VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The British Embassy in Indonesia on Thursday evening, June 28th, celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's 92nd birthday in Jakarta. A number of high-ranking Indonesian officials attended the celebration, namely Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, former Indonesian third President B.J. Habibie, Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Indonesian Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, and Indonesian Minister of Health, Nina F, Moeloek. On the sidelines of the celebration, British Ambassador to Indonesia, Moazzam Malik expressed his hope in the implementation of 2018 Simultaneous Regional Head Election in Indonesia. He hopes the success of that elections in Indonesia can inspire the international community, especially Muslims people. Because in Indonesia democracy and Islam can go hand in hand.

“So, I hope to see the results of a very good democracy. The regional elections yesterday, inspired me, inspired the people of Indonesia. The elections were held peacefully, honestly and next year there will be a Presidential Election. So, all of them not only important to fulfill the aspirations of the Indonesian people, but also to inspire people in other countries, especially Muslims. To show that democracy is in accordance with Islam as well,” said Moazzam Malik.

In addition, Ambassador Moazzam Malik also appreciated the democracy which went well in Indonesia for about 20 years after the reformation in 1998. According to him, the democracy that went well in Indonesia has given positive changes in various sectors for many people. Such as the poverty rate which has dropped and the Indonesian economy grew nine fold. The celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's birthday in Jakarta this year brings a special theme about the sport to welcome the 2018 Asian Games grand event which will take place in Jakarta and Palembang, South Sumatra in August. Queen Elizabeth II who currently leads Britain itself was born with the name Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on 21 April 1926 in London, England. (VOI/Rezha/DP)

Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla expressed his appreciation to all parties, namely Indonesian Election Commission (KPU), Indonesian Military (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) as well as the people who succeeded the 2018 Simultaneous Election on Wednesday, June 27th, which ran safely and transparently, without any significant security disturbances. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said to journalist in Jakarta, on Thursday, June 28th that people were just waiting for the results from the commission now.

“First, we appreciate that. It is extraordinary and peaceful, nothing happen, everything is transparent, and people are happy. Not many countries like that. I think we are waiting for the KPU decision. Because the quick count is just an indicator. It doesn’t specify the end result. I think we  just wait the commission for the result, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said.

Related to a number of candidates for Regional Head who get more votes than electability  polls before the election, Vice President Jusuf Kalla believes that the votes obtained by candidates for Regional Head are also influenced by the Party. They are also supported by the direct action of volunteers who are directly involved in the field during the campaign. (KBRN/RIZKI/DP)

President Joko Widodo received a state visit by Democratic Republic of East Timor President Francisco Guterres Lu Olo on Thursday, June 28th at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java. This visit is the first overseas visit of President Guterres after being sworn in as President last year. In his speech, President Joko Widodo called the state visit as a show of close relationship between Indonesia and Timor Leste. In the meeting, according to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), the two heads of state agreed to improve the bilateral relations that looked ahead. Some of the things that become the focus of discussion include cooperation in trade and investment. During the meeting President Joko Widodo conveyed Indonesia's commitment to continue to be a reliable partner in economic development in Timor Leste.

“Indonesia is Timor Leste’s major trading partner and also known with 9 SOEs and 400 Indonesian owned companies operating in Timor Leste. The value of Indonesian investment in Timor Leste is over 595 million USD therefore, we agreed to initiate negotiations and reach on the promotion of investment protection and double taxation avoidance agreements. I am sure that the government of President Lu Olo will continue to provide assurance and legal certainty for Indonesian investment,” said Joko Widodo.

Furthermore, President Jokowi said, the two heads of state also agreed to increase cooperation in the field of connectivity. In this case, according to President Jokowi, the two heads of state discussed the completion of the construction of the Motaain bridge. This bridge will connect Motaain in Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara with Batugade in Timor Leste. In addition, according to Jokowi, the two heads of state also welcomed the opening of flight routes that linked Kupang and Dili. In addition, President Joko Widodo and President Francisco Guterres Lu Olo also agreed to increase cooperation in education and capacity building. Jokowi asserted that Indonesia welcomes the desire of East Timorese students to continue their study in Indonesia. (VOI/Ndy/DP)

The Youth Affair and Sports Ministry will organize Nusantara Cycling Cruise 2018 with the start in Entikong, West Kalimantan, in the border area between Indonesia and Malaysia, on Saturday (June 30).

The cycling team was seen off by Raden Isnanta, deputy of the Youth Affair and Sport Ministry, in Jakarta, on Thursday.

The theme of the cycling cruise is "Let`s Exercise" with the aim of encouraging the public to love sports.

The cycling team comprises 15 cyclists. They will travel a distance of 6,500 km and will finish in Bali.

The male cyclists are Alfian Zulfajrin from West Sulawesi, Dede Supriatna from West Java, Fito Bakdo Prilanji from West Kalimantan, Isnaeni Ikhsan QS from West Java, Lioe Irwan from Central Java, Marta Mufreni from Jakarta as the Road Captain, and Sujadi from West Java.

The female cyclists are Darna from South Sulawesi, Gita Widya Yunika from East Java, Henny Kurniasih from Lampung, Mitya Fitriana from West Java, Ni Made Dwi Puspasari from Bali, Nina Puspawardhani from Central Java, Susi Suryati from West Java, and Yuni Indah Lestari from East Java.

He encouraged other regions to hold similar cycling events to promote the Asian Para Games and to care for people with disability.

The cyclists will travel from Kalimantan, and proceed to Sulawesi, Java and finish in Bali. (ANTARA)