Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Chinese tourists visiting Bali up 131 percent

The number of Chinese tourists who visited Bali in the first 10 months of 2007 was more than 69,400 or up 131 percent from the same period last year, a tourism operator said.

The figure put China in the sixth place after Japan, Australia, Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia in terms of foreign tourists visiting the resort island, Tjok Gde Agung said here Tuesday.

Tjok said he was pleased with the rising number of Chinese tourists visiting Bali and asked the government and tourism operators to work hard to attract more Chinese tourists.

Around 34 million Chinese made overseas trips every year and the figure continued to increase from year to year, he said.

This meant that less than 0.1 percent of Chinese tourists visited Bali, he said.

Source: Antara, Indonesian National News Agency

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The Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) 2008

The Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT) reinvents itself time and time again with conceptual themes that offer different perspective.

Bringing back any kind of handicraft with a guarantee quality, unique and exclusive, INACRAFT invites you to see new possibilities and inspirations in living splendidly.

With full support from the government of the Republic of Indonesia, INACRAFT is set to stage another trend setting fair for the industry in April 2008. It will be held on April 23 - 27, 2008 at Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Center, Indonesia

1.500 handicraft manufactures and producers are expected to take part therein, occupying a hall of 24.080 sqm.
Fair Information

Event: The 10th Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT 2008)
Date: April 23 - 27, 2008
Opening Hours:10.00 am - 09.00 pm
Exhibition Hallll :Hall A & B, Lobby A & B, Cendrawasih Hall, Plenary Hall, Assembly Hall & Main Lobby Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta - Indonesia
Hall Area:± 24.080 M2 (gross)
Focused Products:Indonesian Handicraft (Gifts, Housewares & Fashion Product)

Exhibited Products

Gift Item
Ballpoint & Wooden box, Candy jar, Woven blanket throw, Key accessories, Lighter box, Jewelry box, Small photo frame, Cigarette box, Aromatherapy, Stationery item, etc.

Housewares, Home & Garden Decorative
Artificial flower, dried flowers, ceramic flowers vase, candle holder, lighting lamp, wood carving, ornament, craft silver, table cover embroidery, cushion cover, place mate, embroidery bed cover, Wooden furniture, rattan furniture, fiber furniture, coconut furniture, bamboo furniture, garden furniture,A kitchen wares, basket wares, table wares, bathroom wares, carpet, painting, candle, glass item, natural stone, pottery, bird house & accessories, umbrella, wind chime, doormat, garden ornament, plan terrace set, self watering hanging planter, garden bridge, garden statue, etc

Toys & Game
Wooden toys, soft toys, game board, inflatable toys, toys box, footballs, jigsaw puzzles, education games, etc

Jewelry
Gold jewelry, silver jewelry, pearl jewelry, shell jewelry, precious stones, etc

Batik
Painting batik, Printing batik, Stamped batik, Silk, etc

Fashion Garment & Embroidery
Fashion embroidery garment, Moslem dress, Indonesian ikats, Indonesian songket, Indonesian ulos, Hand oven fabric, etc

Product Zoning
Main Lobby & Plenary Hall : Gifts & Housewares, Toys & Games, Miscellaneous Crafts
Hall A : Fashion, Embroidery, Batik, Jewelry & Accessories
Assembly Hall 3 : International Hall/ Export Hall
Hall B & Lobby B : Dinas, Pemkab & Pemda, Dekranas dan Dekranasda serta produk penunjang (mesin dan alat bantu pembuatan barang kerajinan)
Lobby A : Sponsorship

Organized by :
Association of Exporters and Producers of Indonesian Handicraft ( ASEPHI )
Jl. Wijaya I No. 3A, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12170
Indonesia
Telepon : (62-21) 725 2032
Facsimile : (62-21) 725 2062
E-mail : asephipusat@telkom.net
Website : www.asephi.org

Co-Organized by :
PT. Mediatama Binakreasi
Graha Megah Building, Balai Pustaka Indah Permai Block.B9
Jl. Balai Pustaka Timur No. 39, Rawamangun, Jakarta 13220
Indonesia
Telepon : (62-21) 489 6942, 472 1563
Facsimile : (62-21) 489 3056, 475 7622
E-mail : info@ptmediatama.com
Website : www.ptmediatama.com

