about Indonesia

Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Republik Indonesia), is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia comprises 17,508 islands and thirty three provinces. With over 238 million people, it is the world's fourth most populous country, and has the world's largest population of Muslims. Indonesia is a republic, with an elected legislature and president. The nation's capital city is Jakarta. The country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysia. Other neighboring countries include Singapore, Philippines, Australia, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Indonesia is a founding member of ASEAN and a member of the G-20 major economies. The Indonesian economy is the world's eighteenth largest economy by nominal GDP and fifteenth largest by purchasing power parity.



The Indonesian archipelago has been an important trade region since at least the 7th century, when Srivijaya and then later Majapahit traded with China and India. Local rulers gradually absorbed foreign cultural, religious and political models from the early centuries CE, and Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms flourished. Indonesian history has been influenced by foreign powers drawn to its natural resources. Muslim traders brought Islam, and European powers brought Christianity and fought one another to monopolize trade in the Spice Islands of Maluku during the Age of Discovery. Following three and a half centuries of Dutch colonialism, Indonesia secured its independence after World War II. Indonesia's history has since been turbulent, with challenges posed by natural disasters, corruption, separatism, a democratization process, and periods of rapid economic change.

Across its many islands, Indonesia consists of distinct ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. The Javanese are the largest—and the politically dominant—ethnic group. Indonesia has developed a shared identity defined by a national language, ethnic diversity, religious pluralism within a majority Muslim population, and a history of colonialism including rebellion against it. Indonesia's national motto, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" ("Unity in Diversity" literally, "many, yet one"), articulates the diversity that shapes the country. Despite its large population and densely populated regions, Indonesia has vast areas of wilderness that support the world's second highest level of biodiversity. The country is richly endowed with natural resources, yet poverty remains widespread in contemporary Indonesia

Population of Indonesia

The population of Indonesia according to the 2010 national census is 237.6 million, with 58% living on the island of Java, the world's most populous island.



Despite a fairly effective family planning program that has been in place since the 1960s,[4] the population is expected to grow to around 254 million by 2020 and 288 million by 2050,[5] falling to fifth behind Pakistan sometime before 2050.

Bali wins best Island award

Bali has again been recognized by a distinguished travel magazine as the best island in the Asia-Pacific region for 2009, Antara has reported.

"Bali has been honored as The Best Island in Asia Pacific 2009 by DestinAsian Magazine in Hong Kong," Culture and Tourism Ministry's director for promotion facilities Esthy Reko Astuty said Thursday.


She said Bali won the honor through a poll in DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards in a survey which sought readers' opinions on their favorite destinations, hotels, and airlines in the Asia-Pacific region and announced every February.

"Bali has been chosen four times consecutively as the Best Island in Asia Pacific by DestinAsia Magazine since 2006," she said.

According to Bali Tourism Office records, Bali has garnered at least 25 awards from various international magazines and countries since 1998. Most of the awards were given to Bali for its unique destination and natural beauty found nowhere else in the world.

Kebaya - National Costume

A Kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress combination worn by women in Indonesia. It is sometimes made from sheer material and usually worn with a sarong or batik kain panjang, or other traditional woven garment such as ikat, songket with a colorful motif.

The kebaya is the national costume of Indonesia, although it is more accurately endemic to Java, Sunda and Bali.

Etymology

Kebaya is inspired from Arab region clothing; the Arabic word abaya means clothing.

History

The earliest form of Kebaya originates in the court of the Javanese Majapahit Kingdom as a means to blend the existing female Kemban, torso wrap of the aristocratic women to be more modest and acceptable to the newly adopted Islam religion. Aceh, Riau and Johor Kingdoms and Northern Sumatra adopted the Javanese style kebaya as a means of social expression of status with the more alus or refined Javanese overlords.

The name of Kebaya as a particular clothing type was noted by the Portuguese when they landed in Indonesia. Kebaya is associated with a type of blouse worn by Indonesian women in 15th or 16th century. Prior to 1600, kebaya on Java island were considered as a sacred clothing to be worn only by royal family, aristocrats (bangsawan) and minor nobility, in an era when peasant men and many women walked publicly bare-chested.

Slowly it naturally spread to neighbouring areas through trade, diplomacy and social interactions to Malacca, Bali, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi and the Sultanate of Sulu and Mindanao  Javanese kebaya as known today were noted by Raffles in 1817, as being of silk, brocade and velvet, with the central opening of the blouse fastened by brooches, rather than button and button-holes over the torso wrap kemben, the kain (and unstitched wrap fabric several metres long erroneously termed 'sarong in English (a sarung (Malaysian accent: sarong) is stitched to form a tube, like a Western dress) After hundreds of years of regional acculturation, the garments have become highly localised expressions of ethnic culture, artistry and tailoring traditions.



The quintessential kebaya is the Javanese kebaya as known today is essentially unchanged as noted by Raffles in 1817. It consists of the blouse (kebaya) of cotton , silk, lace, brocade or velvet, with the central opening of the blouse fastened by a central brooch (kerongsang) where the flaps of the blouse meet. Traditional kebaya had no buttons down the front. A typical three-piece kerongsang is composed of a kerongsang ibu (mother piece) that is larger and heavier than the other two kerongsang anak (child piece). Kerongsang brooch often made from gold jewelry and considered as the sign of social status of aristocracy, wealth and nobility, however for commoners and peasant women, simple and plain kebaya often only fastened with modest safety pin (peniti).

The blouse is commonly semi-transparent and worn over the torso wrap or kemben. The skirt or kain is an unstitched fabric wrap around three metres long. The term sarong in English is erroneous, the sarung (Malaysian accent: sarong) is actually stitched together to form a tube, like a Western dress- the kain is unstitched, requires a helper to dress (literally wrap) the wearer and is held in place with a string (tali), then folded this string at the waist, then held with a belt (sabuk or ikat pinggang), which may hold a decorative pocket.


Varieties

There are two main varieties. The blouse, known as baju kebaya may be of two main form: the semi-transparent straighter cut blouse of the Java, Bali and the more tightly tailored Sunda kebaya and the more Islamic compatible, plainer baju kurung is a loose-fitting, knee-length long-sleeved blouse worn in the more adherent Muslim areas- including former Kingdom of Johor-Riau (now Malaysia), Sumatra and parts of coastal Java.

In Java, Bali and Sunda, the kain is commonly batik which may be from plain stamped cotton to elaborately hand-painted batik tulis embroidered silk with gold thread. In Lampung, the kain is the traditional tapis- an elaborate gold-thread embroidered ikat with small mica discs. Sumatera, Flores, Lemata Timor, and other islands commonly use kain of ikat or songket. Sumba is famous for kain decorated with lau hada: shells and beads.

