Indonesia host ITB Berlin Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise Vol. VIII No. 2, 2013

Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise

Indonesia host ITB Berlin 2013

Vol. VIII No. 2, 2013

photo by ITB berlin

www.ultimoparadiso.com - Indonesia Tourism News

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Vol. VIII No. 2, 2013 www.ultimoparadiso.com BOARD of DIRECTOR

Dewantoro Umbu Joka Tonny Wijadjanto [email protected]

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Igo Kleden [email protected]

REPORTER Tri Wibowo [email protected] ADVERTISING & Ben Sisko MARKETING DIRECTOR [email protected] Tania Yudick Ariant [email protected]

ACCOUNTING

Ni Komang Suciani

TRANSLATOR

Indira Sari Paputungan

CONTRIBUTOR

Christovao Vinhas [email protected]

DISTRIBUTOR

Martin Sanjaya

BANK Account

580 129 3435, Permata Bank Jl. Dewi Sartika - Denpasar

[email protected]

Indonesia to Perform Best in ITB Berlin 2013

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ndonesia is planning to perform maximally in the world’s second biggest tourism exhibition Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin on 5-10 March, 2013. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu said that as a partner country of ITB Berlin, Indonesia Becomes the host of the ITB Berlin opening ceremony that will be attended by 4500 guests. Meanwhile, Indonesia Ambassador to Germany, Eddy Pratomo said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are going to open the grand event on March 5, 2013. The President will be with Chancellor Merkel at the opening ceremony of ITB Berlin 2013, in conjunction with the President’s state visit to the German. “In the opening, art and cultural team from Indonesia are going to perform various art and cultural performances from Indonesia such as Saman Gayo Dance, Kecak Dance, Wira Pertiwi Dance and variety of musical performance by Eka Deli and Sandhy Sondoro with the accompaniment from Berlin Chamber Orchestra with Aminoto Kosim as a conductor and Sasando performance by Jakob Bulan and Poco-Poco dance, “he said. Moreover he said that in addition to various arts, cultural and musical performances, there will be variety of Indonesian cuisine such as rice cone and rendang that will be presented by Master Chef Vindex Tanker who has much experience in five-star hotels in Jakarta and the US. All will be put together under the theme of NatureArts-People. The main thing that differentiates Indonesia from other countries in the tourism sector is actually very obvious. It is the people who are blessed

focus

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my indonesia

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bali

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central of sumba

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island explorer

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nusantara

CV. Paradiso Timur Raya Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 620 Suwung, Denpasar-Bali-Indonesia P/F: +62 361 - 727010 E: [email protected] [email protected]

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Overseas: Malaysia - maxiINFO, 32-3-1, Jalan Medan Putra 4 Medan Putra Business Centre. Off Jalan Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur. Australia - Mr. Andre Wecklif Antonio. T, D/a 262 Wardel rd, Dulwich Hill-Sydney – NSW – 2203. Australia. THAILAND - Andrea Capucci, 94/23 Wichitsongkram Rd. Kathu, Phuket 83120, Ph. 076 249 688. WASHINGTON DC - Aria Salaka 19233 - Wheatfield Terrace - Gaitthersburg, MD 20879. CANADA - Johanne Dube, 152, rue Notre-Dame est, 8 etage, Montreal, Qc, Canada H2Y 3p6. NETHERLAND - Vrijburglaan 72051 LA Overveen +31 235253619. ITALY - Viaggi del Mappamondo, Viale Regina Margherita 270 - 00198, Rome, Ph. +39 06 48789200, Fax. +39 06 4815506. FRANCE - Europasia Commercial Agency, 15, rue Vallete 75005, Paris. GERMANY - Hattersheimerstr, 19, Frankfurt 60326. CZECH REPUBLIC - Mr. Miroslav Radakovic, Na Zamecke 6/409 140 000 Prague Czech Republic, Ph. +420 261219316 - 19, Fax. +261 219320. CUBA - Viaggi del mappamondo - Cuba, c/o Hotel Sevilla, Trocadero y Zuleta y Prado, 55, La Habana, Ph./Fax. +53 07 8669767. SLOVENIA - Miss. Polona Pirnat, c/o Kompas D.D, Prazakova 4, 1514, Ljubyana, Slovenia.

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Eddy Pratomo, Ambassador Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Berlin; Martin Buck, Director Competence Center Travel and Logistics Messe Berlin; Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Republic of Indonesia; Cornelia Yzer, Senator for Economics, Technology and Research, Berlin; David Ruetz, Head of ITB Berlin.

with natural beauty as well as noble and pluralist culture. “The people of Indonesia are always being grateful and maintain carefully what God has given and this make the Indonesian people always look happy, which is reflected in their smile,” said Mari Pangestu. ITB Berlin is the main promotion of Indonesian tourism in Europe, especially in Germany. The exhibition which has been going on since 1966 provides the opportunity for Indonesia to be the center of attention. In addition to performing maximally on the opening stage, Indonesia also for five consecutive days will provide interesting presentation on Indonesia Pavilion located in Hall 26 A Messe Berlin. In addition to arts and culture, Indonesia Pavilion will present various promotions to attract sun and beach hunters from around the world with various attractive offers such as virgin forests, endless sandy beaches, diving area, a stunning volcanic landscape and cities that are always moving dynamically where tradition and culture that has been maintained for thousands of years old can still be found. Indonesia Pavilion will occupy an area of 542 square meters presented amazingly by taking the

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Distribution Domestic: BALI - Kuta, Ngurah Rai Airport, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Denpasar and Ubud Area. JAKARTA - Ahmad Sufyani - Jl. Tomang Raya No. 63 - Jakarta 11440. Surabaya - Jl.Jend.Basuki Rahmat 129-137, Surabaya 60271, Ph : 031 – 5316364, Fax: 031 – 5315435. Yogyakarta - Jl.Rumah Makan Gudeg 60 Citro, Laksda Adisucipto Km 9, Yogyakarta 55281, Ph.0274-488663. Manado - Resort Scuba Diving-Liveboard. Manado, Hp. 08114303655 / 081 340 247 788 Fax. 656720685, LOMBOK - Lombok Eksotis, Jl. Adi Sucipto No. 43, Ampenan - Lombok 83234, Ph. (0370) 643014, Fax (0370) 646840. KUPANG - Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan III/38 - Walikota Kupang Phone: 0380 822102 SUMBA BARAT - Jl. Sudirman No. 5 Waikabubak - Sumba Barat. SUMBA TIMUR - Melanthon, Jl. Eltari No. 41 Matawai - Sumba Timur, Ph. 081353977788, 085239118181. LABUAN BAJO Martin Meotoda, Ph. 081338151744

photo by ITB berlin

MARKETING GRAPHIc DESIGNER

shape of a phinisi boat. Inside the phinisi, there will be tables for business meetings of tourism entrepreneurs, spa and culinary room, VIP room, coffee corner, and there is also stage of art that will be filled with a variety of cultural attractions continuously during the exhibition. Indonesia Pavilion will be opened on March 6 and will be the basis of promotion of Indonesia tourism by more than 90 Indonesian tourism companies and also from various Regional Tourism Offices in Indonesia. The focus of the Indonesia Pavilion is on the promotion of culture and traditions, ecotourism, sports tourism, cruises, dining, shopping, spa and wellness and MICE business. The walking acts will present various attractions ranging from traditional Betawi wedding to Solo Batik Carnival. The tourism sector is one of the important sectors to drive the pace of the Indonesian economy as the fifth contributor to foreign exchange of the country. Not less than 3.2 million people in Indonesia depend on the sector. The tourism industry also showed a fairly significant development recently. Total tourist arrival to Indonesia is more than 8 million people, growing by 5% from the previous year. Travelers from Germany who in 2012 recorded around 153 000 people are quality tourists. They spend around U.S. $ 2,240 and stay longer in Indonesia which is in an average of two weeks. Indonesia since has been participating in ITB Berlin since 1967. In 2012 the event was attended by 180 countries with the number of visitors as many as 172,132 people and covered by 8,000 journalists. Last year Indonesia brought 60 tourism industries as well as eight regional tourism offices to participate in ITB Berlin. In 2013 Indonesia Pavilion will be filled with not less than 91 Indonesian tourism industries as well as nine regional tourism department. (*)

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Yogyakarta Silver Craft to Enter Japan’s Market

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Batam City Wants to be the trendsetter of ASEAN Film

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atam City Government wants to be the trendsetter of ASEAN film, following the production of several films and international series in the region. Head of Tourism Department of Batam, Yusfa Hendri said it could happen with the support of the people of Batam, one day Batam will become the trendsetter of ASEAN film. Batam has the biggest film studio in Southeast Asia, which is Kinema Infinite Studio located in Nongsa. Mike Wiluan’s stu-

dio has already produced movie titled Dead Mine and the first HBO serial, Serangoon Road. “ Kinema Studio also produces various serial and cartoons that aired on cartoon network and other television overseas. In addition to Kinema Studio, Batam is also rich in movie artists, “he said. He also explained that production house in Batam also begun to rise by producing good movies with high educational value such as

Laskar Anak Pulau and True Heart which is now being played at cinemas in Jakarta. 2012 is a milestone in the rise of Batam filmmakers with the production of Laskar Anak Pulau, which is dominated by local actors, actresses and crews. Meanwhile, Assistant Production of Infinite Studio, Mutiara Laksmi, said about 200 Indonesian people involved in the making of HBO drama serial Serangoon Road that is also starring Indonesia actor, Ario Bayu.(*)

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n early 2013, PHM Hospitality announced that it has expanded its network to Palembang, South Sumatra. THE 1O1 Palembang will be the first hotel managed by PHM Hospitality in the city of Palembang to support the growing tourism and business activities. Thus, Palembang will be one of the cities with the fastest development on the island of Sumatra.

PT. Ulimo Baselio as the owner of THE 1O1 Palembang appointed PHM Hospitality to manage the property that targeting the middle class premium market, whether for business or leisure activities in Palembang, setting up a 3 + star hotel with the first branding of Chic and Trendy lifestyle in Palembang. Occupying an area of 1800 square meters in a strategic area on Jl. Rajawali,

AirAsia now Focuses on Indonesia and Thailand Market share and profitability in Malaysia, AirAsia also maintain discipline to stick to maximize revenue, capital, human resources, and increase the number of passengers, and continue to reduce operating costs. “After Malaysia became the largest source of income, management attention has also been moved to other major markets in Thailand and Indonesia, where there were an estimated profit entity that will rival Malaysia in the future,” he said. He added that we also have fulfilled the promise to give major attention to Thailand, and now Indonesia, as the two AirAsia affiliate companies there have been financially dependent on their own balance sheets. In addition, AirAsia now focuses on developing the company to broader market in the Philippines and Japan. This breakthrough is still

at an early stage and still be in a position of maximum growth potential. “We have established a strong management team, which will share the vision and strategy to achieve the dominant existence as in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia,” he said. (*)

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irAsia Berhad has recently completed the planning activities for the next five years to support the existence of airlines in Asia that have been established so far. AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes said in a press release that in the past 10 years AirAsia Group has evolved from just flew two aircraft; AirAsia has now become the largest low cost carrier (LCC) in Asia with 118 aircraft. “AirAsia is also one of the most profitable airlines in Asia. Malaysia has been the place for the establishment of the foundation, and now AirAsia has also established a foundation in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan, “he said. Moreover he said that in addition to being the most dominant airline in terms of market

Tony Fernandes

40 International Musicians to Enliven Java Jazz 2013

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photo by spc

PHM Hospitality Spread Wings to Palembang THE 1O1Palembang will be the first “Smart Stylish Experience” hotel on the island of Sumatra. THE 1O1 Palembang has 141 chic and trendy rooms, supported by some facilities such as a swimming pool, a small to medium size meeting rooms, restaurant and gym. The concept of brand and other property from a limited budget hotels to four star Deluxe hotel is also currently under construction in several major cities in Indonesia, in Jakarta, Bogor, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Bali, which will soon be introduced in mid 2013, consists of THE 1O1 Dharmawangsa Jakarta (opened in mid 2013), THE 1O1 Bogor Suryakencana (opened in late 2013), THE 1O1 Yogyakarta Mangkubumi (opened in late 2013), THE 1O1 Palembang (opened in 2014), THE 1O1 Bandung (opened in 2014), THE 1O1 Bali Petittenget (opened in 2014), THE BnB Bali Sunset Road (Budget Hotel, opened in 2014) and THE HAVEN Bali Brawa (4 Star Deluxe Resort, opened in 2014). Managing Director PHM Hospitality, Kristian Kuntadi, said that they are optimistic and confident to start in 2013 because this year they have several development projects and business expansion in several major cities in Indonesia. “This is in line with our goal as a reliable hospitality management for the hospitality and resort in Indonesia,” said Kristian Kuntadi. (*)

