Indonesia Beauties

Incling Jangget Dance

2009-11-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

Symbol of Surabaya City

This dance is a new creation from Surabaya - East Java which based from Javanese culture. Described by the youth about happy life. This dance also used for welcoming dance for the guests or for events.

This video of Incling Jangget dance were brought by the student from sanggarclarissa studio. Enjoy it.

Ancol Dreamland

2009-11-22T21:57:00.000-08:00

Ancol Dreamland or Taman Impian Jaya Ancol was opened in 1966 and still the biggest and largest integrated tourism area in South East Asia.

Established at Jakarta beach area, Ancol has several recreational facilities such as:

1. Dunia Fantasi or Dufan Fantasy World.

Jakarta theme park which is completed by more than 40 rides and attraction and complies with International Standard (ISO 9001 - 2000) certification. This area is divided into 8 sections theme park; Jakarta, Indonesia, Asia, America, Europe, Greece, Hikayat (Fantasy) and Monkey Parody.

Dufan Theme Park

2. Water Park.

Including : Atlantis Water Adventure, Gelanggang Samudera (Sea-animals show), Sea World (under water aquarium) and 2 beautiful beaches.

Atlantis Water Adventure

Ancol Water Park

Ancol Sea World :

Animal show at Gelanggang Samudera Ancol

3. Entertainment Areas.

In this facilities offer to the visitors Hotels, Restaurant, Executive Golf (more than 30 hectares), Bowling Center and Art Market (Pensa Pasar Seni). The art market sells the handicraft and traditional art product from the whole Indonesia country.

Ancol Art Market

4. Many more fun, recreational, sport-fun you can enjoy here.

ancol.com
Jakarta wiki

Raja Ampat - The Richest Marine Biodeversity in the Wold

2009-11-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

Raja Ampat archipelago which literally translate as "Four Kings"located at northwest tip of Birhead's Peninsula, on the island of Papua, Indonesia. Comprising more than 1,500 small island, cays and shoals which surrounding the four big island Missol, Salawati, Batanta and Weigo. Encompasses area more than 400.000 kilo meters of land and sea, including the biggest marine national park in Indonesia, Cendrawasih Bay.

Fishes under Raja Ampat

Based on Conversation International in 2002, Raja Ampat recorded as the richest biodiversity in the world. The information on its marine ecosystems, mangrove and forest collected incredible information. 573 of corals species or 75% known corals in the world. 899 of fish species. Thousands of sea turtles. In the land found lush forests, rare plants and limestones in this area.

Corals Under Raja Ampat

With this combination, Raja Ampat has a special object tourism such as liveboard diving and other unforgettable tourism object.

Other information:
1. Government official site
2. Welcome to Raja Ampat
3. Liveboard Diving
4. Raja Ampat Islands
5. Raja Ampat Tour

Gamelan, Indonesian music

2009-08-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Gamelan is non-Melayu music originally from Indonesia. Typically in Java and Bali island featuring variety traditional music such as, metallophones, xylophones, drums and or gong, bamboo flute, bowed and plucked strings. Sometimes featuring vocalist too. See also for Sundanese bamboo music, Angklung.

The word of gamelan comes from Javanese languages "gamel" means to strike with hammer even real hammer is not used to play for gamelan music. This music is set for playing to accompany dance and Indonesian traditional puppet show or called Wayang.

Gamelan developed from Hindu period era (200 BC) and still exist until now.

This short video about Javanese gamelan :

Below this is Balinese gamelan :

In present time, gamelan sometimes collaborate with modern instrument. See this very good collaboration gamelan playing Mission Impossible theme :

Another link for Gamelan :
1. joglosemar
2. wikipedia

Melayu Songs

2009-08-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

Even established by many ethnics, but the Melayu ethnic is the biggest in Indonesia. That's why the Melayu culture, languages is more dominant. Even for the music and song.

Here some of the Melayu songs which are originally from Indonesia :

Tittle : Keagungan Tuhan

Tittle : Burung Nuri (Parrot Bird)

Lake Poso

2009-03-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Lies in Tentana City, Kab. Poso (district Poso), Provinci of Central Sulawesi. This lake is the third biggest lake in Indonesia. About 30km in length and 16km in width. The deep water is different between north and south. About 360 meters deep in south and 500 meters in north.

The panoramic view in this site is lures the people to visit here. The fresh air, white sand and the green forest nearby is very beautiful. Nearby this lake, there is an orchid park named Taman Anggrek Alami Bancea. This orchid park is stand above 5.000 ha wide land. We can see numerous beutifuls orchid flowers in this park.

Beside the panoramic view in Lake Poso, we can see the cultural and traditional competitions. Organized every August, named Lake Poso Festival.

In this lake there are several hotels and inns that also provide a very delicious traditional food.

Easy to acces and great view, this lake is very worth to visit.

Photo Galleries :
More information about Lake poso:
1. wikipedia
2. Travel Guide

Deep Indonesia 2009

2009-02-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

The most spectacular marine event in Indonesia is now in preparation for its third show., DEEP Indonesia which was held in March 2008 was only the second show but already achieved astonishing results with increases in the number of participants and visitors alike with 80 local and international Exhibitors and more than 10.000 visitors, a forty percent increase compared to the first show.

