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July
WMO Bulletin spotlights hazards and impacts of sand and dust storms
Written by nuke
Ilustration; the incidence of sand and dust storms (Photo : WMO) -
VOInews, Geneva : The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued its annual report on the incidence of sand and dust storms, as well as their impacts on society. Dust concentrations in the worst hit areas in 2023 were above the long-term average, but slightly lower than 2022, it says.
The most severe storm of the year swept across Mongolia in March 2023, affecting more than 4 million square kilometres, including 20 provinces in China, according to the Airborne Dust Bulletin.
It was released for the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms on 12 July.
Every year, around 2,000 million tons of dust enters the atmosphere, darkening skies and harming air quality in regions that can be thousands of kilometers away, and affecting economies, ecosystems, weather and climate. Much of this is a natural process, but a large part of it is the result of poor water and land management.
“We need to be vigilant in the face of continuing environmental degradation and current and future climate change. Scientific evidence shows that human activities are having an impact on sand and dust storms. For example higher temperatures, drought and higher evaporation lead to lower soil moisture. Combined with poor land management, this is conducive to more sand and dust storms,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Friday (12/07/24), monitoring and forecasting accuracy has improved in recent years due to the progress of numerical models and observation systems. The WMO Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System (SDS-WAS), set up in 2007, strives to improve warnings through dedicated regional centres and combines research and operational work.
The global average of annual mean surface dust concentrations in 2023 was slightly lower than that in 2022, mainly due to reduced dust emissions from several dust-active regions around the world, such as North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Iranian Plateau, northern India, central Australia and north-western China//VOI
July
Mayors from Pakistan are Eager to Replicate Jakarta's integrated Public Service Model.
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
Screenshot of mayors of Pakistani cities, including Murtaza Wahab of Karachi, visit Jakarta's one-stop public service centre in South Jakarta, as broadcast on Sunday (July 7, 2024).
(Photo by: ANTARA/Mentari Dwi Gayati/nbl.)
VOINews, Jakarta: Murtaza Wahab, the mayor of Karachi, Pakistan, expressed admiration for Jakarta's integrated public service model offered at the Public Service Mall and revealed that Pakistani mayors are eager to replicate this initiative in their own cities.
"It is a remarkable initiative that effectively addresses the issues faced by Jakarta's citizens. We have much to learn from these experiences and are excited to implement similar systems in our cities," Wahab remarked in a statement broadcast on Sunday.
In addition to Wahab, mayors from the Pakistani cities of Sukkur, Turbat, and Kashmir visited Jakarta's Public Service Mall in South Jakarta on Tuesday (July 2).
Wahab emphasized that a one-stop public service model would be highly beneficial for investors, allowing them to complete all necessary permits in one location.
"A centralized office where investors can address their issues and find solutions is the optimal way to facilitate investment," he explained.
He also stated that the Pakistani mayors are keen to study various aspects of Jakarta's public administration to implement in their own cities.
Wahab further expressed his desire to establish Karachi and Jakarta as sister cities, fostering people-to-people and business-to-business relationships between the two metropolises.
Meanwhile, Jakarta's Investment and One-stop Integrated Service Agency Head, Benni Aguscandra, assured that the agency will continue to enhance the service, accountability, and transparency of the Public Service Mall.
"Our main objective is to demonstrate to residents that applying for permits independently is now straightforward. We will continue to collaborate, study, and develop our services to better serve our community," he stated./Antara/VOI
July
Indonesia-France Education Cooperation Strengthened by JWG
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: Cooperation between Indonesia and France in the field of education, between universities and research institutes of both countries will be stronger. This was conveyed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Suharti at the 13th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in the field of higher education, research and innovation which took place at Surabaya State University (Unesa) from 2 to 5 July 2024. "Through the cooperation between the two countries in conducting the JWG on a regular basis, cooperation in the fields of higher education, research, and innovation can be even stronger. Relationships between countries, including networks between universities in both countries and research institutions can be stronger," said Suharti in Surabaya on Wednesday (3/7).
Suharti added that the cooperation between Indonesia and France is expected to encourage the achievement of better educational outcomes and research results that can be utilised by both countries. "We also hope that cooperation in the field of culture, especially through the role of universities, can also be strengthened," she added.
