VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Monas was chosen to host the ISF gala dinner because it has high historical value for Indonesian independence. (Photo : Setwapres) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : Hundreds of delegates participating in the 2024 International Sustainability Forum (ISF) from various corners of the world will have their eyes and tongues pampered with food taste and visual experiences at the Gala Dinner which will be held at the National Monument (Monas), Jakarta on Thursday (5/9) evening.

"Monas was chosen as the venue for the dinner for ISF's special guests because this monument reflects the noble values ​​of the history of Indonesia's revival which is the driving force for the spirit of collaboration that the ISF event fosters," said Deputy for Infrastructure and Transportation Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Rachmat Kaimuddin.

Rahmat added, currently the world needs a more real spirit of collaboration to realize various actions and innovations with the hope that this will be realized at ISF 2024.

While enjoying the meal, guests were pampered with visual attractions on the towering walls of Monas. The combination of modern technology with historical buildings was an unforgettable experience for the 500 VIP guests who attended the dinner which was attended by the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia KH Ma'ruf Amin.

The taste experience of the various food menus served is also an opportunity for Indonesia to carry out gastrodiplomacy.

"By treating the delegates with various special foods such as Salted Egg Breadfruit and Rawon, this is our way of introducing our culinary delights to the whole world," added Rahmat.

The dinner banquet at ISF 2024 opened with a variety of menus including:
Opener: Nusantara Platter

1. Chicken Satay: This iconic dish originating from the Javanese street culinary frenzy has now gone global, becoming a proud ambassador of Indonesian taste.
2. Salted Egg Breadfruit: A unique combination of breadfruit, which has been an important part of Indonesian cuisine for centuries, with salted eggs produced by local producers in Brebes, Central Java.
3. Otak-Otak: This seafood dish wrapped in banana leaves showcases the diversity of Indonesian spices, with each region having its own unique version.
4. Stir-fried Zucchini: A refreshing light dish, showcasing local vegetable cooking skills with a modern twist.

Main Dish: Rawon
Beef cooked with East Javanese kluwak spices was the main star of the evening. Its dark black color holds the secret to a deep and rich taste, representing the depth of Indonesian culinary culture.

Closing: Pandan Entremet
Inspired by the West Javanese specialty Es Teler, this dessert features pandan cream which is very familiar to Indonesian taste buds. The combination of white chocolate and pandan creates a refreshing sweet harmony, closing the meal perfectly.

This dinner wasn't just about the food. It is a cultural statement as well as an invitation to dive into the rich flavors of Indonesia. In the midst of discussions about global sustainability, guests were invited to experience sustainability firsthand in the Indonesian culinary context.

How tradition and innovation can go hand in hand, creating dishes that are not only delicious, but also full of meaning.

As world leaders gather to discuss the future of the world, they will be reminded with every bite that sustainability is not just about technology and policy, but also about preserving the cultural and culinary heritage that has for centuries enriched our civilization//VOI

Minister Luhut talk to the Singaporean Ministers after signing MOU on Cross border electricity cooperation on thursday Sept 5th 2024 in Jakarta. (Photo : NK-VOI) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut B. Pandjaitan revealed that cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore is very good and strategic.

He conveyed this when attending the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Announcement on Cross Border Electricity Interconnection, which is one of a series of agendas for the International Sustainability Forum 2024 (ISF 2024) on the first day, Thursday (05/09/2024).

"The Indonesia - Singapore partnership is very good and strategic for both countries, and today's agreement is also a significant step forward in our joint commitment to a sustainable future," said Coordinating Minister Luhut.

Coordinating Minister Luhut explained that with this agreement, both Singapore and Indonesia would each gain benefits.

“For Singapore, this collaboration will secure a clean electricity supply, supported by battery and solar PV energy storage systems produced in Indonesia. Meanwhile for Indonesia, this marks an important change in our energy export landscape. So, I think, this is beneficial for both countries. "This is what is important," explained Coordinating Minister Luhut.

Apart from that, Coordinating Minister Luhut revealed that this collaboration was the first step in Indonesia's transition from an exporter of fossil fuels to an exporter of renewable energy.

"This will also accelerate the development of our green industry in the field of solar PV and BESS, which creates green jobs for our people," he said.

