Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) : Obama's Like It's

President of the United States : Barack Obama,say to thank you for a state dinner during his visit to Indonesia. Barack Obama says to thanks for the Fried Rice, meatballs, Emping and Crackers. We all be proud, Barack Obama because they liked the usual dishes we ate for breakfast or dinner.

Fried Rice (hanzi) is a type of dish made from rice fried with spices and other ingredients. Fried Rice is a very popular food in the area east asia and southeast asia.

Perhaps you are there outside of Asia, want to make this dish at home you own, what needs to be prepared to make fried rice:
1. Provide rice as the main ingredient for making fried rice. If the rice does not become your staple foods you usually eat at home, then you can buy it at a typical restaurant asia
2. Prepare ingredients such as: Salt, Chili, Onion, Garlic, and Seasonings Taste.
3. Prepare materials - supplementary material that will make Fried Rice are becoming increasingly delicious. Complementary materials are often used to make fried rice is: Sausage, Ham meat, shrimp, squid, eggs, and so forth.

Seasoning that will be made to prepare for servings of fried rice you are:
1. 10 pieces of hot pepper (to taste if you like spicy)
2. 6 pieces of red onion
3. 2 pieces of garlic
4. Salt to taste
5. Powdered Sugar Enough
6. Taste seasoning Moderation

Then step - step is carried out are:
1. Blend all the spices in a blender
2. Prepare your Teflon pans and input gorang oil to taste
3. Cook until fragrant spices into the pan
4. Enter the additional material that you want according to your desired
5. Put the rice into spice and supplementary materials are fried in oil. Stir for 10 minutes until evenly mixed herbs and rice becomes hot.
6. Add the fried onion crackers or as a complement to your dishes

Special Fried Rice

Special fried rice made with eggs and sausage complementary materials. This dish is usually served in the morning when we had breakfast before leaving office.

Source: Nasi Goreng Sederhana

Seafood Fried Rice

Seafood Fried Rice with ingredients to complete various types of seafood such as fish, shrimp, or squid. Seafood fried rice is a special menu that often you meet at a formal event with your colleagues in a hotel or restaurant.

Source: Nasi Goreng Seafood

Cheese Fried Rice

You can add cheese to your special fried rice, ready to be presented together at dinner with your family.

Source: Nasi Goreng Keju

Java Fried Rice

This is a special menu if you plan to vacation to Indonesia, particularly the island of Java.

Source: Nasi Goreng Jawa

Hopefully this will make a reference for you all to present a menu of typical South-East Asia especially Indonesia into delicious meals in your home with the family. Keep tried at home.

just information :)

Do's and Dont's

Indonesia has several traditions and customs and it is best if you know them beforehand. Some of them are:

• Even though hand shaking is deemed appropriate between men and women, bear in mind that a number of Muslim women prefer to introduce themselves to men by nodding their head, smiling, and clasping their hands without any physical contact.
• Traditionally, when you greet someone, both hands are used when shaking, without grasping.
• It is considered polite to make a phone call first before visiting.
• Shoes must be taken off before entering a house or place of worship like mosques.
• Usually drinks are offered to guests. It is polite to accept.
• When eating, receiving or giving something, always use your right hand. Right index finger should not be used to point a place, items or people. Use the right hand thumb and fold the remaining fingers to be more polite.
• Taking photographs of houses of worships is allowed, however permission should be asked first whenever possible, especially if you want to take pictures of the interior.
• Most Indonesian Muslims do not consume alcoholic drinks and pork.
• Hence, the tradition of proposing a toast to honor someone is not generally known.

 

TRAVEL TIPS

• Plan your budget and choose your destination carefully. Indonesia is vast—each region has its own quirks and possibilities. For instance, if you plan to have some adventure in rugged terrains, it’s advisable to come on dry season for rains might make your paths muddy.

• Make sure you find as many information as possible concerning Indonesia, especially about the visa.

• Have sufficient cash ready, usually US$ is preferred. It can easily be exchanged in airports, hotels, banks or reputable money changers. Customs might ask you to show how much money you bring.

• Dress sufficiently. If you are female, make sure you dress accordingly. Skimpy clothings in public area, save from beaches and pools, might warrant unwanted attention.

