Indonesian Students to Compete in International Science and Engineering Fair

Indonesian students are going to compete in the world's biggest science championship, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2011 in Los Angeles, United States, 8-13 May, 2011. Approximately 1,500 students from more than 60 countries are going to present their shopisticated research and discovery in this event. The winners will receive scholarships and awards from Intel Foundation.

Indonesian delegation consists of 6 students are going to present their expertise in the field of social science, engineering, and nature. The six students are Pebrian and Alanikika Pratyaksa from SMAN 1 Malingping, Yan Restu Freski and Darmadi from Taman Pintar Yogyakarta, and Andrey Irawan Halim and Reyner Jong from SMA Santa Laurensia. They departed for United States today, Saturday, May 7, 2011.

The team is divided into three groups. Each group are going to present their research with the topic 30 Hari Menjadi Anak Nelayan: Studi Kehidupan Sosial Budaya dan Ekonomi dari Keluarga Nelayan di Muara Binangun, Wanassalam, Lebak, Banten (literally means "30 Days Being Little Fishermen: Studi of Cultural, Social, and Economic Life of Fishermen Families in Muara Binangun, Wanassalam, Lebak, Banten"), Hilir Sungai Opak (literally means "Downstream of Opak River: Unique Deflection"), and Bambu sebagai Bahan Bangunan (literally means "Bamboo as Building Material"). Hopefully, the Indonesian team will be able to present their research well and come out as champions.

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Post - kompas.com, May 6, 2011.

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Unikom's Ribbon Climber Robot Won Gold Medal

Two students from Unikom Robotics Division were directing flashlights to a arificial-light-powered robot . Solar-powered robot which can climb a ribbon like this robot can be applied in space to move between planes.

Every year, robot contests among university students always challenge the participants to design fire extinguisher robots. This type of robot is a standard for robot competition for years. However, not only this category that makes robot competition becomes interesting. At the 8th Annual Robogames helf in San Mateo, California, United States, on 15-17 April, 2011. There were five categories contested namely "Mech Wars," "Sumo 3 kg", "Ribbon Climber", "Fire Fighting", and "Maze/Micro Mouse".

Robotic team from Indonesian Computer University (Unikom) Bandung won two gold medals in this world level competition. Gold medals achieved were from the category "Fire Fighting" and "Ribbon Climber". Last year Unikom's team only took part in "Fire Figting" category and won a gold medal. This team consists of three students namely Hari Saffarudin Ariyani, Taufiq Nuzwir Nizar, and Ridyan Ardiyan, accompanied by their mentor, Yusrila Yeka Korlooza. Previously, this team won Trinity College Fire Fighting Home Robot in Hartford, Connecticut, United States on 9-10 April, 2011. Three robots created by this team became the first winner in category "RoboWaiter", first winner in advanced level and standard level.  

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Picture & Post, kompas.com

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American Batik Design Competition and Batik Fashion Show in San Francisco

Indonesia continues to make efforts to promote batik. For this purpose, Indonesian representatives in the United States launched batik design competition and batik fashion show. American Batik Design Competition (ABDC) and batik fashion show for San Francisco and surrounding areas has been launched on Saturday, April 30, 2011 (April 29 U.S. time) at Wisma Indonesia. ABDC launched in San Francisco was conducted following the previous events in Washington DC on April 8, 2011 and New York on April 20, 2011. Competition with the theme "The Spirit of America in the Heritage of Batik" is expected to encourage the cultural syncretism (confluence of civilization and culture) which is increasingly emerging in the 21st century.

This launching event was attended by the Consular Corps and universities such as UC Berkeley, Stanford, California College of the Arts (CCA), San Francisco Academy of Art, City College of San Francisco (CCSF), San Francisco State University (SFSU) and University of San Francisco (USF) as well as observers and fans of Indonesian textiles.

Javanese classical dance and a video about making batik were shown. Audiences were amazed while watching the batik fashion show by members of Dharma Wanita of Consulate General of Indonesia (KJRI) in San Francisco. Batik products shown were ranging from shirts, casual dresses, kain (a long clothe) completed with traditional and modern kebaya.

