Arts and Crafts in Indonesia

Any connoisseur is bound to be fascinated by the rich variety of Arts and Crafts in Indonesia that has been a legacy of a myriad of influences. Talking of visual arts in Indonesia, the country is not generally known as a treasure trove for exquisite or timeless paintings, but it is known more for its inimitable works of art, which are exclusive to the country.

To begin with, there are the often intricate and expressive traditional and modern Balinese paintings. These paintings mostly concentrate on depicting the beauty of nature, marvelous landscapes or illustrate themes from the traditional dances. Apart from the traditional paintings, Indonesia has proved to be a fertile ground for many internationally known painters either Indonesians or Europeans who settled in Indonesia to pursue their creative endeavors.

Most of these are big names in the Art market and their works often fetch very high prices. Today, Modern Indonesian painters use a wide variety of styles and themes. Calligraphy, mostly based on the Qur'An is decorative in its special way.
When it comes to Indonesian crafts as one of the art products, one can choose among the various styles, patterns and designs that are employed in preparing them, mostly inherited as a cultural legacy from their ancestors. In many ways, the colors and forms of these crafts depict the traditional or spiritual values of a particular tribes from certain regions. In some cases these display various meanings related to the ethnic or particular region of origin.
Some of the popular forms of Arts and Crafts in Indonesia are batik, ikat and songket cloth. With the popularity of batik today, it is difficult to imagine that it was once on the brink of disappearance along with ikat, but thanks to the efforts of former President Soeharto, who ingeniously promoted the craft by wearing batik shirts on official occasions.

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Music and Dance in Indonesia

The culturally diverse archipelago of Indonesia comprises of over 18,000 islands, each of which is characterized by its own unique cultural and artistic history and temperament. This diversity in the moral fiber of its many islands has given birth to hundreds of different forms of music, which often accompanies dance and theater. To know more about the music and dance in Indonesia, it is important to understand the various cultural influences that have eventually shaped up the country.

The music of Java, Sumatra, Bali, Flores and other islands have fascinated many Indonesian and international scholars who have documented and recorded, and done research on this.

Pop and folk music in Indonesia
Speaking of Indonesian pop music and Indonesian folk music, the two are very different things and naturally quite diverse too. Indonesian music embraces rock, house, hip-hop and other genres, as well as distinctly Indonesian forms. Indonesia has several kinds of "ethnic" pop music, generally grouped together as Pop Daerah (regional pop). These include Pop Sunda, Pop Minang, Pop Batak, and others. In the regional pop music forms, mostly local languages and a mix of western and regional style of music and instruments is employed.

Popular Music and Dance in Indonesia

Langgam jawa

Tembang jawa

Gambang kromong

Dangdut
A singer based form of dance music that has been popular since the mid-1970s.

Qasidah modern
It is a form of religious poetry accompanied by chanting and percussion and is very popular with the pop audiences.

Dance in Indonesia
Like most of the performing arts of the Orient, dance in Indonesia is also believed to have begun as a form of religious worship. Today, with the modern influences steadily creeping in, the old traditions of dance and drama are still being preserved in the many of the government-run or supervised art academies and dance schools, apart from those which flourish in the courts. In the early times these were performed in the royal courts to entertain royalty, however, now these dances have eventually reached the broad strata of the common people from the enclosed courts, and have incorporated a more spontaneous form of expression.

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Architecture of Indonesia

One can easily trace a reflection of the same diversity of cultural, historical, and geographic influences that have shaped Indonesia as a whole in the aarchitecture of Indonesia as well.

The architectonic concepts of Indonesia have been pronouncedly affected by the multifarious cultural influences brought along by several invaders, colonisers, missionaries, merchants and traders. Traditionally, the most significant foreign architectural influences that have effected the building styles and techniques of Indonesia have been Indian, but included Chinese and Arab, and more recently European influences which have been important since the 18th & 19th centuries.

Religious architecture of Indonesia

The most striking specimen of Religious architecture of Indonesia can be seen in Java, though one can easily see a variety of samples of Religious architecture of Indonesia
spread throughout the archipelago. The island’s long tradition of religious syncretism, where it blends two or more religious belief systems into a new system or incorporates beliefs from unrelated traditions into a religious tradition has extended to architectural styles as well. This has resulted in the confluence of structural styles of Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and to a smaller extent, Christian architecture as well, that are uniquely Javanese in interpretation.

