The Indonesian Embassy in Beirut has acknowledged its continued support for trade cooperation improvement between Indonesia and Lebanon. Indonesian Ambassador to Lebanon Hajriyanto Y Thohari gave the Primaduta Award to Lebanese businessman and importer, George R Fattouh. The award was given for his service in helping market Indonesian products in Paris from the Middle East. The award was given at a ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut, Thursday (11/1) Fatough, is the owner of George R. Fattouh S.A.L, a business that has been importing Indonesian products since the 1980s. It has a range of products, including: palm oil and its derivatives, oil and fats (including cocoa butter substitute, fat spread, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, and lauric confectionery fats), cardboard, stationary, and school equipment. Some Indonesian products are now even available at famous retail networks, such as Spinney’s and Carrefour. In 2022, the value imported by George R. Fattough S.A.L of Indonesian products, was 981.3 million USD. This was a 149.5 million USD increase when compared to 2021. Fattouh said Indonesian products are known for their quality and are in high demand in Lebanese markets. However, he said, the challenge now is increasing freight costs due to security challenges in the region.
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Listeners, a number of delicious dishes were served to the guests of Dhaup Ageng Pura Pakualaman Yogyakarta, at the wedding reception of the youngest son of K.G.P.A.A. Paku Alam X, namely B.P.H. Kusumo Kuntonugroho with Laily Annisa Kusumastuti which was held on January 10, 2024.Head of the Customs and Accommodation Division, Dhaup Ageng Pura Pakualaman, KRT Radyo Wisroyo said that the menu served to guests was quite varied. These menus are typical menus prepared by Pakualaman Pura, Indonesian menus and western food menus were also available. All invited guests including VIP and VVIP guests got the same menu. The first menu served to welcome guests, namely two types of welcome drink, namely lime lemongrass and ginger drink with lime. The welcome drink was given when guests sat down and watched the Bedhaya Sidamukti and Bedhaya Kakung Indrawidagda dance performances. Next, they gotsnacks for appetizer such as croquettes and other light snacks. There is a snack that is considered quite special and rare called Garulina. Garulina was the opening snack at the Pahargyan Dhaup Ageng Pakualaman lunch on the first day. Garulina has been around since the era before Indonesian independence. Garulina is actually not a typical Central Javanese food. It looks like the Lapis Legit layered cake, but there is something different, because there is a special layer like vla which is made from fresh milk, eggs and sugar. To get this sweet snack, Pakulaman Temple has to place a special order from the third generation of makers who have been pioneering since the 1950s. In Jogja, Garulina is very difficult to find and is considered rare because it is not sold every day.
ViewThe Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Beijing celebrated Christmas with around 70 Indonesian citizens at Wisma Indonesia, located within the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing complex.
The Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia, Djauhari Oratmangun, stated after the Christmas service at Wisma Indonesia, Beijing, on Friday (3/1), that the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing fulfills its role as a representative of the government and society in China by striving to maintain good relations and safeguard Indonesian citizens and other legal entities.
Earlier, a Christmas service was held, attended by around 30 Indonesians, both Protestant and Catholic, including students and workers in Beijing. The Christmas message was delivered by Father Alfonsus Ardie, SJ, through a video broadcast.
In his remarks, Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun noted that the global situation is filled with uncertainties. According to him, 2024 is an extraordinary year for Indonesia-China relations.
He explained that President Prabowo Subianto visited China twiceonce in April as the president-elect and again in November after his inauguration. The visits left a significant impression. He expressed hope that by 2025, the relationship between the two countries will further strengthen as they approach the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-China diplomatic relations.
He also reminded Indonesian citizens to take care of their health.
The event continued with a friendly gathering featuring a dinner of nasi megono and various Indonesian dishes, attended by about 70 Indonesians.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that the Chinese government acknowledges an increase in respiratory infections during the winter season but maintains that the spread is under control.
China’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reported last week that the spread of winter respiratory pathogens is expected to continue through spring. These infections include influenza, rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, and mycoplasma pneumonia, which are currently the most commonly detected in hospitals.
Photo: UGM/Gusti
Another proud achievement was achieved by an Indonesian Undergraduate Student of the Faculty of Economics and Business of Gajah Mada University - UGM, Ali Alexander, at the country level of the ASEAN Investment Challenge 2024 event. This Management study program student from the 2021 batch, won the Champion title or Main Champion in Indonesia in the prestigious competition organized by CGS International Securities in Jakarta. The victory at the country level led him to represent Indonesia in the regional competition in January 2025.
