Pearls. Indonesia s Paradise of. Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise. Vol. VII No. 7, 2012

Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise

Vol. VII No. 7, 2012

Indonesia’s Paradise of

Pearls photo by tri wibowo

www.ultimoparadiso.com - Indonesia Tourism News

Bali baliku Luxury Villas offers a casual life style alternative that is free from obvious city pressures. With a golden sand beach front right on the door step, there is a constant reminder of some of the precious qualities that one is often to busy to appreciate. Jimbaran Bay is renewed for it’s “catch of the day” seafood dining and vibrant sunsets over the distant horizon. The bay instils a sense of tranquillity that somehow manages to rebalance the body, mind and spirit.

Jalan Bukit Permai No. 5A, Jimbaran - Bali - Indonesia 80362 p : +62 361 701 848 f : +62 361 701 847 e: [email protected] w. www.balibalikuvilla.com

Modern Home Comfort that embrance the Balinese way of life


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60% of the World’s Pearls are from Indonesia

www.ultimoparadiso.com BOARD of DIRECTOR

Dewantoro Umbu Joka Tonny Wijadjanto [email protected]

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Igo Kleden [email protected]

REPORTER Tri Wibowo [email protected] ADVERTISING & Ben Sisko MARKETING DIRECTOR [email protected] MARKETING GRAPHIc DESIGNER

photo by tri wibowo photo by tri wibowo

Yudick Ariant [email protected]

ACCOUNTING

Ni Komang Suciani

TRANSLATOR

Indira Sari Paputungan

CONTRIBUTOR

Christovao Vinhas [email protected]

DISTRIBUTOR

Martin Sanjaya

BANK Account

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

[email protected]

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

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ombok Sumbawa Pearl Festival (LSPF) 2012 is expected to increase tourism attractiveness, especially through the pearl design, which continues to develop along with the creativity of the artisans. “The main sources of pearls in Indonesia are Lombok and Sumbawa Island,” said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu in Lombok recently. LSPF 2012 was initiated by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in cooperation with the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara in 2012. This event has become annual tourism event in the province ever since. This year’s LSPF was held in Lombok Raya Hotel, Mataram, on June 29 – July 1. “Indonesian government hopes that the pearls exhibition and auction will always be held in Indonesia considering that 60% of the world’s pearls are from Indonesia,” Mari said. She further explained that Indonesian pearls are gradually developed into jewelry so that it can give additional value to the product and it can also be auctioned. It is expected that in the near future, pearl’s auction will no longer be held in China or Japan only. The pearl’s auction brought together sellers (vendors) of pearls from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Bali, Maluku and Papua and 23 buyers from 9 countries, namely France, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Philippine, Tahiti, Australia, China, England and Indonesia.

Tania

LSPF 2010 had the transaction value of US$ 47,425 and in the next year it had increased to US$ 120,000. Therefore, LSPF 2012’s transaction value is expected to increase and not only during the event, but also after it (i.e. repeat order). “The transaction is expected to continue and therefore we need to give additional value to the product by increasing the quality of pearl jewelry,” said Mari. Mari Pangestu wants Indonesia to become one of the venues for pearl’s auction and Lombok is suitable to host the event as it is one of the biggest pearl producers with high quality in Indonesia. Thirty one vendors from 14 pearl jewelry companies, 14 small medium enterprises and 3 demo booth of Lombok’s traditional crafts such as woven cloths and pottery participated in the event. The series of activities of LSPF 2012 consisted of pearl’s auction, pearl exhibition and Miss Pearl 2012. Isna Windasari from Central Lombok Regency has successfully become Miss Pearl 2012. LSPF 2012 is also expected to strengthen the icon of Lombok as a world class pearl island that can increase both domestic and foreign tourist visit to the island. The number of tourist visit to NTB in 2012 has increased to 300,685 or an increase of 29.26% (*)

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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my indonesia

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island explorer

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whats on bali

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island explorer

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nusantara

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

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Mount Rinjani in Lombok

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nvestors from Poland and Croatia are interested in investing in the region of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), after the countries’ embassies informed the business potential in NTB in the tourism sector, farming and fisheries. Head of Public Relations and Protocol of Regional Secretariat of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Tri Budiprayitno in Mataram said that in the end of June, the Ambassadors of Poland and Croatia visited the province and communicated their interest to make investment, particularly in tourism, livestock and fisheries sector. NTB provincial government spokesman said the

Polish Ambassador to Indonesia, Grzegorz Wisniewski, and the Croatian Ambassador to Indonesia HE Zeljko Cimbur, had a discussion with the Governor of NTB TGH M Zainul Majdi, while exploring the potential for investment in the region. Ambassadors of both countries also had the opportunity to attend a national seminar on exploring the economic potential of the province, which was held at The Santosa Hotel, Senggigi, West Lombok regency on June 26, 2012. Besides admiring the investment potential, the ambassadors also promoted the economic advantage in their respective countries, and reveal oppor-

Sapta: It’s Time for Indonesia to Develop River Tourism

tunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between countries. Tri said that aside from tourism, farming and fisheries, NTB has potential for investment in plantations and agriculture in the broad sense. NTB Provincial Government also continues to establish coordination with district / city governments and other stakeholders to create conducive atmosphere for investment, including the arrangement of basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges, the availability of electrical energy, sea ports and connectivity of air transport. “It’s been a lot of potential investors who are interested in the NTB area, which is still

photo by tri wibowo

T Sapta Nirwandar

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eputy Minister (Wamen) of Tourism and the Creative Economy Nirwandar considered that it is time for Indonesia to work on river and lake tourism to attract more foreign tourists to Indonesia. “The rivers in Indonesia are suitable to be tourist attractions. Many countries have been successful attracting foreign tourists by optimally manage river tourism as one of attractive tourist’s activities. Some countries that have been successfully promoting river tourism are the Netherlands, Italy, Thailand, and China, “he said. He further said that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has made some efforts to support the optimization of special interest tourism, which is river and lake tourism. The ministry in collaboration with a number of stakeholders seeks to create marine tourism-based events. “Approaching the end of this year, there will be a boat race titled ‘Triboatton’. Special interest tourism tends to optimally utilize natural resources, human resources as well as the available facilities, “he said. Indonesia has a lot of natural rivers, which are long, wide and still natural. Along the river, we can find the local people live with the culture and tradition is still well preserved. “It is great potential and it is the time to develop it optimally for the welfare of the people through tourism and creative economy,” Sapta said. (*)

not optimally explored, especially the tourism sector as one of the leading sectors. For the development of tourism sector, NTB has set 15 tourism development areas based on the characteristics of the areas, which refers to the law No. 3 of 1999 about NTB Tourism Zone, “he said. He further explained that the 15 tourism development areas consist of nine areas on the island of Lombok and six areas in Sumbawa Island. Nine tourism areas on Lombok Island are Sire, Gili Air, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan and Senggigi and the surrounding area, which has marine tourism (sea), mountain scenery and outdoor activities (ecotourism). “The area has accommodation such as hotel, inns and restaurants that are quite complete and adequate for the tourists. Other interesting places to visit on Lombok Island are Suranadi, which is an area with cool air and strong religious and cultural atmosphere (religious tourism), Gili Gede, which is amarine tourism area, pearl farm with small islands around it (marine tourism), and the village of Sasak tribe (indigenous people of Lombok) as well as traditional fishing, “he said. He added that the Kute, Seger and Aan are beach areas that offer white sand and crystal clear water. Selong Belanak is a coastal tourist area known for its beaches and panoramic views overlooking the Indian Ocean. Mount Rinjani is an area for nature tourism activities (ecotourism). The attractions there include tracking to Mount Rinjani, Segara Anakan Lake and hot spring and traditional village (culture tourism). Gili Indah and Gili Sulat are marine tourism areas with a stunning view of underwater garden (marine eco-tourism). Sade /Rembitan traditional village is culture reserve of Sasak traditional heritage, where we can find the traditional house with Sasak architecture. Sumbawa tourism areas include Moyo Island, which is an area designated as a marine tourism and national parks with extensive hunting area around 12, 250 ha. Species found on the island of Moyo include wild cattle, wild buffalo, wild boar, and birds. Maluk Coast tourism region is a region of white sand beaches and beach overlooking the Indian Ocean Indonesia that is perfect for surfing. Hu Beach is another tourist area marine tourism area and perfect venue for surfing activities both national and international level. Bima Bay area is an area that was developed for marine sports and other marine tourism activities, and the area of Mount Tambora is an area of ecotourism activities and is central to the production of natural honey. (*)

Holder of Guinness World Record Title, Borobudur to Become More Globally he Guinness World Records has officially listed Indonesia`s Borobudur temple as the largest Buddhist monument in the world. The director of PT TWC (temple Tourist Park) Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko Siswoprasetjo Purnomo expressed hope that the listing of the temple, built in 750-842 BC, would increase its popularity worldwide. “The listing was done on June 27, 2012. However, the temple was added to UNESCO`s World Heritage list in 1991, under Claim No. 592,” said Purnomo. Purnomo said the official certificate from Guinness World Records had been sent to PT TWC Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko, in Yokyakarta, from the central office of Guinness World Records in London. “Borobudur temple has become an official Guinness World Records title-holder,” he stated. He said the number of visitors to the temple, sprawled over an area of 60,000 square metres, continued to increase. In 2011, it was recorded at 250,000, up 15 percent from 2010. “Until the first quarter this year, there has been an increase of around 16 percent,” Purnomo noted. Purnomo also hope that in the future Borobudur can be selected as filming location, such as the Angkor Wat (Tomb Raider - 2001).

on the hill raises a presumption that Borobudur was built on the foundation of an ancient lake that has dried up. An expert of Hindu-Buddhist architecture, W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp, proposed the theory saying that Borobudur symbolizes the lotus flower floating on the surface of the lake. However, not everybody agreed with that and this theory has become a subject of debate

History of Borobudur The name of Borobudur was first written in the book titled “History of Java” by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. It was not clear where the name came from and what it means. Its unique shape, and the fact that it is built

photo by spc

photo by spc

Polish and Croatian Investors’ Interest in NTB

Borobudur Temple

among archaeologists of the 20th century ever since. Until now, no definitive answer has been obtained. When it was found in 1814, Borobudur is far from the current picture. For centuries, Borobudur was hidden, abandoned, buried under the soil and volcanic dust. Trees and shrubs were growing among the rocks. (*)