Supported
• National Agency for Export Development, Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia
• Ministri of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia
• Ministry of Culture and Turism of the Republic of Indonesia
• State Ministry for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia
• State Ministry for State Owned Company of the Republic of Indonesia
• Asean handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA)
• Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA)

Source: The Official Website of The Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair

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Sunday, November 25, 2007

Indonesia & Malaysia have understanding on settlement of Cultural claim cases

Indonesia and Malaysia have already reached an understanding on how to settle cases in which Indonesian cultural products are claimed by Malaysia, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

Speaking to journalists here on Friday, Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo said there already was an understading between Indonesia`s culture minister and his Malaysian counterpart on what to do when things undeniably belonging to Indonesia are claimed by parties in Malaysia. The Malasian side had promised that when such cases happened it would take the necessary steps to settle them.

"I think we can trust Malaysia to keep its promise so that the many kinds of trouble such cases will oherwise give rise to can be avoided," he said.

About the recent case in which Malaysia presented a Reog Ponorogo show as being a Malaysian cultural product, Kristiarto said the Art Directorate of the Culture and Tourism Ministry was currently investigating it.

"Certainly the investigation is not only made in Indonesia, but it is also aimed at making an assurance regarding the culture or the art which is also performed in Malaysia who later claimed it as part of its cultural legacy," he said.

In the near future, it was expected the results of the research could be disseminated to the public.

Early this week, there was a rumour in the internet that the Malaysian Cultural Art and Legacy Ministry had claimed Barongan which was like Ponorogo to be part of Malaysia.

Source: The Official Website of Ministry of Culture & Tourism

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A video teaser of Visit Indonesia Year 2008: It's time for you to visit Indonesia

One good news for Visit Indonesia Year 2008 campaign: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic of Indonesia is releasing a video teaser for this program. The video is describing the cultures (and people) from west (Sumatra) to the east (Papua) of Indonesia and also some introduction of Bali Island (Luna Maya as Bali dancer...?). A unique video to tease, can't wait to see the real one.

Below is the statement taken from The Official Website of The Ministry of Culture and Tourism.



Please rate and inform your friends and colleagues about this "Visit Indonesia Year 2008" teaser, click on the following URL link or simply copy the URL and paste it into your browser address.

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=-RVO4Wvt_ Xk

Video Description: TV Commercial teaser for the upcoming Visit Indonesia Year 2008 by The Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic of Indonesia.

TVC VO (voice over): "The sound of invitation is rising, waiting for you to come... It's time for you to visit Indonesia"

Video Spec: MPEG4(DivX)640x480, 64k Mono MP3 Audio.

For further inquiries, kindly contact us at the official Indonesia Tourism Promotion Website:
http://www.my-indonesia. info / http://www.indonesia.travel

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Saturday, November 24, 2007

Krakatau, Sunda Strait

Krakatau Volcanic Complex lies in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra Island. This complex are islands of Rakata (Krakatau Besar/Big Rakata), Verlaten (Sertung), Lang (Rakata Kecil/Small Rakata or Panjang) and Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau). The first three islands are the remnant of the Krakatau Volcano, and Anak Krakatau is the new island that constructed after the eruption of Danan and Perbuatan volcano.

It has erupted repeatedly, massively and with disastrous consequences throughout recorded history. The best known eruption culminated in a series of massive explosions on August 26-27, 1883.

This volcano has started erupting again in October and November 2007, when hot gases, rocks, and lava were released. Scientists monitoring the volcano have warned people to stay out of a 3km zone around the island.

How to get there
There are several route that can be used.
1. From Tanjung Priuk (Priuk Harbor), Jakarta use Jet-Foils or cruise
2. From Labuan Harbor, Banten (Java Island) use a boat by renting from the fisherman (boat for 5-20 people)
3. From Canti Harbor, Kalianda Lampung (Sumatra Island) use a boat by renting from the fisherman, this trip will pass Sebuku and Sebesi Islands

Canti Harbor can be reached from Jakarta (if you don't want to miss the Sebuku and Sebesi Islands, otherwise you can straight take a trip from Tanjung Priuk Jakarta) by using Jakarta-Merak Freeway. From Merak you can use a ferry to Bakauhuni, Lampung and then continue the trip from Bakauhuni to Kalianda and then take another 25km trip from Kalianda to Canti Harbor.

Or you can visit Krakatau using the travel agent from Tanjung Lesung Resort.

