Pope Francis embarked on a historic four-nation tour, his longest and most ambitious yet, beginning with a visit to Indonesia, a Muslim-majority nation. The visit focuses on interfaith relations and the promotion of religious harmony, with Pope Francis set to meet with representatives of all six officially recognized religions in Indonesia. The tour comes amidst concerns about growing religious discrimination in the country.
Pope Francis has begun a demanding 12-day tour of Southeast Asia, starting in Jakarta, Indonesia, with a focus on climate change and its impact on the region. The trip, the longest of his papacy, will see him visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.
India’s badminton duo Sivarajan Solaimalai and Nithya Sre Sumathy narrowly missed out on a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics, losing in a hard-fought mixed doubles match against Indonesia’s Subhan and Rina Marlina. This marks India’s second fourth-place finish at the Games.
The Suosdey Indonesia exhibition, scheduled for September 13-14 in Phnom Penh, marks a significant milestone in the deepening relationship between Indonesia and Cambodia. This event will feature trade and tourism promotion, business matching sessions, cultural performances, and educational opportunities, fostering economic cooperation and cultural understanding between the two nations.
Indonesia has implemented a mandatory health declaration form, the SATUSEHAT Health Pass, for all travelers entering the country, in response to growing concerns about the spread of Mpox. This comes as Australian health authorities urge vigilance and vaccination due to new Mpox cases and a mutated virus strain declared a health emergency by the WHO.
Gorontalo province in Indonesia is hosting its first Whale Shark Festival on September 1st, 2024, to celebrate International Whale Shark Day and promote the region’s tourism potential. The festival features a variety of activities, including a local market, children’s events, and environmental initiatives.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2024 has already sold 6,360 tickets, showcasing strong anticipation for the event. However, rising hotel prices in the area are causing concern for potential attendees, with the NTB Governor’s Regulation allowing price increases up to three times the standard rate in the first ring area surrounding Mandalika.
Jakarta is set to host the inaugural Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF), a major B2B tourism event, from October 2-4, 2024. The event, organized by the Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI), aims to connect travel professionals from around the world and showcase Indonesia’s diverse tourism offerings.
Southeast Asian ride-hailing giant Grab Holdings is set to add over 1,000 electric vehicles (EVs) to its Indonesian fleet, primarily sourced from Chinese automaker BYD. This expansion, fueled by a growing commitment to sustainability, will bolster Grab’s existing fleet of over 10,000 electric two- and four-wheelers. The move follows a similar strategy by Uber, which has partnered with BYD to introduce 100,000 EVs globally. Grab’s recent financial results showcase strong revenue growth and a growing user base, reflecting its commitment to innovation and expansion.
Bintan Resorts, a leading tourism destination in Indonesia, has partnered with VFS Global to attract Indian tourists. This strategic alliance aims to increase Bintan Island’s visibility and position it as a premier travel destination for Indian travelers. The partnership will utilize VFS Global’s extensive network in India to promote Bintan’s diverse offerings, including family-friendly vacations, thrilling adventures, and unique culinary experiences.