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Post - kemlu.go.id, May 3, 2011 & deplu.go.id, April 11, 2011.

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Indonesia Supported Cairo International Fair 2011

In the midst of Egypt's efforts to restore its economy after the revolution last January 25, Indonesia with its superior products returned to participate in the 44th Cairo International Fair (CIF). Indonesia's participation in the 44^th CIF this year other than as an effort to promote qualified products such as batik, as well as an effort to show Indonesia's support toward the transition period in Egypt.

Cairo International Fair is the largest annual exhibition in Egypt. CIF 2011 held from 13 to 23 April, 2011. Unlike previous years where CIF was enlivened by more than 20 countries, this year the number of participating countries has fallen. For local participants, only 300 companies from 1,300 registered companies actively took part in the exhibition. Chairman of the Exhibition Sherif A. Salem admitted that the number of participants has fallen since some countries cancelled their participation in CIF 2011 because of safety reason.

Indonesia's participation in this event was specially covered by several Egyptian television channels. Egyptian TV channel in an interview to the Trade Attaché Embassy in Cairo, Lasmaningsih Pradjakusumah asked the reason Indonesia actively participated in CIF 2011. Responding to this question, Lasminingsih said that Indonesia wants to continue to support Egypt in any circumstances. This participation is expected to strengthen relation between Indonesia and Egypt.

Indonesia's booth's theme at CIF 2011 was "Batik Indonesia". Various batik products were displayed. The booth was also filled with other products such as tea, coffee, various bath and laundry soaps, plastic wares, etc. This booth received huge appreciation by the Egyptians. Direct interaction by the booth keepers and the near arrangement made Indonesia's booth became the most popular in CIF 2011. The demand for Indonesian products displayed and sold, especially for plastic ware products, was quite high. Value of retail transaction in Indonesia's booth up to the closing was recorded at USD 10,000.

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Post - kemlu.go.id, April 29, 2011 and cairofair.com.

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Batik Paintings Exhibition by Poland Artist

Are you batik lovers? Indonesian people are not the only who love batik. A Poland artist, Mrs. Dorota Wielkosielec is in love with this beautiful patterned fabric. Mrs. Dorota Wielkosielec is exhibiting approximately 50 pieces of her monumental batik painting from April 28 until May 29, 2011 at the Museum of Textile in Łódż, Poland. Indonesian Ambassador for Poland attended this exhibition in order to fulfill the invitation from Marcin Oko, Director of the Textile Museum of Łódż.

Batik paintings by Mrs. Dorota Wielkosielec are all in abstract motif. Among her batik paintings, there's a painting depicting the city at night with lights, and there's also a painting with bird wings motif. Her batik paintings are made as artwork and for decoration. Since 2001, Mrs. Dorota Wielkosielec has been giving batik training at the Center of Education and Culture in Warsawa. She has also been asked to give batik training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsawa. She often holds batik exhibitions such as in Warsawa (in 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2004), Siedle (in 1999 and 2003), and Łódź (2005).

Batik for Indonesian people is not only considered as a textile product that is used for everyday wear, but as a textile product with taste of art, value and pholosophy. Batik has been confirmed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from Indonesia on October 2, 2009. The Ambassador's presence at the exhibition shows that batik is a heritage from Indonesia and that Indonesia is very supportive toward the development of batik in the world, including Poland.

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Post - kemlu.go.id, April 29, 2011.

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Indonesian Future Grandmaster Trained in Russia

Many famous chess grandmaster come from Russia. This is what makes Indonesian kid chess player, Muhammad Firman Pratama familiarly called Ancha, aspires to study there. Ancha then contacted Indonesian Ambassador for Russia, Mr. Hamid Awaludin through e-mail and by phone. When knowing the Ambassador was in Indonesia, Ancha and his family tried to meet him.