Indonesian Phrases

You need this if you want go to indonesia :)

Bahasa Indonesia is relatively simple and by using a few phrases or sentences, you’ll be more appreciated and respected. You can find Indonesian phrase books in good book shops.

But these few pointers below can help. Try slipping a few of them in daily conversations and ask whether you get it right. It’ll be a great ice-breaker.

 

English	Bahasa Indonesia
How do you do ?	Apa kabar?
Good Morning	Selamat Pagi
Good Afternoon	Selamat Siang
Goodbye	Selamat Tinggal
Fine	Baik
Welcome	Selamat Datang
Personal Pronoun & Title
I	Saya
You	Kamu/ Anda
We	Kami
He/ She	Ia/ Dia (both are genderless)
They	Mereka
Mr.	Tuan
Miss	Nona
Mrs	Nyonya
Questions
Can you help me?	Dapatkah Anda membantu/ menolong saya?
How do I get there?	Bagaimana cara untuk kesana?
How far?	Seberapa jauh?
How long will it make?	Seberapa lama?
How much (Price)?	Berapa harganya?
What is this/ that?	Apa ini/ itu?
What is your name?	Siapa nama Anda?
When?	Kapan?
Where?	Di mana?
Why?	Kenapa/ mengapa?
Direction
Go up	Naik
Go down	Turun
Turn	Berputar
Right	Kanan
Left	Kiri
Front	Depan
Behind	Belakang
North	Utara
South	Selatan
East	Timur
West	Barat

Language of indonesia

Bahasa Indonesia is the national and official language in the entire country. It is the language of official communication, taught in schools and spoken on television. Most Indonesians today speak at least two languages or more, Bahasa Indonesia and their local language, of which Indonesia counts more than 300 regional languages.

Bahasa Indonesia is based on the high Malay language as spoken and written in the Riau Islands, as in the early 19th. century, Malay was the lingua franca throughout the then Dutch East Indies,  the language spoken in trade transactions. The more democratic Malay language was preferred by nationalistic youth above the Javanese language, despite the fact that Javanese is more sophisticated and at the time spoken by the majority population, Yet, Javanese is feudal as it has different levels of language depending on one’s status and the status of the person spoken to. The Youth Pledge of 1928, therefore, vowed to build one Indonesian country, one nation, speaking one language: bahasa Indonesia.

Since then, Bahasa Indonesia has developed rapidly incorporating Javanese terms, Jakarta dialect, as well as many English and Arabic words into its vocabulary. 

Bahasa Indonesia use Latin alphabets but some parts of Indonesia have their own scripts, too. Bahasa Indonesia is rather easy to learn and once you get the hang of it, you’ll find out that it’s actually quite simple. You can try some simple Indonesian phrases, to get you started.

Fact: there are 583 languages and dialects spoken by the different ethnic groups in Indonesia. Imagine a school of 583 students who each speaks different languages or dialects. Confusion will be an understatement. Therefore it’s very fortunate that every single ethnic group embraces Bahasa Indonesia as the national language.

People and Culture

Living on more than 17,000 islands, the Indonesian nation today counts some 200 million population comprising more than 200 ethnic groups. After Independence in 1945 inter-marriages among people of different ethnic groups have welded the population into a more cohesive Indonesian nation.

The majority of the population embraces Islam, while in Bali the Hindu religion is predominant. Whereas in areas like the Minahasa in North Sulawesi, the Toraja highlands in South Sulawesi, in the East Nusatenggara islands and in large parts of Papua, in the Batak highlands as well as on Nias island in North Sumatra, the majority are either Catholics or Protestants. On the whole the Indonesian people are religious in nature.

And, true to the Pancasila, the five principles of nationhood, - namely Belief in the One and Only God, a Just and Civilized Humanity, the Unity of Indonesia, Democracy through unanimous deliberations, and Social Justice for all - Indonesian societies are open and remain tolerant towards one another’s religion, customs and traditions, all the while faithfully adhering to their own. The Indonesian coat of arms moreover bears the motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – Unity in Diversity.