The 3rd show, DEEP Indonesia 2009 will be held on 27 - 29 March 2009. Jakarta - as the capital city of the world’s largest archipelago country - has proven to be the perfect place for DEEP Indonesia 2009 with a huge potential to be the leading market in the territory and providing tremendous opportunities for business networking.

As the largest international diving, adventure travel and water sports exhibition in the country, DEEP Indonesia 2009 will ensure higher exposure and a greater market audience.

IT MUST NOT BE MISSED !

See detail : Deep Indonesia 2009

Cendol, Popular Cold Desert

2008-12-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

This is the most popular cold dessert in Indonesia. They called it "es cendol" or "Cendol ice". Try this one.

Ingredients: (6 servings)
------------
One pack (12 oz.) of frozen "BANH LOT" (available at oriental store)
One can of coconut milk, preferrably one made for dessert
1/4 lb. of Coconut sugar or "Gula Jawa" (brownish colored)
Ice cubes
Cold Water

Instructions:
-------------
1. Thaw the 'Banh Lot' in cold water, rinse once or twice afterwards

2. Boil the coconut milk with coconut sugar until they are completely
mixed together

3. In an individual serving glass (or dessert bowl), put in:
- 3 to 4 tbs. of Banh Lot
- 4-5 tbs of the mixing of coconut milk and coconut sugar
- add cold water (1 tbs) and ice cubes (can be crushed, if wanted)

4. Serve immediately, more of the ingredients can be added to taste.

High Pass of Ketep

2008-10-23T02:16:00.000-07:00

The Ketep Volcano Centre is located on Ketep Hill or Ketep pass at has elevation of 1,200 m above sea level. It is 21 km from Mungkid, 17 km to the east of Blabak Village, 30 km from Magelang, about 35 km farom Boyolali and 25 km from Salatiga City via Kopeng. And Kaponan Viallage.With some luck and good weather conditions, the out-door panorama area of the center offers each visitor a spectacular view on Central Java's big five mountains: Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu, and Mount Sindoro, Mount Sumbing and Mount Selamet.

Here, visitor can visit Volcano Theatre which presents the film about Mount Merapi with various volcanic activities. For people who are interested in the fascinating world of volcanoes, the center is a must-see. A Volcano museum exhibits samples of stones from volcanic eruptions. Pictures, maps, photos and multimedia provide all geological information. Visitors can enjoys the mysticism of volcanic eruptions and are allowed to operate some volcanic monitoring equipment.

Baluran National Park

2008-10-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

This park is a forest preservation area that extends about 25.000 square meters on the north coast of East Java. Located at Situbondo (on the east border of Java Island). This park also protected some endangered plant and animal species such as: Tamarindus Indica, Bos Javanicus, coun alpinus etc.

Beside that, you can enjoy the panorama of savannah and mount Baluran (inactive volcano) in the center of area that becomes habitat of many exotic animals such as wild pigs, deer, peacocks, wild chicken, some species of monkeys and also bulls as the protected animals in the area.

Peacock in Baluran

Wild monkey in Baluran

In Baluran National Park, you can see a historical place called “Gua Jepang” (Japan Cave). Gua Jepang is one of historical witness that in this place (Baluran National Park) was happened battle between Indonesia army against Japanese army. Because unequal power, there are a lot of Indonesia army who died in that battle, so this place also called Batangan. Gua Jepang has wide about 12 km that contains in 2 chambers. The north chamber was used to save the weapon, while the south chamber was used as a fissure to see an enemy.

Beside Gua Jepang, in the Baluran National Park, you also can see Bekol savannah. It's about 12 km from the entrance Baluran National park. You will see a flock of deer, bulls, etc, in the morning and in the afternoon (when the sun goes down) to do their activity. You also can see their activity and behavior of those animals from the height.

Bama beach is located in the east of Baluran National Park. You can see the original beach and the fantastic panorama in here. Beside that you can see the mangrove forest, Bama source and Mantingan source. One of special moment here is that you can see monkey with the long tail (Macaca fascicularis) that fishing crabs with their long tail. If you like go on food, you can pass the truck and you can see the beautiful panorama of Bama Beach on the height. Just with 15,000 Rupiahs per person you can spend the night in Bama Beach to enjoy the beautiful panorama at night here.

The Sound From Bamboo.

2008-09-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Angklung, is a traditional music instrument made out of two bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. The tubes are carved so that they have a resonant pitch when struck. The two tubes are tuned to octaves. The base of the frame is held with one hand while the other hand shakes the instrument rapidly from side to side. This causes a rapidly repeating note to sound. Thus each of three or more Angklung performers in an ensemble will play just one note and together complete melodies are produced. This traditional music originally from Sunda, West Sumatra, Indonesia, but now very popular in South East of Asia. Even the Sundanese people used this music since ancient times.

In the time of Padjajaran Kingdom (Hindu period), the people used the Angklung for sign of prayer time. When the Padjajaran Kingdom had conflict with the greatest Kingdom in Indonesian ancient times, Majapahit, the angklung used for the corps music in the wartimes. When the time of Dutch imperialism, the Dutch government forbid this music, because this angklung can be the spirit and symbol for the anti imperialism.

