VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Talk show on Increasing the Community Literacy Index (PILM) in Lampung Province - 

President Joko Widodo on various occasions often emphasizes the importance of maximizing human resource capabilities. One way is through literacy. The benchmark for the nation's progress is seen from its literacy index level.

“Literacy culture is a matter of habit. The problem with the source of information, whether from physical or digital media, is just a technical issue," explained Deputy Governor of Lampung Chusnunia Chalim at a talk show on Increasing the Community Literacy Index (PILM) in Lampung Province, Monday (20/3).

Indonesia must pay close attention to the demographic bonus it will receive in the next 10-15 years. Does it contribute to the advancement of community literacy or not? Because it's useless if the potential that is owned is not able to make the quality of Indonesian people superior and competitive.

"We have been independent for 77 years. The Indonesian people must prove themselves capable of producing goods or services that have high international benefits. Dare to be a producing country, not a consumer," explained Head of the National Library, Muhammad Syarif Bando.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Monday, the government encourages the activities of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be more creative, innovative and productive.

Last year (2022), the government has disbursed IDR 526 trillion from the APBN for the benefit of MSMEs. This does not include what has been budgeted through the regional budget of IDR 536 trillion, and BUMN posts of IDR 425 trillion.

Of course, in order for the MSME market to expand, technology is needed to support the existence of MSMEs, such as the presence of online media, which has recently been used to sell certain goods/services.

This is where the active role of local government and all related institutions is required. They must have new methods, new concepts and theories so that MSMEs are assisted in product dissemination or creativity. And it cannot be obtained except by reading.

"Knowledge is obtained from reading. Until now there has been no transfer of theory and practice from books to the brain other than reading," emphasized the Head of National Library of Indonesia.

Mulyadi Alkahfi, one of the successful MSME actors in Lampung province, admitted that without reading and literacy, it would be impossible for his frozen banana products to be widely known and liked.

Unlike most people, Mulyadi started his career with zero experience. Starting from a home industry and having no business knowledge. Luckily, his wife has the ability to play social and online media, from which her packaged products are marketed.

"Alhamdulillah, from reading every business development it can now be observed to be used as a reference for product development," admitted Mulyadi.

He also added that business does not only talk about delicious products but also other supporting facilities that help in marketing, such as halal certificates.

Mulyadi's success in developing his frozen banana business is proof of walking literacy. Because he is able to produce goods/services from what he reads. Continue to create and innovate so that the business continues.

"Social inclusion-based library transformation (TPBIS) is a program that the government relies on, in this case the National Library, in encouraging people to practice independence for their welfare," concluded Main Librarian Sri Sumekar//VOI

The inauguration of the Pura Agung Besakih Sacred Area facility - VOI

In addition to inaugurating the TPST Kesiman Kertalangu, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo accompanied by Coordinating Minister Luhut, PUPR Minister Basuki, and Governor Koster carried out the inauguration of the Pura Agung Besakih Sacred Area facility.

This inauguration was carried out with the aim of arranging the sacred area, so that later people who visit the temple area can worship comfortably.

"Since a long time ago visitors from this temple were numerous and large. This temple was used as a place of worship for Hindus who flocked to come, not only from Indonesia, but all over the world," said Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo explained that the Sacred Area of ​​Pura Agung Besakih is a highly respected area.

Even so, there are a number of things, such as a lack of parking space, street vendors who are less organized, and a lack of adequate public facilities, which make this holy temple area less orderly.

For this reason, in 2021, Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing and the Governor of the Province of Bali to organize the Besakih Temple Sacred Area.

In the end, in 2023 this area was officially inaugurated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

"Two temple areas, namely Becinggah and Manik Mas, have been revitalized as we see now. I ask the central and local governments to carry out proper and professional management of the area. Involve the village and Besakih Traditional Village, involve them to contribute," said Indonesian President Joko Widodo in closing his remarks.

