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 Indonesian Embassy in Canberra Australia presented dances from various regions in Indonesia at the 2024 National Multicultural Festival organized by the local government on Saturday. Education and Culture Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra Mukhamad Najib in a statement explained for this agenda the embassy presented Saman Dance from Aceh Randai Dance from West Sumatra and the Lutung Kasarung performance from West Java. Najib explained art performances from these three regions were meant to make the world community become more familiar with the diverse culture of Indonesia, apart from the already well-known Balinese culture. The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra's arts team also contributed to the Saman Dance performance. In addition, the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra especially invited the arts team from the Faculty of Language and Arts Education, Jakarta State University, to perform at the 2024 Australian National Multicultural Festival. Najib said, the audience who packed the location at the Canberra Center warmly welcomed the artistic performances from Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Language and Arts Education, Jakarta State University, Liliana Muliastuti said the faculty wants to continue to be involved in introducing and promoting Indonesian culture to the world community. According to her, the 2024 National Multicultural Festival in Australia is very suitable for the mission which is part of the international community service activities of the Faculty of Language and Arts Education, Jakarta State University, She noted those who attended the event came from many countries. The biggest annual cultural festival in the Australian capital took place from 16-18 February 2024 and was attended by representatives from various countries in Canberra, including Indonesia. Besides dance arts, the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra also opened an Indonesian booth to introduce various tourist destinations and Indonesian food as well as Indonesian visa application procedures to the local community.
Indonesian students make the Indonesian nation proud i. the international world. After competing with students from European, American, Asian and Middle Eastern countries, the students from MAN 4 Islamic school Jakarta successfully won a gold medal at the 2024 Asean Innovative Science Environmental And Entrepreneur Fair (AISEEF) research event which was held online and offline on 2-5 February 2024. The research team was headed by Alifia Kayyisa (XII IPA 1), consisting of Afralifia Cahya Nadira (XII IPA 1), Ezza Azkiya Sanee (XII IPA 5), Rifelli Azkiyah Luqman (XI-4), and Nadia Pintenate (X-13). In their research, they examined banana peels to determine the borax content in food.
The research team consisting of five students conducted research for three weeks at MAN 4 Jakarta. They were accompanied by Nugroho Wahyu Sumartono as the supervising teacher. MAN 4 team leader, Alifia Kayyisa explained that banana peels contain many organic compounds that can be converted into carbon dots. Carbon dots are a carbon-based material that is nano-sized, non-toxic, and has the property of fluorescing with different colors depending on the substance involved when illuminated with a UV lamp. With these properties, carbon dots can be used as an alternative to identify borax in food. Alifia said that banana peels were chosen because the waste was very abundant. In this way, she hopes that the results of his research can be useful in making banana peel waste more useful. The team also concluded that borax is a material that is dangerous for the body. Meanwhile, the distribution of foods containing borax is currently very widespread and not everyone knows about it.
The competition was held by the Indonesian Young Scientist Association in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University (Undip), Semarang, Central Java. There are 447 teams taking part in AISEEF 2024 from 17 countries, namely the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Romania, Iran, Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, Portugal, the United States, Korea South, China, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. 152 Teams took part in the competition offline at the Undip campus. Meanwhile, 295 other teams participated online. AISEEF participants also consist of middle school, high school, vocational school students and university students.
The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia held a Round Table Dialogue on Indonesia-Cambodia Relations for 65 Years at the Indonesian Embassy building on Tuesday (13/2). The dialogue aims at discussing aspects of relations of both countries, coinciding with the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Cambodia in 2024, precisely on February 13. Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto in the opening session of the event conveyed the dialogue aimed at taking ideas from academic discussions involving leading scholars and proposed strategies to further improve bilateral relations over the next 65 years.
Some important issues were discussed in this activity, such as the strong historical relationship between Indonesia and Cambodia, cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, tourism and infrastructure as well as the potential for partnerships in dealing with regional and global issues. The participants affirmed the importance to further strengthen the development of the ASEAN community through programs and activities that directly benefit the peoples of both countries. According to Ambassador Santo, Indonesia does not only want to be known for its services in Cambodia in the past, but also as a partner to advance Cambodia's developing economy. The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh also suggested establishing a commitment between the governments of both countries to empower the young generation in shaping the future bilateral relations between Indonesia and Cambodia.
The dialogue was attended by Senior Minister Sok Siphana, Ambassador Phou Suthirak from the Center for Regional Studies of Cambodia, Vora Huy Kanthoul from the Cambodian Institute for Peace and Cooperation, and Mey Kalyan from the Cambodian Institute for Development and Resources. In addition to Indonesia from Bina Nusantara University Jakarta, Tirta Nugraha Mursitama and from the University of Indonesia, Ardhitya Yeremia. Last year, Indonesia was ranked 6th in trade partners of Cambodia, with total bilateral trade of around US$1.1 billion. Indonesia's successful leadership in ASEAN in 2023 was built on the achievements that Cambodia achieved during its ASEAN chairmanship in the previous year.