Indonesian children playing Angklung

The Angklung got more international attention when Daeng Soetigna, from Bandung, West Java, expanded the angklung notations not only to play traditional pelog or slendro scales, but also diatonic scale in 1938. Since then, angklung is often played together with other western music instruments in an orchestra. One of the first well-known performances of angklung in an orchestra was during the Bandung conference in 1955. A few years later, Udjo Ngalegena, a student of Daeng Soetigna, opened his "Saung Angklung" (House of Angklung) in 1966 as centre of its development.

Angklung is going International now

There are many video of Angklung which you can see in youtube, but this is very interesting.

This is Angklung Performance by Keluarga Paduan Angklung (KPA) Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia, with Song, "Mission Impossible". Taken from: ivankurniawanooze

Another site : saung angklung udjo

Mixed Food

2008-09-22T02:41:00.000-07:00

One of Indonesian traditional food is called gado-gado. Made from many vegetables, rice, snack, potatoes, etc............no wonder if Indonesian people called for mix or jumble things are gado-gado.

Gado-gado roundsman sales

With good taste and delicious and cheap price, gado-gado is one of favorite and popular food for Indonesian people. From "high-class" restaurant until roundsman sale. You can see it in Indonesia. Gado-gado also have many variations in its receipts which result many variations and combinations in taste too.

Here one of gado-gado receipt:

Coconut-Peanut Dressing
1 cup bean sprouts
1 cup shredded cabbage
4 ounces bean curd (tofu), drained and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable oil
1 cup sliced cooked potatoes
1 cup cooked cut green beans
1 cup cooked sliced carrots
1 medium cucumber, sliced
2 hardboiled eggs, peeled and slice

Prepare Coconut-Peanut Dressing. Pour enough boiling water over bean sprouts and cabbage to cover; let stand 2 minutes. Drain.

Cook bean cured in oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat, turning pieces gently, until light brown. Remove with slotted spoon; drain. Cook potatoes in same skillet until light brown; drain. Arrange bean sprouts, cabbage, bean curd, potatoes and remaining ingredients on platter. Pour dressing over salad. Yields 6 to 8 servings.

Coconut-Peanut Dressing

1/2 cup flaked coconut
1 cup hot water
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons ghee or peanut oil
2/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Place coconut in blender container; add 1 cup water. Cover and blend on high speed about 30 seconds. Cook and stir onion and garlic in oil in 2-quart saucepan about 5 minutes. Stir in coconut and remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

Serve warm and enjoy.........

Gado-Gado Galleries:

Marine "Paradise" Park

2008-09-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

Wakatobi, a marine national park in Sulawesi, Indonesia. This national park is comprising four large island which has very high marine resource potential, in terms of both species and uniqueness with enchanting submarine landscapes.

This national park has more than 25 chains of coral reefs and the total circumference of the coral island is 600 square meters. This large area results an abundant of coral species and fish.

This island contains two major ethnic group, the Pulau (islanders, Indonesian ethnic) and the Bajau. These peoples include many interesting cultures and histories. The Bajau mention is made in the writings of ancient Chinese and European explorers of these legendary sailors who had managed to reach the distant shores of Merqui, Johor, Singapore and Sulawesi. They also have held on their way of life. Local spears-fishing on the sea bed without the aid of diving equipment are still a common sight.

Wakatobi's galleries:

The video:

Others video : click here

Others info:
Travel
Acommodation

Soto Madura

2008-09-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

From : Picasaweb album.com

Indonesian food, i think some of the most delicious food in the world. Not only for its taste, but its many sort of. Subtlety the tastes, the forms and the combination are really awakening for your tastes.

Soto is some kind of Indonesian traditional food. Many kind of Soto. Some with chicken meat: Soto Banjar (Kalimantan) and Soto Lamongan (East Java) and with beef meat:Madura (East Java) and Makassar (Sulawesi). All of that Soto have its own taste and flavours, which can not deny that. Many variations for Soto, but still the cooks usually keep the traditions for it taste.

This is some of that recipes, and its for Soto Madura from Madura Island.

Ingredients:
500 gr beef or internals,
100 gr bean sprouts,
80 gr rice noodles,
60 gr Indonesian parsley,
60 gr scallions,
60 gr ginger,
1 lime, salt and pepper,
Boiled chicken egg (depending your taste)

Directions:

Boil meat until done. Drain and cut into bite-sized slices.
Remove the tails of bean sprouts, boil until half done
Boil rice noodles separately
Keep these in separate plates
Cut Indonesian parsley and scallions
Grind shallots, and brown it for a little bit
Skin and cut ginger
Make beef stock using beef bones boiled in water for about an hour. Remove bones, and put in salt, pepper, ginger, and shallots.
Serve the soto by putting the beef, bean sprouts, noodles into a bowl. Pour soup into it.
Sprinkle with Indonesian parsley and scallions.

For best, for the drink is ice tea....
Enjoy it.

Keep The Traditions

2008-09-03T01:18:00.000-07:00

Province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam or usually called Aceh, have a very long period of history. The origin kingdom is called Samudra Pasai (13th-15th century) until the Sultanate of Aceh (15th -18th century) and now become one of Indonesian's province. It is a very long time period.

Samudra pasai and Kingdom of Aceh, known as the first establishment of Islam in south east Asia. Even, Aceh Kingdom has a relationship with Ottoman Empire in 16th century. With this relation, no wonder that Aceh called itself "Seramoe Mecca" or gate of Mecca. The most sacred place for muslim people. Aceh people also have a culture that very close to the middle east. This including the dance.

