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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Indonesian fashion designer Merdi Sihombing, with the support of the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of and the Gadjah Mada University Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK UGM), successfully exhibited the typical Batak Ulos cloth at the 2024 Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival in Toronto, Canada on May 30 to June 2, 2024. The event, held at Toronto's iconic CF Toronto Eaton Centre, is a tribute to indigenous artists and designers from around the world. At this event, Merdi's work collaborated with traditional artists from all over the world. Merdi's designs feature a variety of patterns and symbolism found in ulos from geometric shapes representing natural elements to stylized figures depicting legendary heroes. The Sitolu Huta Ulos collection on display successfully combines the intricate art of ulos with traditional hand-woven textiles that have deep meaning. Each piece tells a story about ancestral wisdom, community ties and spiritual blessings passed down from generation to generation.
Merdi Sihombing, on Saturday (15/6/2024), as quoted from Kontan.co.id, interpreted his ulos cloth works as products that not only decorate the body, but also lift the soul and connect the soul with cultural heritage of the ancestors. Ulos Sitolu Huta, uses natural dyes derived from local plants and minerals. The result is an earthy color palette. Merdi's collection evokes the bright colors of the landscape such as deep indigo, deep red and warm brown blend perfectly with intricate weaves, creating a harmonious visual symphony. The use of sustainable materials and ethical production practices further strengthens the collection's connection to nature and community. Merdi believes that fashion is a powerful medium for cultural expression and storytelling. Through fashion, Merdi seeks to preserve and celebrate the beauty of fashion heritage while pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Culture at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Hilmar Farid, expressed his appreciation that the traditional touches and natural materials, which are the characteristics of Merdi's work, are a commitment to preserving culture and empowering local craftsmen. According to him, Merdi's dedication to sustainable fashion is in line with Indonesia's efforts in environmental conservation and cultural diplomacy. This proves that lifestyle and social responsibility can go hand in hand. Merdi's success at the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival Toronto 2024 proves the power of Indonesian fashion in celebrating cultural identity, empowering communities, while connecting tradition and modernity.
Indonesian Ambassador to Finland and Estonia, Ratu Silvy Gayatri, encourages the promotion of Indonesia to the Finnish people. According to her, the Indonesian people already know Finland as the happiest country, but the Finnish people don't fully know about Indonesia.
Ratu Silvy Gayatri conveyed this on the sidelines of the 2024 Indonesia and Finland Festival in Lasipalatsin Aukio, Helsinki. This annual activity was organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Helsinki with the support of the Indonesian diaspora community on 15 and 16 June 2024.
The festival, which was attended by nearly 5,000 visitors over two days, was held to introduce the diversity of Indonesian culture to people in the Nordic countries, especially Finland. Ambassador Silvy stated the mission is important to carry out, especially because this year Indonesia and Finland are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations.
The 2024 Indonesian and Finnish Festival was even more special thanks to the presence of a delegation from the Jakarta Culture Service and representatives of the North Kalimantan Provincial Government, East Kutai Regency Government, East Kalimantan, Minahasa Regency, and the Tomohon City Government, North Sulawesi.
Apart from regional government representatives, this festival was also supported by a number of representatives of some Indonesian-related businesses, including rattan furniture companies and Indonesian fashion textile products.
As an event that is a symbol of Indonesia-Finland collaboration, the 2024 Indonesia and Finland Festival also featured representatives of local musicians. They performed typical Finnish folk songs accompanied by traditional instruments such as the kantele, acoustic guitar, and flute.
Finland is one of Indonesia's important trading partners in the Northern European region. The trade value between Indonesia and Finland in the first quarter of 2024 shows an increase of up to 40 percent compared to the same period last year, making this figure already exceed the pre-pandemic trading level.
Listener, the 46th Bali Arts Festival in 2024 was opened in Denpasar on June 15. This event was held as the largest art event in Bali which aims to preserve, develop and promote the arts of the Island of the Gods. The opening of the Festival was marked by the beating of kulkul together by Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela, Minister of Agrarian and Land Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati and Acting Governor of Bali S.M Mahendra Jaya. After attending the opening ceremony, Angela said that the annual event, which has been held since 1979, is an effective means to promote Bali tourism through cultural arts. She also hopes that this event can attract tourist visits so that it can encourage the achievement of the target of foreign tourists and domestic tourists this year.
