VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia is into the list of 63 countries that can come to Thailand without quarantine as of November 1, 2021. This opens opportunities for the restoration of Indonesian tourists’ visits to Thailand. This policy also encourages increased bilateral cooperation in other fields, such as trade. This statement was conveyed by Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand, Rachmat Budiman when he met the Governor of Phuket, the Governor of Krabi and the Deputy Governor of Surat Thani in a series of working visits from 1 to 4 November 2021.

During the meeting, Ambassador Rachmat Budiman also appreciated the implementation of the Phuket Sandbox, 7+7 extension and Samui Plus programs in reviving the tourism sector amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The three programs are seen as alternatives to revive the tourism sector. Tourism business activities in Phuket, Krabi and Surat Thani are seen starting to revive by these programs.

Regarding efforts to revive the tourism sector in Indonesia amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Ambassador Rachmat Budiman also shared information about the reopening of the Bali Island and the Riau Island for foreign tourists from 19 countries since October 14, 2021. It’s different from the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus programs; the program to reopen Bali Island and Riau Island still requires a quarantine of foreign tourists entering Bali. Regarding this matter, the readiness of the two parties to carry out various cooperation initiatives for the promotion of the tourism sector has been discussed, including promotion cooperation and encouraging connectivity between Phuket and Bali.

On this occasion, Ambassador Rachmat also invited business actors in Thailand to be able to participate in the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) which provides various superior products, goods and services from Indonesia online. The activities can also be a platform to expand networks with Indonesian business actors. The Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok is also ready to facilitate increased trade economic cooperation through direct relations between the two countries’ private sectors.

Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob visited Indonesia. This was his first visit after being inaugurated in August 2021. There were four issues being discussed in a bilateral meeting at the Bogor Palace in West Java. Also, he is scheduled to visit the Indonesian defense industry in Bandung, West Java.

In a press meeting after the bilateral meeting on Wednesday (10/11), President Joko Widodo said they discussed migrant workers, national border, post-pandemic economic recovery, and regional issues.

Related to the migrant workers, President Joko Widodo affirmed that there is a protection for Indonesian citizens in Malaysia. He also encouraged the MoU on Indonesian migrant worker protection to be finished soon. This is important, considering many Indonesians work in Malaysia.

On the border areas, they discussed the shifting boundary stakes of the two countries. This is a priority since it concerns both countries' stability.

Meanwhile on the economy, trade was being discussed since it is hampered amid the pandemic. Both heads of states agreed to open a Travel Corridor Arrangement. Then, they also discussed the current situation of Myanmar and South China Sea. 

The visit of the Malaysian PM is a wise move since the issues of discussion were crucial. Hopefully, the visit of Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob results in a right solution and strengthens the neighboring countries' relations amid the uncertain global situation. Therefore, mutual understanding and respect are necessary in living as neighbors.

Voice of Indonesia presents Let’s Speak Indonesian, a program that introduces the Indonesian vocabulary and guides you to speak in the language. Mari Berbahasa Indonesia or Let’s Speak Indonesian is a joint initiative of Voice of Indonesia and the Language Development Agency of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture.  Today’s topic is about “Memesan Makanan” which means “Ordering Food”. 

Here is the conversation entitled “Terlalu Asin” which means “Too Salty”. This conversation happens between Kevin and a restaurant waiter at lunch time. Kevin orders fried rice. He complains about his fried rice which is too salty. Let’s read to the conversation.

After reading to the conversation, now I am going to introduce some vocabulary and expressions related to the topic of the day.

In the dialog, you hear an expression terlalu asin (2x) which means too salty. You can use an adjective to express the taste of food, such as asin (2x) which means salty, manis (2x) which means sweet, asam (2x) which means sour, pedas (2x) which means spicy, panas (2x) which means hot and pahit (2x) which means bitter.

Other examples

Let’s read to the other examples of expressions about food taste.

“Bagaimana makanannya, Pak?” (2x) which means “How is the food, Sir?”

“Enak tetapi terlalu manis” (2x) which means “It is good but too sweet”

“Saya pesan nasi goreng tidak terlalu pedas” (2x) which means “I order fried rice, but not too spicy, please”

“Baik” (2x) which means “Alright”

That was “Let’s Speak Indonesian” for today. Hopefully, this edition can be useful for those of you who want to know more about Indonesian language.

Commission I of the Indonesia House of Representatives -DPR in charge of Defense and Foreign Affairs approved the nomination of Army Chief of Staff General Andika Perkasa as Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces -TNI, replacing Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto who gets retired from his duty on November 8, 2021.

The approval was given by all factions in the Commission I in an internal meeting following a fit and proper test, last Saturday (6/11). The meeting also approved the honorable discharge of Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto as Commander of the Military, and gave appreciation for his dedication. The results of the internal Commission I meeting were then brought to a plenary meeting on Monday, today (8/11) for approval from the Indonesian House of Representatives. General Andika Perkasa is the sole candidate for the TNI Commander who was proposed by President Joko Widodo to the House some time ago.

The vision he carried as a candidate for TNI commander was: "TNI Is Us". General Andika wants the Indonesian Armed Forces to be seen as part of the Indonesian and international community.

Under his leadership later, the TNI will focus on several matters related to war military operations and military operations other than war. According to General Andika Perkasa, the first and most important thing is to restore the TNI's duties according to the law and not take on the duties of other ministries or institutions.

General Andika Perkasa will also increase security for land, sea and air borders, including increasing TNI preparedness in various fields, such as cyber operations and intelligence synergy, especially in conflict areas. Other programs are to combine the operations of the three dimensions within the TNI (land, sea, and air), to organize and integrate the organization and the role of military diplomacy within the framework of Indonesia's foreign policy.

General Andika Perkasa will only serve as Commander of the TNI for one year because he will get retired in 2022. Hopefully in a fairly short time, General Andika Perkasa can realize his work programs as the new Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces -TNI.