Although today’s youth especially in the large cities is modern and follow international trends, yet when it comes to weddings, couples still adhere to traditions on the side of both the bride’s and bridegroom’s parents. So in a mixed ethnic wedding, the vows and wedding traditions may follow the bride’s family’s, while during the reception elaborate decorations and costumes follow the groom’s ethnic traditions, or vice versa. Weddings and wedding receptions in Indonesia are a great introduction to Indonesia’s many and diverse customs and traditions. Weddings are often also occasions to display one’s social status, wealth and fashion sense. Even in villages, hundreds or even thousands of wedding invitees line up to congratulate the couple and their parents who are seated on stage, and then enjoy the wedding feast and entertainment.

The Arts and Celebrations

The Indonesian archipelago harbours many ancient cultures that are rooted here, while throughout its history through centuries until today the islands have been influenced by Indian, Chinese, Arabic and European cultures, and lately also by the global popular culture, international travel and internet. Foreign cultures and traditions, however, are absorbed and assimilated by the people producing unique “Indonesian” creations found nowhere else in the world.

On 2 October 2009, UNESCO recognized Indonesia’s “Batik” as World Intangible Cultural Heritage, adding to the earlier recognized Indonesia’s “Keris” (the wavy blade dagger), and the “Wayang” shadow puppets. Further being considered as World Heritage is the “Angklung” bamboo musical instrument from West Java, being uniquely “Indonesian”.

Indonesia’s culture is indeed rich in the arts and crafts. In textiles, Sumatra produces some of the best gold and silver-thread woven sarongs, known as songket; South Sulawesi women produce colourful hand-woven silks, while Bali, Flores and Timor produce some of the best textiles from natural fibers using complicated motifs. In wood craft, Bali’s artisans produce beautiful sculptures, as do the Asmat in Papua, both traditional and modern, Central Java’s craftsmen produce finely carved furniture, while Bugis shipbuilders of South Sulawesi continue to build the majestic “phinisi” schooners that ply the Indonesian seas until today.

The large variety of different cultures and traditions throughout the country is also expressed in numerous exciting and interesting events, both religious and popular, that are held throughout the year. (See Calendar of Events).

Among these are the colourful religious Hindu Dharma ceremonies held continuously on Bali, the court processions during Sekaten in Yogyakarta, Java, preceding the birth date of the Prophet Mohammad, as well as the Tabot Festival in Bengkulu, Sumatra, a ceremony commemorating the role of Prophet Muhammad’s grandchildren, Hasan and Husein in spreading the faith. The Buddhist Vaisak Ceremonies are held yearly around Borobudur, as is the ChineseToa Peh Kong festival in Manado, while the Feasts to the Dead are held in Toraja, both latter on the island of Sulawesi, and the Kasada ceremony is held annually at the end of the year on Mt. Bromo in East Java, the appease the ancestors and the mountain gods.

Then there are the exciting simulated tribal wars in the Wamena valley of Papua, the bull races on the island of Madura held as thanksgiving after the harvest, as well as the “nyale” festival in Lombok, to collect the sea worms that appear here each February only, and many more events on all islands. And to top it off is the event of complete silence called “nyepi” in Bali, the day of meditation for the entire island, when all lights, fires, sounds, including planes and cars are barred for 24 hours! The Balinese have mooted that “nyepi” becomes an international tradition that will greatly reduce pollution and global warming.

Indonesia is also strong in the performing arts. The beautiful Ramayana dance drama is enacted during the dry season at the large open stage at Prambanan near Yogyakarta under a tropical full moon and against the dramatic illuminated background of this 9th.century temple. Indonesia’s dances are colourful, dramatic or entertaining. They vary from the highly synchronized “saman” song and dance from Aceh, to the sedate and sophisticated court dances from Java accompanied by the liquid sounds of the gamelan orchestra, to the war dances of Kalimantan, Papua, and Sulawesi.

Chinese influence can be seen along the entire north coast of Java from the batik patterns of Cirebon and Pekalongan, to the finely carved furniture and doors of Kudus in Central Java, as also in the intricate gold embroidered wedding costumes of West Sumatra.