ASEAN Investment Challenge is a leading annual investment competition organized by CGS International. This competition aims to encourage students' understanding of sustainable investment and contribute to building a strong stock market in the future. With the theme "Your Galaxy Your Way!", this year's country-level competition lasted for four months, from August to November 2024. As the leading investment competition in Southeast Asia, the ASEAN Investment Challenge 2024 of national level was followed by more than a thousand students from all over Indonesia.
This competition is divided into two levels, namely country level and regional level. At the country level stage, participants from every country, including from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, competed in a series of investment challenges. The main case in this competition was to design an optimal investment strategy to maximize profits amid economic uncertainty. To solve this case, participants were required to build an efficient stock portfolio with a higher return than the Composite Stock Price Index, namely by paying attention to diversification, complying with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria, having a high Margin of Safety, and seeking opportunities from companies involved in corporate actions, such as acquisitions or mergers. For Indonesia level Ali managed to overcome this challenge by implementing a strategy based on in-depth fundamental analysis. He built a portfolio with a higher return than the Composite Stock Price Index while supporting the ESG sustainability principle.
Photo: tvonenews
Indonesian students from Al Izhar High School Pondok Labu in Jakarta and Lab School Cibubur High School win Platinum and Gold Prizes in the 2024 Asian Student Exchange Program (ASEP) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. With the main theme of Net Zero Green Living, students from the two schools brought an important message about an environmentally friendly lifestyle through a theatrical presentation entitled Net Zero Green Lifestyle.
The achievements of these Indonesian students cannot be separated from collaboration between Indonesian and Taiwanese students. The 2024 Asian Student Exchange Program itself is not only an arena for competition, but also an opportunity to strengthen cross-cultural relations. While in Taiwan, Lab School students collaborated with students from Siaogang Taiwan to perform angklung tradisional musical instruments and make presentations in English. Meanwhile, Al Izhar High School collaborated with students from Chung Shan High School, Taiwan. They designed a project that raised the global issue of the impact of fast fashion on carbon emissions while encouraging the implementation of eco-friendly fashion. This hard work was realized in a creative and meaningful theatrical performance, depicting real challenges and innovative solutions in achieving environmental sustainability.
The 2024 ASEP Competition took place on December 23-27, 2024 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and was attended by 50 teams of 500 participants from various Asian countries. In addition to being a competition forum, this program was also designed to encourage cultural exchange and strengthen cooperation between the younger generation. This achievement shows once again that Indonesian youth are able to shine on the world stage, not only through competition, but also in voicing positive change for the future. The spirit of cross-cultural collaboration and dedication to the environment that the students showed is an inspiration to all.
Photo: Indonesian Embassy in Astana/Tempo
Indonesian Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Tajikistan, M. Fadjroel Rachman has said that Indonesia's diplomatic relations with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan continue to increase, and are manifested in economic, social, political, cultural, educational and tourism aspects. Positive realities in Indonesia's bilateral relations and cooperation with the two friendly countries can be seen from the increase in reciprocal visits between high-ranking officials, trade value, investment, and tourist visits. The statement was made by Ambassador Fadjroel in his remarks when celebrating New Year's Eve 2025 at Wisma Indonesia Astana in Kazakhstan on Tuesday (31/12/2024).
In the celebration which is part of the 14th anniversary of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia-the Indonesian Embassy in Astana, Ambassador Fadjroel conveyed some of the achievements of the Indonesian Embassy in Astana in 2024. Among these achievements is the working visit of the Head of State, Government, Prime Minister of Tajikistan to Indonesia in May 2024 to attend the World Water Forum and meet bilaterally with President Joko Widodo. The Minister of Industry of Tajikistan last November also visited Indonesia and met several ministers in Indonesia. Related to the achievements that have been achieved by the Indonesian Embassy in Astana, Ambassador Fadjroel cited data from the Indonesian Ministry of Trade which shows the value of bilateral trade between Indonesia and Kazakhstan reached 351, 5 million US dollars or around 5.70 trillion rupiah for the period January-October 2024.
