VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian Trade Ministry set up an export promotion center (Marketing Point) in the National Cross-Border Post in Entikong, Sanggau, West Kalimantan. The signing of Memorandum of Understanding -MoU of the Marketing Point was done by Director General of the Trade Ministry's National Export Development, Didi Sumedi and Governor of West Kalimantan, Sutarmidji in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.

On the occasion, Didi Sumedi said that the signing was the basis for increasing the exports from West Kalimantan, especially via the Entikong National Cross-Border Post. The signing was also a form of inter-institution synergy in national export.

Through the MoU, the Trade Ministry will coordinate the Marketing Point development, including implementing various programs for increasing national product market or regional top commodities. Meanwhile, the West Kalimantan Government is responsible for providing regional support for the Marketing Point.

The Marketing Point is a facility for export development in the border area to increase top regional and national export products to neighboring countries and substitute product import for the locals. In 2021, there are two Marketing Points built in the border area namely in Entikong Cross-Border Post, West Kalimantan and in Motaain Cross-Border Post, East Nusa Tenggara.

Didi appreciated the great cooperation and support from all, especially from West Kalimantan Provincial Government, Border Management National Agency, and Entikong National Cross-Border Post, so that the Marketing Point Entikong was developed smoothly.

On the same occasion, Governor Sutarmidji expressed support and appreciation for border area development. According to him, inter-institution collaboration is important, mainly in developing main products that are demanded by the people of Malaysia. Therefore, the government must carefully see the market opportunities for the products demanded in Malaysia.

Namibia regrets the decision of a number of countries to impose travel bans on southern Africa,  following the discovery of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. Namibia, one of the countries in southern Africa, considers the move unacceptable and discriminatory.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism of Namibia on Thursday 2 November 2021, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency, expressed its dissatisfaction with the travel ban decision, which was  taken by a number of countries in Europe, as well as in Asia. According to him, the ban goes against the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and is a severe blow to the tourism industry. This is because many people depend on this sector for their livelihoods.

Previously, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said WHO only asked and advised anyone who felt unwell, aged 60 years and over, and had not been vaccinated,  against traveling, Not closing the borders of countries in Africa, which actually exacerbates economic inequality.

WHO appealed,  to prevent serious illness, citizens should vaccinate. Because the vaccine is believed to still be effective to fend off Covid-19.

The travel ban step that has been taken by dozens of countries around the world to prevent Omicron from entering, may indeed be a decision that must be taken. Especially when it is felt very worrying and life-threatening. But it takes a long thought to make a decision, when there are other alternatives to fight Covid-19.

The option provided by WHO is a more improved method of testing travelers. In addition, more vigorous vaccination for every citizen. WHO assesses, Omicron appears because the level of Covid-19 vaccination in African countries is still low. But they are also not to blame, because the low vaccination rate is related to various factors including resources. They shouldn’t  be punished. Instead, they deserve to be appreciated,  for being quick to identify and share information about Omicron. An important discovery for science and world health.

The world needs to take stricter and more precise steps after the appearance of this Omicron. Travel bans are not the only answer to the problems that arise. Health protocols must still be put forward. For example, the use of masks is mandatory when shopping or when using public transportation and facilities. Likewise with washing hands and avoiding crowds. The mandatory vaccine program and the provision of additional vaccines must also be realized immediately in order to achieve the WHO target. Which is,  each country must vaccinate at least 40 percent of its population. It is estimated that, by the end of this year, the world will need an additional 550 million doses of vaccine. Something to think about together, especially for some poor countries like the ones in Africa.

Students of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) conducted research on jellyfish as an alternative to breast cancer inhibitors. Until now, the exact cause of cancer is not known, yet. One of the most common types of cancer is breast cancer. According to health data, by 2020 there were  2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer. This disease is the most common cause of death in women with cases reaching 685,000 deaths. The development of breast cancer treatment continues, including medicinal products derived from marine biota that have a high potential to overcome this disease.

The UGM student team specifically observed the potential for jellyfish venom proteins to be associated with cancer, especially breast cancer that many women suffer from. They have innovated the use of jellyfish in the venom protein to be analyzed and tested for computer predictions in the inhibition of breast cancer. Team Leader, Aden Arrafit Bahtiarsyah explained that jellyfish has abundant proteins, vitamins and minerals. In addition, jellyfish also contains other important substances, namely venom proteins from nematocyst cells that have the potential for treatment.

Aden revealed that jellyfish venom has been proven to contain antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anticoagulant, antitumor and cytotoxic compounds. Jellyfish is one of the living creatures with abundant numbers and spread almost all over the waters of Indonesia. Jellyfish has simple shapes like umbrellas and tentacles. Khintan Maulin conveyed that the uniqueness and abundance of jellyfish attract researchers in the field of marine biology.

The Indonesian Embassy in Moscow in Russia in collaboration with CHIP Coffee held a Coffee Festival at the Baltschug Kempinski Hotel in Moscow as an effort to develop market opportunities of coffee exports of Indonesia in Russia, particularly specialty coffee types. The Indonesian Embassy in its official statement in Moscow stated that the event was held on Tuesday (30/11). The festival was packaged in a coffee cupping workshop and coffee product exhibition. It was attended by 50 participants consisting of baristas, coffee shop owners, importers and distributors of Russian coffee.  The event was also broadcast live via youtube and was also attended by 43 participants from many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ( MSMEs ) exporters of Indonesian coffee.

The segment of Indonesian coffee in the Russian market is still relatively small.  But, it has a big potential to increase.  Based on the data, the value of Indonesian coffee exports to Russia in 2020 reached US$31.95 million or it rose of 59.6 percent compared to 2019, worth US$20,15 million.  Indonesian Ambassador to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, Jose Tavares when opening the festival stated that the Indonesian Coffee Festival which has been held since 2019, has a direct impact on improving an interest of the Russian coffee industry businesspeople in importing Indonesian specialty coffee.  Ambassador Tavares further said that 29 examples of specialty coffee were sent directly by many MSME entrepreneurs of coffee from Indonesia to be introduced to the invitees.

Meanwhile, President Director of the Russian Coffee and Tea Association, Ramaz Chanturia explained that Indonesia is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, which produces quality coffee.  Indonesia is also Russia's most trusted partner in the coffee trade.

The Indonesian Embassy in Moscow also held an exhibition of coffee products. The examples of coffees included coffee beans, roasted and powder  sent by Indonesian coffee producers such as from Sumatra, Flores, Central Java, Sulawes,  Toraja and Bali. Furthermore, the event also introduced Cascara coffee products made from coffee shells  which are consumed as herbal tea with a very refreshing aroma. Besides, from the festival, the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow also actively promotes Indonesian coffee in Russia through the virtual Indonesian Coffee in Russia: Presence and Prospect, Coffee and Café coverage of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow, participation in trade exhibitions and holding meetings with Russian coffee entrepreneurs.