During Dutch colonization of the island, European women began wearing the less restrictive and cooler kebaya as a formal or social dress. European women wore shorter sleeve and total length cotton in prints.
The day kebaya of the Eurasians was of white cotton trimmed with European handmade lace- commonly from Bruges or Holland and black silk for evening wear.

In the Malacca region, a different variety of kebaya is called "nyonya kebaya" worn by those of Chinese ancestry: the Peranakan people. The Nyonya kebaya is different in its' famously intricately hand-beaded shoes (kasut manek) and use of kain with Chinese motive batik or imported printed or hand-painted Chinese silks.
[edit] Political Significance

The only woman present during Indonesia's Proclamation of Independence, Dutch-educated activist SK Trimurti- wore kebaya cementing it as the female dress of Nationalism.
In Japanese internment camps during the Second World War, Indonesian female prisoners refused to wear the Western dress allocated them and instead wore kebaya as a display of Nationalist and racial solidarity separate from fellow Chinese, Europeans and Eurasian inmates.

The 21st of April is celebrated in Indonesia as National Kartini Day where Raden Ayu Kartini, the female suffragist and education advocate is remembered by schoolgirls wearing traditional dress according to their region. In Java, Bali and Sunda it is the kebaya.

Cultural rivalry between Malaysian and Indonesia has given rise to media-based spats over the true ownership of the 'kebaya.

Former President Megawati Sukarnoputri is a public champion of kebaya and wears fine red kebaya whenever possible in public forums and 2009 Presidential election debates.

The Suharto-era bureaucrat wives' social organisation Dharma Wanita wears a uniform of gold kebaya, with a red sash (selendang) and stamped batik pattern on the kain unique to Dharma Wanita. The late Indonesian first lady and minor aristocrat Tien Suharto was also a prominent advocate of the kebaya.


Modern Usage and Innovations

Apart from traditional kebaya, fashion designers are looking into ways of modifying the design and making kebaya a more fashionable outfit. Casual designed kebaya can even be worn with jeans or skirts. For weddings or formal events, many designers are exploring other types of fine fabrics like laces to create a bridal kebaya.

Modern-day kebaya now incorporate modern Western tailoring innovations such as clasps, zippers and buttons- zippers being a much appreciated addition for ladies' requiring the bathroom, without requiring being literally unwrapped by a helper- to the extent the true kain is near unanimously rejected.

Other modern innovations have included the blouse baju kebaya worn without the restrictive kemben, and eve the kebaya blouse worn with slacks or made of the fabric usually for the kain panjang.

Modern kebaya blouses are also zippered at the back- for practicality and for larger frame women's busts not to literally burst out the front of their blouse.

The "Singapore Girl" uniform worn by Singapore Airlines stewardesses is a rather more tight-fitting interpretation of the traditional costume by French haute couture designer Pierre Balmain in 1972, considered provocative and exploitative by some[who?] at the time. The female flight attendant of Malaysia Airlines also featuring batik kebaya as their uniform.

The female uniform of Garuda Indonesia flight attendants is more authentic modern interpretations, the kebaya is designed in simple yet classic kartini style kebaya derived from 19th century kebaya of Javanese noblewomen. The kebaya made from fire-proof cotton-polyester fabrics, with batik sarongs in parang or lereng gondosuli motif, which also incorporate garuda's wing motif and small dots represent jasmine.

Types and Variations of Batik

Javanese Kraton Batik (Javanese court Batik)

Javanese kraton (court) Batik is the oldest batik tradition known in Java. Also known as Batik Pedalaman (inland batik) in contrast with Batik Pesisiran (coastal batik). This type of batik has earthy color tones such as black, brown, and dark yellow (sogan), sometimes against a white background. The motifs of traditional court batik have symbolic meanings. Some designs are restricted: larger motifs can only be worn by royalty; and certain motifs are not suitable for women, or for specific occasions (e.g., weddings).

The palace courts (keratonan) in two cities in central Java are known for preserving and fostering batik traditions:

1.    Surakarta (Solo City) Batik. Traditional Surakarta court batik is preserved and fostered by the Susuhunan and Mangkunegaran courts. The main areas that produce Solo batik are the Laweyan and Kauman districts of the city. Solo batik typically has sogan as the background color. Pasar Klewer near the Susuhunan palace is a retail trade center.
2.   Yogyakarta Batik. Traditional Yogya batik is preserved and fostered by the Yogyakarta Sultanate and the Pakualaman court. Usually Yogya Batik has white as the background color. Fine batik is produced at Kampung Taman district. Beringharjo market near Malioboro street is well known as a retail batik trade center in Yogyakarta.

Pesisir Batik (Coastal Batik)

Pesisir batik is created and produced by several areas on the northern coast of Java and on Madura. As a consequence of maritime trading, the Pesisir batik tradition was more open to foreign influences in textile design, coloring, and motifs, in contrast to inland batik, which was relatively independent of outside influences. For example, Pesisir batik utilizes vivid colors and Chinese motifs such as clouds, phoenix, dragon, qilin, lotus, peony, and floral patterns.

•     Pekalongan Batik. The most famous Pesisir Batik production area is the town of Pekalongan in Central Java province. Compared to other pesisir batik production centers, the batik production houses in this town is the most thriving. Batik Pekalongan was influenced by both Dutch-European and Chinese motifs, for example the buketan motifs was influenced by European flower bouquet.
•     Cirebon Batik. Also known as Trusmi Batik because that is the primary production area. The most well known Cirebon batik motif is megamendung (rain cloud) that was used in the former Cirebon Kraton. This cloud motif shows Chinese influence.
•     Lasem Batik. Lasem batik is characterized by a bright red color called abang getih pithik (chicken blood red). Batik Lasem is heavily influenced by Chinese culture.
•     Tuban Batik. Batik gedog is the speciality of Tuban Batik, the batik was created from handmade tenun (woven) fabrics.
•     Madura Batik. Madurese Batik displays vibrant colors, such as yellow, red, and green. Madura unique motifs for example pucuk tombak (spear tips), also various flora and fauna images.