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ilver handicrafts from Yogyakarta known as Indonesian filigree is entering Japan with the participation of Borobudur Silver in the exhibition of International Jewelry Tokyo (IJT) 2013 which was held in Tokyo Big Sight, Japan recently. Silver jewelry in the form of complete earrings, rings, brooches, bracelets, necklaces and pendant, which are contemporary jewelries with a traditional technique known as Indonesian filigree are in great demand among Japanese women. They become even more popular after the introduction of Michiko Boorch, which she wore after Japan’s Empress Michiko courtesy visit with the Emperor Akihito to Yogyakarta in 1991. “I’m happy to finally be able to bring jewelry made by artisans in Kota Gede Yogyakarta to Japan. IJT is an exhibition of the greatest product in the world of jewelry that followed approximately by 1,050 participants from 30 countries and has been annually held for 24 years, “said Mrs. Selly Sagita one of participants from Indonesia. She said that she started the silver business in Yogyakarta in 1989 when she participated for the first time in the exhibition in Japan. “Silver jewelry exhibited is 100% made by the craftsmen at Kotagede. This type of jewelry managed to attract the attention of visitors to the exhibition with its distinctive color. Unfortunately I have not yet found a buyer even though there are a few prospects and look forward to the exhibition to get the order. Jewelry made by filigree technique is very typical in the world especially because this technique is now rarely used, “she said. She added that silver jewelry does require special care and also takes anti tranis because silver is oxidized easily. Therefore, it is important to find a way to deal with antioxidize so that jewelry prospect can be continued. For four years, Yogyakarta silver was absent from various exhibitions. Then with the help of the Commercial Attaché Embassy in Tokyo, Yogyakarta Silver can re-introduced Yogyakarta silver, which is known as a center for silversmiths in Indonesia. It is expected that a new market in Asia such as Japan and China, Indonesia jewelry products increased. A set of silver jewelry is sold at the price of 600 yen to 32,000 yen. Silver could be more appreciated and also with the help of the government to meet international standards and to facilitate participation in various exhibitions, in 2013 silver jewelry will again enter the international market. (*)

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total of 40 foreign musicians will perform at Jakarta International Djarum Super Mild Java Jazz Festival this year. This time, the Java Jazz Festival presented three special performances from Grammy winner Joss Stone, Lisa Stansfield, and Basia. Paul Dankmeyer as Program Director of Java Festival Production said this is the first time Joss Stone and Lisa Stansfield perform in Jakarta and Java Jazz. “The biggest jazz event in Indonesia also presents Jimmy Cliff, Fernandez4 from Argentina, Phill Perry, Butterscotch, and George Duke. In addition to foreign musicians, there are about 120 local musicians will perform in the festival this year, “he said. While the program coordinator Eki Puradiredja stated that around 50-60% jazz musicians will perform in Java Jazz 2013. There will be Indonesian musicians who sang in jazz, “said Eki, without even mentioning the name of the musician. “This year Java Jazz is again giving ke a tribute to musicians who contributed to the world of Indonesian music that include Ismail Marzuki, Utha Likumahuwa, and Elfa Secioria. Besides the three musicians, Java Jazz will make a tribute to world jazz musician, Miles Davis, “he said. (*)

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Samosir to Hold International Lake Toba Festival

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Paul Rombeek

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andala Airlines has flown as many as 1197 passengers of Batavia Air within a period of a week (1-7 February 2013). Meanwhile, 2854 seats have been booked by passengers of Batavia Air for the period until the end of April 2013. “We received a lot of questions and queries related to the re-booking of the Batavia Air passengers, and we try to do our best to accommodate their requests. As of today, our e-mail center has received 2249 questions and re-booking inquiries. We also expect the cooperation of the passengers in completing the requirements of the documents and information needed to facilitate the booking process again, “said Paul Rombeek, President Director of Mandala Airlines. Batavia Air passengers can do re-booking until February 28, 2013 for the four routes offered by Mandala Airlines (Jakarta-Singapore, Jakarta-Padang, JakartaSurabaya, and Jakarta-Pekanbaru, and vice versa), according to availability of seats. Passengers are advised to give more than one choice of dates, just in case the desired departure date options are not available. Details on the book can be found at the link : http://www.tigerairways.com/id/bi/batavia_assistance.php

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ocal government of Samosir regency, North Sumatra, will hold a national level and international level Lake Toba Festival on June 29 to July 13, 2013. The event will be centered in Wisata Batu Hoda Beach of Cinta Dame Village, Simanindo district. Regent of Samosir Mangindar Simbolon said Lake Toba Festival (FDT) 2013 is a new paradigm for tourism activities in the area of Lake Toba as a replacement for Lake Toba Party, which was last held in December 2012. The change of name of the event is also the result of the coordination meeting of regents / mayors of Lake Toba area, community leaders, and humanists, which took place in the

office of Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sapta Nirwandar. “The change of name to FDT received full support from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Government of North Sumatra province and regencies and cities in Lake Toba area. Of course, with the change of name, there is also a new nuance in the activities of FDT 2013, “he said. Lake Toba Party 2012 was more like celebrating an annual party with the activities consisted of dining, tortor dance, speech; entertainment for the community and visitors, the organizers of the event was called the ‘host’. Instead, the FDT 2013, participants

from different regions are required to participate and perform various competitions such as tortor dance, arts and culture, tourism exhibition and many more. “FDT 2013 should look different. Prior to the event, the committee held a contest of Batak songs in March and the qualifying is held in Jakarta, “he said. He added that the festival is open to the public as well as foreigners who know the Batak songs. It is held in collaboration with Batak musician Vicky Sianipar. Meanwhile, the semi-final, which will consists of 10 musicians will be held in Samosir and coincide with the implementation of FDT 2013. (*)

Hong Kong to Consider Direct Flights to Lombok

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ead of NTB Department of Transportation, Communication and Information, Ridwan Shah, said that in the near future Hong Kong tourism officials will visit Mataram. Along with them also join 30 people from Hong Kong tour and travel operators. This is a response to the request of the NTB provincial government some time ago to open direct flights of Lombok-Hong Kong. “The airline that is planned to serve the route is Cathay Pacific. So far, the flight to Hong Kong using used Cathay Pacific via Juanda airport Surabaya. However, if there are many passengers, it is possible to have a direct flight from Lombok to Hong Kong, “he said. He explained that the planned visit of Hong Kong tourism officials is outlined in an official letter signed by the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Joyce Chan, which is addressed to the NTB Governor M Zainul Majdi. “Group from Hong Kong will be coordinated by the Secretary of Commerce and Economic Development of the Government of Hong Kong, Gregory So. They will visit several main tourist attractions in NTB such

International airports Lombok

as Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, “he said. He added that the group is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on March 13, 2013, and the

next day will hold a meeting with the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Suryo Sulisto, and Trade Minister, Gita Wirjawan. (* / Ant)

Mentawai to Hold Asia Surfing Festival

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epartment of Tourism, Youth and Sports Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, plans to hold a Surfing Festival in Asia level in the south of Sipora Island in mid-April 2013. Head of Tourism, Youth and Sports Mentawai Islands, Desti Seminora said this international level event has been prepared since last year. For the implementation, we have coordinated with the Department of Culture and Tourism in West Sumatra related to the plan. “Surfing Festival is scheduled to begin

from 21 to 26 April 2013. Participants starts coming and before the festival they can also enjoy the natural beauty of Mentawai, “she said. This activity also received support from the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Creative Economy and will be able to encourage the growth of tourism in the Mentawai. “Participants of the Surfing Festival are coming from Asian countries, but participants from other countries such as Australia, the United States and other European countries are also welcomed,” she said. (*)

photo by spc

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In one week Mandala Airlines to Fly 1197 Batavia Air Passengers

Lake Toba festival last year

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ndonesia will use the momentum of the “booming” of Islamic tourism by optimizing the development of Islamic Tourism’s potentials, which in 2011 had contributed USD 126 billion to the global tourism sector. “Indonesia should welcome the opportunity of the ‘booming’ of Islamic tourism in the world and soon we will systematically seek to improve domestic and foreign tourist visit through the development of Islamic tourism,” said Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sapta Nirwandar. Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has established a working group consisting of the elements of the tourism industry, academia as well as religious figures to review the potential as an Islamic tourist destination and also conducted studies to countries that have successfully developed Islamic tourism. Muslim tourists have contributed USD126 billion in 2011 and are expected to Muslim spend USD 192 billion in 2020. “We are also preparing tourism players such as travel agencies, hotels and tour guides to work more intensively on Islamic tourism,” he said. Sapta believes that from economy point of view, Islamic tourism is very promising. He gave example that now Korea, Japan, and the Philippines began to attract visitors to the country by offering Islamic tourism. Even in Indonesia, Korea advertises of selling products or Moslem Holiday packages which have been proven to be quite popular among tourists in Indonesia. UNWTO is projecting Muslim tourists in 2020 will grow 4.8 percent per year, while the global tourists is projected to grow 3.8 percent. “Of the 50 percent of the world’s Muslim population, currently 1.8 billion are less than 25 years old, meaning that most are in their productive age and potential to traveling as tourists,” he said. It also recorded that the estimated Muslim tourists to Indonesia in 2010 reached 18 per cent or 1.277 million people out of 7 million foreign tourists visiting Indonesia. Sapta added that until the end of 2010 the global halal market is estimated to reach USD 2.3 trillion (based on PEW Research Center) with an estimated total value of Islamic finance market ranges from USD 3-4 trillion dollars. (*)

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Indonesia Take advantage of the booming of Islamic Tourism

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Jogja Air Show 2013 Held in Parangtritis

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BTDC Prepares Phase I Bonds Emission of Rp600 Billion

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ogyakarta Tourism Office in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism Bantul, Air Force and Indonesian Aerosport Federation held Yogyakarta Air Show 2013 in Parangtritis Beach, Depok Beach, and Parangkusumo Beach on February 8 to 10. Head of the Department of Tourism Destination Development Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Sinang Sukanta said the annual event was attended by hundreds of participants from several cities in Indonesia and participants from abroad. “Jogja Air Show 2013 took place in three

places at once, namely Parangtritis, Depok and Parangkusumo Beach in Bantul regency, DIY. Different types of aerospace sports that had enlivened the event were aero-modeling, paramotor competetion, paragliding, hang gliding, parasailing, aerobatics plane and many more, “he said. He said further that to make the event more attractive and attract more tourists, the infrastructures of aerospace in the areas of Parangtritis and Depok Beach will be improved, especially the addition of runway and aircraft hangars. Meanwhile, Head of Tourist Destina-

tions for DIY Tourism Office, Pipo Arrohmanuri said that the south coast of Bantul is very suitable for coaching of aerospace athletes such as hang gliding and paragliding. “Sporting events and attractions such as the activities of Yogyakarta Air Show deserve to get more attention so that in the future DIY will no longer left behind in terms of recruiting potential athletes in the field of aerospace sport. The participants of Jogja Air Show were invited to a gala dinner with a special sea food taken from Depok Beach, “he said. (*)

Indonesia to target European Market through ITB Berlin

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Esthy Reko Astuty

ndonesia is targeting market segments of tourists from Europe to become one of the Official Partner Countries for the world’s largest tourism exhibition Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin, Germany, in March 2013. “One of the government’s efforts to attract the European market is to be the official Partner Country of ITB Berlin 2013,” said Director General of the Tourism Marketing Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Esthy Reko Astuty, in a press statement received in Jakarta on Saturday. In 2013, she said, Indonesia has officially become Official Partner Country for ITB Berlin. According to Esthy, it simultaneously makes Indonesia the first ASEAN country to host the world-renowned travel market. “This is a great chance that we will use to its full potential to increase the number of tourists from European countries,” said Esthy. Esthy also encourages tourists from Europe to not only go to major and famous

tourist destinations such as Bali but also to explore other areas in Indonesia. “Therefore, we will intensify tourism promotion for other potential destinations such as Sumatra, Java, Lombok, Flores, Kalimantan, Sulawesi or Papua,” she said. She believes that other destinations in Indonesia will offer a different experience and atmosphere that can be as good as or even better than Bali. However, Esthy is aware that the problem of connectivity and accessibility remains a major challenge facing by the tourism sector in Indonesia today. She promised to strengthen cooperation with all stakeholders in the tourism sector and other supporting sectors so that tourism in Indonesia is moving forward. “We also hope that visitors do not just come to Indonesia looking for natural beauty, but also for the creative economy. In terms of creativity we have lot of things to offer such as music, crafts, culinary, and fashion that inspires the global trends, “said Esthy. (*)

Hospitality Business Competition to Become Tighter business, “she said. She further said that Coldwell Banker Indonesia recorded, to 2014, the supply of new budget hotels in Jabodebek will reach 2,000 rooms, half of the total new supply. These hotels usually target businessmen, especially in the middle level, and students who are in excursion program. “Until the end of 2012, total cumulative supply of hotel rooms in Jabodebek reached 26,440, of which 39.77% is a 4 star, 36.11% is a 5 star and 24.13% is a 3-star hotel. The average occupancy rate for hotels is around 67.11%, “she said. Meanwhile, Anton Sitorus, Head of Research at Jones Lang Lasalle Indonesia recorded a five-star hotel in Jakarta supply is estimated to add 2337 rooms by 2014. The potential addition of new hotel supply is mostly located in Central and South Jakarta,

which are the center of business. “In the business center, where there are many commercial buildings and offices, there are many new hotel projects. Starhotel supply in Jakarta until the end of last year reached 27,637 rooms, with a 67.4% occupancy rate, “he said. (*)

