The Indonesian Embassy in Beirut has acknowledged its continued support for trade cooperation improvement between Indonesia and Lebanon. Indonesian Ambassador to Lebanon Hajriyanto Y Thohari gave the Primaduta Award to Lebanese businessman and importer, George R Fattouh. The award was given for his service in helping market Indonesian products in Paris from the Middle East. The award was given at a ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut, Thursday (11/1) Fatough, is the owner of George R. Fattouh S.A.L, a business that has been importing Indonesian products since the 1980s. It has a range of products, including: palm oil and its derivatives, oil and fats (including cocoa butter substitute, fat spread, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, and lauric confectionery fats), cardboard, stationary, and school equipment. Some Indonesian products are now even available at famous retail networks, such as Spinney’s and Carrefour. In 2022, the value imported by George R. Fattough S.A.L of Indonesian products, was 981.3 million USD. This was a 149.5 million USD increase when compared to 2021. Fattouh said Indonesian products are known for their quality and are in high demand in Lebanese markets. However, he said, the challenge now is increasing freight costs due to security challenges in the region.
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Listeners, a number of delicious dishes were served to the guests of Dhaup Ageng Pura Pakualaman Yogyakarta, at the wedding reception of the youngest son of K.G.P.A.A. Paku Alam X, namely B.P.H. Kusumo Kuntonugroho with Laily Annisa Kusumastuti which was held on January 10, 2024.Head of the Customs and Accommodation Division, Dhaup Ageng Pura Pakualaman, KRT Radyo Wisroyo said that the menu served to guests was quite varied. These menus are typical menus prepared by Pakualaman Pura, Indonesian menus and western food menus were also available. All invited guests including VIP and VVIP guests got the same menu. The first menu served to welcome guests, namely two types of welcome drink, namely lime lemongrass and ginger drink with lime. The welcome drink was given when guests sat down and watched the Bedhaya Sidamukti and Bedhaya Kakung Indrawidagda dance performances. Next, they gotsnacks for appetizer such as croquettes and other light snacks. There is a snack that is considered quite special and rare called Garulina. Garulina was the opening snack at the Pahargyan Dhaup Ageng Pakualaman lunch on the first day. Garulina has been around since the era before Indonesian independence. Garulina is actually not a typical Central Javanese food. It looks like the Lapis Legit layered cake, but there is something different, because there is a special layer like vla which is made from fresh milk, eggs and sugar. To get this sweet snack, Pakulaman Temple has to place a special order from the third generation of makers who have been pioneering since the 1950s. In Jogja, Garulina is very difficult to find and is considered rare because it is not sold every day.
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The culinary texture of Gresik's typical Nasi Romo is quite unique and different from other typical Indonesian foods. The orange porridge layer appears to cover the top. So, it doesn't show the shape of the rice. Powder as a complement is added and chili sauce and crackers can make the culinary increasingly tempting. That's the description of Nasi Romo or Sego Romo, which is a culinary dish from Gresik district, East Java.Nasi Romo or lontong Rumo contains rice or lontong which is placed in a pincuk, which is a food dish made from banana leaves, then topped with boiled vegetables and crushed crackers. Afterwards, it is coated with rumo porridge, which is a smooth orange colored one that is spiced with jangkep spices, namely shallots, garlic, large chilies, galangal and turmeric, coriander, galangal and cumin. Afterwards, it is given chili sauce and a sprinkling of koya made from grated fried coconut, so that when we eat Romo's rice, our tongues will taste the savory and slightly sweet porridge, plus steamed or boiled savory leaves, for example spinach or vegetables made from cassava leaves. This way of eating Rumo rice uses a spoon made from banana leaves called ‘Suru’. Time after time, now many people enjoy Romo's food, and Nasi Rumo is usually a breakfast menu for Gresik people.Nasi Rumo, whose name is taken from its origin, namely Roomo village, Manyar, Gresik, East Java, is usually sold at pocket-friendly prices. Now, although this food paired with crackers is starting to become hard to find, it can still be found in certain places, for example in several traditional markets.
