VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Children relax in a fountain in Los Angeles, California, United States (July 5, 2024). ANTARA/Xinhua/Zeng Hui/aa.

VOINews, Jakarta: A severe heatwave has gripped a significant portion of the United States this summer, with large areas of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah under extreme heat warnings, according to official data and media reports.

As quoted by Antara on Saturday, more than 60 million U.S. residents have received heatwave warnings from the National Weather Service. Summer temperatures in these areas often range between 10 and 30 degrees above average, as reported by The New York Times on Friday (July 12).

"The consequences are increasingly evident in emergency rooms across the country. Medical workers are facing patients suffering from heatstroke, with body temperatures soaring to potentially fatal levels if not treated promptly," said The New York Times.

Approximately 2,300 people died from heat-related illnesses in the U.S. in 2023, a threefold increase from the annual average between 2004 and 2018. In the same year, nearly 120,000 emergency room visits related to heat were recorded nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention./Antara/VOI

Production activities in the cocoa processing industry. (Photo: ANTARA/HO-Kemenperin)

VOINews, Jakarta: The Indonesian Cocoa Association (ASKINDO) and the Indonesian Chocolate Bean to Bar Association (ACBI) have expressed optimism regarding President Joko Widodo's recent establishment of institutional frameworks for the cocoa and coconut industries. This move is aimed at enhancing their global competitiveness.

"ASKINDO believes that this step is strategic to revive Indonesia's cocoa industry, which faces significant challenges in domestic cocoa bean availability and international trade competition," said ASKINDO Chairman Arief Susanto in Jakarta on Saturday.

Arief explained that the government's initiative to form two new deputy positions, namely the Cocoa Deputy and Coconut Deputy under the Indonesian Oil Palm Estate Fund (BPDPKS), could boost competitiveness by increasing product absorption in the domestic market, especially since 99% of Indonesia's cocoa is grown by smallholder farmers.

He emphasized that upcoming technical regulations aim to address the need for quality planting materials close to cocoa farming centers, ensure availability and access to subsidized fertilizers, and provide field extension agents for the sector.

Meanwhile, ACBI Chairperson Olivia Putri Prawiro stated that the government's policy was timely to counter Indonesia's declining cocoa production in recent years. According to Ministry of Industry data, cocoa production has decreased by 8.3% annually from 2015 to 2023, while imports have increased from 239,377 to 276,683 tons.

"With proper management, we hope these institutional frameworks will positively impact farmers and the industry, leading to increased productivity, cocoa quality, processed products, and assurance of harvest absorption for farmers," she added.

The Ministry of Industry initiated the establishment of these institutions to ensure raw material availability, enhance competitiveness, and increase economic value added (EVA) from these sectors.

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita highlighted that President Joko Widodo had chaired a limited meeting on the Cocoa and Coconut Fund Management Agency, which decided to entrust the management of both sectors to BPDPKS by establishing the two new deputy positions./Antara/VOI

The construction project of the State Palace in the Indonesian Capital City (IKN), East Kalimantan. (Photo by:ANTARA/HO-OIKN)

VOINews, Jakarta: The State Palace in Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara Capital City (IKN), is set to begin operations by the end of July, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) . As quoted by Antara on Saturday (13/07/2024) essured that internet networks and supplies of water and electricity in the new capital city will be made available by August 17.

Imam Santoso Ernawi, head of the ministry's task force for Nusantara infrastructure development, announced that most rooms in the palace, including main suites, will soon be ready. The ceremonial ground, intended for the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebration on August 17, has already been completed.

Ernawi confirmed that the ceremonial ground, equipped with a podium, is prepared to host up to 8,000 people. Overall, construction progress stands at 83% for the State Palace and ceremonial ground, with the Presidential Office nearing 88% completion.

The ministry plans to conduct testing and commissioning throughout July to ensure readiness by August, emphasizing preparations for President Joko Widodo's leadership during the national ceremony.

Minister Basuki Hadimuljono assured that essential infrastructure like internet connectivity, water, and electricity will be operational by the Independence Day celebration. Additionally, efforts are underway to make Nusantara Airport fully functional, along with preparations for coordinating ministry buildings and a 190-room hotel to accommodate ceremony attendees.Antara/VOI

VOI News, Jakarta: Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has asked the Trade Ministry's trade representatives in various countries to build and strengthen strategies to tackle global trade barriers.

He pointed out this during the 2024 Coordination and Technical Meeting of Trade Representatives Abroad held in Melbourne, Australia, from July 10–12, 2024.

As reported by Antara News Agency on Friday (12/7) Minister Zulkifli Hasan  in his statement released  on Friday explained that Indonesia's exports to various countries are expected to run smoothly without hindrances.

"There are trade barriers such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which have an impact on exports of Indonesian agricultural products. Nevertheless, export opportunities remain wide open," he said.

He further said that through a special strategy, his ministry is optimistic of taking advantage of many export opportunities and ensuring that the trade surplus trend is maintained.

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and hard work to achieve national export targets.

"Immediately complete incomplete trade agreements, such as the comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPA) and free trade agreements (FTA) to welcome more competitive competition in the future," he said.

This year's coordination and technical meeting resulted in the formulation of a strategy to boost exports with the main focus being reducing tariffs and paying special attention to countries that function as regional hubs.

Trade representatives will focus on three main pillars, namely trade in goods, services, and investment.