VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pahala Mansury, emphasized that the spirit of the Global South will be a key element in strengthening cooperation between Indonesia and African countries. He expressed this during a meeting with editors-in-chief in Jakarta on Thursday (22/08/2024), ahead of the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) to be held in Bali from September 1-3, 2024.

According to Pahala, the close cooperation between Indonesia and African countries, which has strong historical roots dating back to the 1955 Asian-African Conference, is now being reinforced through the theme "Bandung Spirit for Africa's Agenda 2063." He stated that "the spirit of the Global South will be a differentiator in our approach to cooperation with Africa, particularly in combating discriminatory and protectionist policies, including those related to green protectionism."

The Vice Minister also highlighted the importance of the historical relationship and shared interests between Indonesia and Africa as developing countries.

"Indonesia and African countries share a common vision in self-development and building resilience in the sectors of food security, energy, health, and minerals. This forms the foundation for closer and mutually beneficial collaboration," said the Vice Minister.

Furthermore, Pahala sees great potential in African countries as a new market for Indonesia's export diversification and foreign investment.

"This cooperation opens up opportunities to strengthen economic connectivity and diplomatic relations, as well as provide tangible benefits for both parties," he said.

The 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum is projected to result in memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth up to US$ 3.5 billion, which are expected to drive mutual economic growth. The forum will be attended by heads of state and high-ranking officials from various African countries and will be officially opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo.

On this occasion, Pahala also invited the media to play an active role in supporting and disseminating information related to the 2nd IAF.

"The role of the media is crucial in ensuring that the messages and goals of this forum are widely received. We hope that our media partners can contribute by expanding the reach of information through publications and coverage during the event," he concluded.

VOInews, Jakarta: The Embassy of Pakistan in Jakarta commemorated Pakistan's 78th Independence Day with traditional fervor in a dignified ceremony attended by a large gathering of the Pakistani diaspora, their families, Indonesian friends, and representatives of both electronic and print media.

The event began with the hoisting of the National Flag by H.E. Ambassador Ameer Khurram Rathore, followed by the reading of messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.

In his address, Ambassador Rathore paid tribute to the founding fathers of Pakistan, particularly Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose leadership led to the creation of an independent Pakistan on 14 August 1947. He highlighted the achievements of Pakistan over the years and reaffirmed the commitment of the government and people to building a prosperous and progressive nation. The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of stability and growth, in line with the vision of the country's founding leaders.

Ambassador Rathore reiterated Pakistan's commitment to democratic values, the rule of law, and the Islamic way of life as envisioned by its founders. He also expressed unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan's moral, political, and diplomatic backing for their right to self-determination. Additionally, he extended solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated Pakistan's support for their just cause.

Addressing Pakistan-Indonesia relations, Ambassador Rathore highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties and shared values between the two nations, tracing back to the days of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and President Sukarno. He expressed satisfaction with the expanding bilateral relations and emphasized the need to explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in trade, defense, culture, and education. The Ambassador also recognized the significant contributions of the Pakistani community in Indonesia, acknowledging their role in strengthening the bonds between the two countries.

As part of the celebrations, the Embassy hosted a small exhibition showcasing the paintings of Mrs. Selim Bibi, an artist of Pakistani-Indonesian heritage. Despite facing severe health challenges in her late seventies, Mrs. Selim Bibi turned to painting as part of her recovery. Her artworks, many reflecting her deep connection to Pakistan, added a poignant and personal touch to the day’s events, resonating well with the attendees.

The ceremony concluded with a sense of pride and unity, reflecting the strong ties between Pakistan and Indonesia, and the shared aspirations of both nations for a prosperous future.

VOInews,Jakarta: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) arrived at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta on Thursday, at around 04:15 WIB, after making a state visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Under the plane's stairs, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto and National Police Chief General Pol Listyo Sigit Prabowo were seen welcoming President Jokowi's arrival, according to a written statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia.

