Live Streaming
Program Highlight
Company Profile
International News (6887)
June
Japan and Italy are Strengthening Their Cooperation in Defense and Diplomacy.
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
President Joko Widodo (third from left) along with, among others, Prime Minister Giorgona Meloni of Italy (second from right) and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan (far right) raise their shovels after planting mangrove trees in Ngurah Rai Forest Park (Tahura) on the second day of the G20 Summit in Denpasar, Bali, on Wednesday (16/11/2022). (Photo by: ANTARA FOTO/Media Center G20 Indonesia/Akbar Nugroho Gumay/aww.)
VOINews,Jakarta: Japan and Italy reached an agreement on Friday (14/6) to bolster cooperation in diplomacy, defense, and economic security amidst rising global tensions.
As reported by Antara, The meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took place in Fasano, Italy, during the G7 Summit to finalize the action plan, as stated by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The comprehensive agreement encompasses seven key areas, including collaboration in diplomacy, defense, and economic security, underscoring the imperative of enhanced partnership in light of China's military resurgence and Russia's incursion into Ukraine.
Additionally, the cooperation extends to various sectors such as economy, culture, people-to-people exchanges, academia, science and technology, as well as food and agriculture.
The joint effort reflects a shared understanding that security in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region is interconnected, with a mutual objective of upholding international peace and stability, as mentioned in the official statement.
Japan's constitutional stance against war traditionally imposes limitations on defense exports. Nevertheless, Tokyo has progressively eased these restrictions since 2014, facilitating the conditional development of defense equipment.
Notably, Japan aims to collaborate with the UK and Italy in the joint development of next-generation fighter jets by 2035, marking a significant milestone in collective defense equipment advancement.
Japan's defense partnerships extend to 16 other nations, including Australia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, the US, Vietnam, and Ukraine./Antara/VOI
June
Low-cost sensors can improve air quality monitoring and people’s health
Written by nuke
Air Quality in some cities around the world (Photo : WMO) -
VOInews, Jakarta : Amid mounting concern about the health and environmental impacts of air pollution, a new report from the World Meteorological Organization points out the potential for low-cost sensor systems to assess levels of air pollution, identify sources and to support air quality strategies to reduce them.
Low-cost sensor systems (LCS) represent a key tool for filling gaps in existing global and local air quality monitoring networks and contributing information for policy-relevant air quality strategies.
In recent years, wide-scale deployments of LCS have been made in low- and middle-income countries, where they often provide air quality information in regions lacking the more traditional (and more expensive) reference grade monitors.
In high-income countries, they supplement existing reference grade monitors with more localized near real-time air quality information – for instance, to monitor fire and smoke or vehicle emissions on busy roads.
“Air quality forecasting involving low-cost sensors is an increasingly important field due to its potential to support widespread monitoring and early warning systems, particularly in areas lacking more traditional monitors. Air quality forecasting is important to support effective decision-making to manage air quality impacts, especially in terms of human health. They are an important additional tool which can be harnessed at the community level to make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Sara Basart, WMO Scientific Officer and one of the report's authors.
According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Thursday (13/06/24), the report, Integrating Low-Cost Sensor Systems and Networks to Enhance Air Quality Applications, was produced by WMO’s Global Atmosphere Watch network in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), International Global Atmospheric Chemistry project (IGAC) and international experts on technical and application areas.
It was released to coincide with the WMO Executive Council meeting, which has a focus on transforming science and practical services for society.
“Life begins and is sustained with breath, but too many around the world are suffering health problems and death due to breathing dirty air. Data-driven policy action towards combating air pollution is critical for efforts to improve global air quality – the more tools we have to support this, the greater our chances of recreating healthy environments for all life on earth,” said Richard Munang, Head of Global Environment Monitoring Systems and Early Warning for Environment Unit at UNEP.
The effects of air pollution lead to an estimated 7 million deaths every year, according to WHO.
Mounting evidence links ambient and household air pollution to various health outcomes like non-communicable diseases including respiratory, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, cancer, low birth weight, diabetes, cognitive impairment and mental health impacts//VOI
June
Turkey Aims for Status as One of the Top Three Tourist Destinations in the World by 2028
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
Balon udara terlihat di Cappadocia, Nevsehir, Türki pada 5 Mei 2024. (Photo by: ANTARA/Xinhua/Mustafa Kaya).
VOINews, Jakarta: After experiencing a successful year in 2023, Turkey is ambitious to become one of the top three tourist destinations in the world by 2028.
As reported by Antara, The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, stated that "Turkey aims to attract 80 million international tourists per year over the next four years. Currently, Turkey ranks fourth,".