As in previous years, the opening of the Bali Arts Festival was filled with Peed Aya (parade) which began with the gamelan attraction Adi Merdangga procession of Siwa Nataraja Dance by the Indonesian Institute of Arts (ISI) Denpasar. This was followed by cultural parades from nine regencies/cities throughout Bali. This parade illustrates the diverse potential and spirit of the Balinese people in supporting the strengthening and advancement of Balinese culture. After the opening ceremony, the next Bali Arts Week will be centered at Taman Werdhi Budaya Bali or the Denpasar City Art Center.
Bali Arts Festival 2024 takes place from June 15 to July 13, 2024 involving more than 13 thousand artists from 285 art institutions such as studios, foundations and villages in Bali. The Bali Arts Festival which this year carries the theme "Jana Kerthi Paramguna Wirakrama" is included in the Top 10 Karisma Event Nusantara (KEN) of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in 2024. In addition to Taman Werdhi Budaya Bali, the Festival is also held around the Bajra Sandhi Bali People's Struggle Monument. During the month of implementation, the Festival will also be filled with a number of main materials including Rekasadana (Performance), Utsawa (Parade), Wimbakara (Competition), Kandarupa (Exhibition), Kriyaloka (Workshop), Widyatula (Sarasehan) and Adi Sewaka Nugraha (Arts Service Award).
The Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, held the 2nd Indonesian Golf Tournament at the Addis Ababa Golf Course in Ethiopia in early June 2024.
As reported by Antara, Indonesian Ambassador to Ethiopia Al Busyra Basnur through a short video shared on Sunday (16/6) pointed out that the tournament was a means to strengthen diplomacy of both countries through golf, as well as involve more people to participate in strengthening good relations between Indonesia and Ethiopia.
Moreover, the tournament was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, military officers, officials of international organizations, business people and other professionals. The event was also attended by the Director General of Middle East and Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Gebeyehu Ganga.
Ambassador Al Busyra Basnur hoped that through this golf tournament the cooperation that has been established between Indonesia and Ethiopia can continue. According to him, everyone can have a part in this diplomacy.
In addition to holding a golf tournament, the Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa in collaboration with Harambee University published two tourism books. The two books are titled "Tourism for Global Connectivity and Economic Development" and "Media and Public Diplomacy for International Connectivity". The Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa further hopes that these two books will foster the building of wider connections and cooperation between Indonesian and Ethiopian non-governmental actors.// That’s Diplomatic Corner//===
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Addis Ababa in collaboration with Harambee University launched two books on tourism and media in Adama on Saturday (15/6).
In a press statement received by Antara in Jakarta on Sunday (16/6), Indonesian Ambassador to Ethiopia Al Busyra Basnur said that the book entitled ‘Global Connectivity and Economic Development and Media and Public Diplomacy for International Connectivity’ is a collection of writings containing thoughts, suggestions and ideas from Indonesian and Ethiopian academics, journalists, youths and prominent figures.
According to Ambassador Bursya, the publication of this book is a form of Indonesia's public diplomacy aimed at encouraging the development of greater connectivity and cooperation between Indonesian and Ethiopian non-governmental actors, especially among writers.
Ambassador Busyra also said that the two books deliberately raised global issues to be read both by Indonesians and Ethiopians and by the public in various countries so that they know the main issues of tourism and media in global development. Thus, the thoughts and views of Indonesians and Ethiopians can be a reference for the world community.
The book launch and discussion were attended by around 150 students, academics, Ethiopian young leaders, business-people, journalists, members of the House of Representatives and Ethiopian government officials. The book launch was followed by a discussion at Harambee University.
Since 2020, the Indonesian Embassy in Addis Ababa has published 10 books. Three books were written by Ambassador Al Busyra Basnur, while the other seven books are a collection of writings by academics, journalists, youth, and other professionals from Indonesia and Ethiopia.
On Saturday, June 15, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Tunisia held an Indonesia-Tunisia Cultural Day with the local cultural organization, The Phoenix Association, at the Embassy Building in Tunis.
Indonesian Ambassador to Tunisia Zuhairi Misrawi said the event was a form of cultural diplomacy, which became Indonesia's flagship strategy to introduce national culture, and strengthen cultural cooperation at the global level.
