Tidore. Natural beauty and history in. - Indonesia Tourism News. Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise

Your ultimate lifestyle retreat in paradise

Vol. VII No. 4, 2012

Natural beauty and history in

Tidore

www.ultimoparadiso.com - Indonesia Tourism News

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EDITOR IN CHIEF

Igo Kleden [email protected]

REPORTER Tri Wibowo [email protected] MARKETING MANAGER Tania FREELANCEMARKETING Ben Sisko [email protected] GRAPHIc DESIGNER

Yudick Ariant [email protected]

ACCOUNTING

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TRANSLATOR

Indira Sari Paputungan

CONTRIBUTOR

Christovao Vinhas [email protected]

DISTRIBUTOR

Martin Sanjaya

BANK Account

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

Tidore, Beautiful Combination of Nature Beauty and History

Ni Komang Suciani

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idore Island is one of the cities in North Maluku province, Indonesia. The natural beauty of this island attracts anyone who comes to visit. Some of the attractions in this city are Akesahu beach, Maitara Island Marine Park (Tongowai Bay), the Sultanate of Tidore Sonyine Malige, Cobo beach, Port Tahua and the monument of “Sebastiano De Elaco “(a Spanish sailor). The natural beauty, which is wrapped with great historical stories and values has become unique tourist attraction for Tidore. Tidore can be reached in 30 minutes by a ferry from Ternate and less than 10 minutes by speedboat. The city has been known since the colonial times for its cloves and nutmeg products. The first European to set foot on Tidore was the Spanish sailors who reached Tidore in 1512. Typical food of this city that does not exist in other areas of North Maluku is lapis Tidore, and also mam raha and popeda. Talking about Tidore cannot be separated from the Portuguese. The fort of Tore and Tohula are the silent witness of Portuguese occupancy in this land. The view from those places is beautiful! Both forts are located close to each other, both in the city center and close to Kedaton Kie, the Palace of Sultan of Tidore. It is only 30 minutes from the Port Rum, you can ride Bentor or rental car to this place. To reach the fort, it takes extra stamina for you need to go through dozens of steps and the hot weather. However, cool air and green trees will provide freshness during the trip. There is no admission fee to enter the fort. Arriving in the castle, the blue sea and the island of Halmahera will welcome you. If the weather is sunny, it will produce very good images. Expanse of blue and crystal clear water as well as the reef altogether forms magnificent view. Not only that, you also can see the city of Tidore from the top of the fort. Kedaton Kie with its blue roof can also be seen from both forts. No one knows exactly when both forts were built. People said that the forts were used to watch the ships that were going to attack the headquarters of the Portuguese at the time. View from the fort is really amazing. Besides the forts, there is Akesahu Beach in Tidore, which has hot spring on the seashore. You can enjoy the beautiful sea while relaxing your body under the water. Akesahu hot spring is a unique

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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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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island explorer

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nusantara

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

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

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Dewantoro Umbu Joka Tonny Wijadjanto [email protected]

tourist destination. This place is situated not far from the Port of Rum, the main port in Tidore. It is about 30 minutes drive. Interestingly, although situated on the beach, the hot spring tastes like plain water. It costs just Rp 2,000 to enjoy the hot spring and green trees around it. The beach is also lovely and looks similar to Sanur Beach in Bali. It can be a perfect place for swimming or just relaxing and enjoying the panorama. Besides enjoying the hot water, you can also play in the sea. Swimming and playing with water will be an enjoyable experience. Gazeboes that are available on the beach can be a perfect place for taking a rest after having fun on the beach. Not only nature, all kinds of activities and events in Tidore are very interesting. One of them is Bentor or motorized rickshaw. This transportation is unique and gives different sensation in traveling! Bentor can be found in several areas in Indonesia such as Tidore, Halmahera, and Gorontalo. It looks like a rickshaw but has the power of a motorcycle. It is a combination of motorcycles and rickshaw.

The Festivity of Tidore Festival 2012 Tidore Festival is held to celebrate the 904th anniversary of Tidore. Paji Nyili-nyili that is the special feature of Tidore will be presented during the main event. Mayor of Tidore Island Achmad Mahifa said that Tidore Festival 2012 will be used as a main event to promote tourism in the islands of Tidore. “North Maluku province has many cultural attractions, historical heritage and natural attractions such as the Portuguese fortress, Tohula, which is also used as the name of a port. The work of the Portuguese architecture is known as Indonesia’s first fort was rebuilt by the Dutch Colonial when they searched spices in Indonesia, “said Ahmad Mahifa. Ahmad Mahifa added that Tidore Festival is intended as a means to preserve and develop art and cultural potentials of Tidore, which can be the main resource to develop tourism industry in the region. On Thursday (4/12/2012) was the culmination of a series of activities in Tidore Festival. The festivities have begun at 6 am. The darkness of the dawn was broken by the light of torches placed at each house. Lighting the torch is a marker of Tidore Festival. One thing that characterizes the festival is Paji

Nyili-Nyili. Paji means a flag and nyili means an area. In this festival there are ten flags that represented the areas in Tidore. Paji Nyili-Nyili has been paraded from Wednesday to Thursday morning. People were walking under the light of torch and Paji Nyili-nyili moved from each area to Kadaton Kie, the Palace of Sultan Tidore. Tidore Festival is full of festivity of colorful Paji Nyili-Nyili, the light of the torches, hundred of people dressing in white and some dance performances. People were very enthusiastic and the street was crowded by people. Paji Nyili-Nyili began to enter Kedaton Kie at 8 am. Soya-Soya Seli dance also welcomed their arrival. Soya-Soya Seli dance is a dance to welcome the sultan and accompany Sultan everywhere he goes. This dance is performed by men dressed in colorful clothes. After that, the Secretary of Sultan of Tidore welcomed the arrical of Paji Nyali-Nyali, representing the Sultan of Tidore, who is in medical-treatment in Jakarta. Some events such as welcome speech, hospitality, and tambourine had put more colors to the Festival. (*)

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BOARD of DIRECTOR

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Mari Pangestu: Foreign Tourist Arrivals in February Up by 4.30%

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ased on data reported by the Centre of Data and Information (Pusdatin) Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), the number of tourist arrivals to Indonesia in February 2012 has reached 592, 502 foreign tourists, or up by 4.30% over the same month in 2011 of 568, 057 foreign tourists. While the cumulative number of foreign tourist visits in January - February 2012 has a total of 1,245,194 foreign tourists, or up by 11.49% over the same period in 2011 that was 1,116,878 foreign tourists. With this positive trend, Kemenparekraf is optimistic that the target of 8 million foreign tourist visits to Indonesia in 2012 will be achieved. In the last few years, after the Chinese New Year holidays the number of tourist arrivals to Indonesia usually decreases. But for 2012 Chinese New Year holidays which fell in January, in February the number of tourists were still increasing. “Foreign tourist arrival in February 2012 was recorded the best compared to the same period a few years earlier. Usually, when the Chinese New Year holiday fell in January, the growth of foreign tourist visit in the following month will show negative trend. In 2006 and 2009, when the Chinese New Year holiday fell in January, foreign tourist arrival in February of those years dropped to -14.59% and -9.43%, “said Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu recently. Mari Pangestu added that the Chinese New Year holiday effect is contributed to the decline of foreign tourists coming from China, Hongkong and Taiwan. However, she underlined, the decline was successfully covered by the increase of foreign tourists who came from Egypt amounting to 34.31%, 22.68% from South Korea, 18.83% from Australia, 12.79% from Germany and 11.79% from the United States. While tourist arrival that was experiencing high growth cumulatively during January-February 2012 is from China amounting to 54.14%, 36.24% from Saudi Arabia, 32.82% from Egypt, and 15.54% and 12.14% from South Korea and Australia. “There were tourist visits from some countries that experienced double digit growth in February. It’s certainly a positive development and becomes materials for evaluation to make us more effective for promotional activities abroad, the sales mission, as well as the role of VITO (Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer), “she explained.

Promotion to Europe Mari Pangestu also explained that in April Kemenparekraf is going to participate in the event of Floriade in the city of Venlo, the Netherlands. This event takes place every once ten years from 4 to 7 April, 2012 and is expected to be vis-

Mari Elka pangestu

South Korea to Make Hotel Investment in Biak Numfor, Papua

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economic growth. Based on data from 1999 post- monetary crisis, various foreign companies had visited Biak Numfor but only the South Korean company JSK International, which began investing in fishing and hospitality.(*)

West Java to Improve Tourism Promotion and Partnership

T treatment. “The market of Mustika Ratu in Makassar is very large. So we invited local investor to open TSRH Spa & Java Princess, “she said. Moreover, Putri said that the product diversification of the development of cosmetic products and herbal medicines to establish the service spa with natural ingredients also help the company’s performance. “This spa business has been able to increase product sales. In addition, it has also contributed about 10% of the turnover of the company, “she said. (*)

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On the same occasion Mari Pangestu also talked about the development of national film related to National Film Day, which was celebrated on 30 March. Until March 2012, a total of 25 national films have been produced. There is an increase of 19 titles compared to last year’s production. In addition to the increase of the quantity of film production, the quality of Indonesian film is also expected to improve. “In terms of film quality, Indonesian film is getting better. It can be seen from the increasing number of Indonesian films and actors that received awards at regional and international events. For the first time Indonesia film “The Raid” purchased by Sony Pictures, “she said Mari Pangestu emphasized the importance of synergy between the Ministry of Education and Culture and Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy for the development and improvement of national film. Both institutions have agreed that together with Indonesian film practitioners will make national film an independent film industry, which is not only able to create additional value in economy, but should still be able to maintain social and cultural values of Indonesia, as well as maintain the environmental sustainability. (*)

tangkuban perahu in west java

Mustika Ratu Opens Spa Business in Makassar resident Director of PT Mustika Ratu Putri K Wardani said PT Mustika Ratu Tbk (MRAT) has been holding local investors to develop Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa in Makassar, South Sulawesi and the partnership as a form of commitment to continue expanding the spa business in Indonesia and abroad. According to Putri K. Wardani, the beauty products of Mustika Ratu have been widely known by the people of Indonesia. Currently they do not only want to consume the products of the company, but also experience the body

The National Film Production Rises

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reservoir of fish and ships, as well as accommodate the catch of fishermen in Biak,” he said. He added that it is expected that business activity of JSK International Co Ltd in Papua gains community support so that it can open up job opportunities and promote regional

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South Korean company JSK International Co Ltd invested US$ 50 million in the field of hospitality and fisheries in Numfor Biak, Papua. JSK International Operations Director to Indonesia Cores Were said the approval of investment cooperation in the fisheries sector and hospitality with the local government of Biak Numfor through regional companies have been agreed and signed in Biak on March 22, 2012. “One of the content of the cooperation agreement is that the local government of Biak regency would provide land for business activities of JSK International in the field of fisheries and hospitality. Resort and hotel development is planned to be built on a number of locations and certain islands that are considered feasible and meets the requirements, “he said. He further said that specifically for the location of the hotel, the South Korean investor is going to build an international standard hotel in the former location of Marauw Hotel through the service of JSK Indonesia Resort and Hotel. “While in the fisheries sector, said Cores, in 2012 the JSK Fishery Indonesia will provide a

ited by 2 million people. Vice Menparekraf, Sapta Nirwandar is currently in Holland to attend the opening ceremony, which is planned to be attended by Queen Beatrix. “Floriade is an important event to promote tourism and creative economy in the European market. With the theme of “Indonesia-Spaceislands”, Floriade 2012 will be used as a promotional event to promote tourism and economic potential of creative industries and agriculture, forestry, and plantations as well as attracting investment and trade, “he said. Mari Pangestu also explained that this event will be used to promote TTI (Tourism, Trade, and Investment). In the end, by participating in the Floriade, is expected to increase tourist arrival from Europe and foreign income revenue. Delegation of Indonesia in the Floriade 2012 is collaboration between ministries and agencies, local governments, enterprises, associations, SMEs, and private sectors. Besides Kemenparekraf, Indonesia delegation consisting of Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Cooperatives Small and Medium Enterprises, BKPM, a number of SOEs, and the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague and Brussels as well as a number of local governments such as Jakarta, Central Kalimantan, East Java, South Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara, Aceh, East Kalimantan and Maluku.

ourism sector entrepreneurs in West Java expect local governments to improve the partnership, especially in strengthening the regional promotion strategy to boost tourist arrivals. Chairman of the West Java Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agency (Asita) Herman Rukmanadi said cooperation in tourism sector between government and business practitioners is very important, especially in terms of determining the policy of tourism promotion. “That is because tourism business practitioners are considered to better understand the aspects of tourism as they often interact with tourists. We have a good relationship with the Department of Tourism and Culture of West Java in terms of marketing tourism destinations. However, tourism promotion strategy should be formulated together in order to invite more tourist visits to West Java, “he said. West Java ASITA is said to play a large part in promoting West Java tourism in accordance to the target. We know more about the right tourism market for West Java. Market share is divided into a domestic market that is predominantly from Jakarta and followed by Central Java and Yogyakarta, East Java, and Sulawesi and Sumatra. The majority of foreign tourists who visit West Java are from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore which have direct flights to Bandung. (*)

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Tidore Develops Homestay to Overcome Lack of Accommodation

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Indonesia to Intensify Cruise Holidays Promotion

