Head of the Village Information and Development Agency, Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia, Ivanovich Agusta giving his remarks (Photo : Perpusnas) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : Head of the Village Information and Development Agency, Ministry of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia, Ivanovich Agusta said, to build a village, a community reading garden (TBM) and village libraries are needed. This is one measure village development. 

He conveyed this at the National Sector Coordination Meeting (Rakornas). Library which took place at the Mercure Hotel, Jakarta on Tuesday (14/5/2024).

Ivan was a speaker on the theme "Village Fund Policy in the Construction and Development of Village Libraries and Reading Materials Quality.”

Participants participated in this activity in a hybrid manner, online via the Zoom application and live broadcasts on the National Library channel on YouTube, as well as face to face or offline. 

"If you look at the village, there is a village development index which is a measure for get village funds. There is a social resilience index and an educational aspect. "The condition is that the village must have a TBM with a village library or another name," he said.

Ivan explained that the 2016 Village Regulations in which libraries played a role were 0.8 percent of total village development. 2023 data that has There are libraries in 33 thousand villages, 30 thousand villages are active. There are 41 thousand villages yet has a TBM and village library.

As far as the village library will be to advance villages, the Ministry of Villages and Bapennas have calculated one. The main factor in developing villages is the emergence of libraries.

“So, there is a positive correlation "when villages develop village libraries, they are more advanced and independent," he explained Ivan.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday (14/05/24), there are 10 thousand villages and TBM gets a thousand book titles each with a total of 10 million book titles so it is very helpful for village libraries. Task The Ministry of Villages opens up opportunities, but it all depends on the results village deliberation. An important stakeholder is the head of the empowerment service community and village//VOI

Deputy for Human Development, Society and Culture, Ministry of National Development Planning / Bappenas Amich Alhumami, giving his remarks on the National Sector Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) Library (Photo : Perpusnas) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : Deputy for Human Development, Society and Culture, Ministry of National Development Planning / Bappenas Amich Alhumami, said that the government has a dream to become a developed country within the next two decades. He conveyed this at the National Sector Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) Library, which took place at the Mercure Hotel, Jakarta on Tuesday (14/5/2024).

Meanwhile, Amich presented material with the title "Development policy literacy as a National Priority in the 2025 – 2029 RPJMN”. “Indonesia can become a developed country, characterized by high achievements in many fields. In relevant development sectors and will indicate for creating a quality nation. Reflected in economic productivity, achievements in development of education, science and technological innovation which are barometers for see whether the nation has good achievements or not," he explained.

However, continued Amich, currently the human capital index is only 0.54 percent. That This means that people born today will become productive humans 18 years later with that percentage.

“This is relatively low, meaning there must be an increase in the sector health and education. "Because literacy skills will be reflected there," he added.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday (14/05/24), in realizing the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, education plays an important role creating superior and quality human resources with literacy skills. “Want to come in Companies must demonstrate good literacy skills, reading work manual, understand instructions, oriented to the work field and responsible for the task at hand," he explained. 

Amich said that in Golden Indonesia 2045, the government also has a vision education 2045. With a population of 278 million people, if an analysis is made Population structure according to age group and level of education, majority 59 percent of the population only graduated from junior high school/madrasah tsanawiyah (MTs) and below. 

“Literacy is important in the future and can both identify and strengthen. There is no absolute doubt that the increasingly advanced world is developing and competitive. It requires the most elementary and complex literacy skills. Through literacy can encourage societal transformation in various dimensions of life, even by utilizing technology, including artificial intelligence, to achieve achievements high," he said//VOI

The left ; UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative, Mr. Norimasa Shimomura ; Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, H.E. Mr. Kiya Masahiko ; Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, H.E. Mr. Satvinder Singh giving statement after the launching of ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation Project on Tuesday (14/05/24), (Photo : VOI) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation project has been officially inaugurated by the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, alongside the Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN and the UNDP Resident Representative in Indonesia.

This ASEAN endeavour is supported by the Government of Japan and UNDP operating out of its office in Jakarta, designed to invite entrepreneurs and innovators from the ten ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste to address challenges and drive progress in the blue sectors, which encompass ocean and freshwater ecosystems.

