VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The Erasmus Huis Compound came alive on 10 September 2023, as the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Indonesia hosted the highly successful Pasar Belanda.

The event witnessed a remarkable gathering of visitors, Dutch companies, NGO and culture and lifestyle enthusiasts, all united by the event's theme 'Orange Goes Green' and its focus on promoting sustainable lifestyles and celebrating Dutch-Indonesia culture. The 'Orange Goes Green' theme resonated strongly throughout the event, emphasizing the Netherlands' commitment to environmental consciousness and sustainable practices.

According to a release received by VOI News on Thursday (14/9), a resounding success was evident in the impressive turnout of more than 6.000 visitors, who engaged enthusiastically with the diverse range of activities and attractions.

There were many activities enjoyed by thousands of visitors while at Pasar Belanda, such as; a food and craft bazaar from Dutch companies and NGOs, special events for children, and an entertainment stage. Highlights included a Tompouse eating competition at the Zeelandia booth, an urban farming and Volendam costume photo studio at Holland Village, a book sale and World Press Photo exhibition at Erasmus Huis, and a 'Cycle for Flight' competition at the KLM booth.

This event is made possible through the support of several partners and sponsors, including Erasmus Huis, Erasmus Training Centre (ETC), Nuffic Southeast Asia, and KITLV Jakarta-Leiden University.

This event is proudly sponsored by Zeelandia Indonesia, Signify Indonesia, Frisian Flag, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, PT. Lion Super Indo, Philips Commercial Indonesia, PT. East-West Indonesia, De Heus, and Danone-Aqua.

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN Lambert Grijns said he was very proud to learn that the Pasar Belanda 2023 was organized with a large selection of entertaining activities for all ages while taking place in a comfortable atmosphere.

"The Pasar Belanda 2023 exceeded our expectations, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate sustainability, culture, and friendship. We extend our gratitude to all partners, sponsors, and visitors who made this event a resounding success," he said.

VOInews, Jakarta: The Indonesian Consul General in Sydney, Vedi Kurnia Buana, Fanny Erlita Buana and the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney attended the Indonesia Goes to School (IGtS) activity as well as "Indonesian day" on Tuesday (12/9/2023) at St Mary Star of the Sea College, Sydney.

During the visit, he emphasized the importance of learning Indonesian language and culture between the two countries, as a form of closeness between Indonesia and Australia.

"The students of St Mary Star of the Sea College are part of the future of the relationship between Indonesia and Australia. With the current close bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia and the agreements that have been made by the two countries, it will certainly open up very broad opportunities for the people of the two countries," he said in a statement from the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney received by Indonesia Window here on Wednesday (13/9/2023).

He also expressed his appreciation to schools and teachers who have made Indonesian as one of the subjects of choice and actively promoted the Indonesian language.

On the same occasion, Principal of Saint Mary Star of the Sea College Tony Fitzgerald, reminded the students that they are not just citizens of New South Wales (NSW), Australian citizens, or just part of a region in the Pacific.

"There are no more boundaries in today's globalization. So understanding the language and culture of different countries is very important in helping to build a global community," Tony said.

Tony also motivated the students to continue to study hard and follow in the footsteps of their predecessors who have proven that they have successfully pursued careers with mastery of the Indonesian language.

Meanwhile, Lisa Cooper, Indonesian language teacher at the school, said that Indonesian Day tries to give students a real experience of Indonesia.

"Indonesia is our close neighbor, we want to promote learning the language and culture. Our students are our next generation, and it's important that we continue to adopt the education and other richness of Indonesia," she said.

Indonesian Day featured a number of art and cultural activities packed to interest students about Indonesia. It also invites students to experience first-hand the spirit of Indonesian arts and culture.

"Such as, playing angklung, incising batik canting on cloth, demonstrating pencak silat movements, imitating Balinese dance movements, and listening to historical stories of Australia-Indonesia relations through story telling," wrote the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney.

This time, IGtS was held by the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney with the support of various parties including the Australia Indonesia Association (AIA) NSW, Indonesian Language and Culture Center (BBBI) NSW, Saraswati Balinese Dance Studio, Indonesian Students Association of Australia (PPIA) New South Wales, Pencak Silat Aman Sehat Ampuh Damai (PPS ASAD) Australia and Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney. (VOI/Randy)

VOInews, Jakarta: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah received credentials from the new Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Achmad Ubaedillah. The acceptance took place in a credentials ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman, Bandar Seri Begawan, Wednesday (13/09/2023). Thus, Ubaedillah is now officially in charge of representing the Indonesian government in Brunei Darussalam.

"The Indonesian Ambassador accompanied by the Deputy Head of Representation, Irwan Iding, arrived at Istana Nurul Iman, Bandar Seri Begawan at exactly 14.00 local time. Ambassador Ubaedillah was then taken to the Facing Hall and delivered the Letters of Credence to Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam," said a written statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan received by Indonesia Window here on Thursday (14/09/2023).

In a meeting with the Sultan after the ceremony, Ubaedillah conveyed greetings from Indonesian President Joko Widodo. He conveyed the priorities of cooperative relations between the two countries, such as the labor sector and trade expansion, including halal products. He also praised the close relationship between the two countries, as well as praising the hospitality of Brunei Darussalam towards Indonesian citizens there.

"On the occasion of an audience with His Majesty His Majesty the Sultan, I also conveyed that Indonesian citizens feel Brunei as a second home. Thank you for Your Majesty's attention," he said.

Meanwhile, according to Sultan Bolkiah, Indonesian migrant workers have made a positive contribution to the development of Brunei Darussalam. He welcomed the two countries to work together in developing the halal industry and tourism. He also prayed that Indonesia will successfully hold general elections in 2024.

After the event, Ubaedillah returned to Wisma Duta, the Indonesian Embassy office in Bandar Seri Begawan. He participated in the presentation of tumpeng and prayers with the Indonesian Embassy staff, as a form of gratitude and hope for the smooth running of his duties. (VOI/Rama)

VOINews, Jakarta - The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs has said that Indonesia must take the lead in the investment competition in the electric vehicle (EV) sector as soon as possible.

Secretary to the ministry's Deputy for Investment and Mining Coordination, Rifky Setiawan, said that the transition from conventional vehicles to EVs in the global market has been very rapid.

"This is related to Indonesia's commitment to the Paris Agreement. Countries in the world are already competing to produce EVs," he said at the "Eight Years of National Strategic Projects Infrastructure Forum and Edutainment Expo" in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Indonesia must play a role so that it does not become solely an importing country, he added.

He noted that there has been an increase in the adoption of EVs in the global market since 2017, or after the adoption of the Paris Agreement. Around 5 million EVs were sold in 2020, and their number rose to 6 million in 2021.

He further said that in 2022, at least 10 million EVs were sold in the global market. Meanwhile, 14 million EVs have been sold this year so far.

It has been deemed essential for Indonesia to become a producer of EVs. This is because Indonesia has the potential to help lower EV prices in the global market, Setiawan explained.

He said that EV prices have remained high because their batteries are not cheap. Indonesia has the potential to produce batteries with the resources that it has.

According to him, there are several challenges to Indonesia taking the lead in EV investment, including low production capacity.

Based on his presentation, the domestic production capacity of EVs is 29 thousand cars, 2,480 buses, and 1.42 million motorcycles per year.

Investors also need market support in the form of a legal framework and incentives to encourage investment. To this end, he affirmed that so far, his ministry has coordinated a number of regulations so that Indonesia can take advantage of the EV trend. (Antaranews)