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ompetition among hotels in Jakarta and surrounding areas in the next two years is predicted to become increasingly competitive as the number of new supplies is increasing. Meyriana Kesuma, Research and Consultancy Manager of Coldwell Banker Indonesia, said the highest growth in new supply by 2014 comes from the budget class hotels, which are not directly competing with the 3 star hotels in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok and Bekasi. “Of the three classes of hotel, which will receive the most rigorous competition is a 3-star hotel because it has to compete with budget hotel, which is equal to two-star hotel, and has facilities like a 3-star hotel. The competition is even more intense with the growth of hotels operated by some property developers who are just starting their hotel

Aan Beach, Central Lombok

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tate-owned enterprise operating in the tourism sector Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) plans to issue bonds worth Rp600 billion in the first phase in April 2013. Director of Development of Tourism in Bali, Ida Bagus Wirajaya said the publication was an initial phase of a total plan of continuing bonds worth Rp2. 2 billion to be issued in three stages. “There will be three stages of issuance. For the first phase, it will be published in April around Rp600 billion with a tenor of 3 years. In the implementation of these bonds, the company entrusted to the three state-owned securities, namely Danareksa Securities, Mandiri Securities, and Bahana Securities as underwriters of emissions, “he said. Wirajaya said that he cannot confirm yet about the second phase of the bond issue. The remaining Rp1. 6 trillion will later be issued in accordance to the needs of the company. The proceeds from the bond issuance will be reserved for the development of Tourism Region Mandalika, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, with a total investment of Rp2. 2 billion. “The main development will be done in the tourist area is to build basic infrastructure, such as roads, drainage, and electricity. BTDC has done the groundbreaking for the project of Mandalika Resort in Aan Beach, Central Lombok, on October 21, 2012 last. The groundbreaking was attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. “Mandalika Resort built on an area of 1175 hectares and stretches along the beach as far as 7.5km. It overlooks the Indonesia Ocean. This area is located about 16 km from Lombok International Airport (BIL), 55 kilometers from Lembar Harbour, and 40 kilometers from the city of Mataram, “he said. He added that after the basic construction is done, the company is optimistic there will be investors who will participate in the development of Mandalika, such as building hotels and other facilities. Currently, many local investors, such as Rajawali Group is interested in building Mandalika. “The concept that will be developed in the construction of the tourist area is like Nusa Dua, Bali, because the area has been recognized worldwide. Bali Tourism Development expects Mandalika and Bali are able to compete in attracting investors as many as possible. We have been recognized in the world with a green concept. Why don’t we try it in Mandalika, “he said. (*)

Until 2016, The Hospitality Industry Continues to Grow

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he potential development of the hospitality market is still considered pretty good up to 3 years and the trend of property projects has its own cycle, according to the economic development of the community. Ali Tranghanda, Executive Director of the Indonesia Property Watch (IPW), said that this cycle started by commercial projects such as the shop, after 2-3 years, the cycle switches to apartments and condominiums. Several years ago, the trend of office and industrial sectors started following because the economic conditions are more favorable. “It is then followed by hospitality due to the increasing need of accommodation and I think in the next 2-3 years the market is still in pretty good condition. However, it is too late if the developer was going to enter the hospitality sector this year, as supplies that have been built since 2010 have started to enter the market in large numbers, “he said. Coldwell Banker Indonesia recorded that until 2014 a new supply of budget hotels in Jabodebek will reach 2,000 rooms, which also means half of the total new supply. These hotels usually target businessmen, especially in the middle level, and students who are in excursion. By the end of 2012, total cumulative supply of hotel rooms in Jabodebek reached 26,440, of which 39.77% are 4-star, 36.11% are 5-star, and 24.13% are 3-star hotels. The average occupancy rate for hotels ranges from 67.11%. Similarly, property research firm Jones Lang Lasalle Indonesia recorded star-hotel supplies in Jakarta are estimated to have 2337 additional rooms by 2014. The potential addition of new hotel supply is mostly located in central Jakarta and South Jakarta, which re the center of business. (*)

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Miss Universe 2012 Visited Garuda Indonesia order to know better the natural beauty and elegance of Indonesian culture. Visits to various cities is the initiative of Garuda Indonesia in order to introduce Indonesia to the world, “said Faik Fahmi. In collaboration with Yayasan Putri Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia took the initiative to invite Miss Universe elected each year to come to Indonesia in order for Indonesia to further develop tourism and to increase tourist arrivals to Indonesia. As a form of concern and support to environmental conservation, Garuda Indonesia through the “Garuda Indonesia Green Action” has executed and implemented several “green action” in the head office of Garuda Indonesia, such as by planting different types of trees, construction of pedestrian pathways in various area, and the provision of bicycle facilities that can be used by all employees to mobile without having to use a motor vehicle. Previously, since 2009, Garuda Indonesia has always supported the “Earth Hour” program by turning off lights and electrical equipment throughout the Garuda Indonesia office in Jakarta. In 2012, Garuda succeeded in saving 3 million watts of electricity. Garuda Indonesia has also undertaken various activities concerned about the environment, such as by conducting planting 18,600 seedlings in the Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta, 24 thousand seedlings planting trees in the area surrounding watersheds (DAS) in Aceh Darussalam (NAD), the implementation of the program “One Passenger One Tree” by planting trees as much as 100 thousand trees in Sebangau National Park, planting 50 thousand trees in the village of Karang Tengah, Yogyakarta, and build a turtle breeding in Gili Trawangan, Lombok. (*)

Ignatius Jonan

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eeting of tourism ministers of ASEAN countries have agreed to continue the marketing and promotional strategies and spur the development of connectivity to facilitate the development of tourism in the region following the growth in tourist visits in 2012. Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos Bosengkham Vongdara, as the host of the 16th Meeting of Asean Tourism Ministers (ATM) said the ministers are generally satisfied with the positive achievements of international tourist visits to ASEAN, agreed on a number of activities that have been divided into working groups and plan to cooperate with countries outside ASEAN. “There is much cooperation that has shown progress and a number of tourism development projects planning including the development of tourism; infrastructure, marketing and promotion and human resources have been agreed. The forum describes the success of ASEAN in attracting international tourists to visit the ASEAN region in 2012, “she said. Moreover she also said that on preliminary statistics, from the members of ASEAN, the ASEAN region is able to attract more than 74.8 million tourists last year, growing 10.14% over 2011. Such achievement is supported by flight connectivity mainly contributed by low cost carriers in the cross ASEAN to maintain intra-ASEAN travel as the largest source of potential market with a share of 46% of the total international arrivals and support Asian tourists with a share of 28%. “Furthermore, the forum also recognized a number of achievements in terms of ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan implementation including 24 plans that have been completed and are believed to be continued to support the achievement of the 2015 targets that are more concrete can contribute to the economy of ASEAN,” she said. She added that another important point is the cooperation between ASEAN with plus three (+3) countries, namely: Japan, South Korea and China and ASEAN cooperation and India in particular in support of greater connectivity. (*)

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iss Universe 2012, Olivia Culpo on Monday (4/2) had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of Garuda Indonesia in Building Operations Center office area Soekarno Hatta International Airport, together with Miss Indonesia 2013, Wulandari. During the visit, Miss Universe and Miss Indonesia welcomed by the Director of Services Garuda Indonesia, Faik Fahmi. The presence of Miss Universe to Garuda Indonesia was to visit the crew center of Garuda Indonesia to look at a variety of facilities available at the center and see preparation of the cabin crew who will fly with Garuda Indonesia.

On this occasion, Miss Universe 2012, Olivia Culpo and Puteri Indonesia 2013, Wulandari also conducted tree planting of some butterfly species in the area of Garuda Indonesia Operations Center. Services Director of Garuda Indonesia, Faik Fahmi when welcoming the visit of Miss Universe Miss Universe 2012, Olivia Culpo said that in addition to carrying out a visit to the office of Garuda, Miss Universe also conducted flights to major cities in Indonesia with Garuda Indonesia. “Miss Universe will fly to several major cities in Indonesia, including to Medan, Yogyakarta, Ujungpandang, Palembang and Surabaya in

Mari Pangestu Proposes Smart Visa Application Expanded

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ari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy proposed in World Economic Forum (WEF) 2013 in Davos, Switzerland, the strategy to expand the application of smart visa to facilitate movement and travel of people. Council of New Models of Travel and Tourism of the WEF, which led by Mari Pangestu at the WEF meeting held in Davos, Switzerland some time ago proposed a strategy to broaden support for the understanding of the importance of the travel and tourism sector and conduct follow-up action plans. “The strategy proposed is in the form of Smart Visa design at the national level during the period of 2012-2013, the regional level by 2013, and globally by 2020. Smart Visa Program is basically focused on the identification and promotion of best practice from some of

the issuance of visas to facilitate movement and travel of people, “she said. Some examples of good Smart Visa, for example, the APEC Business Card, free visa Intra-EU and Intra-ASEAN, Australia e-Visa, Free Transit Visa in Beijing, United Arab Emirates Smart Visa, as well as third country visa adopted by Mexico and the Philippines (i.e. visa exemption for holders of USA and Schengen Visa). “Tthe first follow-up action is Smart Visa support device construction, which is a special website (www.borders.com) that will provide information on best practices and also provide information related to the positive impact from implementing best practices in the Smart Visa strategy. The second followup is the expansion of support and initiation of discussions and studies on national and

regional level, “she said. She added that it is also to be implemented between the two levels of the dialogue involving the government and the private sector at the regional level WEF meeting in Peru and Myanmar and as well as the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting 2013. (*)

photo by spc

Tourist Arrivals to ASEAN Grows by 10.14%

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ravelling by tourist train is very exciting and provides different sensation. Comforts and alahotel amenities can be gained by traveling on tourist train managed by PT KAI (Indonesian Railways). PT KAI currently has 3 tourist rail cars and will have three more this year. “Currently, we have 3 rail cars, 3 more this year, and six cars next year,” said President Director of PT KAI, Ignatius Jonan in Argo Jati Train on the way to Cirebon, in the program of ‘Wonderful Cirebon, Wonderful Train’ recently. With the addition of nine rail cars, Jonan added, passengers will have greater opportunity to travel by train. This is because the number of requests to traveling by tourist train is increasing. In addition to the holiday season, the highest demand is during Lebaran. “In Lebaran, passengers have to buy ticket 6 months in advance due to the significant increase in the number of passengers,” said Jonan. Tourist train has a route to various favorite tourist destinations. “The most crowded routes are Jakarta-Yogyakarta and Jakarta-Cirebon,” said Jonan. Not just Yogyakarta and Cirebon, passengers can also enjoy tourist train to other destinations. “The routes of tourist train is vary depends on the passengers’ request. All we need to do just connect the rail cars with the train in accordance to the destination,” said Jonan. Apparently, tourist train not only attract domestic tourist, but also foreign tourists. Currently, PT KAI has 3 tourist rail cars, namely: Bali, Toraja and Nusantara. The naming is in accordance with the train interior. (*)

Indonesia’s Tourism Growth Exceeds Global Growth

photo by spc

photo by spc

3 Additional Tourist Rail Cars This Year

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he number of tourist arrivals to Indonesia during January to December 2012 through the entire entrance reached 8,044,462 foreign tourists or grew by 5.16% over the period of January to December 2011 amounted to 7,649,731 tourists. Achievement of foreign tourist visit in 2012 is recorded as a new record in the world of tourism in Indonesia. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy

Mari Elka Pangestu appreciated the achievements of the visit of foreign tourists that exceeded the 2012 target of 8 million tourist visits, as well as a trigger in order to achieve the 2013 target of foreign tourists visiting that has been set at 9 million tourists. Mari emphasized that in 2013 foreign tourists visit quality can be improved to provide a positive impact on the national tourism foreign exchange earnings with increased length of stay of tourists and the amount of their expenses during their stay in Indonesia. Data from Central Bureau of Statistics and Media Centre reveal the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia increased significantly in the last three months; October, November, and December 2012 were on average above 5% over the same period last year. In October 2012 the number of foreign tourists grew by 688 341 tourists or 4.93%, 693 867 tourists in November or grew 5.94%, and in December as many as 766 966 tourists or grew 5.86% compared to December

2011 as many as 724,539 tourists. Foreign tourists visit by nationality in December 2012 compared to December 2011 experiencing the highest growth was from the United Arab Emirates by 136.65%, Egypt by 37.08%, Thailand by 27.10%, Japan by 21.73%, and China by 20.64%, while the accumulative of foreign tourists from January to December 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, which experienced the highest growth of 31.21% was Egypt, China by 25.40%, United Arab Emirates by 21.16%, Thailand by 12.76%, and the Philippines by 10.11%. Meanwhile, the growth of foreign tourists in the three main entrances in December 2012 compared with December 2011namely Ngurah Rai rose 6.45%, Soekarno-Hatta8.94%, and Batam increased 5.54%. Cumulatively, the growth of foreign tourists in the three main entrances from January to December 2012 compared to January to November 2011, are Ngurah Rai rose 4.07%, Soekarno-Hatta rose 6.25% and Batam increased 5%. (*)

British tourist visit Rises 4.97%

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he number of British tourists visiting Indonesia is the highest among other countries in Europe. British tourists outperformed other European countries visiting Indonesia, such as France, Germany, and Netherlands. International Promotion Director, Minis-

try of Tourism and Creative Economy, Nia Niscaya, said British tourist as well as other tourists from European countries, prefer to adventure tourism. “According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, in 2011, British tourists visiting Indonesia reached 192,685 people,” she said.