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Tourist Arrival to Increase 8.81% in May

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ased on data reported by the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) and the Center for Data and Information (Pusdatin) Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), per May 2012, the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia has reached 3,180,779 tourists, or up by 8.81% over the same period last year. January-May realization is above target of 3.16 million foreign tourists. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Mari

Elka Pangestu stated that the steady growth of foreign tourist arrival that stays above the global economic growth and global foreign tourist arrival in the midst of global economic uncertainty is good news. “With the increasing trend in the number of foreign tourist arrivals, we are optimistic that the target of 8 million tourists and U $ 9 billion in foreign exchange can be achieved this year,” said Mari. Data for May 2012 states that foreign tourists vis-

photo by spc

Limited Flights to Lombok Available

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overnment of West Nusa Tenggara Province complained about the limited loading capacity of passenger aircraft to Lombok. Now an average of 3,000 people come through the Lombok International Airport. An additional load capacity of up to 1,000 people is still required. Head of NTB Culture and Tourism Bureau, Lalu Gita Ariyadi, said that the flow of tourists is constrained by the availability of limited fights. This has happened for a month since Lombok was chosen as the organizer of various activities of MICE (meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition) nationwide. “Since mid-June 2012, various events held in Lombok, which include the National Student Art Festival, National Family Day, the National Student Art Week. This weekend will be held meetings of the National Paskibraka. Next month there will be activities of a national working meeting for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Transportation and the Archipelago Day, “he said. While the Head of Department of Transportation and Communications Information NTB Ridwan Syah stated that the airplane load capacity to and from Lombok reached 90%, therefore, the Government of the province has proposed the airlines to add more flights to Lombok. “Garuda Indonesia is planning to add the frequency of Denpasar - Lombok route from once to twice a day using the new aircraft. Garuda Indonesia has also been flying from Jakarta to Lombok twice daily. But it is still cannot be compared to 10 times the flight from Jakarta to Bali, “he said. The low fares airline Air Asia will certainly serves the route of Kuala Lumpur - Lombok. The airline also explored the opening of the route of Yogyakarta

– Lombok and Surabaya - Lombok. In order to support its presence in Lombok, Air Asia has requested one-time marketing funds of Rp 500 million for promotional purposes in the magazine. NTB provincial government subsidizes flights to Bima and Sumbawa Besar. For flights to Bima Sumbawa Besar, NTB provincial government provides a subsidy of Rp 2 billion each. “So far, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Wings Air, and Batavia serve the route from Jakarta to Lombok directly or via Surabaya or Denpasar. Denpasar – Lombok route is served by Trans Nusa, Merpati, Wings Air and Sky Air, “he said. Similarly, the Head of the NTB Central Bureau of Statistics Soegarenda stated that the number of passengers coming through domestic flights in April 2012 as many as 74, 080 people or up by 2.94% from March 2012. Similarly, international flights rose by 2.05% from March 2012. The number of departing passengers through domestic flights was as much as 75, 684 people in April 2012, up 3.01% from March 2012. The cumulative number of passengers coming through domestic flights in January-April 2012 was as many as 285, 864 people, up 5% compared to January-April 2011. While the cumulative number of passengers coming through international flights in January-April 2012 was 5417 people, down by 36.25%. The number of passengers that arrived through domestic flight was as many as 75, 684 people in April 2012, or up by 3.01% compared to March 2012. While those who arrived through international flights were as much as 1777 people, up 37.75% compared to March 2012. (*)

iting Indonesia has the total of 650,883 people or up by 8.45% compared to the previous month, which was 626,100 people. Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali is still the main gate of foreign tourist arrival with 220,508 foreign tourists coming. The cumulative number of foreign tourist arrivals through this airport in the period of January-May 2012 is 1,125, 003 people or grew by 5.6%. The second entrance is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Jakarta with about 185, 932 foreign tourists, or a growth of 23.62%. Another entrance, which is also recorded of having high growth in May 2012 is Husein Sastranegara, Bandung as many as 12, 597 tourists, or a growth of 34.05% and Adisumarmo, Solo as many as 3325 tourists or a growth of 30.80%. The country of origin of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia through 19 main entrance in May 2012 consisted of Malaysia (108, 176 people), Singapore (99, 676), Australia (71, 640), China (43, 457), and Japan (30, 791). In addition to the increase, there are some interesting trends in the growth rates of foreign tourist arrival. After experiencing low growth and even a downturn, the number of Japanese tourists visited Indonesia since March and in May 2012 experienced a growth of 12.01% compared to period of May 2011. This is probably related to the opening of Garuda Indonesia’s Haneda - Denpasar route since 27 April 2012 and the Japanese economy has begun recovering from the tsunami and nuclear accidents. “Direct flights have proved to be an important factor to boost tourist arrival. We hope that the number continues increasing after Garuda Indonesia serve the route five times a week, “said Mari. Results of analysis of the Directorate of Market Development Kemenparekraf so far confirm the increase in the number of tourists with direct flights. The increase of tourist arrival through SoekarnoHatta International Airport is due to the availability of additional seats for direct flights from Malaysia as many as 268,580 seats. In addition to Garuda Indonesia, extra airline seats are also contributed by Malaysian Airlines, Jet Star and Qantas. The growth of tourists from Taiwan has declined and the presence of Garuda Indonesia’s direct flight

Denpasar-Taipei is expected to increase the actual number of tourists from Taiwan. Five largest foreign tourist contributors include Singapore (478, 680 persons), Malaysia (459, 586), Australia (342, 161), China (264 715) and Japan (166 774). The contribution of the five countries to the total of foreign tourist visit through 19 main entrances reached 57.35%. The growth of foreign tourist arrival from January to May is still double digits at 25.1% from China, 18.1% from Malaysia and 11.8% from Australia. For some Middle East countries, although the number is still low, experienced significant increase this year such as Saudi Arabia which grew by 18.3% during January-May and reached 33, 566 foreign tourists. As for the countries that are experiencing the global economic crisis such as the U.S. and the EU still have quite encouraging growth. The growth of tourist arrival from the United States was 11.3% in May and 26% during January-May to reach 81, 197 people. Tourist arrival from some European countries is declining, but tourists from Germany and the UK are still experiencing growth respectively 11.6% and 14.2% to reach 54, 248 and 77, 049 foreign tourists. Although there is no current data on the growth of domestic tourists, considering school holiday, the number is predicted continue to increase. This can be monitored from number of visitors in some tourist destinations, domestic airlines that were fully booked, and hotel occupancy rates that increased from 51.4% to 51.7% between January-May 2012 compared to 2011. In order to maintain the performance of tourism industry, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will work closely with all stakeholders to maintain the growth performance of foreign tourists either those that experienced significant increase or even a decrease, and soon find a solution. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy also have a commitment to improve the attractiveness and readiness in 16 destinations and develop seven special interests such as culinary and shopping, recreation, sports, history and culture, nature and ecotourism, spa and fitness, MICE and cruise ships. (*)

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Mari Pangestu: Indonesian Diaspora to Become Tourism Ambassador

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inister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf), Mari Elka Pangestu, said that Indonesian Diaspora have the potential to be ambassadors of Indonesia tourism.

“All the Indonesian Diaspora have the potential to be a Tourism Ambassador and Kemenparekraf has brought promotional materials to each participant and hopefully it can be used optimally,” said Mari Pangestu. Mari and several other government officials, parliamentarians, private sector and NGOs had recently attended a meeting of the CID (Congress of Indonesian Diaspora) in Los Angeles, USA on 7-8 July 2012. The Ministry is even planning to use the Diaspora database as ambassador for tourism promotion wherever they are. “President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also sent a message on how Indonesian Diaspora can be a force that can contribute to the development of Indonesia and therefore the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been asked to create a Diaspora desk,” Mari said. “Diaspora” itself is a term that means the people who live in one country but are originally from other countries. Thus, Indonesian Diaspora is Indonesian-born people or Indonesian descendant who lives abroad. According to Mari, there are a lot of things that can be done by the Indonesian Diaspora who love Indonesia. Mari claimed to have experienced being an Indonesian Diaspora herself. She had lived for 20 years abroad before returning to Indonesia. Being a Diaspora, there is no need to feel nervous or worried to return home with good intentions to donate energy and thought. It is considering

that anyone can readjust things in terms of the language, manners, and building new networks and to find a place in which to contribute. She added that the Diasporas have lived in various countries and have to adapt to local culture and lifestyle, so they generally have an advantage in adapting to and can take the best from the experiences and customs which they have absorbed while living abroad. “The intention and determination to return home also requires patience because it requires at least two years to be able to make adjustments,” she said. In addition, Mari suggested that during their stay abroad, Indonesian Diaspora should whenever possible maintain the communication with their relatives in Indonesia and follow the development and culture of Indonesia. This may be done by actively participating in events organized by the Embassy / Consulate, active in forming Indonesian associations or societies, and as much as possible still interact and build networks with Indonesian people. “Indonesian Diasporas can still contribute and show their love to Indonesia without having to return to the homeland,” she said. This, she said, can be done by being active in various activities, building networks and relationships with Indonesia in order to convey information and development of cutting-edge technology, building cooperation, partnership and promotion of investment and as well as build a positive image of Indonesia in the eyes of the world. (*)

Pangandaran to Improve through DMO

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fter the 2006 tsunami, the economic life of Pangandaran was totally paralyzed. But thanks to the cooperation and efforts made by a number of parties, Pangandaran is now able to sustain the economic needs of society by exploring the potentials of natural beauty, creative and culinary products. “Development of Pangandaran after the tsunami is not easy. To support the needs of Pangandaran, we will also build a number of other destinations such as Batu Karas, which is located not far from Pangandaran beach, “said Head of Culture and Tourism Bureau of Ciamis Regency, Sobar Sugema in a discussion with reporters in Pangandaran recently. Pangandaran has a coastline of 91 km, bordering with Cilacap and Tasikmalaya and other destinations that are not less beautiful than Pangandaran such as Batu Karas, Batu Hiu, and Green Canyon. Pangandaran culinary is also worth a try such as Pindang Gunung. It is made of fish and has special flavor from honje – a fruit

