Suddenly Indonesia

50 species of plants in Indonesia can provide Altenative fuel

2006-10-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

About 50 species of plants in Indonesia can be processed into alternative fuel to cope with an energy crisis in the country, Retno Gumilang, a lecturer at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB ) said here Tuesday.

Indonesia ranks second in the world in biodiversity, so the country`s potential in the provision of basic materials for the production of bio-fuel as alternative energy source is quite high, according to Retno, who also serves as a researcher.

Among the species of plants that can provide bio-fuel to substitute conventional fuel are oil palm, castor oil, candlenut, pinnate seed, four-sided bean, kapok, tengkawang, mindi, margosa, merunggai, canari, rambutan (similar to lychee ), soursop and sesame.

The 50 species of plants that can be used to substitute for kerosene are actually only the smaller part of species in Indonesia that yield vegetable oil to be processed into bio-fuel, however further study is still needed.

"So it is not necessary to be afraid of an energy crisis as Indonesia is rich in natural resources unavailable in other countries," the researcher revealed. The domestic demand for diesel oil and kerosene is high, so the provision of alternative energy sources is imperative to anticipate energy shortage, she added.

The soaring crude oil price on the world market has raised the cost of diesel oil and kerosene production in the country and fuel subsidy, she said. To ensure security of energy supply and to reduce diesel oil import, it is urgent to seek alternative energy sources to substitute diesel oil and kerosene as soon as possible, she emphasized.

Technology that has been developed in Indonesia can be applied in the operation of the bio-fuel industry that produces clean and renewable alternative fuel, she explained, adding that for that purpose, the head of government has issued Presidential Instruction (Inpres ) No.1/2006 on the provision and utilization of bio-fuel as alternative energy sources.

The instruction is directed to the coordinating minister of the economy, the energy and mineral resources minister, the agriculture minister, the forestry minister, the industry minister, the trade minister, the transportation minister as well as provincial governors and regents/mayor in Indonesia.

Responding to Inpres No.1/2006, the Gorontalo provincial administration is determined to begin using bio-diesel from castor oil as an alternative energy source to substitute for conventional fuel as of 2007.

The head of the Gorontalo Research and Development Office, Rusthamrin Akuba, said here on Tuesday that the province is rich in plants that can provide raw materials for bio-diesel.

Some 2,500 ha of land in the province are now provided for the cultivation of castor oil plants that can yield 5.0 tons of castor oil seeds/ha over a span of 50 years, according to Rusthamrin.

In 2005, the Gorontalo administration vowed the use of bio-diesel to substitute diesel oil and kerosene, and in 2006 has begun opening a plantation for 200,000 seedlings of castor oil plants.

The plantations will be expanded up to 25,000 ha by 2009, and the opening of those plantations will be followed by the development of the bio-diesel industry the province, he said.

Source: Antara

Bali Beaches: The Hidden Beauty

2006-10-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Indonesian-language monthly magazine Spice, part of the MRA publishing group, listed what it considers to be Bali's best 5 "off the beaten track" beaches in its June 2006 edition. Bypassing Bali's more well known beach side resorts at Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua " the popular style and fashion monthly presented its list of five beaches on Bali often otherwise overlooked by visiting sun worshipers.

The five beaches making it to the Spice list are:

Dreamland Beach

Westward facing and recommended for its sunsets, Dreamland is surrounded by the limestone cliffs of the Island's Ungasan peninsula. While visiting this special white-sand beach, be sure to include a visit to Bali's nearby Ulawatu temple.

Geger Beach

The thousands of people who stay in the luxurious hotels within the Nusa Dua Complex and Tanjung Benoa are largely unaware of the large white sand beach just minutes away on Bali's southernmost beach. Geger is accessed via a dirt track to the left on the road leading to The Bal and the Nikko Bali Resort. Look for the Geger Beach sign.

Padang-padang -

One of Bali's popular surfing beaches, Padang-padang is a slight detour on the road to Uluwatu temple whose entrance is marked by a large bridge. Park near the bridge and walk the short distance to the beach. This is a great place to surf or sit and admire the daring-do of locals and foreign surfers.

Blue Ocean Sunset -

Also known as Double Six Beach because of the famous beach-side night spot located on this beach, this beach offers swimming, surf and a wonderful selection of trendy restaurants and bars to while away the sunny days and tropical nights. Take the road to "Double Six" and park in the lot just opposite the wide, sandy beach.

Padang Bai -

A number of picturesque and surprisingly private beaches are located in he areas adjacent to the busy ferry terminal connecting Bali to Lombok. Blue lagoons, inexpensive beachside eateries, and local jukung boats to take you on snorkeling forays are just some of the many charms of this collection of beaches just a 1.5 hour drive from Kuta.

Source: www.balidiscovery.com

BUNAKEN : A True Paradise

2006-10-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Bunaken National Marine Park is an officially protected and recognized nature reserve. With a Northern and a Southern, section it exists out of two main parts.
Its total size is 79.056 hectares of land and marine area.
Whereas the Southern section consists entirely of coastal area, the Northern section has, beside coastal area, 5 islands within its boundaries.
These island are: Bunaken (after which the park is named), Siladen, Manado Tua, Mantehage and Nain. In total almost 22.000 people live inside the park, divided over approximately 30 villages (kampungs). The park has been populated for many generations. Long before this area was declared National Marine Park in 1991. They mainly live from fishing and farming.
Though Bunaken is already a marine park for almost 25 years, It is only since 1998 that there also came some real effective protection. With the introduction of an entrance fee in 2001 the park became a role model for other marine reserves and in 2003 even global winner of the prestigious Britisch Airways,"Tourism for Tomorrow" Award.
Today the Bunaken park is one of the best diving area's in the world. Clear blue, warm water, dramatic drop off's, an enormous variety of corals, big pelagic's, small critters, whales and dolphins………. too much to name it all. A true paradise for beginning / experienced divers and photographers.

Source: lumbalumbadiving

Way Kambas : An Elephant Paradise

2006-10-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Way Kambas National Park (130.000 ha) lies on Sumatra's southeast coast in the province Lampung and easily reachable with the ferry from Java. It consists of swamp forest, lowland rainforest, mangrove forests, dry beach forests, Nibung swamps and vast areas of grass-land.

The park is famous for his Sumatran Elephants of which a large number comes from the Elephant Training School Pusat Latihan Gajah. Moreover, the reserve supports over 270 species of birds.

Access

There are four possibilities to enter the park.

Rajabasa station in Bandar Lampung (Tanjung Karang) to Way Kambas, also named Plang Hijau. The trip will take 2-3 hours (100 km). Panjang station in Bandar Lampung to Sribawono (1 hour). In Sribawono get on a bus to Way Jepara (1 hour) and from there with a minibus to Plang Hijau. Rajabasa station to Metro (1 hour) and from Metro to Way Jepara. Merak ferry terminal in Bakaheni, where the ferry from Java arrives, to Plang Hijau.

Permits for the park are available at the entrance in Plang Hijau.

Accomodation

In Way Kanan, in the park, are some simple bungalows. You should bring food.

