VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia and Japan keep establishing cooperation to develop automotive industry, including preparation on electrification era or battery-based vehicles. The strategic step is implemented through cooperation between Indonesian Industry Ministry and Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This was stated by Director General of Metal Industry, Machine, Transportation and Electronic Tool at the Industry Ministry, Harjanto in a press release on Sunday (15/12). The cooperation was discussed in the event of the 2nd Indonesia – Japan Automotive Dialogue in Bali recently. Knowledge and experience on standardization and technical regulation which is implemented in both countries also became interesting discussion, including utilization of renewable energy (biofuel). The two countries also discussed development of investment and incentive for industrial development of electric vehicles. Moreover, Indonesia-Japan have been long time to be strategic partners in establishing cooperation in economy.

Indonesian and Malaysian colleges agreed to collaborate in research in the field of neuroscience which focuses on nerve system. Minister of Technology Research / Head of National Research and Innovation Agency, Bambang Brodjonegoro hopes that the collaboration can focus on prevention as well as handling nerve disease. He expressed the statement at Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute, Medical Faculty, University of Indonesia on Friday (13/12). Bambang also stated that the cooperation between the two countries becomes a main focus of the ministry for the next 5 years.

Indonesia and South Korea strengthen cooperation in manufacture sector, especially being ready to implement industry 4.0. This was pointed out through synergy between Indonesian Ministry of Industry and South Korean National Research Council/NRC) in a meeting of the 1st Sub-Joint Committee Meeting in Kuta, Bali Friday (13/12). Director General of Metal Industry, Machine, Transportation and Electronic Tool at the Industry Ministry, Harjanto said that collaboration of the two sides is valid 5 years to increase ability in 5 sectors of manufacture industry which becomes priority on the roadmap of Making Indonesia 4.0. The 5 sectors are food and beverage industry, textile and clothes industry, automotive industry, chemistry industry and electronic industry.

Enthusiastic applause given by  President of Peru/  Martin Vizcarra after listening to  Angklung traditional instrument performance held at  Indonesian Embassy in Lima at the event of  Mundo de Illusiones on 6-7 December 2019 at the Presidential Palace of Peru. The two-day event was an annual charity event organized by the First Lady of Peru, Marisol Diaz Cabello at Christmas celebrations for elementary and junior high school students from various regions in Peru. The activity was participated by several  Government agencies of Peru such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Culture and 19 Foreign Representatives in Peru including  Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, European Union, India, Italy, Malaysia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States.

The event of Batam International Cultural Carnival (BICC)  was attended by 6 representatives of countries, including Indonesia, which presented culture and distinctive clothes of each country along the road around Nongsa, Batam on Sunday (8/12).   Chairperson of BICC / Silvia Hilda explained this year the BICC was followed by Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, India and China. Silvia hopes that this year's national tourism calendar activities can become an annual agenda.

Indonesian  Embassy  (KBRI) Doha established the Indonesia Corner in one of the malls in Doha to promote Indonesia's trade, tourism and investment potential in Qatar. A written statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Doha on Saturday (7/12) stated that Indonesia's promotion stand called "Indonesia Corner "is located at the main lobby of Landmark Mall, which is one of the big malls in the city of Doha, Qatar. Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar / Muhammad Basri Sidehabi opened the" Indonesia Corner "in front of businessmen of Qatar and Indonesian citizens who are in the country. After the success of the "Indonesia Expo 2019", the solo exhibition of Indonesian products was for the first time in Qatar, the Indonesian Embassy in Doha wants to keep the  momentum by continuously intensifying promotional efforts about Indonesia.

There are no disputes that cannot be resolved. This phrase can at least be used in connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenski in Paris, France, Monday 9 December 2019. Facilitated by French President Emmanuel Macron, the two heads of state have agreed to a ceasefire.

When war was raging between the two countries, a ceasefire agreement was good news. For nearly six years hostilities have led to a war that has killed at least 13 thousand people. During this time Ukrainian troops fought against rebels who had strong support from Russia. The war was the result of a conflict in 2014, when Russian troops annexed Crimea, which is Ukraine’s. Earlier the President of Ukraine then, Yanukovych, was ousted by protests in Kiev called the "Maidan Revolution." Russian-backed separatist groups later established an independent state from Ukraine, but until now the world has not recognized it. Since then the war has occurred. The Moscow government has clearly supported the rebels by sending weapons. The agreement between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine is a breath of fresh air for the people of the two countries who have been suffering from the prolonged war.

Before reaching an agreement, Russia and Ukraine had exchanged prisoners and withdrew their military forces from the front lines of the war. In the agreement in Paris the two countries are also willing to release each prisoner until the end of December 2019. The release of prisoners will be carried out along with withdrawal of troops from several war zones in Ukraine until March 2020.

The question is, why should Russia negotiate with the Ukrainian government? Isn't what happened was a civil war between the Ukrainian army and the rebels? In this case the role of President Macron of France is quite significant. The willingness of Vlaidimir Putin to sit at the same table with President Volodymir Zelenski at a high-level meeting in Paris was at the initiative of President Macron. This confirms that the world does not recognize the claims of rebels who founded a new state in Ukraine. Besides, Russia has acknowledged its direct involvement in the civil war, and appeared to provide a peaceful solution to the war that had caused damage, suffering and tens of thousands of lives.

The High level meeting in Paris between the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine has become a new round of conflict resolution and is expected to create lasting peace in Ukraine.

Indonesia invited Thailand and Malaysia as member of International Tripartite Rubber Council (ITRC) to protect rubber farmers. Indonesia also invited the two countries to arrange joint effort in overcoming other natural rubber issues for the sake of the farmers. Press release of Indonesian Trade Ministry mentioned that it was stated by Indonesia which led the ITRC meeting in Jakarta on December 2-5.

APEC and International Organization Negotiation Director of Trade Ministry Antonius Yudi Triantoro said, the meeting discussed global natural rubber market condition and arranged concrete steps in overcoming low natural rubber price, which directly affects rubber farmers’ welfare. All related sides need to protect rubber farmers with various planned efforts.

In the meeting, ITRC member countries agreed to keep being comitted to maintaining natural rubber supply through ITRC scheme and to expand cooperation framework with other producing countries. ITRC has the scheme to maintain natural rubber supply through Supply Management Scheme (SMS) and Agreed Export Tonnage Scheme (AETS).

To increase rubber consuption in third countries, ITRC created Demand Promotion Scheme (DPS) as platform for member countries to convey strategies to increase domestic natural rubber use such as for asphalt mix and various other natural rubber-based innovations.

ITRC Scheme aims to maintain natural rubber sustainability by stabilizing global natural rubber price. Sustainability of natural rubber must be fought for. Price improvement is also being strived for, so that farmers keep cultivate their rubber plants.

According to Antonius, low rubber price also makes farmers downgrade plant maintenance quality by reducing the use of fertilizer and pesticide. Thus, rubber leaves in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are attacked by pestalotipsis. That allows this disease grow and reduce natural rubber production.

Besides that, by expanding cooperation framework with other producing countries, it was expected that the measure taken will have greater significant influence towards global natural rubber market. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand need to invite other producing countries, especially in ASEAN and other rubber organizations such as the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) to synergize in overcoming various problems.