VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo inaugurated the groundbreaking of coal downstreaming into dimethyl ether (DME) at Tanjung Enim Industrial Area in South Sumatera on Monday (24/1). The coal gasification is the result of the cooperation among PT Pertamina (Persero), PT Bukit Asam, and Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

In his remarks, the President said that through this project, Indonesia will reduce dependence on LPG import. He also remarked that until now LPG imports by Indonesia reaches Rp 80 trillion annually. Moreover, the government must subsidy LPG from Rp 60 trillion to Rp 70 trillion per year to make it affordable. Head of state believed that if coal gasification can operate, Indonesia may save Rp 7 trillion every year.

President Joko Widodo further affirmed that if Indonesia keeps importing LPG, only other countries will get the profit and new jobs. There will not be any investment so that jobs will not be created. Therefore, through this project, LPG import can be reduced. This will improve the current account balance that often experiences a deficit.

Meanwhile, Minister of Investment/Chairman of Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, Bahlil Lahadalia in his written statement explained that the investment for this project came from the US Air Products and Chemicals, Inc (APCI) invested Rp 33 trillion. 

Director of PT Bukit Asam Business Development, Rafli Yandra said that this project will process 6 million ton of coal into 1.4 million ton of DME every year.

Ciwidey is famous for its white crater tours and Rancabali tea plantations. But recently, there has been a new favorite tourism spot, namely Curug Tilu Rancabali Ecopark. This place is fairly complete because it provides spots for tours, and gazebos to stay overnight. You will have no trouble finding the location of this Curug Tilu Ecopark because you can find it right next to the entrance gate of the Rancabali Tea Plantation. With an area of about 3.7 hectares, of course, Curug Tilu Ecopark has lots of interesting spots. Some of the things that are always targeted by tourists are in the glamping gazebo area, on Balinese-style net beds, photo spots with the background of the Rancabali Tea Garden, and many others. In addition, there is also a playground for children.

The Curug Tilu Ecopark opens from 07:00 to 21:00. From Monday to Friday, the ticket price is Rp 15,000. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the ticket price is Rp 20,000. Do you want to stay? For one night, the glam camp at the Curug Tilu Ecopark sets a price of Rp 400,000 on weekdays and Rp 500,000 on weekends. Access to get there is fairly easy. From the highway towards the Kawah Putih gate to Situ Patenggang, you just have to pass the turn and the location is on the right. To make it easier, you can search for it directly on the online map application by typing Curug Tilu Ecopark. If you want to visit this tourism spot, don't forget to always comply with the health protocols so that your vacation is safer and more comfortable.

The Education & Cultural Attaché Office along with the Information, Social and Cultural Function of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra encouraged Indonesian language internationalization by holding a coordination meeting with Indonesian Language and Cultural Agencies across Australia on Saturday (22/01).

Indonesian Education and Cultural Attaché in Canberra, Mukhamad Najib in his press release in Jakarta on Saturday said that he would try to maximally promote the Indonesian language in Australia. According to Mukhamad Najib, making the Indonesian language popular again in Australia is a challenge amid the tight competition with other Asian languages, such as Chinese and Japanese. Nevertheless, he fully supported Indonesian language internationalization and admitted to being optimistic that can be done and the Indonesian Language and Cultural Agencies across Australia can be the driving force.

Najib further explained that there are three stages in making the Indonesian language popular again and can penetrate the people in Australia. The first stage is building people's awareness about the importance of the Indonesian language for Australian people. The second stage is facilitating people's interest in the Indonesian language and culture. The third one is encouraging Australian people to adopt the Indonesian language and culture.

In the future, the Indonesian Education and Cultural Attaché in Canberra also has an agenda to rebrand Indonesian culture because until now the people of Australia have a perception that Indonesian culture is an only traditional culture. According to Najib, Indonesian modern culture also includes a pop culture that is more suitable for younger people.

On a culinary tour to the province of West Sumatra, there are lots of delicious traditional foods. One of them is Pinyaram. The shape is simple, flat round 10 centimeters in diameter, and white or brown. In the middle of the Pinyaram meat is a little thick as if there is a buildup of sugar, with a sweet and sticky taste. If one enjoys sweet-tasting culinary delights, they must try Pinyaram, when one day visiting West Sumatra.

Pinyaram is made from fried rice flour and palm sugar. There are two types of Pinyaram known by the Minangkabau people, namely White and Black. The difference between these two types is only in the raw ingredients. The white Pinyaram uses white rice, while the black one is made from black rice. However, another variant, such as green Pinyaram made from Suji or Pandan leaves can often also be found. Regarding taste, Pinyaram can now be varied with various flavors, such as banana, durian, and so on. Currently, Pinyaram also has various sizes; some are small, medium until plate-sized, depending on individual tastes and preferences.

 
In Minangkabau, Pinyaram is often a special food at traditional ceremonies, such as weddings, religious events, a celebration of Prophet Muhammad, and Eid Al-fitr. Now, the traditional food is intended for not only traditional ceremonies but also snacks. Generally, this traditional Minangkabau cake can be found not only in traditional markets in West Sumatra but also in all regions in Indonesia. In various regions of Indonesia, Pinyaram cake is also known by various other names or designations, such as Kue Cucur in Jakarta, and some areas on the islands of Java and Sulawesi, Kue Dumpi in West Sulawesi, or Kue Kocor on the island of Madura. Pinyaram cakes are sold from Rp1000 to 2000 per piece.