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.
ViewMonica Hapsari is a graphic designer who was born in Jakarta in 1983. Her work experience as an illustrator and a women’s fashion designer contributes to making her works look girly and attractive. She also pays attention to every detail in her design. Monica or familiarly known as Monic is also a vocalist of Pandai Besi group and a fashion lecturer. Monic has fallen in love with arts since she was a child and she has engaged in textile arts since 14 years ago. Monica Hapsari is known through her first illustration published on GADIS Annual Edition 2007. Monica’s work won the 7 Asia Media Award in Macau, China in the category of “the Best Design and Illustration for Magazines with More than 50,000 exemplars”. Monica then tries to enhance her experience in fashion industry by working as a stylist mode in house at a renowned fashion magazine called A+. In 2009, Monica held her first group exhibition which displayed her bead paintings at Ruang Rupa, an art gallery in Jakarta. She currently works as a freelance fashion stylist, illustrator, and visual artist. Her paintings and illustrations have been published in many prestigious magazines. For years, she has been known as a fashion illustrator who creatively combines various media and ornaments in producing her works. Her paintings are made from watercolors, charcoal, and textile materials such as fabric, button, thread, and embroidery. Monica is now renowned as one of the best pop and commercial illustrators in Indonesia. Monica Hapsari has participated in a lot of exhibitions both in Indonesia and abroad. In Monica’s perspective, the essence of art is about the way to express minds and emotions. Usually, Monic talks about her surrounding through her works. Some of her works talk about fashion, consumptive society, and other issues. According to her, one of her most outstanding works was the one ordered by a housemaid for her wedding. Actually, Monic offered to give her the painting for free, but the housemaid rejected it. The maid said that she would pay the painting in installments. It really touched Monic knowing that her works can be useful and accepted by society from various backgrounds.Although Monic learned a lot from conventional artists in developing her works, she is open to innovation.Monic uses Instagram as an innovative way to showcase her visual works so they can be enjoyed by public. In addition to being known as an illustrator, Monica is the vocalist of Pandai Besi group. Previously, Pandai Besi often performed songs that belong to an indie group named Efek Rumah Kaca because Pandai Besi was formed by the personnel of Efek Rumah Kaca. However, they began to think that it is a monotonous thing to only cover the songs of Efek Rumah Baca with the same arrangement. Therefore,as their innovation, Pandai Besi recycled Efek Rumah Kaca’s songs with their own arrangement. However, now Pandai Besi is able to compose their own songs so they can show their identity.Meanwhile, Monica Hapsari currently focuses on producing her solo album.
The establishment of Indonesian Corner in Iran, is one of implementation of educational cooperation formation as well as promotion of Indonesian cultures to Iranian people, especially young generation. Indonesian corner at FerdowsiUniversity becomes the first Indonesian corner, not only in Mashhad but also in Iran. This was stated by Indonesian Ambassador to Iran concurrently Turkmenistan, Octavino Alimudin, on the inauguration and also opening of Indonesian Corner at Ferdowsi University, Mashhad (7/3). Furthermore, Ambassador Octavino Alimudin said Indonesian corner is not only belonging to Ferdowsi University but also public property and opened for public who wants to receive information related to Indonesia.
Various kinds of furniture products and Indonesian wooden interior design attracted visitors of Indonesian stand at Wohnen & Interiuer exhibition in Wina, Austria that held starting from March 9-17, 2019. Indonesian Embassy/Permanent Representative in Wina for the second time invited 10 small, medium and big enterprises at Wohnen & Interiuer exhibitiom which is the largest annually event in Austria. That was press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Wina, Austria which was received by Antara London, on Monday. Indonesian ambassador to Austria and Slovenia, Dr Darmansjah Djumala, in the opening of the exhibition said that export potential of Indonesian wooden products to Austria is very big.