But Indonesia does not live in the past alone. Today, in music, in metropolitan Jakarta, the Java Jazz Festival is the annual meeting highlight for top international and Indonesian jazz musicians. Indonesia also boasts some of the best rock and pop bands and singers. Bands like Nidji, Ungu, Slang, Peter Pan and singing celebrities like Rossa, Agnes Monica, Kris Dayanti, Pasha, Ari Lasso, and many others, never fail to create a sensation wherever they appear in Indonesia as also in Malaysia and Singapore.

Flora and Fauna

Indonesia’s moderate climate throughout the year, its fertile soil brought about by lava, and its minerals found on land and in the sea caused by volcanic eruptions, have made this the ideal habitat for a large number of unique and endemic flora and fauna. Indonesia has among the most diverse variety of species of animal life on land and in the seas found anywhere in the world.

Indonesia’s flora and fauna is divided by the “Wallace Line” that runs between Bali and Lombok, continuing north between Kalimantan and Sulawesi. West of the Line, vegetation and wildlife are Asian in nature, whereas east of the Line, these resemble those of Australia.

Vegetation found in different parts of the archipelago varies according to rainfall, soil and altitude. On the wetter islands, on Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua, ancient rainforests cover large areas. These forests are rich in valuable hardwood, aromatic and spice trees, as well as exotic fruit trees. Lately, however, through illegal logging and human settlements, large tracts of forests have been decimated leaving infertile land that cause flooding and erosions.

On the islands east of Bali known as the Nusatenggara islands (or once known as the Small Sunda Islands), there are savannahs, while on other mountain tops such as in the Mt. Gede National Park only 100 kms from Jakarta, one finds edelweiss, more reminiscent of Switzerland.

Indonesia’s wildlife varies from the Java mouse deer (or kancil) and the one-horned rhino to the Sumatran and Kalimantan Orang Utan, the Sulwesi anoa (a small water buffalo), the prehistoric giantKomodo lizard to the exotic Bird of Paradise in Papua.

How about flora?. Here in Indonesia, you can find Raflesia Arnoldi in Bengkulu, one of the giant and unique flower in the world.
  
To preserve these unique flora and fauna Indonesia has designated 44 national parks throughout the archipelago, covering both land and sea, a large number of protected reserves offering ecotourism opportunities, as well as botanic gardens and zoos.

Ultimate in Diversity

The Republic of Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world comprising 17,504 large and small tropical islands fringed with white sandy beaches, many still uninhabited and a number even still unnamed. Straddling the equator, situated between the continents of Asia and Australia and between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans, it is as wide as the United States from San Francisco to New York, equaling the distance between London and Moscow.  Indonesia has a total population of more than 215 million people from more than 200 ethnic groups. The national language is Bahasa Indonesia.

Among the most well known islands are Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimantan (formerly Borneo), Sulawesi (formerly Celebes), the Maluku Islands (or better known as Moluccas, the original Spice Islands) and Papua. Then, there is Bali “the world’s best island resort” with its enchanting culture, beaches, dynamic dances and music. But Indonesia still has many unexplored islands with grand mountain views, green rainforests to trek through, rolling waves to surf and deep blue pristine seas to dive in where one can swim with dugongs, dolphins and large mantarays. 

Because of her location, and geology, Indonesia is blessed with the most diverse landscape, from fertile ricelands on Java and Bali to the luxuriant rainforests of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, to the savannah grasslands of the Nusatenggara islands to snow-capped peaks of West Papua.

Her wildlife ranges from the prehistoric giant Komodo lizard to the Orang Utan and the Java rhino, to the Sulawesi anoa dwarf buffalos, to birds with exquisite plumage like the cockatoo and the bird of paradise. This is also the habitat of the Rafflesia the world’s largest flower, wild orchids, an amazing variety of spices, and aromatic hardwood and a large variety of fruit trees. Underwater, scientists have found in North Sulawesi the prehistoric coelacanth fish, a “living fossil” fish, predating the dinosaurs living some 400 million years ago, while whales migrate yearly through these waters from the South Pole. Here are hundreds of species of colourful coral and tropical fish to admire.