The best time to visit Krakatau is on summer, May-September. There are several observation posts for Krakatau Volcanic Complex: Pasuruan, Kecamatan Cinangka, Kabupaten Serang, Banten and Hargopancuran, Kecamatan Kalianda, Kabupaten Lampung.


Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi and Krakatau at en.wikipedia.org
Map and picture of Krakatau were taken from http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/southeast_asia/indonesia/krakatau.html

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Tuesday, November 20, 2007

The 9th Jakarta International Jazz Festival (JakJazz Festival 2007)

JakJazz Production presenting The 9th Jakarta International Jazz Festival, November 23-25 2007, Indoor & Outdoor Istora Senayan Jakarta.

JakJazz is an annual festival celebrating jazz in Jakarta - Indonesia every late November/early December represents a truly exciting multi-cultural and international event, while maintaining its unique, down home charm and intimacy. A one-of-a-kind: an eclectic and eccentric jazz festival - a lovingly crafted, open air, intimated yet festive - tailor-made for friendly crowd from all walks of life.

CONTACT
JakJazz Production
Jl Danau Bekuan Blok C1/50
Pejompongan
Jakarta Pusat 10210
Indonesia
T. +62 (21) 5712747
F. +62 (21) 5736693

FRIDAY, NOV 23, 2007

SPECIAL SHOW: BUGZ IN THE ATTIC (UK)

  • SHIONOYA SATORU
    JAPAN
  • ELFA’S BIGBAND & VOICES
    INDONESIA
  • BELA SZALOKI
    HUNGARY
  • SYAHARANI AND THE QUEENFIREWORKS
    INDONESIA
  • RIEKA ROESLAN & TROUBADOUR
    INDONESIA
  • DANNY & MARLAYNE CONNECTION
    THE NETHERLAND
  • JOONA TOIVANEN TRIO
    FINLAND
  • CARMEN BRADFORD & RANI SINGAM
    USA - SINGAPORE
  • JOHN HONDORP
    THE NETHERLAND
  • LUCIANO WITH ZARRO
    BRAZIL - INDONESIA
  • DAINIUS PULAUSKAS GROUP
    LITHUANIA
  • ALEX SIPIAGIN
    USA
  • JEFFREY TAHALELE & FRIENDS WITH BERTHA & EMIL S PRAJA
    INDONESIA
  • LALA SUWAGES
    INDONESIA
  • BLUES NEWZ
    INDONESIA
  • CURTIS KING
    USA
  • MALIQ & D'ESSENTIALS
    INDONESIA
  • JAZZMINT BIG BAND
    INDONESIA
  • THE PROFESSOR
    INDONESIA
  • ZE PAULO BECKER & BERNARDO AGUIAR
    BRAZIL
  • BEBEN QUARTET
  • IRENG MAULANA JAZZ LOUNGE - BUJANA & TOHPATI
  • IMPRO STAGE: OSSA SUNGKAR


SATURDAY, NOV 24, 2007

SPECIAL SHOW: SPYRO GYRA (USA)

  • BILL SHARPE (SHAKATAK) and GEOGRAPHY, featuring DON GRUSIN, TETSUO SAKURAI, CARLOS RIOS, MASATO HONDA and HIROYUKI NORITAKE
    USA - UK - JAPAN
  • MONDAY MICHIRU
    USA
  • THE JEREMY MONTEIRO POWER QUARTET with Special Guest CARMEN BRADFORD
    SINGAPORE - USA - MALAYSIA - UK
  • JOONA TOIVANEN TRIO
    FINLAND
  • LOU G. (GUITAR)
    THE NETHERLAND
  • PARK DRIVE
    INDONESIA
  • PRA - INDRA LESMANA - GILANG RAMADHAN (PIG)
    INDONESIA
  • THE DOCTOR
    INDONESIA
  • IRENG MAULANA & FRIENDS WITH ANDIEN - WARNA
    INDONESIA
  • DWIKI DHARMAWAN THE NEXT GENERATION
    INDONESIA
  • DEWA BUDJANA & TOHPATI
    INDONESIA
  • IDANG RASJIDI & THE NEW GENERATIONS
    INDONESIA
  • JOHN HONDORP
    THE NETHERLANDS
  • JILLY LIKUMAHUWA
    INDONESIA
  • GLENN FREDLY & BARRY LIKUMAHUWA PROJECT
    INDONESIA
  • CURTIS KING
    USA
  • KIBOUD MAULANA & JACKIE
    INDONESIA
  • BELA SZALOKY
    HUNGARY
  • THE GALAXY BIG BAND
    JAPAN
  • BINUS JAZZ SOCIETY
    INDONESIA
  • CHLOROPHYL + DJ
    INDONESIA
  • DIMI & FULL HOUSE