Indonesian Batik from other areas

Java

1.     Priangan Batik or Sundanese Batik is the term proposed to identify various batik cloths produced in the "Priangan" region, a cultural region in West Java and Northwest Java (Banten).[17] Traditionally this type of batik is produced by Sundanese people in the several district of West Java such as Ciamis, Garut, an Tasikmalaya; however it also encompasses Kuningan Batik which demonstrate Cirebon Batik influences, and also Banten Batik that developed quite independently and have its own unique motifs. The motifs of Priangan batik are visually naturalistic and strongly inspired by flora (flowers and swirling plants) and fauna (birds especially peacock and butterfly). The variants and production centers of Priangan Batik are:
2.      Ciamis Batik. Ciamis used to rival other leading batik industry centers in Java during early 20th century. Compared to other regions, Ciamis batik is stylistically less complex. The flora and fauna motifs known as ciamisan are drawn in black, white, and yellowish brown. Motifs are similar to coastal Cirebon Batik, but the thickness of coloring share the same styles as inland batik. The thick coloring of Ciamis batik is called sarian.
3.       Garut Batik. This type of batik is produced in the Garut district of West Java. Garutan batik can be identified by its distinctive colors, gumading (yellowish ivory), indigo, dark red, dark green, yellowish brown, and purple. Ivory stays dominant in the background. Despite applying traditional Javanese court motifs such as rereng, Garut batik uses lighter and brighter colors compared to Javanese court batik.
4.        Tasikmalaya Batik. This type of batik is produced in the Tasikmalaya district, West Java. Tasikmalaya Batik has its own traditional motif such as umbrella. Center of Tasikmalaya Batik can be found in Ciroyom District about 2 km from city center of Tasikmalaya.
5.        Kuningan Batik.
6.        Banten Batik. This type of batik employs bright and soft pastel colors. It represents a revival of a lost art from the Sultanate of Banten, rediscovered through archaeological work during 2002-2004. Twelve motifs from locations such as Surosowan and several other places have been identified.

    * Java Hokokai Batik. This type is characterized by flowers in a garden surrounded by butterflies. This motif originated during the Japanese occupation of Java in the early 1940s. The long fabrics usually is done in two pattern called pagi/sore (Indonesian: morning and afternoon) refer to two type of motifs in one sheet of fabric, as the solution of cotton fabrics scarcity during war time. Another recognizable traits of Java Hokokai batik are the Japanese influenced motifs; such as sakura (cherry blossoms) and seruni or kiku (chrysanthemums, Japan national flower and the symbol of the emperor), butterflies (symbol of female elegance in Japanese culture), and overlaying intricate details that has made Jawa Hokokai batiks as one of the most notable, noble and beautiful batik artform in Asia.

Bali

    * Balinese Batik. Balinese batik was influenced by neighbouring Javanese Batik and is relatively recent compared to the latter island, having been stimulated by the tourism industry and consequent rising demand for souvenirs (since the early 20th century). In addition to the traditional wax-resist dye technique and industrial techniques such as the stamp (cap) and painting, Balinese batik sometimes utilizes ikat (tie dye). Balinese batik is characterized by bright and vibrant colors, which the tie dye technique blends into a smooth gradation of color with many shades.

Sumatra

    * Jambi Batik. Trade relations between the Melayu Kingdom in Jambi and Javanese coastal cities have thrived since the 13th century. Therefore, the northern coastal areas of Java (Cirebon, Lasem, Tuban, and Madura) probably influenced Jambi in regard to batik. In 1875, Haji Mahibat from Central Java revived the declining batik industry in Jambi. The village of Mudung Laut in Pelayangan district is known for producing Jambi batik. This Jambi batik, as well as Javanese batik, influenced the batik craft in the Malay peninsula.

Modern

Out of its traditional context, batik can also be as a medium for artists to make modern paintings or art. Such arts can be categorized in the normal categorization of arts of the west.

Indonesian Cloth : Batik

Batik is a cloth that traditionally uses a manual wax-resist dyeing technique.

Javanese traditional batik, especially from Yogyakarta and Surakarta, has notable meanings rooted to the Javanese conceptualization of the universe. Traditional colours include indigo, dark brown, and white, which represent the three major Hindu Gods (Brahmā, Visnu, and Śiva). This is related to the fact that natural dyes are most commonly available in indigo and brown. Certain patterns can only be worn by nobility; traditionally, wider stripes or wavy lines of greater width indicated higher rank. Consequently, during Javanese ceremonies, one could determine the royal lineage of a person by the cloth he or she was wearing.

Other regions of Indonesia have their own unique patterns that normally take themes from everyday lives, incorporating patterns such as flowers, nature, animals, folklore or people. The colours of pesisir batik, from the coastal cities of northern Java, is especially vibrant, and it absorbs influence from the Javanese, Arab, Chinese and Dutch culture. In the colonial times pesisir batik was a favourite of the Peranakan Chinese, Dutch and Eurasians.[citation needed]

UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009. As part of the acknowledgment, UNESCO insisted that Indonesia preserve their heritage.

History

Wax resist dyeing technique in fabric is an ancient art form. Discoveries show it already existed in Egypt in the 4th century BCE, where it was used to wrap mummies; linen was soaked in wax, and scratched using a sharp tool. In Asia, the technique was practised in China during the T'ang dynasty (618-907 CE), and in India and Japan during the Nara period (645-794 CE). In Africa it was originally practised by the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, Soninke and Wolof in Senegal.

In Java, Indonesia, batik predates written records. G. P. Rouffaer argues that the technique might have been introduced during the 6th or 7th century from India or Sri Lanka. On the other hand, JLA. Brandes (a Dutch archeologist) and F.A. Sutjipto (an Indonesian archeologist) believe Indonesian batik is a native tradition, regions such as Toraja, Flores, Halmahera, and Papua, which were not directly influenced by Hinduism and have an old age tradition of batik making.

Rouffaer also reported that the gringsing pattern was already known by the 12th century in Kediri, East Java. He concluded that such a delicate pattern could only be created by means of the canting (also spelled tjanting or tjunting; pronounced [ˌtʃanˈtiŋ]) tool. He proposed that the canting was invented in Java around that time. The carving details of clothes wore by Prajnaparamita, the statue of buddhist goddess of transcendental wisdom from East Java circa 13th century CE. The clothes details shows intricate floral pattern similar to today traditional Javanese batik. This suggested intricate batik fabric pattern applied by canting already existed in 13th century Java or even earlier.

Batik was mentioned in the 17th century Malay Annals. The legend goes when Laksamana Hang Nadim was ordered by Sultan Mahmud to sail to India to get 140 pieces of serasah cloth (batik) with 40 types of flowers depicted on each. Unable to find any that fulfilled the requirements explained to him, he made up his own. On his return unfortunately, his ship sank and he only managed to bring four pieces, earning displeasure from the Sultan.