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ime Zone Unification of Indonesia from west to east region will encourages foreign tourists to visit Batam. It will make it easier to calculate the length of visits, so it will stimulate the arrival of foreign tourists. Head of Batam City Tourism Office Yusfa Hendri said the time zone unification has made Batam’s time zone one hour earlier, and it is the same like in Singapore and Malaysia. With the same time, foreign tourists will easily take into account the time of the visit. “Batam is bordered with Singapore and Malaysia but with one hour time difference. The same time zone will make it easier for businesses and others such as the cruise schedule. Moreover, the majority of foreign tourists who visit Batam are from Malaysia and Singapore, “he said. Tourism Office records the visit of foreign tourists in January-February 2012 increased over the same period in the previous year. In the period of JanuaryFebruary 2012, it was recorded that 185, 720 foreign tourists have visited the city of Batam, or an increase of 13.08%. The government plans to unify the three time zones of Indonesia comprising the West Indonesia Time (WIB), the Central Indonesia Time (WIB) and East Indonesia Time (CDT). The plan is that WITA will be used as the zone benchmark, so the time Indonesia internationally will be GMT +8. “The unification of the time zone aims to improve the competitiveness of the nation, especially in the economic field, and creating performance efficiency of bureaucracy,” he said. (*)

Tidore City

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eople’s houses have been chosen to be developed as a homestay option to overcome the limitations of the accommodation facilities in welcoming tourists to visit Tidore Island, North Maluku, which recently increased. Tidore local government with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) hold Tidore Festival held in the City of Tidore on 31 March to 12 April 2012. The festival is also held to welcome the 10th Legu Gam Festival on April 1 to 21 as well as the international marine event Sail Morotai in September 2012. Tidore Mayor H.Achmad Mahifa said, Tidore islands have diverse and interesting cultural attractionsas well as easy access from the city of Ternate. However, the accommodation facilities are still inadequate so it is necessary to develop

homestay facilities as a solution. “Tidore Island is qualified to become tourism destination because it meets the criteria of the three ‘A’ which is easy access, just a five minute boat ride from Ternate, has interesting attractions, and the last one is accommodation, which is still limited,” said Achmad Mahifa, together with the Director of Domestic Tourism Promotion of Kemenparekraf M. Faried. According to M. Faried, Ministry Tourism and Creative Economy provide support programs to Tidore and Legu Gam Festival in encouraging an increase in domestic and foreign tourists visits to Tidore and other areas in North Maluku. “We suggested Tidore and Ternate to conduct joint promotions and increase synergy in the future. If Tidore have not had accommodation facilities yet, travelers can take advantage of accommo-

dation in Ternate, which is only 5 minutes away by boat, “said M. Faried. According to the Head of Tidore Tourism Bureau Asrul Sani, Tidore Festival serves as the folk party that features a lot of rituals such as debus, mass praying, as well as safety procession for the community. “Tidore has a thousand mosques and traditional houses with interesting attractions,” said Asrul Sani. North Maluku province has many cultural attractions, historical heritage and natural attractions such as the Portuguese fortress, Tohula, which is also used as the name of the port. The architectural work of the Portuguese is known as Indonesia’s first fort, which was rebuilt by the Dutch colonial when they were looking for spices in Indonesia 400 years ago. (*)

Panorama Sentrawisata to Earn Rp22, 42 billion Profit

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T Panorama Sentrawisata Tbk (PANR) throughout 2011 had earned a net profit worth Rp22. 42 billion or increased by 154.92% from the same period in 2010 valued at Rp 8.79 billion. In the published financial statements, Deputy Director PANR Dharmayanto Tirtawisata said that the increase of the net profit was in line with revenues earned that reached Rp2 trillion, growing 19.31% compared to the 2010 acquisition, which worth Rp1, 68 trillion. “The company revenue is largely contributed by the sales of airline tickets that reached Rp813. 27 billion, domestic travel services Rp250. 77 billion and overseas travel services Rp752. 56 billion,” he said. The rest comes from transport services revenue of Rp126. 63 billion, convention services Rp29. 74 billion, hotel voucher Rp21. 26 billion, and others at Rp14. 07 billion. As the increase in net profit and revenue, the main burden of the company also increased by Rp1. 78 trillion, an increase over the previous year valued at Rp1. 68 trillion. The net sales after taking the Rp34, 52 billion sales expenses, Rp137 billion general expenses,

interest expense of Rp26. 17 billion, and other expenses, the company posted a profit before

tax of Rp37. 071 billion, or increase 162.13 percent from Rp14. 14 billion in 2010 .

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Time Zone Unification to Ease Foreign Tourist Visiting Batam

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inister of Tourism and the Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu was in the United States on a working visit to attend the Cruise Shipping Miami. In the event that took place on March 12 to 15, Mari was accompanied by representatives from the Ministry of Transportation, Pelindo, Pelni and Pertamina. The annual event was attended by not less than 900 exhibitors from 115 countries, and visited by more than 11 thousand visitors. Cruise tourism is one of special interest tourism, in which its development becomes the priority of Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Therefore, government and other stakeholders were in Miami to directly meet the world’s leading cruise operator to explain the readiness of Indonesia to become world class cruise destination. “In addition to intensifying promotional activities through participation on the cruise promotional event and sales mission, it is important to strengthen the network in coordination to prepare for the port and destination in order to align with the needs and demands of the cruise operator. Cruise Shipping Miami is a strategic event to do those two points, “said Mari Pangestu. According to Mari Pangestu, Indonesia will target cruise ships that operate in Asia and Australia given the dimensions and size of cruise ships operated by the operator in the regions also continues to increase rapidly. Cruise development in Indonesia is now focused on the issue of port, especially regarding technical issues and the groove depth of the harbor pond, which depth does not meet requested requirement. The depth is the main requirement for large cruise ships can sail and enter safely into the harbor. Mari Pangestu added that to achieve the target of 500,000 cruise passenger arrivals in 2016, the government would make improvements at the main cruise port of Benoa harbor as well as making the turn around port. In addition, TanjungPriok, Tanjung Mas, andTanjung Silver Harbor will also be prepared to be visited by large ships. “What are also important to prepare is new destinations to be visited by cruise ships such as Sabang, Bangka, Belitung, and Probolinggo (Mount Bromo),” said Mari Pangestu. In 2011 the number of cruise ship passenger visits to Indonesia has increased from 94,116 people in 2010 to 112,882 people. However, for the number of visits has decreased from 189 calls in 2010 to 177. The data from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy shows that Bali remains a favorite destination for cruise ship passengers (40%) and followed by Lombok (40%), Komodo Island (13%), Tanjung Mas Harbor (11%), and other destinations (16%). (*)

Jogja – Solo to Create Joint Tourism Package

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olo and Yogyakarta city government will sign a joint tourist destination package in the near future. Through the package, Yogyakarta and Solo will co-exist and share the destination package without duplication. Solo Mayor Joko Widodo said that Solo has city train and double-decker bus, which Yogyakarta does not have. This will be designed into a joint tourism package. Thus, travelers from outside of Solo and Yogyakarta can automatically choose

two tours in the region so that the economy of Solo and Yogyakarta can grow together. “In addition, by dividing the destination package, Yogyakarta and Solo can support each other,” he said. However, Hajar Pambudi, a businessman, was worried if tourism in Solo moves forward; it will hit tourism sector in Yogyakarta. He thinks that it would be better if Yogyakarta and Solo synergize their tourism potentials. Responding to the plan, the Head of Yogyakar-

ta Tourism Department Bureau Tazbir Abdullah said that Yogyakarta has been helping tourism promotion of Solo for quite a long time. We are used to take Solo tourism industry for the joint promotion outside the region. “Not only that, the MoU with the government of Central Java is also made to develop tourism. Yogyakarta and Central Java is united in tourism, especially to the east region, Solo and its surrounding areas, as well as Magelang, “said Tazbir. (*)

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China to Establish Tourism Cooperation with Indonesia

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Indonesia – SIA to Renew Tourism Promotion MoU

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ingapore Airlines (SIA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), related to cooperation in the promotion of Indonesian tourism abroad. “We renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SIA because SIA has extensive global aviation network,” said Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy. Mari Pangestu said that SIA which has a worldwide network has been very supportive in improving connectivity as well as promotions to increase foreign tourist visits, especially from the potential market that becomes our focus. The signing of the MoU was done by Secretary General of Tourism and Creative Economy Wardiyatmo and Executive Vice President Commercial Singapore Airlines (SIA) Mak Swee Wah and attanded by Menparekraf Mari Elka Pangestu, Vice Deputy of Menparekraf Sapta Nirwandar, and Singapore Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Ashok Mirpuri at the Hall of Soesilo Soedarman, Sapta Pesona Building Jakarta, Tuesday (20/3). Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Tuesday the ministry and the

airline will each contribute US$250,000 to jointly promote Indonesian tourism in key overseas markets.The MoU is valid for three years. The concrete form of SIA’s support is through the cutting of the cargo cost and excess baggage fee for Indonesia tourism promotional activities abroad. In addition, the SIA will introduce the name of Indonesia in the international travel trade fairs, education and familiarization trip that followed by the airline. Not only that, the SIA also provided training for travel agents from Indonesia. “From now on, our marketing staff is required to promote tourism in Indonesia,” said Mak Swee Wah, Executive Vice President Commercial Singapore Airlines, in Jakarta. Mak Swee Wah added, SIA and SilkAir currently fly to 96 destinations in 37 countries including China and India. “This partnership is our long term commitment to participate in promoting tourism in Indonesia as well as enhance the cooperative relationship between Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and SIA,” he said. Meanwhile, the government’s role in this MOU is to support the programs that have been approved, including joint promotions in key over-

seas markets. The domestic routes that will be served by SIA until March 2012 include Balikpapan, Bandung, Lombok, Manado, Medan, Palembang, Pekanbaru, Solo and Surabaya. Flight frequency to Indonesia is ib ==n an average of 3-4 times per day. While the international routes served include China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia, Italy, Spain, and New Zealand. “The biggest target to achieve through this MoU is the arrival of foreign tourists from China and India,” said Mari. Last year, Kemenparekraf has signed similar MoU with the domestic airline Garuda Indonesia Airlines. In the future it is possible there will be more foreign airlines will be invited to cooperate, especially Aeroflot from Russia. The number of foreign tourist arrival to Indonesia in January 2012 reached 652, 692 people or grew by 18.93% compared to January 2011that reached 516, 418 people. The highest growth among others is from China and India amounted to 139.18% and 19.26%. Tourist arrival from Singapore and Saudi Arabia in the same period also experienced an increase of 20.23% and 107.34%. (*)

hina is planning to explore tourism cooperation, culture and education in Indonesia, in order to further strengthen bilateral ties. The cooperation will focus on tourism, culture and education. People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Indonesia Liu Jian Chao said in Jakarta that through the cooperation of tourism, culture and education, both nations will be able to know each other, understand each other better and work together in many ways. “Indonesia has diverse cultures, abundant natural resources potential that make it perfect as a tourist destination, including Chinese tourists,” said Chao. It said that currently there are approximately 70 million Chinese citizens who travel abroad. In the coming year, the government of China is targeting about 100 million Chinese who travel to foreign countries, including Indonesia. “Therefore, Indonesia must be more actively promote the full potential of tourism so that more tourists are coming, especially from China. In addition to tourism, culture, and educational cooperation, China also expects that the cooperation in the field of trade, infrastructure, and manufacturing with Indonesia that has been going well will be more stable in the future, “he said. Indonesia is a developing country that has a high rate of economic growth with abundant natural and human resources. He added, therefore, there are many Chinese investors and entrepreneurs who want to invest in Indonesia. At least there are 1,000 Chinese entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in Indonesia. Therefore, Indonesia must be able to create positive investment climate. (*)

AITF 2012 to Offer Various the Best Tour Packages

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and many more. Various support activities such as seminars, talk shows and training, child’s drawing competition, underwater photo exhibitions, diving attractions, as well as the socialization of coral reefs were held during the exhibition. Visitors could also complete the collection of diving gear and

photo by spc

ndonesia tourism exhibition was held again with the title of “Deep and Extreme Indonesia 2012. The exhibition is aimed to introduce to the public about marine adventure tourism and ecotourism in Indonesia, to popularize diving activities, as well as raise awareness towards environmental conservation. “Kemenparekraf (Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy) strongly support this exhibition. It is because the exhibition does not only serve as appreciation and promotion event, but also brings forward the issue of how to do conservation and environmental protection, “said Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu, at the opening of the exhibition at Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, Thursday (29/3). Mari Elka added that this year’s exhibition has the theme of “Family Go Adventure “, where all the activities and adventures can now be done by anyone, both children and parents. According to her, awareness and love of the environment can be built from early age. The exhibition took place from 29 March to 1 April 2012 and accommodated 116 participants coming from all regions of the archipelago which have marine tourism and eco-tourism destinations. Some areas participating in this exhibition were Raja Ampat (Papua), Berau (East Kalimantan), Sabang (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam),

adventure in shops that are available at special price. The organizers of this exhibition set a target of 20 thousand visitors this year, consisting of divers, the marine tourism practitioners, adventure, ecotourism, nature lovers, outdoor activity lovers, and environmentalists. (*)

photo by spc

Knowing More about Marine Tourism in “Deep and Extreme Indonesia”