Tasikmalaya Embroidery to Enter Middle East Market

that has fresh sour flavor. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Pangandaran DMO (Destination Management Organization), Supratman said that Pangandaran has been visited by various communities such as farmers, sailors and traders since 1960’s. Thus, the people of Pangandaran live as farmers, sailors and traders until now. But over time, Pangandaran can not stand the condition of society which is still fragmented. So, they formed Pangandaran DMO Committee in 2010. “To develop Pangandaran, the local people need to unite so that they no longer speak on behalf of group interests but on behalf of the Pangandaran society,” said Supratman. He further explained that Pangandaran DMO has found a way to solve congestion problems and waste in Pangandaran. “We have conducted a trial in New Year 2012, and before 1 pm Pangandaran beach was free from rubbish. Similarly, the congestion, we managed to reduce it, “added Supratman. He also explained

that Pangandaran has special crafts and handicrafts made from seashell and recycled waste. Later, Pangandaran will no longer be part of Ciamis Regency. It will be separate regency. This is done to encourage the development of the Pangandaran area more quickly. “Establishment of Pangandaran Regency has reached the approval process to wait for the authorization from the Regional House of Representative (DPR),” said Supratman. (*)

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number of Japanese businessmen have communicated their commitment to immediately invest in the construction of the Sunda Strait Bridge (JSS). They have proposed an investment worth at U.S. $ 10 billion in JSS project. Delegation of Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan had a meeting for the third time with a consortium of PT Graha Banten Sejahtera as the initiator of JSS. During the meeting, METI submitted a proposal from a consortium of JJC Corporation, Nippon Steel, Oriental and Nippon Koi. President Director of PT Graha Banten Lampung Sejahtera, Agung R. Prabowo said that they are asking how to get in the financing of this JSS project. After the meeting, METI delegations will return to Japan and communicated that we are open to foreign investors to invest in this JSS project. “In fact there are a number of other foreign investors interested in joining in this project. The investors include a consortium of companies from China (CCCC), Samsung from Korea, and from the United States, “he said. He further said that a bank from the United States has communicated their interest to provide long-term financing for American products and services that will be used in this project. We welcome this idea as long as the bridge construction runs well. “Despite the number of foreign investors, we continue to open up opportunities for other investors to enter the JSS project. For us the most important point is the funding for this project, not the number of investors, “he said. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

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Japan to Propose Sunda Strait Bridge Project Investment

Promising Future for Garut’s Woven Silk Industry

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mbroidered clothing from Tasikmalaya, West Java, has now entered the Middle East market as demand from consumers in the country is quite high. Head of Tasikmalaya Department of Cooperatives, SMEs and Industry and Trade, Hadian, said that the embroidery products from Tasikmalaya could penetrate the Middle East market due to its high quality products. “Currently demand for embroidered clothes, Muslim clothing, mukena (veil) and handicrafts of Tasikmalaya is quite high. The demand comes from Middle East markets such as Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Indonesia exporters who sell Tasikmalayan handicraft products to the Middle East shipped thousand scores of products per month, “he said. Other products that have entered the European and American markets are woven bamboo handicrafts, wood, keulom sandals, batik, and Geulis umbrellas. Creative and home industries in Tasikmalaya has become a culture in the community for decades. “Currently, the numbers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are members of the cooperative institutions are as many as 900 units, while the cooperative that is not recorded in the data are 1,100 units,” he said. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

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arut has long time known as silkproducing areas, ranging from the raw materials of silk to woven silk. After a long dormant, Garut weaving industry began to rise. This can be seen from the development of the weaving industry in the region in the last one and a half years. Currently, Garut weaving industry has shown improvement and innovation based on creativity. This is expressed by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Mari Pangestu while inaugurating the creative zone in Kampung Tenun (Weaving Village) Panawuan Sukajaya, Tarogong Kidul, Garut, West Java recently. “We expect the revival of weaving industry in Garut can build people’s economy,” Mari Pangestu said. One proof is the increase in the price of woven cloth in Garut. If the previous price was Rp

150,000 per meter, now the price has increased to Rp 500,000 per meter. This increase took place after the community of Cita Tenun Indonesia (CTI) providing training to the craftsmen. Mari explained that the weaving village is preceded by the Training and Development Program for Weaving Craftsmen from Garut and Majalaya with the aim, among others, to determine how the artisans can set a decent price and knowing the market’s taste. “The opening of Weaving Village is also expected to take Indonesia’s cultural heritage optimally as well as to appreciate the creative process conducted in making Garut’s woven cloth,” she said. Mari Pangestu further stated that Garut woven cloth should be encouraged to be more innovative in terms of selection of textiles, the manufacturing process and the coloring so that it can also develop local wisdom contained therein. “Local knowledge is indicated by the number of craftsmen who trained in weaving skills from generation to generation and they have been doing so for decades,” she explained. On the same occasion, Chairman of CTI, Okke Hatta Rajasa said that CTI has carried out trainings from 2008 to 2012 to provide guidance not only in Garut and Majalaya, but also in other areas such as Bali, South Sumatra, Banten, West Kalimantan and Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara). “We want to build community awareness so

that they can appreciate the culture of weaving properly,” said Okke Hatta Rajasa. She explained that Indonesian woven cloth is divided into three kinds, namely flat woven cloth, songket and ikat. Through the training provided by CTI, weaving craftsmen in Garut have managed to combine the three types of weaving and then combined it with the embroidery process. To enhance the sustainability of Garut woven cloth, CTI developed the skills of the craftsmen and protect their copyrights. “We’re also trying to expand its marketing,” said Okke. Meanwhile, President Director of PGN Hendi Prio Santoso said the company together with CTI has trained the craftsmen through the Partnership Program and Community Development. Hendi explained, that PGN within a period of six months has helped to renovate the workshop, the provision of machinery and gallery space in order to improve the process of production, quality, and efforts to attract visitors and tourists. “This is to help the craftsmen to become independent entrepreneurs,” he said. The opening was closed by a fashion show by Sebastian Gunawan. Sebastian explores the beautiful woven cloth back into the elegant outfit. For those who want to have the collection, please visit Weaving Village in the Village of Panawuan. The price offered is ranging from Rp 400,000 to Rp 1 million. (*)

Island Exp lore r


photo by tri wibowo

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Sea Garden Paradise in Olele Village

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

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he beauty of Indonesia’s sea is more than words can describe. Not surprisingly, Indonesia’s marine tourism has attracted many marine tourism lovers from all over the world. One of Indonesia’s stunning sea gardens is Olele Marine Park, which is located in Olele village of Gorontalo Province. Indonesia’s sea that stretches along 3,257,483 km ² indeed attracts both domestic and foreign tourists. If you have the chance to visit Olele Beach and dive there, then you will see underwater panorama that differs from other marine parks in Indonesia such as Bunaken Marine Park or the one in Togean Islands, Central Sulawesi. Some people even said that Olele Marine Park is more natural than the parks in Bunaken or Togean Islands. Olele Marine Park is located in the Olele Village, Kabila Bone district in Bone Bolango regency. It is about 20 Km from the center of Gorontalo and can be reached within 21 minutes by land or water transportation. To reach Olele village, you will have to go through winding road and people’s settlement with contrasting views of steep hill and trees on one side and sparkling blue water on another side. Olele Beach is the gateway to Olele Marine Park that offers sea garden paradise to every diver. Many divers have seen this stunning beauty and they said that there are several marine biotas in Olele Marine Park that cannot be found in other places. There are a lot to see in Olele Marine Park such as Jin Cave with ornamental fish, healthy, solid and beautiful coral reefs, Giant Coral Flower, and some

types of fish that are rare and can only be found in the waters of Tomini Bay. Currently, the park has become a tourism icon in Gorontalo Province which is located on the south coast. One of the rare coral reefs can be found in Olele Marike Park is that resembles the work of Picasso’s sculpture. The local people named it as Picasso. When snorkeling, be careful with jellyfish stings. Its mini size and colorful body when exposed to sunlight has made it looks attractive, but when it stings you will feel itchy. But no need to worry about it for you will immediately forget about the itch as soon as you see the breath-taking beauty of Olele’s sea garden. Cannot dive? Don’t be sad, because the glassbottom wooden boat that belongs to the local community is ready to take you to enjoy this unforgettable marine park. The glass-bottom boat is the result of the empowerment program of PNPM Mandiri Pariwisata in 2011. Sea Garden in Olele Village that has attracted domestic and foreign tourists is planned to become National Tourism Area and is developed into marine tourism model (ecotourism). It is expected to attract more visitors in the future. Because it is still in development stage, it is difficult to find proper accommodation or any tourism supporting facilities around the beach. Therefore, visitors often have to use villagers’ room to get changed after swimming, snorkeling or diving. The price charged depends on the agreement between the owner of the house and the visitor, but usually the price is not expensive and relatively affordable. (*)


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A Fabulous Rate at Favehotel by Aston

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here never been a better time than a holiday season to get away from your hectic routines to relax and reward yourself in Bali’s great hotels. Experience the Fun, Fresh and Friendly hospitality of favehotel by Aston and enjoy the exceptional value and savings of our fabulous

new rate.