Hamid Awaludin eventually touched by Ancha's letter and his high spirit. "If you take me to Russia to learn chess, you will not regret it," Ancha wrote. Hamid Awaludin then contacted Russian Chess Federation to help Ancha. On March 10, 2011, he arrived in Moscow. Ancha who had studied in GM Utut Adianto's school chess and won variuos chess competitions in Indonesia before, was then trained intensively at The International School Chess Union. There, Ancha was trained by notable grandmaster Mr. Aleksey. But, Ancha also kept learning the courses in Sekolah Indonesia Moskow through the internet.

After a month of intensive training, Ancha joined a chess competition for his age, held by Russian Chess Federation. Ancha defeated his opponents and only got one remise. In a match held simultaneously by Indonesian Embassy in Moscow, Ancha always won the game against the staff and Indonesian students who are studying in Russia with absolute victories.

According to his teacher, Mr. Aleksey, Ancha has got the potential to become a grandmaster. However, he must be more patient and use the time wisely to think about the best steps to win each game. This made Hamid Awaludin proud. In every occasion, he always introduced Ancha to his guests. For him, Ancha is the evidence of the close relationship between Indonesia and Russia. He hopes that someday there will be world chess champion from Indonesia.  

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Post - kemlu.go.id, April 30, 2011.

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Indonesia's Heritage Corner in South Africa

Last week, precisely on April 22, 2011, the Consulate General of Republic of Indonesia (Konsul Jenderal RI or KJRI) in Cape Town, South Africa, Mrs. Sugie Harijadi inaugurated the opening of the Indonesian Cultural Heritage Corner called Indonesia's Heritage Corner (IHC). IHC is located in Port Elizabeth city, Easter Cape Province, South Africa. IHC inauguration was also accompanied by the inauguration of the Easter Cape Muslim Heritage Museum (ECMHM). This museum illustrates the life of Malay descent South African people who joined the Eastern Cape Malay Cultural Society (ECMCS).

"IHC located in ECMHM museum is the result of cooperation between KJRI and ECMCS. IHC was formed with the aim of helping the community of Indonesian desecnt in South Africa to trace their ancestral root," explain Mrs. Sugie Harijadi. IHC is also expected to help promote Indonesian culture, art, and economic, as well as the history of relationship between Indonesia and South Africa.

In IHC there are various kinds of information, such as maps that tell the origins of the Indonesian people became the ancestors of Cape Malay community in South Africa. There's also a picture of Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makasari Al-Bantani, an Indonesia who is highly respected and recognized as a National Hero in South Africa. This picture comes with a history about him, from his birth until the moment he was exiled by the Dutch to Tanjung Harapan or Cape of Goof Hope (now Cape Town), until he passed away and buried in Kramat Macasar Cape Town. From this information, it's expected that the Cape Malay community understand that their ancestors came from Indonesia, not from Malaysia since the word 'Malay' is always associated with Malaysia.

In other parts of IHC, there's a part displays the history of Jakarta formely known as Batavia, which became the center of VOC in controlling their colonies on the East Indies (now Indonesia), including controlling the Cape of Good Hope (now Cape Town). In IHC, there's also information about Wali Songo and several famous mosques in Indonesia. IHC is also equipped with a display of Al-Qur'an and mannequiens dressed with Muslim clothes, books about Indonesia, calligraphies, and miniature of Phinisi ship which is the pride of Bugis/Makasar, Sheikh Yusuf's homeland.

Inauguration of IHC and ECMHM in Port Elizabeth attended by hundreds of resident who joined in ECMCS. The opening of the museum located next to Sabireen Mosque begun with a prayer by Imam of Sabireen Mosque. KJRI plans to build some Indonesia's Heritage Corners in other places. Furthermore, KJRI will promote Indonesia through Splash Festival 2011, also held in Port Elizabeth. 

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Post - kemlu.go.id, April 28, 2011.

