Video
WINNERS OF VOI INTERNATIONAL QUIZ 2022
Video Streaming
Feature (1023)
October
Stimulating visits of Namibian tourists, Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek holds Travel Agency Business Meeting
Written by Rahma
The Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) Windhoek in Namibia held a business meeting between Indonesian and Namibia travel agency companies. The meeting was virtually held on Monday (24/10), and attended by 3 Namibian travel agents namely Trip Travel, Rennies Travel and Satguru Travel and Tours as well as 7 travel agents from Indonesia namely KBA Tours, Bhara Tours, BMW Tours, Pacific World Nusantara, Melali Bali DMC, JOOi Indonesia and Wita Tours. Head of Information and Socio-Cultural Function of the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek, Ari explained that the business meeting between Indonesia and Namibia travel agents aimed at facilitating business cooperation and promote Indonesia's leading destinations as well as conveying the latest immigration regulations of the Government of Indonesia which is expected to boost foreign tourist visits to Indonesia. Both Indonesia and Namibia consider the tourism sector is important because of their contribution on job creation and local and national revenue sources.
The business meeting was attended by Chairperson of the Namibia ANTA Travel Agency Association and the Chairperson of the Regional Leadership Council of the Association of Indonesian Travel Companies ASITA Bali. Both parties welcomed the business meeting organized by the Indonesian Embassy for bridging communication and opening up business opportunities. Chairman of the ASITA Bali Regional Leadership Council, I Putu Winastra pointed out that the business meeting is an opportunity to increase the tourism business in Bali. He also affirmed that the business meeting with the Namibian travel agents is a great opportunity for Bali tourism actors to expand the target market. ASITA invites Namibian tourism agents to take part in the Bali and Beyond Travel Fair in 2023.
Moreover, one of the Indonesian travel agent entrepreneurs from KBA Tour, I Ketut Sujata revealed that the business meeting is a good opportunity for his company to find work partners in Namibia because so far, travel agents from Indonesia have usually worked with travel agents from South Africa. Since the implementation of the latest immigration policy that allows the Indonesian Representative to issue a visit visa on September 23, 2022, the Indonesian Embassy has issued 5 visit visas. Jacky from Trip Travel also welcomes the new policy since after the Covid-19 pandemic and the high cost of issuing E-visas for tourists from Namibia, many potential tourists had to cancel their vacation to Indonesia. Even though Indonesia is the third favorite holiday destination for Namibian tourists after Mauritius and Thailand. Jacky hopes the new immigration policy will bring more tourists from Namibia to Indonesia.
October
Indonesia has been named the most generous country in the world according to the World Giving Index (WGI) 2022. The annual report on global generosity, released by the Charity Aid Foundation (CAF) on Friday (21/10), confirmed Indonesia in first place with a score of 68 percent. According to the Chief Executive of the Public Interest Research and Advocacy Center, Hamid Abidin in his statement on Saturday ( 22/10), this shows the strong tradition of donating to the Indonesian people, which is inspired by religious teachings and local traditions that have been practiced for decades. The pandemic condition also did not affect the interest and enthusiasm for donating to the Indonesian people and only had an impact on the amount and form of donations donated.
Hamid also assessed that Indonesia's achievement as the most generous country in the world was influenced by religious history. In addition to the influence of religious teachings, he views this is also the success of philanthropic activists, especially Islamic philanthropy in raising, managing and utilizing religious donations as well as contributing to this achievement. Islamic philanthropic institutions, especially ZISWAF management bodies and institutions (Zakat, Infaq, Alms and Waqf) have metamorphosed into modern philanthropic institutions. According to Hamid, Islamic philanthropy has developed a strategy of raising conventional and digital religious donations, as well as implementing transparent and accountable donation management standards. In addition, he also remarked that the use of ICT is also a milestone for philanthropic institutions to be able to continue operating during the pandemic and facilitate the distribution of donations from the public.
Based on the 2022 World Giving Index (WGI) data index, Indonesia has a total presentation of 68 percent, 3 percent lower than the score in the previous year. This achievement places Indonesia as the most generous country for 5 consecutive years. CAF's research results show that 84 percent of Indonesians donated money in 2021, much higher than the global average score (35 percent). The percentage of Indonesians who participate in volunteer activities is also high (63 percent), almost 3 (three) times higher than the global average (23 percent). Meanwhile, the percentage of citizens who donated to foreigners was 58 percent, slightly lower than the global average (62 percent).