In Europe, the technique is described for the first time in the History of Java, published in London in 1817 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who had been a British governor for the island. In 1873 the Dutch merchant Van Rijckevorsel gave the pieces he collected during a trip to Indonesia to the ethnographic museum in Rotterdam. Today Tropenmuseum houses the biggest collection of Indonesian batik in the Netherlands. The Dutch were active in developing batik in the colonial era, they introduced new innovations and prints. And it was indeed starting from the early 19th century that the art of batik really grew finer and reached its golden period. Exposed to the Exposition Universelle at Paris in 1900, the Indonesian batik impressed the public and the artisans. After the independence of Indonesia and the decline of the Dutch textile industry, the Dutch batik production was lost. The Gemeentemuseum, Den Haag contains artifacts from that era.

Due to globalization and industrialization, which introduced automated techniques, new breeds of batik, known as batik cap and batik print emerged, and the traditional batik, which incorporates the hand written wax-resist dyeing technique is known now as batik tulis

At the same time, according to the Museum of Cultural History of Oslo, Indonesian immigrants to Malaysia brought the art with them. As late as the 1920s Javanese batik makers introduced the use of wax and copper blocks on Malaysia's east coast. The production of hand drawn batik in Malaysia is of recent date and is related to the Javanese batik tulis.


Indonesia Culture

Depending on the quality of the art work, dyes, and fabric, the finest batik tulis halus cloth can fetch several thousand dollars and it probably took several months to make. Batik tulis has both sides of the cloth ornamented.

In Indonesia, traditionally, batik was sold in 2.25-meter lengths used for kain panjang or sarong for kebaya dress. It can also be worn by wrapping it around the body, or made into a hat known as blangkon. Infants are carried in batik slings decorated with symbols designed to bring the child luck. Certain batik designs are reserved for brides and bridegrooms, as well as their families. The dead are shrouded in funerary batik. Other designs are reserved for the Sultan and his family or their attendants. A person's rank could be determined by the pattern of the batik he or she wore.


For special occasions, batik was formerly decorated with gold leaf or dust. This cloth is known as prada (a Javanese word for gold) cloth. Gold decorated cloth is still made today; however, gold paint has replaced gold dust and leaf.

Batik garments play a central role in certain rituals, such as the ceremonial casting of royal batik into a volcano. In the Javanese naloni mitoni "first pregnancy" ceremony, the mother-to-be is wrapped in seven layers of batik, wishing her good things. Batik is also prominent in the tedak siten ceremony when a child touches the earth for the first time. Batik is also part of the labuhan ceremony when people gather at a beach to throw their problems away into the sea.

Contemporary batik, while owing much to the past, is markedly different from the more traditional and formal styles. For example, the artist may use etching, discharge dyeing, stencils, different tools for waxing and dyeing, or wax recipes with different resist values. They may work with silk, cotton, wool, leather, paper, or even wood and ceramics. The wide diversity of patterns reflects a variety of influences, ranging from Arabic calligraphy, European bouquets and Chinese phoenixes to Japanese cherry blossoms and Indian or Persian peacocks.

In Indonesia, batik popularity has had its up and downs. Historically, it was essential for ceremonial costumes and it was worn as part of a kebaya dress, which was commonly worn every day. According to Professor Michael Hitchcock of the University of Chichester (UK), batik "has a strong political dimension. The batik shirt was invented as a formal non-Western shirt for men in Indonesia in the 1960s. It waned from the 1960s onwards, because more and more women chose western clothes. However, batik clothing has revived somewhat in the 21st century, due to the effort of Indonesian fashion designers to innovate the kebaya by incorporating new colors, fabrics, and patterns. Batik is a fashion item for many young people in Indonesia, such as a shirt, dress, or scarf for casual wear. For a formal occasion, a kebaya is standard for women. It is also acceptable for men to wear batik in the office or as a replacement for jacket-and-tie at certain receptions.

The female uniform of Garuda Indonesia flight attendants is more authentic modern interpretations of batik and kebaya, the kebaya is designed in simple yet classic kartini style with sarong in parang or lereng gondosuli motif, which also incorporate garuda's wing motif and small dots represent jasmine.The sarong motif symbolizes the ‘Fragrant Ray of Life’ and endows the wearer with elegance. The uniform consists of three colors; aqua green which implies sophistication, the tropics and freshness; orange to suggest warmth, friendliness and energy; and blue which symbolizes dependability, trustworthiness, immortality and tranquility.

World Record Angklung

WORLD RECORD Angklung

INDONESIA TO BREAK WORLD RECORD Angklung Ensemble in Washington DC, USA

On Saturday evening from 5.0 pm - 7.0 pm, 9 July 2011, thousands are expected to gather at the Washington Monument Grounds North Lawn, National Mall in Washington DC to break the World Record for the “Largest Angklung Ensemble” in history. Supervised by adjudicators from the Guinness World Record, the thousands assembled from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds will together shake the angklung bamboo instruments and are assured to make melodious music together almost instantly.


All are invited to join to break the Angklung Ensemble Guinness World Record. To participate and for further information log on to : www.embassyofindonesia.org

Angklung is a musical instrument made from joints of pieces of bamboo fine-tuned to one particular note when shaken.  Each piece has one specific note, so that in order to create a melody,  all notes and half notes of the song must be represented in the set. These are then shaken by each individual at the appropriate place in the score. Hearing thousands of these bamboo instruments shaken together by a crowd that has never handled these instruments before is very thrilling both for the audience as well as for the players themselves.

The Angklung is traditionally known in West Java and Bali, however, this modern version was created by Mang Udjo, whose family continues to manage their own Studio, open to visitors in the hill town of Bandung.

 The event, organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Washington together with the Indonesian Investment Board  BKPM is part of the Indonesian Festival 2011 held in the United States this summer, which carries the theme : “Celebrating Multiculturalism”.

From 12th to the 16th July, a Batik Exhibition and Workshop on the theme “Indonesian Batik: World Heritage” will be staged at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, in tandem with the American Batik Design Competition which is ongoing from March through November.

For more information on the Angklung, log on to www.angklung-udjo.co.id

Mount Bromo

Fascinating Sunrise

While it may be small when measured against other volcanoes in Indonesia, the magnificent Mt Bromo will not disappoint with its spectacular views and dramatic landscapes. At 2392 meters tall, Mt Bromo is not among the tallest of Indonesia’s mountains but its stunning beauty lies in its incredible setting.


From a vantage point on Mount Penanjakan (2,770 meters above sea level) visitors from around the world come to see the sunrise over Mt Bromo. From this spot the vista is magnificent. All you will hear is the click of cameras as visitors snap their camera’s hoping to capture the incredible scene of Mt Bromo in the foreground with Mt Semeru smoking in the distance and the sun shining brightly, quickly rising in the sky. 