Traditional vernacular architecture of Indonesia

There is a distinctive style of traditional housing unique to each ethnic group in Indonesia called Rumah adat. Apart from some small differences and diversity of styles, traditional homes of Indonesia built by peoples with a common Austronesian ancestry, share a number of characteristics such as timber construction, varied and elaborate roof structures, and pile and beam construction that take the load straight to the ground.

These houses are the focal point of a web of customs, social relations, traditional laws, taboos, myths and religions that bind the villagers together. The house serve as the main unit of the family and its community, and is the point of departure for many activities of its residents.

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Indonesian Cuisine

Indonesian cuisine, like other aspects of Indonesian culture exhibits tremendous ethnic diversity, which adds to a world of pleasure for the gourmands on a culinary sojourn through the archipelago. Rice is the staple food of most of Indonesia along with corn, sago, cassava and sweet potatoes.

Seafood is also an innate part of the daily diet of people in Indonesia, who like digging in a great variety of sea produce such as lobsters, oysters, prawns and shrimps, squid, crab, etc.
Popular Cookbooks on Indonesian Cuisine
For those who want to learn more about Indonesian Cuisine can refer to the following South-East Asian cookbooks available in the market, all have extensive sections on Indonesian culinary tradition.
Southeast Asia Cookbook
by Ruth Law
New York, Donald I. Fine, Inc., 1990 Softbound, 452 pages

Cuisines of Southeast Asia
by Gwenda L. Hyman
New York, Thomas Woll, 1993 Softbound, 197 pages, $14.95

The Indonesian Kitchen
by Copeland Marks with Mintari Soeharjo
New York, Atheneum, 1981, softbound, 278 pages

The Cooking of Singapore
by Chris Yeo and Joyce Jue
Emeryville, Harlow & Ratner, 1993

Indonesian Food and Cookery
by Sri Owen
London, Prospect Books, 1986, hardboard, 268 pages

Some Popular Indonesian Delicacies:

Satay Ayam (Chicken Satay)
Satay Sauce
Rendang
Kari Ikan (Fish Curry)
Semur Daging (Slices Of Beef In Soya Sauce)
Sambal – This is essentially the one Indonesian food that sparks the cuisine. There are sambals of all sorts to accompany different kinds of dishes.
Staple Ingredients used in Indonesian Cuisine
Tamarind juice
Coconut milk
Kaffir lime leaves
Lemon grass/lemon grass powder
Terasi or shrimp paste
Sambal Oelek or raw chili paste
Galanga (also known as laos) powder, it is the ground root of a rhizome related to ginger
Kemiri or candlenut is ground and used in Indonesian food as a thickening agent

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Culture of Indonesia

The culture of Indonesia has took its current shape molded by several influences that have been prevalent in the land, as a result of the long process of interaction and acculturation between original indigenous customs and a multitude of foreign influences.

Nestled between the ancient sea trading routes between Far East and Middle East, Indonesian culture, too a large extent has imbibed much of its daily practices and art forms from the Hindu, Buddhist, Confucianism and Islamic influences. These connections are clearly evident mostly in its many trading cities.

The kaleidoscopic cultural hue of Indonesia is largely cosmopolitan and need to be distinguished from the original. The complex nature of this culture can be easily gazed by various lines of faiths adopted by people here, for example: Agama Hindu Dharma, a denomination of Hinduism is now practiced by 93% of Balinese. Other examples are the fusion of Islam with Hindu in Javanese Abangan belief, the fusion of Hinduism, Buddhism and animism in Bodha, the fusion of Hinduism and animism in Kaharingan, and many others.

With the diverse influences, shaping up the perspective of the Indonesian people, their lifestyle and values, the impact of the cultural fusion is also noticeable in Indonesian art forms. For instances, wayang- a traditional form of theatre show performed with puppets was used to spread Hinduism and Islam among villagers in Java. Similarly, in various Javanese and Balinese dances, often stories about old Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms are told. In Sumatra, especially in its Minangkabau and Aceh regions, one can see direct architectural inspiration from the Islamic art forms and architectures.