Culturally, Indonesia fascinates with her rich diversity of ancient temples, music, ranging from the traditional to modern pop, dances, rituals and ways of life, changing from island to island, from region to region. Yet everywhere the visitor feels welcomed with that warm, gracious innate friendliness of the Indonesian people that is not easily forgotten.   

Facilities-wise Indonesia’s hotels are second to none. In fact, many of our luxurious and unique hotels have constantly been listed as some of the best in the world, located on white sandy beaches, overlooking green river valleys, or situated in the heart of busy capital Jakarta. While Indonesia’s cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, or Makassar are a hive of activities for business and leisure and a paradise for shoppers, offering upscale boutiques selling top brand names, to local goods at road-side stalls. Here gourmets can treat themselves to the many regions’ delectable spicy cuisine or dine sumptuously at international restaurants. And for sheer relaxation, Indonesia Spas are second to none to reinvigorate both body and mind.  

Convention centers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, as many top international conferences and exhibitions are held in Jakarta, Bali to Manado, ranging from the Global Climate Change Conference in Bali to the World Ocean Conference in Manado , to trade and investment exhibitions and tourism trade shows in many provincial capital cities.

Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Padang, Bandung, Solo, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Makassar are connected by direct international flights, and many regular and low cost carriers fly passengers to Indonesia’s towns or remote locations. 

The 2nd Asia Pacific Police and Internal State Security (ASPACPOL) Expo and Forum 2013

After the success of last year's Expo, the Indonesian National Police will once again host the Asia Pacific Police and Internal Security (ASPACPOL) Expo and Forum 2013 scheduled to take place at the Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta from11th to 13th December 2013.

Hosted by the Indonesian National Police and supported by the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Trade, the Indonesian Association of Security Managers (AMSI), and the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA), the event is a tradeshow that features police related security technology, equipment and solutions. In its second year, the ASPACPOL 2013 will present 300 exhibitors from 30 countries and expected to be participated by 9,000 delegates and trade visitors.

ASPACPOL 2013 is a focused event covering the complete spectrum of the security industry ranging from business and police equipment to components. The event is designed to give exhibitors the opportunity to create and strengthen networks with decision makers and top-brass -people who can really "call the shots". The event will also bring together regional authorities throughout Indonesia.

ASPACPOL 2013 has also been perfectly timed to take full advantage of business opportunities arising from the increase in budgets allocated for security, domestic airport security improvementa and security providers.

Held concurrently with the event will be the 7th Indo Security 2013 Expo and Forum and the 7th Indo Firex 2013 Expo and Forum, which focus on the security industry and fire protection, rescue and safety. The three synergetic events are expected to be the most important platform for the internal state security stakeholders and industries to share experiences and create strong networks.

More information available at event's website: http://www.aspacpol.com/

Photo courtesy : www.aspacpol.com

Indonesian Jass Festival 2013: showcasing Indonesia’s Homegrown Stars

From 30th to 31st August 2013, the music scene in Indonesia will be highlighted with yet another special fiesta when theIndonesian Jass Festival gets underway at the Istora Senayan Bung Karno Sport Complex, Jakarta.

The festival is aimed as the stage for Indonesia’s own Jazz stars and talents to showcase their musical prowess and qualities which are as fascinating as other international musicians who frequently dominate many of the country’s concerts. The Festival will not only feature Indonesia’s most popular Jazz stars, but it will also provide the opportunity for young jazz talents to rise and interact with their seniors.

The term “Jass” itself is believed to be the origin of the word “Jazz” as it is known today . Historically, the term is taken from the band that made the first recording of this genre in 1917, namely: the Originial Dixieland Jass Band .

For two consecutive days, the hall of the Istora Senayan will reverberate with the groove of jazz featuring Doctor & The Professor (Tompi), The Groove, Sweet Mouztache, Soulvibe, Sandy Winarta Quartet, Nona Ria Trio, Margie Segers, MALIQ & D'Essentials, Kosakata, Julian Marantika, Ireng Maulana, Mus Mujiono, Indro Hardjodikoro, Heaven On Earth, Harry Toledo & Covers, Hajarbleh Big Band, Gugun Blues Shelter, Boby Limijaya & 8 Horn Band, Benny Likumahuwa, Barry Likumahuwa Project, Balawan Bifan Trio, AYA [Are You Alone], Ari Pramundito, Andien, Aboda, and many more.

