VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Robotics Team of the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) Surabaya, East Java once again made achievements. This time the robotics team won an award in the RoboWorld Cup 2018 FIRA event in Taiwan. Previously the team also won the RoboCup 2018 event in Canada and bagged the overall champion of the 2018 Indonesian Robot Contest (KRI). In a competition that took place from August 6 to 12 at the Feng Chia University Campus in Taichung City, Taiwan, the ITS robotics team managed to bring a total of 19 award goes home.The instructor of the ITS Robotics Team, Muhtadin said that specifically for the RoboWorld Cup 2018 FIRA, the full preparations only lasted for three weeks. After the completion of the Indonesian Robot Contest in mid-July, the team immediately prepared themselves for this FIRA RoboWorld Cup contest. Three teams of robots competed in Taiwan namely the Ichiro team (legged robot) competing in the FIRA Humanoid Robot Cup (HuroCup) category, the Iris team (wheeled robot) competing in the FIRA Roboshot category, and the Bayu Caraka Team (flying robot) competing in the FIRA Air category. Muhtadin in a press statement received by Antara Surabaya thanked the Ministry of Reseach and High Learning for all the opportunities and support provided until the ITS team won the championship. In addition to getting 19 awards, Robot Ichiro Adultsize which won 2 weightlifting Champion also managed to get a world record. Until the 23rd FIRA RoboWorld Cup, the weightlifting record for Adultsize class robots is 100 CDs. According to Muhtadin, during the preparation of the race, they tried to always practice with 100 CDs and it turned out that the robot was able to work well. Therefore, Ichiro's team tried to increase the number of CDs lifted to 130 CDs, thus breaking the world record. He added that this record could be achieved because the robots used in the Adultsize match were large. So it has good stability and has been developed for two years.Despite bringing 19 awards, the ITS Robotic Team also encountered difficulties. Muhtadin said, this year there were several changes in the rules of the match. The rules were made more difficult than last year to give challenges to each participant. Changes to the rules of this match caused participants to face a little difficulty due to time constraints. Even though the mistakes that occur always become a lesson for the team for future success. According to Muhtadin, the ITS Robotics team still has other targets to be achieved. For Ichiro's team, it is targeted to become a Robocup champion in the Kidsize class, as well as to defend the champion in the Teensize class that has been achieved previously in Canada.

Fried noodle and various cultural similarities of Indonesia, for example dangdut music and traditional games such as spinning top, sack race, and kite were introduced in Colombia through the Indonesian Festival. This was stated by Ambassador of Indonesia to Colombia, Priyo Iswanto at the opening of the Indonesian Festival in commemoration of the 73^rd Independence Day of Indonesia at Wisma Indonesia  House yard, Bogota, on Saturday (10^th of August 2018). Instant noodle products were promoted through cooking demonstration and spicy fried noodle eating competition. Sate, typical Indonesian was served as lunch to the guests. Ambassador Priyo said besides exhibition booths displaying Indonesian excellent products, there were also other exhibition booths showcasing the arts and cultural richness of Indonesia such as the gamelan musical instrument, puppets or wayangpuppet, batik, weavings, carvings, wooden sculptures, and the angklung bamboo music. The festival attended by more than 500 guests was officially opened by Indonesian Ambassador to Colombia, Priyo Iswanto; Director General of Asia, Africa, and Oceania of the Colombian Foreign Ministry, Alfredo Ramos; and Miss Grand Colombia 2018, Genesis Quintero as the Colombian Cultural Ambassador.

The Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek again successfully conducted the Indonesian Film Week from 6^th to 10^th of August 2018. The Tabula Rasa Movie successfully opened the Indonesian Film Festival held by the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Center (FNCC) of Windhoek. Spectators packed the cinema hall to watch the Tabula Rasa movie highlighting the Indonesian culinary from Minang Region from West Sumatra. After watching the movie, a lot of spectators expressed their fascination towards the culinary richness of Indonesia. Besides Tabula Rasa, the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek also presented 4 other movies namely ‘Cinta Dari Wamena’or Love from Wamena, ‘Ada Apa dengan Cinta?  part 2’ or What ahppens with Love, ‘The Raid’, and ‘Sokola Rimba’or Forest School. Paula Gupta Wijaya as Acting of Economy, Information, Social, and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek explained that the organizing of the Indonesian Film Week in Windhoek marked the accomplishment of the similar event in 2013 and 2014. Paulina also told that in commemoration of the 73^rd Independence Day of Indonesia, the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek established collaboration with the Government of Windhoek by holding the 2018 Namibia- Indonesia Festival (NAMINDO FEST) on August the 3^rd 2018 aimed at promoting tourism, culinary, handicrafts, and business opportunity of both countries. The 2018 NAMINDO FEST was also a platform to promote the 2018 Asian Games 2018 to be held in Jakarta and Palembang.