The traditional dance from Aceh is always remind to us about middle east cultures. The singer using Arabic and Aceh words, accompanying the dancers. The music is also has the spirit of Islam. To keep this long great histories and cultures, Mr Rizal and Mr. De Gam, choreographed a new creations dance, called Kipah Sikarang.

Enjoy this new creations.

Tari/Dance Kipah Sikarang

The Biggest Park in South East

2008-08-21T23:53:00.000-07:00

Lorent National Park, which was named after the Dutch explore Hendrikus Albert Lorentz, is located in Papua island. With area of almost 10,000 square meters, make this National park is the biggest one in South East. It is also declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also known as the most ecologically diverse national park in the world.

This park containing full array of ecosystems spanning from marine areas, mangrove, tidal, freshwater swamp, lowland and montane rainforest, alpine areas and equatorial glaciers. The International of Birdlife called this park "one of the most important natural reserve for bird in the world". The Indonesian government had been classified the plants and animals such are :

Plants :
Nipah plants (Nypa fruticans), Bakau/Mangrove (Rhizophora apiculata), Pandanus julianettii, Colocasia esculenta, Avicennia marina, Podocarpus pilgeri, dan Nauclea coadunata.

Animals:
Contains 70% of Papua birds and 123 species of mammals.

Beside that, still this large areas contains unmapped and unexplored areas, that might be unknown species of plants and animals.

Animals of Lorentz' park

Travel to there :
Jl. Raya Abepura Kotaraja PO Box 1217
Jayapura 99351, Papua Barat
Telp. (0967) 581596; Fax (0967) 585529

The New Creations

2008-08-07T02:26:00.000-07:00

Indonesia have a many numerous traditional arts and cultures. This including its dance. There are many Indonesian people whose are look after, mount guard and conserving these very great cultural. With innovation which adopted from the old and traditional dance, there are many a new creation dance.

Below are some of the new creation's dance from Kalimantan or Borneo.

1. Dance/Tari Belian Sentiu

This dance is from East Kalimantan - Indonesia. Belian Sentiu, basically was a ritual dance to medical treatment and was aimed as the request spell to God. This quatrain was expressed by the dancers when they are dancing or finished. The basic Belian Sentiu is almost like traditional Dance/Tari Giring-Giring.
.......and from the traditional dance, we will see a great new creation dance.

Dance Belian Sentiu

2. Dance/Tari Kayau.

This dance is from Center of Kalimantan - Indonesia. Kayau in Dayak (origin tribes in Kalimantan/Borneo) meaning - "cut the enemies head off". This horrible tradition is the rites of Dayak for some test to the Boys before they recognized as Adults. The Government of Indonesia prohibit, ban, inhibit this rites. With "all out" help from Muslim cleric, Kayau finally disappear and none of Dayak tribes doing such rites.

Kayau was mean "heroic" things too for Dayak. To commemorate about Kayau rites, a new creation dance has been made. See this beautiful dance:

Tari Kayau/Kayau Dance

Tari Piring

2008-07-25T02:25:00.000-07:00

Piring or piriang (in Minangkabau languages), mean plate. This dance originally from Minangkabau, Province of West Sumatera, Indonesia. In Minangkabau cultures, plates symbolize for prosper or affluence. The dance symbolize for "Gotong-Royong" or helping each other, which is Indonesian people life-style. During the implanting of paddy in the paddy field, all the people are helping each other from the start until the harvesting time. When it comes, the harvesting party begin and the dance appearences for celebration.

This dance represents for implanting the paddy activities. Planting, irrigated the paddy and of course the harvesting time. The dance also represent for Silat style. With the traditional music of Minangkabau, this dance is very attractive and adorable.

See the dance below:

Taken from: mfadls

See also:
1. West Sumatera
2. Tourism Object
3. Fact Book

Legacy from Paleolithic Age

2008-07-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

Nias Island, part of North Sumatera, had a very unique culture. According to Medan Archeology, Nias has its cultures from 12 thousand years ago, in the time of Paleolithic age. This age period had the same period with Hoabinh (Vietnam) paleolithic age. The greatest thing from Nias people, they keep its cultures persistently. This makes Nias cultures keep favorable until now.

One of this legacy is JUMPING STONE:

Taken from : sgenome

But, Nias not only had the stones. The beach of this island is a very good to surf. Maybe as good as Bali Beaches. So....see and enjoy the Legacy from the ancient time.

From : Surfersvillage.com

From : lineup.com.au

Nias Island Travel Guide :
1. virtualtourist
2. world 66
3. indonesiatrekking

Smart Packing Tips :
AmazingIndonesia. Net

The Largest Flower In The World

2008-07-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

It is a member of genus Rafflesia, parasitic flowering plants. The genus named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the expansion from British Empire. The genus Rafflesia including approximately 26 species (including 4 incomplete species, recognized by Willem Meijer, the botanist and plant collector from Dutch).

The Rafflesia genus were discovered by Dr. Joseph Arnold who was exploring the rainforest of Sumatra and Borneo (Kalimantan) of Indonesia Archipelago at 1818.

Rafflesia Arnoldi was named after those two men, Sir Raffles and Dr. Arnold. This plants has no stems, leaves or true-roots, only flowers. Its weighs 12 kg. The petals grows almost 3 meter long and 2,5 cm thick. This is makes this flower is the largest flower in world.

