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 Indonesian Embassy in Manila held an exhibition of Indonesian products, entitled “Indonesia Expo 2022 at SM Mega Mall” Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, the Philippines from August 26 to 28. It was aimed at promoting Indonesian products in the Philippines. As many as 25 companies with lots of trade brands participated and became exhibitors at the event. The exhibited products were food and beverage, plastic packaging, handicrafts, batik, jewelry, herbal medicine, furniture and decorations as well as electrical maintenance services.
During the opening ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, Lieutenant General Retired Agus Widjojo conveyed that the economic cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines has enormous potential due to the geographical proximity and similar characteristics as archipelagic countries. Ambassador Agus also hopes that the Indonesia Expo is not only a place to promote Indonesian products, but also a cultural gateway to strengthen business commitment and explore more potential for cooperation of both countries.
Moreover, this Indonesian Expo is the first physical trade exhibition activity during the pandemic, considering the pandemic situation has been under control in the Philippines. During the two years of the pandemic, trade exhibition activities were held virtually. Furthermore, this activity is also still in the series of commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in the Philippines.
Besides the exhibition of Indonesian products, the event was also enlivened with Cooking Demo activities and Dance Performances from Citra Srikandi Indonesia. The activity supported by the Ministry of Trade through the Trade Attaché Office in Manila is also the opening event for the 37th Indonesia Trade Expo which will be held in Indonesia in October 2022.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou in collaboration with the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing conducted a series of visits and investment promotion activities in Liuzhou City late August, 2022. The delegation consisted of Indonesian Ambassador to China in Beijing, Djauhari Oratmangun, and the Consul General in Guangzhou, Ben Perkasa Drajat. There were also the Economic and Investment Team from the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing and the Economic and Immigration Team from the Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou. The delegation was led by Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun.
As quoted on the kemlu.go.id page (26/8), Consul General, Ben Perkasa Drajat revealed that the delegation had met relevant parties both from the government and potential investors directly. He also said that Liuzhou, as an industrial city, but still able to maintain the greening of the environment, is one of the things that can be learned and implemented in Indonesia.
On the visit, the Indonesian delegation also met Mayor of Liuzhou, Zhang Zhuang, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Guangxi Zhuang Special Autonomous Region, the Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of the International Trade (CCPIT) Liuzhou, and companies that have invested in Indonesia as well as prospective investors.
The meeting was aimed at discussing further investment plans owned by several companies, as well as promoting various investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), across Indonesian regions. The delegation also used the opportunity to learn about Liuzhou's success as an industrial city that manages to be at the forefront of environmental and cultural preservation.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun when meeting Mayor Zhang Zhuang stated that there is a balance among economic growth, environment and culture in Liuzhou, where the manufacturing industry is global but the environment remains green.
Liuzhou is the number one industrial city in Guangxi. The city excels in manufacturing, high technology, import-export and creative industries. Interestingly, of the four million inhabitants in Liuzhou, 35 percent have used electric vehicles.
In commemorating the 77th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia this year, the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow held a fashion show that presented a talented young Indonesian designer, Adrie Basuki. He was the first winner of the Fashion Designer Competition – Jakarta Fashion Week 2022 in Moscow, Russia on August 18, 2022.
In his first performance abroad, Adrie Basuki also introduced his collaborative work with the legendary Indonesian shoe brand, Buccheri.
The fashion show entitled Independence Fashion Show "Sustainable Fashion, Empowering Women" featuring 22 ready-to-wear collections from Adrie Basuki presented by professional models from Russia. This activity was held by carrying the concept of an outdoor show at the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow. This park is a historic park that was once the location for the celebration of the birthday of the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Ir. Soekarno in 1960, which was also attended by the then Prime Minister of Russia, Nikita Kruschev.
Adrie Basuki is a new talent in Indonesian fashion who has the characteristic of combining traditional Indonesian wastra fabrics with various elements and modern touches that are in line with current trends, carrying the DNA brand "proud of Indonesian Fabric, Sustainable Process and Empowering Women".