Creative economic actors from 7 Indonesia’s starts up companies which are participating in “South by South West Festival (SXSW) 2019”, introduce their creative products to creative economic actors in Austin, Texas in a forum titled “The Power of Indonesian Creative Economy: Austin Chapter”. Creative economic business forum is being held by Indonesian Consulate General Forum in Houston cooperating with Economic Creative Agency andAustin Chamber of Commerce.One of the mainstay creative economic products of Indonesia which was displayed, was TeleCTG machine which is portable version of Cardiotocography (CTG) tool to see baby’s condition to push death risk of mother and baby during the womb process and giving birth.In his speech, Consul General in Houston, Nana Yuliana, said that consulate general Houston appreciated creative young people who are able to create Indonesian innovative products. The ambassador hoped the business forum is useful to facilitate meeting with investor in Austin.
Indonesian delegation attended Expert Group of Panel Summit for Sustainable Ocean Economy in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (3/3/2019). The delegation which was led by Indonesian Minister of Fishery and Maritime, Susi Pudjiastuti, accompaniedby Hasan Wirajuda, and Syarif Wijaya. The Panel Summit which is initiated by Norway’s Prime Minister aims to protect the world’s ocean and support sustainable economic development. The Panel Summit was chaired by Norway’s Prime Minister and President of Republic of Palau, with 15 member countries, among others Indonesia, Norway, Palau, Japan, Australia, Chile, Fiji, Ghana, Guinea, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal. On the meeting, Indonesian delegation conveyed improvement of the world ocean management which can be conducted through the formation of basic norms agreed internationally, and optimization the role of international institutions / organizations, and also the formation of permanent network in handling case to increase coordination and cooperation among countries.
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister, Retno Marsudi, along with General Commissioner of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Pierre Krähenbühl, signed agreement onIndonesia's humanitarian contribution for Palestinian refugees of ex-Gazans in Jerash Camp, Jordan on Tuesday (5/3). Indonesia's humanitarian contribution will provide foods and health for refugees. In the meeting with UNRWA General Commissioner, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister, Retno Marsudi conveyed that Indonesian contribution shows Indonesia’s togetherness and commitment to keep helping Palestinian people. Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister also expressed appreciation on the participation of UNRWA in Solidarity Week for Palestine event, which was conducted by the Indonesian government and people in Bandung and Jakarta in October 2018, which was also attended by Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister, Riyad Malki.
March 8 is celebrated as World Women Day, thus it is dedicate for Palestinian Women, for their role in peace and security. This was stated by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister, Retno Marsudi when opening capacity building program for Palestinian refugees with the title International Training of Trainers on Business Planning for Women in Refugee Camps: Women Empowerment to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Amman, Jordan. Minister Marsudi affirmed the important meaning of Palestinian issues for Indonesian government and people, especially in the frame of women’s empowerment. She emphasized that women have a crucial role in nation building.
Indonesian cultural product can be found at Powerhouse Museum in Australia. The Museum has one floor to specially exhibit various kinds of cultural objects in Asia. The area is called as ‘Reflections of Asia’. Indonesia is represented through Borneo traditional cloth, daggers, jug, belt from Java, crown from Sumba, and Kemben from Bali. Those collections are neatly arranged in big glass box. The collections are juxtaposed with other cultural objects from the Philippines, China, Vietnam, and some other Asian regions. Powerhouse Museum is located at 500 Haris Street, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007. Its location is near Darling Harbour and China Town.
As many as 10 Japanese students of Keio University of Japan participated in the program of Intensive Learning of Indonesian Language and Culture of Kristen Satya Wacana University in Salatiga, Central Java for 2 weeks until March 4, 2019. During the program, they learned various kinds of Indonesian cultures. Director of Language Training Center of Satya Wacana University, Johanna Marselina Likumahuwa said on Wednesday that the students participated in lecture of Japanese subject, visited public places, traditional markets, and Muslim worship places. In addition, there were some classes which should be participated in, such as learning Indonesian basic language and culture, Gamelan, and presentation.
