VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo's visit to the United Arab Emirates last Wednesday and Thursday resulted in business commitments and investments worth US$32.7 billion. Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi in her statement in Abu Dhabi said that both the Indonesian and Emirate leaders discussed the progress of investment cooperation between the two countries. The business and investment commitments came from 19 cooperation agreements exchanged in Dubai Thursday (4/11). Minister Retno Marsudi explained that these were among  the topics discussed when President Joko Widodo met Crown Prince Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) at Al-Shatie Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Minister Retno Marsudi further detailed the business and investment commitments, including cooperation between the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) and the Abu Dhabi Growth Fund (ADG), INA and DB World "floating solar panels" between Masdar and Pertamina "refinery" Balikpapan, manufacturing and distribution of vaccines and "bio products." In addition, various agreements made by technology companies from Abu Dhabi G42 with partners in Indonesia are in the fields of "smart cities", telecommunications and development of "genomic" laboratories.

On the same occasion, Indonesian Minister of Investment / Head of the Investment Coordinating Board, Bahlil Lahadalia explained that Indonesia provides an opportunity for all countries to make investment realization in Indonesia and not only leaning on one country. He hopes the US$32.7 billion investment can be increased again to at least above US#35 billion.

Previously, when President Joko Widodo met investors in Glasgow on the sidelines of the COP26 World Leaders Summit, Indonesia also received an investment commitment worth US$9.2 billion. So, the total investment commitments obtained by Indonesia reached US$41.99 billion.

In addition to investment, President Joko Widodo and Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed also discussed issues in the trade sector. Both leaders agreed to a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between the two countries to be finalized sooner.

Indonesia managed to amaze the world through the National Day event which took place lively at Al Wasl Plaza, World Expo 2020 Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Thursday (4/10) The National Day event which was led directly by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo carried the title "Land of Diversity" in the form of a historical narrative of Indonesia's cultural wealth in the past. The event also introduced the potentials and opportunities of the nation's openness to the world today as well as its readiness towards a Golden Indonesia 2045. All of these were summarized in art and cultural performances of spectacular event enlivened by the best domestic performers.

In the opening of the event, President Joko Widodo introduced Indonesia as a country that is blessed with a variety of rich and cultural diversity, and is known for its natural beauty. He also expressed his commitment to contributing to the progress of the world.

Furthermore, President Joko Widodo called on all parties to continue to accelerate cooperation, solidarity and friendship for a better life for the entire nation.

The National Day Indonesia is part of President Joko Widodo's commitment along with several relevant Ministers to be actively involved in various global issues. The event also emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining good relations with the United Arab Emirates as the organizer of Expo 2020 Dubai and Indonesia's important partner in the Middle East. In addition, the visit also continued the diplomacy of bilateral relations regarding the Indonesia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership (IUAE-CEPA) Negotiations, which began in Bogor, West Java on 2 September 2021. The National Day also provided a great opportunity for Indonesia to get the spotlight on a wider and more promising potential in the eyes of the world.

The Indonesian National Day event was witnessed by around 2.000 audiences. Meanwhile, the Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates, Ahmed bin Ali Sayegh expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's participation in the success of Expo 2020 Dubai. Minister Ali Sayegh said that Indonesia was the first country in Southeast Asia to declare its commitment to the World Expo event this year.

If one day you can visit Indonesia, try to enjoy a variety of  Indonesian typical culinary. When exploring Indonesian food, you will find some kinds of culinary that are almost the same in several places, such as ‘Rujak’. Rujak made from a mixture of any vegetables or fruits and doused with rujak sauce or rujak spice can be found in various regions with their own peculiarities. Take for example, Tegal has its typical salad known as ‘Rujak Teplak’.

Rujak Teplak is made from several types of vegetables such as kangkung, violaceous, sweet potato leaves, papaya leaves, cassava leaves, bean sprouts, banana heart, bitter-gourd, and boiled cucumber. The uniqueness of Rujak is in the sauce. In general, Rujak uses peanut sauce as the main ingredient. But,  the main ingredient of Rujak Teplak is boiled cassava. Then, the boiled cassava is crushed until smooth and mixed with red chili, Javanese sugar and Kencur.

To serve Rujak Teplak, you can enjoy all vegetables placed on a banana leaf sheet and then, they are doused with the cassava sauce. It tastes delicious, especially when eaten with yellow kerupuk or crackers fried in sand. The crackers are seasoned with grated dry coconut. Spicy or non-spicy Rujak Teplak can be adjusted according to taste and it depends on the chili sauce made from red chili mixed with ulenan or mashed cassava. It’s easy to enjoy this dish. Rujak Teplak is easily found in various corners of Tegal City, especially in traditional markets. The price is relatively affordable from Rp. 2,500 to Rp. 5,000 per serving.

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Pretoria launched the Indonesia-South Africa Fashion Design Collaboration entitled ‘Stories of Hope: Indonesia-South Africa Fashion Design Collaboration Incubation’on Tuesday (2/11).

According to a statement received in Jakarta, Wednesday (3/11), the activity was carried out by the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria along with the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center in Johannesburg virtually through YouTube channel in Pretoria.

Indonesian Ambassador to South Africa , Salman Al Farisi said that this event aims to enhance relationships between the citizens of both countries and promote culture and creative economy.

Ambassador Salman further explained that the theme of the event was inspired by the struggle of the two countries that respectively underwent  colonialism in the past. So, both of them have grown into influential and respected countries in their respective regions nowadays.

In this event, there are three designers from Indonesia and three designers from South Africa. They get challenges to make six dress designs for men and women. The theme is casual, semi-formal, and formal.

The challenge is not easy, because the designers are thousands of kilometres away and they are only able to discuss and draft designs through digital communication channels. After the design is agreed, they still have to produce finished clothes from the design.

In addition, the designed clothes will be made using traditional fabrics from both countries. Batik will be used for the dress from Indonesia. Meanwhile, South Africa will use ShweShwe as their dress.

In carrying out the event, the embassy of Republic of Indonesia in Pretoria and Indonesian Trade Promotion Center in Johannesburg took the Indonesian Fashion Chamber as a partner from the Indonesian side, and a large retail company, The Foschini Group, as a partner from the South Africa side.

Indonesia-South Africa Fashion Design Collaboration will be officially closed through a virtual presentation of the work of fashion designers from both countries on December 10.