The project encompasses three primary activities: the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge, the Blue Incubation Programme, and Blue Business Matchmaking. Through these initiatives, 60 successful innovators will receive financial support of up to US$40,000 each.

They will also benefit from a mentorship programme during the incubation phase to refine and commercialise their solutions within a six-month period. Furthermore, during the business matchmaking activity, winning teams will have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions to business communities, financiers, and investors, thereby gaining access to blue investments in the region.

During the project launch at the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn delivers his opening remarks through the recorded video.

He mentions that with the ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation project came at an opportune time as the region gears up with the implementation of the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework,

“The project seeks to not only improve the economic output of marine sectors but also to enhance the resilience of coastal communities against climate change and environmental degradation. This initiative stands as a testament to ASEAN’s commitment to harnessing the blue economy for regional development, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic inclusion,” said Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, H.E. Mr. Satvinder Singh said,

“Since the adoption of the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework in September 2023, we continue to make another step forward in our collective efforts to enhance the sustainable use of both ocean and freshwater resources for the economic growth and prosperity of ASEAN people. This pioneering project also further emphasizes ASEAN’s commitment and readiness to take the lead on regional cooperation and economic integration concerning blue economy innovations.”

ASEAN stands at the forefront of the world’s maritime potential. ASEAN also boasts a diverse array of marine resources with an estimated market value of up to US$2.5 trillion per year or five percent of the global economy.

Recognising the vast promise of ASEAN’s blue economy, there are numerous challenges that ASEAN Member States must grapple with. Issues like overfishing, habitat degradation, and marine pollution pose significant threats to the region’s marine and freshwater ecosystems. This underscores the urgent need for collaborative and concerted efforts to address them.

Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN, H.E. Mr. Kiya Masahiko remarked,

“ASEAN-Japan cooperation has just started a new journey toward the next 50 years. Japan continues to encourage ASEAN’s success in this new frontier of blue economy and innovation. I look forward to working with all of you to make this project impactful to the people in the entire region. I am hopeful that this project will serve as a catalyst for further cooperation and investment in this field.”

Aligned with Ambassador Kiya’s message on the importance of collaboration, UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative, Mr. Norimasa Shimomura stated,

“collaboration and innovation are key to address the challenges in sustainably harnessing and managing marine and freshwater ecosystems. From our base in Jakarta, we hope that this blue economy innovation project will benefit ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste to expand the blue economy's potential in these countries.”

UNDP has been an advocate for the blue sector on a global scale for more than 25 years. Having mobilised over US$1 billion for ocean protection and restoration across more than 100 countries, UNDP remains committed to promoting a sustainable global blue economy that harnesses ocean and freshwater resources for inclusive development.

For example, in Indonesia, UNDP has helped realise the vision of the Government of Indonesia to promote multilateral cooperation with the aim of protecting the marine environment and promoting the blue economy through the Archipelagic and Island States Forum (AIS Forum). Archipelagic Island States (AIS).

The ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge is open for applications until 31 May 2024 midnight Jakarta time, offering the entrepreneurs and innovators in ASEAN and Timor-Leste the chance to access financial and incubation support from the project in the areas of climate change, marine plastic pollution, sustainable fisheries, and sustainable tourism. Apply through www.undp.org/indonesia/blueinnovation//VOI

The National Library during submitted the Tambo Tuanku Imam Bonjol manuscript as a Memory of the world in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia (Photo : Perpusnas) - 

VOInews, Jakarta - Indonesia's documentary heritage, the Tambo Tuanku Imam Bonjol manuscript, is designated as one of the Memories of the World (MoW) for Asia and the Pacific.

The certificate was handed over by the leader of the Memory of the World Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) Kwibae Kim to the Head of the National Archives Imam Gunarto accompanied by the Deputy for Library Material Development and Information Services of the National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas) Mariana Ginting in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia, on Wednesday (8/5/2024).

The manuscript proposed by the National Library and the West Sumatra Provincial Government was selected after following a voting process from meeting participants representing Australia and Tuvalu, Bangladesh, China, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Thursday (09/05/24), apart from the Tambo Tuanku Imam Bonjol manuscript, the designation of Memory of the World for Asia and the Pacific was also given to the Indarung Semen Padang archive proposed by PT Semen Padang, and the archive of the Indonesian Sugar Research Institute in 1887-1986 proposed by the East Java Library and Archives Office and the Indonesian Sugar Research Institute.