Standard Room at Favehotel Seminyak

Standard Room at Favehotel Umalas

Favehotel introducing a fabulous rate of IDR 288.000 ++ / night / room (room only) at our fave standard room. This new exiting rate are applicable is available from July 2012 at our favehotel Seminyak, favehotel Kuta Square, favehotel Umalas, and favehotel By Pass. For further details on the “Fabulous Rate at Favehotel by Aston” offers and reservations please sent e-mail to [email protected] or visit our website www.favehotels.com Standard Room at Favehotel Bypass Kuta

Standard Room at Favehotel Kuta Square

ANANTA LEGIAN HOTEL TO ORGANIZE “WE LOVE AND CARE FOR CHILDREN”

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n conjukction with its Grand Opening, the management of Anata Legian Hotel will hold an education and social program colled “We Love and Care for Children” exhibiting

Ananta’s concerns for children and the world of education. This program wiil be supported by KPBA (Kelompok Pencinta Bacaan Anak or Society for the Advancement of Children Literature) a nonprofit

independent organization founded by Dr. Murti Bunanta SS.MA. The event will be held on july 17-18, 2012 as part of the Grand Opening. The General Manager of Ananta, Christian Gumala said, “Ananta will hold a Children Storytelling Festival inviting 40 studens from Mentary Fajar school for students with special needs in Jimbaran as well as 60 children living in Banjar Legian Kaja and other children.”The purpose of this program is to encourage children to respect each other and to love folktales, as well as to encourage children’s interests in reading. The event will also hold a storytelling training class for teachers, instructors and parents. Dr. Murti Bunanta explained, “In We Love and Care for Children, noted storytellers Drs. Made Taro from Bali, Dr. Anne Pellowski from USA, and two storytellers from Thailand - Dr.Wajuppa Tossa and Dr. Prasong Saihong - will participate together with storytellers from KPBA. They will promote folktales from Bali, Nusantara and other Asian cultures.” Dr. Murti Has been active in nurturing interests in reading among children across Indonesia since 1987. She is a lecturer, writer and expert on children’s literature. KPBA has been a member of IBBY (International Bord on Books for young People) since 1990. The cultural touch of this event is is in line with

Ananta Legian Hotel, wich is just newly conpleted with 175 rooms. Ananta features a unique concep of warm, charming and relaxing retreat in the of Legian resort in Bali. Ananta’s Executive Assistant Manager, I Nengah Artana explained, “Ananta’s unique design and architecture combine traditional aesthetic harmony and Balinese classical philosophies with modern livestyles and facilities. The Ananta Lobby incorporates three Balinese sacred symbols of Padma (holiness), Cupu Manik(life) and Karang (earth), reflecting Ananta’s own philosophy of providing guests with a world of peace, harmony and pleasure.” Ananta means never-ending and colorful in Sanskrit. “This reflects our purpose of providing never ending pleasure to guests with Balinese Luxury and hospitality,” said Artana. “our room were designed in contemporary modern with traditional Balinese elements to provide a unique and refreshing stay. Ananta’s other facilities include Amertha Restaurant, Amertha Pool Bar At the swimming pool and the Ambara lounge and Spa which is located on the top floor overlooking the breathtaking scenery of Legian Beach.” “ At the culmination of the event, Ananta Legian Hotel will be officially opened by Badung regent, Mr. A.A Gde Agung,SH., Preceded by a welcome speech from Kadisparda Badung, Mr. Cok Raka Darmawan,” said Christian. At the conclusion of the Grand Opening, a Gala Dinner will be held featuring Balinese traditional cuisine and dance.

Traditional Corner in Santika Kuta Bali Hotel

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antika Kuta Bali Hotel offers something fresh and new for its guests in Seruni Café. The café, which is situated near the pool now introduces ‘Traditional Corner’ that serves various traditional culinary from Indonesia such as Soto Betawi, Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), rendang, traditional cakes and many more. The menu is specially prepared by Chef Suwarna Dwipa for the guests of Santika Hotel. Suwarna explained that Santika Kuta Bali Hotel intends to provide something different for both domestic and foreign guests who want to enjoy the unique culinary of Indonesia. Traditional Corner also confirms the commitment of Santika Hotel to introduce, promote and preserve the traditional culinary of Indonesia. Hotel Santika Kuta is a strategic base from which to explore the island

of Bali at leisure. Located in the heart of Kuta’s vibrant shopping and restaurant district, the property is just minutes from the island’s celebrated sunset beach. Within easy reach to the airport and other popular sites of interest, Hotel Santika Kuta welcomes travellers from all walks of life with genuine hospitality.

About Kafe Seruni Appetites are satisfied at Kafe Seruni. This open-plan dining area serves an extensive buffet breakfast for a hearty start to the day. There is also a more substantial menu of Indonesian cuisine and Western fare as well as light refreshments available until late.

Suwarna Dwipa

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

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n a r a d Pangan

photo by tri wibowo

a marine park with a diversity of marine life. No need to worry about safety for the beach and its surrounding area has been facilitated by very tight security with staff who is expert in their fields. The activities on the beach are monitored by the life guards to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors. There are some events regularly held on Pangandaran Beach such as Pangandaran International Kite Festival every June or July and Hajat Laut, a ceremony in which the fishermen give offerings to the sea as a form of gratitude). The event is usually held in the month of Muharram and takes place on the East Coast of Pangandaran. Pangandaran Beach offers not only beautiful view, but also complete facilities for tourists such as campsite, bike rental, parasailing, Jet Ski, discotheque, cinema, waterboom, and various support facilities for entertainment. It is quite easy to find accommodation in Pangandaran. There are also some houses belong to the local people that are rented for those who want to stay longer in Pangandaran. Foreign tourists do not have to worry about communication or money for post office, telecommunication office and money changer are available there.

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angandaran beach is one of the popular natural tourist destinations. It is an exotic beach located on the south coast of Java Island. This beach has become one of the most favorite beaches for surfers from all over the world and local tourists. The beach is located in the village of Pananjung, Pangandaran District, or approximately 92 kilome-

Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve ters south of Ciamis regency. Pangandaran has clear water and beautiful nature panorama. It also has relatively long distance between the low and high tide that enables tourists to swim there. The beach offers not only surf site, but also sunrise and sunset in the same place. A dazzling stretch of white sand makes Pangandaran a popular tourist object. Pangadaran also has

A visit to Pangandaran Beach seems to be incomplete before visiting Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve. It is a conservation area, located in the southern tip of West Java Province. It is the habitat of the rare Rafflesia patma, wild bull (Bos javanicus), and many more tropical flora fauna. It has secondary forest aged 50-60 years with a dominant species such as Laban, kisegel, merong, and

The beauty of Lombok Pearls

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

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pearl is a hard object produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. One of the pearls well-known for its beauty is Lombok pearls. Lombok is not only famous for its natural beauty and tourist attractions but also the beauty of the landscape that is much admired by the local community, domestic and foreign tourists. Lombok pearls are produced into a very beautiful jewelry. Pearls are the tourism icon of Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). As one of the main local products, pearls are expected to penetrate the national and international markets. Lombok pearl has three distinctive colors, namely gold, white and peach. Pearls from Lombok are also known as “The Queen of Pearls” or better known as the “South Sea Pearls. It is the best quality pearls in the world. It is undeniably that Lombok pearls are very beautiful and have made many people interested to get it, especially women. One characteristic that distinguish Lombok pearls from others is its bright color. Lombok pearls are available in different sizes. The ideal pearl has perfectly round shape and smooth surface. These pearls can be combined with gold or silver into a wide range of jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants and others. Not only high in quality, Lombok pearls also have high selling value. They will for sure beautify anyone who wears them.

photo by tri wibowo

The Enchanting

so forth. There are also tree species from primary forest such as pohpohan kondang and benda. With a wide variety of flora, Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve is suitable habitat for wild animals, including Tando, long-tailed monkeys, bats, bison, deer, and porcupine. While the species of birds including cangehgar, tlungtumpuk, cipeuw, and jogjog. Kinds of reptiles are lizards, geckos, and some types of snakes. Not only flora and fauna, Pananjung Pangandaran Nature Reserve also offers other attractions such as Batu Kalde, which is a Hindu heritage. There are many natural caves and artificial caves such as Panggung cave, Parat, Lanang, Sumur Mudal and caves from the period of Japanese occupancy. Another attraction in the park is Batu Layar, Cirengganis, Pasirputih Beach, Cikamal grazing field, which is a 20 ha area of grassland and shrub and habitat of bison and deer. Waterfall located in the southern nature reserve can be reached by walking for two hours through the path. (*)

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SHARING OUR LOVE AFFAIR THE BEST PREMIUM GRADE ONE COFFE WITH INDONESIA The popularity of Indonesia coffee has long been known throughout the world. From Italian baristas preparing the perfect shot of java espresso, French cafes brewing their Mandheling special house blend, to New York’s elite sipping the world’s most luxurious ‘ Kopi Luwak’, patrons worldwide relish Indonesian coffee as an equisite foreign delicacy. Over the years, Indonesian coffee has become one of the most internationally sought-after commodities, making Indonesia the fourth largest coffee-producing nation in the world. JJ ROYAL COFFEE sets forth throughout the regions of Indonesia, to select and reserve only the finest premium Grade One, specially-picked Single Origin coffee-sharing this love affair of the country’s internationally-renewned coffee with Indonesia and making it available for its domestic market. The Exotic Bali Kintamani Arabica from JJ ROYAL COFFEE Indonesia’s identity is inseparable from the popularity of Bali Island, not only for its beauty in nature but also for it treasured Kintamani coffee. Hence, from the mystical and exotic Bali, JJ ROYAL COFFEE present a local gem, Bali Kintamani Arabica Coffee. Cultivated on volcanic highlands, these world-renowned Grade One beans diffuse a delightfully strong, yet sugary fragrance upon brewing. The light, medium-bodied flavor fades into a hint of cocoa, creating a pleasant aftertaste that will enchant drinkers, cup after cup. Bali Kintamani coffee has also been recognized by the French-based CIRAD (Centre de Cooperatin en Recherches Agronomiques pour le Development / Agricultural Research For Development), as a distinctive coffee originating from Bali. Premium Grade One Indonesian Coffee Aside from Bali Kintamani Coffee JJ ROYAL COFFEE also offers 13 other premium variants, such as 100% pure Luwak and the best single origin specialty Arabica coffee from Toraja, Mandheling, Organic Mandheling Decaf, Gunung Biru-Kayumas Java Estate, Aceh Gayo, Papua and Flores along with a range of selected unique highland Robusta and superb blends. The utmost coffee experience for everyone A pioneer in its class of domestic coffee suppliers, JJ ROYAL COFFEE implements a unique medium-dark roasting process and a stict quality-control system that result in a range of premium-quality coffee with a standard that sets above the rest. With JJ ROYAL COFFEE variants available throughout the nation, everyone can enjoy a cup of the best, specially-picked, rare premium Indonesian coffee. The utmost gourment experience that Indonesia offers to the world, now JJ ROYAL COFFEE present it to you…. So you can always drink the best.

