VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia has contributed in pioneering a joint statement by global leaders on the critical role of a sustainable marine economy following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo noted in a statement received here, Jakarta, Wednesday that the joint statement was a reminder to world leaders on the significance of maintaining sustainability of the sea for the future of the generations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leaders of pioneering nations had agreed on the joint statement, and it was simultaneously published during the commemoration of the 12th World Sea Day on June 8, 2020.

A total of 14 leaders, including from Norway, Ghana, Mexico, Chile, Japan, and Indonesia's own President Joko Widodo, form the High Level Panel for A Sustainable Ocean Economy.

"Indonesia's participation in the joint statement confirmed its active role and leadership for championing a resolution to maritime and fishery issues amid the struggles of countries in the world against COVID-19," the minister stated.

In the joint statement, world leaders, including from Indonesia, were on the same page to advance the economic values of sustainable ocean, effective protection, sustainable production, and equitable welfare, as the sea is believed to serve as a solution to a more resilient and prosperous world.

The statement also highlighted that the sea is the foundation of the global economy, as it is estimated to contribute over US$2.5 trillion annually in added value services as a source of food and income for over three billion people globally while concurrently accommodating the transportation of some 90 percent of the global trade.

The sea is viewed as being a source of renewable energy and the key aspect in combating diseases, so investment in a sustainable marine economy is an agreement that is beneficial for the global economy, marine sustainability, and public welfare. (ANTARA)

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received letters of credentials from seven new extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors (LBBP) respectively from Guatemala, Egypt, Cuba, Qatar, Mauritania, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates.

The ceremony took place in the Credential Room of the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday, marking the commencement of their official duties representing their nations in Indonesia.


The ambassadors domiciled in Jakarta are:

1. Maynor Jacobo Cuyún Salguero from the Republic of Guatemala
2. Ashraf Mohamed Moguib Sultan from the Arab Republic of Egypt
3. Tania Velazquez Lopez from the Republic of Cuba
4. Fawziya Edrees Salman Al-Sulaiti from Qatar
5. Mohammed At Thalib Zain Al Abidin from Mauritania
6. José Amir da Costa Dornelles from the Federative Republic of Brazil
7. Abdulla Salem Obaid Salem AlDhaheri from the United Arab Emirates

During the ceremony, Jokowi and the seven ambassadors wore masks and took group photographs, albeit maintaining a distance from one another.

On the occasion, Jokowi was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister/State Secretary Pratikno, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.(ATARA)

VOI News (Jakarta) - The Indonesian Ministry of the Environment appreciates food producers for their efforts to reduce the use of plastics in their food products. In a virtual awards ceremony to producers on Tuesday (09/06/20) in Jakarta, the Indonesian Minister of the Environment, Siti Nurbaya said, the amount of composition and variety of plastic waste that continues to increase must be taken seriously so as not to pollute terrestrial ecosystems and the sea is also human health in the future.

"If we do not carry out extraordinary policies and efforts, it is estimated that in 2050 the composition of plastic waste will more than double to 35 percent of our existing waste. As a result, more and more untreated plastic waste will leak into the environment, polluting the environment. terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and threaten human health.

Minister Siti Nurbaya added, she also appreciated the progressive efforts of regional governments in the ban on the use of plastics. (VOI/NK/AHM)

The planned reopening of nine economic sectors in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic must be undertaken in a gradual manner, said Berly Martawardaya, research director, Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef).

"We are in the process of healing. Analogically speaking, if you have stomach acid pain, you would not immediately eat something that is too spicy and too acidic," he said at a press conference held by the Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling, which was broadcast via YouTube in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Martawardaya, who is also a lecturer of economics and business at the University of Indonesia, said the government has carried out well-executed reviews by establishing three criteria for the nine economic sectors, including for indoors and crowded areas, and for close interactions.

Among the nine sectors, which are scheduled to reopen, some fulfill all three criteria, including plantation, farming, and agriculture, all of which are rather safe, he continued.

Meanwhile, there are several sectors that involve indoor as well as outdoor activities, he pointed out.

"Protocols for each sector must be delineated. In fact, it may be necessary to make additional protocols," he noted.

Therefore, he suggested, the reopening of all nine sectors must not be undertaken in a rushed manner.

Otherwise, he cautioned, the move could lead to deepening of the economic slump instead of helping improve the economy.

"If (the opening is) done in a hurry, it could lead to new COVID-19 transmission clusters and even cause the economy to fall back (into a decline),” he said.

The government used data-based public health indicators while considering the reopening of the nine economic sectors, chief of the COVID-19 task force, Doni Monardo, had earlier said.

"The nine sectors are considered to have a low risk of COVID-19 threat, but can create extensive employment and have a significant economic impact," he said in a statement released on June 5, 2020.

The nine sectors that are set to be reopened include mining, oil, industry, construction, plantations, agriculture and farming, fisheries, logistics, and goods transportation. (ANTARA)