Regarding the strengthening of the Merdeka Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) programme, Suharti said that the Indonesian Government appreciates the support of the French Government in facilitating access to cooperation with universities in France to be able to accept Indonesian students who pursue education in France through the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) and IISMA Co-Funding programmes.
On the same occasion, French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN, Fabien Penone, said that cooperation between Indonesia and France has been going on for a long time. "Cooperation in science has been going on for a long time between Indonesia and France. However, today we have to face new challenges, including the digital economy, biodiversity, and social science. We believe that what we need to develop to face these challenges is networking. We want to continue to strengthen our network with key actors in Indonesia to better understand and explore cooperation in education and science in Indonesia," Ambassador Fabien said.
Fabien said that the French government is open to welcoming more Indonesian students to visit and study in France. "This is a priority for us and of course, to achieve this, we are also working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. This is a priority that our President conveyed to President Joko Widodo," said Fabien.
Furthermore, Fabien revealed that Indonesia is one of the most important partners for France. France has a great interest in learning from Indonesia. "This is why our universities and research institutes are very happy to collaborate with Indonesia. The key word is partnership. We hope to establish long-term, not just short-term, co-operation between the two countries. We want to cooperate with Indonesia for a very long time," he said.
Meanwhile, the Rector of Surabaya State University, Nurhasan, said that to achieve the vision of a Golden Indonesia 2045, the Indonesia-France JWG is very important to encourage collaboration to create superior human resources.
Furthermore, Director of Europe I, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Widya Sadnovic, revealed that France has been a strategic partner of Indonesia for a long time. She added that the implementation of the JWG is one of the important implementations of the Plan of Action on Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and France signed in 2021. "Politically, the cooperation has been very close. Our task now is to continue to fill it in, one of which is with cooperation in the fields of economy, education and research," Widya concluded.
Source: Kemdikbud RI
July
Tropical Cyclone Freddy is the longest tropical cyclone on record at 36 days: WMO
Written by nuke-
- Freddy was 36 days at tropical storm status or higher, beating record of John (1994) -
VOInews, Geneva : The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared Tropical Cyclone Freddy to be the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, at 36 days. Freddy crossed the Indian Ocean basin, starting off the coast of Northwest Australia and reached southern Africa, in February and March 2023. It caused major human and economic losses in the worst-affected countries.
A WMO international committee of experts working under the auspices of the Weather and Climate Extremes Archive conducted a detailed analysis and verification of the distance and duration. The evaluation committee recognized Tropical Cyclone (TC) Freddy’s duration of 36.0 days at tropical storm status or higher as the new world record for the longest tropical cyclone duration.
“Freddy was a remarkable tropical cyclone, not only for its longevity but also for its ability to survive multiple land interactions, which unfortunately had significant consequences for southeast African populations," says Chris Velden, committee member and tropical cyclone/satellite expert from the University of Wisconsin, USA.
“This investigation highlights the meticulous care that the WMO undertakes in certifying all weather observations. Such painstaking evaluation provides the critical confidence that our global records of all weather phenomena are properly measured,” said Randall Cerveny, Rapporteur of Climate and Weather Extremes for WMO.
According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Monday (01/07/24), WMO will update its Archive of Weather and Climate Extremes to reflect the new record. The archive includes the world’s highest and lowest temperatures, rainfall, heaviest hailstone, longest dry period, maximum gust of wind, longest lightning flash and weather-related mortalities. It is used by weather historians and, increasingly, by policy makers.
“The extremes presented for adjudication for the WMO Weather and Climate Extremes Archive are ‘snapshots’ of our current climate. It is possible, and indeed likely, that greater extremes will occur in the future. When such observations are made, new WMO evaluation committees will be formed to adjudicate these observations,” said Randall Cerveny.
The WMO evaluation committee consisted of experts from the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Melbourne (Bureau of Meteorology, Australia), the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) La Réunion (Météo-France, France) that forecasted TC Freddy, as well as scientists from Spain, Canada, Hong Kong China, and the United States//VOI
June
The Indonesian Embassy in Manila showcases Indonesian products and culture in the Philippines.
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
The "Indonesia Expo 2024" exhibition opened at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2, Makati City, Philippines, on Friday (June 28, 2024). (Photo by: ANTARA/HO-KBRI Manila)
VOINews, Jakarta: The Indonesian Embassy in Manila is hosting the Indonesia Expo 2024 at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2, Makati City from June 28 to 30, 2024, to showcase Indonesian products and culture in the Philippines.