SUNDAY, NOV 25, 2007

SPECIAL SHOW: KOOL AND THE GANG (USA)

  • DON GRUSIN and The BAD BOYZ, featuring BILL SHARPE, TETSUO SAKURAI, CARLOS RIOS, MASATO HONDA and HIROYUKE NORITAKE
    USA - UK - JAPAN
  • TOMPI & GROOVOLOGY
    INDONESIA
  • JEREMY MONTEIRO POWER QUARTET with Special Guest RANI SINGAM
    SINGAPORE - USA - Malaysia - UK
  • JAKJAZZ ALL STARS
    BUBICHEN - ERMY KULLIT - MARGIE SEGERS
    INDONESIA
  • ALEX SIPIAGIN
    USA
  • MONDAY MICHIRU
    USA
  • SURABAYA ALL STARS
  • SHERLY O & ABSOLUTE
    INDONESIA
  • LUCIANO WITH ZARRO
    BRAZIL - INDONESIA
  • BALAWAN TRIO
  • PIERRICK PEDRON
    FRANCE
  • THE DIPLOMAT
    INDONESIA
  • THE GALAXY BIG BAND
    JAPAN
  • BALI LOUNGE
    MALAYSIA - AUSTRALIA - INDONESIA
  • HARRY TOLEDO & COMMUNITY
    INDONESIA
  • KULKUL
    INDONESIA
  • STORYTELLERS
    INDONESIA
  • CANZO
    INDONESIA
  • NITA AARTSEN QUATRO FEAT. YEPPY ROMERO
    INDONESIA
  • JAKARTA DRUM SCHOOL
    INDONESIA
  • DAINIUS PULAUSKAS
  • BASS ATTACK
  • ZE PAULO BECKER & BERNARDO AGUIAR
    BRAZIL

Ticket Box

  • JakJazz Pro
    Jl. Danau Bekuan Blok C1/50,
    Pejompongan, Jakarta Pusat
    (+6221) 5720417 / 5712747