October
Indonesian Embassy in London to hold "Experience Indonesia" in November
Written by Rahma
The Indonesian Embassy in London in collaboration with Bank Mandiri, BNI and Bank Indonesia is going to hold the "Experience Indonesia" event in London, England from 6 until 8 of November 2022. The embassy in London in its statement on Monday (24 /20) mentioned that the theme "Discover Invaluable Stories", Experience Indonesia will be a gathering place for the community, diaspora, Indonesian and British students as well as foreign tourists to undergo the firsthand unique Indonesian experience through cultural arts performances, tourism promotion, strategic commodities, culinary and Indonesia's creative economy.
Indonesian Ambassador to the UK, Desra Percaya conveyed that the “Experience Indonesia” is a good opportunity to put Indonesia on the map so that Indonesia is increasingly known and loved by the British people. Because at the government level, the relationship of both countries is very good and strong. Ambassador Desra also emphasized that the momentum of relaxation in post-pandemic England needs to be used to promote Indonesian tourism, since the British people have been tired and they want to have new experiences after years at home. He also affirmed Indonesia is one of the most attractive options for them.
The Indonesian Embassy in London has further pointed out that the “Experience Indonesia” event will feature a number of talented Indonesian talents, such as Dewi Gita, Lea Simanjuntak, Paguyuban Citra and Banyuwangi Heritage. Moreover, leading Indonesian fashion brands, such as Alleira Batik and Wearing Klamby will also participate. A series of activities at "Experience Indonesia '' will begin with Indonesian Day on November 6 and have the theme of the people's market to display Micro Small and Medium Entreprises (MSMEs), street food, fashion, display of Indonesian cultural arts and tourism.
On November 7, there will be an "Indonesian Workshop: Discover Batik" event in which the British people can learn and try out batik techniques directly. Besides the batik workshop in November, there will also be a parallel Indonesian Coffee Day activity. It will bring together industry players to promote Indonesian specialty coffee which also prioritizes aspects of sustainability and empowerment of women and MSMEs. The peak of the Experience Indonesia event on November 8 is enlivened with the "Indonesian Night" activity, namely an Indonesian cultural arts performance as the result of collaboration between Indonesian artists and a batik fashion show of a number of MSMEs assisted by Bank Indonesia.
October
The Indonesian Ministry of Trade facilitated the signing of 24 memorandums of understanding (MoU) and Single Purchasing Statements between Indonesian business actors and trading partners from Malaysia worth US$175.9 million. Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan in Tangerang, Banten, Thursday (20/10) appreciated the Indonesian representatives in Malaysia and business actors who have made various efforts to increase exports and promotion of Indonesian products to Malaysia. The signing of the trade contract according to the Trade Minister shows the trade performance of Indonesia and Malaysia which continues to increase after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The signing includes on food and beverage commodities, tea, herbal drinks, coconut milk seasoning flour, coconut flour and electric motorcycles. The Minister of Trade explained in the period of January-August 2022 the total non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and Malaysia has reached 13.78 billion US dollars. When compared to the same period last year, this value has increased significantly, namely 32.3 percent.
Meanwhile, the Director General of National Export Development Didi Sumedi who was also present to witness the signing said the increase in the total value of non-oil and gas trade between Indonesia and Malaysia shows that in the midst of unfavorable global economic conditions, product demand from both countries is still quite high. This is also supported by the economic conditions of the two countries which are still quite well maintained. In addition, geographical proximity and demographic similarities are also one of the supporting factors. Didi Sumedi explained the characteristics and culture of people of the two neighboring countries have a direct effect on the increasing demand for various products, especially from Indonesia. He expects this condition to continue to develop so that trade performance continue to increase.
Indonesian Trade Attache in Kuala Lumpur, Deden Muhammad F S added in January–August 2022 Indonesia recorded a non-oil and gas trade surplus of 5.36 billion US dollars. When compared to the same period in 2021, the increase this year reached 77.4 percent. This is something to be grateful for and must also be maintained. According to Deden, various efforts to promote Indonesian products in Malaysia continues.
October
Lake Toba becomes the location for the opening of F1 H2O Season 2023
Written by MaryatiIndonesia plans to hold a world-class race again. This time, it's the Formula One Powerboat World Championship aka F1 H2O, a prestigious speedboat racing event. The location to be the venue for the F1 H20 is Lake Toba, North Sumatra. The race will be held from 24 until 26 of February, 2023. The preparations for F1 H20 have been started by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) and the Toba regency government. Now, the process has entered the stage of structuring the Lake Toba area. Until now, there are still a few things which are considered to need improvement, including the availability of water, access to the race location and other facilities. Thereby, the Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan has encouraged the Toba regency government to immediately acquire the required land and organize the Balige Port area at the end of this November.
Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary of Toba Regency, Augus Sitorus said that along with the team from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has collected data and arranged the location of the competition as well as accommodation facilities to support the event. He hopes that F1 H20 would be successful and be the first successful international sports event on Lake Toba. This can be possibly done in stages in 10 years and becomes an international event.