While in the period of January to November 2012 British tourists visiting Indonesia reached 187,022 people. This figure shows an increase of 4.97% compared to the number of British tourist arrival in the same period in 2011, which reached 178,163 people. (*)

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Bali


A FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN IS INITIATED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF WATER COOPERATION 2013 employees involves in this campaign. We do the advocacy by sending personal email to our friends, colleagues, anyone we know. We tell them about the Water Cooperation 2013 and let them learn that there are more than 800 million people around the world do not have access to clean, safe freshwater”, mentioned Astrid Prahitaningtyas, the Marketing Communication Manager of Fontana Hotel. She said that the idea is very simple, beside the advocacy they do, Fontana Hotel and its employees also ask people to donate USD 1 for water projects. The process of donation is not complicated. People only need to access Fontana Hotel’s Campaign page at the website of charity: water, and go further from there. People can directly donate to the organization that funds many water projects around the world. The donation is made by charging to credit card or PayPal account. “We have set a target as amount as USD 2,000 to be collected during the campaign, which rolls from 24 February to 31 March 2013. With the donation of USD 1, it means that we need 2,000 persons to get involved. We genuinely hope that this idea will encourage everybody to join this campaign and widely celebrate the meaning of the International Year of Water Cooperation 2013”, said Astrid. The amount of donation can be checked by anyone at Fontana Hotel’s campaign page at http://mycharitywater. org/-1-for-freshwater.

AlayaUbud Opens with Mr. Budi Susanta in Charge as the General Manager

Budi Susanta

braced the challenge of working for a smaller hotel where he can directly oversee all operational aspects of the entire property. He sees his role not only as a leader but also as a motivator and is enjoying a close relationship with his entire team. Additionally, Budi makes an effort to interact with in-house guests on a daily basis to ensure that they are satisfied with the hotel and the consistency of its services. In his spare time Budi likes to swim, jog and be with his family. He is an avid reader and is always keen to keep abreast with global news and innovations.

Alaya Ubud Introduces Chef Made Siharta as Executive Chef at Petani Restaurant

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ecently opened in Ubud is the beautifully designed Petani Restaurant. They greeted the guest of Alaya Resort Ubud as they are located next to Alaya’s lobby. Who’s responsible for the mouth-watering dishes of Petani Restaurant? One of the quiet heroes of the Balinese landscape, Executive Chef Made Siharta. Chef Made Siharta is an enlightened chef, passionate about environmental and health standards. “We need to think and live as sustainably as possible,” he explains. “This also means that we have to be creative when it comes to cooking techniques and preparation methods.” Quite simply, he goes the extra mile for fresh local product. It makes all the difference. It’s the only way to pull off deliciously healthy, organic raw soups or sashimi tuna rolled with fresh vegetables. His experience as an executive chef at staple style spa restaurants such as the Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali and Kayumanis Private Villa give him that extra edge with health conscious cuisine. Other than imported cheese, including

some unusual ones like halloumi, he seeks his ingredients hours from the kitchen. Fish arrive fresh from the ocean, delivered twice daily; chickens are raised on local farms. Vegetables are gathered in a local market. Juicy strawberries are plucked from northern mountains of Bedugul. Freshly-brewed coffee is grown in the Kintamani mountain range. One particular tradition he values: wrapping common Indonesian dishes such as Nasi Bungkus and Mie Goreng in banana leaves. Imagine a culture before plastic! With all the eco-consciousness, Siharta doesn’t forget your sweet tooth. Try the Balinese favorite klapon - glutinous rice with palm sugar centre and grated coconut. Homemade ice cream is a favorite too. Or for a unique cultural combo, try the Black Rice Cream Brule. It’s so good you will want to order two. Throughout his career he has taken on extra trainings, received awards, crafted special dinners for those Very Important People, and ensured guest satisfaction with a unique flair. His leadership abilities, warm modest manner and attention to detail keep everything running smoothly. Walking a

tight rope between demands of traditional culture, the environment, breaking news about health and innovative cuisine, and of course sublime art of taste, he doesn’t falter. He leaves us all drooling for more. Truly it’s the best of all worlds in a bite.

photo by spc

photo by spc

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rofessionals are led by Mr. Budi Susanta as General Manager. Balinese born Budi is is delighted to announce that AlayaUbud is staffed by an exceptional team of local hotelier with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Budi has a strong understanding of luxury hotel operations and for the past 10 years he has worked exclusively in the area of sales and marketing. Prior to his appointment at AlayaUbud, he was Director of Sales for Ayodya Resort Bali in Nusa Dua. As a hands-on manager, Budi has em-

Made Siharta

Harris Hotel Tuban Visited Wana Saraya Nursing Home

photo by spc

(BALI, INDONESIA – 18 February 2013) FONTANA HOTEL initiates a fundraising campaign in conjunction with United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation 2013. This is the first attempt of Fontana Hotel to do a company social responsibility program since its grand opening on 15 December 2012. “We want to do something that can distinguish us in the market”, said Wayan Supandi, the General Manager of Fontana Hotel. Wayan’s words have been translated into some future activities that are not just selling the product and services of Fontana Hotel, but also to mark the existence of the hotel itself; this fundraising campaign is just the beginning. Fontana Hotel, which the architecture was designed by the environmentalist Popo Danes, realizes that environmental issue is really important. It sees that water is essential to life and human, but the water resources on the planet are limited and unevenly distributed in time and space. While the demands for water are increasing in order to satisfy the needs of growing world population. Additional pressure related to rapid urbanization, pollution and climate change also threatens the resource. “As we all probably know, World Water Day is an international day to celebrate freshwater, which falls on 22 March every year. We use this opportunity to advocate about the importance of water issue. Each and anyone of Fontana Hotel’s

photo by spc

Fontana Hotel Bali starts a Fundraising Campaign to be donated for Water Projects

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ontinuously grows, HARRIS Hotel Tuban Bali increasingly concerned about the fellow in need. Recently, Harris Hotel Tuban visited nursing home Wana Saraya located on Jl Gumitir No: 66 Denpasar Bali. “This visit is a regular CSR activity that we do every 3 months, and this was our first visit to Wana Seraya in early 2013,” said GM Harris Hotel Tuban, Andreas Lalenoh. On this visit, employees, staff and management of HARRIS Hotel Tuban - Bali donated: toiletries, HARRIS slippers, groceries and clothes. Wana Saraya was established in 1978 and managed by the provincial government of Bali. In addition to Wana Saraya Nursing Home in Denpasar, there is also another nursing home in Singaraja, Wana Jara Mana Pati. Wana Saraya is inhabited by 51 elderly, 14 are men and 37 are women. They not only come from the Bali, some are from Java and Sumatra. “We are very proud and thrilled to share with the elderly people in Wana Saraya. This was our first opportunity to visit the nursing home for the elderly. Formerly, we always visit the orphanage children. Hopefully our donation can help the everyday needs of those live in the nursing home. Please do not be seen from its value but we hope that this assistance could help to increase hygiene and health of the elderly who live here “said Andreas LALENOH. At the end of the visit, several HARRIS Tuban staff also show their concern by buying the work of the elders there. HARRIS Hotel Tuban Bali is the second hotel of Tauzia Hotel Management, after HARRIS Resort Batam Waterfront. HARRIS Hotel Tuban Bali, located on Jl Dewi Sartika was officially opened on 19 October 2002. Located just 5 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, 5 minutes from Tuban Beach and 10 minutes to Kuta Beach, Harris Hotel Tuban Bali has 66 rooms with a total of 6 HARRIS Suite and 60 HARRIS Room.

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New Hotels Openings 2013 The year 2013 will see the eyes of the world focus on Bali for many reasons. The island will play host to world leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in October and the World Trade Organization meeting in December. We will also welcome the competitors in the Miss World pageant for a short stay before the crowning ceremony in Jakarta in September. With world-class events such as these, it is important that Bali has the capacity to cope with increased demands on its transport systems, as well as first-rate hotels and resorts. For this reason, we welcome the infrastructure developments that are on course for completion in 2013, as well as the new hotel openings listed below.

New hotel openings:

International events:

· Le Meridien, Jimbaran

· Miss World: September

· Mantra, Nusa Dua

· APEC summit: 5-7 October

· Sofitel, Nusa Dua

· WTO summit: 3-6 December

· Regent, Sanur

Infrastructure update:

· Westin, Ubud

· New airport (for more information, click here)

· Courtyard by Marriot, Seminyak · Holiday Inn, Benoa · Centara Grand, Nusa Dua · Maya, Sanur · Double Six, Seminyak

· Underpass at Dewa Ruci statue, at the junction between Sunset Road and the road from Sanur to the airport. · Highway over the sea, connecting Sanur and Tanjung Benoa

Bali by numbers: · Five top foreign market: Australia (29%), China (9%), Japan

“GIVE LOVE GIVE BLOOD” Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel Sabtu, 16 Februari 2013

(7%), Malaysia (6%) and Taiwan (5%). -BPS Statistics Indonesia, 2011 · Five top growth market: USA (25%), Australia (22%), China (20%), Singapore (17%), Malaysia (9%). -BPS Statistics Indonesia, 2011 · 56% of all arrivals to Bali are domestic travellers with the remaining 46% from overseas. -Ngurah Rai International Airport/ Angkasa Pura, 2013 · Average BHA members occupancy in 2012 is 64.1% per month and in the month of December, it was 71%. -Horwath HTL., 2013. Based on Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) figures, there were more than 22,000 hotel rooms available in Bali by the end of 2011. In 2012, more than 3,400 additional hotel rooms are expected to enter the market. Subsequently, another 4,700 rooms are slated for opening in 2013, and a further 4,100 rooms from 2014 to 2016. Accordingly, more than 12,000 new rooms are expected to enter the market by the end of 2016. (Bali Hotels Association)

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photo by spc

Konda Maloba : A Promising Tourist Attraction

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photo by spc

onda Maloba Beach in the District of Katikutana, Central Sumba is a promising marine tourist destination. This beautiful white sandy beach only needs arrangement and promotion by government and then it can bring benefit to the country. The beach also has mysterious story with the presence of a gravestone in a small island lo-

cated approximately 2 miles from the beach. Not many people know about the gravestone, which is called ‘Kubur Appu Ladu’ (grandmother of the sun) by the local people. To reach the beach, we can go through Taman Mas Street, remote traditional settlement as well as through Wanakoka Beach in West Sumba. A calm sea with crystal clear sea water becomes the habitat of different kinds of fish. Gargahing, white and red grouper, and many other types of fish can be found in this beach. On the beach there are small houses owned by fishermen from Ende and a permanent lopo belongs to Kongwi, a businessman from West Sumba who loves fishing very much. The area, which is also home to dozens of fishermen, is still quite natural and has abundant marine potentials. One of the fishermen from Pulau Ende encountered at the site, said, the beach was fairly quiet for fishing or recreational activities. The state of water as it is not found in Ende. Unfortunately, illegal logging often occurs in this area. “My friends and I are not from here and we

are coming for catching fish. Upon entering the waters here, we are interested in so that we tie our boat on the beach. Initially, we only wanted a quick break and then go to sea again, but as time goes by, we become more attracted to this area and decided to build a barrack. In fact, I already like it here so choose to stay longer, “he said. Doda Kaka, a local resident who built a cottage on the beach, said he and the kids are happy to stay on the coast. They collected stranded fish or fish given by the fishermen and then sold them to buy rice. Living in the area, the local people only need to buy rice for side dishes such as fish and vegetables are not difficult to find. Wood fire and water are easy to obtain. Fishermen from Ende said that they are surprised knowing that the local people of do not want to be a fisherman. Konda Maloba Beach has abundant fish, which are tame so that it is quite easy to catch fish on the beach. They explained that they stay there for months, catch fish, dry them and then bring and sell them in Ende. Father Robert Ramone, CsSR who fought ferociously against the ocean waves in the west to

photo by spc

photo by spc

photograph the stonegrave of Appu Ladu when met in Weetabula, said, Konda Maloba is a marine tourism object that has incredible attraction. Only, the place is isolated so not many people know it. The roads from Taman Mas have not been sufficient so that the only way to get there is through Wanokaka Beach. “To get the pictures of Appu Ladu, I had to rent a boat and then fought against the fierce waves. But generally the water in the area is pretty calm because Konda Maloba is situated among small bays around the beach. The place is exciting, but unfortunately not many people know and make the beach as a tourist attraction. I hope the new government of Central Sumba will give full attention to it. I am ready to help promote it, “said Robert. In recent years, the fishing enthusiasts from West Sumba hold a fishing competition in the region. Participants and invited parties had an overnight stay at the beach. A stretch of white sand, with a calm sea and away from residential areas make Konda Maloba a perfect escape for refreshing. (*)

Beautifull Sumba

photo by spc

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returned to Indonesia as Consul General last September after a ten year absence. My wife and I served in Surabaya from 2000 to 2002 in what was our first Foreign Service posting and our first time in Asia. We loved the experience, and particularly Indonesia, so much that we decided to come back. The two years that we spent here were not enough to do all we wanted to do, and one of those things that we never got to experience was the Sumba Pasola. So, when we started planning our travel, the first items on our list were Bali, where we got married, and Sumba. We finally got to experience a Pasola on February 7 in Lamboya. We loved it. The horsemen bided their time before charging, and would team up to draw their opponents into the open field. We soon spotted the best ones, who would time and time again, hit their mark. They were patient in choosing the right moment and, when it came, they would charge, and sometimes charge two or three times in quick succession. One of them ran all the way up the hill after a charge and then down to charge again. It was like watching a chess game on a gigantic scale. The setting where the Pasola takes place is stunning: a wide expanse of grass fields with the beautiful backdrop of the ocean behind it. The sun was brutal, and I was thankful that the gracious Bupati of Sumba Barat, Pak Jubi Pandango, invited us to watch it from a covered stand. Us bules have a love-hate relationship to the sun, and although we love sunny days our complexions tend to get scorched.

