VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Several Indonesian communities and student organizations in Perth, Western Australia held a Halal Bihalal event for Indonesian Citizens at E-Zone Social, University of Western Australia (UWA) on Saturday (13/4).

As quoted by Antara in a press release from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Perth which was received in Jakarta on Sunday (14/4), the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Perth, Listiana Operananta, in her speech, emphasized the importance of togetherness and community support. Listiana is grateful for the solidarity of the Indonesian community in Perth. According to Listiana, not all student organizations and communities can collaborate as cohesively as this community does.

Listiana Operananta felt proud to be able to attend the event and meet approximately 400 guests and praised the cooperation of community members and organizations in creating a festive atmosphere. At the Halal Bihalal event, various typical Indonesian dishes were served, such as Padang satay, pecel and meatballs.

Apart from that, as the representative of the Indonesian government in Western Australia, the Consulate General said that her party would be responsible for the safety and whereabouts of Indonesian citizens in the region so that they were open to input to strengthen relations between the government and its citizens.

Halal Bihalal is a gathering event which is usually held after the Eid al-Fitr celebration which is where Muslims in Indonesia meet their relatives and friends while enjoying the dishes that are served.

For Indonesian citizens who live in Perth, this Halal Bihalal event is an opportunity to cure their longing for celebrating Eid in their homeland. According to Listiana Operananta, the aim of holding Halal Bihalal at the Indonesian Consulate General in Perth is to provide wider opportunities for Indonesian citizens in Perth to meet and stay in touch.

The participating communities and organizations are Warneds, Madina Community, the Association of Indonesian Postgraduate Students and Scientists in Australia (AIPSSA), the West Australian branch of the Australian Indonesian Student Association (PPIA WA), and the LPDP scholarship recipient community in Perth.

The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore held a business forum for entrepreneurs based in Singapore to explore the direction of Indonesia's economic landscape policies in the future. According to Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryo Pratomo in an official statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore on Wednesday (27/3), Singapore is the largest investor in Indonesia. This forum affirms that Singapore and Indonesia have a solid relationship in fostering a strong business ecosystem and dynamic. He further conveyed that the business forum strengthens economic relations of both ountries to expand cooperation in various business sectors. The forum took a very strategic momentum for the Singaporean public, because it was held right after the Indonesian General Election Commission announced the vote count for the 2024-Presidential Elections.

Moreover, the event, which was attended by 400 participants, also featured the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, Airlangga Hartarto and the Minister of Trade and Industry of Singapore, Gan Kim Yong. Both of them emphasized the importance of bilateral relations and cooperation of the countries.

Besides, the forum also held a panel discussion to deeply explore projections of Indonesia's business and investment policies during the new government. Meanwhile, Head of the Archipelago Capital Authority, Bambang Susantono at the forum explained the developments in the development of the Archipelago Capital -IKN. He invited Singaporean investors to invest in the development of Indonesia's next new capital city.

Every region has its own special food which is usually served as a menu for breaking the fast in the holy month of Ramadan. In Central Java, specifically in Rembang, there is also a traditional food served as a menu for breaking the fast, namely Dumbeg.

Dumbeg is a traditional food shaped like a small trumpet, made from rolled Siwalan leaves. Meanwhile, the inside content is a mixture of rice flour, coconut milk and brown sugar. Even now, there are some sellers who mix milk to make it taste more delicious. But, there are also many of them who still maintain the traditional recipes and ways to cook Dumbeg. In general, in Rembang, Dumbeg cakes can also be found at every traditional event, including alms to the earth, alms to the sea or weddings. In the past, Dumbeg cake was one of the guardians' favorite foods when visiting Rembang Regency. Wali Songo are Islamic figures who are respected in Indonesia, particularly on the island of Java, because of their historical role in the spread of Islam in Indonesia. Although the existence of Dumbeg has been passed down from ancestors for a long time, this food is still very popular, from children to the elderly.

Not just food, Dumbeg cake, which is easily found in traditional markets in Rembang, has a high meaning or philosophy. In Javanese tradition, Dumbeg has a high meaning or philosophy. It is used as a symbol that symbolizes fertility and a milestone in human civilization. Besides, the palm leaves used as the wrapper symbolize humility. Because palm leaves always grow downwards; they teach a humble attitude and avoid arrogance. The shape of Dumbeg which is like a spiral from small to large circles symbolizes that in life, you have to work diligently and patiently from small things to big things.

To make Dumbeg whose price is Rp. 2000, you need softened rice, brown sugar and coconut milk. The mixture is   cooked until thickened and then put into a container made from palm leaves. After the container for Dumbeg, which is a palm leaf shaped into a long circle like a trumpet, called urung, has been made, it is then placed in a large pan, then the mixture is added slowly. After adding all the mixture, wait until it is cooked and Dumbeg is ready to be enjoyed.