VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Three more people have recovered from coronavirus infection in Batam City, taking the total count of recoveries to 58 as of Saturday, according to the city’s Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling. The three people include a crew member of MV Kelud and two local residents, identified as cases 33 and 36, chief of the task force and the city’s mayor, Muhammad Rudi, said here on Saturday as quoted by Antara.He added that the trend of COVID-19 cases in Batam City has begun to show positive development, along with an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients who have recovered.He said 29 of the 58 COVID-19 patients, who have recovered so far are crew members of MV Kelud. They were treated at the Special Infection Hospital on Galang Island.With the discharge of the latest crew member, there are no remaining crew members of MV Kelud receiving treatment at the hospital//Ant

All 111 Indonesian migrant workers who arrived at Tunon Taka Port in Nunukan District, from the Malaysian state of Sabah on Friday, tested negative for COVID-19, according to a medical team. Soon after undergoing a medical check, 85 of the 111 Indonesians from South Sulawesi Province and three from West Sulawesi Province were sent home, aboard MV Thaila via Parepare, South Sulawesi the same day, spokesperson for the Nunukan District Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling, Aris Suyono, said on Saturday as quoted by Antara. Nine other Indonesians from East Kalimantan Province and 14 from North Kalimantan Province were also sent home that day. The medical test included a rapid test and screening of health documents and certificates, issued by Tawau Hospital and medical clinic in the neighbouring country. The 111 Indonesians were the first group to arrive at the port, since Malaysia imposed a Movement Restriction Order, and declared Tawau in Sabah as a red zone for the transmission of COVID-19//Ant

Amid slowing economic growth, demand for grouper fish from overseas is very high, especially from Hong Kong and China. Grouper exporter, PT Putri Ayu Jaya was able to meet export demand of 17.3 tons, or more than 100.000 US dollars. The previous export activity was 93,984 US dollars. During this pandemic, the value of grouper exports from Natuna Regency hike up to almost 200.000 USD or more than 2.9 billion rupiahs. Eko Prihananto, the owner of PT Putri Ayu Jaya, in a written statement received by rri.co.id, Saturday, May 16, said Natuna's position was very strategic because it was close to the export destination, and could meet the demand for restaurants from Hong Kong, which at this time some have been reopened. From these export activities, it can improve the economy of the cultivators of Natuna Regency during this difficult time//rri/trans PTR

Artist Yusuf Susilo Hartono held an online exhibition of his work in Jakarta on Friday (May 15, 2020). (ANTARA)

Artist Yusuf Susilo Hartono exhibited 70 of his sketches through online streaming on the YouTube account, Budaya Saya, on Friday in Jakarta.

The exhibition themed 'Move On' was curated by National Gallery curator Citra Smara Dewi. "The theme 'Move On' was chosen as it represented a number of different meanings, one of which, as a part of a visual expression, related to the spirit of movement dynamics," she explained.

She added that the sketches were a part of fine art that captures events, or momentum. The speed of the work is important in a sketch, she said.

She said Yusuf, who is also a journalist, sketches often, even when he is covering cultural events.

The chosen theme is associated with the hope and the challenge the COVID-19 pandemic will soon pass. “And, we can lead a better life," she said.

The exhibition featured 70 sketches that had been collected since 2002. A number of themes were raised, ranging from humanity, religion, to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Interestingly, Yusuf also raised the theme of women, who have always been an inspiration for artists. However, Yusuf described them as independent figures with a fighting spirit," she stated.

Yusuf's sketches were done using a variety of media, starting from ink, acrylic, oil pastel, soft pastel, charcoal, to Tanah Toraja coffee.

The exhibition was opened by the secretary of the Directorate General of Culture at the Ministry of Education and Culture, Sri Hartini, who expressed her appreciation of the artist, Yusuf Susilo Hartono.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity. We hope that this exhibition can serve as a good example, or encouragement for other artists to continue working even during the COVID-19 pandemic," she said. (ANTARA)