Visit Indonesia, euy

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4

Links for 2008-03-17 [Digg]
2008-03-18 06:00:00
The way kids grow, age by age There are few issues that preoccupy new parents more than this: Is my baby growing normally? When the percentiles seem off-kilter, we worry -- but experts say there's rarely reason for concern. For starters, healthy kids come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and they don't grow at a steady rate, either. Some "Organic" Products Cause Cancer A new study commissioned by Organic Consumers Association finds that some leading "organic" brand personal care products that are not USDA certified contain the carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane. Click through to find out which "organic" products are safe, and which could cause cancer.
More About: Links , Digg , 2008

Main events: March, 2008
2008-03-15 19:04:00
I know maybe it's too late to post March events in Indonesia regarding Visit Indonesia Year, but still there are some events to come. First week in March we had International Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta and also Traditional Culture & Dance Parade in Batam (both events held in March 7-9, 2008).Later on in March we will have:1. Weaving & Handicrafts Exhibition in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (March-May, 2008).Local hand weaving of different design and color. Display of traditional woven textiles and clothing of Timorese. Various handicrafts are also performed at this exhibition.2. Putri Bau Nyale Mandalika Festival in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (March 15, 2008).It is linked to a popular folklore of a beautiful princess Putri Mandalika, who willingly sacrificed herself by jumping into the sea and promising a return in a form of the Nyale (sea worms). This event usually participated in by youngsters.3. AGRINEX Indonesia 2008 in Jakarta Convention Center (March 20-23, 2...
More About: Events , Event , Main

Main events: April, 2008
2008-03-15 19:03:00
Below are the main events in Indonesia regarding Visit Indonesia Year 2008, celebrating 100 years of national awakening. We have about two weeks to go to the April therefore you still can arrange your trip.1. International Conference of Local & Community Based Tourism & Culture in Padang (West Sumatra Province).2. Sekaten Festival in Yogyakarta. It's the Javanese traditional ceremony to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.3. Sea Offering Ceremony in Pagatan (South Kalimantan Province-Borneo). A thanksgiving ceremony conduct bay local fisherman followed by another culture performance and sport attractions.4. Sea Offering Ceremony in Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi (West Java Province), April 5-6 2008. A thanksgiving ceremony conduct bay local fisherman followed by another culture performance and sport attractions.5. Maulid Maayum Anak Ceremony in South Kalimantan Province (Borneo), April 12 2008. It's the traditional ceremony to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhamma...
More About: Events , Event , Jakarta

Pictures of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra
2008-03-11 22:25:00
The Hills Hotel (previously Novotel Hotel) is a great hotel. The building itself located not far from Jam Gadang (the symbol of City of Bukittinggi, remember the Big Ben in London...?), maybe it's only 5 minutes walk. Also you can see Ngarai Sianok from your back window at your hotel room (no Air Conditioner...?).I'm sure you can see the uniqueness of this clock tower, different from any kind of clock that we used to see. See something different...?I went to Jambi and West Sumatra not for fun but for work therefore we didn't have much time to explore the whole city. But then, we still had a chance to took pictures in Jam Gadang area. Most of the time, I was the photographer (puke mode: on).First, here's some pictures of The Hills Hotel.Then, here's some pictures of Jam Gadang at night, including one picture that taken from KFC. One other picture taken from my hotel room in the morning.We're only have one night at The Hills and in the next morning we're off to Batusangkar, Saw...
More About: Pictures

