Nyepi, back to zero point. Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise. Vol. VII No. 3, 2012

Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise

Vol. VII No. 3, 2012

Nyepi, back to zero point

photo by Sonny Tumbelaka

www.ultimoparadiso.com - Indonesia Tourism News

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Vol. VII No. 3, 2012 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] MARKETING MANAGER Tania FREELANCEMARKETING Ben Sisko [email protected] GRAPHIc DESIGNER

Yudick Ariant [email protected]

ACCOUNTING

[email protected]

TRANSLATOR

Indira Sari Paputungan

CONTRIBUTOR

Christovao Vinhas [email protected]

DISTRIBUTOR

Martin Sanjaya

BANK Account

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

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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focus

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my indonesia

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island explorer

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island explorer

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island explorer

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whats on bali

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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]

Put Bali to Rest on Nyepi Day N

yepi comes from the word sepi, which means quiet or silent. Nyepi Day is the celebration of Hindus New Year based on the Caka Calendar, which was started in 78 AD. Not like New Year celebration in other regions, Caka New Year in Bali is begun quietly, from zero. There are no hustle bustle of the daily activities and even the public service like international airport stop operating, except the hospital. The main aim of Nyepi is to purify the Buwana Alit (human’s nature/micro cosmos) and Buwana Agung (the universe/macro cosmos). There are series of ceremonies conducted by Hindu followers (especially in Bali) prior to Nyepi Day. On Nyepi Day, Hindu people perform Catur Brata Penyepian that consists of amati geni (no fire), amati karya (not working), amati lelungan (not going out/traveling) and amati lelanguan (not having fun/ entertainment). For those who are capable can also perform tapa, brata, yoga and semadhi (meditation). Therefore, the New Year is started with a new and pure life. It becomes a must for Hindu people to have spiritual readiness to deal with the challenges in the New Year. The tradition to celebrate New Year by spending money, gambling and drinking is a wrong attitude and should be changed. Nyepi Day is usually a special moment for the hotels. Most hotels offer Nyepi package for tourists on

holiday in Bali. Welcoming Caka New Year 1934, hotels in Bali offers various Nyepi packages. The packages have been offered to domestic and international tourists a month before. There is a package of two days and three nights and some hotels offer during and after Nyepi Day package. Solution to Global Warming Nyepi can be said a solution to global warming. This was discussed in the UNFCCC (United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Bali on 3 – 7 December 2007. The convention discussed the proposal to use the concept of Nyepi on international scale. It is planned to name the concept as The Silent Day. The Silent Day is not aimed to Hindunize the world, but to take the essence or value contained in Nyepi to minimize the effect of global warming. The Silent Day is celebrated every March 21 and will be free of pollution day in the whole world. Nyepi celebration in Bali is carried out thoroughly by strictly implementing the Catur Brata Penyepian. This is supported by the provincial government of Bali by closing the access of air, land and water transportation for one day. This is aimed to provide proper condition for Nyepi celebration. Thus, Nyepi Day in Bali can be said as a day free of pollution, energy saving and a day for self reflection.

photo by spc

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 spc

Ni Komang Suciani

Series of Nyepi Celebration:

- Melasti Ceremony; Melasti ceremony is held two or three days before Nyepi. It is also called Melis or Mekiyis. The entire religious and ceremonial equipment in the temple are carried to places that contain or flow water such as sea, lake or river. Those places are considered to be the source of the holy water (tirta amerta) and can clean and purify from negative things inside and outside human body and soul and the nature. - Ngembak Geni Ceremony; Ngembak Geni ceremony is held after the Nyepi Day (the end of Brata Penyepian). This day is used to perform Dharma Shanty or visiting each other and asking and giving forgiveness. Therefore, Hindu people can start Caka New Year with positive things both in family and society. - Bhuta Yajna Ceremony; This ceremony is held a day before Nyepi. Bhuta Yajna ceremony is aimed at eliminating the evil spirits by making giant doll that resembles buta kala (evil giant) or known in Balinese language as Ogoh-Ogoh. It is carried out in every house, hamlets, villages, districts, and regencies in Bali.

Melasti Ceremony

Ogoh-Ogoh

Ogoh-Ogoh

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photo by spc

Medan to Offer Ciba Iland and Lake Siombak

Lake Siombak

historical attractions such as Maimoon Palace, Mosque, and a number of ancient buildings in Medan. “After they have visited those places, tourists have no other options to explore in the city of Medan. For this reason, Lake Siombak and Iland Ciba are offered. After that, tourists can explore the attractions outside the city of Medan such as Parapat and Lake Toba, Langkat with Tangkahan attractions, as well as Brastagi with its natural beauty, “he said. He added that a number of tourism practitioners and observers in Medan said that there are almost no tourist attractions in Medan that are capable of attracting foreign tourists to visit. In Thailand, there

are a lot of temples, while Singapore is known as the shoppers’ paradise that makes tourists spend long time there. RT Manurung, a tourism practitioner, stated that Medan city government never seriously manages the tourist areas that can attract foreign tourists and make them stay longer in Medan. “Medan relies solely on Maimoon Palace and Masjid Raya (mosque). With only two places to visit, practically tourists just spend short time in Medan and look for the other attractions outside the city. Lake Siombak itself is not yet ready to be a tourist attraction due to the lack of infrastructure and adequate means of support,” he said. (* )

Government to seriously develop Tourism PNPM

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In response, Mari Elka Pangestu, said that the ministry provides the space for HIMPI members throughout Indonesia to support the tourism PNPM program.

“ Tourism PNPM is a community-based government program and produces craft products that can be absorbed by HIMPI members engaged in tourism,” she said. (*)

Mari Elka Pangestu

I photo by spc

oordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Agung Laksono said the government seriously develops the National Program for Community Empowerment (PNPM) Mandiri in the field of tourism to create more tourism village in Indonesia. “ Tourism PNPM will continue to be developed for it can accelerate the local economy and lead to the increase of social welfare. This is related to the plan of Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) that also participates in the development of Tourism PNPM,” he said. Agung appreciated the support from HIMPI and he expects that there will be a guarantee of product marketing of the tourism villages. He often finds that there are many high value products made by the villagers with low quality of packaging and marketing. “Therefore the support of young entrepreneurs is needed to help developing tourism PNPM,” he said. Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Tourism division, plantation and agribusiness of HIPMI Desi Arianti said that HIPMI would support the PNPM program in tourism sector. “We can train the local community to absorb the products of tourism villages. To support these programs, HIPMI have been coordinated with the government and one of them is with the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu,” she said. She added that the local community or local entrepreneurs should actively involve in tourism development that is expected to provide opportunities and access to the local community to develop supporting business for tourism sector.

Indonesia won third prize at Go Asia Award 2012

ndonesia won third prize in the Go Asia Award 2012 at the Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB), an international tourism fair in Messegelande, Berlin. The Go Asia Award honors the winning countries as the best tourist destinations in Asia. First and second place went to Thailand and Singapore, respectively. Tourism and Creative Economic Minister Mari Elka Pangestu praised the achievement and said that the momentum should be maintained to pursuit the target of 8 million foreign tourist arrivals this year. “ITB Berlin is the precise platform to promote Indonesian tourism. We will evaluate and decide the strategy for next year’s promotion based on this achievement,” Mari said. She added that Indonesia would be ITB Berlin’s official country partner next year. “To get optimum results, preparations start from now,” Mari said. (*)

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edan City Government offers Ciba Iland and Lake Siombak as new attractions to attract foreign tourists to visit the thirdlargest city in Indonesia. Vice Medan Mayor Zulmi Eldin admitted that tourist attractions in Medan are limited. Thus, tourists only spend short time in Medan and then find other tourist areas. “For that reason, Medan City Government offers Lake Siombak and Ciba Iland as one of the new tourist destinations in Medan,” he said. Moreover, Zulmi said that Ciba Iland and Lake Siombak are marine tourism that offers natural beauty. So far, the city of Medan only offers

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Wonerojo, An Alternative for Mangrove Ecotourism in Indonesia photo by spc

Yogyakarta to Offer Cultural Village Diversity

photo by spc

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pecial Region of Yogyakarta as one of the leading tourism destinations has a rich diversity of cultural village that needs to be maintained and even developed. Chairman of Widya Budaya Yogyakarta Foundation, Widi Utaminingsih said that cultural village which is quite a lot in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has potential as a tourism asset of this area, especially if they are developed and maintained properly. “In this province there are many cultural villages that each has its own characteristics, cultural heritage, customs and traditions that are still well preserved, and become part of the everyday life of the local villagers,” she said. She further said that this cultural village has potential to attract tourists both from overseas and nationwide to visit this area. Every cultural village has the potential that can be developed in terms of customs, traditions and arts and cultural heritage of the ancestors. “Therefore, the cultural village could be developed as a rural tourist destination by encouraging the villagers to participate. The development of cultural villages certainly will automatically increase the welfare of the local people through the efforts to “sell” the potential of the village, “she said. Tourists who visit cultural village can enjoy the countryside, including experiencing the everyday life and traditions of the local people. “It is expected that the local governments and stakeholders to develop the cultural village and maintain the village community to continue preserving the culture and customs exist in the village,” she said. (*)

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angrove ecotourism in Wonorejo, Surabaya, becomes one of two mangrove areas in Indonesia which will be used as a pilot project in Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Use (MECS). This is the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). According to the Head of Department of Agriculture of Surabaya Samsul Arifin the MECS agreement was signed in March 2011 in a period of 3 years. This is a continuation of the previous

cooperation conducted in 1991-1999. “MECS itself aims to establish the sharedlearning mechanism, a study on mangrove conservation and sustainable utilization in ASEAN countries. MECS has selected the city of Surabaya and Balikpapan as a pilot because both locations have the same issue where mangrove can play an important role in the management of coastal areas, “he said. Surabaya and Balikpapan will prepare a work plan related to mangrove conservation to integrate the efforts and the implementation of more

