VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Special envoy of Indonesian president seeking supports for non-permanent membership of Indonesia for the United Nations Security Council, N. Hassan Wirajuda visited Sao Tome and Principe, on Friday (18/5/2018). Hassan was received by President of Sao Tome and Principe, Evaristo do Espirito Santo Carvalho and Foreign Affairs’ Minister of Sao Tome and Principe, Urbino Jose Goncalves Botelho at the State’s Palace of Sao Tome. In the meeting, Sao Tome and Principe recognized Indonesia’s active role in creating stability for international security and its contribution in maintaining world’s peace and also appreciating Indonesia’s active role and leadership in Asia Africa Conference forum, among others the outcome of the Asia Africa Conference summit in Bandung related to strengthening declaration of New Strategic Partnership of Asia Africa. On the other side, the Indonesian special envoy appreciated the political stability and peace situation in Sao Tome and Principe at present, especially its success in reformation and democracy since early 1990 which gives positive impact for Sao Tome and Principe in developing its economy and creating democratic life in the next future. President Sao Tome and Principe declared good relations between Africa in general and Sao Tome and Principe in particular, with Indonesia has established traditionally since Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung in 1955. In line with this, his party hoped that it is necessary to increase cooperation in various sectors between the two countries, among other in educational, agricultural, technical and infrastructure cooperation sectors.

On Sunday (20/5/2018) around 200 Indonesian citizens flocked at auditorium of Indonesian embassy in Wellington to break the fast and to pray tarawih prayer. In family and warm situation, they attended in the first tarawih safari (Tarling) in Wellington, New Zealand. Tarling is special event of Indonesian Muslims which only holds in the month of Ramadhan and becomes a culture in various regions in Indonesia. Even, when staying abroad, Indonesian diaspora still conduct it to strengthen relationship. After the safari at the Indonesian embassy, it will be rotated in various places, not only in Wellington but also at other cities. In his speech, ambassador Tantowi Yahya emphasized that Indonesian citizens in New Zealand always show the real picture of Islam such as peace and dynamic. As the most muslim populated country in the world, Indonesia can be a model as a rahmatan lil' alamin country. Ambassador Tantowi  Yahya hoped that Indonesian citizens who stay in New Zealand, can explain well and objective thought to local people who want to know current situation and the fact. The ambassador also appreciated religious organization such as Umat Islam Indonesia (UMI), Himpunan Umat Muslim Indonesia Auckland (HUMIA) and the others which are actively to help the Indonesian embassy in various events. 

Tarian Piring or plate dance from West Sumatera wins international Folklore competition. Piring Bejamba dance which was danced by 5 dancers of Galang Dance Community from Padang, West Sumatera led by Deslenda won gold medal in the World Cup of Folklore in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria on May 10-20, 2018. Indonesian Ambassador of Sofia, Sri Astari Rasjid, appreciated the achievement which was obtained by Indonesian team and also gave good image in International forum. Hopefully, they continue to gain achievement in the other world class competitions because the performance ofGalang team is good and dynamic. The participation of Indonesia’s dance team in the international competition is hoped to be able to support preservation effort of Indonesia’s traditional arts. In the competition, Indonesia competed with various teams from around 20 countries in the world.