Ambassador Zuhairi Misrawi said that culture is an important basis in building national civilization and strengthening diplomacy between countries. Zuhairi Misrawi, as stated in a statement received by Indonesia Window in Jakarta on Saturday (15/6), said that the Indonesian Embassy in Tunis has a priority in making culture a bridge of bilateral cooperation with Tunisia. The Indonesian Embassy in Tunis is also a 'house of culture', so it also functions to introduce the culture of the archipelago.
He also welcomed the cooperation with the Tunisian Phoenix Association whose members consist of writers, philosophers, culturalists, artists and journalists, which can support the strengthening of cooperation between Indonesia and Tunisia in the field of culture.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Phoenix Association Basma al-Marwani expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian Embassy in Tunis and Ambassador Zuhairi Misrawi for the hospitality and cultural cooperation, which will become a very strong diplomatic bridge for Indonesia and Tunisia.
The Indonesian Embassy in Suva, Fiji, on Saturday (15/06/2024) held a fun walk as a part to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Indonesia-Fiji bilateral relations.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji Dupito D. Simamora said the event through a cooperation with Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association (FIFA) represents the long road of the two countries' mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
Dupito in a written statement quoted by Antara news in Jakarta said the fun walk aimed to unite the community to celebrate the two nations' great journey and a promise to keep the relationship and cooperation in the future.
Besides Dupito, the event was jointly opened by the Acting President of Fiji Salesi Temo and the Chairman of FIFA and former Ambassador of Fiji to Indonesia Tui Cavuilati.
The participants began the fun walk at 7 am local time from Albert Park Lower Hall in Suva, going through Queen Elizabeth Drive to Suzuki Park, before finishing back at Albert Park, where the participants could enjoy snacks.
The event was joined by more than 300 people from diplomatic corps, Fiji government officials, alumni of Indonesian Scholarship to Fiji, local students, and Indonesian citizens community in Fiji.
Dupito also highlighted the Queen Victoria School students, who received rehabilitation assistance from the Indonesian Government after being damaged by Cyclone Winston in 2016, as proof of the close bilateral relations and long-lasting mutual cooperation between Indonesia and Fiji.
Apart from the fun walk, the Indonesian Embassy in Suva also held some other events to commemorate half a century of relations between Indonesia and Fiji.
The agenda includes the handing over of medical equipment grants to empower Fiji's rural communities, holding seminars on the theme of Indonesia-Fiji cooperation with Fiji National University, as well as the launch of the Fiji-Indonesia Friendship Association.
The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Trade and the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo inaugurated the 11th outlet for Indonesian vehicle tires and rims belonging to the Ashrafco company in the Madinaty, New Cairo, Egypt district last Sunday (9/6).
Indonesian Ambassador to Egypt, Lutfi Rauf, said on Wednesday (13/6/2024) that the inauguration of Ashrafco's 11th outlet is expected to boost Indonesian exports to the Egyptian market, especially tire and vehicle rim products. He hopes to continue working with Ashrafco to market superior Indonesian products in Egypt.
Indonesian Trade Attaché in Cairo, M. Syahran Bhakti, who was present on behalf of Ambassador Lutfi, said the Madinaty district, which is the location of the 11th outlet, is a strategic place and is only 25 kilometers from the new administrative capital of Egypt.
Syahran Bhakti said Ashrafco is a company from Egypt which is the sole agent for three large Indonesian companies, namely PT Elang Perdana Tire Industry with vehicle tire products, as well as PT Bangun Sarana Alloy and PT Prima Alloy Universal with vehicle rim products.
He also appreciated Egyptian importer Ashrafco for the cooperation, loyalty, and dedication that has been built with the Indonesian company since starting the vehicle tire and rim business in 1986.
Ashrafco company owners, Khaled Hammad and Ashraf Hammad Shehata, were also present at the inauguration. Khaled Hammad said Ashrafco will continue to provide special services for customers.
According to him, Indonesian tire and rim products distributed by Ashrafco will continue to target the upper middle class. He claimed that he would continue to prioritize special services, such as door-to-door services and online services to attract customers.
Khaled Hammad also expressed his appreciation for the assistance and facilities provided by the Cairo Trade Attaché, so that he could establish business relationships with Indonesian tire and rim companies.
This year, Ashrafco imported Indonesian tires and rims worth more than 5 million US dollars. Khaled Hammad is optimistic Indonesian tires and rims can compete and are increasingly in demand in the Egyptian market.
