VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Global economic conditions are projected to be unstable next year. However, the Indonesian government is committed to resisting the threat of declining economic growth as has happened in several countries. As reported by Antara, President Joko Widodo at Bank Indonesia Annual meeting in Jakarta on Thursday (11/29) said that Indonesia must be grateful because the economy could still grow above five percent.

President Joko Widodo also stated that for the G20 member countries, Indonesia's economic growth is only surpassed by China and India. Indonesia is in the third position, one level above the United States. President Joko Widodo is optimistic that next year, Indonesia's economy will be able to resist. On this occasion, he praised the coordination between three economic forces: Minister of Finance, Governor of Bank Indonesia, and Chair of the Financial Services Authority (OJK). According to him, without good communication, macroeconomic policies would not support each other.

President Joko Widodo further asserted that the government would focus on private sector growth. Because the role of the State Budget (APBN) in economic growth only reaches around 14 to 17 percent. He ordered that projects across Indonesia have to be carried out first by the private sector.

An optimistic view was also expressed by  Governor of Bank Indonesia, Perry Warjiyo who emphasized that the prospects for the Indonesian economy in 2020 are maintained with growth momentum to continue According to him, Indonesia has prepared a number of strategies to deal with the global economic crisis that will still occur in 2020. Indonesia's economic growth in 2020 is expected to increase from 2019 in the range of 5.1 to 5.5 percent.

This optimism arises because the 2020 inflation is projected to remain under control according to the target of 3.0 percent plus minus one percent. In addition, the current account deficit in 2020 is in the range of 2.5 to 3 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The capital and financial transaction surplus is projected to remain large to support external stability.

The Rupiah exchange rate in 2020 is also expected to move stable. The growth of banking third party funds in 2020 is predicted to reach 8 to 10 percent. Governor Perry also pointed out that the driving force of 2020 growth remains in consumption and investment. Bank Indonesia is also committed to continuing to issue accommodative monetary policies.

Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul, Turkey in cooperating with various Indonesia’s Diaspora communities in Turkey conducted Indonesian Street Food Festival in Istanbul on Thursday (28/11). The event was a culinary festival with special theme “Jajanan Pasar Indonesia” in Istanbul. Consul of Information and Social Culture of Indonesian Consulate General in Istanbul, Jepri Edi said that in addition to introducing the taste of archipelagic snacks to Turkey’s people, the event encourages Indonesian Diaspora culinary entrepreneurship. The event was also meant to introduce various Indonesian arts and cultures, beginning from contemporary music, Pencak Silat and traditional dances. More than 700 visitors of Turkey’s people and Indonesian diaspora visited the festival. In addition to culinary, the event also presented booth which sold various handicrafts and Balinese traditional massage.

Indonesia which was represented by Jesica Fitriani (24), Puteri Indonesia Pariwisata 2019, participated in Miss Supranational 2019 which was held at Katowice City, Poland. The announcement of the winner will be conducted on December 6. Jesica is the third winner of National Costume 2019 with concept of "The Precious, Boru ni Raja" defeated her competitors from 77 countries. The clothes which were designed by Intan Ayunda Vira from Jember Fashion Carnaval, presented symbol and concept of Batak woman personality which sticks on life values. The first winner for national costume category was won by participant from Mexico.  

Indonesian people in Gothenburg, Sweden conducted an event to welcome Christmas and end of the year which is known as Julfest or Christmas celebration. This event was held by  Indonesia Föreningen-Gothenburg, on Saturday (30/11). According to press release of Indonesian Embassy in Stockholm, Julfest was attended by around 100 people who consisted of Indonesians and Sweden people. The event was enlivened by candles along with Santa Lucia, and performance of music and Sweden or Indonesian dances. On a separated occasion, the Julfest in the end of 2019 was conducted by Indonesia Kulturföreningen-Gothenburg, led by Wawa Forssen, which attended by dozens of Indonesians and Sweden people. The event was enlivened by performance of music and dances from students in Gothenburg.

The pace of technology development had changed human life dramatically. That was stated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in ASEAN-Republic of Korea CEO Summit at Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) on Monday (Nov25). President Joko Widodo said, the world changes rapidly and it is called the age of disruption. Big data, artificial intelligence, 4.0 technology had torn down all definition, measurement, and theories that have been used as reference until nowadays.

The Indonesian president further explained that the age of disruption brings a great opportunity, but along with unimaginable challenges. They are increasing tendency of economic nationalism and populism in some countries for several recent years. Even now, anti free market movement has emerged and protectionism approach dominates further.

President Joko Widodo stated that collaboration and win-win paradigm that in some decades had been basis for global economic cooperation is gradually replaced by transactional and zero-sum-game approaches. If nothing is done against them, global economic recession resulting from dysfunctional economic system and global finance as well as distrust towards global economic institution that had happened in 1930s, could repeat. The loss will be experienced by developed countries, emerging economies, developing countries, as well as business world. Therefore, President Jokowi affirmed that it is common responsibility to reject the global economic recess.

Apart from age of disruption, during the forum President Joko Widodo also spoke about renewable energy. According to the President, ASEAN and South Korea must be the foremost in renewable energy development in the region. He explained, Indonesian government had issued the obligation to mix biodiesel fuel from palm oil with solar amounting to 20 percent, which is called B20.

Next year, Indonesia will increase it into 30 percent or B30. Currently, Indonesia is developing water-based power plant. This is part of commitment made by Indonesian government towards Paris Agreement, namely utilizing low-emission energy. 

Jambi is one of provinces in Indonesia which has remarkable tourism destinations. It has abundant tourism destinations that can be explored like other provinces in Sumatra such as North Sumatra and Riau Islands. The tourism destinations in Jambi are even considered the best ones and the most attractive ones in Sumatra Island. Jambi nearly has all kinds of tourism attractions such as reserve, conservation, beach, waterfalls, and lake. Therefore, Jambi's tourism destinations have been more popular among tourists. One of which is the Turtle Island.

The Turtle Island is one of 20 small islands in Jambi Province. The island is part of Sadu Sub-district, East Tanjung Jabung Regency, Jambi. The Government of Jambi has been intensively promoting the destination so that the island can become featured marine destination in Jambi. In addition to its amazing scenery, the island is popular for the breeding of turtle. Turtles come to the island to lay their eggs. At least, usually there are five to six turtles which come to the island.

For those who want to visit the island, you can access it by taking land transportation to the Nipah Panjang Seaport. The trip from Jambi to the Nipah Panjang Seaport takes approximately 3-4 hours. Once you arrive at the seaport, you must take speedboat for about 40 minutes to get to the Berhala Island. Afterwards, you need to rent small boat in a bid to reach the Turtle Island from the Berhala Island. The Turtle Island is an uninhabited island. However, people come to the island to find woods. Once you visit the island, you will feel that the island belongs to you. The island is renowned for its white sand beach. It is also an appropriate spot to enjoy the beauty of sunset.

We recommend you to visit the island during dry season because during rainy season, the access to the island is difficult due to high waves. The island also has plenty of extraordinary photo spots. Therefore, make sure to capture your moments at the island with your camera.