  • ONLINE
    • JAKJAZZ.COM
    • DJISAMSOE.COM
    • DISCTARRA.COM
    • DETIK.COM: (021) 7944473
    • TIKETNONTON.COM: (021) 7229535
    • RAJAKARCIS: Jl Dr. Saharjo No 2 Jakarta (021) 8282137
    • VIBIZNEWS.COM
    • WARTAJAZZ.COM
      • Jakarta : (021) 8310769
      • Yogja : (0274) 512561
  • AKSARA
    Kemang: (021) 7199283
  • ANTA TOUR
    • Hayam Wuruk: (021) 6253919
    • Wisma Nusantara: (021) 3141888
    • Melawai Raya (021) 7201888
    • Wisma Pondok Indah: (021) 7697118
    • Kelapa Gading: (021) 4500066
    • Serpong: (021) 53155888
    • Cikarang: (021) 89900809
    • Bandung: (022) 4237566
    • Surabaya: (031) 5662030
    • Denpasar: (0361) 235581
    • KCP Kuta: (0361) 750500
    • Makassar: (0411) 318648
    • KCP Maros: (0411) 481370
  • AQUARIUS
    • Dago, Bandung: (022) 4241433
    • Mahakam: (021) 7208413
    • Pondok Indah: (021) 7238760
  • BEATZ Music
    Plaza EX Lt.2, Jl. MH Thamrin, Jakarta (021) 3157845
  • BLITZ Megaplex
    Grand Indonesia (021) 5213493
  • Choice Management (021) 2511460
  • Delifrance
    • Benton Junction Karawaci (021) 5469754
    • PIM (021) 75921016
    • Citos (021) 75920284
  • DISC TARRA Hotline: 5669762 / 25536483
    • Jakarta
      Atrium / PIM / Semanggi / Citraland / Puri / Slipi / Mall Depok Arion / Cibubur Plaza / Cibubur Junction / Pluit / MKG / Artha Gading
    • Tangerang
      Bintaro / Daan Mogot / Supermal Karawaci
    • Bandung
      BSM / Istana
    • Bogor
      Plaza Eka Lokasari
    • Surabaya
      Galaxy / TP3 / Pakuwon / Delta
  • Duta Suara
    Jl. Haji Agus Salim No.26A : (021) 31925471
    • Plaza Senayan: (021) 5725319
    • Taman Anggrek: (021) 5639427
    • Mal Kelapa Gading: (021) 345853708
    • Plaza Indonesia: (021) 31927995
    • Plaza Eka Lokasari Bogor: (0251) 362971
    • Supermal Karawaci: (021) 5462066
  • iBOX
    Jl. Riau No.16 A-C, Menteng: (021) 3160888/3921818
    • Plaza Indonesia Lt.2: (021) 3160884
    • Ratu Plaza Lt.3: (021) 5724775-78
    • Puri Imperium Building: (021) 8306763
    • MKG: (021) 45853581
    • Senayan City Lt.4: (021) 72781695-96
    • PIM I Lt.1: (021) 7506768
    • Grand Indonesia Lt.3: (021) 23580988-89
  • Ibu Dibyo:
    Jl. Cikini Raya No. 10 (021) 31931178
  • MARIO’s PLACE (021) 39831853
  • POJOK KARCIS (021) 7258626
  • SOCIETIE
    PIM II: (021) 75920592
  • The POINT:
    Jl. Mendawai 1 No.45, (021) 7243533
  • RADIO
    • JAKARTA
      • Prambors/Female (021) 7223522
      • Delta (021) 72784033
      • OZ Jakarta (021) 7182103
      • Radio A (021) 830 7678 / 80
    • BANDUNG
      • OZ Bandung (022) 2013233 / 36
      • KLCBS: (022) 2032452
      • ParamudaFM Bandung (022) 2515777
    • SERANG
      • Hot Radio (0254) 220455
    • SEMARANG
      • Suara Sakti (024) 8502929 / (024) 8413810
All information taken from JakJazz's Official Website: http://www.jakjazz.com/
For more information kindly visit JakJazz's Official Website: http://www.jakjazz.com/

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Friday, November 16, 2007

Music, arts and culture can create more peaceful life, Yudhoyono says

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said music, arts and culture, if developed well, could be a power to build a more peaceful, friendly and harmonious life.

"Music and culture could even be developed jointly to be `soft power` to be used in persuasive communication for handling problems, making it unnecesssary to employ `hard power,`" he said when launching his song album, "Rinduku Padamu" (My Longing for You), here on Sunday night.

He said many humanitarian problems could be solved if the spirit of "soft power" prevailed.

The president`s album contained ten romantic pop songs he had composed.

The president did not sing in his album. He had let other people, including Dharma Oratmangun, Gee Foregia, Senno Haryono, Kerispatih, Ebiet G Ade, Widi AB Three and Dea Mirella, sing his compositions.

All of the songs were arranged in collaboration with Jimmie Manopo, Purwatjaraka, Jumadi, Kerispatih and Bartje Van Houten.

Among the songs were "Kuasa Tuhan" (Divine Power) which he wrote on his way home from the United States last September and "Mengarungi Keberkahan Tuhan" (Living on Divine Blessednes) which he wrote in Sydney after attending an Asia and Pcific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in September.

Another song was "Kawan" (Friend) which he wrote on his way from Merauke to Jakarta in April in 2006.

Source: Antara, Indonesian National News Agency

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Thursday, November 15, 2007

Kampung Sampireun, Garut: the Sundanese Resort

Kampung Sampireun is a resort with a romantic Sundanese atmosphere located in Kampung Ciparay, Desa Sukakarya, Kecamatan Samarang, Kabupaten Garut, West Java; around 150km southeast Bandung. Highly recommended for honeymoon couples.