This ambitious plan is crucial for Turkey's economy, which heavily relies on tourism revenue. Every year, millions of international tourists provide significant income for the country amid challenging economic conditions.
Kaan Sahinalp, Turkey's representative for the German travel company TUI, stated that "although this target is achievable, there is still much work to be done." According to him, Turkey needs to diversify its tourism promotions by showcasing its cultural and gastronomic richness in addition to beach tourism.
Stakeholders from both the government and private sectors in Turkey must collaborate to achieve the 2028 tourism target. Kaan Sahinalp emphasized the importance of improving pricing policies due to intense competition in the Mediterranean. Sustainability is also crucial, and Murat Toktas from the Turkish Federation of Hotel Owners suggested focusing on the luxury travel industry to boost revenue.
In 2023, Turkey's tourism sector recorded a milestone of 49.2 million international tourist visits, generating over 54 billion USD. The government expects this year's visits to reach 60 million with revenue of 60 billion USD, and targets 80 million visits and 100 billion USD in revenue by 2028.
However, significant price increases at Turkish resorts have attracted negative attention. Sahinalp warned that excessive price hikes could harm the tourism sector. Toktas added that attracting wealthy tourists to destinations such as Antalya and Bodrum, as well as diversifying markets to Southeast Asia, is essential for ensuring sustainable growth.
Toktas is optimistic that if conditions remain stable, Turkey is on the right track to achieve its goal of becoming one of the top three tourist destinations in the world by 2028.//Antara/VOI
June
North Korea, China, and Russia Accelerate Expansion of Nuclear Arsenals
Written by Ofra Regina Suharsil
Ilustrasi Photo by : AntaraNews
VOINews, Jakarta: U.S. National Security Council official Pranay Vaddi highlighted the rapid acceleration of nuclear arsenal expansion by North Korea, China, and Russia.
As reported by Antara According to Vaddi, "North Korea, China, and Russia are rapidly expanding and diversifying their nuclear weapons stockpiles, displaying little to no interest in arms control measures," as reported by Yonhap on Saturday.
Serving as the Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation at the National Security Council, Vaddi noted that these countries' actions are compelling the United States and its allies to brace for an unrestrained nuclear arms competition.
He further stated, "The increased collaboration and coordination among these three nations, along with Iran, are creating dynamics that threaten peace and stability, posing risks to the United States, its allies, and partners, while aggravating regional tensions."
Vaddi emphasized that in response to the evolving nuclear landscape, President Joe Biden has recently issued updated nuclear weapons usage guidelines.
"This move underscores our commitment to utilizing arms control and other strategies to minimize the necessary number of nuclear weapons to meet U.S. objectives," he explained.
Vaddi cautioned that the U.S. must adapt its stance and capabilities to counter the growing threats from these countries, should there be no shift in their current nuclear policies.
He clarified, "Should adversaries' nuclear arsenals remain unchanged, we may find it necessary to increase the number of deployed weapons in the coming years."
Moreover, he underscored that Washington has proactively implemented "prudent" measures, including the development of modern versions of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb and efforts to extend the operational life of certain Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines during the transition to advanced capabilities.
He concluded by affirming that the U.S. is fully committed to ensuring its "extended deterrence" pledge, which involves leveraging its comprehensive military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its allies and contribute to global nonproliferation efforts.//Antara/VOI.
June
Indonesia and 13 Countries Agree on Clean Economy at IPEF
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Singapore: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto together with partner country ministers successfully signed the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) agreements for the Clean Economy Pillar, Fair Economy Pillar, and IPEF Institutional Agreement (Overaching Agreement) at the IPEF Ministerial Meeting on Thursday (6/06) at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.
As quoted from written statement received on Thursday (6/6/2024), the achievement of an agreement on the IPEF agreement is one of the historic events that creates a new breakthrough in efforts to build clean and fair collective welfare through a cooperation agreement between countries in the Indo-Pacific region. "Pillar III of the Clean Economy is part of the IPEF agreement to realise a clean and environmentally responsible global economy. In this pillar, IPEF member countries are committed to increasing environmentally friendly economic activities through sharing information and experiences, exploring the potential of each country, and opening up broad investment opportunities for private parties in IPEF member countries that have a business orientation in line with the green economy,’ wrote the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
It is known that some of the derivative initiatives from Pillar III are the Cooperative Work Programme (CWP) and the Clean Economy Investor Forum (CEIF), which also includes the IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund as a funding scheme for several high-quality climate infrastructure projects of up to USD 3.3 billion.
In order to support the effective implementation of commitments under the Pillar IV (Fair Economy) Agreement, IPEF partners welcomed the announcement of Capacity Building and Technical Assistance (TACB) programmes through the TACB Initiative Catalogue. ‘These programmes are designed to strengthen efforts to prevent and combat corruption, including money laundering and terrorism financing, as well as improve transparency and exchange of tax information,’ he continued.