The eerie landscape has spurned countless legends and myths. Mt Bromo has particular significance for the Tengger people who believe that this was the site where a brave prince sacrificed his life for his family. The people here appease the Gods once a year during the annual Kasada festival where offerings of vegetables, chickens and money are thrown into the crater of the volcano.

To Stay

There are a number of guesthouses and basic hotels located around Mt Bromo. The Bromo Guest House is located at Ngadisari that lies 3 km from the crater rim. Or you can choose other hotels at Cemoro Lawang because it this situated at the crater rim.

Visitors can also stay at Tretes, Pasuruan or in Malang, the nearest towns to Bromo, and cool mountain resorts, where there are a number of good hotels with spectacular views on Mt. Semeru and Mt.Arjuna. 

To Eat

If you forget to bring food, the restaurants near Mount Bromo open from 3 am. They generally provide various types of Indonesian traditional dishes such as Ketoprak, fried rice, Rujak Cingur, Bandrek, etc

Get There

To reach Mount Bromo, you can fly to Juanda international airport in Surabaya. There are direct flights to Surabaya from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hongkong, Jakarta and Bali.

Sriwijaya Air flies twice daily from Jakarta to Malang.

From there, continue your journey to Mount Bromo by booking with a travel agent, or driving the Surabaya-Pasuruan-Wonokitri-Mount Bromo route. The journey will take 2 to 3 hours. It is best for you to leave Surabaya at 23:00-24:00 in order to arrive in time for sunrise. Or you can stay overnight at one of the hotels at Prigen, Tretes, .to make sure that you are on the crater rim before sunrise.

Ponies can take you across the sand sea to the bottom of the steep stairs that leads to the crater.

Tips

The temperature at Mt Bromo ranges from 3 to 20 degrees Celsius but the temperature may be several degrees below zero during the dry season.  If you can’t stand cold weather, you should bring a jacket, gloves and a head cover or cap. After the sun rises, the weather becomes hot pretty fast.

Don't forget to bring a camera or handycam so you can capture the natural beauty.

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Established in 1980, initially the main purpose of the Park was to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. However, over the years, the goals for the Park have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. In 1986, the Park was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, both indications of the Park's biological importance.





Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total surface area up to 2,321km2). As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other  notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.
   

Threats to terrestrial biodiversity include the increasing pressure on forest cover and water resources as the local human population has increased 800% over the past 60 years. In addition, the Timor deer population, the preferred prey source for the endangered Komodo dragon, is still being poached. Destructive fishing practices such as dynamite-, cyanide, and compressor fishing severely threaten the Park's marine resources by destroying both the habitat (coral reefs) and the resource itself (fish and invertebrate stocks). The present situation in the Park is characterized by reduced but continuing destructive fishing practices primarily by immigrant fishers, and high pressure on demersal stocks like lobsters, shellfish, groupers and napoleon wrasse. Pollution inputs, ranging from raw sewage to chemicals, are increasing and may pose a major threat in the future.

Today, the PKA Balai Taman Nasional Komodo and PT. Putri Naga Komodo are working together to protect the Park's vast resources. Our goals are to protect the Park's biodiversity (both marine and terrestrial) and the breeding stocks of commercial fishes for replenishment of surrounding fishing grounds. The main challenge is to reduce both threats to the resources and conflicts between incompatible activities. Both parties have a long term commitment to protecting the marine biodiversity of Komodo National Park.

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a large species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang.[3] A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (150 lb). Their unusual size has been attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live.[4][5] However, recent research suggests that the large size of komodo dragons may be better understood as representative of a relic population of very large varanid lizards that once lived across Indonesia and Australia, most of which, along with other megafauna,[6] died out after contact with modern humans. Fossils very similar to V. komodoensis have been found in Australia dating to greater than 3.8 million years ago, and its body size remained stable on Flores, one of the handful of Indonesian islands where it is currently found, ever since Flores (along with neighboring islands) were isolated by rising sea levels approximately 900,000 years ago.[6] As a result of their size, these lizards dominate the ecosystems in which they live.[7] Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

Mating begins between May and August, and the eggs are laid in September. About twenty eggs are deposited in abandoned megapode nests and incubated for seven to eight months, hatching in April, when insects are most plentiful. Young Komodo dragons are vulnerable and therefore dwell in trees, safe from predators and cannibalistic adults. They take around three to five years to mature, and may live as long as fifty years. They are among the rare vertebrates capable of parthenogenesis, in which females may lay viable eggs if males are absent, producing only male offspring.[8]

Komodo dragons were first recorded by Western scientists in 1910.[9] Their large size and fearsome reputation make them popular zoo exhibits. In the wild their range has contracted due to human activities and they are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. They are protected under Indonesian law, and a national park, Komodo National Park, was founded to aid protection efforts.

Borobudur

Indonesia History
 

The magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument, an ancient site widely considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. This awe inspiring monument is truly a marvel. After a visit here you will understand why it is Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction and a famous icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

Located on the island of Java, the temple sits majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. It covers an enormous area, measuring 123 x 123 meters. The monument is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The architecture and stonework of this temple has no equal.  And it was built without using any kind of cement or mortar! The structure is like a set of massive interlocking Lego blocks held together without any glue.

The temple has remained strong even through ten centuries of neglect. It was rediscovered in 1815, buried under volcanic ash. In the 1970’s the Indonesian Government and UNESCO worked together to restore Borobudur to its former majesty The restoration took eight years to complete and today Borobudur is one of Indonesia and the world’s most valuable treasures.

The temple is decorated with stone carvings in bas-relief representing images from the life of Buddha. Commentators claim that this is the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist reliefs in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit.

This monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The ten levels of the temple symbolize the three divisions of the religion’s cosmic system. As visitors begin their journey at the base of the temple, they make their way to the top of the monument through the three levels of Budhist cosmology, KÄ�madhÄ�tu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). As visitors walk to the top the monument guides the pilgrims past 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

The whole monument itself resembles a giant stupa, but seen from above it forms a mandala. The great stupa at the top of the temple sits 40 meters above the ground.  This main dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

Historians suggest that the name of Borobudur comes from the Sanskrit ‘Vihara Buddha Uhr’ or the ‘Buddhist monastery on the hill’.

 

To Stay

As Borobudur is only a one hour drive from Jogjakarta, many visitors choose to stay in Jogja where there are a wide variety of hotels, from a simple bed & breakfast to starred hotels. Just look at our Travel Directory to search for hotels in DI Yogyakarta.