As far as the westernization of culture of Indonesia is concerned, an imprint of it though cannot be ruled out, but it is mostly limited to modern entertainment, such as television shows, movies and songs. One of the major influences in this sphere are the Bollywood songs and movies.

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Kerapan Sapi (Bull Race)

The festivals in Indonesia are diverse and colorful. These festivals attract lot of tourists from all corners of the world. Keeping in line with the diverse religion and castes in Indonesia, the festivals and events here are equally diverse and colorful and invite participation from the locals here. The Kerapan Sapi (Bull Race) is one of the major events here.

The Kerapan Sapi (Bull Race) is an annual event that draws visitors and enthusiasts from different parts of Indonesia and the world. The Kerapan Sapi (Bull Race) is held at Madura Island. These bull races are very singular to Madura Island. The Kerapan Sapi (Bull Race) was born out of the custom of plough teams racing and competing against each other across barren fields. This was a sporting love of an early king of Sumenep, one of the towns on the island. The Kerapan Sapi (Bull Race) is held nowadays from August to October. This festival gives a golden opportunity to the locals to throw overgenerous festivals to follow the races. The bull races finally end in the grand finals held in Pamekasan, the capital. Before the racing starts the bulls are paraded through the towns, decorated with flowers, ribbons and gilded halters. It is really a wonderful spectacle to see different bulls dressed in a colorful way and parading down the roads. While the Gamelan musicians divertimento the bulls they are fed arak (a potent South East Asian rice-wine spirit). This is done in order to excite the bulls for the race. Only then are they set free to charge down the track, or into the audience as occasionally happens. The race does not take much time as the bulls break the human 100 metres record by crossing the distance in just nine seconds. The Kerapan Sapi (Bull Race) will start from 9 am onwards this year.

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Traditional Boat Race

Traditional Boat Race is also one the important events and festivals of Indonesia. People take part in this event will full enthusiasm. This Traditional Boat Race is usually celebrated on the day of independence celebrations that is on 17th august. Traditional Boat Race of Indonesia also became the part of South East Asian games.

Traditional Boat Race of Indonesia is one of the most awaited festivals and events in Indonesia. Locals as well as tourists wait for the whole year to part in this grand event. People even fly off from different parts of the country to become a part of this grand event. A Dragon boat is used in the Traditional Boat Race . The boat is a long and narrow boat, which is basically a human powered boat. For the Traditional Boat Race this dragon boats are decorated with flowers and other decorative items, which makes the boat even more attractive. The heads and tails of the dragon are used to carry drum aboard.

The crew members or participants of the Traditional Boat Race are almost 22, which mainly consist of 20 paddlers. These paddlers are in pairs. They usually face toward the bow of the boat. Moreover there is one drummer .he usually faces the bow toward the paddlers. There is also one steerer at the boat, Dragon boats, which are used in Traditional Boat Race , are of different sizes. According to which the number of crew members also vary. In small dragon boats there are even 10 paddlers. There are also huge dragon boats where the numbers of crew members may rose to 50 paddlers.

Traditional Boat Race organized in Indonesia has also become part of the Independence Day celebrations. The sight of the traditional boat competing against each other in the blue crystal water of Indonesia is truly amazing. You can find people cheering for their respective teams in this occasion. Moreover, some food stalls also come up during the event.
Pay a trip to Indonesia during the Traditional Boat Race and get yourself fully entertaine

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Galungan Holy Day in Bali

The Galungan Holy Day in Bali is one of the most important and revered of the Bali Events and Festivals. Of the many Annual Celebrations of Bali, the Galungan Holy Day in Bali has a special place in the hearts and minds of the people, as it is an event where the Balinese honor their ancestors and pray for their departed souls. Held once in every 210 days, one Balinese Year, the Galungan Holy Day in Bali is the day when the ancestors descend into the family temples, and are feted.

The Bali Events and Festivals in the month of November are ruled by the great importance laid on the Galungan Holy Day in Bali, which is seen as the day when Dharma or Justice has a victory over Adharma or Evil. During this time, the entire island is decorated colorfully and there are numerous festivities held. Every Balinese tries to make it a point to return to his native homeland during the Galungan Holy Day in Bali to attend the celebrations.

