VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The central government has planned to allot Rp5.023 trillion in village funds to be disbursed this year to 5,411 hamlets in 558 sub-districts in 29 districts and municipality in Papua Province.

"In the first stage, almost 20 percent of the village funds have been disbursed in various districts and municipality. We encourage efficiency and accountability in the utilization of village funds," Chief of the Village Community Empowerment Office Donatus Motte stated in Biak on Tuesday.

He noted that the delayed distribution of village funds in various parts of the province was linked to the third-phase report of accountability on the utilization of village funds in 2018.

The first requirement for disbursal of the 2019 village funds must be met in addition to preparing a report of accountability on the usage of budget funds in the third phase of 2018.

"The village funds disbursed by the government are expected to fulfill the requirements in several development programs implemented by the rural community," he added. (ant)

The Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs is currently studying the potential of Buton asphalt to be processed into solid rocket fuel, in addition to its being used in road construction.

Maritime Coordinating Ministry's Deputy for Natural Resources and Services Coordination  Agung Kuswandono, when participating in a discussion on energy in Jakarta on Tuesday, said the use of  Buton asphalt potential needs to be encouraged, given the size of Indonesia's reserves, standing at some 670 million tons.

"I just know that asphalt can be used for rocket fuel components. If possible, perhaps the price could rise and we could become suppliers of rocket fuel," he said.

However, according to Agung, further research is needed regarding the potential of natural resources, in the form of natural asphalt.

He added that the use of Buton asphalt would have a very positive impact on suppressing asphalt imports, which have reached up to 500 million US dollars per year.

Also at the discussion, New Ventures Director of Buton Asphalt Group Agus Nuryanto said it is possible to use Buton asphalt as a solid rocket fuel.

However, Nuryanto noted that there needs to be an inexpensive system to process Buton asphalt, so that it could be used as solid rocket fuel.

"It could be (become solid rocket fuel), but it becomes expensive because Buton asphalt must be separated first, since the original form is as a rock. So, the black rock is used as asphalt, and this process is costly," he said.

Agus added that even after processing, the content in Buton asphalt is not necessarily compatible with the solid rocket fuel currently in use. In fact, the fuel for rockets cannot be made carelessly, to prevent it from exploding.

"So, the fuel is different from Buton asphal. If you want to use it, it will be rather difficult, as the specifications are different," he said.

Nevertheless, Agus is encouraged by the uses of Buton asphalt, in addition to road construction. According to Agus, like shale, which can produce oil and gas, Buton asphalt is also considered to have similar potentials.

"Both are similar, though while similar, Buton asphalt also has oil. It is hoped that the government will use it, not only as road asphalt, but also for other uses, because of its huge reserves," he said. (ant) 

Indonesia and the European Union (EU) have chosen sustainable development as the focus of their cooperation, marked by the launch of Blue Book 2019. 

Indonesia and the EU have long cooperated in fulfilling the global commitment in the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the Blue Book 2019, entitled, "Together for Sustainable Development", the EU supports the centralization of SGDs in its partnership with Indonesia.

"SDGs are the main objective, used as a reference for the EU and Indonesia. It is not surprising if SDGs become the focus of EU-Indonesia cooperation," Charge d'Affaires of the EU Delegation to Indonesia Charles-Michel Geurts said during the launch of the Blue Book 2019 in Jakarta on Tuesday.

According to Geurts, Indonesia has demonstrated significant progress in mainstreaming SGDs in its development plan.

Hence, the EU is committed to supporting Indonesia's efforts through well-guided cooperation programs for the three main development sectors, including environment, education and health, he said.

Through development fund assistance worth 100 million euros, the EU and Indonesia have worked on a number of programs, some of which have been completed, while others are on-going.

Head of the Indonesian National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Bambang Brodjonegoro said the agreement between Indonesia and the EU to put in place development cooperation focusing on SDGs has been consistent with its global goals.

"When it comes to SDGs, Indonesia has taken additional steps. In fact, we are one of the first countries to deliver a report to the UN in 2017, and we will send a second report in July 2019," he said. (ant) 

Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, is directed to become a favorite fishing tourist destination with various supporting resources.

Honorary Adviser to the Minister of Tourism, Indroyono Soesilo, during the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Marine Tourism Development "recreational fishing" in Jakarta, last week, said that Banggai with all its natural wealth is very potential to be developed as a tourist favorite fishing destination .

"In the FGD, it was agreed that the Banggai waters would be suitable fishing destinations that would be of interest to tourists," said Indroyono, who is also the Chair of the Tourism Ministry's Maritime Tourism Acceleration Team.

The event was attended by the Governor of Central Sulawesi, Longki Djanggola, Regent of Banggai, Regent of Banggai Islands, Regent of Banggai Laut, representative of Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Fisheries, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, FORMASI, and Ship Association Indonesian Cruise.

Indroyono also explained that there were several reasons that could make Banggai a world-class fishing destination. First is the presence of the Banggai exotic fish "Cardinal Fish". Secondly, Banggai waters become a migration path for tuna. Precisely, from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean.

Banggai waters with Peleng Bay are the locations of Indonesian history where in July 1962, there were hundreds of warships and troop transports gathered in the waters of Peleng Bay.

"With the strength of 45,000 soldiers, the TNI was ready to invade West Irian in the context of Operation Trikora Liberation of West Irian. A Trikora Monument is built in Banggai as a marker and historical tourist destination, "he said.

Furthermore, Indroyono explained that to realize Banggai as a world-class fishing tourist destination, an international fishing competition will be held called Banggai International Tuna Fishing Tournament 2019. The plan is to hold the September 27-29 2019 event.

Later, the participants will be directed to fishing for several types of fish. Such as skipjack tuna, yellow fin tuna, big eye tuna, and bluefin tuna.

"This activity is at the same time a trial before becoming an annual event. In addition to fishing activities, tournament participants will hold 'joy sailing' to the Banggai Kepulauan Regency region. The goal is to enjoy traditional Banggai culture and cuisine. At the same time, watching a demonstration of fishing for tuna using kites, "he said.

All FGD participants, both at the center and the Central Sulawesi region, agreed to succeed this international event. The plan, socialization activities and promotion of the Banggai International event for the 2019 Tuna Fishing Tournament will begin on June 14, 2019.

Indroyono said, the presence of Banggai would make the Indonesian marine tourism map more complete. Previously, there was Sabang in Aceh Province which became the spot for The International Free Diving Competition.

There are also Nias-North Sumatra, Simelue-Aceh, Krui-Lampung, Keramas-Bali, and Mandalika-Lombok with the International Professional Surfing Competition Series event. As for Kupang, Tual, Seram, North Buton, and Bawean, it has also been famous for being a rally track for Sail Indonesia participants every year. (kemenpar)