VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The devastating wave of COVID-19 infections sweeping India has already impacted the meeting with the European Union, forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrap plans to fly to Portugal. (File photo: AFP/Prakash SINGH) - 

The European Union (EU) and India are expected to further bolster warming ties on Saturday (May 8) by relaunching long-stalled trade talks and agreeing to work together against the pandemic battering the South Asian giant.

The devastating wave of COVID-19 infections sweeping India has already impacted the meeting by forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrap plans to fly to Portugal for in-person talks.

But the 27-nation bloc and the world's largest democracy remain determined to capitalise on growing momentum for tighter relations fuelled by shared concerns over the rising might of China.

"There is a positive dynamic because there is a convergence of interests," a European diplomat told AFP.

EU countries have sent medical equipment and drugs worth an estimated €100 million (US$120 million) to India as part of international efforts to help it fight against the flood of COVID-19 cases.

The focus on the virus at the summit will be on making sure the two vaccine-producing powerhouses can maintain global supplies - as well as on trying to plan together to tackle future pandemics.

"We obviously need together to continue our efforts to ramp up production, secure the necessary raw materials, and keep supply chains open," a senior EU official said.

"Leaders are going to commit to work together to better prepare for and respond to global health emergencies - and this clearly includes strengthening and reforming the World Health Organization."But Europe's main economic power Germany has already poured cold water on the efforts by insisting patent protection must remain in place while drug firms ramp up production.

While the pandemic casts a long shadow over the summit, the key announcement expected is the restarting of talks on a free trade agreement that have been suspended since 2013.

Negotiations were halted eight years ago after getting stuck on issues including cutting tariffs and access for Indian workers to Europe.

It remains to be seen if India is now willing to drop an approach viewed as deeply protectionist by the EU to seal a deal this time round//CNA

Indonesian tourism and Creative economy Ministry "Kick Off" International Conference Event at 5 DSP (Birkom) - 

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy / the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Kemenparekraf / Baparekraf) conducted a kick off event for the International Conference or International Conference in 5 Super Priority Destinations (DSP) as an effort to promote the potential of Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) Tourism for accelerating the revival of the post-pandemic tourism sector and creative economy (parekraf).

According to a Realease received by Voice of Indonesia in Jakarta, Friday (7/5/2021), The Deputy for Tourism Products and Activities for the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy / Baparekraf Rizki Handayani in his statement explained that his party has prepared a strategy to support the development of 5 DSPs where several strategies are implemented based on the three pillars of the Ministry of Tourism in the future, namely innovation, adaptation, and collaboration.

"With innovation we must be able to create new parekraf products, besides that we must be able to adapt to the application of strict and disciplined health protocols, and collaborate with related Ministries / Agencies, embracing the business world, local governments, educational institutions, communities, and the media. "He said.

Rizki conveyed that this activity was in order to increase the potential of the 5 DSPs and he considered collaboration to be very important. Kick off International Conference at 5 DSP, he said, was a form of collaboration between Kemenparekraf and PT. Kompas Media Nusantara, which has been launched since April 28, 2021 through a zoom platform with the signing of the parliament agreement as a symbol of the MoU of the two parties.

Rainfall intensity in Indonesia ANTARA/HO-BMKG/pri - 

The Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has projected heavy rains that can be accompanied by lightning and blustery winds in several provinces of Indonesia on Saturday.

In its early weather warning, the BMKG has forecast the areas of Aceh, Banten, Jakarta, Gorontalo, Jambi, West Java, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, and East Kalimantan to potentially experience heavy rain along with lightning and strong winds.

The BMKG weather prediction was also applicable in Lampung, Maluku, West Nusa Tenggara, Papua, West Papua, West Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, and West Sumatra and South Sumatra.

The areas to potentially receive rains accompanied by lightning and strong winds are South Jakarta, West Jakarta, and East Java from afternoon to evening.

In West Java, rains accompanied by lightning and strong winds will potentially affect almost all districts and cities, including Bekasi, Depok, Ciamis, Bogor, Pangandaran, Purwakarta, Karawang, Subang, Indramayu, Cirebon, and Kuningan.

The BMKG also warned of the potential for high waves reaching heights of 2.5-4 meters in the waters west of Mentawai Islands, in the waters west of Enggano Island, southern and western parts of Sunda Strait, Indian Ocean west of Mentawai Island to Lampung, Indian Ocean south of Java to Sumbawa Islands and Bali Strait.

Hence, the BMKG has urged residents to be heedful of the high risks to shipping safety on fishing boats, barges, ferries, and large vessels, such as cargo or cruise ships.

The agency has also urged people, residing and conducting activities on the coast around areas where high waves are likely, to remain vigilant//ANT

Managing Director of Jababeka Hospitality, Fachrully F. Lasahido (Jababeka) - 

Jababeka, a 34 hectare mega-cluster with a sport & healthy life concept in strengthening its commitment to realizing the Sport City concept, is ready to host the agenda for organizing sports events in Indonesia.

This year Jababeka is preparing to hold a number of junior and amateur golf tournaments as well as national scale duathlon competitions.

In particular Jababeka Golf - an international standard golf course located in the Jababeka area has implemented Indonesia Care or CHSE, a guideline for implementing health, cleanliness, security and environmental protocols as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as well as a marker that Jababeka Golf is a a safe golf course to visit, ensuring public confidence in the world of tourism and sports in Indonesia.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Saturday (08/05/21), Managing Director of Jababeka Hospitality, Fachrully F. Lasahido or often called Rully explained that since 2020, Jababeka Golf has implemented Indonesia Care, the Government's health protocol guide as part of the company's full support and responsibility in dealing with this pandemic.

He also added that as a form of strong commitment to realizing Sport City, Jababeka is considering and preparing for a number of national level junior and amateur golf tournament agendas.

In addition, the Duahtlon championship, the Indonesia Open X-Sports Championship (IOXC), BMX, MTB and skateboarding competitions are also being prepared.

Rully hopes that if the Government's vaccination program goes well and the cure rate for Covid19 patients will increase, the implementation of face-to-face activities will be possible again, especially sports and tourism events, such as the Rhino X-Triathlon event in Tanjung Lesung which is so popular among people//VOI/NK