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.
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The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta exactly on June 22 will commemorate its 491st anniversary. As in previous years, Jakarta’s anniversary celebration will be enlivened by the holding of Jakarta Fair. Jakarta metropolitan city will again hold annual mega shows for one month through Jakarta Fair Kemayoran 2018 or also known as Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ) 2018 which will take place on 24 May - 1 July 2018 at Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, North Jakarta. Jakarta Fair Kemayoran or Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ) 2018 is the 51st event held since 1968. Originally, it was called ‘Pasar Gambir’ held at Lapangan Merdeka in colonial era called Koningsplein. The exhibition has been moved to the present location at the Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran. In addition to the inaugural exhibition of all types of products made in Indonesia, Jakarta Fair consistently maintains its original concept of Night Market Fair which offers recreation, shopping and fun for the whole family. Currently, PRJ has become a national icon and enters in the top 100 Wonderful Indonesia events. As usual, Jakarta Fair Kemayoran or Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ) will feature pavilions from the provincial governments, companies and small and medium enterprises. Various excellent products from all business scale will fill the booths and pavilions at Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran. The exhibition will also be featured with art performances to entertain visitors, ranging from spectacular music performances from top artists of the country, Miss Jakarta Fair Beauty Pageant, Carnival, and many others. This year, there will be more than 2,500 booths and pavilions featuring some of the best products on the market as well as attractive discount offers. Many products offered at this festival are fashion and textiles, household goods, electronic equipment, gadgets, autos, handicrafts, health products, and many more. Jakarta Fair Kemayoran 2018 has the theme "Jakarta Participates in Success in MICE Indonesia in National Economic Development Process". The theme is chosen because Jakarta Fair Kemayoran is one of the largest multiplier exhibition events in Indonesia, even in Southeast Asia. It is also one of the benchmarks of MICE industry development in Indonesia. It is expected that from JFK 2018, it creates the spirit of trade promotion and industrial innovation that always color the event. In addition, JFK is expected to help open employment for the community, as well as improve the volume of national economy which ultimately contributes to the welfare of all Indonesian people.
Indonesian permanent representative to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other international organizations in Geneva,Ambassador Hasan Kleib, was selected as chairman of Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) of the 21st and the 22nd session for 2018 period. The first meeting of the 21st CDIP is starting from May 14 – 18, 2018 at WIPO headquarter in Geneva, Swiss and attended by delegations of 191 WIPO member countries. Ambassador Hasan Kleib, in his speech said the key of competitiveness in current global economy is through extra value, and almost all countries can produce anyproducts in the globalization era. Without extra value which is produced through intellectual property such as trade mark, design, copy right, patent, and trade secret will be difficult to compete internationally. Hasan also said that under Indonesia’s leadership the 21st CDIP will begin discussing on IP and Development agenda. It is an important moment since IP and Development agenda will be discussed for the first time, after long negotiation between develop and developing countries since the first CDIP in 2007. Indonesia will also lead integrated discussion on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with international intellectual property system. Ambassador Hasan Kleib also affirmed that Indonesia’s leadership in CDIP will focus to support one of the government’s priority program to encourage Indonesian economy which based on innovation and creativity.
Encouraging the increasing of Indonesia-Turkey Trade Relation. As part of the efforts to strengthenIndonesia’s economic diplomacy in Turkey, Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul Herry Sudradjat conducted a“reach-out” to business community of Turkeyoutside Istanbul on May 18-19, 2018. This time, he visitedBursa Province. The province is well known as one of the main centers of Turkey’s industry. During his visit to Bursa he met leaders 4 companies.Besides promoting Indonesian export, Herry Sudradjat also invited Turkey to increase its sale to Indonesia. This was conveyed when he met with association of Bursa exporters.Before returning to Istanbul, consulate general Herry Sudradjat met with Indonesian people included students in Bursa.
At Tashkent State University of Economics (TSUE) (08/05/2018) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on educational cooperation between TSUE with 7 Indonesian colleges. The MoU was signed by Rector of TSUE, Professor Bakhodir Khodiev with representatives of each the Indonesian colleges witnessed by Indonesian ambassador in Tashkent.Based on the MoU, contains among others students and teachers exchanged, joint conferences, research and publication: exchange of academic materials and also another form of cooperation which is agreed by the two parties. The signing of the MoU’s cooperation is not only to increase educational cooperation among colleges, but also to give contribution to increase relation and also people to people contact between Indonesia and Uzbekistan.
Ministry of National Development Planning along with United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pasifik (UCLG ASPAC) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, Germany held a discussion with the theme “Localizing SDGs and Multi Stakeholder Partnership for SDGs in Indonesia”, in Surabaya, East Java on Tuesday (15/5). Director of Foreign Politics and International Cooperation Development, Dewo Broto Joko, conveyed that the purpose of the event is to socialize sustainable development in regencies and cities, and also to encourage stakeholders of regencies and cities to arrange Regional Planning Action in implementing the purpose of sustainable development. According to Dewo Broto Joko, the reason why Surabaya is chosen because the city is viewed as city which is able to implement the purpose of sustainable development well and more improvement than other regions. Meanwhile, Surabaya mayor, Tri Rismaharini, in her speech explained that there are various kinds ofsustainable development which are conducted by Surabaya administration, such as building the city or bringing prosperity to its citizens among others, to provide free health servicefor 24 hours. According to mayor Risma, the sustainable development can be carried out in Surabaya, because all stakeholders participated to provide assistance.
Regional Office of Religion’s ministry of Aceh Province along with Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysic Agency on Tuesday (15/5) conducted hilal observation at Hilal Observatorium office of Tengku Chik Kuta Karang, Lhoknga, Aceh Besar regency, Aceh. Hilal observation is meant to ensure the right time for the first Ramadhan 1439 Hijriah or 2018. Based on the observasion of Radio Republik Indonesia, there were 7 binoculars to observe hilalwhich were installed on the second floor of Observatorium building. Those binoculars were directed to sun, precisely at the West of Lhoknga. Head of the office, Daud Pakeh, conveyed that from the result of the observation, hilal was not seen. It means muslim will start fasting on Thursday (17/5), while on Wednesday evening to conduct tarawih.
As an effort on early detection on terrorism threat which many occured recently, regional government of Situbondo, East Java, invited all elements of society to voice again that guest must report within 1x24 hours. This was stated by Situbondo regent, Dadang Wigiarto, after an event to promote“Guest must report within 1x24 hours” in Situbondo regency on Tuesday (15/5). According to Dadang Wigiarto, the “must report rule” will be very helpfull especially for the government the Indonesian police and military apparatus to prevent the entering of radicalism and terrorism view which are expected to become a trigger for explosion of suicide bomb such as in Surabaya. Meanwhile, Police Chief of Situbondo Resort, Commissioner Awan Hariono, said that the rule“guest must report in 1x24 hours” is mentioned in criminal law. Awan further said that there is criminal sanction to people who do not report, but the rule is still in process of revision.
Regional government of South Bengkulu, Bengkulu province will develop Rafflesia flower tourism to attract the interest of tourists to visit the region. Head of Tourism Office, South Bengkulu regency, Yulian Fauzi di Manna, explained on Saturday that Natural Resources Conservation Center has found three locations where Rafflesia flower appears, namely Padang Lebar and Kemang Manis village which is the habitat of Rafflesia Bengkuluensis, and Palau Lebar village which is the habitat of Rafflesia Arnoldi. Yulian said that there are 2 locations of Amorphophallus titanium habitat. He viewed that with the discovery of the 3 locations of Rafflesia’s habitats, the prospect of tourism development in South Bengkulu is expected to run smoothly. Rafflesia flower blooms any season. The flower can become interesting tourism destination. According to Yulian Fauzi, his office is committed to developing tourism of Rafflesia flower in South Bengkulu, because it is the existence of not only other flora, but also history of the discovery of Rafflesia flower.
Governor of Jakarta, Anies Baswedan was accompanied by Vice President Jusuf Kalla to open 18th Asian Games 2018 Parade at national monument –Monas on Sunday (13/5). On the occasion, Governor Anies said that Jakarta is ready to hold Asian Games 2018. H also said that 99 percent of the Asian Games preparation is finished. He views that there are 3 components which make Jakarta administration focuses on the event, namely the implementation, facility and achievement. On the implementation aspect, Jakarta administration has conducted assignment from the central government such as providing equestrian, velodrome, BMX field, and training center for the athletes. The Governor also coordinated with association of shopping center to welcome the athletes who want to buy souvenirs of domestic products.