US Tourist Arrival to Indonesia Increases

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photo by spc

photo by spc

Crafina to exhibit top craft products

he exhibition of top crafts Crafina would open up new opportunities for business people to participare in the large-scale craft fairs. Mediatama Binakreasi, as the event organizer held Crafina to accommodate prospective exhibitors who have not had the opportunity to participate in Inacraft due to higher demand in each year. General Manager Operations and Marketing PT Mediatama Binakreasi, Hadi Sunarno said Crafina 2012 will put forward the theme of “From Natural Resources to Creative Products for Lifestyle”. The exhibition also aims to provide an opportunity for the beginner Small and Medium Unit Enterprises (SMEs) to learn and expand the area and develop a network of their marketing system. “The exhibition is also intended to meet the needs of the domestic market and abroad, as well as to increase Indonesian exports in the international market based on self-reliance and resilience of businesses in the SME sector,” he said. Moreover he said that as for the targets to be achieved by holding this exhibition is to create strong and independent SMEs that are capable of producing high quality products so as to be a commodity that can be marketed both nationally and internationally. “This year is the fifth time Crafina held since its first event in 2008, which was initiated by the Association of Exporters and Producers of Indonesian Handicraft (ASEPHI). Crafina will be held at Jakarta Convention Center on December 12 to 16 2012, “he said. (*)

effective and sustainable activities. Therefore, to support the success of the MECS project, Kemenhut in cooperation with Surabaya and Balikpapan City Government and JICA held a workshop in Surabaya and Balikpapan. “Hopefully, through this workshop, participants can exchange ideas and obtain information through discussion forums, presentations, and field trips. We also want to take advantage of this moment in preparation for the implementation of the ASEAN workshop in November 2012, “he said. (*)

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he interest of foreign tourists, especially from the United States who visited Indonesia has been increasing since the first trip of President Barrack Obama in early November 2010. Tourist arrival from the U.S. has increased b y a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 3 % i n 2 0 11 , a n d i s

expected to continue rising this year. Vinsensius Jemadu, Deputy Director of Overseas Promotion for The U.S. and the Pacific Region, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy said that the growth occurred due to the promotion, and also supported by the Indonesian se-

curity condition that is getting better and conducive. “The increase has made this ministry to be one of the largest contributors of foreign exchange for the state. In 2010, the number of U.S. tourist arrival was around 171, 528 people, then rose to 194, 000 in 2011 or up by about 13%, “he said. Moreover he said that this year, the ministry is targeting to attract 200,000-205,000 foreign tourists from the U.S. or up by 5% or 6% due to the condition of the country that is still affected by the economic crisis. Currently, the U.S. is hit by the financial and economic crisis, only the upper classes can be targeted for Indonesian tourism market. Indonesia is currently building positive image about tourism in the country, which used to be very sensitive due to the occurrence of many natural disasters, as well as unfavorable security conditions. “In recent years, Indonesia’s image in the U.S. as well as in other countries is getting better. Indonesia for example, becomes an example of a successful country to deal with natural disasters and terrorism. Position of Indonesia in international forums is increasingly important, as in the Group of 20 (G20), “he said. It was also recognized by Indonesian Ambassador in Washington, Dino Patti Djalal. The conditions are improving, and an increasingly strategic position of Indonesia in international forums, strongly supports the growth of the tourism sector. (*)

Bakrieland to Build Hotel and Town House in Yogyakarta

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T Bakrieland Development Tbk is planning to work on the cultural and economic potential of Yogyakarta through the construction of hotels and town houses in the region. President Director of PT Graha Multi Insani subsidiary company of PT Bakrieland Development Tbk, Agus J Alwie in Jakarta said that they wanted to create Rasuna Epicentrum area on the outskirts of Jakarta, by building a condotel and town houses as an early stage. “Bakrieland has prepared the development plans, in addition to Yogyakarta, there will also be hotel and town house development in Bandung and Surabaya as well as the first step. Bakrieland

has appointed Aston International Indonesia as the management operator of Condotel that they called Neo Awana Hotel Yogyakarta, which is scheduled to start operating in 2013, “he said. Yogyakarta Condotel is offered to investors at a price of Rp16 million for a unit area of 21 to 57 square meters, while the Town house with an area above 90 square meters sold at a price of Rp20 million. Meanwhile, President and CEO of Aston International Indonesia, Charles Brookfield explained, considering the hotel market in Yogyakarta Neo Awana will target three-star hotel with the rate of Rp 500 to 700 thousand.

“Awana has 296 rooms and 70% of them is offered to investors, while 30% will be retained for as revenue. Project investment value is around Rp120 billion and the entire units are expected to be sold out in 2012, “he said. He added that Awana has built 296 condotel units and 38 units of town house that are completed with hotel facilities like swimming pools, meeting rooms, coffee shop, and lounge that is intended for businesses, individuals, and families. Awana is located at Jalan Mayjen Sutoyo Yogyakarta. It is situated on a very strategic location, which is close to the city square. (*)

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PHRI: Hotel Rate Going Up following Fuel Price Increase photo by spc

AirAsia to Open Flight to Lombok in October

A photo by spc

irAsia will soon open a flight route to Lombok International Airport, as requested by the local Government of the Province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Head of Culture and Tourism Bureau of West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB), Lalu Gita Aryadi, in Mataram said that the local government has repeatedly asked the management of AirAsia to open a flight route to Lombok, and they’ll make it happen in October. “In fact, the Chairman of the Regional Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD) NTB Awan Aswinabawa, has also contacted AirAsia’s management several times to get the answers that the route to Lombok International Airport will be commenced in October 2012,” he said. It is said that BPPD NTB actively approaches the AirAsia management to open the route to Lombok in order to attract more tourists visiting the island of Lombok and Sumbawa, NTB. This is also closely related to the attempt to build a Lombok-Kuala Lumpur connection for the advancement of the tourism sector, labor and trade in the region of NTB. Hopefully, the management of AirAsia will open direct flight route of Kuala Lumpur - Lombok. “It’s part of NTB tourism promotion efforts, and BPPD funded by the provincial budget each fiscal year,” he said. (*)

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he 10% hotel rate increase would wait for the increase of fuel (BBM) rate, which is accompanied by a rise in a number of other needs. The increase would have occurred if the price of fuel has been set by the government. Chairman of the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) South Sulawesi Aggiat Sinaga said that the plan to increase the hotel rate is still waiting for the increase of other needs that is estimated between 5-10% based on the initial assumption fuel prices also increased by about 5-10%. “Another component that will trigger the adjustment of rates and restaurant menus is the in-

crease in electricity tariff (TDL). The adjustment would be around 5% to 10% with the condition that fuel price will be increased by Rp 1,500 per litre. The point is that we raise the rate in accordance with the percentage of rate increase in fuel and electricity, “he said. It said that the increase was triggered by the rising cost of production of both hotels and restaurants. In the five-star hotel, the production cost per room for example, the price will increase from Rp 750,000 to Rp 850,000. “The cost of electricity is 75% of total energy costs. Meanwhile, an energy cost is 40% of the total cost of production. Hotel rates in Indonesia

are in accordance with the comparison of hotel rates in the world, and it is the cheapest, “he said. He added that the most expensive hotel rate in Indonesia is around US $ 60-70 or much cheaper than Singapore which has a rate of up to US $ 200. We should be grateful that the construction cost is not much different. Our strong point lies on the affordable hotel rate. “To defend the superiority of budget travel, hotel businessman adapted the concept of green hotel. The concept of green hotel has been adapted to reduce energy costs. In this concept, waste and water are recycled, “he said. (*)

Need Additional International Flights

in January 2012 included Malaysia (19, 008 visits), China (18, 061 visits), Japan (13, 443 visits), Singapore (12, 893 visits), Saudi Arabia (9644 visits), South Korea (9185 visits), Australia (7290 visits), Taiwan (6339 visits), U.S. (5944 visits), and India (4953 visits). “Furthermore, the room occupancy rate of fivestar hotel in Jakarta in January 2012 reached 54.99% or decreased by 1.23 points from the occupancy rate in the previous month as much as 56.22%. If it is compared with the five-star hotel room occupancy in January 2011 which reached 56.41%, it is still lower by 1.42 points, “he said. He further said that the length of stay of foreign and domestic tourists in star-hotel in Jakarta in January 2012 reached 2.16 days or an increase of 0.24 days compared with an average length of stay in December, which was 1.92 days. The ratio of foreign guests to Indonesian

guests, he added, for a five-star hotel in the capital in January 2012 reached 0.22%. However, when compared with the period of January 2011 there was an increase of 0.19 then 0.03 points. “Guests staying at a five-star hotel in January 2012 were mostly domestic guests, given the ratio of foreign guests to the domestic guests is almost entirely under one,” he said. (*)

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akarta Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) recorded the number of foreign tourist arrivals through Soekarno Hatta Airport, Halim Perdanakusumah Airport and the Port of Tanjung Priok in January 2012 fell 3.56% to 162, 368 visits. According to Head of Distribution Statistics (BPS Jakarta) Rudyanto Dody the decrease occurred in the arrival of business people. “Those foreign tourists were mostly businessmen, who came on business purposes. However, we expect the following months the figure will increase, including the number of tourists coming for vacation, “he said. According to him, in January 2012 the number of foreign tourist arrival was 162, 368 people and it was 11.84% higher compared to same period last year as many as 145, 179 visits. Ten countries that contributed foreign tourist arrival

photo by spc

Sasha Waltz & Guests to Perform at ISI Surakarta

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erman Cultural Center, Goethe-Institut Indonesien presented an exciting dance performances, titled “Zweiland” from

Sasha Waltz & Guests from 1-9 March 2012 to several cities like Jakarta and Bandung. It was performed at the Grand Theatre of ISI Surakarta (Indonesian Arts Institute of Surakarta) on March 9. This show is a production of Sasha Waltz & Guests as a joint production with Berliner Festspiele GmbH, the Grand Theatre Groningen, Schauburg Munich and Staatsschauspiel Dresden. This work was supported by The Cultural Office of the State Senate of Berlin. Sasha Waltz & Guest was funded by Hauptstadtkulturfonds. Choreographer Sasha Waltz presented imaginative stories and surreal they draw strength from the daily life. Her works take us on a journey through the most different world of emotions and dreams. Human living spaces play an im-

portant role. The work “Zweiland” took place in public spaces: streets. Dynamic lifestyle and spirit of street life is reflected in the rhythmic sequence of movements. Unlike the “Allee der Kosmonauten” (Avenue of the Cosmonauts), Sasha Waltz’s work is inspired by the concrete social conditions, which is then brought into reality to the stage. “Zweiland” performance in Indonesia was offered as part of a series of events “JERIN - Germany and Indonesia-Creativity in Diversity” held from October 2011 until June 2012 to celebrate the diverse relationships in exceptional projects in the fields of culture, economics, science and education. (*)

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Foreign Tourists visit to Jakarta Decreasing by 3.56%

