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July
Tropical Cyclone Freddy is the longest tropical cyclone on record at 36 days: WMO
Written by nuke-
- Freddy was 36 days at tropical storm status or higher, beating record of John (1994) -
VOInews, Geneva : The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared Tropical Cyclone Freddy to be the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, at 36 days. Freddy crossed the Indian Ocean basin, starting off the coast of Northwest Australia and reached southern Africa, in February and March 2023. It caused major human and economic losses in the worst-affected countries.
A WMO international committee of experts working under the auspices of the Weather and Climate Extremes Archive conducted a detailed analysis and verification of the distance and duration. The evaluation committee recognized Tropical Cyclone (TC) Freddy’s duration of 36.0 days at tropical storm status or higher as the new world record for the longest tropical cyclone duration.
“Freddy was a remarkable tropical cyclone, not only for its longevity but also for its ability to survive multiple land interactions, which unfortunately had significant consequences for southeast African populations," says Chris Velden, committee member and tropical cyclone/satellite expert from the University of Wisconsin, USA.
“This investigation highlights the meticulous care that the WMO undertakes in certifying all weather observations. Such painstaking evaluation provides the critical confidence that our global records of all weather phenomena are properly measured,” said Randall Cerveny, Rapporteur of Climate and Weather Extremes for WMO.
According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Monday (01/07/24), WMO will update its Archive of Weather and Climate Extremes to reflect the new record. The archive includes the world’s highest and lowest temperatures, rainfall, heaviest hailstone, longest dry period, maximum gust of wind, longest lightning flash and weather-related mortalities. It is used by weather historians and, increasingly, by policy makers.
“The extremes presented for adjudication for the WMO Weather and Climate Extremes Archive are ‘snapshots’ of our current climate. It is possible, and indeed likely, that greater extremes will occur in the future. When such observations are made, new WMO evaluation committees will be formed to adjudicate these observations,” said Randall Cerveny.
The WMO evaluation committee consisted of experts from the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Melbourne (Bureau of Meteorology, Australia), the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) La Réunion (Météo-France, France) that forecasted TC Freddy, as well as scientists from Spain, Canada, Hong Kong China, and the United States//VOI
June
The Indonesian Embassy in Manila showcases Indonesian products and culture in the Philippines.
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
The "Indonesia Expo 2024" exhibition opened at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2, Makati City, Philippines, on Friday (June 28, 2024). (Photo by: ANTARA/HO-KBRI Manila)
VOINews, Jakarta: The Indonesian Embassy in Manila is hosting the Indonesia Expo 2024 at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2, Makati City from June 28 to 30, 2024, to showcase Indonesian products and culture in the Philippines.
In his opening remarks on Friday (June 28), Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo highlighted that this exhibition is one of the Embassy's efforts to enhance mutual understanding and foster closer economic collaboration between Indonesia and the Philippines.
“The Indonesia Expo 2024 is a tangible manifestation of the Indonesian Embassy's mission in Manila to strengthen economic and cultural relations with the host country,” Ambassador Widjojo stated in a written statement on Saturday.
As reportd by Antara The exhibition’s theme, “Build Strong Connection with the Best of Indonesia in the Philippines,” reflects the Embassy’s commitment to bringing high-quality Indonesian products to the Philippine market and providing visitors with a rich Indonesian cultural experience.
A variety of cultural performances, live bands, and side events are planned to entertain visitors throughout the three-day exhibition. These include angklung workshops, cooking demonstrations, coffee brewing, and Batik painting.
Participants of the Indonesia Expo 2024 include established Indonesian companies already present in the Philippine market, as well as Filipino importers distributing Indonesian products.
The exhibition features a wide range of product categories, including halal food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, herbal medicines, confectionery, fashion and accessories, household products, logistics and surveying services, health and beauty products, and stationery.
This diverse mix of products aims to showcase Indonesia’s top offerings and business opportunities to meet various needs and preferences of the Philippine market.
The Indonesia Expo has grown significantly since its first event in 2022 at SM Megamall and its second in 2023 at The Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia.
Each year, the Indonesian Embassy in Manila strives to expand its offerings and refine the exhibition concept to provide the best representation of Indonesian products to the Philippine market and better service to exhibitors. This growth reflects the increasing interest and significance of Indonesian products in the Philippines.