Adresses

KSDA Jl. Raya Hajimena 1/b, Bandar Lampung

Trekking

Plang Hijau-Way Kanan (13 km) 3 hours From Way Kanan, by boat along the rivier Way Kanan to the river mouth in Kuala Kambas

Flora

A large part of the park is overgrown with Serdang Palms (Livistona hasselti). The lowland forest consists mainly of trees from the Dipterocarpacea family.

Fauna

Because of the vast areas of grass-land, Way Kambas is a reserve where you can easily spot the animals.

Animals

Sumatran Elephant (a lot of them are very dangerous due to ill-treatment in the adjacent elephant training school!), Siamang, White-handed Gibbon, Long-tailed Macaque, Pig-tailed Macaque, Silvered Leaf Monkey, Malayan Tapir, Lesser Mousedeer, Large Mousedeer, Barking Deer, Malayan Sunbear, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Sumatran Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Clouded Leopard, Pangolin, Temminck's Golden Cat, Leopard Cat, Agile Gibbon, Common Otter.

Reptiles

False Ghavial, Estuarine Crocodile.

Birds

White-winged Wood-duck, Masked Finfoot, Milky Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Asian Dowitcher, Storm's Stork, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Brahminy Kite, Grey-headed Fish-eagle, Lesser Fish-eagle, Osprey.

Source: geocities

Giant Cockroach Among Jungle Find

2006-10-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

The cockroach could be the largest in the world, at 10cm (4 ins) lon

A "monster" cockroach and other new insects have been discovered in the jungles of Borneo, scientists say.

An expedition of caves and cliffs, led by the Nature Conservancy, also said it saw previously unknown fish and plants.

"In just five weeks, the expedition team discovered numerous new species previously unknown to science," the conservancy's Scott Stanley said.

"Who knows what else is out there?" he added, calling for the area surveyed in East Kalimantan to be preserved.

"If something is not done soon to protect these areas, dozens of species could disappear before anyone knew they ever existed."

Borneo is one of the world's richest regions, in terms of biodiversity, but the area had no special status that might have protected it against illegal mining or logging.

The team of scientists explored four "karst" systems of limestone caves, cliffs and sinkholes in the Sangkulirang Peninsula, about 1,200km (750 miles) north-west of Indonesia's capital, Jakarta.

At 10cm (4in) long, the newly-discovered cockroach is believed to be the largest in the world.

As well as the "monster" cockroach, the scientists reported a new "micro-crab", a pure-white 6.5cm-long millipede, two new species of begonia, two new species of snail and several new types of fish, the conservancy said.

Source : bbc

Komodo National Park

2006-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Although famous for its unique land-dwelling Komodo dragons, Komodo National Park features one of the world's most biologically diverse marine environments. Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds provide habitat for more than 1,000 species of fish, dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles.

Established as a national park in 1980 and declared a World Heritage Site, the park still faces threats such as overfishing, tourism growth, pollution, and destructive fishing practices.

What The Conservancy Is Doing
The Nature Conservancy worked with the Indonesia government and park authority to develop a 25 year management plan that engages local communities and stakeholders. They are implementing this long term plan by:

Strengthening enforcement and patrolling mechanisms to stop illegal and destructive fishing

Conducting community outreach and education programs

Developing safe alternative livelihoods

Establishing ecotourism as a means of sustainable income for local villagers

Collaborating with local communities to research and monitor changes in coral, fish, and other marine resources

Source: nature

REOG DANCE

2006-10-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

A DANCE OF WAR
This magical war dance involves several different characters, the most eye-catching and dramatic being the 'Barongan' tiger with a two metre tall crown of rich and beautiful turquoise peacock feathers which is larger than the dancer wearing it! It takes an enormous amount of strength and concentration to be able to throw the crown around and to make the peacock feathers wave. The whole thing is quite demonic and uncontrollably hypnotizing.

A TIMELESS STORY
The history of the dance, or at least the story that goes behind it, goes back to ancient East Java mythology and goes something like this: Once upon a time there was a legendary battle between two mighty kings; King Prabu Klonosewandono and King Adipati Singobarong. (in that life-time a ferocious tiger ). The cause of the battle? A beautiful woman. Not just any beautiful woman but a princess from the kingdom of Kediri called Dewi Songgolangit.

MESSAGES IN DREAMS
King Prabu, unmarried and concerned about succession (he wanted an heir to the throne ), dreamt that he met Princess Dewi. Dreams hold great portent in Indonesia, both then and now, and his prime minister took it as sign that Princess Dewi should be the king's wife and bear him his heir. His dream came too late, however, because Adipati, the tiger king, had already proposed to the beautiful princess. Classic situation; one eligible and drop-dead-gorgeous princess and two extremely well off, love-sick suitors, forget one of them is a tiger. There would obviously have to be a contest of some sort. Princess Dewi thought about it for a while and decided that she wanted three things from her husband-to-be.

A TEST OF WORTH
The first thing was easy. All she wanted was one hundred and forty four horses. Number two on the shopping list was to create a new musical sound and performance that nobody had ever seen or heard before. More difficult but hardly impossible. The final thing. however, was real tricky. Princess Dewi wanted and animal with two heads!

One thing naturally led to another and the two Kings tried to kill each other in a vicious battle. Magic and sorcery were common place at this time, (just look at the tiger King Adipati ), and King Prabu used all the magic he could muster to try and create the beast with two heads. Needless to say he did and King Adipati was forced to bow out of the contest for the beautiful princess.

The characters and story come to vivid life in the Reog performance. King Prabu, obviously angry at having to compete with a tiger for Princess Dewi's hand is red-faced while King Adipati looks magnificent in his plume of feathers. A small percussion group's instruments and music represent those created for Princess Dewi from battle armour and the men on wooden horses represent armies going into battle.

This is a really colourful and exciting event and can be seen in many areas of East Java and even in streets and car parks in Jakarta. Next time you see a group of people dressed in black, carrying small cut-out stylised horses and carrying a huge plume of peacock feathers take the time to see where they go and watch one of Java's most unusual cultural shows.

Source : tourismindonesia

Indonesian Cooking Methods

2006-10-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Indonesian cooking is a rich and complex blend of many cultures. Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Middle Eastern, and British influences can be seen in much of the present-day food, but proximity to South East Asia has also had a strong influence on the cuisine of Indonesia.
If you enjoy the chilli peppers, peanut sauces and stewed curries of Thailand, the lemon grass and fish sauce of Vietnam, the intricate spice blends of India and the cooking methods of Asia as a whole, then Indonesian food will surely delight you!
Indonesian cooking methods are similar to those used in any other Asian or Western kitchen especially the basics such as blanching, broiling, steaming, frying and deep-frying. However, there is one important basic ingredient that you need to know how to prepare: the basic spice paste. There are varieties of basic spice pastes and they are called basic because they are the seasoning bases of almost all Indonesian dishes.
In Indonesia, saucer-shape granite grinding stone (mortar ) and pestle are used. Ingredients are peeled as necessary and sometimes chopped or sliced into small pieces so they will be easier to grind. The pestle is used with a backwards and forwards motion across the mortar until the ingredients are blended together into a smooth paste. If you are using a blender or a food processor, the order of processing the spices is much the same as using a mortar, but in some cases you might need to add some liquid to keep the blades of the machine turning during the blending process. The liquid could be oil if the spice paste needs to be fried or either coconut milk, stock or water if the spice paste is to be simmered.