For visitors who want to stay as close as possible to the magnificent Borobudur temple there are other accommodation options. Standing high amidst the Menoreh Hills with some truly stunning views of Borobudur, the Amanjiwo hotel is a majestic building and almost a tourist attraction in its own right. Located only 3 km / 2 miles to the South of Borobudur the Amanjiwo is a luxury hotel where guests enjoy exclusive suites with private swimming pools.

Alternatively, there are hotels perched in the nearby beautiful highlands of Magelang. Magelang hotels are approximately 20 km/12 miles north of the Borobudur Temple. One of the most impressive hotels in this area is the Losari Coffee Plantation, which offers villa-style accommodation where the verandahs overlook some impressive views of the nearby volcanoes.

To Eat

Jogjakarta is the best place to go to sample some delicious local specialties. Gudeg is one of them. This dish is made of young jackfruit with traditional herbs, sometimes with eggs and chicken. Cow's inner skin, cooked until tender, usually accompanies gudeg with steamed rice. Most traditional restaurants in Jogjakarta sell this specialty.

Get Around

The best way to explore this site is on foot. As you climb to the top of this magnificent temple you will marvel at the intricate detailed stone carvings displayed on the temples walls. You will certainly miss a great experience if you visit this enormous temple without learning about its history and importance which are captured on its many reliefs.

Guides are available for around Rp 50 thousand. This is a wise investment as a guide will be able to walk you around the site and explain the history of the temple, beginning with its construction during the Syailendra dynasty. The stone carvings attached to the temple display legends and stories which have great philosophical significance.

For visitors with children, don’t miss the massive green grass area surrounding the Borobudur site.

You may choose to walk through Green Park from the entrance. Many vendors will offer you souvenirs and other knick knacks as you walk through this area, however there are regulations in place to prevent them from disturbing visitors.

 

Get There

Borobudur is only one hour’s drive from Yogyakarta. The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour or renting a car.

During your journey to Borobudur, enjoy the fresh cool air of Magelang city with its roads lined with big shady trees. Borobudur itself stands tall against the spectacular backdrop of the Menoreh mountain range that surrounds it.

Entering the temple compound is easy and most visitors choose to wander around on foot. Alternatively you can chart a cart (pulled by a horse) at a reasonable price.
Alternatively, cruise passengers who disembark at Semarang can take a day tour driving through Wonosobo to Borobudur.

Tips

• Held once a year during a full moon in May, the Vesak (Waisak) festival attracts many pilgrims and visitors. This is a Buddhist festival celebrating the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. If you’re interested in cultural festivals, this is an ideal time to visit Borobudur.

• Dress respectfully in light and comfortable clothes.

• Hire a licensed tour guide, so you'll get better information.

• During a dry season, you should wear a hat or an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun or the occasional shower. You can rent one for around Rp2,000 (about US $0.18)

Beautiful Indonesia In

Miniature Park (TMII)

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) is Indonesia's answer to every visitor's prayer to see the magnificent archipelago in just one day. An extensive park to get a glimpse of the diverseness of the Indonesian archipelago, it represents Indonesia's 27 provinces and their outstanding characteristics, reflected most strikingly in the exact regional architecture of the province. An extensive theme park set in over 100 hectares on the outskirts of Jakarta; the All Indonesian islands are realistically reproduced in miniature in a central lake and around the lakes, there are pavilions. Each pavilions is representative of each province firm the traditional architectural style in miniature to a wonderful display of cultural items and exhibits. The park's centerpiece is a beautiful artificial lake. The complex was the brainchild of Madam Tien Soeharto, the late Indonesian first lady.

It also has its own orchid garden in which hundreds of Indonesian orchid varieties are grown. There is also a bird park with a walk-in aviary, a fauna museum and recreational grounds with a swimming pool and restaurants. The special interest here at Taman Mini is the Museum Indonesia. A richly decorated building in Balinese architecture, it houses contemporary arts, crafts and traditional costumes from the different regions of the country.

Cultural performances, events, and even local delicacies from the provinces are prepared regularly, especially during weekends and holidays, to showcase Indonesia's rich cultural heritage. The park is open seven days a week, giving guests ample time to explore and enjoy the sights. And if a day tour is not enough, visitors can spend the night at the 'Desa Wisata' or 'Wisata Remaja' serviced accommodations.

Facts About Indonesia

Did you know, that with more than 250.000.000 people, Indonesia is the 4th most populated country in the world?

Did you know, that there are 316 ethnic groups which speak 670 dialects in Indonesia?

Did you know that it is forbidden not to have a religion in Indonesia? (doesn’t matter which one as long as you have one)

Did you know, that there are around 400 volcanoes in Indonesia, and 150 out of them are active, which represents 75% of all active volcano on the planet? (so only 50 for the rest of the world)

Did you know, that Indonesia is more than 5.000 kilometres long? (which is an average length for a continent)

Did you know, that Indonesia has the longest coastline in the world, with 100.000 kilometres long?

Did you know, that Indonesia is probably the last country in the world, which has still unexplored territories, and is not completely mapped? (especially around Irian Jaya)

Did you know, that there are 17.508 islands in Indonesia, which is the largest Archipelago in the world?

Did you know, that if you could spend only 1 day on each island of Indonesia, you would need 48 years to see all of them? (transportation between islands not counted)

Did you know, that on the 17.508 islands, only 6.000 have a name, and only 1.000 are inhibited?

Did you know, that there are 25% of the world coral reefs in Indonesia?

Did you know, that on the 4.500 species of reef fishes existing in the oceans worlwide, around 3.500 of them have been identified in Indonesia?

Did you know, that Indonesia has the biggest underwater biodiversity in the world?

Did you know, that Indonesia is the 2nd largest global biodiversity (water + land + air) after Brazil?

Batik

Batik adalah salah satu cara pembuatan bahan pakaian. Selain itu batik bisa mengacu pada dua hal. Yang pertama adalah teknik pewarnaan kain dengan menggunakan malam untuk mencegah pewarnaan sebagian dari kain.

Dalam literatur internasional, teknik ini dikenal sebagai wax-resist dyeing. Pengertian kedua adalah kain atau busana yang dibuat dengan teknik tersebut, termasuk penggunaan motif-motif tertentu yang memiliki kekhasan.

Batik Indonesia, sebagai keseluruhan teknik, teknologi, serta pengembangan motif dan budaya yang terkait, oleh UNESCO telah ditetapkan sebagai Warisan Kemanusiaan untuk Budaya Lisan dan Nonbendawi (Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity) sejak 2 Oktober, 2009.