The opening of the Indonesia Expo 2024 was attended by ambassadors and representatives from ASEAN member countries, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, the Indonesian Consul General in Davao, the Mayor of Makati City, the Philippine Halal Export and Promotion Board, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Los Banos, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc., Expedia Management Inc., the Philippine Marketing Association, and the Philippine Coffee Board./Antara/VOI.
June
Indonesia-Thailand Share Lessons and Economic Cooperation Opportunities
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesia shares its experience of economic resilient growth after Covid-19 with Thailand. Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto on Wednesday (26/6), welcomed a delegation from the Thai Parliament at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office, Jakarta.
According to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs' website, Thursday (27/6/2024), the Thai delegation led by Parit Wacharasindhu, Chairman of the Thai Parliament's Commission for Political Development, Mass Communication and Public Participation, wanted to know the policy direction and potential for cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand.
"Indonesia is a country that has three time zones, so decentralisation is the key, as growth is not to be centralised. Indonesia wants each region to have the same growth so that development does not only occur in Java Island, but also around eastern and western Indonesia," Airlangga explained.
Airlangga added that one of the efforts is to develop Special Economic Zones. The Indonesian government has nearly 22 special economic zones throughout Indonesia, and one of Indonesia's policies is to develop downstream industries.
Airlangga also explained that for the manufacturing industry, Indonesia has launched Indonesia 4.0. Indonesia has also focused on critical minerals which only two years ago the United States and Europe realised the importance of critical minerals.
Airlangga also explained that Indonesia produces 50 million tonnes of CPO and is developing biodiesel 35. According to Airlangga, Thailand's strength in producing sugar, including raw sugar, in the next phase Thailand can build ethanol which can be another opportunity for cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand.
"We need to make investments that increase energy self-sufficiency in ASEAN countries. And I think that's important for this sector. So, I think in those two issues, regarding palm oil and natural rubber, I think we have to work together," Airlangga said.
Furthermore, regarding EV, Airlangga said that critical minerals such as nickel, copper, cobalt, and aluminium, which are raw materials for new and renewable energy, are found in Indonesia. On the occasion, Airlangga explained that there are opportunities for cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand in the electric vehicle development chain.
In the digitalisation sector, under Indonesia's leadership in the 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship, a digital economy framework agreement (DEFA) has been launched, one of which is expected to facilitate transactions.
"So with the spirit of ASEAN, we want to further integrate people and establish economic relations between ASEAN countries. For digitalisation itself, with the digital economy framework agreement, the ASEAN economy can increase to 2 trillion dollars (USD)," he said.
During the meeting, Airlangga also explained in more detail other matters asked by the Thai Delegation, one of which was related to policies that support MSMEs.
Airlangga also explained about Indonesia's support for start-ups not only through funding but also training. During the meeting, Indonesia and Thailand were open to potential cooperation that could be established between the two countries.
"In ASEAN, if Indonesia and Thailand work together, I think there are many things we can achieve for our ASEAN," Airlangga concluded.
Source: Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs
June
UN chief tells consumer tech firms: own the harm your products cause
Written by nuke
FILE PHOTO: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, U.S., June 5, 2024. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado/File Photo -
VOInews, New York : United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday demanded that big consumer technology firms take responsibility and "acknowledge the damage your products are inflicting on people and communities."
Taking aim at the companies, which he did not name, and their social media platforms, he said: "You have the power to mitigate harm to people and societies around the world. You have the power to change business models that profit from disinformation and hate".
He warned that "opaque algorithms push people into information bubbles and reinforce prejudices including racism, misogyny and discrimination of all kinds" with common targets being women, refugees, migrants, and minorities.
Guterres was speaking at a news conference to launch a set of U.N. global principles for information integrity, which he called a starting point to combat misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.
"Some stakeholders carry an outsized responsibility," he added. "For them, I have a clear message: We demand action."
He said advertisers and the public relations industry must stop monetizing harmful content, citing the climate crisis.
"Creatives - don't use your talents to greenwash. PR agencies – look for clients who aren't misleading people and destroying our planet," Guterres said.
He urged media outlets to raise and enforce editorial standards and "find advertisers who are part of the solution, not the problem," while saying governments should commit to a free, viable, independent, and plural media landscape.