Source: Independent

Dangdut Is The Music Of Indonesia??

2006-10-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Dangdut is a genre of Indonesian popular music that is partly derived from Arab, Indian, and Malay folk music. It developed beginning in the 1970s among working class Muslim youth, but especially since the late 1990s has reached a broader following in Indonesia.
A dangdut band usually consists of a lead singer backed by a band of four to eight musicians. The term has been expanded from the desert-like-style music, to now broadened to embrace other musical styles. Modern dangdut incorporates influences from latin, house music, hip-hop, R&B, and even Western classical music.
Most major cities, especially on Java, have one or more venues that have a dangdut show several times a week. The concerts of major dangdut stars are also broadcast on television. In 2003 singer Inul Daratista became the subject of much controversy and criticism from conservatives over her suggestive, erotic style of dancing during televised shows.
MyIndo.com reported in 2003 that Project Pop, an Indonesian Nu metal band released a humorous tribute to dangdut titled Dangdut Is The Music Of My Country.
Some dangdut singers include:
Rhoma Irama (King of Dangdut / Most popular singer since 1970s)
Elvy Sukaesih (Queen of Dangdut / Most popular singer since 1970s)
Inul Daratista (Creator of Goyang Inul which sparked the anti-pornography controversy)
Evie Tamala
Mansyur Syah
A. Rafiq
Dewi Yull
Fahmy Shahab
Meggy Z.
Camelia Malik
Because the popularity of the genre, some movies and TV show are made about Dangdut themes such as Rhoma Irama's movies and the recent one is Rudy Soedjarwo's Mendadak Dangdut
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dangdut"

Indonesia elected as non-permanent members of the Security Council

2006-10-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

The United Nations General Assembly today elected Belgium, Indonesia, Italy and South Africa to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council for two-year terms starting 1 January 2007.

A fifth non-permanent seat, to be awarded to a member of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, remains in contention after neither Guatemala nor Venezuela obtained the needed two-thirds majority during 10 rounds of voting today.

The four new members will take the seats currently occupied by Denmark, Greece, Japan and Tanzania when their terms on the Council end on 31 December.

The members were elected according to an agreed geographic allocation, which awards two seats to African and Asian countries, two to Western European and Other States, and one to Latin America and the Caribbean during this year’s round of elections.

Council elections are held by secret ballot, and a winning candidate requires a two-thirds majority of ballots of members present and voting. Formal balloting takes place even in those regions where there is only one candidate per available seat.

Belgium and Italy were the only contenders in the Western European and Other States category, and they received 180 and 186 votes respectively in the first round, ensuring their election. South Africa, the only candidate in the African group, was elected after picking up 186 votes. In Asia, where there were two contenders, Indonesia received 158 votes – guaranteeing its election – while Nepal received 28 and was eliminated.

In the tenth round of voting for Latin America and the Caribbean, where 125 votes were needed to win, Guatemala received 110 and Venezuela picked up 77. There were four abstentions.

Balloting will continue until a State from the region achieves the required majority. The winner will replace Argentina, whose term expires on 31 December.

The Council’s five other non-permanent members, whose terms on 31 December 2007, are Congo, Ghana, Peru, Qatar and Slovakia. The five permanent members are China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States.
http://www.un.org

Bird flu-hit Indonesia to ban city backyard poultry

2006-10-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Indonesia, which has the world's highest number of bird flu deaths, intends to bar city residents from keeping chickens and other poultry in their backyards, ministers said on Friday.

Indonesia has become a frontline in the battle against the virus that has killed 55 people in the country, where millions of chickens roam freely in urban residential areas.

Despite the rising human death toll, the government has resisted mass culling of birds, citing the expense and impracticality in the developing country of 220 million people, where the bird flu threat is not seen as a high priority by many.

"There are laws banning poultry in cities in Thailand and Hong Kong. We will also carry that out soon," Indonesian Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari told reporters without giving a timeline.

"Principally, I think human beings and poultry need to be separated," she added.

The move is likely to face opposition from small poultry farmers who keep chickens in their backyards to earn money.

Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyantono said a set of legal guidelines was being worked out. "We need law enforcement. We have issued ministerial edicts regulating that poultry in urban areas need to be in cages," he told reporters.

Bird flu has now killed 151 people in nine countries since 2003, according to figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Scientists fear the virus could mutate into a form that can be passed easily between people, leading to a possible human pandemic which could kill millions.

However, Indonesia's chief welfare minister Abrizal Bakrie said there were no indications this would happen soon.

"There is no indication leading to a pandemic. There has been no mutation and the spread is still from poultry to humans," he said after ministers met to discuss bird flu developments.

U.N. bird flu coordinator David Nabarro said in Bangkok on Friday that people must not assume a pandemic would start in a particular country.

"In fact, the influenza pandemic could start anywhere because (of) the capability of moving across borders, carried perhaps by migrating birds or through trade," Nabarro told a press conference.

"However, there are certain countries in this region where the level of H5N1 avian influenza is high," Nabarro said.

Hiroyuki Konuma, deputy regional representative for the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said he was particularly concerned about Indonesia.

"The virus is widely spread at the moment," he told the same news conference.

H5N1 has spread to most of Indonesia, one of the world's most complex countries spread across 17,000 islands and with myriad ethnic groups and languages. Reuters

FIFA to build soccer field with synthetic grass in Aceh

2006-10-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) is planning to build a soccer field with synthetic grass in Banda Aceh, capital of Aceh province, a spokesman said.

"The soccer field will be using synthetic grass and funded fully by FIFA. It is expected to be completed in mid-2007," deputy chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Kaharuddin Syah told the press on Thursday.

The synthetic grass was made in Germany and might be used for 30 years, he said adding the project would cost Rp6 billion to Rp7 billion.

He said PSSI would soon write a letter to the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam governor for a follow-up to the FIFA-funded project.

A FIFA representative for Asia, John Winsar, will soon visit Indonesia to see for himself the implementation of the project, he said.

http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=21662

Indonesians pray for rain to end choking haze

2006-10-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Desperate Indonesians are praying for rain to end the choking haze that has enveloped the country's Central Kalimantan province for almost two months, officials and reports said Sunday.

Some 100 Muslims gathered in Palangkaraya, including the province's vice governor, Ahmad Diran, to pray for rain to put out the huge fires that are causing the smoke.

Earlier in the week, 500 Muslims gathered to pray for rain, while priests of the local Dayak tribes also held a ritual last week calling for rain, ElShinta Radio reported.

"Thin rain fell in several areas yesterday (Saturday) evening. This morning, the haze was a bit thinner," Achmad Zain, the head of the local nature conservancy office, told AFP from Central Kalimantan's Pulau Pisau district, where fire fighters are battling the blazes.

"But humidity looks like being on the rise again and the haze has therefore
thickened again."

Earlier in the day, Army Chief General Joko Santoso, made a brief visit to Pulang Pisau and promised to boost the number of soldiers helping fight the fires, Provincial Spokesman Dendol Toepak told AFP.