Tourism spots in Kabupaten Tanah Datar, West Sumatra
2008-03-06 19:53:00
Tourism in West Sumatra is not only Singkarak Lake, City of Sawahlunto and City of Bukittinggi. In Kabupaten Tanah Datar you can find more tourism spots including Istano Pagarayung, Lembah Anai and Tabek Patah. Ready to explore...?1. Istano Pagaruyung (Pagaruyung Grand Palace)Located in Nagari Pagaruyung Kecamatan Tanjung Emas. Pagaruyung is also the Center of Government Affairs of Kabupaten Tanah Datar. Five km driving from Batusangkar City Center. This tourism spot is the main tourism objective in Kabupaten Tanah Datar. The Pagaruyung Grand Palace was built in 1976 as a duplicate of the palace of Rajo Alam which was burned down by the Dutch Colony in 1804. This big traditional Palace has 11 horns (Gonjong), 72 piles and 3 floors, surrounded by Surau (small mosque), Tabuah (drum) and Rangkiang Patah Sembilan (the Rice Barn). The palace itself is full of various kinds of wood carvings. The shape and color represent the philosophy, history and culture of Minangkabau people.*On Februa...
More About: Tourism , Spots , Legend

Bukittinggi, West Sumatra's gorgeous highland
2008-03-02 18:34:00
My last destination, before flew back to Jakarta, was Bukittinggi. Driving 3 to 4 hours from Padang to the northeast direction. There are several routes to go there, you can pass Padang Panjang then Bukittinggi or you can do a detour via Solok-Singkarang Lake-Padang Panjang then Bukittingi. If Bukittinggi is your one and only destination, I suggest you to take the first route.On the way from Padang to Bukittinggi you will find, on your left hand side, one beautiful waterfall called "Lembah Anai". It's an outcrop of lava with columnar joints, IMO, and it's a perfect spot to take pictures specially because there is also a unique railway across the waterfall.The word "Bukittinggi" came from two words: "Bukit" (hill) and "Tinggi" (high) which mean "a city on a high hill". Since it's located on a high hill, the temperature is relatively cold (16-24 C) for people who live in a tropical country. But that's OK for me, it's quite similar with Bandung my beloved hometown.My first impress...
More About: West , Museum , Gorgeous

Sawahlunto, The Mining City in West Sumatra
2008-02-27 18:59:00
One of the city in West Sumatra that got my attention is Sawahlunto. Sawahlunto is only 4 hours drive from Padang, the Capital City of West Sumatra. And before Sawahlunto you will pass Solok City, another city.Why Sawahlunto City got my attention...? To enter this city, you have to drive through the hills. Once you pass the hills, you will see a beautiful scenery, a gorgeous view of Sawahlunto the city. You can see, in seconds, almost the whole area of the city on your bird eye view.Another reason is, in my opinion, Sawahlunto is almost similar to Bandung (my beloved hometown). Bandung is relatively a small town, surrounded by hills in every direction. It's a basin, used to be a lake. Sawahlunto also a small town that surrounded by hills. Maybe it's Bandung in a smaller scale with a similar weather, it's relatively cold since it's located in a high area.Sawahlunto is a mining city since 1892 (why I remember 1892 as the year of Liverpool FC...? hehehe...). It's famous by the coa...
More About: Culture , Mining , Museum

Pictures of Singkarak Lake, West Sumatra
2008-02-27 18:56:00
We only spent one night at Sumpur Hotel Singkarak, West Sumatra but still had a chance to had breakfast at a lakeside restaurant with sunrise on our east side. Too bad that the weather was not so clear.
More About: Pictures , Lake

Seminar & Exhibition "Sawahlunto Effect"
2008-02-27 18:36:00
Just a perfect time for me, visited Sawahlunto two weeks ago because there will be Seminar & Exhibition "Sawahlunto Effect ". I'm not a stranger if someone talk about Sawahlunto.So, when...? February 29 until March 15, 2008.Where...? National Museum (Museum Gajah), Jakarta . Merdeka Barat rd #12 (near the National Monument, in fact you just need to use the TransJakarta bus and stop at Monas).Who...? Oscar Matulloh, Arbain Rambe, Yori Antar & Jay Subiakto.The Governor of West Sumatra, The Major of Sawahlunto City and The Minister of Tourism & Culture of Indonesia will attend this event.Supported by Government of West Sumatra Province, Government of Sawahlunto City and Indonesian Institute of Architects.Poster from Official Website of Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia Banten
More About: Event