WHILE IN BALI AVOID “BALI BELLY” By dr. A.A Istri Murwitha Prasanti Agung (Manu Waluya Public Health Service)

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he name “Bali-belly” could be fearsome for visitors to Bali. This rather-sexy-term is nothing to do with belly dancing but this so-called Bali-belly have disrupted many traveler’s holiday. But what is Bali-belly? Bali-belly is traveler’s diarrhea – a clinical syndrome associated with contaminated food or water that occurs during or shortly after travel. It is the most common health problem encountered by travelers and, depending on length of stay, may affect up to 80% of travelers – mainly from developed countries. It is called Bali-belly because many visitors to Bali experiencing this disease.

The safety of food, drink and drinking-water depends mainly on the standards of hygiene applied locally in their growing, preparation and handling. To minimize any risk of contracting food borne or waterborne infections, travelers should take precautions with all food and drink. Another potential source of waterborne infection is contaminated recreational water such as inadequate treatment and disinfectant of pool and spa. It is particular important that people in more vulnerable groups that are infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women and people living with impaired immune systems, take stringent precautions to avoid contaminated food, drinks and unsafe recreational waters. These are some examples of food and drinks that have potential contamination: raw or halfcooked meat, raw vegetables, seafood, unpeeled fruits, non-pasteurized dairy product, tap water, ice cubes. Make sure all food and drinks are well boiled and well cooked. Traveler’s diarrhea caused by various bacteria, viruses and parasites, but bacteria are responsible for the majority of cases especially Eschericia coli. The incubation period after 2-3 days at the destination, however, it can also occurred by the time the travelers return to their country.

The syndromes of travelers’ diarrhea: 1. Gooey feces 2. Abdominal cramp 3. Nausea and vomiting 4. Fever 5. Headache 6. Trace of blood

2nd Floor RB. Permata Hati Jl. Teuku Umar Barat 71XX – Denpasar - Bali Flexi: 0361.3691289 Mobile. 0881 467 0045 E: [email protected]

Most diarrheal episodes are self-limiting with recovery in a few days; however, there are few conditions that require immediate medical assistance such as diarrhea more than 3 days, bleeding, massive abdominal pain, fever more than 38° C, dried mouth, excessive thirst, and darker urine. Seek urgent medical treatment as soon as these symptoms appear to avoid further deterioration that is life threatening. Diarrhea can cause dehydration; therefore, it is especially important for children to avoid becoming dehydration. Fluid intake during diarrheal episodes should be maintained with safe liquids in form of bottled and/or boiled water 2-3 liter a day. If moderate to heavy diarrhea losses continue, oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution should be considered in particular for children and elderly persons. Food intake consists of pulpy diet in the first 24 hours and may have normal diet after 2-3 days. So, while in Bali avoid Bali-belly by keep vigilant of where to eat and drink and make sure you are in your best health condition during travelling as strong immune system will protect you from this disrupted-holiday-kind-ofdisease.

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KOPI LANGIT BAR & RESTAURANT has been opened

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malas Hotel & Residence, seminyak, Kuta – Bali is proudly to present the evening party that is dedicated to all tourism staffs who have given their dedicated toward the contribution of tourism sector of Balicontinuously without tired that create sustainability for it toursm industry. At the same time, Umalas Hotel & residence is introducing the opening of its new restaurant at the roof top of the Hotel, which is can be said “rare” to be faund in seminyak area and can only few or lees Hotel that have the restourant that has it dining area located on the top of the building. Umalas Hotel & Residence, now can claim the hotel has unique selling point beside the luxiry rooms that representing of 43 units of One Bedroom, Two Bedrooms and Three Bedrooms, which is KOPI LANGIT (Sky cofee, in English), that is planned to make the hotel has something unique, easy to remember and infinite view to seminyak area. This unique selling poit can be remembered as things that will not forgotten by whole customers who seek for frivate, cozy and intimate environment of bar and restaurant in seminyak. On the 29th June 2012 ago, Umalas Hotel & residence, Seminyak, Kuta – Bali share its happiness of the opening of KOPI LANGIT BAR & RESTAURANT and invited 150 TRAVEL AGENTS, AIRLINERS AND CORPORATE friends which at the same time creates party for the attendees in order to grow friendliness and kinship altogether.

IBIS BALI KUTA CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING

Kahyangan Spa T

AT THE SEMINYAK BALI

he”Kayangan”is a sacred place where the Gods and Goddesses live. It is a sanctuary where mortals could only dreams of, an ethereal place where our phisical beings are healed and restored, our senses are rejuvenated, and our minds are enlightened. To be well and to be whole as it was always meant to be. The Kahyangan Spa is a sanctuary that embraces your well-being, offering a heavenly journey of sensory delights to enliven your spirit. Our treatmets incorporate: the healing touch for the body, the ritual and the fragrance to heighten the spirit and tranquility to calm the mind. Our mission is to deliver a heavenly journey of sensory experience where step of the treatment brings a renewed and transformed you wholly... in body, mind, and spririt. Before you embark on a journey to experience the heaven on earth please note that - The Kahyangan treatments are all designed to enhance your overall health and wellbeing. All the treatmets have corrective and anti-stress benefits find balance, peace and tranquility as our team of professional.trained therapists create a customized sequence of therapies to suit your personal therapies to suit your personal needs. Surrender your body and mind to the ultimate Spa experience at The Kahyangan Spa.

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fter successfully opening its door to guests in May 2012, Ibis Bali Kuta celebrated its grand Opening on Saturday, July 14th,2012. The hotel, which is strategically located in the Kuta area and less than 1 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, welcomed nearly 400 people including a number of VIPs to the event. Guests of honour included Anak Agung Gede Agung,SH –Regent of Bandung, Imelda Tio-President Commissioner of PT. Sun Motor Group and Michel Vivier – Director of Operations For Accor Indonesia, who joined numerous other representatives from society, business and media to commemorate the grand opening of the first ibis hotel in Bali. The official launch party kicked off with a traditional Balinese welcome dance followed by remarks by the guests of honour and the signing of an inscription by the regent of Bandung. Guests were treated to delicious dinner prepared by Rudy Priawan, ibis Bali Kuta’s Executive Chef, and musical entertainment created a convivial mood at the indoor/outdoor Rendezvous restaurant and bar. The Grand Opening party allowed guests to experience the full scope of the hotel’s facilities, showcasing the excellent standards of service synonymous with the ibis brand.Guests were invited to visit one of the 156 well-designed and affordable guest rooms – equipped with comfortable beds and sofa, 24inch LCD TV, in-room safe and coffee/tea making facilities and complimentary WIFI internet access – and were given a tour of the fitness centre and meeting rooms. “We are proud to officially open our doors to guests, who will enjoy room decorated in contemporary Balinese design, spacious puclic spaces with extensive facilities and excellent services at an affordable price,” said Engkun Kurnia, General Manager of ibis Bali Kuta and all seasons Bali Denpasar. “We truly appreciate everyone who joined the party and welcome everyone to experience ibis Bali Kuta firs-hand” The celebration closed with announcement of the luky draw winners, which incluled free stay at Accor hotels in Bali.

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Island Exp lore r


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photo by spc

photo by spc

Enjoying the delicious Taliwang Chicken

ulinary Tourism in Lombok is incomplete before trying the delicious Taliwang Chicken. Taliwang Chicken is one of Indonesian Culinary Heritage that has got many fans. A pungent spicy flavor of the chicken’s spices is the main characteristic of this cuisine. It was lucky I had the opportunity to taste the Taliwang chicken directly from Lombo for it is the typical food from this island. It is very easy to find restaurant that provides this menu in Mataram, the capital of Lombok. Taliwang chicken is spicy grilled chicken, which uses chicken aged 3-5 months. It is mini in size, but it was very tasty. It is usually served with Plecing Kangkung, which has become the trademark for the island’s culinary in addition to Taliwang chicken. Kangkung (water spinach) from Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara province) is indeed special. It has soft texture. Kangkung has become alternative gift for people who have just visited the island of Lombok. Plecing kangkung itself is boiled water spinach served with chili and tomato sauce on top, bean sprouts, and peanuts. It is fresh, crunchy and tasty! For additional menu, you can try another traditional food from Lombok called beberuk, which is a mixture of small eggplant slices, green beans, tomatoes, and chili paste. The addition of lemon juice and red onion makes it even tastier. For vegetable soup, lebui soup should not be missed. It is a soup with thick black gravy and contains black Otok beans. Otok beans taste like red beans, but it is smaller in size.

Exquisite Woven Silk from Garut shaped and large flowers. Although almost all regions in Indonesia have a woven fabric as a result of local crafts, but each region has its own uniqueness in the manufacture of woven motifs. Garut has been known as the center of silk.

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oven silk fabrics from Garus are indeed exquisite and unique. However, its exoticism is not easily created for it takes special expertise to develop the technique of ikat motif. The process involves several stages, which include the binding, dyeing until it becomes a meterlong woven fabric. In Garut is still saved a lot of products that have been produced for decades, one of which is natural silk fabric. Natural silk fabric is quite a promising potential to be developed, considering, Garut is an area with the greatest potential of agro-business in West Java. This business potential should be managed to the maximum. Bayongbong and Cikajang are areas that are suitable for silkworm farm. It is because the silkworms eat mulberry leaves as their main food and those areas have cool weather that is suitable for mulberry plantation. In terms of quality, Garut’s natural silk is as good as natural silk fabrics made in other areas and even better in terms of a typical motif called Garutan and thickness of fabric. Not only the local market such as Jakarta, Cirebon, Pekalongan, Yogyakarta and Solo, but the global market demand for this product

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

History of Garut’s woven silk

is quite high. In fact, natural silk fabric from Garut has entered the Japanese market, Canada and America. Although the demand is still high, but the crafters have difficulty to fulfill the demand. The problem relies on the difficulty to get the raw materials and the price that is very expensive. As a result, they can only meet about 50% of the order received. In fact, the silk industry is one of the agro-industrial’s sub-sectors with huge potential to be developed, because it has many advantages and one of them

is that the raw materials are available and comes entirely from local natural resources. Woven silk business is very promising considering that the price of plain fabric (before dyeing) can reach Rp 130,000 per meter. The price will increase along with the addition of pattern and colors and it can reach Rp 400,000 per meter. Now, the dyeing of Garut’s woven silk is varied and the artisans continue to innovate and create products that follow the fashion of the times. The typical motif of Garut woven silk is geometric-