This flowers lives like parasites, on the vine plants as it host. It also grows only in rainforest such as forest in Sumatera and Kalimantan. Only one species grows in Java Island, Rafflesia Patma.

The Flowers looks very beautiful, but it is very reeks. This reeks use for attract the flies for pollination. This flower seemingly a strong flower, but its only have 1 week long age. No wonder if this flowers are very rare and very hard to locate. It is especially difficult to find the flower in forests as the buds take many months to develop and the flower lasts for just a few days. The flowers are unisexual and thus proximity of male and female flowers is vital for successful pollination. These factors make successful pollination a rare event.

The Jungle Man From Indonesia

2008-07-08T04:10:00.000-07:00

In this world, there are four great apes species; gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans. Only orang utans are from Indonesia, Asia. The others are from Africa. Live at the rainforest of Indonesia, orangutans known with two species, Borneo and Sumatra. Both of them are the last surviving of Pongo Genus and the subfamily Ponginae (including the extinct Gigantopithecus and Sivapithecus).

Sivapithecus known as the ancestors of modern orangutans, but some hypothesis says it originated from Lufengpithecus. Both of these ancestors were live about more than 300 thousand years ago and now extinct.

Whose ever the orangutans are, these species are unique. When one thinks of an orangutan what usually comes to mind is the uniquely wonderful rusty-orange hair, some said bright reddish, that covers their bodies and their arms. In general its coat which is sparse, long and coarse, will range anywhere from bright orange in youngsters to a chocolate mahogany in some adults. Orangutan also known as arboreal (primarily tree dwelling), while other apes are primarily terrestrial (spending their lives on the ground).

The Sumatran species has a thinner, paler coat than that of the Bornean. It is the largest tree dwelling mammal in the world; males at 220 pounds and standing 5 feet tall are twice the size of females.

Their legs are about 30% shorter than their long arms which can grow, up to 6.6ft. (2m). They use both legs and arms to move from tree to tree in the forest canopy, swinging and moving elegantly. Makes them graceful and swift while swinging through the trees but it makes walking on the ground very slow and awkward. That is why the orangutan is at a great disadvantage on the ground, and why the orangutan rarely comes down from the treetops. Their feet are designed like hands and their both hands and feet are long, narrow and strong and used in a hook like fashion when grasping branches. The thumb is fully opposable.

The etymology said that the words orangutan derived from Indonesian Malay language. Orang mean Man, utan for Hutan mean forest or jungle, thus “the people of forest”.

Let me say that orangutan is the jungle man, and let the jungle man traveling the great forest of Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sumatra forever.

The Dwarf Buffalo

2008-06-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

Anoa. It is the wild buffalo with only 150kg-300kg and only 76cm hight, make Anoa the smallest buffalo in the world. Anoa only found at Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Even, Anoa looks like a deer but this wild is a subgenus of Buffalo and basically miniature from water buffalo.

There is two types of this small buffalo; Lowland Anoa (Bubalus Depressicornis) and Mountain Anoa (Bubalus Quarlesy). Both of them have been classified as endangered species by the Indonesian Government since 1961 but, the populations are decreasing continuosly. Anoa hunted oftenly by human because of their meat, skin and horns. The Anoa's horns believed has a saviour.

Since many still unknown from this species, the experts still unsure about Anoa completely. About their sex life and territorial. Males have been seen marking the trees in jungle with their horns and scratching the soil after urinate. But, no one sure for what they doing like this, for their territories or for the females.

With their mistery life and their hight, it is very difficult to see the Anoa in the wild. Almost like the dwarf.

See for more complete information :
indonesiafauna.com
wikipedia

The Indonesia Beauties

2008-06-18T01:24:00.000-07:00

The Republic of Indonesia, comprising almost 20,000 islands, is the largest archipelagic country in the world. The Big five islands are, Java, Sumatera (Andalas), Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes) and Papua. With this exciting geographic, Indonesia consist of many ethnic, linguistic, cultures and of course the flora and fauna. However, with the national motto, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), the Indonesian people united.

This country is richly endowed with natural resources, located between Australia and Asia make Indonesia have numerous site of volcanic mountain. This is condition makes Indonesia having a very beautiful landscapes view, such are the mountain, lake, sea, river and many others of it.

Lying across the equator line, Indonesia having a very large tropical forest (covering almost 70% of Indonesia) that support the biodiversity of the Earth. This tropical forest also resulting the very unique and exciting flora and fauna.

The history said, ancient Indonesia (Nusantara) was lying on the strategic position among the ancient international trading, Indian, Chinese and Arabic. This is making the influenced for Indonesian cultures until present day.

This blog, will invite you to INDONESIA BEAUTIES. About it culture, landscape view, flora and the fauna. Enjoy it.

The Bird of Paradise

2008-06-18T00:52:00.000-07:00

Cendrawasih, is the folk language of Papua Island for the bird of paradise or in latin words Paradisaea raggiana. Because they have such rare and beautiful plumage, birds of paradise have been hunted for centuries, and their feathers have been used for decoration and their supposed mystical properties. They are currently listed as endangered and trapping and export are illegal, but all species of the bird of paradise are still being traded illegally on the black market.