On Sunday morning, visibility in Palangkaraya remained below 100 meters (360 feet), while in neighbouring West Kalimantan province, it was 300 meters, the local meteorology office said.

In South Sumatra, which has been worst affected by fires in recent days, strong winds helped clear the sky with visibility improving from 200 meters early Sunday to two kilometers, said the local meteorology office.

The outlawed practice of clearing land by fire for the upcoming planting season has been blamed for the extensive fires that have sent smoke over parts of Indonesia and neighbouring countries in recent years. Weak enforcement of the law has allowed the practice to continue.

First Published at ANTARA News (www.antara.co.id)

KERIS, more than an ordinary weapon

2006-10-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

In the old days, Keris is an ordinary good that is readily available, owned by almost everyone in the society and mostly used as weapons. Besides that, Keris is also consider sacred, that is mystical and contains specific magicalpowers that signify the personal characteristics of the owner. This Special Keris known as Keris Pusaka was only produced according to owner's request and a special ceremony was considered necessary for its production.

In mid 70's Keris was almost forgotten and not so many people care about continuing to manufacture these highly valuable antiques. Although several areas in Java are still producing it. At some places in Jakarta, Solo, Yogyakarta and Surabaya Keris are sold as souvenirs and antiques and prices can be very expansive depending on the historic value of the Keris itself.

Keris is manufactured by a specialist who knows about metallurgy and art. To a larger extend, the specialist must also understand its religious and spiritual significance. This becomes necessary if Keris Pusaka is the one to be produced. The expert is usually called Empu. There are usually two types of keris which are Keris Ageman and Keris Pusaka. Keris Ageman is an ordinary keris and mostly used as souvenir and in ordinary ceremonies whereas Keris Pusaka is a special Keris for a special person and a special purpose and sometimes supernatural power is embedded in it.

The material to manufacture Keris is obviously metal. In the old days, when metallurgical data were not yet available, Empu uses a traditional method to identify good metal from bad ones. The metal that is preferable to Empu is the one that they consider old. And to determine whether the metal is old or not, is by heating the steel to its melting temperature (until the color is red ) and immediately immersing it in water. If the metal cracked, then the metal is consider old and can be used to make keris. Another way is to drop the metal and listen to the sound it produces. If the sound is loud and clear then the metal is consider old, but if the sound is weak the metal is consider bad. There are at least three or four types of metals required in the production of Keris. Examples are Belitung metal (steel ), Purosani metal (alloy steel ), Panawang metal (white iron ) and/or Pamor metal (usually nickel ). Other metals that can be used are Mangangkang metal, Kamboja metal, Karang Kijang metal, Kamboja metal.

In general there are three steps to manufacture Keris which are forging, alloying and completion. In forging, the Purosani metal is heated until red (to its melting temperature ) and it is formed into a straight shape by employing a compressive forces usually by pounding, afterwards it is immersed in water. The Belitung metal is also heated to its melting temperature. The Purosani metal that is already shaped is then amalgamated with the Belitung metal. At this stage, the metal is formed according to the desirable shape, it can be straight or curved shapes. The curveed shape is usually called Luk and the Luk is usually within odd numbers, for example Luk 3, 5, 11, 13 etc. The straight shape is called Leres. Next step is to put Pamor on the Keris, it is usually made from nickel or white iron. Pamor embedded on the Keris is the symbol of strength and reflects its supernatural power. In producing Pamor, a mold is prepared according to the owners request. It was then slowly heated and the melted Penawang metal or Pamor metal is poured to the mold. This is the process of manufacturing Keris Ageman. For Keris Pusaka the process is generally the same, except in every manufacturing stages special rituals and fasting must be conducted.

Usually three parties with different expertise are involved in the manufacturing of Keris, especially Keris Pusaka, they are the Empu, the Mranggi and the Gemblak. The Empu is the person who fabricated the metal to become Keris and the Mranggi is the one who manufacture the Warangka (case ) and the Pegangan Keris (handle ) and the Gemblak is the one who decorated the Keris.

As was mentioned earlier the use of Keris is merely as weapons but besides that Keris is also known to have spiritual power, especially for Keris Pusaka, and therefore Keris is also used as protector, heirloom, in religious ceremony, legacy or heritage.

According to the Culture of Keris Pusaka, three points must be carefully observed by someone who decide to have a collection of a keris, these are: Tangguh which is the history or the background or the origin of the keris. Such information like who made it, why it was made etc. The second point is the Sepuh which is related to the age of Keris. It was believed that the older the age of a Keris, the better its mystical power and also it reflects the personality and prestige. The third point is the Wutuh which mean the condition of the Keris whether it is in good or bad condition. The Keris is considered Wutuh if no portion of the keris has been missing or broken, the pamor is not missing and the edges are not deteriorating.

JAMU: It's Great Drink

2006-10-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

The origin of jamu is obscure. No one really knows its source. However, popular stories link the first jamu drink with the seventeenth century Mataram empire, where the preparation of jamu and herbal cosmetics was under taken by the ladies of the palace who were rather preoccupied with keeping themselves young and beautiful for their husband.

The secret of preparation has been passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth. Along the way, several new recipes have been added and old ones revised. The virtues of jamu were later introduced to the "common people" by native healers known as 'dukuns', and today an estimated eighty percent of the Indonesian population have tried jamu at some stage of their lives. Jamu is so popular and common that Indonesians drink it like westerners drink milk.

Jamu is essential to the Indonesian woman, who believes that beauty is not only skin deep, but is connected to internal well being. Hence, jamu is drunk to preserve health, and herbal cosmetics are applied externally. The demand for jamu has grown so large, that these days there are factories producing it on a large scale.

The drink is almost always bitter, in fact, the authenticity and strength of the jamu is judged by its bitterness and is best drunk in one go! There are several kinds, the most popular being those that are applied externally such as "lulur", made from rice paste, turmeric and crushed flowers, and 'pupuk', a vegetable paste applied to the foreheads of babies to improve their appetites and assist the digestive process.

CURES FOR EVERYTHING
Though there are stalls where people can sit and have a glass of jamu, the jamu ladies, mobile medicine chests as it were, are most popular with the people of Jakarta and can be seen in city streets everyday. Potions are sold fresh on the same day as they are made.
The range of cures attributed to jamu is vast; 'cabe puyeng' prevents rheumatism, 'gula asem' provides the body with sorely needed vitamin C, beras kencur' combats fatigue, 'daun pepaya' treats malaria, while 'swanan' cleanses the blood. There is even a jamu that accelerates weight loss, probably the earliest known form of slimming pill!

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Today, jamu has become so important to the people of Indonesia both as a source of Vitamins and minerals and as an area for employment, that the Government is actively promoting the establishment of jamu factories throughout the country. Though the knowledge of medicinal herbs has been associated with magic and religion more and more people are turning to organic medicines. This elixir of life is reputed to cure everything, keep ladies beautiful and babies healthy. Who knows, Indonesians may indeed have discovered the fabled fountain of youth.

BATIK

2006-10-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Batik textiles are among the most beautiful produced in Indonesia and are probably the best known. The process, which uses wax as a dye-resist, is generally associated with Indonesia and Malaysia, but the technique has been known in Egypt since the 5th or 6th centuries AD, and is also found in Africa, China, Japan and Central Asia.