Indonesian citizens in Rome, Italy and its surroundings enthusiastically participated in ranges of activities and competitions at an event called “ Hari Ceria Merdeka 2018” or the 2018 Cheerful Independence Day. On Sunday, August the 12^th 2018, various individual and group competitions were carried out in happiness and the spirit of togetherness. The event held at the Indonesian Embassy in Rome in commemoration of the 73^rd Independence Day of Indonesia was commenced by a walking march agenda. At 7.30 a.m. local time, citizens who attended the competition were divided into several groups to join the morning walk at the pride park of Rome, namely Villa Borghese. Not only joining the morning walk, as the signature of preserving the surrounding environment, citizens and diasporas of Indonesia also actively picked up trashes along the walking march route they passed.  Through the press release of the Indonesian Embassy in Rome, on Tuesday (14^th of August 2018), Indonesian Ambassador to Italy in Rome, Esti Andayani told that the activities were the symbol of Indonesian society’s care towards the cleanness of their residence and the brotherhood with the society of Rome. Ambassador Esti Andayani on her remark called for Indonesian Citizens under the accreditation area of the Indonesian Embassy in Rome to express their enthusiasm of commemorating the 73^rd Independence Day of Indonesia by showing their solidarity for citizens in Lombok who recently have been struck by the earthquake disaster.

Ministry of Industry and Trade of Belu, East Nusa Tenggara Province, held Indonesian Archipelago Cultural Carnival and development parade. The carnival in Atambua city, on Tuesday (14/8) afternoon was held to commemorate Indonesian 73rd Birthday. Children from kindergarten, Elementary School, until Senior High School, also youth group took parts in wearing clothes from various ethnics, clothes for nurses, police and Indonesian Military (TNI), and young teachers. It certainly enlivened atmosphere that was so lively during the carnival parade around Atambua. It was also taken part in by ornamental vehicles from all the agencies of Regional Government of Belu. The head of the organizing committee, Florianus Nahak, said that the activities is a concept to embody a sense of nationalism for the border community, by prioritizing cross-culture by involving all ethnicities in Belu. Cross-cultural context was Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, nationalism, and Love of the Motherland, those were the priority. In addition, the development of the regions were highlighted through the parade.

Friendship and Unity of Bogor people might be kept despite having different political views. It was the main value in cultural show welcoming Indonesian 73rd Birthday and Bogor 536th Birthday along Jenderal Sudirman road on Sunday (12/8). About 1.000 people participated on the event which presented various Indonesia arts and cultures, such as Sisingaan, Jaipong, and Pencak Silat. In addition, there were also ornamental cars attractions from supporters elements of the Central and Regional Governments and Community Groups and Private Companies. The Mayor of Bogor, Bima Arya, in Bogor, West Java, Sunday (12/8) revealed that this event was the pride of Bogor City residents . He believed that if all parties had mutual love, coaching, and care, Bogor City would be peaceful approaching the Presidential election 2019. According to Bima Arya, the society had to share positive activities to all people to strengthen the sense of brotherhood among the citizens, so that unity can be realized.

Various activities were held in  Bali 60^th anniversary, Tuesday, August the 14th 2018. One of them was fragment dance performance involving dozens of young artists from Dewata Island. Samuan Tiga dance fragments shown in Niti Mandala field in Denpasar got positive response from the society. The Governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika, to reporters in Denpasar on Tuesday (8/14) explained that the dance fragment contained an important history about the life journey of the people on Seribu Pura Island. One of the crucial factors was the milestone in the formation of the Pakraman Village Main Assembly on March the 17^th 2004. Made Mangku Pastika said that samuan tiga dance fragments implied concrete efforts to prevent society from being divided. In the present era, the task was carried out by the Pakraman Village Main Assembly of Bali. The Governor of Bali said that samuan tiga dance fragments reflected the government's efforts assisted by all components to succeed it. The society, acknowledged by Made Mangku Pastika, has contributed greatly to the succession of the Bali Mandara program that was implemented in the last 10 years.