Silk weaving business came to Garut along with the exodus of Japanese troops to Indonesia in early 1940’s. In 1954, Naito, who later changed his name to Mohammed Kurdi, a Japanese soldier who refused to return to his homeland, tried his luck by making miraculous threads of silk in Wanaradja Garut. One of the indigenous people who learned the manufacture of silk fabric was Aman Sahuri, a pioneer of silk weaving in Garut. His effort was then followed by S.M. Kosasih, H. Machdar (Bandung), Ackub Wangsadimiarta (Sukabumi), Umm Salamah (Banda Aceh) and Mohamad Daud (Ujung Pandang). Sahuri encouraged other people to maintain mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori) as well as making yarn spinning and woven silk. The climax was when Sahuri received Upakarti Award in 1990 for his creative pursuit. But the golden age of silk business had entered its gloomy period, which was started from the bankruptcy of PT Indo Jago Sutra Pratama in 2003. One by one, mulberry plantation and silkworm farms collapsed. PT Indo Jago is the most sophisticated silk yarn manufacturer in Indonesia, and without this company the spinning process could only be done traditionally. As a result, the quality of the thread could not be maintained to the standard and then consumers began to leave. Today, silk weaving business use imported yarn with various length and thickness. (*)

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Desa Wisata di Rembang Kini Makin Berkembang

photo by tri wibowo

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ejumlah desa di Kabupaten Rembang, Jawa Tengah yang telah menerima bantuan Program Nasional Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (PNPM) Mandiri Bidang Pariwisata kini sudah terlihat hasilnya. Ini bisa dilihat pada desa Babagan, Bonang, Binangun, dan Desa Gedung Mulyo yang mulai tampak aktivitas pariwisata dan tersedianya fasilitas pariwisata yang memadai. Desa Babagan, Bonang, Binangun, dan desa Gedung Mulyo menjadi sasaran program desa wisata karena mempunyai produk unggulan, baik souvenir, obyek wisata, budaya maupun religi sebagai pendukung kunjungan wisata. Selain itu masingmasing desa kini memiliki ‘Home stay’ yakni rumah warga yang bisa digunakan menginap wisatawan, agar betah berkunjung ke desa wisata. Keberadaan Home Stay ini diharapkan bisa mengenalkan potensi keparawisataan, seperti pendiidikan, penelitian, makanan khas, budaya lokal, pertanian dan potensi lain yang dimiliki desa. Dari program desa wisata ini Desa Binangun dan Gedung Mulyo menerima alokasi anggaran masingmasing sebesar Rp 70 juta , sedangkan desa Babagan dan Bonang menerima Rp 100 Juta. Sebelumnya tahun 2011 lalu Desa Babagan dan Bonang menerima alokasi program desa wisata sebesar Rp 65 Juta. Bakri, Direktur Pembedayaan Masyarakat Ditjen Pengembangan Destinasi Pariwisata Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Kemenparekraf) di Rembang mengatakan saat ini di Kabupaten Rembang terdapat 537 titik potensi wisata yang baru saja tergali dengan adanya desa wisata tersebut, di antaranya situs cagar budaya di Kecamatan Lasem. ”Di wilayah ini banyak potensi wisatanya mulai pantai, batik perajin, situs rumah China (kelenteng), hampir keseluruhan desa wisata itu tumbuh kembang dari bantuan PNPM Mandiri,”ujar Bakri saat Sosialisasi dan Training Fasilitator Kegiatan Pendampingan PNPM Mandiri Bidang Pariwisata di Kabupaten Rembang, Jawa Tengah belum lama ini. Menurut Bakri, pembentukan desa wisata dapat memberdayakan dan menyejahterakan masyarakat

Bakri (kanan) saat melihat aktivitas perajin Batik Lasem hasil penerapan PNPM Mandiri Pariwisata di desa Babagan, Rembang.

setempat. Karena itu, Kemenparekraf terus memberikan kesempatan kepada desa-desa lain yang ingin mengembangkan potensi pariwisata mereka dengan membentuk desa wisata. Selain di Jateng, desa wisata yang berhasil dikembangkan adalah Bali dan Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. “Provinsi- provinsi itu tidak hanya mengembangkan desa wisata, tetapi juga desa budaya,” terang Bakri. Dijelaskannya, anggaran pembentukan desa wisata untuk Pulau Jawa nilainya berkisar Rp 65 – 70 juta per desa. Sementara di luar Jawa, Rp80 – 95 juta per desa. Tahun ini kegiatan yang dibantu melalui PNPM Mandiri Bidang Pariwisata di seluruh Indonesia menargetkan 978 desa di 33 provinsi. Di Jawa Tengah

Lomba Foto Piala Presiden 2012 Berhadiah Total Rp110 juta

sendiri kata Bakri, sudah terbentuk 79 desa wisata dengan dana yang sudah terserap Rp 6,970 miliar. Potensi desa wisata di Jateng memiliki karakter yang sangat berbeda dengan wilayah lainnya. Misalnya dari kesenian ataupun adat yang sangat khas untuk ditumbuh kembangkan menjadi objek wisata. ”Desa wisata sudah berjalan baik, kami ingin agar itu terus berkembang,” ujarnya.

Pramuka Dibekali Ketrampilan Pemandu Wisata Kesempatan terpisah di Ungaran, Semarang, Bakri mengharapkan pramuka bisa menjadi Duta Wisata dan menyebarkan prinsip Sapta Pesona.

Merekapun juga dibekali ketrampilan menjadi pemandu wisata yang baik, namun tetap dengan teknik pelatihan Pramuka. Dari aspek penyuluhan bagaimana peran pramuka untuk meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat di tempat wisata untuk tertib, bersih, sejuk, indah sehingga meninggalkan kenangan. “Dari segi pemanduan wisata bagaimana menciptakan suasana ramah. Mereka pun diajari bagaimana menjadi pemandu wisata yang baik bagi wisatawan, tentunya dengan tata cara dan teknik kepramukaan. Tetap menggunakan tata cara Pramuka namun dengan materi pelatihan kepariwisataan, bagimana mereka menerapkan di tempat-tempat umum dan lokasi wisata yang berpegang pada prinsip Sapta Pesona,” ujarnya. “Ini juga untuk mengembangkan bakat dan kemampuan mereka, sehingga bisa mendorong geliat pariwisata di daerah mereka masing-masing,” tambah Bakri. Saka Pramuka, jelas Bakri, 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 tersebut diharapkan dapat mendukung dan menyukseskan program Sadar Wisata yang meliputi prinsip Sapta Pesona yaitu Aman, Tertib, Bersih, Ramah, Sejuk, Indah, dan Kenangan Terakhir. Ia menjelaskan pembinaan keterampilan bagi anggota Pramuka bisa saja berupa menjadi wirausaha di bidang pariwisata ataupun jasa seperti menjadi pemandu wisata. Karena itu, anggota pramuka bisa menjadi duta wisata untuk mengembangkan dan mempromosikan tempat Wisata di daerah masing-masing, termasuk juga desa Wisata. Kedepan mereka tidak hanya mendapat pelatihan menjadi pemandu wisata tapi juga berhak mendapat sertifikat jasa pemandu wisata, tentunya dengan standarisasi nasional. Dengan harapan mereka bisa gunakan kedepannya untuk wirausaha ataupun bekerja. (*)

Seruan ‘Stop Illegal Download’ Musik Indonesia

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ementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif menggelar lomba dan pameran foto Indonesia 2012 bertema “Cinta Indonesia, Dari Mata ke Hati” yang memperebutkan Piala Presiden RI dengan total hadiah sebesar Rp110 juta. “Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memberikan kesempatan kepada para fotografer baik dari kalangan pelajar, mahasiswa, dan masyarakat umum untuk dapat berkarya, bercerita, serta menampilkan berbagai keunikan dari daerahnya masing-masing melalui fotografi. Ini adalah proses apresiasi, ekspresi yang diapresiasi,” kata Menparekraf Mari Pangestu di Jakarta belum lama ini. Ia mengatakan, lomba dan pameran foto Indonesia itu idenya awalnya berasal dari Presiden RI Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, sebagai salah satu rangkaian dalam acara peringatan HUT Proklamasi Kemerdekaan Indonesia. Kegiatan itu merupakan event ketiga kalinya dan selama kurun waktu tiga tahun terakhir terbukti telah mendapatkan apresiasi besar dari para pecinta fotografi di Tanah Air. “Tema yang dipilih Cinta Indonesia, Dari Mata ke Hati menggambarkan kecintaan kita warga negara Indonesia baik yang tinggal di kota-kota besar maupun di pelosok daerah tentang bagaimana mencintai tanah tumpah darahnya,” katanya. Selain itu, tema juga diharapkan mampu mengungkap cinta terhadap keberagaman budaya dan cinta terhadap sesama warga negara walaupun berbeda suku. Seni fotografi dianggap mampu mewakili upaya untuk mengekspresikan kecintaan terhadap tanah air di mana sebuah gambar dapat menceritakan keindahan, keadaan, budaya, adat istiadat, dan kebiasaan sesuai asal daerah masing-masing. Keunikan dan keberagaman budaya melalui pemikiran kreatif dan matang dianggap mampu menghasilkan karya yang dapat memberikan kesadaran berada di negeri sendiri. “Fotografer membidik dengan mata, dari foto itu berbicara tentang cinta terhadap negara kita,” katanya. Pihaknya menargetkan lomba foto 2012 akan menerima karya foto minimal 3.500 karya. Sejak Mei 2012 sampai 22 Juni 2012 tercatat jumlah pengirim sudah sebanyak 377 orang dengan jumlah karya foto sebanyak 1.384 karya dan diharapkan akan terus bertambah sampai penutupan penerimaan karya pada Jumat, 27 Juli 2012 pukul 24.00 WIB. Tahun lalu, karya foto yang masuk mencapai 2.575 buah terdiri 85 pelajar (327 karya), 219 mahasiswa (795 karya), dan 417 orang dari kalangan umum (1.453 karya). Pada 2010 jumlah karya foto yang masuk ke panitia hanya sebanyak 458 karya dari 189 fotografer yang terbagi dalam tiga kategori yakni 61 pelajar (81 karya), 26 mahasiswa (62 karya), dan 102 orang dari kalangan umum (316 karya). Nominator sebanyak 30 karya foto terbaik akan diumumkan pada Sabtu, 4 Agustus 2012 melalui website www.parekraf.go.id dan seluruh nominator akan diundang ke Jakarta untuk mengikuti workshop fotografi. Pemenang akan mendapatkan hadiah total sebesar Rp110.000.000 dan Piala Presiden. Kategori pelajar akan mendapatkan hadiah total sebesar Rp30 juta untuk Juara I, Juara II, Juara III, Harapan I, dan Harapan II. Kategori mahasiswa akan mendapatkan hadiah total sebesar Rp35 juta untuk Juara I, Juara II, Juara III, Harapan I, dan Harapan II. Kategori umum akan mendapatkan hadiah total sebesar Rp45 juta untuk Juara I, Juara II, Juara III, Harapan I, dan Harapan II. Penyelenggaraan pameran dan penyerahan hadiah akan dilakukan oleh Presiden RI, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, pada 14 Agustus 2012 di JI-Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta, bersamaan dengan acara Silaturahmi Presiden RI dengan Pasukan Pengibar Bendera Pusaka, Pasukan Kehormatan Taruna Akademi TNI dan Akpol, Paduan Suara dan Orkestra Gita Bahana Nusantara, dan para Teladan Nasional. (*)