In his opening remarks on Friday (June 28), Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo highlighted that this exhibition is one of the Embassy's efforts to enhance mutual understanding and foster closer economic collaboration between Indonesia and the Philippines.
“The Indonesia Expo 2024 is a tangible manifestation of the Indonesian Embassy's mission in Manila to strengthen economic and cultural relations with the host country,” Ambassador Widjojo stated in a written statement on Saturday.
As reportd by Antara The exhibition’s theme, “Build Strong Connection with the Best of Indonesia in the Philippines,” reflects the Embassy’s commitment to bringing high-quality Indonesian products to the Philippine market and providing visitors with a rich Indonesian cultural experience.
A variety of cultural performances, live bands, and side events are planned to entertain visitors throughout the three-day exhibition. These include angklung workshops, cooking demonstrations, coffee brewing, and Batik painting.
Participants of the Indonesia Expo 2024 include established Indonesian companies already present in the Philippine market, as well as Filipino importers distributing Indonesian products.
The exhibition features a wide range of product categories, including halal food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, herbal medicines, confectionery, fashion and accessories, household products, logistics and surveying services, health and beauty products, and stationery.
This diverse mix of products aims to showcase Indonesia’s top offerings and business opportunities to meet various needs and preferences of the Philippine market.
The Indonesia Expo has grown significantly since its first event in 2022 at SM Megamall and its second in 2023 at The Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia.
Each year, the Indonesian Embassy in Manila strives to expand its offerings and refine the exhibition concept to provide the best representation of Indonesian products to the Philippine market and better service to exhibitors. This growth reflects the increasing interest and significance of Indonesian products in the Philippines.
The opening of the Indonesia Expo 2024 was attended by ambassadors and representatives from ASEAN member countries, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, the Indonesian Consul General in Davao, the Mayor of Makati City, the Philippine Halal Export and Promotion Board, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Los Banos, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc., Expedia Management Inc., the Philippine Marketing Association, and the Philippine Coffee Board./Antara/VOI.
June
Indonesia-Thailand Share Lessons and Economic Cooperation Opportunities
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesia shares its experience of economic resilient growth after Covid-19 with Thailand. Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto on Wednesday (26/6), welcomed a delegation from the Thai Parliament at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs office, Jakarta.
According to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs' website, Thursday (27/6/2024), the Thai delegation led by Parit Wacharasindhu, Chairman of the Thai Parliament's Commission for Political Development, Mass Communication and Public Participation, wanted to know the policy direction and potential for cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand.
"Indonesia is a country that has three time zones, so decentralisation is the key, as growth is not to be centralised. Indonesia wants each region to have the same growth so that development does not only occur in Java Island, but also around eastern and western Indonesia," Airlangga explained.
Airlangga added that one of the efforts is to develop Special Economic Zones. The Indonesian government has nearly 22 special economic zones throughout Indonesia, and one of Indonesia's policies is to develop downstream industries.
Airlangga also explained that for the manufacturing industry, Indonesia has launched Indonesia 4.0. Indonesia has also focused on critical minerals which only two years ago the United States and Europe realised the importance of critical minerals.
Airlangga also explained that Indonesia produces 50 million tonnes of CPO and is developing biodiesel 35. According to Airlangga, Thailand's strength in producing sugar, including raw sugar, in the next phase Thailand can build ethanol which can be another opportunity for cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand.
"We need to make investments that increase energy self-sufficiency in ASEAN countries. And I think that's important for this sector. So, I think in those two issues, regarding palm oil and natural rubber, I think we have to work together," Airlangga said.
Furthermore, regarding EV, Airlangga said that critical minerals such as nickel, copper, cobalt, and aluminium, which are raw materials for new and renewable energy, are found in Indonesia. On the occasion, Airlangga explained that there are opportunities for cooperation between Indonesia and Thailand in the electric vehicle development chain.
In the digitalisation sector, under Indonesia's leadership in the 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship, a digital economy framework agreement (DEFA) has been launched, one of which is expected to facilitate transactions.
"So with the spirit of ASEAN, we want to further integrate people and establish economic relations between ASEAN countries. For digitalisation itself, with the digital economy framework agreement, the ASEAN economy can increase to 2 trillion dollars (USD)," he said.
During the meeting, Airlangga also explained in more detail other matters asked by the Thai Delegation, one of which was related to policies that support MSMEs.