It has been suggested that intricate batik design is relatively modern, but the examples collected by Sir Stamford Raffles while he was Governor of Java in the early years of the 1 9th century already show a well-established tradition.

The finest batik uses cloth with a high thread density and a flat, even surface. Such cloth was imported from Europe and India, and is now bought from Japan as well. Once cut to length, hemmed, washed and boiled to remove the size, it is oiled and treated with a rice paste to prevent the wax penetrating too deeply. For the best, hand-painted batik, known as tulis, the wax is applied to the areas to resist the first dyeing, using a small spouted pot called a canting. The cloth is dipped in the dye and then into cold water to harden the wax so that it may be scraped off. More wax is then applied to further areas and the process repeated until the pattern is complete. Good batik has the wax patterns repeated on the back of the fabric so that it is reversible. Cracks in the wax, intended or not, give the familiar spidery background patterns.

A 2 metre (6 foot ) length of the best-quality batik can take up to two months to complete. Batik tulis, with fine quality, hand-painted designs, is traditionally made by women, often the wives of high officials. Batik cap is a more economical method using a metal stamp to apply the wax pattern to the cloth, and is traditionally a male preserve.

Java is the home of batik, which is seen at its best in the courts of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. An imprecise way of telling the difference is the use in Yogyakarta of browns and blues against a white background whereas in Surakarta the background is yellow. South Sumatra and the Toraja region of Sulawesi also produce good batik.

ANGKLUNG: A Bamboo Beat

2006-10-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, Sundanese dance and music have grown alongside the strata of a strictly hierarchical society. Dances such as the ketak tilu and provocative jaipongan were for the entertainment of the masses, whereas the more refined song poetry (tembang Sunda) and certain forms of gamelan were the preserve of the aristocracy.

These days the differences are fading as art forms follow social trends and feudal systems gradually disappear. Far from being diminished, however, Sundanese performing arts are flourishing, enhanced by an ever widening circle of influences.

Whilst the differing forms of gamelan music may sound rather similar to the inexperienced ear, Sundanese music is usually distinguishable from its Javanese and Balinese cousins by the presence of a clear melody in the foreground. Gamelan degung, traditionally played for the aristocracy, is led by the haunting tones of the suling, a bamboo flute. The more upbeat gamelan salendro - traditional "pop" gamelan - is led by a small, two-stringed fiddle, known as the rebab. Both are carried on the bubbling stream of the gamelan orchestra, a set of bronze percussion instruments producing sounds ranging from the pretty and xylophonic to deep, solemn gongs.

The most distinctive Sundanese sounds, however, come from the angklung - a wooden percussion instrument made from bamboo pipes of differing length and pitch. These are fixed loosely to a small wooden frame and shaken to produce a tremolo. Since each instrument only produces one or two different notes, an angklung group can consist of between 60 - 160 people. These are often children, for whom the angklung group is considered a means of self expression and education. Accompanied by the dog-dog (small drum), the bedug (large drum) and various bamboo glockenspiel-like instruments know as gambang, the combined effect of well-coordinated, interdependent individuals is a unique and magical sound.

The angklung originates from the Badui people of West Java, where it was first used to rouse soldiers' spirits as they went into battle. However, angklung instruments are used for many purposes, accompanying a variety of traditional and Islamic ceremonies ranging from weddings and circumcisions to planting ceremonies, where it is believed the music stimulates growth of newly sown seeds. They provide the entertainment at parties, school graduation ceremonies and anniversary celebrations, or any other modern social function at which a traditional Sundanese flavour is desired.

Deep in the kampungs off Jl. Padasuka in east Bandung lies Indonesia's most renowned centre of Sundanese music and dance. The Saung Angklung Pak Udjo (Pak Udjo's Angklung House) is a partially open air bamboo and thatch auditorium nestled within groves of tall, yellow and green bamboo plants. The front outer wall of the theatre is adorned with Arabic characters reflecting the devotions of a Sundanese community committed to gotong royong working together in harmony.

"You hear - you forget; you see - you remember; you do - you understand." Such is the philosophy underpinning Pak Udjo's educational art. "Through music, we educate people in the art of humanism." Audiences are invited to participate in his angklung performances, whether the music be traditional Sundanese or an angklung rendition of Strauss' The Blue Danube. "By playing the instruments," asserts Pak Udjo, "audiences gain a deeper insight into the nature of the music."

While audience participation and modern adaptations of the traditional musical ensemble reflect the Bandung of today, it is not a gimmick for the tourists. "I began my Saung Angklung to develop and preserve Sundanese art, music and dance," affirms Pak Udjo, a dignified patriarch in the midst of an elegant array of bronze and bamboo instruments. "Then comes Indonesian music; finally, Western music. My children do not perform just for the audiences - they play for themselves. I will make everybody happy for the future of our beautiful country."

Ambitious as this claim may seem, experiencing the musical ensemble in all its rich colour is one of Bandung's finest treats. Performances take place daily from 3.30 pm to approximately 5.30 pm, and the theatre has seating for over two hundred guests. As a prelude, there is a brief "Wayang Golek" puppet performance of key scenes from the Ramayana which will give you a taste of the full, nine-hour performances. The entrance fee is Rp 10,000 for weekdays, Rp 12,500 at weekends. The instruments are also made in the village, under the guidance of Pak Udjo, and individual pieces or whole sets can be bought at a range of prices.

"Many people come for the first time few come for the last," claims Pak Udjo with a knowing smile beneath his long white beard. Indeed, he has seen the trancelike effect of his work on tens of thousands of people in his Saung Angklung; he has been invited to perform for the King of Thailand, delighted audiences at the Edinburgh Festival, received an award from President Soeharto and gained adulation from Indonesia's film and rock idols. He has no doubts of the musical charms of the angklung.

Angklung and gamelan music can also be heard in many of Bandung's leading hotels. To experience the now popular jaipongan dance, which evolved from the more traditional ketuk tilu Sundanese performances, you can visit the Museum of West Java at 638 Jl. Otista. Performances are held regularly, in addition to cultural performances which are held every Sunday. If your feet won't keep still and you want to join in, visit Pak Baun Jaipong on the same road. Likewise you can join in the ketuk tilu dance (performed to gamelan music) at the Sanggar Langan Selna at 541 A Jl. Otista. Alternatively, the Institute of Fine Arts, ASTI, often stages performances of various Sundanese music and dances, or you can visit at any time to watch the students practice. Performance schedules are available at theTourist Information Office.