How to get there...?
It's 2 hours trip from Bandung using car or bus or 4 hours from Jakarta. Kampung Sampireun Resort also provide the shuttle vehicles from Jakarta (Rp 1,500,000,-/return) and from Bandung (Rp 800,000,-/return) or if you want to have something more adventures in West Java, you can use the public transportation and enjoy the landscape of Jakarta-Bandung-Garut route:

1. Jakarta (Kampung Rambutan/Lebak Bulus) to Bandung (Leuwi Panjang) to Garut (Garut Bus Terminal) using bus
2. From the bus terminal in Garut, use another public transportation (angkot) to Samarang and stop at Pamulihan
3. From Pamulihan, again, use another public transportation to Suka Karya and stop at Kampung Sampireun Gate

Once you arrived, you will get a unique and special Sundanese Welcome Drink called "Bajigur", a warm traditional drink made from coconut milk, palm sugar, pandan leaf and also you will have a small kind of crackers called "rangginang". Then you will be delivered from the lobby to the bungalow using a unique boat.

What kind of bungalow this resort offers?
This resort has 19 Sundanese style bungalows with 8 unit of Kalapalua Suites (suite with one bed room), 7 unit of Kurjati Suites (suite with one bed room and a living room), 1 unit of Waluran Suite (suite with two bed rooms and la iving room), 1 unit of Cikuray Suite (suite with two bed rooms and a living room), 1 unit of Papandayan Suite (suite with two bed rooms and la iving room) and 1 unit of Manglayang (suite with three bed rooms and a living room).

Other facilities that Kampung Sampireun has are:
1. Seruling Bambu Restaurant
2. Bale Putri Amantie (for the afternoon tea)
3. Waroeng Kopi (room for socialization)
4. Kiara payung Meeting Room (up to 30 people)
5. Taman Sang Hyang Dayu (for Dinner Party)
6. Swimming Pool
7. Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa (open in 2003 by Amelia Vega, the 2003 Miss Universe) with two villas, two standard rooms, five therapists, one meditation room, one sauna room, jamu bar and also one small swimming pool. There is 30% discount for all treatment for those of you who spend the night at Kampung Sampireun (excluding sauna and special promo)
8. Children Playground

Honeymoon, how special it is?
The honeymoon package in Kampung Sampireun offering you:
1. Floating candle light dinner using unique boat
2. Floating foot Spa using unique boat
3. Spa treatment for two
4. Village tour
5. Flower bucket and gift
6. Special honeymoon room

Kampung Sampireun Resort address:
Jl. Raya Samarang Kamojang Ciparay
Desa Suka Karya
Kecamatan Samarang
Garut, West Java
phone: +62 262 542 393
fax: +62 262 542 188

For more detail information kindly visit http://kampungsampireun.com
Map & pictures are taken from http://kampungsampireun.com




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Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Visit Musi 2008

Palembang is the capital city of South Sumatra. It's famous by the Musi River and the Ampera Bridge. To celebrate the Visit Indonesia Year 2008, Palembang has a program to attract the domestic and foreign tourist and come to Palembang all the 2008 year.

Sungai Musi/Musi River is the main area for this program, each month there will be at least two or three program to be launched.

January:
5; Grand Launching Visit Musi and Visit Indonesia Year 2008 at Benteng Kuto Besak
10 & 20; Islamic decorated car parade to celebrate 1 and 10 Muharram (Islamic New Year)
25-27; Folk Song Festival at SMB II Museum

February:
7; Imlek Festival
18-21; Barongsai Festival & Cap Go Me celebration
24-29; Holtikultura Exhibition at Kenten

March:
2-3; Nusantara Dishes Festival at Plaza BKB
16-20; International Information Communication Technology Exhibition
21-22; Gambus Music Festival & Beduk Parade at Plaza BKB

April:
1-3; Egg Painting Competition
7-9; International Speed Rally II & Speed Rally I
20-22; Traditional Media Exhibition
International Aeromodeling Championship at Jakabaring Stadium

May:
15-21; Sriwijaya Fair in South Sumatra Anniversary at Plaza BKB
16-17; Indonesia Bercahaya at Sport Hall
20; National awakening celebration
21; Waisak 2561 celebration at TPKS Museum

June:
16-23; Sriwijaya Festival XVII at Plaza BKB
17; Decorated Boat Competition, celebrating Palembang anniversary in Musi River
20-22; International Fishing Turnament in Musi River
National Offroad
National Time Rally
Miss Indonesia Election (canceled)

July:
1-3; International Ijtima
12-18; SMEs Exhibition
15-17; Wisata Rally SERIE IV
19-23; National Kite Festival at Jakabaring Stadium
21-24; Art Festival at Plaza BKB