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top illegal download musik karya anak negeri kembali diserukan para stakeholder musik Indonesia dalam acara diskusi publik “Penyelamatan Musik Indonesia di Era Digital’ yang berlangsung di Gedung Sapta Pesona Jakarta belum lama ini. Diskusi publik yang digelar Ditjen Ekonomi Kreatif Berbasis Seni dan Budaya (Ditjen Ekraf BSB) Kemenparekraf dihadiri seluruh stakeholder musik mulai dari pencipta, penyanyi, hingga pelaku industri musik serta wakil dari Kemenparekraf, Kemeninfo, dan Kemenkumham. Para pelaku kreatif musik menyatakan. musik Indonesia di era digital saat ini tengah menuju kematian hal ini akibat praktek maraknya penjualan kaset maupun CD bajakan maupun aksi mengunduh lagu-lagu Indonesia secara ilegal (illegal download) melalui situs internet yang setiap tahun merugikan triliunan rupiah. “Sudah saatnya kita semua para seniman, industri, pemerintah, dan masyarakat bersama-sama menghentikan illegal download, karena secara ekonomi merugikan kita semua serta merusak karakter bangsa Indonesia yang tak mau disebut sebagai bangsa pembajak karya cipta,” kata Dharma Oratmangun, Ketua Umum Yayasan Karya Cipta Indonesia.

Dikhawatirkan bila kondisi seperti ini terus berlarutlarut, industri musik Indonesia akan gulung tikar sehingga tidak ada lagi para kreator mencipta musik tetap berkarya. “Kami berharap pemerintah memberi perhatian serius untuk menyelamatkan musik Indonesia, agar kami bisa lebih kreatif menciptakan lagu,” kata Ello artis musik, seraya menyerukan saatnya masyarakat mengambil bagian untuk menyelamatkan musik Indonesia dengan menghentikan illegal download. Dalam sambutannya Ditjen Ekonomi Kreatif Berbasis Seni dan Budaya Kemenparekraf Ukus Kuswara menyatakan, melalui diskusi publik diharapkan ditemukan solusi terbaik dalam mengatasi persoalan yang tengah menimpa musik Indonesia yang saat ini memasuki era digital. “Illegal download musik Indonesia merupakan persoalan yang tidak mudah mengatasinya, untuk ini membutuhkan peranan kita semua,” kata Ukus. Sementara itu dalam pertemuan sejumlah tokoh musik dengan Menkoinfo dalam upaya menyelamatkan musik Indonesia di Jakarta, baru-baru ini, telah disepakati agar dilakukan tiga langkah konkrit yakni; kampanye stop illegal download, pemblokiran situs yang melakukan pembajakan musik, serta penegakan hukum bagi para pelaku. (*)

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TIME 2012 Bandar Lampung Targetkan Transaksi US$ 19 juta

Yudhoyono: Pemerintah Kembangkan Wisata Minat Khusus

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M Faried (kanan) dan Meity Robot saat jumpa pers TIME 2012 di Jakarta.

Faried juga berharap ajang TIME 2012 dapat memberikan kontribusi pada pencapaian target wisman. Tahun 2013, pemerintah menetapkan target kunjungan wisman sebesar 8,5 juta. Sedangkan, Kepala Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Lampung, Gatot Hadi Utomo bilang bahwa pihaknya memberanikan diri untuk menjadi tuan rumah TIME pada tahun ini karena merasa tidak maksimal dalam mempromosikan pariwisata Indonesia pada TIME tahun lalu. “Untuk kami akan membuat persiapan yang lebih baik serta lebih mempromosikan produkproduk lokal baik dari Indonesia ataupun dari Lampung sendiri,” katanya.

Penyelenggaraan TIME 2012 yang ke-18 kalinya oleh Masyarakat Pariwisata Indonesia (MPI) yang didukung oleh Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif merupakan ajang bagi para pelaku usaha pariwisata dan industri pendukungnya (seller) di Indonesia untuk mempromosikan berbagai produk dan jasa wisata dalam negeri kepada pebisnis pariwisata dari mancanegara (buyer). Selain pameran, untuk menarik minat pengunjung, pihak penyelenggara telah menyiapkan serangkaian acara tambahan seperti Tapis Carnival, Festival Krakatau, Tour Krakatau hingga Pergelaran Seni Budaya Indonesia. (*)

Tomohon International Flower Festival 2012 Siap Digelar

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akil Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Wamen Parekraf) Sapta Nirwandar bersama Walikota Kota Tomohon Jimmy F Eman meluncurkan Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF) 2012 di Balairung Gedung Sapta Pesona, Jakarta, Rabu (18/7)malam. “Festival bunga internasional ini akan berlangsung di Kota Tomohon, Sulawesi Utara (Sulut) pada 8 -12 Agustus 2012,” kata Sapta Nirwandar. Sapta menjelaskan, penyelenggaraan TIFF 2012 yang mengangkat tema “Wonderful Tomohon” dimaksudkan sebagai wadah promosi pariwisata bersama dalam upaya meningkatkan kunjungan wisatawan nusantara dan mancanegara ke Sulut khususnya ke Tomohon. Sapta Nirwandar juga menambahkan, penyelenggaraan TIFF 2012 selain untuk mempromosikan pariwisata Kota Tomohon yang memiliki daya tarik bunga sebagai ikon, juga memberikan dampak pada peningkatan ekonomi masyarakat melalui kegiatan pari-

wisata maupun ekonomi kreatif. “Khususnya dari kreativitas bunga yang banyak dikembangkan masyarakat setempat,” katanya. Menurut dia, event TIFF juga harus gencar dipromosikan agar terkenal ke seluruh dunia seperti Tournament of Roses di Pasadena, Amerika Serikat. Kesempatan yang sama, Walikota Tomohon Jimmy F Eman, mengatakan, penyelenggaraan TIFF 2012 akan meliputi empat kegiatan utama. “Empat kegiatan itu yakni Tournament of Flower (TOF) yang berlangsung 8 Agustus, Kontes Ratu Bunga pada 10 Agustus, dan Pameran Pariwisata, Perdagangan, Investasi dan Florikultura, serta Festival Seni Budaya Nusantara yang berlangsung 8 -12 Agustus 2012,” katanya. Peserta TIFF 2012 dari perwakilan negaranegara sahabat, Asosiasi Pemerintah Kota Seluruh Indonesia (Apeksi), 15 kabupaten/ kota se-Sulut, BUMN, BUMD, serta perusahaan swasta dengan jumlah pengunjung pameran diperkirakan mencapai 30 ribu orang. TIFF sebagai event dua tahunan pertama

kali diselenggarakan pada 2008 sebagai Tomohon Flower Festival yang masih berskala nasional diikuti 46 kota se-Indonesia dengan jumlah pengunjung sebanyak 20 ribu orang. Pada penyelenggaraan kedua pada 2010 ditingkatkan menjadi Tomohon International Flower Festival yang diikuti 82 peserta termasuk negara sahabat Malaysia, Vietnam, Korea Utara, India, dan Rusia dengan pengunjung sebanyak 25 ribu orang. “Penyelenggaraan festival bunga ini sejak awal mendapat dukungan dari Ditjen Pemasaran Kemenparekraf antara lain berupa bantuan publikasi melalui kegiatan acara peluncuran maupun `press conference`,” katanya. Hadir dalam acara peluncuran TIFF 2012 antara lain Direktur Promosi Pariwisata Dalam Negeri M Faried, Kepala Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Kota Tomohon Gerardus Mogi, anggota DPRD Kota Tomohon dan para tokoh masyarakat Sulut yang ada di Jabodetabek dan juga yang berdomisili di Provinsi Sulawesi Utara. (*)