Batik adalah kerajinan yang memiliki nilai seni tinggi dan telah menjadi bagian dari budaya Indonesia (khususnya Jawa) sejak lama. Perempuan-perempuan Jawa di masa lampau menjadikan keterampilan mereka dalam membatik sebagai mata pencaharian, sehingga di masa lalu pekerjaan membatik adalah pekerjaan eksklusif perempuan sampai ditemukannya "Batik Cap" yang memungkinkan masuknya laki-laki ke dalam bidang ini. Ada beberapa pengecualian bagi fenomena ini, yaitu batik pesisir yang memiliki garis maskulin seperti yang bisa dilihat pada corak "Mega Mendung", dimana di beberapa daerah pesisir pekerjaan membatik adalah lazim bagi kaum lelaki.

Tradisi membatik pada mulanya merupakan tradisi yang turun temurun, sehingga kadang kala suatu motif dapat dikenali berasal dari batik keluarga tertentu. Beberapa motif batik dapat menunjukkan status seseorang. Bahkan sampai saat ini, beberapa motif batik tadisional hanya dipakai oleh keluarga keraton Yogyakarta dan Surakarta.
Batik Cirebon bermotif mahluk laut
Batik merupakan warisan nenek moyang Indonesia ( Jawa ) yang sampai saat ini masih ada. Batik juga pertama kali diperkenalkan kepada dunia oleh Presiden Soeharto, yang pada waktu itu memakai batik pada Konferensi PBB.

Ragam corak dan warna Batik dipengaruhi oleh berbagai pengaruh asing. Awalnya, batik memiliki ragam corak dan warna yang terbatas, dan beberapa corak hanya boleh dipakai oleh kalangan tertentu. Namun batik pesisir menyerap berbagai pengaruh luar, seperti para pedagang asing dan juga pada akhirnya, para penjajah.

Warna-warna cerah seperti merah dipopulerkan oleh Tionghoa, yang juga memopulerkan corak phoenix. Bangsa penjajah Eropa juga mengambil minat kepada batik, dan hasilnya adalah corak bebungaan yang sebelumnya tidak dikenal (seperti bunga tulip) dan juga benda-benda yang dibawa oleh penjajah (gedung atau kereta kuda), termasuk juga warna-warna kesukaan mereka seperti warna biru. Batik tradisonal tetap mempertahankan coraknya, dan masih dipakai dalam upacara-upacara adat, karena biasanya masing-masing corak memiliki perlambangan masing-masing.Wisata Indonesia Surga Dunia.

Taman Laut Bunaken

Taman Laut Bunaken Berada di Kel.Bunaken Kecamatan Bunaken sekitar 7 mil dari Pelabuhan Manado yang dapat ditempuh selama 35 menit dari pusat kota dengan menggunakan kapal motor. Pada awalnya Bunaken adalah pulau karang (atol). Luas wilayahnya sekitar 887,5 hektare dengan kondisi morfologi sedikit bergelombang. Taman Nasional Bunaken merupakan salah satu Taman Laut terindah di dunia.

Sebagian besar wilayah pantainya terdiri dari hutan bakau dan pasir putih. Lautnya terdapat terumbu karang keras dan lembut, dinding karang yang terjal, dengan beraneka bentuk dan warna biota laut diantaranya terdapat ikan hiu, kura-kura, Mandarin Fish, kuda laut, ikan pari, dan yang terkenal adalah ikan purba Raja Laut (Coleacant) dan masih banyak lagi yang membentuk taman laut nan indah. Keindahan taman lautnya dapat dilihat pada lokasi-lokasi yang disebut dengan Lekuan 1, 2, dan 3, Fukui, Mandolin, Tanjung Paragi, Ron's Point, Sachiko Point, Pangalisang, Muka Kampung, dan Bunaken Timur.

Merupakan tempat wisata Laut dan wisata bahari dengan obyek kunjungan wisata, yaitu laut dan pantai. Kegiatan wisata yang dapat dilakukan, berupa menikmati taman laut dengan cara sigtseeing (berkeliling) naik perahu berkaca (katamaran), snorkeling (berenang memakai alat pernapasan), diving (menyelam), dan photografi underwater (foto bawah laut); serta berjemur badan dan tamasya pantai. Fasilitas yang disediakan di taman laut Bunaken, yaitu perahu berkaca, diving center, cottage (penginapan) rumah makan, pendopo, dan kios cenderamata. Wisata Indonesia Surga Dunia

Es Cendol

Cendol merupakan minuman khas Indonesia yang terbuat dari tepung beras, disajikan dengan es parut serta gula merah cair dan santan. Rasa minuman ini manis dan gurih. Di daerah Sunda minuman ini dikenal dengan nama cendol sedangkan di Jawa Tengah dikenal dengan nama es dawet.

Berkembang kepercayaan populer dalam masyarakat Indonesia bahwa istilah "cendol" mungkin sekali berasal dari kata "jendol", yang ditemukan dalam bahasa Sunda, Jawa dan Indonesia; hal ini merujuk sensasi jendolan yang dirasakan ketika butiran cendol melalui mulut kala tengah meminum es cendol.

Tepung beras diolah dengan diberi pewarna berwarna hijau dan di cetak melalui saringan khusus, sehingga berbentuk buliran. Pewarna yang digunakan awalnya adalah pewarna alami dari daun pandan, namun saat ini telah digunakan pewarna makanan buatan. Di Sunda cendol dibuat dengan cara mengayak kukusan tepung beras yang diwarnai dengan daun suji dengan ayakan sehingga diperoleh bentuk bulat lonjong yang lancip di ujungnya. Di Sunda minum cendol disebut nyendol.

Minuman ini biasanya disajikan sebagai pencuci mulut atau sebagai makanan selingan. Sesuai disajikan disiang hari..Wisata Kuliner Indonesia Surga Dunia.

Pantai Kuta

Pantai Kuta adalah sebuah tempat pariwisata yang terletak di sebelah selatan Denpasar, ibu kota Bali, Indonesia. Kuta terletak di Kabupaten Badung. Daerah ini merupakan sebuah tujuan wisata turis mancanegara, dan telah menjadi objek wisata andalan Pulau Bali sejak awal 70-an. Pantai Kuta sering pula disebut sebagai pantai matahari terbenam (sunset beach) sebagai lawan dari pantai Sanur.

Pantai Kuta yang lebar, berpasir putih bersih merupakan daya tarik tersendiri bagi wisatawan, sehingga ada ucapan, Datang ke Bali tanpa mengunjungi Kuta belumlah lengkap.
Di kala senja di saat Surya mulai terbenam, Kuta menyajikan pemandangan yg sangat indah dan romantis. Sambil menikmati hembusan udara sejuk menyegarkan, Kuta sering dipakai tempat berolah raga sore yang mengasyikkan. Pada tahun 1930, Kokes mempromosikan Bali sekaligus Kuta, serta memberikan inspirasi pembangunan Hotel berarsitektur Kotij (cottage).

