The Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum held a Business Gathering with 15 leading Sudanese tourism entrepreneurs and travel agencies at the Wisma Duta of the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan Tuesday (30/8). Indonesian Ambassador to Sudan, Sunarko in his remarks explained that the Indonesian Government has now reopened wide international tourist visits after the Covid-19 pandemic. This is an effort by the Indonesian government to particularly recover the economy. 2022 is a year of economic recovery, including the tourism sector. The Business Gathering activity began with the screening of a video about the 10-New Bali along with an explanation of each destination by Ambassador Sunarko.
Besides promoting the beauty and tourism destinations of Indonesia, the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum also promoted Indonesian batik clothing, which has received international recognition as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Even in 2022, Forbes named Indonesia as the World Most Naturally Beautiful Country. Ambassador Sunarko also conveyed that Indonesia as a destination for global tourism has introduced world-class tourism destinations other than Bali, namely the 10-New Bali across Indonesian islands.
Moreover, Indonesia has prepared five super priority tourism destinations, namely Lake Toba, Borobudur, Labuan Bajo, Mandalika, and Likupang. Ambassador Sunarko further encouraged Sudanese travel agents and tour operators to promote the five super priority Indonesian destinations to the local community, considering that Bali is still a favorite destination for the Sudanese people.
Meanwhile, General Manager of Wasaed Travel, Mohamed Ja'far representing the invitees, expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum for organizing the business gathering, and it is committed to continuously promoting all of Indonesia's best tourism destinations to the Sudanese people. At the end of his remarks, the Ambassador invited all participants to take part in the international tourism exhibition, Bali and Beyond Travel Fair, which will be held from 21 to 23 June 2023. Tourism business actors and the General Manager of the Sudanese travel agency were very enthusiastic and interested in participating. Bali and Beyond Travel Fair will be held in Bali, and ask the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum to be able to connect them with trusted travel agencies in Indonesia.
Sekaten Solo event will be held again in three places, namely South Square, North Square, and Pagelaran for one month from September 16, 2022 to October 16, 2022. The annual event was previously absent for two years to the public due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Sekaten Solo is an annual event, which has been regularly held in Solo and Yogyakarta since the 15th century. This event is a tradition carried out to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
In the implementation of Sekaten Solo, a night market is usually held for a whole month. Afterwards, there will be a Grebeg event of Maulud Prophet in the form of a mountain carnival which takes place as the highlight of the event. Not just a celebration, it turns out that Sekaten also has its own history, especially for the spread of Islam in Central Java. This tradition is used by Wali Songo (nine propagators of Islam on Java) to attract people's attention to Islam. Sekaten was believed to be a combination of art and da'wah because through this event, the community was introduced to Islam. At that time, many people liked gamelan traditional instruments. So, this art performance was always held on the day of the Sekaten.
The highlight of the Sekaten ceremony will begin with the Miyos Gongso ritual. Miyos Gongso is a ritual to welcome the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, which is marked by the release of heirloom Gamelan to the Great Mosque. The Gamelan is the sacred one belonging to the palace, namely the Gamelan of Kyai Guntur Madu and Kyai Guntur Sari of Pagongan. This Gamelan is cleaned first before being paraded to the Great Mosque of Solo. As long as the Gamelan is outside and placed in the Great Mosque, it will be played. The highlight of the event is the Grebeg Maulud Ceremony, which is the release of Gunungan or a collection of various types of food arranged like a mountain. The Sekaten ceremony ends with the return of the Sekaten Gamelan.
The government of Canada sent funds for peat-land protection in South Sumatera. The aid is a support for Indonesia, which is trying to reduce climate change impact.
Head of Development of the Embassy of Canada, Kevin Tokar said that Canada is committed to donating 190 billion rupiahs (about 12 million US dollars) for better land management in three provinces, namely South Sumatra, South Sulawesi, and East Nusa Tenggara.
After a public consultation of South Sumatera Peatland Ecosystem Protection and Management Plan (RPPEG) in Palembang on Monday (29/08), Kevin said that South Sumatra is the second biggest region for peat-land ecosystem in Indonesia.