August:
19; Kemilau Sumatra
28-31; Nusantara Dress Festival
International Motocross
International Triathlon, Para Sailing, Water Ski and Jet Ski Championship, Sky Diving Exhibition in Opi Lake and Plaza BKB

September:
1-3; Gebyar Wisata Budaya Sumatra Selatan
12; Musi River Painting Competition at Plaza BKB
National Agro and Food Expo

October:
Indonesia-China Energy Forum III
9-12; International Dragon Boat Race in Musi River

November:
1-5; Melayu Dance Festival
17-18; Traditional Theater Festival
25-30; Suara Pesona Bintang
AMI Award Presentation

December:
19; Silk Air Memorial
31; New Year Celebration

Detail information at http://www.visitmusi.info, http://www.visitmusi2008.com
or visit Palembang's official website: http://www.palembang.go.id, you also will find Palembang City Map on that website.

Related links:
1. Grand Launching of Visit Musi 2008
2. Tourism spots in Palembang and the near area

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Monday, November 12, 2007

Minister: EU team satisfied with RI airline condition

Transportation Minister Jusman Syafii Djamal said the European Union (EU) team that conducted an audit and verification in Indonesia from November 5 to 9, 2007, was in general satisfied with the current condition of the country`s airline companies.

"They were satisfied after auditing the airlines as they saw improvements in the skills of the pilots and crew members, maintenance and others, both hardware and software," the minister told newsmen here Friday.

The EU team led by Frederico Grandini including five experts from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), was in Indonesia from November 5 to 9, 2007, to audit and verify the condition of the Indonesian airlines including the regulators and operators.

The team consisted of Jean-Luis Ammeloot of EASA (Germany), Declan Fitzpatrick (EASA, Ireland), Dick Nederlof (EASA, the Netherlands), Annette Ruge (EASA, Germany) and Auke Tjeerd Sebastian van der Weide (EASA, Germany).

Regarding the regulators (based on their explanations to the transportation minister), the minister said they considered there were a number of things, in this case regulations, which should be improved but they were not the fundamental ones.

"They did not specifically mention (the regulations which need improvement)," Jusman said.

According to the minister, they are now drawing up reports and recommendations which will be handed to Indonesia next Monday (Nov 12) and then to the safety 27-member team of the EU.

"The Air Transportation Director General is invited to their meeting on November 19, 2007, to explain and convince the EU members that improvements had been made," the minister said.

On the EU team`s findings about things that should be improved by the regulators and operators, Jusman said they had yet to make final decisions as they were only a technical team, and no decision makers.

The minister said the most important thing was that he had expressed the Indonesian government`s wish for the lifting of the flight ban against 51 Indonesian airline companies imposed since July 6, 2007.

"Otherwise, the airline companies in Indonesia will find it difficult to grow," the minister said.

He further said they would not directly lift the ban but probably after a phase of evaluation.

On a different occasion, Air Transportation Director General of the Transportation Ministry Budhi M Suyitno said the airlines which were verified and audited by the EU team were Garuda Indonesia, Mandala, Premi Air and Air Fast.

"The four airlines have direct flights to Europe," he said.

The EU team made a surveillance, oversight and verification on the findings in the field and then made recommendations, he said, adding, "Based on the recommendations, we must take measures of correction".

On the possibility that the ban would not be lifted or even extended, Budhi said, "we improve the safety condition not for the EU, but for our own public, then for theirs".

"With or without a ban by outsiders, we must work hard to improve the our flight safety condition," Budhi said.

Source: Antara News

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Sunda Strait Festival not affected by Krakatau`s activities

The Sunda Strait Festival which will be held to celebrate the 51st anniversary of South Lampung district will not be affected by Krakatau lesser`s volcanic activities, a local official has said.

"There is no official information about prohibition to hold events including shipping activities on the Sunda Strait due to Krakatau lesser`s activities so that the festival remains to be held," spokesman for the South Lampung district administration, Sugiarto, said here Sunday.

The festival will have many activities and most of them will take place on the sea like a swimming contest to cross the 38-kilometer long strait and a traditional rowing competition on November 30, 2007, as well as a jet ski exhibition and parachuting attraction on December 1.

"The cross-country competition on Mt Rajabasa will be held on November 12, and a 10-K race on November 13," he said.