Guterres also told governments to: "Ensure regulations uphold human rights. Refrain from drastic measures, including blanket internet shutdowns. Respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression."
Last week, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for a warning label to be added to social media apps as a reminder that those platforms have caused harm to young people, especially adolescents//CNA-VOI
June
Rangnick leads Austria to brink of Euro 2024 knockout stages
Written by nuke
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group D - Poland v Austria - Berlin Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany - June 21, 2024 Austria coach Ralf Rangnick celebrates after the match REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo -
VOInews, Berlin : Ralf Rangnick admitted there was doubt among the players when he was hired as Austria's manager in 2022, but the 65-year-old German has led his team to the cusp of the Euro 2024 knockout rounds.
Austria, who face the Netherlands on Tuesday in their final Group D game, lost to France 1-0 but were impressive in a 3-1 win over Poland, only the second time they have scored three goals in a single European Championship finals game.
Their aggressive, front-foot style has also earned admirers.
"(Marko Arnautovic) and I recently talked about it ourselves," Rangnick said of Austria's all-time leading scorer with 36 goals who was sitting alongside at a news conference on Monday.
"When Marko heard that I'd become boss here, he thought 'ooh, this might be a bit tight now', but I didn't see it like that. I didn't quite understand why it was seen like that.
"He (Arnautovic) played from the start against Poland and possibly tomorrow as well in such an important game."
The Dutch lead the group on four points, ahead of France on goals scored, with Austria third.
Defender Gernot Trauner will not be available on Tuesday due to injury.
"He didn't train today, he's definitely out for tomorrow," Rangnick said. "And even in the next game, he won't be able to play probably. I'm really sorry for him, because has been in top form so far, both in training and in the games."
Rangnick expects a stiff challenge from the Dutch, but he knows what to expect.
"It feels like the Netherlands have played the same way since(legendary Dutch player) Johan Cruyff's days," Rangnick said. "A lot of width and a lot of height on the pitch. Who wins the second ball will be crucial."
Rangnick said he grew up idolising Cruyff, a three-times Ballon d'Or winner and big proponent of the Total Football philosophy.
"I once asked my coach to play in (Cruyff's) number 14 shirt," Rangnick said. "Back then it was unusual because you only used to have the numbers between one and 11. Similar to Franz Beckenbauer, Cruyff was someone who had a huge influence on the development of football, not just in his own country."
Rangnick was interim manager of Manchester United in 2021-22 before leaving to take over an Austrian side stinging from missing out on qualification for that year's World Cup.
An impressive Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, however, in which they finished a point behind Belgium in their group with 19 points from eight games, made them dark horses in Germany and they have so far not disappointed//CNA-VOI
June
Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi Encourages Graduates to Spread Benefits After Completing Studies
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
The Indonesian School Tokyo (SRIT) graduated 45 students from kindergarten to senior high school in Tokyo on Friday (June 21).(Photo by: Antara)
VOINews, Jakarta: Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, expressed his hope that graduates of the Indonesian School in Tokyo (SRIT) can spread benefits extensively after completing their studies.
"Continue to remember and practice the message conveyed in today's graduation theme 'Spirit of Spreading Benefits; Becoming Lifelong Learners.' By doing so, you can face the challenges in the next stages of education," said Heri in his statement in Tokyo on Saturday.
As reported by Antara, Ambassador Heri invited the graduates to stand facing their parents' seats to express gratitude for the unwavering and selfless support they have received.
He also appreciated the hard work of the students and the maximum effort of the teachers at SRIT, leading to the successful completion of their studies.
He advised the graduates to continue learning and seeking knowledge so that its benefits can be felt personally.
Furthermore, he hoped that the benefits felt personally would also be shared with others so that goodness can be experienced by as many people as possible.
At the same event, Education and Culture Attaché Amzul Rifin hoped that the graduates would gain valuable experiences during their time at SRIT.
He also advised the alumni to make contributions at the national or international level.
"I pray that the graduates can achieve excellence in all fields and always maintain the school's reputation," said Amzul.
Meanwhile, SRIT Committee Member Titik Nahilal Hamzah urged everyone to participate in efforts to improve and develop the school, which has been established since 1962.
The improvements and developments are expected to enhance the school's achievements and accomplishments.
"Let's together take care of SRIT, not only its facilities and quality but also its achievements. Don't forget to continue fostering friendship among yourselves (the graduates)," he said.
