VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Ramadan, that started last May 6, is the holy month for Muslims all over the world. They look forward to it when people would fast and try to do more good deeds. However, in Ramadan 1440 H, this year, Palestinian Muslims in Gaza are in mourning. The Israeli bomb attack launched since Monday night, not only disrupted the devotion of worship but claimed lives and caused damage and injuries. The atmosphere of welcoming Ramadhan in the Gaza Strip was filled with grief, wounds and tears. As a result of Israeli attacks at least 12 Palestinians died. The Israelis themselves denied that some of the victims who died were caused by their attacks. Chronologically the tension that broke out into war occurred on Friday, when Palestinians in Gaza rallied against the blockade by Israeli soldiers. In the incident it was reported, a Palestinian wounded two Israeli soldiers near the border wall. Israel then responded with an air strike that left two members of Hamas forces dead. Israel thenbegan bombarding Gaza.Reaction came from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan related to the destruction of the building which was the location of the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Erdogan, through his comments on Twitter, as reported by the AFP news agency stated that Turkey and the Anadolu news agency would continue to tell the world about Israeli atrocities in Gaza and other parts of Palestine.The question is then, what is the reaction of the international community over the turmoil and Israeli attack on the Palestinian territories in Gaza? Some countries see the crisis in Gaza as a problem between the Hamas militant group and the Israeli military. Because of that, a ceasefire, and guarantee that there will be no attack will depend on Hamas and the Israeli military. But the real issue of Palestine is not just Hamas and Israeli military affairs. Recognition of sovereign Palestine is the only solution. That is a commitment that must be realized and encouraged through various efforts and negotiations.The Palestinians, has longed to live peacefully without fear of the threat of Israeli soldiers , who often carry out blind attacks in the Gaza Strip. As happened before and in the early days of Ramadan this year. A sad irony, when Muslims all over the world welcomed Ramadan with joy, Palestinian Muslims in Gaza worshiped in danger and the shadows of Israel's deadly attacks.

Ramadan is a holy month awaited by Muslims around the world, especially Indonesia with a Muslim majority. In this holy month, Muslims fast for a full month, from sunrise to sunset; they don't eat or drink; they don't do bad deeds in order to get abundant rewards. In this holy month, Muslims not only fast, but also worship as much as possible to get blessings and rewards from Allah SWT. This year, the Indonesian government set the beginning of Ramadan on Monday, May 6, 2019. This determination is based on the Islamic Conference held by Ministry of Religious Affairs on Sunday (5/5) and attended by representatives of various Islamic organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama –NU and Muhamadiyah and state representatives- friendly countries, especially neighboring countries where the majority of the population is Muslim. The determination of the beginning of fasting is usually done based on the position of the moon, considering the Islamic calendar is the lunar one. Thus, the National Aeronautics and Space Institute (LAPAN), as well as the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) also involved in the Isbat trial. Fasting is not only holding back hunger and thirst but also holding back all lusts. In addition, during fasting, Muslims are also advised to practice other acts of worship such as giving alms, increasing friendship and avoiding acts that are prohibited by Islam. In fasting, every Muslim is commanded to leave behind various passions and worldly pleasures. By fasting, every Muslim can train himself or herself to be a patient person. When fasting, Muslims are trained to be able to withstand anger and not to think negatively other people. Welcome to Ramadan!

The situation in Venezuela is heating up. The political crisis that has occurred after the General Election is tenser and the election was won by incumbent Nicolas Maduro. Opposition leader, Juan Guaido has called for his supporters to stage a demonstration on the streets every day in a bid to oust Maduro from the presidency. The tension in the Latin American country is further worsened by increasing tension in the military camp which is now splitting. The split is triggered by Guaido's claim that he has received military support. The claim is countered by Maduro because Venezuelan military officials still support Maduro. Juan Guaido had failed to carry out a military coup. One day after the failure of the coup, Guaido again mobilized thousands of supporters to stage a rally.The Venezuelan crisis triggered by a dispute between President, Nocolas Maduro and opposition leader, Juan Guaido is no longer a domestic affair. The two rival figures felt that they have received overseas support. Nicolas Maduro receives support from Russia, and Guaido from the United States. As widely reported, US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo and Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov have accused each other of the causes of the crisis in Venezuela. The United States said that Russia is the cause of the crisis, and vice versa. Latin American countries, especially Mexico are trying to be neutral, and they push to hold a conference to find a solution.From the current situation, it is still not predictable when the crisis in Venezuela will come to an end. This crisis has occurred since January 10, 2019 due to a dispute over the presidential election results. Finally, this has caused the country's political and economic conditions to worsen. Thousands of Venezuelans have left their countries to flee to neighboring countries to avoid conflicts that have not yet been resolved.Whether the flame in Venezuela to be soon extinguished or even it further burns the country will depend on President Maduro and opposition leader, Juan Guaido to solve it or win the battle of power by finding the country in ruins, or finding solutions to the happiness of their people.

April 30, 2019 is a historic day for the Japanese because since the modern era, this is the first time a Japanese Emperor has abdicated. Usually, succession occurs because the Emperor is dead. It also became the end of the Heisei era and entered the new era of Reiwa. This new era was also special because this period marked original Japanese taken from 8th century poetry. Before this, 247 periods used nuances of culture outside of Japan. Japan inherited by crown prince Naruhito is indeed no longer the same as Japan inherited by Emperor Akihito. Japan in the Heisei period was in a condition called economic miracle, even magical. Rising from destruction after World War II and transforming into an economic power. However, there was  price to be  paid, the Japanese military role was reduced to become self defence  forces. Such was  the development of Japan that it  became the number 2 economy in the world after the United States. But the era was followed by the eruption of the growth bubble into a dragged economy. This period has until now been called a lost decade. But even though there was a succession, the Emperor who would assume his position faced quite a challenge. The Japanese economy has lagged behind the People's Republic of China whiiich is now  the number 2 economy. The nuclear threat from North Korea is also a scourge for Japan. Domestically, there is a desire from the government to make the Japanese military play a leading role. It is important because the neighboring  Chinese military is growing rapidly. The emperor meanwhile, does not have administrative political power but is still respected by his people. Indonesia welcomed this succession with the presence of a special Presidential envoy for Japan. The hope of this succession is in accordance with the Reiwa era, namely balanced internal and external harmony. Goodbye Heisei era, Welcome Reiwa era.