Adrie Basuki said that the collection presented for the show in Moscow was specially prepared for approximately 3 months by exploring 4 types of Indonesian woven fabrics, namely: Baduy, Lurik, Jepara and Makassar weave.
The fashion show received a standing ovation from 152 invited fashion lovers. The guests who attended were members of the International Women's Club Moscow (IWC), a leading social organization for expatriates in Moscow, Ambassadors, Ambassador's wives and female diplomats from friendly countries, journalists and fashion-loving Russian Friends of Indonesia.
The Independence Fashion Show "Sustainable Fashion, Empowering Women" was also followed by a special charity bazaar initiated by IWC in collaboration with Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow. All profits generated from the charity bazaar will be donated to a number of IWC social organization partners in need in Russia.
The diplomatic reception of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday afternoon (23/8) was held lively by performing various traditional Indonesian dances.The Indonesian embassy in its written statement received on Wednesday (24/8) stated that the event regarding commemoration of the 77th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, promoted art and culture through traditional Indonesian clothes worn by the staff of the Indonesian Embassy. Besides, there are Pencak Silat (martial art) performances, Sundanese music, and traditional dances, including the Jaipong dance and the Piring dance.
Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Hermono in his speech expressed hope that the cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia, both in the bilateral and regional context through ASEAN, can continuously contribute positively to peace, stability and prosperity in the Southeast Asian region in the future. He also expressed his appreciation for the good cooperation of both countries regarding the distribution facility of 400 thousand items of logistical assistance for Indonesian citizens in Malaysia, as well as distributing medical equipment assistance to Indonesia in the context of recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, Ambassador Hermono hoped that the role of Indonesia's chairmanship at the G20 with the theme "Recover Together Recover Stranger" could strengthen the world's economic recovery and resolve various conflicts in the region and global issues, and could encourage sustainable world economic growth. He further said that Indonesia in ASEAN in 2023 can achieve similar achievements, including in particular through the role of ASEAN Centrality. The event was also attended by 500 invitees from various circles in Malaysia, including Minister of Housing and Local Government Dato' Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, two officials representing the Government Malaysia, namely the Prefect of the People's Council Azhar Azizan Harun and Deputy Ministers in the Prime Ministerial Positions Hal Ehwal Sabah and Sarawak Hajah Hanifah Hajar Taib, and several ambassadors and diplomatic corps from ASEAN countries and other countries.
Ecosystem service for electric vehicles will be improved in Klungkung, Bali. This is in line with the fossil fueled vehicle transformation effort to the eco-friendly electric ones.
This was stated by Regent og Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, when testing the EV to be used by the heads of states participating in the G20 conference. Some 400 zero-emission Evs are prepared for the G20 in November 2022.
Suwirta said that the mass use of EV is a government effort in reducing carbon emission in transportation. EV will help overcome climate change and global warming.
Suwirta added that the government keeps encouraging the use of mass EV in Indonesia. One of which is the Presidential Regulation No. 55 / 2019 about the Battery-based Electric Vehicle Program Acceleration for Land Transportation.
State-owned power company PLN Klungkung Unit has the Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Here, people can charge their EV battery by using the smartphone app.
He mentioned that the Indonesian fuel consumption is around 1.2 million barrels per day and contributes to 27 percent of carbon emission or around 157 million ton of CO2. The use of EV can reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emission.
According to Suwirta, Indonesia has the potential to make EV because the technology and components are simpler than the conventional vehicle. Indonesia has the potential to produce batteries with support of nickel mineral mines as battery raw material.
Currently, the Indonesia Battery Holding is being made to process nickel products from the upstream to the downstream until it becomes an EV battery.
The Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa exhibited some products and culture of Indonesia at a diplomatic reception in commemoration of the 77th anniversary of Indonesian Independence on 22 August 2022. On that occasion, various products made by Indonesian companies were showcased, including from PT Indofood Sukses Makmur which displayed its excellent products, Indomie, Kalbe Farma with Woods Cogh Syrup, and PT Pulau Sambu with Kara coconut milk.
The reception was held at the Pretoria Country Club and attended by invitees from the central and provincial government officials of South Africa, diplomatic circles, defense attaches, Indonesian honorary consuls, academicians, as well as the South African business people and Friends of Indonesia. Indonesia's Ad Interim Charge d'Affaires in Pretoria, Victor J. Sambuaga in his remarks conveyed that the moment of celebrating the 77th Indonesian Independence Day this year was grateful to the God's grace because of the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by all countries in the world, including Indonesia and South Africa.
Besides Indonesian products, the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria at the diplomatic reception of the Indonesian Independence Day also promoted Indonesian traditional cultures. One of them was the Klana Topeng dance from Yogyakarta, performed by traditional dancer Anton Prabowo.
Meanwhile, the political functionary of the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria, Fawzan Irchamsyah hoped that the excitement of the celebration of Indonesia's independence day could also be felt by the partners of the Indonesian government, particularly those who are in Pretoria. The celebration is a stimulus for all people to be able to quickly rise and become stronger and give birth to a new spirit in a bid to strengthen relations between Indonesia and other friendly countries.
Deputy Minister of Transport for South Africa, Lydia Sindisiwe Chikunga, who attended as the guest of honor at the reception, congratulated the Republic of Indonesia on the 77th independence day and hoped that the close relations of both countries could run well and continuously.
The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi carried out a massive promotion of Indonesia in Kenya through one of the best television stations in the country, the Kenya Television Network (KTN TV). Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya, Mohamad Hery Saripudin in his social network Monday (22/8) said, the promotion of Indonesia this time is the inaugural program of the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi which is carried out visually in collaboration with Kenya television.
Ambassador Hery said, KTN TV will broadcast a series of programs about Indonesia in various aspects, such as culinary, interviews with government officials and Indonesian businesspeople as well as virtual excursions to show Indonesia's cultural diversity. He added, the promotional activities are a series of efforts to improve relations between the two countries after the establishment of the Kenyan Embassy in Jakarta which was inaugurated directly by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kenya, Raychelle Omamo on 17 March 2022.
So far, KTN TV has broadcasted 2 Indonesian promotional episodes in the "What's Your Story" program every Saturday at 06.00 pm East Africa Time. The first episode of the Indonesian promotional program titled "Inside Indonesia Capital City Jakarta: Street Foods, People and all You Need to Know" aired on August 6 and the second episode titled "Indonesia's Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan Explains Kenya–Indonesia Trade Relations" aired on August 20. Both episodes can still be watched again via the KTN YouTube channel Home.
In one of the episodes of the Indonesian promotional program on KTN TV, the Charge d'Affaires (CDA) of the Kenyan Embassy in Jakarta Onkoba and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kenya, Moi Lemoshira wished the Indonesian government and people a happy Independence Day of Republic of Indonesia.
Acting the Information, Social and Cultural Function of the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, Sabriana Jayaputri, who participated in overseeing the TV program, hopes that the virtual promotions that are broadcast regularly on Kenya television can attract the interest of young Kenyans and other countries in the East African region to continue their studies in Kenya. Indonesia, including through various scholarship offers submitted on the social media of the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi. Furthermore, the promotion program for Indonesia through the Kenyan television station is also expected to further enhance youth cooperation and public relations between the two countries.
Along with the commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 2022, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan also commemorates the 55th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN. On that occasion, the Indonesian Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Mochamad Fadjroel Rachman explained the importance of collaboration of all countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to answer the various challenges that exist, and increase achievements and growth in the region. Quoting the Antara News Agency report on Saturday (20/8), in his statement, Ambassador Fadjroel Rachman said ASEAN's important role in shaping peace and development in the region has turned Southeast Asia into one of the fastest growing economic regions.