The National Library's first expert librarian, Aditia Gunawan, explained that the Tambo Tuanku Imam Bonjol manuscript is one of the authentic notes written by natives summarizing the history of the Padri War and West Sumatra in the 19th century.

He added, there are several reasons why this manuscript deserves to be designated as Memory of the World (MoW) for Asia and the Pacific. First, the Tambo Tuanku Imam Bonjol manuscript is a pioneering work, both in terms of influence and genre of writing.

"The work is in the form of a hypogram with actors narrating it directly," he explained from Ulaan Baatar.

Second, this manuscript has significant historical relevance in the pre-independence period of Indonesia and is evidence of Minangkabau history in the 19th century.

Third, this work presents a global narrative of the Islamic movement between the Middle East and Southeast Asia in the 18th to 19th centuries.

"Fourth, this text highlights the active role of women, a characteristic that is supported by the Minangkabau cultural background with its matrilineal kinship. "And fifth, as the only Minangkabau Malay handwritten work that reveals historical facts, this manuscript has an irreplaceable position as a reference for the future," he explained.

After the Tambo Tuanku Imam Bonjol manuscript was designated by MOWCAP, he explained, a follow-up program was needed that would make the manuscript easily accessible, widely known and preserved for future generations.

MOWCAP is a regional forum for the global Memory of the World (MOW) Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which was founded in 1998.

In the Asia Pacific region, many libraries, archives and memory institutions are facing challenges. such as economics, climate and geography in maintaining the preservation of the collection.

MOWCAP aims to assist the preservation and universal access to documentary heritage in the Asia/Pacific region and also raise awareness of the existence and importance of this heritage//VOI

Kawasan The Nusa Dua, Bali (Photo : dok ITDC) - 

VOInews, Jakarta - The management of The Nusa Dua area, Bali Province is preparing their services and infrastructure to ensure that the implementation of the 10th World Water Forum which will be held at that location on 18-25 May 2024 runs smoothly.

"As the manager of The Nusa Dua area, we are preparing by carrying out area maintenance to ensure the readiness of services, infrastructure and integrated area security systems in prime condition," said General Manager of The Nusa Dua, I Made Agus Dwiatmika, in his statement in Bali, as quoted in Wednesday (8/5/2024).

Made Agus said that the 10th World Water Forum would be held at two Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) venues in areas owned by tourism State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN).

Meanwhile, the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali will be the location for the High Level Meeting on 20-21 May 2024.

"Nusa Dua Hall, Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), will also be the location for the Opening Fair and Expo. "The Fair and Expo will be held at several locations such as BNDCC, BICC, Bali Collection Nusa Dua and Kuta Beach on 20-25 May 2024," he said.

According to Made Agus, one activity that is no less interesting is the "Samudra Cipta Peradaban" Cultural Parade, which will take place in the Nusa Dua area on May 20 2024 at 17.00 - 18.00 WITA.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Thursday (09/05/24), the cultural parade will feature various arts and culture attractions that will enchant the delegates and add a local touch to the event.

"Apart from that, to date, 10 hotels in the Nusa Dua area have been confirmed as accommodation locations for heads of state and World Water Forum delegates, including seven hotels for VVIP guests and 3 hotels for VIP guests and delegates," he said.

All confirmed hotels, continued the General Manager of The Nusa Dua, are currently preparing both in terms of facilities and security systems in the form of x-rays and security doors.

As a security control center, The Nusa Dua Command Center itself will be equipped with modern facilities, such as integrated CCTV, TV Monitor, Integrated Radio Communication, Information System Link with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) in the form of an Alert System Tsunamis, earthquakes and extreme weather, as well as the Indonesian Tourism Decelopment Corporation (ITDC) security unit which is reinforced with sniffer dogs (K9), fire fighting units and area patrols.