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stindo International Travel Fair 2012 (AITF), which was held on March 16 to 18 at the Jakarta Convention Center offered a broad range of the best outbound and inbound tour packages from various travel agents, airlines and tourism board from several countries participating in the event. Astindo Chairperson, Elly Hutabarat said AITF 2011 is the largest international travel fair in Indonesia that brings tourism business practitioners and their support industry to promote as well as to sell a variety of domestic and outbound tourist destinations and tourism products and services to end users in the country. “ AITF 2011 was a consumer fair and supported by all members of Astindo Jakarta, 77 exhibitors, seven domestic and foreign airlines, and nine domestic and international tourism promotion board such as West Nusa Tenggara, Macao, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea, India and Hong Kong, “she said. It is said that AITF 2012 is expected to contribute positively, especially in the aspect of an increasing number of tourists who travel both outbound and inbound tourism and for leisure and business purposes. “We believe that the AITF 2012 is the best place to attract tourists to visit Indonesia for domestic and international tourist destinations. The target number of visitors at this event is about 50,000 people, with an estimated total acquisition from sales transactions of Rp40-50 billion, “she said. (*)

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The 5th ICMITM to be Held in Medan

photo by spc

Sail Morotai 2012 is officially launched

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ukamdani Sahid Gitosardjono in cooperation with Nio Yanthony (Pikko Group) and Tan Kian to build the tallest and largest office tower in Sudirman Financial and Business Center. The Ground Breaking of Sahid Sudirman Center, which has 52 floors with 4 basements, was started with the pressing of the siren button by Sukamdani, Tan Kian and Nio Yanthony. Besides attended by Yanthony Nio, Pikko Group owner and Kian Tan, owner of Karya Gemilang Group as partners of Sahid Group, the event was also attended by the a number of entrepreneurs. Nio and Tan Kian are a key partner in the project. Tan Kian is the owner of the hotel chain J.W Marriott and Ritz Carlton in Jakarta (in the area of Mega Kuningan and Pacific Place). Pikko Group is currently in partnership with Sahid Group to manage Sahid Sudirman Residence. Sahid Sudirman Center project will stand on 190,000-square meter land, and the acreage of the tower will be 132,000 square meter. The hight of the 52-story tower is 230 meter, the highest in Sudirman Business and Financial District. The project is scheduled to begin construction in May and be completed within 1.5 years. Based on the information; the construction of the tower costs more than Rp1. 5 trillion. The new office building will increase the range of properties in the area of The Sahid City. In Sahid Sudirman Center there are Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Istana Sahid apartment, Sahid Sahirman Hospital, Sahid Sudirman Residence. (*)

(left to right) Indra Sakti Madewa, Berman Lubis and Dessy Masri

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edan will host the 5th Indonesia Corporate Meeting & Incentive Travel Mart (ICMITM). The event will be held on 8-12 May 2012 in Santika Premiere Dyandra Hotel & Convention Centre Medan. Previously, this event was held in Bali, Yogyakarta, Lombok and Manado. The event was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) in cooperation with Bank Danamon American Express ® Corporate Card. Director of Conventions, Incentives and Exhibition for the Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Berman Lubis said that ICMITM is the business travel mart in Indonesia which will provide about 10,000 opportunities of one on one business appointments, especially for the MICE industry in Indonesia. “This annual event is a business travel mart that focuses on the MICE industry in Indonesia. The event is not just a table top for the buyer will also be invited to walk around and spend the night at Lake Toba with the expectations that the buyers become more familiar with Medan as a tourist destination, “said Berman in a press conference at Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, Monday (19/3). Berman further explained that the buyers are the corporate clients of Bank Danamon American Express, both from Indonesia and abroad. The foreign companies are from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, and China. They usually do MICE activities two to

four times a year. ICMITM will bring together more than 100 multinational companies that are corporate clients of Bank Danamon American Express ® from within and outside the country. “ICMITM 2012 can be held due to the proactive support of Medan city government that is willing to host the event in order to promote” Green and Creative Tourism - Visit Medan Year 2012 “, as well as attempts to promote the MICE industry and tourism destinations,” added Berman. Learned from the previous experience of organizing events in Bali, Yogyakarta, Lombok and Manado, ICMITM is able to provide substantial positive impact that can be directly or indirectly felt by the organizers as well as the development of MICE destinations in the country. Corporate market is a promising market. “Generally, the implementation of MICE tourism is more organized with substantial funds. In the future, ICMITM will continue as a form of government’s commitment to facilitate networking between sellers in Indonesia and corporate buyers,” he said. In line with Berman, Indra Sakti Madewa as the Project Consultant said that the sellers are the tourism actors that have MICE facilities; in this case it is mostly related to star-hotel. “But it is not only from the hotel, but also the convention building. There are also buildings that are not hotels but usually provide facili-

ties for MICE such as Balai Kartini, JCC, and others, “said Indra. In the same occasion Dessy Masri, Executive Vice President of Card Business Head of Danamon said Danamon American Express Corporate Card is pleased to invite and facilitate the client and the holders of American Express ® Corporate Card to come and watch the business travel mart. “With the development of facilities and options, Indonesia has become a world player in the field of MICE. This was reflected in the number of hotel conference rooms that continues to grow each year, making Indonesia one of the ideal places for organizing MICE, “said Dessy. Moreover, Dessy said that with the 5th ICMITM this year held in Medan, the American Express Corporate clients will get a quality offer in the field of travel / hospitality and allowing them to make a choice of MICE destination in Indonesia offered by 100 business partners. “And most importantly, we sincerely hope the American Express Corporate Card Danamon can help our Card Members to be able to control the company spending and get the ideas to determine and plan and the company’s events,” explained Dessy. Based on data from Bank Danamon American Express ®, transaction level, especially for MICE destination in the country showed an increase which is pretty good, which is about 30% annually, or about Rp70 billion. (*)

Garuda to connect Jakarta to Auckland

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ational flag carrier Garuda Indonesia signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Auckland Airport in Jakarta on Monday as part of their business expansion to New Zealand. “New Zealand is a tourism and business potential country and we would like to take this opportunity by connecting Jakarta and Auckland,” Garuda president director Emirsyah Satar said on the sidelines of the MoU signing. He also said that the agreement covered promotional activities that would be conduct-

ed by Garuda and Auckland Airport in order to promote Indonesia in New Zealand. “We are planning to open the route in early 2013,” he added. Garuda will use Airbus A330-300 to fly the route. In addition, the Jakarta-Auckland route will help Garuda to connect its passengers to Latin American countries, expanding its network in the world. The MoU was signed by Emirsyah and Auckland Airport Chairman Joan Withers and was witnessed by Indonesian Trade Minister

Gita Wirjawan, New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. (*)

photo by spc

Sahid, Pikko & Tan Kian to Build the Highest Office Tower

photo by spc

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ail Morotai 2012 with the theme of “Towards a New Era of Pacific Regional Economy,” which is a continuation of the three activities that have been initiated earlier, the Sail Bunaken (2009), Sail Banda (2010) and Sail Wakatobi-Belitung (2011) will take place at Morotai with the top event on 15 September 2012. Sail Morotai 2012 was officially launched by the Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare, Agung Laksono who was accompanied by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sharif C. Sutardjo and governor of North Maluku Thaib Armaiyn in an attempt to introduce Sail Morotai 2012 recently. According to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sharif C. Sutardjo, the launching ceremony is very important and meaningful for the socialization and promotion of this international-scale event to the public, both in Indonesia and abroad. “Morotai Island, which is also known as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific Lips,’ will maximally utilize Sail Morotai 2012 as a momentum to actualize the spirit of the Pacific gateway. Therefore, Sail Morotai 2012 has the theme of “Towards a New Era of Pacific Regional Economy “, with a logo of a sailing boat and the mascot is a bidadari (fairy) bird, which is endangered and protected species in North Maluku province, “he said. The theme means that the current economy and the future began to shift from the Atlantic to the Pacific region. Therefore, through the implementation of Sail Morotai 2012, Morotai Regency is prepared to welcome the new century, the era of Pacific Economy. Furthermore, Morotai Island has the geo-political and geo-economic potential that can be developed as a catalyst of development, particularly for areas of North Maluku province as a gateway to the Pacific shaft competition. “Therefore, we hope this international event will not only have successful implementation, but also successful results. Morotai also has marine areas and small islands that could potentially be developed as an integrated maritime and fisheries industrial area as well as marine and historical tourism area, “he said. Besides rich in marine potentials, North Maluku is also known as tourist destination of world history. The island has a strategic position in Asia Pacific while the geocentric position of Morotai Island is Asia Mainland, Southeast Asia, Japan, the Pacific, and Australia. Sail Morotai 2012 aims to put Morotai in the world tourism destination as a historical tourist site. Whereas other activities include yacht rally, national and international seminars, marine sports, cultural festivals and tourism attractions, exhibitions of products for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of marine and fisheries. The yacht rally is set to be followed by around 120 participants from various countries. This year, there will be a new route opened from Davao, Philippines and Kinabalu, Malaysia. The yachter will get around to the 21 districts in Indonesia starting from Kupang / Saumlaki / Dagho Tahuna / Tarakan and out in Belitung and Batam or other places specified later. (*)

Garuda Indonesia Explores Two New China-Bound Routes

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ational flag carrier Garuda Indonesia is exploring two new routes to China to add to its existing three routes to the country, in response to increasing tourist traffic between Indonesia and China. “We are exploring now two new tourist destinations in China, namely Chengdu and Chongqing. This will be in line with Garuda’s commitment to supporting more traffic of tour-

ists from and to China,” the Beijing manager of Garuda Indonesia, Asa Perkasa, said in Beijing. He made the statement after the opening of Garuda’s new Beijing office. Asa said the airline was currently serving the Jakarta-Beijing route five times a week and the Jakarta-Shanghai and the JakartaGuangzhou routes every day.

He said Airbus planes were used to serve the Jakarta-Beijing route and Boeing 737-800 aircrafts were used for the other two routes. Garuda is also planning to employ Chinese flight attendants, in addition to Indonesian crew members, for the China-bound routes in order to bring “more Chinese-Indonesian nuance,” Asa said. (*)

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Island Exp lore r


Amazed by Barelang Bridge and Vietnamese Ex-Camp in Batam

Here we can also find the boats used by the refugees, the barracks, places of worship such as mosques, churches, temples and pagodas, hospitals, youth hut even the fields that used to be planted by the refugees. Looking at the remains, visitors can imagine how the Vietnamese refugees trying to survive, far from their homeland. Entering the island, visitors will be greeted by the Statue of Humanity Garden or the Statue of Humanity. The statue depicts a female figure named Tinhn Han Loai who was raped by a fellow refugee. She couldn’t bear the burden of shame and then committed suicide. Not far from the Statue of Humanity Garden, there is a cemetery called Ngha Trang Grave. Here, 503 Vietnamese refugees were buried. Their death was caused by various diseases that they suffered for many months sailing in the sea. In addition, mental depression had weakened their physical condition. Now, almost every year many of the relatives of the deceased came to the island of Galang to visit the graves of their relatives. On this island there is also a monument consisting of three boats used by the refugees when they left Vietnam. On those boats they were sailing for months across the South China Sea, until finally arriving at Galang Island. In addition, in the building that is now functioned as a receptionist office and source of information for visitors, there are photographs of various events experienced by the refugees during their stay on Galang Island.

photo by tri wibowo

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f you are in Batam don’t forget to visit one of the tourism icons in this region, which is the Barelang Bridge. Once you are here, you can continue the tour to the former site of the Vietnamese refugee camps on the island of Galang. Both places are the alternatives of the natural and historical attractions in Batam, in addition to the shopping and entertainment center in Nagoya area or visiting the center of government in Batam Center. Barelang Bridge and Vietnamese ex-camp will provide a pleasant recreational nuance without burdening your pockets. Barelang Bridge is a series of 6 separate pieces of the bridge connecting Batam Island to the islands in its southern part, which are Tonton Island, Nipah Island, Setoko Island, Galang Island and New Galang Island. Barelang itself is the acronym of BAtam Rempang gaLANG. The last two names are the names of two large islands which connected by this bridge. Although basically every bridge has a formal name, people named them based on the order from Batam Island, namely: Bridge 1, Bridge 2, and so on until the Bridge 6. Bridge 1 is the most visited bridge in comparison to the other bridges. The bridge that is more appropriately called the Bridge of Tengku Fisabilillah is a favorite place to relax for the people of Batam, especially on weekends and holidays. In times like these, especially in the afternoon, the left and right sides of the bridge would be crowded by visitors. This place is mostly visited by young people, either in pairs or in groups. Some visitors came with a fishing pole, trying to catch fish around the bridge. Bridge that was completed in 1998 on the initiative of BJ Habibie has a unique architecture, and slightly reminds us of the bridge of San Francisco in the United States. Besides the beauty of the bridge itself, looking towards the sea from a height of ten meters as well as looking at the small islands around it was an unforgettable experience. The sparkling crystal clear water, calm and blue sea, and the beautiful colors of sun reflection on the water approaching the sunset would surely fascinate anyone who has ever come here. Feeling thirsty or hungry? No need to worry for there are plenty of stalls providing food and drinks available around the bridge. The food that you can find here, among others, roasted corn, fried shrimp and crab, chicken noodles, meatballs, Padang satay, and a variety of snacks. The drinks you can get around the bridge include young coconut juice, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and dragon fruit juice. Apart from the small stalls at the side of the bridge, many of the sellers use modified motorcycle to carry their items. For seafood lovers, there are many places to enjoy seafood either modern or traditional restaurants. After enjoying the beauty of the Barelang Bridge, you can go directly to Vietnamese Refugee camp at Galang island, after passing the fifth Barelang Bridge. On Galang Island, you will feel taken back to the 90’s. It was the time when the island of Galang used as a shelter for 250 thousand boatpeople from Vietnam. They were stranded on the island after days adrift at sea in a wooden boat. They stayed on Galang Island from 1975 to 1996. In 1996, UNHCR stated that they no longer have the funds to finance the refugee camps on the island of Galang. Finally, the refugees must be returned or moved to another country that were willing to accept them. Approximately 5,000 refugees were back to Vietnam and the rest spread to foreign countries, including Australia and America. After being left, the Vietnamese Refugee Camp was used as tourist attraction by the Batam Authority. On weekends, local residents of Batam and tourists often visit the island to see the remains of Vietnamese refugees such as wooden boats, a few objects, buildings, and the graves of “boat people” that became the dominant markers on the island.