The cendrawasih is only found on the island of Papua, the most east islands in Indonesia. There are at least 37 other species of the bird of paradise that also make their homes on this island. The males are known to gather in a specific tree together in the morning and will engage in mutual display, where they fluff out their extensive colorful feathers to try and attract a female. They live in the tops of trees and in the underbrush, making nests in tree branches and holes.

Papua man with Cendrawasih

Cendrawasih, or Birds of Paradise, are considered by many to be the most beautiful birds on the planet. The females are a relatively drab, dull brown, which helps them take cover when they are nesting and raising the young. They average about 13 inches in length (33 cm), about the size and build of a crow. The males are covered with different sizes and shapes of feathers in every conceivable color, and they often have patches of skin without feathers that are wild, shocking colors as well. The Raggiana has very long, orange, trailing tail feathers. His head and the nape of his neck are yellow, and he has a green chin.

Because of the beautiful of this bird, many people of Indonesian are loving this paradise bird. Even, some artist outside Papua Island, make a traditional dance by influenced of this bird.

Cendrawasih Dance

Remo Dance

2008-06-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

This traditional dance is from Surabaya, East Java to the welcoming dance for events and the guests. This dance can be performed by single or group dancers. This dance also can performed man/men and woman/women. There are the different between this masculine and feminine style, especially for the make up and costumes. The feminine dancer usually uses a feminine hair style for the make up. The dancers also using the black “mekak” to cover the breast. Sometimes, man dancing the feminine style and the woman dancing with the masculine style.

The characteristic movements of the Remo Dance are the beats of the feet. A set of small bells is tied around the right-foot ankle. The bells tinkle when the dancer walks or beats the floor with his or her right foot. Beside the beats of the feet, the head movements, the manipulative play of the selendang or sampur, the facial expressions, and the postures of the dancers which conform the rhythm of the music, make this dance unique.

Originally to opening the Ludruk (a traditional drama of Surabaya), but now becoming the opening of the event at Surabaya.

This video is belonging to Sanggar Clarissa
Sidoarjo - East Java
Indonesia

The Last “King” Of Indonesia

2008-06-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

Photo from :http://www.lablink.or.id/Satwa/stw-harimau.htm

According to all references, the subspecies of the Tiger (Pantera Tigris) are about 9 subspecies.The list are as follows :

Indochinese Tiger (Panthera Tigris Corbetti) which their habitat is on rain forest and the meadow of Malaysia, Myanmar, China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Bengal Tiger (Panthera Tigris Tigris) which can found on Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India and Nepal.
The South Chinese Tiger (Panthera Tigris Amoyensis) which can found in their habitat in only in South China.
The Siberian Tiger (Panthera Tigris Altaica), their range of live is on China, North Korea, and in the middle of Asia of Russia.
The Sumatran Tiger (Panthera Tigris Sumatrae) which only live on Sumatra Island, Indonesia.
The Malayan Tiger (Panthera Tigris Jacksoni) live only in Malaysian Penisula.
The Caspian Tiger (Panthera Tigris Virgata), this subspecies already extinct and they were living on rainforest and steppe of Iran, Afghanistan, Mongol, Turk and on the middle of Asia of Russia.
The Javanese Tiger (Panthera Tigris Sondaica) only live on Java Island, Indonesia. This subspecies also extinct already.
The Balinese Tiger (Panthera Tigris Balica), extinct too and they were live only on Bali Island, Indonesia.

Based on the list above, Indonesia had three subspecies of Tiger. Tragically, two of them are already extinct. The first was the Balinese Tiger which officially extinct at 1972.

After passing through long time of observation to the Javanese Tiger, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in Florida, USA, decide that this subspecies is extinct. Event Team Peduli Carnivora (Team Care to the Carnivores) from Indonesia noticed that this subspecies is still exist, the decided of CITES was very ironic. 3 of 9 subspecies of the Tiger have been extinct already, and that was happens in Indonesia. Of course, 2 subspecies from 3 subspecies of Indonesian Tiger are disappears.

The extinction of the Tigers from Bali and Java, acclaimed that the Sumatran Tiger is the only King in the Indonesian Jungle. This is ironic. Because the last King of the Indonesian Tiger Emporium is live on endangered. Their population estimated only 450-500 Tigers. With those numbers and compare it with human birthrate, calculated too with their lost of habitat area, soon or later the Great King will not uphold their live anymore.

The world must support the life of this Last King of Indonesia from the vanished. Because, it is not only Indonesian Government responsible, it is the World.

Toba Lake from Legend to Tourism Object

2008-05-27T03:44:00.000-07:00

Toba Lake

This is the volcanic lake about 3,000 square meters, located at North Sumatera, Sumatera Island, Indonesia. In the middle of this lake, lay a large island called Samosir. This island is volcanic too. The folk language said, Toba from the word Loba mean stingy, niggardly or miserly. But, the legend beyond these lake and island is interesting.

The people whose live nearby this lake said, a long time ago, there live a very poor-orphan fisherman, Toba is his name. Once day, Toba was fishing at the river and got a golden fish. This fish was very beautiful. When, the fisherman touched the fish, the fish transfigure become a very beautiful woman. The legend said she was a princess and cursed become a fish. The princess as thanks for the fisherman, she agreed to married with him. With one condition, never talking about what she was…….After a year of married, they were had a boy, and they named Samosir. Samosir was very cute boy but had a very bad attitude, never satisfy about the food. He was eat and eat, again and again. Samosir also eat everything. One day, Toba knowing his boy was never stop eat, and then Toba was going mad, angry and yelling to the boy “what a fish boy…!!!”