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overnment of West Java Province expects an increase in the intensity of international flights at the Husein Sastranegara Airport, Bandung to boost tourist arrivals to the area. Nunung Sobari, Head of Tourism and Culture Bureau of West Java, said the addition of the frequency of flights was also instrumental in expanding the market of foreign tourists visiting the province. “So far, West Java tourism is still relying on the markets of Malaysia and Singapore. Tourism sector entrepreneurs in West Java have not been able to penetrate the market of other potential countries such as Brunei Darussalam, and Thailand, “he said. It is said that according to data compiled by Bisnis, international flight frequencies in Bandung City are not much. Bandung-Malaysia route is served three times per day by AirAsia. Bandung-Singapore route by AirAsia is available twice a day and once a day by Silk Air. “Factors supporting tourist visits include smooth access from one destination to another destination and means of transport that can attract more tourists to visit certain area. Therefore, the intensity of international flights in Bandung should be added in order to gain more foreign tourists visit, “he said. He added that foreign tourists visit to West Java is expected entrepreneurs in the region because they have relatively larger transactions in tourist sector. In addition, foreign tourists usually have longer period of stay when compared to domestic tourists. “Therefore, foreign tourists are potential market for the tourism sector. West Java Culture and Tourism Bureau is targeting 80,000 tourist arrivals this year, an increase of 30 000 compared to the previous year, “he said. (*)

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ASITA Considers Many Programs to Miss the Targets

Lifestyle Expo will be held at Jakarta Convention Center

Menparekraf Encourages to Seriously Manage Culinary Tourism

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ravel Agency Association (ASITA) of East Kalimantan considered tourism promotion often carried out by local governments, both provincial and district and city, often missing the target so the target market to be achieved can not be optimally obtained. Chairman of the DPD ASITA East Kalimantan Joko Purwanto stated that business practitioners and local governments seem to work separately in promoting the tourism of East Kalimantan. As a result, there are many foreign and domestic tourists do not know about potential tourist destinations in East Kalimantan. “When we held tourism promotion in Malaysia some times ago, no one knows Balikpapan. It was when we went there for tourism promotion when travel agencies in Malaysia finally know about Balikpapan. If this condition continues, the development of tourism in East Kalimantan will move slowly. As a result, the potential revenue from this sector should be earned by the local government would be lost due to the improper approach in introducing the tourism potentials, “he said. He further said that the local government focused more on the exhibition that was held in the region such as Balikpapan Fair that was held by the Balikpapan City Government. Ideally, the City Government through the concerned organizations should be able to communicate that to the business practitioners so that it can be made into an annual event. “When it is included in the annual calendar of tourism events, business people can ask all colleagues outside Balikpapan to come and do promotion in Balikpapan. Later, each area will allocate certain budget to participate in the event, “he said. He added that promotional funds budgeted by the government in East Kalimantan are not in large numbers. Balikpapan through Balikpapan Tourism Board has allocated the promotion budget of Rp150 million in 2012. However, the lack of budget is not necessarily a reason to make tourism promotion as a ceremonial program. The local government should work together with related parties to optimally utilize the limited budget available in order to achieve the target of 25,000 foreign tourist visits and 350,000 domestic tourist visits. “Tourism Promotion requires further improvement because the local government requires input from business people. However, ASITA should also prioritize some urgent matters needed by the people of Balikpapan, “he said. (*)

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fter the success of Lifestyle Expo held in several countries, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organized a similar event in Indonesia. This international event will be held at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on 15-17 March 2012. There are 200 companies from Hong Kong and Guangdong Province, China that have been confirmed to participate in the first exhibition in Jakarta. Joe Kainz, HKTDC Corporate Communications Department said that the main objective of the Lifestyle Expo is to

bridge the bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Indonesia. ‘’ We organized this expo to help Hong Kong companies seeking new markets and bring them to the new buyers. In addition, HKTDC also wants to increase awareness for business practitioners Indonesia that products made in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province have excellent quality, “he said. He further said that the quality product is one of the main criteria to be able to participate in this expo. Lifestyle Expo is the event that has scored a success in promoting com-

Silk Air to Add KL – Lombok Flight Frequency

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ilk Air has finally agreed to approve the proposal of additional flight frequency to Lombok International Airport proposed by the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Head of Culture and Tourism Bureau of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Lalu Gita said Aryadi there is already an agreement to increase flight frequency from four to five times a week. “Silk Air is a subsidiary of the famous Singapore Air that opened a direct flight route from Changi Airport (Singapore) to Selaparang Airport (Mataram, Lombok) which then switched to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) - Lombok (Indonesia),” he said. It is said that Silk Air flight route to Lombok which previously landed at the Selaparang Airport is now moving to Lombok International Airport in Tanak Awu, Pujut District, Central Lombok regency, about 40 kilometers south of Mataram. “Every Silk Air flight to Lombok carries in an

average of eighty passengers coming from various countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Britain and other European countries.

The flight frequency is only four times a week every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, “he said. (*)

photo by spc

photo by spc

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t is the time to seriously work on culinary tourism. It can be one of the points of attraction of Indonesia’s tourism. Both domestic and foreign tourists can be the potential market for culinary tourism. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf), Mari Elka Pangestu, said that not all people know all culinary spot in their city. “Therefore, we need to build a culinary tourism destination such as where to eat delicious meatballs, soto and others. Working on a culinary tourism also means supporting businesses engaged in the culinary field as one of the pillars of the new creative economy,” she said. It will also help SMEs in the culinary field and optimize the potential of domestic tourists. Domestic tourists are considered to have greater potential than foreign tourists in terms of the economic contribution. “Last year, there are approximately 227 million domestic tourist arrivals throughout the year and they spend as much as Rp171, 5 billion. While the number of foreign tourists was 7.649 million and contributed US$ 8.5 billion or equivalent to Rp76, 5 billion, “she said. She added that the ministry wants to raise domestic tourists, especially the middle and lower segments. Big investment is not needed to work on this segment because it only needs the development of new public space for recreation. “There are cultural parks and the zoo, we only need to complete it with additional facilities like a dance or music studio,” she said. (*)

panies from Hong Kong and Guangdong in the international world. “Before it is held in Jakarta, Lifestyle Expo has been held in China, Budapest (Hungary), Mumbai (India), and Warsaw (Poland). Through Lifestyle Expo, buyers from Indonesia may seek and obtain innovative lifestyle products without having to travel to foreign countries, “he said. He added that the event also provides an opportunity to have direct meeting between buyers and potential providers of goods and services (sellers). (*)

Mandala Airlines to Start Flying on April 2012

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ingapore’s Tiger Airways Holdings has announced the reoperation of Mandala Airlines started on April 2012. Even the Director General of Indonesia Civil Aviation has re-activated the air operator certificate for PT Mandala Airlines in which Tiger Airways has 33% of its stake. According to Tiger Airways in their press release, the information on the number of aircraft, the initial route, and destination of Mandala Airlines will be announced soon. The resumption of flights is scheduled for April 2012. Mandala Airlines flying license has been suspended since January 2011 by the regulator. This is positive news for Tiger Airways because some times ago there are some concerns about the fleet delivery. By the reoperation of Mandala Airlines will increase the performance of Tiger Airways that is currently disrupted by the slow growth of passengers in Singapore. Singapore has

exceeded its capacity. So, Mandala Airlines may absorb most of the new delivery. After the announcement of the operation of Mandala Airlines, Tiger Airways Singapore

Holdings Ltd stock performance rose by 6.4%. Tiger Airlways shares rose 5.1% to U.S. $ 0.82 and beat the Straits Times index that rose by 0.2%. (*)

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Ternate, North Maluku became the best exhibition. During the Legu Gam Festival, you can see some historical sights such as the heritage of the Sultanate of Ternate, the Mosque of the Sultan of Ternate, and the fortresses of the colonial legacy. Legu Gam Festival or the folk party will also become a means of cultural promotion in North Maluku, and Ternate town in particular. During the Legu Gam Festival, people from various tribes set up booths to promote their handicrafts or selling a variety of specialties from Ternate such as gohu ikang, popeda, sago, bagea, grilled tuna and others. With all the promising potential, the festival has become an important event for both local government and the public, including tourists. The festival will continue be voiced throughout ASEAN and other countries. In fact, many business people take advantage of the festival to explore various business opportunities to then make a deal with the value up to hundreds of million dollars. No need to worry if you want to stay. There is a wide choice of hotels ranging from jasmine to the star class. The hotel provides a typical dish of North Maluku. Public facilities are also available as well as telecommunication booth, banking, and transportation facilities. (*)

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egu Gam or the folk party originally came from the customs of North Maluku. Historically, the folk party involved the kingdom / sultanate and was done in the form of dances called Legu Dance. This year, Legu Gam Festival will be held on April 2 to 16, 2012 in Ngaro Lamo Field, sub-district Letter C, Ternate, North Maluku Province. Legu Gam Festival supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, is a folk festival held in line with the 48th birthday of the Sultan of Ternate (the current leader of Ternate) Mudaffar Sjah Sultan. The festival is held every year on April 13 since 2002 starting as a form of appreciation for the loyalty of the people to the kingdom. There are many interesting activities held during the one-week festival. The main event will be a gathering between the Sultan and the community. Legu Gam Festival was originally conceived by the Queen of the Sultanate of Ternate named Queen Nita Budhi Susanti (i.e. the wife of Sultan Mudaffar Sjah). This idea was born as an attempt to translate the determination of the community and the sultanate in dealing with various problems, particularly the riots that took place in the North Maluku in the late 1990s. The local government has made this festival as one of the annual tourism event of Ternate and North Maluku province. The goal is to preserve the local culture as well as an appreciation towards the existence of the Sultanate of Ternate that has existed for more that 800 years. Legu Gam Festival was opened with a march from the palace to Ngaro Lamo field. There are many activities that can be enjoyed during the festival such as dance performances, fashion show of traditional clothing and many more. Communities from all over the island and other areas will gather at the Palace of the Sultanate of Ternate (Kedaton) and participate in a variety of performing and traditional arts and culture. The festival will be held for a full week with the main event to be attended by the Sultan. Legu dance is usually performed in three events and they are in stages. This dance is a series of movements that resemble a bird flapping its wings. According to legend, this dance is a symbol of the two-headed bird (Goheba), which became a symbol of the Sultanate of Moloku Kie Raha (Ternate, Tidore, Jailolo and Bacan). The dancers are women who are not from the family of the Sultan. The Sultan is not allowed to stand up before the dance is completed. It is intended that the messages being conveyed can be understood, internalized, and the subject of introspection for the Sultan in carrying out his leadership. You can also watch several competitions held in the sea like a kora-kora rowing and fishing competitions which are all conducted in the Sea of Sulamadha. Interestingly, the committee also held a running race called the race 13 (according to the anniversary date of the sultan) that goes around the highway in front of the palace of the Sultanate of Ternate. Even more excitingly, you can also enjoy children’s rides like a barrel of death, carousel, and so on in the evening. At the peak of the event, soldiers and courtiers of the sultanate start the foot washing ritual activities for guests as a symbol of purification before sitting in a chair that has been provided by the committee. Legu Gam Festival has become the scene of the artists from various districts in the province of North Maluku to show their skills and talent. Islands such as Sula, Jailolo, Tidore, and other areas sent their best artists to perform their creativity. Painting, photography, sculptures and carvings that are closely linked with the Sultanate of