Tickets are on sale for IDR 165,000 (daily) and IDR 250,000 (two-days pass), and can be purchased online via tiket.com andrajakarcis.com.

More information available at: http://indonesianjassfestival.com/

Bambu Nusantara Music Festival

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy  will once again bring the special bamboo music gathering: the 7th BAMBU NUSANTARA MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013 on 27-28 August at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta. Highlighting the musical side of bamboo as its main theme, the festival will feature hundreds of famous national and International artists and musicians and a whole lot of fascinating musical experiences.

The Festival will present the exceptional collaboration of traditional bamboo sounds merge with contemporary Pop, Jazz, Rock, Hip hop, and even electro-DJ tunes. This will be a special musical fiesta where the familiar sounds of modern instruments will be fascinatingly fused with the exotic harmony of Angklung, Karinding, Celempung, Seruling, Calung, Lodong, and other traditional bamboo instruments.  This year, the festival will also involve more young performers from schools and communities, signaling the passing of the torch from the elder to the younger generation.

To Indonesians, bamboo is more than just another tree as it plays many parts in the archipelago's varied cultures and daily life. From building materials, traditional house wares, artworks, and even culinary dishes of rebung or  young bamboo shoots, this exceptional plant has also played a symbolic part in Indonesia’s Struggle for Independence when the simple bamboo became the legendary weapon known as ‘Bambu Runcing’ or the Sharpened Bamboo in the fight against Dutch colonialism . Since then the “Bambu  runcing” has become the symbol of relentless struggles of the nation against foreign occupation.

Sail to Indonesia: Back to Down Under Rally 2013

Keeping up the tradition of annual international sailing events across the magnificent Indonesian Archipelago that already include:  Sail Bunaken, Sail Banda, Sail Wakatobi – Belitung, and Sail Morotai, now  complementing these,  the secondSail to Indonesia: Back to Down Under Rally 2013 will get underway from 27th August to 10th October 2013.

Sail to Indonesia: Back to Down Under Rally 2013 is also set as a continuation to the Sail Malaysia: Passage to the East which takes yachts and ships through Malaysian waters right to the doorstep of Indonesia.  The Rally also forms part of the program of cooperation among the ASEAN countries, in particular of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. 

The Rally will commence  on 27th August 2013 from Tarakan in the north of East Kalimantan and end at Labuha in North Maluku where participating yachts and ships can choose to exit Indonesia to further sail on to Papua New Guinea via Biak or to Darwin via Tual and Saumlaki.

The rally will take the course of: Tarakan- Berau- Toli-toli- Kwandang- Bitung- Morotai- Jailolo- Ternate- Gorontalo-Togean Islands- Pagimana- Banggai Islands- Labuha.

 

Fully supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and regional governments, the Sail to Indonesia Back to Down Under Rally 2013, is organized by Cinta Bahari Antar Nusa Foundation. Founded in 2005, the foundation is dedicated to place Indonesia on the map as the Best Marine Destination in the World with the mission to establish various Sailing Passages throughout Indonesian Waters.

Indonesia is an undiscovered center of world sailing zone, the largest archipelagic country in the world with a large variety of cultures, ethnicities and of obviously, enchanting tropical forests. As much as 70% of the country is sea filled with various fascinating underwater life. With over 17.000 islands, Indonesia  surely offers a whole lot of wonders waiting to be discovered. So, raise the anchor! Hoist the sails! And embark on a voyage to the vast blue paradise, that is Indonesia.

For more Information and Registration please log on to : http://www.sailtoindonesia.com

Photo Courtesy by http://www.sail-world.com ,http://www.sailtoindonesia.com

Wayang World Puppet Carnival 2013: conserving the World’s Art of Puppetry

Opening the month of September, Indonesia will stage the world’s first and grandest ever Wayang World Puppet Carnival (WWPC) 2013 in the capital city of Jakarta from 1st to 8th September 2013.