Source: Antara News

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The Indonesian Jewelry Exhibition & Tourism Promo in Mutumanikan Nusantara Exhibition 2007

Indonesia has abundant natural resources in the form of precious stones, metals, and pearls (one of the biggest south sea pearls producers in the world) as well as skilled human resources with artistic skills. Having this philosophy in mind, the First Lady of Indonesia has initiated a programme to make the best use of these advantages for welfare of the people by creating employment through jewelry industry.

Mutumanikam Nusantara is a non profit organization that embraces jeweler lovers and artisan in its various activities. The organization has taken the initiative so that the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can also grow into large and medium industries through training programmes. Hence the SMEs will be able to compete in national as well as international markets.

Mutumanikam Nusantara Indonesia in cooperation with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Directorate General of SMEs, Agency for Research & Development of Industry, Ministry of Industry, National Agency For Export Development (NAFED) and Ministry of Trade proudly invites you to:

The Indonesian Jewelry Exhibition & Tourism Promo in Mutumanikan Nusantara Exhibition 2007

November 29 (1pm-9pm)
November 30 (10am-9pm)
December 1 (10am-9pm)
December 2 (10am-9pm)

at Museum National (Museum Gajah) Jakarta, Indonesia
Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat 12, Jakarta Pusat
Call: (021) 3812346 - 3868172


Further information:
Menara Mulia Ground Floor, G3A, Jakarta
12930, INDONESIA
phone: 62 21 52971581
fax: 62 21 52971583
e-mail: karno@indonesianjewels.com�
website: http://www.indonesianjewels.com/

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Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Tanjung Lesung, Banten: a place for adventures...


Tanjung Lesung Resort Hotel is a four star hotel managed by Accor, located in the western coast of Banten (previously West Java), about 160 km to the west from Jakarta. Three to four hours trip using car or bus. Detail location is Desa Tanjung Jaya, Kecamatan Panimbang, Kabupaten Pandeglang, Banten Province. It is a place for those of you who love the outdoor/water activities and adventure experiences.

How to get there...?
Using Jakarta-Merak freeway-exit at Serang Timur (East Serang) Toll Gate-Serang City-Pandeglang City-Labuan-Tanjung Lesung. Or Jakarta-Merak freeway-exit at Cilegon Toll Gate-Anyer/Carita seaside road-Labuan-Tanjung Lesung.

Tanjung Lesung Resort has 1500 ha area but now only 200 ha can be used: beach resort hotel (Tanjung Lesung Beach Club/TLBC), Sailing Club (Tanjung Lesung Sailing Club/TLSC), and road facilities.

Room rate from Rp 1,300,000-Rp 4,600,000 (~US$145-~US$512).

Activities
There are several activities that you can do in this resort: jetski, banana boat, glass bottom boat, snorkeling, fishing at jetty, and sea kayak, don't forget you have to rent the equipments.

Tanjung Lesung, located strategically in Southwest corner of West Java, is a perfect point for divers to start the exploration of Krakatau and Ujung Kulon National Park underwater world. A boat equipped with GPS and Depth Sounder is ready at Tanjung Lesung Beach Club to take you to one of the sites within one hour.

If you want to visit the traditional village/tribe, it is possible to visit the Badui territory after seeking prior permission from the district office in Rangkasbitung. Badui villages can be reached on foot after several hours trekking in the hilly country from village of Leuwidamar (25 km south of Rangkasbitung).

Also there is a trip to Krakatau (an active volcano at Sunda Strait) for about 6 hours (Rp 500,000++, ~US$56), a trip to Ujung Kulon National Park (Rp 625,000++, ~US$70), or sunset boat trip for about 40 minutes (Rp 65.000++, ~US$7,5). If you love to do the activities on ground, you can use mountain bikes, do hiking, or play beach volley , or swimming at the pool.

Kindly visit the official website of Tanjung Lesung Resort:
http://www.tanjunglesung.com

Tanjung Lesung, Pandeglang
Banten
Tel: 0253-802-900, 802-900
Fax: 0253-802-891

PT. Banten West Java Tourism Development,
Menara Batavia 25th. Floor,
Jl. KH Mas Mansyur, Kav. 126,
Jakarta 10220, Indonesia.
Phone: +62.21.572.7220
Fax: +62.21.572.7221

*US$1 ~ Rp 9,000

Map of Tanjung Lesung taken from Tanjung Lesung Resort's Official Website: http://www.tanjunglesung.com, pictures are private collection.

Some activities that we had in May, 2007:





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