Airlangga also explained about Indonesia's support for start-ups not only through funding but also training. During the meeting, Indonesia and Thailand were open to potential cooperation that could be established between the two countries.
"In ASEAN, if Indonesia and Thailand work together, I think there are many things we can achieve for our ASEAN," Airlangga concluded.
Source: Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs
June
UN chief tells consumer tech firms: own the harm your products cause
Written by nuke
FILE PHOTO: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, U.S., June 5, 2024. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado/File Photo -
VOInews, New York : United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday demanded that big consumer technology firms take responsibility and "acknowledge the damage your products are inflicting on people and communities."
Taking aim at the companies, which he did not name, and their social media platforms, he said: "You have the power to mitigate harm to people and societies around the world. You have the power to change business models that profit from disinformation and hate".
He warned that "opaque algorithms push people into information bubbles and reinforce prejudices including racism, misogyny and discrimination of all kinds" with common targets being women, refugees, migrants, and minorities.
Guterres was speaking at a news conference to launch a set of U.N. global principles for information integrity, which he called a starting point to combat misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.
"Some stakeholders carry an outsized responsibility," he added. "For them, I have a clear message: We demand action."
He said advertisers and the public relations industry must stop monetizing harmful content, citing the climate crisis.
"Creatives - don't use your talents to greenwash. PR agencies – look for clients who aren't misleading people and destroying our planet," Guterres said.
He urged media outlets to raise and enforce editorial standards and "find advertisers who are part of the solution, not the problem," while saying governments should commit to a free, viable, independent, and plural media landscape.
Guterres also told governments to: "Ensure regulations uphold human rights. Refrain from drastic measures, including blanket internet shutdowns. Respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression."
Last week, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for a warning label to be added to social media apps as a reminder that those platforms have caused harm to young people, especially adolescents//CNA-VOI
June
Rangnick leads Austria to brink of Euro 2024 knockout stages
Written by nuke
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group D - Poland v Austria - Berlin Olympiastadion, Berlin, Germany - June 21, 2024 Austria coach Ralf Rangnick celebrates after the match REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo -
VOInews, Berlin : Ralf Rangnick admitted there was doubt among the players when he was hired as Austria's manager in 2022, but the 65-year-old German has led his team to the cusp of the Euro 2024 knockout rounds.
Austria, who face the Netherlands on Tuesday in their final Group D game, lost to France 1-0 but were impressive in a 3-1 win over Poland, only the second time they have scored three goals in a single European Championship finals game.
Their aggressive, front-foot style has also earned admirers.
"(Marko Arnautovic) and I recently talked about it ourselves," Rangnick said of Austria's all-time leading scorer with 36 goals who was sitting alongside at a news conference on Monday.
"When Marko heard that I'd become boss here, he thought 'ooh, this might be a bit tight now', but I didn't see it like that. I didn't quite understand why it was seen like that.
"He (Arnautovic) played from the start against Poland and possibly tomorrow as well in such an important game."
The Dutch lead the group on four points, ahead of France on goals scored, with Austria third.
Defender Gernot Trauner will not be available on Tuesday due to injury.
"He didn't train today, he's definitely out for tomorrow," Rangnick said. "And even in the next game, he won't be able to play probably. I'm really sorry for him, because has been in top form so far, both in training and in the games."
Rangnick expects a stiff challenge from the Dutch, but he knows what to expect.
"It feels like the Netherlands have played the same way since(legendary Dutch player) Johan Cruyff's days," Rangnick said. "A lot of width and a lot of height on the pitch. Who wins the second ball will be crucial."
Rangnick said he grew up idolising Cruyff, a three-times Ballon d'Or winner and big proponent of the Total Football philosophy.
"I once asked my coach to play in (Cruyff's) number 14 shirt," Rangnick said. "Back then it was unusual because you only used to have the numbers between one and 11. Similar to Franz Beckenbauer, Cruyff was someone who had a huge influence on the development of football, not just in his own country."
Rangnick was interim manager of Manchester United in 2021-22 before leaving to take over an Austrian side stinging from missing out on qualification for that year's World Cup.