In South Sumatra, the aid program from Canada is partnering with World Agroforestry Indonesia (ICRAF). According to Kevin, Indonesia must fight to fulfill its commitment in reducing climate change impact. One of which is by managing the peat-land sustainably.
The program also invites farmers to implement a better agricultural management, such as Sustainable Landscape for Climate Resilient Livelihoods (Land4Lives) project run by ICRAF in some regencies in South Sumatra. The aim of Land4Lives is to improve the gender sensitive landscape management, food security, livelihoods, and local economy that is resistant to climate change, mainly for vulnerable groups, including women and girls in Indonesia. Therefore, Canada also supports the RPPEG document for sustainable peat-land management by Indonesia from national to regency/city level.
South Sumatra Peatland Restoration Expert Team member, Syafrul Yunardi said from half million hectares of peat-land in South Sumatra, 40 percent of it is degrading. Peat forest opening was done along with population growth, which resulted in a lack of production land. Production activity in the peat-land is potentially causing land and forest fire.
A Professional Beauty Exhibition was held at the Gallagher Convention Center in Johannesburg, South Africa from 28 to 29 August 2022. Hundreds of company outlets from South Africa and abroad promoted a variety of beauty products to thousands of beauty activists, who have flooded the venue since it was opened.
Indonesia was represented by five beauty product companies. Their presence could not be separated from the initiative and active role of the Indonesian Trade and Promotion Center (ITPC), Johannesburg in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria.
This event aimed not only to bring together beauty business activists, such as spa owners, but also to present opportunities for practitioners in the medical beauty field to meet. They met in conferences on the sidelines of exhibitions, as well as business seminars as a platform for beauty business owners to learn new trends, and share new ideas, which can then be applied for business development.
The Indonesian Charge d'Affaires of Ad Interim in Pretoria, Victor J. Sambuaga, in his remarks before the official opening of the Indonesian booth said that he welcomed the participation of Indonesian companies in this quite prestigious event. He added that bilateral relations between Indonesia and South Africa are very good, but need to be further improved, such as trade through beauty and body care products which were recently done.
As Sambuaga said, Director of ITPC Johannesburg, Tonny Hendriawan also stated that the beauty product companies from Indonesia at this event could increase the penetration of Indonesian products in the South African market and the surrounding areas.
The trade relationship between South Africa and Indonesia from 2019 to 2021 was in a positive trend. The trade value increased 37 percent from US$1.99 billion in 2019 to US$3.76 billion in 2021. The value as seen is still relatively small compared to the existing trade potential.
More specifically, in the field of beauty, the export value of Indonesian products to South Africa increased by 11 percent from 2018 to 2020, which reached from US$1.16 million in 2018 to US$1.3 million in 2020.
The Indonesian Embassy in Manila held an exhibition of Indonesian products, entitled “Indonesia Expo 2022 at SM Mega Mall” Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, the Philippines from August 26 to 28. It was aimed at promoting Indonesian products in the Philippines. As many as 25 companies with lots of trade brands participated and became exhibitors at the event. The exhibited products were food and beverage, plastic packaging, handicrafts, batik, jewelry, herbal medicine, furniture and decorations as well as electrical maintenance services.
During the opening ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, Lieutenant General Retired Agus Widjojo conveyed that the economic cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines has enormous potential due to the geographical proximity and similar characteristics as archipelagic countries. Ambassador Agus also hopes that the Indonesia Expo is not only a place to promote Indonesian products, but also a cultural gateway to strengthen business commitment and explore more potential for cooperation of both countries.
Moreover, this Indonesian Expo is the first physical trade exhibition activity during the pandemic, considering the pandemic situation has been under control in the Philippines. During the two years of the pandemic, trade exhibition activities were held virtually. Furthermore, this activity is also still in the series of commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in the Philippines.
