larger countries that overpower smaller countries, but countries (whose development) progress is faster will beat countries who lag behind," Jokowi stated.

The president also instructed Panua Airport's runway of 1,200 x 30 meters to be extended to allow larger aircraft to land.

"I instructed (officials) to take measures to extend the runway length this year, if possible, or next year by the latest," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Minister Sumadi stated that the airport is one of the president's commitments to ensuring equitable development across the country.

"The airport is one of the legacies of the president who always instructs us to develop airports in all corners of the nation," the minister said.

He highlighted that the high budget of Rp473 billion disbursed for Panua Airport's development aims to improve the soil condition in the airport area before the construction commences.

The president arrived at Panua Airport for the inauguration on Monday at 7:51 a.m. local time. He departed from Djalaluddin Airport in the province's capital aboard an ATR 72-600 aircraft, the largest aircraft currently being served at the new airport.

Before being officially opened by the president, the inaugural flight from and to Panua Airport had taken place on February 18, 2024//Antara - VOI

File - President Joko Widodo walks near humanitarian aid packages for Palestine and Sudan at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on April 3, 2024. (ANTARA FOTO/Asprilla Dwi Adha/tom) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : Indonesian Joko Widodo released humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people in Egypt and the Sudanese people affected by the internal conflict and disease outbreak in Sudan. Indonesian humanitarian aid was released by the President from the Halim Perdanakusuma Indonesian Air Force Base, Jakarta, Wednesday (3/4/2024).

The President said that Indonesia was concerned about the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, Palestine, and the internal conflict that occurred in Sudan which causes many victims. The aid sent according to official request from the government of Egypt and Sudan.

"The aid sent today is worth approximately 30 billion rupiah. In the form of medicines and health equipment And also other aid, which is tailored to existing needs in the field. In accordance with official requests from the governments of Egypt and Sudan. President Joko Widodo explained that the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Agency, Suharyanto, led a delegation to deliver aid to Egypt and Sudan", President said. 

The Indonesian government, through the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received a diplomatic note from Egypt and Sudan regarding a request for humanitarian assistance for the people there who are facing conflict and disease outbreaks.

In this note, the Egyptian government hopes for assistance from the Indonesian government in handling Palestinian refugees entering Egypt region, around Rafah Egypt (North Sinai Desert), due to the Israeli invasion of the Gaza region, Palestine//(NDY-YT) 

Indonesian Presiden Joko Widodo and a Dayak tribal commander at a meeting of the TBBR Red Army in Pontianak, West Kalimantan (Photo : Kalbar) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The National Dayak Traditional Council (MADN) has expressed their support for the development of Indonesia's new national capital (IKN), Nusantara.

“We, the Dayak tribe, through the National Dayak Traditional Council, have made a joint declaration supporting IKN in East Kalimantan,” said Andersius Namsi, MADN's vice president for internal affairs, in a statement released by the Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN) on Saturday.

The council also urged cooperation in addressing any shortcomings in the project.

“There may be something lacking or even wrong; we can fix it together. We remind the government; we remind the authorities building the IKN,” he added.

He further said that all people are allowed to have different opinions and be critical of things. However, the criticism should be constructive and offer some solutions.

“We welcome constructive criticism that respects Dayak cultural customs,” Namsi added.

He also expressed concern over a Dayak tribe commander who opposed the IKN development project.

“MADN is very concerned about a Dayak citizen claiming to be the commander who condemned the IKN development project in East Kalimantan,” he said.

Namsi emphasized the importance of using constructive criticism in accordance with Dayak customs and culture rather than expressing condemnation.

He said that the Dayak commanders have developed their abilities to help and provide protection to the Dayak indigenous people when necessary//ANTARA - VOI

The picture of Indonesian state palace in Nusantara Capital City (Archive : Setpres) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The fifth phase of groundbreaking in Indonesia’s new capital city Nusantara took place to commence the development of projects worth US$3.17 billion of investment in total.