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Saman Dance to be Acknowledged by UNESCO

Have you ever seen Saman dance performance? Saman dance is a Gayo tribal dance, usually performed during important celebrations or events. Recently the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said that Saman dance from Gayom which is performed by male dancers have been registered and will be acknowledged by UNESCO. The type of Saman dance registered is the original version from Gayo. This dance will be acknowledge and affirmed by UNESCO as world cultural heritage in November 2011. Thus, many more Indonesian cultures have been acknowledged by UNESCO, such as wayang, keris, batik, and angklung.

The efforts to register the Saman dance to finally be acknowledged and included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity have been doing since several years ago. Until now, there are 11 Indonesian cultural heritages acknowledged by UNESCO.

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Post - MetroTVNews.com & Kompas.com, April 28, 2011 & id.wikipedia.org

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Titan Arum (Corpse Flower) Re-blooms in Cibodas

Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium Becc.) is an endemic plant from Sumatra, Indonesia, known as the plant with the biggest flowers in the world. Indonesian people call titan arum as corpse flower or bunga bangkai (bunga means flower, while bangkai means corpse or cadaver; for the same reason, the same title is also attributed to Rafflesia which, like the titan arum, also grows in the rainforests of Sumatra). This plant called the corpse flower because the flowers smell like rotting carcass. The smell is meant to attract beetles and flies as pollinators. People often mistake and couldn’t distinguish between titan arum and Rafflesia arnoldii, probably because both of them have got gigantic size.

Titan arum is now spread in various places in the world, especially in botanical gardens. Titan arum at Cibodas Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Cibodas), Indonesia, has previously bloomed twice in 2004 and 2007. This year, it’s predicted that the flower will re-bloom in May 2011.

This flower usually grows in the open and relatively oblique space with much sunlight. This flower grows in loose and fertile soil with good aeration. Titan arum at Cibodas Botanical Garden was taken from Kerinci Seblat National Park in 2000 at the altitude of 680 meters above sea level.

Titan arum has three growth phases, vegetative (leafy), generative (flowering), and dormant (resting). This flower usually blooms once every four years. That’s why this flower’s blossom becomes a special moment that will always be awaited and attract attention from visitors.

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Post - Kompas.com, April 28, 2011, en.wikipedia.org, id.wikipedia.org

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Lampung Farmers Market Organic Rice through Facebook and Websites

Nowadays, Kelompok Tani Maju (farming group) in Tulangbawang Barat, have succeeded in producing organic rice as much as 500 kilograms per month. Rice is packed in bags weighing 10 kilograms.

“Organic rice species developed by our group are pandan wangi and rojo lele. Usually we market the product in person in Metro and Bandar Lampung area,” said Edhi, a farmer from the group.

Edhi and his farming group also plans to propose cooperation with the corporation or company to attract a wider market. “We will propose cooperation with Telkom. They expressed interest in organic rice, "said Edhi.

With members totaling 30 people and land area of 20 hectares, Kelompok Tani Maju do not stop trying to develop organic crops other than rice. "We are developing organic fruits and vegetables as well," said Edhi.

About the price that is relatively more expensive, Edhi said that it’s because farmers are still find difficulties post-harvest product processing and marketing. If the future of organic farmers and their production are increasing, he believes the selling price of organic products can be cheaper. "Prices can go down and could be cheaper than the price of inorganic rice, '" he said.

To help the marketing of organic rice, Yabima (Yayasan Bimbingan Mandiri) plans to launch the Organic Rice Lovers Community (Komunitas Pecinta Beras Organik - KPBO). The community consists of people with various professions, such as doctors, religious leaders, teachers, and others. "This is our purpose to spread the benefits of eating organic rice," said Yanti, one of the instigators of Yabima.

About the price of organic rice that is now above the average price of inorganic rice, it is because one a few farmers produce organic rice. She said that Yabima also plans to continue expanding producers of organic rice. "Hopefully, the selling price of organic rice will be the same or cheaper than inorganic rice. But, with better quality," she added.

Marketing and promotion will also be carried out through Facebook, websites, as well as meetings with customers.

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Post - Tribun Lampung, April 24, 2011.