photo by spc

The Festivity of Legu Gam Festival

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photo by spc

More about Reog

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The next dance is performed by 6-8 girls riding horses. The traditional Reog is usually performed by male dancers dressed like women. This dance is called Jaran Kepang (the braid horse dance), which should be distinguished from another dance called Kuda Lumping. Another opening dance if usually a dance performed by little kids who brought up the funny scenes. (*)

photo by spc

photo by spc

eog is one of the cultural arts from northwestern part of East Java and Ponorogo is regarded as the hometown of Reog. The town gate of Ponorogo is decorated by the figure of warok and gemblak, two figures presented during a Reog performance. Reog is one of the Indonesian cultures that is still rich in mysticism. Basically there are five versions of the popular story that develops in the community about the origins of Warok and Reog, but one of the most famous stories is the story of the rebellion of Ki Ageng Kutu, a royal servant in the era of Bhre Kertabhumi, the last King of Majapahit who ruled in the 15th century. Ki Ageng Kutu was furious towards the powerful influence of his King’s Chinese partner in the government and the corrupt behavior of the king; he saw that the power of the kingdom of Majapahit would soon end. He then left the king and founded the school where he taught young people martial arts, science, self-immunity, and the science of perfection in the hope that these young generations will be the seed of the revival of the Majapahit kingdom in the future. Being aware that his forces were too small to fight the royal troops, Ki Ageng Kutu political message conveyed through the performing arts called Reog, which is a “satire” to the King Bra Kertabumi and his kingdom. Reog performance had become a way of Ki Ageng Kutu in building the local resistance by using the popularity of Reog. Modern Reog is usually performed in certain occasions such as weddings, circumcisions and some national events. Reog Ponorogo consists of a series of 2 to 3 opening dance. The first dance is usually performed by 6-8 men dressed all in black, with red polished face. The dancers depicts the figure of brave lions.

Ubud ... the city of Balinese arts and crafts

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photo by spc

monkey forest, where you can take the pictures of the monkeys wandering around freely. You find anything about Bali except the beaches in Ubud. Do not forget to art and cultural performance that is usually held every night, especially Pendet and Kecak dance. It is not too difficult to reach Ubud. If you depart from Denpasar, just go through the bypass and follow the directions to Gianyar and Ubud. Do spend your time visiting Ubud, you won’t regret it. (*)

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ali is famous for its beautiful nature and exotic arts and culture that never faded by modernity. It is not a surprise if there are so many domestic and international tourists listed Bali as one of their holiday destinations. Who does not know about the sunset in Kuta, the hustle and bustle of Legian at night, the beauty of the temple in Bedugul, surfing in Pecatu, and other beautiful places in Bali? I think most people know about all of these. There is one place that should not be missed when you are on vacation in Bali and it is Ubud. Ubud is the place where you will really feel that you are in Bali. The arts and cultural performances are held periodically and hundreds of art shops and galleries that sell and display the great works of Balinese artists can be found in this area. Ubud is located at the altitude of about 300 meters above sea level. It offers cool air and an unspoiled environment that often become a perfect source of inspiration for local and foreign artists, especially from Europe. Ubud fame as the center of art and culture cannot be separated from the historical legacy of a great artist like I Gusti Nyoman Lempad (1862-1978), Anak Agung Gde Sobrat (1919-1992), I Gusti Made Deblog (1910-1986), later followed by I Gusti Ketut Kobot, Ida Bagus Made, Dewa Putu Bedil, Ida Bagus Rai and others. The fame of the artists mentioned above helps to provide inspiration for Western artists to live in the village of Ubud such as Antonio Blanco. Ubud Bali is indeed the center of art activities where we can find dozens of art shops along Mas Street that provides a variety of furniture, ranging from those made from rattan, bamboo or teak. In Ubud kelod you will find a variety of handicrafts such as wood sculpture, silver, glass handicraft, leather craft, paintings, and many more. There are also scattered dozens of restaurant and lodging, from cheap to an exclusive accommodation, from restaurant with Indonesian cuisine to the European food. Here you can also visit the

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Pattern Variety of Flores Woven Ikat

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lores woven ikat is made of cotton yarn twirled by the weavers themselves. The yarn is coarse and dyed in indigo blue. The fabric is adorned with decorative geometric shapes of different bright and flashy colors. Woven fabric from Manggarai uses golden yellow, red, and green colors a lot. The making of ikat design in Flores is performed by tying the threads of lungsi. These jobs can last for weeks and sometimes even for months. Often the dyeing is done one by one for each sarong, although it is sometimes also performed at once for more than one sarong. When the small kingdoms in Flores still existed, some people work specifically as a maker of woven fabrics for the needs of the kings. There used to be a classification of the traditional clothing based on the social status (i.e. the nobles society or the commoners), but it is no longer exist. Now woven fabrics made for sale to the market and then sold again to those who need it. Orders with special qualities are still served at a special price as well. Some of the areas that produce woven fabrics are Manggarai, Ngada, Nage Keo, Ende, Lio, Sikka, and Lembata in the eastern part of Flores.

In Manggarai there is a different technique of ikat making, which is using lever sticks in the weaving process to produce additional songket weaving. Woven songket from Flores has many similarities with woven songket from Sumbawa. According to the history, the region in the west of Flores was once belonged to Bima - Sumbawa kingdom that had woven songket cloth of gold and silver threads for the kings of Bima. This brought a fairly strong influence in the western area of Flores, so they have a tradition of making songket cloth although it does not use the gold and silver threads. In addition to songket cloth, Ngada also has woven ikat. Woven ikat from Ngada uses dark colors, such as the combination of blue and brown colors, with simple lines. While the tribe of Nage Keo produces unique motif featuring small spots of floral motif. The tie lines are combined with other lines of small white, red, and plain blue. As well as sarongs, the design of songket fabric is classified into the head part that is placed in the middle and the body part, which is placed on the back side of the fabric. Songket design from Manggarai and Ngada also have the body and head parts

with a different motif in both sections. When it is worn, the head part is usually placed at the front and the body placed in the back. In Flores, woven fabrics are usually worn to chest height. In the process, they wear the kebaya with a sarong. How to wear sarongs like this is similar to the way Bugis and Makassar women in South Sulawesi, or Kaili and Donggala in Central Sulawesi wear it. At first, Flores custom fabrics for ladies are in a form of sarong and folded at chest height on the front. Silver belt is worn on the waist. They do not wear the kebaya or blouse. But now there are other variations of how the put on sarong, where the folds of sarong is tied on one shoulder so slightly lifted up on one side. How to wear songket or ikat in Flores is different from one area to another. Women in Sikka, Maumere wear waist sarong called utan, which is combined with kebaya called labu, a similar model to kebaya of Maluku. Utans with decorative colored in dark or black is called welak. Wearing sarong and labu is still incomplete before put on a scarf called dong. Their appearance is also completed with hairpin made of silver of gold with the shape of flower called bunga. (*)

The uniqueness of Traditional Kamasan Painting

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amasan is a community of traditional artists of painting. The long and intimate relationship and development of this traditional painting has given distinctive style to the paintings that the artists called the Kamasan traditional painting style. Actually, artistic talent grows as well in other works of art such as gold, silver and bullet sculpture. Although in terms of material used depicts the metal color and follow the changes occured, but still the

trademark appears in theme of painting or carving that describes puppet characters. Puppet characters that became the theme of painting or carving refer to the story of the epic Mahabharata or Ramayana, as well as the story of Arjuna Wiwaha and Suthasoma. Therefore, the Kamasan style of painting or carving or Kamasan Wayang can be said to be somewhat older than their historical context, which remains

photo by spc

photo by spc

undamaged until now. According to the impression of international collectors, Kamasan style of painting is still considered a very subtle and sophisticated work of art, clean, and not affected by the details that are not important and has a very clear message of the story. Traditional painting or carving that present the theme of wayang (puppet) has become certain attraction to artists or tourists visiting the village of Kamasan. Kamasan as the center of the development of traditional painting and sculpture is the name of a village in Klungkung regency. Geographically, Kamasan village is part of low-coastal area of Klotok beach or Jumpai beach. Kamasan is about 43km away from Denpasar. Along the way to Kamasan we will pass the neighboring villages of Kamasan such as Tojan and Gelgel where we can still hear the clang of hammers of silver and bullet artisans or the sound of traditional waving machine the cagcag. Tourist attractions around Kamasan such as Kertha Gosa in Klungkung city and Batu klotok and Dasar Temple in Gelgel are parts of the history of the greatness of the Gelgel Kingdom in the 15th – 16th century. Kamasan as a central of traditional painting or carving products is visited by both domestic and foreign tourists. They usually come in the morning or afternoon when the villagers are doing their art works. Currently the artisan products have been further extended to not only gold and silver carving, but there is also carving made from copper or brass and bullets. They received a lot of order from domestic and foreign tourists. (*)

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ujak Cigur (Cingur Salad) is one of the traditional foods that are easily found in East Java, especially Surabaya where it is originally from. In Javanese language the word “cingur” means “mouth”. Rujak Cingur is made from sliced cow’s nose that is boiled and mixed into the dish. Rujak Cingur usually consists of several types of sliced fruits such as cucumber, Krai (a type of cucumber from East Java), bengkuang (yam bean), unripe mango, pineapple, kedondong (spondias dulcis) and rice cake, tofu, Tempe, bendoyo and vegetables such as bean

sprouts, spinach and string beans. Cingur, fruits and vegetables are mixed with sauce or condiment made from processed shrimp paste, boiled water, white sugar / brown sugar, chili, fried peanuts, fried onions, salt and thinly sliced green banana (pisang klutuk). The sauce ingredients are grinded or known in Javanese language as diulek. Therefore, Rujak Cingur is also often called Rujak Ulek. Rujak cingur is commonly served with additional crackers, and a pincuk (banana leaf) as the plate. (*)

photo by spc

photo by spc

photo by spc

The Delicious Rujak Cingur

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ave you visited the Safari Park in Bali? If you haven’t, do spend your time visiting the Bali Safari & Marine Park. The park offers more than just animal watching, but also an international-class theater, which involves animals. Last holiday, my family and I had the opportunity to spend holiday in Bali. Among the list of ‘must visited places’ in Bali I included Bali Safari and Marine Park. I took my family to watch the theatrical performances of “Bali Agung. “Some of my friends said that it is “highly recommended” to watch this performance, which began its show in October 2010. ‘ I was really curious about this performance and it has become my main target to visit during my time in Bali. We can enjoy two attractions at once, namely the safari tour to see the collection of animals at the Safari Park and the theater of Bali Agung. The show itself is about the legend of Jayapangus, a king of Bali in the 12th century. It was narrated that King Jayapangus married a princess from China named Kang Ching Wie. After being married for so many years, they still have not been blessed with children. This had made King Jayapangus left his kingdom to meditate in certain place with the hope of having a child. In the midst of his hermitage, the king was seduced by the lake goddess, Dewi Danu. Jayapangus was tempted and eventually had a son from the Dewi Danu. Meanwhile, after being left for so long without news, Queen