Meanwhile, the value of Indonesia's bilateral trade with Tajikistan in the same period was recorded at 1.5 million US dollars or around 24.3 billion rupiah, an increase of more than 50 percent from the same period in 2023. Throughout 2024, the Indonesian Embassy in Astana also facilitated various visits and business matching meetings of Indonesian entrepreneurs with their counterparts from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
Moreover, Ambassador Fadjroel at the Trade Expo Indonesia and Indonesia South and Central Asia Business Forum in October 2024 in Jakarta conveyed that the Indonesian Embassy in Astana also facilitated the presence of 12 Kazakhstan businessmen to conduct bilateral meetings to explore cooperation with PT Pertamina. For the tourism sector, the number of visits by Kazakhstan and Tajikistan tourists to Indonesia as of October 2024 was recorded at 17,113 people and most of them chose Bali as their destination. The number exceeded the annual target of the Indonesian Embassy in Astana which was 12 thousand people for 2024. He further pointed out that the Indonesian Embassy in Astana also continues to work to realize the opening of direct flights between Indonesia and Kazakhstan.
Photo: UGM/kuasakata
Students from Jogjakarta-based Gadjah Mada University (UGM) have once again made the university proud. A team of the university’s students won a silver medal at the International Youth Summit (IYS) 2024. This event, held by Universitas Putera Malaysia on November 9–10, 2024, is an international competition for essays and scientific presentations. The Gadjah Mada University’s team impressed the judges with their project titled “Boba Bean: An Innovative Instant Red Bean Beverage for Anemia Prevention Among Adolescents.” Boba Bean is a red bean-based drink designed to help prevent anemia in teenagers by providing an easy and nutritious way to boost iron intake.
The idea for this project came from the high number of anemia cases in Indonesia, especially among teenage girls. Many people find iron pills or supplements hard to take, so the team wanted to create a simpler and more enjoyable solution. During the competition, the team had the chance to present their project to international judges and visitors and even showcased their product by serving Boba Bean on the spot.
The judges praised the project for its creative and research-driven approach. Boba Bean also supports Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on health and well-being. The team hopes their product can be developed further and benefit more people. Winning the silver medal at International Youth Summit (IYS) 2024 not only brought pride to Gadjah Mada University but also inspired young Indonesians to keep innovating and achieving at an international level.
For all of the astronomy enthusiasts, we have some exciting news for you. In 2025, there will be several amazing astronomical phenomena to see in the sky. Last December, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) shared information about the predicted events for the entire year. According to BRIN, we can expect a Planet Parade, a Total Lunar Eclipse, Meteor Showers, and even Occultations of Planets or Bright Stars.
BRIN says there will be a Planet Parade in January 2025. This is when five of the planets closest to Earth can be seen together in the sky on the same night. These five planets are Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. However, BRIN mentions that only four of these planets will be visible to the naked eye, namely Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. BRIN also predicts several meteor showers in 2025. Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through dust left by comets and asteroids. This causes meteors to fall at the same time each year. In 2025, we can expect meteor showers like the Quadrantids, Lyrids, Eta Aquarids, Perseids, and others.
BRIN also mentions that there will be a Total Lunar Eclipse. This phenomenon is an event when the Earth blocks some of the Sun’s light, which makes it partially reach the Moon. A lunar eclipse can only occur during a Full Moon. This eclipse will happen on September 7, 2025, from 10:30 PM to 3:30 AM on September 8, and it will be visible across Indonesia, as long as the weather is clear. Moreover, there is another exciting event called an Occultation, which is a phenomenon when a planet or bright star is hidden by the Moon. One of the occultations that can be seen from Indonesia is the occultation of the star Beta Tauri on October 11, 2025.
Photo: Pexels/photoGraph
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted a year-end reflection event on December 31, 2024 in welcoming the New Year 2025.
According to Antara state news agency, the event began with morning sport activities, including table tennis and badminton. The Indonesian Consul General in Cape Town, Tudiono, stated that such activities aim to strengthen brotherhood, build teamwork, and create a more informal communication environment.
In the evening, the activities continued with a year-end reflection session as part of preparations to embrace the new year. During the session, Consul General Tudiono, stated that it was for celebrating the New Year 2025. He also highlighted the achievements of the Consulate General throughout 2024, the challenges faced, and necessary adjustments to prioritize goals for upcoming years.
The event was attended by Indonesian citizens in Cape Town, including Indonesian seafarers working in South Africa by aiming to strengthen relations between Indonesian communities.
Consul General Tudiono reminded Indonesian citizens to remain careful about potential security risks and avoid high-risk areas. The Indonesian General of Cape Town also emphasized its commitment to continue to provide the best protection and service for all Indonesian citizens in South Africa.
Photo: Baznas
The National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) of the Republic of Indonesia along with the Indonesian Embassy in Amman, Jordan distributed assistance to children from the Gaza Strip, Palestine. As reported by BAZNAS RI's press release on Tuesday (31/12), the aid was distributed especially for children who are now cancer survivors at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) Hospital, Amman. The assistance amounted to 114 packages in the form of stationery, toys, and pocket money.