Rhino Kites Festival in Special Economic Zone of Tanjung Lesung tourism in Banten is concrete form to preserve Indonesian culture. Rhino Kites Festival is an evidence of cultural preservation of Indonesian nation, which must be developed to be innovative product to have economic value. This was stated by initiator of Indonesian Kite Museum, Endang Ernawati on the sidelines of the event on Sunday. She explained that Indonesian people must be proud of traditional kites because one of the products of Indonesian culture becomes primadona in the international kite festival. Meanwhile, Managing Director of PT Banten West Java & Chief of OC, Rully Lasahido said that Rhino Kites Festival is the socialization of great event of Rhino Cross Triathlon 2018. Rhino Kites Festival is part of Rhino Cross Triathlon 2018 event. The event consists of swimming competition, bicycle race and running-cross of the beauty and natural challenge of Tanjung Lesung to take place on September 29-30, 2018. As many as 24 participants participating in Rhino Kites Festival come from domestic and foreign countries such as the Netherlands, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, and Belgium. Around 100 kites are flown at Tanjung Lesung beach, marking official launching of Rhino Cross Triathlon.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno LP Marsudi held a bilateral meeting with her counterpart from Brazil Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira in Bogor, West Java on last Friday (11/5). Both ministers also utilized the meeting to boost market access for Indonesian products in Latin America, such as fish, palm oil and rubber. In the meeting, the two ministers also discussed the effort to increase trade cooperation, agriculture and people-to-people contact through Visa Free Approval. In addition, the meeting also discussed issues of multilateral and regional cooperation which become mutual concern. 3 agreements signed by the two ministers are the exchanges of notes among the government of Indonesia and Republic of Brazil for ordinary passport holders, MoU of approval changes between Indonesia and Brazil on visa exemption for diplomatic and service passport, and there was also MoU of technical cooperation between the government of Indonesia and Republic of Brazil.
Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, Asman Abnur received the visit of South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia, Kim Chang-beom more recently. Minister Asman said that currently, South Korea has used many technology-based systems in running the wheels of the government; one of them is in public service. Minister Asman wants cooperation in public service later. He also said that the Indonesian government will keep trying to unite application of information technology which has been owned by the regional or central government. Meanwhile, South Korean Ambassador to Indonesia, Kim Chang-beom expressed his support on Indonesia in this case the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform in applying e-government system. His office is ready to support the program which is being run by the Ministry.
Mercu Buana University signed Memorandum of Understanding with Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia on Thursday (10/5). The MoU emphasized cooperation with similar level which has been pioneered together, such as mentor along with PhD student and mutual international publication. This was stated by Head of International Cooperation and Innovation Center of Mercu Buana University, Prof. Darwin Sebayang. The two universities have also succeeded to have patent on product which is registered in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Prior to the Cultural Week event of Kediri Regency 2018, businessmen of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises –UMKM continue to increase their products. An effort is believed to add attraction for the visitors in the near future. Khoirul Badiyah, a ribbon embroidered craftsman from Kediri Regency believes, by holding the local Women Farmer Group -KWT, the variety of ribbon embroidered products offered to the community will increasingly diverse. Khoirul Badiyah, during the training of Ribbon embroidery to dozens of KWT Candra Kirana members, in Kediri, Wednesday (9/5) said that from his training with KWT member Candra Kirana Kediri, she finally found many housewives who have natural talent of embroidery. The Organizer of Ribbon Embroidery Training, Yayuk said, in the future, the trainees will be invited as partners, to develop new capability in other products.
Djarum Foundation provides assistance of 1,000 gayam trees and trembesi trees to be planted in Rawa Pening Lake area, Semarang regency, Central Java. Vice President Director of Djarum Foundation FX Supanji in Ambarawa, Semarang regency, Central Java, on Thursday said, Gayam Tree belonging to the `Fabaceae` family, is a type of water conservation plant. Through the program "Djarum Trees for Life" (DFTL), there has been completed the planting of trembesi trees in Yogyakarta, Solo and Semarang (Joglosemar) along 261 km, centered in Ambarawa. According to Supanji, the planting of gayam trees will be done gradually by 35 community environmental activists in Rawa Pening. With the cultivation of gayam tree it is expected to maintain the availability of water in the long term priode. In addition to greening on the edge of the road infrastructure, DFTL also gives attention to the conservation of natural ecosystems in the area. In Ambarawa, the conservation effort takes place around Rawa Pening Lake, which is one of the largest natural lake, reaching over 2,500 hectares. The conservation effort is important, since Rawa Pening Lake is one of 15 lakes that enter into the lakes restoration priority in Indonesia.