Besides the exhibition of Indonesian products, the event was also enlivened with Cooking Demo activities and Dance Performances from Citra Srikandi Indonesia. The activity supported by the Ministry of Trade through the Trade Attaché Office in Manila is also the opening event for the 37th Indonesia Trade Expo which will be held in Indonesia in October 2022.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing conducted a series of visits and investment promotion activities in Liuzhou City late August, 2022. The delegation consisted of Indonesian Ambassador to China in Beijing, Djauhari Oratmangun, and the Consul General in Guangzhou, Ben Perkasa Drajat. There were also the Economic and Investment Team from the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing and the Economic and Immigration Team from the Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou. The delegation was led by Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun.
As quoted on the kemlu.go.id page (26/8), Consul General, Ben Perkasa Drajat revealed that the delegation had met relevant parties both from the government and potential investors directly. He also said that Liuzhou, as an industrial city, but still able to maintain the greening of the environment, is one of the things that can be learned and implemented in Indonesia.
On the visit, the Indonesian delegation also met Mayor of Liuzhou, Zhang Zhuang, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Guangxi Zhuang Special Autonomous Region, the Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of the International Trade (CCPIT) Liuzhou, and companies that have invested in Indonesia as well as prospective investors.
The meeting was aimed at discussing further investment plans owned by several companies, as well as promoting various investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), across Indonesian regions. The delegation also used the opportunity to learn about Liuzhou's success as an industrial city that manages to be at the forefront of environmental and cultural preservation.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun when meeting Mayor Zhang Zhuang stated that there is a balance among economic growth, environment and culture in Liuzhou, where the manufacturing industry is global but the environment remains green.
Liuzhou is the number one industrial city in Guangxi. The city excels in manufacturing, high technology, import-export and creative industries. Interestingly, of the four million inhabitants in Liuzhou, 35 percent have used electric vehicles.
In commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia this year, the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow held a fashion show that presented a talented young Indonesian designer, Adrie Basuki. He was the first winner of the Fashion Designer Competition – Jakarta Fashion Week 2022 in Moscow, Russia on August 18, 2022.
In his first performance abroad, Adrie Basuki also introduced his collaborative work with the legendary Indonesian shoe brand, Buccheri.
The fashion show entitled Independence Fashion Show "Sustainable Fashion, Empowering Women" featuring 22 ready-to-wear collections from Adrie Basuki presented by professional models from Russia. This activity was held by carrying the concept of an outdoor show at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow. This park is a historic park that was once the location for the celebration of the birthday of the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Ir. Soekarno in 1960, which was also attended by the then Prime Minister of Russia, Nikita Kruschev.
Adrie Basuki is a new talent in Indonesian fashion who has the characteristic of combining traditional Indonesian wastra fabrics with various elements and modern touches that are in line with current trends, carrying the DNA brand "proud of Indonesian Fabric, Sustainable Process and Empowering Women".
Adrie Basuki said that the collection presented for the show in Moscow was specially prepared for approximately 3 months by exploring 4 types of Indonesian woven fabrics, namely: Baduy, Lurik, Jepara and Makassar weave.
The fashion show received a standing ovation from 152 invited fashion lovers. The guests who attended were members of the International Women's Club Moscow (IWC), a leading social organization for expatriates in Moscow, Ambassadors, Ambassador's wives and female diplomats from friendly countries, journalists and fashion-loving Russian Friends of Indonesia.
The Independence Fashion Show "Sustainable Fashion, Empowering Women" was also followed by a special charity bazaar initiated by IWC in collaboration with Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow. All profits generated from the charity bazaar will be donated to a number of IWC social organization partners in need in Russia.
The diplomatic reception of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday afternoon (23/8) was held lively by performing various traditional Indonesian dances.The Indonesian embassy in its written statement received on Wednesday (24/8) stated that the event regarding commemoration of the 77th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, promoted art and culture through traditional Indonesian clothes worn by the staff of the Indonesian Embassy. Besides, there are Pencak Silat (martial art) performances, Sundanese music, and traditional dances, including the Jaipong dance and the Piring dance.
Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Hermono in his speech expressed hope that the cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia, both in the bilateral and regional context through ASEAN, can continuously contribute positively to peace, stability and prosperity in the Southeast Asian region in the future. He also expressed his appreciation for the good cooperation of both countries regarding the distribution facility of 400 thousand items of logistical assistance for Indonesian citizens in Malaysia, as well as distributing medical equipment assistance to Indonesia in the context of recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, Ambassador Hermono hoped that the role of Indonesia's chairmanship at the G20 with the theme "Recover Together Recover Stranger" could strengthen the world's economic recovery and resolve various conflicts in the region and global issues, and could encourage sustainable world economic growth. He further said that Indonesia in ASEAN in 2023 can achieve similar achievements, including in particular through the role of ASEAN Centrality. The event was also attended by 500 invitees from various circles in Malaysia, including Minister of Housing and Local Government Dato' Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, two officials representing the Government Malaysia, namely the Prefect of the People's Council Azhar Azizan Harun and Deputy Ministers in the Prime Ministerial Positions Hal Ehwal Sabah and Sarawak Hajah Hanifah Hajar Taib, and several ambassadors and diplomatic corps from ASEAN countries and other countries.
Ecosystem service for electric vehicles will be improved in Klungkung, Bali. This is in line with the fossil fueled vehicle transformation effort to the eco-friendly electric ones.
This was stated by Regent og Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, when testing the EV to be used by the heads of states participating in the G20 conference. Some 400 zero-emission Evs are prepared for the G20 in November 2022.
Suwirta said that the mass use of EV is a government effort in reducing carbon emission in transportation. EV will help overcome climate change and global warming.
Suwirta added that the government keeps encouraging the use of mass EV in Indonesia. One of which is the Presidential Regulation No. 55 / 2019 about the Battery-based Electric Vehicle Program Acceleration for Land Transportation.
State-owned power company PLN Klungkung Unit has the Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Here, people can charge their EV battery by using the smartphone app.
He mentioned that the Indonesian fuel consumption is around 1.2 million barrels per day and contributes to 27 percent of carbon emission or around 157 million ton of CO2. The use of EV can reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emission.
According to Suwirta, Indonesia has the potential to make EV because the technology and components are simpler than the conventional vehicle. Indonesia has the potential to produce batteries with support of nickel mineral mines as battery raw material.
Currently, the Indonesia Battery Holding is being made to process nickel products from the upstream to the downstream until it becomes an EV battery.
The Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa exhibited some products and culture of Indonesia at a diplomatic reception in commemoration of the 77th anniversary of Indonesian Independence on 22 August 2022. On that occasion, various products made by Indonesian companies were showcased, including from PT Indofood Sukses Makmur which displayed its excellent products, Indomie, Kalbe Farma with Woods Cogh Syrup, and PT Pulau Sambu with Kara coconut milk.
The reception was held at the Pretoria Country Club and attended by invitees from the central and provincial government officials of South Africa, diplomatic circles, defense attaches, Indonesian honorary consuls, academicians, as well as the South African business people and Friends of Indonesia. Indonesia's Ad Interim Charge d'Affaires in Pretoria, Victor J. Sambuaga in his remarks conveyed that the moment of celebrating the 77th Indonesian Independence Day this year was grateful to the God's grace because of the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by all countries in the world, including Indonesia and South Africa.
Besides Indonesian products, the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria at the diplomatic reception of the Indonesian Independence Day also promoted Indonesian traditional cultures. One of them was the Klana Topeng dance from Yogyakarta, performed by traditional dancer Anton Prabowo.
Meanwhile, the political functionary of the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, Fawzan Irchamsyah hoped that the excitement of the celebration of Indonesia's independence day could also be felt by the partners of the Indonesian government, particularly those who are in Pretoria. The celebration is a stimulus for all people to be able to quickly rise and become stronger and give birth to a new spirit in a bid to strengthen relations between Indonesia and other friendly countries.
Deputy Minister of Transport for South Africa, Lydia Sindisiwe Chikunga, who attended as the guest of honor at the reception, congratulated the Republic of Indonesia on the 77th independence day and hoped that the close relations of both countries could run well and continuously.