"With thorough preparation and a high spirit of collaboration, the 10th World Water Forum in 2024 at The Nusa Dua is ready to become a foundation for sustainable change towards a better future for our earth," concluded Made Agus//VOI

Tourists are carrying out the Melukat tradition or cleansing the soul at the Tirta Empul temple, Bali (Photo : Pura Tirta Empul Doc) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The Indonesian government will present various side events and art and cultural exhibitions at the 10th World Water Forum which will take place on 18-25 May 2024 in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Delegates and participants, apart from being involved in the main forum, are expected to also experience the atmosphere of Bali.

This was said by the Deputy Chair of the Secretariat of the 10th World Water Forum National Committee who is also Expert Staff to the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) for Technology, Industry and the Environment, Endra S. Atmawidjaja in Jakarta on Tuesday (7/5/2024).

Endra emphasized that the world's largest water forum, which was held for the first time in Indonesia, also involved many stakeholders, so that its implementation was carefully prepared.

Both regarding the main forum and events outside the forum, such as fairs and expos and the variety of arts and culture displayed.

“It is an honor for Indonesia to be able to host the 10th World Water Forum. "We want the participants who attend not only to take part in the main forum, but also to experience the different atmosphere of Bali," said Endra in a press release received by Voice of Indonesia on Wednesday (8/5/2024).

Indonesia as the host has prepared 280 sessions at the 10th World Water Forum, including 55 side events and 10 special sessions.

The series of events will open with the Balinese Water Purification Ceremony, which is a typical Balinese traditional ritual with the concept of the Rahina Tumpek Uye activity and the Segara Kerthi Ceremony.

In line with Endra's statement, in a separate statement, the Head of Division V of the 10th Fair and Expo World Water Forum and Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno revealed that the main support that will be provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) is by facilitating the delegation to explore the Melukat procession which has spiritual meaning for the Balinese people.

This Melukat procession will later involve the local regional government.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will also participate in the Indonesia Pavilion by providing tourism content with virtual reality (VR), selling low carbon tour packages, a series of Fairs and Expos, providing Wonderful Indonesia souvenirs and goodie bags, presenting content and activating the Lokapala game, as well as exhibiting and selling products -Selected and quality Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) products through planograms.

The opening of the Fair and Expo will be held on May 20 2024 at the Nusa Dua Hall Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC). The Fair and Expo locations will be spread across the BNDCC area, Baruna Disaster Shelter in Kuta, and Bali Collection in Nusa Dua.

After the 10th series of World Water Forum activities are completed, participants will also be invited to a field trip to enjoy the beauty of Bali such as the Water Museum in Tabanan, Jatiluwih UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Batur Kintamani, and Ubud Cultural Village//VOI

VOInews, Jakarta : The Republic of Indonesia delegation from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves) participated in the 2024 Annual General Assembly (AGA) and 35th PIANC World Congress, at the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC) Cape Town, South Africa, from 26 April to 3 May 2024.

In a written statement on Tuesday (7/5/2024), the Indonesian delegation was led by the Assistant Deputy for Connectivity Infrastructure, Rahman Hidayat (President of PIANC Indonesia); Assistant Deputy for Basic Infrastructure, Urban Affairs and Water Resources, Lukijanto; Middle Expert Policy Analyst/ Shipping Infrastructure Coordinator, Velly Asvaliantina (Secretary of PIANC Indonesia).

Deputy Rahman said that Indonesia's participation in the Annual General Assembly meeting and World Congress was very important to strengthen the global network of water transportation infrastructure, there was a lot of progress and learning that could be gained.

PIANC President, Francisco Esteban Lefler, called on all stakeholders to join hands in advancing Smart Port Technology for the common good, taking advantage of this moment to chart a course towards a more sustainable and prosperous maritime future.

PIANC, as a professional organization in the field of Water Transport Infrastructure founded in 1885, and based in Brussels-Belgium, reaffirms its commitment to promoting Smart Port Technology at the forefront of maritime development.

With a focus on cutting-edge advances such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital twins and other emerging technologies, PIANC aims to catalyze the transformation of ports into smart and environmentally friendly ecosystems.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Wednesday (08/05/24), the Congress, which raised the theme "Future Ready Water Transport - Unlocking Africa" ​​("Future Ready Waterborne Transport - Unlocking Africa") aims to address the efforts needed to create a sustainable maritime sector.