The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economic further explained that The TACB Initiative Catalogue will provide various opportunities for IPEF partners to develop effective anti-corruption policies and tax administration, through training for government officials in the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases, as well as workshops to improve integrity and online reporting systems. Indonesia hopes that in the future there will be more offerings from IPEF partners related to TACB, in order to assist IPEF partners in achieving Pillar IV high commitments.
"Indonesia and partner countries will take necessary strategic steps, including domestic consultation and ratification process of the IPEF Pillar III and IV Agreements which enter into force on 7 June 2024. In addition, IPEF partner countries will continue to commit to collaborate on clean economy and fair economy within the broader IPEF framework", concluded The Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economic.
Source: ekon.go.id.
June
Airlangga Encourages IPEF to Generate Projects and Jobs
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Singapore: Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto is pushing for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) cooperation to result in tangible projects that create jobs in the region. This was conveyed at the
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting held on Thursday (6/6) in Singapore. "We must realise concrete projects next year. No one is left behind. The progress of the projects is there. The projects hopefully will create jobs in the regions,’ said Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto.
According to a written statement received by Voice of Indonesia on Thursday (6/6/2024), Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo viewed the IPEF meeting as a very important momentum in regional cooperation in the Indo Pacific region. ‘The meeting brought together senior Ministers from the 14 IPEF partner countries, which represent more than 40% of the world's GDP and 28% of global trade in goods and services,’ the Ministry wrote.
It is known that this meeting affirmed a joint commitment to strengthen and realise a clean, fair and holistic economy in the Indo-Pacific region, in line with the focus of cooperation stated in the 4 pillars of the IPEF agreement, namely the pillars of trade, supply chain, clean economy and fair economy.
Since the launch of IPEF two years ago in Tokyo, Japan, each meeting involving the 14 IPEF member countries (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam), has achieved many significant achievements. At this meeting, the main focus was on three of the four IPEF pillars.
Firstly, the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement (Pillar II) which aims to strengthen regional supply chains, ensure smooth distribution of goods and services, and enhance cooperation among countries.
Secondly, the IPEF Clean Economy Agreement (Pillar III), which is an effort to reduce environmental impacts, has signed an agreement related to the clean economy. This includes the development of environmentally friendly technologies and the application of renewable energy.
Thirdly, the IPEF Fair Economy Agreement (Pillar IV) which aims to create a fair economy for all parties, including workers and businesses. Collaboration on economic regulations and policies is the main focus.
Indonesia and other IPEF partners are committed to continue the steps towards ratification and implementation of the signed agreements. The IPEF partners will continue to monitor progress under the three pillars of IPEF and gauge concrete outcomes at the next ministerial meeting in September 2024 in Washington DC. In addition, the meeting launched the Clean Economy Investor Forum (CEIF) as a forum among IPEF member countries that will help mobilise funds for clean energy technologies in IPEF countries.
US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo gave special appreciation to Indonesia, for its active participation in IPEF. Secretary Raimondo gave a very positive response and fully supported Coordinating Minister Airlangga's request, which emphasised the importance of IPEF providing concrete results and tangible benefits for the community, particularly in job creation and improving people's welfare. ‘IPEF must bring job creation and opportunity for our people,’ said Secretary Raimondo, supporting Airlangga's statement.
Source: Indonesian Coordinating Ministry of Economics
June
VOInews, Jakarta: Argentina's image cannot be separated from its success in football. Throughout history, the Argentine national team has collected 22 gold medals, starting from the World Cup, Panamerican, Confederation Cup to the Copa America. Sulaiman Syarif, Indonesian Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, shared four interesting facts about football in Argentina.
Firstly, the Argentine people who are fanatical about football are the club's capital to grow. "I have watched the BOCA Junior twice at the Bombonera Stadium here. I saw with my own eyes how firstly, grandparents, grandchildren, all watched (football match). Some brought babies, some brought children, how in one family for generations they are very fanatic about the football club, so we can say that fanaticism is very, very strong, and it is also an asset to support the club. Because they are already fanatics in one club, so they become members, there are dues and various kinds,’ said Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif.
Secondly, football facilities, especially the existence of stadiums in Argentina are very abundant. "Argentina is also one of the countries with the most stadiums.
I think in Buenos Aires there are very many football stadiums everywhere,’ Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif continued. It is known, there are at least 25 stadiums in Buenos Aires and 76 stadiums with various levels of capacity throughout Argentina.