Semarang City Government plans to build a Bridge Fountain with colorful fountain attractions, and will be the first Bridge Fountain in Indonesia. The project, which is part of Semarang City tourism improvement program, is estimated to cost of about 17 billion rupiah. The fountain bridge will be done on the West Flood Canal Bridge of Semarang City. The Bridge Fountain in some countries has become a magnet to attract tourists. For example Banpo Bridge Fountain in South Korea with Moonlight Rainbow Fountain performances are always hunted by tourists during they visit to Seoul. Mayor of Semarang, Hendrar Prihadi, said the project will be started in May and is targeted to be completed in November 2018. In 2011, there were only 2.1 million tourists per year coming to Semarang City. The amount was increased to 5.8 million per year in 2017. With the new tourist attraction in 2018 he expected that by 2019 the number of tourists who come to Semarang every year can reach more than 7 million tourists.
Special Economic Tourism Zone of Tanjung Lesung which is part of 10 Priority Tourism Destinations in Indonesia in cooperation with Indonesian Kite Museum will hold Rhino Kites Festival featuring 100 ornamental kites. Decorative kites with various designs to be flown on the coast of Tanjung Lesung mark the official moment of the launch of Rhino Cross Triathlon. This kite festival will be held on 12 - 13 May 2018. Rhino Kites Festival is a series of great event ‘Rhino Cross Triathlon’ (or Rhino X-Tri). This is the first cross triathlon open championship event in Indonesia, which consists of swimming contest, cycling race and running across the beauty and natural challenges of Tanjung Lesung on 29 - 30 September 2018. In this festival event, about 100 ornamental kites will be flown on the coast of Tanjung Lesung, marking the official moment of the launch of Rhino Cross Triathlon. Managing Director of PT. Banten West Java (Special Economic Zone of Tanjung Lesung Tourism Management) & Chief of Organizing Committee, Rully said that all visitors who will attend can watch the kite and follow the workshop of painting kites, flying kites and watching night kites. All these activities can be enjoyed by visitors for free. Meanwhile, the initiator of Indonesian Kite Museum, Endang Ernawati stated that the museum prepares a hundred ornamental kites with a variety of unique and fascinating forms ranging from animals, superheroes, and others. To welcome the Rhino Cross Triathlon which will be held , at Rhino Kite Festival in September, the visitors will also be able to see Genki triathlon kites, Gowes bikes and Rokkaku rhino and the presence of kite players from five countries, such as Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Myanmar.
Various kinds of Indonesian arts and cultures were introduced to thousands of Hiroshima people on Hiroshima Flower Festival (HFF) on May 3-5, 2018. Ponorogo regency and South Sumatera Provincial government sent Reog Ponorogo and Kemaro island dance troups to the event. Besides, Nawang Sekar dance from Central Java, Gemufamire from East Nusa Tenggara and Enggan dance from East Kalimantan and Angklung music from West Java were performed by groups of Indonesian Student Association in Hiroshima. Indonesia’s art and culture delegation led by deputy of Indonesian representative in Tokyo, Indonesian consulate general in Osaka and Ponorogo regency, was introduced to Hiroshima people through a parade on May 3rd. The uniqueness and typical form of Indonesian traditional cultures, especially Reog Ponorogo and dances from South Sumatera gained great attention, both during the parade or on the stage. During the event, Indonesia also promoted Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang and tourist destination in Palembang, the host of the big sport event in Asia, through exhibition As one of the contingents which will compete in the games, Japan is hoped to be one of the source of foreign tourist during Asian Games 2018 especially in Palembang. Indonesia’s participation in the event is to enliven the commemoration 60th year of Indonesia-Japan (1958-2018) Diplomatic relation.
Indonesian embassy in Tashkent keeps utilizing every chance to promote Indonesia to Uzbekistan people and other foreigners. Currently, the Indonesian embassy participated in the 16th Food Festival which was held by Department of Diplomatic Facility of Uzbekistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. Supported by warm and sunny weather, the festival which is meant to collect charity and took place at UzExpoCenter Tashkent (5/5) flocked by many visitors. In the event, various kinds of Indonesian typical foods were also introduced to the visitors. The Indonesian ambassador to Uzbekistan, A. A. G. Alit Santhika hoped through culinary and culture promotion, Indonesia was able to attract Uzbekistan people to visit Indonesia, and can socialize the name of Indonesia to local people.
