VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia took part at the exhibition, "The 4th China Cross-border E-commerce" in Fuzhou City, Fujian province, China to promote Indonesian products and the sophistication of digital technology.

Special Staff of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Jona Widhagdo Putri, at the opening of the exhibition in Fuzhou, Monday (18/3) said that through this exhibition, the Indonesian government wants to introduce the new face of Indonesia as a "new emerging" to people in Fujian, China and the world.

The cross-border electronics trade fair took place from March 18 until 20 with a total of around 10,000 exhibitors. They come from more than 60 foreign trade industrial areas, including more than 20 provinces and cities in China. The exhibition targets 500 thousand visitors and a turnover of US$10 billion.

At the exhibition, Indonesia set up a pavilion displaying a number of brands, such as instant noodle products, digital services, various types of packaged coffee, the Indonesian durian plantation association, and various snacks.

Jona Widhadgo Putri further said that in 2021, Fujian was also the location for the agreement for 'Two Countries Twin Parks, which is the location for cooperation in industrial areas between the two countries, namely Fuzhou in China and three industrial areas in Indonesia, namely in Bintan and in two locations in Central Java.

Another form of collaboration is the halal certification center in Fujian, which helps halal products come in and out, both from Indonesia and China.

Chairperson of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce's China Committee, Garibaldi Thohir, on the same occasion said that Indonesia wants to continue to cooperate with China in various fields.

                 “ Asyik ”    

Hello, welcome back to “Mari Berbahasa Indonesia” or Let’s Speak Bahasa Indonesia, which introduces Indonesian vocabulary and guides you to speak in Indonesian language. Mari Berbahasa Indonesia or Let’s Speak Bahasa Indonesia is a collaboration between Voice of Indonesia and the Language Development Agency of the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research & Technology. Today’s topic is “Di Balikpapan” which means “In Balikpapan.”

You will read a conversation about “Asyik” which means “Fantastic!”. The conversation is between Chris, a vlogger from Australia, and a biker. Chris was making a travel vlog on a motorcycle from Banjarmasin to Balikpapan. Chris was expressing his excitement when finding a small shop to take a rest. Let’s read the conversation.    

Chris (P)     : (berbicara seperti seorang vloger) Kira-kira dua jam lagi kita akan tiba di Balikpapan. Sekarang saya ada di daerah Labangka ( jeda ). Asyik , itu ada warung untuk beristirahat. Kebetulan saya lapar. Mari, kita lihat menu di sana.

After reading the conversation, I will introduce you to some vocabulary and expressions related to today’s topic. “Asyik” which means “Fantastic!”. I will say it two times slowly, and please repeat after me.

In this conversation, you will reading the expression “Asyik, itu ada warung untuk beristirahat” which means “Fantastic! There is a small shop to take a rest.”. In that, there is the word ”Asyik” which means “Fantastic!”, and this is used to express joy over something. In the sentence, the word ”asyik” which means “fantastic” was followed by an expression about something that sparks joy, in this case, ”ada warung untuk beristirahat” which means “there is a small shop to take a rest”.

Here are other examples.

Let’s read some other examples using exclamations.

Asyik, bulan depan saya pergi ke Jepang which means “Fantastic! I’m going to Japan next month”

Asyik, saya mendapat hadiah which means “Fantastic! I got a present!”

In this conversation, the word ”Asyik” which means “Fantastic!” is an exclamation to express joy over something. But in another case, ”Asyik” means focus or busy on something too much, for instance Dia sedang asyik mengedit video which means “He is so busy editing the video!”

Before we end today’s Mari Berbahasa Indonesia or Let’s Speak Bahasa Indonesia, let’s have another go with the conversation.

Percakapan tidak diterjemahkan, dan dibacakan pelan-pelan.

Chris (P)     : (berbicara seperti seorang vloger) Kira-kira dua jam lagi kita akan tiba di Balikpapan. Sekarang saya ada di daerah Labangka. Asyik , itu ada warung untuk beristirahat. Kebetulan saya lapar. Mari, kita lihat menu di sana.

That was “Let’s Speak Bahasa Indonesia” for today about “Asyik” which means “Fantastic”.We hope today’s edition will be useful for you who want to know more about the Indonesian language.

When traveling to Cirebon, West Java during the month of Ramadhan, you will see unique views, especially around the Cirebon Grand Mosque and the Cirebon Kasepuhan Palace. There are many traders selling typical foods to break the fast. Uniquely, almost all traders sell Docang.

Docang itself is a typical food for the people of Cirebon to break the fast. This culinary delight became known in the 15th century. Historically, this food was originally made by a group of people who did not like the Islamic preaching activities carried out by Wali Songo or nine saints that Islamised Java in the 15 th and 16 th centuries. So they made food that contained poison.

However, when it was served to Wali Songo, the poison mixed into the food did not react at all. On the contrary, after eating the dish, the Wali Songo actually liked it.

Docang comes from the words Bodo (soybean-based oncom) and Kacang (bean sprouta). Docang consists of a mixture of rice cake pieces, grated coconut, cassava leaves, chives, bean sprouts and crackers which are then poured with a special sauce, namely Dage or Oncom sauce (made from tofu dregs mixed with peanut press cake). As a complement, cayenne pepper is usually added to add a spicy taste.

Docang tastes fresh and tasty, especially because there are small white crackers sprinkled in one portion of this food. Docang is a healthy food because it uses vegetables and does not use meat. Cirebon's typical culinary delights are delicious, when served hot or warm. Usually, Cirebon people eat Docang is enjoyed for breakfast. However, during the month of Ramadan, this dish is usually eaten as a menu to break the fast. The price is quite cheap, only 10,000 to 15,000 rupiah or 0.64 to 0.95 US dollar.

The US Embassy in Jakarta, with the American Film Showcase (AFS), brought Razi Jafri - a photographer, director, and producer of documentary from Detroit, US. Jafri would stay in Indonesia on March 13-23, 2024 for workshops and film screening in several locations in Indonesia, including at @america and American Space at Voice of Istiqlal, Jakarta.

The workshop included skill development for young filmmakers and discussion with film lovers, as well as a screening of "Hamtramck, USA". "Hamtramck, USA" is a film about life and democracy in the first Muslim majority city in the US. Razi also produced "Three Chaplains", about Muslim male and female clergies who tried to enhance religious freedom in the US military.

The US Embassy in a statement on Saturday (16/03) explained that the AFS is part of the US government's effort in encouraging diversity and religious understanding by presenting stories about religious diversity in the US. This initiative emphasized the US Embassy's commitment to celebrate and embrace the religious tradition across the globe and voiced the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-US with the theme: "Diversity. Democracy. Prosperity."

Quoting Tempo on Sunday (17/3), Cultural Attache at US Embassy in Jakarta Emily Norris said with a strong film use, they tried to involve the audience in a meaningful conversation about the beauty and complexity of many issues. With this program, the US embassy wished to see more collaboration between film companies and education institutions in film and other creative industries.