Latest news with #Jakarta


Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Malaysia, Indonesia back Palestinian statehood, condemn Israeli aggression
JAKARTA, June 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto share a common aspiration to see peace achieved, not only between Israel and Iran, but across the entire Middle East. Expressing relief over the recent temporary ceasefire between Israel and Iran, Anwar nevertheless stressed that Malaysia and Indonesia strongly condemn Israel's continued atrocities, which have resulted in genocide in Gaza, Palestine. He emphasised that Malaysia has consistently voiced strong opposition to Israel's aggression and violations against Iran, while firmly supporting Iran's right to defend its sovereignty and dignity. 'But importantly, as President Prabowo did mention, we share a common desire for peace - not just between Iran and Israel, but across the entire Middle East,' said Anwar, expressing hope that Palestine will one day become an independent and sovereign state. Anwar said this during a joint press conference following a bilateral meeting at the Istana Merdeka here today. Earlier, Prabowo said that Malaysia and Indonesia would continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution by all parties and welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. 'We hope this process can move forward towards lasting peace. Only a two-state solution can bring an end to this conflict,' he said. 'Indonesia and Malaysia believe a global collective effort is essential to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict,' he said, adding that Indonesia would continue to support Palestinian independence. — Bernama


Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Malaysia, Indonesia committed to Asean unity, border resolution
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 — Malaysia and Indonesia agree that a united and stable Asean is crucial to addressing current global challenges, whether economic, political or security-related. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was agreed upon during his meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta yesterday, in conjunction with his one-day official visit to the republic. 'As two founding members of Asean, Malaysia and Indonesia reaffirmed their strong commitment to preserving regional unity and maintaining Asean's stability. 'Hence, the close Malaysia-Indonesia ties will continue to serve as a model and catalyst for greater Asean unity, for the well-being of the people of both countries and the region as a whole,' Anwar said in a Facebook post. He added that in the spirit of mutual trust, Malaysia and Indonesia are also determined to resolve the outstanding border issues without delay. He said resolving the border issues, including longstanding maritime matters, is a shared priority to preserve the strong ties and close cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia. 'This win-win solution is expected to further enhance the confidence and trust between the two neighbouring nations. 'The alignment reflects the close friendship and strong strategic relations between the two countries,' he said. — Bernama


Malay Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar in Jakarta for talks with Prabowo on bilateral ties, regional stability
JAKARTA, June 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Jakarta today for an official visit, during which he is scheduled to meet President Prabowo Subianto. They will discuss key bilateral issues, follow up on recent Asean engagements, and explore ways to strengthen regional stability as Malaysia and Indonesia deepen their strategic cooperation. The visit comes as Malaysia holds the Asean Chairmanship for 2025, with Kuala Lumpur continuing to lead key regional agendas throughout the year. Anwar touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta at around 1 pm local time, where he was warmly received by Prabowo. The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon arrival. Anwar leads a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir; Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil; and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Upon arriving at Istana Merdeka, Anwar was received by Prabowo and conducted a customary inspection of the guard of honour mounted by the Presidential Security Force, followed by the playing of national anthems and a gun salute. Both leaders then introduced their respective ministerial delegations, followed by a photo session and the signing of the guest book. The programme continued with a four-eye meeting between Anwar and Prabowo, held behind closed doors, before ministers from both sides joined an extended bilateral meeting. The meetings are expected to focus on trade, investment, education, communications, commodities and regional affairs, in line with the ministerial portfolios represented in the Malaysian delegation. The visit also forms part of preparations for the 13th Annual Malaysia–Indonesia Consultation, scheduled to take place later this year. — Bernama


CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
Indonesia's new sovereign fund to boost state-owned enterprise assets, forge global ties: CIO
JAKARTA: Indonesia's second sovereign wealth fund, Danantara Indonesia, is positioning itself as a catalyst for transforming state-owned enterprises (SOEs) into competitive entities, while drawing in foreign partnerships, its chief investment officer Pandu Patria Sjahrir told CNA. The new sovereign fund was launched on Feb 24 to manage the assets of all state-owned enterprises in the country worth more than US$900 billion. It is Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's main vehicle to achieve his 8 per cent economic growth target by 2029. At the launch, Prabowo said Indonesia is ready to collaborate with both local and foreign partners to make Danantara a success story. He added that the fund is a step towards bringing Indonesia to a developed country status. Its creation, though, has sparked both optimism and skepticism. Prior to the launch, some had raised concerns about transparency and potential political interference as it was unclear how Danantara would be audited. But Prabowo has pledged transparency in the fund's management, saying it could be audited anytime by anyone. TRANSPARENCY CONCERNS 'We can't have politicians within the ecosystem. So, it has to be fully professional,' said Pandu, adding that the fund plans to hire the best people. 'We can hire not just Indonesians, but outside of Indonesia.' Danantara is Indonesia's second sovereign fund, after the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA). Pandu said the market and the opportunities available are more than sufficient for Southeast Asia's biggest economy to set up the additional fund. 'We can actually have at least two,' he noted, pointing to other countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East that maintain multiple funds. 'We're actually complementary to one another, our focus (is) really on optimising the state-owned enterprise assets and also on creating large businesses,' Pandu added. 'What INA does very well is doing partnership businesses. So in my view, there's so much opportunity between the two of us, and it's fine. 'You can choose partnership with INA, you can choose partnership with us, depending on, obviously, your risk parameters and the size you want to invest in.' Indonesia's SOEs are projected to generate 300 trillion rupiah (US$18.5 billion) in dividends for 2025. TARGETING STRATEGIC SECTORS Dividends from SOEs will be reinvested into strategic sectors instead of directly returning to state coffers. On whether there is a potential risk of wasting valuable investment capital if an SOE being rescued continues to record losses, such as Garuda Indonesia, Pandu said the idea is to accelerate the distressed flag carrier's long-term transformation. Danantara has recently extended a US$405 million loan to Garuda. 'We're actually very excited about the prospect because the wonderful thing about Indonesia, even the domestic market, is that it is so large and underpenetrated, and there's so much demand domestically as well,' he added. 'We want to be able to have more foreigners come to visit and see how wonderful Indonesia is, and the best way to do it is actually through the airline business.' Danantara is prioritising investments in key sectors such as digital infrastructure, healthcare and food and energy security, said Pandu, a seasoned investor and entrepreneur in the region. 'In each of these sectors, we need to create, in a way, a global mindset, large size companies,' he added. 'So, we will invest with partners. And I think a lot of what we do we will do through partnership that can bring know-how.' During his state visit to Singapore earlier this month, President Prabowo said he looked forward to close collaboration between Danantara and Singapore's Temasek Holdings, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable industrial zones. 'We're open,' said Pandu. 'We already know the style of investing. So, I think that will be a straightforward collaboration.'

RNZ News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Tim Finn: from the Enz to the Opera
This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions. Photo: Tim Finn The story idea came first, the opera came about by chance. Tim Finn had long been fascinated by Tupaia, the Tahitian star navigator who guided Captain James Cook to Aotearoa and then helped the Englishman and his crew communicate with the locals. Tupaia was pivotal in Cook's exploration of New Zealand, but the voyage also cost him his life. He fell ill and died in what is now Jakarta, Indonesia, in December 1770. Finn has been to Tupaia's birthplace, and he'd visited a replica of Cook's ship the Endeavour. One day, the New Zealand pop star found himself talking about Tupaia with the Executive Director of West Australian Opera, Carolyn Chard. She was so taken by the tragic tale, she persuaded him to make it into an opera - which he did help from a few others. From the December 2022 NZ production of "Ihitai Avei'a - Star Navigator" in Porirua. Photo: Stephen A'Court NZ Opera premiered "Ihitai Avei'a - Star Navigator" in 2021. It was co-composed by Tim Finn and Tom McLeod with Tahitian "Orero" or monologue by Célestine Hitiura Vaite. However, we had to wait another four years to hear it on RNZ Concert. Tomorrow's Opera on Saturday broadcast from 7pm features the West Australian Opera Company (fitting perhaps as it was that company's executive director that first suggested it had operatic potential) with tenor Emmanual Fonoti-Fuimoano singing the role of Tupaia, while Teddy Tahu Rhodes plays Cook. Composer and lyricist Tim Finn at the piano during rehearsals for Ihitai 'Avei'a - Star Navigator. Photo: screen grab The opera focusses on the often difficult relationship between the pair, one a European used to thinking his technology and culture were the most advanced on the planet, the other a proud Tahitian who saw no reason to subjugate himself to his fair-skinned hosts. Tim Finn spoke with RNZ Concert host Bryan Crump ahead of the broadcast about the process of creating an opera, and his collaborators Célestine Hitiura Vaite and Tom McLeod. Finn would send song lines to McLeod who would then send back a more fleshed-out operatic score. Hitiura Vaite brought a Tahitian perspective and "Orero" to the opera in the form of a spoken monologue. The Split Enz co-founder (the band's first album Mental Notes turns 50 this July) also did a bit of research down at the opera house - Puccini's music became a favourite. Tupaia would spend the last months of his life on this leaky boat. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal While Tupaia and Cook changed the course of history, their relationship was not a happy one. Cook did not warm to the Tahitian, while Tupaia struggled with the British food Cook insisted that he eat. Crump asked Finn if he considered reprising one of Split Enz's hit songs, "Six Months in a Leaky Boat", for the opera. No, but he is considering writing another operatic piece. Having just turned 73, Finn isn't sure he has another full opera in him, but he's definitely interested in creating a chamber opera, if NZ Opera were interested. "Collaboration's the way to go," he says.