In more detail, the Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster explained that the funds for the revitalization of this area came from the State Budget of the Ministry of PUPR and the Provincial Government of Bali with a total of 911 billion.

"This collaboration is a concrete form and one of the pillars of the New Era of Bali funding," said Governor Koster.

Governor Koster also explained through a video related to several areas that were being built and revitalized, namely the Titi Gonggang Temple, Manik Mas Temple, Melanting Manik Mas Temple, Pelingguh Tulak Tanggul, and the Padma Bhuwana Statue in Becinggah.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Monday, supporting areas are also being revitalized, such as the Kedungdung Parking Area with a capacity of 250 buses, the Manik Mas Parking Area Building with a capacity of 4 floors and a green building concept equipped with a hydropower roof and has a parking capacity of 2,694 vehicles, then there are UKM facilities, Wantilan building, Bale Gong , Wiyata Graha for 215 seats and there are facilities for watching the Besakih Temple documentary.

Other things, namely the availability of Argi Agung, 274 toilet cubicles, LPD and Bumkes offices, Besakih 6 Public Elementary School, and the Office of Medical Personnel//VOI

The Inaguration of the Kertalangu Integrated Waste Management Site (TPST), Denpasar City, Bali Province - VOI

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the Kertalangu Integrated Waste Management Site (TPST), Denpasar City, Bali Province, Monday (13-03-2023).

The inauguration was carried out with the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono, and Bali Governor I Wayan Koster.

President Jokowi said that the Kesiman Kertalangu TPST was successfully made conceptually and technically.

"This is the first TPST whose system is not so complicated. I hope this TPST can be imitated by cities or regencies in other provinces," said Indonesian President Joko Widodo when inaugurating the Kesiman Kertalangu TPST.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo also said that the management looks neat and good and is expected to be able to inspire other cities or districts. "Obviously every city or district is required to have a TPST," said the President.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut B. Pandjaitan explained that currently waste is a crucial issue faced by Indonesia which must be resolved thoroughly and quickly.

Overcoming the waste problem can no longer rely on the old pattern that only relies on landfills as a solution.

"Waste must be managed in an integrated manner from upstream to downstream and use advanced technology, not _business as usual_," said Coordinating Minister Luhut.

Coordinating Minister Luhut said the Suwung TPA in the Tahura Ngurah Rai area, Denpasar, which has been the location for waste disposal for Denpasar City and Badung Regency, has exceeded capacity and must be closed immediately because the conditions are no longer feasible.

Apart from that, it has disrupted the comfort and health of the community, tourism activities, and caused damage to the surrounding ecosystem.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Monday, there are 3 TPSTs built in Denpasar, namely the Kesiman Kertalangu TPST, Tahura TPST, and Padang Sambian Kaja TPST with a total capacity of 1,020 tonnes per day.

These three are the first city-scale waste processing facilities in Indonesia. It is hoped that the presence of these 3 TPSTs will solve environmental problems, as well as obtain economic benefits from the waste processing products, one of which is in the form of refuse derived fuel (RDF).

"The investment model for the construction of TPST is a collaboration between the Central Government through the PUPR Ministry which is building the hangar, the Denpasar City Government which is preparing the land, and the private sector (PT Bali CMPP) preparing machinery and equipment with management concessions of up to 20 years," he said.

The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs revealed that the building investment value for the three TPSTs includes the construction of a hangar worth IDR 128,633 billion and the provision of machinery and equipment worth IDR 100 billion. As a service, the Denpasar City Government is obliged to pay a tipping fee of IDR 100,000 per ton of waste that is processed.

"Especially for the Kesiman Kertalangu TPST, currently trials have started on waste processing of 170-200 tons per day from a maximum capacity of 450 tons per day. The three TPSTs are expected to be fully operational in June 2023," he explained.

The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs also considers that the development of processing facilities using technology like this is very necessary to be able to solve waste problems in a modern, large volume, fast, effective, efficient, environmentally friendly and land-saving manner.