Last year, Indonesia succeeded to hold Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang. President of Olympic Council of Asia OCA, Sheik Ahmad Al Falah Al Sabah handed over OCA Award to Indonesia in the 72nd OCA Executive Board Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on March 2, 2019. The award was received by Chairman of Indonesia’s Olympic Committee, Erick Thohir. Quoted by Okezone.com, he recognized that he is proud of the award that was given by OCA on the Best Implementation of Asian Games 2018. Indonesia was considered not only success from the implementation, but also publication which was conducted by 864 media from 44 Asian countries and 12 countries outside Asia. The news on Asian Games 2018 was enjoyed by 4.5 billion of readers with totally 16 thousands of articles.
Chili becomes an important commodity in Indonesian culture. Various traditional and modern culinary uses chili in the cooking. In fulfilling the need for chili, students of the Faculty of Engineering and Agriculture at Brawijaya University Malang, East Java created Agrowbot. Agrowbot is an environmentally friendly agricultural robot created by students in collaboration between 2 faculties. Candra Sabdana Nugroho, one of the students, explained that Agrowbot was created because the availability of red chili in Indonesia is still lacking while the needs are quite high. The lack of red chili production in Indonesia is caused by pest attacks or disease. Through this Agrowbot innovation, five students won the Silver Medal at the 2019 Bangkok International Intellectual Property, Invention, Innovation and Technology Exposition in Thailand Inventor's Day at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center, Thailand, in early February. Candra explained that for the working system, the robot can generate electromagnetic fields on the soil which can trigger immunity or endurance of chili plants so that they are more resistant to disease and can trigger acceleration of photosynthesis. In addition, the robot can also monitor temperature, humidity and light intensity. Robots run automatically in agricultural areas and landowners can monitor them remotely for example via mobile phones. With Agrowbot, it is expected to be able to meet the consumption needs of red chili in Indonesia and become an environmentally friendly cultivation technique solution. According to the official statement from the Faculty of Engineering, Brawijaya University, Agrowbot can be used once week during the red chili planting period. To get optimal results can be used as many as 10 to 12 times during the planting period with exposure time of 90 minutes per use. If Agrowbot is applied on a small or large scale, it is expected to help reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides and increase crop yields.
To utilize the export opportunity of Indonesian product to Norway, Indonesian Ambassador to Norway, Todung Mulya Lubis, accompanied by the Economic Function of the Indonesian Embassy in Oslo visited Norway’s importer company, Eco Deco Design on Friday (22/02/2019). The importer company has marketed Indonesian handicraft products in Norway and Nordic countries, especially art shops, hotel, restaurant, interior-designer and many others. The Indonesian Ambassador hopedIndonesian craftsmen/exporters of handy craft products in could actively establish direct communication with importers in Norway.
State-Own Enterprise, Perinus signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FTI Japan Co.Ltd. on the sidelines of Osaka Seafood Show 2019. More than 2,600 companies throughout Japan participated in event, and 10,000 visitors was expected to attend the exhibition. The MoU which was signed by leaders of the two companies namely Executive Director of Perinus, Dendi Anggi Gumilang and CEO of FTI Japan Co. Ltd., Kentaro Narumi will be implemented for one year. Through the MoU, Perinus will export Slice Tuna products to Japan as many as 240 tons or worth US 3,800,000 dollars. The Executive Director of Perinus viewed Osaka Seafood Show as the event that offered big opportunity to market Indonesian fishery product, as well as to introduce State-own Enterprises of the fishery to the world.
The last information of the Diplomatic Corner segment is from Seoul. Indonesian Embassy in Seoul held an Appreciation and Networking Night by inviting around 40 the main actors driving South Korea's tourism, beginning from chairman, director and members of South Korea Tourism Association, KATA. Indonesia’s Stateowned Enterprise in South Korea and also local mass media attended the event which introduced new tourism destination at the Indonesian embassy’s guesthouse. Social and Cultural Information of Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, Purno Widodo, on Tuesday (26/2) said networking opportunity is utilized by them and Garuda Indonesia Seoul to promote again Bali and Lombok, where number of tourists from the country decrease. Meanwhile, President of Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA), Yang Moo Seung conveyed that he realizes Indonesian tourism potential is very big, but number of visit is still not optimal yet and not directly proportional to the potential that exists.