The 8 days Wayang fiesta will take place at several of Jakarta’s iconic landmarks, but will mainly center around the National Monument (Monas) with all-night performances, the Monas Square, and Usmar Marzuki Movie Center at Kuningan, while the opening ceremony will be held at the Pewayangan Kautaman Building, at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah.

The event is the collaborative work of the Indonesian Puppet Master Association (PEPADI) and the Arsari Djojohadikusumo (YAD) Foundation who share the mutual concern to conserve and preserve the Indonesian authentic puppetry of Wayang.

The Carnival will not only feature Indonesian authentic wayang arts such as the Wayang Golek (Wooden Puppets) and the Wayang Kulit (Leather Puppets) but also puppet arts from 45 other countries, who will join the event with at total of 64 performers. Among participating countries are Turkey, Bolivia, USA, Spain, Italy, Colombia, Thailand, and Brazil. From Indonesia, there will be 5 young dalangs or puppet masters from several Indonesian islands who will showcase their skills in puppetry. Aside from Wayang performances, the event will also feature Video and Movie screenings on wayang and puppets art from 5 countries.

Since the acknowldgement of Indonesia’s Wayang as World Intangible Heritage by UNESCO in 2003, the Wayang World Puppet Carnival 2013 is the first and grandest event to highlight this authentic Indonesian art form and one that is expected to establish Indonesia as the home for the Art of Puppetry in the world. Today, there are at least 25 different types of Wayang art forms still performed throughout the Indonesian Archipelago.

Unfortunately, it is estimated that another 75 types that were once popular on the islands have now completely disappeared b ecause of poor attendance.

Nonetheless, still very popular are the Wayang Golek (wooden puppet) from West Java, the Ancient Wayang Kulit Purwa (leather puppet) with different styles and interpretations from Solo, Yogya, East Java, Banyumas, Cirebon and Betawi, there are still other forms of wayang such as the wayang suket, wayang klitik, wayang krucil, wayang gedog, wayang beber, and others that continue to thrive and are loved by the population.

The Indonesian Wayang not only enthral with their stories and the skill of the dalang (puppet master), but are entertaining, provide comic relief, and moreover, educate and teach philosophical and ethical values

5 Reasons to Visit Indonesia

Why visit this great country that has gotten so much bad press over the last year? Where is Indonesia ? Bali yes but the rest of Indonesia , hum. Have you heard statements like this before? Here you will find 5 exceptional reasons that clearly tell you why you have to visit Indonesia.

1.The Indonesian People

Long before the tagline “the land of a thousand smiles’ even existed in the mind of some marketing executive dreamed it up, it existed and flourished in reality. Indonesians are naturally the glass is half full type of people who take a great joy and pleasure in family and simple pleasures. It is this enjoyment of the basics that really differentiates Indonesian culture. the basics contain spicy food, coffee, music, dance and generous sprinklings of hot gossip. Work and goal orientated living does play a growing factor yet it is still low on the priority list of most of your average Bambangs (Joes).

    

2.The Lands of Indonesia

Putting lost Temples , ancient cultures and traditions aside for one moment. The land, the soil, the paddy fields, the hills, the valleys, the mountains, the volcanoes, the beaches, the rivers, the lakes, well so many things down to the flowers and fauna that grace this land. Point a camera in any direction and press that button. Standing on the slopes of the volcanoes around Mt Bromo watching smoke billow from the crater caught by the first light of sunrise, is chilling both with morning air and the sheer beauty. Crouching in the dense jungles ofKalimantan as your guide points at orangutans gliding through the trees above, simply breathtaking. Wondering through the tea plantations in Puncak, down winding paths gazing silhouetted tea leaf pickers use the last moments of light to fill their baskets, tranquility personified.

  

  

  

    

3.The Seas of Indonesia

The lush greens of the rainforest, paddy fields and palm trees are only a prelude to what awaits under the water’s surface. Coral gardens bubbling with color and life, made possible by crystal clear waters heated by the tropical currents and underground volcanic geysers. This combination has created the home for marine evolution and boasts types of aquatic life that is unparalleled in the world. Places like Raja Ampat, Bunaken will leave you wishing you don’t have to return to the surface. Diving and snorkeling is a must in this archipelago as you are never far from the water’s edge.