The F1 H20 race is a speed-boats race with one passenger to compete against each other on the water circuit. It is claimed to be competitive, challenging, full of risk and entertaining. In each match, there are 20 riders who participate. When they race on the circuit, they are required to go through various challenges like racing on a paved circuit, devouring sharp turns and speeding up maximum speed in a straight line.
In the 2022 F1 H20 season, six races will be held. There are four cities lined up as the host of the race, namely Macon (France), San Nazzaro (Italy), Olbia (Italy), and Sharjah (United Arab Emirates). For next year's season, the organizer of the F1 H20 has officially announced the appointment of Lake Toba as the location of the race. It will become the opening of the 2023 season.
October
Ministry of Industry facilitates expansion of food and beverage export market to Europe
Written by Maryati
The Indonesian Ministry of Industry facilitated the food and beverage industry to expand export markets to Europe through the Salon International de l'Alimentation (SIAL) Paris 2022 exhibition in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Paris. Director-General of Agro Industry of the Indonesian Ministry of Industry, Putu July Ardika in his statement in Tangerang, Banten on Thursday (20/10) stated that the Indonesian government has facilitated 20 Indonesian food and beverage industry companies that occupied 20 booths in the Indonesian Pavilion with a total area of 202.5 square meters. These Indonesian business actors promoted excellent products, including tea and coffee products, processed coconut, health drinks, snacks, biscuits, processed fruit, processed fish, and seaweed.
Moreover, Putu also explained that the Ministry of Industry participation in SIAL Paris 2022 was supported by the collaboration of the Directorate of Seafood and Fisheries Industry of the Ministry of Industry, Directorate of Tobacco Products and Refreshment Industry of the Ministry of Industry, Directorate of Industrial Resource Access and International Promotion of the Ministry of Industry and Paris Trade Attache. Putu Juli Ardika hopes that Indonesia's participation in SIAL Paris 2022 will bring Indonesian food and beverage products closer to not only the European community, but also to the world community, considering that SIAL Paris 2022 was attended by entrepreneurs and visitors from all over the world.
He also affirmed the food and beverage industry was also able to grow positively by 3.68 percent in the second quarter of 2022 and it was larger than the second quarter of the previous year that reached 2.95 percent. He added that through participation in the SIAL Paris 2022 exhibition, it is expected to improve performance of the food and beverage industry which in turn also contributes significantly to the national economy. Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to France, Mohamad Oemar hopes that Indonesia's participation in SIAL Paris can strengthen relations between Indonesia and France. Through this SIAL Paris 2022 exhibition, Indonesian flavors are expected to be known by the French, European and world communities.
October
Indonesian Embassy in Berlin holds an Indonesian night for people of Germany
Written by Maryati
The Indonesian Embassy in Berlin and the Indonesian Community Forum in Dresden, Germany held the 2022 Indonesischer Abend (Indonesian Night) at the Dresden City Museum, Dresden, on Saturday (15/10). It’s a cultural performance that brought some Indonesian artists, dancers and musicians, and it was also attended by at least 200 people, including Dresden Deputy Mayor for Education and Youth, Jan Donhauser. Indonesian Ambassador to Germany, Arif Havas Oegroseno explained that he welcomed the Indonesischer Abend activity in Dresden as one of the highlights of the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Germany. He underlined the beauty of diversity and tolerance of culture and religion in Indonesia as the world's largest Muslim country.
Meanwhile, Jan Donhauser conveyed that the presence of the Indonesian community and diaspora in Dresden has contributed to cultural diversity and local harmony and Indonesia's Abend is a good opportunity to introduce Indonesian diversity to the people of Dresden. Moreover,,Indonesischer Abend presents lots of Indonesian cultural arts, such as ethnic Papuan dances, West Java bajidor kahot, Balinese dances with Sinrilik music, vocal groups and traditional Maluku dances, West Sumatra wax dances, and West Kalimantan ruai dances.
According to the Indonesian Embassy, the event was welcomed by the people and the Indonesian diaspora in Dresden, as well as being a sense of longing for many Indonesian diaspora in the city and its surroundings. Since, they have not had the opportunity to return to their own country, indonesia. The Dresden City Museum was also enlivened by Indonesian Day which provided a number of outlets to introduce various aspects of Indonesian culture, such as batik, wayang, and various Indonesian traditional snacks.
October
The success of Mercado Culinário Indonésio or the Indonesian Culinary Market in June 2022 made the Indonesian Embassy in Lisbon to organize Mercado Culinário Indonésio for the second time. This activity was held in October 2022. This event was held in the middle of autumn in Portugal and to fulfill the longing of the Indonesian diasporas, and the Portuguese community for Indonesian cuisine. This event aims to promote the richness of Indonesian culinary and products in Portugal.
