VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Asian Games 2018 which will be held in Jakarta and Palembang, is not only echoed domestically but also internationally. Indonesian government is promoting the grand sport event to the African continent, including in Cairo, Egypt. The Embassy of Indonesia in Cairo is promoting Indonesia as the host country of the Asian Games which will take place from 18 August to 2 September to a number of media in Egypt on several occasions, such as during a meeting between the Indonesian Ambassador to Egypt, Helmy Fauzy and the local media crew.

Ambassador Helmy Fauzy has remarked in Cairo recently that the Asian Games with 47 sports and 45 countries involve in it has a great power for sports lovers in the world, including in Egypt. He hopes that the socialization to Egypt’s  local media can boost the visit from Egypt to Indonesia this year.

“…We’ve just expressed that the Asian Games will be followed by 45 countries with 47 sports branches. Unfortunately, Egypt does not join in the Asian Games, because Egypt is part of Africa. But hopefully by explaining this to the Egyptians, this is also a momentum for them to come to Indonesia to witness an interesting event, namely the biggest sporting event in Asia.” Ambassador said .

In addition to the Asian Games, Indonesia also socializes the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund -IMF and World Bank -WB in Nusa Dua, Bali in October. Egypt will take part in the event. The two big events are expected to contribute to increased number of tourist visits from Egypt to Indonesia. In 2017, more 7,000 Egyptian tourists visited Bali via Ngurah Rai airport. In addition to Bali, Jakarta was also an alternative destination with the number of visits reaching more than 5,000 tourists. (Rian)

The European Union's decision to lift the travel ban for Indonesian airlines on June 14, 2018 is expected to give positive impacts on the aviation industry. Head of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce - Kadin, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani has said in Jakarta recently that the removal of the travel ban will eventually boost the tourism sector.

He also stated that the lifting of the travel ban will increase connectivity. He added that his side is expecting to boost the tourism sector because there will be direct flights. He  is happy because Indonesian airlines have been accepted to fly in Europe and it will certainly have its effects. Rosan further said that he has held discussions with Garuda Indonesia Director, Pahala N. Mansury in relation to the lifting of the travel ban. From the discussion, Rosan said that there are possibilities to open a direct flight to Paris. (Tempo)

Indonesian people in several countries celebrated Eid al-Fitr day by gathering at the Indonesian embassies. According to a statement of the Indonesian Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, on Saturday, June 16th the Indonesian people visited the embassy to celebrate and deepen friendship.

The embassy provided Indonesian culinary delicacies, such as rice dumplings, crackers, chili sambal, and braised chicken. Indonesian Ambassador to Romania M. Amhar Azeth welcomed Indonesian citizens and embassy staff, who attended the celebrations.

Meanwhile, Indonesians in New Delhi, India, also celebrated Eid al-Fitr at the Wisma Duta of the Indian Embassy. According to the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi, Indonesian people from cities near New Delhi, including Aligarh, Gurgaon, Noida, and Lucknow, also attended the event. At least. The embassy also served specific cookies and pastries, such as pineapple pie, along with garlic crackers and roasted peanuts. The celebration was also attended by Non-Muslim Indonesians in New Delhi to strengthen friendship and brotherhood. Antara  17.06.2018 Rezha

Griffith University Rector Professor, Ian O'Connor, and Indonesian President's Special Envoy on Climate Change, Professor Rachmat Witoelar, recently launched a collaborative program on climate change at Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. A statement from the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney received by Antara News Agency on Saturday, June 16th mentioned that the launching ceremony was attended by the Consul General of RI in Sydney, Heru Subolo. This collaborative program has been developed by the Griffith Asia Institute under the leadership of Professor Caitlin Byrne as the director of the institute.

This three-year program includes four main activities, namely high-level dialogue; joint research; research support, mentoring, and capacity building; and student mobility. Prof. Byne remarked at the launch that the program is a reflection of Griffith University's commitment to establishing close relations with Indonesia through a strategic and mutually beneficial program, especially in the areas of sustainable development and climate change.

Meanwhile, Prof. Witoelar, in his keynote speech, expressed high appreciation to Griffith University, and underlined the importance of the collaborative program. He believes that this program will positively contribute to bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Australia. Also, it will contribute to regional cooperation, in particular, to advance the United Nations sustainable development goals and implement the Paris Agreement on Climate Change," Witoelar revealed. Following the launch of the program, Griffith University will build partnerships with relevant institutions in Indonesia. (Antara 17.06.2018 Rezha)