The Nusantara Capital Authority Deputy for Socio - cultural Affairs and People's Empowerment, Alimuddin, noted in North Penajam Paser District, East Kalimantan, on Saturday that the fifth phase of groundbreaking in Nusantara that took place on February 29 and March 1 serves as a testament to the continued development of Indonesia's future capital city. 

He further emphasized that the government would continue to develop the city while protecting the rights of every affected citizen instead of conducting arbitrary evictions//ANTARA - VOI

Torchlight parade to welcomes Ramadan in several parts of Indonesia (Photo : Archive) - 

VOInews, Banda Aceh : The holy month of Ramadan is getting closer and all Muslims in various parts of the world are starting to prepare themselves to welcome it.

The various cultures and tribes in Indonesia have resulted in the emergence of various traditions of welcoming Ramadan in each region with their own characteristics. The tradition of welcoming Ramadan is passed down from generation to generation as an effort to preserve culture and customs.

This tradition certainly has a deep meaning which aims to purify oneself, forgive each other, pray for each other and build friendship in welcoming the holy month.

In Aceh there is a tradition called Meugang. This tradition is to welcoming Ramadan in Aceh. It has been embedded in the lives of the people of Aceh since the time of the Aceh Darussalam kingdom, lasting since the 14th century.

The meugang tradition is an activity of cooking beef, goat or buffalo in each house the day before the month of Ramadan begins. This meat dish is enjoyed by all family members, relatives, even orphans together.

Traditions are not only carried out when welcoming the month of Ramadan but also when welcoming Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. This aims to strengthen relationships between people through important religious moments.

Meanwhile in West Sumatera there is Malamang tradition. A unique tradition of welcoming the month of Ramadan in West Sumatra is called Malamang. The community together makes traditional food, namely lemang, with great joy. This tradition aims to maintain the value of togetherness in Minangkabau society with simple activities.

Marpangir in North Sumatra, a unique tradition in North Sumatra in welcoming the month of Ramadan is called Marpangir. Activities that involve traditional bathing where the water is mixed with leaves or spices, such as pandan leaves, lemongrass leaves, kaffir lime, flowers, ylang-ylang, lime leaves, vetiver and areca nut flowers as a fragrance ingredient. This tradition is carried out by the people of North Sumatra as a form of self-cleaning before welcoming the month of Ramadan.

Cucurak in West Java, in Sundanese means having fun and gathering with family to welcome the month of Ramadan. Cucurak is done by gathering with the family and eating together using banana leaves while sitting on the floor. The menu served is liwet rice, tempeh, salted fish as well as chili sauce and fresh vegetables. This tradition is a form of invitation to give thanks to each other for the blessings and sustenance given by God.

Padusan in Yogyakarta, welcoming Ramadhan, the people of Yogyakarta do Padusan. In Javanese, padusan comes from the word "adus" which means bathing. This tradition is carried out by soaking or bathing in wells or springs. Padusan is an effort to purify oneself, cleanse the body and soul in welcoming the holy month of Ramadan. This tradition is also an effort to self-introspection about mistakes that have been made so that carrying out worship is calmer.

Nyorog in Jakarta, the Betawi tribe or indigenous people of Jakarta preserve many of their traditions such as the Nyorog tradition. This tradition takes the form of giving or sending food parcels to older family members, such as parents or in-laws who live in different houses or to elder figures in the local area. These gifts can include sugar, coffee milk, rice, meat or various other raw food ingredients. This has more meaning than just sharing food, but also as a form of respect for elders and establishing friendship to strengthen ties of brotherhood between people.

Torch parade in Palembang, ahead of Ramadan, hundreds of students carry out a torch relay to joyfully welcome the holy month of Ramadan. The torch relay is carried out by going around the village together carrying torches and chanting prayers at night. When hundreds of students carry out a torchlight parade at night with prayers and blessings, it indicates that the holy month of Ramadan is getting closer. In this activity, the enthusiasm of the community was also great by watching the unique tradition of the torch relay before Ramadan//ANTARA-VOI