VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian Arts and Cultural Club (IACC) was launched in Sydney, Australia, July 1, in which 30 guests participated, including Indonesian Consul General in Sydney Heru Hartanto Subolo and wife Sinta, as guests of honor.

According to a statement from the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney received by Antara in Jakarta on Tuesday, the launch was also attended by Team Leader of Emerging Communities at Advance Diversity Services (ADS) Magdaline Shenton-Kaleido.

ADS is a non-profit organization in Rockdale that provides services to help new migrants keen on settling in Australia by providing information on Australia`s law, health, and education systems, as well as the country`s multicultural lifestyle.

"In my note, there are currently over 10 Indonesian art and cultural organizations in the state of New South Wales. The IACC will serve as a new forum to strengthen Indonesia`s promotion, especially its arts and culture in Australia," Consul General Subolo remarked in his speech.

The IACC is an Indonesian arts and cultural organization formed by support of the ADS management and has received funding support from the Bayside Council and the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District to hold organizational activities.

Currently, the IACC is chaired by Theresia Tomahu, who is an Indonesian diaspora member and also a singer.

"I want to underline the importance of collaboration and inclusiveness. I encourage the IACC to collaborate with similar organizations in promoting Indonesian arts and culture in Australia. Collaboration is not a competition, as the first can provide a wider impact in bringing Indonesia in the midst of the Australian community," the consul general asserted.

In line with the message conveyed by Consul General Subolo, Shenton-Kaleido, in her speech, insisted that the IACC would be an open Indonesian cultural club for all people keen on honing their talents and learning about Indonesian arts and cultures. (ANTARA)
 

The visit of foreign tourists in May this year is dominated by Chinese tourists. Central Bureau of Statistics recorded that more than 181,000 tourists from China visited Indonesia in May this year. Meanwhile, the visit of foreign tourists viewed based on the region, Southeast Asia or ASEAN countries dominated the visit in period of January until May this year. This was stated by Head of Central Bureau of Statistics, Kecuk Suhariyanto in press conference in Jakarta, on Monday (2/7).

“Based on the nation, there are not many changes. In May,  the most foreign tourists were from China, 15.11 percent, followed by Malaysia 15 percent, then from East Timor, Australia, and Singapore. So, the most countries mostly visiting Indonesiaare from the five countries. Based on the region the date is from January-May 2018, cumulatively to make the firmer data. In ASEAN in January-May 2018 the number of foreign tourists from ASEAN increases”.

Suhariyanto added that number of the visit of foreign tourist in May 2018 also influenced the development of transportation. Domestic air transportationis recorded 7.27 million and international flight 1.41 million people. Passenger of the ship is recorded 1.74 million people and train 35.48 million people (VOI/REZHA/Trans-yati/AHM)

Central Bureau of Statistics recorded in Ramadan 2018, especially in May there was a decrease in the number of foreign tourist’s visit to Indonesia. In April 2018 there was 1.32 million foreign tourists visited Indonesia, meanwhile, in May 2018 the number was only 1.28 million foreign tourists or decreased 7.65 percent. According to Head of Central Bureau of Statistics, Kecuk Suhariyanto, the decrease is normal in Ramadan.

“The number of foreign tourists in May 2018 was 1.2 million. So, there was a decrease. So, we do not compare it from May 2018 to May 2017 of the fasting month. But in 2016 there was also a decreasing number of foreign tourists in the fasting month. In 2016, the fasting month was in June 2016. The number of foreign tourist was 1.2 million. The decrease in the fasting month is normal. Because in Ramadan, foreign tourists from some countries such as Malaysia, the Middle East, and Muslim countries usually do not travel a lot,” said Kecuk Suharyanto.

Suhariyanto added that if it is compared in May last year, there was 4.55 percent increase in May this year. Cumulatively, from January until May this year, the number of foreign tourist visit to Indonesia reached 6.17 million. The number increased 11.89 percent compared to the number in the same period earlier. In July-December 2018, Suhariyanto is optimistic the number of foreign tourist visit will increase significantly. Moreover, in October 2018, Bali will be the host of the International IMF and World Bank Annual Meeting. (VOI/REZHA/Trans-yati/AHM)

Central Bureau of Statistics noted inflation rate in June 2018 which was also Lebaran period the lowest compared previous years of lebaran period. This was stated by Head of Central Bureau of Statistics, Kecuk Suhariyanto in press conference in Jakarta on Monday (2/7). Suhariyanto appreciated the work hard of the government and Bank Indonesia to control price with policy. 

“How is the inflation in June 2018 if we compare with the position of Lebaran Eid ul Fitr in previous years. In June 2018, the inflation was 0.59 percent. Lebaran last year was also in June. The inflation was 0.69 percent. Meanwhile, in 2016, the Lebaran festivity was in July with the inflation reached 0.69 percent. If we compare, the inflation in June 2018 to inflation of Lebaran Eid ul Fitr festivity in previous years, this June is the lowest,” said Kecuk Suhariyanto.

Suhariyanto added that the low inflation rate on Lebaran Eid Ul Fitr 2018 period is not reflected by the low purchasing power, because the demand for food and transportation is still quite high. According to Suhariyanto, the factor which holds this year’s inflation rate is the food price. The food price is still stable compared to that of the previous years. This is the result of the government’s efforts which has anticipated the price increase on a number of commodities with rice and meat import. In addition, the monetary policy related to the interest rate issued by Bank Indonesia, is considered to give effect on low inflation rate on Eid Ul Fitr 2018 period. (VOI/REZHA/Trans-yati/AHM)