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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Hundreds of Kenyan student athletes participated in the Pencak Silat Ambassador's Cup 2024 tournament held at Woodcreek School in Kiambu County, Kenya, Saturday (22/6).
In a written statement received by Antara in Jakarta on Sunday (23/6), Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya, Mohamad Hery Saripudin, explained that the event is part of the celebration of 45 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Kenya. According to Ambassador Mohamad Hery, this event not only fosters cultural exchanges between Indonesia and Kenya but also serves as a cultural bridge to enhance mutual understanding and relations among the people of both countries.
At the event, Ambassador Hery also inaugurated the opening of Pencak Silat training centers in six schools in Kenya. He stated that Pencak Silat is is not only a martial art but also a discipline to improve physical fitness, mental resilience, and cultural appreciation.
The Ambassador's Cup 2024 is a collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, the National Federation of Pencak Silat Kenya (NFPSK), and an Indonesian instant noodle production company in Kenya. 248 participants from various schools in Kenya took part in the event.
The tournament featured several categories, ranging from children to adults, boys, girls, stance demonstrations, one-on-one sparring, and was attended by at least 500 people, including participants’ families, and supporters. The event was also attended by Rector of Umma University, lecturers from the Technical University of Mombasa who brought participant delegations, as well as school principals whose students participated in the competition.
Abdul Kadir Jailani, Director for Asia, Pacific, and Africa at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who attended as a guest of honor, welcomed this Pencak Silat tournament. He mentioned that this event would strengthen Indonesia-Kenya relations. Meanwhile, Cleopas Chalica, Chairman of the National Federation of Pencak Silat Kenya, urged theparticipants to respect sportsmanship, solidarity, friendship, and camaraderie during the tournament.
The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi said that they seized the momentum by providing support for the advancement of Pencak Silat in Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. This support includes providing Silat uniforms, protective gear, Silat props, as well as organizing tournaments and other activities to promote Pencak Silat to the world.(Ant)
The Indonesian Embassy Tokyo held a cultural and historical exhibition entitled Batanghari River in History Civilization. The exhibition aims at introducing the variety of Indonesian cultures in Japan. The event is held at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo on June 17-23, 2024. This activity is a collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo with the Directorate General of Culture of the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology and Serumpun Bumi Melayu.
Moreover, the exhibition was officially opened by the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi on Monday June 17, 2024. In his remarks, Ambassador Heri emphasized that Batanghari plays an important role in encouraging cultural exchanges. Besides that, it also enriches the Indonesian art tradition in the history of Indonesia's relations with the outside world.
Ambassador Heri in his statement on Wednesday (19/6) conveyed Batanghari which is geographically located in Jambi has become a channel of cultural exchange and human endeavor ranging from ancient trade networks to modern artistic expressions. He explained the area around the Batanghari River is also a melting pot for many religions in Indonesia such as Hinduism , Buddhism, Islam and other local beliefs.
Ambassador Heri affirmed the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo always promotes the variety of cultures of the archipelago on various occasions as part of Indonesia's diplomacy. According to him, this effort continues to be made so that the rich variety of Indonesian culture continues to be embedded in the memories of Japanese and world citizens. He hopes this exhibition will inspire many people especially the Japanese . He also hopes Japanese citizens visit Indonesia including the Batanghari.
The exhibition was also attended by the Egyptian Ambassador to Japan and diplomatic representatives from the United States, China, Philippines and Laos. There were also a number of Nusantara cultural experts including Sativa Sutan Aswar as a representative of Serumpun Bumi Melayu. Sativa also explained Batanghari is one of the centers of civilization in Indonesia which has received and influenced by other cultures . One of them is traditional cloth or wastra around Batanghari.
The exhibition also displays various Batanghari handicrafts including porcelain plates, wastra and silk kurung clothes as well as Batanghari specialties namely Gandus Cake.
Jakarta will celebrate its 497th anniversary on June 22 2024. However, a series of events have been held from May to July. Some of the events being held in the series of Jakarta's 2024 anniversary are the Jakarta Fair to the Jakarta Light Festival 2024.
One of the events that is regularly held ahead of Jakarta's anniversary is PRJ or Jakarta Fair. The Jakarta Fair is the largest exhibition and entertainment event in Jakarta which has been running for more than 50 years. The largest exhibition event in Southeast Asia will take place from 12 June to 14 July 2024 at Jiexpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.
Apart from the Jakarta Fair, the annual event to welcome DKI Jakarta's 2024 anniversary is the Jakarta Light Expo. Jakarta Light Expo is a laser and light show activity held in busy spots in the city of Jakarta.
Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi has appointed Indonesian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ngurah Swajaya as her special envoy to attend the Ukraine Peace Forum in Switzerland.
Ambassador Ngurah Swajaya expressed Indonesia's readiness to become the main mediator in the forum. In a conversation with Pro 3 RRI on Tuesday (6/18), he pointed out that Indonesia always supports efforts to resolve peace through negotiations. He also emphasized that Indonesia has a reputation for resolving various international conflicts, including the conflict in Cambodia. Indonesia is considered one of the countries that really has a commitment to encourage the peaceful resolution of every conflict in the world.
Moreover, Ambassador Ngurah conveyed Indonesia's presence shows a strong commitment to international law and the Charter of the United Nations. He argued that other countries must also take responsibility because of the importance of international cooperation. The Ambassador also revealed that the main purpose of this forum is to equalize international perceptions. He viewed this will have a positive impact in helping efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict peacefully. Ambassador Ngurah Swajaya also highlighted the importance of the role of the parties involved in the conflict in the next negotiation process. This forum is expected to be the first step towards more concrete peace.
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.