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.
ViewIndonesian food and beverage products are getting easier to be found in Chicago and its surroundings after a store, WaRoeNG opened its service in Schaumburg City, West Chicago on Saturday (12/6). The Indonesian Consulate General in Chicago in its written statement in Jakarta on Sunday (13/60 stated that the presence of an Indonesian shop for the first time has become a bidder of longing for the Indonesian diaspora in Chicago and its surroundings. The store opening event was held simply but lively and it was marked by ribbon cutting by Mayor of Schaumburg, Tom Dailly, Senator Michelle Mussman, Indonesian Consul General in Chicago, Meri Binsar Simorangkir, Membership Director of the Schaumburg Business Association Matt East, President of the Indonesian Diaspora Network, Martino Tangkar, and three owners of WaRoeNG shop namely Tasya Hardono, John Avila, and Windy Priliantining.
The owner of the WaRoeNG shop, Tasya Hardono explained that apart from being a bidder medicine of longing for the Indonesian diaspora, his shop is also a bridge to bring the US and Indonesian people to people contacts more closely. Schaumburg, which is inhabited by various residents, is a good place to introduce Indonesian products. Tasya, who is also the owner of the Indonesian restaurant 'Minahasa' in downtown of Chicago said that by inviting the mayor, senator, and business associations, his side wants to introduce them to the quality of Indonesian products and deserve being presented to the local community. Mayor Tom Dailly congratulated the opening of the WaRoeNG. He said the existence of the shop will be a special attraction for the Indonesian community and local residents, so that the store has a good opportunity to grow continuously.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Consul General in Chicago, Meri Binsar Simorangkir expressed his appreciation and pride for the opening of the Indonesian store. The existence of the store is expected to encourage the export of Indonesian food and beverage products to the Midwest region, in line with the Indonesian government's mission to increase exports of Indonesian products which is being intensified currently by the Indonesian Consulate General in Chicago.
The Indonesian Embassy in Bratislava promoted Indonesian culture at the Teleráno program on one of the private television stations in Slovakia, TV Markiza last Friday (11/6). Teleráno is one of Markiza's 2.5-hour morning TV programs that airs from 06.00-08.30 local time. This promotion aims to further introduce Indonesian culture in Slovakia. This promotion is focused on Indonesian food. The types of food displayed include chicken satay, woku tofu/tempe, young mango salad, yellow rice, and pretty sweet cakes. As for the cooking demonstration, the Indonesian Embassy in Bratislava collaborated with Yusuf, an Indonesian citizen in Bratislava, who is a professional cook at a restaurant in Slovakia. The cooking demonstration was assisted by the cook of the Indonesian Ambassador to Bratislava, Pujiyem. The Indonesian Embassy also took this opportunity to promote the Cenderawasih Dance from Bali.
Chairman of the Golkar Party, Airlangga Hartarto signed a cooperation agreement with the United Russia Party, the party of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Friday (11/6). From the United Russia Party, the agreement was signed by Deputy Secretary of The General Council of the United Russia Party, Klimov Andrey Arkadievich. The signing ceremony was held virtually. Both sides will cooperate in the fields of politics, economy and education. Further cooperation agreements between parties will be discussed at a follow-up meeting on 29 June 2021, during an online meeting between ASEAN and Russia parties.
Norwegian Ambassador to Indonesia, Vegard Kaale said that Norway is ready to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia in the renewable energy sector. This statement was made by Ambassador Kaale in a webinar entitled "Indonesia-Norway Investment Opportunities in Hydro and Solar Energy in Indonesia" which took place on Monday (7/6). In his remarks at the webinar, Ambassador Kaale said that Indonesia and Norway have established good diplomatic relations for more than 70 years, and it is hoped that good relations can continue to be developed in the form of cooperation, including in the renewable energy sector.
Ambassador Vegard Kaale further stated that the use of renewable energy, such as solar energy and hydroelectric power can reduce the impact of global warming, such as gas emissions that pollute the air. Norway has already a lot of experience with renewable energy. Around 98 percent of the country's energy sources come from hydropower to help support people's lives in Norway.
Furthermore, Ambassador Vegard Kaale expressed Norway's willingness to share experiences and information to help Indonesia achieve its target of 23 percent of using new and renewable energy by 2025. As a realization of that commitment, as many as 43 Indonesian professionals have participated in a capacity building and waterways management program at the International Center for Hydropower from Norway. In the training, the participants explored a technical management of hydropower, starting from operations, maintenance, and components of hydroelectric power plants and sedimentation handling.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Norway, Todung Mulya Lubis in the webinar welcomed the cooperation relationship in capacity building training. He also said that this is in line with President Joko Widodo's program which aims to realize Indonesia's transition towards the use of renewable energy. He also hopes that cooperation with Norway can be Indonesia's first step to achieve this goal.