Tsunami which struck Sunda Strait in the end of December 2018 has left an inspiring story about a persistent Indonesian woman named Omah Akromah who contributes to helping the victims of the disaster.Omah Akromah keeps helping hundreds of people who survive from the disaster to get food supplies and other demands although many refugee camps have been closed. Omah who was born in Pandeglang on May the 10th, 1955 has plenty of experiences in joining social activities. In addition to helping the victims of tsunami in Sunda Strait, Omah has contributed to helping Indonesian children who live below the poverty line gain their rights of receiving proper education through package A, B, C so that these children can pursue their education.As a disaster volunteer, every morning Omah Akromah works at Majlis Taklim Al Ikhlas Labuan, Pandeglang. There, hundreds of people have been waiting for her. These people usually wait for food staples provided by donors to be distributed. According to Omah, the distribution of food supplies has been the greatest challenge because refugees often fight for the staple food. Therefore, Omah usually calls their names one by one so that the food can be distributed fairly and effectively. It is also the method used by Omah to find out the latest number of the refugees.In addition to distributing staple food, Omah also identifies the stock of the food supplies and arranges the boxes of the foods such as rice, instant noodles, toothpaste, and mineral water. Omah devotes her time from morning to evening to make sure the logistics can be distributed successfully to all refugees. Omah Akromah always ensures that the rights of the refugees over food supplies, hygine, and health can be adequately fulfilled.Majlis Taklim Al Ikhlas is the only place that shelters refugees. Currently, there are 235 refugees there. The building of Majlis Taklim Al Ikhlas is the only temporary shelter of the tsunami victims in Pandeglang. Pandeglang is the greatest area affected by the tsunami. The number of refugees reached 33,000 people and they were spread in 50 locations. As time elapses, the number of the refugees leaving Majlis Taklim Al Ikhlas, the only sheltering inhabited by the refugees, has been dropped The refugees who live in the area come not only from coastal area but also from other sub-districts in Pandeglang.Omah believes that refugee camp is the second home for the refugees. Beside coordinating the food supplies for the refugees, Omah also contributes to improving the quality of infratructures for the refugees for example toilet. When a new refugee arrives at the camp, Omah will provide them with mat, foods, blanket, and medications. Furthermore, Omah also attempts to maintain the mental and emotional health of the refugees by establishing programs and activities which can foster their potentials and help them cope with their trauma.In the future, Omah is committed to keep helping the refugees. Though she has to dedicate most of her time for the refugees, she never complains and she is always enthusiastic of being able to help others. The 63 year old woman believes that as long as we still have the opportunity to live, we should not stop contributing for other people.
A group of Indonesian dancers performed a traditional dance, ‘Reog Ponorogo’ before students and teachers at the Claremont College in Randwick, New South Wales (NSW) last Monday (18/2). Four Indonesian male dancers and two female ones were specially invited by Indonesian Embassy in Canberra to promote Indonesian art and culture to Australia. The presence of the dance group in Australia is also part of the efforts of Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture to popularize Indonesian traditional arts and culture in foreign countries. The promotion is the result of collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Sydney. Representing the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney at the event was Consul for Information, Social and Culture, Hermanus Dimara accompanied by Assistant Joanne Hajjar.
A suicide bomber activated a home-made bomb in Cairo, Egypt, killing police officers who chase him through narrow alleys. Reports from the AFP News Agency said the incident was related (?) on Monday (02/19/2019) at 10:00 pm local time in the Darb al-Ahmar settlement, behind the historic Al-Alzhar mosque. Indonesian Ambassador to Egypt, Helmy Fauzi said in a press statement that there were no Indonesian citizens who were victims in the incident. The Indonesian Embassy in Cairo noted that suicide bombings also injured five people, consisting of two police officers and 3 civilians, including a student from Thailand.