An Indonesian youth got an award for cruise design. The Young Designer of the Year 2024 was given in Kitzbühel, Austria to Pradipta Rahman Hakim. Pradipta got the prestigious award in the Boat International Design and Innovation Awards 2024. With an amazing design,
Pradipta even caught the eye of Feadship, a high-end ship design and industry that was the main sponsor of the awards.
In the design named Blueminance, the graduate of Marine Engineering at ITS Surabaya focused on functionality that does not ignore the aesthetics. The futuristic design was represented vividly with a robust art, supported by careful planning and attractive interior design. The centerpiece of this concept is a wide open relaxation area, with a swimming pool at its centerpoint.
Dipta said the competition was quite lengthy with a tight judging process by the superyacht industry. In five months of progressing, Dipta actively raised the bar by learning rendering systems, interior design, and getting a mentor from the internet. Later, Dipta was committed to contribute to the advancement in ship design, both in Indonesia and the world.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo says that electric vehicles are the future of automobiles in Indonesia, because Indonesia has nickel and other raw materials. He made the remark when opening the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2024 in Jakarta, Thursday (15/2).
Although the government is yet to give more incentive for electric vehicles, the head of state said that the government had given some incentives to boost EV production in the country. This incentive includes reduction of added-value tax. With this, President Joko Widodo expects the Indonesian EV industry to compete with other countries, especially when Indonesia has the potential and strength to develop EV batteries.
Further, the president remarked that the incentive is given to all EV producers, including the electric public transportation. All are encouraged to do the production in Indonesia. The president also wished for all branded EV to be produced in Indonesia, because as stated before, Indonesia has the power in EV batteries.
On a related note, the Indonesia International Motor Show 2024 is held from 15 until 25 of February, 2024. This year's theme was "IIMS Infinite Live", with various world automobile brands.
An Indonesian youth got an award for cruise design. The Young Designer of the Year 2024 was given in Kitzbühel, Austria to Pradipta Rahman Hakim. Pradipta got the prestigious award in the Boat International Design and Innovation Awards 2024. With an amazing design, Pradipta even caught the eye of Feadship, a high-end ship design and industry that was the main sponsor of the awards.
In the design named Blueminance, the graduate of Marine Engineering at Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) Surabaya, East Java focused on functionality that does not ignore the aesthetics. The futuristic design was represented vividly with a robust art, supported by careful planning and attractive interior design. The centerpiece of this concept is a wide open relaxation area, with a swimming pool at its center point.
Pradipta said the competition was quite lengthy with a tight judging process by the superyacht industry. In five months of progressing, Pradipta actively raised the bar by learning rendering systems, interior design, and getting a mentor from the internet. Later, Pradipta was committed to contributing to the advancement in ship design, both in Indonesia and the world.
Indonesia participated in the Nguyen Hue Flower Street Festival which took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamfrom 7 to 14 February 2024. With the theme "Beloved Spring- Tet Reunion," this festival attracted the attention of tens of thousands of Vietnamese people and tourists from various countries.
The Indonesian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Agustaviano Sofjan, stated that Indonesia's participation in the Ho Chi Minh City Flower Festival was an important step to introduce Indonesia’s beautiful panorama and natural wealth. He hopes that this pavilion can become a means of expanding cultural aspects, tourism and economic cooperation between Indonesia and Vietnam.
The Indonesian pavilion at this festival carried the theme of the Angklung, a traditional musical instrument recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage, and it became the main attraction. Angklung is a symbol of cooperation and mutual respect between nations. The pavilion was also decorated with various flowers which symbolize the richness of Indonesian culture.
Visitors could not only enjoy the beautiful visuals of the pavilion, but also have the opportunity to interact directly with the Angklung musical instrument. At the opening of the festival, VIP guests, including Indonesian representatives, were invited to play the Angklung, creating an unforgettable moment of togetherness.
Indonesia's presence in this festival aims not only to promote natural beauty, but also to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries. Besides, it is a golden opportunity to introduce various aspects of Indonesian culture to the Vietnamese people.
In the previous year, the Indonesian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City successfully invited the Saung Udjo arts team to perform at the Saigon Opera House, adding to the cultural diversity introduced to Vietnamese society. Initiatives like this continue to strengthen people-to-people diplomacy, and to open the door to cultural aspects, tourism and economic cooperation of both countries.
Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Laos have been established since 1957. Both countries have good relations because of lots of similarities between them, such as their equally diverse ethnic backgrounds and historical similarities as countries that were free from Western colonialism. This was conveyed by Indonesian Ambassador to Laos, Grata Endah Werdaningtyas in an interview broadcast by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday (13/2). Ambassador Grata has pointed out that Indonesia has created a cooperation program with Laos to strengthen relations of both countries, such as a scholarship program for Laotian students. According to Ambassador Grata, with this reality, his current task at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Vientiane is to build better and mutually more beneficial relations for both countries. One thing that will be done is to collaborate with the Laos-Indonesia Friendship Association (LIFA). This organization, which was founded in 2008, was founded by a former Laotian Ambassador to Indonesia. Ambassador Grata also explained that the Indonesian Embassy in Vientiane is currently working with LIFA to expand their joint agenda, and to encourage the promotion of Indonesia in Laos.