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

On this island you can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Melur beach. The beach has crystal clear water and perfect for water sport activities such as swimming, snorkeling or just looking for small fish and shellfish under the blue water. Its sloping beach surface provides space for visitors to play volleyball or soccer. When you finish with the beach activities, you can try seafood menu in some of the restaurant around the beach. Seafood menu such as crab and squid are available and not to forget refreshing drink such as young coconut juice. Besides enjoying the beautiful beaches, you can also walk into the woods on the hills around the beach. For those who want to visit some small islands, they can rent a boat at a price that can be discussed with the owner of the boat. If you are interested to visit Batam, it can be reached by plane or ship. From the center of Batam, you can hire a taxi at a price ranging from Rp 450,000 to Rp 500,000 per day or rent a car. (*)

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photo by spc

The Festivity of Jailolo Bay Festival

Cultural Party

Involve yourself and sharpen your five senses because the only thing that you should do during this event is to have fun! Come and join the friendly community of Jailolo and participate in the fish grilling event with a total weight of 10 tons, held on the seafront on the second day of the festival! Forget the diet for a while and let’s have fun together! The party will not stop there. There are plenty of activities that will spoil your tongue and tummy. Horom Sasadu is an interesting event that should not be missed. Various combinations of delicious food and traditional rituals at a local customs house named Sasadu make the festival even a lot merrier. Let’s mingle with the local community and feel the wisdom of their culture, the local flavor and delicacy. So, what are you waiting for? See you in Jailolo Bay Festival 2012 that will be held on 17-19 May 2012. This event will be held in Jailolo Bay, North Maluku.(*)

Must Visit Culinary Spots in Bali

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ali as a tourist paradise in Indonesia would have a wide range of places and entertainment choices to offer, not to mention its culinary tourism. With Balinese traditions become a worldwide icon for Indonesia tourism, Bali is indeed a remarkable charm for foreign and domestic tourists. Many of them who come to Bali just want to enjoy traveling and culinary treats, for that the following is a reference to a few culinary spots in Bali that should not be missed. Candi Dasa Beach in Karangasem is the first destination. It is located in the eastern part of Bali, which can be reached in approximately one and a half hour drive from Denpasar, passing through the southern coast of Bali. In Candi Dasa, there is a village named Persinggahan. If you are from Denpasar, take the left turn from a junction before entering the palace area on the edge of Candi Dasa road. Here you can enjoy sate lilit and fish soup that are completed with sambal bejek (Balinese chili sauce). They are not only delicious, but also can be enjoyed with affordable price ranging from Rp 15,000 to Rp 25,000 per person. For the second place I offer Kedewatan chicken rice in Ubud. Chicken rice with a distinctive flavor offers a unique experience of dining. I recommend you to stop by and enjoy it in Warung Mardika that is located on Jalan Raya Kedewatan, Ubud. The price offered for the menu is from Rp 20,000 to Rp 35,000 per person. The next place is not far from the city of Denpasar. While enjoying the night life in Bali, you can try Balinese spicy rice. It is located in Jalan Raya Kuta. For those who are fond of spicy sauce should not miss this menu, which is offered at a price of Rp 10,000 – Rp 20,000 per portion. The next place that should be visited is the seafood heaven in Bali, Jimbaran. The restaurants and cafes lining on the beach offer a variety of seafood menus. Jimbaran is a perfect venue for dining while enjoying the sunset or night on the beachside. You might have to spend more money to taste the delectable seafood menus in Jimbaran. But the dining experience you’ll get here is worth the money you spent. Jimbaran and seafood are perfect combination for a candle light dinner. (*)

photo by spc

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ultural diversity creates a variety of ceremonies and rituals and all will be presented in the Jailolo Bay Festival 2012. One of a series of events at Jailolo Bay Festival is Bersih Laut (Sea Cleaning) ceremony. The ceremony that is held in Port of Jailolo on the first day of this festival is the ritual of local communities by giving offerings to the nature especially the sea so that the festival runs smoothly. Sea Cleaning ceremony is a ceremonial event involving the Sultanate of Jailolo with the accompaniment of dozens of local boats decorated with distinctive ornaments of Jailolo. The sacredness of this event will also be felt when the sultanate ship stopped to pray and spread the offerings for the nature. The journey does not stop there, the group continues to Buabua Island, an uninhabited island which becomes a pilgrimage place of local communities. Some recent offerings have been undertaken on the island of Buabua.

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photo by spc

Harris Hotel Sunset Road Officially Opened

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as well as in the central area of the famous sunset road where you can easily find the leading shopping centers, restaurants and souvenir shops. Harris sunset road offers easy access to all major tourist centers of Bali. The hotel features 186 rooms and suites (Harris room, Harris one bedroom, Harris 2 bedroom and Harris sunset suites). Applying the simple concept of unique and friendly, Harris sunset road

also sets up facilities such as Juice Bar, Business center, Harris cafe, internet corner, Harris boutique, Harris spa and Dino Kids Club. There are also 5 meeting rooms including a ballroom that can accommodate up to 500 people. This is one of the recommended hotels for those of you who want to spend holiday in Bali and want to enjoy something new and unique. For more information please visit www.harrishotels.com.

photo by spc

arris Hotel and Residences sunset road Bali was officially opened on Friday (30/03). This is the eleventh hotel under the management of Tauzia Hotel Management and has been in operation since December 25, 2011. Harris hotel and Residences sunset road is located at a strategic location at the crossroads between Kuta, Seminyak and Denpasar

Hotel 100 Sunset 2 Is Now Open in Bali A

ston International, which is based in Jakarta, has opened the second 100 Sunset Hotel - 100 Sunset 2 in Kuta - Bali. The 3 plus star - hotel is located on Sunset Road right next to the Aston Hotel that had previously operated 100 Sunset Boutique Hotel, not far from the airport and the central of Kuta area of Bali and the right at a crossroads linking the Seminyak area with Nusa Dua and Sanur. 100 Sunset 2 featuring 101 comfortable and modern guest rooms,

attractive restaurant and bar overlooking the swimming pool, fitness center and several small and medium-sized meeting rooms. Following the original design concept of 100 Sunset Boutique Hotel’s design interior, which recently won the ‘Trip Advisor Travelers Choice’ as one of five most trendy hotels in Indonesia, the new property was designed to be a pleasant hotel with affordable rates that incorporate the value of three star-hotel with a unique design and inspired design makes it ideal for travelers who are looking for high

quality yet friendly environment. “100 Sunset 2 has been conceptualized as a more affordable version of a class boutique of 100 Sunset, in addition to the focus of the selected service, the new and contemporary hotel is adjusting to the latest hotel design trends. We are confident that this hotel will follow the success of earlier hotels that are well developed and became very popular for business or leisure travelers, “said Norbert Vas, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Aston International. (*)

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photo by spc


Stunned by the beauty of Beaches and Caves in Gunung Kidul

Baron beach Baron is the most popular beach in Gunung Kidul. It is the first beach to find when you visit the series of beaches in Gunung Kidul. The series consist of Baron Beach, Kukup Beach, Sepanjang beach, Krakal and Sundak Beach. Baron beach is located in the Village of Kemadang, Tanjungsari District, about 20 km south of Wonosari (40 km from the city of Yogyakarta). This beach is where seawater and freshwater meet, which is a symbol of two hearts united although with different backgrounds. Baron beach is rich in sea products such as lobster, white pomfret, snapper and tuna. You can enjoy fresh seafood menu that is available in the restaurants around the beach. Snapper soup is one of the recommended menus. One event that should not be missed is Sedekah Laut (offering to

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the sea) Ceremony performed by the local fishing communities the month of Suro in accordance to the Javanese calendar. It is held as an expression of gratitude to God Almighty for the abundance sea products that have been given.

Seropan Cave In addition to its beautiful beaches, Gunung Kidul also offers another tourism potential, which include the karsts caves (caves found in limestone soil). One of the stunning caves is the Seropan cave in the village of Semuluh in Semanu district. Stepping in into a cave with a length of 888 meters, you will be amazed by every inch of the cave. The sound of underground water flowing inside the cave gives you a sense of tranquility. It is an amazing experience to feel the sensation of being in the depths of the earth and uncover the beauty of the barren land of Gunung Kidul. The beauty of Seropan cave is created by exotic stalactite that creates 3D ornament and the underground river. In karsts caves that are formed at a depth of 60 meters below ground level, there are waterfalls that can be used as a power plant using micro hydro technology. Gunung Kidul has a lot of potential that can be developed and they area just waiting for the government and communities to explore and utilize them. In Seropan Cave was also found the evidence of early humans. There are many ancient bones found mold on the walls of the old hall. While the new hall, which is located at a depth of 60 m, and only appear after the flood in the underground river in 2008, found pieces of leg bone, teeth, and the ribs of mammals. Gunung Kidul is said to have been inhabited by humans since 700 thousand years ago. This can be proven by the many archae-

ological remains of human existence, both of which are found in caves and hollows in the karsts hill, especially in Ponjong district. Human tendency to inhabit Gunung Kidul at that time was caused by the lowlands in Yogyakarta that were mostly still flooded by water. The first human arrival in Gunung Kidul was around the end of the Pleistocene period. At that time, the Australoid race migrated from the Sewu Mountains in Pacitan, East Java through karsts valleys in Wonogiri, Central Java until they reached the southern coast of Gunung Kidul through the route of ancient Bengawan Solo. (*)

photo by spc

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f your hobby is traveling and has never been to the beach and cave in Gunung Kidul, then now it’s time for you to see first hand the beauty of this area. When compared to the beaches in Bali, in fact the beaches in Gunung Kidul is not inferior to the beach in Bali. What distinguish the two beaches are the facilities and infrastructures in the Beaches in Bali are more adequate and supported by good promotion so they are not only famous domestically but also internationally. Gunung Kidul is a district in Yogyakarta area. Although this area is arid but it is rich in tourist attractions, especially beautiful beaches and caves. Unfortunately, those places are not yet supported by proper promotions, and other supporting facilities and infrastructure so that the natural beauty of Gunung Kidul is not yet known widely.

Enjoying Delicious Manado Porridge

anado is not only famous for its exotic underwater garden, but also for its unique culinary that worth to try. One of them is the Manado porridge which is different from other porridge in general.

For those who love spicy food, Manado porridge could be the right choice.

The dish is well known for its extra spicy flavor. Manado porridge is typical cuisine of North Sulawesi that is usually served in the morning. Manado porridge basically has the same basic ingredients with the rice porridge in general. But the difference is it is mixed with corn. Therefore, it has a yellow color. The corn flavor itself almost cannot be tasted because it was very smooth and blend with the porridge. Another uniqueness of Manado porridge lies on its topping, which consists of vegetables such as kangkung, basil leaves and sometimes pumpkin leaves. Manado porridge is often served with salted fish. This porridge is perfect to be consumed in the morning while it is still hot. Although basically it has similar basic ingredients with other rice porridge, but Manado porridge uses more spices, which is up to two or three times more than similar dishes from other regions. In addition, the variations of spices which are used also have a similar characteristic, which is spicy, such as chili, ginger, turmeric and others. All the ingredients are mixed with red pepper seasoning. This porridge can be found easily in Manado. The price offered depends on where you get it, but it won’t be too expensive. (*)

photo by spc

For those who does not like spicy flavor, it is not recommended to try.