In her academic report, SRIT Head Ari Driyaningsih presented that in the academic year 2023/2024, several students have been enrolled in national and international universities and achieved the highest scores in national and international competitions.
"Three SRIT students successfully enrolled in domestic universities: Adzikra Adirajasa (Unair), Ursula Catharina (Unpar), and Naomi Natalie Ruauw (Unika Soegijapranata). One student who successfully enrolled in Utrecht University in the Netherlands is Alejandro Rakai Olave," Ari explained.
Other achievements at the National Science Olympiad (OSN), Ari revealed, include several SRIT students passing the provincial-level OSN for various subjects and placing a representative at the national level for Biology named Metanala Firsta Regha Ryanda.
Other achievements and accomplishments of SRIT include Najwa Rahman Rustam winning The Best Performance at The Meguro English Speech Contest.
Additionally, there were awards for painting competitions from the Meguro City Fire Department and participation as members of the KBRI Tokyo Paskibra Team for Indonesia's 78th Independence Day, as well as several traditional art performances involving graduates for cultural diplomacy purposes, such as angklung and Saman dance.
The graduation ceremony of SRIT, which graduated 45 students, is one of the largest in the school's history. The 45 students consist of kindergarten (9 students), elementary school (8), junior high school (8), and high school (20).
The event was also enlivened with art performances by all SRIT students as a manifestation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5). Among the performances were dances, martial arts (pencak silat), and angklung performances./Antara/VOI
June
Vietnam Faces Challenges in Achieving 6.5 Percent Economic Growth Target for 2024
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
The photo taken on December 9, 2023, shows the landscape of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. (Photo by: ANTARA/Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng)
VOINews, Jakarta: Vietnam is grappling with challenges to meet its 2024 economic growth target of 6.5 percent, as reported by local media on Friday (June 21), citing data from the Annual Economic Report 2024.
Researchers project a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 5.85 percent for this year, with an inflation rate of 4.5 percent, according to the report from Vietnam National University.
The report indicates that with adjusted economic policies such as interest rate reductions, sustained exports, and increased public investment spending, GDP growth is estimated to reach 6.01 percent.
As reported by Antara, Nguyen Quoc Viet, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute for Economics and Policy Research, stated that Vietnam's economy is operating below its potential in both scenarios.
He suggested that in the short term, attention should be focused on fiscal policies to stimulate demand, particularly accelerating public investment in the remaining months of the year.
Vietnam recorded a year-on-year GDP growth of 5.66 percent in the first quarter of this year, according to data from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts that the country's economy will grow by 6 percent throughout the year./Antara/VOI
June
Airlangga Encourages EuroCham's Contribution to National Economic Growth
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesia's economy continues to grow amid the global economic slowdown. Recorded in the first quarter of 2024, national economic growth reached 5.11% (yoy). A number of strategies have also been pursued by the Government, including using a flexible, responsive, and accommodative fiscal and monetary policy mix, encouraging consumption and investment, not least through improving business relations between Indonesia and the European Union through the European Chamber of Commerce or EuroCham.
"In line with our efforts to improve the investment climate, Indonesia has taken steps to increase tax incentives to attract foreign and domestic investment to the country," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said at the European Business Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Indonesia 20th Anniversary Night Gala Dinner in Jakarta, Wednesday (19/06).
It is known that EuroCham is celebrating its 20th anniversary as well as commemorating EuroCham's long-term contribution in improving business relations between Indonesia and the EU which has contributed to the development of Indonesia's national economy. The European Union (EU) and its member states are among the parties that play an important role in Indonesia's foreign trade and investment. In 2023, total trade was recorded at USD30.8 billion and EU investment in Indonesia over the past five years (2019-2023) reached USD12.1 billion.
To optimise and enhance the potential for higher economic cooperation, Indonesia's CEPA negotiations with the EU are also being accelerated and substantially completed. Once the agreement is finalised, the partnership between Indonesia and the EU is expected to be at a new level with the ability to facilitate and create new market access, increase trade between the EU and Indonesia, and expand direct investment. "All of these negotiations are very important for both parties, and President Joko Widodo has also directed that this agreement be reached quickly, so that it can increase investment, and provide greater welfare to the community," Airlangga explained.