“Today, I am very pleased that we will witness another important milestone in this cooperation. "I am confident that this collaboration will proceed in accordance with appropriate government and business procedures, while remaining true to its original objectives," he added.

Furthermore, Coordinating Minister Luhut continued, he hopes that Indonesia - Singapore can continue to encourage cooperation in the field of investment and collaboration, building together sustainable growth.

"I want to convey in this forum that our collaboration with Singapore is very, very, very good. Yesterday I had lunch with Pak Teo (Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Teo Chee Hean) and Pak Tan (Singapore Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Infra, Tan See Leng) in my office, we agreed to move forward together. So I believe Indonesia can be a good partner for Singapore. So let's increase this trust to support our project together for the potential benefits for the people of Indonesia and the people of Singapore," concluded Coordinating Minister Luhut//VOI

Literacy safari for the Empowered Reading with Books Ambassadors in Banjarbaru City, Thursday (5/8/2024), (Photo : Perpusnas) - 

VOInews, Kalsel : One of the keys to progress in achieving Golden Indonesia 2045 is to develop literate Indonesian people. A literate society is characterized by a climate of knowledge, innovation and creativity that continues to grow.

Assistant for Economics and Development for the Banjarbaru City Government, Sri Lailana, said that in the midst of its efforts to create a literate society, there is a bigger challenge, namely social media.

"The younger generation's addiction to playing social media is quite worrying because they spend more time on social media than reading books," said Sri when opening the literacy safari for the Empowered Reading with Books Ambassadors in Banjarbaru City, Thursday (5/8/2024).

Sri admits that it is not a problem if the younger generation uses social media, but it needs to be balanced by reading quality books so that a person's curiosity, thinking and critical reasoning remains.

Each region has interesting characteristics, ranging from rich natural resources, culinary, culture, or whatever. The regional potential in Banjarbaru City can be explored thoroughly through writing, said journalist Rendi Tisna.

Good writing is writing that is finished. Especially if it is supported by research results that can strengthen the writing. You need consistency in writing. Can't do it half-heartedly.

In fact, National Library Main Librarian Abdullah Sanneng challenged the active writing of the Banjarbaru people to produce a book containing the natural and cultural riches of the region.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday September 5th 2024, it is impossible to rely on people outside Banjarbaru because they do not necessarily understand the natural potential and cultural conditions of the people.

The Empowered Reading Ambassador with Books activity was also enlivened by Banjarbaru City Reading Ambassador Huda Nur, and literacy activist from the Banjarbaru City Circle of Pens Forum (FLP) Nurul Asmayani//VOI

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut B. Pandjaitan after giving a keynote speech at the High Level Multiparty Partnership Forum (HLP MSP) on Tuesday (03/09/2024), (Photo : Kemenkomarves) - 

VOInews, Bali : Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world, supported by abundant natural resources for the energy transition. For years, Indonesia has depended on commodity exports in the form of raw materials.

Dependence on exports of raw materials causes Indonesia to experience a high current account deficit when commodity prices decline. This was conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut B. Pandjaitan in a keynote speech at the High Level Multiparty Partnership Forum (HLP MSP) on Tuesday (03/09/2024).

"The government is seeking economic transformation through Downstream Policy to encourage industrial development. In future, the Government will build a high added value industrial base to support the increasingly rapid digitalization of the economy," said Coordinating Minister Luhut.

Furthermore, Coordinating Minister Luhut explained that in pursuing economic transformation, the government is also allocating low-emission energy sources for industry to increase added value.

"forming a quality talent pool through a screening program for undergraduate graduates majoring in engineering and science to be directed to work in world-class companies in the technology sector," he explained.

"The downstream policy also contributes to increasing the export value of downstream nickel products such as iron, steel and lithium battery materials. Indonesia is currently developing a domestic lithium battery industry ecosystem. The main goal of downstream nickel is to create a competitive ecosystem in the lithium battery and electric vehicle value chain ," said Coordinating Minister Luhut.

Coordinating Minister Luhut added, "The Indonesian government is also working with leading companies from China, Japan, South Korea and the United States to ensure that their downstream industries, namely stainless steel, EV battery components such as cathodes, battery cells and packaging receive supplies "There is enough processed nickel from Indonesia," he added//VOI