The mother (the princess from fish) heard her husband yell. She was very sad because her husband violated the promise. She going to her son and told to Samosir to go to the higher ground and said because of samosir’s father broke the promise, she will be transfigure again become a fish once more. After Samosir reach the highest ground, the fish princess pray to the God to revive her again. After the pray, the heavy rainfall come to the earth, flooded everything except the ground when Samosir stand. The flooded become a lake called Toba and the ground becomes an island called Samosir Island.

In the fact, the lake and the island was formed from volcano eruption about 75,000 years ago, which was clustered from Mount Tambora eruption. The combination from the legend and the nature effect, make the Toba lake become a very good tourism object and of course the icon of North Sumatera tourism object.

For decades a magnet from regional and foreign visitors alike, Toba has developed into a full-featured highland resort while retaining the rustic charm and relaxed ambiance that define Toba's attraction. Toba lake formed by the folk-legend and by a stupendous prehistoric volcanic explosion, make this lake is the largest is Southeast Asia and one of the deepest and highest in the world. The drama of that cataclysmic birth persist in 500 meter cliffs dropping into the blue-green waters, Surrounded by steep, pine covered sloped, the climate is fresh and pleasant, with just enough rain to support the lush vegetation.

Samosir Island

On the other side, Samosir, the large island in the center of the lake, is the home of the Toba batak, considered -at least by the Toba Batak - as the original Batak tribe. One of the prominent ethnic groups in the Indonesia, Bataks living in distant cities will regularly return to their ancestral island. Even people not sharing the spiritual and historic connection with the island often return to Samosir, drawn by the enchanting natural beauty and fascinating culture.

Samosir Island
(photo from : samosir.co.id)

Inside the large island of Samosir, there a three megalithic sites on which bear ancient cultures and also as the witness to the glory of Batak history. The three consist of 300-year-old stone seats and benches arrayed in a circle. The first set of ruins was used as a conference area for Batak kings or Raja. At the second site, the rajas would sit in judgment of a criminal or enemy prisoner. If the accused were found guilty, the assembly would move to the third set, which features the ghastly addition of a central stone execution block. The very wonderful are, there are two lakes on the Samosir island is called sidihoni and Aek Natonang. That's why the villages called "The Lakes beyond the Lake"

The Three Megalithic Sites Inside Samosir
(photos from : samosir.co.id)

Whatever Toba and Samosir formed, whenever they formed...
Toba Lake and Samosir Island are very good landscape and wonderful tourism object.

References :
Wikipedia.org
Indonesia.co.id
volcanodiscovery.com
samosironline

Borobudur Temple

2008-05-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

A Buddhist temple located at Magelang, Center Java. Established by Syailendra Clan, from Hindu Mataram Empire in 750 A.D or 300 year before the Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia or 400 year before the Catholic churches in Europe. The high of this temple is about 42 meter and about 15.29 square meter, makes this temple is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world. Decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome is located at the center of the top platform, and is surrounded by seventy-two Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

The Stupa

The Buddha Statue

The Javanese language called temple with Candi, candi Borobudur. The theory of the name of Borobudur is came from “Bara and Beduhur”. Bara is adopted from sanskirt language it mean temple and Beduhur is high. However, the Borobudur name recorded first from English language, by Sir Thomas Raffles, the British Ruler of Java. He was rediscovered this temple at 1814.

Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and Unesco, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

References :
Wikipedia
Borobudur Park

See Also:
Borobudur.tv
Borobudur Home Page
Borobudur's architecture

Other Pictures of Borobudur

From : musadiqmarhaban.wordpress.com

From : www.travel-earth.com

from : www.nationalgeographic.com

Komodo Dragon

2008-05-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

Komodo (varanus komodoensis) in Indonesian language Biawak Komodo. Biawak is a species of lizard. Komodo is very big, some said Komodo Dragon, and live only one place in this world, Indonesia. Komodo inhabit in Komodo island, Flores, Rinca, Gili Motang and Gili Dasami. Their length can reach 3 meters, and their weigh can reach 70kg or so. Their nest usually under the ground, under root of plant and sometimes under the big stones. This big lizard is very fast on running or swimming.

Komodo is a carnivore and with their venomous and bacterial teeth, no animal can survive while komodo ambush them. Komodo mating between May and August which their egg laid on September. Komodo egg can be twenty or so and incubated about 8 months. The young Komodo are vulnerable and therefore dwell in trees, safe from predators and cannibalistic adults. The komodo large size and their reputation make komodo become the most animal on the zoo.

Komodo Island

Komodo coin on Indonesian Currency

References :
Wikipedia
Debhut.co.id
National Park of Komodo

Pencak Silat

2008-05-14T02:40:00.000-07:00

Silat, is the Indonesian traditional martial art. According to its history, silat is Malay’s (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, South Philippine and South Thailand) cultures. In Indonesia, the Malay tribes is called for Sumatera and Kalimantan islands.