According to the Bali Travel Guide, the Galungan Holy Day in Bali is of three types, Galungan (Ordinary Galungan), Galungan Nadi (Grand Galungan), and Galungan Nara Mangsa (Forbidden Galungan). The Ordinary Galungan is celebrated every 210 days on Wednesday. The Galungan Nadi is celebrated when the Galungan coincides with the Full Moon, and is a much bigger celebration. The Galungan Nara Mangsa is celebrated when the Galungan coincides with the New Moon, and at this time, there is no celebration or offering.

One of the most important celebrations of Bali, the Galungan Holy Day in Bali is important for the Hindu people, and is spread over a three-day period, when a series of symbolic rituals and ceremonies are conducted, and great offerings made. It is thought that during the Galungan Holy Day in Bali, the Gods and deified ancestors descend upon earth for a period of 10 days, and that they must be pampered and given great attention and respect.

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Senggigi Festival Lombok

East of the island of Bali, in the archipelago of Indonesia, is positioned the island of Lombok. Though the population is dominantly Muslim, the island nevertheless has quite a few Hindus and Christians too. However, all the islanders are Saseks. This island of Lombok that is renowned for the festivals and events that it hosts year round is deeply steeped in cultural heritage; something all the islanders are proud of and love to flaunt. So, to further their aim of propagating their culture, Senggigi hosts an annual festival to promote the culture of Lombok. This festival is called the Senggigi festival of Lombok.

The Senggigi festival of Lombok is hosted in the resort town of Senggigi. This town is located in the northwestern coast of the Lombok island next to the Lombok Strait. The Senggigi festival of Lombok is conducted in the Resort area of the town. The Senggigi Festival in Lombok is a colorful affair, given that its main purpose is to promote tourism. In accordance, the Senggigi Festival of Lombok is organized and held by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture of West Lombok. The Senggigi festival of Lombok lasts for the span of a week and is a riotous cultural affair that will leave you wanting for more. During the course of the week the organizers – the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture of West lombok – showcase to visitors to the island the various aspects and traits of the culture and traditional art of the Sasek people of Lombok. The entire festivities take place in the beach area. Most of the audience and spectators of the festivals are overseas invitees, who are called to take part in the events.

The main events that are highlights of the seven days of the Senggigi Festival of Lombok are the different types of dance of the island, performance of the different genres of Lombok music, dramas that revolve around local legends and myths and showcasing and exhibiting traditional handicrafts and artifacts. Moreover, there are a number of activities for visitors that encourage and also expect participation. Also in this list of activities are activities custom-made for family outings and keeping children involved. However, these activities are not merely novelty; they are a huge learning experience while also providing entertainment. As a result of this, plenty of tourists flock to the resort town of Senggigi in Lombok. After all that is the entire purpose of the Senggigi Festival of Lombok.

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Jakarta Festivals & Events

The capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta is a junction where many cultures criss-cross each other. Situated on the north west of the island Java, Jakarta records a rich history of kings, conquests and trade. With each invasion the city has undergone changes in its culture, traditions and even people. But the brave city has never lost its fighting spirit and has regained time and again what was rightfully its and also with time has incorporated and retained what it found was novel and worthy.

As such Jakarta has been the home to different ethnic groups. Each ethnic group brought along itself their own share of customs, beliefs, rituals and customs. The result was the birth of a mixed culture, an amalgamation of traditions and art giving rise to various festivals and events exclusive to each group.

The festivals and events of Jakarta have rendered a festive spirit to the charming city. Full of different customs, colors and fun, the festivals and events is a welcome break in the otherwise busy life of the Jakarta residents. The festivals and events keep the city busy for a large chunk of the year and is a time of revelry and fun. They follow the motto of the nation ‘Unity in Diversity’ by heart and the cultural variety of the capital city astonishes those who come to explore this extremely beautiful country.

All the festivals and events of Jakarta are strikingly different from each other. The capital city is also the cultural hub of the country and the nature of festivals and events that take place are the reflections of the tastes and choice of the common people. The Musical events and the Film Festival attain international proportions and attract a large crowd every year. The other festivals are equally close to the heart and are celebrated with great pomp and show.