 

Kini Kuta telah mampu menjadi pusat pariwisata Bali, karena telah dapat menyediakan fasilitas lengkap sesuai kebutuhan wisatawan seperti berbagai penginapan dan hotel, pusat-pusat perbelanjaan, tempat rekreasi, kehidupan malam begitu semarak, sarana dan fasilitas olahraga seperti Bungy jumping, water boom dan lain sebagainya.Wisata Indonesia Surga Dunia

Festival Krakatau 2011

 

Festival Krakatau ke XXI merupakan program unggulan tahunan Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Provinsi Lampung. Festival Krakatau merupakan ajang festival yang diikuti oleh seluruh Kabupaten dan Kota se-Provinsi Lampung.

Acara tahun ini disemarakkan oleh berbagai event yang menarik untuk diikuti dan menjadi pertunjukkan yang memperlihatkan keragaman budaya dan kesenian Provinsi Lampung. Oleh karena itu, Festival Krakatau ke XXI juga menjadi event pariwisata yang menarik bagi wisatawan yang ingin menyaksikan keelokan budaya Lampung dan ingin melakukan tour ke Gunung Anak Krakatau.

MAIN EVENT :

• 12 Oktober 2011, Grand Opening
• 12 – 14 Oktober 2011, Pasar Wisata Indonesia (TIME)
• 13 Oktober 2011, Parade Budaya Nusantara
• 15 Oktober 2011, Tapis Carnival
• 15 Oktober 2011, Krakatau Night
• 16 Oktober 2011, Tour Krakatau

SUPPORTING EVENT :

(12 – 16 Oktober 2011)

• Lomba dan Pameran Foto, Novotel (9 -15 Oktober 2011)
• Pameran Lukisan, Novotel (12 – 15 Okt 2011)
• Festival Musik, PKOR Way halim (Sabtu, 8 Okt 2011)
• Youth free style talent show, PKOR Way Halim (Minggu, 9 Okt 2011 )
• Festival Layang-layang, Menara Siger (Minggu, 16 Okt 2011)
• Atraksi Paralayang/paramotor (8,9,15,16 Oktober 2011)
• Rally Wisata Motor, PKOR Way Halim (8, 9 Oktober 2011)
• Ethnic Graffity art contest, PKOR Way Halim (Sabtu, 8 Okt 2011)
• Elephant Show & Tug of War, Lap.Enggal (Sabtu, 15 Okt 2011)
• Pan Ensamble Music Sumatera, Lap.Korpri (Rabu, 12 Okt 2011)
• Lampung Culinary Bazaar, Lap.Enggal (Sabtu, 15 Okt 2011)

Pantai Tanjung Kasuari

Pantai Tanjung Kasuari terletak di Kota Sorong, Provinsi Papua Barat. Pantai yang indah tersebut menjadi salah satu tempat rekreasi utama yang paling sering dikunjungi hampir setiap harinya oleh masyarakat Sorong maupun dari luar Sorong.

Pantai Tanjung Kasuari Berjarak sekitar 7 Km dari pusat kota Sorong.Pantai Tanjung kasuari bisa ditempuh dengan menggunakan kendaraan Roda empat maupun roda dua.kalo yang tidak punya kendaraan juga ada angkot yang menuju Pantau Tanjung Kasuari.

Udara yang sejuk, pasir yang cukup putih, air laut yang cukup jernih serta banyak hamparan pohon kelapa di sekitar pantai. membuat orang-orang dari daerah sorong dan sekitarnya senang untuk berekreasi kesana.apalagi di waktu sore atau di akhir pekan.Wisata Indonesia Surga Dunia.

Sapaan :D

Di dalam blog yang kami buat ini, kami akan memberikan berbagai macam hal tentang Indonesia, semuanya yang berhubungan dengan Indonesia yang menarik dan memberikan pengetahuan lebih mengenai Indonesia.

Selamat menikmati :D

Pesta Rakyat Jawa Barat

Sebanyak tujuh negara dipastikan akan mengikuti kegiatan pada pameran "Semarak Pesta Rakyat Jabar - De Syukron 2011" yang akan digelar di Kompleks Gedung Sate Kota Bandung, Sabtu (17/9).

"Semarak Pesta Rakyat itu menjadi media interaksi, bertukar dan memperkuat inovasi serta inspirasi antar pelaku usaha di Jawa Barat," kata Kabid Promosi BKPMD Jabar Yusuf Wibisana di Bandung, Rabu.

Ketujuh peserta luar negeri itu dari China, Prancis, Kroasia, Belanda, Belgia, Jepang dan Korea. Selain memamerkan produk juga akan menampilkan pentas seni budaya.

Kegiatan De Syukron 2011 ini, merupakan kelanjutan dari program Pemprov Jabar sebelumnya yang menggelar Cooperative & Halal Fair 2011 yang merupakan pameran besar terakhir tingkat Jabar yang cukup semarak.

Kegiatan yang diselenggarakan oleh Badan Koordinasi Promosi dan Penanaman Modal Daerah (BKPMD) itu merupakan salah satu rangkaian HUT Jabar ke-66 tahun 2011.

Kegiatan yang akan berlangsung sehari penuh itu akan menampilkan keanegaragaman produk yang inovasi, kreatif. unik dan inspiratif dari kabupaten/kota di Jawa Barat yang masih bisa digali dan dikembangkan.

Peserta antara lain dari kalangan organisasi perangkat daeraj, komunitas industri kreatif, kuliner kreatif termasuk unsur perguruan tinggi.

Ketujuh peserta luar negeri itu dari China, Prancis, Kroasia, Belanda, Belgia, Jepang dan Korea.

Kegiatan yang merupakan even syukuran atas HUT Jabar ke-66 itu, juga akan menampilkan aktraksi seni dan budaya dengan menyajikan panggung hiburan sebanyak empat buah panggung, yakni panggung tradisional, modern. utama dan club.

Selain itu atraksi helaran atau arak-arakan berupa fashion on the street, "kaulinan urang lembur" serta komunitas lainnya.

"Semarak Pesta Rakyat De Syukron ini merupakan pencitraan kepada dunia luar bahwa Jabar merupakan daerah yang nyaman dan aman untuk investasi," kata Yusuf.

Sedangkan yang paling spektakuler dari acara ini adalah tampilan video mapping Gedung Sate yang mana akan menjadi acara puncak dan akan menjadi tampilan video mapping terbesar yang pernah ada di Indonesia.