The existence of Indonesian delegation on the 24th International Maritime Pilot's Association (IMPA) has attracted the attention of Dakar port authority to cooperate in maritime sector. Held in Dakar starting from April 23-27 April, the conference attended by 600 participants, maritime professionals as well as experts from various countries in the world, among others Indonesia, Senegal, the Netherlands, Norway, Morocco, Poland and Mexico. Indonesian delegation was led by Capt. Pasoroan Herman Harianja, Chairman of Indonesian Maritime Pilots Association (INAMPA). Indonesian delegation also opened stand to promote MarineM products of PT. Innovez One which attracted the attention of the visitors. MarineM is a mobile application to arrange process and traffic of ships at the port in real time and integrated, beginning from the arrival of the ship until invoiceis issued.The Indonesian embassy in Dakar utilized the visit to reconcile Indonesian delegation with director general of Dakar port authority, Aboubacar S. Beye, to promote MaritimeM product of PT. Innovez One and explainin more detail the potetial of Indonesian maritime, and also to explore the possibility of cooperation in maritime sector. The Indonesian ambassador in Dakar, Mansyur Pangeran, who led the Indonesian delegation with directorate general of authority of Dakar port said that after knowing potential and the improvement of the system of regulation of the entry of vesselsat bigports such as Tanjung Periuk Jakarta and the improvement of maritime pilot education systemin Indonesia, Senegal is interested in the presentation which was delivered by Indonesian delegation in the conference and wanted to explore cooperation in maritime sector and port with Indonesia.
Rhythm of the Indonesian Archipelago today will invite you to visit a small town in Central Java province, namely Wonosobo. People in the world usually visit Wonosobo to enjoy beautiful scenery from the peak of Dieng slope. The place, which becomes one of the main destinations of Wonosobo, has been well known by domestic and foreign tourists. Various kinds of arts and cultures become evidences that Indonesia is rich of not only beautiful nature or friendly people, but also diverse culture which becomes background of Indonesian people’s life. Culture also becomes way to see civilization in the world. Music is also part of the culture.
Wonosobo becomes the center of the oldest Islamic civilization in Java Island. Although many things have to appear, Wonosobo become a symbol of the city. There is one thing which is not realized by tourists when they come to this small town, namely a unique traditional instrument so-called ‘Bundengan’. The instrument has been played as entertainment of duck breeders since the glory of Majapahit kingdom. Bundengan is the origin of traditional musical instrument from Wonosobo. The instrument is rare because there are not many makers and players of the instrument.
According to Agus Wuryanto a Bundengan player in Wonosobo that Bundengan’ is Javanese traditional instrument. In addition, it is also called ‘Kowangan’ and called ‘Betet’ in East Wonosobo. The Javanese traditional instrument has developed, especially in Kedu region in Wonosobo and surrounding areas. The instrument is made from bamboos which are coated with Selumpring or bamboo stem and tied with fibers. The instrument is popular among the communities because in the past, it became media of entertainment. According to its function, Kowangan is also used as tools for shelter for farmers and herdsmen.
The shape of Bundengan which looks like shell poses some questions; one of them is why people call the instrument Bundengan.
"...It is called Bundengan, because from Kowangan name, it contains of instrument and its sound is buzzing. So, it’s called Bundengan. If Javanese people mention that buzzing is called ‘Bundeng’. The instrument has high pitch voice and quite complete. So, it can be mentioned to represent a set of Gamelan, and there is Gendang sounding like Kempul and Gong.", Agus said.
The simplicity of the form of the instrument does not reflect the melodious rhythm. The genius farmers and breeders are able to present unique music, namely Bundengan. After exploring, the instrument entertained not only the farmers but also the breeders when they were taking a rest at that time.
"...In the past, it was usually used to accompany performances; one of them was Bali Lenggeran, kids’ songs and even for wayang Kedu performance. Because from one of books which was read by me. With its name Kritosanjoyo book, there is one sentence which mentions “Tudung” referring to Javanese musical instrument as Wayang Kedu accompaniment.", He added.