Listing of Indonesian Websites

2006-10-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Below are a listing of websites for various Indonesian institutions and agencies which may be useful for those searching

Government Institutions

http://www.mpr.go.id

People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)

http://www.mpr.go.id

House of Representatives (DPR)

http://www.deplu.go.id

Department of Foreign Affairs

http://www.deptan.go.id

Department of Agriculture

http://www.dephut.go.id

Department of Forestry

http://www.ristek.go.id

Minister of State for Research and Technology

http://www.bappenas.go.id

Office of the Coordinating Minister for Economic, Finance and Industry and Office of the Minister of State for National Development Planning/Chairman of the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS)

http://www.dprin.go.id

Department of Industries & Trade

http://www.depkeu.go.id

Department of Finance

http://www.depkes.go.id

Department of Health

http://www.kominfo.go.id

Department of Information (Pusat Informasi

Nasional)

http://www.dephan.go.id/index.php

Department of Defence and Security

http://www.tni.mil.id

The Armed Forces Headquaters (Mabes ABRI)

http://www.mabesad.mil.id

Army (TNI-AD)

http://www.tni-au.mil.id

Air Force (TNI-AU)

http://www.tnial.mil.id

Navy (TNI-AL)

http://www.polri.go.id

Police (Polri)

http://www.bi.go.id

Bank Indonesia

Government Agencies

http://www.bppt.go.id

Agency for The Assessment and Application of Technology

http://www.bapepam.go.id

Capital Market Supervisory Agency (BAPEPAM)

http://www.informatika.lipi.go.id

Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI)

http://www.batan.go.id

Indonesian Atomic Power Agency (Batan)

http://www.dki.go.id

Local Government of DKI Jakarta

http://www.bkkbn.go.id

National Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN)

http://www.bkpm.go.id

National Investment Coordinating Board

http://www.bps.go.id

Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS)

http://www.komnasham.go.id

National Commission on Human Rights Indonesia

WHO'S TOP IN INDONESIA?

2006-10-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

In a nation of paradoxes, this one’s a real head-scratcher:

Why is a former four star general turned politician best known for being slow and indecisive, while his deputy – a businessman – has a think-it, do-it image?

No soldier advances far in any army if he or she can’t make snap decisions in a crisis, while corporate czars have a reputation for caution - taking their time and checking all options before signing off on policy.

No problem if these two were small-time players in some backwater legislature, but the men in this story run the biggest show in South East Asia.

Indonesia’s sixth president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) always looks happiest on the parade ground. His Dad was a soldier and he married into a military family. One of his sons has donned the khaki.

With that background most would expect the commander of a nation of around 240 million people and a similar number of political, social, economic and environmental problems to be Action Man.

Election analysts reckon Yudhoyono didn’t get 60 per cent of the popular vote in 2004 just because he sought to clean up a country corroded by corruption. Voters wanted the reforms to be run by a tough man at the top who was also a democrat.

His three predecessors (Habibie, Gus Dur and Megawati Sukarnoputri) had been ditherers, while the first two presidents (Sukarno and Suharto) had been no-nonsense heavyweights.

However there was one daunting problem; while Yudhoyono had the credentials his Democratic Party didn’t have the numbers. His handpicked running mate Jusuf Kalla was in a similar position.

Kalla was a politician and self-made entrepreneur with a reputation for straight dealing. He’d built a transport and industrial conglomerate in South Sulawesi and successfully moved his Kalla Group into Java.

Kalla had been kicked out of Golkar when he backed Yudhoyono. Golkar is the party founded by Suharto and which ran Indonesia for 32 years. After the 2004 election Golkar formed a loose ‘Nationhood Coalition’ with former president Megawati’s Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) – creating a potentially formidable opposition.

But the smarter heads in politics rapidly realised that although Yudhoyono and Kalla could be trounced in the Parliament, they had the people’s mandate for change - and the voters were in no mood to tolerate party poopers for the next five years.

Kalla was sweet-talked back into Golkar and in December 2004 elected party chairman in a landslide.

Suddenly Yudhoyono had real muscle in the Parliament – and a debt to his politically nimble offsider. As Yudhoyono wandered the world glad-handing leaders, the older Kalla zipped around the archipelago tackling the really messy problems. His major triumph was getting peace in the north Sumatra province of Aceh, a goal that had eluded all previous administrations and the Dutch colonialists.

The December 2004 Tsunami that did most damage in Aceh certainly helped the long-time warring separatists and military rethink their priorities and tactics in the province. But it was Kalla’s persistent energy and political skills in pushing for reconciliation that kept the peace initiatives alive and ultimately successful.

Then Kalla started making decrees, which is the president’s prerogative, and blandly offering views that contradicted his colleagues.

The scuttlebutt flared: will the real president please rise?

Physically they’re like an old-time stand-up comedy duo – the plumping and ponderous president looking older than his 57 years, and his bouncy little sidekick seemingly younger than 64. Both deny any rift and claim they work as a team.

Which is what you’d expect them to say – but in this case it could be true. Part of the problem is the public’s expectations. In the past VPs were of no consequence – just fete-openers when the big man was overseas. Kalla is reinventing the job and having fun.

When Yudhoyono speaks off the cuff it’s usually to make some worthy but boring observation. Kalla’s cracks are newsworthy. When told that a local version of Playboy would be nude-free he quipped this meant Indonesian men were being duped into buying a misrepresented product.

Then he unveiled plans to lure wealthy Arabs to Indonesia. It seems the VP doesn’t want the usual idyllic isle and shopping spree promotion. He knows what Middle East males really want. Advertising the availability of widows and divorcees seeking men with Mastercards would be a big come-on.

In the West such an idea would be clawed to shreds, but in Indonesia where men are number one citizens, not all saw this as insulting and degrading to women.

The feminists said the predictable things and the remark was later reinterpreted by Kalla’s spin-masters - but it was the guffaws from the blokes around the VP that indicated Kalla has got the common touch.

More important was Kalla’s performance at an open public meeting held in East Java last month (June). This was to discuss a huge mud eruption from a ruptured gas well - and showed the man at his best.

The villagers and others whose lives and businesses have been seriously damaged by the non-stop hot and stinking ooze now covering hundreds of hectares were rightly furious - and demanding compensation. They were in no mood for bland assurances.

Kalla deftly ad-libbed his way through the claims and counter-claims. He bluntly accused the company (linked to a fellow minister Aburizal Bakrie) of being at fault and ordered payouts. That sort of plain speaking is unusual in Indonesian politics – unless directed at another nation.

Inevitably the idea that Kalla might go for the top job in the 2009 election has taken root. But it’s unlikely to flourish – the terrain is wrong.

Kalla is from South Sulawesi and however popular he becomes the geography of his birth is a major handicap in a country where ethnicity is more important than education.

Java is the nation’s most heavily populated island - the source and centre of all power. It’s a given that the country has to be run by a Javanese.

Then there’s his age. The man may be spry but if by some fluke he did become the nation’s seventh president he’d be 73 by the time his term finished. Running Indonesia is no job for a pensioner and Kalla says he’s not interested.

Of course he has to say that or the partnership would be untenable.

But there’s one thing more. Kalla seems to have slipped into the VP job as though it was tailor made. He usually looks at ease and in charge – and that’s not always the situation with his boss. Kalla isn’t into photo opportunities or bland comments and seems little fazed by criticism.

In a country where protocol is more important than policy, jolly little Kalla as VP can leave the salutes and parades to his more uptight superior, and get on with being Mr Can Do.

At the moment both appear happy with the arrangement and the public seems to have adjusted. Whether it can last for three more years is another head-scratcher.

by: Duncan Graham (indonesianow.blogspot.com)

AIDS IN INDONESIA

2006-10-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

You have to watch your language in the lexicon of the deadly disease AIDS. ‘Cure’ is out, along with ‘solution’, ‘antidote’ and ‘remedy’.

