VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Over the next 6 months, Ethiopia is declared in an emergency status. The Ethiopian government has stipulated this, due to the political crisis that has led to the resignation of Halemariam Desalegn, the Prime Minister of the country. The political crisis that also caused the emergency status occurred there in October 2016. Prime Minister Halemariam Desalegn resigned to reduce the ongoing political turmoil. Desalegn had previously  freed opposition prisoners to dampen the situation, but the turmoil is still going on. Hundreds of people have been killed in the three year unrest in the country. The 10-month emergency  state that ended last year has also failed to stop the protests, similarly, the release of thousands of opposition supporters from prison. A massive protest has been taking place since 2015. It starts from the Oromia region, then extends to Amhara, Ethiopia's second largest ethnic residence. The rally was accompanied by a physical clash between the two ethnic groups causing casualties. The question then, will this second emergency status, bring  good for Ethiopia? In the meantime, after the emergency stipulation last week, the capital Addis Ababa is in a relatively quiet state. The mass media reported that business and social activities in the nation's capital until yesterday were under normal circumstances. The defense ministry also did not add troops to the streets. Emergency status setting is done to quell the dispute and sporadic attacks in some areas. The government states that emergency situations are needed, to mitigate the political turmoil that resulted in the emergence of ethnic violence. Given the emergency situation, the government has banned the existence of  mass gatherings  and demonstrations in the wake of the political turmoil. The government's move was not approved by the United States, as stated by its Embassy in Addis Ababa. Along with the establishment of an emergency, the Ethiopian Parliament is expected to complete discussions on the steps to resolve the political conflict. Parliament to date is waiting, whether the majority of the ruling party in the government succeeds in taking the expected political action. If a political settlement does not happen, it is not impossible that the turmoil will become increasingly widespread in the oldest country in Africa. If this happens, foreign interference, is very likely to emerge. The US embassy in Addis Ababa, for example, assesses that the emergency setting has restricted the fundamental rights of citizens to express their opinions. Anyway, if the conflict can not be resolved, it is Ethiopians who will be affected.

Next, it is a conversation about "Mengambil Bagasi" or in English “Taking the Bagage”. The conversation is between Tony (A) a British man,  and (B) an airport officer at Adi Sucipto Airport, Yogyakarta. Let’s follow the conversation :

After the conversation, now I’ll introduce some vocabularies and idioms related to the topic today.

To ask about location or place, you can use the word “di mana”? In today’s  conversation, Tony ask about the baggage claim.

Tony  :  Di mana tempat mengambil bagasi? (2X) In English: where is the baggage claim?

To answer the question you can say the location which is started with the preposition “di”

For example : Di sana, di ban berjalan nomor 3

Another example :

Tony  : Di mana Anjungan Tunai Mandiri (ATM)? In English: Where is the Automated Teller Mechine (ATM)?

Officer : Di sana                     In English      Over there

              Di lantai dua                                   On the second floor

When showing location or something, Indonesian people usually use the right hand, both with their index finger, thumb or all five fingers. Showing something by using left hand is considered impolite.

That was Let’s Speak Bhs Indonesia, a lesson in bahasa Indonesia  or the Indonesian language on the radio. Hopefully, this edition can be useful for those who want to know more about Bahasa Indonesia. We also hold monthly quiz with many interesting prizes.

Four hundred and fifty scouts participated in Siaga Party on Saturday (17/2) held by local scout’s organization at Waduk Gajah Mungkur dam, Wonogiri, Central Java. The party was one of the forms of the real step to manage young generations through scout movement to create godd quality of physically and mentally strong human resource and to teach the importance of togetherness and independency. This was stated by Regent of Wonogiri, Joko Sutopo who is also scoutmaster of Wonogiri branch in his speech when opening the party. All participants were divided into 25 contingents and they participated in 18 kinds of competitions.

Muntok History Volunteer Group (MHVG) from the Netherlands asked permission to provincial government of Bangka Belitung islands to build monument of World War II tragedy at Muntok, West Bangka regency. The monument is as commemoration of of the deaths of 66 soldiers from the Netherlands, England, and Australia, including 21 nurses. This was stated by the Group mediator, Mark Greichen when meeting with Governor of Bangka Belitung, Erzaldi Rosman in Pangkalanbaru, Central Bangka. Mark Greichen  along with Matthew Barclay, Judy Campbell, and Bryce Bird from Australia visited Bangka. Meanwhile, Governor Erzaldi conveyed his appreciation. The Governor said that the intention to build the monument at Muntok will help building tourism destination in Bangka Belitung islands province in the next future, especially in West Bangka regency. The press release on Sunday (18/2) stated that governor of Bangka Belitung islands very supported the monument’s development, and expected a film that tells the tragedy and describes the beauty of the place. On the occasion, the Governor requested to form special forum to manage the making of the monument and the film.

The ship Jaya Indah 8 which was secured at the Sea of Pengibu Island, Bintan regency on Tuesday (13/2/2018), carried explosives more than 1,000 sacks worth Rp 5.2 billion. Public relations of Directorate General of Customs and Excise of Riau islands, Refly Feller Silalah on Friday (16/2) said that the explosives endanger the country's defense and security. It can also be used to bomb fish which can damage environment. Refly also said that the catch began from information from the fishermen. When being secured, the ship crews could not show legal document of transport process. The officers also secured 4 crews, including the captain. The ship and ammonium nitrate have been secured at the Office of Directorate General of Customs and Excise of Riau islands. Refly further said one suspected with initial Y has been defined which is subject to customs crimes for violation of Article 102 Sub-Article of the Customs Act. 

The song entitled “kenangan di desa” tells about the beautiful and lovely panorama of the village with wide paddy fields, yellowing rice, and singing birds singing as well as sweet  memories that could not be forgotten for good. Although it is Keroncong genre, the Sundanese music both in its rhythm and music is dominantly felt in the song. The combination of Keroncong and Sundanese music makes the song enjoyable to be listened. Ratna Sulistyaningsih or known as Ratna Listy who was born in Madiun, East Java is also known in Indonesia as presenter and TV film artist. Her singing career started since she won the Bintang Radio TV or Radio Television Singing Contest for East Java in 1989. “Keroncong Kemayoran” is a famous Keroncong song. Besides cheerful and dynamic rhythm, the lyric is written in betawian poem. Like the last part of the lyrics : “Merpati terbang melayang, Cinta sejati Slalu terbayang. Kedondong di atas peti, Ini keroncong mohon berhenti, Semogalah semua senang di hati”. During her career in the Indonesian Music industry, the woman who was born in August 1973 has launched several pop genre albums such as “Obsessy” in 1998, “Azan” in 2002, “Hitam Putih” in 2006 and a traditional ,album along with Doel Sumbang and Ninik Karlina. In 2013, Ratna Listy also launched a Keroncong album entitled “Keroncong Asli”.