Pameran Kain Tradisional Nusantara (Nusantara Traditional Linen Exhibition)
2008-02-27 18:00:00
Indonesia is a rich country. A country with million, or maybe billion, unique cultures from more than 30 provinces, from the east to the west. Every province has it's own culture and language, and one of the prestige heritage that Indonesians have is traditional linen.I believe that you will remember Batik as one of our traditional linen (or clothes), but there are still more linens that Indonesia has. Based on our love to this beautiful heritage, and also as part of the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 program, Himpunan Pencinta Kain Adati Wastraprema will held Pameran Kain Traditional Nusantara (Nusantara Traditional Linen Exhibition ).Pameran Kain Tradisional Nusantara, Adi Wastra NusantaraApril 16-20, 2008.Jakarta Convention Center, Hall A (traditional unique linens from several provinces) & B (batik & sulam exhibition with attractive prices). This exhibition will also present linens from other countries.Picture from http://www.adwicipta.blogspot.com/For more information, kindl...
More About: Event , Culture

Singkarak Lake, West Sumatra: home of Bilih fish
2008-02-18 17:26:00
After exploring Jambi (actually I went to Jambi not for fun, I went there to work :)), I also try to know how beautiful West Sumatra is (again, it was not for fun :)). I brought my mind, body and soul to Sawahlunto City, Solok City, Singkarak Lake , Padang Pajang City, Bukittinggi City, Batusangkar City and Padang City (the Capital City of West Sumatra). It's all beautiful indeed.Now, I want to share my stories of my trips to these gorgeous places:1. Singkarak Lake; 2. Sawahlunto City; and 3. Bukittinggi City, let's start with Singkarak Lake.Singkarak Lake ("Danau Singkarak" in Bahasa) is a wrench driven-pull-apart basin lake according to the explanation from one of the master in Geology of Indonesia. It's a product of Sumatra Fault at Neogene-Recent age.In term of travel & tourism, Singkarak Lake is one of "a must visited place" if you're in West Sumatra Province. It's only need about 2 hours drive from Padang City to Solok then continue to northern. Once you find a lake on...
More About: Fish , Home

Taxis in Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Jakarta
2008-02-17 17:01:00
I just came back from my trips to Jambi & West Sumatra and arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport last Friday night.As soon as I found my luggage, I went out and try to find taxi. Once you've found yourself outside the luggage room, then you will meet a bunch of people offering their taxi for you. I don't get it, as far as I know there are taxi's posts for passengers to order the taxi they want (and I already on a queue to get may taxi). What I found was a man was following me everywhere I go just to offer his taxi to me. I already said no but he still following me and keep asking and talking to me. It's really-really annoying.Fortunately, the man walk out and left me. But I couldn't feel calm since another man came approaching me and -again- offering his taxi to me. "What's wrong with you, guys...? I already on a queue and you still bothering me...?"In my opinion, for sure, this condition should be fixed. The airport should clear their area from this kind of people. Passengers...
More About: Jakarta , Banten

Jambi City, Jambi
2008-02-17 17:00:00
My first trip to Jambi City , using Lion Air. I stayed at Novotel Hotel, Jl Gatot Subroto #44 but for other option, you can stay at Abadi Suite, across Novotel Hotel. Abadi Suite is a relatively new hotel, opened for public since mid 2007. All facilities are still brand new, but fitness facilities are not ready yet.Once I asked the Novotel guy, I asked him what kind of tourism attractions that Jambi City has. Actually there is no tourism attraction inside Jambi City, all tourism spots are outside the city: Jambi Museum (km 12 Kotabaru), Candi Muaro Jambi (Kabupaten Muaro Jambi), Danau Gunung Tujuh (lake of Seven Mountain, Kerinci Seblat National Park area), Kerinci Volcano and Kerinci Seblat National Park.But for shrimp lovers, find the best shrimp in town at Sari Wangi Restaurant, near Sultan Thaha Airport, Jambi. You'll love it.Related link: http://www.muarojambi.go.id