Thirdly, Argentina has a series of football legends who are an inspiration for young seeds who are actively playing football from various corners of the country. ‘They (football players) are very supported by their people, from the community, the interest in football is very high so that the young seeds I can see for myself in the provinces that people like to play football to achieve their goal of becoming Maradona, becoming Messi, becoming Mario Kempes,’ said Sulaiman Syarif.
Fourthly, not many people know that one of the Argentine football legends Mario Kempes palyed and even became a coach at the Pelita Jaya club. ‘Mario Kempes has played in Indonesia, and has been the coach of one of our teams, Pelita (Pelita Jaya, ed.) if I'm not mistaken, and many people here don't know, so I also convey how Argentina's contribution is quite large in Indonesia and we hope that in the future this can still be the case,’ hoped Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif.
June
Indonesia Boosts Exports, Chasing Trade Deficit in Argentina
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Buenos Aires seeks to reduce the Indonesia-Argentina trade deficit through diversification of Indonesian exports to Argentina. This was conveyed by Sulaiman Syarif, Indonesian Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay in an interview with the Ranah Diplomasi programme aired on Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday (11/6/2024). ‘We are currently trying to reduce the trade deficit by diversifying the entry of export opportunities from Indonesia into the Argentine market,’ Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif said.
It is known that the trade volume between Indonesia and Argentina reached USD 2.57 billion. The surplus on the Argentine side amounted to USD 1.6 billion. Indonesia is the second largest export destination from Argentina to Asia after China, while Argentina is the second largest importer of Indonesian products in South America after Brazil. (OEC 2022 data). This, according to Sulaiman Syarif, illustrates Argentina's position as a world food producer and Indonesia's domestic food needs. "Argentina is a country rich in natural resources and rich in agricultural products. People always say Argentina would provide the food to the world. Argentina is the largest producer of wheat and corn in the world. So indeed they export a lot, including to Indonesia. On the other hand, for Indonesia, it is a necessity that we need agricultural products related to food security,’ said the Indonesian diplomat who graduated from the University of North Sumatra.
Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif identified opportunities for a number of Indonesian commodities in the Argentine market. "We see the market for furniture products, it has great potential here, we have met in the last 6 months with our economic working team, working on approximately 10 importers who annually import 50 to 60 containers, we will continue to work on this, this is one of the opportunities," Ambassador Sulaiman explained.
In addition to furniture products, Indonesian products that are very potential in the Argentine market include palm oil, rubber products and fertilisers. "Palm oil is also one of the opportunities from sustainable palm oil, we are also working on this.
In addition, Indonesian exports to Argentina include rubber products, footwear, spare parts, and electronic devices, as well as fertilisers," Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif told Voice of Indonesia.
June
Indonesia and Argentina Commit to Optimising OECD Membership
Written by Daniel
VOInews, Jakarta: Indonesia and Argentina are both in line for accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Both countries have agreed to optimise the benefits of membership of the organisation. This was conveyed by Sulaiman Syarif, Indonesian Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to Voice of Indonesia in a Ranah Diplomasi programme on Tuesday (4/6/2024). ‘We have agreed with the Argentine Foreign Minister that we will share our experiences so that we, Indonesia and Argentina, can optimally utilise our membership in the OECD,’ said Sulaiman Syarif.
The commitment is in line with President Javier Milei's policy that makes partnership with ASEAN countries one of his priorities. ‘Under President Milei, who just took his oath in December, President Milei now sees policy towards ASEAN as one of his priorities. So this is one of the good opportunities,’ Ambassador Sulaiman continued.
As is known, Indonesia and Argentina obtained a road map towards OECD membership at the 2024 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) on 2-3 May 2024 in Paris, France. ‘Regarding the OECD, of course we can share experiences, it is said that Indonesia and Argentina both received the Accession Road Map in Paris last month, so we share how it is related to for example omnibus law, here they also have made the same regulation, created an omnibus law which among others is to gain investment, then also related to simplification of procedures for investment which I think we also do,’ said the Ambassador who began serving in Buenos Aires on 25 October 2023.
Indonesia and Argentina's membership in the OECD ecosystem is expected to be a way to increase investment and trade volume between the two countries. "So related to the OECD, first of course this is an opportunity for us to share information, then secondly it will encourage the entry of investment, and our task here is also interesting, it is time to encourage outbound investment and in-bound investment. Then of course in terms of trade, with the new policy of President Milei who wants to engage more, wants to be closer with ASEAN, especially Indonesia. Now we are of course talking about trade. Trade relations will be more open and tariffs may be reduced, and we are working on this between Indonesia-Uruguay-Paraguay there is an Indonesia-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement,’ Ambassador Sulaiman Syarif concluded to Voice of Indonesia.
June
Journalists syndicate condemns Israeli arrest of WAFA journalist
Written by steve