Indonesian Ambassador to Senegal, Dindin Wahyudin promoted the electric motorcycles produced by Indonesia namely GESITS in Thies City, Senegal This is the real manifestation of the implementation of economic diplomacy to penetrate prospective markets in the West African region. The promotion of the GESITS produced by PT WIKA Industri Manufaktur is also a form of support for the Go Global program of State Owned Enterprises (BUMN). It is also a part of a sister city cooperation plan between Bogor City in Indonesia and Thies City in Senegal, particularly the GESITS motorcycle factory which is located in Bogor Regency, West Java.
Ambassador Dindin Wahyudin explained that the GESITS motorcycle is produced because of a dream of an environmentally friendly and modern motorcycle product for the people of Indonesia and the world. Therefore, Indonesia also invites friendly countries, including Senegal, to use environmentally friendly technology in their daily lives. On the occasion, he also expressed his appreciation to Director of Ndiaye Transport, Makhtar Ndiaye who supported the promotion of the event. Ndiaye Transport is the first GESITS motorbike user in Senegal and the pioneer of modern motorbike taxi services in Thies City.
Ambassador Dindin believes that due to a number of similarities and a long history of good relations between Indonesia and Senegal, the GESITS motorcycles will be accepted by the people of Senegal. He is also sure that the use of GESITS motorcycles and the development of Ndiaye Transport can support the Government of Senegal in providing fast, safe, cheap, and environmentally friendly transportation as well as open up more employment opportunities for the people of Senegal. The event was also attended by the Minister of Craft Transformation and Informal Sectors of Senegal, Governor of Thies Region, Head of Transport for Thies Region, Director of Thies City Cooperation, Chair of the Thies Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Head of Thies Region Transport Division, Director of Ndiaye Transport, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Guinea-Bissau, Deputy Director General of the Bank of Africa, and a number of potential buyers of GESITS motorcycles.
Bali, the pride of Indonesia's tourism destination, becomes the favourite of not only the Indonesian people, but also Asia and the world in 2021 according to the Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2021 award by travel site TripAdvisor. For the world category, Bali is in the top position while beating a number of other tourist destinations, including London in England, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Rome in Italy. Meanwhile, for the Asia category, Bali is also in first position. The province is above other tourist attractions, including Hanoi in Vietnam, Bangkok in Thailand, and Hoi An in Vietnam.
On the official website of the award, the Island of the Gods is described as a living postcard and a paradise in Indonesia that looks like a fantasy world. TripAdvisor also wrote, tourists can do various activities while on vacation there, from sunbathing on white sandy beaches, diving and seeing World War II shipwrecks, watching traditional dances, to taking yoga classes. Tourists are also recommended to visit a number of tourist attractions there, including Kelingking Beach, Sekumpul Waterfall, and Mount Batur.
Besides Bali, Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara is also included in the list of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia in 2021. The island is ranked 22nd with several recommended destinations, including Gili Meno Beach, Mount Rinjani, and Selong Belanak Beach. The Travelers' Choice Best of the Best award has been held since 2002. Launched from the TripAdvisor site, this award is based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers around the world.
The Travelers' Choice Best of the Best awards reflect the best in terms of service, quality and visitor satisfaction, from hotels and accommodations to attractions, restaurants and experiences.
The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency introduced a creative food packaging product made from betel nut midrib called ‘Plepah’ at a media meeting held on Thursday (3/6).Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno accompanied by Expert Staff for Innovation and Creativity, Josua Puji Mulia Simanjuntak, along with Plepah Team Representative, Rengkuh Banyu Mahandaru, presented products that they hope could be solutions to the global issue:trash. Plepah products are processed betel nut tree’s waste as an alternative economic income for the people of South Sumatra and Jambi. The products in the form of plates and food packaging are sturdy, waterproof, and heat-resistant up to 200 degrees Celsius so that they can be put in the oven and microwave and decomposed in the soil in 60 days.
Plepah was initiated by Community Driven Innovation dealing with a waste problem in which the most waste is Styrofoam waste.According to Minister Sandiaga Uno, Foot-lose Community Driven Innovation has implemented adaptation, collaboration, and innovation. Adapting to environmental issues, the community collaborates with the Musi Banyuasin Government and the local communities. The innovation provides solutions for the environment, social matters and it creates jobs, avoids and reduces the use of Styrofoam.
From research in 18 cities, the contribution of Styrofoam waste is 0.27 to 0.59 tons in Indonesia waters. This is worrying for marine biota. Therefore, the solution created is to present food packaging from natural materials, such as betel nut midrib.These basic materials are commonly found in oil palm plantations and rubber plantations. In addition, this creative product also opens up wide employment for the local community.Quoted from the official Plepah website, this product was developed because of concerns about organic waste which is considered garbage, then cannot be processed.Therefore, organic waste, such as betel nut midrib is developed into a product of economic value through the role of community empowerment. This product consists of an eco-friendly disposable plate and a packaged lunch box.
Seven importers, distributors and owners of restaurants in Hong Kong received the Consulate Awards 2020 for participating in promoting Indonesia's economic diplomacy. The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong in a written statement quoted by Antara in Lanzhou, China, Saturday (5/6) stated that the award was handed over to the winners in Hong Kong recently. The Consulate Awards were given through the assessment and selection of dozens of companies importing and distributing Indonesian products, restaurants serving Indonesian food, and corporate agencies.