The congress included 295 paper presentations divided into dozens of theme groups, including: Inland Navigation and Waterways, Ports and Planning Development, Ports Structure, Port Dredging and Reclamation, Environment and Climate Change, Ports-Green Energy and Related issues.

Lukijanto stated that the sustainability issue raised by PIANC is in line with Indonesia's commitment to sustainable development, apart from that, this is in line with Indonesia's commitment to sustainable infrastructure and transportation development.

"This is very good as a lesson in organizing the 2024 Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF), which will be held on 4-6 September 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC)," said Luki.

Apart from that, the 2024 AGA resolution and the PIANC Congress Results also emphasize the importance of working with nature. "This material is one of the things that will be discussed at the 10th World Water Forum (WWF), in Bali, 18-25 May 2024," added Suraji//VOI

Press conference ahead of the 2024 National Coordination Meeting for Libraries which was held in Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/5/2024) ; (Photo : Perpusnas) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas) will hold a Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) in the Library Sector in 2024.

National Library Main Secretary Joko Santoso said that the National Coordination Meeting would discuss three major programs which will be the main focus of National Library in 2024.

These programs are strengthening reading and literacy culture, mainstreaming Indonesian manuscripts as well as standardization and training of library staff aimed at mapping libraries according to national library standards ( SNPs).

"This is our effort to continue to accelerate various activities related to the latest program changes in the era of disruption of demographic change," he said in a press conference ahead of the 2024 National Coordination Meeting for Libraries which was held in Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/5/2024).

He said the millennial generation and generation Z were the focus of National Library, especially in strengthening reading culture.

Many things have been done, he continued, one of which is accelerating the use of devices for the digital library platform, namely iPusnas.

"Now there are millions of digital books that can be accessed, one of which is iPusnas. "iPusnas has also been replicated in 256 digital libraries in the regions," he said.

Apart from that, efforts are being made to place digital reading corners in public areas, not in libraries. National Library also provides assistance with mobile library cars (MPK) which serve remote areas of Indonesia, especially villages that have access far from the library.

“Mobile libraries stop at certain points, such as schools and busy centers. "This is our effort to strengthen literacy culture," he continued.

The 2024 National Coordination Meeting for Libraries carries the theme "Rearranging Concepts and Practices of Literacy Development".

The 2024 National Coordination Meeting for Libraries will be held in a hybrid manner on 14-15 May 2024. Plt. The Director of the National Library is scheduled to officially open the National Library and explain the policy direction of the National Library.

"This year's National Coordination Meeting is different from previous years, this year it will emphasize user experience, where regional speakers will share good practices in increasing literacy in society," he explained.

Meanwhile, Deputy for Human Development, Society and Culture, Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, Amich Alhumami, explained that literacy was placed as one of the priority programs because it is an indicator of the quality of Indonesian people.

"Literacy skills are considered important in increasing access to knowledge and community productivity," he explained.

Through the National Coordination Meeting, he explained, National Library and regional libraries will be strengthened. He added, literacy is the scope of the 2020-2024 RPJMN. In the future, literacy will be continued in the 2025-2029 RPJMN.

"Literacy remains an important part of development to support human development and cultural development," he said.

The National Coordination Meeting was filled with policy sessions featuring resource persons from the Ministry of Villages PDTT and the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas.

Meanwhile, the panel session will be filled with resource persons from regional governments who implement good practices in developing the three main National Library programs, namely the Regent of Berau, the Regent of Kendal, and the Head of the East Java Province Library and Archives Service.

Apart from that, there will be parallel sessions featuring resource persons who are actively involved and can share good practices that can be imitated by local governments, institutions, organizations, literacy activists and the general public.

The offline National Coordination Meeting will be held at the Grand Mercure Hotel Jakarta Kemayoran and will be attended by 1,000 participants.

Offline participants consist of regional heads, heads of provincial and district/city library services, heads of library forums/publishers/recording entrepreneurs and parties who have collaborated with the National Library.

The public can take part in a series of activities online via the Zoom application with a capacity of 10,000 or via live streaming on the National Library's YouTube channel.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Wednesday (08/05/24), the 2024 National Library Coordination Meeting is close to the National Library's 44th anniversary.

The National Library's anniversary is celebrated every May 17, which is also celebrated as National Book Day.