Will the armistice in the Gaza Strip really come true? This question is really relevant, related to the issue of the ceasefire which is now being discussed in the Israeli government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday, has expressed a desire for a ceasefire with Palestine in the Gaza Strip. The Jerusssalem Post newspaper, August 13 reported that Netanyahu's statement was before the Israeli Prime Minister led his cabinet meeting.  Netanyahu's wish was raised, shortly after the Israeli army bombarded the Gaza region. Not less than 168 Palestinians died from the increasingly tense conflict in the Gaza Strip which was triggered by the transfer of the Israeli capital to Jerusalem. Israel is increasingly aggressive in  its attacks by deploying air forces to the Palestinian territories in Gaza Strip on Wednesday and Thursday, August 8-9, 2018. In the armed conflict, many   Palestinians died including children  and pregnant women. At least 170 points have become Israeli air strike targets  on the August 8 attacks. The Palestinians, in this case the  Hamas,  who occupy the Gaza Strip, responded that the ceasefire has actually been carried out. The Hamas fighters stated that the two sides had actually done it  since last week. Hamas stated that the ceasefire was carried out thanks to the Egyptian participation. The facts on the ground indeed show that at the end of last week, there were no more attacks by the Israeli air force. Regarding Egypt's participation as stated by Hamas, it is justified by the news that actually Prime Minister Netanyahu was secretly visiting Egypt. Israeli television reported that Netanyahu last May met up with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The question is, is it  true that a ceasefire will occur between the Israeli military and the Palestinian Hamas and there will  be no more  civilians become  victims? The statement of the Israeli Prime Minister before the cabinet meeting earlier this week may become  a sign that for the first time a ceasefire was seriously discussed in a cabinet meeting. If this commitment manifests, the fear of a re-open war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas, as happened in 2008, can be avoided.

Fried noodle and various cultural similarities of Indonesia, for example dangdut music and traditional games such as spinning top, sack race, and kite were introduced in Colombia through the Indonesian Festival. This was stated by Ambassador of Indonesia to Colombia, Priyo Iswanto at the opening of the Indonesian Festival in commemoration of the 73^rd Independence Day of Indonesia at Wisma Indonesia House yard, Bogota, on Saturday (10^th of August 2018). Instant noodle products were promoted through cooking demonstration and spicy fried noodle eating competition. Sate, typical Indonesian was served as lunch to the guests. Ambassador Priyo said besides exhibition booths displaying Indonesian excellent products, there were also other exhibition booths showcasing the arts and cultural richness of Indonesia such as the gamelan musical instrument, puppets or wayangpuppet, batik, weavings, carvings, wooden sculptures, and the angklung bamboo music. The festival attended by more than 500 guests was officially opened by Indonesian Ambassador to Colombia, Priyo Iswanto; Director General of Asia, Africa, and Oceania of the Colombian Foreign Ministry, Alfredo Ramos; and Miss Grand Colombia 2018, Genesis Quintero as the Colombian Cultural Ambassador.

The Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek again successfully conducted the Indonesian Film Week from 6^th to 10^th of August 2018. The Tabula Rasa Movie successfully opened the Indonesian Film Festival held by the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Center (FNCC) of Windhoek. Spectators packed the cinema hall to watch the Tabula Rasa movie highlighting the Indonesian culinary from Minang Region from West Sumatra. After watching the movie, a lot of spectators expressed their fascination towards the culinary richness of Indonesia. Besides Tabula Rasa, the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek also presented 4 other movies namely ‘Cinta Dari Wamena’or Love from Wamena, ‘Ada Apa dengan Cinta? part 2’ or What ahppens with Love, ‘The Raid’, and ‘Sokola Rimba’or Forest School. Paula Gupta Wijaya as Acting of Economy, Information, Social, and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek explained that the organizing of the Indonesian Film Week in Windhoek marked the accomplishment of the similar event in 2013 and 2014. Paulina also told that in commemoration of the 73^rd Independence Day of Indonesia, the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek established collaboration with the Government of Windhoek by holding the 2018 Namibia- Indonesia Festival (NAMINDO FEST) on August the 3^rd 2018 aimed at promoting tourism, culinary, handicrafts, and business opportunity of both countries. The 2018 NAMINDO FEST was also a platform to promote the 2018 Asian Games 2018 to be held in Jakarta and Palembang.

Indonesian citizens in Rome, Italy and its surroundings enthusiastically participated in ranges of activities and competitions at an event called “ Hari Ceria Merdeka 2018” or the 2018 Cheerful Independence Day. On Sunday, August the 12^th 2018, various individual and group competitions were carried out in happiness and the spirit of togetherness. The event held at the Indonesian Embassy in Rome in commemoration of the 73^rd Independence Day of Indonesia was commenced by a walking march agenda. At 7.30 a.m. local time, citizens who attended the competition were divided into several groups to join the morning walk at the pride park of Rome, namely Villa Borghese. Not only joining the morning walk, as the signature of preserving the surrounding environment, citizens and diasporas of Indonesia also actively picked up trashes along the walking march route they passed. Through the press release of the Indonesian Embassy in Rome, on Tuesday (14^th of August 2018), Indonesian Ambassador to Italy in Rome, Esti Andayani told that the activities were the symbol of Indonesian society’s care towards the cleanness of their residence and the brotherhood with the society of Rome. Ambassador Esti Andayani on her remark called for Indonesian Citizens under the accreditation area of the Indonesian Embassy in Rome to express their enthusiasm of commemorating the 73^rd Independence Day of Indonesia by showing their solidarity for citizens in Lombok who recently have been struck by the earthquake disaster.