The Indonesian Consul General in Hong Kong, Ricky Suhendar explained that finally, the vision, innovation, and efforts of the companies and agencies in achieving excellence in running a business contribute to strengthening the Indonesia-Hong Kong economic and trade partnership. The Indonesian Consulate General ( KJRI) and stakeholders in Hong Kong continuously strive to encourage the export of Indonesian products to Hong Kong. Ricky emphasized that this award is expected to be a motivation for business people because through perseverance and hard work, success can be achieved.
On the same occasion, KJRI also gave an award to Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Hong Kong for its support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and capacity building efforts for the Indonesian citizen community in Hong Kong.
Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, Umar Hadi received an honorary citizen title of Seoul City at the inauguration ceremony held at Seoul City Hall on Wednesday (2/6). When pinning the honor badge, Mayor of Seoul, Oh Se–hoon explained that the award was given for the contribution of Ambassador Umar Hadi to the development of Seoul City. Besides, the award was given because Ambassador Umar Hadi had become a role model for citizens of both countries and other foreigners.
Ambassador Umar Hadi is the first Indonesian Ambassador who received the title. He is also considered to have played a major role in increasing economic cooperation between Indonesia and South Korea, especially in investing South Korean giant companies into Indonesia, deepening cultural exchanges between the two countries and strengthening people-to-people contacts between Indonesia and South Korea, especially with residents of Seoul City. Ambassador Umar Hadi in his remarks expressed his hope that the award can be a supporter for the ranks of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul to improve their performance in increasing relations of both countries.
Several world figures who have received the title of Honorary Citizen of Seoul City are the former United States Ambassador to South Korea, Christopher R. Hill in 2005; South Korean-loving Chinese actor Jacky Chan in 1999; Indonesian President Joko Widodo in 2016; Estonian President Kersti Kalijulaid in 2018; former Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, Qiu Guohong, in 2019; and King of Spain King Felipe VI (sixth) in 2019.
The figures who received the honorary title will be given the opportunity to participate in many events organized by the Seoul Metropolitan City Government and the Administrative Government under its supervision. Moreover, the recipients of the award are also given the privilege to access various facilities in Seoul City. The process of awarding the title of Honorary Citizen of Seoul City is carried out through a very strict committee selection. In 2021, the Indonesian Ambassador was the first one who received the title after being proposed by the Mayor of Seoul and obtaining approval by the Seoul City council.
Indonesia is one of the countries with the richest biodiversity in the world. Before the era of independence, European countries competed to occupy Indonesia for spices. In Indonesian culture, spices have been used by Indonesian ancestors as medicines. Today, spices are still the people's choice as ingredients for preparations that aim to maintain health, including students from the State University of Malang (UM) who process a number of plants into infused water beverage products.
The Malang State University team succeeded in making Nutrofin which is an innovative product of infused water by using several Indonesian plants as basic ingredients, such as red galangal, noni, key lime, and blue pea flower. Nutrofin contains the active compound scopoletin which has several functions, such as anti-virus and lowering blood pressure. The combination of active compounds contained in the basic ingredients of Nutrofin is expected to have two main functions, namely improving blood circulation and lowering cholesterol.
This innovation from UM students attains achievements in international events. At the Malaysia Young Scientist and Exhibition (MYSCE) 2021, they won a silver medal in the Food Technology category. In addition, in the Nigerian Organization for Creativity, Innovation, and Invention Promotion (OCIIP) IP World Fair 2021 competition, they won a gold medal in the Food and Health category. This award also proves that Indonesian plants and spices are very efficacious in treating diseases.
The first Indonesian Festival in Scotts Head City, New South Wales, Australia on Sunday (30/5) attracted the local community. The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra explained on Monday (31/5) that the small city located on the north-central coast of Australia with a population about 5,000 people suddenly became crowded when a cultural event titled "ASYIK Indonesian Arts Festival was held. The Indonesian Festival event was opened by Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Australia, Mohammad Syarif Alatas. In his remark, he hopes that the festival would bring Indonesia closer to the people of Scotts Head City and promote the wealth of Indonesia's cultural diversity.
Furthermore, this festival can become an annual event to strengthen people-to-people contacts between Indonesia and Australia. The main stage of the Indonesian Festival which was continuously held at Scotts Head Reserve Park on the beach from 10 am to 3 pm of the local time featured various performances supported by more than 120 performers consisting of Australian students and volunteers.
The performances of traditional cultural arts, such as the Saman - Aceh dance, plate dance, Jaipong, Leather Puppet, mask dance, as well as a demonstration of various Indonesian traditional clothes drew special attention of all visitors. Moreover, the event also held variously popular Indonesian culinary delights, including meatballs, satay, chicken curry and other snacks.
The success of the festival, which was being held for the first time at Scotts Head City, is inseparable from the spirit of community cooperation, the Indonesian Diasporas who live in various cities in New South Wales, Queensland and the government and even local Australians who have considered Indonesia as their closest relative.