The whole ceremony that precedes it is fascinating to watch and adds drama to the event; from the ratos looking for nyales (we still don’t know what they look like), the dressing of the horses and the ornate costumes of the fighters, to the procession of horses from the villages to the field. My only regret was that it was over too soon. The Pasola is a testament to the wealth of traditions with which Sumba is blessed. Its traditional beliefs and rituals, the profound bounds to village life and family, its artistic expressions, languages, architecture and, of course, its Pasola -- all of these are true heritages for the rest of the world. I hope that Sumbans find a balance that preserves these traditions amid the pressures that come from modernity and greater exposure to the outside world. It is truly what makes Sumba unique in the world, and its future as a tourist destination really hinges on its ability to offer what no other island can offer. In the United States we too have struggled to preserve our traditions, and it is indeed a challenging task. Success is not guaranteed and traditions can be fleeting. At one time here and the next moment gone. If there is any experience that we can share with Sumba from our past, we would be happy to. Our deep links to Indonesia, and our commitment to the country’s success is evident everywhere and in everything we do. Sumba can count on the support and help of all Americans as it continues to maximize its great potential. (*)

for advertisement please call 0361 727010 email : [email protected]

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photo by tri wibowo

IFW 2013, Indonesia Fashion World Revival

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ndonesia Fashion World was re-enlivened by one of the most prestigious fashion event in the country, namely Indonesia Fashion Week 2013 held on 14 to 17 February, 2013 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC). This activity also serves as a barometer of the fashion industry in Indonesia and would be attended by not less than 500 fashion brands in the country, the event was initiated by the Association of Indonesian Fashion Designers and Entrepreneurs (APPMI) and supported by four ministries. Chairman APPMI, Taruna K Kusmayadi said that IFW this year is not just a regular fashion show, but also a noble movement to promote the fashion industry in Indonesia. “The strength of this year’s IFW will be stronger with the support of the four ministries together with APPMI. The ministries are the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises. They also have created a blue print of Indonesian fashion industry, “he said Taruna during a press conference of Indonesia Fashion Week 2013 in Sapta Pesona Building, Jakarta recently. On the same occasion, Dina Midiani, Director of Indonesia Fashion Week 2013 said the fashion creative economy can no longer be under-

estimated. Fashion is one of the nation’s largest revenue contributors. So, we want to improve the life of people through fashion. The activities that can be seen are the exhibition, fashion performances, competitions, talk shows, and workshops. This fashion event will bring together the buyers and sellers which 20 percent of the participants are ready to export their designs to the global market. This event is also open for retailers because it is estimated that thousands of fashion lovers will attend the event. Participants of this event are the owners of brands that not only meet the international quality standards but also the international market. They will present the best work on the catwalk by professional models from Indonesia and abroad. All modes presented in Indonesia Fashion Week 2013 are representatives of the wealth of creative creations of the Indonesian designers. IFW 2013 involves 208 designers, such as Deden Siswanto, Ardistia New York, Hengky Kawilarang, Auguste Soesastro, Ivan Gunawan, Lenny Agustin, Shafira, Sebastian Gunawan, Sofie, Denny Wirawan, Irna Mutiara, Tri Handoko, Poppy Dharsono, Ichwan Thoha, Jenny Tjahyawati , Samuel Watimena, Jeany Ang, and Ria Miranda. Meanwhile, there are 503 local brands which are grouped into nine zones namely Men’s Wear,

Women’s Wear, Muslim’s Wear, Kid’s Wear, Accessories, Textiles, Concept Point, Starting Point and Green Point. IFW 2013 is divided into four different themes.

The first day is Cocktail / Evening wear, the second day is Muslims’ wear, the third day is the Men’s and Urban Wear, and the fourth day is Casual Cutting Edge. (*)

“A night in Jailolo” Uncovers the beauty of West Halmahera

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est Halmahera in North Maluku is famous for the beauty of the sea, culinary and culture that is unique, and all of them presented in cultural performances titled “A night in Jailolo” held at the Soesilo Soedarman Hall, Sapta Pesona Building, Jakarta recently. “A night in Jailolo is a preliminary event for Visit West Halhamera 2013,” said Regent of West Halmahera Namto Hui Roba. He said that the event will perform the whole culture of the West Halmahera in a variety of arts and cultural attractions as well as exhibitions on tourism and culinary potential. By doing so, he hoped that the wider public can get to know more closely the West Halmahera tourism. “The event was also held to welcoming Jailolo Bay Festival that will be held on 16-18 May 2013,” he said. A night in Jailolo presented various arts and culture from West Halmahera District that included Cakalele Dance, DanaDana, Legu Salai, Sara Dabi-Dabi Dance, and beutiful song of Indah Alam Negriku and Rayuan Pulau Kelapa. Audiences could also enjoy “Sasadu on The Sea” which is the culminating event in the coming Jailolo Bay Festival. North Maluku Governor Thaib Armain on the same occasion said the A night in Jailolo will be coupled with Tourism Investment Fair of West Halmahera. “The exhibition presents the potential of the natural resources of West Halmahera through art, photography, and products of the regions,” he said. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwandar, said a series of activities related to West Halmahera should be supported since its is part of the attempts to promote the regency so it can be known better by people throughout Indonesia. “We know that West Halmahera is included in the world ‘coral

triangle’ area that has diverse underwater potetials and be one of the special interest destinations for diving,” Sapta said. West Halmahera regency, he said, also has potential as a historical tourist destination since it has been known as the source of world spices since the days of colonialism. This is the fifth time Jailolo Bay Festival will be held. There are some differences between this year and previous years’ festivals. Previously, the festival was held during the day, but now it will be held in the evening. One of the Indonesian top bands, NOAH, is said to enliven the event. At the peak of the event, there will be a mini show titled “Sasadu on the Sea” and “Horom Sasadu”. Contemporary dancer Eko Suprianto contributed to creating a beautiful choreography for FTJ 2013. Horom Sasadu itself is a tradition that has some uniqueness. Typically, the event was held as a party after the harvest, therefore, the length of the show relies on seafood harvests obtained; may just one day and one night even nine days nine nights relentlessly. “There is some uniqueness in Horom Sasadu. First, everyone involved will continue to eat, but they are never satisfied. Second, they continued to dance and sing without being tired and sleepy. Third, they also drink traditional drink, but it never made them drunk, “said Namto Hui Roba. Currently, the access to Jailolo is quite easy. There are up to eight flights per day to Ternate. For accommodation, as many as 100 home stays with predetermined standards have been prepared to welcome tourists. “Today, most people coming to Jailolo are divers and most of the foreign tourists visiting the area are from Germany. The festival is expected to promote West Halmahera tourism as well as boost tourist visit to the region, “he explained. (*)

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Island Exp lore r


Steven king (yellow t-shirt) and Achyarrudin (right)

Steven King to Break GWR’s for the longest continuous and further bore ride

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K well-known bore-rider, Steve King, who already holds two world records for long distance surf rides, will try to break the Guinness World Records for the longest continuous and furthest bore ride on Indonesia’s Kampar River on February 9 to 14, 2013. Steve King is a world-class surfer who has managed to break the world record for surfing on the Severn Bore River, England in 2006. It was surfers from France and Brazil who first found out about the amazing Bono, the huge roaring tidal waves found on the Kampar River of Pelalawan Regency (Riau province). They tried to surf on Bono and felt different sensation. Since then there are many national and international surfers trying to conquer the tidal waves also known as the seven ghosts including Steven King. In addition to trying the enormity bono, Steve will also trying to break the Guinness World Records for the longest continuous and furthest bore ride. On this occasion Steve King will be accompanied by two of his

friends who also came from the UK, Steve Holmes and Nathan Maurice and assisted by two French nationals, Fabrice Colas and Dominique Avrilleau who will come to the site earlier to prepare everything. Pelalawan Regent, H. M. Harris said that he is very enthusiastic in welcoming the surfers and very supportive to the creation of the record. “On behalf of the Government of Pelalawan, I support not only the record-breaking, but also the activity. This means that Bono waves on the Kampar River Pelalawan will be better known by the people of Indonesia as well as the International “, he said. Harris said further that Pelalawan government will also seek to provide the best assistance and support as long as it does not violate the rules that apply to the creation of a new record for the longest continuous and furthest bore ride. Achyarrudin, director of special interest and KIE Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy said that through this event, Riau as a province bordered with Malaysia and Singapore, is expected to be

accounted for as special interest tourism Destination worldwide. Meanwhile, Head of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sports Bureau Pelalawan Regency, Zulkifli said the local Government of Pelalawan welcome and is very excited with the arrival of the surfers. “Of course we expect the arrival of the surfers as they are in Teluk Meranti, yes even though the facilities are not yet perfect and there are still shortcomings here and there, they still want to come,” said Zul. Separately, Heidi Setiawan, one Bono’s observer said that there are two people (Fabrice Colas and Dominique Avrilleau) came to Teluk Meranti early on Wednesday (06/02/2013), the team that prepared everything to support the record-breaking. “While Steve King and his two other friends would fly to the location on Friday (08/02/2013). For the record-breaking schedule to begin on February 9 to 14, 2013 and every day all surfing activity on Bono waves will always be recorded as evidence to be recorded in Guinness World Record “added Heidi. (*)

Tour de Singkarak 2013 to Cover a distance of 1000 KM assessed both in terms of participants, the involvement of the state, support from the local government, as well as increasing support from the sponsor. This year, the starting point begins in the city of Bukittinggi, West Sumatra. “We are proud to be the starting point of TdS this year,” said Ismet Amzis, Bukittinggi mayor. According to Ismet, TdS gives positive impact on tourist arrivals in Bukitinggi. He claimed that there is a 99 percent increase in terms of number of tourist arrivals in 2012, compared to the previous year. Later, at the opening of TdS 2013, Ismet promised to provide the best attractions and welcoming for tourists and participants of TdS. “There will be fireworks at Jam Gadang (Sumatra’s Big Ben), it will certainly be festive,” he said. A total of seven cities and nine regencies in West Sumatra will involve in the TdS 2013. They are Padang, Pariaman, Padang Panjang, Solok, Bukittinggi, Sawahlunto, Payakumbuh Solok, South Coast, South Solok, Sijunjung, Tanah Datar, Lima Puluh Kota, Agam, and two other regencies need to go through the process of a survey first. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

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nternational cycling race Tour de Singkarak (TDS) 2013 will be held in West Sumatra that involves nine regencies and seven cities in the province, an increase over the previous year, followed 14 districts and municipalities, with a total distance of 854 kilometers raced up to 1,000 kilometers. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sapta Nirwandar, who is also the executive chairman of TdS held a coordination meeting of TdS 2013with local leaders (provincial, regency and municipal government) of West Sumatra. “TdS 2013 will be held on June 2 to 9, 2013 and is currently in the initial preparation of the implementation, and this year’s event enters its fifth year,” said Nirwandar. Total prize provided is also increased from Rp1 billion last year to R1. 2 billion for the 25 teams participating. “The coordination meeting attended by Heads of Tourism and Culture Bureau of West Sumatra, POLDA (provincial police), Asita chairman and PHRI West Sumatra agenda addresses a number of issues and one of them is the preparation and commitment of West Sumatra Provincial Government as the host,” he said. “Implementation of TdS 2013 will further strengthen Sumatra as leading travel destination in Indonesia and the world,” said Nirwandar. On the same occasion, Deputy Governor of West Sumatra, Muslim Kasim said the concept of TdS as a combination of promotion of tourism and sports achievements in the form of cycling race has been proven to show optimum results. “With the convening of TdS, West Sumatra tourism is growing and attracted more domestic and international tourists,” he said. TdS has become the annual official agenda of the World Cycling Organization (Union Cycliste Internationale) where each year the event is considered to be more professional