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Kalimaya Stones from Lebak Penetrate World Market

Fossil and kalimaya stones craftsmen in Lebak regency, Banten province are able to penetrate the ASEAN market since the demand is high enough in those countries.

“We’re overwhelmed to fulfill the demand for gemstone crafts to neighboring countries,” said Ardineswati, a craftwoman from Rangkasbitung district, Lebak. She said that fossil and kalimaya stones are natural wealth existing in Lebak regency. The stones worth hundreds of millions of dollars are available in a number of areas in Lebak, such as Sajira, Maja, Cipanas, Cimarga, and Muncang.

According to Ardineswati, the craftsmen sells handicrafts made from fossil and kalimaya stones to some ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Malaysian, Thailand, and Philippines. The price for each handicraft varies from Rp 500,000 to Rp 100 million. “I think customers are interested in gemstones because they’ve got high artistic value,” she said.

Nong, a gemstone craftsman in Rangkasbitung, Lebak admitted that kalimaya stones from this area are the best in the world because the stones have got different color types compared with gemstones from Australia, Latin America, and Somalia. Kalimaya stones from Lebak are very fascinating because they have got different colors like black, brown, yellow, purple, blue and rainbow colors.

To get the gems, he said, traditional exploitation is needed, which is digging a hole to the underground to tens of meters. “It there’s a kalimaya stone underground, there’ll be visible ray,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Department of Industry and Trade of Lebak regency, Herisnen said, local government continue to develop kalimaya and fossil stones craftsmen because it can improve the local economy as well as employment. 

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Post - Kompas.com, April 20, 2011.

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CCAI Employees Wear Recycled Uniform

Coca Cola Amatil Indonesia (CCAI) celebrated Earth Day in a unique way. This company made a breakthrough in supporting the preservation of the environment, all Coca Cola employees has been wearing Eco Uniform since the beginning of April.

CCAI President Director Peter Kelly expressed, Eco Uniform is made from recycled PET plastic material and organic cotton. By using uniform made from recycled materials, the company is applying the principles of reduce (reduction of new plastic), recycle (recycle PET plastic), and reuse.

“The uniform can be used comfortably and trendily, although made from recycled materials. CCAI employees throughout Indonesia, about 10 thousand people, for the first step this year received three pieces of uniform each,” said Kelly.

Kelly explains, the idea is no other than to minimize the use of PET plastic material. In the world of textile, known as PET polyester and is widely used for garment production. So, recycling this material is very relevant to reduce the use of PET or new resin of polyester.

“We are proud of our environmentally friendly initiatives. Hopefully, our latest innovation with Eco Uniform can be followed by other organizations. So, we can provide a more tangible impact for our environment through recycling plastic waste,” he concluded.

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Post - Lampung.tribunnews.com, April 23, 2011.

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Film about Bajo Tribe Received an International Award

 

One more Indonesian film received an international award. Film "The Mirror Never Lies" which tells about the story in Bajo Tribe in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi was awarded an Honorable Mention from Global Film Initiative on April 14, 2011. The film was considered worthy of Honorable Mention award based on criteria of artistic presentation, storyline, and cultural perspectives in everyday life.

The film produced by Garin Nugroho is a joint partnership among the government of Wakatobi, World Wide Fund for Nature Indonesia, and the SET Film Workshop. Kamila Andini the director said that the idea of the film is inspired by sea state of Indonesia. "As one of the sea lovers, I want to lift the story of Bajo culture," she continued.

According to the director who was familiarly called Dini, the film "The Mirror Never Lies" is the first wide screen film directed by her. She stated that this film isn't a documentary but it's a family film that elevates local knowledge Bajo Tribe through everyday life and culture.

The film starred by Reza Rahardian, Atiqah Hasiholan, and three Wakatobi children, Gita, Eko, and Zainal took two years to complete. The constraints that Dini, crews and the actors/actresses faced were many decisions to be taken, they had to do some research since documentation concerning Bajo Tribe is very limited. Weather also hindered the process of filming.