Moreover, the Head of BAZNAS RI's Collection Division, Rizaludin Kurniawan, admitted that he felt impressed to be able to distribute aid to patients from Gaza, especially children suffering from cancer. He also hoped that this assistance will be useful for children with cancer who are currently in the hospital. Rizaludin thanked the Indonesian Embassy in Amman for assisting the distribution of aid to Palestinian children with cancer.
Meanwhile, representing the Indonesian Ambassador to Jordan and Palestine, Minister Counsellor of the Indonesian Embassy in Amman, Alamsyah appreciated BAZNAS RI for providing assistance to Palestinian children with cancer in Jordan. Alamsyah also expressed his gratitude for all Indonesian people who have helped the Palestinian people through the agency. He hoped that this assistance can provide extensive benefits and bring happiness to Palestinian children with cancer in Jordan.
Previously, the Indonesian National Board of Zakat (BAZNAS) and King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the distribution of aid for the Palestinian people. Assistance amounting to 2 billion rupiah will be distributed in stages for 3 years. The assistance is devoted to helping patients from Gaza who are in the KHCC Hospital in Jordan. Rizaludin Kurniawan conveyed this cooperation is a concrete step to support the Palestinian people.
Rizaludin hopes that this collaboration can make a significant positive contribution to the welfare of the Palestinian people.
In the signing ceremony, KHCC Jordan's Head of Local Corporate, Madeleine El Sallag, welcomed the cooperation in the distribution of Palestinian humanitarian aid with BAZNAS. Madeleine explained, so far KHCC has treated 300 patients and their families from Gaza, Palestine, the majority of whom are cancer patients.
Indonesian Ambassador to Sudan, Sunarko has said that Indonesia is very concerned about the security situation that occurs in Sudan and continues to encourage the Government of Sudan to reconcile in order to achieve a ceasefire and create a safe, stable, and prosperous government or state of Sudan. Ambassador Sunarko also emphasized Indonesia's willingness to continue to support Sudan in the form of humanitarian assistance that must be based on the needs of the community amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Indonesia is also ready to contribute to national reconstruction and development efforts after Sudan achieves political and economic stability.
Besides, Indonesia shows its support by continuing to place its representatives in Sudan, even in the midst of ongoing crises and conflicts. Ambassador Sunarko as quoted by Antara on Tuesday (17/12) pointed out that the existence of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia or Indonesian representatives is a real support for the Government of Sudan to create and realize peace and stability.
Amid the crisis, Ambassador Sunarko sees the most serious challenge faced by the Indonesian Embassy at this time is that both warring parties, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces , have not accepted the concept of reconciliation or a permanent ceasefire. This hampers the transition to a more stable, democratic and civilian-based government. According to Ambassador Sunarko, until now both parties are still taking a maximum military approach to seize their respective positions. Nevertheless, Indonesia continues to strive for economic and development cooperation with Sudan in the midst of ongoing conflict. The Indonesian Embassy also continues to carry out efforts to provide support and increase cooperation in the economic and trade fields. Although the challenges are quite heavy, the value of trade with Sudan has been relatively good in recent years.
For twice, the Indonesian Embassy in Santiago, Chile, opened its gates to the Chilean public by holding a gamelan performance, one of Indonesia's traditional musical arts, on Sunday (8/12). As reported by a press release from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (12/12), 300 registered Chileans packed the Embassy area in Santiago to watch the event.
The event also featured a batik exhibition by Catalina Espina, a Chilean batik artist. In addition to promoting Indonesian culture through the art of Gamelan music, the performance also served as a platform for students of the Gamelan routine class organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Santiago to showcase what they have learnt over the past few years.
The performance was held on a Sunday, coinciding with CicloRecreoVía, or Motor Vehicle Free Day, on the street in front of the Indonesian Embassy in Santiago, to attract passersby. The Sudakarta Gamelan group and other Gamelan class groups performed 10 Lancaran (gamelan arrangements), such as Puspawarna, Mugi Rahayu, Angenteni, Aja Lamis, and Gula Klapa. The Indonesian Embassy in Santiago also featured its dance group at the end of the event.
Indonesian Ambassador to Chile, Muhammad Anshor appreciated the Sudakarta Gamelan group; most of the personnel are Chilean nationals. This shows the success of Indonesia's commitment to promote Indonesian culture through traditional arts, especially gamelan, to local artists and communities. He hopes that the art can foster cross-cultural friendship between Indonesia and Chile.