Previously, President Jokowi departed from Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi at around 14:55 local time.

Appearing to see off the President's departure to Indonesia were, among others, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei, Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE Husin Bagis, and UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Abdullah Salem Al Dhaheri.

On the flight to Jakarta, President Jokowi was accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, and Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir.

Also attending were the Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Head of State Protocol Andy Rachmianto, the President's Military Secretary Major General TNI Rudy Saladin, the Commander of the Paspampres Major General TNI Achiruddin, and the Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media of the Presidential Secretariat M Yusuf Permana.

During his visit to Abu Dhabi, President Joko Widodo held a bilateral meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) to enhance cooperation between the two countries, especially in the economic sector.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in her statement in Abu Dhabi explained that the UAE is one of Indonesia's important partners in the Middle East.

"In the past 10 years, relations between the two countries have developed rapidly. In terms of trade, for example, there has been a significant increase. Trade figures from 2015 to 2023 increased by 52 percent, and in 2023 reached 3.282 billion (US dollars)," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In terms of investment, a significant increase was also recorded. Foreign Minister Retno said that the achievements of relations in the past decade received attention from President Jokowi in bilateral meetings.

"This strong relationship will be capital for the future government to continue to strengthen cooperation between the two countries," said Retno.

In addition to holding plenary meetings, the two leaders also met tete-a-tete. Foreign Minister Retno explained that the discussion in the meeting focused on investment cooperation.

Some of the things that became the focus of the discussion included the plan for cooperation in developing a financial center in the Indonesian Capital City (IKN). This cooperation plan is accommodated in an MoU signed by the Minister of PUPR with the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

The second issue discussed in the tete-a-tete was cooperation in developing the nickel raw material industry. As is known, Indonesia has a very large stock of nickel.

Indonesia has also developed a nickel downstream ecosystem, especially batteries and electric vehicles ( EV ).

"In this regard, President Jokowi invited the UAE to invest in the EV sector from upstream to downstream," said Foreign Minister Retno.

Source: Antaranews

VOInews, Jakarta: The Indonesian Capital City Authority (OIKN) invites micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to fill commercial areas in the new capital city of Indonesia which is being built in Penajam Paser Utara Regency and Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan Province.

"We invite MSMEs to fill business opportunities in the commercial area of ​​Indonesia's new capital city," explained Deputy for Facilities and Infrastructure of OIKN Silvia Halim in Penajam, Thursday.

The commercial areas include the Office of the Coordinating Ministry (Kemenko) for Defense and Security (Hankam), as well as the state civil apparatus (ASN) flats.

In the initial stage, OIKN held a market gathering to introduce business opportunities in the development of public and social facilities in Nusantara City, the new capital city of Indonesia, to MSMEs.

The activity also invites the involvement of potential MSME candidates, according to him, who have quality and service standards in line with the vision of Indonesia's new capital city as a world city for all.

The process of selecting MSMEs to meet the basic needs of ASN and Defense and Security personnel who are the first residents in the core area of ​​the government center (KIPP) of Nusantara City which will be operational in September 2024, is carried out openly and fairly.

"After the completion process, it will be continued with mentoring and empowerment of selected MSMEs," he said.

"So that existing MSMEs can develop and grow together with the Archipelago City," added Silvia Halim.

The development of Indonesia's new capital city, Director of Building, Area and Urban Management OIKN Desiderius Viby Indrayana added, is currently entering the stage of filling the infrastructure that has been built.

Thus, the ecosystem of the Archipelago City must be brought to life by providing clinics, food and beverages, and others. OIKN's task is to help the government create a residential ecosystem in the new capital city of Indonesia.

The Head of UMKM Penajam Paser Utara Regency, Rizal Ramadhan Sinaga, hopes that UMKM around the Nusantara City can be involved, and the presence of the new capital city of Indonesia can increase UMKM income.

Source: Antaranews