VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Chilean government, as the host of APEC 2019, stressed to APEC economic members that multilateral cooperation is needed now more than ever amid global uncertainty.

This was noted in a written statement issued by the APEC Secretariat and received in Jakarta, Saturday.

Regional and global threats need multilateral responses that APEC can lead, Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Roberto Ampuero stated while addressing a delegation of prominent individuals from the government, business, and academia charged with helping to shape the multilateral forum’s post-2020 vision.

"The challenges that we face, such as stagnant growth, cyberattacks, natural disasters, terrorism, and marine debris, are not nestled within the limits of our borders," Ampuero remarked when the group met in Santiago, Chile, earlier this week.

"As the challenges often involve multiple economies or regions, they require a global and multilateral response," he added.

Ampuero argued that the 21 economies of the Pacific Rim can build on its collaborative successes, such as supporting trade facilitation to advocating for lowering tariffs on environmental goods and leading more efficient travel for businesses in the region, in planning for the future.

APEC’s economic growth and trade trajectory have outpaced the rest of the world since 2008. The region’s forecast of a 3.9 percent growth remains rosier than the outlook for global growth, partly due to strong regional integration.

Ampuero further noted that APEC has been a fundamental pillar of development, and it will continue to be so. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the forum.

Ampuero also described APEC’s goal of free and open trade and investment as "only a means to an end" with "balanced and equitable economic growth" as the end goal.

"To achieve this goal, strengthen fora that encourage collaboration. We should fight against the concerning trends that are countering multilateralism precisely at a time when multilateral cooperation is needed more than ever," he noted. (ANTARA)

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) urged Indonesian millennials to remain cautious in terms of their and other people`s safety while driving cars and motorbikes by respecting and implementing all traffic rules and regulations.

"Hence, if you want to ride your motorcycle, please check first its headlight. Also, make sure that it has a pair of mirrors, and before riding it, you have worn your helmet," he told attendees of a Millennial Road Safety Festival in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Saturday.

At the festival, attended by several thousand people, particularly millennials, the incumbent president also warned car drivers and motorcyclists throughout the country to avoid using their smartphones while driving.

"Using cellular phones while driving is so dangerous. Hence, please avoid using our hand-held phones (while driving) because our parents and family members are waiting for us at home. Please, be careful while driving," Jokowi suggested.

Respecting the traffic rules and regulations was also deemed necessary for road safety, as road accidents were recorded to be the fifth leading cause of death in the world after illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, he pointed out.

To this end, Jokowi urged the drivers to pay serious attention to road safety to prevent them and others from getting involved in road accidents.

As part of the Millennial Road Safety Festival`s programs, an art performance was also showcased to welcome the president and his entourage.

At the same time, several attendees also showcased Batik clothing that they had displayed along Palembang City`s iconic Ampera Bridge in their endeavor to draw the president`s attention.

They also called out the president`s nickname, Jokowi, in the hopes of being granted the opportunity to take selfies with him on the sidelines of the event, which was also attended by First Lady Iriana Jokowi, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, and South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru.(ANTARA)

President Joko Widodo handed over 814 waqf certificates or endowment at the Istiqlal Mosque in Bandarjaya sub-district, Central Lampung, during his working visit to Lampung Province on Friday afternoon (8/3). Before the local people who were present, the President said that land conflicts occur in many regions because without a certificate as proof of ownership. He claimed to have ordered related agencies to immediately complete land certification so that the agrarian conflict could be resolved within the country.

"This is why I ordered the minister. This waqf land must be settled. If not, it will be troubled later. The land has become a mosque or Madrasah school, but this is disputed. Who is shy? We are all. But if you have a certificate like now, this is legal proof of land. It's clear; there's no problem. That’s why in all provinces, we speed up land certificates, especially the waqf land," said Joko Widodo.

Furthermore, President Joko Widodo advised the community not to be easily informed by false issues that spread widely among the people. He hopes that community and religious leaders can straighten out hoaxes that can create unrest among the people. Some of the slanders that have been circulating lately include the issue of banning the Adzan, the legalization of the same genders’ marriage as well as the criminalization of Ulama. (Ndy)

Health Minister Nila Moeloek received the Holmes Lecture Award 2019 from the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) for her contribution to global health development and supporting eye health care programs in the Asia-Pacific region.
APAO President Charles N. J. McGhee stated in the Ministry of Health`s press statement received in Jakarta on Thursday (7/3) that Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology acknowledges the active role and contribution of Moeloek, including members of the Board Maternal, New Born and Child Health WHO, members of the WHO Executive Board, and members of the Board Eat Forum.
In addition, Moeloek was viewed as being successful in encouraging increased access to health services in remote areas and islands.
She expressed hope that the performance of the Indonesian health minister would serve as an inspiration for all APAO members in the Asia-Pacific Region.
On the occasion of meeting with the APAO Board, Minister of Health Moeloek expressed gratitude to APAO for the award bestowed in recognition of their dedication and performance, so far. However, the minister of health stated that the award was not for herself but for the public and Government of Indonesia.//Antara