VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian government has invited Brazil to invest in Indonesia's agriculture sector, especially in the development of the sugar industry.

Possible investment in sugar has become one point of discussion between Indonesian Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman and his Brazilian counterpart, Tereza Cristina, in Jakarta, on Monday.

Sulaiman said, as the world's largest sugar producer Brazil could invest and transfer its technology, especially in the field of sugar processing.

"We discussed issues about sugar plants. Brazil's Agriculture Minister has said she would be open to sharing experiences in sugar processing and ready to help Indonesia. We know that Brazil is the world's largest sugar producer. They are eager to transfer their knowledge to Indonesia," Sulaiman said.

In addition to the sugar industry, the government has also asked Brazil to open its market for Indonesian agriculture products, such as mangosteen and salak (snake fruit).

"They have opened the chance for us to export six types of strategic commodities.There is no limitation on which commodities could be exported to Brazil," he added.

During the meeting, the two ministers agreed that Brazil would accept exports of Indonesian commodities, such as snake fruit, swallow bird's nests, and pineapple, along with other commodities.

"The most important thing is that our agricultural products will be accepted. Up until now, Indonesian exports to Brazil had touched US$0.3 billion per year, most of it contributed by palm oil," he said.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Agriculture Minister has asked Indonesia to open its market to the country's beef exports.

Responding to the request, Sulaiman said that the government would have to consider the issue of food security before it decided to import Brazilian beef. (ANTARA)

This year, Indonesia and India are celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. As independent countries, 70 years of the relation is a very long period and this is a good time for both countries to see what has been done in the 70 years and what can be done in the next 70 years. In addition, due to many similarities, there are many opportunities that both countries can do in the coming years. 

“In terms of possibilities, because India and Indonesia, we have many similarities like diversity, the plural character of our society, the character of our economy, both countries having very strong agriculture. So since our challenges are very similar, there are no limitations in terms of the area where we can work together,” the Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Pradeep Kumar Rawat on the sidelines of a joint iftar and an Islamic photo exhibition of India-Indonesia organized by the Indian Embassy and Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic organization in Jakarta on Friday (17/05).

Pradeep Kumar Rawat further said in the field of science and technology, the two countries have the same challenge, namely how to meet the requirement of digital economy such as industry 4.0 and cyber technology. (VOI / AHM)

The Indian Embassy in Jakarta with Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, held a joint iftar initiated with a photo exhibition themed Shared Islamic Heritage of India and Indonesia at Nahdlatul Ulama Head Office, Jakarta, Friday (17/05). This activity was held to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia. Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Pradeep Kumar Rawat said the exhibition aimed to show the young generation about the Islamic tradition in India.

"We are trying to do the young generation, which mean not know much about it, through this photo exhibition, can learn more about the Islamic tradition in India," said Pradeep Kumar Rawat.

Meanwhile, General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Prof. Dr. Said Aqil Sirad in his remarks said India and Indonesia had many commonalities in terms of the traditions of Islam. Said Aqil added that India and Indonesia had a long history in terms of the spreading of Islam because, in the past, many Indian Islamic scholars came to Indonesia to spread Islam.

The photo Indian Indonesian Islamic exhibition which displays the rich of Islamic heritage in India was jointly inaugurated by Indian Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat and General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Prof. Dr. Said Aqil Sirad. This photo exhibition is open to the public until May 24, 2019. Attending the event were several Ambassadors from diplomatic corps based in Jakarta, along with dignitaries from NU and a large number of students from several universities in Jakarta. The iftar was also highlighted with a special musical performance by a Sufi Qawwali Group led by Sarfaraz Chisty from India.(VOI / AHM)

The Government has unveiled the Indonesian Islamic Economics Masterplan (MEKSI) 2019-2024, which recommended four strategic steps with the goal of Indonesia becoming a major producer in the global halal industry by 2024.

National Development Planning Minister / Head of National Development Planning Agency Bambang Brodjonegoro, said at a press conference here on Tuesday that Indonesia is currently among the top ten global consumers in the sharia industry.

This is ironic, because Indonesia, which, in fact, is a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, is still a consumer country. However, on the other hand, Indonesia is still struggling to become a producer of halal products.

With the existence of the MEKSI, Indonesia is expected to become a major producer within the global halal industry.

"With this master plan, we hope that Indonesia can become a major player and producer in the global halal industry by 2024," Bambang said.

For this reason, Bambang recommends four strategies, including strengthening the value chain of halal products, with a focus on sectors that are considered potential and highly competitive.

"Especially in potential sectors, such as food and beverages, tourism, fashion, media and recreation, as well as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics," he said.

Furthermore, it is necessary to strengthen the Islamic financial sector with a master plan that was outlined in the previous Indonesian Sharia Financial Architecture (MAKSI) Masterplan and refined into this master plan. Sharia economic development will be prioritized in the retail sector.

In addition, the strengthening of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is the main driver of the halal product value chain.

The fourth step includes strengthening the field of digital economics, especially trade (e-commerce, market place) and finance (financial technology), to encourage and accelerate the reaching of other strategies.

"Halal products and services will be added to 'e-commerce' (e-commerce). We will work with several 'e-commerce' platforms," he said.

Through this master plan, the government also encourages public awareness, increasing the quantity and quality of human resources, along with strengthening research and development capacity, fatwas, regulations and governance of the halal industry in Indonesia.

"We can change our position from being only consumers to becoming producers. Indonesia is very fortunate," he said.

Bambang continued, noting that the benefit will be reached when Indonesia becomes a producer in the halal industry and improves the current account deficit. So far, imports of halal products have also been the cause of the current account deficit.

"This can also improve the current account deficit. Most consumption is still consumed from abroad, so we need reinforcement on all sides, both from the supply chain and so on," he said. (ANTARA)