In 7^th century, silat is dispersing to all Nusantara archipelago, now call

Indonesia

. At this time, silat is not only used by Sumatera or Kalimantan people only, but using to by Javanese, Balinese and also using by the tribes which domiciled at Sulawesi Island. From the folk martial arts becoming a tradition to learn by boys, even for royal of ancient kingdoms. In the early 14^th century, the great Pendekar (martial artist of silat) born not only from Sumatera, The Great Gajah Mada for example. He was a Mahapatih (prime minister) of Majapahit kingdom, whose unite for almost all south east asia with silat. Majapahit was at Java island. In Javanese languages, silat is called pencak. That’s why in Indonesian modern language is called pencak silat.

At the Islamic period, silat becomes main sport at the Pesantren (Indonesian muslim’ school). Pencak Silat was also becomes symbolize of Indonesian war for freedom against the imperialism of VOC and Dutch Kingdom. All Indonesian heroes of freedom are Pendekar Pencak Silat.

Pendekar Silat

In the modern period, Pencak Silat growing more and more. Under The International Pencak Silat Federation, pencak silat is promoted to the world even to Europe and America. On 1986, the world cup of Pencak Silat, for the first time placed outer of Asia, Wina – Austria. The destination of this martial arts is becoming one of multi sport of Olympic games.

Western students learning silat

Reog Ponorogo

2008-04-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

Ponorogo Map (Province of East Java - INDONESIA)

An Indonesian traditional mask dance, which perform with tiger head and peacock in wide winged. These mask almost more than 50 kg heavy. Wearing by one man (called warok) by bite the wood inside the mask. It is impossible to normal teeth, that’s why almost warok on trance condition when dancing with this big heavy mask.

Video of Reog dance show from Londoireng

Reog Ponorogo, a mask dance Indonesian traditional culture

The origin story from Ponorogo.East Java. Once upon the time in Java (15century), the king of Ponorogo, King Kelono Sewandono marches with his loyal prime Patih (Prime Minister) Bujanganom to the kediri kingdom. The king and his warriors went to marry Dewi Ragil Kuning, the princess of kediri. When the group through in the jungle, they were attacked by Singabarong, a tiger king. The tiger king supported by many beast including tigers and peacocks. The legend said, the great peacock flew up and then down on the head of singabarong, spreading and flapping its wings to support the tiger king. Until having a great battle, the prime minister, bujanganom with his magical warrior called warok, defeat the beast army. And the tiger king and great peacock shielded into one form, and they were join with the king to the matrimony. It was a great battle, and now the tiger and peacock forming a wonderful mask.

On present day, the mask dance of reog performances as follows:

Dadak merak (the mask), represent singabarong and peacock. Dancing with holding the princess on the top.

Dadak Merak - Mask on Reog Dance

King Kelono Sewandono wearing a mask and a crown is a stylish dancer, Bujanganom also wearing a mask is an acrobatic dancer. They are representing their martial art. The warriors using a horses made from bamboo (Jaran kepang). These groups called Jatilan.

Bujang anom, elite warrior using smaller mask Reog mask at background

Jantilan dancers

And the most important is the magician who dealing with the magic matters. Remember, it is impossible for normal teeth to bite and hold the big heavy mask.

The Magician
"Dukun" in Indonesian languages

Karapan Sapi / Bull Race

2008-04-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

Madura island

This race is from Madura Island, half hour Fery boat from Surabaya city, East java- Indonesia. The championship is for President Cup for annually. The drawing pool began from town of Bangkalan and Sampang, The final is in Pamekasan city, after harvest time. Generally held from September to October. The track of this races is about 100 meters or so, and the fastest bull is the winner.

Galleries of Karapan Sapi/Bull Race:

from : deniek sukarya

See the video from : eastjava.com

Wayang

2008-04-23T07:27:00.001-07:00

The traditional puppet drama from java island. The origin of this puppet drama was from pre-historic until now. And still many Indonesian people (especially Javanese) love this. The word from of wayang is came form bayang or shadow, because at early ears of its show, wayang is appeared from behind of stretched white cloth. This shadow appear by fire from hanging coconut oil. At the early years wayang is using by ancient Javanese people to make “conversation” with the spirit or the ancestors.In 9 and 10 centuries, at the Hindu period, wayang is become a media to performances an epic, which is absorbed by the Indian cultures. Such as Ramayana and Mahabrata. At this age, the show of the wayang still using by painted stretched cloth. In Javanese language is call beber.

In the time of Islam period, wayang is not using the cloth any more. But, performed by a puppet which have some varieties. In Middle Java, Yogyakarta and East Java, the wayang are performed by two dimensional form made from leather and is called wayang kulit (leather). In West Java, the wayang formed by three dimensional carved wooden, is called Golek. Even wayang develop by performing this epic stories by human actors.

In wayang kulit (leather), the show is operated by the puppet master is called Dalang and the puppet master playing the wayang behind white screen, lighting by the lamp and the audiences can watch the wayang in otherside the screen. In wayang Golek show, the puppet master is playing the wayang behind and under the short square wooden stage. So the puppet can appear on the top. There a different character between wayang kulit and wayang golek. In wayang kulit the Punakawan family, the last son named Bagong which in wayang golek is Cepot. At the time of Hindu period, no story of Punakawan family.

See for more details : Wayang Indonesia

Wayang Beber

Wayang Kulit

Wayang Golek

Dalang Wayang Golek

Dalang Wayang Kulit