  

  

4. The Indonesian Atmosphere

Take our previous points and mix. People, land and sea. There is no question that when you find the natural beauty that Indonesia has to offer combined with the cordial slow paced life style you too will fall in love with this truly amazing country. Plus things are improving all the time with a young but bold democracy that strives to build Indonesia ’s new name in the world while protecting its heritage for future generations.

   

5. The Indonesian Adventure

As the dictionary describes Adventure

An Unusual, Exciting, and Daring Experience. Indonesia ’s cultural and ethnic diversity ensure a unique experience.

Be the first to paraglide off the hills in North Sumatra . Be the first to dive into the waters off the coast of Flores . Be the first to drink sweet tea and watch the sun rise over your amazing adventure.

  

  

Welcome to Indonesia

   

   

Visit Indonesia!

Indonesia "The Ultimate in Diversity"

It's perfect in that it reflects tourism in Indonesia in a nutshell.

If you thrive in the natural world, traveling in Indonesia will delight you. Indonesia is a huge country – about the size of Japan, U.K., Germany, Spain, Italy, and Greece combined. Large parts of it are only semi-tamed and remain a tropical paradise. Indonesia offers the naturalist an almost infinite variety of flora and fauna such as the Titan Arum – the world’s tallest flower, the Rafflesia – the world’s biggest flower, the Borneo and Sumatran orangutan, the Komodo dragon, Sumatran tigers, Javanese one-horned rhinos, and much, much more.

Indonesia is a trekker’s heaven that allows you to enjoy breathtaking views from atop any one of the 150+ Indonesian volcanoes or slog through the Sumatran tropical rainforest on your way to attempt to spot the elusive Sumatran tiger.

If modern society and culture is your thing, head for Indonesia’s capital - Jakarta - where you can don your tuxedo or evening gown and join the elite of Indonesian society and diplomats from around the world for an evening at the Jakarta Symphony.

Those into indigenous culture could get lost in a world unto itself. Immerse yourself among the 300+ tribal communities spread throughout this archipelago nation of 17,508 islands. Visit the Kabu, Bakak, Minangkabau, Dayak, or the Dani people. Drink in their culture, learn about their customs, be entertained by their traditional dance, and enjoy their traditional tribal art in the form of woodcarvings, ceramics, textiles, basket weaving, beadwork, puppets, metalwork, and jewelry. But be careful, you may have to hire a container ship to take all those memories of your Indonesia travel experience home. 

 

Those who surf Indonesia are thrilled by the waves off Nusa Lembongan or one of the many other excellent surfing destinations. Indonesia hosts a number of professional international surfing competitions each year and is widely recognized for excellence by surfing professionals.

Beach lovers are sure to find their perfect beach. With over 50,000 kilometers of coastline – enough to wrap around the earth and have enough left over to go from London to New York, your perfect spot in the sun will find you.

Do you like to eat? Well, Indonesian food will capture your soul. The food here is full of flavor from chili, cumin, coriander, garlic, and a wide variety of other spicy tidbits depending on the region you are in, and whose mother's recipe is being used. Most food in Indonesia is home cooked and sold on the street in "Warungs" which are simple outside eateries, or by roving vendors who clang a bell or make some other unique noise as they make their way down the street. Don't miss the Nasi Uduk – rice cooked in coconut milk and served with meat or tofu, and sometimes vegetables.    

Scuba divers will find world class diving throughout Indonesia. From the deep waters off Pulau Weh, where the Andaman Sea joins the Indian Ocean, to the incredible Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi, to stunning Tulamben Bay in Bali, diving in Indonesia promises a rich experience exploring the natural underwater world.

If all this adventure stuff is not for you, don't despair. Indonesia offers tourists a whole host of 5-star luxury havens that will pamper you and succumb to your every desire. Stay in one of these oases of comfort and they will bring Indonesian food and culture to you, to enjoy in air-conditioned comfort.

The Indonesia travel experience is one which invites travelers to witness history in the making - a young emerging nation racing to blend the ancient economic, political, and cultural ways of the orient, with those of the modern age of globalization.

Yes, tourism in Indonesia is truly the Ultimate in Diversity.