Kan Ching tried to find her husband. But she was shocked to find out that her husband was married and even had an heir. The story was then continued with the background of a love triangle dispute between Jayapangus and his two wives. Just like other legend, this story also has a happy ending. I was very impressed with this show. Its sound, lighting, and stage are truly at world-class level. The indoor theatre is huge and able to accommodate up to 1200 audiences. The show involved about 150 players with a variety of beautiful and charming traditional clothing. The show also included a collection of animals belong to Bali Safari and Marine Park such as elephants, camels, cows, various species of birds, snakes, and tigers. The stage itself was big enough to accommodate those animals. Before the show began, all players including the animals paraded in front of the stage to greet the audience. Both my kids were watching with delight as the carnival of animals and hundreds of players dressed in traditional Balinese colorful sparkly marched on the stage. The show was opened with a panoramic view old Balinese village. The atmosphere was really alive. Dozens of players entered the stage and performed different activities such as farming, selling, riding cow-pulled cart, bringing offerings, children playing, and there were interesting group of ducks swimming out from the left side of

the stage toward the right side of the stage. From the right side of the stage, a fisherman appeared rowing a boat to the left side of the stage. At the front of the stage there was a pool filled with water that allowed the fishermen and duck to perform on the water. On left side of the stage there are Balinese gamelan players who played the accompanying music. The show is quite contemporary that blends modern music and gamelan. While on the right of the stage there is a puppeteer and a kid who served as narrator of the story. The narrative was delivered in English. The stage lighting was perfect and the dynamic lighting was capable of displaying the atmosphere of the scene being displayed. Lighting also played important role in the turnover of each segment. Every time the story changed, a wide screen would be pulled down. The screen was a medium for the puppeteer to present the puppet show of the story to be played next. Lighting at the puppet was presented attractively in colorful and very dynamic presentation. There was a segment of the story, where the audiences were surprised by some of the birds that flew over the head of the audiences from behind the stage before finally perched on the trees put on the stage. In short, the audience’s eyes and ears are pampered during the show. Before this I had seen a similar show in Guangzhou China which featured music and dance that reflected the cultural diversity of various ethnic groups in China. At that time I was amazed by the stage, sound, beauty and clothing that the players wore. However, after watching the Bali Agung, it is not exaggerating if I said that this is a very stunning theatrical performance. I highly recommend this show for those who visit Bali. It’s a must see show. For the record, the audiences are not allowed to take pictures during the performance. This rule is really enforced. If you ignore this policy and still take picture, the staff will come and ask you to delete the pictures. For those who bring cameras, there is a secure place to temporarily store your cameras. For more information, including the schedule of the show, you can see it on the official website of Bali Theatre, www.balitheatre.com. (* )

photo by spc

photo by spc

Enjoying the splendor of “Bali Agung Show”

More Americans visit Bali this year List of Bali’s foreign tourists based on their nationalities, January 2012: 1. Australia (63,704 visitors) 2. China (55,099) 3. Japan (12,805) 4. Taiwan (11,671) 5. Malaysia (11,656) 6. Russia (10,907) 7. South Korea (10,567) 8. Singapore (7,566) 9. United States (6,783)

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eing separated by more than 20 hours of flight time and approximately US$1,500 in round-trip airfare is not enough stop Americans from going to Bali – an Indonesian province that is widely considered as “second home” for beach lovers and surfers from Indonesia’s closer neighbors like Australia. This year, Bali has seen a significant increase in American tourists, rising 17 percent compared to same period last year, the Bali Statistics Agency said. “Most of the [American] tourists arrived at the Ngurah Rai International Airport on direct flights. Only 131 tourists coming arrived via cruise ships,” Bali Statistics Agency head Gede Suarsa said. Although the number of tourists from the US is growing, it is still some way off compared to Australia – Indonesia’s closest neighbor, whose citizens dominate the demography of foreign tourists in Bali. Despite its robust growth, the US ranks ninth in the list of places of origin for tourists visiting Bali, with Australia, China, Japan Taiwan and Malaysia holding the top-five spots on the list. According to the agency’s statistics, most foreign tourists visiting Bali are Australians. The statistics office recorded 63,704 Australians as having traveled to Bali in January this year alone. (*)

10. England (6,325)

European crisis to hinder International Flights to Bali

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he economic crisis that occurred in Europe has made the growth of international flight to Bali slowed to the level of 8.3%. It is considering that European countries are one of Bali’s main potential tourism markets, especially in the winter and summer. General Manager of PT Angkasa Pura I Ngurah Rai Airport, Purwanto said in 2011 the growth of international flight both departure and arrival reached 15 percent, but due to the economic crisis it has slowed to 8.3%. “The slowing growth was also affected by the tsunami that hit Japan last year. Due to the crisis, a number of international airlines no longer served flight to Bali, “he said.

He further said that those airlines had cut some routes for efficiency such as Qantas, an Australian airline, which had stopped its flights to Bali. “Including a Japanese airline is also evaluating its route to Bali. The slowing growth of international flights is also considered to occur due to the tourist saturation towards Bali,” he said. He added that Bali is a small island and tourists might approach the saturation point of the attractions on offer so that it affects the traffic growth. However, although the international flight is slowing down, but the growth in domestic airlines has increased. “The growth of domestic flights has reached 20%,” he said. (*)

Edsuko Cipta Prima to allocated Rp140 Billion for Hotel Construction

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t is PT Edsuko Prima, a property company, which will allocate funds amounting to Rp140 billion to build a five-star hotel in Bali. CEO of PT Edsuko Prima Eddy Sutrisno said that the company has spent Rp 140billion to buy the land and building. The Rain Forest will be managed by Swiss-Belhotel, management expert and an international hotel operator. “The hotel construction has been started since July 2011 and is targeted to operate in January 2013. The hotel has the capacity of about 360 rooms consisting of several types and a total of 163 units are grand deluxe type offered to the owners of capital, “he said. He further explained that only 70 units are offered. “Grand deluxe rooms offered have been sold as many as 52 units. The price offered for each unit is around Rp1, 3 billion, “he said. (*)

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BRIDAL FAIR , FOR MORE THAN JUST A WEDDING…

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irtha Bridal, one of the most loved wedding venue in Bali recently held a Wedding Fair Exhibition devoted to helping wedding organizers and bride-to-be with their future wedding plans. Show case their new, inventive ideas and fantastic products and services, this exclusive specialist truly brings Wedding Fair to a new level. Doors were opened for pre booked couples from morning to noon showcasing the latest set up, decorations and amenities.The wedding assistants provided on hand to assist as well as answer any concern questions for those who have yet to solidity their decision. The Chapel at TirthaUluwatu and the Wedding Pavilion at TirthaLuhur were dresses for a classic contemporary wedding ceremonial style, all were perfectly presented. Tirtha services leave no detail unattended with extensive range of wedding options. Choice from its own on site Bridal show room with “off cat walk” imported bridal dress designs, hair & make up artists, floristry, video, photography and banquet services.

Tirtha has access to the island’s best selection of entertainers, performers and event staff to create truly memorable occasions for any type of public or private celebration. The Bridal Fair continued with an evening reception set up, guests arrived and enjoyed the show case of a real wedding party, a simple elegant and sophistication at the same time. The soft live music background, the luminosity of the candles around the pools, the flowing white organza curtain and indoor dining feasts convey an absolute romance experience. This annual event is part of Tirtha’s commitment to perfection. Nothing should go wrong – it is more than just a wedding… it is a beginning of a love journey, unforgettable moments for wedding made in heaven, perhaps remains a perfect destination. About Tirtha Bridal One of its kind in Bali and set on the breathtaking cliff tops of South-

ern Bali, TirthaBridal offers 2 main venues;TirthaUluwatu, an outstanding 6,000 sqm is surrounded by exotic Balinese garden and water features and TirthaLuhur which offers an exclusive three bedroom luxuryprivate villa set on 3,000 sqm with a wedding pavilion, outdoor dining locations,swimming pool, bar and relaxation gazebo to cater to an elite group of bridal couples andindividual guests. Both venues are architectural masterpiece lauded internationally for itsvisionary design and unique concept for a joyous ceremony and reception. Tirtha signature chapel is also renowned for hosting some of National most elegant and prestigious celebrity and socialite wedding and party reception. Every facility and service available are destine to createlasting memories of a marriage made in heaven, on the Island of the Gods.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Tel: (62) 361 847 1151. Email: [email protected] (* )

CNN HERO: Robin Lim to Hold Charity Night at Waterbom Bali

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obin Lim, achiever of CNN Hero of The Year 2011 together with colleagues and sponsors organized a charity night titles Sound of Life – Giving Back to the Community with Robin Lim. It is a form of social concern to provide contribution in helping the continuation of Bumi Sehat Foundation. “We dedicated the result of this charity night for humanitarian activities, especially to help pregnant women,” she said. Bumi Sehat Foundation led by Robin Lum has Bumi Sehat Clinic in Gianyar, which started operating in 2003 from the donation of her friends, colleagues and communities in Bali and all over the world. The clinic has several midwives, nurses, doctors, housemaids and chefs.

The contract of the clinic will be ended in the next three years. Robin Lim said that there will be a new location to build the permanent clinic. However, it won’t be that easy to remove the whole activities to a new place. Over the past one year, Bumi Sehat Clinis has recorded 33,000 patients who came for a medical treatment that include women in labor and treatment for accident. In providing the service, Robin Lim does not charge the patients. However, her patients often expressed their gratitude in a form of money or gift. Her clinics in Gianyar and Aceh that was built in 2004 after the tsunami disaster have helped the birth of 5,000 babies that mostly come

from less-advantaged families. She protested the medical practices that tend to be commercialized. Through the practice of “Gentle Birth” Robin Lim facilitates the labor by providing more attention, love and affection on the mother and the newborn. “We provide gym for pregnant women, yoga three times a week and consultation all for free, she said. Robin is an American citizen who moved from Hawaii to Bali with her husband William. Motivated by her sister who experienced a complication during her labor, which caused death, Robin decided to enter midwife academy in North America to get her certification.