Even if most of the festivals and events are meant for the local people or the islanders and is a mixed bag it may be a little difficult for the temporary visitor to understand. But nonetheless the warm welcome and the scenic beauty of the city will enamor you and hold you back only to bask in the glory and festive spirit.

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Festivals and Events in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has many festivals both religious and cultural, to commemorate various events and ceremonies. So you can enjoy your Yogyakarta trip by being a part of these festivals. Some of the more famous festivals are as follows:

Garebeg Besar, Yogyakarta:

Garebeg Besar is a festival held in the month of March. It is a Mouslim festival celebrated with great pomp and show. This festival is held to commemorate Idul Ad'ha which is also the Moslem Day of Sacrifice.

Labuhan Ceremony, Yogyakarta:

This is another important festival in Indonesia and is held in the month of April. Labuhan Ceremony is performed to secure the welfare and well being of the Sultan and the people of Yogyakarta.

Waicak, Yogyakarta:

Waicak is a Buddhist festival, celebrated in the month of May. It is held to commemorate Gautam Buddha's life, his birth, accession and death. Held in most of the Buddhist temples and Viharas throughout Indonesia, it is particularly celebrated with enormous exuberance in Yogyakarta. The most important ceremony of this festival is held on a full moon evening in May at the Mendut and Borobudur temple

Sekaten Ceremony, Yogyakarta:

Sekaten Ceremony is held in the month of June. The people of Yogyakarta commemorate the birth of Prophet Mohammed by celebrating this festival. The Sekaten Ceremony continues for one week, where in the people perform traditional dances and sing folk songs. On the first day of this ceremony a mid- night parade is organized which continues to the Grand Mosque. A night fair is also held for one whole month at the alum-alun utara.

Saparan Ceremony, Yogyakarta:

The Saparan Ceremony is also celebrated during the month of June. It is basically celebrated by the people of Ambarketawang, where in people eat apem cake and make ceremonial offerings to please Gods. A procession is also held during the Saparan Ceremony, and the members of noble family - Ki Ageng Wonolela, participate in this procession.

Art Festival, Yogyakarta:

The Art Festival is celebrated throughout Yogyakarta in the month of June and July. During this festival you will witness various artistic performances including dance and singing performances, puppet shows etc. Various artifacts are also on display during this period and you can also buy some of these artifacts.

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Ruwat Bumi Ceremony

Sat, 31 Jan 2009
Ruwat Bumi Ceremony

A thanksgiving ceremony performed by the local farmers and takes place in “Guci” hot water springs about 33 kilometers away from Tegal. Guci is a mountain resort, 1,050 meters above sea level with the temperature ranging from 12.8° - 21.9° Celcius. The unique part of the ceremony is when the locals bathe goats under 13 years old under hot water. Locals also slaughter goat at “Gunung Kelir”. The event is ended at night with the local folk performances.
Location: Tegal, Central Java

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Tabuik Festival

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 - Thu, 22 Jan 2009
Tabuik Festival

Tabuik is a statue of bouraq, or a steed with broad wings and a human head, with the head of a smiling girls, wings and broad tales. On the back are coffins covered by beautiful decorated umbrella.

Tabuik carried by 20 men from the city to the beach, accompanied by kettledrums in a spirit of rhythm. People shouted Angkat Husein (Lift Husein) the carnaval to keep the spirit a live.

A tabuik is not just a decorative statue. A rite must be performed when it is made. There are seven processes involved in the making of a tabuik, starting from Muharram 1st up to 10th.
On Muharram 1st, which marks the first process in the making of a tabuik, mud is collected from the river and wrapped in a white cloth, is placed into an earthenware pot and the pot is kept in a lalaga, a place measuring three meters by three meters fenced all around with parupuk-small bamboo pieces.

