VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has called on Japan to aid in bringing about improvements in the quality of the Indonesian workforce to realize its investment in Indonesia.

Pandjaitan made the request at the third dialog forum of Indonesia-Japanese governments and private sectors in Jakarta on Wednesday. Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Hiroshige Seko led the Japanese delegation to the forum.

"Presently, the government's top priority is to improve human resources. Hence, we appeal to (Japan) to help in the development of our human resources, specifically those residing outside Java Island," he noted in a written statement released on Wednesday.

"I laud Japan for its steps to offer training to our human resources, especially to improve their capacity. The steps have been on the right track, but in future, I am looking for an intensification in the efforts," he noted.

In response, Minister Seko voiced his government's keenness to aid in improving the quality of Indonesian manpower in line with the Indonesian government's request.

"The Japanese government and firms realize that Indonesia is our important partner, so we highly support the Indonesian government's request to provide training to the Indonesian workforce in order to offer the country a more competitive edge," he stated.

Chief of the Jakarta Japan Club (JCC) Kanji Tojo remarked that as a follow-up to the second dialog forum between the Indonesian-Japanese governments and private sectors, Japan has offered training for 107 vocational school teachers in Medan, Lampung, and Makassar. (ant)

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has put forth an appeal to 2019 Lebaran travelers to always lay emphasis on safety during the journey to their hometowns.

"The issue now does not pertain to traffic jams but safety," he remarked at the Pasar Senen Station, Central Jakarta, Thursday.

Sumadi elaborated that the Ministry of Transportation had conducted research focusing on preparation of infrastructure and congestion points along Merak to Probolinggo three months back to sufficiently tackle the current congestion problem and ensure safety as the next key focus.

"The preparation was since three months back to solve the problem of traffic jams. It is just how the riders travel safely," he stated.

The transportation minister appealed to toll road vehicular users to not cross the speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour.

"All should remain alert and be careful on the toll road," he noted.

Furthermore, he reminded other travelers to not use motorbikes for their Lebaran homecoming journey, as other safer transportation modes were available.

"Motorbike users must be careful. In fact, we do not encourage them to ride motorbikes while going home due to the risk involved," he emphasized.

Sumadi further advised the police and Transportation Agency to collaborate in conducting checks and brake tests for bus transportation.

"Brakes must always be checked, as otherwise, it will endanger the lives of passengers," he remarked.

Minister of Transportation Sumadi arrived at the Pasar Senen Station at 12:15 a.m. local time along with the group for an impromptu inspection at Pasar Senen Terminal. (ant)

The Imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca and the Head of the General Presidency for Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Abdurrahman Al-Sudais, stated that the Guardians of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, is the leader of Islamic solidarity and interested in joining with Islamic countries.

A statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday from the President of the Islamic Communication Center of Saudi Arabia, Faheem H. Alhamid, mentioned that the Imam of the Grand Mosque said the wisdom of King Salman would ensure success for the Islamic Summit held during Ramadan 27th 1440 Hijri, with the support of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

Al-Sudais explained that King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz has given directives to Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman to utilize all available resources and follow up on all steps related to the completion of projects at the two holy mosques in Mecca and Medina.

Al-Sudais said that the visit of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman to the Holy Mosque in Mecca had an impact on accelerating the completion of the projects at the two mosques in Mecca and Medina.

"The Crown Prince told me that the Guardians of the Two Holy Mosques will soon fulfill all the projects’ needs for the two holy mosques," he said.

According to Al-Sudais, 140 plans during the holy month of Ramadan in the two Holy Mosques have been submitted to the government.

"We are currently working very hard to transform traditional jobs into creative works to follow Vision 2030 of the Kingdom. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques proposes work offering innovative and creative methods," he said.

Creative ideas proposed during Ramadan include a program launched by Mecca Governor Prince Khalid Al Faisal, one of which is the campaign entitled, "Your Safety and Security Is Our Goal".

Al-Sudais has also sent a message to the Islamic media, while calling to uphold Islamic principles and values.

"I ask you to face dangerous media campaigns against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him," he said.

According to Al-Sudais, the Saudi government adopts moderate Islamic values while mobilizing efforts to develop services for all Muslims visiting the Two Holy Mosques, to ensure that their rituals are performed smoothly and easily. (ant)