Favehotel Seminyak Nyepi Day Packages

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avehotel Seminyak as one of select service hotel in Seminyak area is introducing “3 days/2nights Nyepi Day Packages from March 22nd 2012 until March 24th 2012 at IDR 1.150.000 nett” is designed to deliver maximum pleasure to the minimum expense for you who plans to spend this Nyepi moments with family, friends or your loved one. Favehotel Seminyak Nyepi Day Package offers a distinct benefit to the traveler and local. The packages includes hotel room, breakfast for 2 adults, lunch and dinner on March 23rd 2012 only. We have a kids corner activities for your children such as drawing, carving, egg painting and puzzles during the Nyepi day. Favehotel Seminyak located in Southern Bali situated in the very heart of Seminyak right on Jalan Dhyana Pura which offers a myriad of restaurants and clubs. The hotel will offer 251 modern, functional and stylish guest rooms, several small meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and an eclectic street front coffee shop. Seminyak is one of popular and bustling area in Bali, owing to its high density of high-end small boutiques, combines with the many fine eating places makes it becoming one of the most attractive tourist areas in the island. Aston International’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mr. Norbert Vas, said “Seminyak area is a very perfect match for favehotel with its chic design and trendy concept. We believe favehotel Seminyak will become the preferable hotel which in line with modern people lifestyle, looking for simplicity and pleasurable that have an eye for value of money.” For more information and reservations, please call +62361-739000 or e-mail at [email protected]

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photo by spc

photo by spc

Unforgettable holidays in Aston Inn Tuban

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ston Inn Tuban is one of the hotels in Bali located in Tuban, South Kuta that you should choose to stay in during your holiday in Bali. It is not only suitable for couples and family travelers, but also suitable for business people. It is strategically located in the center of the crowd that allows the guests to easily visit many interesting places that will enliven their holiday in Bali. For family entertainment, tourists can visit Waterbom Park just a few minutes drive from the hotel, while for those who like hanging

out in the Mall can visit the Discovery Mall in Kuta, where tourists can enjoy all the lifestyle with beautiful views of Kuta beach. For shopping lovers, Tuban and Kuta areas are shoppers’ heaven. You can easily visit the shops that sell unique and interesting products from Bali such as clothes, accessories, statues and many more that are available all the way down from Kartika Plaza to Legian street. When evening comes, you should not miss the stunning view of sunset on Kuta Beach. Aston Inn Tuban is only 5 minutes away from the Ngurah Rai Airport or 30 minutes drive from Denpasar. The rooms are beautifully decorated with a purple base color dominance that provides a nice impression to anyone who stays at the Aston Inn Tuban Hotel. The hotel presents a minimalist modern style decor and furnishings combined with contemporary style and soft materials. Each room is completed with a private balcony that can be used to relax while overlooking the garden and swimming pool. There are 76 rooms available at Aston Inn Tuban that includes standard room, Superior Pool Room, Business Suite and Executive suite. Each of these rooms is completed with Jacuzzi bathtub and shower, 24 inch TV, telephone, mini bar, tea / coffee, air conditioning and safety box. Other facilities offered at the three-star hotel Aston Inn Tuban are Hula Cafe’s and Bar which provides a variety of international food, Meeting Room which can accommodate up to 100 people with a range of facilities that support the smooth running of business, as well as Lomi-Lomi Spa to pamper your body and mind with a variety of treatments with natural ingredients. (* )

Pura Besakih…..the revered Mother Temple of Bali

Hotel Services and Facilities: • Swimming pool • Restaurant & Bar • SPA and massage • Meeting room • laundry service • 24 hour-room service • Parking Area

Starwood to open Le Meridien resort in Bali Jimbaran

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photo by spc

tarwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has signed an agreement with PT Tiara Raya Bali International to develop a new 123-suite Le Meridien-branded resort in Bali, Indonesia. Located on Bali's western coast, the yet-to-open Ristia Resort is to be renamed Le Meridien Bali - Jimbaran under the terms of the deal and is scheduled to open in mid-2012. Facilities will include a full-service spa; a fitness suite; a "uniquely-designed" lagoon pool; and meeting space, as well as the three-storey Bamboo Chic restaurant and bar. Eva Ziegler, global brand leader for Le Meridien and W Hotels Worldwide, said: "Le Meridien has undergone a comprehensive brand transformation in the six years since it was acquired by Starwood.

Four Seasons Bali has a new manager

photo by spc

photo by spc

"In this new era for Le Meridien, with its best portfolio ever and a new brand direction, we are proud to return to Bali, specifically a perfect lifestyle destination such as Jimbaran." (*)

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ising majestically on the western slopes of Mount Agung, and referred to as the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali, is Pura Besakih, or the Besakih temple, covering a vast area that offers breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding this beautiful and artistic temple complex. Facing Mt. Agung’s highest peak, believed to be the abode of the gods, and located at an altitude of 900 meters, Pura Besakih is built in the village of Besakih, in the eastern part of Bali. The name Besakih comes from the word “Basuki”, derived from the word “Wasuki” which means Salvation in the classical Sanskrit language. Whereas, in the Samudramanthana mythology, the same name “Be-

suki” in fact refers to the Dragon-God “Naga Besukian”, who inhabited Gunung Agung, the main volcano in Bali. This grand temple complex has been revered as a holy place since ancient times. The first recorded mention of its existence comes from an inscription dating back to 1007 AD. It is known that since the 15th century Besakih was regarded as the central temple of Hinduism in Bali. Pura Penataran Agung, or the “Great Temple of State” is the center of the temple complex and is is Bali’s main place of worship, a complex comprising twenty-two temples on six rising terraces set on parallel ridges. This complex expresses the essential be-

lief of the Balinese known as Tri Hita Kirana, meaning that life on earth must be lived and kept in balance and harmony between man and God, man and society and his fellow human beings, and man and his natural environment. During a full moon, Balinese and pilgrims throng to the temple. During the festival of Odalan, the temple is most elaborately decorated. Odalan is celebrated on every 210th day. Away from the loud parties of Kuta Beach, leaving the thrilling waves of Uluwatu behind and the modern facilities of Nusa Dua, then traveling beyond enchanting Ubud, a visit to Pura Besakih is truly a spiritual experience into the heart of Balinese religious and cultural life. (* )

our Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay announces the appointment of Ilkin Ilyaszade as Resort Manager. With a career spanning 17 years in hotel and business management in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore, Ilkin is keen to bring his well versed experience in luxury hotel operations across the globe to add value to the Resort and flourish its services, facilities, operations and guest experiences. A Canadian/Azerbaijani national, Ilkin has held positions as revenue manager, front office manager, director of rooms, hotel manager and several senior corporate roles such as group human resources and operations projects, which led him to his most recent role as the assistant vice president and corporate director of a luxury hotel chain in Asia. A remarkable academic, 37 year old Ilkin, who speaks fluent English, Russian, Turkish and Azeri, boasts an MBA degree from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, as well as a degree in Economics from Azerbaijan State Oil Academy. He is also a graduate of Cornell University’s General Managers Program in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management in the USA. (*)

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Industri Wisata Harus Efisiensi Energi

Indonesia - Jerman Tingkatkan Kerjasama Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif

donesia berpartisipasi dalama bursa pariwisata dunia di Internationale Tourismus Borse (ITB) Berlin yang berlangsung 7 hingga 11 Maret 2012. Keikutsertaan Indonesia tahun ini untuk ke-32 kalinya. Mari dalam kunjungan kerja itu mengadakan pertemuan bilateral dengan Menteri Ekonomi dan Teknologi Jerman yang membawahi bidang pariwisata Phillip Rosler serta Menteri Pariwisata Malaysia, serta Sekjen UN-WTO Talef Rifai. Mari mengatakan sebagai official partner country , Indonesia mempunyai kesempatan untuk berpromosi secara besar-besaran dalam event ITB-Berlin 2013 mendatang. Oleh karena itu, terkait dengan program tersebut Menteri Ekonomi dan Teknologi Jerman yang membawahi bidang pariwisata Phillip Rosler akan datang ke Jakarta untuk membicarakan kerjasama G to G bidang pariwisata dan ekonomi kreatif termasuk membicarakan join promotion pariwisata tersebut. Mari menjelaskan pengunjung paviliun Indonesia di ITB Berlin tahun ini terlihat lebih ramai dan diharapkan transaksi yang diproleh para pelaku bisnis pariwisata Indonesia juga lebih besar. Tahun lalu pelaku bisnis pariwisata Indonesia mendapatkan traksaksi pariwisata di ITB Berlin senilai Rp 1,7 triliun. Delegasi Indonesia terdiri atas 60 industri pariwisata di antaranya dari kalangan hotel dan biro perjalanan, serta 9 dinas pariwisata yaitu dari Kab. Pegunungan Bintang, Kab. Jayapura, Kab. Sarmi, Pemda Jawa Tengah, Pemda Jawa Timur, Kabupaten Sleman, Pemda Prov. Bali dan Kab. Badung, dan Pemda DKI Jakarta. (*)

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enteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Menparekraf) Mari Elka Pangestu mengatakan, momentum peringatan 60 tahun bubungan bilateral IndonesiaJerman tahun ini akan dimanfaatkan untuk meningkatkan kerjasama di bidang pariwisata dan ekonomi kreatif. Kerjasama bilateral di bidang pariwisata, menurut Mari, antara lain meningkatkan promosi bersama (joint promotion) dan sumber

daya manusia (SDM) bidang pariwisata melalui pelatihan dan pemberian beasiswa. Sementara kerjasama bidang ekonomi kreatif seperti pembuatan film, design, dan arsitektur. “Terkait dengan joint promotion pariwisata, kita minta pemerintah Jerman membantu Indonesia yang akan menjadi official partner country ITB Berlin 2013,” kata Menparekraf Mari Elka Pangestu di Berlin, Jerman. Mari Elka Pengestu memimpin delegasi In-