On the sidelines of the inauguration of the outlet, Syahran Bhakti also invited Egyptian vehicle tire, rim, and automotive business players to visit the 39th Indonesian Trade Exhibition that will take place on 9-12 October 2024 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition Bumi Serpong Damai City, Tangerang, themed, “Build Strong Connection with The Best of Indonesia.”
Photo credit: detik/KJRI Cape Town
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Cape Town, South Africa strengthened social and cultural cooperation with South Africa by holding a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Castle of Good Hope, on Thursday (00/5). The FGD was attended by a number of public figures, such as members of the South African parliament, judges, artists and film industry players, lawyers, general managers and journalists of Voice of the Cape, academicians, religious leaders and entrepreneurs. The FGD was also attended by a delegation from the People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia which was visiting Cape Town to meet partners there and review the implementation of the South African elections. According to a press release from the Indonesian Consulate General in Cape Town received in Jakarta on Saturday (1/6), Tudiono highlighted the historical and cultural closeness between Indonesia and South Africa.
Meanwhile, the owner and curator of the Cape Heritage Museum, Ighsaan Higgins, highlighted the ancestors of South Africans; many of whom came from Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia. In 1694, the great warrior and scholar of the archipelago from Gowa, Sheikh Yusuf Al Makassari was exiled to Cape Town and introduced Islam in South Africa. For his services, he was awarded the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in Gold by South African President, Oliver Reginald Thambo in 2005. In 1780, Tuan Guru of Tidore was imprisoned on Robben Island, which was also Nelson Mandela's prison. After his release, Tuan Guru of Tidore founded the first madrasa which was later built into a mosque and named Masjid Auwal, the first mosque in South Africa. This mosque is located in the Bo Kaap area and still stands strong, and it is used for worship today. These two names are part of the Indonesian people who came to South Africa, and became the forerunner of the formation of the Cape Malay community, whose population has now exceeded 300 thousand people.
Moreover, Voice of the Cape senior presenter, Owner and Curator of the Cape Heritage Museum Ighsaan Higgins highlighted that many South Africans' ancestors came from Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia. He has seen the importance of developing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of art, culture, music and film. On that occasion, Tudiono also said that the Consulate General in Cape Town will organize the Indonesian Folk Market (IFM) on November 9 and the Indonesian Film Festival on November 10 and 11. The IFM was first held in Cape Town in 2023 and featured Indonesian art, culture, culinary, and products. At the request of the Mossel Bay Municipality (400 km from Cape Town), a second Indonesian Folk Market was held in Mossel Bay, which was also part of the 30th anniversary of Indonesia-South Africa diplomatic relations. The third IFM will feature a Betawi art team that will collaborate with the EOAN Group dance group led by alumni of the Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship.
Photo credit: kemlu.go.id
Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi said that 2025 is an important momentum for Indonesian diplomacy in Japan. Indonesia will participate in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. This was affirmed by Ambassador Heri in his remarks at the opening of Festival Indonesia (FESTINA) in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Sunday (2/6), as quoted from an official statement. FESTINA is part of the Indonesia-Japan Friendship Day (IJFD) integrated promotion and service program in Sendai from May 31 to June 2, 2024. It was attended by more than 200 Indonesians and Japanese citizens.
On the occasion, Ambassador Heri Akhmadi invited the Japanese people to visit the Indonesian Pavilion at the World Expo 2025, which will carry the theme “Nature, Culture and the Future” in accordance with the spirit of sustainable development goals. The Indonesian Pavilion will be strategically present next to the pavilion from Australia, and a number of International organizations.
As part of IJFD Sendai 2024, the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo organized consular and other services and consultations, such as education and financial services. The event was attended by more than 300 Indonesian citizens and Diaspora living in Japan. Ambassador Heri used this opportunity to call for the importance of self-reporting for Indonesian citizens in Japan.
The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo was also present at FESTINA promoting Indonesian products through a mini bazaar. In a series of IJFD Sendai 2024 activities, he also held a meeting with Governor of Miyagi Murai Yoshihiro. They discussed cooperation to strengthen labor, research and the halal industry.
Meanwhile, in a meeting with the Mayor of Sendai, Kohri Kazuko, Ambassador Heri encouraged the establishment of an association of Indonesian and Sendai communities to facilitate communication and strengthen mutual trust between the two nations. Their activities include organizing the Indonesia International Friendship Day in Sendai in Summer 2025. The same thing was also conveyed by Ambassador Heri when he met the Miyagi International Association (MIA).