An impressive Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, however, in which they finished a point behind Belgium in their group with 19 points from eight games, made them dark horses in Germany and they have so far not disappointed//CNA-VOI
June
Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi Encourages Graduates to Spread Benefits After Completing Studies
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
The Indonesian School Tokyo (SRIT) graduated 45 students from kindergarten to senior high school in Tokyo on Friday (June 21).(Photo by: Antara)
VOINews, Jakarta: Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, Heri Akhmadi, expressed his hope that graduates of the Indonesian School in Tokyo (SRIT) can spread benefits extensively after completing their studies.
"Continue to remember and practice the message conveyed in today's graduation theme 'Spirit of Spreading Benefits; Becoming Lifelong Learners.' By doing so, you can face the challenges in the next stages of education," said Heri in his statement in Tokyo on Saturday.
As reported by Antara, Ambassador Heri invited the graduates to stand facing their parents' seats to express gratitude for the unwavering and selfless support they have received.
He also appreciated the hard work of the students and the maximum effort of the teachers at SRIT, leading to the successful completion of their studies.
He advised the graduates to continue learning and seeking knowledge so that its benefits can be felt personally.
Furthermore, he hoped that the benefits felt personally would also be shared with others so that goodness can be experienced by as many people as possible.
At the same event, Education and Culture Attaché Amzul Rifin hoped that the graduates would gain valuable experiences during their time at SRIT.
He also advised the alumni to make contributions at the national or international level.
"I pray that the graduates can achieve excellence in all fields and always maintain the school's reputation," said Amzul.
Meanwhile, SRIT Committee Member Titik Nahilal Hamzah urged everyone to participate in efforts to improve and develop the school, which has been established since 1962.
The improvements and developments are expected to enhance the school's achievements and accomplishments.
"Let's together take care of SRIT, not only its facilities and quality but also its achievements. Don't forget to continue fostering friendship among yourselves (the graduates)," he said.
In her academic report, SRIT Head Ari Driyaningsih presented that in the academic year 2023/2024, several students have been enrolled in national and international universities and achieved the highest scores in national and international competitions.
"Three SRIT students successfully enrolled in domestic universities: Adzikra Adirajasa (Unair), Ursula Catharina (Unpar), and Naomi Natalie Ruauw (Unika Soegijapranata). One student who successfully enrolled in Utrecht University in the Netherlands is Alejandro Rakai Olave," Ari explained.
Other achievements at the National Science Olympiad (OSN), Ari revealed, include several SRIT students passing the provincial-level OSN for various subjects and placing a representative at the national level for Biology named Metanala Firsta Regha Ryanda.
Other achievements and accomplishments of SRIT include Najwa Rahman Rustam winning The Best Performance at The Meguro English Speech Contest.
Additionally, there were awards for painting competitions from the Meguro City Fire Department and participation as members of the KBRI Tokyo Paskibra Team for Indonesia's 78th Independence Day, as well as several traditional art performances involving graduates for cultural diplomacy purposes, such as angklung and Saman dance.
The graduation ceremony of SRIT, which graduated 45 students, is one of the largest in the school's history. The 45 students consist of kindergarten (9 students), elementary school (8), junior high school (8), and high school (20).
The event was also enlivened with art performances by all SRIT students as a manifestation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5). Among the performances were dances, martial arts (pencak silat), and angklung performances./Antara/VOI
June
Vietnam Faces Challenges in Achieving 6.5 Percent Economic Growth Target for 2024
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
The photo taken on December 9, 2023, shows the landscape of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. (Photo by: ANTARA/Xinhua/Cheng Yiheng)
VOINews, Jakarta: Vietnam is grappling with challenges to meet its 2024 economic growth target of 6.5 percent, as reported by local media on Friday (June 21), citing data from the Annual Economic Report 2024.
Researchers project a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 5.85 percent for this year, with an inflation rate of 4.5 percent, according to the report from Vietnam National University.
The report indicates that with adjusted economic policies such as interest rate reductions, sustained exports, and increased public investment spending, GDP growth is estimated to reach 6.01 percent.
As reported by Antara, Nguyen Quoc Viet, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute for Economics and Policy Research, stated that Vietnam's economy is operating below its potential in both scenarios.
He suggested that in the short term, attention should be focused on fiscal policies to stimulate demand, particularly accelerating public investment in the remaining months of the year.
Vietnam recorded a year-on-year GDP growth of 5.66 percent in the first quarter of this year, according to data from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecasts that the country's economy will grow by 6 percent throughout the year./Antara/VOI