Moreover, the Indonesian Embassy in Vientiane also holds Indonesian Language classes for Foreign Speakers (BIPA), which started in 2009. To date, 673 students have completed the BIPA classes. In 2023, around 50 people were registered as students. One of the students even won an Indonesian language competition from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, against participants from various Indonesian BIPA classes abroad.
“....One of the students in (class) BIPA won first place for Comedy. Of course, there are speeches, there are poetry readings, singing, and so on. But for me, comedy actually has a highly additional value, because comedy shows that children must understand the culture. Because jokes have to work, cross-cultural, and different cultures must understand each other. The Indonesian Embassy in Vientiane also introduced Indonesian culinary delights at external events. One thing that was done was to open an instant noodle corner at a diplomatic reception last year, in which Indonesian chefs cooked instant noodles on the spot for those waiting in line.”
Meanwhile, Indonesia-Laos trade will increase three times during 2021-2022. Ambassador Grata admitted that there was a deficit from Indonesia, because Indonesia imported potassium from Laos as raw material for fertilizer to meet large demand. However, he conveyed these imports would help supply fertilizer for domestic industry. The Indonesian Embassy in Vientiane has taken several steps to facilitate the promotion of Indonesian products in Laos, for example, by increasing sales of consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and health products in supermarkets. Besides, his side facilitates Indonesian companies that want to have partnership with business players in Laos. The Indonesian Embassy in Vientiane is also collaborating with the Young Entrepreneur Association of Laos so that young entrepreneurs in Laos can work together with young Indonesian entrepreneurs.
State University of Jakarta (UNJ) received an honorary visit from Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Dr. Thomas Loidl on Monday (12/2).The honorary visit was to explore cooperation especially in education and was attended by Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Dr. Thomas Loidl, UNJ Rector Prof. Komarudin, Austrian Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia Philipp Rossl, Secretary of Austrian Ambassador to Indonesia Alicia Simanungkalit, and some other representatives of State University of Jakarta (UNJ).
UNJ Rector Prof. Komarudin wished to expand cooperation with Austria especially in education and teacher development, because the business core of UNJ is teacher education. Besides, UNJ also wanted to learn about vocational education in Austria, in hope to create skilled vocational graduates. UNJ would also be a State University with Legal Entity (PTNBH), so the cooperation could be easier and wider, especially considering UNJ has a wide undeveloped land asset in Cikarang. The cooperation with Austria was expected to also build facilities.
Meanwhile, Arpani and Uryadi from German Language Program of UNJ's Language and Literature Faculty talked about cooperation in education, such as the possibility of UNJ lecturers to sutdy in Austria with Austrian government's scholarship. Besides, the cooperation in developing the internationally licensed ÖSD German Language Test Center.Ambassador Thomas Loidl said they were very open to carry out the cooperation and collaboration with UNJ. As emphasized by the UNJ rector, namely cooperation in education, Austria and Indonesia have been carrying out education and training programs. He then thanked for the cooperation opportunity and wished the program could run well between the Austrian Ambassador and UNJ.
The General Elections which were participated in by Indonesian citizens at the overseas polling station (TPSLN) 001 Dhaka, Bangladesh on Friday (9/2) ran smoothly and transparently// The Dhaka Overseas Elections Committee (PPLN) recorded a total of 156 people on the overseas permanent voter list (DPTLN) who are entitled to cast their voting rights directly at TPS 001 Dhaka, which is located in the lobby of the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka//
Chairman of PPLN Dhaka, Riky Sofyan, in his written statement on Saturday, explained that the Indonesian citizens included in the voter list were enthusiastic about coming early to vote// Until noon until 1pm local time, around 75 percent of permanent voters had cast their votes//
Apart from permanent voters, the polling station was also open for voters who meet the requirements for the overseas additional voter list (DPTb-LN) and the special overseas voter list (DPK-LN)// The voting was open for 10 hours, namely from 09.10am to 7.10pm local time/ TPS 001 Dhaka has accommodated 123 permanent voters, 38 additional voters and 13 special voters//
PPLN Dhaka is able to accommodate voters by using the "return to sender" (RTS) postal method of ballot papers which have been returned to the PPLN Dhaka Secretariat// Based on PPLN Dhaka data, the number of Indonesian citizens included in the overseas permanen voter list is 379 voters, with details of 348 citizens in Bangladesh and 31 others in Nepal// The committee only provided 2 additional ballot papers// Thus, the number of ballot papers received was 388// PPLN Dhaka used two voting methods, namely election by postal delivery and direct election at TPS 001 Dhaka in the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka//
After voting is complete, all ballot papers are stored in a closed box in a sterile place monitored by security cameras// The vote counting will be carried out on February 14, 2024 at 1pm for the TPS method, at the same time as the vote counting in Indonesia// While the postal method vote counting will be done on February 15-22, 2024, adjusted to the condition of returning all ballot papers from 100 percent voters//