VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Production activities in the cocoa processing industry. (Photo: ANTARA/HO-Kemenperin)

VOINews, Jakarta: The Indonesian Cocoa Association (ASKINDO) and the Indonesian Chocolate Bean to Bar Association (ACBI) have expressed optimism regarding President Joko Widodo's recent establishment of institutional frameworks for the cocoa and coconut industries. This move is aimed at enhancing their global competitiveness.

"ASKINDO believes that this step is strategic to revive Indonesia's cocoa industry, which faces significant challenges in domestic cocoa bean availability and international trade competition," said ASKINDO Chairman Arief Susanto in Jakarta on Saturday.

Arief explained that the government's initiative to form two new deputy positions, namely the Cocoa Deputy and Coconut Deputy under the Indonesian Oil Palm Estate Fund (BPDPKS), could boost competitiveness by increasing product absorption in the domestic market, especially since 99% of Indonesia's cocoa is grown by smallholder farmers.

He emphasized that upcoming technical regulations aim to address the need for quality planting materials close to cocoa farming centers, ensure availability and access to subsidized fertilizers, and provide field extension agents for the sector.

Meanwhile, ACBI Chairperson Olivia Putri Prawiro stated that the government's policy was timely to counter Indonesia's declining cocoa production in recent years. According to Ministry of Industry data, cocoa production has decreased by 8.3% annually from 2015 to 2023, while imports have increased from 239,377 to 276,683 tons.

"With proper management, we hope these institutional frameworks will positively impact farmers and the industry, leading to increased productivity, cocoa quality, processed products, and assurance of harvest absorption for farmers," she added.

The Ministry of Industry initiated the establishment of these institutions to ensure raw material availability, enhance competitiveness, and increase economic value added (EVA) from these sectors.

Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita highlighted that President Joko Widodo had chaired a limited meeting on the Cocoa and Coconut Fund Management Agency, which decided to entrust the management of both sectors to BPDPKS by establishing the two new deputy positions./Antara/VOI

The construction project of the State Palace in the Indonesian Capital City (IKN), East Kalimantan. (Photo by:ANTARA/HO-OIKN)

VOINews, Jakarta: The State Palace in Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara Capital City (IKN), is set to begin operations by the end of July, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) . As quoted by Antara on Saturday (13/07/2024) essured that internet networks and supplies of water and electricity in the new capital city will be made available by August 17.

Imam Santoso Ernawi, head of the ministry's task force for Nusantara infrastructure development, announced that most rooms in the palace, including main suites, will soon be ready. The ceremonial ground, intended for the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebration on August 17, has already been completed.

Ernawi confirmed that the ceremonial ground, equipped with a podium, is prepared to host up to 8,000 people. Overall, construction progress stands at 83% for the State Palace and ceremonial ground, with the Presidential Office nearing 88% completion.

The ministry plans to conduct testing and commissioning throughout July to ensure readiness by August, emphasizing preparations for President Joko Widodo's leadership during the national ceremony.

Minister Basuki Hadimuljono assured that essential infrastructure like internet connectivity, water, and electricity will be operational by the Independence Day celebration. Additionally, efforts are underway to make Nusantara Airport fully functional, along with preparations for coordinating ministry buildings and a 190-room hotel to accommodate ceremony attendees.Antara/VOI

Screenshot of mayors of Pakistani cities, including Murtaza Wahab of Karachi, visit Jakarta's one-stop public service centre in South Jakarta, as broadcast on Sunday (July 7, 2024).

(Photo by: ANTARA/Mentari Dwi Gayati/nbl.)

VOINews, Jakarta: Murtaza Wahab, the mayor of Karachi, Pakistan, expressed admiration for Jakarta's integrated public service model offered at the Public Service Mall and revealed that Pakistani mayors are eager to replicate this initiative in their own cities.

"It is a remarkable initiative that effectively addresses the issues faced by Jakarta's citizens. We have much to learn from these experiences and are excited to implement similar systems in our cities," Wahab remarked in a statement broadcast on Sunday.

In addition to Wahab, mayors from the Pakistani cities of Sukkur, Turbat, and Kashmir visited Jakarta's Public Service Mall in South Jakarta on Tuesday (July 2).

Wahab emphasized that a one-stop public service model would be highly beneficial for investors, allowing them to complete all necessary permits in one location.

"A centralized office where investors can address their issues and find solutions is the optimal way to facilitate investment," he explained.

He also stated that the Pakistani mayors are keen to study various aspects of Jakarta's public administration to implement in their own cities.

Wahab further expressed his desire to establish Karachi and Jakarta as sister cities, fostering people-to-people and business-to-business relationships between the two metropolises.

Meanwhile, Jakarta's Investment and One-stop Integrated Service Agency Head, Benni Aguscandra, assured that the agency will continue to enhance the service, accountability, and transparency of the Public Service Mall.

"Our main objective is to demonstrate to residents that applying for permits independently is now straightforward. We will continue to collaborate, study, and develop our services to better serve our community," he stated./Antara/VOI

Indonesia is bracing for the Flash Thunder Iron 2024-Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) between its navy's elite Frogmen Command (Kopaska) personnel and the United States Navy SEALs. ANTARA/HO-Dinas Penerangan TNI AL.(Photo by: Antara)

VOINews, Jakarta: Indonesia prepares for the Flash Thunder Iron 2024-Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET), a collaborative exercise between its navy's elite Frogmen Command (Kopaska) and the United States Navy SEALs.

Quoting by Antara, This joint military drill is scheduled from July 8-29, 2024, in Surabaya and Situbondo, East Java, according to a press statement released by the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) on Saturday.

To facilitate the joint drill, the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) provided flight operations support for the US Navy's personnel and equipment at Juanda Naval Air Station in Sidoarjo, East Java.

US Navy SEALs and their equipment arrived on Friday, July 5, aboard a Dornier 328 commuter aircraft that landed at Juanda, as stated by the Commanding Officer of Juanda Naval Air Station, Colonel Dani Achnisundani.

The Juanda Naval Air Station is dedicated to supporting the TNI-AL and US Navy to ensure the success of Flash Thunder Iron 2024, he added.

Flash Thunder Iron 2024 is a collaborative exercise between Indonesia's Kopaska personnel and the US Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Group 1.

This annual training follows the United States-Indonesia Bilateral Defence Discussion (USIBIDD) and Special Operation Force (SOF) Talks in 2022.

Its primary objectives are to enhance the professionalism of Indonesian and US naval personnel and to improve interoperability between the two navies.

Similar to Flash Thunder Iron 2023, the 2024 training will likely include tactical combat casualty care, close-quarters battle, underwater operations, and full mission profile exercises.

In a recent Indonesia-US military training event, Indonesian Navy soldiers from the 1st Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion (Yontaifib) and the United States Marines completed a series of reconnaissance and infiltration exercises under the 'Reconnaissance Exchange' (Reconex) Joint Exercise 2024.

The closing exercises for Reconex 2024, conducted from May 8-10, included long-range navigation and full mission profile infiltration exercises.

Brigadier General Umar Farouq, Commander of Marine Troops (Danpasmar) 1, emphasized the importance of continuing joint training between Indonesian and US Marine troops beyond Reconex 2024.

During the program, Amphibious Reconnaissance soldiers from both countries practiced infiltrating enemy territory, neutralizing targets, rescuing hostages, and providing medical care and evacuation for casualties.

The training also included long-range navigation and cross-surface infiltration techniques using rubber boats (seariders)./Antara/VOI