Instead try ‘treatment’ and ‘therapy’. For as yet there’s no vaccine to prevent the scourge and no drug that will return the patient to full health.

In direct language – AIDS is a death sentence.

Offsetting that bleak diagnosis are medicines that can hamper the progress of the disease. They’re known as antiretrovirals, or ARV. They come from the laboratories of Western science, require heavy use and can have some nasty side effects on the skin, joints and stomach. They’re also expensive.

Is there anything else? Traditional therapists think they may have some helpful suggestions, and they’ve just been sharing their ideas at the 8th ASEAN Congress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Surabaya.

One of the organisers, acupuncturist Putu Oka Sukanta said complementary alternative medicines (CAM) could help the body fight the disease and soften the downsides of the conventional drugs.

However they were not a substitute. Patients with AIDS should continue taking their prescribed medication.

It’s believed that only in Indonesia are hospital doctors using conventional medicines along with traditional therapies. These include acupuncture, acupressure, nutritional supplements, massage, breathing exercises and meditation.

“CAM tries to balance the yin and yang in the body through an holistic approach so the body can retain its natural functions,” Sukanta said.

“The problem is that AIDS is a political disease. By that I mean it involves human rights, religion, discrimination and the right to treatment.

“Part of our job is to empower AIDS patients to they can exercise their rights and obligations, and help them lead productive and fulfilling lives in society.”

There’s no let up in the warnings and predictions of awful times ahead unless heavy-duty measures against the disease are taken now. Activists use the term ‘epidemic’. At this stage that seems hard to justify as the official numbers of people suffering are miniscule when measured against the population, and put alongside an estimated 500,000 deaths annually from tobacco use.

Sukanta said the main hot spots are Papua where the disease has been spread through heterosexual contact amongst tribespeople, the big cities where intravenous drug users operate, and the sex industry where prostitutes with HIV pass the disease to their clients who then infect their wives. Once in the family HIV can get into the children and the wider community.

“There’s been a lot of ignorance about AIDS,” said Sukanta who has been working since 1997 with patients who have the disease. “At first there was denial that it could occur in a religious country like Indonesia.

“It was seen as God’s damnation and a Western affliction. Now things are changing. Government policy is getting better. (See Sidebar).

“Some Muslim teachers and women in jilbab (Islamic headscarves) have become infected, so religious leaders have had to face the facts and widen their horizons.”

Getting an accurate count is impossible in a country where many people don’t consult doctors, while those who do may be misdiagnosed. Post mortems don’t always follow unexplained deaths. But somewhere between 90,000 and 130,000 Indonesians are officially believed to be living with HIV.

Activists say these are just the obvious early shoots above an enormous underground root structure of undiagnosed sufferers, with an estimate of four million druggies nationwide. Not all inject, but those who do are taking terrible risks if they don’t use clean needles. Around 50 per cent of new HIV cases are mainliners.

The worst-case scenario has around 300,000 dying of the disease by 2025.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) damages the body’s immune system and lets in AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.) You can only get it only through the transfer of body fluids – usually by sharing syringe needles or having unprotected sex with an infected person.

It was first identified in 1981 and since then an estimated 25 million people have died of AIDS, most in Africa.

AVOIDING SOCIAL UNREST

In a bid to halt the disease some countries are running high profile campaigns. These include frank sex education in schools, condom use promotion and needle exchange programs for intravenous drug users.

In Indonesia these are all contentious, so a prime role is educating lawmakers, educators and religious leaders of the dangers of AIDS and the need for action.

A few weeks ago Presidential Regulation 75 (2006) came into force, restructuring the National AIDS Commission. (NAC) Its predecessor was the National AIDS Control Commission. Note the significance of the change.

Part of its task is to disseminate accurate information “in such a way as not to result in social unrest”. The wording is a good indicator of the continuing sensitivity.

Australian psychologist Dr Jane Wilson, the country coordinator for the Joint United Nations Program on HIV / AIDS, believes the new authority is a major move forward.

“The estimates of Indonesians with AIDS were first made in 2002. They’ll be updated this year,” she said.

“The NAC is a serious bid to do something constructive. It’s very genuine and includes representatives of the community, non-government organisations and people who’ve tested positive with HIV / AIDS.

“I’m not sceptical at all. The people involved are committed and know what’s happening. So does the Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare, Aburizal Bakrie. We’ve never had leadership like this.

“There’s a growing awareness of AIDS. It doesn’t just involve fringe groups. Housewives are now getting infected. Up to 100 referral hospitals (hospitals which have ARV drugs and special training) are now taking HIV/AIDS patients.

“However only 3,500 people – that’s less than two per cent of suspected cases - are actually getting ARV drugs.

“Traditional therapists are often the first contact that sick people make with any health care provider.

“Antiretrovirals are very effective, but they’re a life-long treatment. I’ve had friends die from AIDS, so anything like traditional Chinese medicine and therapies, along with prayers, which might improve the quality of life and ease suffering, has to be welcomed.”

Published in The Jakarta Post 27 September 06

INDONESIAN EMBASSY

2006-09-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

Afrika Selatan	Amerika	Argentina
Atase Pendidikan Jerman	Australia	Austria
Bangladesh	Belanda	Belgia
Brazil	Bulgaria	Ceko
Cina	Colombia	Finlandia
Hungaria	Indonesian Mission NY	Inggris
Iran	Italia	Jerman
KJRI Jeddah	Konjen Franfurt Jerman	Konjen Hongkong
Kuba	Kuwait	Namibia
Norwegia	Pakistan	Perancis
Peru	Pilipina	Polandia
Qatar	Romania	Selandia Baru
Senegal	Serbia Montenegro	Slovakia
Spanyol	Suriah	Swedia
Swiss	Thailand	Ukraina

TV STATIONS IN INDONESIA

2006-09-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL TV NETWORKS IN INDONESIA

TVRI
http://www.tvri.co.id

RCTI
http://www.rcti.tv

SCTV
http://www.sctv.co.id/

TPI
http://www.tpi.tv

ANTEVE
http://www.an.tv

TRANS TV
http://www.transtv.co.id

TV 7
http://www.tv7.co.id

METRO TV
http://www.metrotvnews.com

INDOSIAR
http://www.indosiar.com

LATIVI
http://www.lativi.com

GLOBAL TV
http://www.globaltv.co.id

ONLINE JOB OPPURNITY IN INDONESIA

2006-09-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Binus Career
http://www.binuscareer.com

Pusat Kerja
http://www.pusatkerja.com

JobsDB
http://www.jobsdb.com

Karir
http://www.karir.com

Lowongan Kerja
http://www.lowongankerja.com

Informasi Kerja
http://www.informasikerja.com

Ruang Kerja
http://www.ruangkerja.com

Buletin Lowongan
http://www.buletinlowongan.go.to

Lowongan Karir
http://www.lowongankarir.com

Indo Karir
http://www.indo-karir.com

Lapangan Kerja
http://www.lapangankerja.com

Kerja Lepas
http://www.kerjalepas.com

Info Kerja
http://www.infokerja.web.id 

Komuni Karir
http://www.komunikarir.com

Ruang Kerja
http://www.ruangkerja.com

INDONESIA HOTEL'S

2006-09-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

ENLIST SOME HOTEL IN INDONESIA

Bandung:
Hyatt Regency Bandung
http://bandung.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
Hotel Papandayan
http://www.papandayanhotel.com/main.php

