VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Riyadh, through the Education and Culture Attaché, held a book review discussion explaining the life and scientific legacy of Sheikh Nawawi Al-Bantani at the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh on Wednesday, January 3. Sheikh Nawawi Al-Bantani, who lived from 1812 to 1897 was a leading professor in the Hijaz region and the archipelago in the 19th century.

In his remarks, the Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz Ahmad, said that the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh is committed to continuing to be at the forefront in inspiring and facilitating activities that enrich Islamic and national insight, especially for the younger generation.

Ambassador Abdul Aziz Ahmad paid tribute to Sheikh Nawawi Al-Bantani as a proud figure in Indonesia and the Islamic world in general. He emphasized the importance of continuing the scientific legacy of previous scholars as the basis for the success of today's Muslims.

Two main speakers and authors of the book Syekh Nawawi Al Bantani Mahaguru Ulama Hijaz & Nusantara 19th Century, namely Mufti Ali and Siti Ma'rifah Ma'ruf Amin, provided an in-depth understanding of the life journey and great services of Syekh Nawawi Al-Bantani.

Mufti Ali in his presentation highlighted the crucial role of these ulama by explaining the data and archives obtained about Sheikh Nawawi from various libraries in Indonesia and the Netherlands. With this data the role and character of these ulama can be scientifically accounted for.

Meanwhile, Siti Ma'rifah Ma'ruf Amin emphasized the role of Sheikh Nawawi Al-Bantani, especially in the Indonesian context, and underlined the importance of this cleric's contribution in maintaining scientific traditions.

On the same occasion, the Education and Cultural Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, Badrus Sholeh, said that the book would be encouraged to be translated into Arabic, so that more readers throughout the world would understand the role of Sheikh Nawawi Al-Bantani in the development of Islamic studies in the world.

Badrus further stated that manuscript research by Nusantara ulama in Hijaz will continue in collaboration with universities and stakeholders in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, so that it will have a positive impact on Indonesian diplomacy in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. More than 300 books written by Nusantara Ulama around the 19th Century in the Hijaz. The discussion was attended by 60 people consisting of various figures, students and the enthusiastic general public in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul and students receiving Higher Education for ASEAN Talent-HEAT scholarships in South Korea launched the book "Indonesia and Korea Partnership: The Indonesian Scholar's Perspectives on 50-Year Relationship" on December 28 2023. The book launch was the final event in the series activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and South Korea this year.

Chargé d'Affaires Ad-Interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, Zelda Wulan Kartika, in a written statement received by Antara Tuesday (2/1) explained that this book is the work of lecturers, who are currently pursuing a doctoral program inSouthKorea. This is an important contribution in improving the quality of Indonesia-South Korea cooperation.

According to Zelda, the book contains valuable lessons about the policies of the South Korean government and business world in various sectors to be used as a benchmark for the Indonesian government which will hold elections this year.Shealso appreciated the work of students who received HEAT scholarships, because the compilation book of research results was part of a series of celebrations for 50 years of Indonesia-South Korea cooperation.

The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul hopes that the book "Indonesia and Korea Partnership: The Indonesian Scholar's Perspectives on 50-Year Relationship" which is available online will not be the last book by the HEAT Awardees.

When we go on holiday to an area, we usually buy various kinds of souvenirs for our family or colleagues at the office. There are various kinds of souvenirs that we can buy such as clothes and various fashion products as souvenirs. Clothes and various fashion products in various regions in Indonesia that offer unique designs and still highlight the characteristics of the region's original culture. Call it Dagadu Jogya. As a creative industry native to Yogyakarta, it is certainly not surprising that most of Dagadu's T-shirt designs are steeped in Yogyakarta city icons. Starting from illustrations of Tugu Jogja, Taman Sari and Kraton Yogyakarta Palace. Uniquely, Dagadu Jogja also has a visual design with the addition of eccentric Javanese sentences which really describe the city of Yogyakarta.

A holiday to Bali is incomplete if you don't buy Jogger clothes. Different from fashion souvenirs in general, Joger is famous for its eccentric word designs. That's why, to this day Joger is still known as the "Word Factory". Apart from t-shirts, the local merchandise industry which is famous for its tagline "Joger Jelek" also sells various fashion products which are no less unique and interesting, such as bags, wallets, sandals, shoes, watches and various other typical Balinese souvenirs.

Apart from Pempek fish cake, Palembang, South Sumatra is also famous for its unique and creative local products. This can be seen from the many local merchandise industries which are almost always targeted by tourists. One of the most popular is Nyenyes. Nyenyes or meaning “chatty” in Palembang language, is a local creative industry famous for its unique t-shirt designs. This is because almost all Nyenyes fashion product designs use images that are identical to Palembang, such as the Ampera Bridge, Kemaro Island. Interestingly, fashion products from Nyenyes also have a collection of T-shirts with a combination of songket motifs. Of course, the modification of traditional woven cloth with modern clothing will be an attraction for visiting tourists.

River tourism is an anti-mainstream holiday option that is too bad to miss. Not just daydreaming and calming the mind, currently many river tourist destinations in Indonesia offer special interest that is worth trying, such as rafting. This time, we introduce you to several river tourist destinations in Indonesia.

The first destination and a target for tourists is the Mahakam River, in East Kalimantan. Being the second longest river in Indonesia, the Mahakam River offers a pleasant river holiday experience. This 920-kilometer-long river is home to rare animals, such as freshwater dolphins known as "Pesut Mahakam" or "Mahakam Dolphin". Besides that, you can meet king prawns, hornbills, storks, langurs, and otters in the Mahakam River.

Apart from beaches, Bali also has an interesting river tourist destination to explore, namely the Ayung River. The longest river in Bali, located in Ubud, is known as a white water rafting spot with six levels of difficulty. On the Ayung River, you will also be amazed by its clear water, cool air, and stunning views. Because it is so beautiful, the length of white water rafting on the Ayung River, which reaches 10 kilometers, feels very easy and enjoyable.

The next river tourist destination in Indonesia that is also interesting to explore is in Pangandaran Regency, West Java. It is the Cukang Taneuh River, more popularly known as Green Canyon. In the local language, Cukang Taneuh means "Land Bridge". Its name is based on the natural bridge that originates from the ground and crosses the Cijulang River. One of the interesting activities to try on the Cukang Taneuh River is taking a boat while exploring the Cijulang River. Along the journey, you will be amazed by the unspoiled natural beauty, and pass through caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites.