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 Singapore bestowed the Adinata Award to Professor Tommy Koh in Singapore on Saturday, August 17th. As reported by the official website of the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryopratomo, conveyed the Adinata Award to Professor Tommy Koh for his significant contributions to improving bilateral relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Singapore. Professor Koh actively writes and speaks at various forums on ASEAN and other important issues. Singapore respects and appreciates individuals and organizations that make substantial contributions to the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Singapore. According to Ambassador Suryopratomo, the Adinata Award serves as a reminder to continue contributing and to inspire others to do the same, thereby further strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Professor Tommy Koh expressed his highest appreciation for the award given to him. He expressed hope that Indonesia's economy will continue to advance, that peace and harmony will persist, and that Indonesia will remain committed to ASEAN and play a leadership role within the organization. Professor Tommy Koh has been an Ambassador-at-large at the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1990 and is also a Professor of Law at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He is well known both domestically and internationally as a skilled negotiator and seasoned diplomat.
Moreover, Tommy Koh played a major role in the establishment of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), alongside former Indonesian Foreign Minister Mochtar Kusumaatmadja. UNCLOS is particularly significant for Indonesia, given its status as an archipelagic nation. Since 2021, the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore has presented the Adinata Award as a form of appreciation to Singaporean entities or figures who have made significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Singapore in various sectors.
Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Indonesia, Mohamed Trabelsi, in Jakarta, expressed his desire to foster diplomacy between Tunisia and Indonesia, especially through jazz music. This statement was made during the 2024 FreedomsJazz Festival held at Auditorium Abdulrahman Saleh RRI, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (17/8/2024).
Mohamed Trabelsi revealed that he had discussed the potential of collaborating with Tunisia with the Head of Voice of Indonesia RRI, Soleman Yusuf. According to Trabelsi, his association would be very pleased to improve musical ties between Tunisia and Indonesia, be it through exchanging programs, creating a collaboration program for music, and so forth.
Moreover, Mohamed Trabelsi explained that Tunisia has a long history and tradition of jazz music. He added that many famous jazz singers visited Tunisia to perform jazz music, including Dizzy Gillespie and Al Jarreau.
On this occasion, Mohamed Trabelsi also expressed his admiration towards Indra Aziz's jazz performance at the 2024 FreedomsJazz Festival. Indra Aziz performed a song called "A Night in Tunisia", originally sung by Dizzy Gillespie during the Second World War, with a mesmerizing jazz atmosphere.
The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, in collaboration with the Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Kampala, Uganda, organized the 39th Trade Expo Indonesia to attract buyers and foster business connections. Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya, Mohamad Hery Saripudin, highlighted that this year's event is particularly special due to the inclusion of a seminar, business meetings, and the promotion of educational cooperation. These elements reflect the embassy's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Uganda.
In a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi received in Jakarta on Friday (August 16), Ambassador Saripudin emphasized Uganda's significant potential as a trade, investment, and educational partner for Indonesia in the African region.
The Expo also served as a platform to promote higher education in Indonesia. The Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta participated online, offering scholarship programs and educational partnerships to prospective Ugandan students.
Rendra Kusumawardana, the Economic Functionary at the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, noted that most of the products sought by Ugandan entrepreneurs were available at the Trade Expo Indonesia. If Ugandan businesses require additional suitable partners, the Embassy and Expo organizers are prepared to facilitate these connections.
The promotional event aimed to introduce the Expo as Indonesia's largest trade exhibition to Ugandan entrepreneurs, allowing them to explore superior Indonesian products and establish business collaborations.
The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi also used this opportunity to present prospects for pursuing higher education in Indonesia to Ugandan citizens, whether independently or through scholarship programs.
The TEI event attracted nearly 100 Ugandan entrepreneurs from various sectors, including food and beverages, agriculture, household goods, automotive, and defense industries. According to the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, the Expo promotion received a positive response and is expected to strengthen Indonesia-Uganda trade and investment relations while opening new opportunities for both countries in the long term.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne, Australia, and Festival Indonesia Inc. will once again host Festival Indonesia 2024 to promote Indonesian culture and natural potential, as well as to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia. Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Melbourne, Kuncoro Giri Waseso, in a release received by Antara on Tuesday (13/8), highlighted that Festival Indonesia is an annual event eagerly anticipated by Melbourne residents. This event represents a synergy between the community and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Melbourne. The success of Festival Indonesia 2023 was marked by the breaking of the world record for flash mobs.
Kuncoro Giri Waseso further mentioned that Festival Indonesia received an extraordinary reception, with 5,000 visitors from all corners of Melbourne last year. The success of the 2023 Indonesian Festival was particularly notable for breaking the world record for the Tor-Tor Dance flash mob with the most participants abroad, approximately 1,200 participants, who together filled Argyle Square to dance Tor-Tor. He expressed hope that Festival Indonesia, which will be held on October 6, 2024, will attract 6,000 visitors, including members of the Indonesian diaspora and local Melbourne residents from various nationalities.
According to the Chairman of the Indonesian Festival Committee, Celyanda Goeltom, this year's festival, themed “Knitting Culture and Growth of Eastern Indonesia,” will showcase the natural potential of Eastern Indonesia, particularly the regions of Maluku, Papua, and East Nusa Tenggara. This aligns with the Indonesian Government's "The New Bali" program. The Indonesian Festival will take place at Argyle Square and will feature cultural performances such as dances, pencak silat, and music.
In addition to the festival, there will be a Business Forum on October 3 to explore investment opportunities in Eastern Indonesia, and an Indonesian Night at the Melbourne City Conference Center on October 4, which will feature musical theater from Eastern Indonesia. The Indonesian Festival Committee will also organize "FI Goes to School," an activity that involves visiting schools in Melbourne and surrounding areas from October 7-11. The event will also offer a variety of traditional culinary dishes and drinks from the archipelago, such as es cendol, es campur, nasi campur, rendang, and satay.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Sydney, Australia in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Music and Infinity Health, organized a music night entitled “Indonesia Music Night” as an effort to strengthen 75 years of diplomatic relations. Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia Sydney, Vedi Kurnia Buana through an official statement received by Antara in Jakarta on Thursday (15/8) pointed out that this music night is one of the best manifestations of strong ties among communities of both countries. The music performance which was also held to celebrate the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, took place at the Australian Institute of Music amphitheater. The event was attended by students, alumni, staff and friends of the Australian Institute of Music and friends of the Australian Institute of Music in Australia. The celevration of the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia took place at the Australian Institute of Music amphitheater.
Consul-General Vedi also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Australian Institute of Music and Infinity Health for their dedication in strengthening Indonesia-Australia relations. He emphasized that music is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. Through music, the people of both countries can connect, understand, empathize and collaborate. The message was also conveyed by Famous Indonesian musicians who are alumni and partners of the Australian Institute of Music such as Indra Lesmana, Dwiki Dharmawan and I Wayan Balawan through video messages. They emphasized that music is a universal language that can unite parties from various backgrounds and become one of the soft diplomacy media that can open many opportunities for collaboration, create bridges between cultures and nations and strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.
Meanwhile, Head of Educational Engagement and Learning Australian Institute of Music, Julian Gough said that he was proud to be involved in the event and for the first time organized activities in the framework of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Australia. To support the promotion of Indonesia Spice Up the World, the event also presented a variety of Indonesian dishes, including klepon, pastel, layer cake, and risoles.
Indonesian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan concurrently with the Federated States of Micronesia, Heri Akhmadi, attended the inauguration ceremony for members of the Flag Raising Troop (Paskibraka) at the Indonesian Hall in Tokyo, Thursday (15/8).
According to an official statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, Ambassador Heri Akhmadi confirmed 12 female and 10 male members of the troop for the 79th Indonesia's Independence Day ceremony. Most of them are students from the Republic of Indonesia Tokyo School – SRIT, who come from various levels of education and backgrounds.
On that occasion, Ambassador Heri Akhmadi expressed his appreciation to the trainers for coaching the troop members. The Red-and-White Flag Raising Troop Team was trained by cadets from the Indonesian National Military Academy who are currently carrying out education at the National Defense Academy of Japan.
After the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Heri Akhmadi congratulated the 22 Flag Raising Troop members, who have gone through a strict selection and training process since July 2024.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has highlighted the crucial role of Indonesian students in Australia in strengthening the relationship between Indonesia and Australia.
Director of Pacific and Oceania Affairs at the Ministry, Adi Dzulfuat stated that Indonesian students in Australia play a significant role in fostering stronger ties between the two nations as they pursue their education, interact with Australian peers, and represent Indonesia's rich cultural heritage and values.
In a press release from the Indonesian Student Association in Australia obtained by Antara on Tuesday, it was mentioned that Dzulfuat's statement was delivered during his speech at the 9th International Indonesian Student Conference held by the Association on July 20 and 21, 2024.
The event, held at the Patricia O’Shane Building, Kensington Campus, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, featured speakers from three different professional dimensions.
Government officials were invited to share their expertise in policy-making and regulatory thinking. Academics and researchers were asked to present research-based insights, while industry practitioners shared their real-world experiences on industry growth.
In his opening remarks on the first day of the conference, President of the Indonesian Student Association, Wildan Ali noted that for 43 years, the Association has fostered a strong Indonesia-Australia relationship by creating a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and professional networking, empowering students to become influential advocates and build bridges between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams and Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Siswo Pramono delivered their opening speeches via video recordings. Both emphasized the importance of the conference as a strategic platform for exchanging ideas and knowledge among Indonesian students in a bid to address complex issues in Indonesia, and their role in strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival (ICAF) 2024 has been held at Titus Forum, Nordwestzentrum, Frankfurt, Germany, from Friday (9/8) to Sunday (11/8). The festival aimed at promoting Indonesia's rich arts and culture to the international public. The Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival 2024 was organized as part of Indonesia's 79th Independence Day celebrations, as well as to commemorate 72 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Germany.