Location: Pariaman, West Sumatera

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Jakarta Mega Wedding Festival 2009

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 - Sun, 18 Jan 2009
Jakarta Mega Wedding Festival 2009

Organizer : Cantik Photo Bridal
Location: Hall D1, Jakarta International Expo
Web Site: www.jiexpo.com

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Muslim New Year, 1429 H

at, 10 Jan 2009
Muslim New Year, 1429 H

The first of Muharram (Muslim’s first month in lunar calendar) is a national holiday. Most Muslims celebrate it with introspecting what they’ve done the previous year and donating their goods and money to the needy.
Location: National, Throughout Indonesia

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The Ceremony of “Numplak Wajik”

Wed, 07 Jan 2009
The Ceremony of “Numplak Wajik”

A ceremony preparing the Gunungan (cone-shaped) “wajik”, made of sticky rice cooked with sugar and coconut cream. Gunungan Wajik is prepared in the Magangan hall at the Kraton courtyard. The moment the Wajik is turned over on the big round wooden tray (the base of the gunungan), people simultaneously beat rice mortars rhythmically in regular cadence marks the completion of gunungan. The ceremony starts at 3 pm.
Location: Jogjakarta

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Bali Travel

Everyday there is a ceremony in Bali and particular days become special days for the Hindus in Bali. Just have a look on Saturday, 4 October 2008, for instance. According to the Balinese calendar, that day is called Tumpek Krulut. This festivity is solemnly appreciated as the creation day of mutual love and affection among human beings through gamelan instrument.
Tumpek Krulut festivity, pursuant to the guidance in the Aji Gurnita lontar manuscript, is marked with the amalgamation of gamelan arts originating in all existing gong instruments. This ritual is inaugurated by the worship to the power of taksu (divine inspiration) existing in the Balinese gamelan prior to the nightfall. Celebration of Tumpek Krulut denotes a whole-hearted tribute to God in his manifestation as the Lord Shiva.
How do the Hindus celebrate their Tumpek Krulut? Simply make a visit to villages of which inhabitants become artists of dance and music like around Ubud (Gianyar), Kerambitan (Tabanan) and other villages. For Denpasar, the celebration of Tumpek Krulut gets great support from the Deputy Mayor, Rai Mantra. “Through this celebration we could maintain the harmony of our inhabitants. I surely have confidence that the strings of gamelan tones would penetrate the heartstrings of the inhabitants,” he uttered on the celebration of Tumpek Krulut last year in Denpasar. (from : www.bali-travelnews.com)
if you want to visit bali, you can get many link about bali travel.

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Tips For The Right Holiday Travel Package

t is not usually wise to be traveling during holidays as these are the times when almost every other person in the world is traveling. It is of course best to plan ahead or book ahead and go to your destination early to avoid all the hassle but if you’re one of those last minute people or probably one of those who can’t really avoid it, you should follow the next few tips for a better journey and maybe a cheaper stay.

- Holiday travel packages were never made with only one person in mind; no two people are alike, keep this in mind because the agencies that packed them have kept these in mind, use this fact to haggle your way into cheaper or sometimes better deals. Even if there are ready made packages, you can ask for extra perks especially if you’re staying for more than a week.

- Be careful of travel agents. Travel agents may give you the best deal for your package, which normally include airfare, lodgings and transportation, but a really good agent can be really flexible. One example would be if you want a rental car for the first half of your trip but you want to get rid of it by the second half, a good agent can arrange this for you, sometimes for a cheaper price.

- Be sure that the package you want is available, you don’t want to get pulled into something that ends up being sold out, some people give out too-good-to-be-true packages which end up being “sold out” in the end, so before you make a deal or transfer a morsel of cash, make sure that it is still available.

- Be sure to know exactly what airline and route your taking, you won’t want those unpleasant layovers which can be a real pain, not to mention delay your schedule.

- A good sign of a good package is one that is very flexible, as said before, no two people are alike, and a good package should reflect that, it should allow you to choose between destinations, as well as brands and lodgings without changing the price. A choice in which rental car to take is also a sign of a good package.

- Finally, it’s good to ask for discounts that you might get if you do certain stuff, like stay in the hotel for more than a week, or sign up on the internet instead of by phone. Research first before you cough up the money for down-payment; make sure you’ve exhausted all possible discount generating ways before you decide on a package.

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Dragon boat international festival to kick off in Palembang

The Sriwijaya International Dragon Boat Festival (SIDBF) is set to kick off Thursday along Musi River, Palembang, South Sumatera, as reported by tempointeraktif.com on Wednesday.

The water sporting event, which will run until Saturday, will see participants from neighboring countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

Local dragon boat teams from Batam, Riau, Jambi, West Sumater, East Kalimantan, Jakarta, Riau Islands, and Central Jakarta will also participate at the event.

