VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

RRI World Service -VOI with Diplomatic Corner, a segment presenting information about Indonesian diplomacy, both at home and abroad.

We begin with information from Paris, France. Since 2012, Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia has established a partnership with the La Rochelle city in France, especially in the tourism and urban environment field. In early July 2018, Mayor of Kendari, Sulkarnain Abdul Kadir agreed with President of La Communauté d'Agglomération La Rochelle, Jean-François Fountaine to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector and urban environment. The positive experience and continuity of cooperation since 2012 and the Memorandum of Understanding in 2017 become the basis for Kendari and La Rochelle to strengthen partnerships.

The statement was reached on the sidelines of the working visit of the Southeast Sulawesi delegation to France. During his activities in France, Mayor Sulkarnain Abdul Kadir, accompanied by officials from the Department of Handicraft, Youth and Sports Service, and Tourism Promotion, involved in a training program and promotion of tourism excellence in collaboration with La Communauté d'Agglomération La Rochelle. In addition, the delegation also held a network gathering with 20 French tour operators entitled "Célébes Sud Est: Plongez dans l'inexploré", on July 11. Southeast Sulawesi offers some of the latest tourist destinations whose natural beauty is suitable for French tourists, namely the Wakatobi Islands, Labengki, and Matarombeo. The Wakatobi Islands, nicknamed "undersea paradise" by explorer Jacques Cousteau, are increasingly recognized by world-wide enthusiasts.

We move to the United States of America.

Indonesian fashion designer, Handy Hartono for the first time held a fashion show in Houston, the United States of America on last Saturday (July 21). Besides promoting Indonesia, especially Batik as one of the Indonesian intangible cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO, Handy displayed Batik Karawang collection. As reported in the press release of the Indonesian Consulate General of Houston, Nana Yuliana stated the fashion world has contributed to the Indonesian economy through the creative industry. Besides, the tourism and culinary industries also play a major role in the development of Indonesia's creative industries. The Consul General invited the audience to visit and invest in Indonesia, especially the 10 New Bali tourist destinations such as Borobudur, Komodo Island, and Wakatobi National Park which also received recognition from UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage and World Natural Heritage, Biosphere Reserves and Geo-parks. The Indonesian Consulate General of Houston will continue to promote Indonesia in synergy with relevant stakeholders, including regional governments.  The event was also attended by Head of the Kerawang Regency Tourism and Culture Office, Okih Hermawan.

We end Diplomatic Corner with information from Osaka, Japan.

On the sidelines of a working visit to the Chugoku region, Japan on last Saturday (21/7), Indonesian Consul General of Osaka, Mirza Nurhidayat visited a number of Indonesian citizens -WNI affected by floods and landslides that hit Hiroshima Prefecture and Okayama Prefecture on July 6 and 7. These two prefectures were the most severely affected areas, and resulted in a number of Indonesian citizens being forced to flee, even losing their homes. Previously, on July 9 and 10, The Indonesian Consulate General's team in Osaka distributed aid to Indonesian citizens affected in Hiroshima and Okayama, including food, milk, mineral water, clothing, towels and toiletries. In addition to reviewing the current conditions of the Indonesian citizens, the visit of the Indonesian Consul General of Osaka, was also aimed to distribute humanity assistance, especially in the form of food. The condition of Indonesian citizens is generally good. However, recent condition in the Kurashiki city is still paralyzed. Most Kurashiki infrastructure and facilities, such as roads, bridges, and convenience stores are still in recovery. The government of Japan, in this case through the disaster management team, continues to provide the facilities and assistance needed by disaster victims, including the Indonesian citizens.

RRI World Service -VOI with Mosaic of Archipelago. Today, the information is that International Anti-Narcotics Day 2018 is commemorated in Cimahi City. Second, Deputy Mayor of Cimahi, NgatianaEncourages Youth to Launch 'Literacy' Technology. The last information is that Students of Indonesia University of EducationBandung Help the Manunggal Army Task Force Build a Village to 102 Military District Command 0605 Subang.