As reported by the official statement of the Indonesian Consulate General in Frankfurt, ICAF 2024 was officially opened by the Indonesian Consul General in Frankfurt, Antonius Yudi Triantoro. In his opening remarks, Antonius has pointed out that the Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival features various cultural experiences and culinary adventures with the theme "Evoking the Beauty of Diversity". Antonius appreciated the performers who were specially brought in from Indonesia, as well as Indonesian arts and culture activists living in Germany and surrounding countries.
Moreover, at the opening ceremony of ICAF 2024, a series of traditional dance performances reflecting Indonesia's cultural heritage were presented. These included the Balinese Theater Dance "Anoman Duta" by the Wijaya Kesuma art group, the Tapanuli Tor Tor Dance by the Iramanda dance group, and the Enggang Dance from the Dayak tribe on the island of Kalimantan by Pesona Indonesia and Friends.
Meanwhile, the Sasando Band performance led by Father Vincent Adi Gunawan combined Indonesian and international songs with Sasando, ukulele and drum instruments. To conclude the ceremony, Reog Ponorogo presented a performance, complete with Singo Barong and Dadak Merak masks that reached 2 meters in height. Reog's presence in Frankfurt also supports Reog Ponorogo's nomination as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The opening of the Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival 2024 was also attended by consular representatives from various countries. After the opening ceremony, guests and invitees were invited to enjoy various exhibitions and bazaars featuring a variety of Indonesian handicrafts and culinary specialties. The Indonesian Consulate General in Frankfurt hopes that through the Indonesia Culture and Arts Festival, Indonesian culture will be increasingly recognized on the international stage, so that it can continue to encourage collaboration and strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Germany.
The year 2024 has been designated by ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and China as the ASEAN-China People's Exchanges Year to strengthen mutual exchanges and learning, enrich comprehensive strategic partnerships, and jointly build a peaceful, safe, prosperous and beautiful homeland. and comfortable.
Throughout this year, ASEAN and the Chinese Government, friendly non-governmental organizations, business communities and other entities are encouraged to jointly carry out exchanges and cooperation in the fields of youth, non-governmental, education, culture, tourism, media, science and technology.
As an implementation of this agreement, House of Cartoon mania (HOCA), an organization of cartoon activists and lovers in Indonesia, had the opportunity to visit the Cartoon Museum and Headquarters of the Guangdong Cartoonist Association (GDCA) in Guangdong City and visit several cities in several Chinese provinces.
The HOCA delegation was led by its founder, Yere Agusto (Denpasar) along with four cartoonist members: Tommy Thomdean (Jakarta), Gus Dark (Tabanan), Basuki (Hu Wie Tian-Medan), and Ika W Burhan (Bogor).
HOCA's visit on 15-24 July 2024 to China received support from several parties including the Chinese government, the South China Association for International Friendly Contact (SCAIFC) and the Sasthi Svara Foundation, a non-profit organization of the fields of arts, culture and MSMEs.
While in China, HOCA also visited places that are still rarely visited by international tourists, such as the Xinjiang Autonomous Region where the majority Uighur muslim community lives.
The main agenda for the HOCA and GDCA meeting is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding which has a term of three years and can be renewed. The MoU contains an agreement to become a strategic partner and exchange information on arts and culture, especially in the field of cartoons/comics.
The activities expected to be realized from the signing of this memorandum of understanding include creating cartoon contests and joint exhibitions, cartoonists from both countries can fill in the media in their respective countries, cooperation in making animated films, as well as exchange of cartoonists between the two countries.
It is hoped that with the various activities that will be carried out in the future, the friendship between Indonesian and Chinese cartoonists will become closer and stronger.
Indonesian Ambassador to Namibia, Wisnu Edi Pratignyo, during a series of visits in Angola, met with Angola's Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Carmen Sacramento Neto, on Thursday (25/7). They exchanged views on opportunities to work on bilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector. As quoted by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Windhoek on Friday (26/7), Ambassador Wisnu in his meeting with Minister Carmen pointed out that the Indonesian Government has provided development cooperation assistance grants in the form of inland fisheries training to friendly countries in Africa, including Angola. The training will increase the capacity of Angolan fisheries experts.
Realizing the positive benefits of the grant assistance, Minister Carmen decided to send two fisheries experts to attend the training held in September 2024.
Minister Carmen conveyed that fisheries training is very useful to improve expertise and create new experts in the field of fisheries. Furthermore, Minister Carmen also conveyed other areas of cooperation that can be worked on together with Indonesia, including the development of the aquaculture value chain and handling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
The fisheries cooperation between Indonesia and Namibia can be followed up through a memorandum of understanding. In addition, fisheries cooperation is also expected to be carried out between educational institutions or fisheries training centers. Ambassador Wisnu further explained that Indonesia welcomes and will immediately follow up on opportunities for fisheries cooperation with Angola. The Indonesian Embassy in Windhoek will coordinate with the Indonesian Honorary Consul in Angola to work on the cooperation.