VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo answered the request of a number of ‘’98 activists at the 98 National Activists Meeting on Saturday, July 7th in Jakarta. A number of requests were made regarding the establishment of a national hero entitle for a number of students who were victims of the 1998 reform movement. Responding to the request, President Joko Widodo said he would follow up the proposal with the relevant parties. He said that 98 reformation has become part of the history of Indonesian nation that gave birth to freedom of expression, democracy and openness. Jokowi also hopes that in the current era of openness, all parties can use it to contribute to the progress of the nation.

“Regarding the title as a national hero or Bintang Jasa (honorary medal). It will soon be followed up and I will also pass it on to all 98 activists. Therefore it is a marker that 98 has opened the greatest space for freedom of expression, a more democratic society, freedom of the press. I think we should have a marker that the era is the beginning of an era of openness, and an era of freedom in our country. And we hope that in the long term it will give a space to contribute to our nation and people, President Joko Widodo said.

In addition to setting the national hero title for students who died in the 98  incident, the 98th National Consultative Council also requested that the 7th of July be commemorated as the Day of Unity in Diversity. They also asked President Joko Widodo to thoroughly investigate the human rights violations that have occurred. The activists also expressed their commitment to keep the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia from the threat of intolerance, radicalism and terrorism and reject the use of ethnicity, religion and race issues in political practice in Indonesia. The activists are also committed to continuing the 98 reformation struggle against the practice of corruption, collusion and nepotism in the state. (VOI/Ndy/DP)

President Joko Widodo confirmed to have pocketed the name of his companion candidate for presidential and vice-presidential candidate for 2019-2024 period. It was delivered after attending the closing ceremony of the National Conference of ‘’98 Activists on Saturday, July 7th in Jakarta. On the occasion, Jokowi also expressed the hope that all parties can hold back until the right time for the announcement of the name of the vice presidential candidate who will accompany him in the 2019 presidential election.

“At the right moment we will announce. Just wait, for the right time. I already have and it will be announced,” President Joko Widodo said.

Meanwhile, responding to the vetting discourse of Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, President Joko Widodo said he appreciated the plan. Jokowi said, the addition of candidates for presidential candidates and vice presidential candidates who will fight in the 2019 presidential election will increasingly provide opportunities for people to exercise their right to vote based on their respective choices. Election Commission will open the registration forpresidential and vice presidential candidates for 2019 presidential election on August 4 to 10, 2018. The commission is scheduled to appoint Presidential Candidate 2019 on September 20th which will be followed by the start of legislative election and presidential campaign process on  September 23rd. (VOI/Ndy/DP)

Singaporean Consul General in Medan, North Sumatra, Mark Low ended his six-year term in Medan. He is succeeded by the new Consul General, Richard Grosse. The farewell-welcome event of Singaporean Consul General took place in Medan, North Sumatra on Thursday. In his speech, Mark Low said that during his six-year assignment in Medan, he witnessed the intensive development in this city, especially the airport. He is optimistic that Richard Groose has good ideas on how to improve cooperation between Singapore and North Sumatra. Mark Low will return to Singapore, and he will serve as Consul General of Singapore in Batam.

“For me, this six-year term is very pleasant in Medan. With the new Consul General, Richard will bring new ideas and ways of working to make this relationship better,” Mark Low said.

Meanwhile, representing North Sumatera Governor, North Sumatra Province's Economic Development Assistant, Ibnu Sri Hutomo expressed his gratitude for the good relationship developed by the government of Singapore and North Sumatra administration as well the people of North Sumatra. Ibnu is optimistic that the relationship will be better in the future. (KBRN/Dewi/Trans by Rhm)

Russia and Indonesia are two friendly countries with a long history of relationships in various fields, including politics. Relations between the two countries have been in existence for more than six decades. At that time, the Russian Federation Republic was called the Soviet Union. In the political sphere, the Russian Federation shows its close relationship with Indonesia through its full support to Indonesia in the election of UN Security Council members period 2019-2020. The Russian Federation expects Indonesia to be able to properly implement its foreign policy agenda through the UNSC. This was conveyed by the Russian Federation Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobieva in her speech at the Russian National Day in Jakarta, Friday evening, July 6th.

“Russia in Indonesia have a long history of relationship, through this strictly based on friendship, mutual understanding and the dialogue. As the natural demonstration about perfect political relationship was Russia support to Indonesia to be elected as non permanent member of UN Security Council for the period of 2019-2020. We councily congratulate Indonesia on this victory and wish all success in implementing its political agenda in the framework of international manifestion. Indonesia is one of main partner in the Asia Pacific region and among ASEAN Countries,” Lyudmila Vorobieva said.

On the same occasion Ambassador Vorobieva also congratulated Indonesia that will host the 2018 Asian Games in August. According to her, the 2018 Asian Games has significance for Russia because the main activities will be performed at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium, Jakarta which was built by the Soviet Union from the special request of First President Sukarno in 1962. Ambassador Vorobieva also thanked the presence of one of President Soekarno's daughter, Rachmawati Soekarnoputri in the event. (VOI/Rezha/DP)