Taman Hutan Raya Ir. H. Djuanda (THR Djuanda), Bandung
2008-02-08 17:26:00
Taman Hutan Raya Ir. H. Djuanda or you can call it THR Djuanda, is the small forest (big tropical park) dedicated to the memory of Ir.H. Djuanda Kartawidjaja the hero from West Java .Originally this park was called Taman Wisata Curug Dago ("curug" means waterfall, "dago" is a name of a certain place in North Bandung ) since there is a waterfall in the area called Curug Dago. This waterfall is a good outcrop in terms of geologic history of Bandung, related to the eruption of Gunung Sunda.The THR Djuanda itself, build to protect the nature around Bandung. To protect the floras and faunas and also built for research, education, recreation and tourism.What can you find inside this park...?1. For sure you will find the statue of Mr Djuanda, you can see it at the plaza of the park.2. There is also a 115 Ha pool for water supply and use for PLTA (electricity installation using the energy of water).3. The historical "prasasti" from King of Thailand Chulalongkorn II (Rama V) when he visit Band...

Access to Soekarno-Hatta Airport back to normal
2008-02-06 23:12:00
It's been a hard weather here in Jakarta for the past week, specially in last Friday. I tried to inform the condition but unfortunately I can't be on line for 24 hours per day. Flood in several areas in Jakarta including the freeway to the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport , fog at the airport which closed the airport for about 3.5 hours that day and several flights were transfered to Halim Perdanakusuma Airport are the main issues last week.In my opinion, the access to the international airport in Jakarta (actually it's located in Tangerang, Banten) is very-very poor. There is only one poor highway and limited main roads in Tangerang that can accommodate the traffic. There are no trains, no LRT/MRT and no fly-overs from/to airport to/from Jakarta City, there are no LRT/MRT. There are buses but they still use the one and only highway.Indeed it's a bad campaign for Visit Indonesia Year program. Latest news from Jakarta Post said that access to the airport back to normal. That...
More About: Back , Access , Indonesian Airlines

Bali: 2008 The Best Exotic Destination in the world
2008-02-06 22:58:00
Bali Island, again, achieved an appreciation as The Best Tourism in The World , The Best Exotic Destination from Luxury Travel Magazine, London. It's the result from it's reader from 27 countries. The honor will be given via Indonesian Embassy in London.It's a good campaign for Indonesia's, specially Bali's, tourism. It's a good news that can tell people all around the world that Bali and Indonesia are the safe and comfortable tourist destinations. Hope it will attract more foreigners to come and spend their time in Indonesia.Source: Official Website of Ministry of Culture and Tourism
More About: Bali , The World , 2008

Monas (Monumen Nasional/National Monument), Jakarta
2008-02-01 17:40:00
I live in Ciledug, Tangerang. Yes it's Tangerang but my place is closer to Jakarta City rather than to Tangerang City. I'm working in Jakarta, at one of the building that close to Semanggi Bridge, across the Sultan Hotel (previously Hilton). There are many interesting places around my office building (including Semanggi Bridge, Senayan Stadium Complex, Mal etc) but I will start with Monas.Monumen Nasional (people call it as "Monas", National Monument ) is the monument, the tower symbolizing the fight for Indonesia's Independence (it's also the symbol of Jakarta City, find it on our citizen card...!). It's 450 ft (137 m) tall tower, topped by a 14.5 tonnes flame-shaped bronze plated in 35 kg (1,125 troy ounces) of gold. Located at the central of Jakarta, just across the President's Palace. Built since August 1959 (Soekarno's time) and unveiled on August 17, 1961 (16th Indonesia's Independence Day) but opened for public after 14 years later on July 12, 1975 (Soeharto's time....