Banjarmasin
Swiss-Belhotel Borneo
http://www.swiss-belhotel.com/borneo/borneo.html

Blitar
Tugu Sri Lestari Hotel
http://www.tuguhotels.com/home.html?loc=hotel-blitar&lang=english

Canggu
Hotel Bolare Beach Bungalows
http://hotelbolarebali.com
Hotel Tugu Bali
http://www.tuguhotels.com

Cilacap
Hotel Mutiara Cilacap
http://www.intanhotels.com/central-java/mutiara-cilacap

Denpasar
Inna Kuta Beach
http://www.innakutabeach.com

Gianyar
Gubah Bali Exclusive Villas
http://www.gubahbali.com

Jakarta
Gran Melia Hotel Jakarta
http://www.granmeliajakarta.com
Kristal
http://www.hotelkristal.com
Menara Peninsula
http://www.menarapeninsula.com
Le Meridien Jakarta
http://jakarta.lemeridien.com
Sari Pan Pasific Jakarta
http://jakarta.panpacific.com
Grand Hyatt Jakarta
http://jakarta.grand.hyatt.com
Millennium Hotel Sirih jakarta
http://www.millenniumjkt.co.id
Hotel Nikko Jakarta
http://www.nikkojakarta.com
Hotel Ciputra
http://www.hotelciputra.com
Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta
http://www.fourseasons.com/jakarta
Jakarta Hilton international
http://www.sultanjakarta.com
Hotel Borobudur
http://www.hotelborobudur.com
The Dharmawangsa Hotel Jakarta
http://www.the-dharmawangsa.com
Sahid Jaya Hotel Jakarta
http://www.sahidhotels.com
Hotel Gran Mahakam
http://www.granmahakam.com

Jimbaran
Puri Bambu Hotel
http://www.puribambu.com

Karangasem
Hotel Alila Manggis Bali
http://www.alilahotels.com/manggis/

Kuta
Hard Rock Hotel Bali
http://www.hardrockhotelbali.com/bali/
Hotel Padma
http://www.hotelpadma.com
Aman Gati Hotel
http://www.amangati.com
Bali Mandira Hotel&Spa
http://www.balimandira.com
Court Yard Hotel&Apartments
http://www.courtyard-bali.com

Malang
Tugu Malang
http://www.tuguhotels.com/malang/index.html
Hotel Graha Cakra
http://www.grahacakra.com
Royal Orchids Garden Hotel & Condominium
http://www.royalorchidsgarden.com

Manado
Hotel Gran Putri Manado
http://www.granpuri.com
Hotel Ritzy
http://www.ritzymanado.com

Medan
Tiara Medan
http://www.tiarahotel.com
Hotel Danau Toba International
http://www.hoteldanautoba.com

Nusa Dua
Bali Hilton International
http://www.ayodyaresortbali.com
Suites Hotel Bali Royal
http://www.villahemingwaybali.com/suiteshotel/
Grand Hyatt Bali
http://bali.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
Taman Sari Suite Hotel & Restaurant
http://www.tamansarisuite-bali.com

Rantepao
Toraja Heritage Hotel
http://www.torajaheritage.com

Samarinda
Hotel Bumi Senyiur
http://www.senyiur.co.id
Hotel MJ
http://www.mjhotel.com
Hotel Mesra International
http://mesra.com/hotel/

Sanur
Tamukami Hotel
http://www.tamukami.com/
La Taverna Bali Hotel
http://www.latavernahotel.com/
Santrian Club
http://www.santrian.com/sc-index.htm

Surabaya
Hotel Santika Surabaya
http://www.santika.com/santika_surabaya.htm
Hotel Equator
http://www.hotelequator.com/
Surabaya Plaza hotel
http://www.sby.pphotels.com/
Shanri-la Surabaya
http://www.shangri-la.com/surabaya/shangri-la/en/index.aspx
Tunjungan Hotel
http://www.tunjungan-hotel.com/
Inna Simpang Hotel
http://www.innasimpang.com/
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Majapahit
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/surabaya
Garden Palace Hotel Surabaya
http://www.gardenhotel.co.id/
Hyatt Regency Surabaya
http://surabaya.regency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

Benoa
Novotel Coralia Benoa Hotel
http://www.novotelbali.com
Villa Bintang
http://www.villabintang.com

Tuban
Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel
http://www.discoverykartikaplaza.com/

Yogyakarta
Hotel Mulia Yogyakarta
http://www.intanhotels.com/central-java/mutiara-yogya/
Hyatt regency Yogyakarta
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INDONESIA 'S PROFILE

2006-09-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

GEOGRAPHICAL

Indonesia is the world's archipelagic country, it has a total of 17.508 islands. Indonesia extends between 6 degree country, it was until 11 degree indonesia, and from 97 degree until 144 degree, also it is situated between two continents.i.e. Asia and Australia/Oceania. This strategic location has a significant influence towards its Culture, Social, Politics and Economy.
Indonesia's territory extends along 3.977 mile between the indian ocean and the pacific ocean. If the coastal area between the islands be connected, Indonesia's area would become 1.9 million square miles.
There are five large islands in indonesia, they are : Sumatera with an area of 473.606 square km, Java with an area of 132.107 square km, Borneo / Kalimantan (The third biggest island in the world) with an area of 539.460 square km, Sulawesi with an are of 189.216 square km, and Papua with an area of 421.981 square km.

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY

The islands in Indonesia was formed in the Miocene Era (12 million years BC), Palaecene Era (70 million years BC), Eocene Era (30 million years BC) and Oligacene Era (25 million years BC). With the arrival of people from Asia, Indonesia was believed to have existed in the Pleistocene Era (4 million years BC).
The islands were formed due to strong tectonic alterations in Australia and The Pacific.
Therfore, this makes Indonesia to be one of the countries that often changes its geological area in the world. The mountains in the Indonesian islands number more than 400 volcanoes, of which 100 are still active.
Indonesia suffers vibrations 3 times per day, earthquares occurs once a day, and a minimum of one volcano erupting per year.

COUNTRY FOUNDATION

Pancasila is the philosophical foundation of indonesia, which comes from two sanscrit words "PANCA" meaning Five, and "SILA" meaning Principles.
Pancasila consists of Five Interconnecting Principles:

1.	The Belief in One God
2.	Humanity which is Civil and Just
3.	A United Indonesia
4.	Wise Representation of Democracy
5.	Social Justice for Every Indonesian Citizen

Indonesia is a Democratic country which is Governed by a presidential system and pancasila constitute the Principles underlying Democracy. Democracy founded upon the Five Principles is called Democracy Pancasila.
The country's foundation was announced by President Soekarno (Indonesia's First President) at the republic of Indonesia's Independance Proclamation on the 17th of August 1945.

http://www.indonesia.go.id/en/index.php/content/view/112/336/