VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The University of Syiah Kuala Darussalam Banda Aceh (Unsyiah ) collaborated with a French fragrance company called Natgreen and the Government of Bener Meriah Regency on the development of the patchouli industry in the region. Rector of the Syiah Kuala Darussalam University, Professor Samsul Rizal signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the French fragrance company and the Government of Bener Meriah Regency in Darussalam, Banda Aceh on Sunday (Febr 2). Prof. Samsul explained that the cooperation focuses on the research and economic development of the patchouli industry particularly in rural areas across Aceh. The French company will also help the Syiah Kuala University and the patchouli farmers in Aceh develop processes for extraction and packaging of aromatic plants to support the fragrance industry of Aceh. The commitment of Unsyiah to developing the fragrance industry has started in 2016 when the university established the Atsiri Research Center (ARC). Meanwhile, Director of Natgreen Mostapha Bensalah pointed out that his side is committed to advancing patchouli, essential oil, aromatic extract industries, as well as the packaging of perfume in Aceh//(Ant/Trs.AL)

Saudi Arabia has barred an Iranian delegation from an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Jeddah on Monday where U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan will be discussed, the Iranian foreign ministry said.

Saudi authorities have not issued visas for the Iranian participants, ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

“The government of Saudi Arabia has prevented the participation of the Iranian delegation in the meeting to examine the ‘deal of the century’ plan at the headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,” Mousavi said, the Fars news agency reported.

Mousavi said Iran has filed a complaint with the OIC and accused Saudi Arabia of misusing its position as the host for the organization’s headquarters. There was no immediate comment from Saudi officials.

Iranian officials have condemned Trump’s plan for resolving the conflict between Israel and Palestine as a non-starter after it was officially announced last week. The Palestinian leadership has rejected the plan, saying it heavily favours Israel and will deny them a viable independent state.

Saudi Arabia and Iran are locked in a proxy war as they vie for influence across the Middle East. They support opposite sides in the conflicts in Syria and Yemen. (TEMPO)

Today’s Diplomatic Corner is from Sandakan, Malaysia.

Indonesian Consul General Kinabalu, Krishna Djelani inaugurated a new school building for the Community Learning Center (CLC) of Ladang Resort in Sandakan, Malaysia on Monday (27/1). Krishna Djelani in his speech said that the existence of CLC is a manifestation of the government's presence to ensure the fulfillment of the educational rights of Indonesian Migrant Workers’ children. Without attention and support of management, it is impossible for “the plantation’s kids" to go to school. In addition, the company’s support is a manifestation of the company’s social responsibility. The new building which can accommodate 100 students, is needed because the number of students has increased.

from Geneva, Switzerland.

Indonesia utilized the tourism exhibition Salon des Voyages Quo Vadis 2020, which was held in Geneva starting from January 24-26. Salon des Voyages Quo Vadis was a tourism exhibition that was participated by travel agents, tourism operators, airlines and also tourism destination countries. At least 1000 people were noted as visitors to the event. Indonesia displayed typical archipelagic decoration, from batik, puppets, Balinese statues and also information brochures of tourism destinations in Indonesia. Besides, Bali and Lombok, other destinations were also promoted such as Rajat Ampat and Labuan Bajo.

The last information is from Moscow.

Indonesian Defense Minister, Subianto visited Moscow and met with Russian Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday (28/1). Minister Prabowo Subianto, in the meeting with minister Sergei Shoigu as quoted in a press release on Wednesday, said that the relationship between Indonesia and Russia in defense and security fields have been long established. Russia, which was earlier Soviet Union has assisted Indonesia in the military-technical field many times. According to minister Prabowo, Indonesia wants to develop a relationship with Russia. Meanwhile, Russian minister Sergei Shoigu said that Indonesia is one of the important partners in the Asian Pacific region. Cooperation with Indonesia is based on relationship and mutual trust.

Bima is one of the regencies in Sumbawa island, West Nusa Tenggara province. Historically, this city was the centre of the Bima Sultanate. With the cultural heritages the city has, Bima city offers Islamic cultural tourism. You can visit Asi Mbojo or the sultanate palace. Besides Asi Mbojo, you can also find the graves of kings and preachers, public games and arts, as well as religious ceremonies. Bima not only has the richness of cultures, but also its own natural tourism attractions. Due to its location on the side of the bay, Bima certainly has beautiful marine tourism. One of them is Wane beach.

Wane beach is located at Tolotangga village, Monta district, which is around 6 kilometres from Sultan Muhammad Salahudin airport. Wane beach has white sand which stretches widely, with gentle waves and clear sea water. Going to the beach, you can enjoy the freshness of water by swimming or playing on the white sand.  If you want to stimulate your adrenalin, you can try surfing at the beach.

You can also see dolphins jumping among the waves at Wane beach. To see the dolphin attraction, you must rent a fisherman’s boat a day before the activity. The best time to watch the attraction is in the morning, around 9 a.m. The travel time to see the dolphin attraction is only half hour by boat. For those who did not bring their own food, do not worry because the beach has many food stalls which provide a variety of food.