Pramuka Ikut Aktif Sukseskan Gerakan Sadar Wisata

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enteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Mari Elka Pangestu mengatakan, gerakan Pramuka terkait erat dengan program kementerian tentang gerakan sadar wisata. Itu sebabnya Pramuka dijadikan kepanjangan tangan pemerintah untuk menyukseskan pembangunan pariwisata nasional melalui wadah Satuan Karya Pramuka Pariwisata (Saka Pariwisata). “Wadah Saka Pariwisata yang kita bentuk ini untuk memajukan pariwisata dengan melibatkan masyarakat. Nanti mereka menjadi pasukan terdepan untuk sadar wisata, khususnya kebersihan dan keindahan,” kata Mari Elka Pangestu dalam sambutan penandatanganan nota kesepahamanan peningkatan kemampuan anggota gerakan Pramuka di Gedung Sapta Pesona, Jakarta belum lama ini. Ia mengungkapkan, Saka Pariwisata merupakan wadah pendidikan bagi anggota Pramuka agar dapat membina dan mengembangkan keterampilan di bidang pariwisata. Keterampilan itu nanti meliputi krida penyuluhan pariwisata, krida pemanduan wisata, dan krida kuliner wisata. “Ketiga hal ini dapat mendukung program

sadar wisata Kemenparekraf yang berprinsip pada sapta pesona, yakni aman, tertib, bersih, ramah, sejuk, indah, dan kenangan. Kelak, anggota Pramuka akan dibekali oleh kemampuan plus, baik kepramukaan maupun kepariwisataan,” kata Mari Pangestu. Mari menambahkan, keterampilan dan pengetahuan yang dikembangkan dengan wadah Saka Pariwisata berfungsi mendukung dua program utama yang sedang digencarkan Kemenparekraf, meliputi sadar wisata dan Indonesia indah. Sementara itu, Ketua Kwarnas Pramuka Prof Azrul Azwar mengatakan, selama ini kegiatan Pramuka identik dengan pembinaan cinta alam dan survival skill (keahlian bertahan hidup). Dibentuknya wadah baru Satuan Karya Pramuka Pariwisata akan membekali anggotanya menambah positif kemampuan mereka. “Dengan Saka Pramuka Pariwisata, kami ingin mencetak anak-anak kami yang berjumlah 21 juta orang tersebar di Indonesia, agar menghayati apa itu pariwisata dan gunanya apa,” kata Azrul Azwar. Nota kesepahaman ini, kata Azrul, juga

diharapkan mengembangkan bakat dan kemampuan mereka, sehingga bisa mendorong pariwisata di daerah mereka masing-masing. Saka Pramuka, menurut Azrul, menjadi wadah pendidikan bagi anggota Pramuka untuk mengembangkan keterampilan di bidang pariwisata. Tiga hal yang meliputi Saka Pramuka adalah krida penyuluh pariwisata, krida pemanduan wisata, dan krida kuliner wisata. Ketiga hal itu diharapkan dapat mendukung dan menyukseskan program sadar wisata yang meliputi prinsip sapta pesona. (* )

photo by spc

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engendalian jumlah wisatawan yang ke Bali dengan dasar pertimbangan memerhatikan daya dukung Pulau Dewata. Mengendalikannya bukan berarti dengan melarang mereka datang, tetapi menjaring wisatawan asing ke Bali dari sisi harga akomodasi wisata yang ditawarkan. Menurut Ketua Perhimpunan Hotel dan Restoran Indonesia (PHRI) Bali, Tjokorda Oka Arta Ardhana Sukawati mengatakan jika akomodasi di daerah kita dijual murah, tentu siapa saja bisa datang ke sini dan itu hanya akan menambah sesak Bali. “Tidak memungkiri selama ini pengembangan kepariwisataan di Bali lebih ditekankan pada peningkatan kuantitas wisatawan yang datang dan bukan dari sisi kualitas. Akibatnya, sisi penawaran dan permintaan menjadi tidak seimbang,” ujarnya. Dikatakan, hal ini sebenarnya harus dikontrol. Jika penawaran di bidang pariwisata tetap saja dilanjutkan terus dengan sasaran segmen yang sama, artinya akan terjadi pembunuhan yang sistematis menimpa industri kepariwisataan Bali. “Khusus untuk tarif hotel, lanjut Cok Ace, paling tidak ke depannya PHRI harus mempunyai kewenangan mengontrol hotel-hotel berbintang. Jika melenceng dari standar yang ditetapkan dapat diberikan sanksi penurunan kelas bintangnya,” katanya. Ditambahkannya, membludaknya wisatawan juga berimbas memicu terdegradasinya adat dan budaya. Telah mulai terjadi profanisasi acara atau kegiatan yang sesungguhnya bersifat sakral. Kondisi ini jika dibiarkan berlarut akan semakin melemahkan tarif jasa wisata di Bali. Saat ini saja, untuk di Asia, Bali masih relatif murah. “Kepentingan adat, juga kian terjepit akibat kemajuan pesat industri pariwisata. Ambilah contoh Ubud sebagai kota seni di Gianyar, jalan-jalan yang dahulu sebagian besar porsinya untuk kepentingan adat, sekarang telah beralih untuk fasilitas ekonomi,” ungkapnya. Masyarakat adat ketika harus melaksanakan mapeed (berjalan bersama-sama dan beriringan serangkaian ritual) kini tidak bisa berjalan dengan nyaman akibat terdesak angkutan umum dan kendaraan pribadi yang melintas di jalanan seputar Ubud. Hal ini sebagai konsekuensi majunya perkembangan kepariwisataan di sana. (*)

Mari Pangestu bertemu Menteri Ekonomi dan Teknologi Jerman, Phillip Rosler di Berlin untuk membahas kerja sama Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif antar kedua negara dan persiapan indonesia sebagai Official Partner Country ITB Berlin 2013.

Penandatanganan MOU antara Menparekraf, Mari Pangestu dan Ketua Kwarnas Pramuka Prof Azrul Azwar

Java Jazz Jadi Magnet bagi Wisatawan

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ava Jazz, yang telah menjadi salah satu festival musik jazz terbesar dunia, turut mendukung upaya mendatangkan wisatawan dan mengembangkan ekonomi kreatif, khususnya seni pertunjukan musik (music performance) di Tanah Air. Wakil Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Sapta Nirwandar mengatakan banyak penggemar musik jazz dari Asia dan Australia telah melakukan booking tour ke Jakarta khusus untuk menyaksikan festival ini. ”Penyelenggaraan Java Jazz 2012 telah menarik perhatian media maupun industri pariwisata di Asia. Menurut informasi, banyak penggemar musik jazz dari Asia dan Australia telah melakukan booking tour ke Jakarta khusus untuk menyaksikan festival ini,” kata Sapta Nirwandar. Menurut Sapta, Java Jazz yang berlangsung 2-4 Maret masuk dalam calendar of event pariwisata nasional menjadi salah satu acara unggulan karena secara kontinyu diselenggarakan setiap tahun sejak 2005. Peminatnya terus meningkat, terutama kalangan muda dan para penikmat musik jazz dari dalam negeri dan mancanegara. Kemenparekraf berpartisipasi dalam Java Jazz 2012 di panggung Wonderful Indonesia

di hall D2 (area outdoor) dengan menampilkan artis Indonesia dan internasional, seperti Calvin Jeremy, Indonesia Nu Progessive, MCFerrin, Urban Phat, Indra Aziz Beat Pop Project, Tony Montana, Gugun Blues Shelter, Galaxy Big Band, Beny Likumahuwa, Benyamin On

Jazz sebagai tribute to the legend duwende. Kemenparekraf menempati booth A-17 untuk memberikan pelayanan informasi pariwisata Indonesia kepada para pengunjung Java Jazz yang tahun lalu mencapai 150.000 dari dalam negeri dan mancanegara. (*)

photo by spc

PHRI Usulkan Pengendalian Jumlah Wisatawan ke Bali

photo by spc

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enteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Mari Elka Pangestu meminta industri pariwisata melakukan efisiensi energi terkait rencana kenaikan harga bahan bakar minyak (BBM). “Dampak tentunya ada bagi sektor pariwisata kita tetapi ini harus dijadikan sebagai momentum yang baik untuk menjalankan efisiensi energi,” katanya. Dikatakan, pihak Kemenparekraf akan mengundang pelaku industri pariwisata khususnya yang bergerak di bidang hotel termasuk Perhimpunan Hotel & Restoran Indonesia (PHRI) untuk menyampaikan saran agar menjalankan efisiensi energi menghadapi rencana kenaikan BBM. “Sudah saatnya program efisiensi energi diterapkan termasuk juga sebagai upaya untuk menekan biaya produksi sekaligus mendukung pemerintah menekan subsidi yang terus membengkak. Apalagi kita sudah mempunyai green hotel standard yang termasuk upaya investasi dengan sistem yang ramah lingkungan,” katanya. Mari sangat berharap upaya efisiensi dalam bidang energi tersebut mampu mengurangi dampak kenaikan BBM yang rencananya akan diberlakukan April 2012. Pada sektor yang lain, diakui kenaikan BBM akan berdampak langsung pada membengkaknya biaya operasional pelaku industri pariwisata yang bergerak di bidang transportasi wisata. “Tentunya transportasi yang pertama akan merasakan dampaknya secara langsung. Pihak Kemenparekraf akan berkoordinasi dengan Kementerian Perhubungan untuk merancang program kompensasi kenaikan BBM demi mengimbangi kenaikan biaya operasional bagi industri transportasi wisata,” katanya. Ditambahkannya, ke depan akan ada program kompensasi yang sedang dirancang untuk mengimbangi kenaikan biaya operasional mereka. Diharapkan program kompensasi tersebut mampu menekan dampak kenaikan BBM pada industri transportasi termasuk kereta api dan kapal-kapal feri. “Bagi sektor ekonomi kreatif sendiri, kata Mari Pangestu, secara tidak langsung akan ada insentif bagi para pelakunya melalui program-program sosial yang diterapkan. Apa yang akan dilakukan melalui program-program sosial tentunya akan mempengaruhi pelaku yang bergerak di bidang ekonomi kreatif,” ungkapnya. (*)

Sapta Nirwandar (kanan) saat jumpa pers Java Jazz Festival 2012

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Optimis Kejar 8 Juta Wisman di 2012 M

Mari Elka Pangestu

Jumpa pers Drama Musikal Mandarin

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enteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Menparekraf), Mari Elka Pangestu terus memberikan apresiasi bagi pihak yang menumbuhkan ekonomi kreatif di Indonesia. Kali ini, drama musikal Mandarin yang digelar pada 17 Maret 2012 di Jakarta diakuinya menciptakan ekonomi kreatif dan cermin bangsa Indonesia yang majemuk dan multi-etnis, tapi penuh toleransi. ”Saya sangat bangga dengan dirintisnya penyelenggaraan Drama Musikal Mandarin di Indonesia. Drama bertema pembauran budaya yang mencerminkan budaya kita ini multietnis, tapi tetap penuh dengan nilai-nilai

toleransi,” kata Mari Pangestu di Jakarta belum lama ini. Drama Musikal Mandarin digelar oleh Komunitas Penyanyi Mandarin Indonesia (KPMI) tersebut melibatkan 120 artis terdiri dari penyanyi dan penari. Drama ini disutradarai Rita Ratumona dan diproduseri Michael Go sekaligus menjadi pelopor musikal Mandarin di Tanah Air. Menurut Mari, budaya Mandarin sudah sejak lama menjadi bagian dari budaya Indonesia, bahkan beberapa di antaranya telah berakulturasi dengan budaya lokal dan membentuk budaya baru Mandarin-Indonesia.