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Enjoying tourist train to Cirebon T

photo by tri wibowo

ourism and cultural potential of the city of Cirebon have attracted PKCAM (Philip Kotler Center for ASEAN Marketing) - Jakarta CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) to hold its 40th event titled “SUPER WEEKEND PROGRAM: Wonderful Cirebon, Wonderful Train”. In cooperation with PT Railway Indonesia (KAI), the event which was held recently asked the guests to enjoy a day trip by a tourist train to Cirebon. Three carriages were used for this trip, the Wisata Nusantara, Wisata Toraja and Executive. Departing from Gambir station, Jakarta, all the way to Cirebon the invitees were guided directly by the President Director of PT KAI Ignatius Jonan and Tri-Founder of Philip Kotler Center for ASEAN Marketing, Hermawan Kartajaya. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sapta Nirwandar, Director General of Tourism Marketing Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Esthy Reko Astuti and Chairman of BPPI, Yanti Sukamdani also joined the trip. Cirebon traditional dances welcoming the guests upon arrival at the Cirebon station, then straight toward the center of Trusmi batik in the city of Cirebon. The guests also had the opportunity to Kraton Kasepuhan (Kasepuhan Palace), which is rich in historical heritage. “Cirebon is actually going to be an alternative attraction for the people of Jakarta. If Bandung is too crowded, it’s time to visit Cirebon, “said Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sapta Nirwandar. According to Sapta, Cirebon is not too far from Jakarta. Transportation to the city is also quite easy, like a train. “It takes less than 3 hours to go to Cirebon by train,” said Sapta. There are many tourist activities that can be done in Cirebon. Kasepuhan Palace, Kanoman and Linggarjati Museum are three places that could be leading tourist destinations. “Cirebon can be a tourist magnet due to its location, which is close to Jakarta, and it is also located between Semarang and Jakarta. The north coast route is also pretty interesting, “Sapta said. Cirebon also offers wide range of traditional culinary such as empal gentong that can be found easily in the restaurant or in the street vendors. Seeing the potential, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy also plans to work with PT KAI, to promote tourism in Cirebon. “We will work with PT KAI, ASITA, and others to create travel package, cooperation is necessary because tourism industry can not work alone,” said Sapta.

photo by tri wibowo

On each carriage of the tourist train, there are facilities that can not be found in common carriages. They are meeting rooms, audio video, mini-bar and executive bathroom pampering passengers with ala president sensation. To manage the tourist train, KAI formed a new company, PT Kereta Api Pariwisata. Platinum carriage, which is usually used by the president now can also be enjoyed by the public. To increase the value of offer, KAP provides various tour packages which can be chosen by the passengers. These packages are Cirebon tourist train package, Yogyakarta Tourism, Gombong – Nusakambangan Package, Nusakambangan - Segara Anakan Package, Malang – Batu Package, Semarang – Ambarawa Package, and tourist train package of Malang - Batu - Bromo. PT KAI continues committed to provide excellent service to the community. Various developments on short and long distance trip continue to be made in order to meet consumer expectations. These efforts are proven by the success of PT KAI in winning 46 awards in terms of service excellence, including the state-owned SOEs Award Best Innovative Award 2012 and the Chosen Corporate of Serikat Perusahaan Pers (SPS) 2012. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

The Comfort of Tourist Train

Sapta Nirwandar and Hermawan Kartajaya

Having A Vacation and Enjoying Rambutan Harvest in Mekarsari

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to 50kg, visitors are charged Rp 700,000 per family. Visitors will be provided with baskets to harvest rambutan, wet wipes, souvenirs, and mineral water. For moderate trees that can reach 30 kg, visitors are charged Rp 525,000 per family. Tickets are included for the train tour, with

photo by tri wibowo

aving a vacation to the beach or the mountains are something common, but harvesting rambutan fruits will surely be a unique and exciting experience. This activity can be found in the Mekarsari Tourism Park, Bogor - West Java. February is identical with Chinese New Year and Valentine and is usually dominated by the color of red. Mekarsari Park did not want to miss this moment, and February becoems the chosen time for Rambutan Tourism Program. Program “Rambutan Harvest”, with the tagline harvesting like in your own garden was starting January 24 until February 28, 2013. Rambutan tour consists of regular tour and family tour. There are three types of top quality rambutans to be harvested, namely Aceh lebak, binjai, and simacan. For the regular tour, visitors can harvest binjai rambutan straight from the tree with a 1-kg basket that has been provided. For the tour, visitors are charged Rp 30,000 (not including admission to Mekarsari Tourism Park) as the cost of a train ticket, admission to rambutan garden, 1 kilogram of rambutan harvest, and mineral water. “The visitors can do activities just like in their own garden with unlimited time. This means one tree for one person. In fact, all the rambutan fruits on the trees can be taken home, “said Putri Ayu Pratami, Public Relations Manager Mekarsari, in a press conference “Fruit Harvest with Media “, at Mekarsari Park, Cileungsi, Bogor recently. Putri continued, rambutan tree provided for the harvest program are approximately as many as 200 trees. Rambutan provided was selected from the best of Indonesia, which is binjai rambutan. The tree is not too high that enables tourists reach the fruits easily without climbing it. Each family who want to harvest rambutan fruits straight from the tree will be equipped with a bag size of 50 kg and a guide that will help them pluck rambutan fruits. A family tour package is valid for a maximum of five people. Each family can harvest binjai rambutan from one tree that has been booked in advance before departure to the garden. Family tour is divided into two. For fruitful tree that can reach up

a capacity of 50 kilogram bags, wet wipes, and mineral water. For visitors who just want to pluck the fruit, they could buy a regular ticket. No need to book a tree, visitors can buy ticket for Rambutan tour of Rp 30 thousand and feel the thrill of plucking rambutan straight from the tree. (*)

16


Tempat Wisata yang Jadi Perbincangan di Tahun 2012

photo by spc

photo by spc

Menjual Paket Wisata Bersama Bali-Danau Toba

Waterbom Bali, Kuta

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ripAdvisor mengumumkan tempattempat wisata di Indonesia yang mendapatkan peringkat tinggi sehingga menjadi tempat wisata yang paling sering diperbincangkan para wisatawan dari seluruh dunia tahun 2012. Berikut 10 destinasi wisata di Indonesia diurutkan berdasarkan jumlah review yang diterima TripAdvisor.com berdasarkan alamatalamat IP global antara 1 Januari 2012 dan 31 Desember 2012.

3. Bali Safari & Marine Park, Gianyar

7. Gunung Bromo, Jawa Timur

Menurut seorang wisatawan TripAdvisor, “Taman ini tidak hanya sangat luas dan dijaga dengan baik, tapi pengalaman berada begitu dekat dengan binatangbinatang penghuninya juga sungguh menakjubkan.”

Seorang wisatawan TripAdvisor berkata, “Ukuran kawah yang sangat besar dan kecantikan alam yang supranatural sungguhsungguh merupakan hal yang istimewa.”

Seorang wisatawan TripAdvisor berkomentar. “Tempat ini tidak hanya cantik, tapi pemandangan sekitarnya juga mempesona.”

“Pemandangan yang benar-benar memukau dari kaki Merapi. Semuanya terbakar dan diselimuti kabut pagi. Kemudian Anda akan melihat puncaknya selama 10 menit – sungguh layak setelah melalui perjalanan dan waktu menunggunya!” puji seorang wisatawan TripAdvisor.

5. Pura Tanah Lot, Canggu

9. Gunung Rinjani, Lombok

4. Candi Borobudur, Jawa Tengah

1. Waterbom Bali, Kuta Seperti yang diungkapkan salah satu wisatawan TripAdvisor, “Jika Anda suka matahari dan air, Waterbom adalah salah satu tempat yang harus dikunjungi. Tempat ini menyediakan banyak hal yang bisa dilakukan wisatawan segala usia.”

2. Komplek Candi Prambanan, Yogyakarta “Struktur bangunan, patung-patung, dan arsitektur semuanya menakjubkan. Tempat yang harus dikunjungi – candi ini juga satu-satunya di dunia yang memiliki patung Dewa Brahma dengan tubuh lengkap,” kata seorang wisatawan TripAdvisor.

8. Gunung Merapi, Yogyakarta

Seorang wisatawan TripAdvisor berkomentar,” Pengalaman yang sangat mengesankan saat mengunjungi candi dan taman Tanah Lot yang cantik. Hal yang paling mengesankan dari perjalanan kami!”

Menurut seorang wisatawan TripAdvisor, “Saya sudah mendaki hampir semua daerah di Asia dan Rinjani menawarkan pemandangan yang tak tertandingi. Anda akan melihat danau berwarna biru kehijauan dikawahnya dan gunung berapi aktif yang masih mengeluarkan asap!”

6. Tari Kecak Api & Trance, Ubud

10. Saung Angklung Udjo, Bandung

“Musik yang diteriakkan oleh para pria luar biasa. Tarian apinya mendebarkan, dengan gerakan cepat serta menghibur. Penutupan sempurna kunjungan kami ke Ubud,” puji seorang wisatawan TripAdvisor.

“Penampilan musik, tarian dengan sedikit komedi dan seni secara keseluruhan yang mengesankan. Mereka melibatkan penonton orkestra dan itu sungguh luar biasa! Rekomendasi seorang wisatawan TripAdvisor. (*)

Indonesia Promosi Wisata di Festival Kamakura Jepang Menurut Faried, pasar Jepang sangat potensial baik dari sisi kuantitas maupun kualitas. “Saat ini jumlah wisman Jepang ke Indonesia adalah yang terbesar kelima setelah Singapura, Malaysia, Australia, dan China,” katanya. Pihaknya sempat bertamu kepada Walikota Yokote Chuetsu Igarashi, Kadinas Pariwisata & Perindustrian Kota Yokote Mr. Hideaki Kagaya, Kadinas Pariwisata Kebudayaan & Sports Propinsi Akita Mr. Shida Takayoshi, dan Gubernur Propinsi Akita Mr. Norihisa Satake. “Mereka mengapresiasi dan memuji keikutsertaan Indonesia pada festival ini. Bahkan Gubernur Akita merencanakan untuk berkunjung ke Indonesia pada Mei mendatang untuk menjalin hubungan bisnis, investasi dan promosi yang lebih intensif,” katanya.

photo by spc

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ndonesia terus giat melakukan promosi pariwisatanya di luar negeri, kali ini Indonesia ikut serta dalam Festival Rumah Salju “Kamakura” di Yokote, Akita, Jepang, sebagai salah satu terobosan baru untuk menggarap pasar Jepang yang selama ini menjadi lima besar fokus pasar wisata Indonesia. “Ini baru pertama kalinya kita ikut dalam festival Kamakura yang diharapkan menjadi langkah terobosan promosi untuk pasar Jepang,” kata M. Faried, Direktur Promosi Pariwisata Dalam Negeri Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Kemenparekraf) di Jakarta. Faried yang memimpin delegasi Indonesia dalam festival budaya tersebut mengatakan selama ini promosi untuk pasar Jepang cenderung baru dilakukan di kota-kota besar dan hanya saat musim semi dan musim panas. Dalam festival itu, delegasi Indonesia mendistribusikan brosur wisata Indonesia sekaligus menyajikan kesenian Sasando Rote dari NTT. “Sasando kami harapkan menjadi daya tarik karena selama ini musik tradisional yg tampil umumnya gamelan Jawa atau kesenian Bali sehingga ini juga bagian dari menjual destinasi Bali-beyond,” katanya. Ia menjelaskan, nyatanya saat Sasando dimainkan mengiringi lagu-lagu Jepang, pengunjung festival banyak yang terpukau. “Ini menjadi daya tarik stand Indonesia selama tiga hari festival pada 14 sampai 16 Februari 2013,” katanya. Stand Indonesia sebagai satu-satunya stand asing dalam festival itu juga menawarkan minuman kopi yang diharapkan menjadi daya tarik lain karena selama ini, masyarkat Jepang banyak yang menjadi penikmat kopi.

Festival Kamakura (Rumah Salju) adalah salah satu festival musim dingin di daerah Tohoku yang mulai diadakan lebih dari 400 tahun yang lalu. Malam Festival Kamakura ini diadakan di kota Yokote, Akita. Kota Yokote dengan jumlah penduduk sekitar 100 ribu jiwa, setiap tahun pada bulan Februari, dikunjungi ratusan ribu turis baik dari dalam negeri maupun dari luar negeri. Sebuah kota Propinsi Akita itu terletak sekitar 4 jam dari Tokyo. Daerah bagian utara Pulau Honshu itu memang terkenal sebagai “Yukiguni” alias Negeri Salju. Di dalam kota ini, didirikan sekitar 40 Kamakura dengan tinggi sekitar 3 meter dan diameter sekitar 3,5 meter. Dalam suhu yang sangat dingin, lilin yang menyala di dalam Kamakura membuat suasana menjadi sangat indah dan romantis. (*)