Indonesian Ambassador to Tunisia, Zuhairi Misrawi has conveyed that Indonesia and Tunisia have attractive trade market potential to be developed in the future. Based on the statement from the Indonesian Embassy Tunis received in Jakarta on Wednesday (24/1), according to Ambassador Zuhairi in his statement, on one hand, Tunisia has a strategic location as a hub with European, Arab, and African countries and has free trade agreements with these countries. On the other hand, Indonesia is an important country in ASEAN and has good relations with ASEAN countries and other Asian countries. Therefore, economic diplomacy of both countries can be a bridge for market expansion.Moreover, Ambassador Zuhairi has also said if this can be materialized, it will provide benefits for both countries. He also explained that Indonesia-Tunisia economic diplomacy continues to improve. Thereby, it further reinforces bilateral relations between the two countries.Ambassador Zuhairi also stated that bilateral relations between Indonesia and Tunisia have been built on a mutual desire to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation and respect for both parties. Trade cooperation is a top priority so that it can open up employment opportunities for both parties.Furthermore, Ambassador Zuhairi also emphasized that the legal umbrella for a Preferential Trade Agreement agreement as a path to a Free Trade Agreement is needed amidst a steady increase in the volume of trade cooperation above US$200 million or around Rp3.1 trillion. Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations starting in 2018 must be immediately signed so that the trading volume can reach a minimum of US$500 million US or around Rp7.8 trillion.In addition, the Indonesian Embassy in Tunis also reported, Ambassador Zuhairi attended a dialogue program on Tunisna TV in Tunisia last Wednesday. The dialogue was held in order to deepen the follow-up to the bilateral visits of the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi to Tunisia at the end of December 2023. In the dialogue, Ambassador Zuhairi explained not only Indonesia-Tunisia economic diplomacy, but also the importance of increasing cooperation in the fields of tourism and education between the two countries.
Indonesia has a lot of great destinations with international recognition. One of them, Lake Toba in North Sumatera, is now recommended by the New York Times in the 52nd Places To Go in 2024. Issued in early January, the list has many tourism destinations of the world, curated by the experts. The curation considers sustainable travel and cultural events. Toba was number 24 on the list. The lake surrounded by eight regencies of North Sumatra is a super-priority destination of the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry. The amazing Lake Toba's caldera became UNESCO's world tourism site in 2020. According to a research, Lake Toba's caldera resulted from three eruptions that began around 800.000 - 900.000 years ago. The final eruption 74,000 years ago formed the current caldera. In Lake Toba, tourists can enjoy both nature and the culture. Around Lake Toba, there are some traditional villages with people still carrying out the customs. Besides Lake Toba, there were also so many places recommended by the New York Times for this year. Adventurers might like the undersea world Hurghada, Egypt, but those who prefer serenity can go to Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world.
The Meras Gandrung Banyuwangi art performance was held again at the Taman Gantung Terakota (TGT) park, Banyuwangi, East Java province on 20 January 2024. This arts and cultural attraction is done regularly at the park. The Sendratari Meras Gandrung is a colossal performance, which depicts the procession of a dancer's struggle in dealing with challenges and tests in order to "graduate" to becoming a Gandrung dancer. This performance is even more iconic because it is held at the park with a panoramic view of hundreds of Terakota statues of gandrung dancers on three hectares of productive rice fields in the area of Mount Ijen slopes. The ballet performed by passionate dancers ranging from children to adults was held at an amphitheater in the Terakota area. Gandrung Dance is a typical Banyuwangi dance. This dance was originally danced during the main harvest as an expression of gratitude for the harvest gained. The word Gandrung in the local language means “fascinated.” This meaning is aimed only at Dewi Sri, the Goddess of Rice, who has provided prosperity for society. That's why, this dance is performed after the harvest on a large scale, as a sign of gratitude to Dewi Sri. However, now this dance has become an entertainment art for the local community. Head of the Banyuwangi Culture and Tourism Service, Muhammad Yanuarto Bramuda explained that the Meras Gandrung performance at Taman Gantung Terakota park has become part of a popular tourist attraction. This attraction complements the tourist attraction in the Ijen Mountains area, which is famous for its Blue Fire. The performance of the Meras Gandrung Ballet is also part of a series of arts and culture activities held on a scheduled basis for 2024. In January, February and March the Meras Gandrung Ballet performance is held free of charge for TGT visitors. Meanwhile, for the January schedule itself, the performance was held on Saturday, January 20 2024, at 2 PM (Western Indonesia Time) at Taman Gantung Terakota park.