Entering its 14th year, the Indonesian Language course program for Native Speakers (BIPA) has increasingly attracted Saudi Arabians. This can be seen that within two-week registration, 262 people have been enrolled in the program. But, only 60 people were accepted because of limited class-room capacity. Indonesian Consul General (Konjen) in Jeddah, Mohamad Hery Saripudin in a press statement on Tuesday (02/19/2019) said that the high enthusiasm of Saudi Arabian people to learn Indonesian language, Bahasa indicates a stronger relationship between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Hery further said that during 2018, there were 1.5 million Indonesian people who visited Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umroh, excluding Indonesian citizens who come to Saudi Arabia for business visits, study and work. Meanwhile, about 190 thousand Saudi Arabian people visit Indonesia every year.
On February 22, 1978, Istiqlal Mosque was first inaugurated to become one of the largest mosques in the world. Established as part of the lighthouse construction project by Soekarno with the laying of the first stone on August 24, 1961, the mosque in the heart of Jakarta was inaugurated by President Soeharto on February 22, 1978. Since then, February 22 is commemorated as Istiqlal Day. Istiqlal is still recorded as the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. This mosque stands on an area of 9.32 hectares. Its capacity can also accommodate up to 200,000 worshipers to perform prayer services in it. According to the Head of Protocol Section and tourism service of the Istiqlal Mosque, Abu Hurairah, besides being magnificent, Istiqlal Mosque is also an embodiment of various symbols.
This mosque is a symbol of independence, because it was built in the form of a manifestation of the gratitude of the Indonesian people for the grace of independence. So, it was given the name Istiqlal which means independence in Arabic. Besides, this mosque is expected to be a symbol of religious tolerance. That’s why, it was built only a few meters from the cathedral church. And what's unique? This mosque was designed by a priest, Engineer Frederik Silaban,” said Abu Hurairah.
Located in the heart of the Capital City -Jakarta, a mosque was built in cooperation by Indonesian people across religions and races. It is not only a Muslim place of worship but also one of the tourist attractions in Jakarta. Abu Hurairah explained, over the last 3 years, this mosque has become a mainstay tourist destination in Jakarta. Foreign tourists and state guests are usually scheduled to come there. Now, the number of non-Muslim foreign tourists coming to the Istiqlal mosque increases every day. Tourists who most visit are from South Korea and Japan.
Now specifically on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), we can receive guests from 300 to 400 people. The number is only foreign non-Muslim tourists. Then on weekdays (Monday to Friday), there are usually around 200 people. That number will increase if there are holidays in Europe or in Southeast Asia.” said Abu Hurairah.
Not only praying in congregation, every day the Istiqlal Mosque has a variety of activities. On the 2nd and 4th Sunday, there is a study of Daarut Tauhid and Daarul Quran. At 41 years of the Istiqlal Mosque, Abu Hurairah hopes that the mosque which is pride of the Indonesian nation can become the center of activities for any Muslim group or congregation. He also hopes that more people across religions will visit the Istiqlal Mosque.
Diplomatic Corner with information from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Cambodian government stated that the country was interested to learn from Indonesia about halal products, along with the increasing demand of such product in the market. Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Sudirman Haseng to Antaranews in Phnom Penh, Saturday (16/2) said, muslims filled 5 percent of the population in Cambodia, so that Cambodian government saw the possibility of increasing demand for halal product. According to him, Cambodia saw Indonesia as a model country with potential for knowledge transfer and cooperation in producing halal goods in the country.
Still from Cambodia.
Products from some Indonesian pharmaceutical companies had entered Cambodian market and received increasing demand. Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia Sudirman Haseng to Antaranews in Phnom Penh, Saturday (16/2) said, demand for Indonesian pharmaceutical products especially the general medicines such as flu, cough, and fever significantly increased in Cambodian market. Cambodia is therefore a very potential market for Indonesian pharmaceutical products.
Now we move to Tehran, Iran.
Indonesian Embassy in Tehran, cooperating with Indonesian Tourism Ministry and Ternate City Government, held a national tourism promotion night themed “Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Promotion” in Tehran, Tuesday (12/2). In his remarks, Indonesian Ambassador for Iran Octavino Alimudin convey greetings for the 40th Anniversary of Iran Islamic Revolution. He added, Indonesia as a friend country, as the country with biggest Muslim population had established cooperation with Iran since long. Both countries then agreed to increase and expand cooperation, among many in tourism sector.