Indonesia

Recently, there are some national parks are on fire.

Let’s say, Merapi Mountain and Ciremai Mountain National Parks. The damage is quite bad since in Indonesia is a dry season, so the wind’s blows make the fire is getting bigger.

Some actions had to be done, not only by the fireman but also the local forestry official. But since it’s quite hard to find the water, and the wind factor, they couldn’t do anything.

Well, the government, especially the forestry minister, should take actions, not only for short term, but also for long term. Well, you can name the actions, such as, add the staffs, provide fire extinction.

The gov should educate the public, to conserve the national park, since it should be public’s responsible as well, not only depend on the gov.

The question is, can we make it?
*the pic (Ciremai mountain) was taken from here*

Last Saturday, Jakarta citizen were entertained by Cipete Vaganza, a biggest (I think) vaganza that ever made in Jakarta on this year. This event was held in Cipete, one region in South of Jakarta.

Cipete Vaganza object is to conserve Betawi culture and to celebrate the incoming Indonesia independence day.

There are many event during vaganza, not only music, but also dancing, food, and many more. The uniqueness of this vaganza is, only dokar (a traditional vehicle, maybe it is well known as two wheel buggy) was allowed. Each passangers must pay Rp 5,000 (US$ 0.5) to ride it.

Well, if this vaganza is set to be annual event, I’m sure it can attract tourists, not only domestic but also abroad.
*the inspiration from here, the pic was taken from here*

Since Friday, July 25 2008, an art festival had been held in Magelang, right in the front of Borobudur temple. There are 2 terminology for this art festival, Central Java Art Festival and Borobudur Society Festival. Well, we don’t have to argue about the terminology, since we must see the core and meaning of the festival.

This festival collaborate the traditional and modern art, such as marching band, gamelan, and many more.

During opening, there was a parade that moving toward Borobudur. This parade took imitate statue of Borobudur.

By held this festival, at least there are 3 objectives:
1. To re-introduce about art, especially that related with Central Java and/or Borobudur.
2. To attract more tourists visiting Borobudur.
3. To get attention from government to save traditional art.

I really want to see this festival, unfortunately, I spend my week end in Bandung right now. ;-)
*the news and pic from here*

Indonesia has many handycraft producers. One of them can be found in Pekanbaru, Riau. Een Kastalani is the person that I mean. She open her business on 1996 since she loves handycraft very much, especially in bordir (well, sorry I couldn’t find the match word for it).

Her store provides Melayu bordirs in many patterns, but we can see the unique of her design. The gold colour dominated almost all her products, since the gold colour represents the Melayu dignity.

Well, local government (I mean the Riau gov) should take attention for this business, because it can attract abroad tourists (and domestic if there is any). If many business houses like this can be put together in one area, it can be a tourism destination. And it means income for those district.

*the news and pic were taken from here*

EU is still applying ban for Indonesian Airlines. Transportation minister, Jusman Syafii Djamal, said this after he met with EU investigation team in Jakarta this noon.

He said, EU team still found any violations in some Indonesian airlines, but didn’t mention which airlines who did.

Well, if we read some news recently, we are still can find some accidents caused by Indonesian airlines. So, no wonder why EU is still banning our airlines since many airlines are still ignoring the safety.

Of course, this banning effected our tourism, in transportation especially. Whether abroad tourists prefer other airlines, it means the income will decrease.

Better the government do an appropriate things, not only in rules but also in the punishment. Shut undisciplin airlines maybe will take a good effect.

*the news is taken from here*

Garuda Airlines made a collaboration with Korean Air in order to expand their markets. By this collaboration, Garuda can sell a ticket that Korean Air has the route for that way, it valids vice versa.

This agreement was signed by Emirsyah Satar, Garuda Airlines President, and Lee Jong Hee, as President and CEO Korean Air.

By this agreement, there is an increasing seat service, from 20 seats to 30 seats each flight. This increment will apply in to Jakarta (or Denpasar) to Seoul. Korean Air also helps Garuda to join “Skyteam”, an international airlines ally.

*the news is taken from here, the pics were taken from here and here*

Albertina Fransisca Mailoa (22) or Chika which represents Maluku gets Putri Pariwisata Indonesia 2008 (Miss Tourism Indonesia 2008). Even she was quite nervous when she stepped into the big five, she said she was proud with herself since she could answer all questions, calm and with the right answer.

Chika was chosen as the winner after some juries give the highest points. The juries came from any discplines, such as pakar tourism, culture, public relation, with Prof DR FG Winarno (Rector of Universitas Atma Jaya) as the leader and DR Sapta Nirwanda (Depbudpar/Tourism and Culture Department), Christine Panjaitan (Artist) and Adjie Notonegoro (designer) as member.

As the winner, Chika will get some prizes such as master education in London School, Miss Tourism crown.

Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ir. Jero Wacik, put the crown to Chika in the closing ceremony.
*the pic was taken from here*

Segarra is one place in Ancol that provides place for relaxing and enjoying the beach. This can be happened since this place straight ‘touch’ with the beach.

You will find an extraordinary atmosphere there. Why? Because while you having your dishes, you can see the situation of the beach. Luckily, once I was there in the night, so I could see the harbour and enjoy the night wind blows.

There are meals that you can order, and some of them are the special menu from Segarra. So far, I found the crabs as their special menu. Unfortunately, I don’t quite like crab, so I miss this menu. So, for you who don’t like crabs, you can order another meals, such as tuna, steak, or even traditional food such as tongseng.

The price of the meals is quite various, but in average is more than Rp 50,000 (USD$ 5) for each meals, so prepare your wallet, hahah.
*pic was taken from here*

Well, the holiday season, especially school holiday will be over soon. Many families are preparing themselves to go home and back to the routine activities after they take a rest during holiday.

But, there is a problem. Which vehicle that suitable for going home? This question appears since only 2 choices, plane or bus, and the plane is full booked. It means, the available choice is bus, and the passenger will take time longer.

You can compare the traveling time from Jakarta - Denpasar. By plane, you reach the destination only in 1.5 hours, but by bus you need more than 30 hours.

So, for next holiday, don’t miss the plane ticket!!
*the pics were taken from here and here*

Bali Government will give award for tourism aware groups who contribute and participate on Bali tourism development. The award will be given direct by Bali governor, Drs Dewa Beratha, on August in event of Bali government 50th anniversary.

There is a team that hunting, investigating, makes selection, and rating the groups that qualify the criterias.

From 7 counties and 1 city that were involved, Karangasem county is absent. This absent was concerned by some government officials, since in Karangasem there are some groups had contributed on Bali tourism.

So, we wait until August, the groups which will get the awards.