“Melalui drama Mandarin ini, kita bisa melihat gambaran bagaimana Mandarin-Indonesia itu dan melalui seni pertunjukan ini juga kita bisa menyampaikan pesan moral yang baik,” katanya. Mari juga mengakui, pesan toleransi dan pembauran menjadi nilai yang mesti diresapi karena dalam pertunjukan drama itu budaya Indonesia dan Mandarin akan dibaurkan. Semua dialog akan disampaikan dalam bahasa Indonesia dan dihiasi dengan pertunjukan lagu-lagu Mandarin di dalamnya. Sementara itu, Eksekutif Produser Drama Musikal Mandarin Indonesia, Michael Go mengatakan, drama tersebut menjadi rintisan. Pertunjukan ini salah satunya untuk mengangkat eksistensi para penyanyi Mandarin Indonesia di negeri sendiri. “Drama ini sarat dengan pesan moral dan menggambarkan pembauran budaya secara utuh,” terangnya. Pihaknya prihatin selama ini banyak penyanyi Mandarin asal Indonesia yang sudah terkenal dan dihargai di luar negeri, tetapi tidak dikenal sama sekali di kalangan publik Indonesia. Ia mencontohkan, penyanyi Mandarin asal Surabaya bernama Huang Jia Jia telah merilis 20 album di Singapura, demikian juga Calvin Jiu Jing yang asal Aceh yang cukup terkenal di Malaysia. Namun keduanya sama sekali tidak dikenal di publik Indonesia. (*)

Garuda Terpilih Sebagai “The Best International Airline”

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aruda Indonesia ditetapkan sebagai “The Best InternationalAirline” oleh Roy Morgan, lembaga riset internasional independen yang telah beroperasi selama 70 tahun dan berkedudukan di Australia. Penetapan Garuda sebagai “The Best International Airline” tersebut didasarkan pada hasil riset yang dilakukan Roy Morgan mulai bulan Februari 2011 hingga Januari 2012 terhadap 3943 responden, yang diminta untuk memberikan penilaian terhadap produk dan layanan perusahaan-perusahaan penerbangan dunia. Dari 3943 responden yang merupakan pengguna jasa penerbangan internasional, sebanyak 91 persen diantaranya menyatakan “very satisfied” terhadap layanan Garuda Indonesia. Penilaian yang diberikan oleh para responden terhadap Garuda tersebut melebihi penilaian terhadap perusahaan-perusahaan penerbangan dunia lain - yang secara berurutan berada di bawah Garuda - yaitu Singa-

pore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Emirates, dan Cathay Pacific. Sebelum ini, sejalan dengan program transformasi dan “Quantum Leap” yang saat ini terus dilaksanakan, Garuda berhasil meraih berbagai pencapaian signifikan, seperti berhasil menjadi “airline bintang empat”,

photo by spc

photo by spc

Pembauran dalam Drama Musikal Mandarin

terpilih sebagai “The World’s Most Improved Airline” oleh lembaga pemeringkat airline, Skytrax yang berkedudukan di London, terpilih sebagai “Airline Turn Around of The Year” oleh Centre for Asia Pacific Airlines (CAPA). (* )

Hal ini menunjukkan ada perubahan dimensi ukuran kapal yang singgah di Indonesia dari kapal-kapal yang berukuran menengah menjadi kapal berukuran besar. Saat ini ada lebih kurang 70 destinasi di Indonesia yang dapat disinggahi kapal pesiar pada 2012 dan diharapkan jumlah dapat membawa hingga 119 ribu penumpang ke Indonesia. Tidak hanya itu, keberhasilan Kapal Legend of The Seas (panjang 264m) dari Royal Caribbean Internasional berlabuh di pelabuhan Benoa diharapkan dapat menjadi lompatan besar kunjungan kapal pesiar lainnya ke Indonesia, daerah Indonesia bagian timur. Sementara itu di sisi lain, kedatangan wisatawan mancanegara (wisman) dan wisatawan nusantara (wisnus) memberikan efek cukup bagus bagi bisnis hotel berbintang di hampir seluruh destinasi wisata Indonesia. Berdasarkan data yang dimiliki oleh Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, pertumbuhan bisnis hotel berbintang tampak melalui tingkat hunian hotel yang dibandingkan pada Januari 2011 dengan Januari 2012. Di mana pada Januari 2012, tingkat hunian hotel meningkat menjadi 51,27 % dibanding Januari 2011 yang mencapai 50,46 %. Adapun peningkatannya mencapai 0,81%. “Peningkatan tingkat hunian hotel paling signifikan terjadi di tiga provinsi yakni, DI Yogyakarta, Sulawesi Utara, dan Kalimantan Barat, “ ujar Mari Pangestu. DI Yogyakarta mengalami peningkatan sebesar 20,2 % dari angka 37,4% Januari 2011 menjadi 57,6% di Januari tahun ini. Sulawesi Utara peningkatan sebesar 13,7% dari angka 32,5% pada Januari 2011 menjadi 46,5 % pada Januari 2012. Dan Kalimantan Barat mencapai peningkatan dari angka 32,6 % pada Januari 2011 menjadi 46,2% Januari 2012, yang berarti peningkatan sebesar 13,6 %. (*)

Low Season, BPPI Sasar Tiga Negara Asia

Ketua BPPI, Yanti Sukamdani (tengah) saat memberikan pemaparan Strategic Plan BPPI dan Program Kerja BPPI 2012 di Hotel Grand Sahid Jaya, Jakarta

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ebagai lembaga independen, Badan Promosi Pariwisata Indonesia (BPPI) berusaha menyediakan program pelengkap dan bersinergi dengan Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif. Salah satu langkah BPPI adalah dengan konsentrasi terhadap masa low season. Seperti yang diketahui, dalam satu tahun terdapat low season dan high season masa liburan. BPPI akan membuat beberapa acara pada saat low season tersebut, yaitu pada bulan Januari-April dan SeptemberNovember. “Kita akan menggelar bazar, consumer show, juga tourism fair,” ungkap Ketua BPPI, Yanti Sukamdani pada acara “Pemaparan Strategic Plan BPPI dan Program Kerja BPPI 2012” di Hotel Grand Sahid Jaya, Jakarta, Selasa (13/3). Sepanjang low season, harga-harga paket wisata yang ditawarkan banyak destinasi relatif lebih murah, harga tiket pesawat dan hotel juga demikian. Pada masa ini, biasanya akan banyak promosi yang memungkinkan wisatawan mendapatkan harga terbaik. Keuntungan lain, obyek wisata yang dikunjungi biasanya tidak terlalu penuh sehingga memberikan suasana lebih nyaman selama perjalanan wisata. Paket wisata low season yang akan dikembangkan BPPI guna meningkatkan jumlah kunjungan wisatawan ke Indonesia. Tujuan promosi terutama pada tiga negara, yakni China, Hong Kong, dan Malaysia. Alasannya, wisatawan asal China dan Hong Kong potensial karena angka pertumbuhan kunjungan wisatawan kedua negara tercetak tinggi pada awal 2012, yakni China (139 persen) dan Hong Kong (59,6 persen). Ini terjadi karena momen Imlek jatuh pada awal tahun. “Melihat grafik peningkatan yang datang dari kedua negara, menurut kami, negara tersebut sangat potensial untuk dibidik dan dipromosikan paket wisata low season,” kata Didien Junaedy, Anggota BPPI sekaligus Ketua Gabungan Usaha Wisata Bahari dan Tirta. Salah satu paket wisata yang akan ditawarkan kepada wisatawan China dan Hong Kong misalnya napak tilas sejarah warga China datang ke Indonesia di museum-museum Jakarta yang mengoleksi peninggalannya. Didien melanjutkan, fokus promosi juga menunjuk pada wisatawan Malaysia karena selama ini jumlah kunjungan ke Indonesia mengalami penurunan. “Penuruan jumlah kunjungan wisatawan Malaysia inilah yang membuat kami mencoba memasarkan paket low season dengan menawarkan paket ‘Mal to Mal’ atau lebih dikenal sebagai wisata belanja,” paparnya. Didien mengungkapkan, BPPI bekerjasama dengan dua maskapai penerbangan Indonesia, yakni Garuda Indonesia dan Lion Air, guna mempromosikan paket wisata low season. BPPI yang terbentuk pada awal 2012 merupakan jembatan antara pemerintah dengan para stakeholder. Para stakeholder ini mencakup industri-industri yang bergerak dalam bidang pariwisata. BPPI juga merupakan partner langsung dari Kemenparekraf, hal ini sesuai dengan UU Pariwisata No 10 Tahun 2009 yang menyatakan bahwa kementerian harus bekerja sama dengan badan swasta untuk mengembangkan pariwisata Indonesia. (*)

photo by spc

photo by spc

eskipun dibayangi krisis global, sektor pariwisata terus menggeliat. Melihat peningkatan pertumbuhan pariwisata dunia pada 2011 sebesar 4.5 %, Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif optimistis hal yang sama akan terjadi pada 2012. “Kami tetap optimistis target 8 juta wisatawan mancanegara (wisman) pada 2012 dapat tercapai. Kedatangan wisman ke Indonesia naik 18.93 % dari seluruh pintu masuk, sehingga arus wisatawan mengalami peningkatan dari angka 548.821 di Januari 2011 menjadi 652.692 di Januari 2012”, jelas Mari Pangestu. Menurutnya, potensi sektor pariwisata dapat menjadi tambang emas bagi devisa negara. Terus bergiat dalam menarik kedatangan wisman dan wisatawan nusantara (wisnus) ke destinasi-destinasi wisata di seluruh Indonesia merupakan strategi Kemenparekraf pada 2012 . Strategi utama menarik wisatawan tersebut, di antaranya adalah mengembangkan wisata minat khusus, terutama budaya, sejarah, trekking, kapal pesiar, kuliner, spa hingga MICE. Promosi minat khusus ini salah satunya terkait dengan keikutsertaan kapal pesiar Indonesia pada kegiatan Cruise Ship Seatrade di Miami, untuk tahun yang ke sepuluh. Sebagai negara bahari, sejauh ini wisata cruise ship Indonesia menunjukkan perkembangan positif. Di mana dapat ditunjukkan melalui kunjungan kapal pesiar ke Indonesia mencapai 177 calls dengan jumlah penumpang sebelas 113.246 penumpang pada 2011. “Secara angka panggilan mungkin lebih sedikit dibandingkan tahun 2010 yang mencapai 189 calls, namun dari segi penumpang yang dibawa mengalami peningkatan, di mana pada tahun 2010 hanya mengangkut 94.338 penumpang, “tambah Mari Elka.


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Nyepi, back to zero point. Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise. Vol. VII No. 3, 2012

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