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aliwang Chicken is a favorite food of many people, especially now the restaurant that provides this menu has opened branches everywhere and now exists in almost every area all over Indonesia. This is the special food from Lombok Island. It originally comes from a village called Karang Taliwang in Cakranegara area. Although this menu can now be found almost everywhere in Indonesia, but to try it in Lombok would be a different culinary experience. Taliwang chicken is famous for its spicy flavor. The recipe is also very special because it is made from a special chicken as young as

3-5 months, which have soft and chewy meat, so that it can provide distinctive taste when it is grilled. In addition, this kind of chicken will make the spices absorbed perfectly into the meat so that we can even taste it when we eat the bones. So do not be surprised if the size of the grilled chicken was a bit small. It might be small in size, but it tastes superb. If you are in Mataram, Taliwang Irama on Ade Irma Suryani Street is one of the restaurants that serve this menu. Once you try it, please compare it with Taliwang Chicken in other areas and you will know the difference. (*)

photo by spc

photo by spc

Taliwang Chicken, Special Culinary from Lombok Island

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Brasali Group to Allocate Rp300 Billion for Mercure Bali

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T Budimulia Prima Realty, part of Brasali Group, developer that is affiliated to PT Metropolitan Land Tbk and PT Metropolitan Kentjana Tbk disburse the funds of around Rp300 billion for the

construction of hotel and condotel Mercure Bali Legian. Iwan Putra Brasali, Managing Director of Brasali Group, said some of the funds were obtained from the pre-sales of 74 condotel units. The

construction of the 21,000 m2 building is planned to begin in mid 2012 and completed by the end of 2014. “The capacity of hotel and condotel as a whole is 317 rooms. The total Condotel offered is as many as 150 units, and 74 units have been sold. Mercure Hotel and Condotel Bali Legian is divided into 5 floors and stands on an area of 8500 m2. Brasali Group works together with Accor Group, which holds the brand of “Mercure” as the project operator, “he said. While Yonto Wongso, Accor Group Development Director for Indonesia - Malaysia, in the same occasion added that as a four- star hotel, he is optimistic that hotel occupancy rate of the hotel and condotel can be around 80% just like the average hotel occupancy rate of other hotels managed by the group. “The average occupancy level of 10 hotels in Indonesia that we manage today is 80% and I think Mercure Legian Hotel Bali will also exist in that range. Moreover there is a period when Kuta-Legian area is always packed with tourists, both domestic and from Australia, “he said. In the next two or three years Accor predicts to manage more than 20 hotel and condotel in Indonesia. Mercure Hotel and Condotel Bali Legian is built on building rights on land (HGB) for 50 years, which will expire in 2061. “In addition to the common facilities of a four-star hotel, 19 rooms on the ground floor of this building are planned to come with a private pool,” he said. Previously, Brasali Group has built a number of projects in Java, among others, the Batavia Tower and Batavia Apartments, Bukit Golf Pondok Indah Apartment, Ibis Mangga Dua Hotel, and the Ibis Surabaya Hotel. This year, the group concentrated on the addition of hotel and office building projects. At the same time, Tony Eddy, President Director of Tony Eddy & Associates acting as a marketing consultant for this project, said that it is unnecessary to worry about the assumption that the hotel or condotel in Bali has been experiencing excess supply. He said the hotel and condotel that is built by developers with good track record, managed by a good operator, located in a strategic location, and have the right concept will have a fairly high level of occupancy. “In the holiday season, it is very difficult to find vacant hotel rooms in Bali. This indicates that there is still a need for accommodation. Besides that, so far the occupancy rate of large hotel with the famous brand is not corrected too much due to the blooming of new hotels, “he explained. He added that so far investors who are interested in the offer of Mercure Condotel Legain come from big cities in Indonesia such as Jakarta and Surabaya, and a few investors from overseas. (*)

Mangku Pastika: Foreign Tourists visiting Bali are subject to tax

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tourism as a distinctive identity that differentiates Bali with other tourism destinations in the country, “he said. The current regulation is expected to improve the previous regulations. We are still able to preserve the Balinese culture which is imbued with the teachings of Hinduism, enhance the dignity and strengthening the identity of the people of Bali. (*)

photo by spc

velopment of cultural tourism in Bali should really be directed to the aim of encouraging equal opportunities and gaining the true benefits for the welfare of the community. “The concept of tourism has to start from the policy formulation that protects and favors the culture of Bali. According to Pastika in the development of world tourism, Bali must remain consistent with the concept of cultural

photo by spc

ali House of Representatives (DPRD Bali) issued recommendations of tourism regulation on the tax collected from foreign tourists, which is the cultural and environmental protection. Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika said the tax is not formatted as airport tax and will not be a burden for foreign tourists. The tax is a form of contribution of foreign tourists who visit tourism objects on Bali. “It has already received approval from the UN, and is only waiting for the calculation of the amount and socialization. Funding of cultural protection will be utilized for strengthening the Pekraman village as the stronghold of Balinese culture and environmental cleanliness, “he said. Therefore, this matter has already been discussed with relevant parties such as the association of tourism industry and travel agencies related to the technical issues. In terms of the system, the recommendation has been approved, but technically it still needs to be discussed further so that it will not disrupt the future flow of traffic and the convenience of tourists. “With regard to the tourism regulation that regulates the dancers who perform in hotels, it is a form of standardization. However, if the policy limits the opportunities of novice dancers to perform, it would be ineffective for the development of dance, “he said. He added that the emphasizing of the de-

Made Mangku Pastika

Bali to Host ASPERAPI National Congress

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PD ASPERAPI (The Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association) Bali held ASPERAPI National Congress in Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center on 28-30 March 2012 as explained by the Chairman of the DPD ASPERAPI Bali, Wiwien Gunawasika in Denpasar recently. The congress is the annual meeting of the event organizers, exhibition businessmen, and MICE organizers in Indonesia and Bali hosted the event this year said Wiwien.

Bali Tourism Investment still attracts France

In the congress, the were seminar and talk show on the topic of the exhibition industry in Indonesia that presented the speakers such as IB Lolec who has a lot of experience in the field of MICE industry. The seminar and talk show were open to the public including students. DPD ASPERAPI Bali hopes that with the congress held in Bali will help to increase the flow of tourists to Bali. Wiwien also said the hance to host the international trade show in

Bali are still very low and has not become one of the mainstays of MICE business in Indonesia. Although Bali has already had several exhibition centers that can accommodate up to 600 stands such as BNDCC, BICC, and Sanur Paradise Plaza, MICE venues are still dominated by Jakarta, Surabaya and other major cities in Indonesia. Wiwien Bali hopes that in the future Bali will be one of the central destinations of Trade Exhibition and other exhibitions in Indonesia and in the world. (*)

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rance is still interested in making investment in the field of Tourism in Bali especially for the development of new hotels that so far has been explored by the Accor Group. French Ambassador to Indonesia Bertrand Lortholary said in addition to cooperation in education and security that have been established, the future of the tourism sector will remain an attractive investment for France especially the development of hotel. Related to his visit to Bali this time, Bertrand wanted to make sure the development of security and comfort in Bali, particularly some areas that had recently experienced natural disaster such as Bangli and Buleleng. On the other hand, he is also reviewing the extent of readiness and anticipation of Bali in tackling the issue of natural disaster. “Our citizens who live in Bali are around 1,200 people and French tourist visit to Bali has reached around 112,000 people per year, thus it is my duty to ensure the conditions in Bali is safe and conducive,” he said. Bertrand said that he considers Bali as a unique island with attractive tourist destinations, especially related to the mystery that unfolds behind. Traffic congestion and other conditions that he experienced during his visit do not seem to affect his opinion about Bali. Based on the record of Bali Tourism Bureau, tourist arrivals from France have increased to the average of 17,000 people per month in 2011 and became the top six tourist arrivals. The latest data from January to February 2012 revealed that there are 6,000 tourist visits from France in the period. (*)

on bali s t a wh


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Fredy Kurniawan, Customer Service Director of Acer Indonesia

photo by spc

Acer Customer Service Center to Open in Bali

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cer Indonesia officially opened its first Acer Customer Service Center in Bali, which is located in the Kompleks Agung Raya, JL. Teuku Umar No 200 - Ruko 18, Denpasar, Bali. The opening of the Acer Customer Service Center is based on Acer Indonesia’s commitment to provide the best service for its users, especially those in Bali and the surrounding areas. Acer Customer Service Center is an authorized service center of Acer Indonesia that provides world-class after-sales service and has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certificate for 6 consecutive years. “After-sales service is essential for Acer and we are fully committed to always maintain the customer trust and satisfaction,” said Fredy Kurniawan, Customer Service Director of Acer Indonesia. “The presence of Acer Customer Service Center is proof of our seriousness in providing the best after-sales service for users of Acer in Bali and the surrounding regions,” said Fredy. Acer Customer Service Center is the chosen after-sales service of Indonesia. The research results showed that the majority of respondents (39.2%) chose Acer as the best after-sales service center. This success can not be separated from the dedication of all employees of Acer Customer Service Center in Indonesia, thus providing quality assurance to every Acer customer.

Helmy Anam, Head of Marketing Communications for Acer Indonesia stated, “We want Acer consumers in Bali to experience the quality of Acer’s after-sales service that has been trusted in other areas in Indonesia. Bali has been specifically chosen since the launching of Bali as Indonesia Economic Corridor shows its development as a market. The position of Bali increasingly becomes important as the connecting region of Central Indonesia. “ In line with the opening of the Acer Customer Service Center in Bali, Acer held an appreciation program for users in Bali and the surrounding areas. The appreciation program will run until 31 April 2012. The program includes free checking, free service charge, free cleaning, and spare parts discounts. To get this facility, consumers can visit the Acer Customer Service Center Denpasar every Monday - Saturday at 08:30 am to 04:30 pm. In addition to Acer Customer Service Center, Acer opens full access for its customers. Acer consumers who require after-sales service can contact Acer via various communication channels that include Acer Contact Center 500-155 (local rate), e-mail to [email protected], and dr.Acer services that can be found in social media such as Facebook (acer_indonesia), Twitter @acerID, and blog www.acerID.com. Acer Customer Service Center will complement the two Acer Stores which are now present in Bali. Acer Store is the official shop that provides a complete range of Acer products ranging from desktop PCs, notebooks, up to the tablet. (*)

Hilton Worldwide Appoints Jean-Sébastien Kling as General Manager for Conrad Bali

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Nixon opens Retail Store at Kuta, Bali

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ixon is pleased to present a new retail store at one of Asia’s top surfing destinations, Bali, Indonesia. Housed in a modest 80sqm space, this is the brand’s first-ever flagship boutique in Indonesia and is strategically located at Legian, a spot which wholly embodies the surf and action sports culture of Bali. Besides hosting a premium selection of Nixon products which include watches, accessories and audio products, also new at Nixon Legian is its on-site servicing centre which will cater to all of Nixon’s after care needs. The store is opened from 9am - 10pm daily. Nixon will be unveiling the store this 17 April 2012, with DJ Jasmine Haskell helming the decks to add on to the excitement. Also gracing the opening of Nixon Legian will be two of Indonesia’s most notable surfers, and Nixon Asia Team Riders, Made Raditya Rondi and Betet Merta. An after party will be held thereafter at the prestigious Vi Ai Pi Legian from 8pm onwards.(*)

353 guest rooms and suites with panoramic views of the ocean, pools and gardens, and offers inspired dining options, extensive meeting,

event and leisure facilities including Jiwa Spa and a beachfront wedding venue, Infinity.(*)

photo by spc

ilton Worldwide today announced the appointment of JeanSébastien Kling as General Manager of Conrad Bali in Indonesia. Located on the southern coast of Bali, Conrad Bali is a luxury beachfront resort offering an alluring blend of natural beauty and timeless traditions. In his position, Kling will lead the team in developing the hotel’s vision and strategy, as well as oversee the luxury resort’s operations. He will also play a vital role in employee training and development, while driving performance across various aspects including financial success, brand value, guest satisfaction and engagement as well as service quality. With 18 years of hospitality experience, Kling first joined the Hilton Worldwide family in 1996 as Director of Conference and Banqueting and Outside Catering at Hilton Strasbourg in France. His work experience has taken him to properties in France, Egypt, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Turkey and the Maldives, having been in various positions such as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, Director of Conventions and Events, Director of Operations, Re-branding Manager and Regional Director of Food and Beverage – Europe, Africa, United Kingdom and Ireland. He was the Hotel Manager at Conrad Istanbul in Turkey between 2007 and 2009, and prior to being General Manager of Conrad Bali, he was the General Manager of Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi between 2009 and 2012. “Kling’s exemplary commitment to service excellence and appreciation of the global hospitality industry makes him an invaluable asset to the team. Having worked with leading, unique properties across Europe, the Middle East and the Maldives, we are confident that he will continue to play an integral role in setting new benchmarks for quality guest experiences in Indonesia through Conrad Bali,” said Alain Mahillon, Regional General Manager for Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines at Hilton Worldwide. Celebrating its eighth anniversary this year, Conrad Bali features

Jean-Sébastien Kling

Bosowa to Allocate Rp400 Billion for Hotel Development in Makassar and Bali

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T Bosowa Corporation is ready to invest approximately Rp400 billion to build two star-hotels in Makassar and Bali. Owner Bosowa Corporation Aksa Mahmud said in Makassar that hopefully the costruction can be completed before the opening date of the hotels that are planned to be officially opened on December 12, 2012. “The construction of the hotels was started in 2011 and the revenue of PT Bosowa Corporation from the hospitality business is expected to increase from year to year. If in the year 2011, the hospitality sector accounted for Rp100 billion of the total Bosowa revenue, with the addition of two hotels Fave Hotel Aston Bali and Grand Shayla Makassar I hope to boost the revenue to Rp200 billion

per year, “he said . He further said that he expects the construction can be completed soon so that it can help the development of MICE business (Meetings, incentives, Conference and Exhibition) in Makassar and Bali. Especially for Grand Shayla Makassar, Aksa makes investments worth more than Rp200 billion. Only Rp137 billion of the total investment is from bank loan and for the rest is using company funds. “We do not buy the cement, sand and other for we take those materials from our company. Thus it can minimize the budget spent. Novotel Grand Shayla Makassar that is located on Jalan Sudirman is targeted for operation in late 2012 and will be the third

hotel owned by Bosowa. It is a 12-story hotel with 356 rooms, “he said. While the Head Branch of Bukopin Makassar, Arsaflan said that Bukopin gives positive welcome to the development of Bosowa’s hotel business. “The cooperation that exists between Bukopin and Bosowa is expected to boost the economy of South Sulawesi for MICE business is growing and becoming the main support of Makassar economy,” he said. In addition to the hotel development, Aksa also signed a loan agreement with Bukpin worth Rp500 billion for car purchase, consists of four brands, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Proton and Mercedes. (*)

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Sapta Nirwandar (kanan) memotong tumpeng tanda peresmian gedung Busan Indonesia Center (BIC) di Busan, Korea Selatan.