This activity is in accordance with the mission of Indonesian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Portugal, Mr. Rudy Alfonso to promote a positive image of Indonesia. He was happy that many Portuguese people like Indonesian cuisine. He hopes that more Indonesian diasporas will open restaurants in Portugal.
Around 500 people flocked to the backyard of the Indonesian Embassy in Lisbon and were busy to choose Indonesian snacks. There were about 40 types of food sold, ranging from the favourite menu of chicken satay, fried rice, fried noodles, meatballs, chicken porridge, rendang, siomay, yellow rice, woku chicken, various spring rolls, to various fried foods and market snacks.
Besides serving culinary, the Indonesian Embassy in Lisbon accepted the participation of the Travelutions travel agency stand, which provided tour packages to Indonesia. In addition, Emirates as one of the international airlines that has flight routes (with one transit) from Lisbon - Jakarta and Lisbon - Bali, also participates in Mercado Culinário Indonésio.
If visitors want to try Indonesian reflexology, they can also enjoy massage services at the Swans Spa & Message stand for ten minutes.
This event is also a cultural promotion, such as traditional music and dance. One of the music performed was the song 'Indonesia Pusaka', sung by João Oliveira, an alumni of the BSBI scholarship and a participant in the Indonesian language class organized by the Indonesian Embassy. In addition, visitors were also entertained by the strains of the Balinese Gender tone game by Vanessa, an alumnus of Darmasiswa ISI Denpasar.
Seeing the interest from visitors, which even increased in number compared to the previous Mercado event, the Indonesian Embassy is optimistic that Mercado Culinário Indonésio will be well received by the people in Portugal.
October
Three Indonesian and Ethiopian universities signed an agreement to increase their relationship, cooperation and global role. This was reported by the Indonesia Embassy (KBRI) in Addis Ababa as quoted by Antara on Sunday (9/10). The agreement was carried out at the Indonesia-Ethiopia Higher Education Forum entitled ‘Higher Education for the International Development’ which was held on a hybrid basis by the Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa recently.
The three universities involved in the agreement are Harambe University, Budi Luhur University and Merdeka University Malang. The Indonesia-Ethiopia Higher Education Forum was held to enhance relations and cooperation between Indonesian and Ethiopian universities and their global role. Moreover, the three universities of both countries also want to improve relations and cooperation for the bilateral interests of Indonesia and Ethiopia.
Indonesian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Al Busyra Basnur pointed out that the Indonesia-Ethiopia higher education forum was held for the second time by the Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa. Previously on 10 May 2022, as many as 18 Indonesian and Ethiopian universities participated in a similar forum. Currently, there are 23 Memorandums of Understanding between Indonesian and Ethiopian universities. In 2021, there were 17 Memorandums of Understanding signed between universities of the two countries.
Meanwhile, the Founder and CEO of Harambee University, Feyissa Ararssa is scheduled to visit Indonesia this weekend to meet directly with partners in Indonesia as well as attend the 2022 Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI). The Indonesia-Ethiopia Higher Education Forum will present a number of speakers, including Indonesian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Djibouti and the African Union, Al Busyra Basnur, Ethiopian non-resident Ambassador to Indonesia, Fekadu Beyene and Budi Luhur University Rector, Wendi Usino. Furthermore, President of Harambee University Habtamu Teka, Head of Cooperation and Innovation Bureau at Merdeka University Malang, Andini Risfandini and Founder and CEO of Harambe University Feyissa Ararssa.
October
Increasing Export to Non-traditional Market, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan Leads Indonesian Trade Mission to Qatar
Written by Rahma
To implement the mandate of President Joko Widodo in exploring the export market to non-traditional countries, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan led the Indonesian Trade Mission Delegation to Qatar. This trade mission, scheduled on October 9 and 10 2022, aimed to increase Indonesian trade performance.
In this trade mission, Minister Zulkifli Hasan was planning to attend the business forum and open business matching. Some 11 businesspeople participated in this trade mission. Their products were palm oil and its derivatives, paper, automotive, battery, food and beverages, home decor, handicrafts, garment, and beauty products.
Qatar is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Currently, Indonesia has proposed a joint feasibility study for the approval of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership (Indonesia-GCC CEPA).
Director-General for National Export Development, Didi Sumedi said that the trade performance between Indonesia and Qatar was still deficit for Indonesia.
From January until July 2022, the total trade between Indonesia and Qatar reached US$758.07 million.
The main import products of Indonesia in Qatar are sulphur, unwrought aluminum, polymers of ethylene, acyclic alcohols, and sodium hydroxide. According to Didi Sumedi, considering the trade balance of the two nations, the Indonesian Trade Mission to Qatar was a government effort to reduce the trade deficit. With this trade mission, it is expected that the Indonesian export to Qatar will keep increasing.