Potensi Produk Kreatif Indonesia Sangat Besar Yudhoyono membentuk kementerian yang secara khusus menangani industri kreatif yang dibawahi oleh Mari Elka Pangestu. Dipaparkan Mari Pangestu, Indonesia memiliki potensi yang cukup besar untuk mengembangkan produk kreatif, yakni memiliki kekayaan alam dan budaya yang sangat kaya (menurut data World Economic Forum memiliki peringkat 39 dari 139 negara), memiliki 300 suku dan etnis, 27% dari 237 juta penduduk berusia produktif serta memiliki 17.100 pulau. “Melihat potensi ini, industri kreatif memiliki peluang untuk menjadi salah satu kekuatan ekonomi di Indonesia,” tuturnya. Saat ini, apresiasi masyarakat terhadap produk kreatif sudah meningkat. Adanya kekhawatiran bahwa nilai-nilai budaya lokal dapat tergerus oleh nlai budaya asing menjadi salah satu faktor yang memacu semangat penggiat seni dan budaya untuk terus berkarya dan berporomosi mengenai produk kreatif mereka. Meski demikian, promosi dan pengenalan ekonomi kreatif berbasis seni dan budaya terhadap masyarakat masih mengalami kendala, antara lain kurangnya riset pengembangan teknologi dan produk kreatif, infrastruktur, apresiasi masyarakat, serta sulitnya akses untuk mendapatkan pembiayaan. Sejauh ini, produk kreatif yang akan dikembangkan oleh Kemenparekraf adalah perfilman, musik, seni

pertunjukan dan seni rupa. Nantinya, produk kreatif tersebut akan dipetakan dengan tujuan untuk mempermudah pembentukan rencana pengembangan yang akan dilakukan. Tidak bisa dipungkiri, keberadaan teknologi sudah menyentuh hampir semua sektor kehidupan masyarakat, termasuk dalam sektor industri kreatif. Keberadaan tekonologi ini juga memiliki efek negatif terhadap pengembangan industri kreatif. Batik printing misalnya, batik tersebut dijual dengan harga yang lebih murah sehingga menarik minat konsumen. “Batik printing bukanlah jenis batik melainkan hanya kain bermotif batik yang dibuat dengan cara printing. Harganya memang lebih murah, namun kualitasnya jauh dibawah jenis batik tulis dan batik cap,” tambahnya. (*)

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engenalan produk kreatif terhadap masyarakat akan meningkatkan apresiasi terhadap produk kreatif itu sendiri. Promosi dan pengenalan produk kreatif perlu dilakukan terus menerus sehingga jumlah masyarakat yang mengenal produk kreatif karya anak bangsa tersebut semakin meningkat. Hal itu disampaikan Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Mari Elka Pangestu pada acara orientasi dan outbound “Peningkatan Pemahaman Bidang Parekraf Bagi Jurnaslis” oleh Pusat Komunikasi Publik Kementeraian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif di Museum Nasional belum lama ini. Seperti dua sisi mata uang, pariwisata memiliki kaitan erat dengan ekonomi kreatif. Perkembangan dan kemajuan sektor pariwisata juga akan mempengaruhi sektor ekonomi kreatif. “Jika kita berkunjung ke suatu daerah, maka kita akan mencari produk khas daerah tersebut. Ketika kita membawanya pulang, kemungkinan orang lain akan tertarik untuk juga memiliki produk tersebut dan datang ke destinasi wisata tersebut,” jelasnya. Produk kreatif sudah ada sejak lama. Hal ini menunjukan kreatifitas masyarakat Indonesia yang tinggi. Namun sayangnya, pengelolaan terhadap industri kreatif belum termaksimalkan dengan baik. Melihat potensi ini, Presiden

Presiden Yudhoyono

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ntuk kedua kalinya Lampung menjadi tuan rumah penyelenggaraan pameran Pasar Wisata Indonesia atau yang dikenal dengan Tourism Indonesia Mart and Expo (TIME) 2012. Acara yang berlangsung di Graha Wangsa, Bandar Lampung pada 9-12 Oktober mendatang ini menargetkan transaksi pameran hingga US$ 19 juta. Ketua Panitia TIME 2012, Meity Robot mengatakan bahwa tahun ini pihaknya menargetkan akan mendatangkan 80 pebisnis pariwisata mancanegara dari 27 negara yang akan membeli paket-paket wisata nusantara yang dipamerkan pada acara tersebut. “Target tahun ini melampaui pencapaian transaksi pada tahun lalu yang sebesar US$ 15.7 juta dengan menghadirkan 77 buyer dari 27 negara,” kata Meity di Jakarta belum lama ini. Diakui olehnya kalau transaksi di TIME 2011 lalu memang di bawah transaksi yang mereka dapatkan saat menggelar TIME 2010 di Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat yang sebesar 18.9 juta dollar US. Menurutnya hal tersebut disebabkan krisis Eropa yang terjadi tahun lalu yang mengakibatkan para wisatawan dari mancanegara memutuskan niatnya untuk tidak berwisata. Sementara itu, Direktur Promosi Dalam Negeri Kemenparekraf, M. Faried menuturkan bahwa sebagai ajang pameran wisata tertua di Indonesia tersebut, selalu memberikan manfaat bagi daerah yang menjadi tuan rumah. “Tuan rumah kembali dipercayakan Lampung. Tentu ada pembelajaran, harapannya pasti pergelaran pada tahun 2012 ini yang mendapatkan manfaat terbesar adalah Lampung,” katanya. Ia menjelaskan bahwa Lampung akan menerima manfaat berupa jaringan pasar yang semakin luas baik dari industri pariwisata dalam negeri maupun luar negeri. Selain itu, Lampung akan semakin terekspos di dunia.

residen Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono mengatakan pemerintah akan mendorong wisata minat khusus dan MICE untuk meningkatkan peranan pariwisata dalam perekonomian nasional. “Wisata minat khusus antara lain kuliner dan belanja sedangkan MICE adalah wisata berkaitan dengan pertemuan, seminar, pameran dan konvensi, untuk itu saya resmikan Kawasan Terpadu Trans Studio Bandung,” ujarnya saat meresmikan Kawasan Terpadu Trans Studio Bandung belum lama ini. Presiden mengharapkan dengan keberadaan berbagai fasilitas di Kawasan Terpadu Trans Studio Bandung dapat mendukung pariwisata sekaligus menopang peningkatan aktivitas ekonomi masyarakat lokal dan Jawa Barat. “Kawasan ini, akan memantapkan citra dan reputasi kota Bandung sebagai kota jasa dan pendidikan bertaraf internasional yang akan menciptakan keunggulan ekonomi wilayah. Ini penting mengingat saat ini 1 dari setiap 12 pekerjaan diciptakan langsung atau tidak langsung oleh sektor pariwisata,” katanya. Ditambahkannya, tahun lalu Indonesia dikunjungi 8 juta wisatawan mancanegara dengan devisa US$9 miliar. Kawasan Terpadu Trans Studio sendiri terdiri dari arena permainan indoor Trans Studio, pusat belanja Trans Studio Mall, Ibis Hotel dan Trans Luxury Hotel yang berbintang enam. (*)

15 Pokdarwis Gorontalo Dikukuhkan

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ebanyak 15 Kelompok Sadar Wisata (Pokdarwis) seProvinsi Gorontalo dikukuhkan Direktur Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Ditjen Pengembangan Destinasi Pariwisata Kemenparekraf, Bakri dan Ketua Tim Penggerak PKK Gorontalo, Idah Syahidah Habibie di Kota Gorontalo belum lama ini. Acara pengukuhan yang dibarengi kegiatan pembinaan kelompok sadar wisata ini diikuti 200 peserta. Kepada 15 Kelompok Sadar Wisata yang dikukuhkan, Bakri mengharapkan Pokdarwis mampu memajukan pariwisata di daerah. “Pokdarwis yang ada di setiap desa harus mampu mengolah daya tarik objek wisata yang ada di desanya sehingga mendatangkan keuntungan bagi masyarakat sekitar,” ujar Bakri . “Pokdarwis adalah kelompok masyarakat yang ada di tempat-tempat pariwisata. Mereka secara langsung berhubungan dengan daya tarik objek dan wisatawan. Fungsi mereka untuk mengolah potensi sehingga menjadi baik, teratur, indah dan keamanan tetap terjaga di tempat tersebut,” jelas Bakrie. Untuk itu, para anggota pokdarwis harus diberikan wawasan dan pengetahuan bagaimana mengolah objek wisata. Pokdarwis juga bertugas mengajarkan masyarakat menjaga keaslian daya tarik wisata. ”Keaslian itu harus tertata apik baik rumahrumah, toilet, seni budaya juga harus tertata rapi,” ujarnya. Bakrie juga menegaskan bahwa masyarakat yang ada di sekitar objek wisata atau desa wisata yang mengelolanya harus mendapatkan penghasilan dari objek pariwisata tersebut. ”Untuk itu harus dilakukan dengan segala upaya,” imbuhnya. Pokdarwis juga harus benar-benar memahami sejarah, perkembangan dan keunikan dari objek wisata tersebut. Kelompok sadar wisata menjadi gerbang terdepan dalam pembangunan pariwisata di daerah. Jiwa Sapta Pesona di kalangan Pokdarwis lanjut Bakri, harus tetap dipupuk agar memberikan pelayanan terbaik bagi wisatawan. Sebab, Pokdarwis menjadi ujung tombak berhasil tidaknya sebuah Desa Wisata atau obyek wisata yang akan dikelola. Artinya, jika obyek yang dikelola tersebut menerapkan Sapta Pesona, maka dipastikan wisatawan akan ketagihan berkunjung ke obyek wisata tersebut dan sebaliknya. Bakri mencontohkan keberhasilan Pokdarwis Desa Olele, Kabupaten Bone Bolango yang mampu memaksimalkan bantuan dana PNPM Mandiri Pariwisata untuk kemajuan desanya. Dibuatnya perahu kaca untuk melihat keindahan alam bawah laut di pantai Olele. “Desa Olele mempunyai keindahan bawah laut yang tak tertandingi, dengan menyewa perahu kaca sebesar Rp 200 ribu maka wisatawan dapat melihat keindahan tersebut. Ini tentunya menghasilkan uang yang menjadi pendapatan tetap bagi masyarakat setempat yang pada akhirnya meningkatkan penghasilan masyarakat,” terang Bakri. “Tahun 2012 bantuan untuk desa wisata sejumlah 978 desa di 33 provinsi. Dikurangi yang sudah dapat pada tahun 2011. Bantuan ini bisa untuk mengembangkan kesenian, kuliner di desa dan juga di perkotaan serta bisa juga untuk mengembangkan kerajinan atau homestay. Intinya kita masih banyak ruang untuk pengembangan pariwisata,” tambahnya. Terbentuknya Pokdarwis yang terdiri dari beberapa unsur masyarakat, seperti pemuda dan tokoh masyarakat, unsur pendidik, agama, pengrajin, serta unsur pengusaha ini memiliki satu semangat untuk memajukan pariwisata di Indonesia. (*)


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TA KE A W H I R L TH R O U G H T HE T R O P I C A L D IVE R SITY O F I ND O NE S I A

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Pearls. Indonesia s Paradise of. Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise. Vol. VII No. 7, 2012

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