What is IMT-GT...?
2008-01-30 23:02:00
After I posted an article about the new flight routes from three countries: Indonesia , Malaysia and Thailand, I'm wondering what is IMT-GT...?Searching into the internet and found an (old) article from Asian Development Bank website:It's interesting to know that North Sumatra & NAD provinces involved on this project.The Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) consists of the two Indonesian provinces of North Sumatra and Daerah Istimewa (DI) Aceh; the four northern Malaysian states of Kedah, Penang, Perak, and Perlis; and five provinces of southern Thailand--Narathiwat, Pattani, Satun, Songkhla, and Yala. Following the request for assistance from the governments of the three countries in 1993, ADB undertook a study and prepared a development strategy for IMT-GT to promote regional economic cooperation in this growth area. The overall goal is to accelerate private sector-led economic growth and development in the IMT-GT. The initiatives ide...

Minister of Tourisms from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand agree to open ne
2008-01-30 22:23:00
Three Minister of Tourisms from Indonesia , Malaysia and Thailand (three countries which are known as the Growth Triange (IMT-GT)) have an agreement to increase the tourism visits to the region. They have a plan to open new flights, for example flights from Banda Aceh to Penang, Langkawi to Phuket and from Medan/Padang to Hat Yai.At the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Bangkok (January 18-22, 2008), the three ministers agree to do anything to push the growth of tourism in the region, they have a plan to launch tourism events which is part of Visit IMT-GT Years 2008-2009.The ministers agree that we need Joint ASEAN Tourism Promotion Strategy to increase international tourists visiting ASEAN countries. Last year there are 60 million international tourists visited ASEAN which was only 25.8 million of them is intra-ASEAN travel.Source: Ministry of Tourism & Culture of Indonesia
More About: Open

Five policies for Air Transportation from Ministry of Transportation to sup
2008-01-20 21:54:00
Ministry of Transportation will do five policies for Air Transportation to support Visit Indonesia Year 2008 which targeted 7 million of non domestic tourists and US$ 6.4 billion income.Jusman Safeii Djamal, Minister of Transportation said: "One of the policy is "Air Traffic Agreement", an agreement between Indonesia and partner countries to accommodate seats of air transportation." He said: "The Travel & Tourism Index (TTCI) has 13 main parameters for infrastructure in transportation to determine the tourism ranking from each country. Based on the study from World Economic Forum (WEF), Indonesia now sit on rank #64 from 124 countries, meanwhile other South East Asia countries have higher positions (Singapore #8, Malaysia #31 and Thailand #43)."To accommodate tourist's trip, on a special circumstances on cities that have international airport, they can have permits for extra and charter flights beside the regular flights", said the minister.Five policies for Air Transportation...
More About: Ministry , Policies , Indonesian Airlines

Tangkuban Perahu (Tangkuban Parahu), the legendary volcano from West Java
2008-01-18 19:23:00
Tangkuban Perahu, or Tangkuban Parahu in local Sundanese dialect, is an active volcano 30 km north of the city of Bandung, West Java . It is a popular tourist attraction where tourists can hike or ride to the edge of the crater to view the hot water springs upclose. This stratovolcano is on the island of Java, has erupted about seventeen times since 1826 and last erupted was in 1983.The name translates roughly to "upturning of (a) boat" or "upturned boat" in Sundanese, referring to the local legend of its creation.The story tells of "Dayang Sumbi", a beauty who lived in West Java. She cast away her son "Sangkuriang" for disobedience, and in her sadness was granted the power of eternal youth by the gods. After many years in exile, Sangkuriang decided to return to his home, long after the two had forgotten and failed to recognize each other. Sangkuriang fell in love with Dayang Sumbi and planned to marry her, only for Dayang Sumbi to recognize his birthmark just as he was about to go ...
More About: Indonesia , Volcano , Legend