Festival Rumah Salju “Kamakura” di Yokote, Jepang

Danau Toba

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engan masuknya kawasan Danau Toba di Provinsi Sumatera Utara dalam kesepakatan wisata kembar dengan Provinsi Bali diyakini dapat memperkuat daya tarik pariwisata nasional ke mancanegara. Menurut Gubernur Bali I Made Mangku Pastika pada penandatanganan kerjasama (MoU) Destinasi Wisata Kembar Bali-Danau Toba di Sanur, Bali belum lama ini mengatakan kami yakin para wisatawan mancanegara (wisman) yang memenuhi Bali akan tertarik untuk diteruskan paket kunjungan mereka ke Sumatra Utara (Sumut), terutama ke Danau Toba. “Saya menyambut baik kerjasama provinsi kembar dalam hal promosi pariwisata yang dinilai sama-sama menguntungkan. Apa yang menjadi kelebihan di Bali akan diberikan ke Sumut, demikian juga sebaliknya dan kami melihat potensi Sumut cukup bagus juga,” ujarnya. Dikatakan, ke depan pengembangan pariwisata di Bali khususnya dalam wisata alam diharapkan bisa memiliki kemiripan. Bali punya pusat informasi wisatawan yang bisa digunakan lebih banyak mempromosikan Sumut, sehingga mereka tidak perlu pergi promosi pariwisata jauh-jauh. Sementara Kadis Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Sumut, H Naruddin Dalimunthe mengemukakan kerjasama Sumut dan Bali ini diparaf Sekda Provinsi Sumut dan Kadis Pariwisata Bali untuk selanjutnya akan ditandatangani Plt Gubernur Sumut dan Gubernur Bali dalam waktu dekat di kawasan Danau Toba. MoU ini Insya Allah lebih melejitkan Program Destinasi Wisata Kembar. “Kami optimistis kerja sama ini meningkatkan kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara. Kami melihat potensi kepariwisataan Bali yang sangat maju. Kami berharap Bali dapat memberikan pembelajaran dan turut mempromosikan pariwisata di Sumut,” ungkapnya. Ditambahkannya, dari data rata-rata kunjungan wisman ke Sumut tiap tahunnya hanya berkisar 300 ribu orang, terpaut jauh dengan Bali yang tingkat kunjungan wismannya hingga 3 juta orang. Dengan MoU yang berisi pengaturan tujuan wisata kembar ini, kami harapkan bisa mendongkrak jumlah wisatawan yang berkunjung ke Sumut, khususnya ke kawasan Danau Toba. Danau Toba merupakan salah satu danau terbesar di dunia sehingga kami optimistis apabila pihak Bali mensinergikan paket wisman yang cukup besar di dunia, dan para wisman akan berdatangan ke Sumut. Begitu juga khasanah kebudayaan Sumut dan heterogenitas lainnya. Bisa dikatakan apabila wisman berkunjung ke Sumut berarti telah mengunjungi Indonesia secara utuh. (*)

Kupang Mulai Berbenah Sambut Sail Komodo

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emerintah Kota Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur, yang akan menata fasilitas pendukung sejumlah obyek wisata pantai yang ada di daerah itu, agar tetap tertata cantik dalam menyambut peserta Sail Komodo 2013. Wali Kota Kupang, Jonas Salean di Kupang, mengatakan sejumlah objek wisata pantai yang akan ditata antara lain, pantai di Nunsui dengan membangun tembok penahan gelombang di sepanjang pesisir itu. “Hal itu saat menjawab persiapan Pemerintah Kota Kupang sebagai tuan rumah singgah serta peserta Sail Komodo yang akan memuncak pada September 2013. Selain itu, kesiapan dalam menjual potensi wisata yang dimiliki daerah setempat,” ujarnya. Dikatakan, dengan membangun tembok penahan gelombang di sepanjang pantai tersebut, akan mengurangi proses abrasi air laut terhadap kondisi pantai yang ada, sehingga tidak merusak pantai. “Dengan tetap terjaganya kondisi pantai yang berpasir putih itu, keindahan pantai tersebut akan tetap terjaga dan terpelihara. Pemerintah Kota Kupang juga berencana membangun sejumlah fasilitas lain, seperti lopo tempat bercengkerama serta fasilitas MCK untuk para pengunjung,” katanya. Ditambahkannya, hal yang sama, kata mantan Sekretaris Daerah Kota Kupang itu, juga akan dilakukan penataan di Pantai Lasiana. Pantai ini milik pemerintah Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur, yang sebelumnya dikelola Pemkot Kupang. “Namun demikian, untuk Pantai Lasiana, Pemerintah Kota Kupang masih membutuhkan waktu guna membicarakannya dengan DPRD Kota Kupang sebagai pemegang hak anggaran,” ungkapnya. (*)

17


photo by spc

Dahlan Iskan Yakin Merpati Takkan Menyusul Batavia Air

Sinergi Empat Kementerian Lahirkan Cetak Biru Industri Fashion

Dahlan Iskan

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ada tahun 2013 ini adalah tahun sarat liburan, karena orang-orang berencana mengambil lebih banyak hari libur dan akan mengeluarkan uang ekstra, terlepas dari kondisi keuangan mereka. Hasil survei situs perjalanan global, Skyscanner menyebutkan hampir tiga perempat atau 71% responden berniat untuk mengambil cuti lebih lama dari sekali cuti pada tahun ini. Manajer Pengembangan Pasar Skyscanner Ira Noviani, sekitar 42% responden berencana untuk bepergian paling tidak tiga kali dalam satu tahun. Meskipun demikian, para responden juga mengantisipasi untuk gaya hidup jet-set semacam itu memang tidak murah dan hampir 40% di antaranya menyatakan akan menerima kenyataan jika memang terpaksa harus mengeluarkan uang lebih banyak untuk liburan. Skyscanner membuat survei pada 1.000 orang wisatawan dari seluruh dunia mengenai rencana liburan mereka di 2013 dan cara mengelola anggaran liburannya. “Hasilnya, orang-orang berencana untuk berlibur ke tempat yang lebih jauh dan lebih sering lagi dan mereka percaya tidak ada kata terlalu dini untuk mulai menyisihkan uang khusus liburan,” katanya. Sedikitnya 8 orang dari 10 orang membiayai liburan terakhir mereka dengan uang tabungan mereka, sedangkan 20% orang di antaranya baru mulai menyisihkan uang untuk perjalanan selanjutnya selesai membongkar bawaan dari liburan terakhirnya. “Namun, walaupun kebanyakan orang adalah penabung yang sadar dengan kondisi keuangan mereka. Sebanyak 59% dari 1.000 orang wisatawan itu mengakui sudah menghabiskan uang ekstra diluar anggaran liburan yang dipersiapkan sebelumnya ketika mereka berlibur,” ujarnya. Sementara itu, survei tersebut juga menunjukkan jika pergi berlibur paling tidak sekali dalam setahun menjadi hal yang penting bagi banyak orang, terlepas dari apakah mereka sesungguhnya sanggup membayar atau berapa lama mereka akan sanggup membayar. “Liburan itu harus ada di agenda setiap orang dan banyak yang merencanakan berlibur dua kali, bahkan lebih dalam satu tahun di kalender mereka,” ungkapnya. (*)

Empat kementerian dalam jumpa pers bersama, bertekad siap memajukan dunia fashion Indonesia

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mpat kementerian yakni Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Kemenparekraf), Kementerian Perindustrian, Kementerian Perdagangan, dan Kemenerian Koperasi dan UKM bersama dengan Asosiasi Perancang dan Pengusaha Mode Indonesia (APPMI) merintis lahirnya cetak biru fashion Indonesia. Empat kementerian dan APPMI mendukung pelaksanaan Indonesia Fashion Week 2013 pada 14-17 Februari 2013 di Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) di mana pada saat itulah cetak biru fashion Indonesia akan diumumkan secara resmi. “Cetak biru ini berisi strategi untuk menjadikan Indonesia sebagai sumber inspirasi melalui prognosis tren dan pemetaan kerja sama empat kementerian,” kata Direktur Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2013 Dina Midiani saat jumpa pers Indonesia Fashion Week 2013 di Gedung Sapta Pesona, Jakarta belum lama ini. Cetak biru itu mengusung tiga strategi dalam pencapaian inovasi kreatif dengan menjunjung budaya lokal yaitu melalui riset, pembinaan, dan peningkatan kom-

petensi, serta peningkatan kinerja usaha. “Dengan upaya itu diharapkan industri mode akan bersatu untuk fokus pada produk siap pakai dengan target kelas menengah,” katanya. Pihaknya menyambut baik kerja sama keempat kementerian itu yang diharapkan ke depan mampu membangun pondasi ekonomi kreatif fashion. Pada kesempatan itu hadir Wakil Menparekraf Sapta Nirwandar, Deputi Bidang Pemasaran dan Jaringan Usaha Kementerian Koperasi dan UKM Neddy Rafinaldi Halim, Sekjen Kemendag Gunaryo, dan Dirjen Industri Kecil dan Menengah (IKM) Kemenperin Euis Saidah, serta Penasehat IFW 2013 (Ketua Apindo) Sofjan Wanandi, berikut pelaku industri mode Indonesia. Dasar cetak biru fashion itu adalah kekayaan lokal dan kepedulian lingkungan yang dikembangkan melalui inovasi dan branding yang dibagi menjadi tiga strategi yakni riset, training, dan peningkatan kompetensi hingga peningkatan kinerja bisnis. Pada kesempatan itu, Sofjan Wanandi selaku penasehat IFW 2013 mengatakan masih diperlukannya koordinasi dengan

berbagai pihak standarisasi, branding, dan promosi bersama fashion Indonesia. “Kami Apindo akan mensupport fashion Indonesia, karena kita layak menjadi yang terbaik di bidang ini di dunia. Bahkan kalau di bidang seni, Indonesia masih yang terbaik di Asia,” katanya. Wamen Parekraf Sapta Nirwandar pada kesempatan itu mengatakan pasar fashion baik di dalam maupun luar sangat besar dan belum tergarap optimal. “Tugas kita adalah melakukan branding dari produk kita dan ini juga yang perlu dilindungi,” katanya. Pihaknya menyatakan siap mendukung berkembangan industri fashion Indonesia sebagai bagian dari industri kreatif tanah air menuju pada Indonesia sebagai kiblat fashion di Asia bahkan dunia. Kontribusi industri mode terhadap produk domestik bruto dalam lima tahun terakhir rata-rata 5,9 persen atau Rp 71,9 triliun pada 2011. Industri mode menyerap tenaga kerja 4 juta orang dan menghasilkan devisa Rp 50,3 triliun. Kontribusi industri kreatif mode ditargetkan menjadi 10-11 persen pada tahun 2025. (*)

MNC dan Gobel Investasikan Rp600 M Bangun Resort di Mandalika

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T MNC Land Tbk dan PT Gobel International yang bekerjasama membangun hotel, vila, dan golf course di Kawasan Pariwisata Mandalika Resort, Lombok Tengah. Fasilitas pariwisata terintegrasi itu dibangun di atas lahan 164 hektare yang dikelola PT Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) dengan investasi Rp600 miliar. Edwin Darmasetiawan, Direktur Pengembangan PT BTDC mengatakan selain itu, MNC Land dan Gobel International Sepakat menggandeng operator Club Med yang memiliki jaringan pelanggan sekitar 1,2 juta wisatawan yang tersebar di seluruh dunia dan kawasan tersebut dikembangkan dengan konsep eco green. “Kini sedang disusun standar pembangunan fasilitas yang mengacu kepada konsep tersebut. Adapun standar tersebut harus diterapkan oleh investor, misalnya penggunaan energi surya, perangkat hemat energi, minim polusi, dan ramah lingkungan. BTDC juga akan mengelola water recycle and sea water desalination,” ujarnya. Dikatakan, untuk penghijauan, BTDC akan segera menanami lahan 240 hektare dari Pantai Kuta hingga Pantai Gerupuk dengan 480.000 pohon produktif dan peneduh seperti sengon, meranti, trembesi, mahoni, akasia, dan sonokeling. “Ditargetkan setelah rancang desain diselesaikan 6-12 bulan, pembangunan konstruksi hotel dan villa itu akan dimu-

lai kwartal II/2014. Pembangunan harus segera dilakukan untuk mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi khususnya Kabupaten Lombok Tengah,” katanya. Ditambahkannya, selain hotel dan villa, MNC Land juga membangun resor tersendiri dan kawasan golf dengan medan perbukitan. Pengembangan lahan golf dengan medan berbukit merupakan potensi yang bagus, karena belum ada di Indonesia. Sementara Presiden Direktur PT Gobel International Rahmat Gobel mengatakan pengembangan resort lebih ditekankan

photo by spc

photo by spc

2013, Penduduk Dunia Bakal Ambil Cuti Lebih Banyak

photo by tri wibowo

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enteri Badan Usaha Milik Negara Dahlan Iskan meyakini nasib PT Merpati Nusantara (Persero) tidak akan sama dengan PT Metro Batavia (Batavia Air) yang diputuskan pailit karena gagal bayar utang, kan itu berbeda soal. Menurut Dahlan, keyakinan saya itu didasari fakta bahwa utang Merpati lebih banyak ke perusahaan negara, bukan ke pihak swasta seperti Batavia Air. Masa iya perusahaan (negara) mau gugat pailit. Misal selama ini Merpati Airlines tidak bisa membayar ke bandara, utangnya kan ke Angkasa Pura. Tidak bisa bayar avtur, utangnya ke Pertamina. Jadi itu utangnya ke negara. “Saya mengapresiasi kemajuan Merpati Nusantara yang kini telah memperbaiki diri. Sekarang sudah tidak utang avtur, asuransi maupun bandara,” katanya. Dikatakan, meski begitu, saya mengungkapkan bahwa untuk mencegah kebangkrutan, para karyawan Merpati Airlines harus rela dicicil gajinya 50%. Demi kesenangan kemudian, karena kalau tidak, bakal tidak bisa terbang lagi.Tapi nanti pasti gaji dibayarkan. Sebelumnya Dewan Pengawas dan Dewan Pakar Forum Pegawai Merpati (FPM) mengkhawatirkan bakal Merpati Airlines bernasib sama seperti Batavia Air karena kerugian Merpati Nusantara Airlines pada 2012 yang mendekati angka Rp 1 triliun. Utang lancar kepada Pertamina semakin bertambah (potensial default), Asuransi Jasindo sampai saat ini juga belum dilunasi bahkan diancam melalui Notice of Cancelation (NOC) untuk kesekian kalinya. (*)

pada penggunaan efisiensi energi dan sinergi dalam penggunaan produksi sumber daya alam dan manusia lokal. Produk lokal seperti ikan, daging, buah dan sayuran yang dihasilkan masyarakat Lombok akan diangkat go international. “Konsepnya eco-smart-resort ini unik dan berbeda dari resort umumnya, untuk itu kami tertarik untuk mengembangkannya. Pembangunan smart resort ini ke depan dapat mendorong pengembangan Lombok untuk dikenal sebagai smart province,” ungkapnya. (*)

