VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, announced the theme of World Radio Day 2019, which is celebrated on February 13, 2019, namely "Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace". In a message published recently on the UN website, the UN Secretary General acknowledged radio as a powerful communication tool that has played an important role in politics and in maintaining peace.

INSERT (English):

Radio is a powerful tool. Even in today’s world of digital communications, radio reaches more people than any other media platform. It conveys vital information and raises awareness on important issues. And, it is a personal interactive platform where people can air their views concerns and grieves. Radio can create a community. For United Nations, especially our peace keeping operations, radio is a vital way of informing, uniting and empowering people effected by war. On this world radio day let us recognise the power of radio to promote dialogue, tolerance and peace.

The UN organization celebrates World Radio Day by holding a free radio program that is open to the public at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, Wednesday. Activities carried out include workshops to help people gain practical experience in broadcasting and promoting the use of radio as a communication tool. On that day, UNESCO also establishes a temporary radio station to further introduce radio as a tool towards community and peace in the world. (VOI / Lisa / AHM)

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) highlighted the high potential of tourism in becoming the largest contributor of foreign exchange. The tourism industry should be intensified further to offer more foreign exchange to the nation, Jokowi stated during a gala dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of the Association of Indonesian Restaurants and Hotels (PHRI), here, Monday evening.

"Our tourism potential is huge. We are among the six most beautiful countries and the top 10 countries that must be visited," he pointed out.

Jokowi believes that such recognition must become a brand and asset for Indonesia`s tourism, he added. He said tourism has contributed foreign exchange worth US$16 billion, exceeding those from palm oil and CPO.

"Now, it is already the highest," Jokowi noted.

The president has urged the public works and public housing minister to prioritize infrastructure development in four of the 10 New Bali tourist destinations. The four priority destinations are Mandalika, Lake Toba, Labuan Bajo, and Borobudur.

Infrastructure development should not only be centered on Java Island, where 149 million of the country`s 260 million population, reside.

During the gala dinner, Jokowi was accompanied by Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

Meanwhile, President Jokowi was named Father of Indonesian Tourism during the gala dinner of (PHRI). PHRI Chairman Hariyadi Sukamdani bestowed the title on Jokowi at the Jakarta Convention Hall.

"The honorary title of Father of National Tourism was bestowed by PHRI on Mr Jokowi for his initiatives and commitment to tourism development since he was the mayor of Solo," Sukamdani noted.

Infrastructure development projects, such as toll roads, 11 new airports, seaports, and power plants, constructed by President Jokowi across Indonesia, have directly affected the tourism sector, he pointed out.

Owing to Jokowi`s policies, including on visa-free travel, the rise in tourist arrivals in Indonesia has surpassed the average increase in the regions, he remarked. (ant) 

Indonesia will make Ethiopia a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa. Ethiopia's economic growth of up to 7% provides an opportunity for Indonesia to improve economic relations. This was conveyed by the Indonesian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Djibouti and the African Union, Al Busyra Basnur during an Ambassadorial Farewell Lecture to Voice of Indonesia in Jakarta on Monday. Currently 4 Indonesian companies have entered Ethiopia. It is hoped that after this, Indonesian companies, including small and medium enterprises, can also open business opportunities in Ethiopia. In addition to manufacturing businesses, companies from Indonesia's strategic industries are also trying to enter the country's market. Ambassador Busyra added that one of Indonesia's competing countries in Ethiopia is China. (VOI / BNP)

Indonesian diplomacy faces severe challenges in the coming years. This was revealed by former Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Dino Pati Djalal during the Ambassadorial Farewell Lecture held by the Center for Dialogue and Cooperation among Civilization in Jakarta on Monday (Feb 11). The tough challenge, according to Dino Pati, can no longer be answered only with Free Active politics but Free Active Plus one. To increase added value for Indonesian diplomacy, an Ambassador needs to also look for opportunities. One thing that must be done is that Indonesian diplomats must do something different when carrying out their duties. (VOI / BNP)