A major war on drugs requires all related stakeholders and people in general to move actively against organized international crime.This crime can threaten, and paralyze the survival of the nation and state by creating problems that can undermine the nation and becomes a threat to the destruction of the nation's younger generation.This was stated by Deputy Mayor of Cimahi, Ngatiyana on the anniversary of International Anti-Narcotics Day 2018 at Cimahi Technopark Building on Monday (23/7). According to Ngatiana, the International Anti-Narcotics Day is celebrated as a form of concern over drug problems in the world, which cannot be resolved so that it can threaten the life of the nation and state.Obviously with the Anti-Narcotics Day International, Ngatiana said that young people and all parties are reminded that before taking actions, they have to think first and they should not be easily influenced by negative things.Meanwhile, Head of National Narcotics Agency –BNN of Cimahi, Ivan Eka Satya saidthat his teamas the main agent of the government will keep carrying out the Program for Combating Narcotics Abuse and Illicit Distribution (P4GN)in the area of Cimahi City not only in terms of investigation but also rehabilitation.Therefore, he wants the communitynot to hesitate to bring his friends to undergo rehabilitation from drug addiction.

Mastery of technology for the younger generation becomes a necessity, as well as asset for the sustainability of regional development in the future.Thiswas stated by Deputy Regent of Sorong, Suka Harjono on the commemoration of the 45th Anniversary of the Indonesian National Youth Committee-KNPI, by holding Rally Flag in the Aimas Square Hall of Sorong Regency on Monday (23/7). He also establishes cooperation among KNPI, Regional Representative Council -DPD of Sorong and related regional organizations, such as the Youth and Sports Tourism Office because youths are integral partners of today's society. In addition, the youths expected to reduce and anticipate the radicalism.Therefore, the youths of Sorong Regency can improve their knowledge of technology to compete as well as challenge the development in the future. Head of DPD KNPI of Sorong Regency,Carlos Kalasuat expressed his appreciation for the support of all related parties that can make KNPI be able to survive and be a part of regional development.

The last information of Mosaic of Archipelago is that Students of Indonesia University of Education Bandung Help the 102nd Manunggal Army Task Force Build a Village of Military District Command 0605 Subang.

Dozens ofStudents of Indonesia University of Education –UPI Bandungwho are carrying out a field study (KKN) in Cirangkong Village, Cijambe Sub-district, Subang Regency participated in the102nd Manunggal Army Task Force Build a Village (Satgas TMMD) of Military District Command (Kodim) 0605 Subang.They cooperated with the community and the Indonesian National Military in implementing all physical development activities in particular.Although the sun was quite hot and so stinging, they were enthusiastic to carry out their field study to fix some damaged roads Mosques and security posts in Cirangkong on Monday (23/07).One of the UPI Students, Muhamad Dwiki Aprianto majoring in Geography Education told RRI in Subang that through the activities of the TMMD, the community was helped in building the village from the backwardness of other villages. Even, this was very helpful for the regional government program in realizing the development of isolated territory.In a separate place, Commander of Task Force the 102^nd TMMD Kodim 0605 Subang, Lieutenant Colonel Fikri Ferdian said that the presence of dozens of UPI Bandung students who were having KKN in Cirangkong Village, Cijambe Sub-district, greatly helped accelerate the TMMD program.For 14 days, the activity has reached above 50 percent, whereas the schedule of TMMD last until August 8, 2018.

Minister of Trade, Enggartiasto Lukita is in the United States to meet with US Trade Minister -Wilbur Ross, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and the US Chamber of Commerce. During his visit, Minister Enggartiasto is accompanied by representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), the Indonesian Exporter Companies Association (GPEI), the Indonesian Importers Association (GINSI), the Indonesian Palm Oil Entrepreneurs Association (Gapki), Indonesian Association of Biofuel Producers (Aprobi), Indonesian Textile Association (API), and producers of automobile tires, palm oil, marine catering, steel, aluminum and beverage food.