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Strategi Promosi Pariwisata Terbukti Efektif

photo by spc

photo by spc

Indonesia Incar Dua Juta Wisatawan Medical Tourism

Sapta Nirwandar

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asil perhitungan Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS), jumlah total kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara ke Indonesia sejak Januari-Desember 2012 terhitung 8,04 juta orang. Wakil Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Sapta Nirwandar mengatakan strategi promosi pariwisata Indonesia terbukti efektif yang ditunjukkan kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara (wisman) yang melebihi target 8 juta orang sampai akhir 2012. “Ini bukti nyata bahwa strategi promosi yang telah kami terapkan efektif untuk menjaring kunjungan wisman ke Indonesia, dan saya menyambut baik terkait laporan Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) yang menyebutkan

jumlah wisman yang datang ke Indonesia melebihi target 8 juta,” ujarnya. Dikatakan, fakta itu tidak hanya membuktikan strategi promosi Kemparekraf cukup efektif untuk menarik kunjungan wisman tetapi juga menunjukkan bahwa sektor pariwisata terbukti tahan terhadap krisis global. “Di tengah ketidakpastian perekonomian global, pertumbuhan pariwisata Indonesia mencapai 5,16 persen melebihi angka pariwisata global yang tumbuh 4% berdasarkan data UNWTO. Langkah ke depan pihak Kemenparekraf akan bekerja lebih keras untuk meningkatkan koordinasi dengan kementerian lain, pemerintah daerah, serta stakeholder terkait demi memperbaiki aspek

infrastruktur, konektivitas, dan pelayanan,” katanya. Ditambahkannya, ini karena tiga aspek ini berperan penting untuk meningkatkan kedatangan dan pergerakan wisatawan, baik wisatawan mancanegara maupun wisatawan nusantara. Dari kunjungan 8,04 juta wisman pada 2012 perolehan devisa pariwisata mencapai sekitar US$ 9 miliar tumbuh sebesar 5,16%, sedangkan perolehan devisa pariwisata tahun 2011 sebesar US$ 8,5 miliar dengan jumlah kunjungan wisman sebesar 7,6 juta. Capaian kunjungan wisman 2012 ini tercatat sebagai rekor baru dalam dunia kepariwisataan Indonesia. (*)

photo by spc

Garuda Indonesia Bersiap Terbang Langsung ke London

Emirsyah Satar

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askapai Garuda Indonesia akan mengoperasikan rute penerbangan langsung Jakarta-London, Inggris melalui Gatwick Airport, mulai kuartal keempat tahun ini. Hal itu sebagai upaya pengembangan jaringan penerbangan internasional dan bagian langkah perusahaan menjadi global player (pemain dunia). “Pembukaan rute penerbangan Jakarta – London diharapkan dapat mendorong aktivitas ekonomi antara Indonesia dan Inggris. Hal ini menyusul terus meningkatnya transaksi perdagangan di antara kedua negara setiap tahunnya,” kata Direktur Utama PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk Emirsyah Satar di Jakarta belum lama ini. Dia mengatakan, kehadiran rute penerbangan langsung Jakarta-London akan melengkapi rute internasional Jakarta-Abu Dhabi– Amsterdam. Pembukaan rute ini merupakan bagian dari program Quantum Leap 2011-2015 untuk mengembangkan jaringan penerbangan internasional. Dikatakan, sebagai bagian dari upaya untuk meningkatkan layanan kepada pengguna jasa, rute penerbangan baru ini akan dilayani dengan armada Boeing 777-300ER yang dilengkapi dengan WiFi dan layanan Chef on Board untuk First Class. Layanan ini dihadirkan untuk memberikan kenyamanan lebih kepada penumpang ketika melakukan penerbangan jarak jauh. “Kami memilih Gatwick sebagai bandara operasional untuk penerbangan langsung Jakarta-London karena kenyamanan serta luasnya jaringan dan pilihan aksesibilitasnya menuju negara-negara Eropa lainnya,” kata Emirsyah. Penerbangan langsung tersebut akan dilayani enam kali setiap minggu. Pesawat

Boeing 777-300 Extended Range berkapasitas 314 penumpang, terdiri dari 8 kursi First Class, 38 kursi Business Class, dan 268 kursi Economy Class. Sehubungan dengan pembukaan rute Jakarta – London ini, Perdana Menteri (PM) Inggris David Cameron mengatakan, pemerintah Inggris ingin menghubungkan Inggris dengan Indonesia yang merupakan pusat pertumbuhan ekonomi tercepat di dunia. “Pembukaan rute penerbangan langsung ini menjadi salah satu strategi utama untuk mencapai tujuan itu. Rute langsung dari London menuju Jakarta akan berdampak positif bagi sektor bisnis di Inggris, dan di sisi lain juga dapat mendorong Indonesia untuk semakin bersaing di kompetisi global.” lanjut Cameron. Dalam kunjungannya ke Indonesia, April 2012 lalu, PM Inggris dan pemerintah RI menandatangani komitmen kerja sama ekonomi yang menargetkan transaksi perdagangan barang dan jasa kedua negara pada 2015 dapat mencapai 4,4 miliar poundsterling. Pembukaan penerbangan langsung ini diharapkan dapat mendorong tercapainya target tersebut. Chief Executive Gatwick airport Stewart Wingate menyambut baik atas terpilihnya Gatwick oleh Garuda untuk mengoperasikan penerbangan langsung ini. “Tidak hanya mengingat potensi perkembangan bisnis Indonesia yang signifikan bagi Inggris, tapi juga karena belum adanya penerbangan langsung yang menghubungkan kedua negara hingga saat ini. Di sisi lain, Jakarta merupakan salah satu hub terbesar di Asia Tenggara. Hal ini tentu akan memudahkan akses bagi penumpang dari UK menuju wilayah tersebut,” kata Wingate. Menurut dia, Gatwick Airport menjadi satu-satunya bandara di Inggris yang dapat menghubungkan penumpang dengan pusat ekonomi terbesar di Asia Tenggara. Gatwick merupakan bandara terbesar kedua di Inggris sekaligus bandara dengan runway tunggal tersibuk di dunia. Bandara ini melayani penerbangan menuju 200 destinasi di 90 negara dunia dan dapat menampung kapasitas penumpang hingga 34 juta per tahun.

“Inggris merupakan salah satu negara yang memiliki konektivitas terbaik di dunia. Untuk itu, kami memerlukan lebih banyak lagi jaringan langsung menuju pusat-pusat pertumbuhan penting seperti Indonesia. Dalam hal ini, Gatwick berkontribusi langsung melalui investasi di sektor infrastruktur bandara. Bersama-sama dengan maskapai, kami membuka rute-rute baru menuju pusatpusat pertumbuhan ekonomi baru seperti China, Rusia, Turki, Vietnam, dan sekarang Indonesia. Kami sangat menyambut baik kehadiran Garuda Indonesia tahun ini”, tambah Wingate. Inggris merupakan salah satu pasar terbesar bagi Indonesia dengan potensi 160 ribu penumpang yang bepergian ke wilayah tersebut untuk tujuan bisnis dan wisata. Sementara Indonesia merupakan target pasar yang potensial bagi Inggris menyusul pertumbuhan ekonomi yang tumbuh positif setiap tahunnya. Emirsyah menambahkan, pembukaan rute baru ini juga diharapkan dapat membuka akses langsung dari Asia Tenggara ke Eropa maupun sebaliknya. Selain rute tersebut, tahun ini Garuda Indonesia juga akan membuka rute-rute penerbangan internasional baru menuju Auckland dan Brisbane. “Selain itu, Garuda Indonesia juga terus memperluas jaringan penerbangannya ke Eropa melalui codeshare agreement dengan maskapaimaskapai penerbangan internasional lainnya, termasuk Etihad Airways, yang memungkinkan penumpang untuk terbang ke 7 kota besar di seluruh Eropa”, tambah Emirsyah. Dubes RI untuk Inggris, Teuku Mohammad Hamzah Thayeb, menyambut baik inisiatif Garuda Indonesia membuka rute penerbangan langsung Jakarta-London. “Penerbangan ini tentu akan meningkatkan trafik penumpang dan kargo -tidak hanya antara kedua negara- tetapi juga dari Eropa ke Indonesia dan juga sebaliknya. Penerbangan ini tidak hanya akan berdampak positif pada pariwisata Indonesia dan aktivitas ekonomi antara Indonesia dan UK, namun juga terhadap hubungan kedua negara pada umumnya,” katanya. (*)

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etua Umum Asosiasi Biro Perjalanan Indonesia (Asita), Asnawi Bahar, menargetkan wisatawan kesehatan Indonesia akan mencapai 2 juta orang tahun ini dan dibanding tahun lalu, jumlah wisatawan yang mengikuti wisata kesehatan atau medical tourism mencapai 200-300 ribu orang. “Kami harapkan yang bisa masuk ke Indonesia mengikuti medical tourism 2 juta orang, dan juga kami telah bekerjasama dengan beberapa rumah sakit di kota-kota besar. Medical tourism adalah paket wisata yang menyertakan layanan kesehatan saat berwisata. Layanan kesehatan yang disediakan bisa berupa pemeriksaan medis (medical check up) atau produk kesehatan tradisional, seperti spa atau pijat dengan ramuan tradisional,” ujarnya. Dikatakan, biasanya paket medical tourism berlangsung tiga hari dan setelah melakukan pemeriksaan kesehatan, konsumen akan dibawa berkeliling ke destinasi utama wisata di kota yang dituju. Wisata kesehatan telah menjadi program Asita sejak tahun lalu. “Asita telah menjalin kerjasama dengan beberapa rumah sakit di Indonesia yang terletak di empat kota besar, yakni Jakarta, Bandung, Medan, dan Surabaya. Tercatat enam rumah sakit yang bekerjasama dengan Asita untuk menyediakan fasilitas wisata kesehatan,” katanya. Namun ketika ditanya mengenai kendala dalam pelaksanaan medical tourism di Indonesia, Asnawi mengatakan pertama, kesadaran rumah sakit untuk terlibat dan bekerjasama dengan biro perjalanan dalam menyediakan fasilitas medical tourism masih rendah. Mereka kurang tanggap dan aktif dalam pemasaran atau pemberian fasilitas ini. Harus ada komunikasi antara industri dan rumah sakit. “Saya sering mengimbau rumah sakit di Indonesia untuk mulai aktif terlibat dalam kegiatan pemasaran medical tourism karena potensi yang cukup besar. Selain itu, kendala yang lain adalah perspektif masyarakat Indonesia bahwa layanan kesehatan di luar negeri lebih berkualitas daripada dalam negeri,” ungkapnya. Ditambahkannya, memang kita harus menyiapkan infrastruktur dan meyakinkan masyarakat bahwa potensi medical tourism ini sangat besar dan kita perlu melihat negara-negara tetangga seperti Singapura dan Malaysia yang sangat gencar mempromosikan medical tourism-nya disini. (*)

Best Western International

Bangun 13 Hotel Baru di 2013

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est Western International semakin optismis dan semakin ekspansif dalam mengembangkan sayapnya di Indonesia, karena sepanjang tahun ini bakal melakukan ekspansi beberapa hotel baru lagi di Jakarta, Bali, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Palu, Makassar dan Malang. Iwanto Hartojo, President Director Best Western International mengatakan dengan pertumbuhan dan perkembangan Best Western International di Indonesia mulai dari 6 hotel yang telah beroperasi, maka sepanjang tahun 2013 ini bakal menambah lagi hotel baru sebanyak 13 hotel yang akan difokuskan di kota Jakarta (Serpong, Kelapa Gading, Kuningan dan Pondok Indah) dan selanjutnya dikota-kota besar lainnya. “Diharapkan kehadiran hotel baru tersebut, dapat berkontribusi terhadap perkembangan pariwisata dan bisnis meeting, incentive, convention & exhibition (MICE) di kota-kota dimana Hotel Best Western berada, apalagi, rata-rata keberadaan lokasi Hotel Best Western cukup strategis dan dinamis,” ujarnya. Dikatakan, Best Western International adalah jaringan hotel terbesar di dunia menyediakan dukungan pemasaran, reservasi dan operasioanl kepada lebih dari 4,100 hotel anggota yang dimiliki dan dioperasikan secara mandiri di 100 negara seluruh dunia. “Nah, untuk pelayanan reservasi, saat ini juga dapat dilakukan melalui website, Best Western mobile: Best Western To Go! Yang dapat di download aplikasinya dan dapat diakses melalui Blackberry, Android, iphone, Ipad kapanpun dan dimanapun dan sistem yang terbaru adalah facebook booking,” pungkasnya. (*)

Vol. VII No. 11, 2012

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Indonesia host ITB Berlin Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise Vol. VIII No. 2, 2013

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