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ementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif menargetkan angka kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara ke Indonesia di tahun 2012 sebanyak 8 juta orang. Salah satu usaha yang dilakukan untuk mencapai target ini adalah melalui peningkatan kegiatan promosi pariwisata Indonesia di negaranegara potensial yang banyak memberikan kontribusi dalam mendatangkan wisatawan ke Indonesia, salah satunya adalah negara Korea Selatan. Pada Jumat, (13/04/ 2012), Wakil Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Sapta Nir-

wandar didampingi Duta Besar Indonesia untuk Korea Selatan, Nicholas T Dammen dan Kepala Pusat Busan Indonesia Center (BIC) Kim Soo-il melakukan penandatanganan prasasti dalam rangka peresmian gedung Busan Indonesia Center (BIC) di Busan, Korea Selatan. Busan Indonesia Center (BIC) didirikan sebagai pusat informasi mengenai Indonesia bagi masyarakat Korea Selatan, khususnya yang tinggal di Busan, maupun masyarakat Indonesia yang bermukim di Korea Selatan. Beragam informasi mengenai Indonesia dapat

diperoleh di gedung ini. Mulai dari pariwisata, budaya, ekonomi serta politik. Acara peresmian Busan Indonesia Center (BIC) dihadiri oleh lebih dari 200 tamu undangan, termasuk diantaranya para pejabat Korea Selatan yang berkenan memberikan sambutan diantaranya KIM Jung Hoon (Anggota Parlement Korea Selatan), JE Jong-Mo (Ketua Busan Metropolitan Council), CHO Sung-Jae (president of Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry), dan Hwang JaeKwan (Administrator of Nothern District of Busan). Sebagai bagian dari acara Peresmian Gedung Busan Indonesia Center diadakan prosesi pemotongan tumpeng serta atraksi kebudayaan berupa pertunjukan tarian tradisional khas Indonesia. Para tamu undangan juga dimanjakan untuk mencicipi makanan prasmanan ala Indonesia seperti Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Bakwan, dan Rendang. Wakil Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Sapta Nirwandar mengatakan diharapkan dengan berdirinya Busan Indonesia Center dapat lebih meningkatkan promosi Indonesia di Korea Selatan serta meningkatkan hubungan antara kedua negara. “Dari sisi pariwisata, Korea Selatan sebagai negara yang berkembang dengan pesat menganggap Indonesia sebagai destinasi yang menarik untuk dikunjungi. Terbukti dari peningkatan jumlah wisatawan Korea Selatan yang berkunjung ke Indonesia yaitu sebanyak 281.785 wisatawan di tahun 2010 dan naik 7.24% menjadi 302.184 pada tahun 2011,” ujar Sapta Nirwandar. (*)

Buku Adikriya Sulam Indonesia Diluncurkan

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

Gedung Busan Indonesia Center Diresmikan

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ayasan Sulam Indonesia meluncurkan buku Adikriya Sulam Indonesia, yang diprakarsai Ibu Triesna Jero Wacik. Peluncuran buku dilakukan secara resmi oleh Ibu Ani Bambang Yudhoyono, pada Selasa (10/4), di Hotel Dharmawangsa, Jakarta. Indonesia memiliki ragam jenis sulam dari Aceh hingga Papua. Sulam sebagai warisan budaya semakin berkembang, termasuk dalam produk fashion seperti aplikasi sulam pada tas dan aksesori lainnya. Berbagai teknik, motif, warna juga sejarah sulam nusantara kini bisa digali dan dipelajari lebih mendalam melalui buku Adikriya Sulam Indonesia. Adalah Yayasan Sulam Indonesia (YSI), dengan Triesna Jero Wacik sebagai pendirinya, yang memprakarsai peluncuran buku referensi sulam ini. Ibu Triesna Jero Wacik mendirikan Yayasan Sulam Indonesia (YSI) untuk membina dan mengembangkan sulam Indonesia, yang sentranya tersebar di seluruh Nusantara. Program-program yang sudah dilaksanakan YSI, antara lain mengadakan pelatihan, pameran, seminar, talkshow, dan sebagainya, untuk mengangkat pamor sulam di Indonesia, supaya sulam lebih dikenal oleh masyarakat luas. Setelah sekian lama berkecimpung dalam kegiatan promosi sulam, terpikirkan perlunya pembuatan buku yang komprehensif tentang sulam, yang bisa mendokumentasikan informasi lengkap tentang sulam Indonesia, sehingga menjadi sumber inspirasi dan bahan referensi, tidak hanya untuk perajin dan pecinta sulam, tetapi juga untuk masyarakat luas. Buku yang diluncurkan bertepatan dengan HUT YSI ke-6 pada 10 April ini menjadi salah satu cara melestarikan sulam, sekaligus mendorong berbagai pihak lebih kreatif mengembangkan sulam atau bordir. “Satu tahun lalu kami mengadakan survei untuk buku, mengenai teknik, motif, warna sulam juga melalui wawancara dengan perajin dan kolektor mengenai ragam koleksi lama, sulam baru juga sulam yang sudah mulai langka,” jelas Triesna. (*)

SDM Pariwisata Indonesia Terbaik Kedua di Asia Tenggara fikasi, termasuk STP Bandung dan STP Bali,” ujar Pitana. Untuk level SDM sendiri, Indonesia memiliki tingkat yang cukup membanggakan. “Lulusan dari sekolah tinggi pariwisata di Indonesia sudah unggul di kawasan Asean. Untuk tingkat dunia akan segara menyusul,” kata dia. Diungkapkan pula, pentingnya kerja sama dengan pihak luar, seperti universitas di luar negeri. Hal tersebut diharapkan mampu meningkatkan kualitas SDM di Indonesia. “Bandung sudah hampir pasti bekerja sama dengan universitas di Inggris (Leeds Met Uni

versity-red). Nantinya mahasiswa kita sudah bisa mendapatkan dua gelar sekaligus dalam waktu hanya 15 bulan,” jelas Pitana. Untuk mendukung pengembangan SDM pariwisata, pemerintah daerah harus ikut membantu. BPSD juga berupaya mengembangkan kualitas SDM dalam pemerintah daerah dalam koridor otonomi daerah. “Kami sudah mulai untuk mengembangkan SDM pemerintah daerah. Semenjak otonomi daerah diberlakukan, khususnya daerah terpencil. Langkah ini belum pernah dilakukan,” ungkapnya. (*)

I Gede Pitana

Firmansyah: Kami Fokus Maksimalkan 15 DMO

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pariwisata di Indonesia yang ditetapkan pada 2010 hingga 2014. “Kami tetap fokus untuk memaksimalkan 15 DMO yang sudah ditetapkan agar dapat fokus bekerja,” kata Direktur Jenderal Pengembangan Destinasi Pariwisata Kemenparekraf, Firmansyah Rahim saat bertemu dengan Forum

photo by tri wibowo

ementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Kemenparekraf) akan memaksimalkan 15 Destination Management Organization (DMO) pada 2012. DMO adalah tata kelola destinasi pariwisata yang mencakup perencanaan, koordinasi, implementasi dan pengendalian organisasi

Firmansyah Rahim (tengah) bersama para direktur di jajaran Ditjen Pengembangan Destinasi Pariwisata, Kemenparekraf.

Wartawan Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Forwarparekraf) di Jakarta belum lama ini. Sebanyak 15 DMO tersebut adalah cluster Sabang, Toba, Kota Tua, Pangandaran, Borobudur, Bromo-Tengger-Semeru, Batur, Rinjani, Flores, Tanjung Puting, Derawan, Toraja, Bunaken, Wakatobi, dan Raja Ampat. “Untuk target jumlah wisatawan yang berkunjung ke masing-masing DMO memang masih kami proses dengan pemerintah daerah dan pemangku kepentingan lain karena tergantung jenis pengembangan obyek wisata tersebut apakah wisata alam, budaya atau buatan,” ungkap Firmansyah. Firmansyah memberikan contoh, bila obyek wisata tersebut tergolong wisata alam maka Kemenparekraf tidak memacu agar jumlah wisatawan tumbuh cepat karena harus disesuaikan dengan kondisi lingkungan. “Wisatawan yang berkunjung ke Pulau Komodo misalnya maksimal berjumlah 50 ribu orang atau di cluster Tanjung Puting juga paling banyak 50 ribu orang. Namun untuk wilayah yang lebih besar seperti Danau Toba ditargetkan pada 2014, jumlah wisatawan dapat mencapai 365 ribu orang,” jelas Firmansyah. Menurut Firmansyah, DMO yang sudah memiliki kemajuan yang cukup baik adalah Pangandaran, Flores, Wakatobi dan Raja Ampat. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

Sapta Nirwandar dapat Gelar “Sinatra Cipta Karsa” photo by tri wibowo

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ernyata tenaga perhotelan dan para koki Indonesia rupanya terbaik kedua di Asia Tenggara setelah Singapura. Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Kemenparekraf) pun optimistis SDM pariwisata Indonesia bisa bersaing di dunia. Dalam Diskusi Rutin Forum Wartawan Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Forwarparekraf) belum lama ini, Badan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (BPSD Kemenparekraf) sangat yakin terhadap kemajuan sumber daya manusia di Indonesia. Mereka yakin SDM lulusan sekolah tinggi pariwisata di Indonesia bisa mengangkat potensi wisata Indonesia di kancah internasional. “SDM kita nomor 35 dari 125 negara di dunia. Di Asia Tenggara kita nomor 2, setelah Singapura,” ungkap Prof I Gede Pitana, selaku Kepala Badan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Kemenparekraf, dalam diskusi di Gedung Sapta Pesona, Jakarta. Beberapa sekolah tinggi yang bergerak dalam bidang pariwisata di Indonesia yang saat ini sudah mulai mengembangkan sayapnya di tingkat internasional. Namun, ada dua Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata (STP) yang berhasil mendapat sertifikasi tingkat internasional. “Di Asia Pasifik, hanya 16 yang dapat serti-

Ibu negara Ani Yudhoyono (2 kanan) didampingi ibu Triesna Wacik, Menteri ESDM Jero Wacik dan Menparekraf Mari Pangestu meluncurkan buku Adikriya Sulam Indonesia.

Sapta Nirwandar menerima kujang dan pakaian adat Sunda saat menerima gelar “Sinatra Cipta Karsa”

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erkat keseriusannya mempromosikan budaya Sunda sebagai salah satu daya tarik wisata Indonesia, Wakil Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Sapta Nirwandar mendapatkan gelar “Sinatra Cipta Karsa” dari perkumpulan pemimpin kampung adat di Jawa Barat dan Banten, Baresan Olot Tatar Sunda (BOTS). Penyerahan gelar ini dilaksanakan di Gedung Sapta Pesona, Jakarta belum lama ini. Sekretaris Jenderal atau Duta Sawala BOTS, Eka Santosa mengatakan berdasarkan sawala (diskusi) BOTS yaitu komunitas para pemimpin 12 kampung adat di Jawa Barat dan Banten, Sapta Nirwandar dianggap seorang ksatria di bidang ekonomi kreatif, khususnya seni dan budaya. Gelar ‘Sinatria Cipta Karsa’ diberikan kepada Sapta Nirwandar, terkait jasanya dalam bidang seni dan budaya Sunda. Sapta mengungkapkan, “gelar ini bukan untuk saya pribadi tapi sesungguhnya untuk Kemenparekraf, kearifan lokal adalah akar budaya yang memang tidak boleh ditinggalkan sebagai kekayaan budaya yang tidak ternilai.” Kearifan lokal menurut Sapta memiliki tiga dimensi yaitu menjadi norma hidup, tatanan hidup dan kreativitas masyarakat “Kemenparekraf berupaya untuk menjaga, mempertahankan dan mengembangkan kearifan lokal di Jawa Barat, apalagi karena saya juga merasa berutang kepada masyarakat Sunda sebab saya menuntut ilmu di perguruan tinggi negeri di Bandung,” ungkap Sapta. Sapta menilai bahwa salah satu yang perlu dibangun untuk menjaga kearifan lokal adalah akses terhadap masyarakat adat. “Pariwisata tidak boleh dianggap akan mengurangi kearifan lokal karena setiap pengunjung yang datang harus menghormati kearifan lokal,” jelas Sapta. (*)

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HUT ke 50, PS Unpar Gelar Drama Musikal Sangkuriang