The visit of the Indonesian Trade Minister's entourage from 23 to 27 July is closely linked with the US government's plan to review the Generalized System of Preferences -GSP facilities, which Indonesia has received so far. The GSP is a tariff exemption program on imports of certain goods from developing countries. This policy has been in operation since 1976, but was suspended in 2013 before being reinstated in June 2015. Last year, Indonesia's export products to the US receiving GSP benefits were worth $1.95 billion dollars. Based on data from Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics –BPS, the value of exports to the USA reached $17.79 billion dollars and imports $8.12 billion dollars. Indonesia surplus to US was worth $9.67 billion dollars. Indonesia's main exports to the US include shrimp, natural rubber, footwear, vehicle tires, and garments. While Indonesia's main imports from the US include soybeans, cotton, wheat flour, cornstarch, and animal feed.

This visit is aimed at negotiating and explaining the position of Indonesia. So, Indonesia is not excluded from the GSP facilities. The Indonesian government's move is much better than retaliation to the United States, for example raising tariffs on the entry of US goods to Indonesia. Because in fact, the USA and Indonesia are not currently at trade war as happens to the USA and China nowadays.

Actually, the grant of GSP benefits the US businesspeople, because business practices in Indonesia are conducted under the Free On-Board (FOB) scheme. Through the scheme, Indonesian businesspeople are not responsible for any duties or taxes imposed on goods exported through ports. This practice is also done when Indonesian businesspeople import goods from the USA. So, all tariffs imposed by the US government on Indonesian exports are paid by buyers and importers from the USA.

The essence is that the US consumers and employers are the main beneficiaries of the GSP scheme. The amount is estimated to reach $1.95 billion dollars. This reflects the amount of money that the US businesspeople have to spend in the future when the scheme is revoked. This can be viewed that the nature of trade relations between the United States and Indonesia has been complementary so far and they need each other. The USA will certainly not be hurried up to stop the GSP facility for Indonesia if this will ultimately make the USA be disadvantageous.

We start from an event on July 21, 1945, the cease-fire agreement between France and Vietnam was signed.

The agreement was signed at the end of the Geneva conference which was also attended by representatives from the United States of America, Britain, China and the Soviet Union. The agreement followed the defeat of France in Vietnam thanks to the ardent resistance of the Vietnamese army in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. However, under US pressure, in the agreement, the representatives agreed the division of Vietnam and ordered all foreign troops to leave Vietnam.Contrary to the content of the agreement, the United States sent troops to Vietnam and supported the establishment of the South Vietnamese state.As a result, war broke out between the North Vietnamese army and the South Vietnamese army. The war ended in 1975 with the defeat of North Vietnam and the United States. Finally, Vietnam re-united in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Moving to the event on July 21, 1952, a massive demonstration of the Iranian people protesting against Iran's new Prime Minister, Qawamus-Salthanah.

A massive demonstration of the Iranian people protesting against Iran's new Prime Minister, Qawamus-Salthanah took place, following the resignation of Prime Minister Musadeq over the pressure of the Shah regime. Musadeq’s position was replaced by Qawamus-Salthanah as an extension of Shah Pahlevi's and foreign powers. The new Prime Minister, Qawamus-Salthanahimmediately issued policies contrary to Islam.One of Iran's great clerics, Ayatullah Kashani issued a protest statement against the new Prime Minister, Qawamus-Salthanahand the Iranian people welcomed Ayatullah Kashani with massive demonstrations insome cities.Although initially the Shah regime faced this demonstration by force, eventually, they surrendered and Musadeq wasre-appointed as prime minister.

We end Today in History with an event Gemini 10 landed back on Earth on July 21, 1966.

The Gemini 10 shuttle manned by John W. Young and Michael Collins, after flying for 70 hours in space, eventually landed back onearth.The Gemini project is a US space program launched since 1962 and consists of 12 flights.The purpose of the Gemini project is to test human endurance in a space flight within two weeks, and perfecting methods for entering the atmosphere and landing.The Gemini project is an introduction from the Apollo project.

That was Today in History from Voice of Indonesia in Jakarta.