Bundengan itself has shape like hood which is made from bamboo. The uniqueness of the instrument is its string tucked in between the woven bambooto produce melodious sound and high-pitch. A man with the name Munir who is very proficientto play it, explained how to make Bundengan.
"It is made from dried bamboo, then it cut thin or split and refined, when it has been thin and refined, it is installed on Kowangan. To install racket strings pairs on the sidelines of Kowangan is given the distance among several boxes and should be tight. Then, it is given Gondeni or bamboo’s twig. The twig is split, and fitted to strings and inserted a stick, then it can be tested in the stem", He said.
It is not easy to make the instrument. Understanding the maker of Gamelan music is also a benchmark of the beauty of the sound coming out of the Bundengan.Bundengan is in category of stringed instrument which uses guitar and rubber strings. Furthermore, a Lecturer of Ethnomusicology, Surakarta, Dr. Zukarnain Mistortoify explained about Bundengan.
"...Bundengan instrument consists of some elements, one bowl or Koangan which is plaited by bamboo’s frame to form it like bowl. Then, there are strings which produce sound; there are 4 strings which function as gong, kempul and bende and produce kempul and getuk sound. Because it is different, then the principle of its strainis also varied and there is also a facility to ascend down the strain. Another side is a piece of bamboo which is plugged in its different size and thickness, if it is pluckedto produce different sound.", He explained.
Being simple is the main key which is played by Bundengan physicallybut the simplicity can give the pleasure of a sad heart.
That was a glimpse of information about a traditional music instrument from Wonosobo, Central Java.
The first information is from Jakarta.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied on the existence of tourist visa for Israeli people. Previously, Haaretz, media of Israel claimed that Israeli people can propose visa to Indonesia as of May 1st. Spokesperson of the Ministry, Arrmanatha Nasir, when being connected by Republika on Friday (4/5) said that news about visa granting for Israel is not true. He emphasized that this has been communicated by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya and Minister of Law and Human Rights, Yasonna Laoli. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the truth of the news, which was published by Haaretz, has also been denied by Directorate General of Immigration. Head of Public Relations and Public Section of the Directorate General of Immigration, Agung Sampurno said that there is no tourist visa for Israel. Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Thus, Indonesia does not have policy of visa granting for Israeli people.
The next information is from Slovakia.
Acquiescence film directed by Fierrany Halita from Indonesia won the main prize for F-Kids category in International Festival of Sustainable Development Film in Bratislava, Solvakia over the weekend. The award was handed over by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sports of Republic of Slovakia to Indonesian Ambassador to Slovakia, Adiyatwidi Adiwoso represented by Fierrany Halita. This was stated by Counselor of Socio-Cultural Information of the Indonesian Embassy to Bratislava, Lely Meiliani to Antara News Agency in London on Monday (7/5). The acquiescence film is a short animation one with the theme ‘Environment”. The festival has been held for 44 years and it becomes the biggest film festival in Slovakia. This year, the committee of the festival received 1,300 films from various countries and only 86 films became nomination. The award is the first time for Indonesia to win in the film festival.
We end Diplomatic Corner with the news from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Speech and story-telling competition in Indonesian language were held in Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There were 10 finalists; each 5 participants showed their skills in the final speech and story-telling competition in Indonesian language for foreign speakers at Campus of Universiti Malaysia Utara Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia on Sunday (6/5). A student of the university, Nurfarhana binti Mazlan was decided by the judges as the first winner of the speech competition. The second and third place was Addina binti Zamil and Aubaidillah Doloh who are the students of Universiti Islam Antarbangsa Malaysia. Meanwhile, for story-telling in Indonesian language, the first winner was Shakif bin Suhaimi from Universiti Islam Antarbangsa Malaysia, the second place, Nuramelynn Izati binti Hisham from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and the third place was Syed Muh Azmel bin Syed Mahmud from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. The finale was opened by Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Prof. Ari Purbayanto. In his speech, Ari Purbayanto disclosed that the speech and story-telling competition in Indonesian language is program of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture which is held by all Indonesian Education and Cultural and Cultural House Attaché in 18 accredited countries. The event was also enlivened by dances and songs which were accompanied by Angklung students and teachers of Indonesian school in Kuala Lumpur as well as Indonesian student association of Universiti Utara Malaysia.