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ekolah Tinggi Pariwisata (STP) Bandung, Jawa Barat, akan mendirikan pusat kajian kuliner yang pertama di Indonesia. Nantinya, pusat kajian ini akan mengidentifikasi menu-menu andalan Indonesia supaya lebih dikenal dan digemari dunia internasional. Menurut deputi direktur STP Bandung, Anang Sutono, pendirian pusat kajian kuliner ini merupakan permintaan dari pemerintah agar kuliner Indonesia bisa menjadi salah satu produk unggulan dalam mempromosikan kekayaan budaya Indonesia kepada dunia internasional. “Tujuannya adalah untuk memperkuat daya saing kuliner Indonesia di kawasan internasional,” ujarnya. Sebagai langkah awal, jelas dia, pusat kajian itu akan mengeluarkan 25 set menu Indonesia andalan yang terdiri atas makanan pembuka, makanan utama, dan makanan penutup. Set menu andalan itu merupakan hasil identifikasi terhadap beragam hidangan tradisional yang mengalami kemas ulang sehingga pantas dihidangkan secara internasional. “Cita rasanya tidak akan diubah, hanya kemasannya yang ditangani agar bisa masuk ke pentas internasional,” ujarnya. Bekerja sama dengan Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Anang mengatakan, pusat kajian kuliner itu nantinya juga akan memberi masukan menu untuk jamuan kenegaraan di Istana Negara yang menghidangkan berbagai makanan tradisional. “Jamuan makan kenegaraan itu harus menghidangkan menu yang mewakili karakter Indonesia,” ujarnya. Selain itu, pusat kajian kuliner juga akan menggali filosofi di balik setiap menu makanan sehingga bisa dipelajari aspek budaya dan sejarah dari masakan tersebut. Menurut Anang, pusat kajian kuliner itu diharapkan dapat mulai beroperasi pada Desember 2012. Dengan kerja sama erat antara lembaga akademik, pemerintah, dan industri serta asosiasi kuliner, Anang optimis hidangan Indonesia akan bisa mendunia dan akhirnya menjadi salah satu ikon yang mewakili Indonesia di pentas internasional. “Kita sebenarnya tidak kalah dari Thailand, kaya akan beragam makanan yang penuh cita rasa. Tapi masakan Thailand justru lebih dikenal di dunia daripada Indonesia,” tuturnya. (*)

Lomba Foto Sadar Wisata Berhadiah Rp 100 Juta

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ementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Kemenparekraf) kembali menyelenggarakan lomba foto ‘Sadar Wisata’ dengan total hadiah sebesar Rp 100 juta. Lomba foto yang untuk kali keempat itu dibuka pada 16 Maret hingga 24 Agustus 2012. Sementara penyerahan hadiah dan piagam bagi pemenang akan dilaksanakan di Grand Indonesia pada 27 September 2012 bertepatan Hari Pariwisata Dunia. Dirjen Pengembangan Destinasi Pariwisata (Ditjen PDP) Kemenparekraf, Firmansyah Rahim mengatakan, penyelenggaraan lomba foto yang mengangkat tema “Sadar Wisata dan Sapta Pesona 2012” bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kesadaran dan kepedulian masyarakat akan arti pentingnya Sapta Pesona (Aman, Tertib, Bersih, Sejuk, Indah, Ramah, dan Kenangan) melalui media fotografi. “Melalui lomba foto ini dimaksudkan pula untuk memperkenalknan obyek dan daya tarik wisata yang layak untuk dikunjungi oleh wisatawan, melalui media fotografi dalam rangka Kenali Negerimu Cintai Negerimu,” kata Firmansyah Rahim dalam jumpa pers di Gedung Sapta Pesona Jakarta, Kamis (15/3). Hadir dalam jumpa pers Tim Juri Lomba Foto Sadar Wisata antara lain Sigit Pramono (Pemerhati fotografi, Komisaris BCA) sebagai Ketua, dan anggota Darwis Triadi (Ahli Fotografi), Arbain Rambey (Ahli Fotografi dari Kompas), Bambang Wijanarko (Ahli Fotografi, Ketua Komunitas Fotografi Budpar), dan Ray Bachtiar (Ahli Fotografi). Menurut Sigit Pramono, lomba foto Sadar Wisata menggerakkan ekonomi rakyat hal itu terlihat dari minat para peserta lomba yang setiap tahun terus meningkat. “Untuk memotret para peserta melakukan perjalanan wisata dan ini tentu menggerakan ekonomi rakyat,” kata Sigit. Lomba foto Sadar Wisata pertama tahun 2009 diikuti sebanyak 205 peserta dengan jumlah foto sebanyak 1.120 lembar, tahun 2010 meningkat menjadi 368 peserta dengan jumlah foto 1.468 lembar, dan tahun 2011 sebanyak 630 peserta jumlah foto 2.424 lembar. (*)

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

STP Bandung Dirikan Pusat Kajian Kuliner Indonesia

Paduan Suara Unpar sempat unjuk kebolehan diiringi alunan piano Dian HP saat jumpa pers.

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egenda tanah pasundan Sangkuriang akan dihidupkan lagi melalui pagelaran drama musikal spektakuler “Sangkuriang”. Pagelaran ini untuk memperingati ulang tahun yang ke-50 Paduan Suara (PS), Universitas Parahayangan yang rencananya akan digelar di dua kota pada 2-4 Nopember 2012 di Bandung dan 9-11 Nopember 2012 di Jakarta. Hal itu dijelaskan Maria Dominique selaku Public Relations Drama Musikal Sangkuriang saat jumpa pers di Pusat Kebudayaan Italia ( Istituto Italiano di Cultura ), Jakarta belum lama ini. Maria menjelaskan PS Unpar ini sudah sering mengharumkan nama Indonesia di kancah dunia. Berbagai pagelaran dan perlombaan tingkat dunia sering dijuarai sejak Tahun 1995, seperti di Italia, Inggris, Ceko, Jepang dan negara lainnya. “Dalam memperingati hari jadi yang ke-50, PS Unpar akan menggelar drama musikal Sangkuriang. Cerita Sangkuriang berasal dari tempat kelahiran Paduan Suara ini yaitu tanah Sunda, setelah ini mungkin akan mengangkat cerita legenda dari pulau dan daerah lain, tujuannya semata ingin memajukan dan melestarikan kebudayaan Indonesia, supaya generasi muda dimanapun berada mengetahui dan mengenal cerita legenda yang ada,” jelas Maria. Lanjut Maria, acara drama musikal Sangkuriang ini akan sangat menarik karena suguhannya terasa unik dan lain dari pementasan yang sudah sering dipertunjukkan, versi cerita dari Utuy Atang Sontani sastrawan sekelas Pramoedya Ananta Toer ini akan menjadi suguhan yang nikmat bagi para pecinta sastra. Kesempatan sama, Wawan Sofwan selaku

Sutradara Drama Musikal Sangkuriang mengatakan pagelaran ini merupakan sebuah pertunjukan yang menggabungkan seni musik, paduan suara dan teater. Dengan mengambil karya Libretto dari Utuy Atang Sontani. Didukung Paduan Suara Unpar dan Conductor Avip Priatna serta berkolaborasi dengan Dian HP, serta musisi papan atas lainnya. “Cerita Sangkuriang yang keturunan dewa, mencintai ibu kandungnya sendiri Dayang Sumbi, sampai ingin menikahinya namun Dayang Sumbi menentang hal itu sampai mengajukan syarat untuk membangun perahu besar untuk berlayar hanya dala satu malam,” terang Wawan. Sangkuriang menyanggupi hal itu demi cintanya kepada ibu kandungnya sendiri, dengan membuat perahu dibantu oleh siluman, Dayang Sumbi tak habis akal, dia mengibarkan kain putih sebagai tanda hari sudah terbit fajar, Sangkuriang merasa kesal dan menendang perahunya yang belum jadi, dan sampai sekarang menjadi legenda gunung tangkuban perahu di Lembang Bandung. “Seni paduan suara saat ini tak hanya dipentaskan dengan berdiri tegak saja, dapat di variasikan dengan gerak tubuh dan pakaian yang sesuai sehingga tidak membosankan untuk ditonton,” jelas Wawan. Wawan Sofwansendiri sudah malang melintang menjadi sutradara teater dalam dan luar negeri, pernah mengikuti kegiatan teater di Hamburg, London, Melbourne dan Berlin. Avip Priatna, Conductor Drama Musikal Sangkuriang menambahkan seni paduan suara dapat dikolaborasikan dengan seni teater dan tarian tapi tak mengurangi dominasi pad-

uan suara itu sendiri. “Ini adalah sebuah karya sastra cerita Sangkuriang dari tanah sunda yang patut diusung dan menjadi suguhan karya nasional dan untuk kedepannya bisa bertaraf internasional,” harap Avip. Naskah drama ini merupakan karya maestro Utuy Atang Sontani (alm), sastrawan Indonesia yang menghabiskan sisa hidupnya dan berkarya di Uni Soviet (Rusia sekarang). Utuy Atang Sontani yang meninggal di Uni Soviet pada 17 September 1979 merupakan sastrawan yang hebat di jamannya, beberapa karya sastranya mendapat banyak pujian di Eropa. Sayang di Indonesia sendiri namanya tidak begitu dikenal, hal ini terkait keberadaan dirinya yang bergabung dengan Lekra (salah satu organisasi partai PKI yang dilarang saat itu). Untuk urusan musik dipercayakan kepada Dian Hadipranowo atau lebih akrab dengan sapaan Dian HP (Komposer) dan musisi ternama ini sudah malang melintang di pentas Indonesia. “Saya sangat siap terlibat dalam pertunjukan ini, didalamnya saya bertindak sebagai komposer dan saya sangat senang dan merasa pas bekerjasama dalam team ini,” jelas Dian. Begitu pula dengan Sita Nurshanti (Mantan Personil Rida Sita Dewi) yang kini aktif dalam teater, merasa sangat senang diajak terlibat dalam drama musikal ini, selain merupakan almamater dari Universitas Parahyangan juga sudah mengenal lama orang-orang yang teribat dalam team acara ini. Hal ini memudahkan dia untuk beradaptasi. (*)

Jadikan Festival Tidore 2012 Daya Tarik Wisatawan

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ementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif (Kemenparekraf) memberikan program pendukungan terhadap penyelenggaraan Festival Tidore 2012 yang akan berlangsung di Tidore pada tanggal 1-12 April 2012. Festival yang diselenggarakan bertepatan hari jadi Kota Tidore Kepulauan ke904 ini akan dijadikan sebagai event unggulan dalam mempromosikan kepariwisataan Tidore Kepulauan. “Provinsi Maluku Utara memiliki banyak daya tarik wisata budaya dan sejarah serta wisata alam seperti peninggalan benteng Portugis Tohula yang menjadi nama Pelabuhan Tohula. Hasil karya arsitektur Portugis ini dikenal sebagai benteng pertama di Indonesia yang kemudian dibangun kembali oleh Kolonial Belanda ketika mencari rempah-rempah di Indonesia,” kata M Faried, Direktur Promosi Pariwisata Dalam Negeri, Kemenparekraf. M. Faried menambahkan, kegiatan pesta rakyat atau Festival Tidore ini dimaksud sebagai sarana untuk melestarikan dan mengembangkan kekayaan seni dan budaya masyarakat Tidore yang menjadi modal utama kepariwisataan daerah. “Karena Tidore dikaruniai alam yang sangat indah, kuliner yang lezat, serta atraksi budaya yang menarik sehingga bila dikemas dengan baik akan menarik minat wisatawan nusantara (wisnus) dan wisatawan mancanegara (wisman) untuk datang ke Tidore Kepulauan,

Provinsi Maluku Utara,” kata M Faried. Lanjut Faried, namun banyak obyek wisata di Tidore Kepulauan hingga kini belum banyak dimanfaatkan secara maksimal, untuk ini pemerintah daerah bersama masyarakat harus mulai mengembangkan secara kreatif potensi wisata tersebut. Penyelenggaraan Festival Tidore 2012 akan dimeriahkan dengan berbagai atraksi kesenian antara lain tarian khas daerah, karnaval, serta aneka lomba diantaranya lomba kuliner yang menjadi salah satu daya tarik bagi wisatawan untuk datang. Tidore Kepulauan merupakan salah satu pulau kecil di gugusan Kepulauan Maluku Utara tepatnya di sebelah barat pantai Pulau Halmahera. Menurut sumber sejarah, nama Tidore diambil dari tiga rangkai kata To Ado Re yang artinya “aku telah sampai”. Tidore pernah diperintah oleh seorang sultan, Sultan Ciriliyati pada tahun 1495. Ia merupakan sultan pertama di Kesultanan Tidore. Kesultanan Tidore mencapai kejayaannya ketika pada masa pemerintahan Sultan Mansyur tahun 1512, yang saat itu mendirikan perkampungan baru Rum Tidore Utara sebagai ibukota dan pusat pemerintahan. Ibukota Kesultanan Tidore yang berdekatan dengan Ternate dan diapit oleh Tanjung Mafugogo dan Pulau Mutiara itu telah berkembang pesat dan pernah menjadi Bandar pelabuhan yang ramai dikunjungi para saudagar dari

berbagai bangsa dunia antara lain China, India, Arab dan Eropa untuk mencari rempahrempah.

Pamerkan Foto Sejarah Tidore Bukti peninggalan kejayaan Kesultanan Tidore ini terekam dalam foto yang dipamerkan dalam pameran Foto Kesultanan Tidore 2012. Masuk di dalam rangkaian Festival Tidore, Pameran Foto Sejarah dan Pariwisata Tidore ini digelar di Museum Nasional, Jl Medan Merdeka, Jakarta Pusat. Pameran ini dibuka dari tanggal 22-24 Maret 2012. Acara ini menjadi momen untuk mempromosikan Tidore ke masyarakat luas. Ini adalah kala pertama Tidore membuka diri dalam acara seperti ini. Walikota Tidore Kepulauan, Achmad Mahifa mengungkapkan ini menjadi jembatan bagi masyarakat umum untuk mengenal Tidore. “Semoga dengan adanya acara ini, masyarakat luas lebih kenal dekat dengan Tidore Kepulauan,” ucap Achmad. Di sini, Anda bisa melihat dan mempelajari sejarah serta perkembangan Kepulauan Tidore melalui foto-foto. Foto hitam putih dan berwarna berderet di area pameran jadi media bagi pengunjung yang ingin mengenal Tidore lebih dalam. Dari mulai kunjungan Presiden pertama RI, Soekarno ke Tidore, monumenmonumen sejarah, sampai kegiatan sehari-hari masyarakat di sana. (*)

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Mari Pangestu memotong tumpeng ulang tahun Perfilman Indonesia ke 62 didampingi Windu Nuryanti, aktor senior Dedy Miswar dan aktris Christine Hakim di Gedung Perfilman, Jakarta.

