VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

 The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) will also cover the investment and service sectors, such as health and education, in addition to the trade sector, Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated.

"The two countries will build partnership that combines service and partnership in sectors attractive for Indonesia, such as the health and education sector, as well as training," Kalla noted at the signing of IA-CEPA in JS Luwansa Hotel here on Monday.

In the service sector, the two countries will explore cooperation in the sectors of mining, energy, iron and steel, finance, vocational and higher education, tourism, health, and agribusiness.

Kalla said investment in the vocational and higher education sector has become one focus of cooperation to improve the quality of human resources.

"The next major agenda for Indonesia is to improve the quality of human resources to make us more competitive. I am waiting for investment in university and training and vocational education in Indonesia," he elaborated.

The vice president has expressed hope that the agreement would enhance bilateral ties and open wider business opportunities for people in both countries.

"IA-CEPA is a different agreement from those we have with other countries. IA-CEPA is based on strategic aims to grow together as neighboring countries," he remarked.

IA-CEPA was signed by Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita and Australian Trade, Tourism, and Investment Minister Simon Birmingham.

Lukita said the agreement will strengthen economic cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, including in trade, investment, and vocational training.

"It is a precious moment, as after nine years of negotiations, finally the Indonesia-Australia CEPA can be signed," he remarked.

The partnership was first launched in 2010, but it was stalled in 2013 and reactivated in March 2016.

The agreement will eliminate 100 percent of tariff on goods from Indonesia to Australia, and 94 percent of tariff on goods from Australia to Indonesia.

In investment and services, both countries will have greater access, including in the training program.(ant)

President Joko Widodo appreciates the diversity of the Indonesian sarong. This was revealed by the President when he and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo attended the Sarong Festival at the  Southeast Plaza of Bung Karno National Stadium Complex, Jakarta, Sunday, March 3, 2019.

"I saw from several provinces that we all have sarong production. Both in the form of weaving, some in the form of songket, some in the form of batik, and other types of sarongs. This is a cultural diversity that is not owned by other nations," said the President .

Therefore, the President said that there will be a certain day in one month to wear sarongs together. "It can be once a week, it can be every two weeks, it can be once a month. We'll see later," said the Head of State.

The cultural diversity contained in this sarong, according to the President, must be placed in the best place. This is a form of our appreciation for the work and production of sarongs from every province that has a variety of patterns, motifs and colors, and has a high philosophy.

"I really appreciate the Festival of Sarong that was held today. Hopefully we all give awards, give appreciation to the works exhibited today," said the President as reported by the press release of the Deputy of Protocol, Press and Media of the Presidential Secretariat, Bey Machmudin.

On that occasion, the President and Mrs. Iriana both wore a long-sleeved white shirt and gloved in maroon. Upon arrival at the venue, both of them first reviewed the existing stands, including the Dekranasda booth in NTT and Belu, Rusari booth, to the sarong craft stand from the Donggala, Sigi, Lombok, Lampung and Banten affected areas.

After giving a speech, the President took the time to try the sarong weaving on the stage with Syamsudin, a weaving craftsman from Gresik.

Previously, the President also attended and greeted at the Blangkon Association and Nusantara Shawl Gathering at the West Plaza  Bung Karno National Stadium Complex.

Accompanying the President and Ms. Iriana in this event included, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Religion Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, and Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi.

In addition, there was also present the Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the President Sri Adiningsih, member of the Advisory Council of President Sidarto Danusubroto, and Chair of the Manila IGK 2019 Glove Festival. (biro pers )