The film is scheduled to be premiered in theaters in five cities in Indonesia and there'll be watching the movie together event in Wakatobi. Remarkably, there are several countries that have requested the film to be shown there, including Australia, India, China (Hong Kong), and Malaysia.

Marketing and Communication Director of WWF Indonesia, Devy Suradji, expects that through this film there'll be more parties to give more attention to preserve the rich biodiversity in the World's Coral Triangle.

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Post - Kompas.com, April 27, 2011.

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Indonesian Researcher Found Eco Friendly Coal

The need for cheap, efficient, and more eco friendly energy sources is increasing. Researcher from Indonesia, Ir. Harsudi Supandi successfully developed Geo Coal technology. Technology that is now in process of obtaining patent rights was launched on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Jakarta.

Harsudi who is also the President Director of Total Synergy International (TSI) revealed that there are two types of coal. The first type is the high rank coal. This type of coal has got a low water and a high energy content, high calorie and more efficient. This type of coal is widely used.

The second type is the low rank coal. This type of coal has got a high water content (nearly 80 percent), low energy content and calorie, and less efficient. This type of coal is usually soft, easily broken or fractured, and easy to burn out of control. However, this type of coal turned out to have advantages, which are abundant in number and the low content of sulfur and ash.

Harsudi developed the technology to increase the calorie of the low rank coal. The process is conducted through several phases namely, preparation, demolition of the coal, drying, setting, and cooling. The process is able to increase the calorie of coal by 50 to 100 percent. This process can maintain the levels of sulfur and ash remain low so that the resulting product is more environmentally friendly. Last but not least, this coal upgrading process is more cost efficient.

Currently, TSI have signed an agreement with PLN to use Geo Coal in one of the power stations in Tamiang Layang, Central Kalimantan in June 2011. Among the amid fears of decreasing oil reserves and the impacts of nuclear energy, hopefully Geo Coal technology become the cheap, reliable, and environmentally alternative energy resource. For Indonesia, this cheap energy resource can certainly spur economic growth.

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Post - Kompas.com, April 20, 2011.

5:04 PM | 1 komentar | Read More

Agnes Monica Won Seven International Awards

Indonesian talented singer and actress Agnes Monica won another international awards. Recently, Agnes won seven of eight nominations in Jpop Asia International Music Award (JIMA) 2011 held by www.jpopasia.com site. Seven awards were achieved by Agnes from these categories: Favourite Artist/Band, Best Female Solo, Most Promising Artist/Band, Best Musical Ability, Sexiest Female Singer, Most Wanted Female Singer, and Best Use of Social Media.

Remarkably, Agnes managed to beat famous women musicians from Asia such as Yui, Ayumi Hamasaki, and Utada Hikaru. Agnes also managed to beat top singers and music groups such as Zhang Liyin, Coco Lee, Arashi, KAT-TUN, and Super Junior. Hopefully these awards will water down her path to go international. Congratulations, Agnes!

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Post - Tribun Lampung, April 25, 2011 & Jpopasia.com.

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Fish Products from South Sulawesi are Popular in Japan

It is not a secret that the Japanese people loved to eat fish. Some of the products that they enjoy eating are fish products from Bantaeng district, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Although Japan has just hit by the tsunami, but the demand for processed fish products of PT. Global Seafood International Indonesia remains high.

Last week, PT. Global Seafood International Indonesia exported 20 tons of surimi and fish fillets. Previously, the company has already sent 13 containers of the same products. Surimi made from kurisi fish, sardines, and flying fish is the main raw material of kamaboko, fish nuggets and fish ball in Japan.

Afandy, production manager at the company say that they began to develop other products in addition to surimi, such as frozen pelagic fish and frozen octopus. In addition, they also will process frozen tuna exclusively for the domestic market.

The company employs more than 100 indigenous people Bantaeng. Good news isn’t it? Expanding job fileds for the local people while improving the country's foreign exchange through exporting processed fish products.

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Post - Kompas.com, April 23, 2011.

9:24 AM | 0 komentar | Read More