VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Today In History from RRI World Service in Jakarta.

I’ll start with 19 June 194, the battle in the Philippine Sea between the United States Navy and the Japanese Navy begins. The battle of the Philippine Sea took place on 19 to 20 June 1944 near the Mariana Islands. This battle is a major defeat of the Japanese Navy, which lost 3 aircraft carriers and about 600 aircraft during the two days. This happens because the Japanese aircraft was old and poorly trained, compared to the more modern and refine American Navy. After this battle, the Japanese Navy was almost completely destroyed. This Allied victory opens the door for an attack on Iwo Jima.

Turning to 19 June 1961 Kuwait declares its independence from the United Kingdom.

In the 1800s Kuwait became part of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. To break away from Ottoman rule, the great Sheikh Mubarak ruling in Kuwait then signed a treaty with the British state in 1899 that defined the state of Kuwait as "an independent State under British protection". Under the agreement Britain had control over Kuwait's foreign policy, and in return Kuwait got annual protection and subsidies from the UK. On June 19, 1961, Kuwait became independent with the end of British protectorate and Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah to Amir. But the National Day of Kuwait, celebrated on February 25, is the commemoration of the coronation of Sheikh Abdullah.

I’ll End Today In History with 19 June 2008 John Ario Katili passed away.

Former Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Professor John Ario Katili passed away on June 19, 2008 in Jakarta. John Ario Katili had served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1992 to 1997. Previously served as Director General of Geology and Mineral Resources Department of Mining and Energy 1984 to 1989. In addition to his career in the legislature and government, John Katili also served as Vice Rector of the Institute of Technology Bandung and the Dean of the Department of Mineral Technology Bandung Institute of Technology. Professor of Bandung Institute of Technology has written about 11 books and 250 papers. His expertise in geology is highly respected in the international world. John Katili has been the Chair of the South East Asia of Geological Societies and a member of The National Geographyc Society. For his various devotions, John Katili was awarded the Star of Mahaputra, the Honors Medal of the Commandeur de L'Ordre National du Merite of the French government. A number of awards were also obtained from the governments of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Sweden and Russia.

RRI World Service Voice of Indonesia wherever you are. Welcome back to Music Corner, a musical segment presents Indonesian music either traditional or modern one. The song entitled “Pilu” by Asmidar Darwis is composed by Husein Aidid withmusical arrangement created by Buslidel. As its title suggests, this song tells about the sadness due to the     lover is unfaithful. The song is slow beat with melancholic music in accordance with the lyrics. “Pilu” includedin a Special Album of Sad Malay Songs. Asmidar Darwis known as the gambus and malay singer .The songs owned by the singer who comes from westSumatra was popular in the 1970s.

The song“Naik Sampan” composed by Husein Aidid.The lyrics of the song has the rhythm like pantun. The song tells about the happiness in rowing a canoe.The song has cheerful music with quick tempo. To end today’s Music Corner, here is another Malay song entitled “Nada Harapan”. Like the previous songs, “Nada Harapan” also composed by Husein Aidid. This song tells about someone who is not desperate to achieve the goals in life.As the lyrics, the music is cheerful and vigorously.

On June 14, good news for Indonesian nation came from the European Union EU. The EU officially lifted the ban on all Indonesian airlines that have been imposed since 2007. After eleven years of struggling to make improvements, now Indonesia's airlines are trusted by the world as safe and reliable ones. Quoting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi's statement, the lifting of the ban is the result of hard work and collaboration for 11 years.

In fact, before being revoked, several airlines have been allowed to operate first by the European Commission, an executive body with the EU working area. In 2009, Garuda Indonesia, Mandala Air, Airfast, and Primer Air have been allowed to operate. A year later, Indonesia AirAsia and Batavia Air also started their operations. Then, in 2011, the European Commission also abolished the ban on several cargo companies such as PT Cardig, PT Air Maleo, Asia Link and Republic Express. The series of revocations was closed with the permission of 55 Indonesian airlines to operate.

After the flight ban is lifted, what steps should be taken? Of course, Indonesia continues to maintain the world's confidence in its aviation system. The world’s trust is an appreciation to the nation of Indonesia. Director General of Air Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, Agus Santoso said that Indonesia had fought for the release of flying since 2007. He also said that Indonesia is an independent country that has high assets in the aviation sector, starting from the aircraft industry up to 62 Air Operator Certificates (AOC) that serves flights from Indonesia to overseas.

The positive impact of lifting the flight ban for Indonesian airlines is the tourism sector. This can be imagined how many increases in the number of European tourists who will come to Indonesia, if more Indonesian aircraft can fly in the air of Europe. Indonesian government targets an increase in the number of European tourist arrivals around 200 thousand visits every year.

The chain effect from tourism sector is to bring about economic growth. All of these can be achieved, if Indonesia's aviation advance is balanced with  other domestically-related improvements.

Mosaic of the Archipelago presents information: first, Bandung offers thematic tourism destination.The second information is that tens of tourists flocked Gunung Kidul regency. The third information is that diaspora of Banyuwangi throughout the world get together.

Bandung city still becomes one of tourism destinations, especially for community from Jakarta and surrounding areaS. Moreover, there are many cheap destinations with their own themes. Culture and Tourism Office of Bandung city, West Java recommended some thematic tourism objects which should be visited on Lebaran 1439 Hijriah holiday. Head of the office Kenny Dewi Kaniasari said on Sunday (18/6) there are interesting destinations, firstly such as historical tourism objects like museum of Asia Africa Conference, Gedung Sate, Geology Museum, Sri Baduga Museum, the Dutch and Japanese caves. Secondly, there is fashion. According to Dewi, besides offering fashion products which centers on Jalan Sultan Agung-Riau, Bandung city also offers experience to see directly cloth making process.  Thirdly, there is cultural tourism object. Cultural tourism object is still dominated by Saung Udjo. In the era of Ridwan Kamil’s leadership, various parks which have different concept were built in a bid to accommodate public activities. There are 15 parks which become favorite places of  Bandung people. Meanwhile, for holiday with natural nuance, Kenny Dewi suggested the visitors to visit other regions surrounding Bandung city.

Tens of tourists flocked a number of tourism objects in Gunung Kidul regency, Yogyakarta on Lebaran 2018 holiday, from Saturday (16/6) until Sunday (17/6). Secretary of Tourism Office, Gunung Kidul, Harry Sukmono said on Sunday that total of visitors will continue to increase because there are still many travelers who are at hometown. Harry believed that the momentum of long Lebaran holiday will increase local revenue.

Homecoming momentum during Idul Fitri  was utilized by thousands of nomads from Banyuwangi throughout Indonesia and the world to get togather in the event of “Diaspora Banyuwangi” on Sunday (17/6). The event was also attended by Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya who never misses the event since 2013. He said that the event is a great re-union to boost the spirit for Banyuwangi. Because the annual diaspora gathering is a good way to strengthen relations in a bid to promote the region. Minister Arief Yahya before thousands of Banyuwangi Diaspora said that it was a moment to increase closeness, and to give contribution in promoting Banyuwangi. Meanwhile, Banyuwangi Regent, Abdullah Azwar Anas stated that Diaspora is designed to strengthen love to Banyuwangi. The moment was also to build solidarity, to build region and to exchange information.