This year, the National Library carries the anniversary theme, namely "44 Years of Cultivating the Hope of Serving the Country to Make the Nation Smarter".

Head of the Human Resources (HR) and General Affairs Bureau, Janti Suksmarini, said that during May a series of events were held to support the sharpening of National Library's main issue programs for 2024.

"A total of 27 series of activities will be held from May 7-31," he said.

At the peak of the event, he continued, on May 17 2024, the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia will launch the "Village Literacy Movement".

In this activity, 10 million quality reading materials will be launched to village libraries and 21 million books will be launched to schools.

On 13 May-22 May 2024, a number of interesting activities will be held including thematic exhibition of the National Library Anniversary from Time to Time, thematic exhibition of Bung Karno, thematic exhibition of Bung Hatta, Historical Literacy Week, Archipelago Literacy (Culture) Festival, Indonesian Education History Exhibition , book launch and book review, as well as workshops//VOI

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto (right), speaks to British Minister of Trade, Greg Hands, in London, the United Kingdom, on April 29, 2024. (ANTARA/HO-Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs/rst) - 

VOInews, Jakarta - Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, and the British Minister of Trade, Greg Hands, have discussed strengthening economic and trade cooperation in London.

"The close relationship between the two countries is marked by the agreement between the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO)," Hartarto said in a statement issued by his office on Tuesday.

He expressed hope that JETCO will soon produce concrete results, including in the energy and digital economy sectors.

During the meeting, Hands highlighted his country's expertise in clean energy and proposed a clean energy collaboration tailored to an archipelagic country like Indonesia.

The implementation of clean energy will later be linked to the management of subsidy policies.

Moreover, Hands said he hopes that trade in dairy products and their derivatives within the JETCO framework will run smoothly despite obstacles in the registration process.

In response, Hartarto underscored Indonesia's deregulation efforts, aimed at streamlining the registration process for milk products and their derivatives.

This initiative supports the growing demand for such products, particularly under the next government program that provides free milk to students.

During the meeting, Hartarto also addressed the impact of British due diligence regulations on Indonesian palm oil products. He expressed hope for fair regulatory treatment.

"Currently, Indonesia is voicing its disagreement with the implementation of European Union policies on sustainable products. Indonesia and Malaysia are working on managing the rules regarding sustainable products," he said.

The two ministers also discussed the idea of free trade cooperation, Indonesia's accession as a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and regional cooperation.

Hartarto said that Indonesia is open to free trade with the United Kingdom//Antara-VOI

Indonesian Vice President Ma'ruf Amin (right) during a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Tawfiq Fawzan Muhammed Alrabiah, in Jakarta on Tuesday (April 30, 2024). (ANTARA/Benardy Ferdiansyah/rst) - 

VOInews, Jakarta - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin met with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Tawfiq Fawzan Muhammed Alrabiah, on Tuesday to discuss the implementation of the 1445 Hijriah/2024 Hajj and additional Hajj quota for Indonesia.

"During the meeting, Indonesia expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for providing an additional quota amounting to 20 thousand for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims," special staff to the vice president for communications and information, Masduki Baidlowi, informed.

According to him, Vice President Amin expressed the hope that the Saudi Arabian government would continue to provide additional Hajj quota to Indonesia every year.

"Our waiting time for Hajj is too long. With a continuous additional quota with the current number, it is expected to ease the burden for the Indonesian government in the next five to ten years," Baidlowi added.

He informed that in certain areas such as South Sulawesi or East Java, the waiting time for the Hajj pilgrimage can reach more than 20 years.

He said that the Vice President often receives complaints about it when he visits the regions.

"Every time the Vice President visits various regions, the question is always whether we can go on Hajj or whether we will die before the time for the Hajj comes," Baidlowi added.

During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed the overall implementation of the Hajj, including efforts to improve the quality of management and implementation of Hajj in the field.

"The Vice President also conveyed his hopes for the cooperation between the two countries. He wanted the two parties to continue the management of Hajj with better and more efficient management, including financing for government and Indonesian Hajj pilgrims as well," Baidlowi said.

He explained that this is important because the Saudi Arabian government is intensively trying to improve the tourism sector, including Hajj and Umrah religious tourism, to reduce its economic dependence on the oil and natural gas sector//Antara-VOI