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engan jumlah penduduk lebih dari 230 juta, sektor perfilman di Indonesia memiliki prospek yang cerah karena memiliki pasar yang potensial. Disisi lain, pemerintah menyadari bahwa untuk membangun bangsa ini diperlukan kesadaran kolektif untuk memahami jati diri serta karakter bangsa Indonesia yang sesungguhnya. Agar mampu menanamkan jati diri dan karakter tersebut dalam kehidupan sehari-hari masyarakat Indonesia, Pemerintah menempuh strategi bahwa perfilman juga harus memiliki nilai ekonomi bagi masyarakat Indonesia. Demikian disampaikan Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Mari Elka Pangestu saat memberikan sambutan pada acara Hari Film Nasional di Gedung Perfilman, Jakarta, Jumat (30/03). “Oleh karena itu Kemdikbud dan Kemenparekraf menyepakati bahwa kami bersama dengan insan perfilman Indonesia, akan membawa perfilman nasional menjadi industri perfilman yang mandiri, yang mampu menciptakan nilai tambah secara ekonomi, tetapi harus tetap dapat menjaga nilai-nilai sosial dan budaya Indonesia, serta menjaga kelestarian lingkungan Indonesia,” ujar Mari Pangestu kepada wartawan. Ia menambahkan mengingat perfilman memiliki fungsi yang strategis baik dari aspek sosial, budaya, pendidikan, hiburan, ekonomi, dan bahkan terkait dengan pengembangan pariwisata di Indonesia,

maka komitmen Pemerintah adalah member tugas kepada dua Kementerian, yaitu Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan dan Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, untuk mengembangkan perfilman di Indonesia. “Kami berkomitmen akan selalu bersinergi untuk mengatasi tantangan dan meningkatkan akselerasi pengembangan perfilman di Indonesia,” tegas Mari Pangestu. Sementara itu, Wakil Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, Prof Windu Nuryanti mengatakan, komitmen dua kementrian harus dimanfaatkan seoptimal mungkin oleh insan film. Kemendikbud sendiri memandang perfilmanan nasional bisa membentuk karakter bangsa. Untuk itu, perfilman nasional perlu diperkuat di hulunya, menggali kearifan lokal, dan memperbanyak penelitian. “Setiap tahun kita selalu merayakan Hari Film Nasional. Saya optimistis, akan ada kemajuan setelah ada 2 kementrian yang hadir di perfilman nasional. Perkembangan yang harus diantisipasi pun banyak. Setiap permasalahan harus diurai dengan visi yang jelas. Industri film nasional akan maju. Perlu diingat juga tidak ada tontonan yang bagus tanpa tuntunan yang baik,” tegasnya. Semangat dua kementrian untuk memajukan perfilman nasional disambut baik insan film seperti Deddy Mizwar dan Christine Hakim. Baik Deddy maupun Christine menginginkan dukungan pemerintah

Potensi Ekonomi Kreatif di Indonesia Sangat Besar

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irektur Jenderal Nilai Budaya, Seni dan Film Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif, Ukus Kuswara, mengatakan potensi Indonesia pada sektor ekonomi kreatif terbuka luas. “Kurang lebih 27 persen dari total penduduk Indonesia adalah pemuda dalam usia produktif dan tentunya juga memiliki potensi untuk mengembangkan ekonomi kreatif,” kata Ukus belum lama ini. Ukus mengatakan, keanekaragaman seni budaya dari lebih 300 suku dan etnis Indonesia dapat dimanfaatkan untuk memperkaya konten karya para pelaku ekonomi kreatif. Perlu diingat, menurut World Cultural Heritage (WEF), Indonesia memiliki urutan ke39 untuk kekayaan budaya. “Indonesia juga memiliki lebih dari 17.100 pulau dengan penduduk asli yang memiliki talenta kreatif, berbasis pada keunikan lokal dan merupakan daya tarik tersendiri,” katanya. Namun, ada beberapa permasalahan utama ekonomi kreatif berbasis seni dan budaya antara lain kuantitas dan kualitas sumber daya manusia (SDM), lembaga pendidikan serta masih kurangnya pembinaan profesi, pemasaran, dan permasalahan infrastruktur. “Selain itu, kendala lain seperti kurangnya riset pengembangan teknologi, produk kreatif, kelembagaan dan apresiasi masyarakat terhadap karya bermuatan lokal serta sulitnya akses untuk mendapatkan pembiayaan,” kata Ukus. Menurut Ukus Kuswara, untuk pasar dalam negeri sudah mulai tumbuh, terutama untuk subsektor film dan musik. Untuk musik dan kerajinan telah menyumbang lebih dari 96 persen produk domestik bruto (PDB) ekonomi kreatif berbasis seni dan budaya.

“Pertumbuhan jumlah perusahaan ekonomi kreatif berbasis seni budaya memiliki tren meningkat, bahkan berhasil menyamai pertumbuhan nasional di 2010 sebesar 7,7 persen. Sementara untuk kerajinan menyumbang rata-rata 37 persen dari total nilai ekspor industri kreatif, dengan rata-rata kontribusi 3

photo by tri wibowo

photo by tri wibowo

Dua Kementerian Siap Majukan Perfilman Indonesia

Ukus Kuswara

persen terhadap total nilai ekspor nasional,” katanya. Ukus menambahkan, untuk negara tujuan ekspor hasil kerajinan dari Indonesia adalah Amerika sebesar 26,82 persen, Jepang 10,88 persen, Perancis 9,77 persen, Inggris 8,82 persen dan Belanda 5,88 persen. (*)

terhadap perfilman nasional masih perlu diperbesar. Seperti di negara-negara lain, perfilmannya bisa maju karena ada peranan pemerintah. “Bahkan di Iran sekalipun, perfilmannya mampu berkembang, padahal situasi politik di negara tersebut sedang bergejolak,” ujar Christine. Mari Pangestu juga mengakui sejumlah tantangan yang dihadapi perfilman nasional, mulai dari kuantitas dan kualitas SDM, akses pembiayaan bagi film berkualitas, jangkauan serta kebijakan distribusi dan pertunjukan film, peningkatan apresiasi terhadap film dan pekerja film, hingga kelembagaan perfilman. Ia menggarisbawahi SDM merupakan faktor penting dalam pengembangan perfilman nasional. Sayangnya, saat ini Indonesia baru memiliki satu lembaga pendidikan tinggi jurusan perfilman, yakni Institut Kesenian Jakarta (IKJ). Dijelaskannya, berkaitan dengan kebijakan distribusi, industri film di Indonesia juga menghadapi permasalahan kurangnya jumlah bioskop, belum adanya tata edar, belum adanya aturan pertunjukan film, serta belum adanya system informasi jumlah penonton film. Kurangnya jumlah bioskop berkorelasi langsung dengan jumlah penonton film. “Jangkauan penonton film Indonesia relatif masih rendah, dimana frekuensi menonton perkapita Indonesia hanyalah 0,24, relative rendah jika dibandingkan dengan Jepang sudah mencapai 1,49 atau India yang sudahmencapai 2,72,” kata Mari Pangestu. Berdasarkan data Kemenparekraf jumlah film Indonesia yang dihasilkan setiap tahunnya sejak tahun 2008-2011 ini cenderung menurun. Jumlah film Indonesia yang tercatat pada 2011 adalah 82 judul, sedangkan pada tahun 2008 sempat mencapai 87 judul. Sementara untuk jumlah penonton film Indonesia, rekor tertinggi masih diraih oleh film Laskar Pelangi dengan jumlah penonton 4,1 juta dan film Ayat-Ayat Cinta sebanyak 3,6 juta penonton. Namun demikian perkembangan menggembirakan terlihat pada peningkatan jumlah penonton. Tahun 2010 jumlah keseluruhan penonton film nasiona lmencapai 46 juta, meningkat menjadi 62 juta penonton di tahun 2011. Kendati ada penurunan dari segi kuantitas dibandingkan tahun 2008, dari segi kualitas semakin membaik yang ditandai dengan makin banyaknya film dan aktor Indonesia yang mendapat penghargaan di festival film di tingkat regional maupun internasional. Untuk pertama kalinya ada film Indonesia “The Raid” yang dibeli oleh pihak Sony Pictures. Mari Pangestu juga mengakui ada permasalahan di rantai produksi perfilman terkait masalah pembiayaan dan perizinan lokasi pengambilan gambar film. Rata-rata film berkualitas dihasilkan dengan biaya di atas Rp 5 miliar, tetapi di lain pihak belum banyak lembaga pembiayaan yang masuk dalam industry ini. Sementara itu, perizinan pengambilan film di daerah masih dihadapkan pada berbagai prosedur yang belum standar. “Untuk mengatasi masalah koordinasi dan mempermudah perizinan, pemerintah akan mengupayakan one stop service. Kami tengah menginventarisir masalah perizinan di daerah dan berharap Pemerintah Daerah nanti yang akan menjalankan one stop service,” kata Mari Pangestu. Setiap tanggal 30 Maret diperingati sebagai Hari Film Nasional. Pada 62 tahun yang lalu, seorang sutradara H. Usmar Ismail yang juga salah satu tokoh perfilman nasional, mengawali pembuatan film “Darah dan Doa” yang menjadi pertanda peringatan Hari Film Nasional. Perayaan hari film ke-62 tahun yang digelar di Gedung Perfilman Jakarta ini, selain Mari Pangestu juga dihadiri Wakil Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan bidang Budaya, Wiendu Nuryanti, Dirjen NBSF Ukus Kuswara dan sejumlah aktor serta artis senior Indonesia. (*)

Yogyakarta Segera Bentuk Badan Promosi Pariwisata

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ingga saat ini, DI Yogyakarta belum memiliki badan promosi pariwisata sendiri. Padahal, sebagai destinasi wisata utama kedua di Indonesia setelah Bali sudah sewajarnya Kota Budaya dan Pendidikan ini memilikinya. Namun, tidak akan lama lagi Jogja akan memilikinya. Paling lambat pertengahan tahun 2012 ini, badan promosi pariwisata tingkat provinsi akan terbentuk. Hal itu ditegaskan Kepala Dinas Pariwisata DI Yogyakarta, Tazbir menanggapi rencana pembentukan badan promosi pariwisata oleh pemerintah provinsi. Ia menargetkan mampu mebentuknya maksimal pertengahan tahun ini. “Kebetulan saya yang ditunjuk koordinator pembentukan badan ini. Hingga saat ini masih terus berkoordinasi dengan sejumlah pihak demi kesuksesan rencana tersebut,” ujarnya . Ia menjelaskan, badan promosi pariwisata sangat penting bagi Jogja. Hal ini untuk lebih memperkuat lagi promosi wisata, sehingga akan lebih banyak lagi wisatawan datang ke Jogja. “Selama ini promosi wisata banyak dilakukan Badan Promosi Pariwisata Kota Yogyakarta (BP2KY) dan badan promosi priwisata yang dibentuk Pemkab Sleman. Malu dong kalau justru provinsi tidak punya,” katanya. Apalagi, lanjutnya dibentuknya badan promosi pariwisata ini sudah menjadi amanah undang-undang. Setiap provinsi, kabupaten, dan kota diharuskan memiliki badan promosi pariwisata untuk meningkatkan geliat wisata di masing-masing daerah. “Badan promosi nantinya akan diisi oleh berbagai elemen dan dikelola independen. Para pegiat pariwisata bisa bergabung dalam badan ini kecuali orang pemerintahan,” paparnya. Tazbir memang tengah bersemangat segera membentuk badan promosi itu. Pasalnya, tahun ini adalah momentumnya karena sudah tiga tahun berturut-turut (2009-2011) Jogja mendapat penghargaan Indonesia Tourism Award (ITA) dari Menteri Pariwisata sebagai provinsi terbaik dalam pengembangan pariwisata. (*)

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Wakatobi Dive Resort Awarded the World’s Best Ecotourism Resort

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ommemorating the Earth Day on March 31, 2012, a CNN’s travel site CNNgo listed the best ecotourism hotels and inns throughout the world. Amazingly, Wakatobi Dive Resort in Wakatobi, Indonesia, is also included in the list. The resort, which is located in South Sulawesi, is considered as a resort with one of the best diving sites around the world, which also continues to focus on issues of marine conservation and community development. “Wakatobi Dive Resort helps the environment around it, preventing the surrounding coral reefs damaged,” said Justin Francis, founder of ResponsibleTravel, a tourism site that also assessed how this resort can be included in the list of world’s best ecotourism. “The resort employs 150 local people and creates a program titled Collaborative Community Based Reef Management, which makes coral reef sanctuary,” said Justin again. The surrounding villages also receive financial incentives to improve their infrastructure. Other contributions from this resort are for educational and strengthen local support to protect the precious marine life in the region. Currently, the conservation program protects more than 22 miles of coral reefs in the region. Any guests staying in this resort can explore the underwater paradise of Wakatobi that is located just a few minutes from the resort so it will not take long to get there. Boat rentals, as well as diving equipment are also available in this resort. There is also spa facility to pamper yourself after diving. (*)

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