The United Nations observed June 3 as World Bicycle Day in an effort to encourage member-states to devote attention to the bicycle in development strategies and improving road safety.
"The bicycle is not only a means of transportation, but also an inseparable part of an efficient, environmentally friendly and healthy modern life," Indonesia`s Permanent Representative to the UN, Dian Triansyah Djani, said in a statement on Monday.
The UN General Assembly had on April 12, 2018, adopted a resolution declaring June 3 as World Bicycle Day. The resolution, which was supported by 193 member-states, encourages member-states to include the bicycle in international, regional, national and subnational development policies and programs. World Bicycle Day at the UN Headquarters in New York on Sunday was attended by ambassadors and diplomats as well as representatives of international organisations, bike enthusiasts, persons with disabilities, and para-cycling athletes.
"The adoption of the World Bicycle Day Resolution reflects international recognition to the bicycle as a means to achieve Sustainable Development Goals," said Djani.
More than 100 million bicycles are produced globally each year. Indonesia produced around six million bicycles in 2017, Indonesia`s Permanent Mission to the UN said in the statement. The growing number of bicycle users was expected to contribute to the growth of the global bicycle industry, estimated to be worth US$65.4 billion in 2022. ( ant )
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June
Indonesia and Mozambique Begin Talks on Trade Deal
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Indonesia and Mozambique has started their first-ever negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) following a joint commitment reached during the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) in April this year. Indonesia`s bilateral trade negotiation director in the Trade Ministry, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, said the first round took place in Maputo on May 31 and June 1. Most articles had been agreed on by the two countries.
"Our counterparts in Mozambique had welcomed our proposals on the agreement. As a result, the two parties have completed most articles of the PTA`s draft," she said in a statement on Tuesday ( 5 June ). The Mozambique delegation was led by the national external trade director, Amilcar Arone.
Marthini, who led the Indonesian delegation, said that when the negotiations were completed by the year-end, Indonesia would have its first PTA with an African nation. "After the IAF in Bali, we (the two countries) are committed to establish the PTA," she added.
Besides, the President, Joko Widodo, had instructed the Trade Ministry to expand business to non-traditional markets to increase exports.
The PTA, Marthini said, was aimed at easing tariffs on products of both countries. Mozambique, she noted, was a potential hub in Africa for Indonesia`s exports. Marhini said there was potential for more collaboration between the two countries, including in raw materials. The total trade of Indonesia and Mozambique in the 2013-2017 period declined by 23.75 per cent. Indonesia`s trade balance with Mozambique remains positive. The number increased by 82.2 per cent from US$ 44.5 million in 2016 to US$ 54.1 million in 2017.
Indonesian products that can be exported to Mozambique include soap, palm oil, cement, margarine and paper. Indonesia can import nuts, ferro-alloys, raw tobacco and cotton from Mozambique. ( ant )
June
Indonesia & Australia Discuss Cooperation on Cyber Security
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The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Wiranto, had a discussion on Monday with the new Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Gary Quinlan AO, about cooperation on cyber security.
Wiranto said cyber threats such as hacking continued to increase and the cases were becoming more complicated. So, Indonesia needed to improve its cyber security capabilities. One way was to learn from other countries, such as Australia, to improve the capabilities of the National Cyber and Encryption Agency, said Wiranto.
The Minister and the Ambassador also discussed the two countries` efforts in combating and cutting off the financing of terrorism. Indonesia and Australia would also follow up on regional security cooperation against terrorism, which would involve the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand.
Gary Quinlan AO, who replaced Paul Grigson as Ambassador, was making his first call on Wiranto. ( ant )
June
June
10 Vietnamese fishing boats impounded for illegal fishing
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The Indonesian maritime authorities has impounded 10 Vietnamese fishing boats for illegal fishing in the North Natuna waters. The 10 Vietnamese fishing boats were seized in the exclusive economic zone when maritime security officers aboard four patrol boats were patrolling the waters on May 27, spokesman for the local marine and fishery resources supervisory (PSDKP) station, Erwin said in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Sunday.
None of the Vietnamese fishing boats was equipped with a fishing permit from the Indonesian government, he said.
He said the 10 Vietnamese fishing boats are being moored at the pier of PSDKP station for further investigation.
During the patrol, the Indonesian patrol boat Hiu Macan 01 seized two Vietnamese fishing boats with 23 crew members, while patrol boat Hiu 11 impounded two Vietnamese fishing boats with 13 crew members. Other Indonesian patrol boat Paus seized two Vietnamese fishing boats with 14 crew members and patrol boat Orca 20 arrested four Vietnamese fishing boats with 24 crew members.
"In total, the 10 Vietnamese fishing boats have 74 crew members, all of them Vietnamese nationals," he said.
The Vietnamese fishermen have been charged with violating the Indonesian fisheries law. (ant)