The Gala Dinner was held by EuroCham to celebrate the cooperation that has been established so far between Indonesia and the European Union. "The theme of tonight's Gala Dinner is 'Igniting Two Decades of Excellence' which is also in line with Indonesia's transformative journey to achieve momentum towards the Golden Indonesia 2045. We hope that the EU, especially EuroCham, can be Indonesia's partner in achieving this vision by providing access to new markets, technology, and investment opportunities through strong collaboration," said Airlangga.
In addition, Indonesia became the first ASEAN member to start the OECD accession process, and potentially the third OECD member in Asia after Japan and Korea. The OECD accession process is expected to catalyse the formulation or improvement of superior policies and regulations. "Thailand will also follow, and our entry from Southeast Asia will make the OECD stronger, because the OECD needs global south partners like us. For that, concrete steps must be taken and I expect the European business world to work together in the future, so that EuroCham's contribution to Indonesia is expected to remain loud and clear," Airlangga concluded.
Source: Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs
June
King's College London Ready to Operate in Singhasari SEZ Malang
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: The government has issued a licence to establish a branch campus of King's College London (KCL) in the Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Malang district, East Java. Singhasari SEZ is the first exclusive area designated to develop the digital economy and education sectors.
Located at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs on Thursday (20/06), the Government handed over the King's College London (KCL) Branch Campus Establishment Permit in the form of Decree of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology Number 238/E/O Year 2024 on the KCL Branch Campus Establishment Permit granted to Yayasan King Singhasari Indonesia. "This is a new history for education in Indonesia because of the arrival of universities from the UK that are top 100 or number 40 best in the world. So this is present in Malang and hopefully, this can encourage the HR education cluster in Malang to become a superior cluster. And of course, the Singhasari SEZ is expected to be a hub for collaboration of major universities in the world and this synergy is certainly needed to prepare our human resources to enter the future of works," said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto as Chairman of the SEZ National Council at the event.
For education, KCL will take a full role in the implementation of the master's degree programme, from the implementation of the lecture curriculum to the teaching staff. The initial phase will focus on the digital economy through the MSc Digital Economies programme in September 2024, followed by the MSc Digital Futures programme in January 2025.
In addition, KCL's Place-Based Trans-National Education (TNE) is the first of its kind to be offered in Indonesia and half of KCL's faculty at the London campus have been involved in establishing TNE in Indonesia. This also demonstrates KCL's commitment to the delivery of its campuses in Indonesia. "And of course, the presence of King's College London will also facilitate Indonesian students who will study at King's College London. So it will be a two-sided agent. First to train the Indonesian people and then second to open access for Indonesian citizens to study at King's College London. So there will be 2 traffic and of course, we hope that the number of students in Indonesia will be more," said Airlangga.
In the future development plan, one new programme will be launched each year. The planned advanced programmes include an MSc in Digital Law in year 3, an MSc in Psychology in year 4, and an MSc in Cyber Security in year 5. Meanwhile, Singhasari SEZ will take a full role in providing infrastructure, facilities, and learning facilities for students.
On the occasion, Airlangga also gave directions to KCL to be able to accommodate at least 1,500 students, one of which is by working with the LPDP which is committed to providing scholarships for Indonesian students who will study at KCL Indonesia. "Of course, we hope that more universities will come to Indonesia. So that we have many top 100 human resources, and this will be in line with the demographic bonus in Indonesia and I hope that our young people become productive young people and can fill the needs of the digital economy," concluded Coordinating Minister Airlangga.
Source: Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs
June
London Stock Market (Photo : BBC) -
VOInews, London : The UK’s main stock market retook its crown as Europe’s most valuable for the first time in nearly two years, data shows.
The total value of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) hit $3.18tn on Monday, overtaking the $3.13tn total value of companies listed in Paris, according to Bloomberg data.
Both valuations have shifted since and remain close, but analysts describe it as a milestone.
They say the French market has slumped because of the uncertainty around its election, while the UK market is recovering after several years of underperformance.
The LSE had been Europe’s largest stock market for many years before November 2022 when it was overtaken.
Analysts at the time blamed LSE’s performance on the fallout from former Prime Minister Liz Truss’ mini-Budget, a weak pound, recession fears and Brexit.
The LSE was worth about $1.4 trillion more than its Parisian rival in 2016//BBC-VOI