Fadjroel Rachman also conveyed that the 55th anniversary of ASEAN proved that ASEAN is increasingly relevant to overcome common challenges in the form of a pandemic, global economic downturn, recession and inflation. These challenges become relevant in strengthening ASEAN's centrality in the formation of regional order. He also stated Indonesia's readiness to hold the mandate of the ASEAN Chair in 2023.
According to him, increasing the relevance of ASEAN to regional and world progress has become Indonesia's priority in Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023.
The 55th anniversary of ASEAN at the Indonesian Embassy in Nur-Sultan was attended by ambassadors of ASEAN member countries in Kazakhstan including Thai Ambassador Chatchawan Sakornsin, Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Thai Nhu Mai, Charge d'Affaires ad interim Malaysia M. Badli Adam, as well as representatives of the ASEAN Committee in the Nur-Sultan Working Group and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
Indonesian Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium, Teten Masduki stated that the quality of local products for medical devices is getting better if compared with imported ones. He stated this after attending the “Facilitation for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Medical Devices Production” event in Solo, Central Java on Saturday (20/8). He also said that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are able to supply the needs of domestic medical devices as well as substitute for imported products.
Furthermore, he calls for everyone to equalize the perception between the needs of the industry and the supply chain provided by business actors. Thus, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises can be directedto produce medical equipment with simple technology, for example, to produce syringes.
According to Minister Teten Masduki, the procurement of government spending in the country has been very good. A number of medical devices that have entered the procurement of goods at the Ministry of Health are from the production of micro businesses. He further stated that his side will develop research which can be used for medical device development in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture. This will be done through a matching fund program that finances research and development of joint research on campuses, and its products are made by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Moreover, Minister Teten Masduki gave his appreciation to the Ministry of Health that had organized the “Facilitation for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Medical Devices Production” event. He emphasized that this activity would further encourage collaborative action and cross-sectoral synergy, especially in relation with President Joko Widodo's directive to increase the absorption of domestic products and reduce imported ones.
He reminded that the government has determined that 40 percent of government spending must absorb the products of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and cooperatives.The Central Statistics Agency estimates that if that figure is spent, it will increase employment by around two million people and economic growth by 1.85 percent.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that so far, about 50-60 percent of medical devices and medicines have come from imported products. He asked for any medical products that can be produced domestically not to be bought from abroad again. If 20 percent of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises make medical equipment, it will really help the domestic economy.
Rector of Muhammadiyah University (Unismuh) Makassar, South Sulawesi, Prof. Ambo Asse received a visit from the United States Cultural Attache, Emily Yasmin Norris accompanied by Rendy Darsonoaji as Alumni Coordinator of the Jakarta Embassy and Chendani Budhi as Chendani as US Education Advisor for Makassar.
In her statement in Makassar last Saturday, August 20, Emily Yasmin Norris revealed that her visit was aimed at monitoring the US Education Cooperation and its partners in Indonesia. The cooperation activities in the form of training, workshops, coaching and mentoring have been carried out since 2018 between Unismuh Makassar and US Education.
In addition, the US diplomat wants to expand opportunities for Unismuh students and lecturers to study in the U.S. A.
Emily added that her side opens wide opportunities for the Unismuh Makassar academic community to access the information offered, including e-libraries for research needs.
Prof. Ambo Asse welcomed the invitation. It is very open to encourage students and lecturers to continue their education to the United States. He also introduced that Unismuh has 7 faculties and 1 postgraduate program, and has 50 study programs.
Deputy Rector I, Dr Abd Rakhim Nanda remarked that Unismuh also manages international classes in several study programs. This year, they foster 6 international students from Thailand, Malaysia, and Palestine.
Dr. Rakhim also stated that Unismuh is ready if the United States Embassy wants to open an American Corner in Makassar.
Hearing this response, Prof. Emily was very happy. She hopes that the collaboration with Unismuh Makassar can continue and grow.