In addition to the use of technology, it is necessary to strengthen regional capabilities in regulatory, institutional and capacity aspects
finance for waste processing. "There is also a need for encouragement to change people's behavior so that they are more responsible for the waste they produce through sorting and handling it at the source," he concluded//VOI

DBI Talkshow at the Soeman HS Library of Riau Province - VOI

The Indonesian Reading Ambassador (DBI) Talkshow was again successfully held with great fanfare at the Soeman HS Library of Riau Province on Monday (13/3/2023).

The activity, which was the result of a synergy between the Provincial Government (Pemprov) of Riau and the National Library (Perpusnas) of the Republic of Indonesia, was attended by Deputy Governor of Riau, Edy Natar Nasution and Head of National Library Muhammad Syarif Bando.

Deputy Governor Edy Natar Nasution said that in accordance with Law Number 23 concerning Regional Government, libraries are a mandatory business for regional governments. And the progress of the library in national development is currently the concern of all parties. 

"We are continuing to work to increase interest in reading, especially in Riau Province, by appealing to district/city regional heads and related OPDs to coordinate to increase literacy," he said.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Monday, the reading fondness index value in Riau Province in 2022, which is 55.03 percent, is in the medium category.

He hopes that the value of the index of fondness for reading can continue to increase every year. So the Riau Provincial Government asked relevant stakeholders to play an active role in increasing community literacy in Riau Province.

"Because with good literacy, it will improve people's welfare," he explained.

Deputy Governor Edy explained that his party also strongly supports social inclusion-based library programs.

According to him, this program is in line with the directives of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). That social inclusion-based libraries are libraries that facilitate communities with cultural diversity.

"A developed nation is not only seen from abundant natural resources, but also a literate and active society that plays a role in advancing reading culture," he explained.

Meanwhile, in his keynote speech the Head of National Library said that currently literacy is still focused on reading and writing.

In fact, he continued, literacy is the depth of one's knowledge of a subject of science which is implemented with innovation and creativity to produce goods and services of high quality and can be used to win global competition.

"Literacy is not just knowing letters and words, reading and writing. But how can an individual create goods/services that are used in global competition, becoming the highest level of literacy," he continued.

In the talkshow session with the theme "Reading is Healthy, Writing is Great", the writer of Fakhrunnas MA Jabbar stated that literacy is proven to improve welfare. According to him, literacy and literature allowed him to visit various countries, such as France, Azerbaijan and other regions.

"With literacy and literature, it makes me prosperous and happy. It's a loss for people who don't read, especially those who don't write. Because writing and reading can change our lives," said the writer of this literary genre.

At the same event, Yuli Astuti, a red ginger entrepreneur in Pekanbaru, admitted that thanks to reading books in the library, she got the idea to innovate red ginger products by simply brewing them.

"I read one of the books in the library, namely Red Ginger the Magic Rhizome. From reading this, I innovated to produce red ginger for brewing," said the beneficiary of this social inclusion-based library transformation.

He said the turnover he obtained from his business was enough to meet his daily needs. Even during a pandemic, Yuli was able to earn a turnover of up to IDR 5 million per month.

Indonesian Reading Ambassador Gol A Gong said reading leads an individual to unexpected dreams.
He proves great reading of his personal life, delivering his works to the big screen (Balada si Roy).

"Reading and writing can make us empowered, generate income in order to improve welfare," concluded Gol A Gong.

Meanwhile, Plt. Head of the Center for Library Analysis and Development of Reading Culture, Dewi Kartikasari said, the Indonesian Reading Ambassador Talkshow activities in 2023 had been carried out in three regions out of a total of 12 regions. And the implementation in Riau Province is the 3rd.

"We appreciate that this activity can reach areas outside of what was planned and scheduled. Of course this is a form of collaboration and synergy that is well established with all partners," he said.

He also said that through this activity, the community was not only invited to read but also motivated to be able to write.
"The adage says if we want to know the world then read and if we want to be known by the world then write," he concluded//VOI