The Indonesian Embassy Canberra on Tuesday launched the 'Kawan Ngobrol' program to facilitate students of Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) in Australia. According to the Education and Culture Attaché (Atdikbud) of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Mukhamad Najib in a release from the Indonesian Embassy received in Jakarta on Tuesday (23/1) the program aims at providing space and friends for the people of Canberra who want to learn Indonesian language. Najib explained/ like friends, the 'Kawan Ngobrol' program provides comfort for BIPA students to chat without being stressed like if you are studying in class. Najib also explained that although there are quite a lot of Indonesian language learners, it doesn't mean there are no obstacles in learning it. One of the challenges is finding a community that can help you practice what you have learned.This program, which is held every month, brings together BIPA students in Canberra with native Indonesian speakers that make the students able to chat casually and improve their conversation skills, as well as forming a language community in the region. Apart from pupils and university students, this program can also be participated by Australian citizens who worked or lived in Indonesia and want to maintain their Indonesian language skills. One of the citizens, Steve, who served in Indonesia for two years, admitted that he couldn't find anyone to practice Indonesian with, so he forgot a lot of words.Therefore, he is happy with the 'Kawan Ngobrol' program and he will often come according to the specified schedule. Steve is not the only Australians who are interested. Phil Domaschenz, who worked in Jakarta for a year feels that he misses speaking Indonesian, and hopes that this program can cure his longing.Currently, there are 16 schools and 2 universities in Canberra that provide Indonesian language lessons. The two universities are the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales Canberra campus. Besides that there are non-school institutions and campuses that also offer Indonesian language classes for adult people such as the Australia-Indonesia Association. The 'Kawan Ngobrol' raised the theme of Indonesian food, where everyone told their favorite Indonesian food. One of the participants named Damian was even able to explain various types of fried rice in Indonesia, as well typical food tastes that differ across regions in Indonesia// that’s Diplomatic Corner.
Lake Toba in New York Times' 52 Places To Go 2024
Indonesia has a lot of great destinations with international recognition. One of them, Lake Toba in North Sumatera, is now recommended by the New York Times in the 52 Places To Go in 2024.
Issued in early January, the list has many tourism destinations of the world, curated by the experts. The curation considers sustainable travel and cultural events.
Toba was number 24 on the list. The lake surrounded by eight regencies of North Sumatra is a superpriority destination of the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry.
The amazing Lake Toba's caldera became UNESCO's world tourism site in 2020.
According to research, Lake Toba's caldera resulted from three eruptions that began around 800.000 - 900.000 years ago. The final eruption 74,000 years ago formed the current caldera.
In Lake Toba, tourists can enjoy both nature and the culture. Around Lake Toba, there are some traditional villages with people still carrying out the customs. In these villages, you can see the traditional house and how the beautiful handmade cloth of Batak people - Ulos - is woven.
Besides Lake Toba, there were also so many places recommended by the New York Times for this year.
Adventurers might like the undersea world Hurghada, Egypt, but those who prefer serenity can go to Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world.
Probolinggo Regency is one of the main tourist destinations in East Java. The Regency is one of the entrances to Mount Bromo via Cemoro Lawang. However, Mount Bromo is one of many exciting tourist spots in Probolinggo. In the regency, you can also find Madakaripura Falls. Besides being known for its beauty, it is said that Madakaripura Waterfall was where Gajah Mada, a great leader of the Majapahit Empire, meditated for the last time before he died. This is how the location got its name: Mada from Gajah Mada, Kari meaning heritage, and Pura means prayer or meditation. Based on this story, local people believe Madakaripura Falls is eternal. The main reason is that the waterfall has yet to experience a drought. To get to Madakaripura Waterfall from Probolinggo city, drive towards Branggah hamlet. Its location is approximately 37 kilometres from the city centre of Probolinggo. The Madakaripura Falls entry price is 33,000 rupiah or about 2 US dollars per person. When you arrive at the entrance, there is still a bit of a trek to get to the waterfall. This journey takes approximately 20 minutes from the gate. With a height of 200 metres, Madakaripura Falls is the highest waterfall on Java island and one of the highest in Indonesia. Besides its height, the circular shape of the falls looks like a giant glass, perfect for photo opportunities. Another unique feature is that the water flows from the middle of the waterfall through narrow gaps in the cliffs, spraying in every direction, making it seem like it’s raining. The falls create a natural pool under the waterfall. The water in the pool is a real treat for the eyes with its transparent blue colour. Shady trees in the area also provide a remarkable, scenic atmosphere.
A good news that makes Indonesia proud comes from fashion. Raihan Fahrizal becomes the first Indonesian model to appear on the 2024 Paris Fashion Week Runway. Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno appreciated Raihan's achievements. According to Sandiaga Uno, this achievement is certainly a trigger for the Indonesian fashion industry to create a better fashion ecosystem in the future.The Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, also hopes that the country's fashion industry will continue to develop and advance so that it can become a host in its own country. The Indonesian fashion industry is expected to have strong competitiveness so that it can compete with international brands. This also applies to Indonesian Muslim fashion. President Joko Widodo wants Indonesia to become the world's Muslim fashion center. Until now, the fashion subsector is still the mainstay of Indonesia's creative economy exports with a contribution value of 61.5 percent.Raihan, a model who was born in Bandung, appeared on the runways of two international labels, namely Louis Vuitton on January 16, 2024 and Solid Homme on January 17, 2024. Paris Fashion Week 2024 was held on January 16 – 21 2024 in Paris, France. On the Louis Vuitton runway, Raihan presented the Men's Fall-Winter 2024 collection designed by Pharrell Williams, Creative Director of Louis Vuitton. Raihan looked stunning in a brick red suit and loose trousers combined with a white shirt. Raihan's appearance was even more complete with snakeskin patterned leather boots and a black bag that he carried along the runway.
The Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek held a meeting with the Namibian media (Press Gathering) with the theme "Indonesian Foreign Policy Achievements in 2023 and Priorities in 2024", at the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek last Friday (19/1). The Press Gathering was attended by a number of famous Media on Namibia Africa TV, some journalists from the newspapers New Era, Republikein, and Namibian Sun. The meeting aimed at disseminating information regarding Indonesia's diplomatic achievements in almost a decade and Indonesia's foreign policy priorities in 2024.According to the Functional Coordinator for Information, Social and Culture at the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek, Ari Hadiman, this Press Gathering is an important forum for prioritizing transparency and establishing collaboration with media partners. He hopes that the information presented today can create a positive understanding of Indonesia in Namibia. Starting the presentation about Indonesia's diplomatic achievements, the invitees were invited to watch the video "Advancing Free and Active Foreign Policy – a Ten Year Journey" produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Indonesia. Then, the journalists followed an explanation of Indonesia's diplomatic achievements over the last nine years.On this occasion, the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek also conveyed a brief explanation regarding the achievements of in advancing bilateral relations between Indonesia-Namibia and Indonesia-Angola. The press gathering event was packaged interactively in a question-and-answer format. Closing the press gathering, the Indonesian Embassy also conveyed information related to opportunities for the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship (KNB) program which has been open from 23 January to 23 February 2024. The Press Gathering is also a means for the Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek to promote traditional Indonesian culinary delights, namely yellow rice, beef rendang, and snacks like rissoles and fried meatballs.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji, Dupito D. Simamora, symbolically handed over a grant of USD 25,000 to the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka at the Fiji Prime Minister's Office on Thursday ( 18/1). The grant is to support the Bula coffee project in Fiji. The Indonesian Embassy in Suva, as quoted on its website, stated that agriculture has become an important development priority for Indonesia, Fiji and the Pacific region. According to the Indonesian Embassy, as one of the largest coffee producing countries, Indonesia is very suitable to be Fiji's partner in developing its coffee industry to meet domestic demand and support its growing tourism industry. The Bula Coffee project, originally proposed by the Fiji Prime Minister's Office, aims at equipping approximately 10,000 residents of 41 villages in the Sigatoka region with the knowledge and skills needed for coffee cultivation and processing. The Indonesian Embassy in Suva said that this project also aims to empower rural communities in Fiji through sustainable coffee cultivation. As a follow-up, Indonesia and Fiji will conduct a consultation and training program which is scheduled to be implemented in the first quarter of 2024. This program will provide further training and capacity building to Bula Coffee project participants, to ensure long-term sustainability and guarantee success of their coffee farming business. Ambassador Dupito has conveyed that Indonesia is happy to support the Bula Coffee project. According to him, this project empowers Fiji in the agricultural sector. At the same time, it also build rural development, food security, alternative development and livelihoods for people at the grassroots level. Ambassador Dupito also pointed out that Indonesia and Fiji are also building a Regional Agricultural Training Center and Demonstration Farm in Rakiraki this year. According to him, this collaboration is an important marker in relations between the two countries. Indonesia and Fiji this year celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations. Dupito claims, with this collaboration Indonesia is showing a very significant commitment to helping increase agricultural resilience. This momentum is an opportunity for the two countries to partner and help the region achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and the Blue Pacific Strategy by 2050. Moreover, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka appreciated the grant and the cooperation that has existed between Indonesia and Fiji. According to him, Indonesia’s grant is an important step to achieve Fiji's development goals. The Prime Minister also said that the grants will empower rural communities, promote sustainable agriculture, address excessive imports and contribute to poverty reduction in Fiji. The Bula Coffee Project is an initiative led by the Government of Fiji, with support from international partners, to empower rural communities by promoting sustainable coffee cultivation and processing. The project aims at equipping residents with the knowledge and resources needed to improve their agricultural capabilities, improve livelihoods and contribute to economic development in Fiji.