The festival will also showcase local culture and popular entertainment at the Benteng Kuto Besak Plaza.

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jakartajazz.com is online

jakartajazz.com is online

JakartaJazz announcement:

www.jakartajazz.com gives you reliable information about Jazz in Jakarta and more.

The latest news, a daily Jazzagenda as well as international Jazznews keeps you always up to date about Jazz in and outside Jakarta.

A database for Jazzmusicians and Venues with live Jazz provides information about who to see and where to go.

Expose yourself at the WWW by submitting your profile and your concerts.

Be a whole week in the spotlight in the special 'spotlight' section.

Get the latest information about the upcoming Jazzfestivals in Indonesia and the neighbouring countries

Read reviews of Jazzrecordings, be informed about the latest and upcoming releases.

Watch videos related to Jazz in Jakarta

Stay tuned for future features like 'workshop' and 'market'...

Feel free to use the images below to link to www.jakartajazz.com

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Scientists celebrate offspring of world's rarest rhino species

Scientists celebrate offspring of world's rarest rhino species

Conservationists have found signs of four Javan rhinos born in recent weeks on Indonesia's Java island, a development that would be a critical boost to the population of one of the world's rarest species, activists said Tuesday.

"The discovery of the rhino babies indicates that reproduction continues and regeneration can be guaranteed," Agus Primabudi, head of the Ujung Kulon National Park, told state-run Antara news agency.

He said the offspring varied in size, with the smallest front and back foot prints measured at 17-18 centimetres in diameter, and the largest at 23-24 centimetres.

He explained that the data on footprints was collected by a team of biologists, including park rangers and the World Wide Fund for Nature staff, during a routine census to determine the estimated number of rhinoceros population.

Primabudi said because of the distance between the areas where the discoveries were made and the differences in the size of the footprints, the team concluded there is evidence of four different calves.

Scientists said that Javan rhinos are found only in two locations in the world, in the Ujung Kulon National Park in western Java, and in one area in Vietnam.

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Tourists warned of rabies outbreak in Bali

Tourists travelling to Bali are being warned about an outbreak of rabies at the popular tourist destination.

The Indonesian island was considered to be free of rabies until the fatal disease was diagnosed last week in two dogs in Kuta, a beach frequented by tourists.

Rabies affects the brain and is almost always fatal without treatment.

The usual incubation period for the disease is three to eight weeks.

Australian health authorities have issued a statement warning people visiting the island to avoid dogs, cats and monkeys.

Northern Territories Department of Health and Families spokesperson Dr Peter Markey said authorities in Bali had taken steps to control the situation, implementing a programme of culling and vaccinating dogs and people in the affected villages.

He said anyone who had returned from Bali since August this year with bites or scratches from an animal should consult their GP or nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

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St. Regis Bali Resort set to open

The St. Regis Bali Resort - located in the pristine complex of Nusa Dua - will be officially opening its doors on February 28th 2009.

With an oceanfront location, luxuriously appointed Balinese-style villas and an enviable setting beside Bali’s premier golf course, the St. Regis also has some of the most memorable views on the island.

The resort includes 79 oversized suites and 42 private villas all designed and decorated with impeccable attention to detail.

A tranquil Remède Spa, Astor ballroom and a wedding chapel, are all also on hand, with the hotel also ensuring each guests has a personal, 24-hour butler - unobtrusive and dedicated to top quality service.

To celebrate the opening guests are invited to step into the newest and distinctively elegant resort in Bali for an introductory price of $435 (£280).

The offer is valid for stays booked between September 15th, 2008 & December 25, 2009 – with guests stating in room categories: St. Regis Suite, Pool Suite, One Bedroom Lagoon Villa, The Strand Villa, Gardenia Villa and The St. Regis Lagoon Villa 2 Bedroom.

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Indonesia Targets 6.8 Million Tourists for 2009

Indonesian Arrivals and Promotional Budgets Continue to Lag Behind Competing Destinations in the Region.

(12/20/2008) Indonesia is targeting 6.8 million foreign tourist visitors in 2009 with tourism officials insisting that the tourism sector will remain the "prima donna" of the nation's foreign exchange generators.

The Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Sapta Nirwandar, told Bisnis.com, "Even more so in the middle of the global economic crisis which is also affecting Indonesia, we hope the contribution from tourism will help speed the recovery of the national economy."

The central government has budgeted a total promotional budget of Rp. 289 billion (US$ 26 million) from a total departmental budget of Rp. 1.1 trillion (US$99 million) to achieve an approximate 10% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2009.

Is the Promotional Budget Enough?

Diplomatically fielding questions regarding the sufficiency of the funding allocated for tourism promotion, Sapta referred to the World Tourism Organizations' yardstick of US$10 for every foreign tourist arrival. By that standard, Indonesia should be spending US$ 100 million in order to achieve its stated target for 2009.

Reflecting the current world economic crisis, Indonesia has lowered its target of 8 million tourist in 2009 to only 6.8 million. The Department of Culture and Tourism had originally asked for Rp. 340 billion (US$30.6 million) in promotional funding, resigning itself to the final figure of only Rp. 289 billion (US$26 million). According to the Secretary General of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Wariyatmo, the money allocated for tourism promotion in Indonesia is still miniscule in comparison to competing destinations, such as Malaysia, which spent US$100 million to attract tourists in 2008.

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Soekarno-Hatta International will open terminal 3 by March

Terminal 3 of the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia has reached the final development stage and will be fully operational in March. The project includes the construction of a 4,000-meter runway and an elevated railway to connect the airport with Manggarai train station in Central Jakarta.

Airport operator PT Angkasa Puta II announced that, “The soft opening will take place in March next year.” Airport executive general manager Haryanto added that the design of the terminal, which could accommodate up to four million passengers per year, would be futuristic and modern.
When terminal 3 is fully operational, the airport will have a total capacity of 38 million passengers per year. Haryanto said there were two airlines, Air Asia and Mandala Air, which would be moved to the new terminal. They currently operate at terminal 1.

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Lake Toba tourists rescued from high winds, waves

A group of six fishermen have rescued 10 local tourists being dragged by high sea wave during their holiday visit to Toba Lake of Samosir island in North Sumatra on Thursday afternoon, state news agency Antara has reported.

The tourists who come from Medan took two boats which would bring them to enjoy the lake beauty. The drivers could not control their boats when strong wind and wave struck the boats heading to the island from Garoga beach.

Garoga beach's organizer then called the fishermen to help rescuing the tourists, while other visitors looked anxious in watching the rescue process.

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Asia’s adventure capital

Indonesia’s great natural splendor presents some of the best but as yet untapped potential. Visitors can sail through the wide rivers of Borneo and Sumatra or navigate small waterfalls in south Java. There are real forests to wander through in Borneo and caves to explore in Sulawesi, not to mention beautiful volcanoes to hike across in the famed Ring of Fire.

The 'adventure' type of travel also has the advantage of injecting funds directly into local economies, providing jobs and developing new businesses that aren’t capital intensive. What travelers need is pretty basic: a bed, bathroom and food, clean but not fancy. An air conditioner is welcome, but a fan will do.

Positive signs are already there. The latest edition of National Geographic Adventure Travel features the prehistoric-looking dragons of Komodo in Nusa Tenggara as one of the 25 best new trips in the world. The Kaliandra foundation is developing a one-week trekking tour to 3,339-meter-high Arjuna mountain in East Java.

What’s needed now is a one-stop source for complete information on the available adventure spots - how to get there, where to stay and what sights, if any, to look out for. Only detailed information will successfully promote such remote areas and allay the fears of city slickers looking for excitement beyond the usual beaches. The first, and most important, step is getting people to go. Nature’s incredible draws will take care of the rest.

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2009 also to be Visit Indonesia Year

If you didn't travel in Indonesia this year, don't worry -- 2009 will also be the year to visit, with the government planning to extend the "successful" Visit Indonesia program.

"At first many doubted the program's success, yet we have set a new record in our tourism history," Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik said Wednesday.

That record is to have received 6.4 million foreign tourist arrivals, which is the country is on track to meet.

According to an official report from the Central Statistics Agency, there were 4.3 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first nine months of the year.

Although this number is more than 2 million short of the program's target, Jero said he was convinced the full-year target would be met, as the tourist arrivals usually increase in the last quarter of the year, to generate around US$6 billion in foreign exchange income.

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