Visit Indonesia Year 2008: Minister Optimistic 7 Million Visitors target at
2008-01-18 18:09:00
On 26 December, Minister for Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik officially launched Visit Indonesia Year 2008 that aims to achieve 7 million tourist arrivals in 2008, offering at least 100 events throughout the archipelago throughout the year.During January through November 2007 the number of tourists visiting Indonesia jumped a promising 14% compared to the same period in 2006, Central Bureau of Statistics data showed.The 4.11 million arrivals through Indonesias 15 main entry points were boosted by a resurgence of tourism to Bali, which saw a 32.3% increase to 1.59 million visitors to the island in the January to November period. Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport recorded the second highest number of tourists at 1.05 million arrivals, little changed, however, from 1.04 million in the same period in 2006, wrote AFP.The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, therefore, estimates that counting arrivals through smaller entry points as well as cruise passengers, the total number of visitors to I...
More About: Target , Visitors

To Daeng Battala: thanks, in a million...
2008-01-17 17:12:00
I found one surprise when I saw my sitemeter today. This "Visit Indonesia, euy" blog has been linked to Catatan-Catatan Dari Hati, the blog that belong to Daeng Battala aka Amril Taufik Gobel.Who is Daeng Battala...? He is the "Redaktur Pelaksana" (what's the English term for this position...?) of Blogfam, the online magz (you know what, one of my story was published on this magz...hehehe...yup, that's me). His comment about this blog on his blog is really flattering me since I'm still new for blogging using English; thanks in a million. I do have a personal blog, well actually I have three now (and they're all in Bahasa) but the first one and the second one are not active anymore.BTT, I understand (and I guess everybody agrees with me) that the promotion of our Visit Indonesia Year 2008 is not enough since the budget is very limited compare to the Malaysian promotion last year. But Indonesia is my beloved country, therefore I think I do have a "responsible" to do the promotion ...
More About: Million , Atta

Special interview with Mr Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture & Tourism
2008-01-10 16:26:00
Year 2008 has been stated as the Visit Indonesia Year, which was launched by Ministry of Culture & Tourism . Yet there are several difficulties in time the Government preparing the program such as limited budget, the competition against the Malaysian tourism, Indonesian airlines condition etc.Below is the special interview between Antara News and Mr Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture & Tourism.Antara News: In year 2008 there will be BeiJing Summer Olympic and also the fact that Government of Malaysia already extend the Visit Malaysia Year program until mid 2008, how big the effect from those two big events for Visit Indonesia Year program...?Mr Jero Wacik: Yes, you're right that we will have BeiJing Summer Olympic in mid 2008 and also Visit Malaysia Year is extended until mid 2008 and yes we are competing with those two programs. In fact tourism business is a competition. We will try to cover and fix our weaknesses and also we have to show our abilities. We're not afraid if we...
More About: Interview , Special

Tourism spots in Palembang and the near area
2008-01-08 17:15:00
One question on my earlier post about Visit Musi 2008, the question came from my friend Totok: "Insya Allah saya akan visit Musi tahun ini, mohon info wisata alam apa saja yg ada di Palembang dan sekitarnya." In English: "Insya Allah, I will visit Musi this year, can you give us the information about outdoor activities in Palembang and the near area."I have a friend who comes from Palembang and he actually said that there are not many tourism spots in South Sumatra (specially in Palembang). It's all focused at Musi River area: the river itself and the field in front of Benteng Kuto Besak (the fort belong to Sulton Mahmud Badaruddin II). The Ampera Bridge is the center of the tourism spot at night which is lighten by the lamps.There is a forest in the middle of Palembang named Punti Kayu with zoo and crocodile breeding. Also there is a small island in the middle of Musi River named Pulau Kemarau (Island of Kemarau). This island is the place for Chinese people doing their spiritual a...
More About: Tourism , Spots , Area

