VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Environment & Forestry Ministry's Directorate for Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation is ready to continue tree planting simultaneously across Indonesia until April 2024.Minister of Environment & Forestry, Siti Nurbaya while accompanying Vice President Ma'ruf Amin to lead the simultaneous planting in Banten Province, Sunday, said that the tree planting was carried out as a concrete step to overcome climate change, restore the environment, and support the acceleration of forest and land rehabilitation. Regarding simultaneous planting in Banten, according to Minister Siti Nurbaya, this activity was a series of the simultaneous planting agenda which has been implemented since December 30, 2023, and will continue from February to April 2024 The planting locations consist of open areas, such as green open spaces, and land that needs to be restored, environmental areas or school grounds, public facility areas, and others. This activity is also expanded to keep planting at previous planting locations through the active participation of the community and related parties in all regions The tree seeds are types that suit local agro-climatic conditions, such as wood tree seeds, non-timber forest product (NTFP) producers, fruit, and multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) Minister Siti Nurbaya also revealed that the tree planting location in Banten Province is critical land which is the government's target for restoring environmental quality.She added that this activity is in accordance with the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo to keep planting throughout the 2023-2024 rainy season. According to Minister Siti Nurbaya, trees have the ability to absorb carbon effectively enough to withstand the impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, tree planting activities are part of a commitment to reduce emissions from the forestry sector and other land uses. This is in accordance with national policies in the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to control climate change (Indonesia's FoLU Net Sink 2030).

Garut is not only well-known for its typical fruit, Garut Orange, but also popular for its stunning panoramic beach, namely Santolo Beach. This beach is located in Cikelet District, Garut Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Santolo Beach, which was originally a gathering place for fishermen, has been developed into a beautiful tourism destination. It is also an area for fishing activities as a dock for fishing boats in Pameungpeuk. Enjoying panoramic views of the beach and marine life is one of the tourist activities that can be explored.There are also boat rentals available that serve tourists to enjoy the beach's quite challenging southern waves. Besides, they can enjoy fresh seafood in the form of simple dishes. For logistics and accommodation, several facilities are available for tourists, such as guesthouses and souvenir stalls. Santolo Beach is situated at an altitude of 0-200 meters above sea level.In the past, Santolo Beach was known as Cilauteureun Beach. Europeans, especially the Dutch, who came to this region had difficulty pronouncing the name Cilauteureun. Then, Europeans pronounced the word, Cilauteureun with the word Santolo. Santolo Beach once functioned as a pier to transport spices to large ships in the middle of the sea during Dutch ruling. Therefore, the coastal area has many Dutch heritage buildings built around 1850.

The conflict in Sudan between the Army of Sudan and armed groups is still ongoing since it broke out in April 2023. In the midst of the unconducive situation in Sudan, the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum is attempting to strengthen relations with the Friends of Indonesia, particularly Indonesian alumni in Sudan. One of them was by receiving a friendly visit from Doctor Isam Eldeen Ibrahim, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Red Sea University in Port Sudan. His visit on Friday (12/1) was received by the Indonesian Ambassador to Sudan, Sunarko at the temporary office of the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum in Port Sudan. Isam Eldeen Ibrahim is an alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, who completed his master & studies at Gajah Mada University in 2008. As quoted by the official statement of the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum, the visit aimed at fostering a sense of brotherhood and friendship among the people and academician circles in Sudan, who currently play an important role in the fields of higher education and government. According to the statement, the meeting was full of a sense of kinship and friendship. During the meeting, Ambassador Sunarko exchanged views on the education situation in Sudan, especially amidst the ongoing armed conflict. Meanwhile, according to Isam Eldeen, he has a positive impression and very deep experience regarding Indonesian society, with its rich culture. Friends of Indonesia is an inclusive organization consisting of diaspora and friends of Indonesia that introduces, promotes and displays Indonesia in many countries.