Tabot Festival, City of Bengkulu
2008-01-08 04:09:00
Tabot Festival is the first program to start Visit Indonesia Year 2008, it will be held on January 9-19 2008 (Muharram 1-10 in moslem calendar) in City of Bengkulu .The main events in this program are ritual activity such as praying by Tabot Imam and Tabot Bangsal continued with the event in Gerga Nala and Gerga Benteng, "Upacara Duduk Penja" & "Pencucian Jari-jari", "Upacara Menjuru", "Malam Arak Jari-jari", "Upacara Arak Sorban", "Hari GAM", "Tabot naik pangkek", "Arak Gedang", "Tabot Bersanding" and it will be ended by the Tabot Tebuang parade to Padang Karbala for the Tabot hand over at Syech Burhanudin Syabedan Abdullah tomb.And also there will be culture performances, traditional games, carnaval, exhibition, bazaar and Mr & Ms Tabot election.Source: Official Website of Ministry of Culture and Tourism
More About: Event

Visit Musi 2008, one of the great program in Visit Indonesia Year 2008
2008-01-08 04:05:00
Visit Musi 2008 as one of the tourism activities in South Sumatra has been started since Sunday January 5 2008.This event (which had been prepared for about 2 years) will be announced not only on domestic but also will be broadcasted on international wide. The activities in Musi River and also the history of the Kingdom of Sriwijaya are the most attracted programs in South Sumatra.Jero Wacik as the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said that Visit Musi is part of the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 program and it's the breakthrough program, specially for the South Sumatra Province. Therefore other provinces should do the same thing to attract tourists from domestic and international.Source: Official Website of Ministry of Culture and Tourism
More About: Event , Great , Program , Visit

German couple picked as 2008's first foreign visitors
2008-01-04 17:48:00
German couple Michel and Jennifer Franchon Bernard did not expect �they would be greeted by a crew of friendly airport staff members �and a Sundanese jaipongan dance troupe upon arriving at Soekarno-�Hatta International Airport on New Year's Day. "What a surprise. We are very happy. We never dreamed of this happening. I couldn't even sleep because of the holiday," Michel �said.Michel and his wife are visiting Indonesia for a two-week �vacation. They said they would spend their first week in Jakarta and another week in Bali and Lombok.Airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II picked the couple as the �first air passengers to land at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for the new year.The couple, along with 256 others, arrived in Jakarta on a �Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore, which landed at 10:30 �a.m. "The couple received the Indonesian government's �acknowledgment as the first tourists to visit the country this �year," said airport executive general manager Heriyanto.The ai...
More About: German , Couple , Foreign , Visitors

Banten preparing two events for Visit Indonesia Year 2008
2008-01-04 16:12:00
Banten province is preparing two national tourist events as the central government has entrusted the province to be a supporting tourist destination in the Visit Indonesia Year 2008, a local official said here Thursday. The two national tourist events being prepared by the province are Festival Perkusi Nusantara (the Archipelago`s Percussion Festival) and Gebyar Wisata Banten (the Banten Tourism Festivity). In 2008, head of the Banten provincial culture and tourism office Ranta Suharta told ANTARA that the office is preparing nine programs which will be implemented in 23 activities to develop and promote the province`s culture and tourism. "We are preparing the programs to avoid possible overlapping as in 2008, a national Qur`an reading contest will also be held in Banten," Ranta said. He said the province had a very good opportunity by holding the upcoming Archipelago`s Percussion Festival and the Banten Tourism Festivity in an effort to reawaken and further promote its...
More About: Events , Banten

Angklung, Sundanese traditional musical bamboo instrument
2008-01-01 18:15:00
What is Angklung...? Angklung is one of the Sundanese traditional musical instruments made from bamboo, and to sound it by shaking it to produce certain tone. It's believed that Angklung originally invented and developed in West Java Province. Angklung has its special functions related to religious and ritual matters, played to honor the Dewi Sri as the Goddess of Fertility in Indonesian?s
More About: Culture , Musical , Bamboo , Instrument , Bandung